Attacks on reporter Jerry Tipton unwarranted

I have received several calls and e-mails today from folks upset at Herald-Leader basketball writer Jerry Tipton.

First, let me say that Jerry Tipton is one of the most respected college basketball writers in America, with a demonstrated record of excellence in reporting and writing on the University of Kentucky basketball team. He has covered UK basketball since the 1981-82 season and is a member of the U. S. Basketball Writers Association Hall of Fame. He is knowledgeable, thorough and aggressive, as journalists should be, but also a fair reporter committed to telling all sides of a story.

In this instance, it appears that certain misinformation or misunderstandings are being spread about interviews Jerry conducted with the parents of two UK recruits. I have listened to the podcasts that appear to be sparking this misinformation. I have also reviewed Jerry’s interviews with those parents. I went through Jerry’s notes of his conversation with Robyn Curry, mother of recruit Vinny Zollo, question by question. I listened to the tape of Jerry’s approximately 30-minute interview with Howard Avery, father of recruit Michael Avery. In both cases, Jerry’s interviews with the parents were conducted in an appropriate and professional fashion.

It is important to understand that Jerry does not work for the University of Kentucky, nor is he a recruiter for the university. His job is to report the news, and sometimes that includes asking tough, serious -- but fair -- questions of newsmakers. That is what occurred in these cases.

In both cases, Jerry asked parents about the phenomenon of players committing as early as the eighth or ninth grade. Given the context of the recruiting frenzy that surrounds top prospects, this is an obvious question to pose to young recruits’ parents. With Mr. Avery, Jerry asked about the injuries UK suffered last season that some have linked to Coach Billy Gillispie’s tough practices. This is not a new issue, and it’s one that has been written about and commented on extensively in the press, the Internet and elsewhere. After Ms. Curry mentioned her concerns about the methods of her son’s high school coach, Jerry asked her about Coach Gillispie’s widely reported “tough love” style of coaching. Again, both are logical questions to ask of a recent recruit to the university.

In each case, Jerry also discussed with the parents – and his stories reflected – the reasons for their sons’ commitment to UK, what they liked about the university and the coach, and why they chose to commit so early. In other words, they discussed many issues about committing to UK – many of those would be characterized as positive issues; some were more critical. It’s important to cover both to produce a balanced report that puts news in the appropriate context.

Jerry did not ask about any rumors alluded to in the podcasts, nor did he comment on Lexington as a place to live. Unprompted, Ms. Curry mentioned that she had heard things about Coach Gillispie. As Jerry reported in his story, “When asked to elaborate, she said, ‘I didn’t hear directly. But I heard he [Gillispie] was arrogant. I saw none of that. He was very down to earth.’” I reviewed a later conversation that Jerry had with Ms. Curry, who confirmed that Jerry did not speak in a negative manner about Lexington. Jerry also called back Mr. Avery, who acknowledged that the injury question made him uncomfortable but that it was not Mr. Avery’s place to pass judgment on whether it was appropriate.

In both cases, Jerry’s questions to the parents stuck to what occurs on the basketball court, and what happens when young men are recruited to play high-profile sports. Again, these questions are entirely appropriate, as were the stories published after those interviews. Read the stories here and here.

We welcome reader comments and hope that you continue to bring any concerns, issues or compliments to our attention regarding our reporting on UK basketball or other subjects.

Linda Austin
Editor

Comments

[Zach Rawn]

This story has been picked up by knox News Sentinel and other media outlets. The story is not about Tipton but the crazed Kentucky fans going after the beat writer. Every paper in the country has a writer who they see as always being negative. Jerry Tipton is one of the best sports reporters in the south east. Heck the editor of the knox news sentiel wrote an editorial that listed all the reasons Phil Fulmer should be fired during the peak recruiting period. This rabid mob lynching makes UK fans look like delusional crazy people.

[Mike Strange]

A fellow ink-stained wretch, I've covered SEC basketball about as long as Jerry has. He's the best beat reporter I've ever come across in any sport. He is what we in this business should all aspire to be. End of story.

