Los Angeles Times writer Ben Bolch issued an apology for a column previewing the LSU women’s basketball team’s Sweet 16 matchup against UCLA after Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey criticized it as sexist, awful, and wrong. In the column, Bolch described players as “villains” and “dirty debutantes,” prompting Mulkey to call out the piece for attacking her players. She expressed her disappointment with the commentary during a press conference, emphasizing that criticism towards coaches is acceptable, but attacking young people is not.
Mulkey’s criticisms of the column followed a previous incident involving The Washington Post. Bolch issued a lengthy apology to both programs, acknowledging his mistake in the choice of words and the deeply offensive connotations associated with his language. He admitted to failing in understanding the impact of his words, especially in a society grappling with layers of misogyny, racism, and negativity. Bolch expressed regret for his attempt to be clever in his phrasing, recognizing that he missed the mark and that it was never his intent to be hurtful.
In his apology, Bolch emphasized the importance of words as a journalist and recognized that he had not upheld the standards of diversity and inclusivity upheld by UCLA, a school he had covered for nearly a decade. He expressed deep remorse for the inappropriate language used in his column and vowed to do better in the future. The LA Times updated the column with an editor’s note on Monday, stating that it had been edited to remove language deemed inappropriate and offensive. The note also issued an apology to the LSU basketball program and readers for failing to meet editorial standards.
The controversy surrounding Bolch’s column serves as a reminder of the importance of mindful and respectful communication, particularly when discussing sports teams and individuals. Mulkey’s response highlighted the need to differentiate between criticism aimed at coaches and that directed towards young athletes who may be susceptible to unfair or harmful portrayals in the media. Bolch’s apology and the LA Times’ acknowledgment of the wrongdoing demonstrate a commitment to learning from mistakes and ensuring that editorial content meets ethical and professional standards.
Moving forward, it is imperative for journalists and media outlets to prioritize sensitivity, accuracy, and inclusivity in their reporting, especially when covering topics as significant as women’s sports. By reflecting on the impact of their words and taking responsibility for errors, writers like Bolch can contribute to creating a more respectful and equitable media environment. Mulkey’s insistence on protecting her players from unjust criticism serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibility that comes with portraying individuals in the public sphere, emphasizing the need for journalists to approach their work with empathy and integrity.
