(H-L photo/David Perry)
Saw this on Twitter this morning:
@TweetNBA: NBA AM: Another Coach Cal Scandal? http://bit.ly/a2oPM4
Please.
Enes Kanter isn’t a John Calipari scandal.
It isn’t even a scandal.
It’s a thorny eligibility issue that existed long before Calipari coaxed the Turkish star with the tremendous upside into signing on the dotted line to play Kentucky basketball. There have always been lingering questions about Kanter’s eligibility, and such issues were illuminated by Pete Thamel fo the New York Times with his story posted Tuesday night.
A note here about Thamel. Despite ill-informed claims from the burning blogosphere, the Times did not open its wallet to send the college basketball reporter to Istanbul in hopes of bringing Calipari crashing down. Thamel is in Turkey covering the FIBA World Basketball Championships. Given the Kanter questions out there, makes sense Thamel would do some reporting on the side there, if possible. He got an interview with the manager of Kanter’s team. He printed what the manager said. He put what the manager said into context by explaining that the manager could have an ulterior motive for his claims. That’s called reporting.
Besides, this is not really a Calipari story, not in any scandalous sense, just as it would not be a Lorenzo Romar story had Kanter stuck with his earlier commitment to Washington. It would only be a Calipari story if the coach, or UK, attempted to keep information from the NCAA that would affect Kanter’s eligibility. There is no evidence of that.
If the NCAA in facts rules Kanter ineligible over the alleged $100,000+ in payments, all Calipari could be accused of making a questionable recruiting decision, banking on an international player with eligibility issues.
But considering that UK has just 10 players on scholarship – 11 now with former walk-on Jarrod Polson – it’s not as if Cal opted to pass on another prospect for the purpose of signing Kanter. And there are plenty of coaches who would have done the same as Calipari, get the signature and hope for the best.
John,
If what is being reported on KentuckySportsRadio is true, then what Thamel did is NOT in fact “reporting,” unless he works for the National Enquirer.
It is the work of person lacking journalistic integrity that obviously has an axe to grind.
I hesitate to ask this, what are they reporting?
KSR is reporting Duquesne assistant coach told Matt Jones on the phone last night Thamel misused his quotes and that in some instances the things he said weren’t even about Kanter.
John,
They are quoting the Duquesne Assistant Coach quoted in the piece as saying that Thamel misused and misrepresented his quotes, including using a quote that was about a completely different subject in his article and implying that the Coach was saying it in reference to the Kanter situation.
John, I think what he is referring to is one of the main sources of the article, new Duquense assistant Rodney Crawford, said Thamel misrepresented one of his quotes and used another quote about a completely different situation involving another player and made it seem like he was talking about the Kanter situation. Here’s an excerpt since we know you aren’t allowed to go look at KSR anymore, lol.
Even more upsetting however to Crawford was the second quote used by Thamel, in which he quoted Crawford as saying, “You know, that’s another thing I can’t really speak on. I just took a coaching job at Duquesne; you know how the game is, I can’t afford to say anything.”
Crawford says that while he said those words, it was about a situation completely apart from the Enes Kanter story. “He asked me about a totally different guy that I dont want to talk about and it was something that was about a completely different situation. That quote wasnt even about Max or Kanter and he [Pete Thamel] knows that.” Crawford said he was angry at the use of the quote about a different player and the out of context quotes before to somehow paint him as having negative feelings about Ergul or Kanter’s eligibility. “I know for a fact that Max is a friend to Kanter’s family and that nothing against the rules went on with them. But he didnt print any of that.”
John, are you incapable of going to KSR and seeing what was reported? Or is that against H-L policy?
KSR is a UK cheerleader site that tries to pass itself off as a news site. What the Duquense assistant said or did not say is of little consequence to the main news in the story — the Turkish manager claiming that Kanter was paid.
Hate to say it, John, but the reporting by KSR of the Duquesne assistant’s statements is yet another reason why there ought to be amity between the LHL and KSR. Or at least some communication.
Of course it could be that KSR’s reporting of Rodney Crawford’s claims is inaccurate – but isn’t it equally possible that either the Turkish team’s GM claims or Pete Thamel’s writing are equally inaccurate?
On the contrary, if Crawford’s statements were reported inaccurately, it gives the reader full right to question other aspects of Thamel’s reporting.
“cheerleader site”?
