ALL DISCUSSION ABOUT NATIONAL MEDIA GOES HERE

[hawgsav1]

I remember back in the day (seemingly 5-6 years ago) when our only complaint about the media was that we were just ignored by the media.  You could rarely find articles on ESPN about us, and maybe occasionally someone would write a little tidbit here and there.  I always felt that we were a bit underrated in the polls too (back in the day, our AP and Coaches poll usually differed in having us a bit higher in the AP).  However, maybe due to the last 5-6 years being quite hectic (Nolan saga, the Heath firing, AND the Nutt saga and hiring) it seems like we are on the top of ESPN's most wanted list.  Though I believe the administration didn't handle ANY of the coaching openings in a civilized manner (partially due to the good ole boy system maybe?), we always received ridiculous amounts of flak from the press for those situations (some of it very deserved).  The Springdale saga last year and the fan reaction definitely did not make things look good for us (please don't start going on about this, I'm tired of rehasing the same topic).  Though I undersatnd why they think that us "poor ole Arkies" should just be satisfied with 8-4, as a Hog fan I must respectfully disagree, because programs cannot always be mired in 8-4 seasons.  ESPN's reasoning seems to be that if some no-name school makes it to the national championship game or a BCS bowl, no one will come out and watch their coverage, hence less money.  Think of how low the ratings for a WVU-Mizzou game would have been.  However, it almost seems like instead of just having that opinion, ESPN is actively trying to put us in our places.  We all saw the Tebow love-fest (there are plenty of racial and monetary undertones to that as well) while Darren McFadden was denied the Heisman.  They did that because Tebow is a more marketable player than DMac.  That is an acceptable amount of bias, fine, we as fans can deal with that.  However, the last couple of articles by Pat Forde making fun of Arkansas (and Michigan) among others are almost downright malicious.  HIs first was a column in jest that was "haha, fine, you had a joke at our expense".  However, the total rip job on Petrino was ridiculous.  Yes the man is a nomad, and yes he has never spent a long time in one place.  However, calling Petrino the president of the "Liars Club" and the "disingenuous drifter" is bordering on slander.  Calling Petrino's career path a "grease stain" is pushing it even more.  However, this cannot be just blamed on one writer. Len Pasquarelli got in on the action and in his article, emphasized HEAVILY that Petrino was a nomadic coach (hello Dennis Erickson anyone?) and that he was a poor NFL coach, which is all true, but it is written in a highly excessively critical manner.  What made it worse was the video they had of DeAngelo Hall.  Now Hall had a right to be angry, and he's been spatting with Petrino ALL season, so naturally he was going to be upset at what happened.  That being said, Hall was very civil and calm at the beginning of the interview, yet after the "journalist" goaded him into talking about "how angry he was" did Hall go off on Petrino, his system, and our program.  I couldn't believe what I was watching.  Hall was actually being goaded into his comments by ESPN's mainline.  This is dangerously on the verge of going beyond irresponsible journalism...

[DooDahman]

I thought the same thing about the interview. Van Poot openly incited Hall. That type of stuff is why I very seldom watch ESPN any more. Last night I stopped there when I saw they were talking to Hall but changed the channel when Van Poot went into his histrionics.

[ErieHog]

Almost every fan base in America,at one time or another, has speculated that ESPN 'hates us'; this is patently nonsense.

They don't hate Auburn because they send Gameday to Alabama games three times in one season to Auburn's 1.
They don't hate ND because they report every week with a Notre Dame loss as one of their three key Gameday stories.
They don't hate Ohio State because they can't mention the team without mentioning last year's BCSCG blowout.
They don't hate Arkansas because they cover one of the most turbulent offseasons in all of college football.

They cover the news, and they cover what sells.

[TorsinAHog]

Almost every fan base in America,at one time or another, has speculated that ESPN 'hates us'; this is patently nonsense.

