We are grateful for our privilege of providing you full, everyday coverage of ASU Division I sports.
Within that spectrum is our coverage of the 2-0 Sun Devils football team, whom we cover extensively. Some student newspapers and college football writers covering certain Pac-12 teams no longer have that opportunity.
Injury reports have suddenly become annoyances for coaches across the nation, prompting some to significantly limit media accessibility.
USC, Oregon, Stanford, Washington State and most recently Washington have set policies restricting reporters from publishing injury reports or anything else pertaining to team strategy, per coaches’ requests, according to The Seattle Times.
“As a condition of entry to UW football practices, all visitors and members of the media are hereforth prohibited from reporting on strategy or injury-related news observed during practices,” a document distributed to the media in Washington said. “No players or coaches will have any comments on injuries and any such information.''
These rules have been so strictly enforced that USC reportedly banned Los Angeles Daily News writer Scott Wolf from covering practices for two weeks, [CS1] and stripped him of his press credential for the Trojans’ Sept. 22 game against California. Wolf had reported USC kicker Andre Heidari would be out for three weeks after suffering an apparent injury in the season opener against Hawaii. Wolf’s punishment sparked an outrage among many sportswriters in Southern California.
Even in the days leading up to ASU’s matchup against Illinois last Saturday, there was not a clear answer whether starting quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase would play due to his sprained left ankle, until he was spotted not wearing his uniform in time for the game.
Coaches have been noticeably more insecure about releasing information like injury updates this season, a trend that looks like it could grow even more in college football.
The NCAA does not have any related policies about injury or strategy reports, giving coaches the power to handle these situations in any way they feel necessary — for now.
What’s left for journalists to report on during a weekday practice leading up to game day? Basically, nothing.
If that spreads to ASU, our football beat writers would not be able to write as many practice notebooks, EDGE comparisons and detailed previews each week.
We understand head coaches are constantly attempting to gain an advantage over their opponents, and releasing some of these key details may be used against them. It’s ridiculous for teams to take an oppressive mindset like this and shut out reporters just for doing their jobs and providing what fans want to read.
ASU coach Todd Graham has been transparent with the media since he was hired in December, from spring practices to Camp Tontozona to the regular season. Graham has worked hard to keep an open and likeable reputation in front of the press, students and fans, but pulling a similar move could damage that image.
Coaches should ease up on injury reports, especially if it’s hindering other peoples’ jobs.
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