Le Batard and Pearlman criticize NFL media for avoiding ALS discussion
Sports journalists Dan Le Batard and Jeff Pearlman said recent NFL interviews failed to address research linking football to ALS, calling the omission poor journalism.
Dan Le Batard and author Jeff Pearlman said the recent interview with former NFL running back Chris Johnson omitted any reference to the player’s ALS diagnosis despite a study by Boston University and Harvard indicating NFL athletes are four times more likely to develop the disease. Le Batard argued that host Michael Strahan should have asked a football-related question, noting the discomfort of discussing the condition when former players face early death.
Pearlman added that the segment also featured an ALS expert who was not asked about the possible connection, calling the oversight "inexcusably bad journalism" and suggesting it reflects the NFL’s influence over media coverage. He said the league avoids highlighting the health risks of football, noting the absence of a CTE or ALS awareness day at NFL venues.
Both journalists said fans and some media members criticize their push for tougher questions, labeling them as “ghoulish.” Pearlman argued that asking whether Johnson would let his children play football would have been reasonable, and that avoiding such topics helps maintain a comfortable viewing experience for fans.
Le Batard concluded that modern sports journalism often sidesteps difficult issues, which he believes harms the profession’s credibility.
