That’s the question that is bothering me. Was that the first time Coach McMackin told that story?
It just didn’t sound like it.
What bothers me is that the softball approach of hometown sports reporting might have misled Coach McMackin into believing reporters will always be willing to edit their coverage to his benefit.
There are certainly hints of that in the transcript that included the offending remarks.
The first time he made the “little faggot dance” comment, McMackin apparently read a problem with the audience. He tried to save himself by asking reporters not to report on the comment.
“Don’t write that “faggot” down,” the coach said. “I
was misquoted.”
Then he again appeals for reporters to “cover for me”.
So, anyway, just please. Last year, you covered for me as far as (inadvertently mentioning a) recruit. Cover for me. Go ahead. Say “faggot dance.” No, please cover for me on that, too. Right, Karl
(Benson)? I’ll deny it. Anything else?
But why would the coach have any expectation that reporters would “cover” for him? Where would the idea come from? I expect that it would be from prior experience. And that would be prior experience with Hawaii’s sports reporters.
So in my view, the media likely share some of the blame for at least conveying the impression to Coach McMackin that he could get away with a lot by asking for favors from reporters who in turn rely on him for access to the team.
A mistaken impression, at least when it comes to reporters from some other team’s home town.
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Clearly you were never a sportswriter.
One of the things they learn early on is that a whole lot of cleaning up is required when quoting athletes and coaches. Its an occupational hazard.
Sportswriters everywhere have been “covering” for them forever.
It also seems McMackin set a new record for claiming to be misquoted – in the same sentence in which he made the comment.
From one who has covered both sports and news, I’d say Mike does have a point, although most of the “covering” I’ve seen was for relatively minor stuff. When it comes to racist and homophobic comments I think most sports figures are on their own.
Do politicians, business leaders, entertainers, etc., get the same courtesy from the media?
Short answer? Sometimes.
Regarding McMackin’s possible expectation that the press would cover for him, it has been reported that previously (during a press conference last year?) the coach had mentioned the name of a potential recruit, which was a violation of NCAA rules. He allegedly asked the reporters to not mention his gaff and they apparently agreed.