In the modern press room, “professionalism” is often a moving target defined by those in power. This double standard was recently highlighted by the contrasting treatment of two journalists in sports media: Julia McIntyre, during her press conference interaction with Russel Westbrook, and Lynn Jones — a Black woman — during her press interaction with Jacksonville Jaguars‘ head coach, Liam Coen.
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The contrast was unmistakable: McIntyre was widely praised for her human-interest and empathetic approach with Westbrook, while Lynn Jones faced fierce backlash for showing the same warmth with head coach Liam Coen. The scrutiny against Jones doesn’t just highlight a double standard in journalism — it exposes a gatekeeping culture that rewards empathy in some, while framing the same behavior from a Black woman as a threat to the integrity of the press.
Let’s rewind to January 2023, when NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook — then playing for the Los Angeles Lakers — went viral after being praised by Julia McIntyre for his stellar performance. During the exchange, McIntyre highlighted his “impressive dribbling skills,” his ability to “successfully fake out his opponents,” all within “a split second.”
McIntyre was unapologetic in showing genuine admiration for Westbrook’s play — grace that was not extended to Jones, a veteran reporter.
Meanwhile, when the Jacksonville Jaguars lost a close wild-card playoff game at home Sunday (Jan. 11) to the Buffalo Bills, Jones used her time at the press conference to offer words of encouragement to Coen. Let’s just say, the reaction was swift and unforgiving.
“I just want to tell you, congratulations on your success, young man,” Jones told Coen. “You hold your head up, all right? You guys have had a most magnificent season. You did a great job out there today. You just hold your head up, OK? Ladies and gentlemen, Duval, you the one. Keep it going, we got another season. Take care, and much continued success to you and the entire team,” Jones concluded.
From claims that her commentary “wasn’t part of a sports reporter’s job” to accusations that the moment was “degrading,” critics were quick to slam Jones. While some fans kept it light and positive, many left harsh feedback.
“Whoever she works for needs to give her a raise. We need more people like this in the world!” one fan commended.
“Very nice exchange. Wouldn’t call it an exchange between a reporter and the coach, though. Uplifting the head coach after a loss is not part of a sports reporter’s job,” another wrote.
“That’s so degrading,” a third darted.
“No it’s not…reporters aren’t supposed to be cheerleaders Adam,” a fourth penned.
The reaction was so loud, even the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) stepped in to speak out on her behalf.
“For nearly 200 years, the Black Press has been central to American journalism, documenting history, challenging power, and serving communities long excluded from mainstream coverage,” NABJ president Errin Haines told The Athletic. “Journalists from that tradition bring deep institutional knowledge, community trust, and decades of professional rigor. Debate strengthens journalism. Disparagement does not. Dismissing that work as ‘fake’ or unprofessional is not a defense of standards — it is an act of erasure that reinforces inequity within our industry.”
Meanwhile, Jones — a seasoned journalist with three decades of experience — told The Athletic that she doesn’t regret her moment of praise. On the contrary, she believes people were more upset about the team’s loss than anything she said, and has no intention of bending to “rules and regulations” about how she expresses herself.
“No, I’m not getting ready to get into no rules and regulations and what you can and cannot say and cannot do. We have enough of this going on already. We’re in communications, we’re in a field… There’s nothing wrong with expressing how you feel and being emotionally invested,” Jones said.
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