You may have read this week about allegations that Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger raped a woman at a Lake Tahoe hotel last summer. But where you haven't seen this story is on ESPN. Why?
Jaclyn Friedman notes how this decision by ESPN is a travesty to both journalism and women:A media source tells us that, late last night, ESPN issued a "do not report" memo to all of its outlets and reporters. The directive came without explanation. "Even some of the reporters are wondering why," the source said, "but haven't been told."
She suggest you email ESPN and let them know how you feel. Good idea:Yes, the same network whose sideline reporter is currently being exploited all over the ‘net in a peeping tom video. You’d think that would make them more sympathetic to the sexual exploitation of women just trying to do their job, but they’re too focused on protecting access to the star athletes who are their cash cows to even do their basic job as journalists. That’s rape culture. When our media won’t talk about rape, people think it doesn’t happen, and the rapists face no consequences. That emboldens rapists.