Los Angeles Times journalist Ben Bolch has issued a formal apology in response to the backlash received for a column he authored. The column in question referred to LSU women’s basketball players as “dirty debutantes” and characterized the LSU-UCLA matchup as a battle between “good versus evil.” This public apology follows criticism from LSU coach Kim Mulkey, who expressed her refusal to tolerate the disparagement of her team.
In a statement released on social media, Bolch acknowledged that although his employer did not prompt him to address the controversial column publicly, he took it upon himself to express remorse for his actions. He admitted that his choice of words was a serious error and acknowledged that as a journalist, he should have been more mindful of the impact of his language. Bolch expressed regret for the offensive connotations and associations stemming from his attempt to use alliteration and metaphors to depict one team’s attitude, recognizing the hurtful nature of his words. He extended a heartfelt apology to the LSU and UCLA basketball teams as well as to the publication’s readers.
The column, initially published on Saturday in advance of the LSU-UCLA Sweet 16 game in the NCAA Tournament, was subsequently revised and reissued on Sunday with a disclaimer noting that the original version did not align with the editorial standards at the LA Times.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Kim Mulkey vehemently condemned the column, defending her players and denouncing the derogatory portrayal of the LSU team. She emphasized her duty as a mother, grandmother, and mentor to protect young athletes from baseless attacks, asserting her commitment to combating sexism in her capacity as a seasoned professional in the sports industry.
The controversial column by Bolch and the subsequent public apology have sparked discussions surrounding respect and fair representation in sports journalism. This serves as a reminder of the responsibility that journalists bear in choosing their words wisely. It also highlights the impact of public figures like Kim Mulkey, who use their platform to advocate for the dignity and respect of athletes, particularly women, in the face of discrimination and gender-based prejudice.
This article includes additional reporting by Nancy Armour and Steve Gardner, contributing to the comprehensive coverage of the developments surrounding the LA Times column and the apology from Ben Bolch.