They don't hate Auburn because they send Gameday to Alabama games three times in one season to Auburn's 1.
They don't hate ND because they report every week with a Notre Dame loss as one of their three key Gameday stories.
They don't hate Ohio State because they can't mention the team without mentioning last year's BCSCG blowout.
They don't hate Arkansas because they cover one of the most turbulent offseasons in all of college football.

They cover the news, and they cover what sells.

Shame on you for being a voice of reason

[hawgsav1]

Almost every fan base in America,at one time or another, has speculated that ESPN 'hates us'; this is patently nonsense.

They don't hate Auburn because they send Gameday to Alabama games three times in one season to Auburn's 1.
They don't hate ND because they report every week with a Notre Dame loss as one of their three key Gameday stories.
They don't hate Ohio State because they can't mention the team without mentioning last year's BCSCG blowout.
They don't hate Arkansas because they cover one of the most turbulent offseasons in all of college football.

They cover the news, and they cover what sells.

I undersatnd that EPSN will do things that won't make us happy.  That being said, what do you make of Pat Forde's comments?  ARen't they a bit excessive?  Also, what about the interview with DeAngelo Hall?  He was openly being incited...

[hogninja]

We are controversial.  A program always on the verge, but not loved by the national media.  Players that are national figures, but not as "COOL" as the former NC.  Spoilers with a reason, we are on the verge.  BP will push us over the edge and ESPN can still KMA. :razorback:

[CurlyTail]

It is hard to deny that a select few of ESPN's "personalities" seem to jump at every opportunity to take shots at the U of A.

[ErieHog]

I undersatnd that EPSN will do things that won't make us happy.  That being said, what do you make of Pat Forde's comments?  ARen't they a bit excessive?  Also, what about the interview with DeAngelo Hall?  He was openly being incited...

They're not excessive.  Keep in mind the NFL is the most popular sport in the United States, and any story is going to have the 'leaving the NFL is a bad thing' angle, simply because that is the viewpoint of the majority of viewers.

ESPN is pandering to what the most people want to see.   Its what they do to sell their network.

[ErieHog]

It is hard to deny that a select few of ESPN's "personalities" seem to jump at every opportunity to take shots at the U of A.

It really isn't.    We have a well-developed Persecution Complex.

[hogninja]

Can't ESPN be held liable for anything close to anything resembeling irresponsible reporting? :razorback:

[Hog are ya]

I remember back in the day (seemingly 5-6 years ago) when our only complaint about the media was that we were just ignored by the media.  You could rarely find articles on ESPN about us, and maybe occasionally someone would write a little tidbit here and there.  I always felt that we were a bit underrated in the polls too (back in the day, our AP and Coaches poll usually differed in having us a bit higher in the AP).  However, maybe due to the last 5-6 years being quite hectic (Nolan saga, the Heath firing, AND the Nutt saga and hiring) it seems like we are on the top of ESPN's most wanted list.  Though I believe the administration didn't handle ANY of the coaching openings in a civilized manner (partially due to the good ole boy system maybe?), we always received ridiculous amounts of flak from the press for those situations (some of it very deserved).  The Springdale saga last year and the fan reaction definitely did not make things look good for us (please don't start going on about this, I'm tired of rehasing the same topic).  Though I undersatnd why they think that us "poor ole Arkies" should just be satisfied with 8-4, as a Hog fan I must respectfully disagree, because programs cannot always be mired in 8-4 seasons.  ESPN's reasoning seems to be that if some no-name school makes it to the national championship game or a BCS bowl, no one will come out and watch their coverage, hence less money.  Think of how low the ratings for a WVU-Mizzou game would have been.  However, it almost seems like instead of just having that opinion, ESPN is actively trying to put us in our places.  We all saw the Tebow love-fest (there are plenty of racial and monetary undertones to that as well) while Darren McFadden was denied the Heisman.  They did that because Tebow is a more marketable player than DMac.  That is an acceptable amount of bias, fine, we as fans can deal with that.  However, the last couple of articles by Pat Forde making fun of Arkansas (and Michigan) among others are almost downright malicious.  HIs first was a column in jest that was "haha, fine, you had a joke at our expense".  However, the total rip job on Petrino was ridiculous.  Yes the man is a nomad, and yes he has never spent a long time in one place.  However, calling Petrino the president of the "Liars Club" and the "disingenuous drifter" is bordering on slander.  Calling Petrino's career path a "grease stain" is pushing it even more.  However, this cannot be just blamed on one writer. Len Pasquarelli got in on the action and in his article, emphasized HEAVILY that Petrino was a nomadic coach (hello Dennis Erickson anyone?) and that he was a poor NFL coach, which is all true, but it is written in a highly excessively critical manner.  What made it worse was the video they had of DeAngelo Hall.  Now Hall had a right to be angry, and he's been spatting with Petrino ALL season, so naturally he was going to be upset at what happened.  That being said, Hall was very civil and calm at the beginning of the interview, yet after the "journalist" goaded him into talking about "how angry he was" did Hall go off on Petrino, his system, and our program.  I couldn't believe what I was watching.  Hall was actually being goaded into his comments by ESPN's mainline.  This is dangerously on the verge of going beyond irresponsible journalism...