Maybe so – but most cat fans want that from a local source!
It’s certainly possible that the Turkish GM’s claims are inaccurate. And Thamel points out in the story that the GM could have a motive behind his claims. It will be up to the NCAA to decide.
You’re missing the point, John. Thamel cites two sources in his article about Kanter: the Duquesne assistant and the Turkish GM. If he misrepresents the comments of one source, doesn’t that also call the second source into question? Not saying it isn’t true, but you have to admit it decreases the reliability of the piece.
As far as KSR, I’m not saying you should rely solely on them. But when told about a report on their website, as a journalist, it seems it would be worthwhile to at least look at it; instead of just having it fed to you through comments.
John,
I disagree. If the KSR report is accurate, then it obviously calls into question the entire article when a reporter misrepresents and misconstrues the quotes to paint a different picture.
In my opinion, KSR should not be the ones that are interviewing the Duquesne assistant coach. That work should be done by the local media, but it appears that every local writer is scared to upset the NYT. It would be nice if it was our local reporters would stand up for UK rather than national writers like Gregg Doyel being the only one to have the audacity to stand up to Thamel and his agenda.
It is of consequence John. This is two articles about UK’s recruiting from Thamel that have had his “sources” contradict what he quoted in his article. Maybe the LHL would do some digging of their own instead of passing along articles that contain quotes that were taken out of context. The Duquense assistant seems willing to talk about it. Maybe you or Tipton should contact him and the Turkish GM yourself and the NCAA while you are at it to verify what Thamel is accusing.
I agree that the main issue is the payment and the quotes from the Turkish GM, but to say the quotes taken out of context were of little consequence makes you seem like a “cheerleader” for any print journalist. It seems to me that you would despise anyone that would do that in your profession.
I don’t care for Kentucky Sports Radio either, but to dismiss this as “of little consequence” because of the LHL’s mini-feud with that site is unprofessional.
If Thamel misconstrued the quotes from the Turkish GM he did a lot of misconstruing. There are a lot of quotes there.
I agree with John Clay about the reporting on KSR.
But I do believe that this Kanter situation, if true, does shed some light and raise questions about Coach Cal. It shows how close to the edge he is willing to take the UK program. Cal has said publicly that Kanter was not paid.
I for one am old enough to remember past NCAA violations and probations. I do not want to go back there. In his first 2 recruiting classes, we have had two question marks already. I do not believe that Coach Cal would ever recruit a kid like Chuck Hayes, who cared about the University more than he did about the pros. Is that so old school? Hayes by the way is starting in the pros now.
Are the fans the only ones who are to care about the front of the jersey anymore?
Cal needs to be told that this type of embarrassment will not be tolerated by UK officials. It is not in football, why would it be in basketball? I am at a loss as to why so many UK fans are scared to say anything negative about Coach Cal. I like him and what he did last year, but I will be a diehard UK fan long after he is gone. I want this place run right.
Could it also be that the Duquense assistant didn’t like the way his quotes looked in print and is now denying those quotes?
BTW, I have now done my due diligence and read the KSR post.
John,
It seems to me that KSR researches their information more than the H-L. H-L just repeats what the NYT prints rather than do their own investigation like KSR.
Geez Clay. Get off of your high horse. You and your ilk think that you own the news world. Rather than criticize this joker from the NYT, you act like that false reporting is no big deal. Your pompous attitude may work for you, but your sense of self-importance is laughable. Go ahead and condone lies that are intended solely to distort the truth. I have come to expect nothing less.
Well, how about calling the coach and finding out Clay instead of drinking Thamel’s Kool Aid?
“Maybe the LHL would do some digging of their own instead of passing along articles that contain quotes that were taken out of context. The Duquense assistant seems willing to talk about it. Maybe you or Tipton should contact him and the Turkish GM yourself and the NCAA while you are at it to verify what Thamel is accusing.”
Sounds like the makings of a great story. Of course, you do realize this will never, ever happen, right?
I hope all you people are right and this is false reporting by the NYT. What are the consequenses for UK if they are true? Is that possible do you think? Quit acting like victims all the time. Calipari had better hope these things are false or he is exposed as someone who does not follow the rules. Count me as a fan who is not that sold that he is the most honest man running around. There is a huge difference from Cal and Joker who loves the program. I think Cal loves what the program does for him…………..hope I am way wrong.
