from Jim Kelley of Sportsnet,
Who started this rumor? An employee of the Coyotes who needed something interesting to say on one of those endless panel debates? Some guy out in the Maritimes who hasn’t been within earshot of an NHL source since the Oilers barnstormed the region to make money on preseason games in the 1980s? A website developer who figured out that by publishing outlandish rumours he could drive traffic to a site that would not only make money but land him radio and television spots that would feature his website which keeps the wheels turning and makes him even more money? A talk show “personality”?…
I’ve learned that there’s a fine line between being out front on a story a day (or now even an hour or five minutes) before it breaks and being with the rest of the pack. There’s also a fine line in regards to determining when a rumour is worth chasing or is just something being planted on you by someone who has anything from an agenda to a mean streak, to a desire to “play” the system. But there should be a strong line, maybe even a wall between reporting everything one hears and a rumour that just might have the smell of truth around it.
Reporters, columnists, analysts, bloggers, media personalities, talk show hosts and even ex-players-turned media personalities have a responsibility to acknowledge and respect that line.
If you have been a regular reader of KK, you know my feeling reflect those of Mr. Kelley’s. The sad thing is, people actually have fallen for these so-called “rumors”.
Obviously Jim Kelley doesn’t understand what an entertainer is. (e4)
Posted by Greg Wyshynski from Washington, DC on 05/15 at 11:13 AM