Marty Hurney

It is unfair to expect them to defend their positions and force them to respond to a third party. Here is why. First, they have to preserve their sources and keep lines of communication open. The writer's opinion is not important, nor is a popular opinion of the readership, as Sorenson states. The columnist must pick and choose his issues. Trying to force a reporter to acknowledge something that occured last year or before is not journalism, it is a roast. They have pens and pads, not torches and pitchforks. Now, if something happens that causes a columnist to have to dig up a pattern to justify a point, but it needs to be an objective process.

THere is also a premise that the draft of 2010 is a bust; knowledgeable fans know that one year does not a draft make. If Clausen hits Armanti with 2 TD passes in the first preseason game, people like Collin disappear. So, when the foundation of the argument is based on subjective emotion, Gantt and Sorenson know that to play ball with Collin is professional suicide because their names and reputations are on the line.

I think Hurney's decisions over the last few years should be questioned, but to suggest firing is also to assume that Otah, E. Brown, Clausen, Edwards were bad picks--too early to tell. That is why Collin's "facts" were slanted. You have to assume that the moves Hurney made were bad. What if Sorenson wrote an article after Steve Smith fumbled three times during his rookie year vs. Green Bay, costing us the game. Smith was a stupid pick, the GM should be fired. Who would read him now?

The playing field is hardly level here. Collin can say what he wants without fear of losing his credibility or job. Gantt and Sorenson feed their families with the words they write and they live in the communities they serve. Criticism is something they do, but when they do, they have learned they better be right. Don't fourms like this give people the opportunity to vent? Why is that not enough?

Your suggestion would be interesting, but stupid for Gantt and Sorenson. It is a no win, where people whose knowledge is limited can take shots without fear of consequence. Frankly, I am surprised he got a response at all, but I used to work at the observer (in the sports dept) and they ask employees to interact with the public when they call or email.

 

good post

 

Why are they so cautious with the Panther's decisions, but are willing to attack or question the Bobcats ownership, management, or players at any time?

 

what's with Bobcat press? I can't say I have any idea what any of you are talking about. Don't read much about them.

 

Rick Bonnell actually has testicles on his body????

 

I guess the point I'm getting at is that as a panthers fan, I'd like to get some in-depth information and analysis, and in order to get it I've got to go to a message board because the guys who are paid to do it -don't. At least not as well as I'd like them to. Collin called these guys out for it. I think it can only help.

 

i must have missed something. collin was his boorish, petulant and abrasive self. despite a couple of exchanges, the tone of the replies was dismissive. now i am left wondering where the rush of “fire hurney” articles in the big-time local sportspages got off to today. perhaps they are holding them all back for the sunday edition.

 

I'm not even a fan of the team and the beat writers here are incredibly disapointting to me. Its so rare to find even a kernel of insight that isn't smack dab in your face obvious or can be easily found on national sports coverage website I feel like its an insult to real beat writers to call those guys beat writers. They give Panthers fans nada.

Though Collin has some serious issues with the whole you know, treat people like they aren't your peasants and you are the king thing, at least the guy is interesting. He seems like a total a-hole to me, but he'd make a way better beat writer (and writer overall) than those guys. And hey, a contentious beat writer that the coaches/teams hate makes for great stories and weekly press conferences, especially when your team is losing. Any time a player is unhappy, you know who's getting the juicy details, and when they ask the tough questions after a loss, at least you feel like SOMEONE gets to hold the dicks who run your team responsible. Plus, how many years could it possibly be before someone punched him again...and wouldn't that make the Charlotte sports scene a bit more interesting?

Mike Garofola for the Giants....a REAL beat writer.

 

Something tells me there's a balance between passively covering the team and lecturing people on why their o pinion isn't relevant. The comments section alone would put this all to an end.

Which, if a board doesn't cover it, blog it, twitter it. The costs are nil, and the playing field more level than ever. I can tell you it doesn't take more time than this does.

I've been there. I changed the conversation. Before my work, beat writers had to just get stories ready for midnight for the paper. Now they act like waiting for news to come in is critical, like they've been on call.

I don't care if they parrot what I say, I just want more info. Twitter has helped, but they still withhold plenty.

 

Neither Gantt nor Sorensen give a shit what Collin thinks. It's as simple as that.