Video: OSU coach Mike Gundy tears up local sports columnist
posted at 12:00 pm on September 25, 2007 by Bryan
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If Hot Air had “moments of zen,” this would be one of them. I can quickly reel off five or six MSM types who deserve a rant like the fine one that Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy uncorked against columnist Jenni Carlson. She wrote a column that pretty much calls OSU star Bobby Reid a chicken-eating momma’s boy and, according to Gundy, gets several objective facts wrong. Gundy’s barrage compares favorably with Dennis Green’s outburst after the Cardinals lost to the Bears last year.
One point that’s worth contending with regarding Gundy, though: 21-year-olds aren’t “kids.” If they are, the grown-up really is dead.
Update: Carlson responds.
Monday at Oklahoma State’s weekly news conference, I had a chance to ask the question that’s been eating at me ever since:
You contended three-fourths of that column was inaccurate; could you tell me what those factual errors were?
“I don’t have to,” he said.Our paper has a policy of correcting errors, and I can’t do that if I don’t know what the errors were.
“I don’t have to,” Gundy said again. “I’d rather just let it go.”
I’d rather let it go, too, but by disputing the facts in my column, Gundy attacked my credibility.
These were not wild accusations. They are facts that came from sources and observations. I will not stand on the sidelines and allow someone to attack my credibility.
She goes on to stand by the facts in the column and insists that they are sourced.
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Put him on Fox. Give him a three-minute segment a week going after some MSM figure who did something repugnant(I guarantee there will be no shortage of them).
MadisonConservative on September 25, 2007 at 12:06 PM
“That’s why I don’t read the newspaper. Because it’s garbage.”
I whole-heartedly agree.
amerpundit on September 25, 2007 at 12:07 PM
Oh. My. That was righteous.
PRCalDude on September 25, 2007 at 12:09 PM
Among the list of world’s shortest books you could have one entitled “Great Moments in Oklahoma State University Football.”
Seriously, that’s why I don’t feel a lot of sympathy for this Reid kid. There are at least two dozen schools where the quarterback is under the microscope and more subject to media criticism than at OSU. Here in Atlanta, the U of Georgia QB–his name escapes me–was getting killed after the loss to South Carolina two Saturdays past.
radjah shelduck on September 25, 2007 at 12:10 PM
BWAHH!
PS When did Jim Cramer start coaching OSU football?
see-dubya on September 25, 2007 at 12:14 PM
as an OU fan I don’t pay much attention to OSU but Coach Gundy did a fine job on this. perhaps the press misses the good ole days when Oklahoma Football was front page news…
but alas, they hide the guns, drugs, and payoffs much better now…
Kaptain Amerika on September 25, 2007 at 12:16 PM
Hey, I’d like to read Carlson’s response, but I don’t care to register to read that paper’s articles, because if I do I’ll probably start getting e-mails from a commercial enterprise calling itself “The largest aluminum siding company in all of Stillwater!!!!” Bryan, can you excerpt a bit and print it here?
radjah shelduck on September 25, 2007 at 12:17 PM
Click, Click - BOOM!
whatthecrap on September 25, 2007 at 12:19 PM
I dunno…. sounds like Carlson is probably in the right here. From her follow-up:
Monday at Oklahoma State’s weekly news conference, I had a chance to ask the question that’s been eating at me ever since:
You contended three-fourths of that column was inaccurate; could you tell me what those factual errors were?
“I don’t have to,” he said.
Our paper has a policy of correcting errors, and I can’t do that if I don’t know what the errors were.
“I don’t have to,” Gundy said again. “I’d rather just let it go.”
—
She contends she is factually accurate, and Gundy refuses to point out where she is wrong. Gotta go with her so far on this.
krakatoa on September 25, 2007 at 12:35 PM
Righteous and beautiful
Ochlan on September 25, 2007 at 12:36 PM
It didn’t make me register for anything and I’ve never been that site in my life until today. Nevertheless, I added an excerpt.
Bryan on September 25, 2007 at 12:38 PM
He is “the man” in my book.
ej_pez on September 25, 2007 at 12:38 PM
Leave Bobby Reid alone! Leave him alone!
