As a network, ESPN continues to propagate the bizarre idea that it’s non-ideological to celebrate the drafting of gay NFL draftee Michael Sam. ESPN ombudsman Robert Lipsyte – a former New York Times columnist – unsurprisingly gave the network “high marks” for its promotional Sam coverage in a column posted Friday.
“I think ESPN’s point of view here is nonideological, unless you believe capitalism and proper journalism are ideological,” Lipyste claimed.
Robert Lipsyte
ESPN Ombudsman Gives His Network 'High Marks' for 'Nonideological' Promotion of Michael Sam's Draft Day
By Tim Graham | June 2, 2014 | 9:00 AM EDT 
ESPN Ombudsman Finds ESPN Isn't Airing Enough Advocacy Against 'Jock Culture Attitudes and Politics'
By Tim Graham | March 25, 2014 | 3:02 PM EDT
In case you’re one of those conservatives that doesn’t want liberal social crusades constantly mixed in your sports journalism, see D.C. sports radio host Steve Czaban. He has a blog post titled “ESPN Will Force You To Care! Resistance Is Futile.”
ESPN ombudsman Robert Lipsyte – a former New York Times columnist whose more recent home is Mother Jones – is lecturing the less-than-progressives, as he summarizes the viewpoint: “Enough already about Michael Sam, Jason Collins, Richie Incognito, Jonathan Martin, concussions and the N-word. I turn on ESPN to get away from the stress of everyday life, to relax with my friends, to share some family time with the kids. Why do you keep shoving that stuff in my face?” Answer: More face-shoving!