Bradley apologizes after treatment of reporter sparks controversy
The Bradley Braves’ athletic department stood down Saturday amid heavy criticism over restricting a reporter’s access amid accusations that he failed to promote the school’s “brand.”
In a commentary article by Dave Eminian and Nick Vlahos of the Journal Star, it was stated that the school had reduced the access of longtime beat writer Dave Reynolds over perceived critical coverage. Bradley’s assistant director of athletic communications told Reynolds the primary reason for the policy change was that Reynolds failed to “promote the Bradley brand.”
The story, which comes on the heels of Bradley reaching the NCAA Tournament, went viral on Friday night, and the school was roundly criticized by prominent sports media personalities across the country. An initial statement from the basketball team confirmed that access had been reduced and that the issues for the decision had been discussed.
— Bradley Basketball (@bradleyumbb) March 16, 2019
This did little to quiet the criticism, and on Saturday, the athletic department fully stood down and apologized.
— Bradley Braves (@BradleyBraves) March 16, 2019
Amid what should have been a triumphant moment for the program, they ultimately created a PR nightmare that made the athletics department look bad nationally. Apologizing was the only way this could possibly end, and it was the right thing to do.
