Life in the Red Group

Posted by: Joe Silicone on August 20, 2010 12:37PM CST amen!

Posted by: joe t on August 20, 2010 12:39PM CST Don't worry Sip, I never read your columns so I don't have an opinion.

Posted by: j&d4nu on August 20, 2010 12:48PM CST I think you're cutting yourself and your peers short Sip. Outside of watching an actual game, the media is our link to the program, very important. This would be a non issue had Bo stepped in and made a statement on Tuesday. He knows Nebraska, none of this should have been a surprise to him.

Posted by: bigcajunhusker on August 20, 2010 12:48PM CST Well, I go back your column, and I am one of the (surprisingly) few who agree with the original premise. I guess your mom and me were the only two to think alike. Bo Pelini is way high on my approval meter on many things, but, personally, I cringe at the way he (mis)handles media matters. I'll say it again -- he needs to re-think the "new media" and make it work for him. As I posted recently, yes, I want to know when Martinez breaks off a 65 yarder in practice, and I want it real-time, if I can get it. Injuries or dicey, but there has to be a better way to handle it than he is. He either needs to adapt, or his head is going to explode.

Posted by: j&d4nu on August 20, 2010 12:52PM CST Well said bigcajun. I cringe as well. Winning smooths over a lot of things, he starts to lose, he'll get torched by the media as they reflect on how he's handled them. Saw a little of that this week.

Posted by: Miami Beach Husker on August 20, 2010 12:53PM CST Bo needs to realize this is the new age of instant info thur multiple channels. If a key player gets hurt, Big Red fans will hear about it one way or other... Love Bo, and very glad he is our coach, but he needs to get a handle on this new age media flow and be proactive. Bo wants to strictly control the flow of info, very old school, but tough to pull off these days. Bo should have reported the Sean Fisher and Anthony Blue injuries that evening personally or thru the athletic dept. His mistake to think something as significant as 2 year quality player suffering year ending injuries would stay under wraps for 36 hours. Too much media, too much interest. Bo will smart and will learn. I guarentee you Bo has asked TO' s opinion and gotten sage advice for the future. Media relations is part of the job desciption, like it or not, and Bo will get better at it as he matures as a head coach. As a fan, I miss getting daily info, no question. 2 weeks before kickoff and we are in lock down mode. Not good. Hopefully Saturday will show inproved press relations and we as fans can get some up-dates on the team so many deeply care about. Bo needs to realize the passion and thirst for inforation from the fanbase. It's what makes Nebraska special and will not change with Bo or for any future coach at Nebraska.

Posted by: bigcajunhusker on August 20, 2010 12:56PM CST Post script to respond to #3 and #8. #3 I don't see how a one-sentence statement is unwieldy. It would say virtually the same thing everytime. "We had an injury (or two) today. So-and-so were hurt, but we won't know more until later. If it's not serious, you will see them back tomorrow or in a day or two. If it is more serious, you won't see them, and we will have more information later." #8 Lee is the clear starter. I hope Martinez gets a chance to show what he can do in a meaningful situation. I look for Green to play a mop-up role only.

Posted by: alohahusker on August 20, 2010 12:57PM CST Sip, I made the same mistake in my read of the situation but after reading about other coaches actions locking out the media, I realized that Bo wasn't going overboard. Refreshing to read your restatement this morning.

Posted by: Outside The Box on August 20, 2010 12:58PM CST Sip - good post. I posted an epic-length comment about your column yesterday, so I won't rehash that now. I'd be surprised if this "incident" didn't have an impact on the way the traditional media reacts to stories and injuries as well as how the team/Pelini go about disseminating information. I think there is common ground that can be found between the media's desire to be timely and the time needed to assess information and alert family members. I would we hope that we all are looking for ways to be better at our jobs and to find ways to improve processes. That said - time to sign off and get work done.

Posted by: DebTu on August 20, 2010 1:07PM CST AAAAaaargh. Medical privacy matters in this day and age folks. Try to cope.

Posted by: N_trepid on August 20, 2010 1:10PM CST I agree with bigcajun. I support Pelini, I understand his frustration over how the injury reports are handled, but Bo has to understand that there's a reason this team has sold out every home game since 1962. We love our Huskers. We want to know everything we can about 'em. We love the coffee-house talk, the homegrown walkons, the endless speculation about who we think will excel, etc. My family used to drive 900+ miles round trip in 24 hours just to see the Big Red play. Let's find a way to make the media work for NU. If that means giving Bo a break or only scheduling one presser a week with the head coach, so be it. Designate a couple of coaches authorized to meet with the media after practices, and let's get back to our routine.

Posted by: PT Husker on August 20, 2010 1:18PM CST I am really glad I am not the citzen that leaked this first. Sip, I do think that many of the media is tired of getting "scooped" on the message boards. Happens all the time here. Yes, that was big news. And somebody crossed the line with the family and coaches in their haste to get the story after it had broken. The mistake was made by assuming that that poster would have been believed by most that read him. Not on these pages anyway. That said, Bo needs to learn some self control in these matters, which he will as he gets more experience. We still love ya buddy.

