This is from Saturday's Lowell Cohn blog in the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat, talking about Giants star, Pablo Sandoval:
People rose and cheered Sandoval before his first at bat, a fly out to center field. Fans like Sandoval. He is a smiler and he has a cheerful disposition. I'd be unprofessional if I didn't mention he still is dealing with that unpleasantness in Santa Cruz.
Read that last sentence. It's important to me and caused a bit of a ruckus on Twitter Saturday. I watched the game on TV and was somewhat surprised that broadcasters Mike Krukow and Duane Kuiper failed to mention the off-field allegations regarding Sandoval in Santa Cruz, the "unpleasantness", that Cohn referred to.
I know this is a sensitive subject. I also know that Sandoval hasn't been arrested nor even charged with a crime. That said, I was bothered that Kruk and Kuip failed to acknowledge it, even so much as saying that in addition to his weight problem, Sandoval has some "off-the-field" issues. Just a simple nod to viewers. That's the professional thing to do.
A few people on Twitter, including a few women, of all people, said that they were fine with Kruk and Kuip's omission. They appear to be Giant's fans. OK, I sort of get it, but I'm speaking from a different angle. Technically, Krukow and Kuiper are reporters in addition to being commentators. I know they work for the team, but everyone in the world knows about the Sandoval situation. As such, in my opinion, the failure to acknowledge the Santa Cruz allegations or "off-field situation" was not only unprofessional, but insulting to the viewers. Even Giant's fans too.
Keep in mind that this is not a knock on Krukow and Kuiper alone. Too many times, sports broadcasters for other teams have ignored their own club's players various issues. They too, in my opinion, were also unprofessional.
What do you think?
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For a reporter it would be unprofessional but sadly krukow and kuiper are promoters for the giants. As Larry Baer says "I want sellouts".
ReplyDelete"Sadly Krukow and Kuiper are promoters for the giants" ???
DeleteWhy "sadly", you thought they were supposed to be disinterested observers?
You can't fault Baer for wanting sellouts, can you?
No but K & K's homerism is getting worse. Christ Kuiper sounds like he gets a woody everytime a giants player hits ball to the outfield.
DeleteKuiper and Krukow are not reporters. Not journalists. They work for the Giants. What happens of the field is tough for them to handle. They straddle a very fine line. They know what everyone is thinking, but, as broadcasters and employees they parrot the company line....No Comment
DeleteThe first reply is the same as mine. You and I were reporters/anchors Rich. They are employed by the Giants. I for one am getting a little sick of the off screen antics of "celebrities" whether they are the step children of former olympic athletes or professional athletes. If I knew Clint's politics were opposite mine, I would still see every movie he ever mind. Barry Bonds made the point, sometimes a bit aggressively, he is paid to play (maybe now) promote baseball. I agree. Sexual allegations, in my mind, need a little more "meat on the bone" before they become fodder and ruin lives.
Deletehow many times do gold-digging immature girls who lie about sexual harassment supposed to get mentioned by sports announcers?
ReplyDeleteAs a former athlete who has seen this first hand more times than a I care to mention, I for one stand up for innocent until proven guilty. Until further notice, this anonymous girl is the one I'm suspicious of far more than the athlete at this point.
All that's missing is an overzealous, short-sighted PC driven District Attorney and all the elements of a false allegation would be in place.
Pro athletes though SHOULD know better than to put themselves in these situations.
DeleteReally? You think that gal thinks Pablo is so attractive that if he swept floors for minimum wage, she'd be into him?
Money cannot buy you common sense, nor the judgement to know what these types really want from you...assuming she is lying, and assuming he is innocent of assault.
That IS judgement, and whether Panda is guilty or not, he is guilty of poor judgement and should know better AS a high profile athlete NOT to mix and hang out with those he or the team do not know well.
Tired of reading about how these pros jocks put themselves in these positions...act the pro both on and OFF the field.
