Media Silence on Key Sports Issues
The question of whether media members are activists or cowards arises when they remain silent on pressing issues. Are the media avoiding tough questions to protect a cause or to avoid backlash from peers?
WNBA National Anthem Walk-Offs
Recent events in the WNBA highlight this issue. Both the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries walked off the court before the national anthem in Games 1 and 2 of the WNBA Finals. Following the anthem, players returned to the court. Despite the significance, most traditional media ignored the actions, except for OutKick. Publications like the San Jose Mercury News focused on the anthem’s performance but not the players’ absence. SF Gate criticized conservative media’s attention to the story, overlooking its relevance to many fans.
Controversy at Valkyries Game
At Game 1, Valkyries fans displayed hostility towards those wearing XX-XY shirts. Jennifer Sey, the founder of XX-XY Athletics, shared a video showing aggressive behavior towards her. The clip gained four million views with little mainstream reaction. Yahoo! Sports did cover the story, initially sourced from Basketball Network. However, the coverage appeared to dismiss Sey’s concerns in favor of focusing on the Valkyries’ gameplay.
Transgender Athlete Participation in High School Sports
Another key story involves a high school runner from Camas High who switched from the boys’ to the girls’ team midseason. This athlete moved from finishing 76th in a boys’ JV race to claiming top positions in varsity girls’ races. The switch prompted protests from competitors and teammates. Despite Fox News and other outlets covering the story, leading sports media such as ESPN largely ignored it.
In recent contests, the Associated Press Sports Editors introduced a new category, Excellence in Transgender Sports Coverage, highlighting the stories of trans athletes. However, the category focuses on narratives that praise rather than critique, leaving little room for diverse perspectives.
Journalists are judged by both their coverage and omission of stories. Many sports journalists choose silence on key topics, prioritizing peer perception over public interest. This results in the public missing important narratives.
Matt Calkins writes for Outkick, focusing on sports and culture. Previously at the Seattle Times, he also worked with the San Diego Union-Tribune and covered the Blazers for the Vancouver Columbian. Follow him on X at matt_calkins.