I’m having a blissful time in Ashland and as part of the bliss I just went online and read Eric Branch’s Niners blog for the SF Chron. Eric used to work at the Press Democrat and he’s a great guy and I love his writing, always have. In his blog he pointed out that the Niners conducted their final hour of practice on Friday far away from reporters. Eric wrote it was difficult to see practice because of the long distance and players obstructing the view. When a PR guy asked the team if reporters could get closer he got a “no dice.”
I didn’t expect this post from Eric, but it didn’t surprise me. Jim Harbaugh is the most anti-media coach I ever covered in any sport. He makes it hard for journalists to do the basics of their jobs. I see nothing good or funny or cute in this. Journalists are crucial in our free society and Harbaugh, I believe, wants to limit and control news. He doesn’t want reporters to report even though the Niners already enforce strict rules that reporters cannot describe formations or quote what is said on the field. All the writers who cover the team honor these rules, which should be enough. It’s not enough for Harbaugh. I’m guessing he would like a world in which reporters never were allowed near the field and never report anything about the team except everything looks good and the Niners are as close to heavenly as is possible on Earth. Beyond that, he seems to want few specific details. Maybe he’d like to play games in an empty stadium. I don’t know how/if Trent Baalke and Jed York figure in this regrettable attitude toward the media.
I’ll tell you what troubles me more than Harbaugh’s attitude. It troubles me that most people reading this blog entry think Harbaugh is doing the right thing. It troubles me that most of you think the media have no business getting a good look at practice or reporting on the team. As long as Harbaugh wins, fans will side with him vs. the media.
It never had to come to this. There is no war between the Niners and the press except in Harbaugh’s mind. That’s how I see it and it’s sad. Bill Walsh and George Seifert never placed such restrictions on the media and they won lots of Super Bowls.
I’m glad I’m in Ashland. I’m glad I’m not suffering the indignity of attending a practice that’s intentionally hard to see. To read Eric Branch’s blog, click here.
Brady
on the flip side, you’ve had a lot of blog entries and columns about Harbaugh’s rudeness to the media, so, in his own way, he’s generated just as much work for you…
July 28th, 2012 10:53 am
CohnZohn
Brady, I don’t need Harbaugh to generate my work. I’m quite capable of generating work on my own.
July 28th, 2012 11:01 am
Michael
Lowell, as long as the team keeps winning he can hold practices inside Ft Knox if he wants. Ah but once the losing starts his honeymoon is over
July 28th, 2012 11:12 am
Larry
Hey Cohn,
When Bil took over the Patriots he was the same way. Why do you take it so pesonally? JH is trying to build a dynsty before he gets let go and the new coach comes in and promises a Trophy. He has to do what he believes is write. I met the man at a event and he is not what you protrey him as. Try to make your blogs a little less, about your perceived injustices and more about the Niners. I read every article you post. You are addicting. But lets get about football and less about your feelings.
I have noticed that you where the same about Nolan and his answer. Mike and his answers. You went to even attack MS wearing a cross. Mike Nolan and his reveiw the tape answers. They are just doing there job and they are not worried about yours.
But keep posting it fills my day. I do like your stuff except when you get so petty.
When they loose you will have allot to write about. Whern they win you will have allot to write about.
Besides what are your perdictions on the Green Bay game. I believe we will win this one convincely.
July 28th, 2012 11:16 am
chris
yeah Harabugh is as paranoid as they come regarding the media. He’s a jerk and it was no surprise he got Moss on the team that fits his mold. Pretty nausiating how people are kissing Moss’s butt in Santa Clara when he hasn’t done a thing for the 49ers and has played like a washed up has been the last few years.
July 28th, 2012 11:29 am
B-Rad
I thought that last year you were only allowed to watch warm-ups.
I thought that a couple years ago on KNBR you said that sometimes
it’s difficult to come up with ideas for 4 columns a week.
Seems like Brady has a good point.
July 28th, 2012 11:38 am
matt
Lowell, perhaps Harbaugh reads your column and thinks it’s cute how you respond to his behavior towards the media. He seems to like these mind games, however, he also does truly seem to like privacy and may fear you guys would give things away. Just be glad you’re there in Oregon, a wonderful place to be.
