Now that you mention it, I don't see a single source named for any of her assertions. "Rumors and rumblings . . ." aren't sources - at least not for real journalists.

She then disparages Reid for sitting out for "minor" injuries and goes on about playing through pain in football. How many times did she suit up hurt? Or is she just repeating a bromide she's heard on TV about 10,000 times? And one shot of the kid laughing with an assistant coach late in an embarrassing loss. . . . She didn't seem to come down nearly so hard on the assistant for laughing . . .

I think the coach was a little over the top in response, but at least his heart is in the right place.

One day, perhaps even in my lifetime, we will see a real, female sportswriter, though.

LOL! That was great!

I think Coach Gundy makes some good points, particularly when it comes to inaccurate reporting and calling a player a wuss. One point, however, I think he's way off base on: He implies that these "amateur athletes" should be free of or at least shielded from criticism. Come on, this is college football were talking about here. It's big business. (Especially at places like OSU.) These "kids" are on the covers of SI, ESPN the magazine, interviewed on national radio shows and on and on. They may not get paid (at least that we know about) and they may be student/athletes, but the fate of tens of millions, if not hundreds of millions of dollars rests on the QB's shoulders or star athlete's. (Coach, too.) Does it give a reporter a right to call them a wuss? Nah, she was still out of bounds with that crappola.

I'm probably being nitpicky here, but it grated on me when he kept using the term "downgrade" when he meant "denigrate."

Other than that... bravo.

J.

Just as 'tar baby' is differently understood, I think some people shy from the word 'denigrate'. I've heard 'downgrade' as colloquial. Maybe it is regional. Also, he's a jock; you don't 'denigrate' in locker rooms, but everyone gets downgraded.
====================================

Jason Whitlock for President.
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Good. For. Him.

Peter is right these aren't "kids" as in 10 year old kid but still... She was soooo out of line it is hard to defend.. The line about being fed chicken was where she just lost credibility.

Frankly, I'm glad one of the snot nosed media types where publicly chastised. We need more of that.

Bravo! This reminds me of Oprah Winfrey asking the mother and step dad of that kid in Kansas (he was held by the pizza guy for years, only found when another kid was abducted)if they thought the kid was sexually abused and they said yes. The kid now has no deny ability. It was clear that question didn't come from a parent of a teenage boy either.

Let me get this straight. She is ridiculing a black kid for eating chicken? It is so time to play the race card.

It would be good if more amateur level coaches were like this guy. A man who values character and respect, even at the price of win at all costs glory.

He doesn't absolve his players from being criticised when they do something wrong though.

I'm glad the coach stood up for the guy. However, protecting someone who toughness was called into question by comparing him to a little boy crying to his mama might have been a bit counterproductive.

She's responded, as well.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20961511/

"as well" one of the most over used and annoying phrases right up there with "signature this and that" and calling houses "homes"

brainy435 #12 ~ Classic MSM behavior from this . . . woman. After supplying NO detail other than "rumors and rumblings," she then starts demanding the coach prove her wrong. That's not the way it works.

SHE is the one with the thesis and the "sources," apparently a bunch of jealous and/or disgruntled players and/or fans without the guts to attach their name to what they say to a reporter. It's up to HER to prove her assertions, which are a bit silly on their face: the guy was benched for not playing well; it is HER contention that it was because of him being a "wuss."

If I was the coach, I would refuse to answer any of her questions (he can't keep her out of his press conferences - NCAA rules - but he doesn't have to talk to her) - from now on.

This stopped me dead in my tracks (brainy's link):

Football Writers Association of America president Mike Griffith called Gundy's behavior "completely inappropriate" and suggested the matter "could have been handled in a more private and appropriate matter."

Really? Why? She calls out one of his players in public, and he can't do the same back to her? Nice double standard there, FWAA. I guess he missed the cheers and clapping at the end of the coach's rant.

And....

The Association for Women in Sports Media said Monday night that Gundy handled the situation in an "unprofessional manner," and while he has a right to his opinion "his decision to air his objections in the form of a personal attack shows a lack of respect for all journalists."

