Letter to the editors (and Strib leadership) - Re: Souhan column

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wow garbage apology. Judging by the thums up/down count on all the comments, I don't think old soupcan is going to be getting out of the doghouse anytime soon.
 





The Common Man Progrum and Bumper-to-bumper have had much more respectful and mature responses and opinions on the topic. Tip of the hat to them for calling out Soupcan for his hack writing in the piece.
 


Curseislifted33 said:
The Common Man Progrum and Bumper-to-bumper have had much more respectful and mature responses and opinions on the topic. Tip of the hat to them for calling out Soupcan for his hack writing in the piece.
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Barreiro just said that he has no sympathy for Souhan and he blew it by taking his stupid cheap shot.
 

Curseislifted33 said:
The Common Man Progrum and Bumper-to-bumper have had much more respectful and mature responses and opinions on the topic. Tip of the hat to them for calling out Soupcan for his hack writing in the piece.
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Any chance you could summarize their takes? Thanks in advance.
 




Breakin' The Plane said:
Barreiro just said that he has no sympathy for Souhan and he blew it by taking his stupid cheap shot.
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Bareirro mainly was critical of the 4/16 seizure to episode ratio relative to the 4/16 W/L Ratio as being the flaw in the Souhan piece and then he went on to agree with much of what was in the column.

He ignored and underplayed all the other negative aspects to the Souhan column

He fixated on the stress, heat, workload, and general causes as though they were proven causes for regular seizures. He stated a couple of times that IF the factors can be medically connected there is cause for concern, but then then went to to pontificate as thought there was evidence of causation based open the amount of time he gave to the topic.

He is on a break at the moment, but at this point he has ignored several other key points.

-lack of medical concern about the impact of the seizures on health, tendency to overblow sensationalize this aspect
-No mention of the quality of medical consultation available to Kill, and what that might mean
 

My response to Mr. Klingensmith:

Mr. Klingensmith,

Thank you very much for your timely response and apology. It is appreciated.

I have read the statement from Nancy Barnes, as well as Jim Souhan’s reponse. And while Ms. Barnes and yourself seem to understand the backlash from the column based on its tone and presumption, Jim Souhan clearly does not. Again, the question he framed was quite legitimate (as I stated). It was his tone and unreasonable conclusions that have drawn the ire of so many. And while you and Nancy have been gracious enough to apologize, Jim Souhan has not. I can’t help but wonder what kind of a person this man is, when he can’t even understand how offensive his tone and ill-conceived humor was to so many readers, let alone provide a real apology.

At this point, I can’t see a reading a newspaper who believes this type of writing is acceptable or entertaining.

Thanks for your time,
Jon Tortomasi
 

Gopher Bandanna Guy said:
My response to Mr. Klingensmith:

Mr. Klingensmith,

Thank you very much for your timely response and apology. It is appreciated.

I have read the statement from Nancy Barnes, as well as Jim Souhan’s reponse. And while Ms. Barnes and yourself seem to understand the backlash from the column based on its tone and presumption, Jim Souhan clearly does not. Again, the question he framed was quite legitimate (as I stated). It was his tone and unreasonable conclusions that have drawn the ire of so many. And while you and Nancy have been gracious enough to apologize, Jim Souhan has not. I can’t help but wonder what kind of a person this man is, when he can’t even understand how offensive his tone and ill-conceived humor was to so many readers, let alone provide a real apology.

At this point, I can’t see a reading a newspaper who believes this type of writing is acceptable or entertaining.

Thanks for your time,
Jon Tortomasi
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You are killing it (no pun intended). Kudos.
 



Bareirro just put forth the false premise that something needs to be done to "control" the seizures because what they are doing is not working. JG jumped right in as well. He indirectly suggests that just understanding and accepting the Epiliepsy and managing the situation is not acceptable.

The taked about how JK should take all Sundays and Mondays off because that would solve the problem. Caller then said Norwood should take a year off just like Urban Meyer did because apparently he knows better than the Mayo Doctors the best method to deal with a very manageable illness.

The next caller right now just used the old "it is uncomfortable watching him get carted off" card.

total crap
 

This is from the B1G Ten blog on ESPN.com. Thought I would post what BB responded to a question.

Samuel (Iowa City): Brian, we hear all about Jerry Kill seizing during games. Do we know if this happens during practices at all? The negative comments surrounding this issue seem far too hasty unless there are more instances beyond games.

Brian Bennett: Samuel, I haven't heard of instances in practice. If Kill had to be taken to the hospital because of a practice incident, that information would get out. The stress of games appears to be a contributing factor, though we're not doctors and we don't want to presume too much. But not getting through a game as a head coach is a big, big deal, and Kill recognizes that.

http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/84134/big-ten-monday-chat-wrap-45
 

Write to the Strib advertisers on why you will no longer purchase their products.

