The threat of a football strike by the University of Missouri’s football team created a ripple of fear that swept across the National Collegiate Athletic Association and ended with the resignation of a University president. While the NCAA powers that be digested the loss of Missouri President Tim Wolfe, the media stoked fears of the…
By SCOTT LAMBERT// It’s amazing to see how a single video of a man punching a woman in the face can change everyone’s perspective.
Months ago, Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice was suspended for two games for punching his now wife, Janay Palmer, after a video showed up of Rice dragging her out of an elevator.
Some media members complained then about the NFL’s leniency toward physically abusing your future wife. But, the NFL rode out the storm, claiming that the police did little about the case, so why should they?
By WILLIAM H. FREIVOGEL// The University of Illinois’ last minute decision not to hire a controversial scholar because of his nasty, anti-Israeli tweets has led to a debate about the limits of academic freedom.
The American Indian studies department of the university had approved the tenured appointment of Steven G. Salaita. But that appointment was contingent on approval by the Board of Trustees and Chancellor Phyllis M. Wise decided over the summer not to submit the appointment to the board.
By SCOTT LAMBERT / Media coverage of Lebron James’ decision to return to Cleveland was over the top, but that’s what sports media do. Sports reporters have a difficult job. They are often dismissed by “real” reporters as the people over in the toy room, not really doing real journalism, just reporting about games people play. They work in a world where many of the fans, especially in today’s world where press conferences are often available to fans via online stream, often have the same expertise as the reporters. Thus, sports journaists must always work hard to stay one step ahead of their audience.
Michael Sam is a story. Gay marriage is a story. Our culture is changing. Maybe the media noticed and are trying to be more accepting.