I propose that the capability of sending e-mails to blutz@wichitaeagle.com be stripped from every Kansas State football fan. Can I make this happen? Is there a state legislator I can talk to? Or is this a federal issue?
No, actually, my Kansas State friends are a lot of fun. Every time I say anything that could be interpreted as a slight question of Bill Snyder’s authority as the Wildcats’ football coach, my inbox becomes the food line at a college cafeteria.
To those of you who think I’m a little bitter because Snyder denies the media much access to his football program I can only say: Ding ding ding ding. You win the jackpot. Being a sportswriter, I like access to the things I cover. Funny, huh? I’ve found that I can do my job so much better if I can actually talk to the people involved.
So why doesn’t Snyder take his media paranoia thing all the way? Why not refuse credentials to games? Why hold a weekly Tuesday news conference in Manhattan? Why talk to reporters after games?
I’ll tell you why. Because even good ol’ Bill understands that would be going too far. If he did that, there are probably even two or three Kansas State fans who would grumble because I suspect even they enjoy getting up in the morning and reading a story about Kansas State football.
Snyder isn’t alone in his media policy. Other coaches, including Mark Mangino at Kansas, have adopted his anti-media stance. Mike Leach at Texas Tech closed ranks so tight that the Fort Worth Star-Telegram has pretty much stopped covering the team.
I’m the first to admit that those of us in the media can be a real pain in the rear. But we’re pretty nice people when you get to know us.
It’s our problem and I don’t expect you to be much concerned. But don’t expect me just to shut up and accept it, OK? It’s just not my style. I’m a cage rattler. It’s one of my most endearing qualities.
Finally, to all Kansas State football fans: I have decided to limit my access to you. I will be available for e-mails every Wednesday from 3 p.m. until just after 3:07. Other requests should be made through my public relations department, just as soon as I get one. Hey, it works for Snyder.