(p.s. Can America at least bag on Rex Grossman without getting lectured?)
Blacklake on September 25, 2007 at 12:39 PM
Righteous or not… still beautiful. :)
tickleddragon on September 25, 2007 at 12:40 PM
It was a pretty hard opinion piece. I don’t think there was much sports reporting involved. From the OU coach’s point of view, she has made his job of de
Laddy on September 25, 2007 at 12:42 PM
aling with kid even harder and I’ll bet that’s his beef with her column. Plus she’s a girl and all. Everyone that’s ever had to deal with the press likely hates them. I know I do. I don’t think I was ever quoted correctly and half the time the quote was placed in an entirely different context.
Laddy on September 25, 2007 at 12:45 PM
Channeling Sam Kinison. I love it!
st_james on September 25, 2007 at 12:54 PM
My girlfriend is from Chicago, and after the game this weekend she went to cafepress and made a shirt with a little bear scratching his head that says “I still love you Sexy Rexy”. Too bad he’s going to be on the bench next week.
BadgerHawk on September 25, 2007 at 12:55 PM
HAHAHA coaches rock! I actually lit into our local sports columnist this weekend myself. When he responded to me with a condescending ’son’, I REALLY let him have it! Haven’t heard from him again.
ThackerAgency on September 25, 2007 at 12:57 PM
As a Dallas Cowboy fan, all I can say to that is MWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
Bryan on September 25, 2007 at 1:05 PM
At least he stuck up for his player… And it’s obvious he sees the palyers as more than meal tickets.
Rugged Individual on September 25, 2007 at 1:06 PM
I knew there was a real good reason I liked you. Been a fan since Dandy Don was their QB.
Gundy may or may not have had the facts straight, but it’s good to see a coach willing to stand up for his players like that.
Kowboy on September 25, 2007 at 1:20 PM
I am so glad you put this up. Great job Gundy! About time someone said this this way.
Spirit of 1776 on September 25, 2007 at 1:22 PM
Read her column again. Her “sources” were
rumors and rumblings,
back stories told on the sly,
word is,
insiders say.
The only named source was the QB himself. The rest is speculation and stringing together random events to create to fit the reporter’s pre-ordained conclusion. Sloppy and lazy reporting.
Carlson wants the coach to state the errors. Typical media tactic. She wants him to state the errors to give her more inside information that she can work with to write more stories. How about she name her sources.
This is a “when did you stop beating your wife” story. When the subject objects, the reporter’s response is “well, prove you didn’t beat your wife.” Besides being a dishonest tactic, it wastes the subjects time to restore their name and correct the reporter’s “facts,” all because the reporter was being dishonest and lazy. I agree whole-heartedly with the coach: makes me want to vomit.
Mallard T. Drake on September 25, 2007 at 1:28 PM
Completely agree. The proverbial “insiders say” crap.
Spirit of 1776 on September 25, 2007 at 1:33 PM
Colin Cowherd on ESPN radio spent a full hour ripping Gundy for his tantrum.
Some points he made:
Gundy acted like an over protective little league mom running out on the field to shield her baby from the big meanies.
Before his outburst it was non-story in a podunk local rag. Now the entire country has read the column. The QB is probably infinitely more embarrased due to Gundy’s tantrum.
A 22+ year old QB at a division one school should expect to take some heat in the press, even if the article was unfair. He’s on a quarter million dollar scholarship, pampered and spoiled and spoon fed every day - can’t handle a little criticism in the local rag?
OK State is a third rate program and Gundy is a third rate coach. His defense sucks. Now he’s made an idiot of himself on the national stage. Good luck getting another job.
Is Gundy going to show an equal amount of outrage the next time one of his “kids” commits a rape, assault, burglary, or robbery? Will he defend the next victim of is “kids” as passionately? Yeah, right.
peski on September 25, 2007 at 1:39 PM
Yesssss! I’ve still got my autographed photo of Roger Staubach.
Hey, where’s OhEssYou on this?
SouthernDem on September 25, 2007 at 1:49 PM
Wow a sports reporter stood up for a sports reporter. Color me shocked.
Journalism is a train wreck in general, and sports reporting especially so. Someone has to step up against slander and libel.
