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Today’s sports figures don’t deserve annual top quotes column

It was a tradition unlike any other at the Daily Herald: Bob Frisk’s annual list of the top sports quotes of the year.

Last year — my first taking over the Friday front page prep sports column — I paid tribute to Bob by listing the top quotes he diligently compiled during his many decades working for the Herald.

Now, however, I feel it’d be a disservice to Bob, who died in 2020 at the age of 83, to continue the tradition this year. It’s simply not the same anymore.

Frankly, the sports figures don’t deserve the attention.

That may sound a little harsh. There are still plenty of eloquent words being spoken by athletes, coaches, commentators and others in the sports world.

But in this screeching media environment, everyone is begging to be heard. I can’t scroll through my social media feeds or flip through my television channels without NBA “analyst” Charles Barkley shamelessly trying to grab attention with something he says on “Inside the NBA” and elsewhere.

Aaron Rodgers might be having a horrible season with the New York Jets, but that doesn’t stop the endless headlines about whatever he’s yapping about weekly with Pat McAfee.

If you’re wondering why Stephen A. Smith is screaming all the time, it’s so his voice can be heard among the dozens of television and radio hosts trying to appear relevant.

Some of Bob’s best compiled quotes arose organically in locker room press scrums when athletes and coaches didn’t have prepared statements in front of them. Over the last several years, though, the media has become less of a conduit between the athletes and the public.

Now, athletes can just post something on X or Instagram to get their voices heard. Or, better yet, they can start a podcast like the Chiefs’ Travis Kelce or the Cowboys’ Micah Parsons.

When you can reach millions relatively easily with zero input from media outlets, why not jump at the chance to control the narrative? The media will be forced to report on podcasts and radio/TV appearances when access is limited.

That leaves us stuck with packaged quips in a vast sea of garble. And the drivel doesn’t deserve even the minuscule amount of attention offered in this space.

But I don’t want to condemn the entire sports industry. Every now and then you get an honest, from-the-heart comment that doesn’t first get approved by sponsors, network presidents or public relations pros.

Boise State running back Ashton Jeantry, disappointed about Colorado’s Travis Hunter winning the Heisman Trophy instead of him, told reporters afterward he “should have walked away with the award.”

San Francisco 49ers defensive back Mooney Ward called teammate De’Vondre Campbell “selfish” for not wanting to play in a game earlier this month against the Rams.

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr labeled a referee’s late call “unconscionable” after it cost his team a chance at a win. Kerr apologized for his rant, but the moment of honesty — while some understandably consider it whining — was still refreshing.

Luckily, we still have the great quotes Daily Herald prep sports reporters nab from high school athletes and coaches. They may not have agents telling them what to say, but it’s still inspiring to hear their thoughts and analysis.

Nothing nasty to stir a pot. Nothing purposely controversial. Nothing tailor-made for headline writers.

Just heartfelt comments about the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat (to appropriately quote Jim McKay from “Wide World of Sports”).

That’s what we should be celebrating this year and every year when it comes to top sports quotes.

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