In Episode 20 of Accidental Education Reality Lab, Tom Cunningham examines the concept of access journalism and how the need to maintain relationships can influence the way professional sports are covered. Using questions surrounding public reporting about San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan as a jumping-off point, Tom explores whether reporters covering teams are becoming independent journalists—or simply protecting the access their careers depend on.To explain how leverage works, Tom shares a hilarious behind-the-scenes story from his days directing Dating Naked, proving that human nature doesn’t change just because the setting does.The episode then shifts to the ongoing personnel investigation involving UNC football executive Michael Lombardi. While Tom isn’t shy about his opinion of Lombardi, he also argues that due process still matter ...