ESPN’s Holly Rowe apologizes for appearance due to cancer treatment side effects

Longtime and respected ESPN reporter Holly Rowe took to Twitter on Thursday to preemptively — and unnecessarily — apologize for her “hideous” appearance due to side effects from cancer treatments.

Rowe will be reporting courtside as part of the broadcast team for ESPN’s coverage of Thursday huge women’s basketball match-up between UCONN Huskies (1) and South Carolina Gamecocks (7).

Rowe, who was initially diagnosed with cancer in 2015 but has remained an inspiring presence on the air through most of her battle, tweeted out an apology in advance about a rash she developed due to a recent treatment.

Dear America, I apologize in advance. 1 of my cancer treatment side effects is a rash. Uconn @ So Car, biggest WBB game of year, it’s on my face.Delightful. Pretend you don’t notice. Glass half full:scan Tues. shows progress but I look hideous. Doing best I can

— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) February 1, 2018

A litany of Rowe’s admirers not surprisingly responded to the tweet to point out an apology is wholly unnecessary, including two of her ESPN colleagues, Rachel Nichols and Scott Van Pelt.

There is nothing more beautiful than a fighter.
We you, Holly.

— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) February 1, 2018

What would look better than you being there doing your job better than anyone else could? Nothing.

— Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) February 1, 2018

Rowe without question is among the most respected reporters in sports media. The dignity, bravery and class she’s exhibited throughout her battle is nothing short of remarkable, not to mention incredibly inspirational.