This post was written by Johanna Wagner on May 13, 2010
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Johanna's View Just a quick link to Larry Larue’s post about the dust up in Seattle, and how all that dust is settling. It seems the players have decided not to speak to Larry any longer, nor to anyone from his paper. Its their right, it really is. In Larry’s post he as much says that. Here’s the quote:
Since it was my blog that sparked all this, players approached me after their meeting to ask if I’d identify the two guys I’d interviewed. I wouldn’t – if there’s heat from all this, it’s on me, not two guys who answered my questions.
I was also told a number of players were angry and hurt by the blog, and that it would be best not trying to talk to them for a few days. Given my job, that’s not possible. I had to try and did, and many passed.
That’s part of my job, and maybe part of theirs, too.
Its true. Players never have to speak to reporters. They do it because they understand that is how you build a fan base, that reporters need to write about the game in order for fans to stay engaged. As a reporter, its a fine line to walk in doing your job and being honest with fans, and in making sure not to upset the player. In the end, both understand that each has their own job to do. And in this case, protecting a teammate is much more important than getting some press, at least to a team that is struggling to right itself.
This is without a doubt the part of the job we forget. its interesting to see it spelled out so clearly. I wonder if those two players who said Griffey was sleeping will ever be found out. I am sure they regret saying anything. Hopefully, its a lesson learned.
