Comments on: HERALD EDITOR TAKES RESPONSIBILITY FOR SPYGATE SCREW-UP

Comments on: HERALD EDITOR TAKES RESPONSIBILITY FOR SPYGATE SCREW-UP http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/ The Best Pro Football Scoop on the Internet Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:35:38 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.2 By: twohorses http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-31047 twohorses Fri, 16 May 2008 22:19:42 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-31047 PFT reported rumours Terry Bradshaw was dead. Can you imagine the phone messages to Bradshaw's children: "I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. He was a fun guy. He lived a great life. When is the funeral?" "I'm so sorry to hear about your dad's death. If you need to talk, call me. Is there a memorial fund set up?" If you believe blogs and rumour sites like PFT should be held to the same standard and given the same credence as "old" media, then you need to fire yourself and take your site down. When you report something is a "rumour", why do you report it at all? Why is it okay to report something as a rumour when you don't know if it is true and yet you call for the firing of a reporter who essentially did the same thing you did? I personally would fire the Herald reporter AND the editor. But I have a strict standard. But PFT has to stop holding other media to a different standard unless PFT starts a daily "read the small type" which states PFT will print anything even if PFT does not know whether it is the truth or not. PFT reported rumours Terry Bradshaw was dead. Can you imagine the phone messages to Bradshaw’s children: “I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. He was a fun guy. He lived a great life. When is the funeral?” “I’m so sorry to hear about your dad’s death. If you need to talk, call me. Is there a memorial fund set up?”

If you believe blogs and rumour sites like PFT should be held to the same standard and given the same credence as “old” media, then you need to fire yourself and take your site down.

When you report something is a “rumour”, why do you report it at all? Why is it okay to report something as a rumour when you don’t know if it is true and yet you call for the firing of a reporter who essentially did the same thing you did?

I personally would fire the Herald reporter AND the editor. But I have a strict standard. But PFT has to stop holding other media to a different standard unless PFT starts a daily “read the small type” which states PFT will print anything even if PFT does not know whether it is the truth or not.

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]]> By: MayorPoopenmeyer http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30218 MayorPoopenmeyer Thu, 15 May 2008 18:34:22 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30218 "Regardless of whether Tomase was lied to...." Let's see. Florio, you use a lot of anonymous sources in your reports. If one of them lied to you, and you ran with it and it came back to bite you in the ass, would you resign? Should someone get a slap on the wrist? Yes. Should they get fired? No. Even though this is *just* sports we're talking about, you have to remember the First Amendment in all of this. There's a reason why defamation suits against media are so difficult to win for public figures -- because for journalists to do their jobs well, they have to know going in that they have some protection against these kinds of things. We're all human, and we all make mistakes. If journalists had to constantly worry about the threat of severe punishment for an honest mistake, the quality of journalism in our country would be even worse than it is now. (Hard to believe for some of you, I know.) Granted, by giving journalists that kind of protection, it opens the door for people who make dishonest mistakes to take advantage of it. But as someone who knows how important the First Amendment is, I certainly think the current situation is much better than the alternative. And regarding anonymous sources: there's a reason why journalists need anonymous sources. And Florio, since your business would be NOTHING without anonymous sources, you're the last person on Earth who should complain about someone hiding behind one. How many of your sources would go on record with the stuff you post? “Regardless of whether Tomase was lied to….”

Let’s see. Florio, you use a lot of anonymous sources in your reports. If one of them lied to you, and you ran with it and it came back to bite you in the ass, would you resign?

Should someone get a slap on the wrist? Yes. Should they get fired? No.

Even though this is *just* sports we’re talking about, you have to remember the First Amendment in all of this. There’s a reason why defamation suits against media are so difficult to win for public figures — because for journalists to do their jobs well, they have to know going in that they have some protection against these kinds of things. We’re all human, and we all make mistakes. If journalists had to constantly worry about the threat of severe punishment for an honest mistake, the quality of journalism in our country would be even worse than it is now. (Hard to believe for some of you, I know.)