Let your true feelings show Clay! Jealous much? KSR comes up with original reporting and all you can do is play the “serious journalist” card? Classy. Sure glad KSR is around so I don’t have to read the LHL anymore, have some more red ink.
John, like them or not, KSR has a loyal following which is still growing exponentially. Conversely, longtime readers of the HL, like myself, are cancelling their subscriptions at an alarming rate…many of us because we have grown weary of Tipton-type articles that seem to go out of their way to cast a negative light on UK. You slam KSR for being a UK fan site…newsflash, 90% of your readers are UK fans; if I were interested in increasing my readership, I would make every effort to appeal to that fact. It seems to me that you and the HL should be partnering with sites like KSR to promote your own business. They provide links to HL articles almost every day…resulting in hits for your site that would not otherwise occur. This feud with KSR does NOTHING to hurt KSR, it is only hurting the HL. The HL was not sending traffic to them anyway. You’re fighting a battle you won’t win because whether you like them or not, the majority of your customers do like KSR. Adapt or get left behind.
Harry,
Give it up. You’re probable a fan of an opposing team just trying to stir up trouble, but either way you’re definitely uneducated and uninformed.
This has nothing to do with Calipari. This has everything to do with the NCAA’s new rule change and the Turkey GM’s desire to maintain the status quo of large buyouts from NBA teams to Euroleague teams.
Additionally, Kanter previously committed to Washington when the current NCAA president was presiding over the school. If Kanter is such a “liability,” why wouldn’t the NCAA president forbid his recruitment?
Some of you have to be kidding. It is pretty funny to read about John Clay’s arrogance and lack of work here given all that I’ve seen from him over the last two years. If every journalist was out there interacting to the level that JC has been we’d all be more informed with the programs we follow. John has shown to be a supporter of the program but also a journalist first. What do you want? A cheerleader? No thanks. I’ll have a helping of honesty instead please.
And, Harry, this has nothing to do with the UK program and it has no impact. Why wouldn’t you sign this kid? There really is no downside other than that he cannot play. There are no penalties or issues associated with what he did in another country before he was even considered a prospect.
Wow. Just, wow.
Does it ever click to anybody to not get in a fussing match with the idiots at lhl. They are all anti-anything progressive of UK or any feel good site we may choose to read. Just because there coverage is out of date and generally sucks dont keep them stirred up and going just dont even respond to there nonsense. When you people do that they win. BTW has anyone ever seen John Clay or Tipton look at them and you will know they are just old washed up use to bes. It takes money out of there pocket when we dont hit there site thats why they are on complete defense at all times
Misrepresenting someone is misrepresenting no matter how little it is. True the whole issue is whether he took money or received benefits and how much? But to dismiss it as something little shows your disregard for the manner in which this story was written. It’s like you’re taking up for your fellow print buddy and not calling a spade a spade.
But I have come to expect it from you and other archaic print journalist. Instead of making better journalistic pieces or doing your homework, you’d rather bad mouth and discredit other “little” or “cheerleader” sights for their work. The one thing I like about KSR and other “cheerleading sights” is that they give us that don’t have a venue like yours to a say a say so these days and that we don’t have to accept waht you say is gospel. You used to do good work and had interesting pieces. But now, like many others in your industry, you are becoming irrelevant.
And to Harry, the same scrutiny would be for the football team also if they were getting 4 and 5 star talent. UK’s football team gets 2 and 3 star players, so the media could care less of who they get.
John,
Instead of hating on KSR for digging into the Thamel story and letting us fans know what he found out, how bout you pretend to be a journalist and do the same????
Seems odd to defend a fellow reporter that may be using a source’s quotes out of context. Obviously the quotes from the GM in Turkey are more important to the story but the Duquesne assistant’s assertions cast doubt on the writer’s motives and professionalism.
I detect a hint of arrogance in this attack on KSR. They are growing and becoming more of a source for UK news. Has anyone checked the LHLs circulation numbers recently?
It is good to know that a “real” reporter like Clay has no problem with another “reporter” making up quotes for a story. You see John, if that idiot from new York made up the coach’s quotes, it is likely he made up the quotes from that Turkish GM. It is called credibility. Furthermore Mr. High and Mighty “real” journalist, it isn’t mutually exclusive that a site can deliver UK news and some bias (and humor). At least KSR doesn’t hide what it is. The LHL? Please. Apparently, it doesn’t mind when another reporter lies about a story meant to harm a kid and UK. You have bias too apparently. Unfortunately for readers, your bias is against UK.
