Unnamed sources can lead to scoops. A hidden identity allows one to give more information with the veil of anonymity.
A hidden identity can also mark a source as a coward.
On Nov. 8, ESPN’s Josina Anderson reported that two New York Giants expressed their dislike for current head coach Ben McAdoo.
“McAdoo has lost this team. He’s going 80 percent on Saturdays (in practice) before we get on a plane, it’s wild,” the player said, according to a report from NJ.com. “Changed our off day. He’s dishing out fines like crazy.