*Dana Hahn is headed to KTVU from Washington DC as the new Channel 2 News Director. She replaces Wonder Boy, Lee Rosenthal, who, as I predicted, is headed to Boston to work at the Fox station where soon-to-be moving, GM, Tom Raponi is taking him. I'm sure the Bostonians just can't wait.
*KCBS made a major mistake by firing overnight anchor, Dee Danos. Danos is at the top of his game. I know he's 82- so the hell what! It was Danos who comforted listeners after the Napa quake. It was Danos, the only one on the air at the time, who provided A-rate coverage and was commended by management soon after, only to be shown the door. KCBS ND, Ed Cavagnaro, contacted for comment, did not respond. CBS-SF radio, your brand has taken a hit and Dean Danos, a class act, was treated like shit. Don't think for a moment other personnel in the building and local industry people have taken notice.
*Let's cut to the chase and speak honest, got it? Colin Kaepernick is being chastised by the Bay Area Sports Media by the fact that he doesn't like the local press; they don't like him; and the 49ers are losing. Combine that with the fact that he's young and black, wears tattoos and sports an urban look that is quite threatening to a mostly White, middle-aged, out-of-touch, uncomfortable press corps. That's a fact. It may not be pleasant but it's the truth. For better or worse.
Kaepernick could do himself a favor by simply 'playing the media game' and conducting post-game interviews, it's not like he's performing surgery --but he has contempt for the writers. Based on some of the questions he gets, maybe he's right to cop a 'tude. In any event, don't think for a moment the underlying issue here isn't racial--it is. Yeah, they won't tell you that--I will.
That doesn't make Kaepernick a bad guy, but it speaks volumes about the real issue here. Like I said, out of touch. Here's a hint guys, why not simply ask Cap himself what's the deal? Maybe he'd open up then. Maybe not. Whatever.
*Follow me on Twitter
*KCBS made a major mistake by firing overnight anchor, Dee Danos. Danos is at the top of his game. I know he's 82- so the hell what! It was Danos who comforted listeners after the Napa quake. It was Danos, the only one on the air at the time, who provided A-rate coverage and was commended by management soon after, only to be shown the door. KCBS ND, Ed Cavagnaro, contacted for comment, did not respond. CBS-SF radio, your brand has taken a hit and Dean Danos, a class act, was treated like shit. Don't think for a moment other personnel in the building and local industry people have taken notice.
*Let's cut to the chase and speak honest, got it? Colin Kaepernick is being chastised by the Bay Area Sports Media by the fact that he doesn't like the local press; they don't like him; and the 49ers are losing. Combine that with the fact that he's young and black, wears tattoos and sports an urban look that is quite threatening to a mostly White, middle-aged, out-of-touch, uncomfortable press corps. That's a fact. It may not be pleasant but it's the truth. For better or worse.
Kaepernick could do himself a favor by simply 'playing the media game' and conducting post-game interviews, it's not like he's performing surgery --but he has contempt for the writers. Based on some of the questions he gets, maybe he's right to cop a 'tude. In any event, don't think for a moment the underlying issue here isn't racial--it is. Yeah, they won't tell you that--I will.
That doesn't make Kaepernick a bad guy, but it speaks volumes about the real issue here. Like I said, out of touch. Here's a hint guys, why not simply ask Cap himself what's the deal? Maybe he'd open up then. Maybe not. Whatever.
*Follow me on Twitter
If this much tattooed,greased up,beats headphone wearing dude is so masculine and so cool, why does he always wilt in the second half? Maybe more tats would help, like the Mike Tyson facial special? What other options do the furry niners have for a QB?
ReplyDelete"If this much tattooed,greased up,beats headphone wearing dude is so masculine and so cool, why does he always wilt in the second half?"
DeleteMaybe because his team does. Once again, the Niners were outcoached and outplayed.