July 28th, 2012 11:43 am
Stan
That will only get worse,the more he wins. Maybe the media should make a complaint to Jed.
The “cant report “whats said on the field crosses a line. Maybe somebody shouldn’t obey what they know is wrong.
July 28th, 2012 11:48 am
Cisco
I think it’s unfair to use Bill Walsh and George Seiffert as examples. They did not coach in the era of instant news, where blogs, twitter, Facebook, etc. were so readily and immediately available. They coached when the news was read in the newspaper the next day and where writers had a limited number of words they could publish and thus were forced to leave out number of inane details. That is no longer the case, every minute detail is now instantly out on the web for all to see. I am quite certain that both Walsh and Seiffert would not be quite as forthcoming if they were coaching today. Perhaps not to the level of Harbaugh, but closer to that than what they were.
July 28th, 2012 11:48 am
Tiburon Dave
I go back to the the Rocklin days when you could take a cooler into the bleachers, watch two a days from 50 feet away…chat with Bob McKittrick during drills…chat with the players as they sat in 55 gallon drums of ice water between sessions…
I don’t remember Walsh or Seifert having any trouble winning…
This guy behaves as if he’s running the NSA and we’re all enemy agents…
Maybe he just doesn’t want us to see the receiver with “the best hands ever” sleep through practice under his hoodie…
July 28th, 2012 11:57 am
Will
It seems clear that JimH is not comfortable in this area (whereas his brother for instance is very relaxed and having fun). I believe the general conclusion is his lack of interest here is integral to his personality and trumped by his coaching skills. We would all love to get more insight but I think that would only happen if York wanted more from him in the PR arena and he is not going to press the coach to give more. Just not in his skill set / wiring.
July 28th, 2012 12:00 pm
Bob
In all of your years in the media, how many times have you received an email regarding what the press can & cannot do as the 49ers sent an email out to media regarding “press protocol.”
July 28th, 2012 12:18 pm
latopia
“Jim Harbaugh is the most anti-media coach I ever covered in any sport.” I’m in no position to dispute this, if by “cover” you mean regularly covered. I also believe similar media-hostile coaches like Bill Belichick & Gregg Popovich are just as or even more difficult to cover, and can recall instances where both ridiculed questioners, not just questions, whether deserved or not. I’m not defending Harbaugh. There’s nothing to defend. Journos depend on access to do their jobs, fans don’t. But it’s likewise unfair to generalize blind fan loyalty. We understand the “perceived” wrongness of austere, seemingly punitive restrictions on media access just as we understand a coach’s perception that limiting access which may assist opponents is part of his job — until or unless said coach has a “reason” to increase such access. As Arman Keteyian said of Belichick: “We’ve know each other a long time, dating back almost 15 yrs now. And having covered the Patriots for 8 yrs on the sidelines, I developed a relationship w/Bill … a trust with Bill. And in the NFL, trust = access. That’s the code.” [ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLypPzyqbiU ]
Shorter: However clichéed it sounds it’s still true — trust, like marriage, is a work-in-progress. You can quit after the first year, but absent horrific abuse and/or physical danger, you only reap what you sow.
July 28th, 2012 12:25 pm
Capts
Harbaugh is more Al Davis than Walsh or Seifert.
July 28th, 2012 12:44 pm
Dennis
You kind of made me feel sorry for you. My guess is that Harbaugh is going to test the league’s standard for the minimum amount of press access and see how far he can go before the league calls him on it.
You know Lowell, no one likes to be criticized – not even you. But that is what you do with Harbaugh and the 49ers. You see it as your job. But that doesn’t mean Harbaugh has to help you do it. But that explains you, it doesn’t explain Eric Branch.
I will admit that I see your point and it does trouble me slightly more than it did last season. But nothing is going to change for me. I will still faithfully watch every game and will continue to think that Harbaugh is a great coach and that you are a great writer. So the best I can do for you right now is not take Harbaugh’s side on this issue. He should show a little more respect and sensitivity towards the press. Hopefully, this will be a great season and as it progresses he becomes a little more comfortable with the press.
July 28th, 2012 1:22 pm
CohnZohn
Larry, I beg to differ with you. I do not take Harbaugh’s actions toward the media personally. I take them professionally. There is a big difference. I hope you understand it.
