It’s come down to this for Reid

Hello! Its Wednesday and I search the whole day for information on the net thanks for your blog! Kasper P.

are you kidding me jenni you need to resign you are a terrible writer and a terrible human being just give up

To sum up my original post 1. Jenni thinks she knows sports cause she played catch in the backyard with her dad a couple of times. 2. She is clueless much like her cousin Jen Engle in Dallas who thinks she can write... but cant.. ie "camp cupcake" 3. Jenni should sell Mary K and or Avon instead of writing sports

Jenni, why have you not responded to the overwhelmingly negative responses to your blog? Are you afraid to admit you may have crossed a line? I am not saying Coach Gundy was right, but you have to at least acknowledge you screwed up. You are getting skewered by radio shows and colunms across the country (those who are not following the journalist's fraternaty like lemmings). You need to say something Jenni or your credibility is going to keep taking a hit and I would hate to see what a set down from the Oklahoman is.

Wow, so now it's ok to attack a person who responds to the reporter's blog? Mr. Hemsath feels free to call another responder a moron - is that how it works? I apologize if someone was offended my credentials. (By the way the Ph.D. is from OU.) Responses like his belong on message boards - that's why I don't spend any time there. I think it's interesting that responses can be copied from one paper's blog site to another. You can re-read Mr. Hemsath's response in the Tulsa World pages as well. (Except for calling me a moron, everything else is the same. Personal attacks don't belong here, but this is the only place I could respond. Maybe that's how Mike Gundy felt when he felt there was no other place to respond to an equally "cheap shot."

Dear Jenni Carlson: I am disappointed in you. You have, for all to see, confirmed why sports reporters deserve to be shoved back after all the shoving you do through you pen strokes. Then when you get shoved, you cry on national TV. In my opinion, you need to go find a new career. You have obviously never played football and have no right to make the comments you do about people. I'm proud of Coach Gundy and I believe the applause of your colleagues clearly highlights you crossed the line. It would be great to see someone fall on their own sword when they clearly have made a mistake. Unfortunately, I don't see you doing this. Good Luck!

"no matter what you think about Reid’s play to this point, you have to feel for the kid" - Jenni Carlson Hmmm. Copy and paste right out of this very blog. SHE called him a "kid", but when Gundy called him a kid, so many objected. Double standard?

"All comments are monitored and will be removed in a timely manner if they include profanity, personal attacks or threats. Repeat offenders risk having their commenting privileges revoked and their IP address blocked. Thank you for your compliance, Web Editor | NewsOK.com" ... Interesting these rules don't apply to the "staff" of NewsOK.

Jenni, I have been a sports fan for more than 40 years. I used to be a big fan of reading newspapers, especially OpEd pieces. But I stopped reading them long ago because I have seen the scope of your profession change dramatically. I can't remember a worse column. Really, I can't. You have stated publicly that you feel Coach Gundy is questioning your credibility, and you want him to point out what's wrong with your piece. Here's why your credibility is being questioned. You REPORTED: “”The coaches made a decision,” Reid told our Mike Baldwin after the Troy game. “I just have to go with it, get better and get back on the field.” You CONCLUDED: There’s something to be said for not being a malcontent, but you can almost see Reid shrugging his shoulders as he says those words. Does he have the fire in his belly? Or does he want to be coddled, babied, perhaps even fed chicken? As a reader, I am left to wonder what sources have led you to such an over-the-top conclusion about Reid's character. So I go back and reread your story, only to find the sources are "word is", "rumors and rumblings", "insiders", and stories "on the sly". You don't have anything on the record, not even so much as someone going on the record but speaking under the condition of anonymity. The fact is, Jenni, your credibility should be questioned under these circumstances. Hard to believe you stand by your conclusions. There is nothing here to stand on. You are writing about a quarterback who was demoted. Yet the words "pass", "completion percentage", "interception", "touchdown", "yards rushing" are never mentioned in the story. As a reader, I am left wondering what this story is all about. Then I remember that the headline on the paper Coach Gundy held up at his press conference said, "QB CHANGE: IT'S ALL ABOUT ATTITUDE". Yet even you reported Reid was not "a malcontent". So now, as a reader, I am left wondering what this is REALLY all about. And, as a reader, I honestly can't find anything, except to say it looks like an attempt to ridicule someone. You shouldn't be the least surprised that anyone in a leadership position would vehemently react to someone publicly ridiculing a subordinate. I am a total outsider and a manager of people. That said, I thought Gundy restrained himself quite a bit. I wouldn't have been nearly as measured in my comments. If you want to stand by over-the-top, mean-spirited conclusions- with no focus on actual performance- supported by no one who'll go on record, the best I can wish you is luck. You'll certainly need plenty of it. BTW... a public apology from you is CLEARLY in order here. You are not a victim. You are a person who is reaping what she has sown.

