The letters stand for 'Big Fucking Deal' and '38' for Lance's age. Not sure how this enhances the cover.
Sad to see that Outside magazine digitally altered the TV shirt worn by Lance Armstrong on this issue’s cover. As journalists, we should present information exactly as it appears. We should never modify content, regardless if that’s words or images. Journalists can develop graphic illustrations and describe fictional scenarios only when they are clearly defined as such – and only when they serve a news purpose.
Not sure how ‘BFD 38′ enhances the cover image. But I am certain that Armstrong did not wear that shirt.
In many ways, this is far worse than the Chicago Tribune’s cover illustration of Chris Pronger, whose image was clearly altered. That cover was certainly juvenile, but at least the Tribune’s editors did not lie to their readers.
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Tennessee’s attorney general says his state’s universities have the right to put restrictions and conditions on coverage of athletic events.
Perhaps, but I have very little regard for the AG’s opinions. After all, he is really part of the state university system being another state employee.
Besides, he is also absolutely wrong that football games are not ‘public events.’ Universities hold all kinds of public events each week — guest speakers, plays, art shows. How is football different? Why do college athletics feel entitled? Without public financing, college athletics would not exist. At all. About 3 percent of all college programs make more money than they spend each year. But this is a really a sleight. No college program turns a profit. Not when you consider that athletics don’t really cover the cost for facilities or salaries. Taxpayers do. Continue reading Dumb 101: Tennessee attorney general says Vols can restrict media access →
Gather your clips and fill out this form to apply for Boston University’s terrific Sports Institute, where you can study with an accomplished faculty and many professional journalists. The institute runs from June 7 to July 2.
So did K.C. Johnson do the right thing by not reporting the shoving match between Chicago Bulls head coach Vinny Del Negro and the team’s executive VP for basketball operations, John Paxson?
It’s easy for Craig Sager to rip Johnson for not reporting this incident. To Sager, this story is another salacious anecdote that causes people to talk about the NBA, and, subsequently, to watch the playoffs on TNT. In essence, Sager’s job is to promote basketball on his TV station. Sager’s ‘outing’ of Johnson certainly caused a stir.
For Johnson, the decision is far more complex. Continue reading Beat reporters usually know the truth →
The Badger Herald’s Adam Holt crafts a superb lead and writes a solid gamer on Wisconsin’s ice hockey victory this past weekend. The Badgers defeated St. Cloud State 5-3 to advance to the Frozen Four in Detroit on Thursday.
Holt offers game analysis, describes key moments and talked with players and coaches from both teams in a story worth reading. Continue reading Solid coverage on NCAA championships →
Special cover produced by the Daily Athenaeum
The Daily Athenaeum unleashed its own full-court press in covering West Virginia’s victory over Kentucky.
Not only did the Mountaineers upend the top-ranked Kentucky Wildcats. West Virginia also reached the Final Four for the first time since 1959.
The student-run newspaper published solid stories that chronicled the game, assessed West Virginia’s shift to a 1-3-1 defense, and a column. Plus, the staff produced a special cover that commemorated the team’s performance, one that can be downloaded by PDF.
The Kentucky Kernel, meanwhile, did another solid job in offering a slide show, game story, column and live chat during the game. Continue reading Daily Athenaeum coverage Final 4 worthy →
Just a quick note to those covering high school soccer this spring. Once a team goes ahead by seven goals, the remaining time on the clock is cut in half. If a team goes ahead 7-0 before halftime, the teams will play only 20 minutes for the second half. If a team goes ahead by seven with 14 minutes to play, the clock is reset so only 7 minutes remain in the game. This is the only time the clock is cut in half. Subsequent goals do not prompt further reductions. This rule was enacted about three years ago by the National Federation of State High School Associations.
How best to turn yourself from sports fan to professional sports journalist? Quickly moving beyond general guidance about sports writing, Joe Gisondi focuses on the nitty-gritty, with hands-on, practical advice on covering 20 specific sports. From auto racing to wrestling, you’ll find tips on the seemingly straightforward—where to stand on the sideline and how to identify a key player—along with the more specialized—figuring out shot selection in lacrosse and understanding a coxswain’s call for a harder stroke in rowing. Preparing you for just about any game, match, meet, race, regatta or tournament you’re likely to cover, Field Guide to Covering Sports is the ideal go-to resource to have on hand as you master the beat. You can 
Utah governor doesn’t understand sports economics
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert says taxpayers finally are getting a big return on their investment now that the Utes have joined the Pac-12.
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert
“We the taxpayers have invested a lot of money into this institution,” said Gov. Herbert. “This shows we’re getting a significant return.
“It’s a red-letter day,” he added.
Really? The state spends far more on football than the extra $8 million a year the school will earn from its new TV contract. Taxpayers pay for facilities, coaching salaries, scholarship fees, equipment, travel, etc. Continue reading Utah governor doesn’t understand sports economics →