Reporting Live! From bozo

[garizzalies]

Huh. So you’re saying we need a journalist to do some work, someone who is willing to put forth the minimal effort required, and ask a few questions? If only there were such a company covering sports stories in bozo.

It’s not sealed so couldn’t someone just go to the courthouse and the open hearings? Or do a FOIA?

Too bad this didn’t happen in Missoula. Our local sports analyst would’ve been on it like flies on poop—that’s my interpretation of his post, you can draw your own.

Look, anyone can go to the courthouse and look at the JC file. All it might have are copies of the citations, appearances of counsel, requests for discovery and court notices, along with the docket sheet. It may have a probable cause statement, it may not if so stipulated by the parties, or it may be filed under seal to be made public, perhaps at a later date. That's if you want the FACTS OF THE CASE which is what I was addressing.

Given that the "due process" stonewall from cow dung U, the minimal effort you suggest for journalists to pursue the issue of ramifications to coaches has already shut down that avenue of pursuit, your suggestion to act like flies on poop its essentially a useless exercise, unless you think the administration is weak and will cave if you just keep asking the same question (like Engstrom).

Overall I'm not impressed with sports coverage of college football in this state, but I think you are a little off base here IMHO.

Wow goldmine! Sounds like there’s all kinds of info available to write about but people would rather just give up because of the stonewall and bury it. There’s literally a million angles here but none of them are being addressed. Why?

And why am I “off base” in your opinion? Is it off base to ask questions? Is it off base to think that a sports media company would cover the biggest sports story in the state at a time when there is nothing else to cover?

 

[3-7-77]

Once cases go to court and the facts come out, arrest reports are sometimes found not to be valid.

Horsesh*t. Do your homework before coming on this site to bloviate. Police Reports are FACTS, which lead to the officers conclusion to charge, or not charge, someone. Officers are TRAINED to write these things. A new or younger officer will learn by experience to write correctly. These things go up the chain of command and are scrutinized before they ever get to a prosecutor. The running backs coach was later CHARGED for participating in what appears to be a cover-up. All based on Police Reports. I'm no lawyer. Perhaps you could find one to back your argument. Go for it. OJ Simpson did. :lol: The current methane content of your posts precede you, oh, flatulent one.

 

[horribilisfan8184]

Look, anyone can go to the courthouse and look at the JC file. All it might have are copies of the citations, appearances of counsel, requests for discovery and court notices, along with the docket sheet. It may have a probable cause statement, it may not if so stipulated by the parties, or it may be filed under seal to be made public, perhaps at a later date. That's if you want the FACTS OF THE CASE which is what I was addressing.

Given that the "due process" stonewall from cow dung U, the minimal effort you suggest for journalists to pursue the issue of ramifications to coaches has already shut down that avenue of pursuit, your suggestion to act like flies on poop its essentially a useless exercise, unless you think the administration is weak and will cave if you just keep asking the same question (like Engstrom).

Overall I'm not impressed with sports coverage of college football in this state, but I think you are a little off base here IMHO.

Wow goldmine! Sounds like there’s all kinds of info available to write about but people would rather just give up because of the stonewall and bury it. There’s literally a million angles here but none of them are being addressed. Why?

And why am I “off base” in your opinion? Is it off base to ask questions? Is it off base to think that a sports media company would cover the biggest sports story in the state at a time when there is nothing else to cover?

When the results of the investigative digging is "the administration will have no comment as these proceedings progress", I'm suggesting that's a fruitless pursuit. Patience. No "other shoe" will drop before its time. I see a bigger disruption to msDuI if the shiz hits the fan in August during fall practice or October during the season.

 

[Copper Griz]

Good questions. What does the arrest report say? Why aren’t there any news stories on this? How is it months later and we still don’t know this stuff?

Everyone knows if this crap happened in Missoula it would be covered different. Our local sports “journalist” essentially just admitted as much. Why does bozo get a pass? Why would Bozo in particular want to go soft on DUIs with its horrible, national record? Are all bubs dui apologists?

