The Opelika-Auburn News made a questionable decision to put a photo of the Laquon Treadwell injury on its front page on Sunday. Regardless of how important of a play it turned out to be, there has to be a far better photo to use than this. Especially because the photo wasn’t blacked out by the newspaper, just by the person who tweeted out the front page.
After facing some backlash, the newspaper issued a statement on their decision:
Beginning Sunday morning, we received dozens of messages via email and social media regarding the front page of our Sunday sports section. Football fans from Ole Miss, Auburn and even Mississippi State understandably expressed anger.
However, it was also one of the most crucial plays in a contest between two top-five college football teams. The picture is gut-wrenching. It also tells the story. That’s why we chose to run it. As journalists, our primary job is to report what happens – whether by words or photos. Often, what we write or publish is unpleasant. Regarding the photo, this was one of those instances. We did not intend to glorify Treadwell’s injury or offend any reader. To any person hurt by our editorial decision, we apologize.
One thing we would do is use a different headline. We chose “FINDING A WAY” because after the game, numerous players and coaches discussed how the team keeps fighting and finding a way to win difficult games, such as those against Ole Miss, South Carolina and Kansas State.
The headline was not meant to celebrate Treadwell’s injury. No true fan takes pleasure in the injury. It was a terrible ending for one of the best games of the season, regardless of one’s collegiate allegiances. Our newspaper joins fans throughout America in wishing Treadwell a speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are also with his family.
