You’ve gotta feel for Bobby Reid.
I’ll be the first one to say that Oklahoma State had to make a change at quarterback, benching Reid and starting Zac Robinson. But Reid has been such a huge part of the Cowboy offense for the past two years, and now his role has been reduced to this.
Trying to win the coin flip.
As a team captain, Reid’s biggest role right now is on the coin flip. Sure, the Cowboys will trot him out there for a play or two every now and again. They did early against Texas Tech, splitting Reid out wide at receiver and asking him to block on a pass to Adarius Bowman.
His moments of glory are few right now, and no matter what you think about Reid’s play to this point, you have to feel for the kid. This is a tough situation.
How he handles it is key. Even though Reid isn’t starting, he’s still a leader on this team. If he pouts, it won’t help these Cowboys. If he manages the situation well, though, both he and the team will be better for it.
September 22nd, 2007 at 11:03 pm
Interesting that you “feel” for Reid now. Not quite what you were saying when you published your trash on the first page of the paper this morning. Perhaps you should stop blabbing your mouth and writing crap about things you don’t know about.
Got to tell you, I hate the Cowboys. I hate Mike Gundy. I think he’s a whiney baby. But I sure wouldn’t write crap like you do about anyone. I think you make yourself look like an insecure bully that wants to look big but can’t really even say anything at all.
I hope you take a good long time to think about what you’ve written and about the influence the media can have, positive or negative, and take that into consideration before you write ridiculous articles in the future.
September 22nd, 2007 at 11:07 pm
I have read your column often mostly because you tell the human side of sports. I appreciate that. But, why have you decided to make a negative human interest story. The problem is that you have stripped Bobby Reid’s humanity by your comments. Bobby Reid or any human being deserves better that what you have written. Of course you have the right to write but I also must have a need to read.
September 22nd, 2007 at 11:12 pm
Ms. Carlson:
Welcome to the world of persona non grata among OSU fans. Don’t worry Jenny, you’re in good company. It includes individuals such as Barry Switzer (who couldn’t win a national championship without going on probation within an couple of years), Billy Tubbs (who couldn’t keep his middle finger to himself), Brian Bosworth (who couldn’t function without his streoids), Stan Able (who said he got sick everytime he went to Stillwater - the feeling was mutual), Billy Sims (who found cash in his shoes after each OU win), and the list goes on and on - but you get the idea. You have committed a horrible sin, and you have brought the wrath of the coach, and therefore the entire Cowboy Nation, down on you. You picked on a guy who was down, and Coach called you on it. There is nothing you can say or do that will help you out of this hole. You decided to “pile on” and you can’t undo what you did.
I am proud of our coach for having the guts to call you out. You don’t get (not have you ever asked for - as far as I know) any special consideration because you are a female. You are in the midst of the sports community, and you have to be accountable for what you have written. And what you have written was cheap and unfair, not to mention inaccurate. Coach was right to point the finger at you, and although he will take a beating in the OU-oriented media, he has earned my respect. He protected a player that was being “picked-on” by a media bully. (I know you don’t look like one, but that’s what you are.)
The Daily Oklahoma and you owe Bobby Reid, Coach Gundy, and OSU fans an apology. I look forward to seeing it in print soon.
Ronald D. Schaefer, Ph.D.
September 22nd, 2007 at 11:36 pm
I read your article this morning before the Gundy Tirade. I wondered why your editor didn’t point out the number of references to speculation or rumor vs. facts…and I especially thought the chicken comment to be in poor taste. Now, after hearing the Gundy Tirade, I think he has called you out on not only using poor sourcing, but just being plain wrong. I think most agree (regardless of whether the Tirade was over the top) with his points - particularly the fact that these are amateurs and should be afforded a little protection from such poor sourcing. I think you have to apologize and your editor should be fired.
September 22nd, 2007 at 11:40 pm
Jenni,
Your op-ed piece about Bobby Reid today was very unprofessional and very un-called for. It is one thing to write about an athlete’s playing ability; it’s another to attack his character, spirit and heart. I cancelled my subscription to the Daily Oklahoman shortly after you went to work for them because of the ignorance you show about athletics. I would periodically purchase one….not now. I will never purchase or pick up one of the papers, nor will I visit the website until you and your editor have publicly apologized to Bobby Reid in public. You degraded him a public forum and you should apologize in the same forum.
September 22nd, 2007 at 11:52 pm
I think Robinson did a great job today. Reid is having a hard time. Hoo-rahs to Coach Gundy for calling you on a personal attack that was innappropriate and unnecessary. Let the Cowboys coaches make the calls Ms. Carlson, and quit trying to play phsycoanalyist. I fell pretty confident that every decision made by a coach does not have some deep, mystical reasoning behind it, but only seems the best decision at the time for the team. Ms Carlson, you should switch to writing mystery novels. Then you could let your imagine run wild without causing harm.
September 22nd, 2007 at 11:54 pm
Jenni
I have had my doubts about Bobby Reid being the leader of States offense, but never in my wildest dreams would I expect a reporter to not only call him like you did as a player but also as a person. The mama feeding him chicken comment was well over the top.
I know you are in a box, but guess what, you put yourself there. You saw Reid on the field today and these comments are meant to what kinda fix what you said. Oh I bet you heard he’s transferring cause he’s not starting?
The Oklahoman has made a grave mistake “standing behind your personal attack column”.
September 22nd, 2007 at 11:54 pm
Jenni,
I noticed that you had the comments section for your article on Bobby Reid disabled so there could be no more harsh comments about your journalistic abilities. Could that be because it is hurting your feelings? Well, lets just imagine if those comments about you were on a full page spread……Stings huh? I am sure you will delete this post because you are obviously so sensitive and all, but here it goes anyway. First I am an OU graduate and avid OU fan with season tickets for 20 years so I am not a frustrated OSU fan. I think the article you wrote was ridiculous and outrageous. I believe your “sources close to the program” are a lie. I believe that since you have no sports related knowledge what so ever, you post trash like this to get attention, at the expense of a hard working young man who has never done anything to you. Do us all a favor and write about something you can relate to and have knowledge about…..A tabloid publication perhaps? UFO’s and Aliens, Britney Spears new boyfriend perhaps? The fact is, you are the “token” female sports writer for the Oklahoman and only have the job because your gender. If you are going to spew garbage like this dont rely on made up sources for your stories, have the guts to tell the truth about the fact you are writing your opinions and not facts. And please quit deleting comments…stand up and take it like a woman.
September 23rd, 2007 at 12:14 am
I had always admired you for being a journalist in the man’s world of sports, but what were you thinking?? Coach is so right about garbage in the paper… Do you as a person not have respect, morals or standards for yourself? Were you never taught to have constructive criticism, or the difference between right and wrong, a truth and a lie? This article written this morning was the most unprofessional thing a writer could do! Bobby Reid is a student, an athlete but he is a human being, a human with feelings and you my friend have not only angered one cowboy, you have angered a whole nation of COWBOYS!!! and you better be ready to deal with the repercussions associate with it!!!! and to the editor who ran this article, what were you thinking… Bobby is a son, a friend and does not deserve to have people who he probably dosent even know or ever care to know, know about his business of what kind of food he eats or when he hangs out with his mother and family… I would be ashamed if I was the one who passed this article… What ever happend to responsible journalism?? GO POKES!!!!!
September 23rd, 2007 at 1:14 am
As someone, who was a combat journalist in Vietnem and dealt with censorship, I read your “personal attack” on Bobby Reid.
There was notning redeeming about your article and certainly nothing of factual content contained in your column.
It can best be summarized as if I possessed a paper copy of your article , I could use it as bird cage liner.
Alas even my bird wont stand to be in the cage with the article.
Having served to protect the right of free speech, I understand you have a right to write garbage or prose. I am sorry you have chosen the former.
It certainly is my right NOT to continue our companies subscriptions and I have read the last of your articles.
May you someday understand how effective journalism works and regret your attacking of Bobby Reid’s relationship with his MOM.
September 23rd, 2007 at 2:11 am
Ms. Carlson,
I’ve been reading about Oklahoma sports in the Oklahoman and Tulsa World for many years. I’ve never come across any article or column that was as falacious, nasty, and unfair as the one you wrote.
Their was no reason for you to rip Bobby Reid the way you did. So what if he hasn’t played well recently? Does that make him a gutless, sefl-absorbed, crybaby? No, not in any reasonable person’s mind.
Mind you, I’m not an OSU fan outraged because you went after one of my players. I’m a sports fan who appreciates reading commentary that is well reasoned and fair.
It’s great that Mike Gundy called you to the carpet for your irresponsibility. The whole nation will now know that all journalistic and ethical standards at the Oklahoman have collapsed.
Hopefully you’ll apologize and go back to writing something with some substanance.
September 23rd, 2007 at 2:12 am
Personally, I’m not a big OSU fan but I do support the students. I was a student athlete at one time. One thing I do know that a student athlete doesn’t need criticism pubilcized. How would you like it if somene dug up all your dirty laundry and put it in the paper. What goes around comes around lady.
I think a personal apology would be great but the damage is done. Just keep going the No Comment rout. If I were you I say another word.