What a thought-provoking post.   I agree there is alot of media attention coming from ESPN.  But it's not all negative!  If you didn't see the awards show you owe it to yourself to track it down.  Of course we were signaled out with all the individual awards and the tribute to Broyles was AMAZING!  We do matter in college football and ESPN was a vehicle of showing it that night.

And if you don't think the Heisman coverage and coverage by ESPN in general of DMAC has brought love then I must strongly disagree.  I don't think there was this evil plan to get at DMAC for being less marketable or Arkansas because we don't deserve it.  I agree, DMAC damn sure would have had my vote, but the media fell in Love with Tebow and his production.  There is still alot of love there for DMAC from most of them.  And as deserving as he is, he's doing alright and making all proud.

As for how we are respected as a team.  We've been on that bubble to get to the upper echelon and if we can do it on the field, you better believe ESPN will respect that.  Petrino may be just the man to take us there.  Yes, he is going to catch a little flack in the media.  But when I watched that press conference, I think I saw a man (and family), that were looking for a home.  I'd like to think the hognation can show them this home.  If so, I'm confident ESPN will have you giddy in the future!

[AFWarrior83]

Mark May.......

[hawgsav1]

They're not excessive.  Keep in mind the NFL is the most popular sport in the United States, and any story is going to have the 'leaving the NFL is a bad thing' angle, simply because that is the viewpoint of the majority of viewers.

ESPN is pandering to what the most people want to see.   Its what they do to sell their network.

I undersatnd that ESPN is pandering to what most people want to see and hear, which is completely undersatndable that their reporting angles are dictated by their pocketbooks.  That being said, there are some definite overstatements.  Yes Petrino has looked around for new jobs, that is nothing new.  Any good coach has at one point or another (see Bear Bryant) looked around for the perfect situation.  I don't think Pat Forde would call that resume a "grease stain".  A better (more applicable example) is Lou Holtz in his 3-10 season with the Jets.  I don't think Forde would refer to that resume as a grease stain.  And regarding pocketbooks, wouldn't it make sense to emphasize the stacked level of coaching the SEC?  That would bring more money in from TV revenue instead of emphasizing what a "dump" Arkansas is in etc. etc.  I understand that a spectacular implosion would also be very entertaining by a university that has done that a lot, but I don't think that there are many other schools that ESPN really has it out for...