Granted, by giving journalists that kind of protection, it opens the door for people who make dishonest mistakes to take advantage of it. But as someone who knows how important the First Amendment is, I certainly think the current situation is much better than the alternative.

And regarding anonymous sources: there’s a reason why journalists need anonymous sources. And Florio, since your business would be NOTHING without anonymous sources, you’re the last person on Earth who should complain about someone hiding behind one. How many of your sources would go on record with the stuff you post?

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]]> By: PFTiswhatitis http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30216 PFTiswhatitis Thu, 15 May 2008 18:29:18 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30216 cjdevlin, a Cheerleader, says: May 15th, 2008 at 1:32 pm Could it be that the Herald’s source claimed that Matt Walsh had a copy of the walk through, or that Matt Walsh was the person who filmed the walk through? In that case when Walsh does not turn up that evidence, the Herald could assume their information was wrong, and therefore “retract” the story, and Walsh is not the source? If that was the case would it not be the Herald's RESPONSIBILITY to get corroboration from Walsh prior toi running the story or even to tell the story differently? I also love it how Walsh failed to deny the story for so long. cjdevlin, a Cheerleader, says:

May 15th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Could it be that the Herald’s source claimed that Matt Walsh had a copy of the walk through, or that Matt Walsh was the person who filmed the walk through?
In that case when Walsh does not turn up that evidence, the Herald could assume their information was wrong, and therefore “retract” the story, and Walsh is not the source?

If that was the case would it not be the Herald’s RESPONSIBILITY to get corroboration from Walsh prior toi running the story or even to tell the story differently?

I also love it how Walsh failed to deny the story for so long.

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]]> By: bradyswingman http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30214 bradyswingman Thu, 15 May 2008 18:28:28 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30214 Regardless if Tomasse does not get fired, he will not be allowed inside Gillette Stadium or given the same type of access that Mike Reiss of the Globe enjoys so all his stories will be second hand info. Regardless if Tomasse does not get fired, he will not be allowed inside Gillette Stadium or given the same type of access that Mike Reiss of the Globe enjoys so all his stories will be second hand info.

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]]> By: Garbo-Mann http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30211 Garbo-Mann Thu, 15 May 2008 18:16:43 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30211 You can bet if this clown WAS fired he'd probably be working for the New York Times (or whatever rag carries a torch for the Jets) within a week or two anyway. You can bet if this clown WAS fired he’d probably be working for the New York Times (or whatever rag carries a torch for the Jets) within a week or two anyway.

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]]> By: Mandmeisterx http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30200 Mandmeisterx Thu, 15 May 2008 17:42:56 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30200 And to think that "tradiitional media" takes shots at the accountability of blogs and internet media, yet they post stories like this based on "sources", and an apology is all it takes to undo things? Totally unacceptable in my opinion. And to think that “tradiitional media” takes shots at the accountability of blogs and internet media, yet they post stories like this based on “sources”, and an apology is all it takes to undo things? Totally unacceptable in my opinion.

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]]> By: cjdevlin http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30194 cjdevlin Thu, 15 May 2008 17:32:10 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30194 Could it be that the Herald's source claimed that Matt Walsh had a copy of the walk through, or that Matt Walsh was the person who filmed the walk through? In that case when Walsh does not turn up that evidence, the Herald could assume their information was wrong, and therefore "retract" the story, and Walsh is not the source? Could it be that the Herald’s source claimed that Matt Walsh had a copy of the walk through, or that Matt Walsh was the person who filmed the walk through?

In that case when Walsh does not turn up that evidence, the Herald could assume their information was wrong, and therefore “retract” the story, and Walsh is not the source?

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]]> By: footballnut http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30179 footballnut Thu, 15 May 2008 17:11:21 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30179 Yes, far too much was made out of this and now a Congressman, albeit a senile one, is involved because of this story... I would rather see someone resign, rather than fired, but... Tomase will look like nothing but a puppet and an irrelavant beat writer for the Pats from here on out. Way to go Fatass. Yes, far too much was made out of this and now a Congressman, albeit a senile one, is involved because of this story…

I would rather see someone resign, rather than fired, but…

Tomase will look like nothing but a puppet and an irrelavant beat writer for the Pats from here on out. Way to go Fatass.

