ND's Talking Heads ... The good, bad & ugly

[Dale]

[TWEET]https://twitter.com/budelliott3/status/1398599930957152256?s=21[/TWEET]

247 did a overhaul of recruiting positions

Dual + Pro > QB
RB + APB > RB
OT + OG + C > OT and Interior OL
SDE + WDE + DT > DL + EDGE
OLB + ILB > EDGE + LB

 

[Luckylucci]

Love the change and also how they’re addressing the ATH designation.

 

[dublinirish]

so media won't be invited to Irish Invasion it seems, they are pretty bummed out

 

[stpeteirish]

[TWEET]https://twitter.com/elanazak/status/1397185454328397831?s=20[/TWEET]

would be incredibly ironic if the owners of the Athletic sold out to the NYT

why? NYTimes sports coverage is virtually nothing, this would be a great way to beef it up.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

so media won't be invited to Irish Invasion it seems, they are pretty bummed out

Mike Frank (Irish Sports Daily)'s latest Power Hour Podcast almost went off the rails last Monday.
(Paraphrasing) "They're basically going totalitarian... We're not going to just sit and take it...We've done things the right way and we have a right to make a living..."
He, Jamie, and Matt Freeman went on a tag-team rampage. And honestly, I get it, their jobs are literally on the line and with ND going back to 100 percent it's inexcusable to say that it's a health concern.

 

[NDdomer2]

Mike Frank (Irish Sports Daily)'s latest Power Hour Podcast almost went off the rails last Monday.
(Paraphrasing) "They're basically going totalitarian... We're not going to just sit and take it...We've done things the right way and we have a right to make a living..."
He, Jamie, and Matt Freeman went on a tag-team rampage. And honestly, I get it, their jobs are literally on the line and with ND going back to 100 percent it's inexcusable to say that it's a health concern.

I guess I disagree. If it were the football team sure. But these are HS kids. They have probably made a lot of promises to parents about protocols etc. Certainly wouldn't be a good look if a bunch of recruits get covid at ND because they were open to public during a camp.

 

[Dale]

It’s really simple, the media is not essential to running the camp. The ND beat has such a inflated view of themselves sometimes

 

[ThePiombino]

Mike Frank (Irish Sports Daily)'s latest Power Hour Podcast almost went off the rails last Monday.
(Paraphrasing) "They're basically going totalitarian... We're not going to just sit and take it...We've done things the right way and we have a right to make a living..."
He, Jamie, and Matt Freeman went on a tag-team rampage. And honestly, I get it, their jobs are literally on the line and with ND going back to 100 percent it's inexcusable to say that it's a health concern.

I guess I disagree. If it were the football team sure. But these are HS kids. They have probably made a lot of promises to parents about protocols etc. Certainly wouldn't be a good look if a bunch of recruits get covid at ND because they were open to public during a camp.

It’s really simple, the media is not essential to running the camp. The ND beat has such a inflated view of themselves sometimes

Their rant wasn't specific to camps. MF was going off on access in general, saying the powers that be want to control all the narratives and even went so far as to imply they had some dirt to spill should access not be granted by fall camp. Fucking wild considering how program-friendly ISD has always been...

 

[NDdomer2]

It's been a long year + for the beat writers I'm sure. Hopefully their access goes back to normal by summer camp.

 

[IrishLax]

I guess I disagree. If it were the football team sure. But these are HS kids. They have probably made a lot of promises to parents about protocols etc. Certainly wouldn't be a good look if a bunch of recruits get covid at ND because they were open to public during a camp.

Then mandate everyone attends has to be vaccinated like how all students/faculty have to be vaccinate. Regardless of vaccine, transmission rates outdoors are extremely low. I don't buy the health risk angle at all.

The truth is that this has nothing to do with health. It more has to do with some new people in the athletic department thinking they're Bill Belichick. It makes life "easier" for SIDs and the athletic department just to say "no." It's coming from a place primarily of laziness, and secondarily risk mitigation. For us as fans, it's bad because the packaged product they deliver is completely substandard and boring.

