ESPN SHOWS GAY BOWLER KISSING HUBBY

The usually conservative ESPN American sports network has been praised for showing a victory kiss between a gay professional bowler and his husband.

Scott Norton’s victory against Jason Belmonte at the 2012 PBA Chameleon Championship in Las Vegas took place in November but it was only screened by the network on Tuesday.

The coverage included Norton’s husband Craig Woodward rushing to congratulate the emotional champion and exchanging a quick kiss on the lips and a long hug.

The commentators had earlier described Woodward as Norton’s spouse and husband.

According to Outsports.com, Norton was also weeping in memory of a friend who had died. The site noted that this was the first time that ESPN had shown a kiss between a professional gay athlete and his partner.

Gay bowler JW commented on iabowling.tv: “It was nice to see the telecasters step into the 21st century and treat Scott’s homosexuality as just a matter of fact and not a sensation. The focus was upon how well he was playing.

“They did mention that Scott came out after his win in 2011 during the telecast… His accomplishment is notable because this is his second win and that makes him a rising star on the PBA tour, who happens to be gay and married to a man. Just good stuff all around.”

Watch Norton’s win and kiss below.