[Randy Rosetta]

As another fellow sports journalist, I want to echo Mike Waters' sentiments about Jerry Tipton's professionalism and the way he does his job.

I started covering the SEC four yeas ago and from day one Jerry has been a great source of information and guidance for somebody not that familiar with the league and its rich history.

There is nobody more professional in our business in his approach and he deserves every benefit of the doubt in this situation or any other.

And the thought that he should share the audio tapes of his interviews is a chilling notion to me and I would guess sports writers everywhere.

Kentucky basketball fans are as passionate and knowledgeable as any I have been around -- and I grew up in Kansas and attended KU and now cover LSU football, so I know a little about fans, passion and sports knowledge. But in this instance that passion and enthusiasm is misguided.

Jerry covers the Kentucky basketball program as well as anybody in the country covers any beat. It may not always want be what readers want to hear, but it’s the truth, which sometimes hurts a little.

Randy Rosetta
LSU football and basketball beat writer
Baton Rouge Advocate

[J Payne]

With the LHL’s “declining revenue from advertising and circulation” it is obvious to the most casual observer that the LHL has resorted to taking desperate measures to drive traffic to their site and to stop the hemorrhaging of a troubled business. The tabloid actions from LHL employees to create controversial news instead of actual reporting on factual events prove the point.

The LHL has the freedom to perpetuate rumors and create news as they see fit, especially in the case of a public figure. The obsequious comments made by the editor in defense of an employee who is no more a reporter than those who opine on the numerous radio talk shows is a Constitutional right.

There will probably be short term benefits from the LHL’s actions, as well as long term consequences.

In the interest of “excellence in reporting” and “telling all sides of a story”, please share all the facts (recorded audio) that are in your possession and consider refraining from the arrogant retorts. Let the chips fall were they may…

[ACC fan]

It really disgusts me to read the stuff that people think journalists "should do."

Bleed for the home team, check.

Never report bad news, check.

Always report only bunnies and butterflies, check.

And would you have liked Woodward and Bernstein to have released the tapes and notes on their Watergate investigations? How about reporters who are finding the truth in regards to racism, corrupt politicians, etc.

You can say, "but this is sports," but you would be wrong. Mr. Tipton is a journalist.

But don't worry. Newspapers will be gone soon enough. Then all the chat rooms, blogs, TV talking heads will have to do their own work instead of just reading the newspaper and "reporting" it as their own...

[Rick Bonnell]

I've known Jerry for years, and he's a total pro. Part of the reason I enjoyed moving from college sports to the NBA was this bizarre "with-us-or-against-us'' attitude among some loud and petty fans of big programs. I always wonder if the same so-called "positive'' coverage these people demand would be appropriate for any other beat in a newsroom. Would you trust the city hall reporter who is on the mayor's re-election committee? A reporter has a responsibility to be fair. He also has a responsibility to be skeptical. Jerry is great at both.

[Mike Waters]

As a college basketball reporter, I find the discussion here to be troubling, but also very common. Fans, particularly college fans, view their team with a very parochial attitude. It's the old 'You're either with us or you against' point of view. There's a severe lack of understanding of the media's role, especially in its coverage of college athletics.

I would ask some of the Kentucky fans who are reacting negatively toward the Lexington Herald-Leader's recent coverage of Kentucky basketball to ask themselves what they would think if this story were generated out of Bloomington, Ind., or Clemson, S.C., or Tallahassee, Fla. or Syracuse, N.Y. Would you have a visceral response to the local newspaper that was reporting the news? Would you have a response to fans who wanted to cancel a subscription or threaten a reporter for a story on the coach's recruiting tactics? Or would you think 'Hey, maybe UK can steal away some of those kids who were considering School X?' Would you care at all?

Finally, let me say something about Jerry Tipton. Jerry is one of the most respected college basketball reporters in the country. If a few writers are gathered somewhere and the conversation turns to who are the best beat writers in the business, there's a nod to Jerry Tipton and we head straight to who's No. 2. He's that good. He's that knowledgeable.

