Jason Whitlock is an often-controversial writer and personality who is slated to re-join ESPN in a month. He's making waves already though, going on record to blast Sports Illustrated reporter Thayer Evans for his work on a five-part series on Oklahoma State football's indiscretions.
To say Whitlock pulled no punches in criticizing Evans is an understatement.
"Having worked with Thayer Evans at Fox Sports, having followed his work for some time, I am completely and utterly flabbergasted that a legitimate news outlet would allow Thayer Evans to be involved in some type of investigative piece on college football that tears down a program, and particularly one that tears down Oklahoma State when it is no secret what a huge, enormous, gigantic Oklahoma homer Thayer Evans is. This is just incredible. Knowing the lack of competence that's there with Thayer Evans, knowing the level of simplemindedness that's there with Thayer Evans, to base any part of the story on his reporting is mind-boggling. When I learned Thayer Evans was involved, I just said, there's no way I'll read this because there's no reason to trust this reporter on anything of any substance."
If that sounds bad, consider that Whitlock wasn't even finished going off on Evans. He jumped from pointing out perceived homerism to criticizing his ability to write well.
"He's simpleminded. He's a hack that can't write. This isn't personal, I promise. I have no reason to dislike Thayer Evans personally, and I don't. But I've read enough of his work this guy isn't qualified for this job and by now Sports Illustrated and anybody else should be well aware of this. Let me end by saying this and I honestly mean this without malice. It wouldn't shock me if Thayer Evans couldn't spell "cat" and I say in all seriousness."
ESPN has addressed Whitlock's massive attack on Evans, and called his remarks "unacceptable."
In a statement, ESPN said, "We have discussed Jason's comments with him. They were personal in nature, they do not represent ESPN and they are not acceptable based on the standards we have set."
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