Too bad we don’t have a sports journalist in MT with a company dedicated to covering the sports stories in MT. Oh wait, he can’t do it because of reasons

Do arrest reports mean a person is guilty? NOT. Once cases go to court and the facts come out, arrest reports are sometimes found not to be valid.

No, arrest reports don’t mean someone is guilty. Saying they are not valid in my mind, means there was insufficient probable cause to investigate and arrest the defendant. Given the prosecutor has reviewed the officer(s) reports, one could conclude their is sufficient evidence for charging this defendant. (Actually both defendants). Personally, I don’t think there is any way to spin this in a positive light for MSU. Would the situation be different if the coach would have hit and killed someone? Would the actions of the head coach, AD and President been different? How much liability would the tax payers been on the hook for. So many questions about a situation that not only showed poor judgement, but downright negligent behavior. He put the general public’s safety at risk, his own and he also abused state property. This is a coach who is supposed to lead and guide young men. Think about that. Two DUI convictions, another pending trial. The optics are horrid.

 

[bigsky33]

Do arrest reports mean a person is guilty? NOT. Once cases go to court and the facts come out, arrest reports are sometimes found not to be valid.

No, arrest reports don’t mean someone is guilty. Saying they are not valid in my mind, means there was insufficient probable cause to investigate and arrest the defendant. Given the prosecutor has reviewed the officer(s) reports, one could conclude their is sufficient evidence for charging this defendant. (Actually both defendants). Personally, I don’t think there is any way to spin this in a positive light for MSU. Would the situation be different if the coach would have hit and killed someone? Would the actions of the head coach, AD and President been different? How much liability would the tax payers been on the hook for. So many questions about a situation that not only showed poor judgement, but downright negligent behavior. He put the general public’s safety at risk, his own and he also abused state property. This is a coach who is supposed to lead and guide young men. Think about that. Two DUI convictions, another pending trial. The optics are horrid.

I agree with everything you said. The use of the word invalid was a poor choice. What I meant is the facts put into a police report sometimes turn out at trial not what they appear to be. I am not making any excuses for these guys. However, the bottom line is that they have been charged and they are innocent until proven guilty. I totally agree, the optics on this are horrid. MSU not commenting on this in my opinion makes it worse. However, I don't know all the facts and what is going on behind the scenes with these guys. Hard to fathom how they were signed to new contracts, especially Garza.

 

[3-7-77]

Well, what actually happened with Garza in court?

 

[CDAGRIZ]

D1 head football coaches benching anyone associated with their programs for these kinds of infractions don't need some fancy code. They just do it. See Garza's previous stints...and dozens upon dozens of other examples.

I'd just like Colter to ask the HC why these coaches aren't on the bench. What or who is restraining him and why?

Colter: coach, did you consider putting these coaches on the bench...just telling them to stay home with pay until the process is complete? Why / why not?

I'd also like some analysis on why there is so much variance between what we all commonly see across D1 sports when coaches get DUIs and what is happening in bozo.

Colter: coach, Is this process at msu similar or different than other places you've been? If so, how?

Colter: what was the process of extending contracts and giving raises while all of this is going on? Did anyone recommend delaying those decisions? Did you?

I don't think Colter will get any answers as the school already stated that they do not comment on employee matters. Very frustrating I know.

They aren’t “employee matters”. Nobody is asking what medical conditions employees have or what their PTO is. People are asking questions about why the administration at a very public school made the decisions it did. To hide behind school “policy” (and for the media to just accept that) at this point is lazy and ridiculous. Total cop-out.

 

[Griz til I die]

Well, what actually happened with Garza in court?

Nothing. The hearing was postponed until August 16

 

[Copper Griz]

No, arrest reports don’t mean someone is guilty. Saying they are not valid in my mind, means there was insufficient probable cause to investigate and arrest the defendant. Given the prosecutor has reviewed the officer(s) reports, one could conclude their is sufficient evidence for charging this defendant. (Actually both defendants). Personally, I don’t think there is any way to spin this in a positive light for MSU. Would the situation be different if the coach would have hit and killed someone? Would the actions of the head coach, AD and President been different? How much liability would the tax payers been on the hook for. So many questions about a situation that not only showed poor judgement, but downright negligent behavior. He put the general public’s safety at risk, his own and he also abused state property. This is a coach who is supposed to lead and guide young men. Think about that. Two DUI convictions, another pending trial. The optics are horrid.

