ESPN basketball reporter Chris Broussard was harshly criticized on the web for his comments on homosexuality after NBA player Jason Collins announced that he is gay, becoming the first active player in any of the major American sports to do so. Today, Broussard clarified his statement, saying that he believes that Collins “displayed bravery” with his decision.

While appearing on ESPN’s Outside The Lines Monday, shortly after the news broke, Broussard commented, “I'm a Christian. I don't agree with homosexuality. I think it's a sin, as I think all sex outside of marriage between a man and a woman is.... If you're openly living in unrepentant sin, whatever it may be ... that's walking in open rebellion to God and to Jesus Christ.”

According to The Los Angeles Times, Broussard took to Twitter today to clarify what he said, noting that he was expressing a personal opinion that doesn’t affect his reporting.

“Today on OTL, as part of a larger, wide-ranging discussion on today's news, I offered my personal opinion as it relates to Christianity, a point of view that I have expressed publicly before,” Broussard wrote. “I realize that some people disagree with my opinion and I accept and respect that. As has been the case in the past, my beliefs have not and will not impact my ability to report on the NBA. I believe Jason Collins displayed bravery with his announcement today and I have no objection to him or anyone else playing in the NBA.”

Later, he tweeted:

ESPN also issued a statement, which read, “We regret that a respectful discussion of personal viewpoints became a distraction from today’s news.” The network added that it is “fully committed to diversity and welcomes Jason Collins’ announcement.”

Collins announced that he is gay in an essay for Sports Illustrated. He has received widespread support.