November 1, 2007
Spencer Tillman - proud member of the uninformed media
One of the favorite games in the traditional media is to play "bash the blogs" and -- with few exceptions -- it's generally well deserved. After all, the rise of citizen journalism has opened the door for regular Joe's (like us) to spout off. Be that as it may, you will rarely find the media feeding on one of it's own. It's just not good etiquette.
However, every now and then, someone in the "real" media says something so asinine that it cannot go unpunished - and we are happy to help point it out.
Case in point - CBS commentator and columnist Spencer Tillman:
"Coach Dennis Franchione at Texas A&M is counting the days. Tommy Tuberville, who is a constant winner at Auburn, could be in line at either Texas A&M or LSU. LSU fans that still harbor distain for Tuberville might be wise to consider his 5-2 record against Alabama. And, we all know how important that game will become for the foreseeable future. Tuberville still has a house near College Station and was an assistant at LSU."
Spreading coching rumors is not a sin, but spreading incorrect info? Throw 'em to the wolves.
Ah, where to start.* Tuberville is 6-2 against Alabama, not 5-2.
* Tuberville, who coached for one season at Texas A&M 13 years ago, has never mentioned owning a house near College Station. Even if he did, my guess is he wouldn't want to live in the same house in which he lived in 1994 on an assistant coach's salary.
* This one is obvious. Tuberville has never been an assistant at LSU.
And Tillman is supposed to be a college football expert for a major operation like CBS? Truly unbelievable.
Ouch. Unfortunately, no one in the traditional media has taken the time to correct Tillman. (Or perhaps none of them bother to read Tillman's stuff.)
Of course, Phillip Marshall is not your average "blogger"....
Phillip Marshall covers Auburn University athletics for The Huntsville Times. A veteran of more than 37 years writing sports for Alabama newspapers, Phillip has won more than 30 statewide writing awards. He was named the National Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Alabama Sportswriter of the Year for 2006 and is a two-time winner of the Herby Kirby Award, presented annually by the Alabama Sports Writers Association for the state’s top sports story.
Hat Tip: Jay @ Track Em Tigers
UPDATE
In an effort to clean up Tillman's mess, CBSSportsline has edited the original commentary to correct his errors.
The new version:
Coach Dennis Franchione at Texas A&M is counting the days. Tommy Tuberville, who is a constant winner at Auburn, could be in line at either Texas A&M or LSU. LSU fans that still harbor distain for Tuberville might be wise to consider his 6-2 record against Alabama. And, we all know how important that game will become for the foreseeable future. Tuberville still has a house near College Station and has a key assistant, Will Muschamp, who is familiar with the "LSU" way, having served as defensive coordinator from 2001-04.
But you can't hide from the Google Slurp, CBS Sportsline.
The original version is still available via Google cache.
So, rather than fess up and admit that Tillman is a no-nothing blowhard, CBSSportsline has tried to brush it under the rug. Classy.
Of course, the editors also missed Tillman's misuse of the word "distain" (To tinge with a different color from the natural or proper one; to stain; to discolor; - used chiefly in poetry.) instead of the correct word... disdain.
Unless Tillman believes that LSU fans wish to remove the color from Tuberville... you know... poetically.
Hat Tip: Thanks to several Fanblogs readers who pointed out the cowardice of CBS Sportsline.
Comments:
Cap'n Ken said:
posted on November 1, 2007 9:10 AM — 74.244.79.110 — link — abuse?
Wow, that's amazing. And not even reading far into the Tillman piece I find this:
"Les Miles is probably headed for Michigan because Lloyd Carr is likely to hang it up at year's end (despite an impressive seven-game recovery after an 0-2 start). Miles' contract allows for one out: the Michigan job."
Actually, according to published reports about Miles' contract, he has to pay $500K if he takes another job that's not Michigan ... and $1.25 million if he leaves for Michigan.
So, again, flat out incorrect. At least some bloggers take the time to actually look up "facts" before they publish them.
Tom Blogical
posted on November 1, 2007 10:04 AM — 24.95.77.153 — link — abuse?
said:
And this isn't a one-time, "Oh, he just screwed up this time," incident. It seems to be a habit of his to get things wrong.
Brushpile Bill said:
posted on November 1, 2007 10:22 AM — 70.138.228.38 — link — abuse?