I am not an OSU fan but applaud Gundy for the way he stood up for Reid. The article when I read it was blurry and yes the eating chicken comment... well who cares (even if true). Then the injury against Florida Atlantic appeared minor -- whatever it was? Some of the worst injuries may not appear critical, if you don't know what the injury was how can you say. Are you a doctor? While other injuries that make you hold your breath and fear as they may need help or a stretcher and get back in the game as just the air was knocked out of them. If you were in court and you told the judge someones injuries appeared minor the cross examiner would ask if you are a doctor. Come on! That is what caught my eye when I first saw the paper more than anything "Whatever it was".

Reggie Roby, above...man you need to get a life. Debating all of this is one thing, but you really need some help. Seriously.

Jenni: I have had alot of respect for you during my high school years of playing softball at a small school who I was proud to be apart of 7 state scholarships, and I also remember you writing some colums about our team that was great!!! You're colum about Bobby Reid, is awful!! You did a great job making headlines..but You are no better than the dirt Bobby Reid walks on and I agree that you owe a huge apology to his family. Im 19 and a COLLEGE ATHLETE in SOFTBALL....and Im PROUD to be an Oklahoman...but to have you an editor of the sports page for the news paper..IM NOT PROUD OF ANYMORE!! You are low...and degrading and should be ashamed of yourself.

Jenni, I hope you have read the article in the Kansas City newspaper written by your former colleague, Mr. Whitlock. I thought it eloquently presented the best perspective on this situation. Please take his advice and apologize. As a college basketball coach's wife, I completely understood Coach Gundy's reaction. I was impressed that he refrained from using any expletives. By the way, it had nothing to do with your gender. When I started reading the article Saturday morning, all I could think about was that I hoped Bobby Reid's mother wasn't reading it. It must have been heartbreaking for her. As far as the "chicken" comment is concerned, my husband laughed and said, "All my players would have been trying to get some of the chicken". Obviously you don't understand that college players' mothers usually bring them their favorite things to eat when they visit. That is what mothers do and the players love it! I make my husband's players browies on their birthdays. Does that make them soft? I certainly hope not.

Jenni, It’s unbelievable to me that you don’t get how you were way off base with your article. You say it wasn’t your intention to embarrass Bobby Reid. No, not embarrass, but rather emasculate, humiliate, demean and defame. You must be smart enough to see this. It’s not “the facts” that are the issue--it’s the negative image you created of “Bobby Reid” with a vivid portrayal of hearsay and anecdotes in a feeble attempt to explain something of which you had no real clue. It’s your article that is creating all the fuss. And it’s your inability to admit your folly that is perpetuating this issue. I’ve read many comments from people all over the country, who could care less about college football or the debate about how much athletes should be scrutinized, that are aghast at what you wrote—just like me. This is a matter of common sense, human decency and sound reporting—nothing else. You crossed the line and you are being called out. Gundy’s reaction was certainly sensational, and gives rise to its own scrutiny, but it has mostly served as the vehicle to bring attention to your shoddy piece of work. I will be very interested to see how you, and your employer, handle this issue moving forward. I don’t think this issue will pass soon for you, or your employer. You could, however, accelerate the “healing” if you were to admit you recklessly hurt Bobby Reid with your story—with your words. Can you really not see how your words were hurtful? It is just common sense that a football player would be hurt by your portrayal of “the facts.” And can’t you see you were reckless by using second-hand information and hearsay to support your account of “the facts”? Ok, here is a litmus test as to whether you were reckless with your words or not. Step back from the fray—read your article again, let yourself envision the image of the “made-up” person you portrayed in your article. Then ask yourself, “Do I know this to be the real Bobby Reid.? Do I have a relationship with Bobby Reid and a history of personal experience with him that conjures up the same image that I portrayed in my article?” If your honest answer is, “yes” to both questions, then your article is at least true for you, and not reckless. And if that’s the case you should be honest with us and say, “Hey, I knew what I wrote would be hurtful, but this is MY impression of Bobby Reid and it’s a reasonable explanation as to why he was benched, so I back it--the truth hurts.” But you are saying you didn’t intend to embarrass Bobby Read and that you were just speculating, tiling up the back stories, as to why the sudden switch. If that’s true, Jenni, you are indeed reckless with your words (and clueless) because you more than embarrassed Bobby Reid (and his family). Now, do you really not get that your article was personally hurtful to Bobby Reid and that you were reckless with “the facts”? Unbelievable! Please come clean.

THIS WHOLE THING DETRACTS FROM THE THE PROUD TRADITION OF OKLAHOMA COLLEGE FOOTBALL ( WHICH IS ALL WE HAVE) BOTH SHOULD KISS AND MAKE UP. AS AN OKLAHOMAN AND A FOOTBALL FAN LETS SAY SHE SCREWED UP AND HE FREAKED OUT. LETS GET BACK TO FOOTBALL SEASON AND STOP THIS STUPIDITY.

you have to feel for the kid? are you kidding? I feel for the kid not because he lost the starting job, but because your cheap shot exponentially increased his embarrassment, needlessly, callously, malisciously-- do lose sleep over this- except I know that the only way you can live with your actions is to maintain your self righteous attitude-- then again, when was the last time hearing a journalist say I went over the line--- I hope God delivers to you what you have delivered to others-- ps- grow up

Don't like the Sooners nor the Cowboys. In fact, I loathe the state of Oklahoma. I can certainly add you and your writing to that list. Your unskilled journalism needs a make over. Just apologize for making up the story and get on with life before they send you to Alaska to report on the movement of glaciers.

