TCU athletics has rescinded the media credentials of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, preventing the local newspaper from covering Horned Frogs athletics. The decision comes days before TCU's season opener against North Carolina in Dublin.
The move follows the Star-Telegram's reporting on an incident in the TCU locker room that led to the dismissal of senior safety Jacob Fields, who allegedly assaulted another player, wide receiver Dozie Ezukanma. While the initial report did not identify Fields directly, Ezukanma later acknowledged his involvement in a now-deleted social media post.
TCU athletic director Mike Buddie stated that the decision was made due to concerns for the "health and wellbeing of our student athlete." He alleged that an unnamed source, "without first-hand knowledge of the incident," provided inaccurate information cited in the newspaper's reporting. Buddie claimed this "misinformation" advanced a narrative that endangered a student-athlete and resulted in threats to him and his family.
"These actions led to the decision to withhold the media credential until additional conversation can be held between athletics and the sports reporting team," Buddie said in a statement. "We remain dedicated to restoring our student to health as well as focusing on the game that’s ahead."
The newspaper's TCU reporter, Steven Johnson, is reportedly still traveling to Ireland to cover the game but will not have access to the press box.
The Star-Telegram's home stadium is named after the founder and publisher of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, adding a layer of irony to the situation.
Critics argue that revoking media credentials hinders the ability of news organizations to perform their jobs. The notes suggest that TCU's action may stem from dissatisfaction with negative coverage potentially reflecting poorly on head coach Sonny Dykes, rather than solely the accuracy of the reporting, especially after the player involved identified himself.