I agree with everything you said. The use of the word invalid was a poor choice. What I meant is the facts put into a police report sometimes turn out at trial not what they appear to be. I am not making any excuses for these guys. However, the bottom line is that they have been charged and they are innocent until proven guilty. I totally agree, the optics on this are horrid. MSU not commenting on this in my opinion makes it worse. However, I don't know all the facts and what is going on behind the scenes with these guys. Hard to fathom how they were signed to new contracts, especially Garza.

You are sounding far too sensible for Egriz at this point. Agree that innocent until proven guilty is and should be the law of this great country. For me personally, Garza’s previous convictions make this situation inexcusable. I feel for anyone with an addiction problem. At some point they need to face the music, get help and put their life together. We all make mistakes, but he isn’t learning from his.

 

[mcg]

I run two content production businesses. My primary role for each is to provide commentary and analysis on the wide world of Montana and Big Sky Conference sports. We do not report the news. We analyze the news.

We have talked about the DUIs and their influence on the future of the Montana State football team no less than 6 times on our statewide radio/TV shows and we have mentioned it several times on the Big Sky Breakdown podcast as well.

I could write a whole essay about why this is getting covered like it is. The procedures in the courts between Missoula County and Gallatin County are vastly different. The way the newspapers operate is totally different. The disparity in the quality of the TV reporters between the two markets is striking. If you’d like me to write that essay, ask and I’ll share my thoughts.

If what you want is for me to give some verbal lashing to these two poor decision makers, that’s not what we do. We analyze sports. We will analyze the way impacts the football program extensively once a decision is made by the administration and athletic department whether it’s to keep or dismiss the accused.

To make this issue somehow about me is really something. Thanks for making me feel so good about myself.

I'd really echo what CDA said above, you've done a great job building a 'new generation' sports content delivery operation and I appreciate the coverage. Without it we wouldn't have much coverage anymore.

 

[garizzalies]

Wow goldmine! Sounds like there’s all kinds of info available to write about but people would rather just give up because of the stonewall and bury it. There’s literally a million angles here but none of them are being addressed. Why?

And why am I “off base” in your opinion? Is it off base to ask questions? Is it off base to think that a sports media company would cover the biggest sports story in the state at a time when there is nothing else to cover?

When the results of the investigative digging is "the administration will have no comment as these proceedings progress", I'm suggesting that's a fruitless pursuit. Patience. No "other shoe" will drop before its time. I see a bigger disruption to msDuI if the shiz hits the fan in August during fall practice or October during the season.

Nope. Wait around long enough and be quiet enough and it gets forgotten and swept under.

It’s the worst news slogan ever: We don’t break the news, we don’t even report the news, we only analyze the news (and only when it’s pro-bubcat)

 

[garizzalies]

I don't think Colter will get any answers as the school already stated that they do not comment on employee matters. Very frustrating I know.

They aren’t “employee matters”. Nobody is asking what medical conditions employees have or what their PTO is. People are asking questions about why the administration at a very public school made the decisions it did. To hide behind school “policy” (and for the media to just accept that) at this point is lazy and ridiculous. Total cop-out.

Crazy part is, the closest thing to a written “policy” says that if he were a student he would mandatorily be fired for being charged with a third dui. Charged.
So if he were a student, there would be no “due-process” bull shit but for a coach we bend over backwards to excuse DUIs and give a raise to make sure he can continue to mentor the students

 

[bigsky33]

They aren’t “employee matters”. Nobody is asking what medical conditions employees have or what their PTO is. People are asking questions about why the administration at a very public school made the decisions it did. To hide behind school “policy” (and for the media to just accept that) at this point is lazy and ridiculous. Total cop-out.