Check this out--mom's reaction: http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=sports&id=5677281 The basis of Jenni's story is not only shameless, but fabricated. Why?

An interview with Bobby Reid's mother appeared on Channel 9 (OKC) last night. She said that the report of her feeding Bobby chicken after the Troy game was a lie.

Why did you have to get into a college athlete's personal life. You are being such a jerk for that and its a wonder the newspaper has not fired you. You cannot go after a person's manhood or reputation like that. What if I went into your house and told and made up all of these outlandish lies about you? Would you like it? I do not think so. Next time do not be so claseless. By the way the only one gutless here is you.

Jenny, To question the character of an athlete is acceptable, but your column was over the top. Your repeated denegration of Reid and condescending attitude went beyond the pale. I do not normally read the Daily Disappointment, but after the donnybrook that this column inspired, I went to the "source" to find out exactly you wrote and form an educated opinion. As a writer you should know the difference between FACT and OPINION and your choice of words should make the two transparent. Your comments to several media outlet indicate that one of the following is true: 1) You do not understand the difference between fact and opinion. 2) You are intentionally misleading the public as to your facts and your opinions. 3) You are calling Mr. Gundy and Mrs. Reid liars. so my help to you is: 1) Fact = A real occurance or event; something true or actual; observable or verifiable information Opinion = an individual's personal belief unsupstaniated by proof 2) FACT: "Reid's mother feed him chicken after the game" OPINION: "Reid acts as if he wants to be feed by his mommy." FACT: "The decision to bench him was made early in the week" OPINION: "I believe the decision was made much earlier." 3) Can't help you with this one. Primary sources and all.

"# billy Says: September 27th, 2007 at 12:57 pm Carlson is an excellent writer who consistently paints great word pictures. Reid is a man, even though Gundy treats him like a boy. Carlson knows plenty about being tough–she’s quite successful in what is typically a man’s profession. And she has to withstand all this mindless blathering. And respond to it in a professional manner. Reid and Gundy know about being tough, but so far it doesn’t appear that they know how to respond to tough situations. Carlson’s only problem is that she doesn’t use the word “trifecta” in all her columns." LOL must be her bf's comments!!!LOL

It is funny how reporters lie and call it something else. You report on someone, have you ever looked in the mirror? How about reporting about yourself and all of your character flaws (which there are many of). Quite frankly, you wrote the article to get attention, sad but true. You reap what you sew, so be ready for when you get yours someday.

Wow... you don't have many positive remarks. Now it's time to be accountable. Are you professional enough. They may not like you or what you wrote, but at least your respect might be salvaged if you hold yourself accountable.... but maybe it is just easier to live in your own fantasy world and hide behind your gender.

Carlson is an excellent writer who consistently paints great word pictures. Reid is a man, even though Gundy treats him like a boy. Carlson knows plenty about being tough--she's quite successful in what is typically a man's profession. And she has to withstand all this mindless blathering. And respond to it in a professional manner. Reid and Gundy know about being tough, but so far it doesn't appear that they know how to respond to tough situations. Carlson's only problem is that she doesn't use the word "trifecta" in all her columns.

Your article contains the phrases "...If you believe the rumors and the rumblings..." "...stories told on the sly..." "Word is..." And your editor ran it? You're a hack, and your editor is an imbecile. Since you don't have any facts, this story should have never gone past the draft folder on your laptop - oh yeah, where did your son play his Big 12 ball and did you ever show up and support him??? Probably not, but then, you probably had no toys as a child yourself...

O yea, and I got that info from my "source" = I pulled that out of my butt

Amazing. You are a newspaper journalist. NOT AN ATHLETE. What do you know about being tough? Anything? From the looks of it, it just seems like the only tough decisions in your life are about what you're going to eat next......Sorry, but that's just my journalistic opinion.

BH, Once again, you've missed my point. Gundy has every right to call her out in public. But, his out-of-control yelling and screaming at a woman was plain wrong. He could chosen to shown more class by not blowing up like that. Or, he could have spoken with her privately. I'm not saying that he can't express his opinion in public. My biggest objection is his public meltdown that makes not only Mike, but OSU and all of Oklahoma look bad. Hey, I went to high school with Mike and his sister Carrie. I like Mike, his family and am proud of a former Bomber whose made as a big time college ball coach. But, he's really hurt himself and his reputation by the way he responded. Think about it BH. He was yelling and screaming at a woman like a "kid." He is, as he says, a 40 year old man. He should have shown the professionalism and restraint to control that raw anger. He could have called Jenni on the carpet, told her what a lousy job she did, etc, without losing control. That would have shown true intelligence on his part. He is a professional and should act like one. Does he have a right to be angry? Of course he does! But, he has a choice in how he responds and in that situation, without a doubt, he blew it big time! Dave

As a completely impartial individual, I only have a few comments about the Bobby Reid situation.