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]]> By: kylek http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30176 kylek Thu, 15 May 2008 17:08:01 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30176 It's interesting how Norcross worded their comment, as it's possible that the NFL is very similar if Specter really carries through on his plans. This is in regards to everyone lying, misleading, and even (gasp!) bending the rules to get a competitive advantage. But I digress, and agree, that an apology is not enough on this one. Taking into account what the article stated, when the article ran, and the damage it caused to the New England Patriots and all other parties involved, someone has to take the fall. Not necessarily both Convey and Tomase, but at least one of them. I would personally pick Tomase, as a media outlet's success is determined by its readers (or viewers) and the public has put Tomase's face on this whole debacle. Even though it was the editor's decision to put the story out to the masses, it was Tomase's name on the article. The public would be more satisfied to see the man they've already found guilty get the ax instead of some editor they've probably never heard of. It’s interesting how Norcross worded their comment, as it’s possible that the NFL is very similar if Specter really carries through on his plans. This is in regards to everyone lying, misleading, and even (gasp!) bending the rules to get a competitive advantage.

But I digress, and agree, that an apology is not enough on this one. Taking into account what the article stated, when the article ran, and the damage it caused to the New England Patriots and all other parties involved, someone has to take the fall. Not necessarily both Convey and Tomase, but at least one of them.

I would personally pick Tomase, as a media outlet’s success is determined by its readers (or viewers) and the public has put Tomase’s face on this whole debacle. Even though it was the editor’s decision to put the story out to the masses, it was Tomase’s name on the article. The public would be more satisfied to see the man they’ve already found guilty get the ax instead of some editor they’ve probably never heard of.

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]]> By: Patsfan2257 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30167 Patsfan2257 Thu, 15 May 2008 16:52:52 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30167 Easy question to answer....Heads should roll Easy question to answer….Heads should roll

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]]> By: Speywater http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30160 Speywater Thu, 15 May 2008 16:45:23 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30160 Abso*******lutely! Abso*******lutely!

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]]> By: HAUS http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30155 HAUS Thu, 15 May 2008 16:39:58 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30155 Florio said it earlier, Pats won't sue, they got the Herald to do a retraction and what might a lawsuit bring out. Yeah, it caused a lot of trouble, but it needed to happen. So either bring on the the lawsuit, after which heads will roll or accept the apology and move on. Florio said it earlier, Pats won’t sue, they got the Herald to do a retraction and what might a lawsuit bring out. Yeah, it caused a lot of trouble, but it needed to happen. So either bring on the the lawsuit, after which heads will roll or accept the apology and move on.

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]]> By: texasPHINSfan http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30128 texasPHINSfan Thu, 15 May 2008 16:15:06 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30128 i think everyone's beating a dead horse here. the parties involved have apologized, retractions have been printed. asking for resignations and re-assigning people for that won't fix anything. you REALLY think these guys are going to print another provocative story? they learned their lesson. moving on..... (tired of the Herald talk already...) i think everyone’s beating a dead horse here. the parties involved have apologized, retractions have been printed. asking for resignations and re-assigning people for that won’t fix anything. you REALLY think these guys are going to print another provocative story?

they learned their lesson.

moving on….. (tired of the Herald talk already…)

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]]> By: pdyerosu http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30126 pdyerosu Thu, 15 May 2008 16:13:29 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30126 If anyone is fired, it needs to be the editor that green-lighted the story for print. They knew what was in it and ran the story. Tomase didn't hold a gun to their head and make them run the story. If anyone is fired, it needs to be the editor that green-lighted the story for print. They knew what was in it and ran the story. Tomase didn’t hold a gun to their head and make them run the story.

