Why is most sportswriting so bad?

Sportswriting in newspapers IS getting worse. And worse. And worse.
It's not what it was 3 years ago, let alone 5 or 10. I read 2 major metros a day and rarely come across a lede that makes me think, "That was creative."
The LA Times is not one of the sections I see daily but my local paper picked up their NBA Finals advance. Day of Game 1. This led their sports section. THIS, in a section that not so long ago was home to some of the best sportswriting in America. THIS, which reminds me of the high school volleyball previews I used to write ...

The Lakers and Celtics.
L.A. and Boston.
There is so much rich history, so much hatred and yet so much respect for what these teams have accomplished.
Here they go again, the Lakers and Celtics, L.A. and Boston, about to add another installment to their juicy rivalry.
They have piqued the interest of many who wonder how the drama will unfold ...

I threw up in my oatmeal before I got to the jump. Then I couldn't figure out what was throw-up and what was oatmeal.

 

Who eats oatmeal in the summer?

 

Looks like a good breakout box!

 

I know this sounds like an excuse, but with constant blogging/tweets, etc., there's more of an emphasis on quick reporting rather than good writing. When your deadline is in 5 seconds, a cliche is easier to write than a strong, well-written, original phrase. It's an unfortunate fact of our 24/7 news cycle.

 

Sorry. I don't buy it. That's called laziness.

 

That's called laziness.

 

Now here's the question: How do you improve your writing?

 

A better question would be "Why should I?"

 

No it's not. There are time's Ace, when you're not going to get anything different. That's not being lazy. Being lazy is when you don't try to find that different angle.

 

Feel like you don't need to improve? What a wonderful attitude you have.

 

Does my writing suck? Yes
Is there any incentive for my writing not to suck? Nope.

What, am I going to bust my balls to improve my writing and not get laid off? Move on to bigger and better things? Make a career out of this that'll last me the next three decades? Get big raises?

Besides, I doubt most people who aren't writers even care about good writing. If I had to choose between one and the other, I'd rather be a better reporter.

 

Then why do you continue to be a writer? You are educated enough to do other things, it's not like you're making good money, what possibly keeps you there?

Again, what a wonderful attitude you have. I hope you pass on that hard working, prideful attitude to your child.