September 23rd, 2007 at 7:49 am
Jesus. This is another pointless, attack on a play. Did Reid take you out for a nice steak dinner and never call you back? What do you have against this kid. Is this the kind of crap J-schools are putting out these day. Keep it up. You will have a lot of fun in your career trying to interview players and coaches who won’t speak to you and in reading the feedback from the public who think you are a spiteful, petty person.
September 23rd, 2007 at 9:24 am
Jenny,
I feel your opinions were not only yours BUT the opinions of the ENTIRE sports department at the Oklahoman. This paper has always been very anti OSU. Most of the time it is OU only!! Personal team alliance should NOT be brought into PUBLIC media. I will NEVER read this newspaper again.
September 23rd, 2007 at 9:41 am
Ms. Carlson,
What did Bobby Reid ever do to you to deserve such harsh criticism? You have not only stripped him of the pride of being a student athlete, you have damaged any self esteem he may have had about himself. Did you ever stop to think about he might feel when he read this article? Did you even care? So what if his mom feeds him chicken? Obviously, you are not a mother yourself and do not know what it feels like to see someone kick your child when they are down. I hope you get that chance one day then maybe you’ll understand.
September 23rd, 2007 at 10:48 am
It is stories like this in the Daily Oklahoma, that when I go into the store and I have to choose between the Lawton Constitution or the Daily Oklahoma, the Lawton Constitution wins out everytime.
September 23rd, 2007 at 10:50 am
Maybe you and Gundy are both at fault,but I thought in newspaper it is a failure when the story is a story.
September 23rd, 2007 at 12:12 pm
Oh you are so gonna get fired…
September 23rd, 2007 at 12:14 pm
I hope this is not the type of journalism now being taught at the OU School of Journalism, which is heavily endowed by the Gaylor Family.
September 23rd, 2007 at 12:23 pm
You should be embarassed by your article. The words classless and tasteless seem too kind . Something you seem unable to have offered to this young man.
Not only should you be embarassed you should be unemployed along with your editor.
SHAME
September 23rd, 2007 at 1:31 pm
Forgive my memory, but I worked for the OSU administration in the early 90’s. Sad to say but Jenni is a product of the OSU school of journalism. To bad her writing style as not improved since then.
September 23rd, 2007 at 2:11 pm
You epitomize what’s wrong with journalism
at The Daily Oklahoman.
You’re such a sad sight, Jenni.
But it couldn’t have happened to a ‘better’
person.
September 23rd, 2007 at 2:14 pm
Jenni,
I first read your article Saturday morning and I was shocked. I took the article to the gameday festivities and let everyone I was with read it. Everyone I was with was shocked also. I cannot believe that you would put that article out. I cannot believe that your editor allowed that to come out. You both should be fired. There is better writing in the Daily O’Colly by a bunch of pot head college kids compared to that crap you put out weekly. I have been a subscriber to the DOK and I will promptly cancel my subscription as soon as I can get in contact with a real person Monday morning and not some answering machine. I hope that you have some skeletons in the closet and that you are exposed someday. Do you take pride in attacking a college athlete?? Does it make you feel better about yourself? Did you do this cause you know deep down that you aren’t really a sportswriter and are better suited to be writing in the National Enquirer? You are a joke of a writer and I hope that all Sports fans in Oklahoma (not just OSU fans) will cancel their subscriptions until you and your boss are fired. Also I love to see even OU fans defending Gundy and coming down on you. Good luck finding another job. Maybe you could write for the Guymon paper or something.
September 23rd, 2007 at 2:43 pm
Wow. I’m usually not one for a person to lose their job. But…
September 23rd, 2007 at 2:56 pm
Ms. Carlson,
As I watched the evening news, I was surprised to see a tirade by Coach Mike Gundy. I couldn’t help but wonder what in the world could have invoked such anger. I came to my computer and pulled up your column to see if it was really worth all of the fuss. I must say, kudos to Coach Gundy for giving you exactly what you deserved. He is 100% correct. If you are ever blessed with a child, you will someday realize just how demoralizing your article on Bobby Reid actually was. You did “kick a kids when he was down”. To mock Bobby’s relationship with his mother, that’s where you really messed up. When I read the “chicken feeding” part of the article and your dressing down of Bobby, it made me physically ill. As a mother, I would have looked at the same situation and thought, “I hope my daughter marries a man like that someday”. A man who is MAN enough to show that he loves his mother, no matter who is watching or what they think. That’s a REAL man, not the panty waste imbecile you portrayed him to be. Personally, I think your next column should be an apology to both Bobby and his mother. You owe them that much.
September 23rd, 2007 at 4:17 pm
Jenni-
I am truly impressed that the paper has decided to “back you up” on your editorial(sports column). What is even more impressive is the fact that many advertising dollars and subscriptions will be lost as a result of the editor’s poor judgement and the paper’s decision to keep you employed, regardless of your lack of talent. Usually money talks, but apparently in your case….
September 23rd, 2007 at 4:18 pm
Does eBay sell any ego-reducers? I surfed over there, I didn’t see any for sale. Ya just gotta love a sports blog comment coming from a guy who says his name is “Ronald D. Schaefer, Ph.D.” As if a doctorate makes his comment any more credible. Whatta maroon.
Correct me if I’m wrong about his age, but to the best of my knowledge, the purported “child” is going to be 22 in less than three months. The coach conveniently found a way to evade and avoid answering questions. Period. Deflect criticism by pointing at the media. It’s one of the oldest tricks in the book. And it still works almost every time.
What a mean, mean sportswriting bully. Too bad Carlson won’t “pick on” more 22-year-old children. The coach wouldn’t have to answer a difficult question or respond to pointed criticism ever again.
September 23rd, 2007 at 6:16 pm
Add me to the list of people that were disgusted with your article on Bobby Reid. Even worse, after Gundy made his comments the DOK still stands by the article. I agree this is the stuff that makes us hate the DOK and Channel 9 news.
I wish for once that journalists that print falacies and errors could have enough integrity to realize when they are absolutely wrong instead of hiding behind the written word. I hope if Jenni is at the next press conference Mike continues to hand it to her and the DOK until an apology is issue to Bobby (personally), to Mike Gundy, to Oklahoma State University, all OSU fans and to everyone that was offended by the most insensitive column I have heard. Go spend your time talking about Ryan Broyles…oh wait…wrong school.
September 23rd, 2007 at 6:22 pm
Wow. Anyone can be a “writer,” I guess.
September 23rd, 2007 at 6:23 pm
Jenni -
I remember reading your articles my junior and senior years of high school. At the time (10 years ago) I was the “sports writer” for our school paper and had aspiriations of going into journalism.
After your failed attempt at good journalism this weekend I have to say that I’m glad that I didn’t. Like Gundy, I would have been embarrased to be involved in journalisim and/or sports in general.
You are a poor writer and would serve the world much better in some other capacity. Stick to what you know… which obviously isn’t football or Oklahoma State… and especially not Oklahoma State football.
September 23rd, 2007 at 6:25 pm
If the Daily Oklahoman were to offer a sports journalism class, it would have two simple rules:
#1 If an OSU athlete is performing poorly on the field, kick him when he’s down and add “rumor and rumblings” to sell more papers to OU fans.
#2 If an OU player so much as sneezes, write a glowing article on how well the sneeze was carried out and even more grandiose words for the nose blowing that followed.
Oh wait, the OU sneeze would be #1 because after all only OU drivel matters to the Daily Jokelahoman.
September 23rd, 2007 at 6:53 pm
Poor OSU, Maybe the team owner Boone Pickens should buy the daily oklahoman and fire her. Maybe it was a cambells soup commercial.
September 23rd, 2007 at 7:08 pm
While the essence of the story may have true, to use “insiders” and “rumblings” and “word has it” you open the door to say whatever you want. That is when malice can be used. Your editor is either very dumb or wants you gone.
September 23rd, 2007 at 7:35 pm
Disrespectful, classless and appalling journalistic skills. Three signs of an article by Jenni Carlson. If your editor wasn’t as big of a tool as you, you would have been fired years ago.
September 23rd, 2007 at 7:57 pm
I don’t get it. Other than a questionable reference to his mommy’s chicken dinner, what was wrong with the column? Evidently, the former starting QB is coddled and soft and doesn’t take some things seriously. And worst of all, he played like it. All valid points. The coach benched him. The kid isn’t an infant, he’s three months away from 22. Then the coach refuses to answer any questions about the game, and instead goes into a bogus pre-planned tirade purely designed to divert attention from the real issues involving his team.
Gundy is like Ben Affleck, only Gundy is a much better actor. Too bad Woody Hayes isn’t alive, Gundy deserves to be punched in the face.
To top things off, who were those people that applauded after the Hollywood performance? Were these people in the media? If so, THOSE are the people that should be fired. How can they ever be taken seriously again? That in itself is evidence of zero credibility.
September 23rd, 2007 at 7:59 pm
The phrase “People in glass houses” comes to mind….Insiders are rumbling about You. Word has it that YOU have some very juicy tidbits that deserve to be exopsed in a “Jeni Carlson” type smear. Many have heard it, it does nor apparently matter if it’s true or not…..
September 23rd, 2007 at 8:26 pm
If your mom making you chicken makes you a baby then there is a lot of babies out there including yourself. Because I can tell you’ve had your share of chicken through the years.