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]]> By: Thunderlipps http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30124 Thunderlipps Thu, 15 May 2008 16:10:37 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30124 I AM SO SICK OF SPYGATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I AM SO SICK OF SPYGATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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]]> By: djugurba http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30117 djugurba Thu, 15 May 2008 16:06:08 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30117 Isn't working for the Herald purgatory enough for the guilty parties? That rag is awful. I hope the staff has chiropractic coverage in their insurance - all that walking around with heads hanging low has got to take a toll on the spinal health. Isn’t working for the Herald purgatory enough for the guilty parties? That rag is awful. I hope the staff has chiropractic coverage in their insurance - all that walking around with heads hanging low has got to take a toll on the spinal health.

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]]> By: KY http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30116 KY Thu, 15 May 2008 16:04:35 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30116 So Tomase should be canned, but Bill Belichick shouldn't? The hypocrisy couldn't stink more... So Tomase should be canned, but Bill Belichick shouldn’t? The hypocrisy couldn’t stink more…

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]]> By: Hawkeye9909 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30107 Hawkeye9909 Thu, 15 May 2008 15:58:01 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30107 If the source was considered reliable and then after running the story the paper identified that the source lied, the paper did the responsible thing and issued the apology. There is no need for terminations imho. If the source was considered reliable and then after running the story the paper identified that the source lied, the paper did the responsible thing and issued the apology. There is no need for terminations imho.

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]]> By: Frank Burns http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30091 Frank Burns Thu, 15 May 2008 15:37:15 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30091 "I can not believe there isn’t any discipline at all. Not even a suspension. That is a huge problem. Unacceptable and disgusting." ----------------------------------------------------------- Are you talking about the Herald, Dan, or how the NFL handled things with the Patriots? “I can not believe there isn’t any discipline at all. Not even a suspension. That is a huge problem.

Unacceptable and disgusting.”
———————————————————–

Are you talking about the Herald, Dan, or how the NFL handled things with the Patriots?

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]]> By: Dave1977 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30090 Dave1977 Thu, 15 May 2008 15:36:08 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30090 Wonder how Buzz Bissinger feels about all this. Wonder how Buzz Bissinger feels about all this.

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]]> By: TheFutt http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30083 TheFutt Thu, 15 May 2008 15:24:16 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30083 And America's obsession with pointing the finger continues. I guess it isn't enough that on the front page of their newspaper, the Herald came right out and said they F'd up a day after the rest of the information was released...America wants somebody to take the fall for it. I think it says a great deal about the Herald that they are willing to point the finger at themselves and take the blame and on top of it all, stand behind their employees. Ya'll could probably only hope that your company values you so much that it is willing to stand behind you when you make bad decision, especially when your work is, otherwise, really good. And Florio is just pissed because the Pats lost the SuperBowl and wants somebody other than the Patriots to be accountable for the biggest disappointment in NFL history. And America’s obsession with pointing the finger continues. I guess it isn’t enough that on the front page of their newspaper, the Herald came right out and said they F’d up a day after the rest of the information was released…America wants somebody to take the fall for it.

I think it says a great deal about the Herald that they are willing to point the finger at themselves and take the blame and on top of it all, stand behind their employees. Ya’ll could probably only hope that your company values you so much that it is willing to stand behind you when you make bad decision, especially when your work is, otherwise, really good.

And Florio is just pissed because the Pats lost the SuperBowl and wants somebody other than the Patriots to be accountable for the biggest disappointment in NFL history.

