Former Fox Sports Commentator Sues Network For Religious Discrimination

Former sports commentator Craig James is reportedly suing the Fox Sports Southwest network for religious discrimination after the commentator claims he was fired from his short-lived football analyst gig in 2013 for making comments regarding homosexuality.

James was fired from Fox Sports Southwest shortly after his hiring as a college football analyst in August 2013. James argues in his lawsuit that he was fired due to comments he made regarding homosexuality when he ran for a Texas Senate seat in 2012. 

During a debate for the Senate seat, James suggested that the country needs leaders who stand up for their moral beliefs, criticizing fellow contender Tom Leppert, who had previously marched in gay pride parades.

"I think right now in this country, our moral fiber is sliding down a slope that is going to be hard to stop if we don't stand up with leaders who don't go ride in gay parades," James said at the 2012 debate.

Scott Grogin, senior vice president of communications for Fox Networks Group, told the Dallas Morning News this week that the network did not fire James for his religious beliefs and will defend itself against James' claims.

"The decision had nothing to do with Mr. James' religious beliefs and we did not discriminate against Mr. James in any way," he wrote. "The allegations are baseless and we will vigorously defend ourselves against them."

James also released a statement this week saying that the "case is much bigger than me. It affects every person who holds religious beliefs."

"I will not let Fox Sports trample my religious liberty. Today, many people have lost their jobs because of their faith. Sadly, countless are afraid to let their bosses know they even have a faith. This is America, and I intend to make sure Fox Sports knows they aren't above the law," James added.