Rowe’s comment inappropriate, offensiveThe Editorial BoardThis Board — like the student body — is delighted with LSU’s 26-21 victory against Auburn in Saturday’s game.  The comeback LSU orchestrated was thrilling, and it was only possible from the outstanding collective effort of LSU’s players and coaches.  And though starting quarterback Andrew Hatch was sidelined with a game-ending concussion, this Board appreciates the effort and leadership he displayed in the first half and throughout the season so far.  Living up to the pressures and standards expected of a starting quarterback at LSU is no easy task, and Hatch was asked to step up on relative short notice. His solid early-season performance speaks volumes for his own efforts.  Unfortunately, Hatch was     needlessly insulted by an ESPN sideline reporter during Saturday’s game.With 6:08 remaining in the fourth quarter, the ESPN commentators asked sideline reporter Holly Rowe for an update on Hatch’s condition.   “Well, guys, I know he’s not drunk because Hatch is a Mormon and doesn’t drink. But you would think he’s tipsy the way he’s been wobbling around,” Rowe said.Even the most charitable interpretation her comment is bizzare.It’s true Hatch is a Mormon, and Mormons don’t drink alcohol.  The problem, though, is not with the comment’s factual validity. Hatch — in what was certainly a disappointing night for him, his friends and his family — was       sidelined with a concussion and appeared in both physical and mental stress.Concussions are serious injuries and are certanly nothing like being “tipsy.” In fact, concussions are painful — often inducing headaches, dizziness and nausea — and Rowe’s comparison downplays that reality.    Why Rowe found it necessary to invoke both Hatch’s religious beliefs and values to describe his physical status is baffling.  Perhaps her comment was meant in jest. Humor, though, is not one of the journalisitc responisibilities of a sideline reporter — least of all when describing a dangerous injury suffered by a team’s starting quarterback. The role of color commentator was already occupied by someone else in the booth.If her comment was a joke, it wasn’t funny. This Board believes Rowe owes Hatch and his family an apology — Rowe needs to understand her comment was the result of bad judgment. Though Rowe cannot take back her comment, and perhaps use better discretion in its place, she has an opportunity to rectify the issue. This Board is hopeful ESPN will ensure that happens.  It’s a shame we have to entertain these comments Monday morning instead of focusing on the real story — two teams battled it out in another classic LSU-Auburn rivalry game.  —-contact the Editorial Board at [email protected]