Posted by: HuskerBruin on August 20, 2010 1:18PM CST Sip: I think you were right on with your column. Coaches imposing a media blackout for the traditional media cuts off reliable information from the fans. That's a problem. I think most fans that contacted you just don't realize that. Bo needs to understand that the one constant with a program is the fan base. Players, coaches and ADs come and go, but the fans remain (most of them at least). As a coach you are just the steward of the program for a designated period. Cutting the fans off from the program by banning the media is unacceptable.

Posted by: PT Husker on August 20, 2010 1:25PM CST Power, a misspelled Citizen.

Posted by: MNhusker on August 20, 2010 1:25PM CST I think it's hilarious that if a player or coach does something wrong he will get exploited for what he did by the media until the story is finally overused. But someone from the media makes a bonehead move, he's still unnamed and is probably reaping the benefits of his awesome scoop.

Posted by: festusmonroe on August 20, 2010 1:29PM CST I suspect the people complaining about the media's self importance are the same folks who would complain if they weren't getting daily updates about the Huskers.

Posted by: ancient1 on August 20, 2010 1:32PM CST Not once, Mr. Sipple, have I seen in writing from you or any other member of the press that whoever contacted the Fisher family was WRONG. I don't care who initially leaked the info. The media jumped on it like everything else with a "wow factor" without any regard for anything but your notion of news. People be damned. Run over them. It's news. The boss made me do it. The 24 hr new cycle made me do it. Any of a hundred other flimsy excuses contrived by the media to justify (excuse) their conduct made me do it. I would like to except you from this and I gladly would have if just once you had even allowed the possibility that whoever contacted the Fisher family in those circumstances might have been wrong.

Posted by: MNhusker on August 20, 2010 1:32PM CST True, but what are the ground rules.

Posted by: Outside The Box on August 20, 2010 1:33PM CST The "95 percent approval" rating for Bo might be a bit high. I guarantee that Sip knows that more people take the time to write in and tell you how stupid you are then to tell you how smart you are.

Posted by: festusmonroe on August 20, 2010 1:37PM CST @ancient1: Why should Sipple apologize for the actions of someone else?

Posted by: N_trepid on August 20, 2010 1:39PM CST In defense of the press (Never thought I'd utter THOSE words), the media had credible reports of significant injuries to two players, and couldn't get confirmation or denial from our university sports department. That is an entirely untenable position.

Posted by: Outside The Box on August 20, 2010 1:42PM CST I don't think ancient is asking Sip to apologize for the person who called the Fisher family and coach Petrino at Millard North looking for information and quotes. I think he's looking for somebody (anybody) in the media to say "yeah, that was wrong and we're going to have a talk with him about how his actions impacted our access to the team". That said, I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for that public criticism or for anyone in the media to call out the person responsible. I'm not saying that's wrong or right - just that it's not going to happen.

Posted by: Silicon Valley Husker on August 20, 2010 1:43PM CST Sip...I thought Media Ban was something reporters rubbed in their armpits so that they didn't sweat and stink. In the case of a "major" injury, Pelini could put out a short note like you suggest without naming names if next of kin has not been notified and asking for the media to hold off while that was accomplished. I would hope people (reporters in MSM) would honor that. I think the short release would work and obviously Bo decides what merits that and can laugh when someone asks if is gimpy. I haven't seen enough of Bo to know if he is harsh towards the media. I do find what people like Bob Knight and Bill Parcells (just examples) have done to media routinely as being abusive and unproductive. I'm not against a smart aleck answer every now and then when deserved, but not making it personal when it isn't or shouldn't be.

Posted by: N_trepid on August 20, 2010 1:48PM CST There is no reason for an us. vs. them relationship between HuskerNation and Coach Pelini. An adversarial stance benefits no one. From the sports writers to the fans, we all want the Big Red to succeed.

Posted by: StriveForPerfection on August 20, 2010 1:50PM CST Sip, #3 would never work. As soon as Pelini told the media that Joe, Best Corner in the World, Blow was injured (without details), the media would be on the phone with parents, ex coaches, and psychics, trying to get more details.

Posted by: Silicon Valley Husker on August 20, 2010 1:52PM CST Ancient.....things I'm still waiting for: 1. Every member of the NRA to personally apologize for Columbine 2. Every Muslim in the world to apologize to me for 9/11. 3. Every Christian to personally apologize for Swaggart or Jim Baker. I hope to close on these by end of the day. (Not intended as a poke at Ancient....just a little reality check.)

Posted by: N_trepid on August 20, 2010 1:52PM CST We were a Husker Nation long before Stevey P ever came around.

Posted by: Silicon Valley Husker on August 20, 2010 1:58PM CST oh, and one more.....every Husker to stretch adequately so that they don't break any bones.

Posted by: bigcajunhusker on August 20, 2010 2:04PM CST Silicon -- you obviously subscribe to the quote from El Presidente that we are "clinging to our guns and religion," being that you are a California-livin', Obama-lovin', religion-and-gun-hatin' leftist. As one clinging to my guns and religion, you won't be getting any apologies any time soon, from me or anyone else in this camp.

