When the Media Fights With Bo Pelini, Everyone Loses
by Husker Mike on Oct 10, 2011 1:08 PM CDT
in 2011 Nebraska Huskers Football
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PrintMuch of the postgame discussions about Nebraska's thrilling 34-27 come-from-behind victory over Ohio State revolve around Bo Pelini's post-game press conference with Dirk Chatelain of the Omaha World-Herald. It all started with Chatelain's column that called for Taylor Martinez to be benched if he had another below-par performance. It was Pelini's last chance to bail on Martinez, and implied Pelini's career depended on it
Well, Martinez went out and played a whale of a game, earning Big Ten offensive player of the week honors. At the press conference, all was fine until Chatelain asked Pelini about Martinez, and the situation spiraled down from there. How you took the situation depends on your perspective. Many fellow members of the media took offense. Pelini supporters at the press conference gave Pelini an ovation. Martinez critics ripped Pelini, while other fans, myself included, ripped Chatelain.
So which is it? Well, in this situation, everybody is a loser. Bo Pelini, Dirk Chatelain, the rest of the media, and fans.
Bo Pelini's isues with the media are well known. I hope Bo can work on these issues over his career, and I hope it's a long one at Nebraska. But Saturday night, Bo didn't rant and rave. He didn't start the press conference with this. He waited until Chatelain entered the conversation, and really opened the door by asking about Martinez.
Dirk Chatelain has developed a reputation for writing pointed articles, and last Friday's might be his worst. His arguments were a muddled mess as far as I'm concerned. Martinez played injured last year, his teammates support him, due to injuries and defections, he's really the only quarterback available to play.... so bench him if he has a rough game.
My favorite was that Pelini is somehow coddling Martinez. Have people forgotten about the Texas A&M game already?
Got that? Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight.
Now a lot of people think Martinez should be benched, preferring to go for what's behind door #2, likely Brion Carnes. All we know about Carnes is he looked good playing against reserves in the spring game and rather rough in two mop-up appearances in September. I don't think the evidence supports making the switch, but others have that opinion.
And that opinion is driving much of the debate over Chatelain's article. If you think Martinez isn't suited to be a quarterback, you love the article. It's spot on. If not, you probably see it as a piece of tabloid journalism and a steaming pile of excretement.
Much of the media is in dismay about Pelini's press conference behavior. Fair enough, I guess. They are looking to hold Pelini accountable. But who's holding Chatelain accountable? The Omaha World-Herald's Lee Barfknecht jumped into the fray today to suggest that Pelini was offended someone had the "gall" to second guess his quarterback decision.
If second guessing and analyzing were all that Chatelain did, Barfknecht might have a point. But Chatelain went further. He suggested that Pelini's career is on the line. It was excessive hyperbole, much like Barfknecht went overboard in defending his coworker.
Barfknecht mentioned that ESPN's Adam Rittenberg labeled him "Bo Buzzkill" as a slam. It wasn't meant as a slam by Rittenberg; Rittenberg referred to Pelini shunning the hype of Wisconsin vs. Nebraska. That's bad journalism on the part of Barfknecht, who's been around long enough to know better.
The media trying to defend Chatelain's column are not doing themselves any favors. They are using the bully pulpit they have to defend someone that screwed up big time last week. And fans are the losers for this in the end, because we have to wade through the disagreement and the garbage to learn about our team. Our opinions get shaped by this, and when situations like this spin out of control, we're all losers.
And that's a shame. There's no need for this situation to exist. Bo Pelini needs to clean up his act... but so does the media. And the media isn't holding themselves accountable for their own transgressions. Start there.
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Hasn't Pelini been rather decent to the media this year?
I mean, other than downplaying the media’s penchant for hype and circumstance, Pelini has been calm, collected and mostly composed in his dealings with the media. No one has had an issue with Pelini’s demeanor until Chatelain decided he needed to attack both Martinez and Pelini in one fell swoop. And really, that’s the only time Pelini goes on the defensive – when his players are being criticized. He understands that coaches who are being paid millions to win games should be open to questioning and so forth; its when we start questioning the character of his players that Pelini gets ticked off.
I’m guessing this will all blow over the next two weeks as we return to a more composed Bo Pelini at press conferences. Pelini is never going to be a media charmer (and from the looks of things, I doubt Osborne would be really appreciative of the media’s 24 hour news cycle, as opposed to the nature of media when Osborne was the head coach).
