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

[Tim Williams]

Why didn't Tipton ask the recruits' parents if they were aware that Coach Gillispie made out a PERSONAL CHECK to a grieving daughter so she wouldn't have to sell her car to attend her dad's funeral? Why didn't Tipton ask them if they heard about Coach Gillespie writing a PERSONAL CHECK for $10,000 to a charity event that took place after a UK game? Why didn't Tipton ask the recruits' parents if they heard how Coach Gillispie cheered an injured kid up by signing his cast on his broken leg?
THESE STORIES WERE REPORTED ON THE INTERNET JUST AS THE "RUMORS" ABOUT COACH'S PRACTICE HABITS TIPTON USED FOR HIS "AMMUNIUTION". IN YOUR DEFENSE OF TIPTON, YOU ALSO STATED THE QUESTIONS TIPTON POSED WERE FAIR BECAUSE THEY HAD BEEN WIDELY REPORTED ON THE INTERNET.
We know why Tipton didn't ask the parents about Coach's good deeds; they didn't fit his AGENDA.

[Jerry Hall]

Mr.Tipton's writting has changed since the arrival of BCG, and it has not been positive for the CATS.

[UK Fan]

I would also like to hear the audio interviews recorded by Mr. Tipton. I too listened to the podcasts in question. I would like to hear both sides of the story to make a determination of the situation for myself. I fully expect the LHL to take up for one of it's writer's methods. I have decided to cancel my subscription to the LHL but haven't done so yet. If I heard the interviews for myself instead of what the player's parents remember from the interview, I may change my mind. Otherwise I will cancel my subscription and I will not purchase products from companies that advertise in the LHL sports section. I don't expect Mr. Tipton to recruit for or recruit against the University of Kentucky. I don't expect him to try and create the news. I only expect him to report the facts and not interject his opinion (with no proof) to potential recruits.

[Not a Tipton Lover!!]

You say that he went over the questions about how coach was tough on players and had hard practices, that's fine if he all so went over the fact that players love the coach and become close to him and how he has had a good effect on them. You just can't cover the negative and call it a fair and balanced interview. I'm going to start reading the CJ from Louisville. It seems to cover the + & - of Kentucky Basketball.

[William Chambliss]

I should add that I've read and mostly enjoyed Jerry's column over the years and have no problem with the asking of "tough, serious -- but fair -- questions" of newsmakers. I do object to spreading by the media of unfounded innuendo ABOUT newsmakers to anyone.

[William Chambliss]

"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."

Is Jerry trying to "report the news" about these recruits to us, the readers? Or is he trying to "report the news" to the Averys and Ms. Curry, by asking THEM "tough, serious -- but fair -- questions" about the Coach?

You must know you could clear this up in a moment by releasing the tapes and notes that contain these "tough, serious -- but fair -- questions" to your readers. The way this is playing out is that Jerry is not trying to "report" the mews, but to make it.

[Tom Atkinson]

Jerry Tipton is one of the finest sports writers in the country.
I'm glad someone takes the approach that some of the foolish acts we've seen come from the athletic community needs to be brought to the readers' attention.
Good or bad, I enjoy the honest reporting he gives and hope he will continue to enlighten us with all that transpires at the University.

[UKfans]

Funny how the majority of comments that you allow to be posted are the ones that agree with you. Nice way to use your control over comments to make it look like the majority of the people agree with you. The only other comments you allowed through were ones asking for the tapes, but of course you wll never do that. Might contradict what you have written.

If the above comments that agree are the only ones, then the percentage that actualy agrees is less than 1% cause I know you have had many, many more comments in the negative.

If this is an editorial discussion, then let both sides of the argument be represented, not just the ones that support your bogus claims.

These comments are being cherry-picked.

[DW]

So the parents of these two youngsters are liars? Hmmm...I'm just glad that I stopped throwing my money away on the LHL years ago.

...and no the press should not be 'cheerleaders' for local sports programs, but lets be honest the CJ and Cincy Inquirer both cover UK in a less-negative light...

[Rob]

And the funny thing is, how many people will actually listen to the audio tapes if they are posted. It's not as big of a deal as people are making it!

