Cheers to decision
Published: 8/6/2008 12:40 PM
Last Modified: 8/6/2008 12:40 PM
There is a cardinal rule in sports journalism. No cheering in the press box. It is announced over the loud speaker in every press box before every college football game I've covered.
I have adhered to that rule, although I will admit to letting out a groan of disgust a time or two if a game threatens to make me potentially miss deadline.
Well, today I am going to give a quiet, small round of applause to Oklahoma State and coach Mike Gundy for allowing Saturday's scrimmage to be open to fans and media. I'll make sure to confess this sin the next time I attend confession with Monsignor Dorney at my parish, the Church of St. Mary.
Truthfully, this is a good move for all parties involved. OSU has 16,000 more seats it needs to fill starting this year at Boone Pickens Stadium and tickets are still available. It allows fans to get more glimpse of this team before the season opener in Seattle against Washington State.
And, yes, from a selfish standpoint, it allows media members like myself one more opportunity to get a glimpse of this team and evaluate it before the season starts.
The relationship between media and coaches and some athletes has deteriorated and become more cantankerous over the years, particularly with the ever-increasing presence of the Internet these days. I know there will not be a lot of revelations coming out of Saturday night's scrimmage in Stillwater. But for myself and few thousand other folks, at least we can witness the on goings with our own eyes and appreciate the opportunity OSU and Gundy have offered.
To that, I say thanks.
--- Matt Doyle
Written by
Bill Haisten
Sports Writer
