9781422283073

television ratings and interest for the NFL continue to increase every year. It is America’s Game, and its impact on society is powerful. And that points to one reason why so many people care so much about what NFL players do off the field: They are seen as more than just people—they are athletes in the spotlight, for good and bad. So when they make bad choices, they face consequences far beyond those faced by “regular” people. Should they know that and accept it when they sign on as pro football players? Does that make coverage of their misdeeds fair, too? And why is there is so much bad and so little good in the media coverage of the NFL? The answers aren’t simple. The Role of the Media The media certainly assumes a large portion of the blame. The players, teams, and league offices are held to a higher standard. And, yes, they do struggle to maintain that role at times. Then, the unending news appetite of NFL fans in the digital age of jour- nalism only magnifies everything.

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