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]]> By: Fredex http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30067 Fredex Thu, 15 May 2008 15:06:05 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30067 In sports journalism, people quote unnamed sources all the time. But it's usually "a source says the Jaguars are interested in Eagles CB Lito Sheppard," or "an AFC scout says this kid is loaded with talent." Things with no real impact on anyone, since interest can be defined in a lot of ways, and people with talent sometimes end up being bad football players (to use my examples). Quoting unnamed sources is dangerous when you're writing an article like this. If you're going to do it, you'd better be damned sure you're right, since being wrong has actual consequences beyond making fans happy or sad. I would imagine Tomase had a say in whether his article ran. A lot of reporters would put up a huge fight if an editor wanted to run something he didn't think/know was right. If it did get run, the reporter might insist his byline be taken off the story. So regardless of who decided to pull the trigger, the reporter probably has at least some level of responsibility in this. It's an editor's job to push reporters to get things more quickly, so I'm sure there was some pressure. Dividing responsibility really depends on how that exchange went, though. Part of being a good reporter is being able to stand up to that pressure because you want something with your name on it to be respectable. Part of being a good editor is balancing patience of getting it right with the urgency of getting your information out before anyone else. A lot of this also depends on who the source was, which we may never know. Maybe it was a credible source, and they really thought they were right. In sports journalism, people quote unnamed sources all the time. But it’s usually “a source says the Jaguars are interested in Eagles CB Lito Sheppard,” or “an AFC scout says this kid is loaded with talent.” Things with no real impact on anyone, since interest can be defined in a lot of ways, and people with talent sometimes end up being bad football players (to use my examples).

Quoting unnamed sources is dangerous when you’re writing an article like this. If you’re going to do it, you’d better be damned sure you’re right, since being wrong has actual consequences beyond making fans happy or sad.

I would imagine Tomase had a say in whether his article ran. A lot of reporters would put up a huge fight if an editor wanted to run something he didn’t think/know was right. If it did get run, the reporter might insist his byline be taken off the story. So regardless of who decided to pull the trigger, the reporter probably has at least some level of responsibility in this.

It’s an editor’s job to push reporters to get things more quickly, so I’m sure there was some pressure. Dividing responsibility really depends on how that exchange went, though. Part of being a good reporter is being able to stand up to that pressure because you want something with your name on it to be respectable. Part of being a good editor is balancing patience of getting it right with the urgency of getting your information out before anyone else.

A lot of this also depends on who the source was, which we may never know. Maybe it was a credible source, and they really thought they were right.

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]]> By: TCLARK http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30063 TCLARK Thu, 15 May 2008 14:50:43 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30063 "...who has dealt with this difficult matter professionally while continuing to do his job under intense pressure.” This is what it's been like for Pats fans scense Sept and more so scense January. “…who has dealt with this difficult matter professionally while continuing to do his job under intense pressure.”

This is what it’s been like for Pats fans scense Sept and more so scense January.

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]]> By: dasteve http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30062 dasteve Thu, 15 May 2008 14:50:37 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30062 Let's get this straight... Walsh was the video guy for the Pats. We have established that he was present for the Rams pre-superbowl walk-through. We have also established that the video rules weren't very strict at that time. Do you really think that he didn't tape that walk-through? I'm fairly certain the tape no longer exists (we would have seen it by now), but if you think he didn't tape it at the time then you're just being naive. As an employer wouldn't you fire your video guy if he was present for (and didn't record) the most advantageous video you could obtain? Someone at the Herald will lose their job. It's a tragedy. Don't bitch about corporate journalism. This is what happens when money and image get in the way of the truth. Let’s get this straight… Walsh was the video guy for the Pats. We have established that he was present for the Rams pre-superbowl walk-through. We have also established that the video rules weren’t very strict at that time.

Do you really think that he didn’t tape that walk-through? I’m fairly certain the tape no longer exists (we would have seen it by now), but if you think he didn’t tape it at the time then you’re just being naive.

As an employer wouldn’t you fire your video guy if he was present for (and didn’t record) the most advantageous video you could obtain?

Someone at the Herald will lose their job. It’s a tragedy. Don’t bitch about corporate journalism. This is what happens when money and image get in the way of the truth.

