Trey’s Two Cents Worth: It’s the news and we report the news

It has been some time since I wrote a Two Cents Worth column, mainly because there hasn’t been anything in the harness racing world that ignited me to have an inner debate. However, an incident from last week at Yonkers Raceway has sparked a discussion within me and in the comment section.

For anyone interested in seeing the incident or the Harnesslink article, feel free to click here. It is not suitable for everyone, especially anyone who is squeamish watching horse accidents.

The story Harnesslink posted surrounding the incident remains the number one spot on our top chart over eight days after. It brought to the forefront a topic that I can admit I have struggled with in the past. The subject is how the media and the fans should handle races resulting in accidents. I have had trouble fighting my conscience before when posting videos involving accidents on Harness News Update, but the desire to pass along accurate information still looms.

What my Harnesslink colleague, Steve Wolf, commented on Facebook about the situation fits this perfectly.

“News, we are reporting on the news that happened.”

I am not here to put anyone with differing opinions on blast. The great thing about living in Canada or the United States of America is the freedom of expression we have provided by our civic rights. However, I ask those who think news outlets should not carry such videos. Is this something you only apply to harness racing, or is this feeling that is shared straight across the board?

We are not even a full calendar year out from what many have felt was the worst incident ever to be aired on national television, and that was the collapsing of Damar Hamlin during the NFL’s Monday Night Football. Clips and images of that event were front and center across sports media and international news in general! There was a communal interest in his eventual recovery and the theories behind what could have led to such a traumatic experience.

More recently, former NHLer Adam Johnson died on the ice in what is being investigated as a manslaughter event during an English Ice Hockey Association game. It did not take an arduous search to find the video of the incident, as some significant outlet sources had the video posted.

There are also dozens of non-sport-related incidents where videos have been posted for public viewing, and the content is much worse than what happened at Yonkers last week. Graphic videos depicting murders, kidnappings and other assaults flooded the internet as the conflict in Gaza escalated.

These are all examples of non-pleasant images being shared for the sake of the news. For better or worse, sharing information like this can spark needed conversation and debate. Regardless of your position on the Damar Hamlin incident, it sparked controversy. Irrespective of your status on the manslaughter case in England, it sparked debate. Lastly, regardless of your opinion on what’s happening in Gaza, it sparked debate. That is the point behind media; it is not simply to pass along cut-and-paste words but to spark discussion.

Gambling is another critical facet that lies underneath and requires transparency for long-term success in the sport. Gambling is prevalent more than ever right now and rules the sports world. The availability of a replay of an accident plays a massive role in the mind of someone wagering on the races. Suppose a driver continues to race on the card after an accident. In that case, it should be within reason to allow replay to be available so bettors can make informed decisions.

Other major sports leagues could be better when adequately relaying information of this nature, but they are decades ahead of harness racing. Once a football on Sunday tweaks his ankle, a big red “Q” appears next to their name on fantasy football apps. This level of transparency is a must in a modern-day sports wagering world. It is worthwhile information to know that a driver is healthy enough to drive but not entirely healthy.

Once the drivers step onto the track, they are no longer just private citizens but also public figures no different from NFL players or NHL players. It may not be fair, but it is how our society has adapted to the advancement of technology. Once anyone leaves their home, they are constantly being photographed or filmed; it has become our daily life. I can respect it when a driver wants privacy off the track, but those rules do not apply on the way if they follow the norms stated in other sports and news industries.

As I specified earlier, I am very interested in everyone else’s thoughts and do not claim that my thinking is correct. However, it is the way that society functions at this current time.

Like Steve Wolf stated, “We are reporting the news…”

by Trey Colbeck, for Harnesslink