Dodge, The Media And The Controversy

MeanGreenEngineer · November 1, 2007

Years ago, when the team was winning conference titles left and right and Dickey was universally loved (don't try and deny it now, it happened, just like those terrible clothes you wore back in high school), I told several of my fellow fans. "Dickey isn't making enough effort to win over the fans, all is well and good now, but as soon as he starts losing, he is not going to have to cushion to fall back on, and he is going to get run out on a rail." Of course, I was laughed at, Coach Dickey was the savior of North Texas football, he was going to be a legend, if only we could keep Kansas State away from him. You all know what happened next.

Now, back to the subject of this post. When Coach Dodge was hired here. I was very concerned with his attitude toward the media. Again, I told several fellow fans "Dodge isn't making enough effort to win over the media, in fact, he's pushing them away. All is well and good now, but when things go bad, he is going to have no cushion to fall back on, and the media are not going to have his back."

If right now, the media knew Coach Dodge like they knew Coach Dickey, this wouldn't be a big story. They don't know him that well, they aren't welcomed to hang around the program, they aren't worked with, they are not going to KNOW Coach Dodge well enough to stick there necks out and defend him.

It's too late for damage control on this, but I hope a major effort is made by the coaching staff to bring the media into the welcoming bosom of the program.

GreenAlums · November 1, 2007

Years ago, when the team was winning conference titles left and right and Dickey was universally loved (don't try and deny it now, it happened, just like those terrible clothes you wore back in high school), I told several of my fellow fans. "Dickey isn't making enough effort to win over the fans, all is well and good now, but as soon as he starts losing, he is not going to have to cushion to fall back on, and he is going to get run out on a rail." Of course, I was laughed at, Coach Dickey was the savior of North Texas football, he was going to be a legend, if only we could keep Kansas State away from him. You all know what happened next.
Now, back to the subject of this post. When Coach Dodge was hired here. I was very concerned with his attitude toward the media. Again, I told several fellow fans "Dodge isn't making enough effort to win over the media, in fact, he's pushing them away. All is well and good now, but when things go bad, he is going to have no cushion to fall back on, and the media are not going to have his back."
If right now, the media knew Coach Dodge like they knew Coach Dickey, this wouldn't be a big story. They don't know him that well, they aren't welcomed to hang around the program, they aren't worked with, they are not going to KNOW Coach Dodge well enough to stick there necks out and defend him.
It's too late for damage control on this, but I hope a major effort is made by the coaching staff to bring the media into the welcoming bosom of the program.

Sir, you are wise beyond your years on this one. No matter how old you are. The media is like a tool (knife) to be used correctly. use it incorrectly and it will cut you!

H-towngreen · November 1, 2007

This would have been a story no matter what.

Smitty · November 1, 2007

Now, back to the subject of this post. When Coach Dodge was hired here. I was very concerned with his attitude toward the media. Again, I told several fellow fans "Dodge isn't making enough effort to win over the media, in fact, he's pushing them away. All is well and good now, but when things go bad, he is going to have no cushion to fall back on, and the media are not going to have his back."
If right now, the media knew Coach Dodge like they knew Coach Dickey, this wouldn't be a big story. They don't know him that well, they aren't welcomed to hang around the program, they aren't worked with, they are not going to KNOW Coach Dodge well enough to stick there necks out and defend him.
It's too late for damage control on this, but I hope a major effort is made by the coaching staff to bring the media into the welcoming bosom of the program.

I must disagree. The media should NEVER have anyone's back. That's not their job, and no matter how popular a coach is and how well he may work with the media, reporters are going to report the news. When a player makes a very public complaint like this, it's news. Some may not like it and may not want to read about it, but it is news.

H-towngreen · November 1, 2007

Yes it would, but it could be SPUN rather differently.
Words win minds.

There is no spin when people read the headlines and see these words together "Todd Dodge, NT Football, Racism" Theres no spin on that. It's embeded in peoples minds.

FirefightnRick · November 1, 2007

Thank you for mentioning this as I completely agree.