July 28th, 2012 1:23 pm
CohnZohn
In training camp, practices must be kept open. During the season, no. It is hard to come up with 4 columns a week. Try it. But I don’t need any help from Harbaugh.
July 28th, 2012 1:24 pm
CohnZohn
Cisco, How do you know? Did you ever meet Walsh or Seifert?
July 28th, 2012 1:25 pm
CohnZohn
Bob, To the best of my recollection, the 49ers are the only team ever to send out “house rules” on how media must behave.
July 28th, 2012 1:26 pm
CohnZohn
latopia, Thanks for your comment but I have no idea what you’re talking about.
July 28th, 2012 1:28 pm
CohnZohn
Dennis, I see your points and appreciate them. I could be wrong, but Harbaugh seems to be getting less comfortable with the press but, as I say, I’m in Oregon and may be missing something
July 28th, 2012 1:30 pm
latopia
Simple. This statement says it all: “There is no war between the Niners and the press except in Harbaugh’s mind.”
Wrong.
The objectives of any coach v press are diametrically opposed. Coaches covet the element of surprise. Jounos thrive on revealing the unknown.
You both have jobs to do. How and what Harbaugh perceives as essential to his job are obviously antithetical to yours. It’s a natural clash of wills which some carry to extremes.
Keteyain, for example, understood this re Belichick & cited 15 yrs of association + 8 yrs of direct coverage as *the* key to more/better access. I’m sure Pop also developed respect for journos (not just stenos) who’ve earned his trust.
Any journo who denies the fundamental conflict btw coach & journo on matters of dissemination is fundamentally ripe for persecution, real or imagined.
July 28th, 2012 2:10 pm
CohnZohn
latopia, Thanks for your clarification — well done. Is it possible — and would you consider this — that Harbaugh takes it further than other coaches?
July 28th, 2012 2:13 pm
Joshua
Why don’t you concern yourself with economic or political problems of the world instead of bitching about one football team?
It’s sports and doesn’t affect much of anything besides itself. And no one needs to read the specifics about how AJ Jenkins looked bad in practice and dropped two passes. OH GOSH!
It doesn’t matter.
July 28th, 2012 3:06 pm
Tirawi
Cry me a river. You’re paid to write stuff like this?
July 28th, 2012 3:14 pm
berrini
dont understand why you’r complaining when for one your not there, and two its not part of his job description to give you information. He is not the PR department he is the head coach and honestly after what he did last year there is no reason for him to look for his approval from the media. His product is viewable every sunday during game day for critic and support. He has the fans support, ownerships support and for the most part the medias support.
July 28th, 2012 3:22 pm
Alex
Lowell, would you acknowledge that sometimes members of the press say things with the intent of provoking the subject? For example, Terrel Owens. Look at the questions he was asked.
I can see how Harbaugh would be sick of members of the media attempting to cause a controversy or what have you.
Do you feel that the media might be somewhat responsible for this attitude he has?
July 28th, 2012 3:29 pm
Caleb
“Brady, I don’t need Harbaugh to generate my work. I’m quite capable of generating work on my own.”
Then go generate your work where somebody cares about you. Because the general Niner fan base has had no problem with the limited media and neither have the reporters. Stop complaining “like a child”.
July 28th, 2012 4:09 pm
CohnZohn
Joshua, You’re one of the 49ers apologists i was writing about.
July 28th, 2012 4:14 pm
CohnZohn
Tirawi, You’re another 49ers apologist.
July 28th, 2012 4:14 pm
CohnZohn
berrini, You’re a 49ers apologist.
July 28th, 2012 4:14 pm
CohnZohn
Alex, No the media is not responsible for Harbaugh’s attitude. He is. When they watch practice they don’t ask questions. They watch. Now he’s making it hard for them to watch. It is their job to watch, mandated by the league. How in the world can you blame them for watching?
July 28th, 2012 4:15 pm
Stan
I wonder Lowell…whats the reaction if you used binoculars or a telescope?..any rules about that?
July 28th, 2012 4:17 pm
CohnZohn
Caleb, You certainly seem to care about me. Imagine how much more you’d care if I had better access. Thanks for your reasoned input. As for media not minding about limited access, Eric Branch sure seems to mind. Did you read what he wrote? I linked to it.
