So what? DJ very well may have a serious injury.
That doesn't give a columnist license to accuse the staff of forcing an injured player to play. The article crossed a line.
Actually it does, assuming he follows accepted journalistic protocol, that is he needs at least two well informed sources that have over time or by virtue of their access proven to be reliable and independently verify his assertion. Where he needs to be careful, in my opinion, is reporting a story as opposed to writing an opinion in his column. He if free to express his opinion as long as he makes it clear that it is just that, an opinion. Once he levels charge and reports it as fact, his publisher and/or supervisor needs to be sure that he has the verifiable sources to back it up.
Let's be clear, State University athletic programs are supported by student fees and tax dollars, therefore it is (in this country) the responsibility of the media to make sure those programs are run in an appropriate manner, that said, it is the reporter's duty to be responsible in his reporting.
Let's not confuse personal issues and fan support with the responsibility of the media. They are not a PR firm, they exist to inform and therefore protect the average citizen and taxpayer.
My issue with the media though is that too often today (they also - and far too often) want to set the agenda for what they think we should, as a public, believe to be in our best interest........you see this most often in politics, where the media loves to tell you what is important, when in fact it may not be at all important to you or to the many. I digress, but local media can be guilty too.