I don't think it is anyone's business until he is charged...if he is charged. Remember he is innocent until proven guilty. The woman says she was extremely drunk so who knows what happened.
ReplyDeleteSo extremely drunk makes it OK?
ReplyDeleteAn experienced view:
ReplyDeletehttp://deadspin.com/5914355/how-women-throw-themselves-at-pro-athletes-and-vice-versa-a-publicist-explains
This is Rich's (and other fair-minded folks') key point that too many seem to miss.
ReplyDelete"the failure to acknowledge the Santa Cruz allegations or "off-field situation" was not only unprofessional, but insulting to the viewers. Even Giant's fans too."
All Kruk and Kuip had to was mention "off-field situation", not pass judgement one way or the other. A simple fact in the context of his return off the DL that might have an impact on his performance. To not do so is unprofessional.
On the flip side, folks who leap to condemn Pablo and immediately cast aspersions trivialize the term "rape" just by the very nature of jumping to conclusions not based on facts or even reasonable speculation.
One need only look at the ridiculous counter-productive and cynic-inducing "Rape Case" involving some frat boys from the Duke Lacrosse team. Everybody had these kids convicted and railroaded with the aid of a corrupt district attorney conspiring with a couple of not very nice women with many personal issues, to ruin an entire sports program. Their joint criminal behavior almost permanently ruined the lives of innocent folks needlessly, and cruelly.
Responsible is as responsible does.
"As such, in my opinion, the failure to acknowledge the Santa Cruz allegations or "off-field situation" was not only unprofessional, but insulting to the viewers. Even Giant's fans too."
ReplyDeleteNot sure whether it was unprofessional or not - don't know what the unwritten standards for a sports team's hired broadcasters are - but it's silly to say it was insulting to viewer.
They never touched Barry and his steroids. I think they worry they may get axed like drunk Barbieir.
ReplyDeleteKruk and Kuip, tweedle-dee and Tweedle-dum, can certainly think for themselves, but can't speak for themselves. Anything Giants related is controlled by Baer. He basically owns K&K, KNBR ... Hell Bags and Schulman might be in his pocket. God forbid anyone says anything that might cut into sales of the $40 Panda hats. Fuck the Giants.
ReplyDeletePoster at 10:40 you forgot to mention this:
DeleteLarry Baer also controls the the SF Chronicle sports writers.
"Larry Baer also controls the the SF Chronicle sports writers"
DeleteReally? You think Larry Baer controls Scott Ostler?
They are both loyal employees of the Giants. The political reality is that they know their livelihood is dependent on that loyalty. They have never been anything else but "homers" for the team and they are not facing questioning by the media. I think it is totally idiotic for anyone to think that they would voluntarily talk about an unfounded accusation at this point before there are any charges filed. I think most people out there don't even realize that this sort of allegation is much more common than you think. This one happened to get publicized by an overzealous DA. It's that simple. It's just an accusation at this point. It's not worthy of being mentioned on any Giants broadcast. No fan would care. There is no damage from not making a statement.
ReplyDeleteOne is a play by play announcer, and the other is a color commentator. Nowhere in their job description is it implied that they are "journalists". Give them a break!!!
ReplyDeleteNot to defend K & K, but I agree that they were likely told by management not to say anything. Athletes, as well as other celebrities, are always protected by those that stand to make money off of them. As 10:40 stated, we certainly wouldn't want to jeopardize the sales of those $40 Panda hats. That said, the only thing that we know for sure at this point is that Sandoval was guilty of being in the wrong place at a time when he should have been asleep. This doesn't sound like a player who is dedicated to staying in shape.
ReplyDeleteK & K are not reporters. This is akin to why KGO radio didn't report the protests outside their own front door. K & K work for the Giants and are Giants employees. The allegation from a drunk woman is just that -- an allegation. Until or unless he's arrested and prosecuted, there is not much to say. How much did K & K say about the Barry Bonds situation? Not much if anything.
