Sports reporters are so into the 'go along to get along' attitude that they will follow popular culture. Besides, few are actually educated enough (in general and on the issues) to make competent decisions.
I remember last week during the Giants-Panthers game, it sounded like Aikman saw someone holding up a blank sign and said he thought it was Tim Russert. I had to rewind that back and it still sounded like he said that. I guess we well never really know for sure.