Part 4/9:
One critical factor contributing to the perceived decline of sports media is the overwhelming influence of gambling. Lee expresses that while he's not opposed to gambling itself, its prevalence in sports coverage has tainted trust within the industry. The Shohei Ohtani gambling scandal was a wake-up call, shaking the public’s confidence in media outlets that operate under financial ties from sportsbooks.
This shift has led to rampant skepticism among fans, who now question reporters' integrity more than ever. Media has transitioned toward presenting sports less as engaging narratives of triumph and more like financial securities, which has undoubtedly altered the ethical fabric that once defined this industry.