September 23rd, 2007 at 10:43 pm
I do not live in Oklahoma, I have never been there. I am huge football fan. college and pro. I have heard some stories about college athletes, and coaches in OK. There have been a fair amount of scandals in that area, a lot of college programs have issues. Heck, I am a Miami fan, I know about scandal. ( and OU recently whipped our butts) Still I must ask why in the world would you write such things about a young man who should be praised for his character? Are his on the field actions or performances more important than him being a role model for young student athletes? What is wrong with you? Bringing his mother into it, that is disgusting. I just watched the head coach defend his player and it brought tears to my eyes. I have no idea who you are Jenni, I have never read your articles. After reading what you wrote in the paper I feel you MUST give this young man, and the school a deep hearted apology or be dismissed. Ridiculous, while you are at it, apologize to the entire state. You deserve to be fired.
September 23rd, 2007 at 10:51 pm
Way to go Mike! Jenny you are just like many sports writers that just can’t resist making a “quarterback controversy” where there isn’t one! Mike was totally right for saying what he said. I would have loved being in that conference room watching it all. I’m an OU fan and will personally join the OSU fans in not ever buying the Oklahoman again.
September 23rd, 2007 at 10:58 pm
“night” was meant to be “not” in the above comment
September 23rd, 2007 at 11:01 pm
Jenni,
Keep your head up. Its sad that sexism exists in this day an age, but you’re facing it now and I feel for you. Fact is, Gundy is attacking you because you are a woman. I’ve read countless articles that were critical of Reid by male reporters and the local sports reporters on air can be brutal when criticizing “armature athletes.” Of course, Gundy waited until he thought he had an easy target in you, but don’t let him and the other misogynists get to you.
September 23rd, 2007 at 11:21 pm
Faulting a guy for eating with his mom? That was a little over the top, JC, but so was Gundy’s bullyish tirade. And I’m sure that Bobby Reid, at age 21, is proud to have been referred to as a “child” by his coach. And isn’t it amazing that Gundy “didn’t read” the article and yet somehow knows that “85 percent of it is fiction”?
September 23rd, 2007 at 11:32 pm
Yes, Victor. A child. In December, when Oklahoma State is playing in the Fungus Bowl, or whatever low-rent bowl game they’ll be appearing in, Reid will be 22. I wonder if Gundy burbs him after practice.
September 23rd, 2007 at 11:57 pm
Jenni,
You BLEW it.. BIG time… ou opened your mouth, inserted your foot and found out you can’t swallow… After reading your article, and listening to Coach Gundy, I have to say he is very much in the right to call you out. I wish more coaches had the guts to do that. Maybe people like you would start to THINK before writing.
As for someone saying that Coach Stoops would not say much, They are wrong to. Coach Stoops would have to agree and support Coach Gundy on this. In fact, I would be willing to bet the farm that most ALL COACHES everywhere, Collegiate and professional would agree with Coach Gundy. He has my complete support, and I hope he stays around for a long time.
September 24th, 2007 at 12:17 am
The hand-feeding chicken comment did sound mean. Most of us have been embarrassed in that sort of way by our parents before, and it’s either take it or hurt your parents feelings. Reid had no choice but to patiently allow his loving mother to feed him.
However, I’m disappointed by Gundy’s method of attacking you. It sounded way too much like an underhanded way of mocking a career woman for not being married and with children yet. The “us against the world” method may help win football games temporarily, but it doesn’t turn children into men.
September 24th, 2007 at 12:40 am
Pat Silver, what “guts” does it take to try to embarrass a writer at a press conference, the purpose of which was to purportedly talk about the game? He admittedly is an excellent actor, but he’s also a blowhard that can’t stand the heat.
If they’d lost that game, I sense the blog reactions would be a little different. No, make that a LOT different.
September 24th, 2007 at 12:58 am
C’mon guys!!!! What sports writer doesn’t put in HIS opinion from time to time? Anyone that reads this article can see that although Jenni was a BIT critical of Reid’s performance, she also had some praise for him. I just don’t see what all the fuss is about. And perhaps the “chicken” comment was because he was eating a box of CHICKEN!!!! If it had been a happy meal, it would have been a bag she spoke of. And Reid is not a little-league football player that is getting kicked while he is down. He is a college athlete, 21 years of age, with a FOOTBALL scholarship that requires him to play to his capabilities. He wants to be a starting quarterback, he better be ready to hear any criticism thrown at him. This article was not mean-spirited at all.
September 24th, 2007 at 1:07 am
And thank you, Ronald D. Schaefer, Ph.D. for adding the PH.D. I mean, without it, none of us would know that your comment was written by someone with his expertise in all things football. The rest of us pale in comparison to your greatness!!!
September 24th, 2007 at 1:09 am
Jenni
Your article was in very poor taste. The best thing the Oklahoma citizens can do is refuse to purchase advertising from this paper or to subscribe to this newspaper. Money talks.
I am surprised the editor is standing behind you with this article.
You both might think about a formal apology to the school, the athletes and to this player and his family.
Sandy
September 24th, 2007 at 7:13 am
Unbelievably cold hearted! Athletes work harder than you have on your best day! this young man is struggling on the field and off! if being given chicken by his mom gave him some encouragement to get through a tough time then thank God for moms! Get off his case and apologize like the adult you’re supposed to be!
September 24th, 2007 at 7:45 am
I think some folks have too much time on their hands and should perhaps find a hobby. Leave Ms. Carlson alone!! She did her job and she did it rather well. The article isn’t an “attack”! Grow up people!! College athletes at the NCAA Division 1 level are held to high standards, by us, the public and we can be merciless. They know when they sign the letter of intent to play at the school of their choice that they are under the microscope of the public and press. If they can’t handle that scrutiny then perhaps they should move on. I am appalled by the way Gundy handled this situation. He made a statement in his rant regarding his age; well he needs to act like he’s 40!! His outburst is yet another embarassment for OSU. I’m glad he feels the need to defend Reid after he made the decision to bench him. But what about the rest of your team?? Didn’t they desserve some appreciation for the awesome job they did Saturday? I think Gundy’s cheese has finally slid off his cracker and his lack of coaching ability is finally coming to light. He could have easily handled this with tact and class, but chose to have a temper tantrum instead. WOW!!
September 24th, 2007 at 9:03 am
Very bad article and just shows how bad the Daily Oklahoma is. I am not a journalist but I thought facts where very important. But I guess you can’t let little silly facts get in the way of your story.
May I suggest that you look into the national inquirer or one of the teen magazines. I think you would fit in great there.
September 24th, 2007 at 9:13 am
OMG!!!!, what’s really, REALLY funny about this egomaniacal Ronald D. Schaefer, Ph.D. is what his advanced education is actually in. Is it in journalism? Is it in ethics? Is it in philosophy? Is it in sports? Uhhh … no. He’s a professor in speech pathology at Northeastern State. Really. In simple terms, this is a guy that’s knowledgeable about stuttering. What causes stuttering and how to correct it. So if a college football coach ever starts stumbling over his own words while he’s verbally assaulting a sportswriter, that clown Schaefer is the man with a plan.
September 24th, 2007 at 10:05 am
I will preface my comments by saying that I am an avid OU fan and root for OSU to loose just about every time they play. In general I think arguments about media bias against OSU are somewhat ridiculous.
Let me explain something to Mr. Hemsath and OMG: “Rondald D. Schaefer, Ph.D” is Ronald D. Schaefer’s title. By signing his full title, he is standing by what he says and identyfing himself professionaly and personally. Unlike someone who signs their name “OU Student” or “Omg”, his comments carry more weight, because we actually know who he is and what he does. As an academic he undoubtedly knows something about credibility.
Which ties in nicely to Jenni Carlson who lacks credibility. The rumours and rumblings I have heard since this incident tell me that Jenni Carlson was listening to some sports radio guys(the same guys who trash her understanding of footbal and sports in general) who have also been calling bobby reid out for his actions after being benched. She decided to run with it and be tuff for a change.
Unfortunately for Jenni, she didnt say these things on the radio and unlike the the gents on the radio she is a journalist.
WE ALREADY KNEW SHE KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT SPORTS, NOW WE KNOW SHE LACKS ALL CREDIBILITY.
Gundy’s rant would have been better without the use of the word “child.” Should have stuck with the amatuer athletes angle. I think he used the word because he wanted to emphasize how Jenni attacked the sacred mother son relationship. Some of the people who have defended Ms. Carlson from the sports radio jocks, will undoubtedly stop defending her now.
September 24th, 2007 at 11:00 am
Hilarious.
A person who puts his title after his name would also certainly state what he’s a doctor of, and where he uses that title, too. Wouldn’t he? If this was a blog about plumbing, would he also note his title?
No, he had to usee a title because he’s ego-driven. The title didn’t advance nor further support his argument. Had absolutely nothing to do with his post. I’ll also note for a guy with an advanced education, he can’t spell worth a lick.
September 24th, 2007 at 11:02 am
Whoops. Another typo. I can’t type worth a lick. I meant “use,” not “usee.” But my point’s the same, that guy is an egomaniac.
September 24th, 2007 at 11:45 am
I don’t know who David Hemsath is, but it appears, in reading all his entries in this blog, that he has no life, nothing to contribute to society, nothing to do but sit at his computer, waiting for someone else to add to the blog, so he can spew more of his drivel. How sad for both you and the Oklahoman–both seem to be the only ones supporting a bum writer with a bum article. Jenni must not spend much time on college campuses. Every college kid I know would LOVE for mom to bring some home cookin’ to campus. Every college kid I know is proud to be seen with the parents who give them support–morally and financially–to get through school. Shame on you for degrading Bobby and his mother. What goes around, comes around. Bad Karma’s on you.