Regardless of the quality of the football program at that university (how is that relevant?) and ignoring the disparaging of the size of the audience of the paper (also irrelevant, because most recruiting of most college is majority state and regional so local coverage is relatively important to them), it’s about time coaches pushed back.
I knew a lot of athletes in college and they hated how they were quoted. One star player told me he had never seen in his entire career a quote of his in context!
Spirit of 1776 on September 25, 2007 at 1:49 PM
I flipped through our news channels on Sunday night to see the local reaction to this. The CBS affiliate (tied to The Oklahoman) couldn’t find anyone on campus who had seen the rant on tv or You Tube, and ABC & NBC weren’t even on the story yet. The Fox affiliate had 2 sports reporters — one was mad Gundy had dared to attack the press (puh-leeze) and the other one said that the thing you don’t see in the clip is the alumni across the back of the room giving Gundy a standing O. I am a little disappointed he did not give credit to his team for the victory that day, but maybe he figured it gave him the opportunity to speak his mind to the press. Sounded like he thought he was still in the locker room.
Numenorean on September 25, 2007 at 1:54 PM
I agree with everything except the above!
Podunk!
That I take exception to. The Daily Oklahoman is the largest paper in the state. Yes, if you compare it to the NYT’s I guess it would be considered “pudunk” but then again the differences between the two are black and white.
Deep breaths, more deep breaths.
Bob Stoops, OU’s head coach, agreed with OSU’s Gundy. His comments were “these kids are student athletes”. I can promise you that not a one was recruited at either OU or OSU for their academic skills. These “student athletes” get room, board, medical and an education for playing a game. OU has the highest per capita National Merit Scholars for a public school. If one them starts failing, they lose there scholarship.
College sports is a business and its time everyone start treating it like one.
bubbadog89 on September 25, 2007 at 1:59 PM
Podunk local rag, indeed.
I got my start as a conservative reading the Daily Oklahoman’s editorial page. (I understand it’s been pretty watered down since then.)
see-dubya on September 25, 2007 at 2:12 PM
AWWW, did someone write something some jock and his coach found offensive. Well that’s just too damn bad. I hope he doesn’t have to see a therapist for this article as it has scarred him for life. Give me a break. Jocks are one of the biggest cry babies we’ve produced in current society. If they are crying over an article written about them in a newspaper that may or may not be true, they’re in for a real rude awakening when they get out in the real world. I have no sympathy for jocks, college or pro, there’s very litte difference between them today.
rayvet on September 25, 2007 at 2:15 PM
If she wants to rag on him for his skills, or lack thereof, that’s fine. But to make nasty little insinuations because his mother gave him some chicken in the parking lot, is just wrong…whether he’s 2, or 20, or 50. Perhaps someone should dig into her family history to see why she is so put-off by a loving, supportive family.
BeachBaby on September 25, 2007 at 2:20 PM
He stated what facts were wrong in his tirade.
And yes, 21 years old is still an emotional kid.
right2bright on September 25, 2007 at 2:30 PM
I’ve had a little time to think about this since I posted earlier, and I think the bottom line is this: I don’t want to hear people talking about how tough a 21 year playing QB at Oklahoma State has it when there are thousands of men younger than him putting their lives on the line in Iraq.
peski missed, I think, one of the most important points Colin Cowherd made: Gundy is the second highest paid state employee in Oklahoma (Stupes, the OU coach, is number one, of course). Shouldn’t Gundy therefore be expeected to conduct a press conference with a bit more class?
radjah shelduck on September 25, 2007 at 2:34 PM
Periodically I am befuddled by conservatives. Willing to throw away the principle when personal emotions get involved.
Spirit of 1776 on September 25, 2007 at 2:34 PM
That’s all good. But you don’t have articles written everyday making up stuff about what a private did or didn’t do in Iraq? Or you do? Nevermind. Isn’t that the point of the outrage vs. Murtha?!
Regardless, not everyone compares well to our heroes. Fine, but how ‘adult’ does the average college student look?
Spirit of 1776 on September 25, 2007 at 2:37 PM
rayvet
This is more symbolic than that. It was decades overdue. All the Michael Moore’s, Al Gores, and everyone else who flat out lie or ignore and omit contradictory facts need to be held accountable.
