Last week, the Washington Post disbanded its sports department, a move that has shocked fans, athletes, and reporters alike. During a press session with Commanders coach Dan Quinn, the impact of this decision was visible: three empty seats marked the absence of Post reporters. Quinn expressed he was “bummed” and noted that “their presence is missed.”
The Post’s sports reporting went beyond scores and highlights. Investigative pieces held powerful figures accountable, including former Commanders owner Daniel Snyder, whose misconduct coverage helped expedite his 2023 exit. More recently, reporting may have prompted a federal investigation into a doctor connected to the May 2025 death of Colts owner Jim Irsay. Without such reporting, significant stories exposing wrongdoing may never reach the public.
Dan QuinnMedia Consolidation Threatens Independent Sports Journalism and Accountability for Wrongdoing
This change reflects a broader issue in media consolidation. As independent outlets are absorbed by corporations or wealthy individuals, fewer journalists remain free to investigate teams, owners, and leagues. The loss of independent sports reporting removes a crucial check on those in power, allowing misconduct to continue with limited scrutiny.
For athletes, teams, and fans, the Post’s decision represents more than empty seats at press conferences; it signals the loss of a trusted source of accountability. Without dedicated investigative sports journalism, transparency suffers, and those responsible for unethical or illegal actions may operate without consequence, underlining the essential role of a free press in professional sports.
