Anonymity

"A person familiar with the case provided the number of players involved Monday, saying estimates of a higher figure were untrue. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the players are appealing the findings."


The rant today will be on anonymity.  While the above quote isn't as heinous as some examples, it does highlight the issue I have with the media and anonymous sources, because in the case above, the source could have given the names of the players, which the media would have quoted, regardless of the fact that appeals and due process are ongoing.  There is no personal protection from an inside source blabbing anonymously and the media will jump on that source any chance they get.  Since it is completely unethical for an inside source to utilize that information and disclose it to the media, why is it ethical for the media to print that information? (answer: it's not)