September 24th, 2007 at 11:48 am
Gutless attack on a kid posed as “journalism.” Ironic, too, in light of your commentary on Donovan McNabb last week and implying how as a female writer you need to do more than male writers. Your column on Reid would suggest you should work more on being human instead.
September 24th, 2007 at 12:08 pm
for Aimee -
I am not a big fan of the Oklahoman and I feel that there are a lot of good stories skipped over to print drama. But to say that the Oklahoman has printed only good stories about the sooners is ridiculous. I have attended OU games since ‘72 and have listened to the recruiting stories along with the shootings, rapes, drugs and money scandals at OU, some of which were true, but big wins, conference championships and national championships were also written about. In my opinion, which is what I am entitled too, as well as Jenni, i am glad that OSU has a great represantitive in Reid - meaning he should recover well from this devastating event. The more attention you give this article that was written the more credit you give to the Oklahoman. It’s a choice…boycott or keep it going?
September 24th, 2007 at 12:22 pm
Wow, I am an Aggie fan and after last year when A&M barely won in OT, I have respected Mike Gundy, but him standing up for his player like he did showed me two things: 1) He deserves all the respect in the world and 2) The amount of respect you deserve is the same as the listeater at A&M a few years ago. How could you pile on your own Alma Matter like that. God Bless Mike Gundy for showing humanity in todays culture when the media is so degrading to COLLEGE athletes.
September 24th, 2007 at 12:45 pm
I am an OU fan and I feel that this article was completely wrong, there is no reason for such a nasty personal attack on Bobby Reid. Coach Gundy did the right thing calling you out like he did, no you and your editor need to do the right thing and the is apolgize and then resign your postsions with the Daily Joke, I will never read another one of your aticles and as long as you are employed by them I will not purchase their product, and I have already cancelled my subscription. Ms Carlson you are an embarrement to the state of Oklahoma and to college football fans in general.
September 24th, 2007 at 12:52 pm
This is the first time in my 40 years on the planet that I have ever responded to an article in the print media. The article concerning the young OSU quarterback was one of the most classless acts of journalism I have ever read. I remember when being a reporter was an honorable profession (i.e. Walter Kronkite), Ms. Carlson has done a horrendous disservice to both her profession as well as the young gentleman she attacked. I am appreciative of how Coach Gundy took up for his player.
September 24th, 2007 at 1:49 pm
Congratulations. You made the top 10 most viewed videos on YouTube.
September 24th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
I have to commend the coach for sticking up for his players, whether they are guilty or not. What you have done Jenny is dispictable and low. How dare you build yourself up on someone else’s misery and broadcast it through your trashy segment you call a news column. There are three types of people in the world, backbitters, followers, and leaders. Backbitters are those who can do nothing but ridicule other people, people talking about people, dragging them down. Followers are those who try to make the world a better place, usually trying to follow in a leaders shoes. Leaders are those making a difference, have important issues to talk about and steer away from degrading others.
Many people have vocally categorized you. Sorry for you. Try growing up and being an adult and acting like your age instead of acting like an elementary child. Bettery yet, elementary children act better than you have displayed.
September 24th, 2007 at 3:20 pm
“The Oklahoman never writes good stories about OSU. The Oklahoman always writes about OU. Blah, blah, blah, blah.”
Where were you Aggie clowns when OSU was topping the polls in basketball and the entire sports section was an Eddie Sutton lovefest? Where were you mouthbreathers when The Oklahoman published story after story after story about Rhett Bomar?
Here’s a tip: a 21-year-old MAN is not a child. He can vote, drink beer and go to war. The effort you are making to bend over backwards to make Lil’ Bobby Reid into a child victim is embarrassing and laughable. For the love of God, please stop before you lose what little credibility you have left.
Oh and Mr. PhD: programs that live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. Or was that some other OSU that went on probation about the same time OU did in the 80s?
And I’m sorry, I’d die before I’d let my mommy hand feed me after a football game. That’s beyond pathetic. Did she make him wear a bib, too?
September 24th, 2007 at 3:31 pm
Your pathetic, ignorant, and a disgrace to college athletes. If you only knew how hard these boys work and how hard it is without people like yourself there to humiliate their faults. The Oklahoman is a joke to every sports program besides OU. Its writers like yourself whom help contribute trash to the nations worse paper. I hope you no longer have a job with the Oklahoman or any of the other 49 states paper. I have to go vomit.
September 24th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
Hey Mr. David Hemsath I have to agree with Jane…You sound like the ego type that no one wants to listen to or be around, get on with your life…thanks for writing Jane. Great job for the coach telling the reporter{s} off as well. Hope this reporter has learned a hard lesson, she to, looks young to be writing such things…someday if your blessed to have children, you’ll realize just how foolish and hurtful your article was. And yes children are children even at the age of 22, to their parents.
September 24th, 2007 at 3:53 pm
Wow, as a huge OU fan and mother of a 7 yr old boy (who someday maybe play football for this state and will always be a “child” in my eyes), I never thought I would say I was proud of Gundy on behalf of his program. What would have been better is if Reid’s mother was right up there at the podium with Gundy. You personal feelings and lack of knowledge that goes in your articles . . . I’d suggest that you fire yourself and quick.
To poor salt into the wound, the DOK is supporting you, rather than giving you your final paycheck. They should be supporting ALL OF OUR in-state players and programs (OU, OSU, Tulsa, SNU, UCO, etc.) Shame on your editing department for allowing you to go to press. What happened to the editor-in-chief’s responsibility to weedout ridiculous stories such as yours? Did he/she call in sick?
You both should be fired and yes, I am cancelling my subscription too.
September 24th, 2007 at 4:02 pm
I weep for the future. All of you hand-wringing mommies must have the biggest collection of sissified crybabies for kids on the planet.
If you are handfeeding your 22-year-old son, YOU HAVE SERIOUS ISSUES. GET HELP.
September 24th, 2007 at 4:09 pm
I’m OU Crimson and Cream and I Cannot Stand The O-State Cowboys but another thing I Cannot Stand for People Like You Jenni who disrespect kids who HAVE DONE NOTHING WRONG!! I find the article ridiculous and disrespectful and it shows the type of character you are… And as an OU Fan I am very dissappointed in the Gaylords for putting up with this Idiotic Trash that themselves and you produce in the Sports page of Oklahoman. I am very dissappointed
OU FAN
September 24th, 2007 at 4:38 pm
Your articles are trash. In fact I feel sympathy for anyone who has actually taken time out of their day to read one. Quit your job tonight and never write an article again. Most importantly stop wasting peoples time with articles based on complete garbage.
September 24th, 2007 at 4:40 pm
I read the article after Gundy went crazy about it. It looks like you hit the nail on the head. It also looks like Gundy is mad because you had great information. Okay, so if we even believe what Gundy claims is true; 75% of the article is “fiction”; let’s speculate on what the fiction was about. Okay, Reid wasn’t eating chicken - he was eating Buffalo Wings. Well, that’s only a difference in Oklahoma. Mommy wasn’t feeding him - he was yspoon’-feeding him. The part Gundy probably agreed with was the fact that Reid is a talented player. The rest he disagreed with because he doesn’t want him to leave; go to Tech and become the next player to throw for 788 yards against the marginally OK Cowboys. Gundy should have NEVER been made head coach anyway - he doesn’t have the brain power - or the class.
September 24th, 2007 at 5:06 pm
I learned about your column through publicity re Gundy’s rant and went looking for what all the fuss was about. I agree with the sentiments in other comments — this was a remarkably personal, gossipy piece about a student athlete. I hail from WI and have read news stories about the Badgers for decades, but I cannot recall anything remotely approaching this. UW had its own QB competition this year, and I’m sure that a reporter could have gotten someone to say something negative about one or the other. None of it appeared in the coverage, however. The discussion was limited to which one was better able to run the offense. Apparently your standards are different in OK, but I think that type of commentary is woefully inappropriate about athletes at this level. For that matter, I don’t recall something that personal, with its less than subtle attacks on the player’s character, re any pro athletes around here. Gundy’s tirade may have been extreme, but I think his points about taking the coverage too far are quite valid. Even your blog has a bit of a mocking tone that seems unnecessary. Could we please at least limit the overly personal, semi-attack journalism to the Brittany Spears and Lindsay Lohans of the world, and keep it away from amateurs playing a game?
September 24th, 2007 at 5:12 pm
Ms. Carlson,
Your article is the pefrect example of how the media is ruining college athletics for the athletes and the fans. You take the fun out of the game. You need to report on the facts, not speculation. If you want to speculate you should quit writing sports columns and start writing for soap opera digest.
You have always been a poor excuse for a sports writer, I often read your articles and wonder what the point of it all was. You need to make people think when they read your articles not wonder what your point is.
I hope you get fired and I feel sorry for Barry Tramel, the guy who hired you.
September 24th, 2007 at 5:14 pm
Carlson, your article speaks a great deal about who you are as a person. To critcize a student athlete about his/her performance on the field or to report a run-in with the law is one thing. But to personally attack a 21 y/o kid (yes, he’s still a kid) who by all accounts has stayed clear of trouble and done well in the classroom is inexcuseble. I hope you suffer as much as Bobby Reid has.
