Posted by  Harold Wheeler, Tampa on 08/11  at  09:31 AM

Brett, Ever have any rule changes at work? I bet you have and some were probably some pretty old rules that got tweaked.
Not a bad decision to keep the new players away from the media. Especially freshman. It’s good the kids learn how to handle it and what the expectations from the team/school are before hand. Plus they are just making the transition to a massive university from high school. Some have probaly never been interviewed.
Be patient. Your opportunity for comments will come.

Posted by  Tom Sabol, Tampa on 08/05  at  10:14 AM

I’m just surprised that this has garnered this much attention. It’s such a non-issue. Unfortunately, Brett the last few words of your blog made you sound negative, like a certain Big Log radio host that whines when he doesn’t get his way. Keep up the good work and don’t worry, you’ll have plenty to write about in your usual outstanding way.

Posted by  Eric Sachse, Tampa, FL on 08/05  at  10:10 AM

The main reason that Leavitt is restricting access to new players is to indoctrinate them into the “USF system” before letting the media have access to them.  It is only for fall practice and the first game.  Since USF insists on playing cupcake FCS teams for the first game at home, I could care less about the thoughts of a freshman before they face off with Northwestern Knucklehead State University.

Posted by  Nabeel Mulla, Dayton, OH on 08/05  at  09:56 AM

Hot button issue?  I also can see both points of view on this subject.  On the one hand, I can see that a reporter would be frustrated by not having full access to the team, especially when he knows that a significant portion of his readership would like to learn as much about the newcomers ASAP.  On the other hand, I could see several positives for CJL to not allow access to newcomers early on.  As a sign of gratitude and respect for the older players to get their time in the spotlight; and to give the freshman & JUCO’s a little more time to learn how to properly handle the media attention.

Posted by  Steve Stacy,  on 08/05  at  09:10 AM

I see both sides of the issue.  It makes sense to prevent some frosh who won’t even get into the game from giving opposing teams locker room material by spouting off to a reporter.  It’s also frustrating to not be able to get insight from the new kicker or from incoming JuCo transfers.  This is a reasonable position by the AD, imo.  It probably seem like piling on b/c of CJL’s ridiculous demonizing of Brett after Brett did his freaking job by covering the story of the players getting kicked off the team 2 years ago.

Posted by  Ari Hinkelberger, Tampa on 08/05  at  12:14 AM

Maybe a USF fan wants to hear how BJ Daniels has adjusted to USF?

Maybe a USF fan wants to hear what that JuCo Linebacker thinks of a USF practice?

Maybe a USF fan wants to hear from that kicker from Polk County on how he prepared for the season prior to coming to USF.?

I don’t think a day of answering some questions with the media is going to harm the vibe of the program.

We aren’t breaking Military Opp plans here.  We are talking USF football.  Do you think they pull this crap in Gainesville??  I think Chris Rainey was open for questions when he arrived a few years back.  Its the freakin Tampa Trib guys, this aint the FBI.

Keep up the good work.  Its sad to hear I can’t find out how BJ Daniels is doing.

Posted by  JoeB, Tampa, FL on 08/04  at  11:26 PM

Bret, maybe Jim Leavitt has learned his lesson from the past 12 years.  Maybe he wants more control of his newer guys until he can trust that the company line will get used to the media.  I really don’t think this is an issue at all.  But thanks for the negative slant, we haven’t seen or heard one from you for a good couple of days.........

Posted by  Jon McKee, Sarasota on 08/04  at  11:00 PM

Brett,
ITS NOT ABOUT YOU OR YOUR PAPER DUDE!!!
Get Over it!

Give us some some real stories, not your whining crap!!!

Posted by  Ari Hinkelberger, Tampa on 08/04  at  10:55 PM

I agree with Brett.  Pretty lame.  I would like to hear what BJ Daniels has to say.  I could understand having the new guys off limits, but they should have one day where the media has access to everyone. 

Brett’s blog has actually improved a lot.  The comment section has come a long way.  YOu could use a little makeover to the overall look of the site, but the reporting has been pretty good.

Posted by  Brett McMurphy,  on 08/04  at  09:12 PM

Thanks for the suggestions, Growler Bull. Sorry you view one blog post where I’m “dumbfounded” because USF is limiting media access as “constant negative spin.” I’d be happy to discuss this with you more instead of being limited to two paragraph comments back and forth. If interested, shoot me an e-mail: bmcmurphy@tampatrib.com

Posted by  Brian Smith, Raleigh, NC on 08/04  at  09:11 PM

Growler Bull, Auman could not make it to the cage match.  He is too busy sucking up to USF by editing their 2008 USF media guide.  After that, he is taking his shine box over to CJL’s to clean CJL’s shoes. . . . he does so in hopes that CJL will recognize he is a company man and throw him a bone instead of answering 6 questions in a row with the word “strong”.

Dont’ ever suck up Brett.  Give me the unvarnished truth about the team I love through thick and thin.

Posted by  growler bull, Tampa Bay on 08/04  at  09:03 PM

Brett:

As a longtime reader, this is what I would like to see you cover:

1. George Selvie
2. Matt Grothe
3. Ty McKenzie
4. Running back situation
5. Is Genus Sampson, this year’s George Selvie?
6. Update on long delayed practice fields and other facilties
7. How is former Buc & Jefferson coach adjusting to life as aBCS coach?
8. Feature on other assistant coaches
9. What would a early signing period mean to USF?
10. position battles

These are just a few ideas after thinking about it for a 30 seconds. I just hope that we don’t have to read you bellyaching about this every year. You are a talented writer....but you are losing a lot of us with your consistent negative spin.

