ESPN’s coverage of the Cotton Bowl between Ohio State and Texas on Friday night included broadcasting a pregame on-field prayer.
The prayer was read by former Cotton Bowl Athletic Association President Fred McClure immediately following a moment of silence to recognize those who have died from the ongoing California wildfires and the deadly terrorist attack in New Orleans on January that killed 14 people. innocent people
“Loving Father, today we seek your blessings for all gathered here and especially for those on the field as we gather to celebrate the 89th Cotton Bowl Classic, lift up the young men who represent the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Texas Longhorns. Keep them safe of injury and damage. Instill in them a deep respect for each other and reward them or their perseverance,” McClure said.
“We are grateful for the freedom and privilege we have in this nation to compete and connect through sports. However, we are aware of those who cannot participate due to violence, poverty or discrimination. Lord, move our hearts to break down these barriers by striving to be our best, treating others with dignity and respect, and reflecting your grace and goodness in all we do. Now receive all your glory, your power and your honor forever, amen. !
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com
Ohio State Buckeyes running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) scores a touchdown on a 75-yard touchdown reception and run against the Texas Longhorns in the second quarter of the Cotton Bowl Classic during the College Football Playoff semifinal game at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in January. , 10, 2025. (Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
Ohio State beat Texas 28-14 to advance to the national championship game against Notre Dame.
ESPN’s broadcast of the pregame prayer comes after a week of immense backlash over the network’s decision not to air the national anthem before the Sugar Bowl game in New Orleans, which was postponed from 1 to 2 January after the New Orleans game. stroke.
The reaction led the network to air the Sugar Bowl national anthem later that week during a Thursday edition of “SportsCenter.” Still, many fans considered the network’s gesture too late at the time. The network also made sure to air the national anthem before Thursday’s Orange Bowl between Penn State and Notre Dame.
RILEY LEONARD RETURNS FROM INJURY TO LEAD NOTRE DAME TO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME AT CFP WIN VS PENN STATE
Texas Longhorns running back Jaydon Blue (23) celebrates with offensive lineman Jake Majors (65) after a touchdown catch during the third quarter of the College Football Playoff semifinal against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Images (Images by Jerome Miron-Imagn)
ESPN wasn’t the only company to provoke fierce backlash over its Sugar Bowl presentation, either.
Allstate CEO Tom Wilson sparked a firestorm of criticism on social media with a video statement addressing the terrorist attack in New Orleans, just before the Sugar bowlof which Allstate is the official corporate sponsor. In the video, Wilson suggested that Americans have an “addiction to division” and must “accept people’s imperfections and differences.”
General view of the stadium before the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Texas Longhorns College College Football Playoff Semifinal in the Cotton Bowl Classic on January 10, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. (William Purnell/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“Our prayers went to the victims and their families. We also need to be stronger together by overcoming the addiction to division and negativity. Join Allstate working in local communities across the United States to amplify the positive, increase confidence, and embrace imperfections and people’s differences. Together we win,” Wilson says in the video.
Many fans insisted they would cancel their Allstate insurance plans after the video aired.
Allstate later removed the video from its social media accounts.