JC-
will you be on Dick Gabriel’s show tonight? this should make for some good radio…
I have told Mr. Clay when I thought he was on the wrong side of an issue, but he is good at his job (certainly the best the LHL has) and provides a great service to UK fans with this blog and his work generally. I think the attacks here by some are over the top. Forgive John for not checking out KSR every 10 minutes. I certainly don’t — there are several sources of news on UK sports just as informative on a daily basis.
Sure, I think John is dismissive of the new media at times (and KSR specifically), and I think he is sinking to KSR’s level by engaging them in this sniping back and forth as he has done more in the past few months (he has been a target at times as well, so I understand it is hard not to wrestle with pigs). But the new media is a touchy issue with mainstream journalists. That is to be expected for two reasons: (1) Clay is old media, so new media is a threat to his profession and he probably feels a sense of pride in his training that most bloggers don’t have; and (2) even if he loved KSR and others, he has an employer to be loyal to that is getting killed by the competition with these sites and the internet in general (and criticized often by KSR). Understand that before you needlessly bash him. Don’t expect him to bash his co-workers and employer, whether appropriate (as it sometimes is) or not (and yes, UK fans seem to unreasonably criticize Tipton and the LHL quite often as well). Even if he wanted to, which he probably doesn’t want to, he can’t.
I think the new media is great personally. I think mainstream journalish is as corruptable and capable of fraud and agenda reporting as those they cover, and thus new media does offer a way to place a check on the Fourth Estate. Bloggers don’t exist w/o the reporting and bankrolling of stories from the mainstream media – very true. But we don’t discover Rather’s fraud on the electorate if not for a popular conservative political opinion blog, among other press scandals.
John, thank you for this site. I appreciate you, faults and all.
John,
Do you really believe that misrepresenting a quote from a public figure (attributing it as being about one player when it in fact was about another?) should not cast doubt on the legitimacy of a story that is based entirely on quotes?
It used to be the case that I never missed your column, but those days are past me. It is this type of dogmatic defense of bad journalism (because it doesn’t come from a “blogger”) that has turned me away from the Herald-Leader sports section.
Now, it could be the case that you would rather believe Thamel than the public figure who has now contradicted the article’s claims. That’s perfectly reasonable, but just in case you don’t realize it, that makes you just as much a “cheerleader” for Pete Thamel as KSR is for UK. A truly objective reporter would see the competing claims (considering also that a source in the Bledsoe story contradicted Thamel’s claims) and AT THE VERY LEAST, acknowledge that skepticism toward Thamel’s UK-reporting is the most appropriate attitude to have.
Do you not agree?
John Clay:
“Could it also be that the Duquense assistant didn’t like the way his quotes looked in print and is now denying those quotes?”
Good question. So, does a journalist just leave it at that?
So let me get this straight. John Clay of the LHL is saying that is inconsequential that a reporter missused quotes from a source, taking quotes about one player and attributing them to another.
I do not dispute that KSR is a UK cheerleader. They are. But they are not alone in that category.
I would put every local news television station in the category as well, with the “True Blue Fan” and other promotions they have. The Lexington Herald-Leader, while nowhere near the level of the TV stations, also profits greatly for cheering on UK accomplishments. The paper offers its customers the chance to purchse commemerative compilations of UK articles and pictures from last season touting that the Blue is Back (or something similar). The LHL will also include special inserts or glossy pics to capitalize on UK accomplishment (hiring of Cal, Meeks 54, UK/LSU).
I am not saying that any of the writers are cheerleaders for UK, nor should they be. But to pretend that the fan blogs are the only “media” cheering on UK and their success is simply not true.
Kevin Faris
It is amazing to me the lengths that reporters will go to defend each other. I don’t know how the Kanter situation will play out, but I do know that Thamel has now written two articles where he he misquoted a source. Of course, to John Clay, that is no big deal.
