Topic: Landon kicked out!

[lovetheherd2]

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.

Shoe, understand you & Chuck go back many, many years & beers.

But as a friend, might want to look at this situation to suggest to Chuck that he look at the longer picture.

No need to compromise journalistic principles, just try not to get so passionate as to overstep the comments.

I believe Chuck wants the best for Marshall --- but I also think Chuck needs a vacation and some time away from the program.

There's no need for adversarial relationship between two or three parties who share the same objectives.

[dshoe]

This is what I responded to you a week or two ago....Chuck wants it both ways.  IMO Chuck needs to figure out whether he wants to be a tabloid writer or a writer people take seriously because his backs up his opinions/statements with things other than pure conjecture.  No writer can have so many unreliable sources so consistently as Landon does and maintain peoples respect.  He might as well call himself Baghdad Bob or change his column to Tin Foil Hat Tuesday.  IMO his longing for self importance/righteousness has really pushed him over the edge. Maybe the HD needs to put him on the HS beat

People get way too worked up about Chuck, he's a good guy, loves MU, knows how important it has been to his education and career.  His view of his job just isn't the same as most fan's view.  He's been good enough over the years to stay employed and be relevant at both Huntington and Charleston newspapers........Fan's though are so unrealistic, they want everyone to be super positive all the time, coat it all with sugar so the medicine goes down easier.  It's a business, and it isn't always all (green) roses.

[hookem herd]

I don't believe our coaching staff would risk the safety of one of the kids. I know for a fact that one kid who came out of spring ball on the two deep chart but was having back issues was retired from football by the coaching staff even though he was cleared to play by the team doctors. MU is honoring his scholarship. Doc sat down with the kid and his parents and that his future after football was more important and if he continued with football it could lead to health issues later in life.  This kid is my sons best friend and is at my house at least once a week. This isn't the first time Doc has done this.

[dshoe]

Shoe, understand you & Chuck go back many, many years & beers.

But as a friend, might want to look at this situation to suggest to Chuck that he look at the longer picture.

No need to compromise journalistic principles, just try not to get so passionate as to overstep the comments.

I believe Chuck wants the best for Marshall --- but I also think Chuck needs a vacation and some time away from the program.

There's no need for adversarial relationship between two or three parties who share the same objectives.

Couldn't agree more with some of what you say here...........I'm shocked how many fan's always want to take away a person's livelihood as a method of "punishment", simply amazes me!!!!

I don't believe for a moment that MU coaches or administrators believed that they were running a risk of harming DJ, but if Chuck has or thinks he has information that shows any level of "wrong doing" he is obligated to investigate and report it.........that said, he needs to make sure of his facts and make sure his sources are solid and verifiable (with respect to their "facts")

There is NO need for an adversarial relationship for sure, but it takes at least 2 to be adversarial.

[Always THE HERD]

Couldn't agree more with some of what you say here...........I'm shocked how many fan's always want to take away a person's livelihood as a method of "punishment", simply amazes me!!!!

I don't believe for a moment that MU coaches or administrators believed that they were running a risk of harming DJ, but if Chuck has or thinks he has information that shows any level of "wrong doing" he is obligated to investigate and report it.........that said, he needs to make sure of his facts and make sure his sources are solid and verifiable (with respect to their "facts")

There is NO need for an adversarial relationship for sure, but it takes at least 2 to be adversarial.

Dshoe....you are such a level headed type guy. You always contribute to this site in such a positive, mature & professional manner.......look forward to more of your thoughts.

[dshoe]

Dshoe....you are such a level headed type guy. You always contribute to this site in such a positive, mature & professional manner.......look forward to more of your thoughts.

Thanks, I appreciate that............I've been around a long time.... hopefully it breeds maturity

[Carolina_Thor]

Couldn't agree more with some of what you say here...........I'm shocked how many fan's always want to take away a person's livelihood as a method of "punishment", simply amazes me!!!!

I don't believe for a moment that MU coaches or administrators believed that they were running a risk of harming DJ, but if Chuck has or thinks he has information that shows any level of "wrong doing" he is obligated to investigate and report it.........that said, he needs to make sure of his facts and make sure his sources are solid and verifiable (with respect to their "facts")

There is NO need for an adversarial relationship for sure, but it takes at least 2 to be adversarial.

From my perspective, it appears Chuck was suggesting Doc, the other coaches and the medical staff were placing DJ in peril of permanent injury by playing him against KSU.  I think most reasonable people would take this sort of suggestion personally.  It seems to me if my livelihood were writing about a college's sports team, I would not jeopardize the access necessary to properly do it.  If he has evidence other than hearsay from some anonymous source, he should present it.  Otherwise, stop whining about the unforced error of questioning the morals of the coaches, docs and athletic dept who it is your job to cover.  That's my take.  Don't really care one way or another.  I never read him other than what gets posted here, but I don't have any animosity towards him. 