Write to the national media about how this paper is persecuting a man for his disability.

Write to your representatives about it.
 

JMWZ said:
Write to the Strib advertisers on why you will no longer purchase their products.

Write to the national media about how this paper is persecuting a man for his disability.

Write to your representatives about it.
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And.........Write ESPN and get Coach Kill nominated for either the Arthur Ashe Courage Award or Jimmy V Perseverance Award for a 2014 ESPY!

I think he is deserving of either and consistently displays both qualities!
 

If any good comes of the anger readers have expressed, I hope it’s that the broader community comes away with a better understanding of epilepsy and those who struggle to bring it under control.

Thank you sharing your thoughts and concerns with me.

Regards,

Nancy Barnes
Editor[/QUOTE]

if anything good comes from this it will be the Strib getting some real sport columnist that don't live by insulting everyone!. I don't really think the community needs a broader understating of this matter, it is the Strib columnists and editors that need some understanding of the matter.
 

Buck_Buchanan said:
And.........Write ESPN and get Coach Kill nominated for either the Arthur Ashe Courage Award or Jimmy V Perseverance Award for a 2014 ESPY!

I think he is deserving of either and consistently displays both qualities!
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I love this idea.
 

The gameday folks will inevitably be flying into MSP. Perhaps they could leave the airport grounds briefly and talk to coach kill?
 



This is the Strib's Sports Editor's twitter account. Methinks he could use a remedial spelling course. Of course, maybe it's tougher to get the spelling of your job title correctly than I thought.

https://twitter.com/gcrev
 

station19 said:
They have an airport in Fargo. International even.
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You think the producers of ESPN Gameday will take that direct flight from Bristol to Fargo, or might they connect in Minneapolis? That's what he's saying, they are likely connecting in MSP (although they could connect in Chicago, Dallas or Denver, too).
 

vinko bogataj said:
This is the Strib's Sports Editor's twitter account. Methinks he could use a remedial spelling course. Of course, maybe it's tougher to get the spelling of your job title correctly than I thought.

https://twitter.com/gcrev
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3 pictures on his account. 1 is about a great day for football in Madison. The other is a potshot at the students at the U of M. Because, of course.
 



Gopher Bandanna Guy said:
UPDATE: Response from Michale Klingensmith, Publisher & CEO, Star Tribune Media:

Dear Mr. Tortomasi,

Thank you for writing and letting us know of your concern over Jim Souhan’s column. I would like to pass along the following note from Nancy Barnes, Star Tribune’s editor.

Dear readers:

Many of you have written over the weekend to express your anger or concern regarding Jim Souhan’s columns and blog posts following Coach Kill’s seizure during Saturday’s football game. On behalf of the Star Tribune, I apologize. In no way did we intend to suggest that people with epilepsy, or other disabilities, should be hidden away. Nor did we intend to be callous or insensitive to their struggles.

I have spoken with the editors who were here Saturday, regarding the column, and Jim has posted his own response to readers, which you can find here: http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/blogs/223932901.html. Coach Kill is brave to battle this disease so publicly, and to share that battle with us. Just a month ago, we ran a Sunday front page story chronically his struggles to get his seizures under control, and his efforts to balance that with his passion for football. If any good comes of the anger readers have expressed, I hope it’s that the broader community comes away with a better understanding of epilepsy and those who struggle to bring it under control.

Thank you sharing your thoughts and concerns with me.

Regards,

Nancy Barnes
Editor

In addition, I would hope you would accept my apologies for any offense this might have caused. Sincere thanks for your readership of the Star Tribune and your concern over this matter.

Michael Klingensmith
Publisher & CEO, Star Tribune Media
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What Ms. Barnes, Mr. Lingensmith, and Mr. Souhan fail to do is take ownership of the problem. Admit that the column was bigoted, fostered stereotypes, attached sigma, and offended and outraged fair minded people. Until each does, there is no honest apology. The next step is to state what they will do to make sure it never happens again. Any if I offened anyone I appolgize, or accept by applogy for any offense this might have caused, are weak and are not worthy of acceptance.
 

husker70 said:
What Ms. Barnes, Mr. Lingensmith, and Mr. Souhan fail to do is take ownership of the problem. Admit that the column was bigoted, fostered stereotypes, attached sigma, and offended and outraged fair minded people. Until each does, there is no honest apology. The next step is to state what they will do to make sure it never happens again. Any if I offened anyone I appolgize, or accept by applogy for any offense this might have caused, are weak and are not worthy of acceptance.
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I received the same garbage response. That ticks me off even more so!
 

