Why do pro sports people have to have thicker skins than other people? They're already thrust into the spotlight by being able to do things athletically than most others. There's been vile abuse yelled at atletes like people wishing their children would die, along with the usual racist and sexual stuff. Imagine if people came into other workplaces and were just as vile.
And the media and press conferences are really just reporters trying to stir up controversy to sell whatever medium they are on. Vickerman realised his public comments weren't appropriate publicly and changed lane pretty quickly. If a coach has a problem with a player, speak to them privately, not air it in public. With Randall there was obviously a problem, but was kept in house and media release was how they had parted ways mutually, best of luck etc. Even Cleveland's comments were appropriate and I don't think Randall has come out and ripped anyone.
It's easy to say people need to harden up, especially those getting paid in the public arena, but those people aren't immune to things said. Junior sports is a disgrace with the way parents in particular sit there yelling abuse, even at kids on their own team.
Previously it had been taboo, a sign of weakness, to come out and discuss mental health issues, but it has increased greatly in recent years. Depression and mental illness are conditions that need to be looked after. A lot of athletes have been the best amongst peers throughout growing up, then encounter massive criticism for maybe the first time in their life when they turn pro. Some can handle it, some can't. Telling them to change the channel or not look at social media is not the simplistic answer.
Back to original post, the media these days are mainly trying to stir the pot to add to their career. Homicide is ridiculous in how he tries to imitate Stephen A Smith it's cringeworthy, such as how he lowers his tone and tries to make every statement come out as fact. But trolls feed off any feedback, positive or negative and just don't respond to facts. How many times has Sotto come up here. He's a young kid learning the professional game against adults but has such a target on him it's ridiculous. Reporters should just stick to the facts. Criticism should come by the way of "X struggled with his shooting tonight" or the team were beaten on the boards. Player X would know they shot badly, and that overall didn't rebound well. Not player X is the worst shooter to ever play in this league and should be sacked! Or I wish we still had player Y because everyone else on the team sucks.
Sorry to go on for so long, but mental health is such a big thing, not just in sports. Pity the trolls, bullies, media couldn't be managed better but social media has definitely magnified it. Previously you'd normally just get the local paper reporting something and that'd be it, now it just grows and inevitably someone will take their life over words.