You want good solid, in-depth coverage of UK basketball? You want to read Jerry Tipton. I would hope that most Kentucky fans are knowledgeable enough about the game to understand that.

Mike Waters
College basketball reporter
Syracuse Post-Standard

[Donal]

LOL You say, "He is knowledgeable, thorough and aggressive, as journalists should be, but also a fair reporter committed to telling all sides of a story."
If that wasn't so sad it would be funny. If Tipton would have been aggressive, fair and committed to telling all sides of a story through the years then the program wouldn't be in the mess it is now in. NO, Jerry Tipton and the other LHL writers enabled Tubby as he dismantled the UK basketball program. I will never buy another LHL as long as he works there and dare anyone to bring one into my office. UK sports should be handled through the Courier Journal until the "problem" is taken care of.

[J.D. McNugent]

I never cease to be embarrassed by U.K. basketball fans and it's sometimes hard for me to admit I am one. These are the kinds of situations that people in other states point to when they talk about what zealots U.K. basketball fans are.

Tipton isn't a U.K. cheerleader; he's a columnist for a Lexington newspaper. His job isn't to write columns/stories that are going to make U.K. basketball fans (or the coach or the administration) happy. His job is to cover the beat in a balanced way -- the good, the bad and the ugly.

The typical response to Tipton's work by U.K. fans is they love it if they agree with it and they hate it if they disagree with it. Tipton's standing among U.K. fans ebbs and flows depending on what people think about his last column.

Some of you may not agree with the way Tipton covers his beat, or you may complain that he is too negative, but you really have no say in the matter. It's the call of his editors. Your recourse is to cancel your subscription if the situation gets to the point that it keeps you from being able to make it through the day.

This misconception that the local newspaper is supposed to "support" the University and its athletic programs is widespread. The paper has no obligation to do any such thing. Their obligation is to cover the news.

And for all your people who are calling for the H-L to "turn over the tapes," get over yourselves. This isn't Watergate. It was very considerate of Ms. Austin to even review the notes. I can't think of any circumstances where a reporter would make public his notes -- certainly not for this little tempest in a teapot.

For the record, I have never worked for the H-L, but I remember the "Kentucky Shame" series for which they won a Pulitzer. I also remember that they received bomb threats from U.K. fans. Bomb threats! Embarrassing.

If you don't like what Tipton writes, don't read it. Cancel your subscription and stop whining about it. It makes the whole bunch of us look bad.

[N I]

It seems the LHL seems to want to feed the fire by constantly running positive articles about an x-coach, let him go he's out of here. As far as Tipton goes he has done more harm to UK by his negative slant
in his reporting that only the very, very best recruiters could overcome. When competing against other Universities and Tipton it makes it pretty tough.

[Paul Carson]

How cow! I've just read through all these comments and I am amazed and the shallowness of my fellow Cats fans. Do you really expect a reporter to "bleed blue?" Who would have found out all the problems in the Eddie Sutton mess if it weren't for the Herald-Leader? Or, by the way you all are talking, I guess it all should have just been ignored and let the VIOLATIONS of NCAA rules continue. After all, it's UK.

Hmmm. As someone with a little bit of personal knowledge of the situation, Mr. Tipton is asking questions that are out there in the general public. Do you really think these recruits or their parents have not heard about Coach Gillespie's practices? Do you really think he should be asking: "How wonderful do you think UK is?" or "Don't we have the most handsome coach in NCAA history?". I mean, come on, grow a pair and understand that these are fair questions. We might not like the topic, but the questions wouldn't be there if we weren't all asking them outselves!

Good work, Mr. Tipton.

[Tony]

Get rid of Tipton and you would sell 5 to 10 times more of the LHL...Until then, I will keep getting my CJ. It's as simple as that to most the people I know.

