For the athletes taking their children along to press conferences: Just don’t!
It’s not because the media doesn’t like kids. A reporter will always say, “Look at Steph Curry’s daughters! Aren’t they cute?”
That’s not the point. Here’s the point: Attending a press conference is part of a professional athlete’s responsibility to the team, to the people who buy tickets. It’s the athlete’s job to answer questions about their performance. It’s not always sugary sweet when reporters are speaking with athletes. Has anyone seen a Marcus Stroman scrum lately? This is work. CEOs don’t take their children along to update the shareholders.
It’s simply impossible to have an honest give-and-take, question-and-answer session when children are present. Maybe that’s why athletes bring along their kids — to soften the questions. Reporters don’t have to oblige.
Take Our Kids to Work Day is November 14. Bring the kids into the interviews that day; everyone will play nicely. Otherwise, keep them away from the press conferences.