Reid versus the Media
Leave it to Andy Reid to create an Eagles non-football flap in early August. I basically agree with those who are ripping the Birds’ head coach for having a bit of a hissy fit over Stewart Bradley’s season-ending injury being reported ahead of his schedule. It’s beyond ridiculous for the head coach of a football team (aka, a multi-million dollar corporation) to attempt to scold the media. His refusal to discuss injuries was equally absurd. It’s really just another example of Reid’s inability to adjust – this time to the 20th century. (And, yes, I realize it’s the 21st century. Reporters calling players about injuries started long before the Facebook/Twitter fascination.)
But Reid is not alone in creating the latest faux controversy. The cloak that many media members have wrap themselves in suggesting – or in Mike Missanelli’s case yesterday, screaming – that they work for the fans is overdone to say the least. I point out Missanelli only because he practically became enraged by callers to his show stating unequivocally that they really didn’t care about this particular issue. The guy who often refers to his legal training never seemed to grasp the irony of telling those he claims to serve what to care about.
Of course, Missanelli isn’t alone. The Inquirer’s Page 2 spends a good deal of time belittling fans, and there was plenty of outrage about Reid in their pages as well. No doubt, Daily News Live, a show that has plenty of guffaws at the expense of the fans had plenty of indignant reactions from its panelists as well.
I’ll grant that this is not the best example of the media serving the media. But the fact of the matter is that the Eagles signed their first round draft pick yesterday, and it was practically a non-issue because at least the boys on ESPN 950 were busy being morally outraged that Reid attempted to scold them. Oh, I mean, they were mad for the fans.
Bottom line, I don’t know why the media even covers most of Reid’s press conferences to the extent they do. They are wastes of time. And, yes, reporters should obviously be able to talk to players.
That said, no, I don’t really give a damn about this sort of thing. Nor do I need to be told what to care about. Reid’s being an ass, but it shouldn’t have been the day’s dominant sports issue. This issue isn’t the best example, but this is nothing more than the media grinding on an issue that’s totally work-related. It’s like when Reid blows off a question about a specific play and the main story becomes about his reaction as opposed to the game. We all know by now Reid won’t answer certain questions – who cares? If he’s winning, no one. If they lose, there’s media outrage.
But Reid is not alone in creating the latest faux controversy. The cloak that many media members have wrap themselves in suggesting – or in Mike Missanelli’s case yesterday, screaming – that they work for the fans is overdone to say the least. I point out Missanelli only because he practically became enraged by callers to his show stating unequivocally that they really didn’t care about this particular issue. The guy who often refers to his legal training never seemed to grasp the irony of telling those he claims to serve what to care about.
Of course, Missanelli isn’t alone. The Inquirer’s Page 2 spends a good deal of time belittling fans, and there was plenty of outrage about Reid in their pages as well. No doubt, Daily News Live, a show that has plenty of guffaws at the expense of the fans had plenty of indignant reactions from its panelists as well.
I’ll grant that this is not the best example of the media serving the media. But the fact of the matter is that the Eagles signed their first round draft pick yesterday, and it was practically a non-issue because at least the boys on ESPN 950 were busy being morally outraged that Reid attempted to scold them. Oh, I mean, they were mad for the fans.
Bottom line, I don’t know why the media even covers most of Reid’s press conferences to the extent they do. They are wastes of time. And, yes, reporters should obviously be able to talk to players.
That said, no, I don’t really give a damn about this sort of thing. Nor do I need to be told what to care about. Reid’s being an ass, but it shouldn’t have been the day’s dominant sports issue. This issue isn’t the best example, but this is nothing more than the media grinding on an issue that’s totally work-related. It’s like when Reid blows off a question about a specific play and the main story becomes about his reaction as opposed to the game. We all know by now Reid won’t answer certain questions – who cares? If he’s winning, no one. If they lose, there’s media outrage.
Comments
This is typical Reid and it is funny that he claims to have a pact but the is overreacting to his little snit. Ignore it and move on.
MDefl