Dwight Howard’s problems with the media are all too real

The Orlando Sentinel‘s sports department should be commended for boosting their efforts to maintain local (and nationwide) interest in Magic basketball after a first-round playoff elimination. Too bad most of it comes at Dwight Howard’s expense.

Since the offseason is the ripest time for speculation, the Sentinel put their Adobe Photoshop and Flash skills on full display with an “interactive graphic” at PleaseStayDwight.com. It’s cute — for a little while. One can test out Howard’s appearance in seven different NBA uniforms with captions intended to keep Superman in Orlando.

Howard wasn’t amused, at all.

Y does it seem like the writers of Orlando sentinel are tryna push me out of Orlando with dumb articles. It’s annoying. Can I enjoy my summer and get ready for next season in Orlando. Pls. Same thing u guys did to Shaq. Smh

Opinions branched out far and wide as the link spread across the web. And then I found a recap of the events on CBS Sports’ Eye on Basketball blog:

No one — especially not Howard — should be surprised by the volume of coverage of his future. It’s far and away the dominant storyline concerning the franchise from now until the second he is signed to an extension or traded. Griping will get him absolutely nowhere. Newsflash Superman, they’re just getting started.

Ultimately, the paper’s reporters are really just doing their jobs: feeding an insatiable beast. Well, except for that jersey application. That was kind of a low blow.

Emphasis is mine, because that line rubbed me the wrong way. I respect the perspective, but I don’t agree with the notion. After examining the linked Sentinel coverage, I wondered how any of the reports were actually feeding readers with knowledge, details, and facts.

One is a fear-mongering blog entry, implying Howard will leave for L.A. because, historically, the Lakers aggressively pursue talent when most needed. Another is a column demanding Howard announce his plans to Magic management, but only after vilifying the five-time All-Star for not discussing his future immediately after elimination.

Feeding the beast is one thing, but there’s no nutrition in that diet. There’s nothing substantial to actually digest.

The online newspaper industry is crippled by sensational reporting, thriving on unsubstantiated thoughts and WAG slideshows to boost web traffic. The writers who do bring value with every story are widely overlooked for exploitation of a looming controversy. It’s good business for ad sales, but that’s not reporting.

A strong beat reporter is already in tune with what the fans are thinking, and knows how to navigate the appropriate channels to confirm and deny rumors accordingly. Readers don’t need the media for their opinions and drivel when comment sections, message boards, and Twitter already exist.

Readers read because they assume the press credential still wields power through unfiltered access.

There’s no naïveté here. I’ve worked locker rooms and events, and I know every athlete isn’t accessible, or willing to answer a variety of questions. They won’t discuss strategy or game plans. Contracts forbid them from openly discussing trades. Howard’s hesitation likely isn’t personal — it’s forbidden.

But if readers knew how often athletes were bombarded with lazy day-to-day questions, they’d likely question their own subscriptions. “How do you feel about tonight’s win/loss?” spits out too often.

A good writer with locker room access can illustrate the postgame environment in a nut graph without that quote. Otherwise, everything else is lazy commentary. Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban touched on that a few months ago.

Even if a reporter can’t get answers, his or her steps to confirm anything should be documented. Where’s the dialogue with a source close to Howard? A quote from Magic general manager Otis Smith about how important retaining Howard is to him — personally and professionally?

Better yet, how about an actual Q&A with Howard? His Twitter timeline is filled with responses to fans. He clearly doesn’t mind discussing his feelings. Oh, that’s right — he’s mad at the Sentinel. Perfect opportunity for a competitor to pounce and attempt to pry the answers people want.

Making a living as a freelance sports reporter is tough when credentials are granted on a case-by-case basis. Between a team’s media relations declining interview requests and players being guarded during their media interactions, it’s becoming more difficult to engage an athlete in quality dialogue.

It doesn’t help when the player is already apprehensive about being baited into controversy by a reptilian reporter. That’s the steep uphill the few of us who aren’t looking to uncover salacious details have to face.