September 24th, 2007 at 6:24 pm
Ms. Carlson,
After reading that “article” you wrote on Bobby Reid, I think you should either resign or your editor should terminate you.
You deserve the public criticism you have received from Gundy.
Any reasonable, rational person who read your article can easily see the mean-spirited tone of your piece. What next for you Ms. Carlson, are you going to walk down the street and kick a puppy or spit on a homeless person?
September 24th, 2007 at 6:25 pm
That was one of the worst articles I’ve ever read about college football or student-athletes. Almost as bad as Linda Robertson writing that the Miami Hurricanes should have changed their name after Hurricane Andrew hit Dade County. Articles that are pointless and shear conjecture and spiteful have no business being written or published. You are why women have no business being any part of college football and your 15 minutes are up!
September 24th, 2007 at 6:27 pm
Ms. Carlson,
I am a OU fan living in Austin, Texas. I cannot believe you attacked the character of a student athlete like you did and I think your article was inappropriate. You owe Bobby Reid an apology.
September 24th, 2007 at 7:17 pm
Jenni, I think your biggest problem is working for the worse newspaper in the country. And kudos for Gundy to finally point out just how bad the The Oklahoman is. I haven’t read The Oklahoman for years, but I see that it still is an awful paper. Biased and inaccurate and that’s the way The Gaylords like it. Actually you are probably right at home. So stay right where you are so you can be cuddled and babied by your editor. Thank God I do not depend on The Oklahoman for my information anymore.
September 24th, 2007 at 7:17 pm
Ms. Carlson,
Your article is bad enough but that video response just takes it over the top. Be mature and admit your mistake. Coach Gundy did explain during his “lecture” what the inaccuracies were, you got caught, admit it ..oh wait you dont deal with the truth only speculation and rumor. Quit trying to hide from the truth…and quit acting like an adolescent who has just been scolded with the lame justification. Just say your sorry, Gundy is being the mature one and has already forgiven you. Grow up!
September 24th, 2007 at 7:43 pm
Does anyone out there think Mr. Gundy would have gone after Ms. Carlson had she been a 50-year-old man? No. Hang tough, Ms. Carlson. You have the empathy of those who know the coach went too far. OSU has been embarrassed by the coach, not by you.
September 24th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
I watched Gundy blow up. I watched your video response where you said you asked him for the things that were wrong, but he didn’t reply. I suggest you watch his video again because he names things that were factually incorrect in your article. He doesn’t name the 75% that he says was wrong, but he does name some things. For you to say he didn’t name anything in your video response makes you look … well … like a person who doesn’t know what is going on … aaa … Oh yea, that is what got you into this mess to begin with. Never mind, your video response explains things perfectly.
Want to talk about quarterbacks and attitudes, come up here to Chicago….
September 24th, 2007 at 8:31 pm
your a joke. you call yourself a reporter? i have one question for you. What grade are you in? i know of six year old kids with more manners than you. your now on a list of the other reporters that are jokes. pat forde is another. i hope you lose your job.
September 24th, 2007 at 8:40 pm
Jenny, Mike —
I was once a journalist. I went to J-school just like you guys. Being a columnist does not give you the right to opine in a way that humiliates a college student athlete by suggesting he is a momma’s boy.
You guys were plain wrong. But you will never admit it because to do so would require you to admit that you might have been wrong. We all know that journalists are NEVER wrong, right?
You guys are unbelievable. You have NO credibility and give all journalists a bad name.
Larry
September 24th, 2007 at 10:03 pm
I would first like to state for the record that I am a Jayhawk fan from Lawrence, Ks. Making my opinion fairly unbiased. Secondly, I would suggest that when you start posting your resume….. and I am sure resume updating will be finished soon….don’t waste your time sending it to any media outlet in the BIG XII area. Every sports fan in the midwest I know wouldn’t read your column .
September 24th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
Jenni,
Tonight on the news as they showed a clip of your radio show you stated that Mike made it personal because you are a single female. Not once did he refer to you as a female, single or married. He said it is obvious that you weren’t a parent. My biggest problem with your article is that you talked about his mother feeding him chicken that is when you made it personal. I don’t know what eating chicken has anything to do with his performance on the field. As a single female whose mom is no longer alive I wish she was so she could feed me chicken. Why should any child be ashamed that their mother was there for them and watching out for them.
September 24th, 2007 at 10:47 pm
I think you owe OSU coach Mike Gundy and especially OSU player Bobby Reid an apology…what you wrote was both tactless and degrading. You attacked his character and made yourself and the Daily Oklahoman look ignorant and inconsiderate. I hope next time, when you sit down at your computer to write some terrible ‘column’ or whatever you want to call it, that you think first! To put down a fellow Oklahoman like that is just plain embarrassing. You are obviously not a true Oklahoman at heart, because here, we do NOT degrade our neighbors. So, next time, please think before you write.
September 24th, 2007 at 10:48 pm
Being a fan of Oklahoma State University, the fun part is I get to watch a great bunch of fans who put up with a lot of white-trash sooner fans that ridicule us for not having a championship football team. We will all just overlook the part about OSU having more national championships than ANY university in the country. Yes that includes the beloved Gayland (I mean the Gaylord) family team.
My point being that I am tired of the one sided media, I am tired of the press of the Cowboys either being non-existent or negative. But one good thing has possibly come out of this. Gundy is fired up. Maybe we as State fans are looking at this the wrong way. Maybe we should all run out and renew our subscriptions to the Daily Disappointment (I mean Daily Oklahoman) and support Ms Carlson in the hopes that she keeps Gundy pissed all year long. That will get us to the Big XII Championship and the National Championship Game.
Instead of “JEERS” we should shout “CHEERS”!!
Now here comes the Fooner,I mean Sooner fan comments……..
September 24th, 2007 at 10:59 pm
First off, I am not a fan of any college football team. I couldn’t care less if you are writing about the Pokes or the Sooners. So what I have to say here is unbiased. You and people like you who have to make themselves feel better by trashing others, are a big part of what is wrong with this country today. Being on the sports beat you can’t find a way to trash people like Brittney Spears. So you ran out and found a college kid who also plays football to trash. Shame on you Ms. Carlson, and shame on the Oklahoman for printing the trash. Kudos to Kelly Ogle for standing with Coach Gundy on “My 2-Cents” tonight.
September 24th, 2007 at 11:05 pm
You’ve got to feel for Bobby Reid? Make up your mind. You can’t have it both ways. I could care less about OSU Football and whether or not they win or lose a game this season, but no upstanding student athlete who has acted with a lot of class in a tough spot deserves to be belittled 2 weeks after the fact. You’ve got to feel for Bobby Reid. Time to practice what you preach. I hope someone writes an article based on rumors and rumblings when you lose your job
September 24th, 2007 at 11:40 pm
IAll the way from Georgia and most folks down here feel the same way I do after seeing Coach Gundy’s press conference. I’m not sure if I’m shocked or just disgusted with your classless article.
After seeing your response on video…along with your sports editors response…it leaves one to wonder why you would need to answer or respond if you felt you did right? After all…you got your say to the entire world….then got your butt handed to you. As you could see in the other video, the people were not real fans of your cowardly and classless act…both men and women. “Women stick together”…I don’t think it will apply this time.
One major comment that Coach Gundy made that really sticks out in my mind - when you (if you) have kids…will your mindset be the same? Now…as for your sports editor…if he has any sense in his head…he will distance himself from the situation fast, change his name, and get into another occupation…especially if he has kids!
I don’t think you realize how deep you cut and how bad this is going to cost you down the road. The world has seen your true colors and your mean steak…or would you call it ignorance and lack of class?
September 25th, 2007 at 12:16 am
Ms. Carlson, it is not responsible to print rumors. Get it on the record or leave it off the page. We’re all taught that in J-school. I’d think you’d know better by now. Your piece was unprofessional, and The Oklahoman is wrong to support it.
September 25th, 2007 at 12:27 am
As I was sitting at dinner with friends Saturday, I was utterly embarrassed when I saw a brief clip of Gundy ranting. I assumed it was just another stand up moment for the school I love so much.
Then tonight on sportscenter I watched the entire statement. So I logged into the Oklahoman website and read your article. As a former journalist I am appalled that you and your editor would even want to print this. It wasn’t funny, witty or entertaining. It was nasty, mean spirited, and just plain cruel.
I am disgusted at what the media will make up just to sell a few newspapers. Get some reliable sources and get your facts straight. Or better yet, find a more suitable career path.
My entire family will be cancelling their subscriptions to The Oklahoman. I hope the paper’s decision to stand behind your asinine remarks will hold up through their financial loss.
September 25th, 2007 at 12:39 am
Hey,
Let me say that at the very least, I am appalled. Where/who are your sources? Your article that bashed Bobby Reid sounded completely like hearsay trash.
People like you are the reason serious journalists or journalism students are left with a bad name and the public with a bad taste in their mouth. Whatever happened to being a watchdog for the public??? Stop seeking the recognition and money, and try to actually report, you faker.
*Lisa L.*
News-ed and Broadcast news senior
Oklahoma State University
September 25th, 2007 at 12:45 am
You are simply pathetic. The hardline sports writer “flip” you are doing is just ridiculous. Do the profession and sports fans a favor and move on to something else. You are a bad person at your very core for saying those things about a player and then trying to save face like this… sad.