[ErieHog]

I undersatnd that ESPN is pandering to what most people want to see and hear, which is completely undersatndable that their reporting angles are dictated by their pocketbooks.  That being said, there are some definite overstatements.  Yes Petrino has looked around for new jobs, that is nothing new.  Any good coach has at one point or another (see Bear Bryant) looked around for the perfect situation.  I don't think Pat Forde would call that resume a "grease stain".  A better (more applicable example) is Lou Holtz in his 3-10 season with the Jets.  I don't think Forde would refer to that resume as a grease stain.  And regarding pocketbooks, wouldn't it make sense to emphasize the stacked level of coaching the SEC?  That would bring more money in from TV revenue instead of emphasizing what a "dump" Arkansas is in etc. etc.  I understand that a spectacular implosion would also be very entertaining by a university that has done that a lot, but I don't think that there are many other schools that ESPN really has it out for...

You've missed the last dozen or so NFL-to-college hires, then.   USC was blasted for Carrol; Alabama was blasted for Saban; Pitt was blasted for Wannstadt, etc.

Petrino has no more than 3.5 years in any location during his coaching career.  Yes, coaching is a gypsy's profession, but Petrino takes it to new heights.    He's ever-in-contention for that 'next job'-- he has had more dalliances than any coach not named Saban over the past decade.

If you read Forde's comments carefully, he bashes Petrino exclusively, and the decision making apparatus at Arkansas.   Not the program itself, its facilities, etc.

[kingB52]

Some of what we are observing is self-promtion of those ESPN wanta-bees (sp) and their desire to be the new "Dan Patrick".

[RazorbackGeek77]

Dude, one word, paragraphs!

[ICEman]

Feels good to be on he A-list. 

[no one]

They're not excessive.  Keep in mind the NFL is the most popular sport in the United States, and any story is going to have the 'leaving the NFL is a bad thing' angle, simply because that is the viewpoint of the majority of viewers.

ESPN is pandering to what the most people want to see.   Its what they do to sell their network.

I think the most popular sport is nascar

[no one]

He may be a nomad but I'm not covinced of that yet. I believe his only head coaching jobs are 4 years at a basketball school and then almost 1 year in the NFL.  I can see why and how someone could realize the NFL is not a job for them.  Looks like he may just be climbing the ranks, and this may be the top for him. 

[Bosston]

I think the most popular sport is nascar

NASCAR is not a sport

[MuskogeeHogFan]

The majority of the sportscasters on ESPN report the sports, others editorialize. Reporting should be their main mission, editorials should be kept to a miminimum though they tend to be more thought provoking. But even with this, a national news agency should be careful what they say and how they say it. Words DO matter and particularly if it seems that they are stuck on "constant replay". In these cases there is a fine line between fact and opinion. There is also a fine line between simply reporting the news, editorializing and having an agenda, whether it be directed at an organization or a person. ESPN needs to be careful that they don't crossover the line of responsible journalism.

[Damn Yankee]

Wow...it's really about Petrino quiting during the NFL season. I guess he broke some coaching unwritten rule.

[Tomhog™]

If the season was salvageable, I could understand.  But, their season was already flushed down the toilet.

[dsewell70]

well would you be happy if a Hog coach quit with games remaining in a season to take a job at a different school?

[justmakeit2thebcs]

well would you be happy if a Hog coach quit with games remaining in a season to take a job at a different school?

if we were the equivalent of 3 - 10.......then yes.

[rhinohog]

our ex coach did "quit'' with one game left (thankfully) so I don't really care

[BroyledNutts]

They're pissed he chose the Hogs and not Michigan...If he'd gone there, he'd be a savior...the next big thing...He chose here, so he's a scumbag...same old ESPN operating procedure...

[Reaganite]

There were THREE, count 'em THREE meaningless games left to play!!

There was nothing more that Petrino could do for them this year.

At least he CAN recruit here NOW and start putting together his staff for the coming year.



Staying through three meaningless games would have been stupid when it puts recruiting and staff issues up in the air at your next job.

[irishman]

If he waited until the end of the season then he would have missed the boat. Not the best exit but it was now or never really. We wouldn't have waited on the season to end for him. If he wanted back into the SEC he had to make a move, I am glad he did.

[Polamalufan]

  if we were the equivalent of 3 - 10.......then yes.

