The demise of Rhett Bomar is old news already, and I've got nothing juicy to contribute to the general finger wagging that's going on. But behind the headlines, and paternal commentary is an interesting testament to the mode of delivery that first scooped this story and made it old news in hurry - the Internet college football community.
Stewart Mandel is reporting on his *blog* that the word on Rhett Bomar's gross overcompensation for selling Kia's was reported way back in January on the Internet by a concerned fan just like you and me.
After posting his concerns on TexAgs.com, "aggiegrant06" was branded a heretic for espousing such blasphemous (and potentially NCAA regulation violatous) 'scuttlebutt.'
However, here on the eve of the 2006 season, with the Sooners a pre-season favorite for both the Big 12 and National titles (at least before the breaking of Kia Gate), "aggiegrant06" has been vindicated as Rhett's folly has turned out to be the Gospel truth and produced not only his ouster from Norman but potential problems for the Sooners in terms of this season's chances and NCAA investigations, sanctions if this whole thing turns out to be as stinky as it whiffs right now.
But first, witness the waxing power of the Internet! Score one for the legitimacy of messages boards and blogs!
There is truth emerging in the clamor of the internet and traditional media is starting to pay attention. With the ease of access and flow of information, the Internet gives us eyes and ears everywhere and even formerly impregnable fortresses of media coverage and message control, like Schembechler Hall at Michigan, are powerless to stop it.
Michigan fans have for years been frustrated by the Draconian control of information particularly as it pertained to unpleasant topics like injuries, infractions, punishment, firings, etc. But with the emergence of chatboards and blogs, the chinks in the armor are beginning to be exploited.
Admittedly, not all of the information is accurate (reports of an offseason injury to Chris Perry before the 2003 season) but much of it has been good (early reports of the firings of hated Michigan coordinators Tim Malone and Jim Hermann).
Which leads you to wonder how much truth there is to current reports on UMGoBlue that Antonio Bass was injured playing basketball (rather than the messaged offseason football conditioning, though I supposed you could spin some hoops that way).
This is just one examples of the truth refusing to be contained and it pleases me to no end that similar exchange is going on message boards and blogs representing every team everywhere. There has never been a better day to be a fan of College Football.
No comments:
Post a Comment