ESPN Chilton Sports Poll has conducted its second "Cynicism Poll." In January, 1,027 sports fans were asked if they were more or less interested in sports compared to the same time last year. Results showed that 19% of sports fans were less interested in sports compared to January '97 and 34% were more interested. The 191 sports fans who were less interested were read a list of possible reasons for their declining interest, and were asked to rate the accuracy of the statements as they applied to them on a 1-5 scale, 1 being not at all accurate, 5 being very accurate. The following lists a sample of responses (THE DAILY).
| "SPORTS IS TOO MUCH
ABOUT MAKING MONEY" | | "REPORTS OF PLAYERS
USING DRUGS" |
| 1) | 15.40% | NOT ACCURATE | 1) | 31.80% |
| 2) | 6.00% | | 2) | 8.60% |
| 3) | 18.00% | | 3) | 18.80% |
| 4) | 10.20% | | 4) | 7.50% |
| 5) | 50.40% | VERY ACCURATE | 5) | 33.30% |
| MEAN | 3.74% |
| MEAN | 3.02% |
| "PLAYERS ARE OVERPAID" | "THE PLAYERS' ATTITUDES" |
| 1) | 25.60% | NOT ACCURATE | 1) | 20.30% |
| 2) | 4.70% | | 2) | 9.10% |
| 3) | 15.70% | | 3) | 22.70% |
| 4) | 8.70% | | 4) | 9.40% |
| 5) | 45.30% | VERY ACCURATE | 5) | 38.50% |
| MEAN | 3.43% | | MEAN | 3.37% |
