Coach Fires Back at Journalist

Let me first say that yes, this is about Mike Gundy, but more of an idictment on what i see as a failure of journalistic integrity. In the last 20 years, journalists have made a severe shift from being reporters to social advocates. If the majority wanted ot read commentary columns, that's fine. ESPN used to be such a haven for sports geeks, but with the exception of their NCAA Basketball coverage, it has been awareness of social causes. Now let's get to the crux of situation. Guests on cable shows (CNN, Fox, MSNBC, etc) are called in to speak on an issue and then get slammed with something unexpected. Jouranlism integrity has been cast aside for an ambitious reporter trying to make a name for him/herself. But there has to be responsibility on the journalist to be fair. Well, that does not exist.

Before Okla St played Troy, the Cowboys repleced Bobby Reid at QB and gave no reason to the press. One reporter, Jenni Carlson of the Daily Oklahoman wrote an article that was completely false, making accusations incenuating that the back up QB (Who started for OSU) wanted to transfer, and claimed that her sources inside the OSU locker room had told her that. Now, here is where I will defend her. Ms. Carlson has the right to express her opinions. If she felt Reid was not getting the job done at QB-fine. But for her to pull a Jason Blair-unfair! It seems that Ms. Carlson may have done work for a tabloid-based on the story. Ms. Carlson has a reputation to uphold-not fulfilling her own agenda, which is in my opinion what she wanted to do here. As a journalist, she should do honest reporting, check her facts, and if they hold up, run the story. On the surface it would appear that she did that, but not so.

The QB change may have given Mike Gundy a signature loss, but also a signature win. Zac Robinson looked good guiding the Cowboys. THAT is why the change was made-to make them a better team. Mike Gundy had every right to blast off on Ms. Carlson. Dennis Dodd on CBS sportsline (follow my links on top page) wants Gundy fired. Hell no! Mike Gundy may be spending more time on this than he would like, but it has rallied the team around him. I am sure recruits who see this will also like it. If you think a player is not getting the job done, give valid reasons. Making up stuff is for the tabloids, not respected newspapers. There is a reason that newspaper readers are declining. Irresponsible reporters like Jenny Carlson are why