Sep

13

The Press Disappoints Again

September 13, 2007 | by Keith | Categories Newspapers, Television | Comments Off

You guys in the sports media never fail to amaze me.

Why do you feel that because you work for the fourth estate you should be given all the information you seek, regardless of, well, anything?

The latest black eye within the industry has been the coverage of New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick and the controversy surrounding allegations that the team used a video camera to tape defensive signals from the New York Jets sideline during last week’s game at Giants Stadium.

The press is using this episode as the latest volley in its vendetta against the coach and his propensity to keep team information close to the vest.  During Wednesday’s team press conference to discuss the team’s preparation for it’s game against the Chargers, reporters pressed Belichick incessantly on his view of the controversy, even after the coach said his written statement released earlier in the day would be his only comment on the issue.

Reporters covering the Patriots have long complained about the lack of information eminating out of Gillette Stadium.  But because there has been so much talk of the video taping saga (named Video-Gate by some), at least one member of the press used it as an opportunity to stick it to the coach.  Take a look at this tidbit from an article in Thursday’s Boston Herald:

“One smiling, beat reporter sat with his laptop open with a picture of Richard Nixon in the background facing toward the podium where Belichick was speaking, according to a locker room spy.”

Real classy.  You really bolstered your credibility with that move.

Listen, I understand you guys are only doing your job, but when does no mean no?

Coaches like Belichick are required to meet with the press, but they are not required to answer every reporters’ question to his or her ultimate satisfaction.  Why can’t the press ever accept that?  

I know this isn’t new.  It happens everyday to reporters across the country.  And every time I see it makes me quiver.

One word of advice going forward.  Ask any question you want.  But once you get an answer, accept it.  OK?


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