This practice of ignorance, negligence, and slander in our media and Hollywood is why you have people today really believing things like global warming is 100% man-made and never occurred before the industrial revolution.
Hollywood and the MSM are now nothing but Paparazzis and ignoramuses. And this coach finally called them out. *standing ovation/applause*
El Guapo on September 25, 2007 at 2:45 PM
Guys playing football in college are not kids.
spec_ops_mateo on September 25, 2007 at 2:48 PM
Spirit of 1776
You’re right. and those guys making up war crimes are getting busted left and right (some were evel illegally colecting vertans disability!). all the others fled to Canada when the few conservative medias confrtonted them.
I think there should be a law: any headline printed that is later proven false or needs a correction, that correction or retraction shall have the same attention as the original headline.
in other words for example, the headlines claiming we (I am military) were flushing korans that aired for days (some papers longer) on the front pages should have been corrected with the front page space, placing, same lettering size and bold font, and duration. Now that would be fair and balanced.
El Guapo on September 25, 2007 at 2:52 PM
I guess people are now attacking him for criticizing a female reporter. If female reporters shouldn’t be criticized, then maybe they should stop being reporters. What kind of crap is this….
This guy said what needed to be said. I watch all the ESPN shows, and sometimes i want somebody to say crap to them too.
Chudi on September 25, 2007 at 2:55 PM
spec_ops_mateo
I think the real issue should be the msm printing whatever it wants and not having facts to back it, and then not even calling it opinion, thus will be construed as “news” or fact by readers/viewers who dont already know the facts or have the time or know how to dig deeper for truth.
The medias’ job is to inform, not to gossip or slander.
El Guapo on September 25, 2007 at 2:57 PM
Chudi
Double standard media? I agree. If we are all created equal, then accountability and consequences should all be the same regardless gender or race.
El Guapo on September 25, 2007 at 3:00 PM
I totally agree. The media have a double standard that’s just made up by them for themelves. That article was complete crap…and unjustifed. What does a player’s relationship with his mom have to do with how he plays the game on the field. That’s just a low blow.
The reporter crossed the line when he brought the mom into it. i would be pissed too if some reporter talked about my mom…I totally support the coach’s action.
Chudi on September 25, 2007 at 3:07 PM
Thanks for your service. This - “(some were even illegally collecting veterans disability!)” - is so irritating!
Freedom of press and freedom of speech means responsibility also.
Spirit of 1776 on September 25, 2007 at 3:18 PM
My girlfriend was so happy after that game she stayed up 90 minutes past her bedtime. Too excited to sleep.
jaime on September 25, 2007 at 3:27 PM
Nice to see a coach stand up for a good kid!
I lived in Lubbock for years. I wonder how tough the media there is being on Texas Tech’s Defense. Oh yeah, WHAT DEFENSE! :-) It’s gonna be a long Big 12 Season.
Ordinary1 on September 25, 2007 at 4:03 PM
I absolutely respect that coach for defending one of his players.
I’ve gotten sick and tired of the media hiding behind supposed “unnamed sources” and the word “allegedly”. It’s time people were held accountable for what they say and the free pass “allegedly” gives them to say whatever they want to was revoked. Make it easier for people to win lawsuits for libel so reporters have to make sure their sources are accurate before reporting the story.
Benaiah on September 25, 2007 at 4:13 PM
This is what it’s like to be an Oklahoma State fan in this state:
Concerning the print medium in Oklahoma City - The Gaylord Family owns The Oklahoman [the only newspaper in Oklahoma City]. The football stadium in Norman [the home of the University of Oklahoma - "OU"] is called “The Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The journalism school at OU is called “The Gaylord School of Mass Communication and Journalism.” So much for even the appearance of objectivity concerning anything involving Oklahoma State University.
Concerning the television medium in Oklahoma City - The sports director at the NBC affiliate [Bob Barry, Jr.] is an OU graduate. The sports director at the ABC affiliate [Mark Rodgers] is an OU graduate. The sports director at the CBS affiliate [Dean Blevins] is an OU graduate AND a former quarterback for OU. So much for the appearance of objectivity concerning anything involving Oklahoma State University.
