"If something involving a player is already widespread on social media, there is value in a reporter saying: We are aware of what is circulating. We have not independently confirmed it, so we aren’t reporting it. That’s journalism too."
That's an excellent point.
But this presents a really tough situation for journalists. Report on the gossip, and you're a gossip about things that may not be newsworthy. Not report on it - or even do what you responsibly suggest - and you can get accused of covering up for the player/team to protect your precious access.
It’s an interesting question. “fair game” is an interesting way to put it because, as you argue, it might not be fair.
I actually think it’s more of a thing in smaller markets like Buffalo. I actually haven’t seen the story you are referring to, so I’ll use a a hypothetical here, but a gossip item about a linebacker on the Jets probably won’t be as meaningful to the NY audience as one about the same position on the Bills in Buffalo. Does that make sense?
We can talk about football culture and the lessons of responsibility all day long. The "You're Special" entitlement and the machine that keeps them out of the papers and jail from high school through college. I don't think anyone would care.
In fact, I think fans would turn against the source. Can you imagine if The Buffalo News had investigated the Josh Allen rumor about him knocking up a bartender and came up with evidence? BillsMafia would have set the offices ablaze for turning on their sweet prince. And TBN would have become iced out of things.
ESPN isn't going to do it, not with that NFL equity stake. The Athletic isn't going to do it. Ty Dunne is reporter-ass-reporter who isn't going to get in the muck. Who's left? Reddit!
"If something involving a player is already widespread on social media, there is value in a reporter saying: We are aware of what is circulating. We have not independently confirmed it, so we aren’t reporting it. That’s journalism too."
That's an excellent point.
But this presents a really tough situation for journalists. Report on the gossip, and you're a gossip about things that may not be newsworthy. Not report on it - or even do what you responsibly suggest - and you can get accused of covering up for the player/team to protect your precious access.
Do you ever consider markets? I feel like in bigger markets, it’s more fair game. Especially with NY post of the world.
It’s an interesting question. “fair game” is an interesting way to put it because, as you argue, it might not be fair.
I actually think it’s more of a thing in smaller markets like Buffalo. I actually haven’t seen the story you are referring to, so I’ll use a a hypothetical here, but a gossip item about a linebacker on the Jets probably won’t be as meaningful to the NY audience as one about the same position on the Bills in Buffalo. Does that make sense?
We can talk about football culture and the lessons of responsibility all day long. The "You're Special" entitlement and the machine that keeps them out of the papers and jail from high school through college. I don't think anyone would care.
In fact, I think fans would turn against the source. Can you imagine if The Buffalo News had investigated the Josh Allen rumor about him knocking up a bartender and came up with evidence? BillsMafia would have set the offices ablaze for turning on their sweet prince. And TBN would have become iced out of things.
ESPN isn't going to do it, not with that NFL equity stake. The Athletic isn't going to do it. Ty Dunne is reporter-ass-reporter who isn't going to get in the muck. Who's left? Reddit!