A Cornhusker through feast or famine. Get up, dust yourself off and run the ball. That's the Nebraska way.
by Salt Creek and Stadium on Oct 10, 2011 1:29 PM CDT reply actions
I agree that Pelini saves the worst of his anger for questions that imply that his players might ever give anything less than 100%
But I disagree that that’s the only time Pelini goes on the defensive. Pelini is defensive and testy with the media by default: Anything different from that is considered remarkable.
I guess this is essentially the same disagreement we had yesterday. I see Mack Brown’s press conferences pretty regularly down here, and it’s amazing how different the tone is from Bo’s. Even last year when Mack’s team sucked, he was thoughtful and considerate. I’m not saying Bo has to be a charmer like Mack – that’s not who he is. But we shouldn’t just accept defensiveness, anger, and general utter disdain as the standard ways for a coach to treat the media.
That said, yes, it sure seems as though Dirk is kind of a douche.
by Cheeseandcorn on Oct 10, 2011 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Bo needs help
I’m not taking sides here, I think both deserve some criticism. Having said that I think Bo needs some professional training handling the press better and I don’t know why they don’t get it for him. He’s smart, he can do better and everyone will benefit.
The press absolutely LOVE a fight; it sells papers. He gave them one, they love it, something to write about. If he doesn’t learn it will trouble him in the future.
It was ONE press conference this season.
He hasn’t been anywhere near as grouchy for any of the other games.
In fact, he’s been a calmer, happier Pelini than in past seasons.
A Cornhusker through feast or famine. Get up, dust yourself off and run the ball. That's the Nebraska way.
by Salt Creek and Stadium on Oct 11, 2011 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions
OWH is a joke. Always has been
Worst paper in the Continental 48. And they unfortunately cover Husker football. When i hear the questions they ask Bo, it’s no wonder he gives short answers. I hate hearing them and I’m not even asked them…
Screw Lee Barf and Dirk-a Dirk-a….
by NotYourNormalHuskerfan on Oct 10, 2011 1:49 PM CDT reply actions
Oh, and Mike...
Loved your first piece on your Blog, and this one as well. Funny how bloggers write better than paid Journalists. Every thought about sprucing up the OWH?? Second though, you’re better than that…nevermind.
by NotYourNormalHuskerfan on Oct 10, 2011 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Exactly what I was thinking..
This is why I come here for my sker dish. OWH is polarizing Husker nation. Fans who were booing on Saturday are probably the poor sheeps who took Dirk’s opinion for fact.
OWH needs to report, not create, the news.
This.
I think that’s the difference between bloggers like Mike. Right or wrong, they give you honest opinions of what they see is going on, papers may do some of that, but the writers have this need to sell the stupid paper, so they have to find non-stories or go extreme on opinions.
by Fake Pelini on Oct 10, 2011 4:23 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Don't forget
you can “rec” articles as well as comments.
Good write-up as usual, Husker Mike.
They're 18 to 22...how perfect were you at that age?
The Power of Red begins with the Passion of Walk-Ons.
McKweon (sp?) was pretty good for the State Paper, and hasn't appeared to have been corrupted by the OWH controversy virus yet.
Shatel usually stays distant from any sort of extremist opinion on Nebraska football. He’s not a saint but he’s rarely terrible.
Unfortunately, they are overshadowed by Barfy and Dirk.
A Cornhusker through feast or famine. Get up, dust yourself off and run the ball. That's the Nebraska way.
by Salt Creek and Stadium on Oct 10, 2011 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions
I do like McKewon...
…he was a huge get for the World-Herald. But while the OWH has a bigger staff, the Journal-Star has long done a better job covering the Huskers.
by Husker Mike on Oct 10, 2011 6:22 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Any players complaining?
The media loves to talk about Bo’s temper and such yet from players all I ever hear are extremely positive comments. How open he is and always available. It doesn’t sound like any of the players are afraid to go talk with him about anything. Since this is really about the kids and not the old geezer fans I’ll take a guy that gets his players to class, supports when needed and disciplines when needed any day over a media schmoozer.
Insert witty retort here.
by Robsa on Oct 10, 2011 1:51 PM CDT reply actions 12 recs
Exactly!
A Cornhusker through feast or famine. Get up, dust yourself off and run the ball. That's the Nebraska way.
by Salt Creek and Stadium on Oct 10, 2011 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions
You know who cares about press conferences?
The press. Would a coach’s media savvy (or lack thereof) even be a topic of conversation among fans if the press didn’t make it one?
Same screen name since AOL- 'cause like many Nebraska fans, I'm stuck in the '90s.
OWH is just media they're all the same to me.