Dave, BRAVO!!!!

BH, You seemed to have missed the point entirely. Did you not read my post saying that I didn't agree with everything Jenni wrote? I'm not saying she is completely right but she is entitled to her opinion as a sports writer. Yes, I thought the chicken comment was out of line but some of her questions about Reid are very credible and worthy of asking. I think a lot of people are asking the same thing. What's up? Why did Reid get benched? Also, Mike is a professional college coach not an WWE smack down character. I think he was very unprofessional in his total melt down. He could have chosen to "take the high road" and not stooped to the level that you obviously think Jenni Carlson did. That would have been really impressive on his part. He could have called her on the carpet without losing total control of himself. That would have truly been admirable. His out of control anger showed him to be somewhat of a "kid" himself. I guarantee you that you'll never see Bob Stoops acting that way at a press conference. I think it would be really impressive if Mike and Jenni both apologized to each other and go on down the road. And, Mike should apologize to the team for losing control of his emotions and not mentioning their hard-fought win over Texas Tech. Dave

Dave—#180 You say that it's ok for ms. carlson to make her comments in public because her job is a public entity...Gundy's is not? Bull. His job as a coach is a "public" job as well. You go on to say that Gundy should be more forthcoming about why Reid is not starting, why? If his job is not "public" like ms. carlson's, then he shouldn't have to tell anyone anything. He shouldn't need to do his post game press conferences, interviews, etc... What a load of crap, what it comes down to is ms. carlson gets to speak her mind, and make no mistake about it that is all she did, speak her own opinion with zero facts to back it up, and Gundy is expected to sit back and say nothing lest it be in private. Once again, what a load of crap. His job is just as "public" if not moreso than hers, he is required to go in front of the press and explain his actions and explain why he does his job the way he does it on a regular basis, I don't see carlson being held accountable in any way resembling that! I don't see carlson being made to explain why she did her job so poorly, like Gundy would be made to do. There is an undeniable double-standard at play here, and YOU are defending it. Hypocrites; carlson, the Oklahoman, and you Dave.

Anyone else tired of hearing about this? Mr. Gundy, its nice you care about the team, every coach should. However, learn how to speak in public sir. Your public apperences, especially this one was much to be desired. Awesome game sir but you blew it for the rest of the team, you forgot about them! You should have praised them for an awesome job instead of flying off the handle and walking off like a child. As an OU Fan i enjoyed this game, the OSU team played hard and it was a sweet win. AWESOME JOB TEAM! Now, Get off your soap box, set a meeting with Mz. Carlson and resolve this childish issue. Mz Carlson, the facts, state the facts and only the facts please. I didnt read the article, and actually im not interested due to all on this mess. Lets get with it folks! Go OU!

I don't know anything about Reid but I didn't find your article to be an unfair attack at all. It was your view, which is what a columnist is supposed to offer. Then the reader can decide. What I find more interesting is what you unintentionally exposed about Mike Gundy. He lacks the self-control, judgment and leadership it takes to be the coach of a top-flight program. If he pops a nut over something like this, how will he react when he faces a real crisis? Also, he is the second "big time" coach I've heard question a woman's credibility based on her record of child bearing. I guess having children is what makes him a real man and qualifies him to be a coach.

I guess what upset me the most is how you assumed he was a soft, mommas boy and not a tough warrior. He and his mother probably do not see each other much and have a tight relationship. So what if she feeds him chicken, you must not be that close to your mother or have any children. Some times a coach has to make a change to make a change. If his offense is not working then a new leader on the field may make that difference.

Thank BH, #159 IRONY Here are the Oklahoman’s posting rules: “Rules of comment posting All comments are monitored and will be removed in a timely manner if they include profanity, PERSONAL ATTACKS or threats. Repeat offenders risk having their commenting privileges revoked and their IP address blocked. Thank you for your compliance, Web Editor | NewsOK.com” Apparently they have no problem with their “journalists” personally attacking people in their newspaper though. What a bunch of hypocrites!!

Another point to consider in comparing the "follies" of Gundy and Jenni is that Jenni had plenty of time to write, edit, reflect and even defend (to an editor) her article before it was published. Gundy was apparently shooting from the hip right after an emotional game. So, I give Gundy a pass on his behavior because I feel he was at least on message--and he didn't have the time to prepare and "finesse" his words like Jenni did. Jenni, on the other hand, still doesn't get how inappropriate her article was--even with the avalanche of negative feedback. Score: Gundy-1, Jenni-0. I wonder how Reid and OSU are faring?