There's always a lot of chatter(endless) about the team needing more "leaders". Of course, as you say, the coaching and play of others are both key factors. However, a fellow promoted as a superstar who is frequently sacked and repeatedly unsuccessful and then gets all precious and pouty about it, can't last. My favorite QB on my favorite team of the past, was quiet and unassuming. He was mocked as not being flashy enough. It took two superbowl rings to convice many otherwise. I just remember the precision of Jim Plunkett's passes to a great receiver, Marcus Allen. He was never a jerk, even when losing a game....grace under pressure.
Delete"He was never a jerk, even when losing a game....grace under pressure."
DeleteWhich is what Alex Smith consistently displayed, but "grace" obviously wasn't what the team or fans wanted. In the frenzied Kap euphoria, Alex was thrown under the bus and now those who were all to happy to see him go are getting what's so richly deserved.
Your comments about Kaepernick are totally off-base - race has nothing to do with it...just because some people don't like the guy (me included) - why does that have to be about race? Stop trying to create something that doesn't exist.
ReplyDeleteIt is not often I agree with you but in this instance you're spot on regarding the QB. Whoever advises the guy needs to be replaced. Kaep would do well to take a look at tennis and the way Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal deal with the press. All class. Get in and get out as the Bloated One says. They get leading and annoying questions all the time but know how to handle them and they do it with ENGLISH as their second language. Rich, any thoughts on whether the rape allegations vs Kaep in the offseason soured his opinion of the press even further? By the way KTVU news at 10pm last night did NOT address any if the N-word allegations which surprised me.
ReplyDeleteThere is no racial element in the disgust expressed by those who find Kaepernick's persona off putting. It is cultural perhaps, but not racial. Hell, when I first saw him, I didn't even know he had black heritage, I thought he was tan, perhaps with some eastern European heritage.
ReplyDeleteIt is not just "mostly White, middle-aged," people (either of the press corps or otherwise) who are put out. Frankly, THAT is the racial comment. I know there are blacks who do not live, buy into, or appreciate the ghetto/thug lifestyle, look, or attitude. It is the emulation by Kaepernick of traits the ghettothugs exhibit daily that puts normal people of ALL ethnicities off. NOT his genetic heritage.
I hope Dana Hahn will clean up the KTVU morning newscast. Will she be the one firing Torrie Campbell and Dave Clark? They really need to go away.
ReplyDeleteHe was tossing out mental racial slurs,your mother slurs,your rear end slurs,and your right to live slurs left and right to the writers. I didn't think it was possible to be that angry talking about football. Poor baby. Kap is stuck in a lousy stinking lifestyle of young rich and famous...although,not handsome..like Kid Rock,guys with bulgy eyes always wear sunglasses.
ReplyDeleteLowell had the big needle inflicting horrible pain on Kaps psych. "What did you say" followed by "Then you did say something"..Oh- ho..Lowell went low!.. Asking and pinning Kap with the needle. I think he traumatized Kap.
Lowell Cohn on Comcast said last week "I've never seen him make that last game winning drive"..sure enough,with 2 minutes to go,the 49ers got nowhere. Their new found bearing on the refs shit list is pretty obvious and sure didn't help.
I think Kap should have gone humble, THEN when he wins the Super Bowl get arrogant. He put the cart before the horse.
One last...Harbaugh is the new Raiders with refs.The Raiders still are the Raiders with refs. Always the key play or drive ended by phantom penalties. Now,its also Harbaugh's problem too.
One thing though-- I REALLY look forward to those post game interviews. Especially when they lose. Its entertaining in that you could cut the tension with a knife!...Rich people having a bad day- lol.
DeleteAnd,beats a golden haired kid who says all the right things...and the same things over and over.
Hey,I wonder if Lowell would press charges when Kap grabs him by the throat?
More on this later..out the door..
