As Jets fans hoping to recover from the painful reality that the team did not "lead the league in wins," we can take solace in the fact that the team has a strong young core, an intriguing and successful head coach and an owner that's willing to spend. But with an entire slew of free agents and an unknown and uncharted new labor agreement to come (hopefully), the Jets' most important piece this off-season will be GM Mike Tannenbaum, who adeptly loaded the team with talent for a Super Bowl run this season. Tannenbaum will have his hands full adding the pieces that will hopefully make the Jets a contender in 2011. Here is a breakdown of the Jets most important free agents.
David Harris-MLB: The only member of the "Core Four" that has yet to be offered a long term contract, Harris is coming off a season in which he led the team in tackles and at age 27 is in his prime. His partner in crime, Bart Scott is on the decline and the Jets will need Harris back to maintain their position as one of the league's best defenses. Once the CBA is in place, expect Harris to be the Jets' first priority, but beware, Harris waited all season for this negotiation as the other three (Mangold, Revis and Ferguson) got deals, and he will fight hard for what he thinks he deserves...think Darrelle Revis.
Santonio Holmes-WR: Let's make no mistake: Holmes is the Jets best receiving threat and "Tone Time" is not a myth...it's real. After serving his four game suspension, Holmes worked his way into the starting lineup and gave the Jets a threat that they haven't had since Keyshawn Johnson was in town. Braylon Edwards (see below) is also a free agent, and the Jets have said they want to bring both back. If they can't, expect the Jets to target Holmes as the guy, but this is not certain, it may make sense for them to sign Edwards, who is expected to be a cheaper (if only slightly) option.
Braylon Edwards-WR: Edwards had a very strong year for the Jets, finishing second on the team in receptions and first in receiving yards. He cut down on the drops that plagued him the last few seasons, and is always a good vertical target for Mark Sanchez because of Edwards' size and athleticism. As I said before, the Jets would love to keep both him and Holmes, but we'll see if this is possible. Edwards is a far superior blocker in the open field than Holmes, and certainly has the tools to be a number one receiver, but we'll have to see how much money he commands once free agency begins. It will also be interesting to see if the possibility of Edwards being suspended by the NFL (because of his DWI and past issues) affects the Jets decision to sign or prioritize him ahead of Holmes.
Antonio Cromartie-CB: Cromartie was a fantastic compliment for Darrelle Revis this season. He was brought to New York for that purpose and it certainly worked, but in terms of his overall season–well it was up and down. Cromartie is a good ball hawk and an above average coverage-guy, but he has a tendency to get beat in big spots, and gets flagged for ridiculous penalties way too much. Oh yeah, and his tackling makes Deion Sanders look like Dick Butkus. The fact of the matter is that the Jets spent a first round draft pick on cornerback Kyle Wilson last season and while Wilson had a rough rookie season, he did look useful at times and may be able to take over opposite Revis next season. Cromartie will want/need a lot of cash in the offseason, and the Jets quite frankly may not have the resources to pay him.
Shaun Ellis-DT/DE: The longest tenured Jet heads to free agency this season, and as much as Jets fans will want him to be back (none more than me), it seems his days are numbered. Ellis has played 11 seasons for gang green, and only missed 6 games. Ellis is still a good run defender and a fantastic leader, but he's clearly on the down side of his career and plays a position the Jets must improve. Most of the experts expect the Jets to draft a DT of some sort in the first round to try and improve the team's pass rush–and area that killed them all season, and with Ellis as the only member of the D-line that is a free agent, it seems that he will either not be asked back, or be offered a contract with very little guaranteed money. Ellis may seek employment elsewhere or retire, either way, he will be a Jet for life and enter the Ring of Honor in the near future.
