Comments on: Poor journalism on display in Oklahoma

By: Looking down one’s nose at the blogosphere « Get The Picture

Looking down one’s nose at the blogosphere « Get The Picture — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 16:53:24 +0000

[...] thing to consider in this debate about “journalistic credibility”. Go back and read Groo’s commentary about Jenni Carlson in l’affaire Gundy, particularly this observation: … Carlson [...]

By: KC

KC — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 19:14:48 +0000

Your perspective is the best I’ve read on this incident. The media is getting too much power in alot of arenas. Coach Gundy’s “honesty” in his response is seen as offensive to the media, but not an unreal reaction that will be seen as both politically incorrect and inappropriate. HOWEVER, the media has a public forum (their readership) to address when coaches don’t. Had Ms.Carlson had to publicly present her article, she would’ve been met with public disfavor that she isn’t exposed to after going to press.
Just because you’re a columnist doesnt’ mean you’re and expert or right, nor above reproach. Go Gundy!

By: MJ

MJ — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 12:45:12 +0000

Groo,

For all the reasons you mentioned (and some you didn’t), I agree that Jenni Carlson’s piece was poor journalism.

However, I disagree that Gundy overreacted. We all bring our life experiences to the table when we believe someone we have a vested interest in has been unfairly attacked. As a long-time manager of employees, I actually think Gundy showed restraint while standing up for one of his guys. I can’t say my comments would have been as measured.

Herein, I think, lies the disconnect between the media and the general public. The media seems to believe the coach’s first obligation is to it during a press conference. You can’t blame them. They’re trying to get first hand information and they are under deadline pressure.

Yet it’s fair to say that the overwhelming majority of coaches believe their first obligation is to their players under any circumstance. The same is true for any person in any leadership position (at least those who take their responsibilities seriously). This was an article about a demoted QB completely devoid of references to undesirable on-the-field performance, off-the-field conduct, or questionable ethics.

As a reader, I was left wondering, “What is this except a personal attack?”

So, no, given the situation, I don’t think the coach overreacted at all. I thought it was a healthy, human reaction.

By: kckd

kckd — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 12:16:58 +0000

Groo, this is the best thing I’ve read on this whole issue. And you are exactly right. Gundy was out of line in the way he addressed Carlson, but Carlson was just as out of line in the way she wrote her story. It wasn’t much better than well written sports blog speculation. Well written for a sports blog that is.

By: I stopped caring about Bobby Reid after September 1st. « Get The Picture

I stopped caring about Bobby Reid after September 1st. « Get The Picture — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 09:59:17 +0000

[...] But, since Stuart Mandel’s poorly reasoned take (now there’s a real surprise) on the matter almost elicited a response from the Pavlov’s dog in me (fortunately Michael Elkon saved the day), I thought I’d at least mention that the post I agree with the most on the subject is Groo’s. [...]