Here's the more: Sitting in the office,I pick up the Sept 1st SI.. Low and behold on the 49ers (rated 2nd best team in the NFC)..The writer says "that for 120 million dollars Kap was signed to,he needs to take the team on scoring last drives". He then listed the big games that ended in the redzone with no wins,no scores.It ain't just LC who see's the trend.
DeleteAnd then...Its kind of sickening that Allen is basking in media compliments because the Raiders lost, but not big ( me slapping forehead with palm of hand)
I remember when 9-5 was a bad Raider year. So help me lord.
Stan, please stick to your own unread blog to write off-topic comments that no one is interested in.
Delete50,000+ real views. The local media is in FEAR of my popularity. And they should be.
DeleteStan's 50,000 real views are as real as his nonsensical claim that the local media FEARS his "popularity." If anyone actually read Stan's dreadful blog, he wouldn't have to come here to get attention.
DeleteLieberman is way off base claiming that the underlying issue here is racial.
ReplyDeleteKaepernick's ethnicity, like so many others here in the Bay Area, is ambiguous. His appearance suggests several possibilities but this is merely a reflection of our evolving culture in society today and particularly in the Bay Area.
There is no evidence is being judged differently because of his race, whatever it may be. He is being judged because of how he conducts himself.
I totally agree. I didn't even realize that he was black. Race has nothing to do with it, he is just a jerk (I was going to say something else but I'll keep it clean).
Delete@ 9:36AM You're 100% correct...It is not Kap's ethnicity, its his PERSONALITY! And I happen to be African-American...
DeleteKaep's parents need to sit down with him and straighten out their overgrown kid. Apparently they are good people, but obviously their son is either not listening to them or his advisers are a bunch of paranoid, media-hating, ignorant gang-banger types. Or both! Now Kaep is ruining any chances for future endorsements and his image in the community is also suffering. What if Joe Montana or Steve Young had behaved in this petulant, juvenile, ignorant fashion? The media around here is also pretty soft on the local athletes, but there are a few exceptions. Media poeple such as Tim Kamakazi, who are always looking for dirt, may be a pain in the butt to contend with, but Kaep has to learn that this is part of the deal when you're a starting NFL QB. My advice, for what it's worth? Man up Kaep and start behaving like an adult!
ReplyDeleteHa. Way to spout off on behaving like an adult after dropping a racial slur on Kawakami (you did that on purpose, right?)
DeleteWhen people would boo Alex Smith, were they racist towards white people?
ReplyDeleteYes. Yes, they were! (according to the new Obama/Holder "play the race card anytime anywhere" rules. Oh, wait, those rules only apply to a certain demographic...)
DeleteClaiming this is about race is just Lieberman fanning the flames of controversy.
ReplyDeleteThe most direct line of questioning to Kap: what's the deal?? Thanks, I've been waiting for someone to do that...you're right on the money about race.
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling that CK is just not that intelligent, and that, coupled with his probably life-long need to see himself as an underdog or someone with two strikes against them in order to motivate himself, informs and allows his "F you" approach to other people who he imagines "are against him."
ReplyDeleteIt's really a shame and a waste of energy, but he ain't changing anytime soon. That and the possibility that he'll always be "one year away" will not endear him to fans and casual observers
Kaepernick scored a point higher on the Wunderlic test than Andrew Luck and two points higher than Tom Brady. He had a 4.1 GPA in high school.
DeleteI wouldn't be surprised to hear CK sucks his thumb and wets his bed.
DeleteOh my, a 4.1 in high school! And did well on questions like
Delete"When rope is selling at $.10 a foot, how many feet can you buy for sixty cents?" !
If he is that intelligent, why doesn't he show it?
Perhaps it is emotional intelligence CK is low on
The press corps doesn't like Kaep because he doesn't give them anything. The press corps have always hated athletes who aren't affable, going back to Ted Williams, Steve Carlton, you name 'em. I'm sure the 49ers PR dept and even Kaepernick's agent have told Kaep to be more press friendly but some people are more introverted and don't like talking after a loss because they're so competitive. Kaepernick has helped take the Niners to the Super Bowl once and very close a second time. I don't care if he ever talks to the press and it doesn't seem to be harming him from a popularity and endorsement side, nationwide. His jersey was #3 last year and #4 for 2014 as far as sales.