Great point Kevin. Everyone seems to understand that being a UK cheerleader is good for business except the writers at the Herald-Leader. Believe it or not, it is possible to still do objective reporting without being overly negative. If the H-L was smart it would be tying its writers as closely as possible to sites like KSR. Ask Bomani Jones, Gregg Doyel, or Andy Katz what being a “friend” to KSR has done for their careers. I understand that it isn’t that fun to be the butt of their jokes (especially if you lack a sense of humor), but they don’t take shots at the ones who play ball with them…instead, they constantly promote their work. Starting a war with them is just a bad business move for the H-L. As we can see from the responses here, it’s a war that won’t end well for them.
John,
At a minimum John, this is the story that I would like to have seen written by the LHL instead of USA Today:
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/campusrivalry/post/2010/09/assistant-coach-says-his-words-on-enes-kanter-adviser-were-taken-out-of-context-by-new-york-times/1
John,
I find it very interesting that you are feuding with KSR and take Thamel’s side on this when USA Today is calling Thamel’s reporting into question. Not only are you a member of the struggling old media, but you are vindictive towards new media/bloggers. Furthermore, I have many UofL fans in my family (unfortunately) who all claim that the HL sports writers are just cheerleaders for UK.
Harry,
I know you are somehow scared that this will lead to some sort of violation. However, the NCAA Clearinghouse is ruling on Kanter’s eligibility, not any sort of violation from Cal (which John mentions in his article).
Here’s a newsflash for you John: You’re a blogger now too. That’s all you are. What you fail to realize is that to everyone under the age of 30 (and more and more older people every single day), your degree in journalism and the fact the you write from an office downtown rather than your house means exactly squat. Newspapers don’t have a monopoly on words and opinions anymore, guess what opinions are like? Hint: everyone has one. Anyone that can write a decent paragraph and pick up a phone can do your job as good or better than you do it. You have the same credibility as anyone else on the internet – namely, zero, unless you back up whatever you say with facts and quotes and citations and evidence. KSR beat you to this story, and has been beating you (and other deadwood media) to the stories that fans (read: your customers) want to read for years now. Don’t try to lord your worthless degree and byline above us like anyone cares anymore, do some more reporting about the real stories readers care about by calling some sources, rather than try to hatchet job your competitors in public. And no, linking to other people’s content doesn’t count as original reporting.
You guys can play word games all you want. The water has been poisoned. No way we can play Kanter. It’s over. Move on.
John-
You have severe tunnel vision. Read all of these posts…one would think it is time you open your eyes!!! Change or move on. Everyone in my office cancelled their subscription last month except for me (i was the lone hold out) after your comments here I am pulling the plug…
Could you please tell me more about Andre Woodson being at practice – that sounds like a breaking story John.
John Clay,
Integrity matters. That Thamel lied (repeatedly) means no one should give any credibility to anything he claims, ever.
That you discount the importance of integrity is very disappointing.
As for the EK story, I find it curious that the Turkish GM would not provide the evidence for the claimed payments. Given that the Turkish GM has a financial motive to lie about this, I think he should put up or shut up. I tend to trust EK and his parents more than the GM.
OK. I was just sitting back, not going to get in the tit-for-tat that was going on between KSR and Mr. Clay, but, when I saw the Facebook page for one Pete Thamel, and learned that one Mr. John Clay, with an image very similar to that of Mr. John Clay of the LHL, it all made sense. Surely, John, you are not ignoring the story that has now been picked up by USA Today, and others, because you and Mr. Thamel are friends? To attack another website for not being “journalistic” and then to allow a friendship to “compromise” your own would be rather significant. Don’t you think, in all fairness to those reading this website, that you probably should have disclosed your relationship with Mr. Thamel before attacking the lack of “importance” surrounding the assistant coach’s statements that the comments attributed to him were both misrepresented and misquoted? Wow. The lack of professional integrity is alarming!
I am sure I have been a UK supporter longer than some of you have been alive, so I am confident in my school support. I will not waver in my diehard support of my university, no matter who the coach is.
I will not though support a coach who does not do the right thing. That said Cal has done nothing wrong as of yet and I do not expect him to do anything wrong. If he does though, screw him in my opinion. That is unacceptable no matter who the coach is in whatever sport.
John,
It amazes me that Kentucky’s only real statewide newspaper has in it’s employ, two out of touch hacks like you and Tipton. If there was any other alternative, or if my blackberry screen was bigger, I would never read the LHL. KSR is one of the most entertaining, and informative sites about UK, or really any sport.
Your jealousy is amusing.
Now go eat another free cheese puff in the media hospitality room….
