NJ.com has been awarded the Online News Association (ONA) award for Excellence in Sports Reporting, recognizing its impactful investigation titled "Prey to Play." This comprehensive report, crafted by journalists Matthew Stanmyre and Keith Sargeant, exposes alarming levels of sexual abuse within youth sports, revealing a troubling lack of oversight and accountability.
The ONA awards are highly regarded in the field of online journalism, attracting entries from news organizations around the globe. This accolade marks the fourth ONA award for NJ.com since the inception of the awards in 2000, underscoring the outlet's commitment to investigative journalism.
"Prey to Play" is a multi-part exposé that includes a groundbreaking database detailing at least 141 youth sports coaches, trainers, and personnel accused of sexual crimes in New Jersey since 2015. The investigation highlights significant flaws in the state's sex offender registry, which allows dangerous individuals to evade detection, thereby posing a risk to young athletes. Accompanying illustrations by Jon Krause effectively communicate the serious nature of these findings, making the information accessible and engaging to the public.
This investigation has garnered multiple accolades, including recognition from the Associated Press Sports Editors, which named it the top sports investigation in the nation. Additionally, it received the Gold Medal for Distinguished Journalism from the New Jersey Association for Justice and the First Amendment award from the New Jersey Press Association. It was also a finalist in the Sports Investigations category at the national IRE (Investigative Reporters and Editors) Awards, further affirming its significance in the field.
Christopher Kelly, Vice President of Content for NJ Advance Media, praised the work of Stanmyre and Sargeant, stating, "The rigor and intelligence Matt and Keith brought to exposing a disturbing and unchecked pattern of abuse within youth sports resulted in one of the strongest series we’ve published this decade." He expressed pride in the recognition the series has received, noting its alignment with the best journalism worldwide.
This year, NJ.com also received nominations for two additional ONA awards: one for breaking news related to the arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and another for social media engagement concerning the tragic double murder of two teenage girls in Cranford. The three nominations mark the most for NJ.com in a single year since 2021, showcasing the outlet's dedication to impactful reporting across various subjects.
As the conversation around safety in youth sports continues to evolve, the findings from "Prey to Play" serve as a crucial reminder of the need for vigilance and accountability in protecting young athletes from abuse. NJ.com's commitment to uncovering these truths not only informs the public but also contributes to a broader dialogue about reform in the youth sports system.
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