U know Chatelain was just voicing his opinion. I dont agree with his pelini Rants but i do somewhat agree with his Martinez rants. Media prints it we choose to agree with it or not, but i know there was alot and i mean alot of people saying what he was saying too. All media is the same look at the media in denver calling for Tebo over orton, if your going to play u have to ingnore it. Martinez looked like he ingnored the critics all game, my take on it is he played all game pretty damn good actually looked like a real QB for the first time all year, but he looked like a real QB during the Oklahoma St. game last year too. Ive said this before i think Martinez is the best in a bad QB situation. That being said Beck needs to stop making Martinez look bad with plays that he cant complete, the second half he called plays Martinez could do and it made him look good, i think if we continue to call plays like that Martinez will become a good QB and we will win. D needs to get alot better though David has to do too much someone needs to pick it up to help him out. Awsome win though, over all very prowd of this team for not giving up. Go big red.
This is my
opinion, of course, but it seems that Bo needs to just let this cool down. Probably would have gone a lot farther to the general public if Bo would have used humor to put the reporter in his place. Something like “Hey, Dirk, at least I get to keep my job now, right?”. This would have sent the message that the light that Dirk is shining isn’t so bright and the program is fine in Bo’s hands. I dunno….just a thought. As for the OP, I agree. There must be give and take between media and the program (Bo). The media should stop writing hit pieces to sensationalize and get web hits or subscriptions. Bo needs to suffer the questions without blowing his cork since that is a part of the job description.
I feel like responding with humor would almost encourage articles like Dirk's though.
It doesn’t address the fact that Bo Pelini doesn’t agree with Dirk’s assessment and doesn’t make it clear to the armchair QBs that Pelini isn’t going to bench Taylor just because a small minority of fans think it would be a swell idea.
A Cornhusker through feast or famine. Get up, dust yourself off and run the ball. That's the Nebraska way.
by Salt Creek and Stadium on Oct 10, 2011 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Agreed on Bo
It would of been better if Bo used humor instead of anger but i dont know if we’ll ever going to get that from him.
Probably not
but a guy can hope, right? Didn’t Bo already call together the “information playas” and give them a run down on what he thought was out-of-bounds or off-limits? Maybe this was just to let them know how he was letting information pass with regards to player injuries. Either way, there may be some saving grace with that knowledge. If he did it that way once, I think Bo can work it out with the media.
Barf-nick has really become a grumpy old man.
He doesn’t report anything worthwhile and his opinions aren’t worth reading. I’m surprised that the OWH keeps him around. I read that story of his today and just rolled my eyes. Sorry Lee, I support Bo and my school more than I support you.
As for Dirk, I saw the story on friday and was kind of shocked. All offseason we talked about how the offense might struggle a bit with the new offensive coordinator and guess what. They had a bad game. It was a little too soon for his article. If by the end of the season Taylor was still struggling, then maybe you have to ask yourself these questions. Dirk came out this morning and talked a bit about his story and the subsequent Q&A after the game. He’s a big boy and realizes that if he burns too many bridges he won’t have any sources to rely on. Pissing off Bo Pelini is not in his best interest.
And Bo, he doesn’t really handle interviews very well when he is fired up. The halftime interviews and post-game reports seem to be affected by the adrenaline rush of the game. Lot’s of stumbling words and in-cohesiveness. I think Bo would be better off doing an interview the next day after everything has calmed down and he can think clearly.
In the deed, the glory.
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Follow @Aaron_Musfeldt
Finally a good take on this situation
You illuminate the details of Dirk & Lee’s transgressons perfectly. Total hatchet job on Bo & TM, but Bo should try harder with the PR end of his job too. Although, just win baby.
by SONOFLY on Oct 10, 2011 8:58 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Check this out
John Bishop makes some good points in this, specifically, pointing out that ESPN focused on the presser coverage of Bo’s tantrum rather than the incredible game:
http://www.klin.com/Sunday-School-Extra—Why-/11145634
Bo needs to realize that someone is always going to be critical of him, it’s how he handles it that will define him.
Right on
I full heartily agree. Trying to create news is what has become of the media today. It seems only negative views is all that makes the front pages. Glad I don’t get the OWH. It was a great paper 25 years ago. But you have a punk like Dirk writing his spew-age should be taking for anything worth while. Great coach in Bo, Taylor is getting better for someone who has only been playing qb since his junior year in high school.
by Michael Gilliam on Oct 10, 2011 9:39 PM CDT reply actions
The bottom line for me...
