ESPN.com launches a two-day series today that takes an in-depth look fight in the NHL. The comprehensive set of stories covers a variety of perspectives and opinions on the topic, from current and former hockey players, to ESPN pundits and analysts, to fans. Assistant Editor, ESPN.com Paul Grant spoke to First row on how the package was put together.
What prompted ESPN.com to dig deeper into this issue?
Fighting is a hot topic in the NHL right now. Not necessarily because of an increase or decrease – the numbers actually vary depending on what metrics you use – but rather because of what I think is society’s tolerance for violence.
With CTE research currently being undertaken as well as NFL lawsuits, there is increased awareness of the issues surrounding head injuries and violence. So a natural extension of that as it relates to the NHL means we look at fighting because the perception – and I emphasize it is the perception – is that concussions and fighting are related. Plus, the guys who fight in the NHL are usually the most interesting characters, so talking to them makes for good storytelling.
How have you been able to work in multiple newsrooms – ESPN.com, ESPN MagazineESPN Insider and others – to cover all angles of this story?
We work closely together, as a matter of routine. The cooperation of The MagInsider, SportsNationour business group, video team, podcast team and photo department were essential to the required depth and breadth of this package.
What were the takeaways from the report?
The lessons learned from the report were varied, as it is of course a polarizing topic. There’s a certain “old boys” attitude that prevails in hockey, so a lot of people were circling the wagons.
We’ve had a lot of difficulty getting an official comment from the NHL or any other team officials on this, for example. And the NHLPA protects fighters’ jobs, so naturally the union didn’t want to express its favor one way or the other.
I hope this package will fuel discussions within the NHL, but it would certainly extend the already intelligent discussion underway. Most important to me, however, is that readers and fans take part in the debate and become an important voice; after all, they will be the ultimate decision-makers when it comes to what the league does. After all, it’s their game.
