University of Kentucky beat, Louisville, KY

The C-J will have its pick of the litter for this job. Thus, why the f*** would they go after someone who hasn't proven they can handle a major D-I beat - especially in this hiring climate. Not that there is anything wrong with covering preps (the C-J has an oustanding preps guy in Jody Demling), but covering UK and covering a bunch of schools where they clamor for your coverage are completely different.

 

There is no way you will be considered for this job unless you have experience covering major college or pro sports...

That's just reality. This is a top job. If they hired a prep writer for it, I'd be fucking stunned.

 

Thank you for setting me straight on what it takes for a job like this. I have a strong belief in myself, but I realize that you just have to be patient to get somewhere like that.

 

Yeah, that's why major metro newspapers put kids right out of college on major college or pro beats. Just sayin'.

 

Think you guys are giving Mike a little too much credit on here. Jerry Tipton owned Smith on the basketball beat without a doubt. C-J guys worry too much about what to do after the games to compete with the H-L!!!

 

Tipton owned Michael Smith? Seriously?

Both are excellent. Nobody owns anybody else in the current arrangement.

 

Check out the copy both produce during the season and on recruiting trail and Tipper wins hands down.

 

True. But, does the UK band play the "Theme from The Godfather" when Smith walked by? A friend told me they used to do that for Tipton...

Smith is outstanding. Tipton is a legend.

 

And Tipton would be the first one to let you know it.

 

I've met Tipton several times and I thought he was a great guy...

 

On that, we differ.