The New Journalism: Where's the Line ???

When I was growing up, there were rules. I had my rules to follow, my father had rules, we all had rules. But as we have moved past the old mores, I'm not so sure we've sufficiently defined the new ones.

When I was young, I was allowed to have an idol. My idols were Mickey Mantel and Roger Maris, and the 1961 Yankees. In those days, there was a line drawn with reporters and sports figures. On the field, and it was fair game for reporting it. OFF the field was out of bounds. And I find myself often wondering what I would have missed had reporters behaved the way they do today. If I had heard about Mickey Mantel's drunken binges, or the way Babe Ruth behaved, I would have been robbed of my heroes.

Today's youths don't have the same luxury I had. In all too many situations, our kids develop a love for a player, and then, in way too many cases, they get their ideals dashed. Tiger Woods comes to mind as the biggest example of this. I swear, there were more channels showing coverage of Tiger when the scandel  broke than had shown coverage of 9-11. For days and days we were inundated by rumours and hints and allegations and confessions and garbage, that frankly was none of our business.

It didn't change our lives. It didn't help us get through the day. I wonder how many in the press, radio, TV, newspapers and now bloggers would like to have their lives exposed. They would scream bloody murder. But they are now every much open to scrutinization as their targets. One of the main participants of an ESPN show and a "journalist" gets arrested in California. We heard a two line report on the air that day, but since then ... nothing. Why is that? If Tiger's wife's lawyer sneezes it'll make the top three stories tomorrow.

I consider myself a member of the journalism community, but it really came to light the other day when I pulled out some old tapes and started watching the "To The Moon" series, where this topic was brought to light. Gus Grissom's wife had a speech impediment, and that fact was none of our collective businesses. But some reporters started crossing that line. And now there is no line.

C'mon man. I dare you, implore you, and demand you find that line again. Let our kids have their heroes every chance you get. Some times, you have to put the information out there. But all I need to know is that Tiger will not appear at this weeks golf event due to an upcoming divorce. That's all. I don't need to know about all that other stuff. And you certainly don't need to be broadcasting it.

Here it is: __________________________________________.

There's the line. Now, where are you going to put it? I hope that every one of you in every medium will weigh every story with this line. If I need to know, tell me. If it's personal and private, leave it that way. Let my grandchildren have their heroes.

The Joy of Roy

JD Sell in Terre Haute, IN:
Was tweeting with Roy Hibbert earlier today, and true to his word, he's been out there working out and honing his game every day. How realistic do you think it is that Roy could be one of the top 3 centers in the league this year?

Lang Greene:
I'm happy Roy is dedicating the time to hone his craft. When I saw Roy drop to 255 pounds before last season I knew the kid was "mentally" tuned in. There are centers in the league more athletic than him, but Roy is focused on becoming the best player he can be.

When I talked with him earlier this season he mentioned Jeff Foster as being a big influence on his desire to keep the weight off. I know most of you is thinking ... Jeff Foster? Yeah right!  But I'm not joking and I totally see why Roy mentioned him.

Jeff isn't the most talented big man but that guy's motor is always on. He always created things for himself because of his hustle and willingness to go all out every play. That's how he survived in the league so long when guys more talented like Stromile Swift and Eddy Curry have faded. 

Roy wanted to match the activity level Foster displayed on both ends of the floor. The only way to do that was to lose the weight.

I like Roy, but Top 3 NEXT season is a stretch. I'd take Dwight Howard, Al Horford, Andrew Bogut, Brook Lopez and Nene over him next season off the top of my head.

AWWWWWE