ReplyDeleteExactly. Rich trying to stir things up against the Giants again and some of the gremlins are falling in line.
DeleteThey are paid one million dollars a year to root for the team. Then they look at Ray Fosse and his reward for 27 years. K&K aren't risking their retirement. Nope,Pablo poops candy bars..and if they have to push that idea they will..
ReplyDeleteI miss Hank Greenwald almost every inning.
ReplyDeleteI completely disagree. I don't think it was their place to say anything. Just as with Aubrey Huff's recent situation, and as you pointed out, Rich, it wasn't a sports story. So, no, leave it to the news readers. Kruk and Kuip should only comment on what's happening at the park, during the game.
ReplyDeleteI think it would unprofessional for them to comment on that which they have no business commenting.
...and you have to bet that they have to bite their tongues often to keep from saying what they're really thinking.
Aaah, but the did mention Huff's off field issues. I guess they draw a line in the sand when it comes to alleged forced sex..
DeleteIf Sandoval's off-the-field issues or weight don't affect the game, how is this a story? If they do, then you drop it in--simple as that. This is a Chronicle sidebar, not a game play-by-play story.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of Ray Fosse..Beane is now down to pushing around long time loyalists like Ray. Slick Billy can only hire and fire as a way of pushing his weight around,since he wont field a winning team. Beane is scum. If anybody lives in a hole its Beane, as the compulsive liar is delusional if he thinks fans are believing the bullshit he and Wolff spew.
ReplyDelete"Beane is scum. If anybody lives in a hole its Beane, as the compulsive liar is delusional if he thinks fans are believing the bullshit he and Wolff spew."
DeleteThere's one or two guys on this website who constantly make overreaching exaggerated accusations about people the disapprove of.
Maybe you don't like Beane, maybe you think he makes bad decisions but that doesn't make him "a compulsive liar" and delusional.
And why not? Or are you saying that Chris Townsend DOES live in a hole in the ground?
DeleteDid you see Moneyball? ..that stretching of reality pretty much has been Beane's statements to the press and public since he was made a part owner. THAT'S a fact.
People in Beane's position have to be strategic in what they say and how they say it, that doesn't make him delusional or a compulsive liar.
DeleteIt seems like you are a really angry person. Maybe you could take it down a notch.
Billy Beane is an utter and complete failure.
DeleteNeed proof? Try this weekend's results 0-3 against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The media in the bay area covers his failings. After 5 years of sub-500 play, A's fans deserve better.
Rich did you mean slimmer because this is what you wrote:
ReplyDeleteHe is a smiler and he has a cheerful disposition.
IMO he is NOT slimmer but either way he can play at that weight.
Homerism reins supreme here in chic and hip bay area!
ReplyDeleteWhere are we? Iowa?
What an enormous waste of time, Rich. Take a break from shit-disturbing and just write well, for a change. You take yourself WAY too seriously.
ReplyDeleteOr,your another who is so used to the don't make waves media,hearing the truth makes you squirm and feel uncomfortable. Too bad Rich can't get into the lesbian sex party's or GM's dominatrix story's. THEN,you would really be shocked.
DeleteThey work for the Giants and they did the same thing with Bonds. I guess making a million a year will keep everyone quiet.
ReplyDeleteWhat Kruk and Kuip should be talking about is how Sandoval failed to get in optimum shape during his time off recovering from a hand injury, and how it affects his Defense at 3B. He is also one of the slowest baserunners hitting 3rd in the lineup in all the MLB.
ReplyDeleteHis pitch selection is horrible, he swings at way too many pitches out of the strike zone. He is a great hitter, though. Quick bat, great hand/eye coordination. Needs to get a grip on Plate Discipline, while hitting AND eating.
Also, the Giants' hired media members are the only Giants' "homers" we see from this Team. While their Team speed has definitely improved, the power is sorely lacking.
