Podcast Summary: The Big Suey: Greg Cote Explains Journalism

Introduction

In the January 2, 2025 episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, titled "The Big Suey: Greg Cote Explains Journalism," listeners are treated to an in-depth discussion centered around the nature of journalism within the sports industry. Hosted by Dan Le Batard and Stugotz from the Elser Hotel in Downtown Miami, the episode features Greg Cote, a Miami Herald columnist, who delves into his perspectives on journalism, objectivity, and the interplay between being a journalist and a sports fan.

Defining Journalism vs. Fandom

The episode opens with Greg Cote addressing a contentious topic: the distinction between being a journalist and a sports fan. He emphasizes his commitment to writing what he perceives as meaningful stories rather than catering to fan biases.

Greg Cote [02:43]: "I am having renewed appreciation for my perspective, for how I see sports overall. I don't want to be Zaslow and Mike Ryan about any team."

Cote contrasts his approach with that of typical sports fans, highlighting his preference for crafting feel-good narratives that resonate with a broader audience rather than indulging in team favoritism.

Greg Cote [03:16]: "I want to write about what a feel-good story. Slaying the dragon to lift the first Stanley Cup in the 30-season history of this franchise."

He articulates a clear boundary: while he supports positive outcomes for teams, his allegiance lies more with his readers and the storytelling aspect of journalism than with any particular team.

The Debate Over Objectivity

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the concept of objectivity in journalism. Greg Cote asserts that true objectivity is challenging when a journalist is financially or emotionally invested in a team's success.

Greg Cote [05:24]: "If you're paid to cover those teams, you're paid to be pro. Those teams, right?"

He critiques fellow journalists, including Roy and Mike Ryan, suggesting that their roles as paid team supporters compromise their ability to maintain impartiality. This perspective sparks tension among the hosts and guests, leading to a heated exchange about the integrity of sports journalism.

Mike Ryan [08:17]: "Greg is not the bad guy. He's not. He's not."

Mike Ryan defends his position, accusing Greg Cote of inconsiderately undermining the role of journalists who are also fans.

Challenges of Balancing Professionalism and Passion

Stugotz and Chris Cody engage in a robust debate with Greg Cote, questioning the feasibility of maintaining journalistic integrity without allowing personal biases to seep into their reporting.

Stugotz [06:33]: "I can be a journalist, but I want all the teams to win down here."

Cote emphasizes the importance of prioritizing accurate and independent reporting over team allegiance, even if it means challenging popular opinions or facing backlash from fan bases.

Audience and Regional Identity

Cody addresses the listeners, expressing concerns about the show's regional identity and its impact on the audience's perception. He notes a disconnect between long-time local listeners and the evolving dynamics introduced by Greg Cote's viewpoints.

Chris Cody [08:17]: "This show had a regional identity and was projecting Miami to the nation at large."

He highlights that Greg Cote's stances might be alienating a portion of the audience that values the show's historical commitment to South Florida sports narratives.

Greg Cote’s Stance on High-Profile Athletes

The conversation shifts to Greg Cote's opinions on high-profile athletes like Connor McDavid, questioning the criteria used to evaluate their performance beyond team success.

Greg Cote [33:04]: "I'm not a national hockey writer. I'm a Miami Herald columnist... I still believe that [McDavid is overrated]."

This assertion sparks debate among the hosts about the validity of assessing a player's greatness solely based on championships, with counterpoints emphasizing individual performance irrespective of team outcomes.

Notable Quotes

Throughout the episode, several poignant statements stand out, reflecting the core tensions and themes:

• Greg Cote [03:24]: "I'm a fan of people who read my columns. The column they want to read is what a feel good story... lifting the first Stanley Cup."

• Zaslow [05:07]: "Roy is not somebody wearing a Panther's jersey in the press box. I have respect for Roy as an independent journalist."

• Billy Corben [14:21]: "I got played by Dan. I've been doing this for 20 years. And I told him the entire time I did not want to go along with this."

• Chris Cody [32:43]: "If he scores six goals tonight and loses 7-6, he will be no less of a player because he did not win the championship."

Conclusion

The episode culminates with reflections on the broader implications of journalistic integrity in sports media. Greg Cote maintains his stance on prioritizing storytelling over objectivity, while the hosts grapple with balancing professional roles and personal passions. The lively debate underscores the ongoing challenges within sports journalism, particularly in maintaining authenticity and credibility in an era where fan loyalty often blurs the lines between reporting and fandom.

Final Thoughts

The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz episode "The Big Suey: Greg Cote Explains Journalism" offers a compelling exploration of the complexities inherent in sports journalism. By presenting diverse viewpoints and encouraging critical discourse, the show provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of what it means to report on sports authentically amidst personal biases and commercial pressures.