Brad Smith-KR/WR/QB: This is an interesting one. Smith was a crucial part of the offense all season, coming in for the wildcat/option packages that were pretty effective. The problem is how much money will he seek and is he really an essential member of the team? With Sanchez entering his third season, usually the coming out party for quarterbacks, will the Jets really use Smith enough to warrant him coming back? He is a dynamic Kick Returner and Special Teamer for sure, but if Cromartie comes back, that role could be filled. Also, don't forget that the Jets still have Joe McKnight who can also return kicks. Also working against Smith is that the team showed it can be effective on offense without him–beating New England in the playoffs when he was injured and nearly coming back against Pittsburgh without using any of the Wildcat offense. That being said, it is unclear what kind of market their will be for the multi-talented Smith, and if there are few suitors, perhaps the Jets can get him back as a steal.
Kellen Clemens-QB: I expect Mark Brunell to retire and despite the accepted notion that Kellen Clemens will not be brought back, I disagree. Clemens will not have many offers elsewhere, and with his knowledge of the offense, should be a cheap and steady backup for Mark Sanchez. After all, the Jets felt comfortable with Clemens as the backup when Sanchez was a rookie, why not now?
Nick Folk-K: Folk is too inconsistent and my guess is that the Jets really regret not bringing back Jay Feely. Though he started the year strong, Folk hit a mid season stretch that had Jets fans turning over stones to find John Hall. It's too early to see who is available, but is there anybody Jets fans wouldn't take?
Make sure to comment with your thoughts and follow me on Twitter @awolffster!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Friday, December 31, 2010
Delayed Reaction: The UCONN women, Favre and Amare
I have some free time so let me go ahead and give you my take on a few things in the news this week.
UCONN Women's Basketball
First it was the streak, Geno Auriemma's rant and a wide range of opinions regarding the 90 game win streak's significance. Now the mighty have fallen, and my bet is that Geno Auriemma couldn't be happier, but why?
The truth is to say that women's college basketball stands in the shadow of the men's game is the understatement of a century. But if we've learned anything from the past decade, it's that hype sells and Auriemma could sell an HDTV to a blind man. Instead of basking in the glory of his streak, Auriemma dove head first into starting a controversy and it was brilliant. The following week was dominated by discussion of women's basketball, when was the last time that happened? And I mean women's basketball, not Don Imus.
Now that UCONN lost to Stanford last night, the same team that handed them their last loss back in 2008, perhaps the storm will settle, but as a testament to this streak's success for women's hoops, I can't deny that if come tournament time, if UCONN plays Stanford, I'll be watching.
The Penske File
Gary Williams, former co-host of sirius/xm and Mad Dog radio show Gary and Phillips in the Morning remarked several weeks ago that Roger Goodell's "investigation" into the Brett Favre/Jen Sterger alligations of sexual misconduct were equivalent to "The Penske File," and that couldn't be more true.
For those unfamiliar with "The Penske File," the reference is to an episode of "Seinfeld" in which George, unsure of whether he has or has not got a new job, decides to show up to work anyway. Countless hours are spent working on "The Penske File," however George is actually locked in his office, sleeping.
It comes as no surprise that Goodell's ruling is both inconclusive and conveniently timed. The NFL was afraid of the ramifications of suspending Brett Favre. The story itself would be shattering to the already tattered legacy of the NFL great. So after making examples of countless NFL players, some of which were not charged with or convicted of crimes, but were punished as such, Goodell has decided to throw Favre a bone, what a joke.
Consider that Isiah Thomas' behavior in a somewhat similar situation cost Madison Square Garden $11.6 million. Now doesn't Favre's fine of $50,000 seem like a slap on the wrist?
Here's Something That Grinds My Gears
The Knicks are remarkably improved from a year ago. Amare Stoudemire has given them an offensive force in the paint they have not had since the Ewing era and Ray Felton honestly could be the team's best point guard since Clyde. BUT it pains me to read a box score and find that Stoudemire who is listed as about 6' 10", was out-rebounded by Dwight Howard 18-4 in the Knicks' loss to the Magic last night. Look inside that number and you'll find Howard had 9 offensive rebounds, or more than double Stoudemire's total output for the game. That is just not a winning formula.
That's all for now. Wishing everyone a happy and safe New Year. Comment with your own take on these subjects or anything else!
Follow Alex on Twitter!
