Reporters' complaints about Tim Tebow's clubhouse behavior backfire
Spring training games have officially begun, and so has the mainstream sports media’s favorite pastime: Criticizing Tim Tebow.
Surprisingly, the latest complaint has nothing to do with the former NFL quarterback’s baseball abilities, but instead is about his behavior in the New York Mets clubhouse.
Newsday baseball columnist David Lennon took to Twitter on Friday to complain about Tebow not speaking with the media, which Lennon said is “not cool.”
I’ve always enjoyed the Tim Tebow project, but refusing to be interviewed is not cool. Being a prospect in the major league clubhouse means talking with media. Everyone else does it. #Mets
— David Lennon (@DPLennon) February 23, 2018
How dare a professional athlete not comply with every whim of reporters who seek to embarrass him at every opportunity?
The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport decided to voice his agreement with Lennon.
Also, he’s literally in the media. Double lame.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 23, 2018
This is the very same Ian Rapoport who wrote in 2012 that Tebow was a distraction in an article titled “Rex Ryan, New York Jets are susceptible to Tim Tebow mania.“
It’s a perfect example of how Tebow can never win in the eyes of the media. Throughout his football career he was labeled a distraction by many “experts” because of the media attention he attracted. Now the same people are calling him out for turning down one interview.
Thankfully, most Twitter users who saw the exchange realized the hypocrisy that was on display and called it out.
He’s criticized when he talks to the media and berated when he doesn’t. Is it any wonder that you media types have the crappy reputation that you do?!
— Tina (@NotTina) February 23, 2018
Is the media beating down the door to talk to other Double A players who are in big league camp for a couple of weeks? Maybe he doesn't want to be treated any differently than the guys he'll be riding the bus with.
— Mike Morgan (@Mike_M_Morgan) February 23, 2018
Media: “Tebow can’t play in the NFL cuz he causes a media circus and he’s a distraction to his team!!1!”
Also the media: “Tim Tebow isn’t talking to the media enough!!1! He’s dividing the clubhouse!”
Pick a lane please.
— Cam (@CMcGuire21) February 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/Taylor_Burck/status/967109604583858178
In actual baseball news, the Mets beat the Braves 6-2. Tebow did not play.
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