"Forty years ago the chances of journalists reporting - or the authorities even prosecuting - a pro athlete were practically nil"

Leigh Steinberg's quote reflects the dramatically altering landscape of media protection and legal responsibility for expert athletes over the past few years. Forty years earlier, there was a noticeable variation in how professional athletes were treated by both the media and legal systems compared to today. This period, which approximately encompasses the 1980s, was a time when the relationship in between professional athletes, media, and public perception was noticeably various.

In the past, expert athletes typically delighted in a particular level of resistance from public scrutiny. The media, both due to the ethics of the day and the cooperative relationship with the sports market, were less inclined to report adversely about professional athletes. This was a time when sports journalism was primarily focused on the achievements and efficiencies of athletes, instead of their personal lives or any potential legal problems. Press reporters typically had personal relationships with the athletes they covered, which further dissuaded important or investigative reporting.

Additionally, the attitude of authorities towards prosecuting athletes was significantly lax. Professional athletes were typically seen as cultural icons, practically untouchable figures, who contributed favorably to society's morale. Legal action against them was rare, partially due to their fame and the influence they wielded. The societal reverence for professional athletes typically equated into an unwillingness by law enforcement to pursue charges, either due to public pressure or the perception that athletes were role models whose reputations required protection.

Nevertheless, this flexible method has actually moved substantially due to several factors, including the increase of digital media, which has actually increased transparency and demand for accountability. Today, professional athletes undergo the very same legal requirements as the public, with journalists now feeling at liberty to report indiscriminately. The shift highlights a wider social modification towards higher equality and responsibility, reflecting how media and legal organizations have developed to hold public figures to account, mirroring societal standards that focus on obligation and justice over fame.