The ongoing NFL tale of hazing, workplace harassment, racism and more has provided fodder for every possible part of the sports media world.
Offensive lineman Richie Incognito's apparent mistreatment (and that's an understatement if all the accusations prove true) of Miami Dolphins teammate Jonathan Martin has been examined in every way.
Sports-talk radio, TV sports debate shows, TV sports talking heads and TV sports news shows have all done what they should with the story. Cable and network news have chased the story as well. They have to -- it's interesting, it's unusual and it's the all-powerful NFL.
As a result, the potential aspects and impacts of the story have not been overlooked in terms of business, ethics, entertainment, law and any number of combination of those topics and more.
Still, the separations between serious news and silliness have never been more evident than with this story.
Those talking mostly to hear themselves, encourage debate or incite some type of reaction have done just that -- and done it well. Thankfully, those who bring some sense of measure, nuance and patience to the discussion have found a place as well. Granted, it's a much smaller place, but at least it's there.
At the same time, the separation between fans and the media, and between those in the media with a powerful politically correct perspective that appreciates only black-and-white discussions and those who know the gray that exists in professional sports has proven just as big.
It's clearly a right-and-wrong story. At the same time, the number of voices on all sides of the argument -- from those who have no hesitation vilifying Incognito to those who question the manner in which their teammate has been questioned -- has made the story all the more interesting.
With all the separations, though, fans, listeners and viewers all deserve more even more patience and persistence. Hopefully it will come. Eventually.
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