Go to Jail, Do Not Pass Go......
So Mark Fainaru-Wada and Lance Williams are going to jail for refusing to testify and give up their sources behind the book Game of Shadows. As an aspiring sports journalist, I've thought a lot about how I would react in a similar situation. On one hand, if you give up your sources you're blacklisted in your profession, the equivalent of a scab in baseball. You are a leper. You probably won't find work, and if you do you won't find anyone willing to trust you.
On the other hand, jail. 18 months isn't a terribly long time, but it's certainly enough (I think I'd break down and cry at around the 11th minute in prison).
I talked to my two editors who, as seasoned pros in the world of the sports media, might have some valuable insight. And I think I've come to a decision. Actually, I think I agree with one of my editors, who put it just about as eloquently and succinctly as one could hope:
Good for them, but I'd be singing like a bird.
Comments
i think that these people won't see any actual jailtime. if they do it certainly won't be the full 18 months and it'll be in one of those minimum security joints. integrity is more important, and besides you could write a book out of your experience and end up with millions.
Posted by: kwantiko | September 22, 2006 4:21 PM