How much influence does the media have over their sports?

Soccer Mom said:

Was this influenced by the outcry?

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The decision to fine Wallace was made the day after the game. Coach Gruden and GM Bruce Allen sent the league a tape of the hit, and they learned the same day that a fine would be issued. This was reported by the Saint Pete Times on Tuesday, yet the official notice by the league wasn't issued until later in the week.

In this case, I don't feel the media was responsible, but rather the outcry came mostly from Gruden and Allen (and rightly so). During that game, the Panthers were called twice for roughing the passer, and should have been called for the same violation a number of other times. The defenders literally pounded the crap out of Simms, often well after the ball had left his hands. But alas, as we know all too well, ruptured spleens are only a fraction of the many injuries that befall some football players.

I was just reading about the punishment Haynesworth received. It's incredible how anyone would kick a man in the face during a game. I still can't believe that happened, even after watching numerous replays.

A five game suspension is a stiff penalty that'll send a stern message throughout the NFL. We may never see Haynesworth in uniform again, which may come as bad news only to his immediate family.

I haven't followed the Oklahoma/Clemson saga, but yeah, when an officiating crew is suspended, something must've given voice to the "outcry." Thank goodness media coverage for college sports is fair and balanced and has no interest in game outcomes.

a lot, unless you want to pay to go to every sporting event personally