Posted by: CBHusker on August 20, 2010 2:05PM CST Sip- It sounds like the biggest problem Bo has is the "citizen" media (a.k.a.-guests abusing their privileges) leaking out information before a practice is over. If he wants to control information that much, he's going to have to close practices. As far as the "traditional" media, I'm sure he has a good idea who the knucklehead was that contacted the Fisher family that soon. He needs to account for the 24/7 news cycle by recognizing this, and putting out daily press releases to cover these situations. Then contact the offending knucklehead and let them stand outside while giving information to the responsible media. Oh, yea...we're all ready for Sept. 4, too.

Posted by: GreenBrterRed on August 20, 2010 2:09PM CST Even if the football program was open to everyone, some on this group (and others) would find things to complain about and misinterpret. I'd be a lot more concerned on the rash of severe injuries caused by...lack of stretching.., bad techniques...too intensive practices...reporters causing distractions (my favorite).

Posted by: N_trepid on August 20, 2010 2:10PM CST Look how much ink we've wasted on this crap. A quiet word from the coaching staff confirming a season-ending injury, and requesting that the press hold off on reporting it until the families had been notified is all that would have been necessary. There aren't any deliberately malicious actors at work here. Initial word came from a guest of a coach, correct? Do you really think any such guest would deliberately do something to piss off Bo Pelini, and direct anger toward his host? Let's GET OVER IT. GO BIG RED!

Posted by: Ohiohusker on August 20, 2010 2:12PM CST Thanks Sip. I thought the original article was a little biased. I'm all for Bo and the way he sticks up for his players. But I thought your follow up was very good and shows what kind of person you are. Great job!

Posted by: Bbudus on August 20, 2010 2:16PM CST Wow, going after each other now...awesome!!! Silicon, I get your points, a little harsh, but message received. Cajun, you should hook up with DBP, they have a medicine that is grown organically in his state that may calm you down a bit. Husker Nation has never been stronger. Wow! GBR

Posted by: N_trepid on August 20, 2010 2:21PM CST BTW, Tom Osborne's door is always open. Osborne knew how to deal with the press. Many interviewers found him stoic, polite but measured, not terribly forthcoming, a very "vanilla" interview. It worked very well for Dr. Tom, didn't it? Bo is still a young head coach. He'll find his own way to manage things, and we'll all be fine. (Bo should ask Tom about 21 years of grousing about the Big Game....Tom endured quite a bit.)

Posted by: Silicon Valley Husker on August 20, 2010 2:22PM CST Big Cajun....actually born in Hastings, raised there and N. Dakota and am none of the things you mentioned, just a smart aleck. I did see a great Heston speech at the NRA convention in Denver, just post Columbine and he basically said "we don't owe an apology, don't lump us in with the nutjobs." Maybe its living in Cali, but I feel that the same applies to people looking for every Muslim in the world to apologize for 9/11. Enjoy your religion and guns....I'm involved only in the former by my own choice. I am dead serious on the stretching thing though....we've proven on this blog that it will prevent injury, broken bones, and solve world hunger. ;) et on the stretching bandwagon. Its been well documented on the LITR blog what it can do to prevent injury, cure cancer and world hunger. ;)

Posted by: Silicon Valley Husker on August 20, 2010 2:23PM CST My apologies for too much politics on the blog. "Unsportsmanlike, 15 yard penalty on SVH."

Posted by: N_trepid on August 20, 2010 2:27PM CST SVH, good call.

Posted by: PT Husker on August 20, 2010 2:29PM CST Only 1 problem Sip. You opened up something that had been beat to death. Many of us had hoped it had gone away. Not so much I guess.

Posted by: Outside The Box on August 20, 2010 2:30PM CST If anybody should be apologizin' its that blasted media elite Steven M. Sipple for usin a big word like "epilogue" on a sport blog. I doesn't even know what kinda tree an epilogue comes from.

Posted by: Bbudus on August 20, 2010 2:30PM CST I didn't think you could end a blog on a penalty? Did the rule change? GBR

Posted by: fleaflicker on August 20, 2010 2:31PM CST It's Coach Pelini's neck on the chopping board if his team doesn't perform to the expected level. It's 100% up to him to decide about the media and practice thing. If the fans don't like it then don't go to the games or read the papers. If fan support declines then he'll get fired and all the media will be happy because they'll be able to cover the event.

Posted by: Bbudus on August 20, 2010 2:32PM CST Yeah PT....Down with the media, and there stupid blogs...oh wait...never mind the part about the blog, but DOWN WITH THE MEDIA!!!!! GBR

Posted by: rluben on August 20, 2010 2:33PM CST Two opposite ends of the spectrum. On one hand I turn on ESPN and am bombarded with Alabama and Nick Sabban half the day with their all access ESPN gig. Then My team's practices are closed and the media gets a little token blah blah blah now and then from the coaches and players. Why you afraid Bo and why isn't Nick?

Posted by: Outside The Box on August 20, 2010 2:35PM CST PT - it all comes to which dead horse you'd like to beat. Your options are: -The media lock out and subsequent pity party -Lee vs. Green vs. Martinez -Why Texas (and/or Dan Beebe) is the root of all evil -The preventative benefits of proper stretching C'mon September...

Posted by: rluben on August 20, 2010 2:39PM CST Silicon, I'm still waiting for every squirrel to apologize for every nut they've chewed on and/or buried.

