ESPN Does Journalism (of a Sort), Last Year’s Media Screw-Ups, and a Report From the Rose Bowl Press Box
Jan 2, 2025
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As the new year kicks off, the hosts share amusing anecdotes about personal mishaps and the world of sports. They dive into the complexities of Ashton Jeanty's challenging game against Penn State and explore the impact of unconventional high schools on basketball rankings. A poignant discussion on ESPN's coverage of a tragic event highlights changes in sports journalism. Personal experiences from the vibrant Rose Bowl atmosphere bring nostalgia and community into focus, while reflections on media accountability wrap up a thought-provoking conversation.
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Quick takeaways
The podcast discusses the intertwining of sports and journalism, emphasizing the need for journalistic integrity during sensitive incidents like the New Orleans tragedy.
Analysis of college football performance highlights the complexity of evaluating athletes beyond mere statistics, focusing on individual skill and context, like Ashton Jeanty's game.
A shift in high school basketball dynamics is noted, where elite academies like IMG Academy gain prominence over traditional community schools, affecting media coverage and rankings.
Deep dives
Community Relations Gone Wrong
A police-offered gift card incident raises questions about community relations strategies, as a host shares his experience of receiving a $200 Visa gift card following a traffic warning. The gift card, intended as a gesture for positive engagement, ultimately turned out to be worthless when the recipient's family attempted to use it. The speaker expresses frustration over the lack of accountability and clarity regarding the program, pondering whether internal affairs would even take the complaint seriously. This experience highlights the complexities and potential pitfalls in police-community interaction efforts.
Heisman Trophy Controversy
The recent Heisman Trophy ceremony sparked debates among Boise State fans, particularly regarding running back Ashton Gentry and the phrase 'snaps are not a stat,' which some fans used to dismiss his performance. An analysis of Gentry's game against Penn State, where he accumulated 104 yards despite a daunting defense, serves to dispute the notion that he was overhyped. While Gentry faced heavy defensive pressure, his tenacity and skill were on display, revealing the challenges of judging performance based solely on statistics. This discourse illustrates the tensions in college football rankings and recognition, particularly amidst standout performances by deserving candidates.
Shifts in High School Basketball Rankings
Recent boys' high school basketball rankings reflect a significant shift away from traditional powerhouses, showcasing newer, lesser-known schools such as IMG Academy and Prolific Prep. These institutions have captured attention and dominance in the sport, prompting reflection on what constitutes a 'high school' in a competitive landscape increasingly defined by elite athletic programs. This change suggests a departure from recognizing community-centered schools in favor of elite academies, which may not align with the typical high school experience. Such trends raise questions about the integrity of rankings and the shifting focus of media coverage in high school sports.
Media Response to Tragedy
In the aftermath of a tragic incident in New Orleans involving a truck driving into a crowd, ESPN shifted its coverage to emphasize journalistic integrity and situational awareness. Anchors quickly adjusted to report the unfolding news during live broadcasts, highlighting a notable change in how sports networks react to sensitive incidents. The response contrasts with past practices where dedicated news coverage would have involved a more robust journalistic framework, raising concerns about the current state of media resources. Observations about the lack of on-the-ground reporting reflect a broader context of downsizing in the media industry, impacting comprehensive storytelling.
Experiences at the Rose Bowl
Attending the Rose Bowl offers a unique experience characterized by the picturesque setting and nostalgic atmosphere, fostering spirited discussions among fans and media alike. Highlights include the differences in stadium design, where access between outside and stands is direct, allowing for intimate game experiences. However, the game’s outcome can overshadow the scenic backdrop, as emotions run high, especially for Texas fans during tense moments. Amidst this, the interaction between fans and press often leads to unexpected moments, such as misidentifications that humorously blend the world of sports with personal anecdotes.
Happy New Year media consumers! It’s a new year and it’s time to return to J-School. Joel discusses a few topics from this week, including the performance of Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty against Penn State (1:02).. Then they discuss ESPN reporting the act of terror in New Orleans on New Year’s Day (14:51). Later, Bryan gives a report from the Rose Bowl (31:42).
They close the show reacting to Semafor’s “what we got wrong in 2024” media round-up (53:33).