Will the woman sue Sandoval in civil court? I doubt that Santa Cruz PD or DA can file charges because it is a he said she said case.
ReplyDeleteWe will see what the G's do if and when the woman goes after Sandoval in civil court. Can the G's keep Sandoval on the roster while the civil suit is happening?
K and K are homers and employed by the G's . They can't comment unless the G's give them permission.
Yes, the G's can keep Sandoval on the roster while he's being sued in civil court. They can also keep him on the roster if criminal charges are filed.
Deleteunfortunately i can't blame the two. remember that they do work for the giants and i am sure the top brass said no mention or else.
ReplyDeleteSandoval needs to change his diet, but he's probably got a 'slow' metabolism. The Panda is only about 5' 10" and has one of those
ReplyDeletebodies that are very common among folks south of the border who
are used to a certain diet, so he's going to have to make some major changes in his lifestyle to drop below 250-260 pounds. When he does, he won't be looking like the 'warm and cuddly panda' that little kids and the Giants' marketing dept love to talk about.
This is no indictment of Sandoval, because the majority of Americans are not only overweight, but many are grossly obese from poor diets and little exercise, one of the biggest reasons our health care system is so expensive!
It should be pointed out however that 'The Panda' had a pretty fair year in 2009 when he was overweight, and if you were watching the Giants' loss to the Rangers today, he made three pretty good plays in the field, stopping two smashes down the line for ground outs and then coming in from third to field a bunt, picking it up and nailing the lead runner at second in a force on another terrific play.
I don't believe the Panda's weight hurts his performance that much on the field, but rather, it will hurt his future endurance in the game. Remember, Pablo is still under age 30 and should be very productive, even if overweight for a few more years.
But to get back to a 'svelte' 220 pounds (and as I said, he's only about 5' 10") he needs to do some serious dieting. That's not going to be easy. Ask any overweight American to stop eating
high calorie sugar filled drinks, sweets, chips, pizza, burgers, fries, hot dogs among other things is easy to do, but many opt not to try.
Again...one of the the biggest problems in our country today is that many of us have become 'fast food junkees' and it's killing people at a younger age while helping to drive health care costs through the roof!
Pablo Sandoval's dietary problems pale in comparison because at least he's an athlete who is young and strong and also well endowed financially!
Are we really surprised that they didn't mention anything? Or that Giants fans are giving him a pass? These are the same people who looked the other way with Barry Bonds for years while kissing his ass left, right and sideways. Doesn't surprise me one bit.
ReplyDeleteThat's what you call towing the company line...I think MLB in general has ignored it. I haven't heard anything about it on MLB Network
ReplyDeleteAs much as everyone decries the fact that K and K are 'housemen' and
ReplyDeletecan't be objective...yes that's right! They work for the Giants, and most of the people watching or listening to the games on the radio or TV are Giants fans.
Those who are not Giants fans will still enjoy their commentary, because they know the game better than 90 percent of the other boobs who are doing TV baseball.
Go to MLB.COM and listen to the TV announcers doing the highlights and you'll see what I mean. For instance, the fellow doing games on TV in Miami sounds as if he just got out of college!
Despite all of the cutbacks in local print, radio and TV, there are still some experienced, competent, solid, and colorful announcers out there, most of whom have years of experience like K and K.
Just as a reference point...Krukow is in his 20th years with
the Giants, Kuiper, (outside of 1993 when he broadcast the Rockies on TV in their first year), has been working on Giants' broadcasts since Roger Craig's first 'Humm-Baby' team of 1986.
Do the math and you'll come up with approximately 3,000 broadcasts for Krukow and about 4200 for Kuiper.
I think these guys know how to call a game pretty well. Yes, they are homers, but listen to 'Hawk' Harrelson in Chicago sometime,
("HE GONE!") and then tell me who sounds like a professional broadcaster.
Krukow is a dumb fool. Homer announcer, pathetic person. Actually thinks baseball is important. What a tool.
ReplyDelete