ReplyDeleteThe press didn't make Pick throw the INT in the NFC championship game last year. Nor did they do so last week.
DeleteIt's part of Pick's job to own up to his play. He is a sore loser, with emphasis on "LOSER".
I guess you'd rather have the Rams QB, Shawn Hill, again? I don't wanna go back to those days. Willie Mays World Series' stats were .239 Avg, 0 HR and 6 RBIs for four world series, combined, by the way. I guess he was a shitty player too.
DeleteAlex Smith was no worse than Kap (some say he's better in different ways, some say otherwise), and he seemed to be a better overall person.
Delete> ... your brand has taken a hit and Dean Danos, a class act, was treated
ReplyDelete> like shit. Don't think for a moment other personnel in the building and
> local industry people have taken notice.
I'm sure they have, but he doesn't car. It seems the job of management in media these days is to destroy what the employees build up, so that they can then fire them and look good to corporate bosses in the process. Warren Buffett's warning that it takes 10 years to build a reputation and 10 minutes to ruin it means nothing to them.
"Don't think for a moment other personnel in the building and local industry people have taken notice."
ReplyDeleteManagement doesn't care because they don't listen or more importantly buy advertising.
Of course it has racial undertones. White reporters are intimidated by him, racism deniers on this blog are scared of his type.
ReplyDeleteNot sure what Frank means by "racism deniers on this blog."
DeleteI recognize that racism abounds in our society but don't agree racism is the driving force behind Kaepernick's problems with the local media.
Kap is surly and unfriendly with the local media, that's his choice. The media guys are far from perfect but they are just trying to do their jobs. They are accustom to dealing with athletes with all kinds of backgrounds. If there's a problem it's with Kaepernick's attitude and has nothing to do with race.
Great article. Rich nailed it. Why are white people so afraid of dark people who don't heel like the family dog.
ReplyDeleteI work during the early morning hours and was listening to KCBS after the quake. I have always found Dean Dan is to be a comforting voice, much like the Dave McQueen before him. However, those that said he did a good job after the quake weren't listening or have low standards. He was bad. Long awkward pauses, asking callers questions and following up with questions that they had answered moments before, etc. I know he was in a tough spot by being alone for awhile and I really do like his delivery, but that night was not his best work at all. Despite that one night, there's no reason for firing him. Ill take him over a no personality like John Evans any morning.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. He was a disaster the morning of the quake. Lots of dead air between calls he tried to explain away by saying he had turned off his headphones. Whaaaat? It was a train wreck. Not saying he should be fired but breaking disaster news is not his strength.
DeleteKaepernick felt screwed over when the Miami scandal happened. He has since been suspicious of all media, regardless of who they are. A shame. And speaking of shame, very disappointed in Cavagnaro's handling of Danos. Very poor communication on his part. (Hey, sounds like the 9ers' Top Brass and SJPD!)
ReplyDeleteI disagree, that attitude of his started long before the Miami incident. I do agree with you regarding the handling of Danos.
DeleteThe media neither likes nor hates Kaepernick. They report what he says and since he says nothing and acts bored about it, he comes off as arrogant. But Derek Jeter also doesn't say anything but he's still one of the most loved players in this country. Why? Because he comes off as a nice guy. Kaepernick needs a new PR firm.
ReplyDeleteSo Kaepenick is at the mercy of a vast racist conspiracy? Please.
ReplyDeleteSports writers write about the games, the crimes, and stuff from interviews and when the supposed leader of the team can't get thru a post game interview without acting like an insolent teenager, that's the storyline. Kaep's maturity has regressed and it's his own fault.