UCONN Women's Basketball
First it was the streak, Geno Auriemma's rant and a wide range of opinions regarding the 90 game win streak's significance. Now the mighty have fallen, and my bet is that Geno Auriemma couldn't be happier, but why?
The truth is to say that women's college basketball stands in the shadow of the men's game is the understatement of a century. But if we've learned anything from the past decade, it's that hype sells and Auriemma could sell an HDTV to a blind man. Instead of basking in the glory of his streak, Auriemma dove head first into starting a controversy and it was brilliant. The following week was dominated by discussion of women's basketball, when was the last time that happened? And I mean women's basketball, not Don Imus.
Now that UCONN lost to Stanford last night, the same team that handed them their last loss back in 2008, perhaps the storm will settle, but as a testament to this streak's success for women's hoops, I can't deny that if come tournament time, if UCONN plays Stanford, I'll be watching.
The Penske File
Gary Williams, former co-host of sirius/xm and Mad Dog radio show Gary and Phillips in the Morning remarked several weeks ago that Roger Goodell's "investigation" into the Brett Favre/Jen Sterger alligations of sexual misconduct were equivalent to "The Penske File," and that couldn't be more true.
For those unfamiliar with "The Penske File," the reference is to an episode of "Seinfeld" in which George, unsure of whether he has or has not got a new job, decides to show up to work anyway. Countless hours are spent working on "The Penske File," however George is actually locked in his office, sleeping.
It comes as no surprise that Goodell's ruling is both inconclusive and conveniently timed. The NFL was afraid of the ramifications of suspending Brett Favre. The story itself would be shattering to the already tattered legacy of the NFL great. So after making examples of countless NFL players, some of which were not charged with or convicted of crimes, but were punished as such, Goodell has decided to throw Favre a bone, what a joke.
Consider that Isiah Thomas' behavior in a somewhat similar situation cost Madison Square Garden $11.6 million. Now doesn't Favre's fine of $50,000 seem like a slap on the wrist?
Here's Something That Grinds My Gears
The Knicks are remarkably improved from a year ago. Amare Stoudemire has given them an offensive force in the paint they have not had since the Ewing era and Ray Felton honestly could be the team's best point guard since Clyde. BUT it pains me to read a box score and find that Stoudemire who is listed as about 6' 10", was out-rebounded by Dwight Howard 18-4 in the Knicks' loss to the Magic last night. Look inside that number and you'll find Howard had 9 offensive rebounds, or more than double Stoudemire's total output for the game. That is just not a winning formula.
That's all for now. Wishing everyone a happy and safe New Year. Comment with your own take on these subjects or anything else!
Follow Alex on Twitter!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Rex Reaches Crossroads, Must Define Himself
Hype is an amazing thing. It can make a great player hated, serve as a mechanism for unrealistic expectations and become a gravitational force for attention. The New York Jets have made it all three.
Rex Ryan has done nothing but bring hype to the Jets since he took over last season. Some of it has been good considering the team certainly no longer feels like the Giants' less talented little brother, but some of it has led the Jets into an incredibly uncomfortable position.
After all, in what world do we live in that an early morning Braylon Edwards DUI arrest easily trumps a much more important and tragic story such as the apparent suicide death of Denver Broncos' Wide Receiver Kenny McKinley?
But that is the world the Jets are living in now and regardless of how many big personality players are inhabiting the Jets' locker room (aka the 'Animal House'), the man who is responsible is the same man who must fix the problem, yes I mean Rex Ryan.
The second year coach has done a world of good for the franchise. He has identified himself with the fan base, befriended his players to a point where they play hard for him and to this point has proven himself as maybe the best X's and O's coach the team has had since Bill Parcells. But an undeniable string of ugly events has cast a dark shadow on the team, changing its perception from the lovable underdogs of last year, to a hated band of misfits this year. It must stop now.