Dave, Based on the reaction of people around the country. I think he hit the nail on the head and took exactly the right approach. it's about time someone called out the media when they screw up and a survey of public opinion seems to show that most think Ms. Carlson screwed up royally. I'll say it again. I hope the advertisers will think twice before giving financial backing to the DOK. Watching the editor's tepid resopnse to this fiasco and his argument that priorities are misplaced made me want to puke ©Mike Gundy. This whole thing would be funny if it weren't so tragic. I am amazed that they have not done damage control and instead have chosen to stand behind what most find to be abhorrent behavior. Jim

Congratulations, Jenni! You're now the most famous hack in sports journalism.

BH, I'm just saying that it would have been more professional if Mike would have taken the issue up with her privately. He could have made a decision to "take the high road" instead of the melt down. Her job, as a newspaper reporter is pretty much a public entity so anything she writes is therefore public in nature. My point is Mike showed uncontrolled anger and was way out of control in his reaction to the story. I'm glad that he feels the need to stand up for his "kids" as that is quite admirable. But, out of control anger and total lack of professionalism has no place for a coach of his level. Now, I'm not saying that I agree with everything in Jenni's article either. But, I think the "beating" she's taking is pretty over-the-top. Also, I think Mike should be a little bit more forthcoming as to why Reid is not the starter. I'm not buying the comment that Bobby "didn't do anything wrong." Otherwise, he would be starting at OSU. Dave

I'm glad to have read that you have somewhat of a compassion towards Bobby Reid. However, a public apology towards him would be a lot more human than downplaying with another column. This whole ordeal has giving you and Mike Gundy the public spotlight and you both should be ashamed for embrassing your employer. I like the idea Gundy had of defending his player, but his actions were unprofessional. I like the idea of an employer(The Daily Oklahoman) defending their employee but I believe you were unprofessional towards Bobby Reid. I disagree with people thinking that these College kids especially upperclassmen are kids. Most of the junior class is of legal drinking age, according to our federal government, we are men at 18. I know at the age of 18 I was earning a paycheck, living in a foreign country, and before I was Bobby Reid age, I was fighting in a real war not the type of war which is grossly use in the world of sports. However, if you remember football is a team sport and not an individual one then the joy of beating Texas Tech would be the story.

Jeff, Post 173, that's a great idea! To let this go is unreprehensible. I think I'll call some of the advertisers as well. Hit them in the wallet since they are apparently so compelled to circle the wagons around such an elementary piece of writing. Nice work!

Dave, why should Gundy have to express his displeasure privately while ms. carlson is allowed to express hers very publically? Why the double standard? Why is ms. carlson entitled to her opinion, and Gundy is not?! So you are standing with ms. carlson and the Oklahoman, free speech for them, not for the targets of their attacks. Talk about class.

Jenni, Sorry to hear you take such a bashing over your article. I for one believe that Mike Gundy was way out of line with his tirade against you. What he did was out of control and extremely unprofessional to say the least. I feel that it would have been much more appropriate if he would have discussed his displeasure with you privately. That would have shown more class. His uncontrolled anger and outburst makes us (Oklahomans) look bad to the national audience. However, if "the kid" truly has "done nothing wrong", why is he not the starter? I think that is a question that a lot of people would like an answer to. And, the kid comment bugs me a little. I mean come on, most 21, 22 year olds don't want to be thought of, or called a "kid." They are old enough to serve their country and to vote-that's not exactly a kid. As far as any heartbreak, Bobby has apparently brought it on himself since he was benched. I can see where some of your comments might have stirred up a hornets nest in Stillwater but you are entitled to your opinion and shouldn't be beat up for them. Hang in there as this too shall pass. Sincerely, Dave Cordell

I saw your editor's response to the outrage of your article. Now I understand how your piece of drivel made the paper. I hope that the people of Oklahoma and your sponsors will take you to task for your non-response to this issue. If the good folks in Oklahoma don't hit you in the wallet for this one, I'll be more than disappointed. Shame on you Miss Carlson.

Ditto entries 1 through 10 above (and all the rest calling you out). You would be well served to just leave Oklahoma sports reporting behind and move on. You might have a chance with sports in Oklahoma if you demonstrate publically that you "get the message" about the baseless and tasteless tone of your article. Additionally, follow that up with a consistent track record of responsible, fair minded reporting. Short of that, I think you'll be forced to find a "better fit" in which to practice your trade. "All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me. . . . You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you". --Walt Disney

