This isn't about keeping up public interest, this is about sports "reporters" protecting what is left of their control over the narrative. Athletes already gene

This isn't about keeping up public interest, this is about sports "reporters" protecting what is left of their control over the narrative. Athletes already generate way more public interest in their sport by engaging directly with fans. They don't need traditional outlets like Sports Illustrated or ESPN in order to build a brand / promote their sport, so they don't feel like they need to put up with the bullshit aspects of sports media... like post game interviews where everyone is just trying to bait them into a juicy quote. And honestly as a fan, good riddance. Most of these "reporters" are doing little more than trying to manufacture controversy.