Concerning the radio medium in Oklahoma City - WWLS [located in Norman] is the only major sports station in the area. On-Air “personalities” include, Mike Steely [a graduate of OU], Curtis Fitzpatrick [a graduate of OU], Mark Rodgers [a graduate of OU], Craig Humphries [a graduate of OU], Dean Blevins [a graduate of, and former quarterback at, OU], Jack Mildren [a graduate of, and former quarterback at, OU] and Al Eschbach [a graduate of OU]. There are two (2) “personalities” at WWLS who have any connection with Oklahoma State. Jim Traber, who played for, but did not graduate from, oSu [who lives in Norman]. And Pat Jones, who coached for oSu in the 80s. Both of these “personalities” cater to the OU listening audience and, therefore, do their level-best to sit-on-the-fence, at best, and denigrate oSu, at worst.
I don’t think that what Coach Gundy said was as much directed at the “reporter,” as it was an outburst concerning the age-old, ongoing and overwhelming coverage of OU sports and the minimal coverage of oSu sports. Coach Gundy grew up in the Oklahoma City area, played for oSu and, therefore, is familiar with what this area has to offer concerning sports-related objectivity - or the lack thereof.
The “article” in question was nothing but the personal opinion of the “reporter,” based upon speculation, hearsay and innuendo. Moreover, it attacked the character of the player involved, and was published on the morning of the Texas Tech vs. oSu football game, in Stillwater. It was a calculated move, on the part of the newspaper, to denigrate an oSu player, on game day. For oSu fans, it was the same ol’ crap. Apparently, it was the same ol’ crap for Coach Gundy, too. Only, he was in a position to say, enough is enough.
OhEssYouCowboys on September 25, 2007 at 4:22 PM
This “kid” ain’t a kid. I bet he doesn’t treat his players like children on the field during practice. “HEY READ–YOU RAN THAT PLAY TERRIBLY! NO GUMMY BEARS FOR YOU!” Gimme a break. He’s a young man. Gundy acted like the kid. I don’t have any sympathy for over-paid coaches and college football players that barely make the grade.
Gundy acted like a classless ass.
robblefarian on September 25, 2007 at 4:56 PM
When someone resorts to dorky emotional tirades, like his, it reduces the weight of his arguments in the eyes of the impartial. Since when is blowing off steam heroic? This guy is a professional in the entertainment industry (yep, you read correctly), and as such, should have thicker skin and considerably more self control than that.
Nobody cheers Bobby Knight’s heroism when he goes off on a tirade, it’s just an entertaining spectacle. The difference is that Knight knows it and Gundy genuinely seems to think that angrily sticking up for the fragile emotions of a 225lb killer man-thlete is not some form of surreal entertainment.
What a dip.
Mephistefales on September 25, 2007 at 6:04 PM
I knew you had some redeeming features Bryan.
conservnut on September 25, 2007 at 7:30 PM
I like one of the comments on the reporter’s article that said that she had set back women reporting on sports by many years. She said that the only thing that the reporter could have added to the article was how his shoes did not match his jersey.
d1carter on September 25, 2007 at 7:47 PM
What a moron Gundy is, and a liar. Does anyone believe Gundy does not read the newspapers? His rant did not benefit the player unfairly upbraided in the sports column, which I and millions of other sports fans probably would never have read if this fool had not had a tantrum. Who among us has taught their children that if someone says something mean to them, then the correct response is to blow a gasket in public?
doufree on September 25, 2007 at 7:58 PM
Why would his momma feed him chicken?? Is that another slight ??
gary on September 25, 2007 at 8:16 PM
Ah, kollej ball. As long as they want to act as the minor leagues for the pro’s, who gives a rats ass?
JWS on September 25, 2007 at 8:49 PM
Run for congress.
JellyToast on September 25, 2007 at 8:54 PM
She’s making the same defense as Dan Rather.
Hmm….
And she can’t understand what’s damaging her credibility?
Lawrence on September 25, 2007 at 9:42 PM
He just listed three in the press conference dummy.
srhoades on September 26, 2007 at 9:25 AM