Jenni Carlson, sports columnist for The Oklahoman is well into her 15 minutes of fame at a time when YouTube and blogs pick up immediately on controversy.  Her story about Oklahoma State Quarterback Bobby Reid set-off OSU Coach Mike Gundy and an extraordinary barrage of attention and buzz across the internet.

When I read Carlson’s article, I understood Coach Gundy’s reaction. While, I am part of the press and believe in the first amendment, I also believe the press has a responsibility to seek and tell the truth. Carlson’s story landed far from those objectives. Jenni has defended the facts and sources in her story. The fact that she is missing and perhaps the only one that can be substantiated is that her story about Reid was a terrible column.

Like any reporter, Carlson has a right to write or say what she wants about anyone. College athletes are not exempt. Demoted quarterbacks are not exempt. Aggravated coaches are not exempt.

However, the public or the targets of poor and inaccurate reporting do not have to stand by.  Mike Gundy is the poster boy for that axiom (do not try this at home).

Sadly, the organization that should be promoting professionalism and the advancement of quality sports writing chose to point a finger at Coach Gundy and accuse of him of the exact offense for which they defended Carlson. From the Association for Women in Sports Media,

"The Association for Women in Sports Media (AWSM) is alarmed at the unprofessional manner in which Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy chose to take exception with a column written by AWSM member Jenni Carlson of The Oklahoman. Gundy has the right to express his opinion, just as Carlson has the right to express hers. But his decision to air his objections in the form of a personal attack shows a lack of respect for all journalists."

Apparently, the AWSM feels a personal attack on a 21-year old student athlete is okay, but a coach protecting a 21-year old from a public personal attack shows a lack of respect.

In my opinion, Jason Whitlock from the Kansas City Star has the best perspective on this topic and provides the most insightful commentary on Jenni Carlson and her article. Mr. Whitlock knows Jenni.

“Jenni Carlson, the target of Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy’s now-infamous postgame tirade, is a talented, dedicated sports columnist. I’ve stated that opinion privately and publicly for years. I’ve known Jenni, now a columnist at The Oklahoman, since she was a student at Kansas and later when she was a high school columnist for this newspaper.”

Absolutely Indefensible

Whitlock, despite his positive view of Carlson as fellow columnist, honorably calls it like he sees it when it comes to the article in question. And he sees it through the same lens as Coach Mike Gundy.

“The column she wrote about Oklahoma State quarterback Bobby Reid, the column that caused Gundy to melt down following the Cowboys’ victory over Texas Tech, is absolutely indefensible. Gundy called it “garbage,” and I can’t disagree.... Jenni Carlson owes Bobby Reid and Mike Gundy apologies. Her column was atrocious.”

I am not sure he read the press release from the The Association for Women in Sports Media, but he calls out all media professionals that choose to defend tabloid journalism.

“Why anyone in the media would choose to defend a column that is basically a message-board attack on a 21-year-old kid speaks to the insecurity of our profession.”

Whitlock proves his talent as a columnist by providing insight rather than blame. He provides basis for Carlson’s ability as a reporter but acknowledges that “this story” is not worthy journalism. He calls it a “mistake” but not a mistake that we journalists and the media should defend.

“We make mistakes — all the time. There is no reason to turn defensive and blame Gundy for justifiably embarrassing Carlson the same way she belittled an amateur athlete.”

Perhaps Jenni should spend a few days back at the Kansas City Star as an intern for Whitlock. I think I could learn a few things from him. His commentary on the article and the media is on the money.

Photo Credit of Gundy - Matt Strasen/The Oklahoma/Associated Press