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By now you've seen Oklahoma State head football coach Mike Gundy GO OFF on Daily Oklahoman columnist Jenni Carlson (posted here first) about an article questioning back up quarterback Bobby Reid's attitude.
I expected to read apologies from both parties this morning. That's not the case, in fact, Gundy wishes he would have said more.
Jenni Carlson has yet to respond, she may very well be fed chicken from her mother today, but Berry Tramel of the Daily Oklahoman did and finds blame on both ends."Wish I would have said more,” Gundy said. "Tired of certain people downgrading college athletes who are good people. If you want to comment on his play, comment on his play.
"But don't comment on something that's outside of his play that is downgrading or belittling to a young man who is trying to do things right and he has to get splashed all over the newspaper in the state of Oklahoma. And on a game day.”
Oh, and he also threw in this not-so-subtle, yet very accurate jab:Did Gundy make some good points? Absolutely. The manner in which collegiate athletes are covered in the media is an excellent topic, worthy of discussion.
I don't buy all of Gundy's argument that college athletes are immune from scrutiny. You can't on one hand treat football players like princes, with everything from opulent training tables to enrollment favors, then claim they're just regular students.
I didn't agree with all of Carlson's column about Reid's attitude and toughness, which is not particularly unique. A whole batch of people rarely agree with all of mine.
But Gundy holds some responsibility for the events that led to the volcano Saturday night. He has not been truthful about the quarterback situation, and that's led to confusion, questions and speculation. Being dishonest with us — which means being dishonest with his very own fans — is not the proper way to do business.
I've known Mike Gundy for 22 years. Known him since we both were kids. He was a Midwest City senior, trying to decide between OSU and OU, and I was a cub reporter at the Norman Transcript. I liked him then, I like him now, though it wasn't very easy Saturday night. If Gundy had shown the fire on the sidelines at Troy that he showed in dressing down Carlson, OSU football would be the better for it.Update: Dennis Dodd of CBS thinks Mike Gundy should be fired over this. That's a strong overreaction. Reprimanded in some minor way? Sure.
Mike Gundy: "I Wish I Would Have Said More" (NewsOK)
Looking back at Mike Gundy's tirade and what prompted it (NewsOK)
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