Yeah, that is like asking if we'd be happy if Nutt quit during the 4-7 season. 

[txkrazorback]

Wow...it's really about Petrino quiting during the NFL season. I guess he broke some coaching unwritten rule.

That was broke back in the 70s...when Holtz came here

[Eatthebacon]

Did Cowherd mention how his team (the Falcons) "quit" on HIM during the season?

[dsewell70]

a lot of people on here couldn't handle the fact Nutt took another job immediately. Sure they were happy he was gone overall, but not that he took a job so quickly because it has an air of untruthfulness, especially after his press conference.

Petrino essentially did the same thing to his owner. Said I'm here. I'm not going anywhere. Prompting the owner to praise him profusely on Monday Night Football. Then the next morning he's gone.

And he would have gotten bashed if he up and left for Michigan as well.

Of course, which is worse? Saying I'm not going anywhere and then jumping ship with 3 games left or saying I'm not going anywhere, staying as a distraction for the team and then jumping ship anyway at the end of the season, ala Saban.

[Reaganite]

They're pissed he chose the Hogs and not Michigan...If he'd gone there, he'd be a savior...the next big thing...He chose here, so he's a scumbag...same old ESPN operating procedure...

Must be a lotta M Alums working in Bristol, huh?

The have constant fetish for all things Michigan/Ohio State.

They're going to go berserk if Miles crushes OS then stays at LSU.

Here's hoping the corndog takes the job.  I suspect that he's not as good a coach without Sabans players.

[BroyledNutts]

Must be a lotta M Alums working in Bristol, huh?

The have constant fetish for all things Michigan/Ohio State.

They're going to go berserk if Miles crushes OS then stays at LSU.

Here's hoping the corndog takes the job.  I suspect that he's not as good a coach without Sabans players.

I'd kinda like him to stay so Bobby can whip the s**t out of him a couple of times...

I would have paid to the sack's face when news got out in Ole Miss...

[HangTenHog]

I don't know how many of you guys have rubbed shoulders with NFL players. I have.

Trust me, they understand its a business. In some ways, and who could blame them, their view is..."Its about me!".

There isn't a successful NFL team on the planet that doesn't have good leadership in the rank and file. I don't think that Atlanta has that leadership and Bobby found that, despite his urgings, coaching, preparation, etc...that there was nothing you could do to get the troops corralled.

In college, he has a much more direct role in the leadership of the team.

In my book, the Atlanta players quit on the team a long time ago this season. Bobby just became a realist.

In spite of the best efforts of the NFL facade we see weekly with the emphasis on grit, team, sacrifice, etc....don't fall one minute for it. For most of the players, its about the green ($$$) first. Team second.

Cowherd is usually smart enough to pick up on stuff like that. Then again...

[Damn Yankee]

Well...it was said earlier in Cowherds show that Petrino had "alienated" the front office staff and the players. I'm not sure how but I get there wasn't a lot of love from the staff and players.

Bob Gressey (bad spelling) basically said Petrino couldn't work with "men" and was better at recruiting and leading "boys". That's pretty strong....no?

[Mo_Better_Hogs]

NUTT "QUIT" BEFORE THE SEASON WAS OVER. Last I checked, we've got a January 1 bowl game to play, and he's in Mississippi recruiting.

[kimjongsqUeAl]

It will al blow over in a few weeks.  Then the football world will find someone else to trash.  ATL sucked this year and everyone knows it.  Get over it people and call those Hogs!!

[wlbrown9]

I heard last night that if Bobby showed up at the Falcon's team meeting on Wednesday that there would be possible physical violence.  I think the Falcons are a lost cause. Nothing to stay for up there. I think that Bobby might have some success at Arkansas and stay around awhile as long as he is treated decently. 

[momtotbl]

They are just wanting to be able to blame the bad season on someone, and now he is an easy target.  I can't imagine trying to coach people who are making more money than you sometimes, and have contracts that guarantee that they will get to play no matter what. 
Welcome Petrino!!!