[carolinaherdfan]

I don't believe our coaching staff would risk the safety of one of the kids. I know for a fact that one kid who came out of spring ball on the two deep chart but was having back issues was retired from football by the coaching staff even though he was cleared to play by the team doctors. MU is honoring his scholarship. Doc sat down with the kid and his parents and that his future after football was more important and if he continued with football it could lead to health issues later in life.  This kid is my sons best friend and is at my house at least once a week. This isn't the first time Doc has done this.

Over the past ten years or so I have never, if ever, found. ' hookeem' be wrong  nearly 0 % of the time....

[Greg H]

I've heard the same thing Tattoo. It's all semantics at this point, true DJ does not have a "fractured" disc he has a herniated disc. And if he's given the green light to play with a blown disc in his back, someone is looking at short term for the football program and not long term for Devon Johnson's health.

People play ball with herniated discs every day.  It's not always a big deal.

[dshoe]

People play ball with herniated discs every day.  It's not always a big deal.

Yes they do, if indeed that is the issue.

In fact I've lived and worked with 2 of them and one ruptured disc for over 45 years..... still play golf (badly), but play nonetheless

[wasbarryb]

Couldn't agree more with some of what you say here...........I'm shocked how many fan's always want to take away a person's livelihood as a method of "punishment", simply amazes me!!!!

I don't believe for a moment that MU coaches or administrators believed that they were running a risk of harming DJ, but if Chuck has or thinks he has information that shows any level of "wrong doing" he is obligated to investigate and report it.........that said, he needs to make sure of his facts and make sure his sources are solid and verifiable (with respect to their "facts")

There is NO need for an adversarial relationship for sure, but it takes at least 2 to be adversarial.

Shoe I agree with your general statements of what should be. I admire your loyalty to a friend. I think you’re letting the later override the former.

Whether one is simply a reporter, or one has earned the higher status and leeway of a columnist in the journalism business credibility is of the utmost importance. Integrity and honesty are important. Chuck has, in my opinion, chosen to ignore his responsibility to those concepts on multiple occasions. The supposed hiring of the Eastern Ky BBall coach, in my opinion, should have been the last straw. Marshall should have cut Chuck off then.

As to whether Chuck should be fired or not, that is between him and the HD. Certainly terminating a person’s employment is always a draconian action, but sometimes such actions are necessary. Chuck is 64-65 years old and has been employed most of his adult life. Were he to be fired his isn’t going to living out of his car. He has chosen to be in the situation he is in by the things he has done.

[FlyHawk98]

People get way too worked up about Chuck, he's a good guy, loves MU, knows how important it has been to his education and career.  His view of his job just isn't the same as most fan's view.  He's been good enough over the years to stay employed and be relevant at both Huntington and Charleston newspapers........Fan's though are so unrealistic, they want everyone to be super positive all the time, coat it all with sugar so the medicine goes down easier.  It's a business, and it isn't always all (green) roses.

No. We just don't like it when media takes their OPINION and tries to paint it as a fact. Especially on things such as the DJ incident, when multiple parts of Landon's story has been proven to be false.

[chris88]

People get way too worked up about Chuck, he's a good guy, loves MU, knows how important it has been to his education and career.  His view of his job just isn't the same as most fan's view.  He's been good enough over the years to stay employed and be relevant at both Huntington and Charleston newspapers........Fan's though are so unrealistic, they want everyone to be super positive all the time, coat it all with sugar so the medicine goes down easier.  It's a business, and it isn't always all (green) roses.

With all due respect I think you are looking at things through Chuck colored glasses. I have no problem with constructive criticism of the programs ....it's healthy in many ways.  I do have issues with blaming people for things out of their control, creating tabloid news without any facts, personally attacking people without merit, and playing favorites when he decides who to criticize and who not to.  That's the opposite of intergrity. Anyone who thinks Chuck hasn't done those things on at least a semi regular basis, and more often than not, is not being honest with themselves. It overshadows some of the good stuff he has done in the past IMO.

Like you, I have lived in a lot of places and have followed/still follow a lot of media coverage of sports teams and I can only think of one guy that even comes close to Chuck in regards to the issues I mention above.....and he is covering pro sports in a major pro market in the Northeast.  The athletes, coaches, and most fans can't stand the guy....but he at least makes it clear that most things are his opinion and isn't trying to "scoop" others by fabricating/creating sources and "facts".  To say he has MU's best interests at heart is an opinion I don't share at all.....he has Chuck's ego at heart imo and everything else falls below that. When he occasionally is right about something, he has to go into a "I told you so" type of thing. He is a victim of his own making and needs to look in the mirror.