Tuesday's newspaper column about the media reaction to Sean Taylor's death predictably generated a huge response in e-mails and comments on the Web version of the column.
There are no more reliable lightning rods in local sports media than Mike Francesa/Chris Russo and Suzyn Waldman.
Among the reactions I have gotten to the piece was that while Mike and Chris deserved the criticism, I was too easy on WFAN's morning team, especially Craig Carton.
Perhaps so. Carton got into an on-air spat with Chris Carlin when he insisted on discussing how Taylor's death would affect the Redskins' point spread. He also apparently had some harsh words for Taylor when disagreeing with the plan for moments of silence in his memory before NFL games.
So why didn't I go into detail on all that? Partly because I learned it all second-hand, and I always am reluctant to critique stuff I haven't seen or heard myself.
Francesa and Russo are victims of their own success in one respect: Because their show is simulcast on YES, it allows people like me to go to the DVR to document exactly what they said, and it allows listeners/viewers to post unfortunate discussions such as last Tuesday's on YouTube.
Anyway, as I wrote, there is plenty of media blame to go around on this subject and others.
And one more thing by way of clarification: Even though some of the early conclusions drawn by media members currently look to be inaccurate, there could well be more to this story than yet is widely known.
The important issue is not that people with microphones and keyboards were right or wrong, the issue is that jumping to conclusions too quickly is dangerous regardless of what turn out to be the facts.
Comments (5)
Neil - I've heard all the comments by Craig Carton since his day one at WFAN.
The only reason I listen is that I like and respect Boomer very much.
My hope since the beginning of this ill-matched twosome is that Carton's behaviour, attitude and crass comments will necessitate an early dismissal of him from the program. He is so far out of the mainstream, that he says and does things that are going to cause WFAN and Boomer problems. Right now, Boomer is chastising Craig for the questionable remarks he made about Omar - which were untrue.
If WFAN doesn't rid themselves of Carton soon he's going to end up like Russo - a joke.
Carton's bad boy style makes Boomer look real GOOD. If Carton was a good guy what would they talk about for four hours every morning. Why would we listen?
Carton's bad boy style makes Boomer look real GOOD. If Carton was a good guy what would they talk about for four hours every morning. Why would we listen?
Who listens to this drivel?
The Buffoon and the Cartoon are awful!
cant take any more of the same high school booby humor anymore or constant gems such as boomers dancing or his long talks with Gunner about the world.
tried going back to Imus- same old tired tough guy act but he is a weenie we all now know.
so.... i am out of options
bring back curtis and kuby!