As far as I’m concerned, Taylor Martinez is our quarterback and will continue to get my support until Coach Pelini tells me different. Our coach has forgotten more about football than I will ever know and I trust him to continue to make the best decisions possible for our team based on the information he has.
That doesn’t mean he won’t make mistakes because we all do but that’s how he’ll grow as our team’s leader. Our National Championships in the 90’s don’t happen without the disappointments in the ’80’s. In the mean time I’m going to love going to games like last Saturday’s and watching our team play with more heart when all looked lost than any other team I can remember.
As for the members of media, either get on the bus or get out of the way because we don’t have time for jerk offs that would tear us down. We have more Championships to win… Go Big Red!
by HuskerDad on Oct 10, 2011 10:06 PM CDT reply actions 3 recs
Give 'em hell, Dad!
They're 18 to 22...how perfect were you at that age?
The Power of Red begins with the Passion of Walk-Ons.
I
didn’t read the article about Taylor and Bo but I think I get the jist of it. Everyone over reacted last week after that performance in Madison. And lets not sugar coat it that wasn’t even close to the style of football we are accustomed to under Pelini. They looked as if they gave up. Maybe Wisconsin was that good but I don’t think so. We’ll find out in December. Yes I think we will earn the rematch. Because against Ohio State they damn sure didn’t give up. I wrote earlier this week that it was a great opportunity for Martinez to prove the doubters wrong. It took a while but he did last week. And everyone on that team should give David a big thank you for turning the tide of the game. He made a play and the rest of the team built on it from there. It was like a light got turned on. Hopefully it stays turned on especially on the defensive side of the ball. One last thing it is a shame we are talking about some reporter from the OWH than what actually happened during the game last week. The situation could have been handled different, maybe not better, by both Pelini and the reporter. Bo could have had his conversation with him after the presser and made his point instead he chose to call him out right there. And reporters have an inflated self worth like they are performing the most dignified service in the world. Politicians, lawyers, and reporters all about the same to me over the years they have lost my respect.
I just watched
that second half of the OSU-Nebraska game for the fourth time. And I think your headline perhaps should have read, “When the media fights with Bo Pelini, the TEAM loses”.
After last week’s whipping at the hands of Wisconsin…after finding themselves down 27-6 with just under 11 minutes left in the third against OSU, this team dug deep, found it’s soul and came roaring back.
And here we are, discussing a hit-piece of a story, and Bo’s attitude toward reporters, when we should be singing the praises of the largest come-back victory in Husker history.
I don’t care about Dirk, or Bo’s press conference demeanor. What I DO care about is letting those young men know how damn proud of them we are as fans.
At least outsiders recognize what was accomplished…proven by the honors that came raining down on four of them today.
They're 18 to 22...how perfect were you at that age?
The Power of Red begins with the Passion of Walk-Ons.
Who besides me got REAL misty-eyed
Seeing Suh on the sidelines?
Excellent Writeup
While I agree that Bo needs to learn how to deal with people sooner or later, the OWH hit piece was trash, and Lee B’s lame attempt at blackmail was even worst. Biggest newspaper in the state as a bargaining chip? Maybe we all boycott the OWH and see how they feel… Anyhow, it’s so sad that going into a bye week we even have to talk about this. I’ve watched the post-game presser a few times trying to understand why they think Bo was short with them the whole time. I don’t think he got too bad until around the five minute mark, and then it was only after they kept pushing him for stupid comments about Martinez’ and his ability to keep their job, you know, because Osborne said that, right? Oh wait, no he didn’t. Ugh, I’m rehashing… What a weird year. I hope Pelini comes back with fire this second half and smokes ’em. I also hope he manages to blackball Chatlein from the program.
Always check the words with the red squiggly line. They mean you probably screwed up.
Author @ Off Tackle Empire
The internet makes the OWH irrelevant.
And considering how crappy their website is, well, it’s even more true.
A Cornhusker through feast or famine. Get up, dust yourself off and run the ball. That's the Nebraska way.
by Salt Creek and Stadium on Oct 11, 2011 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions
MEDIA BLACKOUT!!!!
Simple and sweet!!!! For two weeks, no reporters should be allowed to talk to the players or staff members. Cancel all access to practices. Post-games should be a prepared statement read by an intern off a clipboard. Let them report on that!!!!
How polite will the same reporters be after a blackout.
Mr Pelini is the coach he has some responsibility to interact with the media but, when bear-baited into an argument he can and should shut it down right there. No, arguments just move on to another question.
Reporters are bottom feeders.(I had too many first hand issues with them in Iraq)
I call for a media blackout!!!!
