In 1970, newspapers were doing OK, still making money from subscriptions, display advertising, and want ads (remember those?). Many big markets had two papers, and perhaps one was "failing." Who could have accurately predicted where the newspaper business would be in 2026?
"If one lapse in judgment is enough to erase an otherwise successful career, we're setting a standard that very few people—inside or outside of sports media—could ever hope to meet."
"Far too many were eager to mock a staged wrestling angle, a promotional appearance, or a calculated branding move that they overlooked what was actually happening."
"The back and forth was absolutely engaging and teaching, understanding their mindsets of who made them them and what separates certain athletes from others."
"If the league won’t act, then networks should. Stop paying top voices if they are going to leverage the access you provide for personal gain and influence within the league. That’s not fair to teams, and in an era where the integrity of sports is constantly questioned, it’s certainly not fair to fans."
"Thank you for your Super Bowls — you’re just a guy. Go play your flag football game and go be in a million different ads. I don’t need you in my life anymore, and you don’t need us."
"Media members are not the morality police. Our job is not to settle personal scores, send messages, or punish candidates for being difficult. When voters confuse their role as evaluators with moral arbiters, the Hall loses credibility."
In 1970, newspapers were doing OK, still making money from subscriptions, display advertising, and want ads (remember those?). Many big markets had two papers, and perhaps one was "failing." Who could have accurately predicted where the newspaper business would be in 2026?