Posted by: N_trepid on August 20, 2010 2:39PM CST If Aaron Green committed to Nebraska, how could we not have a recruiting class in the top 5?

Posted by: PT Husker on August 20, 2010 2:41PM CST You are right Box. I thought Dead horses were for dog food but they are also for beating before season starts. So, will the fullback get a carry this fall????

Posted by: Outside The Box on August 20, 2010 2:43PM CST Only if that bum Watson pulls his head out...

Posted by: fleaflicker on August 20, 2010 2:44PM CST OTB.....I agree. Maybe everyone should try to use their time in other ways until kick off. I say let's leave the team alone and let them prepare for the season....and before you know it all those subjects you've listed will be gone. We are on the brink of something bigger than we've seen for some time. Let's get behind this thing......let the coaches coach and the players play and kick some big time ass this season. GBR!!

Posted by: rluben on August 20, 2010 2:44PM CST If the rest decommited because he commited, then he commited decommitment because the others lack of commitment and then they recommitted after he decommited...anfd then we got another commit who wasn't really all that commited to committing commitments.

Posted by: rog on August 20, 2010 2:44PM CST Both the coaches and members of the media are professionals with a job to do. Neither should be dictating to the other how to do their jobs. The media can be barred from practice. But as the old saying goes, it's not a good idea to get into an argument with someone who buys their ink by the barrel. I respect all parties involved; let's hope it's a learning lesson from everyone and we can move on.

Posted by: Bbudus on August 20, 2010 2:46PM CST So lube, your saying we would be in the top 5, yes? GBR

Posted by: rluben on August 20, 2010 2:52PM CST Yeah B, TX got that number one rated back , Brown I think... so Green hopefully is leaning our direction. I think Green is rated number 3. I forget if their rankings are national or just for TX.

Posted by: the "Maxpower" on August 20, 2010 2:57PM CST Sip, I think the LJS does a terrific job, however, the media does generally believe they are much more important than they truly are. I believe most of the fans agree, as you have found out, that what Bo says goes, and we fans are OK with that. There are so many intersting stories and angles never even broached because you all are standing around wanting to know where Taylor Martinez was. I asked last summer "who is Justin Blatchford". He had a tremendous spring game, and wasn't even listed in the media guide. I wanted to know more about him, but the media at the time was more concerned with everything Cody Green- from boxers or briefs to what his favorite chewing gum was. There are stories there, and good media will find them. Lastly, I see you refer to the "citizen media" again, and imply they are to blame for the current issues between Bo and the media. It is my understanding that Sean Callahan was the person responsible for most if not all of the problems that transpired. He is not "citizen media". Let's place blame where blame is due.

Posted by: PT Husker on August 20, 2010 2:58PM CST Cal is still in the mix for Green I think.

Posted by: TruBlueRed on August 20, 2010 3:00PM CST Good article Sip, much more impressed with this one than your first on the subject. The "other" sports columnist at the "other" paper had a somewhat similar experience, but yours seems more genuinely written, which is why I always read your stuff first. I suspect it took quite a few e-mails from fans on the subject to bring this about.......maybe NE fans are more respectful and not as rabid as some would make us out to be:) I see Mark Stoops (DC at Arizona last year) ended up 25th in overall defense last year, in 2003 when he went there they were 109th. Now Florida State hires him to turn their defense around.......point is maybe Arizona's defense was better in the bowl game than we gave them credit for........and our offense was better than we give them credit for?.......anyway something to shine a little optimism on Ray's day with

Posted by: Silicon Valley Husker on August 20, 2010 3:00PM CST Bbudus...I think that if the blog ends on a penalty by the defense, the penalty is carried forward in the ensuing thread. If its on the offense, late in the blog, it results in a 10 second runoff. Lube...my favorite apology comment was a number of years ago when the Japanese formally apologized for Pearl Harbor (for about the 5th time) and Letterman said, "Yeah, but they haven't apologized for karaoke."

Posted by: rluben on August 20, 2010 3:02PM CST PT I bet it comes down to how well our O runs the ball and uses the backs this year for Green. If for some odd reason we suck at running the ball with some effectiveness this year again he'd be an idiot to come, but if we run the ball as well as I think we will he'd be foolish not to give it a solid look.

Posted by: Bbudus on August 20, 2010 3:04PM CST And to spin the two current topics together. If I am a parent, or potential recruit, what Bo has done speaks volumes. Basically, if I send my kid to your school, you have us and our son as your top priority. I think that makes him look great. Moms especially, cause what mom says is usually what goes. GBR

Posted by: rluben on August 20, 2010 3:05PM CST This is my guess on Green, he wants to come to Nebraska or is leaning that way, but no way in Hell was he going to commit to a train wreck O like he saw last year. He's waiting to see if they play more like they did in the Bowl game this year or more like most of last year before he pulls the trigger. If it was like back in the day when we either lead the nation in rushing or were in the top 5 somewhere he'd already of said yes a long time ago.

Posted by: montanabirdhunter on August 20, 2010 3:06PM CST Joe T said it best in the second post.....LOL... GO BIG RED! Most people watch football for the halftime shows anyway, why else would the BCS spend millions?