July 28th, 2012 4:17 pm
CohnZohn
Stan, How about a periscope?
July 28th, 2012 4:17 pm
Stan
ha,well if you had to use a submarine…
July 28th, 2012 4:20 pm
Stan
Alright Lowell..nice to see a columnist fire back..instead of banning or ignoring like the others do.
July 28th, 2012 4:41 pm
CohnZohn
Thanks, Stan. I’m feeling feisty today and I like to challenge people and enjoy when they challenge me. I hope I’m not being rude. In a few minutes Mrs. Cohn Zohn and I go to see Henry V. I’m honestly not sure I like Henry V — as a play, not as a guy, that is. One thing is certain, we won’t need a periscope to view the play.
July 28th, 2012 4:44 pm
Seymour
I suppose I understand the issue, but why are you not taking it up with the 49ers directly? Harbaugh seems to try to get a competitive edge anyway he can, even if it’s something as silly as requiring you guys to watch practice from the parking lot. I’m not saying what he’s doing is good or bad necessarily but if it’s within the “rules” what is the problem here? I’m assuming most people here won’t be sympathetic to the “tough” working conditions. I just hope you are actually trying to do something to change it, not just airing your grievances on a blog.
July 28th, 2012 4:55 pm
RHS
Enjoy your blissful time in Ashland. And try not to spoil anyone eles’s day.
July 28th, 2012 4:58 pm
gan
“I’ll tell you what troubles me more than Harbaugh’s attitude. It troubles me that most people reading this blog entry think Harbaugh is doing the right thing. It troubles me that most of you think the media have no business getting a good look at practice or reporting on the team. As long as Harbaugh wins, fans will side with him vs. the media.”
Most people reading this blog are 49ers fans and to the fans winning is the most important thing (provided its done within the rules). If Harbaugh thinks being secretive and shutting the media out gives him an edge then I think he should be as secretive as possible. It may seem ridiculous to you that he’s creating this “war” but then its not your job to give the team every imaginable edge. What he’s doing will probably have no impact on the team’s success but I can see what his motivation is. He wants the element of surprise. As fans we naturally applaud that effort b/c it could conceivable give him an advantage (however small or seemingly insignificant).
Let me explain something. As fans we don’t care if he’s making your job harder. We don’t care if you get a good look at practice. We don’t care if you report on the team or not. Why you think that matters to the fans is utterly beyond me. I would object if the team did something underhanded or unethical but to me his actions are neither. He may seem obsessive and a pit zany about this but frankly, you just seem petty.
July 28th, 2012 5:29 pm
Neal
Slick Jim is a tough guy to know, but some journalists are as slimey as used car salesmen. I lost all respect to Andrew Baggery, saying the milkman is getting a 50 game suspenion for illegal drug use, this was unfounded and not necessary
July 28th, 2012 7:23 pm
Streetglide
Lowell, I do and have done a lot of things in this world. Re-write is my weak point…
.
The Niners replicate a Motorcycle Club. There is a very specific meaning to that term. I’m talking about the big leagues. It is us against them. Nothing is revealed, nothing is taken for granted. In the Niner’s eyes, if you are not the enemy, then you are at least a nuisance. Admit it; since the beginning you and your son have written some harsh things about the new regime and Alex. A blue-collar guy like Harbaugh doesn’t forget that stuff and probably holds all journalists in contempt.
.
Just the way it is. How are the Giants doing? How is Oregon? How was Sammy’s?
July 28th, 2012 7:54 pm
Stan
Henry V? I’m only familiar with Henry the 8th of Herman Hermits. I’m such a dope on Henry’s…
July 28th, 2012 7:57 pm
John Sousa
Oh my God. Is Jim Harbaugh the new Al Davis? Has he hired Herrera to scream Lowell and Kawakami when they try to cover a press conference?
July 28th, 2012 8:26 pm
CohnZohn
gan, I can accept that I seem petty to you. Most fans take the team’s side simply because it’s the team’s side. I assume you are one of those. If you think about it, Harbaugh is going out of his way to be petty. I am merely reacting, as is my right.