[Rob]

So let me get this straight: We're in the middle of a huge economic crisis, a war with no end in sight, gas prices sky-rocketing, etc., and all people care about is how a hall-of-fame sports writer talked to the parents of recruits. I love the basketball team and want nothing but the best for the entire unit but to all of Lexington - GET A LIFE!!!!!!!

[Allen Adams]

Spot on, Linda.

By the way, when I was growing up in Kentucky, I used to hear the term "Coach Rupp must be turning over in his grave," when Coach Hall was in charge. Can you investigate whether this travesty really occurred?

Thanks.

[SA]

I would also suggest posting the unedited versions of the interview. In the past, I have always suspected Jerry of being negative towards The University of Kentucky Basketball Program. Regardless if he is a journalist, and required to report both sides of a story, don't you think a local writer should write with a positive flare in regards to local sports and activities? What type of readers is the LHL actually trying to attract? You would think the majority of your customers are UK fans; therefore, why upset them with negative information. Why would those fans continue to buy your newspaper and writings?

[Randy Chambers]

You can defend Tipton all you want, but he clearly has an axe to grind with UK and, specifically, Coach Gillispie. I understand he doesn't work for UK, but that doesn't mean he has to look for scandal and controversey at every turn. I think the LHL understands that the vast majority of its readers are UK fans that want information regarding the program. They don't want to see their school's recruiting efforts sabatogaed.

For Tipton to imply that Coach Gillispie caused injury to his players in unfounded and unwarranted. Moreover, it is bad journalism. Both parents involved were dismayed at the tone of the interview. Defend Tipton if you want, but don't expect anyone to buy your argument.

[Matt]

Freedom of speech is a wonderful thing. If Tipton wants to be a detriment to the University of Kentucky, and the fans want to hate him for it, that is our right. Tipton has never been kind to the Wildcats, so I see no reason for him to expect the fans to be kind to him. You reap what you sow.

Tapes? Anyone?

[Wendell]

Yes, Jerry has a reputation for being negative to UK basketball. Until you produce the unedited tapes he will continue to be suspect.

[Rob]

I agree, post the unedited tapes on the web site. That would end all speculation and doubt.

[Yeah Right]

Could you please post the taped conversations online? Since they supposedly confirm that your reporter was fair, I don't see why you wouldn't want to clear this issue up as fast as possible.

[BigBlueMist_com]

RELEASE THE TAPES!!!

[Conservative UK fan]

I've been a UK fan all my life. I never cease to be amazed at the people who think the press should be some sort of cheerleader for the local team. It's Jerry Tipton's job to report the news and to elicit comments from newsmakers on controversial subjects, such as Gillispie's practice methods and coaching philosophy, which some of us fans haven't totally bought into yet.

I don't bother with these fan sites because they bring out the loudmouths, the radicals, the "UK right or wrong" types, in years past the Tubby haters, and other people who can't view things objectively. When it comes to UK sports, I know i can trust the Herald-Leader to report things truthfully and accurately, no matter whether it makes Big Blue look good or bad. That's the way it should be.

I just wish I had as much confidence in your political news reporting as I do your sports reporting. Your bias against Ernie Fletcher was disgusting -- but that's a subject for a whole 'nother discussion.

[Tabloid or Newspaper]

In a highly regarded newspaper like the New York Times or Washington Post, the facts in a news story are meticulously checked and confirmed with multiple sources (when everything goes as it should). Editors and writers conform to journalistic standards and work hard to maintain an overall sense of objectivity. Tabloids don't seem to follow any of these rules.
Good tabloid writers expand upon small news items that appear in the back pages of traditional newspapers. In fact, one of the notable differences between a tabloid newsroom and one at a serious newspaper is that tabloid writers don't do much work outside the office. Once a writer finds a story that can be expanded, he calls family members or authorities involved with the story to get quotes. Using those quotes, the writer can flesh out the story and make it more about the people involved than the events themselves. This is a hallmark of the tabloid writing style.

[Joe tomlinson]

Great fictional writing.

[CW]

Ms. Austin,

thank you for this piece. I have been perplexed by the vehemence with which many fans on-line loathe Mr. Tipton, especially considering his works don't appear on the opinion page. He has been unfairly accused of anti-UK biased on blogs and message boards, though the bias only surfaces after creative interpretation. I have enjoyed his writing through the years, especially his Notebooks, and I look forward to reading more of his work.