I had wondered what a weak relationship between staff and media might someday bring. For two examples alone, making Brett Vitto stand outside the fence in the direct sun during the 98 degree heat this August while trying to cover the team rather than inside under the tent in the shade, or then running him out of the press box on the morning of the first scrimmage AFTER the AD dept asked him to help them correct a BIG COMMUNICATION BOOBOO on their part by running a counter report late friday evening to tell people practice was in fact closed to the public, certainly has not helped the situation none.

With mentioning of Coach Dickey, I assure you that Tim McMahan held onto his share of information and gave our staff time to work it out before going public. He showed much more restraint for letting the process run it's course than what TD has been showed so far.

It may all be simply due to the learning curve of this staff so many have already talked about?

Rick

MeanGreenEngineer · November 1, 2007

I must disagree. The media should NEVER have anyone's back.

You must not watch Fox News or CNN.

It's human nature to have an opinion and therefore a BIAS. In this day and age the job of a college head coach should also include the responsibility of shaping that opinion and bias.

That's not their job, and no matter how popular a coach is and how well he may work with the media, reporters are going to report the news.

Knowing several members of the media, there isn't a reporter alive who wouldn't trade inside information for the benefit of a doubt.

When a player makes a very public complaint like this, it's news. Some may not like it and may not want to read about it, but it is news.

It, of course, is going to make the news. But the tone in the articles, sportscasts, radio shows could be very different that they are now.

November 1, 2007

It's human nature to have an opinion and therefore a BIAS. In this day and age the job of a college head coach should also include the responsibility of shaping that opinion and bias.

Well, sir, journalists (even the lowly beat writers) like to have a noble attitude about their roles in society. Much like doctors, they have a role and one predetermined by the nature of the job.

Should a doctor not prescribe a drug because it is against their belief? Like... should they never do a blood transfusion if they are a practicing Jovah's Witness? Wouldn't happen. They won't be a doctor if they are against the fundamental role of giving someone blood. They have taken the oath to serve, save and do no harm.

So, should a journalist be vindictive when they don't have a good relationship? Should a journalist spin some situation because they like the subject? I say no. They have taken the oath... (is there really an oath? Shane? )

I respect your HSO and how you see it happening this way. However, I say if it really the case, then Vito should be ashamed.

MeanGreenEngineer · November 1, 2007

Should a doctor not prescribe a drug because it is against their belief? Like .. should they never do a blood transfusion if they are a practicing Jovah's Witness? Wouldn't happen. They won't be a doctor if they are against the fundamental role of giving someone blood. They have taken the oath to serve, save and do no harm.

All you have to do is watch a little cable news and see that what ever oath a media person may/may not take isn't as strong as the Hippocratic. Also, if doctors didnt have opinions and biases drug reps wouldn't exist. SARCASM: Besides, doctors are more art than science, 100 years we'll look back at modern medicine and find most of it at the same level as cupping or balancing humors.

So, should a journalist be vindictive when they don't have a good relationship? Should a journalist spin some situation because they like the subject? I say no. They have taken the oath... (is there really an oath? Shane? )

Who said Vito is doing anythign wrong. He just reported a story. If he had a better relationship with Dodge he would KNOW him better and his BIAS would probably make him feel more comfortable standing up for him.

November 1, 2007

Who said Vito is doing anythign wrong. He just reported a story.

I didn't say that. You did... Your HSO is that this would have been spun better by Vito if Dodge were cozy with the press. You implied that Vito is for sale.

If he had a better relationship with Dodge he would KNOW him better and his BIAS would probably make him feel more comfortable standing up for him.

Vito shouldn't have to stick up for Dodge. It isn't his role. Report both sides. If the report is worthwhile it will show if one side is more respectable than the other by the facts presented.

Modern Science is a sham. Fox news will tell you that.

We can solve this.

Smitty · November 1, 2007

You must not watch Fox News or CNN.
It's human nature to have an opinion and therefore a BIAS. In this day and age the job of a college head coach should also include the responsibility of shaping that opinion and bias.
Knowing several members of the media, there isn't a reporter alive who wouldn't trade inside information for the benefit of a doubt.
It, of course, is going to make the news. But the tone in the articles, sportscasts, radio shows could be very different that they are now.