That a mistake was made is obvious. To continue to compound that mistake is simply ludicrous. To continue to compound that mistake by the leaders of this news organization is beyond inexcusable. Without doubt, this is a young lady who is obviously in the wrong career. Many of us have written that this incident is the catalyst for canceling our subscriptions. Personally, I’m canceling because of the situation as well as to hopefully send a message…this young lady should be fired, and The Oklahoman will not have my support EVER again until she is! It seems, however, that this message is not being received. Therefore I intend to see how much I can do by contacting the advertisers in this newspaper and letting them know that I also will not utilize their services as long as this reporter continues to have a voice with this organization; as long as someone who can write something so unkind, classless and repugnant is still given an opportunity to voice her ignorance. Some of the links or numbers to advertisers are as follows, in case you want to join me: - Cox - http://www.coxbusiness.com/fall07/index.html?cid=localbanner - FrontRowFans - http://www.frontrowfans.com/public/index.aspx - Oklahoma Cadillacs - http://www.okc650.com/ - Chili’s - http://www.chilis.com/menu/ - Bob Moore Auto Group - http://www.bobmoore.com/ - Champion Tinting – 405-947-9800 - Fowler Dodge – 866-497-2222 - Alan Gordon Jewelers – 405-848-1688 - Saint Anthony’s - http://www.saintsok.com/internet/home/saintsok.nsf/?Open - Church of the Harvest - http://www.harvestokc.com/conferences/momentum/ I don’t think I would feel as strongly if there wasn’t a history here of very poor “reporting.” It’s just ridiculous that she still has the support of her editors when the history so easily proves itself.

jenni your article was out of line. not only was most of your article based on hearsay, but you interpreted the "body language" of every thing to fit your twisted reality. I think you should be tied to the goalpost and left there for a few weeks until you've learned to respect other human beings.

I like how your blog totally contradicts what you wrote in the article a couple hours earlier. That's cute.

Unfortunate that you had to write such a poor article. It was in bad taste and with little thought. I can honestly say that I really don't like you. I am sure you don't care but it just goes to show that you are a lousy reporter. And please note that I don't really like Gundy!!!

Jenni, I reviewed your article, the tirade from Gundy that it generated, and the response of support from your editor. Like the majority of the modern media, it appears you have struck a chord with the public and are being actively supported by the media at large in staying the course of your decision to take a personal slant on an NCAA athlete. The article is out there, the action cannot be undone, but perhaps some personal review of the right response might be in order. The reasoning I heard from you concerning why you were compeled to write the Reid article in question was reported as 1) NCAA athletes are "semi-pro" level individuals 2) No athletes are off limits in the public realm or 3) I was justified in my comments due to editorial support. The rest of America is watching, and assorted sport shows, media outlets, and editorial staffs are debating the situation between you and Coach Gandy in earnest. It might be said that this situation has become a "litmus test" for reporters in sports...but it is more likely a launchpad for reporters everywhere to begin their own attack edged stories on individuals in any situation...utilizing much of your own three basic excuses. You have an opportunity to do the right thing...not for Coach Gandy...but for 1 ) collegiate sports in general 2) Mr. Reid's parents and 3) Mr. Reid himself...who will likely become simply another citizen after his collegiate career is over. So...do the right thing. Apologize to this young man ( in spite of your editor ), meet with his family and ask forgiveness, and redeem yourself as a human being. Because in spite of what editors, journalistic pundits, or news outlets saw as "reasonable", a human insult was leveled ( regardless of your intent ) and you need to reset the course of your relationship with the injured family...and those other folks which, like you, only wish to make a living and respect our neighbors. No doubt you have some journalistic skills...but you are also a human being...as is Mr. Reid and his parents. Justifying your article will not correct this wrong, nor will falling back on editorial support. Until you back up and correct this you will never be a true "professional" again...at least not in the eyes of a human society. Go ahead...just say, " I'm sorry"...it can't be that hard...and your own mother would be proud of you.

One less subcriber to this paper. All because of your blatant ignorance. I've stayed away from your articles in the past due to their simplicity and, frankly, ignorance of sports in general. Now I will stay away from the paper completely. You will soon find that the reading public matters very much in your day-to-day life. Once you are gone, perhaps some of the subscribers who have jumped will come back. Bet you'll think twice before you go down this road again, young lady. Best of luck!

I would just say this. making it short. your writing is just why women Or men who don't know a footabll froma basketball should not be writing about football. and i hope you treat your kids better. Byron

Great piece! It is refreshing to find an objective sports writer. So many sports writers lost site of the bigger issue and viewed this as an attack on all sports writers. Coming to Jeni Carlson's defense. Those actions did nothing but validate what many have always believed journalist in general, an particularly sports writers are void of objectivity.

Well she knows she is in the wrong. I cancelled my subscription to the Oklahoman today. Mike Gundy is 100% in the right.

So hours after bashing Bobby Reid with a bunch of bull, Jenni Carlson was sympathetic with him. Wow.

Please read Jaon Witlock's article on this in the Kansas City Star.

You are a true idiot...not salvagable by any human standards. Classic Drive by media assasin.GET A LIFE! you deserved what the coach gave you and more.

