Do sports columnists carry a license for name-calling?

TimmyB · 06-04-2002, 06:30 PM

Do sports columnists carry a license for name-calling?

The above link will take you to the Boston Globe where one of their columnists asks this very question.

The heart of the matter? How personal should sportswriters get? Is there such a thing as too far? Is everything fair game?

TimmyB · 06-04-2002, 06:37 PM

Here're my

(for starters, anyway)

Even here on Netshrine, writers have been known to have strong feelings. That's great. It shows you care.

However, regardless of how he apologizes in the column, this particular writer has gone overboard a number of times before. And, I have to wonder why? Does he take Red Sox failure as a personal affront? Is he just plain ol' passionate about the Sox? Is he getting even with players who have crossed him in the past? (No, wait, sportswriters never do that...)

I understand being frustrated with a guy who can't lay down a bunt. But getting that nasty really isn't neccesary.

Hyperbole and wit used together can be a great thing. (W)It can also be in short supply.

Skip · 06-04-2002, 06:42 PM

Yo TimmyB - dead link. I looked briefly at the Globe website and didnt immediately see which column/columnist to which you were referring. (Silly me for assuming is was Deep Throat Shaughnessy)

sweaver · 06-04-2002, 07:05 PM

I found the page in question here: http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/15...l ing_+.shtml
The original column was indeed by Dan Shaugnessy, and the name-callee was Jose Offerman, to wit:
''Let us consider for a moment the piece of junk that is Offerman.'' The column went on to describe Offerman's contribution to the Sox' 3-2 loss to the Yankees.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Read Dan Shaughnessy's May 26 column on Offerman

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There's no doubt Jose Offerman would not have won any Memorial Day popularity contests in Boston. His failure to lay down a bunt in the 8th inning was painful - and pivotal. Many fans question whether he is worth his $6.5 million salary.

The above from the article in question, by the newspaper's ombudsman. There were a number of letters critical of Shaugnessy, apparently.

Craig S. · 06-04-2002, 07:21 PM

Going simply by the quote about "junk," it seems over the line to me. Sportswriters have a right to put players down, but there are more cultured and clever ways to do it. Especially when you're dealing with a hometown player, you have to watch what you say. It's a great way to alienate players and fans from the paper.

One of us on here calling Offerman "junk" is one thing. It's a totally different issue when you're writing for a living.

satchel · 06-04-2002, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally written by Dan Shaughnessy
''Let us consider for a moment the piece of junk that is Offerman.''

Shaughnessy has said some stupid, over-the-top things in his column, but this is way, way over the line. He should consider himself lucky if any Red Sox player agrees to speak with him, ever again. Remember the controversy over - rats, his name just flew out of my head - the guy that arguably blindsided Pete Rose a couple of years back? Calling a hometown player a "piece of junk" is far worse.

Craig S. · 06-04-2002, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by satchel
Remember the controversy over - rats, his name just flew out of my head - the guy that arguably blindsided Pete Rose a couple of years back? Calling a hometown player a "piece of junk" is far worse.

Jim Gray - and Chad Curtis snubbed him after a big Yanks' win. They kept playing over and over on the Cincinnati radio stations.

Skip · 06-04-2002, 07:41 PM

You mean I was right in assuming it was Shaughnessy? What a stunning development.

He's way up past Conlin in the due for retirement stakes. (And thats not a bad thread idea).

SmedIndy · 06-04-2002, 10:31 PM

I am shocked that guys like Jim Rome can get away with the stuff he says on his radio program, but seeing it in print is even worse.

Let us consider the hunk of scrap metal that is Shaughnessey. He is to sportswriters what Charo is to actresses.

ChrisCary · 06-05-2002, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Craig S.

Jim Gray - and Chad Curtis snubbed him after a big Yanks' win. They kept playing over and over on the Cincinnati radio stations.

A hero twice in the same moment, Chad Curtis

Jim Gray will rue the day he accidentally walks into Chris Cary on the street

hmrsf · 06-05-2002, 08:53 AM

Sorry about jumping on this one late. Don't know how I missed this tidbit.

Dan is blowhard. One of those sanctimonious windbags who drapes himself with the Red Sox flag and calls himself a fan. He is not. He is a doomsday sawyer who happens to have a press pass.

He takes every opportunity he can to take a swipe at any player at will. Whenever I see a dirrect quote from a player I know he overheard it in the locker room and gave it his spin.

He has been dubbed CHB (curly haired.....um boyfriend?) by the locals. He is well known for writing The Curse of the Bambino, and consistently writing the most jaded piece in the paper.

Other than that I am sure he is nice guy......probably removes the dishes from the sink before he pees in it.(Was that over the top.....)

Skip · 06-05-2002, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by hmrsf
Other than that I am sure he is nice guy......probably removes the dishes from the sink before he pees in it.(Was that over the top.....)

hm - you have outdone yourself.

TimmyB · 06-05-2002, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by hmrsf
He is well known for writing The Curse of the Bambino,

Ugh! I won't even get started on that piece of garbage...

(No... wait... I think I just started...)

KCBOOMER · 06-05-2002, 09:16 AM

Today's sportswriters think they are bigger than the game and that an athlete's failure gives them a license to commit journalistic assault. I call it the Brent Musberger Syndrome.