September 25th, 2007 at 1:33 am
Have you ever played football? No. Have you ever had to tell your child or player not to worry about the trash that tore the apart? No. Have you ever honestly written an article that you actually stand behind? Apparantly not with your latest attemt at journalism. Make up your mind Jenni are you against or for Bobby Reid. You don’t feel any sympathy for him whatsoever and you know it. Your semi positive, make up article is a gutless attemt to try to make what you said not a big deal anymore. I’ll admit that I have more love for our football team no matter whether or not they are winning or losing I’ll still cheer them on no matter what quarterback we are playing. You even made yourself look like a total idiot AGAIN with your video blog where you said that Coach Gundy wouldn’t answer your questions DO YA BLAME HIM! He answered you in his well deserved and well thought out response to your trash that you wrote but I doubt that you heard it because once he held up that article at the podium you probably tucked your head underneath your skirt and held on for the ride. Have fun sending in your apology because no matter what you say you’ve already dug your hole deep enough not even your spineless editor can get you out of.
Oh one more thing do you like KFC, Popeye’s, or Charlies Chicken better because I’m sure they’ll accept your resume with open arms.
September 25th, 2007 at 7:54 am
Ms. Carlson,
I’m surprised that you made the “chicken” comment not once but twice in your article. Does your editor even check the stuff you write prior to publishing it? If they do, they should have given you a little civil rights history lesson on racist references and speech.
You are not only a disgrace to your alma mater, but a disgrace to female sports journalists everywhere. I also can’t imagine your “mama” is very pleased with you–oh did she serve YOU up a plate of fried chicken in an effort to comfort you while people start making personal attacks about your “lack of talent.”
I must say, some of the posts I’ve read here are pretty harsh, so I’ll just say back to the journalism ethics course for you (if they even teach that at OSU).
September 25th, 2007 at 8:08 am
I live in NC and I can tell you that if a reporter wrote the kind of crap you wrote, they would be ran out of town. You don’t deserve a job like sports writer. You would make a much better sanitatian driver. That way, you would be able to pick up garbage instead of producing it. I hope you have a kid someday who plays football so i they can bash your son and you can see how it feels. Patrick from the TarHeel state.
September 25th, 2007 at 8:28 am
All the morons around here … precisely what did she “make up?”
September 25th, 2007 at 8:42 am
David - She’s stating that her article is FACT when really its just hearsay and opinion. Real journalists don’t cite “word has it” and “Insiders say.” She still hasn’t given up her ’sources.’
Gundy might have gone a little overboard, but it needed to be said. He made perfect sense and didn’t curse once (which is probably what most people would have done).
My high school newspaper had better “reporting” than this. Jenni should be ashamed of herself and apologize to Reid, Gundy, and the team.
September 25th, 2007 at 8:44 am
Jenni, on the slim chance that you are reading this blog and not the other one, I’m pasting the same comment here. I really want you to know how dumb your latest attempt at journalism is.
Shelly Says:
September 25th, 2007 at 7:06 am
I waited for your response and THIS is what you give?? Take your stupid widgets and go away. You see, even if your widgets were working properly, they stink! Nobody wants stinky widgets around. Now, reread all of that widget nonsense and tell me how it sounds. Just as igonorant as your article. If your facts were accurate, print them. Somehow I don’t think that being a chicken-fed momma’s boy has much to do with fact and more to do with YOUR interpretation. It was rude, you know it, and you refuse to apologize about it. That makes you a yellow-bellied coward. So, take your stinky widgets and get on down the road. I’m not interested in buying any.
September 25th, 2007 at 9:04 am
Trying to make yourself look good by dogging a college athlete is as low as you can go. You should be ashamed of yourself. There is absolutely nothing wrong with eating chicken no matter where it came from……it being from your Mom just makes it that much better! Grow up and write a true sports article!
September 25th, 2007 at 9:06 am
Little bit of heat in this kitchen. How’s it feel?
Coach put you in your place and I, along with everyone else, loved it.
Well deserved. Congrats.
September 25th, 2007 at 9:32 am
You are the reason that women should not be sports reporters. I hope you lose your job for your arrogant and completely uncalled for remarks. I hope your apology is the last word you get before you get kicked out the door.
September 25th, 2007 at 9:42 am
I think that you should be fired. A reporter should never comment on off the field play unless an athlete makes a mistake (crime, breaking team rules) off of the field. You do not have first hand knowlegde of what goes on there. I probably bet that you never played a sport in college because I am in baseball and being a part of the team is different than anything else. We share a bond that people like you would never understand and should NEVER comment about aspects like leadership. I dont believe in calling for people’s jobs (Rex Grossman, etc.) but you anger me so much I hope you get fired.
September 25th, 2007 at 9:45 am
Nothing will happen. The people at the top will stick by their reporter because they were as much in the wrong as she was. It’s a shame that the “Big Boss” won’t do the right thing and bring some class to his/her paper.
The best thing to do…if you people in Oklahoma are serious…is just stop buying that paper. When the people speak and it starts hitting them in the pockets…something will be done. Until that time…as profits grow with everyone reading the updates…nothing will be done.
It’s a shame that someone at the top can’t see the difference in a good story that has everyone interested and one that has everyone mad.
September 25th, 2007 at 9:57 am
Jenni,
I now understand why you can’t get your facts straight. Apparently you hear what you want to hear. Last night I saw a story about you on the news. You were on a radio station talking about Gundy’s comments. You stated that he got personal because when he brought up the fact that you were a single female. I watched the entire press conference from start to finish. He never once mentioned that you were female, nor did he mention that you were single. He did say that it was obvious that you weren’t a “parent”. Parents can be both male and female, single and married! He never even called you by name.
You said that you wish he had confronted you privately. Why should he have to do that when you attacked his player publicly?
Then to make matters worse, in yesterday’s press conference you asked him what your errors were twice! Watch Saturday’s coference again, he already said stated what wasn’t true!
September 25th, 2007 at 9:57 am
Jenni, you feel for Bobby Reid? After your stripping him of all dignity in your column we ALL feel for Bobby Reid. And by the way, I’m 39 years old and still love my mother’s chicken. I guess I’ll always be a baby in your eyes, and proud to be that baby as well. Perhaps I could bring some of that homemade chicken over so you too could become a baby. It is a great role!
September 25th, 2007 at 10:11 am
do believe that you should keep your rude and uneducated comments to yourself. did you ever play football or any sports for that matter. You remind me of a bully picking on a kid who just failed a test. Maybe you should grow a pair and pick on someone other than a 20 year old kid. You deserve to have your dignity stripped and i hope when you have a son he gets kicked in a place that isnt to pleasant then you will know how it feels. have some class and grow up.
September 25th, 2007 at 10:20 am
I am a huge OSU fan, but I am talking about The Ohio State Buckeyes, not the cowboys. Today it was released that a back-up quarterback was arrested last night. Tomorrow the paper will cover the story, and that player’s character will be called into question. You see, the press in Columbus actually supports our team, and reports the FACTS that surround them. I read the article where you defend your facts, and you are completely missing the point. You are concerned with your credibility, or in other words, you are concerned with YOURSELF. What you don’t seem to be concerned with at all are the people you write about and the affect your words have. It is often said that “the pen is mightier than the sword”. It is just a saying, you aren’t actually supposed to use that pen to stab the people you write about! Did you honestly read your article and say, “man, the cowboy fans are really going to like this one!”, or “Wow, I have some hard hitting news here!”
YOU WROTE ABOUT A KID EATING HIS MOTHER’S CHICKEN!
You need to consider putting in an application to the Enquirer, because that is the only paper I could see this article running with some legitimacy. By the way, I guarantee if you had the choice between eating a boxed lunch and that woman’s chicken you would have made the same choice. The bond and relationship between a mom and her child is one that can not be scrutinized. If you want to say a man is less of a man for eating his mother’s cooking, you are going to be taking on a lot more than just coach Gundy. As a matter of fact, I myself have plans to eat with my Mom on friday…she’s making fried chicken.
September 25th, 2007 at 10:34 am
As a coach of more than 20 years I’m proud of what Gundy had to say, and the way he stood up for his player. You had that coming and more. Did the kid turn you down for a date or something? That wasn’t anything remotely resembling journalism, it was a personal attack and a poorly written one at that. I’m still looking for the “facts” you said you were standing behind, because they weren’t in the article. It was all innuendo and rumor. And then you have the gall to say you feel sorry for for Reid…so you’re a hypocrite too? Maybe you next job will be in the White House press corps…you’d fit right in.
September 25th, 2007 at 11:32 am
Good for you for writing this story. You are giving your opinion, and are more than entitled to doing so. You don’t owe anyone an apology. What the OSU fans and coaches need to realize is that when you are an athlete at a D1, Big 12 school, you are under considerable scrutiny and deservably so. When an ADULT enters college he or she is accepting more freedom and at the same time taking the responsibility that comes with it. Part of that responsiblity is taking criticism, which is a part of everyone’s life. People are going say bad things about, you simply have to forget about it and move on.
September 25th, 2007 at 11:42 am
It occurs to me that the only justification for subjecting college athletes to the same analysis and criticism as pros is that their performance affects people’s pocketbooks - particularly the bettors and bookies who wager huge amounts on college sports.