Crazy part is, the closest thing to a written “policy” says that if he were a student he would mandatorily be fired for being charged with a third dui. Charged.
So if he were a student, there would be no “due-process” bull poop but for a coach we bend over backwards to excuse DUIs and give a raise to make sure he can continue to mentor the students

Students are not employees. Major difference. Not saying I agree with their employee policy in this case.

 

[garizzalies]

Crazy part is, the closest thing to a written “policy” says that if he were a student he would mandatorily be fired for being charged with a third dui. Charged.
So if he were a student, there would be no “due-process” bull poop but for a coach we bend over backwards to excuse DUIs and give a raise to make sure he can continue to mentor the students

Students are not employees. Major difference. Not saying I agree with their employee policy in this case.

What “employee policy”?
What are you talking about?
Let’s see the link.

 

[bigsky33]

Students are not employees. Major difference. Not saying I agree with their employee policy in this case.

What “employee policy”?
What are you talking about?
Let’s see the link.

When this happened MSU came out and said it was their policy not to comment on employee matters. You need to as k them.

 

[EverettGriz]

Serious post: I have a differing view of Colter than some. Dude created a career out of nothing after the Bozeman local media axed him. He was ahead of the Montana sports media curve, and made it happen with more foresight than most. I've definitely given him sh*t on here in a joking way, but I honestly don't really view him as biased toward either program. I suppose the best evidence is that they think he's biased toward us, and we think he's biased toward them. :shrug:

I agree fully CDA. I don’t believe he’s biased. I do think he grabs the lowest hanging fruit, but that’s likely a convo for another day.

In either event, his unwillingness to get after this story reeeeeally makes me question his bonafides as a serious reporter. Not all stories can be rainbows and kittens. Sometimes you gotta ask tough questions, and I guess I’m not sure if Colter and his team are willing to do it.

 

[EverettGriz]

Is that what you’re going with?
There’s a possibility the arrest report could be incorrect so we should bury it and not talk about it before anyone covers it? Maybe the tow truck driver was lying too, huh?

Why do all bubcats want to cover this up and excuse DUIs. If I were a bubcat (puke), I would be asking the same questions because I live in this community and would want to shine a light on this disgusting mess.

I am not going with anything. I am waiting until he gets his day in court and there is a verdict. Not excusing him or any type of coverup. If he is found guilty I hope he gets fired.

I’m waiting for his day in court also (though he’ll be guilty). I just don’t understand and no one has given even the most basic rationale for why he’s not suspended without pay until then. If he’s innocent, you reinstate with back pay. If he’s guilty (he is), you terminate effective the moment of the arrest.


This shit ain’t hard.

 

[mthoopsfan]

Crazy part is, the closest thing to a written “policy” says that if he were a student he would mandatorily be fired for being charged with a third dui. Charged.
So if he were a student, there would be no “due-process” bull poop but for a coach we bend over backwards to excuse DUIs and give a raise to make sure he can continue to mentor the students

Students are not employees. Major difference. Not saying I agree with their employee policy in this case.

Of course, students are not employees, but I would think a university would have tougher policies for employees than for students. Not vice versa. And, why would football players have tougher policies than football coaches. I don't understand the lack of suspensions (with pay). All 3 of the coaches seem to have some aggravated circumstances too. For the coordinators, there was more than just simple dui arrests too.

There is absolutely no reason that action cannot be taken, before a case is resolved. Action is taken ahead of the resolution of cases frequently, i.e. usually.

 

[SaskGriz]

The drunk driving is inexcusable but if the road he was speeding on led out of Bozeman, then that part makes sense.

 

[garizzalies]

What “employee policy”?
What are you talking about?
Let’s see the link.

When this happened MSU came out and said it was their policy not to comment on employee matters. You need to as k them.

Why should I have to ask them? You mentioned it.

You came here spouting off about it and I called you out. You should cite it with a link. Or is it just more hot air from you? Like a typical bubcat, spouting off with no support