Gopher Bandanna Guy said:
Thought some of you might enjoy reading my letter to Strib sports editors Glen Crevier and Michael Rand. I also copied this email to Mr. Souhan himself, and a number of Star Tribune folks in leadershipe (including the CEO, human resources, etc.). I don't expect a response, or anything to come of this (as usual). But it did allow for a level of cathartic release for me. Anyways, enjoy (or hate on me).


Mr. Crevier and Mr. Rand,

I felt the need to express with you, my disgust regarding one of your employees, Jim Souhan, and his column regarding University of Minnesota Head Football Coach Jerry Kill and his medical condition. I’ll be blunt. I was absolutely appalled at both the tone of this column and its presumed understanding of Coach Kill’s epilepsy. What’s more appalling though, is the fact that you, editors who presumably have the right to refuse and/or modify one of Jim Souhan’s columns, thought this article was in a state which was fit to print.

There is no doubt, the overarching question that was being asked was appropriate and thought-provoking (Is Kill healthy enough to fulfill his duties in leading a NCAA FBS team?). However, in his typical writing style, Mr. Souhan can’t help but bury the meaningful question beneath a wave of inappropriate snark, disrespect to those who struggle with epilepsy every day, and uninformed conclusions. This isn’t new to Souhan’s columns, not by a long stretch. But this time it crossed the line and became truly offensive when he touched on the personal subject of someone’s health and future job status without even consulting any experts in the field of epilepsy. Unless I’m mistaken, Jim Souhan is not a medical doctor. He has no formal training in epileptology or the neurosciences (correct me if I’m wrong here, please). But yet, both of you felt that it was appropriate to allow Jim Souhan to use his keyboard to opine as arbiter of Jerry Kill’s health and future status as a head football coach of the University of Minnesota. How did this happen? What’s the process here? This article started out with an appropriate premise. But it went awry when you allowed Souhan the editorial license to insensitively comment on a personal medical condition he clearly has no educated knowledge about.

Do you find statements such as, “Kill suffers a seizure on game day as the coach of the Gophers at TCF Bank Stadium exactly as often as he wins a Big Ten game. He’s 4-for-16 in both categories” or “No one who buys a ticket to TCF Bank Stadium should be rewarded with the sight of a middle-aged man writhing on the ground” appropriate? These words are not kind, or even thoughtful, I assure you. Rather, they are highly offensive. The former is arbitrary. And the latter is ridiculous, considering tens of thousands of people come to a football stadium knowing that there is a real possibility someone may be carted off paralyzed or with their brains scrambled. Especially when directed at a man who struggles to maintain normalcy in his demanding work and personal routines, all while remaining a respected public figure. Your poor judgment in letting these words through your filter. It indicates a serious lack of judgment from you both.

Is Jim Souhan qualified to make statements regarding Coach Kill’s health? Are either of you? Phrases like “Kill’s case is sad. He did good work his entire life to reach a position that his system can no longer handle” and “Either the stress of the job is further damaging his health, or his health was in such disrepair that he shouldn’t have been hired to coach in the Big Ten in the first place” imply that all three of you do. In fact, none of you do, and neither do a majority of your readers. Why not let Coach Kill’s family, doctors, and employer make that determination, and notify the media when they deem appropriate? That would have been the respectful angle to play, while writing about this sensitive and personal subject.

And to attack Norwood Teague’s leadership abilities simply because Souhan didn’t hear the answers he felt were warranted, when he wanted to hear them (no doubt because selfishly someone had a deadline to hit), is the reaction of a petulant child. Not a serious thinker or level-headed writer.

If you at all question my level disgust, please consider the fact that your columnist needed follow-up blog space and six bullet points just to clarify and rationalize his recent bile. But perhaps you can indulge me to do some unqualified presupposition of my own. I’d say instead of feeling apologetic or embarrassed for letting Jim Souhan making you both look the fool, I’d wager you are both thrilled that this column generated a nice little spike in interest for your newspaper, if only for a scant amount of time. The ends justify the means in your collective minds. Clicks, clicks, and more clicks. That’s what it’s all about, right Glen? Right Michael?

In closing, I won’t waste my breath calling for Jim Souhan’s firing, or your own for that matter. I’m in no position to make any impact there. But I will tell you this. I’m done. The Star Tribune will no longer receive a mouse click from me. I won’t pick up a Sunday paper at the gas station, or a weekday edition for a headline that catches my eye. I’m sure this gesture means little to you or Star Tribune leadership. And that’s fine.
Good riddance.

-Jon Tortomasi
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Well Done. Thank you!
 

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