Well said @7:49. Sports writers are prepared to deal with all types and have no particular axe to grind with Kap. He's just plain difficult.
Delete" Why are white people so afraid of dark people who don't heel like the family dog?"
ReplyDeleteWe aren't. If you want to have an honest discussion, why can't the black community get their collective shit together? You folks need to start carrying your own weight.
Kaepernick with his tats and hat looks like a "Hip hop- drug dealer". Not really cool for a high priced football player. No class will get you no where. He is really on his way to no where. He really is not that good at football either.
ReplyDeleteKapernick is surly "NO Russell Wilson," who is a professional?! Instead when he comes to do his presser after another loss, he looks like a pimp, who has had a rough night with his ladies of the night!
ReplyDeleteComments like this and that of 10:52 prove Rich's point of underlying racism.
ReplyDeleteDude...First of all I compared 2 Black QB's, who happen to be both African Americans, & White?!
DeleteSecondly bro I happen to be African American, so what you do you have to say now??? I'm racism against "MY OWN RACE?" No, I'm a proud African American, that's why Kapernick's attitude & behavior is so upsetting to me. Then you you add to the fact that he uttered the N Word while on the field of play...ugh!
I just happen to be in the court of opinion that you present yourself as a professional at pressers, whether you Win, or Not! Kap needs to grow the F up, be a Man, and take responsibility! That has NOTHING to do with RACE, and btw, Pimps come in ALL COLORS. Knowing Kap he probably takes looking like a pimp as a complement!
@11:12AM...
DeleteI happen to be African American, but I have a distaste for poor behavior, and bad attitudes. Kap needs to grow up, be a Man, and take responsibility for "his" actions on & off the field. Imagine, calling an opponent the n-word, then saying he didn't?!?!
Btw, pimps come in all colors, my comment was not meant to be racial, & it wasn't, it was strictly about Kap's style of dress, accessories, and attitude.
It's a comment you never would have made about a white person. Pimp, thug, are both racist dog whistles. Hard to believe for a second you are black. Nobody black could be that clueless. Besides, black people would never describe Kap's style as pimpish. That is a whole other stereotypical look. Everything about your post, the reference to his use of the 'n' word screams white person pretending to be black. Why do black people go on the internet pretending to be black thinking they are fooling anyone in order to gain some fake advantage in a discussion?
DeleteMeant to say white people pretending to be black.
Delete@7:54: Black people have been carrying our weight and yours for centuries. The economic cliff in 2008 was created by a white finance industry that you folks tried to blame on "illegals" getting loans they couldn't afford and union workers, and everybody paid the price except the fat cats. Half of Wall Street should be in prison. By the way, if only the most qualified students were admitted, the entire UC system would be Asian instead of allowing lesser qualified whites. But that gets blamed on black people too. Who killed the middle class by shipping jobs to Asia and Mexico? Who started a war and blew through a multi billion surplus to make Halliburton and Blackwater rich. GTFOOH.
ReplyDeleteThis black kid had a wonderful back story coming into the league. Adopted by a white family, exciting career at Nevada...Many folks fully supported him to the tune of tar-n-feathering (the white) Alex Smith & running him out of town. And that included the likes of media members like the Cohn's from the Press Democrat. (Did I say media members?)
ReplyDeleteSo he does a prat fall, can't take the heat like so many before him & you have to roll out the "Race Card" on top of the "Tattoo Card"...quite the stretch to bulid a story there Rich?
Kaep came into the league as an neat guy with an incredible, exciting upside...seems to be tinkling it away with his pouty attitude?
@12:18
ReplyDeletePREACH!
Intelligent and powerfully stated, but don't expect the wingnut at 7:54 to comprehend it.
12:18 is blaming everyone else. Typical.
ReplyDelete@6:45
ReplyDeleteAs is your response.
"Combine that with the fact that he's young and black"
ReplyDeleteHis mother is WHITE! Does not that make him "mixed" race?