Posted by  Brett McMurphy,  on 08/04  at  08:59 PM

Bill, so USF’s first 12 years what was the problem? JuCo kids are 20-22 years old & have usually played 3 years in high school, 1-2 years in JC, so they’ve dealt with the media in some fashion (especially if they’re good enough to play D-I) for three to five years. Now, all of sudden they get to college and aren’t prepared to talk? Also, there are almost always USF officials around when the players are being interviewed. So I guess the newcomers should be off-limits at USF’s Fan Day also? The fans will ask the players a great variety of questions - and some fans may even be post the answers on message boards.

Posted by  Bill Bellamy, Ocala on 08/04  at  08:49 PM

Brett, I don’t like to make many assumtions about a person.  Now ask yourself, your child is about to be interviewed by a reporter and your not around.  No fear, right.  The job of the coach is to protect “your child” and that is what the parents of the child wants when they allow the child to go to the university.  CJL is just doing his job without overdoing it like the JOE-PA. If your hanging around and listening you might have some really good questions when the restriction for the person is lifted.  Which means the story can ferment a little. As one ESPN reporter wrote, if your college team is in the news at this time of the year then there is a problem.
I prefer Dennis Miller’s RANT.

Posted by  Mark Vance, Cape Coral on 08/04  at  08:49 PM

My Interview wish list:

1.Taurus Johnson
2.Matt Grothe
3.Sampson Genus
4.George Selvie
5.Mike Ford
6.Jerome Murphy
7.Nate Allen

Posted by  growler bull, Tampa Bay on 08/04  at  08:25 PM

who would pay to see a greg auman vs
brett McNegative steel cage death match? Winner gets to take on that Bianchi chic from the Slantinel.

Posted by  Brett McMurphy,  on 08/04  at  08:24 PM

Jim, Ma Trib has seen better days, but that has nothing to do with my reaction to limiting media access. What if JL decides only to allow team to talk after wins or when he wants - oh wait, never mind. The question is: for 12 years, frosh/JCs could talk, why the sudden change? Joe, there is no hate. But Matt is severely mistaken if he honestly believes USF will receive an equal amount of national coverage compared to the local media. USF received virtually no national coverage until last year’s record run in the rankings. The natl media flocks to the “hot” team/story & an unranked (fill in the blank) team is not considered newsworthy by the national types. Hope that cleared that up. Any more ?s, concerns, please let me know.

Posted by  Joe Parra,  on 08/04  at  07:31 PM

Wow, Brett.  What’s up with this…

But I wouldn’t be so cocky about USF getting the same amount of national coverage. The national outlets aren’t here every day & if the Bulls drop out of rankings, see how much “national” coverage you get.

Do you hate someone at USF, or just the poster?  Your reaction sounds pretty emotional right now, not professional.

Posted by  Jim Johnson, Tampa, FL on 08/04  at  07:04 PM

Brett,

It almost sounds like sour grapes.  There are plenty of storylines and things about which you can write without getting a quote from a new player.  Why does it matter?  How many quotes do you normally get from freshmen and transfers before the first game anyway - one or two during the whole month?

I know things are tough at Ma Trib, but come on - roll with the punches.

Posted by  Brett McMurphy,  on 08/04  at  06:10 PM

Terry, got cut off by the number of characters limit on comment below but I would love to cover your son. I know if he didn’t provide some great material, I could go to Pops for a quote or seven. The biggest thing about this is whole situation: if this wasn’t a problem (freshmen/jucos talking to the media) the past 12 years, why is it now? Does that mean you’ve reached the big-time when you limit media access?

Posted by  Brett McMurphy,  on 08/04  at  06:08 PM

Bill, you make some solid points - but you sound like Gundy’s rant asking if I’m a parent (and if you’re scoring at home, congrats; and yes I am). Matt, JL could ban the entire team/coaches from talking (like last yr after UConn loss) or all the assts (like 2 yrs ago), & you’re right, the fans don’t care - as long as USF keeps winning. But I wouldn’t be so cocky about USF getting the same amount of national coverage. The national outlets aren’t here every day & if the Bulls drop out of rankings, see how much “national” coverage you get.

Posted by  Terry Lucas, Queen Creek, AZ on 08/04  at  05:24 PM

The policy isn’t the best, but I guess it will limit unnecessary controversy. What happens if BJ is better than Matt, but is sitting because Matt is more experienced (Leavitt is loyal)… and then BJ drops the bomb on the media that he is the next Vince Young. Imagine the drama Jim would have to deal with, especially if Matt has one of those afternoons. You would slaughter Jim (and probably enjoy it to say the least).

Hopefully this is short lived. One day, I’ll have a little soldier in training who will rap to the media like Primetime or Chad Johnson. He’ll be talking about winning the Heisman for USF while he’s a frosh in high school.

Posted by  Matthew Cox, Sarasota, FL on 08/04  at  04:51 PM

You’re right, we don’t care at all. Take out the transfers and rookie starters, and there’s still plenty for you all to talk about until after the Tenn-Martin game. Enough of the whining and posturing. This program is not lacking for media coverage and attention - they’re at the point now where I can get the same quantity and quality of information from national outlets as opposed to the old days when no one but the locals covered the team, and this decision is not going to send them spiraling into anonymity. Comparing this with O’Liary’s poutyfaced silliness reduces your own credibility even more.

Posted by  GrowlerBull, Tampa on 08/04  at  04:31 PM

Stop your bellyaching. I think this policy makes sense. It prevents young freshmen from making dumb comments to the media about the upcoming season.

Besides...Leavitt has come a long way from banning media outright.

Posted by  JoPa, Happy Valley on 08/04  at  04:04 PM

I think it’s great.  These young men have enough change and stress occuring in their lives that they certainly don’t need added pressure from media outlets as well.