Mike Gundy threatens local media

I cannot imagine having email address and direct desk phone number at the bottom of a story now. Just gives the idiot fan way, way too easy a path to light you up with threats, insults, etc. I had a boss who thought reporters should respond politely to every email thanking the idiots for reading and writing. Absolutely 1oo percent wrong.

 

I try to reply to most reasonable people who reach out via email or social media about my reporting, but I'd never post my phone number. I don't have time for that shit.

 

I wonder if we're at the point - or past it - where beat writers need to be ready and know how to handle things like the Gundy threats, and not have to stop and check with editors 5 minutes before availability to have a discussion on "Do I ask the asshole about this or not?"

Ideally, the beat writers are professional enough and comfortable enough to make that call and know their editors have their backs, but you never know these days.

 

It used to be that the strongest reporters in the newsroom were covering these major beats. That is no longer the case, sadly, though there are obviously still great beat writers out there. A lot of greenies, too.

 

I'm a believer in access to practice and widespread availability. I think beat writers can learn quite a bit by watching a full football or basketball practice. Coaches are far too paranoid.

However, I also understand that the level of access is rapidly diminishing. Which is why I made my post earlier in the thread - If programs want to restrict access, we'll find other ways to tell compelling stories. That's how I'd approach it as a beat writer and that's how I'd instruct my writers as an editor. Ask the important questions. If they want to throw a fit and restrict access, oh well. We'll do our thing regardless.

 

But are they literally slobbing the coach’s nob?

 

This assumes people get to the bottom of stories. My info is accessible—email only, thank god—and some crazy leaks in, but not that much.

 

I might have to get on that Big XII conference call this week.

 

Couldn't happen to a more deserving coach.

 

Seriously, if "fucktard" ever makes the Dictionary and the definition isn't a big picture of Gundy with his stupid haircut I'll be disappointed

 

What did the idiot do this week?