And Mike Frank is right, they (and others on the beat) have sat on a lot of 'sensitive' stories because it would be bad for the program or because they were specifically asked to... and these new people have no concept of this and no idea what they're doing.

 

[ThePiombino]

Then mandate everyone attends has to be vaccinated like how all students/faculty have to be vaccinate. Regardless of vaccine, transmission rates outdoors are extremely low. I don't buy the health risk angle at all.

The truth is that this has nothing to do with health. It more has to do with some new people in the athletic department thinking they're Bill Belichick. It makes life "easier" for SIDs and the athletic department just to say "no." It's coming from a place primarily of laziness, and secondarily risk mitigation. For us as fans, it's bad because the packaged product they deliver is completely substandard and boring.

And Mike Frank is right, they (and others on the beat) have sat on a lot of 'sensitive' stories because it would be bad for the program or because they were specifically asked to... and these new people have no concept of this and no idea what they're doing.

I hope Captain Jack isn't part of the problem, though as AD I suppose it would be willful ignorance at best...

 

[IrishLion]

Then mandate everyone attends has to be vaccinated like how all students/faculty have to be vaccinate. Regardless of vaccine, transmission rates outdoors are extremely low. I don't buy the health risk angle at all.

The truth is that this has nothing to do with health. It more has to do with some new people in the athletic department thinking they're Bill Belichick. It makes life "easier" for SIDs and the athletic department just to say "no." It's coming from a place primarily of laziness, and secondarily risk mitigation. For us as fans, it's bad because the packaged product they deliver is completely substandard and boring.

And Mike Frank is right, they (and others on the beat) have sat on a lot of 'sensitive' stories because it would be bad for the program or because they were specifically asked to... and these new people have no concept of this and no idea what they're doing.

It’d be a real shame if they decided to write an exposé about the time [REDACTED] went out and [REDACTED] with [REDACTED], or about when that coach [REDACTED] with [REDACTED] and then [REDACTED].

The ND Internet would sure be in for a fun few months.

 

[BobbyMac]

Just when I think ND gets it, they do this. Vaccinate Freeman, Loy, Singer, Wiltfong, Trieu, etc and get them in there for marketing purposes. This is the medium that influences players as much as the coaches in many cases.

Ive spent the last 14 months in the “COVID Industry” watching entity after entity fumble every opportunity out of fear of blowback. This is idiotic.

 

[Dale]

Just when I think ND gets it, they do this. Vaccinate Freeman, Loy, Singer, Wiltfong, Trieu, etc and get them in there for marketing purposes. This is the medium that influences players as much as the coaches in many cases.

Ive spent the last 14 months in the “COVID Industry” watching entity after entity fumble every opportunity out of fear of blowback. This is idiotic.

Way overblowing the importance of this

 

[Dale]

Think need to take a step back a bit and evaluate what the news we are reacting to is. Media won’t be at Irish Invasion, that’s it lol. It’s a primarily underclassmen, the majority of which are not high profile recruits, camp event. Not some huge BBQ blowout event, a camp lol.

The rant may not have been focused at the camp news but how ND handled the spring I’ll give a mulligan on, world was very much in a weird transition still. We’ll see what happens in the Fall.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

I guess I disagree. If it were the football team sure. But these are HS kids. They have probably made a lot of promises to parents about protocols etc. Certainly wouldn't be a good look if a bunch of recruits get covid at ND because they were open to public during a camp.

Yeah, sorry, as others have said.... This is about "all access" for Notre Dame football, not just camps. The only thing that might be left is the Saturday press box based on the info that Mike Frank is hearing.

Mike Frank has also "heard" from "sources" that Notre Dame is actively trying to control the entire narrative of the program... If we were winning nattys, it would be one thing, but if anything our media guys were a large part of the driving force that helped the 2016 coaching staff overall... They do a great job of being professional, while being critical when needed.

