Stephen A. Smith has been covering Allen Iverson for years. They have one of those rare sportswriter-sports figure relationships that fans appreciate precisely because it offers both and intensive and extensive analysis of the player’s career from a unique vantage point. This past fall A.I. made his “retirement” announcement via Stephen A’s blog. A few weeks later Stephen A. was one of the first to report Philadelphia’s interest in reacquiring the four time scoring champion’s services. So, after reading his Allen Iverson piece in the Philadelphia Inquirer and later watching him talk about it on ESPN, I found myself wondering why the reporter would out the player to whom he owes much of his fame as an alcoholic and inveterate gambler:
- Career advancement. Since being “retired” from his ESPN post Stephen A. has seen his own star fade significantly. At one point a couple of years back he was one of the most sought after NBA analysts/reporters. He had his own radio show and was constantly on the air doing the Stephen A. bit. Careerwise, covering A.I. was his ticket to prime time notoriety. He had a special insider relationship with one of the most fascinating, unconventional and mercurial athletes of the era. Since breaking the latest A.I. story Stephen A. has been back in the spotlight and of course there are those who think it’s all about him.
I prefer not to think this wasn’t his motivation.
- Journalistic Responsibility. I know, it’s a foreign concept to most mainstream reporters. It’s not as if they all, Stephen A. included, didn’t know about Iverson’s antics for years. They simply chose not to report it for the same reasons they didn’t report Tiger’s sexual antics: they didn’t want to risk access. Now that Allen Iverson’s career looks like it’s over he’s suddenly become fair game. All of a sudden no one had anything to lose by telling the tales they’ve been holding close for years. By being the first guy to report on the extent of the drinking and gambling, Stephen A. may have ensured that at the very least the story won’t be controlled and unfairly tainted with the typical Iverson bias. For all intents and purposes, he’s Iverson’s voice right now, the source through which whatever ultimately unfolds will be filtered
I think there’s a good chance this was the case.
- It’s that Serious. This rationale speaks to the role that journalists have the power to play in our society. Journalists don’t simply report the news or even decide what news is worth reporting. When they’ve become as influential (or maybe just controversial) as Stephen A. is, they have a unique opportunity to bring issues that are important to them to the public’s attention. Iverson is an important figure for thousands if not millions of people. His impact on the game and on popular culture over the last decade plus has been remarkable. He’s not just a basketball player, which became evident by the amount of fan support he had in this year’s All-Star balloting. He’s an iconic public figure who people identify with and root for. Think about the quiet disintegration of Michael Jackson or even the sudden implosion of Tiger Woods. What would have happened if someone had been courageous enough to reveal the extent of Jackson’s illness before it killed him? What if a reporter had been ballsy enough to report on Tiger’s affairs before it ruined his career? By reporting the story now while Iverson is obviously going through turmoil Stephen A. has effectively brought in the fans who genuinely love him before he drinks and gambles himself into oblivion. He’s given us years of great performances. Now he needs the support of others, particularly those who’ve benefited from his success. In the end, Stephen A.’s bold move might save Iverson life and may even help him salvage a career. If A.I. can pull himself together and straighten out his life I’m certain some team will give him one last chance to go out on a high note. It would be an ending straight out of Central Casting.
I like to believe Stephen A.’s ultimate motivation was his sincere affection for Iverson and his desire to see him healthy and alive.
AI threw AI under the bus by being uncompromising. I think Steven A was just doing his job.