YouTube nation has turned its attention from Andrew Meyer to Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy.
Gundy's 3 1/2-minute tirade in his postgame press conference Saturday has received more than 200,000 views.
Instead of commenting on Oklahoma State?s 49-45 win over Texas Tech, Gundy chose to attack Jenni Carlson, a columnist for The Oklahoman.
Carlson and Gundy both deserve blame for the blowup.
Carlson had written a column about Cowboys quarterback Bobby Reid, who was recently demoted from first string to second string.
She called out Reid?s attitude throughout the column, leading with an account of Reid being fed chicken by his mother in a public setting.
I really don?t see what that incident has to do with football, but I?ll let it slide.
Then she gets into Brumors and rumblings,C Bback stories told on the sly over the past few yearsC and Binsiders say.C
Basically, the bulk of her column is based on hearsay, other reporters? accounts and her own questionable insinuations.
I could write a heck of a column based on rumors, back stories and insider confidences. I have heard stories about UF sports and athletes that could very well be true.
It?s something I would get reprimanded, possibly fired for as a college journalist with just a few years of experience.
But Carlson has written for her publication for eight years, so I guess she has leeway.
The worst part of the incident came as Gundy left the press room to a round of applause.
I surely hope those claps emanated from boosters or other Oklahoma State employees because any journalist who would praise that outwardly ought to look for a new profession.
Does Carlson?s lack of judgment excuse Gundy?s volatile response?
Heck no.
Let me break down some of Gundy's comments.
"Three-fourths of this is inaccurate. It's fiction."
Gundy goes on to point out two aspects of the column that are not true, far from 75 percent of what was written.
In a subsequent press conference, Carlson reportedly asked Gundy to clarify just what was factually inaccurate and did not receive an answer to the question.
"This article embarrasses me to be involved with athletics, tremendously."
Excuse me, have you seen what?s been going on lately? Michael Vick and dogfighting. A backup punter stabbing a starting punter. Steroids, HGH, testosterone. A column questioning the attitude of a player is hardly something to get worked up about.
"He's not a professional athlete, and he doesn?t deserve to be kicked when he?s down."
It?s well known that major college athletics have similar scrutiny to professional leagues. That comes with the territory for coaches and players.
If Tim Tebow costs the Gators a game, then stories will fault him for that. Chris Hetland got the same treatment last year.
College football is great for players on winning teams who perform well. Scholarships, tutors, meals - the perks are there. But, like most aspects of life, it?s not all fun and games.
Everybody is held accountable, including spouting columnists and loud-mouthed coaches.