K. Mac, I bet your answers to essay questions in high school were labelled "flowery" by your teachers, weren't they?

It's humorous to find such esteemed individuals (or at least some of you people leaving comments think you are) become nothing more than the thing they are antagonizing Jenni for. Take of your orange colored sunglasses and realize that Gundy might have gone a little over the edge. The guy with the Ph. D. that expects an apology, I sure hope the Ph. D. isn't in "communication". Just because you have a doctorate in philosophy doesn't make you worth more to society, so quit trying to act like your desperation attempt for a resounding apology isn't anything but heroic. As for the rest of you, it isn't necessary to comment. It is apparent that your lacking of understanding and reason have fallen far beyond that of the human cognitive. I strongly hope that after you wrote this nonsense you left the computer feeling refreshed and brilliant. Only to find out, the things you are saying are exponentially worse than a structured newspaper column of which its only purpose was to evoke this reaction from you.

IRONY Here are the Oklahoman's posting rules: "Rules of comment posting All comments are monitored and will be removed in a timely manner if they include profanity, PERSONAL ATTACKS or threats. Repeat offenders risk having their commenting privileges revoked and their IP address blocked. Thank you for your compliance, Web Editor | NewsOK.com" Apparently they have no problem with their "journalists" personally attacking people in their newspaper though. What a bunch of hypocrites!!

Comments deleted again: I will just keep posting this as jenni feels she needs to constantly delete comments, stifling others' free speech while whining about her own, frigging hypocrite. My comments are apparently being deleted because I said that from the looks of ms. carlson, her mom has been feeding her an awful lot of chicken. This comment will disappear in 3...2...

Being in North Carolina I am not a reader of your paper. If not for the "tirade" I would not have come to this site. I have read several comments and see that your readers feel your journistic integrity and abilities are greatly in question. I'm sorry to say they are accurate in their assesment. But what is of greater concern to me for the "journalistic" profession is the lack of oversight and judgement exhibited by the editors. I expect an inexperienced reporter to make mistakes and insert opinion in a news article but I do not expect editors to allow such poor methods, opinions and heresay to make it beyond the Op-Ed page. Perhaps I expect too much from a profession that holds themselves in such high regard.

No, wait you all are getting it all wrong. See the way it works is, Jenni gets to say whatever the heck she wants to without regard for anyone else's dignity. And THEN she gets to turn around and cry about how HER credibility is being called out. By just about everyone in the country, it appears, after reading this blog. Well done, Jenni. It's not your writing that exposes you as a female journalist. It's your inability to stand up and take your lumps like a man. And believe me, working in advertising, I've worked with a ton of women who are tough as nails. And they get nothing but respect for it. You should try it some time.

Jenny Jenny I got your number...867-530-FIRED!!! You should be immediately removed from the job! Oh wait, let's not forget who she works for.... The JOKE-lahoman. It's a nothing but a platform for the Liberal left and the OU Sooners. The Sooners get the big front page story with their win over Tulsa????? No offense meant to TU, but compare the games on strenght of the opponents and strength of plays made and you get the REAL story. OSU beat Tx Tech, a Big 12 Rival AND a great team and they got attacked. OU beat TU and they get hailed the best team ever...We'll see!

Dearest Jenni, I put your column just where it belongs ... in the dog kennel where the dogs can crap on it. Do you feel good that you stand by your comments? Why not just admit that you were wrong, you comments were extremely foolish and unsubstantiated and that you are considering taking a course in ethical jounalism and responsibility? Why are you covering football, anyway?

I bet Peyton Manning and Joe Montana are "momma's boys." I bet a whole lot of Congressional Medal of Honor winners were momma's boys too. And, they've all done a stellar job in their areas. So, what's your point about Reid?

What I want to know is why jenni is hiding now. It's been 4 days since she last posted anything on this blog, yet she is obviously maintaining it hourly as she keeps deleting people's comments. Who is the baby now? For god's sake, you have zero class.

I distinctly remember Donovan McNabb's mom feeding what seemed to be Andy Reid's entire team. Where is your editorial on that?

Your editors showed very poor taste with your Reid editorial. Student athletes are kids. They are growing. They are NOT professional adults. I was very proud of Coach Gundy. I would be proud to allow my kids to be on his team.

Ms. Carlson, With your comments in the Austin Statesman, you reveal that you totally miss the point. By insisting that Coach Gundy specify which of your "facts" are inaccurate you skirt the issue. Even if Bobby Reid were a 30 year old NFL quarterback using language that attacks his character and making him sound like a "baby" or a "loser" is not only poor journalism it is boorish. What does his mother giving him something to eat have to do with sports journalism? Perhaps most shocking of all, neither you nor your paper have offered and apology to this young man. Whether he considered transferring, etc or not is the wrong point. Hitting below the belt with character assasination is unkind, rude, classless, clueless, careless, reprehensible, and repugnent.