July 28th, 2012 10:04 pm
Jared
Taking the local perspective from the Sacramento Bee, Matt Barrows has very rarely, if ever, complained about Harbaugh’s restrictions and is usually one of the first people to report any news and updates. Does he have some sort of supersonic hearing and/or xray vision to look into niner headquarters or is it just a case of him not blowing way out of proportion like you have been doing for quite some time now?
July 28th, 2012 10:26 pm
CohnZohn
Jared, It’s nice to know Matt Barrows has such devoted followers. I myself am a fan of Matt’s.
July 28th, 2012 10:51 pm
mark decker
Lowell…you are spot on here…Harbaugh is just an arse no way around it…you wouldnt want him baby sitting your children/doing the grocery shopping/helping your 7 year old with their math…the ONLY you’d want him to do is to convince grown men to throw it on the line every single game…which is what he does…..players dont like him….they just respect that he is going to prepare them to win….having said all that I hope you dont want what nolan provided with the media…he was so darn insecure that he would blabber about far too much….I want a bellicheck type who keeps it close to the vest but you are absolutely right he does not respect the job journalists do…AND you are also right it is not that he is oblivious…its just his oversized ego….GREAT football coach….from the bits and bobs from former players and from watching him conduct himself possibly not a very good dude…..keep up the good work….your insights I almost always enjoy and more importantly agree with!
July 29th, 2012 12:00 am
Frank in Minnesota
Do we have another Al Davis in the making? At some point the team will pay a price for this way of thinking…some of the players appear to be taking the Head Coaches stance..how sad. Professional sports should be fun and for the fans, they lose out when their team cannot get proper coverage…look what happened to the Raiders all these years! Hope it scanges Lowell…glad you had a great time in Ashland, much appreciate you sharing what you and the Mrs. experienced, fun read!
July 29th, 2012 7:26 am
B-Rad
You seem to be grumpy since you had to cover golf for a week.
I hope that you’re OK and nothing more serious is wrong.
July 29th, 2012 9:12 am
CohnZohn
B-Rad, Thanks for asking after my health. I’m fine. Sorry I seem grumpy. I’m actually in a good mood. Life is fun. I hope you’re OK, too.
July 29th, 2012 9:22 am
Dr Feelgood
Has this already been suggested?
Maybe the writers can boycott the Niners. Jed would have a cow. Things would change.
July 29th, 2012 9:34 am
CohnZohn
Dr Feelgood, Great Idea. Fat chance.
July 29th, 2012 9:37 am
Chris
Get off your high horse, any moron can do your job. You “journalists” do nothing but try to fuel cheap stories off of real professionals.
I applaud Jim for doing what he is doing, most of you idiots can’t make good of an opportunity to write a decent article even if you had access to training grounds.
July 29th, 2012 9:56 am
CohnZohn
Chris, Thanks so much for your well-reasoned and highly insightful look at the topic under consideration by we morons at the Cohn Zohn. In the future — and hopefully with some of your wise guidance — I can do a better job and rise up to your, obviously, high standards.
July 29th, 2012 10:01 am
Bob
This Harbaugh using the media is interesting.
Harbaugh was not always this way with the media. As HC at Stanford, he had a Twitter account to invite fans to rallys, open practices, and restaurant gigs.
The moment he became the HC of the 49ers…he changed the way he dealt with the media.
There’s an episode on NFL Network on “A Football Life: Mike Ditka,” where Jim Harbaugh was the QB of the Bears under Ditka. Harbaugh talked about having a picture on a wall of Ditka flashing the middle finger walking around during pregame. Ditka talked about how once he figured out how fickle the media had been…he treated them all the same like “dirt.”
For the most part, Harbaugh wants to control the message. One of his favorite tactics is using say-nothing quotes. He really does not say much of substance or get into specifics.
One of the few times Harbaugh actually says something of substance is when he wants to say something on his own. Using the mentality, “Oh, by the way…” An example of this would be close to 3/4 of the 2011 season, Harbaugh just mentioned that Patrick Willis does not get enough recognition nationally for how great a football player he really is in the NFL. None of the reporters asked him that question during a press conference. Harbaugh just brought it up on his own.
Let’s take this past Friday’s press conference. Harbaugh talked about having 5 #1 WRs on the roster.
