Many NBA fans believe ESPN’s back-to-back blunders have led to their reputation taking a massive hit.
Earlier in the day, ESPN reported on the Steve Ballmer – LA Clippers investigation surrounding Kawhi Leonard. Minutes later, the NBA put out a statement saying their article had ‘significant inaccuracies.’
Later on, when Shams Charania reported on the Buss family selling the LA Lakers, Jeanie Buss’ attorney accused the ESPN reporter of aggregating incorrect information.
NBA fans slam ESPN for ‘no accountability’ over multiple inaccurate reports
It was certainly not a good look for ESPN to have two major stories get discredited by direct, first-hand sources involved in the matter.
As a result, many fans believe their credibility has come under question. One fan wrote, “Nobody researches and holds off before confirming. They just want to be the first to put the news out. That’s not journalism. That’s why.”
Another fan added to the criticism, saying, “ESPN has been big washed and been for years…”
A third fan made a declarative statement, noting, “ESPN ruins everything they touch now. Glad I never watch anything on there unless I’m forced to watch a game with no other option.”
“Absolute no accountability from ESPN,” wrote a fourth fan, frustrated with their lackadaisical reporting on Monday.
One fan was a little more generous towards the sports giant, but acknowledged the bad look, saying, “Don’t know if they are washed, but definitely having a bad day.”
Another fan took a dig at ESPN’s recent decision to release analysts in favour of more colourful personalities, claiming, “That’s what happens when you replace real journalists with puppets.”
And lastly, one fan also pointed out Stephen A. Smith’s recent outburst, saying, “Don’t forget Stephen A. Smith throwing his tantrum because he got checked.”
It’s clear that there is a lot of frustration among NBA fans and sports fans as a whole toward ESPN. The sports media giant has come under fire several times this year.
Many believe that over the last few years, ESPN threw away their decades-long tradition of high-level sports reporting and analysis in favour of becoming a ‘hot-takes generator’ in order to draw more viewers.
The old adage, ‘Controversy creates Cash,’ seems to have become the modus operandi of ESPN in the 2020s, but yesterday’s blunders were a perfect example of why preserving authentic journalism is important.
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