The attacks on John are starting to get ridiculous now. C’mon folks. John Clay is still one of the good guys. Chill out a little.
Read the headline of this post, y’all.
Clay isn’t being a negative guy. He is defending Cal and putting this issue in proper perspective. You act like he pretended to see PPat in brand new SUV or something.
Jack B. The questions of Mr. Clay that I propounded have everything to do with journalistic ethics. Mr. Clay is espousing the virtues of “real” journalism. If that is the case, he better stand ready to address the facts as to his journalistic ethics. In this case, he and Mr. Thamel are, in fact, “friends” on Facebook. One might begin to question his credibility in a situation involving one of his friends where he flatly states that an article that is misquoting and, in fact, completely distorting, various quotes is “insignificant.” In journalism, any misrepresentation of any facts by any journalist is extremely serious. To have something as substantial as the misrepresentations in a story with these implications is huge, and the fact that our local paper, which is supposed to cover UK athletics, ignores that fact, and there happens to be such a connection between the article’s author and our journalist, is something that should be called out on the floor and answered. Period. JMM
Let this be proof I do not delete critical comments.
John,
You have been a solid reporter, and generally KSR has acknowledged that. They make fun of you at times because that is part of “the most ridiculous manner possible”, but they rarely, if ever, throw you under the bus. They report UK sports news on a much more consistent bases than the LH. Instead of throwing out bogus claims about another news source, why don’t you do your job a little better?
John,
Do you care to comment on Pete Thamel and some of his fuzzy quoting as it relates to making his story click more toward something untoward against the Kanter family. I would say if a journalist is looking for an angle that the Turkey GM who has hard feelings against Kanter would be willing to give that journalist a nice quote.
That is great that you don’t delete critical posts. Let’s hope you learn and build off of what your diminishing audience is being critical of.
Let’s be honest, John. Any fool can see what is going on with Thamel and Forde. Then there is Bruce Weber and the CST. Do you see a pattern? It was bad enough having to constantly fend off the uncredible attacks of Tipton all of these years(Patterson truck for example), now it is coming from everywhere. Anyone can write a lie, but no one seems to take it to task. Except for KSR. They are doing what YOU should be doing. Finding the truth instead of defending the speculation and lies.
Matt is a Duke Law Graduate and a member of the Kentucky Bar Association in good standing. I’m pretty sure he knows how to document/verify his sources. He’s held to a higher standard than journalists.
If Kanter signs with Washington, Thamel doesn’t even look in the general direction of Istanbul.
There’s clearly an agenda. Some are just to ignorant or in too much denial to admit it.
It is a shame a “cheerleader” blog has to actually do the legwork you lazy journalists are afraid to do. Let’s face it. Thamel is out for one thing and you know what it is. The NYT would not give one inch of print or ounce of time had Enes Kanter been part of a team headed by Coach K, Pitino or Williams or was enrolled at Iowa or UAB.
Defending agenda hacks like Thamel makes you no better than what you defend.
I don’t know the truth about what Enes Kanter may have been paid, nor do I know the guidelines by which the NCAA will judge his eligibility.
I find it noteworthy, however, that both the NY Times articles on Bledsoe and Kanter have been primarily based on third parties with a major axe to grind– Roderick Rox in the Bledsoe case and a Turkish General Manager with a lot of money at stake in the Kanter case. Granted, the Kanter article points this out early on, but goes on to report it, nonetheless.
Reporting bias notwithstanding, if the NY Times actually enables UK to avoid vacating games in the future, they will have done us a great service. Better safe than sorry. I wish I trusted our AD and Compliance Department to protect us, as well.
As a UK fan, the KSR is great for entertainment, but as John said, they are a fan website. They rarely report news, they are mostly a commentary site. Matt Jones makes a killing off of linking to real news stories and then creating ad hominem comments as a way of calling them into question. As a lawyer, he should know better. Perhaps he does…it does makes for great fun talking about Pat Forde, Thamel, Bobby Knight, Jerry Tipton, et al as the evil reporters/announcers out to get UK. Conspiracies rally the base and boost his website numbers. But it ain’t news, folks.
Clay has all kinds of qualifiers in his article, as good reporters do when using multiple sources. Looks like many people forgot to read the title of the article and missed the point entirely.
