Brief #7: Exploiting a News Story

 When thinking of media sources that have exploited news stories, you often think of crime or politics; however, news can also be exploited in sports stories. Whether it's drama found in contract negotiations, injury news, or the building of false personal narratives, athletes can be exploited for media engagement and attention. While sports are naturally competitive and emotional, the way stories are framed can often distort reality and place unnecessary pressure on athletes. 

A clear example of this is the media coverage surrounding Ja Morant during his incidents in 2023. In March of 2023, Morant was suspended for showing a weapon on an Instagram Live video. The investigation from the NBA on the matter was newsworthy by itself; however, instead of focusing on the facts of the matter, news sources began to call into question Morant's future in the league. Rather than focusing on verified information or the broader context, coverage often turned into a cycle of hot takes and exaggerated headlines. This type of reporting exploited the controversy to generate clicks, turning a personal and professional issue into ongoing entertainment that took away from the 2023 Grizzlies NBA season. 

Another strong example is the media's exploitation of Damar Hamlin's freak injury during a 2023 NFL game between the Bengals and Bills. After collapsing on the field while making a tackle, the incident became one of the most widely covered sports stories in recent memory. While updates on his condition were important, some media outlets began to speculate, questioning league decisions to continue the game, discussing hypothetical outcomes, and replaying the frightening moment repeatedly. The constant circulation of the footage, along with rushed commentary, showed how even a scary situation can be exploited for attention rather than handled with full sensitivity.

The exploitation of news surrounding athletes is also especially prevalent in college athletics. Thanks to NIL, athletes have become more public with their personal brand and identity than ever before. This makes it extremely easy for media sources to find information and target athletes. College athletes are now criticized not only for their performance but also for their earnings, sponsorships, and perceived value. For example, athletes like Nico Iamaleava have been heavily criticized not just for their play but for their NIL deals and brand potential, often creating unrealistic expectations. Nico was especially criticized for leaving Tennessee in pursuit of more money from UCLA, which could be a factor in his poor performance this past year. Media outlets frequently rank NIL contracts or compare athletes’ earnings, which can turn young players into financial storylines rather than competitors. In many cases, a poor performance or mistake is framed as a failure based on their NIL worth, which amplifies criticism.  Instead of focusing on growth and competition, media outlets often focus on profit and earnings, reinforcing the major issue of exploiting sports stories and young athletes for engagement.

Overall, exploiting sports news stories shifts the focus away from athletes and their performance and toward manufactured drama. While controversy and emotion are part of sports, responsible journalism should provide context and avoid exaggeration. When media outlets prioritize engagement and clicks over accuracy, they risk damaging both the athletes involved and the credibility of sports reporting itself. A more ethical approach would emphasize fairness, verified information, and respect for the athletes and teams behind the headlines.