I said SHOULD never have someone's back. Of course reporters have bias, but it's their job to overcome their own feelings and report objectively. Most of the people with big opinions on Fox and CNN - Bill O'Reilly and the like - are not reporters. Yes, coaches do sometimes try to shape that opinion and bias, but it's the reporter's job to resist attempts at coercion.

If he had a better relationship with Dodge he would KNOW him better and his BIAS would probably make him feel more comfortable standing up for him.

I don't want reporters "standing up" for anyone. I know they sometimes do, but they shouldn't. Your argument suggests that the media should show bias and should support or promote those they cover. All that will get you is cover ups and poor journalism.

MeanGreenEngineer · November 1, 2007

I didn't say that. You did... Your HSO is that this would have been spun better by Vito if Dodge were cozy with the press. You implied that Vito is for sale.

No. My HSO is that if Vito knew Dodge better, he would stick up for him. Right now he is just reporting the story. Just like you would be more likely to stick up for a friend than a total stranger.

Vito shouldn't have to stick up for Dodge. It isn't his role. Report both sides. If the report is worthwhile it will show if one side is more respectable than the other by the facts presented.

This is a straight he said she said situation. There is no real empirical proof to be discovered here. Public opinion will go along way to determining if this is a big hit to the program or nothing. If there was 3 or 4 editorials out there right now defending Dodge, then the public reaction/opinion would be different. And right now its "wow, is the coach at your school a racist? Because I heard on the news that...."

And why aren't they out there? The media doesn't KNOW Dodge well enough to say "This is crazy."

Modern Science is a sham. Fox news will tell you that.

If you believe the HARVARD MEDICAL PRACTICE STUDY then doctors kill more people than... well a lot.

MeanGreenEngineer · November 1, 2007

We can solve this.

You challenge is accepted Sir. Have you second contact mine.

I guess FFR will be mine since he is the only guy agreeing with me.

MeanGreenEngineer · November 1, 2007

I said SHOULD never have someone's back. Of course reporters have bias, but it's their job to overcome their own feelings and report objectively. Most of the people with big opinions on Fox and CNN - Bill O'Reilly and the like - are not reporters. Yes, coaches do sometimes try to shape that opinion and bias, but it's the reporter's job to resist attempts at coercion.
I don't want reporters "standing up" for anyone. I know they sometimes do, but they shouldn't. Your argument suggests that the media should show bias and should support or promote those they cover. All that will get you is cover ups and poor journalism.

I know they SHOULDN'T but they do, and lets face it's much less of a problem when its UNT football compared to say... habeas corpus.

But since it DOES happen, let's make sure our coach knows how to play the game.

Just like NCAA football in the first place, it shouldn't be about WINNING, it should be about GRADUATING. And for the most part, fans really don't care about that.

UNTLifer · November 1, 2007

Maybe he should learn to "play the media," but what really puts my mind at ease, as it should many, is the comments of fellow coaches and Joseph Miller. The folks know him much better than the media, witnessing his actions on a daily basis, and they've shown nothing but support for Coach Dodge.

C&S · November 1, 2007

it should be about GRADUATING. And for the most part, fans really don't care about that.

This is the most intelligent thing that has been said on this board all week. The fans should be concerned about GRADUATIONS rates. After all, some big time football and basketball programs have lost scholarships because of their low graducation rates among their athletes.

Got5onIt · November 2, 2007

it should be about GRADUATING. And for the most part, fans really don't care about that.
This is the most intelligent thing that has been said on this board all week. The fans should be concerned about GRADUATIONS rates. After all, some big time football and basketball programs have lost scholarships because of their low graducation rates among their athletes.

It's still about graduation rates. Do you have any idea of what the graduation rates for the general student body are? I promise you, it's a lot uglier than you think. I remember reading only 40% of all students who start an undergraduate degree have received their degrees within 7 years.

Edited November 2, 2007 by Got5onIt