Personal attack? She's lucky he wasn't Bill Parcells! LOL

You want equality in the locker room, feminists? You just got it.

The "press" only wants Freedom of Speech when their members are the authors. Comments from others (i.e., Coach Gundy) about the press in public forums are always "inappropriate, and should be be handled privately" as stated by the Football Writers Assoc. of America.

I have no respect for journalists--which is sad.

Also, anyone that still types LOL should be kicked squarely in the nutsack.

I thought her assertion that college age boys don't want to be seen by anyone to rely on their mothers was... telling.

About her.

Her photo on the page looks like she's a baby, too, and maybe she hasn't figured out yet that the sign someone has actually grown up is when they stop avoiding their parents in public.

And yeah... when you say something in public people have every right to respond in public.

And yeah... you have to prove what you say, not the other way around.

But this is journalism... should we be surprised?

Seems to me, by the look of her, jenni's mom has been feeding her a good amount of chicken. One phone call from the NAACP about her chicken comments would have her singing a different tune...not that I'm happy about that fact.

Also, anyone that still types LOL should be kicked squarely in the nutsack.

LOL.

Very interesting that this ms. carlson is talking about her first amendment rights, while at the same time complaining about the coach exercising his, AND deleting comments left and right on the blog post linked above.

Heh! (as GR would say) This is nothing new for the Oklahoman. They've been enablers for years.

This was back in 1933 and they're still at it.

"Immediately upon receipt of this letter you will proceed to obtain the sum of TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($200,000.00) in GENUINE USED FEDERAL RESERVE CURRENCY in the denomination of TWENTY DOLLARS ($20.00) Bills.

It will be useless for you to attempt taking notes of SERIAL NUMBERS MAKING UP DUMMY PACKAGE, OR ANYTHING ELSE IN THE LINE OF ATTEMPTED DOUBLE CROSS. BEAR THIS IN MIND, CHARLES F. URSCHEL WILL REMAIN IN OUR CUSTODY UNTIL MONEY HAS BEEN INSPECTED AND EXCHANGED AND FURTHERMORE WILL BE AT THE SCENE OF CONTACT FOR PAY-OFF AND IF THERE SHOULD BE ANY ATTEMPT AT ANY DOUBLE XX IT WILL BE HE THAT SUFFERS THE CONSEQUENCE.

RUN THIS AD FOR ONE WEEK IN DAILY OKLAHOMAN.
'FOR SALE --- 160 Acres Land, good five room house, deep well. Also Cows, Tools, Tractor, Corn, and Hay. $3750.00 for quick sale. . TERMS. . Box # _____'

You will hear from us as soon as convenient after insertion of AD."

Read it for yourself from the FBI site.

Oh, and keep up the great work, guys and gals. Most excellent site here. Goes well with my coffee first thing in the AM.

"shows a lack of respect for all journalists"

GOOD!!

WHO cares what these brainless shmucks spin/report about anyway!?? Most journalists perspective on issues whether sports related or otherwise, is usually out to lunch.

Just once I'd like to see MSM report FACTS, not write a spin/soap opera/story.

Journalists need to be constantly reminded that THEY are irrelevant and NOT the friggan story!!!!!!

I think it illustrates exactly what is taught in journalism school.

1.) Use vague references as much as possible
2.) Always use anonymous sources, as they cannot be talked to if they are anonymous.
3.) If you exaggerate or stretch the truth, so what?
4.) The best way to get ahead in journalism is to ruin someones life and then ride in and take credit for it. You will go to the top and get recognized.
5.) Journalists are the 4th branch of government and cannot be criticized. If they are criticized, then scream bloody murder.

What the coach/athletic director needs to do, then, is to ban any and all reporters from this newspaper from the team's locker room, press conferences, forbid them from talking to or interviewing the players, etc. If the column is really that outrageous, then there has to be some sort of substantive response by the school. Otherwise, they're just blowing smoke.

Oh, and this one time, a used car salesman was walking to his car and suddenly he thought he smelled something on one of his shoes. He lifted up his foot and looked at the bottom of his shoe and saw a journalist.

Maybe she was pissed off that momma didn't offer her any chicken?