One of the most integral parts of being a journalist is the ability to conduct interviews. Whether they are in person, over the phone or otherwise, many elements are required for a smooth conversation.

Often times, we see very quick, in-person interviews with players or coaches in sporting events, particularly during or immediately following the action. Reporters love to talk to players, who frequently seem to have the most interesting and worthwhile things to say. But the issue arises mostly with coaches during a break or directly after in the post-game press conferences.

Most of the time, coaches have nothing interesting to say (see: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick), especially during a break, when the players head into the locker room. This is mainly because viewers can generally tell how the game is going for themselves after watching the same one (see: San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich).

After that comes the second round of monotonous questioning in the post-game press conference. This is where some players’ answers begin to shadow their coach’s during the game. Russell Westbrook is a good one to look at for stupid post-game answers.

Simply put, if they had it their way, most coaches and players would not say a word to the media. The only exception is after a big win because everyone loves the spotlight then. But even then, it does not mean they actually say anything worthwhile. If a team just won a championship, obviously all players and coaches are going to be happy about their performance.

Both coaches and players have their moments where they just do not want to answer the same questions, and part of the blame may fall on the reporters themselves.

Asking stupid questions will almost always warrant a stupid response, but there is only so much that players and coaches can talk about after a game. Obviously, they are not going to let people in on strategies and confidential details about players on live TV. But the point of any press conference is to inform viewers of any new info. If nothing new is being exposed, then what is the point of having these media sessions?

There is no practical point other than to just get players’ and coaches’ thoughts. It does not make sense for reporters to bombard them after a game to get the same comments they give every week.

Instead, every major U.S. sport should have a designated media day, once a week, where reporters from all outlets can come and ask all the questions they want. This will free up players and coaches after the game and save them the headaches of trying to answer tough-subject questions right away. It will also provide reporters with better answers because everyone has had time to think things through.