Posted by: rluben on August 20, 2010 3:07PM CST lol, yeah that's funny SVH

Posted by: rluben on August 20, 2010 3:09PM CST K have fun, I'm out for awhile Solve global warming and the world peace issue while I'm gone. Yeah right, we can't even figure out what music to play for the tunnel walk.

Posted by: N_trepid on August 20, 2010 3:11PM CST I think with the OL personnel we have now and the 2011 class coming in, Aaron Green could very well find himself playing in a national championship game if he comes to Nebraska.

Posted by: Mr HH on August 20, 2010 3:11PM CST @sip I thought when I read that piece it was a bit myopic on your part. But, who am I to say? You had a point of view that seems to be prevalent with media types. I think all Husker Fans are every bit as hungry for info as you have stated. But, I also believe that most Husker Fans draw the line in the sand when it is about a kid who is injured, and as in this case, his family had not yet been informed. I do understand Coach Bo wanting to control that aspect. It shows he not only cares about the kids who play for him, but he also respects their families.

Posted by: rluben on August 20, 2010 3:11PM CST I know what music we can play while the other team is taking the field I thought about it for 2 seconds. I say we play "Do you really want to hurt me" by Culture Club while the opponent takes the field.

Posted by: PT Husker on August 20, 2010 3:13PM CST True dat Rl. Cal evidently has a pretty good rep with Backs in the NFL. But we have a cousin on the team. I am thinking it may be awhile before we know.

Posted by: BraskyPants101 on August 20, 2010 3:23PM CST There is a no way a single statement at the end of practice Tuesday would have made things ok. The need for Husker information for certain fans is never ending, if you give them an inch they want a mile. That's just how it is for some, but the majority of fans that are not on message boards, and only get their information once a day, this type of stuff doesn't matter to them. Personally I check these sites several times a day for more new information. And I would love to see hourly updates from practice. But do I think that is good for the program...No I don't. If something happens at practice, you don't want to get anyone to jump to conclusions about a small story. By saying Fischer suffered a leg injury after practice immediately the message boards would say I hear this or I hear that. There is no right way to do this. If Bo thinks it's in the best interest of his program to shut down the media for a while, get his players focused, I have no problem with that. Whatever it takes to win games. T-Minus 15 Days 3 hours to kickoff...it can't get here fast enough. GBR

Posted by: BraskyPants101 on August 20, 2010 3:24PM CST I haven't heard much news on Trey Robinson. I see him having a big sleeper year. I loved watching him run the ball at the ISU game last year.

Posted by: TomOs on August 20, 2010 3:25PM CST Comstock or bust.. is starting today.. sounds a lot more entertaining than blogs of Bo and Media probs... yee haw..

Posted by: Ray in Bellevue on August 20, 2010 3:28PM CST EVERYONE GET OFF OF SIP'S CASE: I am the ghost writer for all of his nasty articles. He is not to blame. Just ship me off to Hsb2 Stallag # 3, a concentration camp in Texas for wayward bloggers.

Posted by: winredwin on August 20, 2010 3:33PM CST zac attack will start. Cody will play and Taylor will see time after we jump on Idaho and WKU.

Posted by: TomOs on August 20, 2010 3:37PM CST How did they hide it so well last year about Lee's arm.. sure would have saved him alot of criticisim, by the bloogggers.. well maybe some.

Posted by: Power-I on August 20, 2010 3:38PM CST It's not that we don't appreciate the job that the media does. I think most people do. It's that the media gets an entitled attitude, veils it behind "we are reporting for you the fan", and then goes off when something like this happens. We are always going to side with HCBP. That's just the way it is. Your job is to break the news Pelini makes, not "scoop" him and get to a story before he can report it. Pelini/Osborne have earned the right to run the program as they see fit, and be supported by us.

Posted by: TomOs on August 20, 2010 3:39PM CST Of course it is kinda hard to conceal a broken leg, or a torn ACL..

Posted by: PT Husker on August 20, 2010 3:45PM CST I see lots of people here supporting bo and his media policies. If have also seen much complaining about Bo and his media policeis in the past. Begging for more and more info. It seems, perhaps, that we want it both ways. When we are not getting it we are begging the media to go get it. When they do we seem to be upset at them. I understand the sensitive nature of this isolated incident so it is probably not a good example. But............

Posted by: TomOs on August 20, 2010 3:46PM CST So the media should never, never ask Bo about a players condition, unless he,Bo,has said something about the player first.. did I get that right...

Posted by: Goldenrod Husker on August 20, 2010 3:46PM CST Sip heres the deal. Pelini is the greatest thing to happen to the big red since osbourne. I wouldn't trade him for anyone. It sometimes just doesn't feel like he completely grasps how important our team is to our state and how they are so closely related. But he didn't grow up here so its unfair to judge him on that maybe. I guess I just appreciate what hes done for our state and our team and if thats the way its going to be Im ok with it b/c of everything else about him. However I believe Bo will eventually move on to ohio st or the NFL at some point. So this may be great right now but its not a permanent fix. I don't know that the days of coaching 1 team for 25 plus years will ever happen anymore either. So all in all we probably just need to be happy and thankful for what it is but always understand that this team is successful b/c of mainly the support of our state and fans --- ie (money we put into the program). So ultimately we would all like to have our cake and eat it too but thats just not the way the world works. Hope all that jumbled up mess makes sense.