I know Notre Dame was to help promote athletes, but I don't see how stopping 3rd party access is helping the cause at all...

 

[BobbyMac]

Way overblowing the importance of this

Disagree 100%

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

Think need to take a step back a bit and evaluate what the news we are reacting to is. Media won’t be at Irish Invasion, that’s it lol. It’s a primarily underclassmen, the majority of which are not high profile recruits, camp event. Not some huge BBQ blowout event, a camp lol.

The rant may not have been focused at the camp news but how ND handled the spring I’ll give a mulligan on, world was very much in a weird transition still. We’ll see what happens in the Fall.

Again, Mike Frank's comment is referring to all on the field access. No more practices, of any sort anytime. It's not official yet, but he said he can guarantee that ND is actively pushing for it and trying to keep reporters to the press box and press rooms only.

That is not us "overblowing" anything. This is us wanting ND beat writers to be able to give their own opinions and not solely ND propaganda. Yes, propaganda is a strong word, but that's essentially what we'll be getting. ND sponsored, filtered, and garnished information only.

Also, if this happens, I promise some good guys will be losing jobs.

 

[Dale]

Again, Mike Frank's comment is referring to all on the field access. No more practices, of any sort anytime. It's not official yet, but he said he can guarantee that ND is actively pushing for it and trying to keep reporters to the press box and press rooms only.

That is not us "overblowing" anything. This is us wanting ND beat writers to be able to give their own opinions and not solely ND propaganda. Yes, propaganda is a strong word, but that's essentially what we'll be getting. ND sponsored, filtered, and garnished information only.

Also, if this happens, I promise some good guys will be losing jobs.

Yet that hasn’t happened yet which is why I said we’ll see in the Fall. Sky is falling, we’re fans of a totalitarian propaganda state that doesn’t understand marketing just feels much at the moment. Maybe I just choose to not get worked up about a angry rant about what MAY happen in the future and just wait till that future comes, again we’ll just see in the Fall.

 

[Trait Expectations]

I'm definitely in the minority but I thought it was really tacky for Mike to essentially threaten airing out dirty laundry if they are locked out. I get that ND is pulling a power move but there has to be a better way to approach it. I guess we need to look at who was newly hired in the AD to understand who is the driving force behind this.

I hope media gets access and Mike's fears can fade away.

 

[BobbyMac]

I've seen OSU's media guys in action. They are proxy recruiters. Many/most invested alums/fans. And there's an army of them all in Columbus.

ND should have everyone marching in step and using the medium to their advantage 24/7/365. I mean who even lives in South Bend that we get recruiting info from? Freeman? Anyone else?

 

[Luckylucci]

So, I’m kind of in the middle on this. It’s a bad decision regardless of what the event is. Kids want exposure so be the program that gives them that exposure. That’s what the NIL program is all about. This is just more exposure. Want to get the best QB’s in town to throw for Rees, have extensive coverage and play it up. Just an example.

If this happens during Fall Camp, I’ll be full on pissed off. It’s terrible for fans and ultimately terrible for the program. However, while I want access to II, I’m not sure I’m planting my flag yet. Because, I’d be really surprised if ND went that route beyond summer camps.

 

[Irish#1]

And Mike Frank is right, they (and others on the beat) have sat on a lot of 'sensitive' stories because it would be bad for the program or because they were specifically asked to... and these new people have no concept of this and no idea what they're doing.

Sounds like blackmail.

To the bolded, the only new person on the FB staff that has enough clout would be Freeman. Other than Jack, I can't imagine anyone of the AD staff that could dictate this and Jack isn't new.

Without knowing specifics, it's hard to say if this is a major issue or just a bump in the road.

 

[stpeteirish]

I'm definitely in the minority but I thought it was really tacky for Mike to essentially threaten airing out dirty laundry if they are locked out. I get that ND is pulling a power move but there has to be a better way to approach it. I guess we need to look at who was newly hired in the AD to understand who is the driving force behind this.