[ThisLittlePiggie]

Staying through three meaningless games would have been stupid when it puts recruiting and staff issues up in the air at your next job.

Not to mention ruining your chance at a job you REALLY want. And to leave $5 million a year for half that tells me he REALLY WANTED TO BE ARKANSAS' COACH. Screw those pro football thugs and their millionaire bosses and ESPN and the Yankee media.

[MRG1963]

who cares.... it's not life or death...IT'S FRIGGIN FOOTBALL... I am estatic that we have this opportunity with BP, however long it lasts... wonder what mustain and his crew think about this situation now. wow, could have had two years sec experience with the absolute best fit for a HC, funny how we sometimes muck things up for ourselves... whats that little saying about patience?   something about being a virtue? anyway GOHOGSGO

[dsewell70]

you can't blame the players for treating the NFL like a business either. One injury that keeps players off the field too long and a lot of teams let the guy go. And NFL contracts aren't guaranteed either. Not like NBA and baseball that no matter what you're going to paid money in the contract. And players take advantage of that.

I don't think Petrino was likely given a fair chance by a good number of those players, but he also cut some people that hurt his image in the players' minds as well.

No matter if the team was lost to him, it's kinda hard to impart the message of finish things you start when you jump with almost a fourth of the season left.

[ThisLittlePiggie]

who cares.... it's not life or death...IT'S FRIGGIN FOOTBALL... I am estatic that we have this opportunity with BP, however long it lasts... wonder what mustain and his crew think about this situation now. wow, could have had two years sec experience with the absolute best fit for a HC, funny how we sometimes muck things up for ourselves... whats that little saying about patience?   something about being a virtue? anyway GOHOGSGO

We? The dumb**** that mucked it up is now mucking things up southeast a few hundred miles.

[BroyledNutts]

who cares.... it's not life or death...IT'S FRIGGIN FOOTBALL... I am estatic that we have this opportunity with BP, however long it lasts... wonder what mustain and his crew think about this situation now. wow, could have had two years sec experience with the absolute best fit for a HC, funny how we sometimes muck things up for ourselves... whats that little saying about patience?   something about being a virtue? anyway GOHOGSGO

I'm sure Mitch and Damian are happy for the Hogs and their fans...but they're not going to fret over not being here, if that's what you mean...They've got bigger things to concern themselves with...a NC next year, to be exact...

[MRG1963]

the "we" is in reference to mustain his mom and the rest of the crew... what would a little patience done for the kids?? thats the point, they jumped too soon it seems

[MRG1963]

I'm sure Mitch and Damian are happy for the Hogs and their fans...but they're not going to fret over not being here, if that's what you mean...They've got bigger things to concern themselves with...a NC next year, to be exact...

yea... them and 100 other teams.

[macgyver hawg]

I heard last night that if Bobby showed up at the Falcon's team meeting on Wednesday that there would be possible physical violence. 

That's what I heard too on ESPN news last night.  So why do sports writers demand he should have told them in person?

And three stupid games left?  What's the point?

[cj_sez]

It's been my feeling for quite some time that for many sports commentators expressing their opinions has become more important that reporting "facts" about sports. Sports reporting has taken a backseat to banter and rhetoric. The more inflammatory their remarks the better their ratings as people continue to watch, read or listen to see how far they'll go.
Nothing bothers me as much during televised games than when the commentators go off on some unrelated tangent following an excellent play that deserves discussion.
I don't pay attention to Oprah, Rosie, etc. and give little attention to the rants of some commentators who remind me of those talk show folks. If they were dedicated to fact, they would have delved deeply into the situation with Malzahn, Mustain, Williams, loss of recruits, emailgate etc, instead of slamming fans in Arkansas. They would not have rabidly endorsed Tebow, but presented facts for Heisman voters to study.
Let them rant. Perhaps they have nothing better to do. Coach Petrino has lots to do, and I doubt he gives them much attention. Neither should we.