Posted by: rog on August 20, 2010 3:51PM CST I'm guessing that if the exact same circumstances happened under the former coach, the fans would have been overwhelmingly in support of the media. Regardless of fickle fans, the media should go about their business in a professional manner and do their jobs. Homers don't make good reporters.

Posted by: ArguingWithIdiots on August 20, 2010 3:53PM CST Just like a bunch of old ladies, some fans want to know is going on. Don't NEED to know, just want to know.

Posted by: Bbudus on August 20, 2010 3:54PM CST Ah, to have your cake and eat it to, the perfect world. Speaking of needing info, do we know an potential recruits coming for the W. KU game? GBR

Posted by: deadred on August 20, 2010 4:01PM CST once again someone wanting to be a star ruins it for everyone a guest to pratice started the ball rolling and then the tradition media not wanting to be left behind called the players family which then got BO boiling and we have no reports for three days on the team but as far as reporting injuries I WILL SAY I WAS TOTALLY SHOCKED WHEN I HEARD OF LEES INJURY AFTER BOWL GAME AND SURGERY WAS GOING TO HAPPEN SO I GUESS YOU CAN SURPRESS THE FLOW OF INFO AND FINALLY TO SIP BC AND OTHER MEDIA YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MUCH TROUBLE AND DISPAIR HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE WORDS I HAVE A JOB TO DO OR I WAS DOING MY JOB SO STOP WHINNING AND GET ON WITH IT ALSO THOSE WHO SAY IF NEB STARTS LOSING BO WILL GET HAMMERED BY MEDIA WOULD YOU WANT THOSE TYPES REPORTING ON YOUR WORK I DONT THINK SO WEED THEM OUT AND SEND THEM ON THEIR WAY GO DO YOUR JOB AT IOWA SEE HOW MUCH TIME YOU HAVE FOR GOLF IN FALL CAMP

Posted by: TomOs on August 20, 2010 4:01PM CST Face it Bo has a problem with the media.. he intimidates the reporters, that is not a good repoire to have.. it appears to me that reporters are on thin ice with him, an unfortunate aspect of his job.. this is just my observation..

Posted by: Silicon Valley Husker on August 20, 2010 4:05PM CST I haven't seen anything from Sip and BC to say they feel "entitled". The entitlement seems more on the blogs, frankly. The story went out because of someone who wasn't a journalist. Asking everyone to act like it wasn't out there is a bit crazy. Calling the kid's parents is pretty crummy in my book. If NU answered a question from whichever reporter (e.g. "we are trying to reach next of kin, please call back in 2 hours and we can fill you in.") they could have put this to bed. Saying the media thinks they are entitled is missing the source of the problem in my mind. I have no problem with Bo burning the reporter who called the parents. For those that followed the rules and still suffered, what are you teaching them? Particularly those that are friends of the program and the coaches and help promote the team.

Posted by: TomOs on August 20, 2010 4:10PM CST What we have here.. is a failure, to communicate...

Posted by: Outside The Box on August 20, 2010 4:10PM CST Here's my perfect world (but never gonna happen) solution: If you are writing/blogging/broadcasting information for a publication/website/radio/tv provider that is for profit, then you need to play by the same journalistic standards as the big boys. The person that maxpower names fits very squarely into that camp and should play by the same rules as everyone else.

Posted by: fleaflicker on August 20, 2010 4:14PM CST PT.....Fans do want as much info as possible...but at what expense. It sounds like to me that the fans are siding with the Coach on this one....TEAM comes first.

Posted by: punt2win on August 20, 2010 4:19PM CST Ray wrote: "EVERYONE GET OFF OF SIP'S CASE: I am the ghost writer for all of his nasty articles. He is not to blame. Just ship me off to Hsb2 Stallag # 3, a concentration camp in Texas for wayward bloggers." I knew it. Damm you Ray. Oh....by the way could you find out who's on the unity council for us?

Posted by: fleaflicker on August 20, 2010 4:23PM CST IMO it is way over kill to have a Husker coach meet with the media every day. You can tell even Wats doesn't like the questions. Once a week with a couple of the team members, IMO, should be enough. Besides the coaches and players aren't going to tell us the really good stuff anyway.

Posted by: winredwin on August 20, 2010 4:24PM CST people who cant respect Bo's stance are the root issue in this scenario. they are told not to repeat anything they see or hear... so if you cant follow rules, expect to be smacked down. Bo did the RIGHT thing by the team and program.

Posted by: Power-I on August 20, 2010 4:24PM CST I'm not speaking about Sip and BC specifically. When I say entitlement, I'm talking about Tom Shatel. He is the worst. He feels it is his birthright to report on Nebraska. I've never seen a public temper tantrum as bad in relating to Husker football as I did with Shatel's blurb right away the day after it happened. I appreciate Sip and BC, which is why I read their stuff over Omaha's, even though I live in Omaha. As far as the incident, the media needs to wait until Pelini gives them news before they report it. What happened this time was, Pelini was trying to figure out the extent of the injury, and the media went off a tip from a message board of all things, and then tried to independently confirm MESSAGE BOARD RUMORS. Yeah, it turned out to be right this time. But I find it a little worrisome that things posted on a message board get treated with equal fervor as if Coach Pelini himself announces it.

