The CheckerBoard

I was starting to worry no one would respond to Wes's post - nice save DT.

Rue what?

While we're being honest, I'm gonna pistol whip the next person who takes info from govols247 and uses it to start threads on other boards.

I'm tempted to copy and paste the above on tbb just to see what you will do....

Wes,

I've got a question for ya. How difficult is it to build relationships with coaches and players and then have to report negative or bad information about them? Is it common for coaches to give you interviews/information and then use that against you in an attempt to keep you from publishing negative info? Thanks.

Same here...... I usually just read and keep up with the goings on and hardly ever post but will make a greater effort going forward.

Great question. There's no guidebook for those inevitable situations. Every situation must be handled in its own way, depending on the reporter and the source in question.

I try my best to cultivate sources who are also good people who generally do the right thing off the field, but that's not always possible in this business.

At the end of the day, have I written some things that temporarily or (in rare cases) forever shut off a source? Yes. But it's unavoidable. You can say it's not personal — and to me it usually isn't — but it's very personal for some of our sources, and it should be in some cases. This is their livelihood we're talking about here. But it's also my livelihood, so I can't let myself be compromised.

You'd be surprised how often people try to do things to keep you away from a story, but I can't and won't overlook serious issues for any reason.

If you're very up front with people from the beginning and remain consistent, they usually respect you and don't try to intimidate you. Coaches and players will usually test you the first chance they get, but unless you're my boss, yelling at me doesn't usually get you anywhere. And I fight back. That's helped me much more than it's hurt me in this business. Coaches, players and administrators usually respect someone they know they can't intimidate.

Since I don't want to rue, I'll post something.

I'll pivot off of Jetervol's question.

Wes,

Since you seem to build solid relationships with coaches, staff and players, I am sure you hear a lot of stuff on background that doesn't make the articles. Stories of kids getting paid, secondary violations, etc. (not necessarily at UT, just in general)

How do you differentiate between newsworthy stuff and not? And do you keep stuff under wraps because even though it will be news it could hurt your long-term relationship with the source? Just seeing how you parse through those obstacles.

Not looking for any gossip. I just know that if I were in your shoes, I'd have a hard time with that battle.

I don't want Wes to hate me, and Kevin will stop going to Subway, so I will post even though I have nothing intelligent to say.

Chuck Norris involved?

I am beginning to get a really good feeling about 2012! Excitement is filling the air. Recruiting is picking up. Anticipation is growing. We can all do better at raising the excitement level. GO VOLS!

If I can prove it, I write it. At least 99.9 percent of the time. There better be a good reason why not.