Now, how can a columnist write about that quote. Subjectively, there are NOT 5 #1 WRs on that roster.
What can you do with that quote? He’s wrong and here’s why? Or we’ll see?
It’s tough to write a sports column if your subject provides many say-nothing quotes and not much substance. For Harbaugh, it seems like the few times he states something of substance is when Harbaugh is not answering a reporter’s question and goes, “Oh, by the way…”
July 29th, 2012 11:47 am
Mark M
I’m starting to come around to this perspective as well. The bland rosy quotes they feed you guys are nauseating and offensive. They have perfected the art of saying close to nothing with many words like politicians. And I find the bulk of the media entirely too shy and easily intimidated by Harbaugh and Co. Outside of Kawakami and yourself Lowell, most media are incredibly gutless and non confrontational around the Bay. With the Razor going down this year, your numbers are just dwindling. It’s upsetting. I hope you retain your combative attitude today for the entire regular season.
July 29th, 2012 12:36 pm
Anonymous
Why should reporters, who aren’t a part of the team, be allowed to watch practices at all? It is Harbaugh’s team, he can make whatever rules he wants to. And his team most definitely doesn’t benefit from reporters, so why would he allow them to get close and risk anything?
July 29th, 2012 12:39 pm
Frank in Minnesota
LOL…reading people like chris, i just bust a gut…do people like this exist?????
July 29th, 2012 1:15 pm
latopia
“Is it possible — and would you consider this — that Harbaugh takes it further than other coaches?”
From an outsider’s perspective, I’d say Harbaugh appears more guarded, wary, prickly and obstinate about controlling the message then recent 9er coaches — but nowhere close to the hostile, confrontational, snide or contemptuous personas often evident in others, including Popovich or Belichick. On the extreme end of that spectrum, Bobby Knight, imo, stands (or squats) alone.
n.b. Peter Fournier** just tweeted Harbaugh cited safety concerns in response to media complaints about distance from the practice field.
** according to his Twitter bio, Fournier is a “#49ers columnist for the Daily Republic. Member, Pro Football Writers of America @pfwawriters.”
July 29th, 2012 1:38 pm
latopia
“about controlling the message [than] recent 9er coaches…”
July 29th, 2012 1:39 pm
JB
When Walsh and Seifert coached there was no 24/7 news cycle and while “reporters” might be critical of certain things, there were far fewer hit pieces than exist today (e.g. this blog entry). Reporters didn’t attempt to insert themselves into every story and whine publicly when things didn’t go their way. There is a direct relationship between both the decline in quality of journalism, the availablity of news, and the reluctance of coaches to share information. For many in the media, the drive for ratings and readership far supercedes professionalism and integrity and I can’t blame anyone who is guarded.
Call me and apologist if you like, but I think realist is a more accurate descriptor.
July 29th, 2012 2:12 pm
russell
I am with you Lowell, keep it up….. As a word to all of you apologists, be careful what you wish for. I have been a Raider fan for many years and it gets extremely frustrating to have your team stonewall every attempt at information for the fanbase. Enjoy it while you win a few games, it will be interesting to see how much support you provide this attitude when everything doesn’t fall your direction.
July 29th, 2012 2:50 pm
Public animal
Lowell – your position is kind of funny. Do you really believe in open access and dialogue. You play your favorites on this blog and shut down others who take you on and call you out for your opinions.
I’ve been reading your columns for decades but for a guy who makes a living stirring up the pot and criticizing others you are fairly thin skinned.
You remind me a bit of Harbaugh in a way. What do they call that?
Transference?
July 29th, 2012 5:13 pm
CohnZohn
Anonymous — strange you don’t use a name. Let me set you straight. Harbaugh cannot set any rules he likes. The league mandates that the media must observe practice during training camp. You need to learn your facts. One question: Why do you think the league wants media to witness practice? Think. Think hard.
July 29th, 2012 5:52 pm
You want a name?
Yes that may be so, but witnessing from afar is still witnessing.
July 29th, 2012 7:46 pm
gan
“gan, I can accept that I seem petty to you. Most fans take the team’s side simply because it’s the team’s side. I assume you are one of those. If you think about it, Harbaugh is going out of his way to be petty. I am merely reacting, as is my right.”