Posted by: ancient1 on August 20, 2010 4:25PM CST Good Grief deadred, Have you ever heard of a punctuation mark? You might have something to say but it comes out gibberish.

Posted by: PlyNeb on August 20, 2010 4:26PM CST Maybe the NCAA should follow the lead of the NFL and require teams to file injury reports every week (doubtful, probable, etc). Think the NFL does it for the bettors, so NCAA might not be so keen about that. If the individual who badgered the Fischer family was indeed Sean Callahan, some of the citizen media may be getting a bad rap. Callahan is definitely an e-journalist for Rivals.

Posted by: PlyNeb on August 20, 2010 4:34PM CST I've heard of renting a tux, but never heard of leasing a suit.

Posted by: Ray in Bellevue on August 20, 2010 4:35PM CST punt2win. I will put my staff on it, right away. Our only problem is finding someone to talk. There seems to be a iron curtain that has descended over the football program, kind of like the post WWII era. Mr. Pelini, tear down that wall!

Posted by: Bbudus on August 20, 2010 4:45PM CST All alone, or in two's, The ones who really love you Walk up and down outside the wall. Some hand in hand And some gathered together in bands. The bleeding hearts and artists Make their stand. And when they've given you their all Some stagger and fall, after all it's not easy Banging your heart against some mad bugger's wall.

Posted by: RU4NU2 on August 20, 2010 4:45PM CST POWER, Not quite sure about this, but I think it is $1.2 million for a 10 year lease, plus the cost of 20 tickets per home game @ $150 per. For all of that you get a parking pass (don't know where or how many) and a membership and passes to the champions club. The "special" seating down in the North endzone goes for $1000 a seat per game........I think. GBR!

Posted by: Fitzy on August 20, 2010 4:46PM CST I doubt there was any malicious intent by whomever called the parents. In hindsight, I am sure the individual who did that understands that it was probably a bit excessive after thinking about it. But with the internet, everyone is always trying to break a story first and the quest for instant knowledge got the better of them in this case... I understand that. I expect that this will serve as a little Bo's life lesson for all of us. Now we can all say that Bo is truely "our coach" too. I am totally sick of the lack of news and hope this is ended tomorrow and we never see another blackout like it again anytime soon. I just want to be able to read about the team and how everything is going... and we get nothing... it stinks. GBR-

Posted by: RU4NU2 on August 20, 2010 4:49PM CST I mean South endzone.

Posted by: Power-I on August 20, 2010 4:51PM CST What special seating in the south endzone? Guess I've never heard of this...

Posted by: fleaflicker on August 20, 2010 5:29PM CST Type of people?.....RICH!!

Posted by: APK on August 20, 2010 5:40PM CST Sip, this article is why you rate highly on my media meter. I've often wondered whether Bo is hard to interview, but I see him as a contra figure to C*n. Where C*n seemed to talk down to you (us), Bo simply sees everyone who doesn't play as an outsider. Your point #5 is spot on. It makes being an insider pretty special and the players/coaches know it.

Posted by: Goldenrod Husker on August 20, 2010 6:29PM CST Totally agree Tom Shatel is in fantasyland. Bo needs to teach him how to point the thumb and not the finger. Shatels article made me sick to my stomach. I would like to take his hat and shove it...... well I better stop before I get in trouble.

Posted by: NishBigRed on August 20, 2010 6:34PM CST Sip, I liked your article. It was nice to see that not all writers for the Huskers do not have stings tied to their back. Then again I guess if you a puppet there is job security. Lol I wouldn’t want to cross Bo either. Bo puppets for everyone!!

Posted by: Miller on August 20, 2010 7:12PM CST Sip, you wrote a good article above, Bo is a good coach and trying to protect his players and privacy is a good thing. The mental stress these players go through knowing their out for a season has to be hard and depressing. They need time to adjust to that idea and concentrate on coming back 100%. These injured players just need to know that their fans are behind them as to recovering from their injuries as we are rooting for the team throughout the season. Hang in there guys and take care of yourselves. You're still part of the team and fan base!

Posted by: Gofor2 on August 20, 2010 8:04PM CST You gotta love the arrogance shown by some of the media in this affair. They've done a good job of keeping it hidden but when the "hot button" was pressed, it was on full display. If you get a chance, go read that funny hatted Shatel on the Weird Herald site. He's an important guy, just ask him. He writes, drum roll......sports stories. Then Sipp posts yesterday, "maybe I should read some of this stuff on the blogs." Right Sipp, sure, your going to read some of this blather. You post a topic and forgettaboutit. I'd probably do the same if I was in your shoes. I'd probably be arrogant too, thinking how I important I was to feeding the "fans want to know" frenzy. Funny thing though, except for a few, folks want ethical behavior above getting every detail. As Sipp learned from the feedback of his media centric article he's doesn't have a clue. He admitted, the fans aren't pursuing this info like he or his ego thought.