Ron, I saw the same thing. Obviously someone at CBS is reading Marshall's blog and went back into the article to at least fix up the factual errors. One of the other niceties about the internet world is that you can fix mistakes on the fly. No printed papers to remind folks that you didn't have your facts straight.
Tampa Hurricane
posted on November 1, 2007 10:25 AM — 24.96.199.254 — link — abuse? said:
Phillip Marshall must be a shitty writer. The quote in the original article is:
"Tuberville still has a house near College Station and has a key assistant, Will Muschamp, who is familiar with the "LSU" way, having served as defensive coordinator from 2001-04. "
not as Marshall states:
"Tuberville still has a house near College Station and was an assistant at LSU."
Any writer with talent should be able to come up with a real story, instead of, chopping a quote to make up stories. It just goes to show you how terrible the journalism is in Alabama, that someone like that could win so many state awards!
Tampa Hurricane
posted on November 1, 2007 10:31 AM — 24.96.199.254 — link — abuse? said:
Brushpile Bill, when they go in and change the facts like you suggest, the site lists the date that the story was updated. If you look at the date, it is originally posted on October 30 and not posted as being updated.
Lennie Collins
posted on November 1, 2007 10:46 AM — 67.67.197.165 — link — abuse? said:
I am not going to make a big deal about this. Those who were watching the Nebraska at Texas game probably heard the announcer stating over and over about Nebraska "struggled" to beat Texas A&M. Nebraska lost 34-16!
BarberAE said:
posted on November 1, 2007 11:12 AM — 199.209.144.93 — link — abuse?
That column has been changed since yesterday. I remember reading it yesterday. I went and looked at the cached page from a google search and saw where it had been changed.
I don't know how long that cache will be there.
posted on November 1, 2007 11:46 AM — 205.188.116.136 — link — abuse?War Eagle Atlanta
said:
Sometimes you're going to get facts wrong when reporting on teams that you're not that familiar with. It's not that big a deal. The important thing is when you do, make your mea culpa and correct the info.
Gee, I guess we can take it for granted that Fran is gone to who knows where and Miles is already suiting up in the maize and blue. Talk about gossip.
Tuberville and Saban share the same agent. When Saban bolted for the NFL in 2004, there were rumours that Tubs might make a lateral over to the Bayou. He didn't then, so we can't assume it would be any different this time. Although LSU has fielded some good teams this millenium, it would still be a lateral move from Auburn. Those two programs are about as even as two schools can be--in a historical context as well as a contemporary one.
I guess that I should feel honored that our coach is presumed to be in such demand that I'm constantly having to stamp out these rumors on here! :-)
Autigerman said:
posted on November 1, 2007 12:43 PM — 129.61.46.16 — link — abuse?
Piecing together the rumor mill is never an easy task.And since i never talk to Tubbs i can share no previledeged information with you.
So ill give you one Auburn fans propective.
If Tuberville decided to leave for A&M i would doubt that it would be for reasons that Finnebaum gave in his recent article.
Id like to believe that the coach of AU werent so scared of his in state rival that he saw the writting on the wall and left.Bama fans get particular joy from that rumor and rightfully so.
I spent the first 18 years of my life in a military family then joined and spent another 20 years. I have lived in states all over this country. And without exception i have never lived in a place that takes college football as serious as the South.
There are exceptions to every rule Ohio state fans, Michigan, Nebraska, Oklahoma to name a few.What im talking about is an entire section of the country crazy for the sport. You cannot drive more the a few blocks without seeing several different college flags being waved.
This Fan blog web site is even further proof as it is primarily southern sport fans contributing.
I say that because i believe that for most college coaches an SEC job has to be one of the top of the line jobs. A&M has a great program and great tradition however i just dont see that as much of a step up.
I believe that all the rumors about Tubbs may fuel the fire for him to stay. He has a 5 game win streak against his main rival and a very good shot at 6 and beyound. He had one of the highest rated recruiting classes last year and the future looks bright.If he decides to go, whoever Auburn were to pick up would inhereit a fine program.
Ultimately it will be a decision he makes and AU football will be fine with it.
Tom Blogical
posted on November 1, 2007 1:08 PM — 24.95.77.153 — link — abuse? said:
TE: (#12):
LMAO!!
posted on November 1, 2007 3:52 PM — link — abuse? said:
In an effort to clean up Tillman's mess, CBSSportsline has edited the original commentary to correct his errors.
