Look I'm not saying that Kiffin has no authority whatsoever on what information is let out or shown. I'm sure he as a bit of say when it comes to that, but ultimately that all is up to Haden. Lane doesn't have the authority to go around and tell reporter X that he can't come around practice anymore. If he did there would literally be 1 reporter after practice, because Kiffin doesn't like or trust anyone else, especially when it comes to the LA Times and Daily News.
If you wish, go look up post practice interviews with Kiffin. Many times reporters will ask questions and he'll give answers like "I don't know if I can comment on that" or "I'm not sure if I can release that information". That's not exactly the type of response you'd expect from someone who supposedly is instituting and enforcing these policies and rules.
And the articles. I'm sure we are all very aware that the press will spin a title to make a juicy story. You guys see it all the time with your own program and coach. You have reporters trying to blame Kelly for the Sullivan Tragedy or trying to make it seem like Kelly doesn't believe his upperclassmen are talented enough. In the same way it makes a very tempting story to have, arguably, the most despised head coach in college football feuding with the local reporter just trying to do his job.
Yeah OK but you're beating around the bush....
1. Is the "policy" Kiffin's? Yes. There is no denying that. He, as head football coach, is the one who has the policy about injuries.
2. Is there any plausible scenario where he would've had his credentials stripped that DOESN'T involve Kiffin getting pissed off, throwing a fit, and/or demanding that he bes suspended? No. There is no way you can convince anyone that some SID or other staff member arbitrarily decided to suspend the guy without Kiffin being the driver. There is no scenario Pat Haden or anyone else goes "omg he reported an injury!', gets on the phone to whoever handles credentials, and demands him banned without Kiffin being at the center of it all. Occam's razor.
3. Does it matter that Kiffin isn't the guy who directly approves/denies credentials? No, not at all. If a state legislature passes a law and then Billybob the cop enforces it, who shoulders the responsibility for the effects of the law? Hint: it's not Billybob.
So there is no way besides a masterful spin job to separate Kiffin from this guy getting banned. Without Kiffin, there is a 0% chance this happens... and you should just be thankful that Haden had the common sense to undo the wrongs.
