Why the discrepancy?

[MTFNBY5]

MT fans have often called out our various "beat" writers at the DNJ (Gannett now) for failing to call out or even question coaches, the AD, or the administration when obvious issues arise (and I'm not referring to athletes' legal problems).

Yet ex-MT "beat" writer Sparks is an integral part of The Tennessean's denouncement of the administration at VU for failing to make, or even discuss, needed improvements to the FB stadium.

What's the difference?

 

[SpaceRaider]

My thought is it is who is perceived to have the power position in the university-community news paper relationship.

 

[RandallThomason]

My thought is it is who is perceived to have the power position in the university-community news paper relationship.

I would frame it a little differently. My theory is that there is a general public disconnect in perception on what these two different schools “need” in athletic facilities.

People look at Vandy and see a crumbling football stadium and think, “this is outrageous for an SEC school with boatloads of money to make essentially zero commitment to its football program.” That general opinion makes it popular to criticize the school’s administration.

The public I believe generally looks at MT athletic facilities as “good enough for them” and there is no public perception that MT needs to make a sizeable investment in its facilities and athletic programs.

 

[MidTennMtneer]

I wish MT could come up with a creative way to show the general public or even casual fans that don’t realize, how our facilities compare to even other CUSA schools.

You’d think the athletic dept would use the marketing students for projects now and then. But that’s not the point of this topic. I think you hit the nail on the head Randall for the reason of difference.

 

[C-Bow]

I look at it more like Vandy has the resources to make things happen with their facilities and chooses to stand idly by while MT had grand plans and ideas but lacks the resources to bring those things to fruition, or they move at a snail's pace.

So, cause for concern on both sides, albeit different sides of the spectrum.

 

[MTFNBY5]

While it is evident that the current discussion is about facilities that is not what I meant exclusively when referring to "issues" which have concerned MT fans. We are all aware of the secrecy surrounding and possible manipulation of attendance, season ticket numbers, and BRAA contributions.

Two other examples:

MT has had players held out, suspended or expelled from teams with barely a mention in the press. While I understand there is such a thing as "student confidentially" it is odd that at schools which have more members of the press following them their fans find out, to a much greater extent than MT fans, the circumstances of the player's penalty.

Another example would be players who sign, are highly touted by the school, the DNJ, and possibly even mentioned in mid-state media. Then they never show up at MT and nary a word from the school or the press. In this instance I'm not referring to the recent defections by BkB players and golfers but high profile recruits in various sports who just never show up after their signing being vigorously promoted.

If the MT "beat" writers were just a little more critical and investigated more I would feel better about MT's press coverage.