Ryan has to prove that he can put his foot down, the obvious next step in his coaching maturation. He has to create a divide between him and his players and that is something that will be tough, but necessary for him to do. If he doesn't, there will be story after story on the misfit Jets, some of them could potentially trump the Edwards incident, the foul language on Hard Knocks, the Ines Sainz debacle and even Ryan himself flipping the bird to some obnoxious Dolphins fans.
His own career depends on it. Honestly, how many incidents/distractions will it take for the Jets zoo to run them out of contention? With a team of trash talkers and players with substance/personal conduct issues, what clout will he hold if he looks for another head coaching job if he can't prove he can control a team?
The change should start with Braylon Edwards Sunday night. the NFL and NFLPA labor agreement prohibits the Jets from suspending or deactivating Edwards for the game, but the Jets have already said he will not start. The question is, will he play at all, and if so, how much? The right move would be to sit him the entire game and make him (or at least try) learn a lesson about putting his team in a bad situation.
More likely, Edwards will sit the first half. After all, the Jets are short of wide receivers as it is (Santonio Holmes is suspended until week 5) and a divisional game at Miami is no time to waive a white flag, especially with all this hype.
Rex Ryan has done nothing but bring hype to the Jets since he took over last season. Some of it has been good considering the team certainly no longer feels like the Giants' less talented little brother, but some of it has led the Jets into an incredibly uncomfortable position.
After all, in what world do we live in that an early morning Braylon Edwards DUI arrest easily trumps a much more important and tragic story such as the apparent suicide death of Denver Broncos' Wide Receiver Kenny McKinley?
But that is the world the Jets are living in now and regardless of how many big personality players are inhabiting the Jets' locker room (aka the 'Animal House'), the man who is responsible is the same man who must fix the problem, yes I mean Rex Ryan.
The second year coach has done a world of good for the franchise. He has identified himself with the fan base, befriended his players to a point where they play hard for him and to this point has proven himself as maybe the best X's and O's coach the team has had since Bill Parcells. But an undeniable string of ugly events has cast a dark shadow on the team, changing its perception from the lovable underdogs of last year, to a hated band of misfits this year. It must stop now.
Ryan has to prove that he can put his foot down, the obvious next step in his coaching maturation. He has to create a divide between him and his players and that is something that will be tough, but necessary for him to do. If he doesn't, there will be story after story on the misfit Jets, some of them could potentially trump the Edwards incident, the foul language on Hard Knocks, the Ines Sainz debacle and even Ryan himself flipping the bird to some obnoxious Dolphins fans.
His own career depends on it. Honestly, how many incidents/distractions will it take for the Jets zoo to run them out of contention? With a team of trash talkers and players with substance/personal conduct issues, what clout will he hold if he looks for another head coaching job if he can't prove he can control a team?
The change should start with Braylon Edwards Sunday night. the NFL and NFLPA labor agreement prohibits the Jets from suspending or deactivating Edwards for the game, but the Jets have already said he will not start. The question is, will he play at all, and if so, how much? The right move would be to sit him the entire game and make him (or at least try) learn a lesson about putting his team in a bad situation.
More likely, Edwards will sit the first half. After all, the Jets are short of wide receivers as it is (Santonio Holmes is suspended until week 5) and a divisional game at Miami is no time to waive a white flag, especially with all this hype.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Breaking Down the Jets...Groan
Sitting on my couch, my home Revis jersey on and a cold one in my hand, only one phrase was fitting for Monday night's debacle at the Meadowlands.
Yes, is was the words of Chicago Bulls announcer Neil Funk of "NBA Hangtime" fame echoing in my head, "What a disaster," over and over and over again.
Where to begin is tough, as it always is when discussing the Jets woes, so I'll lay out the analysis in no particular order, lets start with concerns.
1) Kris Jenkins is out for the season with a tear to the same ACL that caused him to miss all but six contests last season. This is sad on a number of levels, not the least of which is that he worked hard to come back a fully recovered and potentially more effective version of himself. His hard work lasted less than one quarter, and his career may now be over. The good news is that Rex Ryan was gracious enough to tell us which leg was injured...
