ESPN’s Coverage of Cotton Bowl Includes Pre-Game Prayer
ESPN’s coverage of the Cotton Bowl between Ohio State and Texas on Friday night included a pre-game prayer read by former chair of the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association, Fred McClure. The prayer was read immediately after a moment of silence to recognize those who have been killed in the ongoing California wildfires and the deadly terrorist attack in New Orleans on January 1 that killed 14 innocent people.
In the prayer, McClure sought blessings for those gathered at the game, particularly the players from Ohio State and Texas. He also asked God to keep them safe from injury and harm, and to instill in them a deep respect for one another.
The prayer also acknowledged the freedom and privilege that Americans have to compete and connect through sports, but also recognized those who are unable to participate due to violence, poverty, or discrimination. McClure asked God to stir their hearts to tear down these barriers and to strive to give their best, treat others with dignity and respect, and reflect God’s grace and kindness in all that they do.
Ohio State went on to beat Texas 28-14 to advance to the national championship game against Notre Dame. The pre-game prayer came after a week of backlash for ESPN’s decision not to air the national anthem ahead of the Sugar Bowl game in New Orleans, which was postponed from January 1 to January 2 after the terrorist attack. ESPN later aired the national anthem on a Thursday edition of “SportsCenter” and also aired it ahead of the Orange Bowl between Penn State and Notre Dame.