My guess is that most people posting here don’t actually read Clay on a regular basis, they simply linked here when KSR starting grand standing. It is really nuts how people no longer want news, they want propaganda. Critical perspectives are reduced into “biases.” Being fans shouldn’t mean that we have to check our brains at the door.
This may be a worse take than John Clay’s article (came out June 17, 2007) talking about Kentucky being a ‘baseball state’. That takes some effort/skill. Well done, John. You really outdid yourself this time.
Dave….Patting another “journalist” on the back for inaccuracies and agenda stories is not news either. Brushing off those inaccurate pieces as not being relevant is certainly not news. It is simply protecting your own with no regard for accuracy. A move that journalist do as much as cops.
Kanter may be guilty of whatever is being reported, but rushing to praise a writer with a clear agenda against a coach is not newsworthy. What happened to just reporting facts instead of 3rd party hearsay?
I’ll take Matt Jones’ watchdog tactics over a dying art of journalism everyday and twice on Sunday. Asking journalists to police their own is a weasel in the henhouse philosophy.
Can anyone tell me what the agenda is by this writer against Cal is? Why it exists? I mean, Cal hasn’t announced support for any conservative Republicans, has he?
Seems to me that NYT’s writers don’t need to dislike someone in order to make stuff up. They do it b/c that is their culture and it sells papers. Cal isn’t a target b/c he is Cal. He is a target of this NYT’s writer, if at all, b/c UK and Cal together sell papers. After all, a story saying “checked out Bledsoe/Katner – nothing to see here” – doesn’t sell papers. And if he wants to cover more than one story in Turkey, what else is he going to write about? The FIBA basketball AND FIBA cricket world championships.
First, I have to say I find the number of people coming onto the Herald-Leaders site to criticize said site somewhat amusing. It’s almost like a bad country song called “I can’t stop hating you”.
Second, while I do visit Kentucky Sports Radio on a daily basis I have learned that more often than not any “news” is more rumor than fact. After seeing any breaking news posted on KSR I immediately check kentucky.com to see if there is any truth to the story (case in point the numerous posts on the Daniels kid skipping prep school to come to Kentucky).
Third, I’m not a big fan of Thamel. However, the article didn’t really state anything that wasn’t already readily available (outside of a concrete number). I don’t think it’s bad journalism. If anything its a great marketing ploy. Imagine how many angry UK fans clicked on the article. All those fans would see the advertisements on the page. Granted, no one will directly go out and buy a product on that page but advertisers only care about the number of hits a site receives.
The short of it is people really need to stop criticizing John Clay for not being as enthusiastic in his defense of UK as Mr. Jones and company.
Harry, I see a big disconnect in your posts of 10:45 AM, where you say Cal better hope the reports are false or he will be exposed as someone who doesn’t follow the rules, and your 12:50 PM post where you say Cal hasn’t done anything wrong yet.
It seems to me quite possible, even probable, that both Enes and his father told UK that Enes received no money from the Turkish team, and that the Turkish team did not provide info to the contrary until recently. If that happened, Calipari followed the rules to the letter, he did not use a potentially ineligible player and he deferred some time recruiting an ineligible player, but 90% of recruiting time is wasted anyway, so what?
No one – NYT, Thamel, former coaches, GMs, anyone – has suggested that Cal violated any NCAA rule whatsoever. Until they produce solid proof of that, implications or hints to the contrary are just worthless speculation.
Folks:
It seems to me there is a very easy way to end this issue over the N.Y. Times reporter and the assistant coach.
As Gary Parrish pointed out today on the Kentucky Sports Radio show out of Louisville, today practically every reporter tapes every conversation they have.
So simply have the reporter play his tape of the conversation and let the words spoken and in the order they were said play out.
If the reporter was accurate and above board it’ll come out in the tape, if he was twisting statement and content or using quotes from one issue to be placed into another issue, that will come out as well.
It’s not like the reporter has a source to protect, the assistant coach’s name was used in the story itself.
So how about it Pete? Are you willing to play your tape?
Mark Liptak
WOW!!!!!!! You people are a sad bunch. I bleed BLUE. Get with the program or get off the cart. GO CATS. GO CAL.
Uh Oh. That other UK cheerleader newspaper, USA Today, has picked up on the Thamel story and pointed out that this is now 2 Thamel stories IN A ROW where significant contributors have claimed they were mis quoted.
When can we have some unbiased journalism from people who aren’t UK fansites?