SF Chronicle Reporters ... time for jail

[cougargirl]

I don't know about you guys, but I'm awfully proud of them. It takes a lot of guts to stand up for what is right, particularly when they are going to send you to jail. Sure, they made some money off the book, and they have definitely received their fair share of publicity since its publishing.

But it would have been easy to pull a hit-and-run, taking the money and their successes and spilling out their sources. They kept their word on the confidentiality of their sources, and that's something that not ALL journalists would do. Some might say they would, but I'd like to see it.

I tip my cap to them. I hope this gets resolved sooner rather than later.

I'm in agreement with Jeff_Rake here. Mark Fainaru-Wada and Lance Williams should wear this like a badge of honor. Even if they never go to jail (and I hope not.)

I was listening to an interview with Lance Williams on the way into work and he said (mind you this isn't a direct quote) that when it came to giving up his sources, it wasn't a choice for him, that he just couldn't on the basis of professionalism and integrity. I yelled out loud in my car, "Damn right!"

 

[SportsDude]

I wish someone would investigate this judge. I'd love to know every dime he's taken, party he's been to and friend he has and see it in the public forum.

 

[Jason Haupricht]

It takes an enormous set of testicles to do what these two are doing. It's easy to say you'll never give up your sources, but to actually be faced with the situation and do it is honorable. Call me what you want, but I'm not sure if I could do it. My job doesn't come before the responsibility I have taking care of my wife and two boys. They are my world. Yeah, I know, I know, the typical reaction to this will be "you're teaching them to be a coward...blah, blah, blah." So be it. I couldn't stand to be away from them for 18 months. It would be a tough pill to swallow.

 

[MCEchan36]

I'm sorry about the plug here, but for any college student that is as disturbed and pissed-off at this whole situation, please follow this link and help me out. Do what the group's statement says and write to your congressman and senator and tell them to help push a federal shield law for journalists.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2210527313

 

[Joe Bloggs]

I am a little torn on this one. Being a journalist I understand you have to protect your sources and never give them up.

I think what gets lost in this is that a crime was committed. No matter how harmless you might think it is. A crime was committed when they received/accepted transcripts of confidential grand jury testimony.

I know in this case it involves the widely hated Barry Bonds and somewhat hated Jason Giambi, but what kind of impact might this have on future investigations of any kind? Don't you think witnesses will be more reluctant to cooperate with grand jury invstigations if their testimony will be leaked without repercussions.

These reporters didn't commit the crime. The crime was committed by whoever leaked the transcripts. But can't an argument be made that receiving the transcripts is akin to knowingly buying stolen property??

Just something to ponder.