2) The Jets Secondary was horrible last night and horrible truly does not say enough about the play of Antonio Cromartie and Kyle Wilson last night, each cost the Jets multiple times on horrendous penalties, seemingly all when the Jets had forced the Ravens into difficult 3rd and long situations. Unfortunately, these situations only proved difficult for the pair of corners not on Revis Island. I never thought I'd see the day when I was SCREAMING for Dwight Lowery to get into the game in place of Wilson, but the rookie was just flat out not ready. Rex says that Revis will be on Randy Moss all game against the Patriots on Sunday, I'll be interested to see how the size dependent Cromartie does against the speedy Wes Welker.
3) No question that Mark Sanchez and the offense were looking to control the ball and not cough it up to the Ravens, but it seemed like Sanchez was using his progressions as a formality to go through before hitting the check down. I'll be the first to tell you that he has to be careful with the football, but less than 80 passing yards against a team with a depleted secondary? Yikes. Also, Shonn Greene anyone?
It's very difficult to be anything but Mr. negativity, but there were a few positives to be had. Lets give out the game balls.
1) Shaun Ellis, I assume is the longest tenured Jet and maybe one of the most underrated defensive ends EVER. Here's a guy who rarely if ever has a full practice because of his knee, but yet on the first defensive snap of the season turns the corner for a sack and forced fumble. When Jenkins went out, all Shaun did was what he always does, stuff the run.
2) Sione Pouha is another run stuffer who gets no glory. He stepped in for Jenkins after last year's injury and took over without missing a beat. He won a starting job this year and if he continues to play the way he has, don't be surprised if he makes a pro bowl this season.
3) Brad Smith....I had to pick someone on offense, he was the least terrible. Runner up is Ladanian Tomlinson who also wasn't terrible.
This Sunday is going to be a tough one for the Jets. They host the Patriots who romped the Bengals last week. I wasn't too high on Cincinnati to start with, so we'll see. It's not a must win for the Jets, but it would help them a TON. A lot of people look at the season in quarters, the 0-1 Jets have the Patriots followed by road games against the Dolphins and Bills, both of which the Jets should win if they hope to win a division this season. They've already lost one home game, you don't want to start 0-2 before you even hit the road. If they beat the Patriots, they have a good shot at starting 3-1, doesn't that sound nice?
* Notes*
--While Darrelle Revis was his normal self against the Ravens, there were some apparent negatives from him missing camp. Being talked about is Rex admitting he didn't have Revis on Anquan Boldin to try and spell him some extra running, not being talked about is the affect the holdout had on Kyle Wilson. Nick Mangold said he DIDN'T hold out in part to help with the mentoring of Matt Slauson and Vlad Ducasse, Wilson didn't have the luxury of Revis, instead he had Antonio Cromartie as a mentor, I won't go further on that point. Also, people take for granted that Wilson was a starter lined up on one side of the field during preseason and training camp, he's now being asked to play in the slot, sometimes an easier task sometimes not, particularly for a rookie who hasn't done it at this level.
--I personally don't think the Jets have the cash to do it, but expect rumors about acquiring Albert Haynesworth to begin shortly, especially if the defensive line has issues on Sunday. On the issue of the D-line, I think Vernon Gholston is going to see plenty of time against the Patriots, if that doesn't work, when Calvin Pace comes back the Jets might try to pair him with Jason Taylor on the outside and move Bryan Thomas to defensive end, a position he played during the Mangini era.
Yes, is was the words of Chicago Bulls announcer Neil Funk of "NBA Hangtime" fame echoing in my head, "What a disaster," over and over and over again.
Where to begin is tough, as it always is when discussing the Jets woes, so I'll lay out the analysis in no particular order, lets start with concerns.
1) Kris Jenkins is out for the season with a tear to the same ACL that caused him to miss all but six contests last season. This is sad on a number of levels, not the least of which is that he worked hard to come back a fully recovered and potentially more effective version of himself. His hard work lasted less than one quarter, and his career may now be over. The good news is that Rex Ryan was gracious enough to tell us which leg was injured...
