The Media Effect

One of the more important aspects of sports is how the media is covering them. The players of any major sport are now required to address the media, almost like they are co-workers. As a member of the media this relationship is something that is extremely important, and is not currently working at full capacity.

According to a March 6th Boston Herald article by Mark Murphy, Kyrie Irving is the latest athlete at the forefront of some media issues. It is no secret that the Celtics have had their share of disfunction this year, but the issue that Kyrie is presenting is much more than a basketball issue, it’s a relationship issue.

The Conflict

The article highlights the troubles that Irving and the media have had, but the really interesting aspect is the lengths Irving goes to explain his discomfort with addressing the media. He views the media as the negative to his job, and that is a unfortunate reality in today’s world.

The Response

Another interesting aspect within this story is the way the media reacted to Irving’s comments. One of the most tantalizing personalities within the sport of basketball, Charles Barkley, had some very strict words for Irving. He not only disagreed with the way Irving reacted, but insulted him, and proceeded to discredit Irving’s ability to handle the media in a bigger city than Boston.

Still no Progress

Why would athletes appreciate media if they discredit and attack them when they have feedback for the media themselves? That's just it, they won’t. Irving may have said some things that were a tad out of line, but this is a working relationship. If the media constantly attacks athletes opinions, don’t expect the relationship to improve anytime soon.