If they (the traditional press) have a legit source, even anonymous, they'll go with it. The source has to be solid and they would always prefer it to be on the record from someone of authority. Sometimes there's a reason for a legit source to provide it to a paper as an exclusive. For instance, an agent that wants to drive up the price for his client might leak an element of the negotiations. The connected guys (to their credit) are the ones that get the scoop. They are the ones making calls and dropping emails to sources. The Buff News, for instance, would be left out in favor of a national guy if it pertained to free agency. JW got the Leodis news, not Timmy. Also likely a result of relationships and dilligence. That said, they aren't, the traditional media guys, just going to throw S at the wall like IBN will do tonight. In the places where it still exists, it’s called journalistic integrity.