A sportswriter covering an amateur event involving amateur athletes should be able to do her job professionally without sounding like a handicapper for the bookies. Reid didn’t deserve to be criticized as though he were working for Ms. Carlson.
I didn’t wade through all the previous comments - but I have to believe that many of the authors who have “no sympathy” for Reid regularly depend on the predictability of his performance when they bet on Cowboy games. News flash - Reid didn’t sign on to help you win bets.
September 25th, 2007 at 11:59 am
The level of your ignorance continues to grow when you defend your article instead of apologizing for it. Could the majority of the nation, who is completely impartial to the quarterback controversy at Oklahoma State, be wrong by being outraged by your article? Seriously doubt it. The majority is not irrational. I promise you. Suck it up and say that you are sorry for making the article personal, then clean out your desk and start applying to write for celebrity rumor web sites. You definitely shown that you have no journalistic integrity.
September 25th, 2007 at 12:12 pm
Jenni,
Your column has gotten you national attention, I’m from Connecticut. Unfortunately, as I read your story I realized that you are someone who’s not ready for prime-time. You attacked a man based on rumors and your clouded perception. You have been rightfully attacked for your article and I’m sure you will not be heard from again.
Good luck to you, in whatever profession you choose, obviously sports journalism is not what’s right for you.
September 25th, 2007 at 12:36 pm
Don’t you think you should apologize to Bobby Reid? Why in the world would you think it’s OK to publish a piece attacking a college athlete based on nothing more than speculation about his character. You really should consider publishing a public apology.
September 25th, 2007 at 1:09 pm
I’m amazed (though maybe I shouldn’t have been) at the overwhelming defense of that outburst Gundy made on national television and the fact that so many people here seem to believe it was ok? When you go to college, you are no longer a “child” and hopefully you no longer cry to your mother whenever someone criticizes you. Reid is a big boy, its beyond time that anyone of that age learn to take criticism like that in stride and not have other ADULTS viciously defend him like the Cowboy nation seems hellbent on doing. Final note, this was an OPINION piece and the journalist made it plainly clear that most of the assertions in the piece were based on rumor and speculation, and NOT FACT (of course, if you have an agenda its quite easy to ignore this ).
FYI the Dash says it best under the “coach losing it” section here:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=forde_pat&id=3035258
September 25th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
I would like to start off by stating I am not an Oklahoma fan, in fact I am a huge Longhorn fan, but I have NEVER met an Okie’ I didn’t like…until now.
I am currently active duty in the military stationed on the west coast. My co-workers and I watched Gundy’s response on ESPN multiple times before reading the article that got him and myself fired up. I read all 110+ responses above mine getting a feel about how the rest of the nation felt about you. It makes me happy that they see you, for who you really are. There is no reason for me to belittle you any further, you get the idea.
You know you made a mistake. It is now time for you to own up to your harsh words and admit that you are wrong. In the military we use words like HONOR, COURAGE and COMMITMENT all of which Gundy showed for his player, his team and the state of Oklahoma.
I look forward to reading you apology or resignation letter… Which ever one comes first.
September 25th, 2007 at 1:27 pm
“When an ADULT enters the work force he or she is accepting more freedom and at the same time taking the responsibility (of being honest and accurate if writing articles) that comes with it. Part of that responsibility is taking criticism, which is a part of everyone’s life. People are going say bad things about, you simply have to forget about it and move on.”
Great thought! that is why I put it back in, but applying to Ms Carlson
How are you feeling, with 95 % thinking you are a joke and hoping to never see an article you have written again? Well, as they say Karmas a bitch!
Good luck with the job hunt.
September 25th, 2007 at 1:39 pm
I would think a better and much more interesting NEWS story would be the parallels between Gundy and Robinson as players, and Robinson as a dual threat QB who may/may not be the athletic specimen (i.e. Tebow-Florida, Farve-Green Bay, Doug Flutie, etc).
The obvious story to me is - Gundy came into a game as a freshman and never gave up the spot. He replaced an “athletic” QB”-Ronnie Williams, who wasn’t getting the job done. I saw that game and many after, and would say while Gundy was not the better athlete, he was a QB.
A little research of the records and comparisons of modern QB’s in College and the Pros would give a multitude of possible story lines.
I think Gundy’s decision to make a change was based upon good coaching and personal experience-who knows-but it might be newsworthy.
September 25th, 2007 at 1:44 pm
Ms. Carlson:
I doubt you know Bobby Reid well. The fact that you make judgements as to his core character and base them on so few experiences (which experiences, I might add, could be INTERPRETED several ways) demonstrates ignorance poor writing skills.
You’ll be lucky to keep your job, and if you do, I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re not read much.
September 25th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
Ms. Carlson,
I now have a second favorite team, Oklahoma State, mainly because I admire their coach, Mike Gundy. His reaction to your pathetic story was wonderful and justified. I wonder if your church (if you have one) teaches human compassion. I wonder if your bible (if you read one) teaches human understanding. I know that your college journalism professor teaches bull s— and you learned it well.
You should apologize to the athlete and your family for embarrassing them.
Sincerely
Phil Laney
Arab, Alabama
Roll Tide!
September 25th, 2007 at 2:21 pm
I think your personal attack on the integrity and character of a STUDENT-ATHLETE is entirely unacceptable. If he was a professional being paid to perform a service then yes, you have every right to critique that level of performance. I would even extend such liberty toward a college athlete based solely on their performance ON THE FIELD. However, you’ve been given a platform to report on and comment on OSU athletics, not the personal make-up of its student athletes when there is no cause for it. This young man broke no rules nor did he violate any terms of his association with the university. He’s performed poorly and you rip him as a person? Who do you think you are? Your position as a reporter and the right to cover OSU athletics is a privilege, not a right. I hope you show more appreciation for that fact next time.
Shame on you.
September 25th, 2007 at 3:14 pm
Well, I may as well as my comment to the mix. At the end of the day, Jenni, it doesn’t matter how Coach Gundy answers your question about factual mistakes; most of your article comprised of personal attacks and speculation. (In fact, the only sources you cite are rumors and rumblings. You say it yourself!) You added nothing of substance to the discussion of Reid’s talents and contributions to the team. Instead, you made fun of him in the cruelest way possible. If he had confidence problems before, you did a nice job of making sure he never recovers.
You are right in your blog post that female sports writers and commentators have a hard time being taken seriously. (Fans too.. no one believes that it was me who turned my husband into a football fan.) Unfortunately, your column only makes things more difficult. Did you think that kicking an amateur player when he’s down would make you seem tough and manly? Well, you were sorely mistaken. Want to help the cause? Get as far away from sports writing as possible.
September 25th, 2007 at 3:18 pm
Hey,
Good job on letting your mouth belittle your talent. I do the same thing sometime. It’s a life lesson that I hope you take. Too many reporters are just that, cowards. They want to talk smack about what everyone should do when they just don’t know much about it internally. Kansas State had a guy do that to a big 6′10″ center. That 6′10″ center came to his apartment and almost beat him into a pulp. I think it was well warranted. Take your shots at people but you better be able to accept blame when you’re wrong, and baby, you were off a bit on this on.
September 25th, 2007 at 3:24 pm
Jenni,
I wonder if you grew up in an environment that you were always critized for your short falls and/or weak moments. As a mother I can’t really find the words to tell you how deeply disappointed I am that you would humilate a young man in the manner that you did. I grew up learning that you treat others in the manner you want to be treated! Is this how you want someone to treat you? I don’t think so. I believe that you owe Reid and his family a public apology and what a shame if your employer doesn’t encourage you to do whats right and apologize to this family. Because remember what goes around comes around. May this family forgive you……… sak
September 25th, 2007 at 3:38 pm
How can you defend the nonsense story you wrote about Reid. You can honestly say you didn’t try to humiliate him by writing that. In your article you ask what college student would want to be seen being fed by his mother…well what college student would want someone writing that kind of article about him and exposing information that people may not have seen or known about until they read your article. I agree with everything the coach said. You won’t understand it until you have a kid someday and someone writes an article about your child…grow up lady!
September 25th, 2007 at 3:43 pm
“If you listen to the rumblings and the rumors . . .”
You obviously did. Not once did you mention your “true” source (such as a comment from a actual team player or coach). Instead, it was from an ‘insider’ or source . . . which bottomline is your personal opinion (which should not be on the front page of the Sports page). I thought that a true journalists had no problem printing names of their source. I use to like that you were a ‘female’ sports writer, but I obviously jumped the gun.
I hope you never cross this path with Coach Stoops and the OU program, cause you would definitely be fired and banded in this State.
Oh, and good job in apologizing . . .classy!!
September 25th, 2007 at 3:45 pm
I think what you wrote in your original article was uncalled for. It is very hard for these guys to keep everybody happy i.e. coaches, fans, but most importantly themselves. Please consider their ages (they aren’t even fully “cooked” yet) prior to pushing the SEND button on your articles. Thanks for the apology
September 25th, 2007 at 3:58 pm
Coach Stoops just told you!! (about an hr ago) He didn’t come out and defend Gundy, but made a point that how ‘its it isn’t fair that you journalists can attack them and the players, but the other way around, it is frowned upon.”
