Dear NBC Sports,
I'm one of the fortunate ones who didn't have to witness the interview of Bode Miller by Cristin Cooper last night. Thankfully. I could, of course, find it on YouTube, but I won't bother giving your news "item" any more internet hits. Enough of my friends DID see it, their opinions mesh with all that I've read about it, and from all of that - I've been able to formulate an opinion: one which I'm sure you won't care much for.
I don't totally blame the reporter. She showed pure thoughtlessness, and horrible reporting skills by pushing and pushing and pushing, and not recognizing a *human* moment. All in the name of trying to force an "emotional moment" out of a clearly distressed athlete.
I DO blame NBC for not editing this train wreck of an interview, shortening it, and conveying SOME emotion, while protecting the athlete, just a bit. Is that really too much to ask?
Is this the direction "reporting" is headed? NBC is not FoxNews, or the National Enquirer. Or is it? I used to think NBC was a hallowed name, a legend. An organization which could rise above the "rag mags" in the checkout line of the grocery store. Clearly, I was wrong. How sad for news organizations the world over. Or at least in the U.S.
Shame on YOU, NBC. Shame on you. You could learn a great deal of dignity, grace and professionalism from the athletes you're exploiting. Instead of trying for an emotional moment, how about trying for a HUMAN MOMENT? Be the news organization with a heart and a pulse, not just a bunch of robots sniffing for blood and headlines.
Holly R
