Bob Costas Headshot - P 2011
Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for The Mint JubileeWhen the London games officially launch July 27, Bob Costas will stage his own protest of what he calls a “baffling” decision: the NBC sportscaster plans to call out the International Olympic Committee for denying Israel’s request for a moment of silence acknowledging the massacre of 11 Israeli athletes and coaches at the 1972 Games.
“I intend to note that the IOC denied the request,” he tells THR. “Many people find that denial more than puzzling but insensitive. Here’s a minute of silence right now.”
PHOTOS: Bob Costas and the Olympians: THR Snaps Team U.S.A.
Costas intends to make his remarks during the Olympics’ Opening Ceremony, which coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Munich massacre, when the Israeli delegation enters the 80,000-seat Olympic Stadium.
Costas, an opinionated yet authoritative voice in the world of sports, has support from his former producer, Dick Ebersol, who says: “There’s a reality in business; there were times when I thought he got too forceful. But I’m very proud of the fact that Bob was able to be Bob.”
For more on Costas’ Olympics coverage and other big sports stories, check out THR‘s cover story here.
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