Inappropriate Question From Journalist Surprises Martin St. Louis in Post-Game Interview
A journalist at a recent press conference in Montreal asked Canadiens head coach Martin St-Louis a very inappropriate question regarding his use of alcohol.
While NHL coaches have remained at the forefront of controversies with the media in recent weeks, a majority of them are because of post-match reactions after difficult losses. Patrick Roy, for example, defied all league protocols by shying away from the media when his Colorado Avalanche lost a match to the New York Islanders.
At about the same time, head coach John Tortorella of the Philadelphia Flyers headlined the news, by abruptly ending his post-game press conference after a loss to the Carolina Hurricanes speaking for just 25 seconds and walking out.
But that wasn't the only curveball in what's being paid attention to when it comes to NHL coaches interacting with the media. Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis got dropped into the middle of an unexpected controversy. Unlike Roy and Tortorella, St. Louis didn't get reprimanded for his behavior or walk out at any press conference.
If anything, he became the brunt of some questionable post-game inquiries. After Montreal lost to the Calgary Flames, St. Louis received an awkward and intrusive question about just how much alcohol he consumed post-game. The topic was arguably off-limits for most established norms regarding media questions in professional sports.
Regardless of anyone's feelings on alcohol, this type of question seems completely out of place in a professional setting, irrespective of its humorous intent. The object of post-game news conferences is to allow one to gain insight into the game and how the team performed, not to delve into the private life of the coaches in a sensationalized manner.
When journalists stray from asking sports-related questions, it risks undermining the purpose of these press conferences and can come across as disrespectful, or trying to sensationalize things.
Where fans may want to get a sneak peek into the personal lives of players and coaches, there has to be a line drawn between what the public should know and what should remain private. Journalists play the balancing role of posing questions relevant to the respect of the individuals yet useful to their audience. Where invasive questions that are likely to cause embarrassment arise, it violates any trust and mutual respect that may underpin these interactions.
Press conferences in professional sports connect the fans with the team concerning insight into and transparency in their choices. It's the responsibility of the journalists to be professional and, above all, focused on sports content during these events.
The recent dust-up with Martin St. Louis is but another reminder that respectful and relevant questioning are the minimum expectations for honoring his role as a coach, serving the interests of the fans, and in preservation of the integrity of sports journalism.
