So last week I was listening to AM radio, and they were having the weekly Bengals show where two guys (presumably journalists) hosted the show and had people call in and what not. This was the Monday after the playoff loss.
One called asked the host why, when he would interview coaches and players after the games, he always gave them 'softball' questions instead of asking them what we really wanted to know. The host asked him to elaborate, so he gave the example of how the host didn't ask Marvin why he challenged what looked to be obvious rulings, only to lose both of them.
The host basically said that as an interviewer, you had to mix the good questions with the bad. If all you did was criticize and demand, most coaches and players wouldn't give you the time of day. He went on to say that these players had just finished giving their heart & soul and only to lose, and they didn't "need" him down there asking those types of questions.
I've been thinking about this quite a bit since hearing it and decided to bring it to the huddle's attention. Here's where I especially disagree. Suppose the Colts lose a close game this Sunday -- I don't think the media should or will grill the coaches and Manning on how they lost, why they did this, etc. The Colts are obviously a very successful franchise and know what they're doing.
The Bengals, however, are the complete opposite. Why should Marvin and the players get a pass? In that game, they were obviously out-coached. I think this is a fanbase that wants answers on what's going to change, how, and when. I don't want to send media-members down to the locker room to ask easy questions in the wake of a demoralizing loss. Guess what? That's what the Bengals do best -- lose. If the media was trying to hide the important questions because the team lost, nothing would ever get accomplished.
When the host said he tried to take it easy because these guys just played their heart & soul only to lose, I wanted to throw up. BFD. I try my hardest when I go into work too, and when I make a mistake, does my manager let me off the hook because I tried? Hardly.
I'm not saying I'm right or wrong, but just looking for other viewpoints and things to consider here. The host basically made it sound like he tries to avoid putting blame/accountability on the coaches/players. I personally don't see why. Losing has always been this team's style, and I think the frustrated fanbase is entitled to a little more details.
You were likely listening to 700WLW which is broadcasted out of Cincinnati. The hosts you were speaking of were Lance McAlister and Dave Lapham. The point they are making is very well true. It is very difficult for local media to be critical of the hometown team. I am not speaking about the Bengals, I am referring to all teams (ever hear anyone in Columbus criticize OSU or Jim Tressel?). If you offend the team/coach, they will never let you in. If you are a local guy, you need them more than they need you.
Actually Speils here in Columbus on the Fan criticizes Tressel quite a bit.