I hope media gets access and Mike's fears can fade away.

good way to put it. And IMO its BS to say your jobs are "literally at risk" when there's still multiple media outlets covering one team. If demand goes down (is it?) the weakest outlets will pull back, shut down, or seek a merger. That's how free markets work, although failing businesses often cry "regulation" and try to blame their demise on outside forces.

In other words maybe your business model sucks, Mike.

 

[dublinirish]

Lol Harbaugh @ Michigan has banned reporters from practice for years. they have zero access. ND could go that way if these guys don't play ball

 

[IrishLion]

Sounds like blackmail.

To the bolded, the only new person on the FB staff that has enough clout would be Freeman. Other than Jack, I can't imagine anyone of the AD staff that could dictate this and Jack isn't new.

Without knowing specifics, it's hard to say if this is a major issue or just a bump in the road.

Lol Harbaugh @ Michigan has banned reporters from practice for years. they have zero access. ND could go that way if these guys don't play ball

It's not just at ND, and it's not just in the college ranks... I've seen quite a few NFL beat reporters complaining that teams saw how easy their jobs were when they didn't have to grant in-person media access during COVID, and now those teams want to continue that so they have less work to do in managing PR, and also so they can continue to control the whole operation. The media isn't the enemy, but most organizations view it as a nuisance that they don't need when they all have their own marketing/PR/newsletters/websites anyway.

In terms of ND, specifically, I wonder if the restrictions have any basis in a plan for controlling every bit of news and footage from an NIL perspective. If they are going to help players build their own 'brand,' they probably want all content created in-house.

It's easier to do QC when it's your own footage that you're checking and editing anyway, versus having the third-party sites send in all their footage and photos for approval and whatnot.

 

[Luckylucci]

It's not just at ND, and it's not just in the college ranks... I've seen quite a few NFL beat reporters complaining that teams saw how easy their jobs were when they didn't have to grant in-person media access during COVID, and now those teams want to continue that so they have less work to do in managing PR, and also so they can continue to control the whole operation. The media isn't the enemy, but most organizations view it as a nuisance that they don't need when they all have their own marketing/PR/newsletters/websites anyway.

In terms of ND, specifically, I wonder if the restrictions have any basis in a plan for controlling every bit of news and footage from an NIL perspective. If they are going to help players build their own 'brand,' they probably want all content created in-house.

It's easier to do QC when it's your own footage that you're checking and editing anyway, versus having the third-party sites send in all their footage and photos for approval and whatnot.

I was going to post this last night as a, if this does play out I think this could be a reasonable explanation as to why. If ND has a much larger plan in place for its media that we haven’t seen yet and they want to use that this off-season to really push the NIL stuff forward, then I can see it making sense.

With that said, it needs to be a heck of a lot better than it’s been previously, lol.

 

[dublinirish]

It's not just at ND, and it's not just in the college ranks... I've seen quite a few NFL beat reporters complaining that teams saw how easy their jobs were when they didn't have to grant in-person media access during COVID, and now those teams want to continue that so they have less work to do in managing PR, and also so they can continue to control the whole operation. The media isn't the enemy, but most organizations view it as a nuisance that they don't need when they all have their own marketing/PR/newsletters/websites anyway.

In terms of ND, specifically, I wonder if the restrictions have any basis in a plan for controlling every bit of news and footage from an NIL perspective. If they are going to help players build their own 'brand,' they probably want all content created in-house.

It's easier to do QC when it's your own footage that you're checking and editing anyway, versus having the third-party sites send in all their footage and photos for approval and whatnot.

lol yeah remember the other week when Najee Harris was amazed the Steelers had media at practice when he'd barely ever seen that at Bama

 

[PANDFAN]

so who is Notre Dame's new on-campus recruiting coordinator? isd has it

 

[clashmore_mike]

so who is Notre Dame's new on-campus recruiting coordinator? isd has it

Mackenzie Zanow, was previously in the same role at Wisconsin, which is her alma mater.