There is no doubt that ESPN has become the #1 outlet for sports news in the world. With their coverage in over 200 countries and across multiple forms of media on a 24/7 timescale, they have become the all-knowing power when it comes to sports or we thought so.
Over the last couple of weeks, the “Worldwide Leader in Sports,” has published a few stories that questions whether they truly have a neutral standpoint. In what I like to call the twitter-age, it’s all about being first to the story and ESPN is full-heartedly playing in to that notion, even if they don’t have all of the facts.
By not reporting all of the facts, ESPN is jumping to conclusions and in essence fabricating how we perceive the world of sports.
A good friend said it best, we want ESPN to report our sporting news, not make it.
For those of you who think I’m a bitter Brewers fan who stands behind Ryan Braun, that is not the case. While I do feel he deserves to be considered innocent until proven guilty, I’ve already expressed my opinion if he is truly a user of PED’s.
My issue in this article lays with solely with ESPN. We don’t have to go back far to find another story that the network prematurely reported without having all of the facts. Remember the Chris Paul trade.
ESPN had reported the Chris Paul trade to basically be completed, even though commissioner David Stern had yet to 
decide on the trade. The network has become famous for using the “according to sources,” even though most of their sources are their own. They won’t always admit that though.
In addition to the travesty known as ESPN’s Breaking News, I’m also troubled by the framing that ESPN has appeared to take part in on the Braun case. Was it really necessary to report Braun’s comments on Alex Rodriguez’s 2003 steroids case? It doesn’t exactly seem relevant unless you wan’t to leave the impression that you feel that Braun is lying about these allegations or that he is being hypocritical to a similar situation with himself. In place of those quotes should have been more emphasis on Braun’s defense and what kind of evidence they think they have.
ESPN has a massive audience and the best writers in the world, I just wish they could use their immense resources to abide by the rules of journalism and report real news, not deceive America by reporting half of a story.
How do you feel about ESPN’s coverage of the Ryan Braun fiasco? Do you think they are holding back facts and emphasizing others like I have mentioned? I feel they’ve been doing this for some time, have any of your favorite athletes been affected? Let me know by commenting below!
Nick Grays is a senior writer at the Sports Bank where he covers the Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers, and Milwaukee Brewers. He also enjoys to share Fantasy Advice from time-to-time. Follow him on Twitter by clicking here or visit his blog Nick Knows Best.