The media loves tabloid fodder. Whether they admit it or not, so do the fans. The drama, intrigue and mystery entwines them like a warm blanket on a cold night. A large part of this nonsense is because we're all bored.
Sex, drugs and violence sells. If those three things aren't readily available, let's start ridiculous rumors about how a third-string quarterback could in fact - no really, in all seriousness - become the starter. The story spreads like fake news stories on Facebook until everyone believes it. The only problem is, we can't turn to Snopes to put the kibosh on this fake story.
If sex, drugs or violence are in the mix, fans will keep coming back. They invigorate readers by allowing them to become miniature Mangum P.I.s. Everyone offers clues as to who done it, where, when, with whom, why and how.
These stories shock us all. We wonder in amazement how players continue to be so irresponsible and foolish. So it's covered ad nauseum.
When a rumor story sticks, it takes on a life of its own. Each outlet looks to outdo the other. So it's covered ad nauseum. An outlet actually posed the question: Will Trevor Siemian really be Peyton Manning's replacement?
.@Broncos Rookies took #BeAChampion in the community to a whole new level yesterday.
— Broncos Off Field (@BroncosOffField) June 7, 2016
's https://t.co/61vEFPhd8F pic.twitter.com/zzy2ZiudKI
How many stories over the last two days have you seen on Denver Broncos rookies who contributed to the community on Monday? Answer: Not near as many as there should have been. Credit to those who actually did. Still, all of the focus remains on Siemian and Aqib Talib.
The rookies, for those who don't know, took community involvement to a whole new level.
According to the Broncos' website, they spent Monday at the Bonfils Blood Center, two hospitals, the Denver Broncos Boys & Girls Club, the Food Bank of the Rockies and the Denver Rescue Mission.
This is what the Broncos are about, and have been about.
Even President Obama acknowledged the incredible work the organization does in the community.
"And for all the love the fans give to this team, the Broncos gave it right back," Obama said on Monday. "In just the last year, players have served the community more than 360 times - from holding fitness clinics to mentoring young people to honoring our troops. All told, the Broncos have distributed more than $25 million to local charities since 1993."
This should be the focus.
That doesn't mean the stories about sex, drugs, violence and rumors aren't or shouldn't be covered, but add some balance to what is presented. The number of stories about Talib in the last four days greatly outnumber those that focus on the great things the Broncos have done in the community.
The Siemian story just needs to go away.
The only time the stories on giving back even get done is because of Manning. Now that he's no longer with the organization, those stories will end. There were a few on Von Miller and his work to get kids glasses, but that was more about his contract negotiations with Denver. There were a few about former Broncos safety David Bruton and the great things he does in the community.
When you do a story count comparing the positive stories against those about sex, drugs, violence and rumors, it's not even close.
See more pics from the @BroncosOffField visit yesterday! https://t.co/sDcedRmDlt #BroncosRookieDay #ServeDenver pic.twitter.com/zIRescJuoa
— DenverRescueMission (@denverrescue) June 7, 2016
Consider how Monday's rookie visits changed the lives of children. Imagine the amazing stories you could get by following just one kid around. As a former features writer, I would give anything to tell those stories. I would love to lay out the narrative of kids getting the chance to meet the Broncos, and also what it does to the players who do it.
Sex, drugs, violence and rumors sell.
It's beyond time to see if the heartfelt stories can keep up with the tabloid fodder.
Will these stories spread like a third-string quarterback becoming the starter or a drunk cornerback in Dallas?
Only one way to find out.