Isn’t it great to see a journalist—or a lawyer—commit public suicide. Strange, I haven't seen a single positive comment in your blog or any other media story in support of you or your article on Bobby Reid that triggered Mike Gundy's tirade--just comments that Gundy went overboard. Nor have I heard even a hint of acknowledgement that you committed a cardinal sin as a "professional" journalist--maligning, abusing, badmouthing, defaming, denigrating, disparaging, smearing, and dragging through the mud a college athlete who is by all standards just a good kid—in the most despicable way possible, by evoking a racial stereotype (being fed chicken by his mother?). I even suffered through your televised rebuttal to Gundy’s tirade, looking for any recognition that you stepped over that sacred journalistic line, and saw none. Instead of acknowledging the fact that YOU personally damaged Bobby Reid with unsubstantiated references to “sources” within the OSU football family, you challenged Gundy to refute your unsubstantiated facts—not his job. By your own recklessness, you have become a pariah on the OSU campus and (inadvertently) on the OU campus, since nobody within the athletic program at either school will ever trust you again—and we all get to witness your professional suicide…drip…drip…drip. For me, and for 1000s of fans who support both OSU and OU teams whenever they play anyone but each other, you will forever be THE UGLY FAT WHITE GIRL (what's your favorite food?) journalist with whom no one at OSU or OU will ever grant an interview again. How's it feel to be stereotyped in public?

Ms. Carlson, I'd like to add to the dog pile if you don't mind. I'm not from OSU and my only interest in them was as an opponent of my beloved UGA. I have no agenda in replying to you but want you to know why you are feeling the backlash right now. Your attack on the young man in question was personal...you challenged his manhood for everyone to see and you made it personal. Your article was beyond mean-spirited...it was vicious. And now you post that you feel sorry for the young man. Miss, I feel sorry for you as you obviously don't get it. An apology is not necessary as it wouldn't be heartfelt. Your resignation will do nicely as you have NO business writing articles about college athletics. You and your editor should both be looking for jobs and I hope that the economic pains that your paper suffers as a result of this will force them to ask you for your resignation. You laid a young man open for the world to see without a thought about the consequences. For you not to see the error of your ways is simply difficult to fathom.

That said, seems like you've fallen into the same position as your subject and have become the focus of the news instead of just reporting it. Perhaps, an olive branch to young Mr. Reid would do you both a world of good.

Pretty sad piece of "journalism" that was more akin to the crap one reads on a sports fan website than a respected magazine. Perhaps, you need a refresher course in ethics or at the least a refund.

Since you obviously have so many sources and observations, whats the inside scoop on Broyles stealing gas? Did you investigate that also? After all its posted on virtually every gas pump, that its a crime. Lets see, he was driving down the street, found the key and the code which the owner says he doesnt even have. Oh yeah they were going to KFC at the time, can you check those out with the Gaylords, sure they have some insight. Or can you ask those questions to Stoops?

Ms. Carlson, Everyone can see you made a hugh blunder, but your pride won't let you admit you screwed up by attacking a amature athelte in a improper way. At best it was mean spirited and spiteful. It was not journalism, it was tabloid. One would not be mean spirited in asking if you have ever played any sport. I think your writings show you just do not understand sports and try to fake your way thru.

you suck. this is a perfect example of why women should stay out of mens sports. a woman will never understand what its like to be a quarterback for a D-1 school. the very same reason why a man (like myself) will never write a book about pregnancy, and how all the moans and groans a woman makes, and how 'weak' she is because she cant take the pain. i hope you get fired. the least you could do is write an apology, but that would take balls. none of which you have thank God.

Ms. Carlson: You should write for OMG rather than a sports page. Personal observations should stick to the team rather than individuals who do not have a mass media outlet to cheap shot a player by incenuating he is a mama's boy or too sensitive or whatever. If you want to write catty tripe like this, then submit your resume to Talk Soup and report hwo drunk Paris Hilton was this weekend -- that's more your style. I've never seen you suit up and smash into people, so what would you know about non-coddling anyway? If I said, "That's what happens when you let a chick report football," wouldn't be essentially the same thing you did to Reid? I think so.

Jenni, you say you want to know what the inaccuracies might have been in your Saturday column on Bobby Reid. The following from one of your own seems to do quite well for me. Richard Lindley Don King made a statement Monday afternoon that he could only find one inaccurate thing in the Carlson piece. Let me take a wild stab at what other inaccuracies Gundy might have been alluding to: 1. Reid isn’t tough. 2. Reid can’t handle competition. 3. Reid needs to be coddled and babied. 4. Reid’s attitude is what lost him the starting job. 5. Reid’s job has been in doubt for longer than two weeks. 6. Reid doesn’t have the desire to win/compete. All of those things were either straight up said or implied in the article. Again, if no one sees anything personal against Reid in that, then I don’t know what they’re looking at because in my opinion, the whole article was a hatchet job against a good kid. I have no stake in this argument. I’m a TU grad. I’m not even really an OSU fan or anything. But for some reason, this article really rubbed me the wrong way because he showed just how far the media will go anymore to stir up controversy and sell papers/advertising/etc. Chad Bonham

I will be praying for you Jenni. Praying that justice is served, and you are terminated from your job. GROW UP!

Jenni, I read your article and I saw your verbal response that you made with your editor. The comments you made about Reid and his mother were simply bush league and way out of line and you desrved to be called out by Gundy.