A Reporter's Question Is Not A Story

The sports reporting media is not supposed to be sports news. Nor should a reporter's question. On Monday (4/22) night in Vancouver, Karen Thomson of Team 1040 sports radio was working post-game interviews following the Canucks' victory over the Chicago Blackhawks.

What happened was that it appeared to some observers that the Blackhawks' Duncan Keith was about to be whistled for a penalty less than two seconds before Vancouver's Daniel Sedin scored a key goal in the third period. The goal, of course, would have wiped out a delayed penalty call, if there was going to be one at all, since there was no whistle by a linesman to stop play.

After the game, Thomson was in the Chicago locker room and asked Duncan Keith about the play.

As you might expect, Keith denied any knowledge of a possible penalty and even questioned Thomson for asking him about that.

By the next morning, this so-called incident was prominent on Chicago area sports media as well as on social media. There were even a couple of media members calling for Keith to apologize. This "story" was written and talked about on Tuesday on the Chicago sports talk stations and shows.

How things have gotten to the point of an inappropriate question by a reporter being a "story" is beyond me. The player answered the reporter's question and made it clear he didn't appreciate it. The reporter's question, based on a transcript which was published in several sources, would clearly an attempt to seek an admission of guilt from the player.

As sports fans, we never should have known this even happened. I have asked some strange questions of players and coaches in the post-game scramble for reaction over the years, as have the majority of media members. Yet, I didn't think I would ever need to be thankful that none of them were ever published.

During a week in which the NHL playoff battles are being formed, the NBA playoffs are underway, the NFL Draft is hours away, and baseball is in full swing, there is certainly enough to talk about and report on, especially in Chicago. Thankfully, no apologies were issued for the Vancouver incident. Frankly, those who did a "report" about this are the ones who should apologize.

SEATTLE: Former Seahawks (and Packers) head coach Mike Holmgren has been added to KJR Sports Radio on a regular basis as of this week. Holmgren will appear on the morning, midday, and afternoon drive programs on a rotating basis each Monday through Thursday. He is added to the staff just in time for the NFL Draft on Thursday (4/25) night and can help to explain to local fans about the team's choices.

MIAMI: WQAM 560 has replaced Dan Sileo's show with The John Renshaw Show, featuring Renshaw and co-host Alex Donno. Renshaw moves up from his weekend and fill-in work, while Donno expands upon his Miami Hurricanes coverage role.

ST. LOUIS: ESPN 101 has named Chris Duncan and Anthony Stalter as its new midday team starting on Wednesday May 1st. Duncan, who played on the 2006 Cardinals team which won the World Series, moves up from his afternoon drive co-host role as well as having co-hosted the local "Baseball Tonight" program. This new show is the replacement for Bernie Miklasz who announced his return to newspaper work last month.

DENVER: KOA 850 retains its dominant play-by-play position for the Denver area with the announcement of an additional four seasons as flagship station for Broncos football. In addition, the game broadcasts will be simulcast on KRFX Fox 103.5, which is a classic rock station. Dave Logan, returning for his 24th season this fall, will again be joined by Ed McCaffery on the broadcasts. In addition, KOA airs the Rockies and University of Colorado football.

LOS ANGELES: Fans of Kings' long long time play-by-play voice Bob Miller get a rare chance to meet him this week. Miller, who has released an updated copy of his book, "Tales From The Kings' Locker Room", is doing signings this week as the Kings prepare to begin their playoff defense of the Stanley Cup early next week. One of those appearances will be two hours before Saturday's (4/27) regular season finale, and will take place at the ESPN Zone across the street from Staples Center. What a great idea to give the loyal fans the opportunity to meet Miller on their way to a game!

BOSTON: WEEI 93.7 has added Jen Royle to its lineup, allowing her to return to her hometown. For the time being, her regular show will air only on Saturday afternoons from 1 to 3 PM. Royle has been working hte Baltimore/D.C. area with MASN and The Fan 105.7.

ATLANTA: WGST 640 is pulling the plug on ESPN Desportes at the end of May, after only a few months. The ratings for Desportes were so bad that the station is returning to the news/talk format it abondoned last summer.

SPRINGFIELD IL: Sorry to learn of the passing of Jeff Hoffman at the age of 60 following a long illness. Hoffman had been a part of WFMB Sports Radio 1450 since 1998.