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]]> By: spyboots http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30060 spyboots Thu, 15 May 2008 14:49:24 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30060 One thing I haven't seen here is the feelings of betrayal that you'd think the Pat fans would feel. That their team cheated is not THEIR fault. I understand we all have blind loyalty towards our respective teams, but the anger they feel should be directed at their own team! I would feel sorry for them if it were not for that. Naturally at this point, to save face, they blame others and want to lash out everywhere else. I for one am sick of Spygate. The punishment should have fit the crime. Goodell goofed on this one. Had he not been so secretive and destroyed the evidence and had he given a fitting punishment instead of a slap on the wrists, this would not have blown up so much. There's much, much more here than we've been told and much, much more here that anyone outside of the Pats will know. That and the Pat's getting off easy is what has propelled this to go on and on. But enough. We're all sick of it. Let the cheaters be. We know that if they cheated in regular games and playoff games (AFC championship), that they probably cheated in Super Bowls. Okay, know we all know. Goodell isn't going to give them a fitting punishment, so just let it be then. We all know where to put the asterisks. Enough already. One thing I haven’t seen here is the feelings of betrayal that you’d think the Pat fans would feel. That their team cheated is not THEIR fault. I understand we all have blind loyalty towards our respective teams, but the anger they feel should be directed at their own team! I would feel sorry for them if it were not for that. Naturally at this point, to save face, they blame others and want to lash out everywhere else.

I for one am sick of Spygate. The punishment should have fit the crime. Goodell goofed on this one. Had he not been so secretive and destroyed the evidence and had he given a fitting punishment instead of a slap on the wrists, this would not have blown up so much.

There’s much, much more here than we’ve been told and much, much more here that anyone outside of the Pats will know. That and the Pat’s getting off easy is what has propelled this to go on and on.

But enough. We’re all sick of it. Let the cheaters be. We know that if they cheated in regular games and playoff games (AFC championship), that they probably cheated in Super Bowls.

Okay, know we all know. Goodell isn’t going to give them a fitting punishment, so just let it be then. We all know where to put the asterisks. Enough already.

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]]> By: Eustus http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30056 Eustus Thu, 15 May 2008 14:41:40 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30056 Fired? Over a sports story? Give me a break. Sports reporting is in the same neighbourhood as features reporting. It's unimportant. Trivial. A waste. Journalists are frustrated writers that aren't good enough to write a proper novel. Sports reporters are frustrated journalists who aren't good enough to write a proper news story. It'd be like firing the guy who details your car because he half-assed vaccuming your carpets. It's not worth your time. You just hollar at him a bit and get on with the rest of your life. Fired? Over a sports story? Give me a break. Sports reporting is in the same neighbourhood as features reporting. It’s unimportant. Trivial. A waste.

Journalists are frustrated writers that aren’t good enough to write a proper novel. Sports reporters are frustrated journalists who aren’t good enough to write a proper news story.

It’d be like firing the guy who details your car because he half-assed vaccuming your carpets. It’s not worth your time. You just hollar at him a bit and get on with the rest of your life.

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]]> By: ken13 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30054 ken13 Thu, 15 May 2008 14:37:45 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30054 As with any business, discipline should be handled internally and privately. As long as the Patriots and Herald are in agreement that the apology was enough (or whatever else they agreed to), it's entirely the Boston Herald's business to do whatever THEY see fit with their staff. If they fire, suspend or do nothing, that is THEIR business. We as readers, have the right to not read the newspaper if we don't agree, but we don't have the right to tell the Herald how to hand out discipline. Anyone who thinks otherwise isn't using their brain (but that seems to be fairly common on here) As with any business, discipline should be handled internally and privately. As long as the Patriots and Herald are in agreement that the apology was enough (or whatever else they agreed to), it’s entirely the Boston Herald’s business to do whatever THEY see fit with their staff. If they fire, suspend or do nothing, that is THEIR business. We as readers, have the right to not read the newspaper if we don’t agree, but we don’t have the right to tell the Herald how to hand out discipline. Anyone who thinks otherwise isn’t using their brain (but that seems to be fairly common on here)

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]]> By: dashoe http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30053 dashoe Thu, 15 May 2008 14:36:54 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30053 HA HA! Florio angered over the spreading of rumors. Now thats funny! HA HA! Florio angered over the spreading of rumors. Now thats funny!