2) The Jets Secondary was horrible last night and horrible truly does not say enough about the play of Antonio Cromartie and Kyle Wilson last night, each cost the Jets multiple times on horrendous penalties, seemingly all when the Jets had forced the Ravens into difficult 3rd and long situations. Unfortunately, these situations only proved difficult for the pair of corners not on Revis Island. I never thought I'd see the day when I was SCREAMING for Dwight Lowery to get into the game in place of Wilson, but the rookie was just flat out not ready. Rex says that Revis will be on Randy Moss all game against the Patriots on Sunday, I'll be interested to see how the size dependent Cromartie does against the speedy Wes Welker.
3) No question that Mark Sanchez and the offense were looking to control the ball and not cough it up to the Ravens, but it seemed like Sanchez was using his progressions as a formality to go through before hitting the check down. I'll be the first to tell you that he has to be careful with the football, but less than 80 passing yards against a team with a depleted secondary? Yikes. Also, Shonn Greene anyone?
It's very difficult to be anything but Mr. negativity, but there were a few positives to be had. Lets give out the game balls.
1) Shaun Ellis, I assume is the longest tenured Jet and maybe one of the most underrated defensive ends EVER. Here's a guy who rarely if ever has a full practice because of his knee, but yet on the first defensive snap of the season turns the corner for a sack and forced fumble. When Jenkins went out, all Shaun did was what he always does, stuff the run.
2) Sione Pouha is another run stuffer who gets no glory. He stepped in for Jenkins after last year's injury and took over without missing a beat. He won a starting job this year and if he continues to play the way he has, don't be surprised if he makes a pro bowl this season.
3) Brad Smith....I had to pick someone on offense, he was the least terrible. Runner up is Ladanian Tomlinson who also wasn't terrible.
This Sunday is going to be a tough one for the Jets. They host the Patriots who romped the Bengals last week. I wasn't too high on Cincinnati to start with, so we'll see. It's not a must win for the Jets, but it would help them a TON. A lot of people look at the season in quarters, the 0-1 Jets have the Patriots followed by road games against the Dolphins and Bills, both of which the Jets should win if they hope to win a division this season. They've already lost one home game, you don't want to start 0-2 before you even hit the road. If they beat the Patriots, they have a good shot at starting 3-1, doesn't that sound nice?
* Notes*
--While Darrelle Revis was his normal self against the Ravens, there were some apparent negatives from him missing camp. Being talked about is Rex admitting he didn't have Revis on Anquan Boldin to try and spell him some extra running, not being talked about is the affect the holdout had on Kyle Wilson. Nick Mangold said he DIDN'T hold out in part to help with the mentoring of Matt Slauson and Vlad Ducasse, Wilson didn't have the luxury of Revis, instead he had Antonio Cromartie as a mentor, I won't go further on that point. Also, people take for granted that Wilson was a starter lined up on one side of the field during preseason and training camp, he's now being asked to play in the slot, sometimes an easier task sometimes not, particularly for a rookie who hasn't done it at this level.
--I personally don't think the Jets have the cash to do it, but expect rumors about acquiring Albert Haynesworth to begin shortly, especially if the defensive line has issues on Sunday. On the issue of the D-line, I think Vernon Gholston is going to see plenty of time against the Patriots, if that doesn't work, when Calvin Pace comes back the Jets might try to pair him with Jason Taylor on the outside and move Bryan Thomas to defensive end, a position he played during the Mangini era.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Why Revis Will Return Sooner Than Later
Despite a flurry of reports over the past few days that a Darrelle Revis contract is near, it once again appears that the two sides are far apart, however that does not mean a deal won't come. Whether or not the rumblings, rumors, tweets and "sources" are have any merit, I suspect that a peace treaty is near and Revis will be in camp before the regular season begins, and yes, when it happens, it is OK to cry in happiness (or sadness if the Jets are on your favorite team's schedule this season.
Let's be clear, I have no sources or inside information, but at the end of the day the league's best corner will have to fold, unless of course, the Jets do first. While what he wants and what the Jets are offering may never be the same thing, the Jets offer will always be the highest he can get, and any offer is worth more if you don't miss regular season games.
