Bob Costas: ESPN giving Caitlyn Jenner an ESPY just a crass exploitation play

NBC Sports' Bob Costas blasted ESPN, saying that network's decision to give the Arthur Ashe Courage Award to Caitlyn (aka Bruce) Jenner is a "crass exploitation play."

"In the broad world of sports, I’m pretty sure they could’ve found someone -- and this is not anything against Caitlyn Jenner -- who was much closer actively involved in sports, who would’ve been deserving of what that award represents.

"That’s not to say it doesn’t take some measure of personal courage to do what Caitlyn Jenner has done.

"I think every year we look across the landscape of sports and we find prominent people and kids in high school and amateur athletes who I think more closely fit the description of what they’re looking for -- or should be looking for there.

"I think this is just a play to pump up the audience, the way lots of things are put on television to attract eyeballs -- not because of the validity but because of whatever the kind of gawker factor is," Costas said.