Report: Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy threatened to cut off media access to players after WR transfer
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Oklahoma State WR Jalen McCleskey made headlines Monday when he announced his plans to transfer. He made the announcement after game four, meaning he can redshirt for 2018 and not lose his final eligibility. It certainly looks like McCleskey is seeking a do-over of his senior season.
McCleskey’s situation is unique in that you don’t expect to see a player who is one of the top producers at his position for the 2018 team [first in touchdown catches (2) second in receptions (15), fourth in receiving yards (155)] to decide to transfer out mid-season. OSU coach Mike Gundy’s response to the news is telling.
On Wednesday, it was revealed that Gundy has threatened to cut off player availability to the media if reporters asked Oklahoma State players questions about McCleskey’s departure from the team.
According to Oklahoma State University associate professor Joey Senat, who specializes in open government, media law, freedom of information laws and journalism per his Twitter bio, the reporters complied with the request and did not make mention of it on social media or in their reporting. Presumably it was a member of the Oklahoma State football beat or a communications/PR staffer who told Senat about the order. Senat tagged media organizations and the First Amendment Center in his tweets. Sports Information Director (SID) is a common title given to the head of a team’s PR/communications department.
An OSU SID, on behalf of coach Mike Gundy, threatened the press corps with the loss of player availability for the rest of the season if any one of them asked players Tuesday about a player’s departure this week. @spj_tweets @APSE_sportmedia @rcfp @collegemedia @1stAmendmentCtr
— Joey Senat (@Joey_Senat) September 26, 2018
Imagine if an elected official had told the press corps at city hall, the Capitol or any other beat not to ask a question or they would be banned from speaking with staff. @spj_tweets @APSE_sportmedia @rcfp @collegemedia @1stAmendmentCtr
— Joey Senat (@Joey_Senat) September 26, 2018
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