Posted by: BlackShirtsJ on August 20, 2010 11:07PM CST The simple fact of the matter is those of you that regularly post on this and other blogs, and if you look at the stories you will see that it is usually the same had full of posters, are not the majority voice of the Huskers that they think they are.

Posted by: Gofor2 on August 21, 2010 12:02AM CST Exactly Blackshirts The silent majority, 95% according to Sipp, support Bo and his leadership. The ones that rant about every little thing Bo wise unfortunately get the LJS attention and somehow they perceived this as reality.

Posted by: zee on August 21, 2010 5:26AM CST Sportswriters are an important part of communicating information about our Husker program. The coaching staff should not only be willing, they should want to and understand the importance of meeting with them.

Posted by: BlackShirtsJ on August 21, 2010 7:37AM CST ZEE, While I agree that sports writers are an important conduit for information and I enjoy reading as much as I can about the Huskers. That does not mean that they are entitled to whatever information they want when they want it, nor are the entitled to courtesy reports from NU staff, players, students or their family and friends just cause they do not want to be the last to report something. No No, Like it or not Bo is the boss and no one is gonna make him change his rules, or how he handles the media, his players and coaches or anyone else. as Sip pointed out 95% percent of the feed back he is getting on this matter is pro-Bo. And as long as things continue the way they have been progressing that is not gonna change just cause he locks out media when they pull some bone headed stunt. Personally I like the hard line stance he takes when it comes to protecting our players and their families. I tell you what if a reporter called me when my kid was hurt and in the operating room so they could get the scoop I would be on the phone with his boss demanding his job. I think the 3 day ban was light and a good reminder of who accually runs what around here, you'll notice that even TO said it was Bo's decission and made no further comment to me that shows support in the choice made. I think that the reporter that did call the family should be banned from the rest of fall practice if not the season. If the U is not giving out information its for a reason what if 1. it was more serious, and the the family was grieving or 2. the coaching staff had not yet been able to contact the family and they knew nothing about it. Seriously people think about how you would feel if it was your kid in that position and not just whine about not hearing the same coach speak for a couple of preseason practices.

Posted by: Skree N Ame on August 21, 2010 8:22AM CST If the media members would just pursue the real story here, it would give closure to this mess a big push forward! To my pea-brained, dim-witted thinking the "real story" is the "outing" of the the information. A reporter could regain a lot of respect for "the media" by going after this story with the fervor expended by some journalists griping about the net result: The Lockdown. Don't get me wrong, I like Sip's work (Shatel, I'm not so sure about!) and will always start my Big Red info search here, but maybe somebody (I don't know, maybe an EDITOR) should have told him to dig up everything on the "Why" instead of the "Why Me?".

Posted by: TruBlueRed on August 21, 2010 8:51AM CST No-no seems to have an anti-man-crush on Bo:) Just curious if Sip's epilogue article was published in the paper and on the regular LJS web site........or only on the blog here? My wife works for the same co. that Sip does, so I know a little bit about how the media operates ;)

Posted by: Gofor2 on August 21, 2010 8:55AM CST Excellent posts Black and Skree Where's the editor? Interesting side note to this: About a year or so ago the LJS banned some posters, notable Corn Nation from the blog. His crime, he was criticizing the reporters and the LJS. Don't be surprised if some of us are banned for speaking out. They want the Nothing and Ray types on here that kiss their behinds. The LJS doesn't like criticism much. Kind of funny, double standard wise.

Posted by: Gofor2 on August 21, 2010 10:16AM CST Nonothing What about the banning of Corn Nation from the blog for criticizing LJS? That's an excellent example of "picking and choosing." But it's ok for them to do it, they set the rules. They can invade the privacy of an injured player and his family while he's having surgery. That's their right because you want to know. Forget about common decency or their right to privacy. They can ban posters for criticizing them. Your in the very small minority on this issue. Thank God the vast majority know what's right and decent with regards to this matter and aren't buying the media's line. The media is the ultimate "picker and chooser," my friend. They have many agendas as demonstrated by Sipp's comments about his power trip with regards to his valuable role in keeping Husker Nation together. A good editor would have seen Sipp doesn't have a clue and screened his "media centric" rant. But he had to be educated by email and blog feedback. I'm surprised that even got through. As Sipp stated, he doesn't read this stuff. Why should he? He's a powerful and important cog in keeping Husker Nation together. Maybe more important then Bo in his mind?

Posted by: huskernoxious on August 21, 2010 10:44AM CST I didn't think I would ever see you admit you were wrong. Thank you. I now have more respect for you as Bo was right. However, you are right back at trying to CREATE controversy with the quarteback COMPETITION. That's all it is is just competition not a controvesy. Bo will let you know at the right time about the quaterbacks too. Don't try to create what isn't there. Just report.

Posted by: Gofor2 on August 22, 2010 12:06AM CST Now Nonothing you say Bo should grow up, take classes. Don't be offended if I don't agree with you like the other 95% of Husker Nation according to Sipp. Sipp was making a point that, he got it wrong, he thought the majority were saying stuff like you post and the email feedback educated him. In other words you and Ray fit into the disgruntled with Bo theme, as per your posts, he was going with and he found out few felt that way. Your certainly welcome to your opinion and in my mind, inappropriate disrespect for Bo, but don't be offended if others don't agree with you.