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Sensationalism in modern sports media, example infinity

Eric Nahlinby:Eric Nahlin•10/06/15
Chris Warren
Chris Warren. (Will Gallagher/IT)
Chris Warren. (Will Gallagher/IT)

Chris Warren. (Will Gallagher/IT)

It’s a little known fact that sensationalizing journalists sense blood in the water better than sharks. What better to make of the Austin American Statesman’s headline:

“Report: Texas RB Chris Warren’s mom could force transfer”

You see, we live in a time when reading the headline is tantamount to reading the whole article. Read that headline and obviously there’s angst on the part of the Warren’s. It started when Lars Hanson of 247 said Texas RB could transfer.

Then Brian Davis of the AAS confirmed the report, stating Warren’s mom could force a transfer.

But if you read her quotes alone, you’ll understand that’s not the case and if you read the framing of the questions you’ll really understand that’s not the case. The full text is listed below. You be the judge and decide whether it aligns with the tenor of the article.

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photo 2 (17)

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Also misleading is the appearance of Warren’s playing time being a factor while they also only partially quoted her on the possibility of a transfer.

“Lopez told the website she wouldn’t say which school Warren would transfer to, but “you know his final list,” she said. Warren’s recruitment came down to Texas and Washington.”

“Warren has played sparingly so far this season, getting only 33 yards on 10 carries in three games. He was ranked as one of the nation’s top 10 running backs in high school.”

Here was a great opportunity to insert context. Context like Warren being hurt the last two games and having Johnathan Gray and D’Onta Foreman ahead of him on the depth chart.

Oddly omitted is the quote about Chris being happy at Texas “so far.” What’s the reason for the “so far?”

Mrs. Lopez is owed an apology from both 247 Sports and the Austin American Statesman.

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