Mr. Cohn, why do you think fans take the team’s side simply because its the teams side? This should be blatantly obvious as the answer is contained within the question. By definition we’re fanatics for the team and care only for its success. To be blunt, in the eyes of the fan you have no side. If you were replaced tomorrow 99.9% of us would be much less concerned than we are over who will be the 3rd tight end. You have the right to say whatever you want on your blog and I don’t begrudge you that. However, you seem quite confused about the fan’s point of view. To the fans of the team you’re “side” is utterly irrelevant. We care about whether the team wins or loses. I find it amazing that you seem to think that your feelings matter to us.
And to address the inquiry of one of the other posters: when the team loses Harbaugh will naturally face criticism from fans. But it won’t be criticism of how he treats the media. Why does that matter? What matters is wins and losses.
July 29th, 2012 8:36 pm
CohnZohn
gan, Thanks for your reply. I’d like to add one point, if I may. When a team disrespects the media it disrespects the fans. The media is your ambassador to a team. The media is your advocate. Do you understand that?
July 29th, 2012 8:58 pm
No Cohn Zohn
I do not pretend to be an expert in the field of journalism, or in the relationship dynamics between coach/scribe.
What I will say, though, is you are in a much better situation to change your current position than any of the people you are complaining to in this forum or who read your posts. If you want better access, you should work on your relationship with the one person who can either help/hurt that request. It does you less good to poke the bear and play the “woe is me” card, than to learn to understand him and his motivations.
It is obvious that Harbaugh deems information as power and the less people that have that info the better position he is in. Your job is counter-intuitive to what he is trying to accomplish. Maybe you should get to know the man prior to demanding what you think you’re entitled to.
Your job will not change how I view the on-field product and it will not determine how I feel about the season. I would say that goes for about 98% of Niners fan. Your access is important to your livelihood, however, and it would be great to see what you are capable of coming up with in an original and thought provoking way that might change my opinion.
I’m sure when you first set out to be a journalist, your goal wasn’t to stand around with 20 other guys in the baking sun writing the same exact things about a training camp practice. Go out there and rebuild your relationship with Harbaugh and give Niners fans some fresh, unexpected stories. There are thousands of hopeful writers who would kill for the chance to write for the 49ers, or any football team, for that matter. It seems a waste of a voice to complain about sight lines and restricted access, when you could provide strong and valid views that might even catch Harbaugh’s eye.
I believe you can do it. Don’t waste what many others would gladly do for free.
July 29th, 2012 10:31 pm
CohnZohn
Thanks for your comment whatever your name is. I am not in the business of catching Jim Harbaugh’s eye or pleasing him. That is a fan’s perspective. I certainly am not a fan.
July 29th, 2012 10:40 pm
Dennis
Lowell, Do you consider yourself to be my ambassador/advacate to the team? Because most of the time I sure don’t. I mean don’t get me wrong. I like reading your work but that doesn’t mean I agree with your take on the issue at hand. My ambassado/advocate and I need to be on the same page.
July 30th, 2012 8:02 am
CohnZohn
Dennis, I am an independent voice.
July 30th, 2012 8:51 am
Dennis
Being independent and wanting something from someone can be trying at times. But I do agree you are definitely independent. That is your charm.
July 30th, 2012 10:20 am
mike niner
Cohn ive been reading your articles for years! it gives us a different perspective and thats good keep doing what youre doing! now START MAKING NOISE TO GET PENCE in ORANGE IN BLACK!!
July 30th, 2012 11:40 am
No Cohn Zohn
Cohn,
Whatever your name (Justin) is impressed that the only piece you chose to respond to in my post was about catching Harbaugh’s eye.
But, I guess that’s what makes you, you. Good luck with the season. Sounds like we’ll have about the same view.
July 30th, 2012 8:35 pm
Gooselosgatos
Lowell,
I’m a little conflicted on this one. On one hand I agree that reporters should have greater access as they are the window to the fans and you are journalists.
That being said, I felt you went overboard in the past in terms of your criticism of the franchise and crossed a line between opinion and outright disdain for the franchise which colored much of your work.
July 31st, 2012 9:30 am