The relationship between sports reporter and athlete is becoming an increasingly strained one these days, and the much-criticized incidents involving NBC broadcaster Jim Gray’s reporting during the World Series are just the latest examples.
Prior to Game 2 of the World Series in Atlanta, the members of baseball’s All-Century team were announced. Among those honored was Pete Rose.
After all the greats were celebrated, Gray, one of the best reporters of his generation according to President of NBC Sports Dick Ebersol, interviewed Rose.
While it is questionable, to say the least, whether Gray is one of the best to ever pick up a pad and pen, he did one thing that is essential to good reporting: He asked the tough questions.
After Rose received, to his surprise, a minute-long ovation, Gray asked Rose if he was ready to admit he bet on baseball and apologize for his actions. Rose answered by saying he would not admit something that did not happen.
Gray did not accept that answer. Instead he persisted, attempting to get some kind of reaction from Rose. That is where he may have gone too far. So, after the corporate sponsors asked Gray to apologize for spoiling the moment, he did.
But Gray did not apologize for asking the questions that needed to be asked, and he should not have.
Rose is banned for life from baseball and is therefore not permitted to have any official connection to any event in organized baseball. Yet, somehow, Rose was on the grass of Turner Field along with the rest of baseball’s fabled heroes.
Rose’s credentials make his one of the most egregious absences from the Hall of Fame. But Rose accepted his fate when he agreed to former commissioner Bart Giamatti’s ban.
It was the first time Rose had been allowed on the field in 10 years, so he had to know that he would be questioned about a subject that is a constant topic of debate.
Gray’s questioning of Rose on the issue of his betting history may have gone on too long, but Rose handled it like a professional.
Yet, Game 3 of the World Series provided another example of the sometimes disrespectful relationship between reporter and player.
Chad Curtis of the New York Yankees hit the game-winning home run and, accordingly, Gray wanted to get his thoughts after the game.
Like anyone else, Curtis did not have to do the interview. But he came to Gray, shook his hand and watched as the hit was replayed.
Then Curtis stiffed Gray, on national television, in accordance with the Yankees’ decision to boycott Gray in reaction to his interview with Rose.
Curtis did not handle the situation correctly. If he did not want to do the interview, he should have just said no when he was asked. Instead he took the time to walk over to Gray and wait for Gray to question him before stating the Yankees had decided not to talk, leaving Gray stunned.
As an athlete and a reporter, I can understand both points of view. From the point of view of an athlete, there are many times when, after a tough loss or a bad individual performance, the thought of being questioned and having to recall disappointing moments is not appealing. And as a reporter, it is oftentimes difficult to interview someone who is understandably upset. But the one thing to keep in mind is both are just trying to do their job.
Brice Nixon, a sophomore journalism major, is sports editor of the Campus Times. He can be reached by e-mail at nixonb@ulv.edu.
