Finebaum's works may be tinged with "journalism". His ability to play an audience's hunger for pandering\slandering of both sides of the fence, however, is an excellent skill set. The market he reaches is custom made for someone like him and he exploits it like a pro should.
One thing I'll add to that thought is before he moved into the role he has now, he broke several big stories about the football programs in the state. He spent his time in the trenches. My biggest problem with Finebaum, and it's not just limited to him, is the manner in which he demeans some of his callers. It's one thing to do so if you are with friends and in that kind of setting. But, to do it on what could be considered a national stage considering how widely listened to his show is at time, falls into unprofessional in my opinion. But, when that does happen, it does play to one audience or another like you mentioned. It's just a trait I don't care for. Cowherd has made a name for himself with the same MO. I guess, in my perfect world, I would love to have every talk show be akin to Mike and Mike, or what Mike Tirico is doing now that he's replaced Patrick in the afternoons.
I really respect him for taking up for his players when I saw this I was saying I wouldnt mind playing for this guy. In fact it could even have a postive impact for his team to rally around this and it may even help with recruiting in the future also. But its one thing to talk on message boards and say things but when its put in newspapers and its rumors and etc. thats wrong and this lady should definitely punished imo
Anyone notice how Gundy sounds exactly like Dwight Yoakam as 'Doyle' in the movie Slingblade after he gets drunk after band practice and kicks everybody out of the house? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twHULFq6k-k&mode=related&search=
The lousy aspect of all this is the attention this reporter will now receive. When members of the general public makes mistakes, we are naked before the world if it hits the media. There are few opportunities to spin, manage, or redirect what is covered. Not so with a columnist. This person will now become notorious, and it may very well help her career once this plays out. If nothing else, I'm sure the paper's website has seen increased traffic, especially to her column.
One of the interesting side stories in all this is that attention was drawn away from Mike Leach's postgame comments about his players and coaches. They weren't nice.
