Everyone likes a killer scoop, but just because the news of Owens' "SUICIDE" blankets virtually every media outlet does not ensure accuracy.  If anything can be learned from sport and its' intense coverage is not to rush to believe a story just because it runs on half a dozen networks.  2006 has thus far been inundated with "Stories" that ultimately were refuted in part or entirely.  Marion Jones and Floyd Landis come to mind.  Jones' character was cleansed after her "B" sample tested negative.  Landis and his trials have seemingly dropped off the radar, but how many times was that story told, changed and retold.  
    The real question here is "How does one balance a time sensitive exclusive versus the accuracy of it?"   ESPN, the sports news leader, didn't break the suicide angle first and were lucky in that regard.  Many learned of Owens' trip to the hospital late Tuesday and at that time the incident was labeled an allergic reaction to medication.  Over the past five years, T.O. never longed for attention.  His flamboyant ways and confrontational episodes garnered him all the coverage one could desire, even if it was less than flattering.  
    Journalism depends on truth.  Sportscolumn is an excellent venue for budding Mike Lupicas and Rick Rileys, but corroboration is requisite.   Two sources are minimal to verifying any story, however MSNBC and CNN don't fit the bill.  
    Today stories are broken and on the air within moments.  A constant deadline on the next juicy story is the norm in contemporary media and speed is of the essence.  
Landing that next career making exclusive is what every journalist dreams of, just make sure rushing doesn't cost you your integrity and job along the way.