Keep in mind a few things here, like it or not, Revis is under contract for three years including 2010. The Jets don't have to trade him and as long as he holds out, it barely costs them a thing. Certainly they won't trade him before or during this season because there isn't the risk of losing him at season's end to free agency anytime soon.
Lets say that Revis sits out all of 2010 (It pains me to write this), we've all heard the prospect of an uncertain labor outlook and a possible lockout in 2011. If a lockout were to occur (and many believe it will), Revis runs the risk of being off the field for two years and through it all, still being under contract with the Jets.
In that scenario, even if the Jets decide to trade or release him what is the likelihood of him getting top dollar? What will top dollar even look like at the start of the 2012 season? One thing we know about the NFL is that players get paid on performance. This is a 'what have you done for me lately?' league, that's why Revis is lobbying for a new contract, and that's why the same contract won't be there in the future. No owner or GM in their right mind would give a then 27 year old cornerback who hasn't defended a pass in two seasons a 7 year, $140 million contract (that's what one of the Jets offers is estimated at), no matter what he did in 2009.
Believe me folks, the Revis agents are aware of this. They also know that coming off of last season, one of the finest (and most hyped) seasons for an NFL cornerback in quite some time, now is their chance to bargain and get the best possible deal.
That best deal has to come from the Jets, and Revis knows it. It's just a matter of what that contract offer is at the last possible moment to sign. One side will fold, but if the Jets don't, Revis will have to.
Friday, July 30, 2010
ESPN's "Ethics" Trump Objectivity
One of the most important lessons in journalism I was ever taught was not to befriend those you cover. The reasons aren't outlandish, or even difficult to understand.
What would happen say if you were out drinking with your best friend, married with kids, and he negotiated his way back to a Motel 6 with a woman half his age. Your friend doubled as the Mayor you cover. It's a fine line, but an important one.
That is why ESPN's new "decision" is disturbing. On Wednesday, the "world wide leader" published a report detailing an under cover reporter's observations of LeBron James' adventurous night on the town. According to a New York Daily News article, James and his friends were depicted in the ESPN article to be drinking and hanging around with scantily clad women. James was presented a cake by go-go dancers and his sky high ego was on full display.
It's not shocking that after 15 minutes, ESPN took this article down, saying that the article had not gone through the proper editorial process, but with James and ESPN virtually tied at the hip these days, I suspect there was a little more than a red pen.
The following is taken from the Daily News article:
"Digital media editor Rob King said in a statement Thursday that the author of the article, Arash Markazi, "did not properly identify himself" and "we are not comfortable with the content because of the manner in which it was reported.""
In other words, ESPN wasn't "comfortable" with disparaging their number one ratings producer, shocking.
I don't expect this story would have been taken down if Randy Moss was the perpetrator. Or Ron Artest. Or even Kobe Bryant. After all, none of those guys chose ESPN to do a self-serving one hour TV special on where they would play next.
Quite frankly it's a cover up and it should deeply disturb professionals in the media the world over. ESPN wants to protect their brand, that's fine, but their brand shouldn't be the same as the one they are covering. It's unethical.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Tabloids Pulling for Darrelle
If Darrelle Revis reads the papers he'd be pretty upset if he read this, so would Mike Tannenbaum. Click the link and you will see that no less than 7 defensive backs on THE JETS ROSTER are set to earn more than Darrelle Revis this season, unbelievable.
This is the latest in a series of columns aimed to get the Jets to put up the money for their all-pro cornerback who is demanding to be the highest paid corner in the league, which he should be.
I get the sense in the media that this is less about the actual decision making of Tannenbaum than the longing of beat reporters to see the Jets be good again, after all its been over 40 years.
This is the latest in a series of columns aimed to get the Jets to put up the money for their all-pro cornerback who is demanding to be the highest paid corner in the league, which he should be.
I get the sense in the media that this is less about the actual decision making of Tannenbaum than the longing of beat reporters to see the Jets be good again, after all its been over 40 years.
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