This morning, I've already received at least five copies of the exact same letter objecting to details in Jason Whitlock's column.
Yes, I get it. I'm checking into the allegations of an error of fact in the column. But please, quit sending the same e-mail from multiple addresses. These fake grass roots (hence the name "Astroturf") campaigns really don't help at all. Ironically, they make people who solicit feedback from the public question the honesty of every person writing about the issue.
UPDATE: It's now upwards of 20 copies of the same letter now, a few from the same e-mail address, but with a different name attached. Jason and his editor Mike Fannin, managing editor for sports and features, stand by the reporting that Michael Beasley has been seen driving a Hummer. Jason reports he has it from multiple sources.
Ask Michael Beasley
From Whitlock’s column: “What bothers me is when educators and adults pretend there is a level of integrity in their actions when they know they’re participating in the same hustle as everyone else.” In that context, Whitlock knows that when he refers to Beasley’s “family hummer,” he is creating the impression that Beasley may be accepting gifts that are in violation of NCAA rules.
Just one direct question for Whitlock: Instead of relying solely on anonymous sources, why didn’t he seek a response directly from Michael Beasley as to whether he drives a Hummer? Beasley might choose not to respond, or, even if he did, Whitlock might not believe Beasley’s answer. But, at least Whitlock would have given the young man a chance to provide his side of the story.
That's a fair question, and
That's a fair question, and I've made the suggestion.
No response so far to a fair question
Given that he has now written four consecutive columns without mentioning Beasley’s “family Hummer,” I think we can safely assume Whitlock does not consider this matter a high priority. Think about that. Unnamed sources report to him that Beasley has been seen driving a Hummer. On that information alone, Whitlock reports that the family has a Hummer, thereby creating the impression that Beasley may be violating NCAA rules. When the Stars’ readers’ representative suggests to Whitlock that it would be the fair thing to do to give Beasley a chance to respond, Whitlock ignores the suggestion.
For whatever it is worth, the following is from the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics:
Journalists should:
— Test the accuracy of information from all sources and exercise care to avoid inadvertent error. Deliberate distortion is never permissible.
— Diligently seek out subjects of news stories to give them the opportunity to respond to allegations of wrongdoing.
— Identify sources whenever feasible. The public is entitled to as much information as possible on sources' reliability.