Texas Christian University announced Tuesday that it is suspending the Fort Worth Star‑Telegram’s credential to cover Horned Frogs athletics. The university says the newspaper’s August 13 locker‑room report contained inaccurate details that put a student‑athlete’s safety at risk and sparked threats toward the player and his family.
University says reporting was flawed
TCU Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Mike Buddie emphasized that the school’s “primary focus is the health and wellbeing of our student‑athlete.” Buddie said the story relied on an unnamed source who lacked firsthand knowledge, and that the account advanced a narrative that endangered the athlete.
According to Buddie, the university has not identified the specific steps the Star‑Telegram must take before the credential is restored, but the media pass will remain withheld until further discussions occur between athletics officials and the newspaper’s sports team.
Background of the locker‑room incident
Senior safety Jacob Fields was dismissed from the team on August 18 for violating team rules. The Star‑Telegram reported that Fields’ dismissal followed a physical altercation in the John Justin Athletic Center locker room on August 13. The initial report cited a source claiming Fields believed teammates had insulted and threatened him, and that coaches failed to de‑escalate the tension.
TCU officials disputed that version. A campus police report filed the next day identified the reporting party only as the “general manager for TCU football,” a role listed as Ryan Dorchester in the athletics directory.
On August 21, a spokesperson for Fields and his family contradicted the earlier source, stating the player did not feel bullied before the incident and that the tension stemmed from competitive play and questionable calls during practice.
Additional perspectives
Junior wide receiver Dozie Ezukanma later posted a deleted Instagram video identifying himself as the other player involved. Ezukanma claimed Fields struck him from behind, causing him to lose consciousness when his head hit the floor. The Star‑Telegram could not independently verify the identity of the adult appearing with Ezukanma in the video.
Football Writers Association of America President Shehan Jeyarajah publicly opposed TCU’s decision and called for reporter Steven Johnson’s credential to be reinstated.
Impact on upcoming game
The credential dispute arises just days before TCU opens its season against North Carolina in Dublin, Ireland. An Aer Lingus College Football Classic spokesperson confirmed that TCU, as the designated home team, controls U.S. media credentials for the game, and Johnson’s credential remains revoked.
TCU has not announced when the Star‑Telegram’s credentials might be restored.
Original reporting: WBAP News/Talk (Dallas-Fort Worth) — read the source article.