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]]> By: RealitySpeaks http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30050 RealitySpeaks Thu, 15 May 2008 14:32:27 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30050 This is just starting. Between Walsh apparently lying to either Arlene Expectorator or Godell, the cheating of many teams, the power of Kraft, the agenda of ESPN , media, et al, and the caterwauling of all the fans from other teams who are amazed that a present day dynasty in this salary cap era can exist at all, this dog has legs. This is just starting. Between Walsh apparently lying to either Arlene Expectorator or Godell, the cheating of many teams, the power of Kraft, the agenda of ESPN , media, et al, and the caterwauling of all the fans from other teams who are amazed that a present day dynasty in this salary cap era can exist at all, this dog has legs.

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]]> By: rkingndayton http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30046 rkingndayton Thu, 15 May 2008 14:23:14 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30046 Specter will want a full investigation into this. After all, doesn't the public deserve a full report? Specter will want a full investigation into this. After all, doesn’t the public deserve a full report?

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]]> By: CapsLockKey http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30045 CapsLockKey Thu, 15 May 2008 14:23:00 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30045 I really could care less. Whether Tomase or his editor keep his job or not, it doesn't change anything. The paper apologized and I honestly don't see how there is defamation involved. In order for that to happen, you have to have a good reputation to be defamed. That reputation ceased to exist after getting busted by the league and Goodall burning their whole library of cheating materials so the league could save some face. There may not have been a tape (which we don't even know for sure, their could have been at one time, just Walsh didn't have possession of one), but we now know that there were still Pat's employees there during that walk through and information was reported back to the team. So there is still a small amount of truth to that story. Everyone is crying for this writer's head for writing, but what about Bill Belicheat? He outright made a much bigger lie to the commish and the general public with his "I misinterpreted the rule" garbage instead of outright admitting he cheated and he was sorry. At least the newspaper had enough class to admit they were wrong. I really could care less. Whether Tomase or his editor keep his job or not, it doesn’t change anything. The paper apologized and I honestly don’t see how there is defamation involved. In order for that to happen, you have to have a good reputation to be defamed. That reputation ceased to exist after getting busted by the league and Goodall burning their whole library of cheating materials so the league could save some face.

There may not have been a tape (which we don’t even know for sure, their could have been at one time, just Walsh didn’t have possession of one), but we now know that there were still Pat’s employees there during that walk through and information was reported back to the team. So there is still a small amount of truth to that story. Everyone is crying for this writer’s head for writing, but what about Bill Belicheat? He outright made a much bigger lie to the commish and the general public with his “I misinterpreted the rule” garbage instead of outright admitting he cheated and he was sorry. At least the newspaper had enough class to admit they were wrong.

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]]> By: ozjimbo http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30037 ozjimbo Thu, 15 May 2008 14:15:44 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30037 I note that they've got the comments section open for the editor's piece, with predictable results. Also, while I try to never cheer for the possibility of someone losing their livelihood, I can't imagine there being any point in the Herald keeping Tomase on the Patriots beat... if Specter thinks that HE is being stonewalled, well... I note that they’ve got the comments section open for the editor’s piece, with predictable results.

Also, while I try to never cheer for the possibility of someone losing their livelihood, I can’t imagine there being any point in the Herald keeping Tomase on the Patriots beat… if Specter thinks that HE is being stonewalled, well…

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]]> By: monger http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30033 monger Thu, 15 May 2008 14:13:55 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30033 Every team cheats every game, that's why the officials carry little yellow flags, and a lot of times the cheaters aren't caught. The real villian in all of this is Walsh. Classic case of a nobody on the fringe who was a wannabe making crap up to inflate his importance. People who are dumb enough to be Patsies fans were still going to Patsies fans after the story came out even if it was true. For everybody else, it was just another reason to dislike them. Net effect: Zero. Speaking of zeroes, somebody tell Specter that his Depends needs changing. Time to put this thing to bed. Every team cheats every game, that’s why the officials carry little yellow flags, and a lot of times the cheaters aren’t caught. The real villian in all of this is Walsh. Classic case of a nobody on the fringe who was a wannabe making crap up to inflate his importance. People who are dumb enough to be Patsies fans were still going to Patsies fans after the story came out even if it was true. For everybody else, it was just another reason to dislike them. Net effect: Zero. Speaking of zeroes, somebody tell Specter that his Depends needs changing. Time to put this thing to bed.

