Franco Baresi’s passing at 66 is less about the loss of a sporting legend and more about how the media spins the narrative. Outlets like ESPN and CNN will churn out the same tired homage—glorifying his achievements while skimming over the real-world implications of such a loss. They won’t dare confront the sports industry’s failures to support players long past their primes or the echo chamber of nostalgia that often clouds objective commentary.

These mainstream giants love to put on their somber faces while conveniently ignoring the less glamorous side of football—like the toxic culture and mental health issues plaguing athletes. Instead of fostering a real conversation about player welfare, they focus on empty tributes, painting a rosy picture of the past while the current landscape remains riddled with problems that need addressing.

Moreover, how will they cover the reactions from fans and players? Expect an avalanche of emotional posts on social media glorifying Baresi while neglecting how the sport often fails to protect its own. It’s a classic case of saluting the fallen hero while ignoring the battlefield strewn with others who didn’t fare as well.

In a world where more than memories count, it’s high time that the media stops sugar-coating these narratives and starts tackling the underlying issues head-on. Baresi’s legacy should spur a reevaluation of how we treat our athletes, not a blind celebration of the days gone by.