The new version:
Coach Dennis Franchione at Texas A&M is counting the days. Tommy Tuberville, who is a constant winner at Auburn, could be in line at either Texas A&M or LSU. LSU fans that still harbor distain for Tuberville might be wise to consider his 6-2 record against Alabama. And, we all know how important that game will become for the foreseeable future. Tuberville still has a house near College Station and has a key assistant, Will Muschamp, who is familiar with the "LSU" way, having served as defensive coordinator from 2001-04.
But you can't hide from the Google Slurp, CBS Sportsline.
The original version is still available via Google cache.
So, rather than fess up and admit that Tillman is a no-nothing blowhard, CBSSportsline has tried to brush it under the rug. Classy.
Of course, the editors also missed Tillman's misuse of the word "distain" (To tinge with a different color from the natural or proper one; to stain; to discolor; - used chiefly in poetry.) instead of the correct word... disdain.
Unless Tillman believes that LSU fans wish to remove the color from Tuberville... you know... poetically.
Hat Tip: Thanks to several Fanblogs readers who pointed out the cowardice of CBS Sportsline.Zac said:
posted on November 1, 2007 7:09 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse?
Yo, Lennie, OURon, Spenc is making yawl look bad. Here's a guy that should have either stuck to the NFL, or taken up fishing. Talk about a big OOOOPS!!!
BUT, as some of us have been known to say, it's not as if he shot anybody. Oh, I take that back; he sure as hell shot himself......in the foot, that is.
God bless ya, Spenc. Better luck next time.
Lennie Collins
posted on November 1, 2007 7:49 PM — 67.67.197.165 — link — abuse? said:
Hey Zac(Comment #19)Spencer Tilliman was in the NFL for 8 years. I don't know how he is making me look bad? He made a mistake. I don't understand the big deal! Watch Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech tonight and I am sure the announcers will make an error.
Zac said:
posted on November 1, 2007 9:02 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse?
What's that you say, Lennie? Announcers will make a mistake on ESPN?!? ABSOLUTELY OUTRAGEOUS!!! Why back in my RAF days we couldn't afford to make mistakes, what with "Jerry" running about...
You're right, my friend. This looks bad because it's in print, and there's no hiding from it. It was an honest mistake. Whether or not it was poor research or just plain ole bad info, he was given bum dope. You would think a good journalist would know to check his sources of info, but what with dead-lines and all...
Yes, he was one of the better backs that came out of OK, and the word on his bio speaks of a decent and loving family man. That doesn't mean he's a good journalist. Some folks just aren't cut out for it. I have to admit, I haven't been all that impressed.
While you're right, in that he shouldn't be flogged for making an honest mistake, he should be willing to own up to it. Or, at least not allow CBS to try and cover it up. There wasn't any harm done by his mistake, so, why hide it, or allow it to be hid? That is what bothers me the most.
hrposon said:
posted on November 1, 2007 9:06 PM — 98.200.123.115 — link — abuse?
Another memorable gaff...
ESPN's Desmond Howard was asked which game was the most intriguing Bowl game in 2006.He said he couldn't wait to see Texas' Thorpe award winner, Aaron Ross go up against the Cal offense in the Holiday Bowl. He went on for more than a minute about Texas and Cal.
There was only one problem, Texas A&M was playing Cal in the Holiday Bowl and not Texas !!!
ESPN is still keeping this genius on the payroll.Lennie Collins
posted on November 1, 2007 9:38 PM — 67.67.197.165 — link — abuse? said:
Zac(Comment #23) I agree with 100% if anyone makes a mistake that they should apologize and correct it! It is terrible when it is covered up! I do laugh when some announcers make mistakes like Hrposon stated in Comment #25. I can understand the lesser known programs I am guilty of that BUT confusing Texas A&M with Texas? I definitely don't like when they go off on stories that have nothing to do with football...Keith Jackson!
OU-Ron
said:
posted on November 1, 2007 8:55 AM — 216.201.209.146 — link — abuse?What did I miss here, I think he said that Tuberville has an assistant, Will Muschamp that has conections to LSU as being their DC from 01 to 04, didn't look to me that he said Tuberville was an assistant ??????