A Hero or Sissy? Exploring Media Framing of NFL Quarterbacks Injury Decisions

Bibliographic Data

ID13049000
AuthorsJimmy Sanderson (0000-0002-5292-5131, Clemson University, corresponding author), Melinda Weathers (0009-0005-6158-9810, Clemson University), Alexia Grevious (Clemson University), Maggie Tehan (Clemson University), Samantha Warren (Clemson University)
Year2014
Volume4
Issue1
Pages3-22
Publication date2014-05-28
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCommunication & Sport (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2167-4795 • E-ISSN: 2167-4809
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/2167479514536982
OpenAlexW2114907490
LanguageEN
Citations received22
References cited25

There has been growing attention on health and safety issues in sport, most notably football. Consequently, it is important that communication scholars attend to this topic. This research explored print media framing in response to two injury situations involving National Football League quarterbacks—Jay Cutler and Robert Griffin III. An analysis of 177 newspaper articles revealed 11 frames that were used to discuss these injuries. The most prominent frame for Cutler was support while shifting the blame was most prominent for Griffin. The results suggest that sports journalists framing of injuries could potentially be a catalyst to shift football cultural norms towards valuing players who put their health first. The results also reveal that organizations may shoulder most of the blame for players’ injuries, which suggests a short-term setback may be more beneficial in the long-term interest of the organization

Advertising · Art · Blame · Business · Football · Framing (construction · HERO · League · Literature · Media studies · Newspaper · Political science · Public relations · Sociology · History · Law · Media Influence and Health · Media Studies and Communication · Psychology · Public Relations and Crisis Communication · Social Psychology