As one of a handful of sources I cruise for Michigan and Big Ten coverage I might otherwise miss, the Freep (Detroit Free Press) has been notable lately for its decided lack of the de rigeur pre-season hope and optimism.
In fact, in lieu of the expected homerist hype, there's been a biting, negative tone to recent Freep coverage including:
Big Ten: Most overrated conference?
and, in response to the ridiculous Jim Harbaugh situation:
DREW SHARP: Hail to the hypocrites; U-M's arrogance is academic
The tone and intent of these pieces almost feels like teenage rebellion (see: biting the hand that feeds you). Though some of these criticisms may have some validity, the Big Ten hasn't been totally excellent lately, it's pretty shocking to see the hometown crowd sweeping the rug out from under the home team, particularly in the unproven, conjecture-laden and usually hopeful run up to the season. Where's the love Freep?
And more importantly, where's the journalistic dispassion and perspective wherein band-wagoning with Harbaugh is concerned? He's looking like a jackass not only among Michigan fans (just ask USC and the rest of the Pac-1o outside of, or maybe now including, Stanford) and it doesn't take an investigate journalist's spider sense to sniff that out, Drew Sharp.
Finally, amid all of this negativity, the Freep's strangest contribution was a sad recap of the false-start-filled odyssey of Drew Henson.
FINAL SNAP: Once a two-sport star, U-M's Drew Henson is fighting for his football life
Who needs at this most hopeful time of year to be reminded of the sadness of the past?
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