It's true that the definition of organism can become contentious, especially when discussing viruses, but sperm (and ova) do not have that burden. Us, human beings, are the organism. Our gametes are just one of the many cogs necessary for propagation of the species. They are no more organisms than our own white blood cells or tree pollen (also reproductive cells).
My background is in science, but I am not expert in zoology. I will say though, media reports often are poorly worded/confusing when it comes to subjects in science and medicine. Not necessarily enough to alter the main point, but enough to muddy in-depth discussion and debate.