After Patrick Reed won the majors in April, his victory was not the main thing posted about him on social media, but rather his complicated family structure.
It has been documented that Patrick and his parents have not talked since he married his wife in 2012. His parents were kicked out of a tournament in 2014 supposedly at the request of Patrick’s wife.
The stories about his troubled family life were liked, retweeted, and replied to on Master Sunday. The most popular story on GolfDigest through that prestigious weekend was a story detailing the Professional Golfer’s personal history. The most shared article in Golf.com history is the one written about how Reed’s parents were watching the Masters from afar (despite it being so close to their home).
The ethical issue is that these websites post these stories that cast a negative light on the subject for views. They could have posted stories that were about the tournament, rather than digging up personal situations.
This issue is much worse considering the digital age we live in, where news can be shared on multiple outlets with a click of a button. Fans and anti-fans alike are quick to share something about an athlete, especially if it goes beyond the sport.
It bothers me but I think as a fan, I am very eager to click on the more personal, perhaps juicy, stories. Sports fans love to know the story behind the athlete. How did they get to this position? Where did they grow up? Do they have any demons from their past?
I think it is unfair for us to judge these athletes for their personal situations. Their job is perform on the field, court, green, or diamond. The personal stories that they have are not our right to know.
I like to think of it as if I were in the athlete’s shoes. In this case, Reed’s family is at the center of attention. I would hate to have the world have access to these stories about me.
Reed has denied comments on his family issues from the beginning of his career but still the information is still getting out.
The best way for journalists to handle situations like this would be to not write about it, unless the subject is personally trying to get the story out. It is their life and their story to tell.
In Patrick Reed’s case, the media should be focusing on his win rather than the inner battle between his family and their disapproval for his marriage.
In my professional journalism career, I will hope to keep it just that: professional. I think the practice of airing athlete’s dirty laundry in the eye of the public and without their consent is against the Code of Ethics.
Kassie Dunnihoo 