[Chad Henderson]

Funny you say Tipton is a "fair reporter committed to telling all sides of a story." Yet I read stories in the Danville Advocate-Messenger about the charity work that Coach Gillispie does that goes unHeralded in your "paper." I can also read in the Courier-Journal about the positive aspects of recruiting. Yet when I unfortunately click on ANY link to a UK BB story in your "paper" I get negative back-handed slam attacks of our Current Coach, and nothing but praise for our EX-Coach. (You know, he quit right?) You'd have to be a few bricks shy of a load not to see the slant. Maybe your "Hall-of-Fame" reporter can do a "tough, but fair" piece about that. No wait, we are talking about Jerry Tipton, Right? Correct me if I'm wrong, but when the reporter IS the story, doesn't that mean something's wrong with the EDITOR?

Regards.

[Smitty]

Moderated comments are just the continuation of the sham that the LHL has perpetuated thus far.

You can control this venue, but it only serves to spark discussion of the matter on those that you have no control over.

Have at it.

[John Paul]

In Cincinnati we expect the hard ball questions. Who was it that said he would rather be controversial than right? Controversy is a part of sports reporting, and everybody except Kentucky fans love it. Believe me, the mother of that recruit that made those accusations would just love to be knee deep in it! Unfortunately the great fans in Lexington have no appreciation for anything other than snow ball puddin.

Just give them their feed, Jerry and start wearing a UK hat (backwards).And Good luck to you.

[Ted Johnson]

Everyone tries to take care of their own. If Jerry is being accused wrongly, release the tapes to prove it. Otherwise, I must assume that they hold incriminating evidence.

[Mark]

This is exactly the response I would expect from your paper. Exactly the reason many UK fans won't read it. Also the reason many more will continue to turn away from it.

[Tarheel]

I've watched Jerry Tipton work, and he's one of the best reporters I've ever seen. He's fair, honest and direct. He epitomizes professionalism on an extremely tough beat. I've often wondered how long it would take 'Cats fans to turn on someone who's truly giving them the good and bad of UK athletics. They seem to be oddly inclined to cheer for their beloved 'Cats, and they miss the rest. They not only want to kill the messenger -- they want to eat him.
No worry: Jerry's a pretty feisty bird, and I suspect he'd make a tough entree.

[Wenalway]

I'm shocked that at such a down-to-earth, probation-free SEC program that these kinds of questions draw this level of outrage! Shocked!

Also, "Rob" appears to be a sportswriter with some free time on his hands.

[kcrum]

I understand the role of an "unbiased" journalist. Being critical is a part of that. However If the point is crossed where a set of questions actually has an effect someones choice of institution... that is not "reporting" that is "effecting" and it is not appropriate. It matters not the level of bias only that it has an effect on the outcome. Not calling for anyones job but I can't say I think concern is unwarrented. Even the best can do things wrong from time to time.

[JHB]

If Tipton's audiotapes say what you claim, then there should be no problem whatsoever in making them public. They do not involve some unnamed confidential source, the subject of the interview is known and public.

[billT]

Get rid of Tipton and let Chip Cosby cover basketball. Unlike Tipton Cosby has a positive attitude that would sell newspapers.

[Bryan]

You reviewed Jerry's "notes"? I suppose you think he would jot down any "crossing of the lines" in those?

How about you call Mr. Avery and Ms. Curry and get their take on it first hand. That sounds like the logical thing to do, actually get the story from both sides, not just Mr. Tipton's side of the story and notes.

[trsvyork]

Isn't Mr. Tipton's real job to help you sell papers/make you money. Well if no ones wants to read his articles about UK Basketball you are really missing out on your largest demographic of readers/customers. If you had a columist who people wanted to read it may actually encourage people to read your paper instead of your competitors' paper. Growing up in eastern Kentucky I thought Jerry Tipton was all there was when it came to UK Basketball Journalist. Now that I read the Courier-Journal on a daily basis I wish I could have had access to it for 20 years. I don't mind that Mr. Tipton is investigative but he always takes the negitive slant, even on possitive peices. If you aren't going to fire him, hire someone to right a possitive piece to balance him out.

[UK96]

Post the audio tape!!!