Little info in case you don’t already know: Oklahomans LOVE our college football . . . you messed up for sure!
Can we call you Connie Chung, now? Jenni Chung!!
September 25th, 2007 at 4:04 pm
MS Carlson,
Even in your latest video interview with your editor on OKTV, you did not take the opportunity to temper or ‘put into context’ your remarks, and you still blame it on the coach who basically ‘failed to tell you what was so wrong with your article.’ You say you’re still waiting he hear what was so wrong. Let me try.
1) You criticized a student athlete for allegedly eating a meal his mother made. You apparently don’t have kids, but do/did you even have a mother? On the now rare occasion my mom makes me something (I’m 50, she’s 85) I usually take the time to eat it. Bringing the QB’s mom into the story as a lead-in was a TOTAL DISASTER. Especially since you are trying to make him sound like a mamma’s boy. Would you prefer he was late to the bus after rushing from the latest dog-fights or late from a night at the strip clubs?
2) Then you criticize the coaches for not letting you know who was going to start in the upcoming game. Hey, is that now the job of coaches in an amateur sport? I’ll bet the PLAYERS weren’t sure who would start at QB until near game day or even close to game time. Maybe Coach Belicheck knew before you did, but I even doubt that.
So you insulted the kid by bringing in his mom to make him sound like a mamma’s boy.
Shame on you.
At least apologize to his mom. And learn something here….
September 25th, 2007 at 4:10 pm
Try Dan Rather. He might give you a job. He doesn’t believe in apologizing either.
I celebrate your first amendment rights, and I will follow your work to see if you gain the courage to take a healthy step back.
The huge voice you are hearing is trying to tell you that you don’t ruin young people’s future to make a salacious buck.
Two ears, one mouth, sweety.
September 25th, 2007 at 4:14 pm
You need to learn what you can and cannot say. First of all you have no say, you have no experience of the preasures of being a QB, you must no have kids of your own and thats to bad to.
When someone falls we supposed to encourage that they get back up and try again. This just show that you dont know what your talking about and you clearly dont have an understanding of the preasure of college football and the QB position.
I think it’s time you think about a new career, maybe and IRS auditor, that seems to be more sutiable for you.
I hope the next time you stumble (maybe your falling now) that you get whats coming to you.
What does this teach our youth. I already feel the media glorifies violence and failures of others. That why I dont pay attention.
Hopefuly no one will ever pay attention to you again.
September 25th, 2007 at 4:23 pm
This blog and jenni carlson are certainly no fans of the First Amendment, at least not for anyone but themselves. They scream and whine about the coach expressing his thoughts in public, and they delete comments left and right on this blog. Several of mine so far, how professional. I’ve cached each one, you cannot dissapear them to nowhere oklahoman.
September 25th, 2007 at 4:46 pm
I am not laughing at Gundy…I am laughing at the amateurish column left by the Oklahoman and I DO question her credibility as well as that of her editor. When I read this article, things stuck out to me that I would NEVER use in an article whether the Oklahoman is willing to man up to this or not. who uses phrases as “I suppose”, “It seems…”, “Word is”…these phrases which were spread throughout the article are that of a 3rd party assumption. “When you assume, you make an ass of u and me. It is, in my mind, the ONLY job of a sportswriter, to go to the source. Do not adlib, do not paraphrase or put words in the mouths of others or assume that YOU have the knews based on heresay comments that this athlete told this person or that person which also occurred twice at least that I counted. When you go directly to the source without equivocation, it takes out ANY doubt and both sides of the story are aware at what will be printed. It is after the fact, to ask a coach of what the “factual errors” are..they SHOULDN’T have existed from the beginning and an emailed interview or a phone call would have clarified the situation. I am 100% behind Mike Gundy and as a father of two kids, I would have my kids play under him regardless of what you think of him. Mike Gundy is a PARENT’S coach…he is NOT a babysitter, but he is a good man who I could feel 100% comfortable having my kids play for his program without blinking twice. Parents want this type of a coach for their kids. A coach who will publically go to bat for their kids against a columnist What does Ms. Carlson want anyway? Coach Gundy told her a couple of points in his rant as far as where she goofed and said what wasn’t true, did she pay attention at all to what he said? As far as getting meal from his mom, he IS still a kid. How many of you were athletes whether in HS or college? in a 4 hour game you CAN get some hunger strikes…so the hell what? Are you better than that athlete because you don’t? his mom is in the stands and he is on the sidelines..you are making a MUCH bigger issue about this than is needed. Everybody makes Coach Gundy to be enraged, I gotta say, I thought that he was direct, forward and brunt. there are times where that is called for. If I talked about anybody’s kids the way Ms. Carlson talked about Bobby Reid- I would EXPECT to get creamed as well. Ms. Reid, what will you do when your kid is playing Little League and someone BOOS him off the field?? Are you ready to deal with that? Probably NOT! People who write about sports, should be at LEAST athletes, so they have perspective as an athlete and as a team member. Gundy, I applaud you..people say what they want. You HAVE no explaniation to do, you gave two examples which were MORE than needed. A columnist should be able to read through their article and pinpoint where they went to the source, where they may have hit too hard or where they may not have reliable sources. An Editor should be twice as vigilent in that respect. If anything, this amateur athlete got a raw deal by an amateur columnist. Hopefully, people do NOT take Gundy’s rant out of context to benefit their own opinions. Hopefully, people will read it in the spirit and the letter of intent that he meant it.
The very fact that YOUR paper backs you up as well as your editor, means they are in line with your comments (especially the twice mentioned chicken comment) means that the Oklahoman has NO problem with articles that fail to go to the source. They are ok with all of the many discrepancies that you fail to see the need to correct, OR CHOOSE to not correct.
I found it humerous that this was KILLED OFF and deleted and would NOT be surprised to see this deleted as well…of course..ANYTHING served up as a critique to your professional credibility will be discounted and thrown away as being negative energy..
well if it were JUST me..that would be one thing..but I am OBVIOUSLY not the only one who feels this way!
September 25th, 2007 at 5:00 pm
Oh my goodness! Some of you people are ridiculous! Jenni’s
article about Reid was tamed compared to what other big
sportswriters usually write.We live in such an overly sensitive
society.She simply questioned Bobby Reids’ toughness to
make it as a QB.If anything,her article may light a fire under
the youngster’s butt and make him a bit more thick skin.
Keep writing from your heart Jenni and don’t let other’s
persuade you.If you were Jim Rome they would of treated
him different.Good that you are standing up for yourself.
You don’t own anyone an a apology.Keep writing the
good write!!
September 25th, 2007 at 5:01 pm
College Football might make money for the schools, but the athletes are certainly amateurs because they do not see a cent of that money and most will never be paid to play football. It would be a long shot indeed for Reid to play even in Canada. You have every right to be critical of his play, but you were very personal in your attacks. You sounded like a sad and angry woman. It was rather pathetic, and the vitriolic nature of your column made the truthfulness of the facts irrelevant.
September 25th, 2007 at 5:10 pm
Jenni,
I read your article and I saw your verbal response that you made with your editor. The comments you made about Reid and his mother were simply bush league and way out of line and you desrved to be called out by Gundy. I’m a coach and I would do the same. In your response you prefaced that your motivation for writing the article was to get clarification on why Reid was being replaced by Robertson at quaterback which is a crock. You are an educated adult and your motivation was to hurt and insult Mr. Reid plain and simple. If your motivation was different as you state then your article would represent that. Please do not insult the public by saying you are not in the wrong for such an article or Mr. gundy has an alternate agenda with you or he is trying to avoid the issue of the quarterback change. You are a perfect Charleton and you need to apologize to the Reid family and the OSU football program. I’m from Montana and I could care less about OSU football but, your article and responses are way out of line and in my opinion you do not deserve to be a sports journalist. Grow up young lady.
September 25th, 2007 at 5:16 pm
I will be praying for you Jenni. Praying that justice is served, and you are terminated from your job. GROW UP!
September 25th, 2007 at 5:36 pm
Jenni, you say you want to know what the inaccuracies might have been in your Saturday column on Bobby Reid. The following from one of your own seems to do quite well for me.
Richard Lindley
Don King made a statement Monday afternoon that he could only find one inaccurate thing in the Carlson piece. Let me take a wild stab at what other inaccuracies Gundy might have been alluding to:
1. Reid isn’t tough.
2. Reid can’t handle competition.
3. Reid needs to be coddled and babied.
4. Reid’s attitude is what lost him the starting job.
5. Reid’s job has been in doubt for longer than two weeks.
6. Reid doesn’t have the desire to win/compete.
All of those things were either straight up said or implied in the article. Again, if no one sees anything personal against Reid in that, then I don’t know what they’re looking at because in my opinion, the whole article was a hatchet job against a good kid.
I have no stake in this argument. I’m a TU grad. I’m not even really an OSU fan or anything. But for some reason, this article really rubbed me the wrong way because he showed just how far the media will go anymore to stir up controversy and sell papers/advertising/etc.
Chad Bonham
September 25th, 2007 at 6:08 pm
Ms. Carlson:
You should write for OMG rather than a sports page. Personal observations should stick to the team rather than individuals who do not have a mass media outlet to cheap shot a player by incenuating he is a mama’s boy or too sensitive or whatever.
If you want to write catty tripe like this, then submit your resume to Talk Soup and report hwo drunk Paris Hilton was