Some Zohn readers and some writers for other websites are offended by my questioning of Jed York at Monday’s press conference. I’d like to address this issue calmly and rationally.

I understand why some readers might feel upset. Jed is young, not yet 30, and I’m 65 and it may have seemed I was picking on him. In addition, Californians, I have found, do not like verbal confrontation. It makes many Californians uncomfortable. I am a New Yorker. New York is a verbal culture. People dispute verbally, hug each other and move on. So this is partly about a difference in styles.

More to the point, Jed had just fired his coach after a dismal 15 games. Jed had hired this coach quickly and unwisely. Jed was there at the news conference to answer questions and to me the key question was how would he not repeat his failures of the past, why the fans should have hope he’s learned and can do better by the team and them.

These were not rude questions, even if you think my tone was aggressive. These are questions a reporter asks. My job is not to coddle Jed. His parents do that. He’s the team president of a failing enterprise. His job is to take the heat — or at least answer direct questions. If he can’t do that then the Yorks should get another team president. I have no negative personal feelings against him. I hardly know him. But I think he’s done a lousy job and I was giving him a chance to tell everyone he has a plan and a chance to explain that plan — to show he can do a better job.

Instead of doing that he got into verbal sparring with me. It was childish and undignified and I would not relent until he answered my questions — what is his plan and whom will he consult in his search for a GM.

I hope Jed gets it right this time. I prefer to cover a good team than a circus.

One other thing. Bob in Pacifica thinks I made this story about me. I think Jed made it about me by being defensive and sarcastic. I was asking proper questions. He needed to give you, the fans, proper answers.

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