ESPN -- the Worldwide Leader in Sports? Whatever

[George S. Patton]

It is probably the most overrated news gathering organization I've ever seen. The network has clearly demonstrated this week that it is not about getting the story right, it's about getting the story first and let the facts be damned and chalk it up to, "well, the 'news keeps changing.''

Let's review:
1. When Lane Kiffin is hired at USC, it is reported that Norm Chow, the one-time USC offensive coordinator and current UCLA offensive coordinator, is leaving the Bruins and is currently working out contract details.

Whoops: Chow's agent says USC had no contract talks but was only contacted -- the day after the Kiffin announcement. Chow is staying at UCLA.

2. ESPN reports early on Jan. 15 that Louisiana Tech Head coach Derek Dooley is hired as the new head coach at Tennessee. That's posted on the web site.

Whoops: Less than an hour later, that story is scrubbed and replaced with a story that Dooley is now viewed as the top candidate to replace Lane Kiffin.

3. Local radio affiliate 103.3 FM claims that Tennessee people are in Fort Worth to meet with TCU head coach Gary Patterson on Wednesday about the football vacancy.

Whoops: At about 5 p.m., TCU issues a statement that Patterson has not had contact with Tennessee representatives.

Is ESPN just the sports version of TMZ? Apparently it is....

[smupony94]

They troll pony fans for info

[ender3]

TMZ is correct more often than ESPN.

[Oliver]

100% agreed, trojan lapdogs like Shelley Smith that are desperate for stories and attention blew this Norm Chow thing way out of proportion, and were made to look like fools. Its amazing how little accountability these "reporters" have and how many rumors they report as fact, then quickly covering their tracks after they are proven wrong.

[lwedge]

"The Worldwide Leader in College Football Deception"

[ponyfan84]

Dooley did go to Tennessee, so no problem there...

[George S. Patton]

You needed to follow how the day unfolded to know how bad they screwed it up.

[MiracleOnMockingbird]

Reminds me of a John Cleese line about the differences between England and the USA: "When we hold a world championship, we invite teams from other countries."