They seem to forget that even the best prepared athlete (this does not apply to Jose Offerman) can fail in a given situation. Even Rod Carew botched some bunts.

SmedIndy · 06-05-2002, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ChrisCary

A hero twice in the same moment, Chad Curtis

Jim Gray will rue the day he accidentally walks into Chris Cary on the street

Ah, it was just one pain in the kiester talking to another pain in the kiester.

06-04-2002, 06:30 PM	#1
TimmyB NetShrine's Magic 8-Ball Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Where the cops speak slow and the air is nice Posts: 2,591	Do sports columnists carry a license for name-calling? Do sports columnists carry a license for name-calling? The above link will take you to the Boston Globe where one of their columnists asks this very question. The heart of the matter? How personal should sportswriters get? Is there such a thing as too far? Is everything fair game?

06-04-2002, 06:42 PM	#3
Skip NetShrine Vagabond Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Louisville Posts: 7,866	Yo TimmyB - dead link. I looked briefly at the Globe website and didnt immediately see which column/columnist to which you were referring. (Silly me for assuming is was Deep Throat Shaughnessy) Last edited by Skip : 06-04-2002 at 06:44 PM.

06-05-2002, 08:53 AM	#11
hmrsf forum mom Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: relocation Posts: 4,298	Sorry about jumping on this one late. Don't know how I missed this tidbit. Dan is blowhard. One of those sanctimonious windbags who drapes himself with the Red Sox flag and calls himself a fan. He is not. He is a doomsday sawyer who happens to have a press pass. He takes every opportunity he can to take a swipe at any player at will. Whenever I see a dirrect quote from a player I know he overheard it in the locker room and gave it his spin. He has been dubbed CHB (curly haired.....um boyfriend?) by the locals. He is well known for writing The Curse of the Bambino, and consistently writing the most jaded piece in the paper. Other than that I am sure he is nice guy......probably removes the dishes from the sink before he pees in it.(Was that over the top.....) __________________ NDF who shares good karma! Get a coaster! My cup is not only 1/2 full it is brimming! We don't need no stinking Arods!

06-05-2002, 09:16 AM	#14
KCBOOMER NetShrine All-Century Team Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Home of the T-Bones Posts: 11,116	Today's sportswriters think they are bigger than the game and that an athlete's failure gives them a license to commit journalistic assault. I call it the Brent Musberger Syndrome. They seem to forget that even the best prepared athlete (this does not apply to Jose Offerman) can fail in a given situation. Even Rod Carew botched some bunts. __________________ KCBOOMER *Buck O'Neil: The Monarch of Baseball*

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06-04-2002, 06:37 PM	#2
TimmyB NetShrine's Magic 8-Ball Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Where the cops speak slow and the air is nice Posts: 2,591	Here're my (for starters, anyway) Even here on Netshrine, writers have been known to have strong feelings. That's great. It shows you care. However, regardless of how he apologizes in the column, this particular writer has gone overboard a number of times before. And, I have to wonder why? Does he take Red Sox failure as a personal affront? Is he just plain ol' passionate about the Sox? Is he getting even with players who have crossed him in the past? (No, wait, sportswriters never do that...) I understand being frustrated with a guy who can't lay down a bunt. But getting that nasty really isn't neccesary. Hyperbole and wit used together can be a great thing. (W)It can also be in short supply.

06-04-2002, 07:05 PM	#4
sweaver Netshrine Cleanup Hitter Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: The Mountain State Posts: 8,883	I found the page in question here: http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/15...l ing_+.shtml The original column was indeed by Dan Shaugnessy, and the name-callee was Jose Offerman, to wit: ''Let us consider for a moment the piece of junk that is Offerman.'' The column went on to describe Offerman's contribution to the Sox' 3-2 loss to the Yankees. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Read Dan Shaughnessy's May 26 column on Offerman -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- There's no doubt Jose Offerman would not have won any Memorial Day popularity contests in Boston. His failure to lay down a bunt in the 8th inning was painful - and pivotal. Many fans question whether he is worth his $6.5 million salary. The above from the article in question, by the newspaper's ombudsman. There were a number of letters critical of Shaugnessy, apparently.

06-04-2002, 07:21 PM	#5
Craig S. Guest Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,330	Going simply by the quote about "junk," it seems over the line to me. Sportswriters have a right to put players down, but there are more cultured and clever ways to do it. Especially when you're dealing with a hometown player, you have to watch what you say. It's a great way to alienate players and fans from the paper. One of us on here calling Offerman "junk" is one thing. It's a totally different issue when you're writing for a living.

06-04-2002, 07:41 PM	#8
Skip NetShrine Vagabond Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Louisville Posts: 7,866	You mean I was right in assuming it was Shaughnessy? What a stunning development. He's way up past Conlin in the due for retirement stakes. (And thats not a bad thread idea).

06-04-2002, 10:31 PM	#9
SmedIndy NetShrine's Historian Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Zionsville, IN Posts: 10,569	I am shocked that guys like Jim Rome can get away with the stuff he says on his radio program, but seeing it in print is even worse. Let us consider the hunk of scrap metal that is Shaughnessey. He is to sportswriters what Charo is to actresses.

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