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]]> By: Superfan http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30019 Superfan Thu, 15 May 2008 14:04:41 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30019 I do not understand, who wrote this fabricated story? Whenever I sign my name to something at work I am always held responsible. I do not understand, who wrote this fabricated story? Whenever I sign my name to something at work I am always held responsible.

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]]> By: Referee http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30015 Referee Thu, 15 May 2008 14:02:36 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30015 Hang em High! Hang em High!

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]]> By: EaglesFan http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30012 EaglesFan Thu, 15 May 2008 14:01:47 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30012 Honestly, I don't really care that much. But I find it rather funny that PFT of all media sources are trying to get people fired for posting an incorrect story. But I guess PFT can hide behind the veil of the idea that you KNOW that it's just a rumor site, so you shall hold very little accountability yourself. Just like you, Florio, has to live the rest of this sites existence with other media sources calling out stories that you've gotten dead wrong, so will Tomase. Honestly, I don’t really care that much.

But I find it rather funny that PFT of all media sources are trying to get people fired for posting an incorrect story.

But I guess PFT can hide behind the veil of the idea that you KNOW that it’s just a rumor site, so you shall hold very little accountability yourself.

Just like you, Florio, has to live the rest of this sites existence with other media sources calling out stories that you’ve gotten dead wrong, so will Tomase.

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]]> By: bronco militia http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30010 bronco militia Thu, 15 May 2008 14:00:54 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30010 everyone but Stink can comment. signed, Mike Shannaha everyone but Stink can comment.

signed,

Mike Shannaha

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]]> By: straverse http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30009 straverse Thu, 15 May 2008 13:59:50 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30009 I have a better idea. Let's just drop this story entirely. I'm not a Pats fan, but I'm getting tired of opening this site and seeing every angle of this story picked apart incessantly. Can we just move on? Please? I have a better idea. Let’s just drop this story entirely. I’m not a Pats fan, but I’m getting tired of opening this site and seeing every angle of this story picked apart incessantly.

Can we just move on? Please?

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]]> By: PFTiswhatitis http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30005 PFTiswhatitis Thu, 15 May 2008 13:57:05 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30005 Of course the editor(s) have final say and should be fired and Tomase's pizza's should be withheld for a week. Of course the editor(s) have final say and should be fired and Tomase’s pizza’s should be withheld for a week.

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]]> By: Dan1919 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30002 Dan1919 Thu, 15 May 2008 13:53:26 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-30002 I can not believe there isn't any discipline at all. Not even a suspension. That is a huge problem. Unacceptable and disgusting. I can not believe there isn’t any discipline at all. Not even a suspension. That is a huge problem.

Unacceptable and disgusting.

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]]> By: Chris from MD http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-29999 Chris from MD Thu, 15 May 2008 13:47:55 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-29999 Someone should get fired for it. If this were a human-being instead of a football team, the paper would have already been sued, and someone would have already been fired. Someone should get fired for it.

If this were a human-being instead of a football team, the paper would have already been sued, and someone would have already been fired.

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]]> By: Norcross http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-29995 Norcross Thu, 15 May 2008 13:43:24 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/05/15/herald-editor-takes-responsibility-for-spygate-screw-up/#comment-29995 While I'd like to see it happen, it won't. There is almost to credibility left in the media (traditional or otherwise), so I'm not sure if a ceremonial firing would do much good. Everyone is lying or 'misleading' people trying to get a competitive edge that it's all screwed up. While I’d like to see it happen, it won’t. There is almost to credibility left in the media (traditional or otherwise), so I’m not sure if a ceremonial firing would do much good. Everyone is lying or ‘misleading’ people trying to get a competitive edge that it’s all screwed up.

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