ESPN removes announcer Robert Lee from Virginia game due to name coincidence

What's in a name? For one ESPN announcer, it's a change of assignment.

The broadcast booth for Virginia's season opener against William & Mary will be slightly different than normal, as ESPN has confirmed it has removed announcer Robert Lee from the game due to his name being coincidentally identical to that of Confederate general Robert E. Lee, according to Clay Travis of Outkick the Coverage.

ESPN issued a statement regarding the decision to remove Lee from the broadcast, saying that all involved in the decision believed it was the right call to make given the recent events that occurred in Charlottesville earlier this month.

"We collectively made the decision with Robert to switch games as the tragic events in Charlottesville were unfolding, simply because of the coincidence of his name. In that moment it felt right to all parties," ESPN's statement reads. "It's a shame that this is even a topic of conversation and we regret that who calls play by play for a football game has become an issue."

Travis also added that he spoke with a senior employee at ESPN who clarified that the company did not demand this decision be made, but that it was a "people first decision."

Additionally. Richard Deitsch of Sports Illustrated stated he requested an interview with Lee regarding the decision, but that he was told by ESPN that Lee is "not talking at the moment." Deitsch also confirmed that Lee has now been assigned to call the game between Pittsburgh and Youngstown State.