Then out spake brave Horatius,
The Captain of the Gate:
"To every man upon this earth
Death cometh soon or late.
And how can man die better
Than facing fearful odds,
For the ashes of his fathers,
And the temples of his gods,
Completely impractical
and it would make Bo look even worse than he did after the Shawn Fisher episode last year.
/Has a journalism degree from UNL
As for your degree
I still rank reporters in the same area as lawyers and politicians. I have no issue with you personally, just your choice of a career.
Then out spake brave Horatius,
The Captain of the Gate:
"To every man upon this earth
Death cometh soon or late.
And how can man die better
Than facing fearful odds,
For the ashes of his fathers,
And the temples of his gods,
Hmmm
I kind of gathered that from your first post.
by Cheeseandcorn on Oct 11, 2011 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions
We agree to disagree
I really think that if enough peer pressure is created by everyone losing their access, due to the actions of a few members of the media then it would work. After all if you have nothing to report then they have no job as a reporter. I do believe with the rabid fan-base in the Cornhusker Nation, no news would be bad for the reporters and their employers. It is like a vise with them in the middle!!!! Be polite and don’t create controversy where there is none or you are between a rock and a hard place. You can report the story just don’t make veiled threats about people’s careers. That is how I interpreted the story line. If I was in Coach Pelini’s position I would have an axe to grind also!!!
Then out spake brave Horatius,
The Captain of the Gate:
"To every man upon this earth
Death cometh soon or late.
And how can man die better
Than facing fearful odds,
For the ashes of his fathers,
And the temples of his gods,
Steve Spurrier refuses a reporter
Spurrier said he would no longer give interviews with a reporter named Morris in the room. He is always negative and has written blatant lies. So he no longer has access to the program. I think a lot of coaches will be watching this with a lot of interest.
Insert witty retort here.
Not a good road to skip down
Controlled access and favoritism of reporters defeats the concept of a free press. Of all people, instructors in our educational system should be supporting the importance of a free press. Just because Steve Spurrier is upset doesn’t mean we should reverse one of the founding principles of our nation, even if it is just for football. The fact that this is coming from the highest level of our educational system does not set a good example for the students in that system who are our country’s future.
The press writing hyperbole, lies, distorted facts, etc. is nothing new and has been happening since the dawn of the printing press. It is not going to stop just because Steve Spurrier does not like it. Its up to the readers to decide what is garbage, which in turn determines which papers/writers thrive. A more mature approach would of been for Spurrier to publicly say that he does not think this writer is supportive of the team and to ask his supporters to boycott his paper. Let the market determine the writers fate from there. But to take control of the press and say who and who can not report goes against the very nature of this country and offends me as a citizen.
SEC...great conference or the greatest conference?
Film of the incident
Then out spake brave Horatius,
The Captain of the Gate:
"To every man upon this earth
Death cometh soon or late.
And how can man die better
Than facing fearful odds,
For the ashes of his fathers,
And the temples of his gods,
Steve Sipple weighs in...
Can’t figure out what the uproar is about over Pelini’s response… he thought the position that Martinez and Pelini only have “one more chance” was “extreme” and wasn’t fair at all.
http://my.journalstar.com/post/Husker_Extra_Group/Husker_Extra/blog/an_issue_of_fairness.html
How about that football game?
A Cornhusker through feast or famine. Get up, dust yourself off and run the ball. That's the Nebraska way.
by Salt Creek and Stadium on Oct 12, 2011 1:43 PM CDT reply actions
What?????
Go Big Red Nebraska!
Our Cobs Are Bigger Than Yours!
Corn Nation!
Twitter!
cornnation@gmail.com
by Jon Johnston on Oct 12, 2011 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions
What you tallkin' 'bout, Willis?
Seriously, I’m so tired of all of this. And the funny thing is what has happened at the OWH website.
A few weeks ago, they were lucky to have one or two comments on an article. Now, after that Chatelain “article”, it seems every unintelligible, illiterate internet maggot has come to feast over there. No matter the topic of an article, the comments continue to centered on the Dirk-Bo debacle.
Enough, already.
They're 18 to 22...how perfect were you at that age?
The Power of Red begins with the Passion of Walk-Ons.
Dirk must be feeling the heat!
www.omaha.com/article/20111012/BIGRED/710129793/1001
Then out spake brave Horatius,
The Captain of the Gate:
"To every man upon this earth
Death cometh soon or late.
And how can man die better
Than facing fearful odds,
For the ashes of his fathers,
And the temples of his gods,
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