ESPN Insider Adam Schefter Criticized by Anonymous Colleagues
Adam Schefter, one of the top NFL analysts and insiders on the ESPN network, was recently criticized by anonymous colleagues for the rough year he’s had in his analytical work.
Schefter has made some controversial choices and mistakes regarding the information he provides:
Once instance was when he reported that Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook was “a victim of domestic abuse and extortion” during a case between Cook and his ex, First Class Seargent Gracelyn Trimble, who accuse each other of domestic violence. Trimble’s attorney accused Schefter of journalistic malpractice, claiming that his news spreads the message that women should be scared to share domestic abuse stories unless they want to fall under the harsh scrutiny of news outlets because their abusers are people with more power.
Minnesota Vikings’ RB Dalvin Cook is the victim of domestic abuse and extortion – there’s pending litigation, according to his agent Zac Hiller.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 10, 2021
Adam Schefter also commented on Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson’s case where the QB faced sexual misconduct allegations from over 20 massage therapists and avoided any criminal charges. He said that Watson “welcomed police investigation” because the “truth would come out”, and that he was finally found not guilty by a grand jury.
Yet another example was when Schefter insensitively commented on the late Dwayne Haskins’ death, talking about his not-so-stellar performance in the league despite being a first-round pick at a time when it was not appropriate. Schefter did later release an apology and made a tribute to his career.
An apology and a tribute to Dwayne Haskins. pic.twitter.com/QxjShC4ZYu
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 11, 2022
Some people were worried that Schefter’s reporting on Cook and Watson “reflected a failure to understand the sensitivity of domestic violence allegations.” One of the analysts at ESPN anonymously stated,
“He is your preeminent journalist for the preeminent sport in America. I would hope that as a network you’re embarrassed by that, but I’m blown away that ESPN doesn’t seem to care.”
Regardless, ESPN has not done anything so far to address Schefter’s shortcomings or any of the critiques he’s received. His $9 million a year contract only goes to show how much of a valuable asset he is to the network.
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