Time for an introduction – and a brief one: I’m Andrew Carter. And I’m the new University of North Carolina beat reporter for The News & Observer. After seven years in Florida – four of them covering Florida State for the Orlando Sentinel – I’m thrilled to be back in my home state.
All right – that’ll have to suffice for now amid a busy day. Stay tuned for a more complete intro.
For now, though, there’s some news today on the UNC beat. In case you missed it, former Tar Heels coach Butch Davis wrote an editorial published today in The N&O. You can read that right here. And you can read the news story I wrote about it right here.
In addition to the editorial, Davis has taken to the Internet to tell his side of the story – or at least part of the story – in effort to clear his name after North Carolina fired him in July amid a multi-pronged NCAA investigation. You can check out the video right here:
Comments
Enough already...
Wed, 11/16/2011 - 15:38 — B11656This is just one in a whole series of rehabilitation attempts that will be forthcoming by Butch Davis and who ever handles his PR. I mean, it's as obvious as the nose on his face which did look like it grew just a little. It is about control or at least the image of being in control as to the reason this video was made. I mean the man is giving his own opinion and interpretation of the facts to reinvent himself so as to find another job in the coaching ranks. I must say, I have never seen anything like this before. I am sure this is probably just the beginning. Think what it will be like when the lawsuits are filed.
whatever
Thu, 11/17/2011 - 12:39 — SurferThink about it. The "media", electronic and otherwise caused wide accusations and opinions against him. He has every right to use the same mechanism to defend himself and to explain his side of the story.
Is Butch still Coach
Wed, 11/16/2011 - 13:07 — ProwlingWoofieIs Butch still Coach ?
Should change that graphic to 'Ex-Coach', or 'Former Coach'.
I guess he didn't know that he's been fired, either...
You, as head coach, are responsible!!
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 19:18 — newsbug911Butch..You are RESPONSIBLE!! You are paid lots of bucks to know!!! How did everyone but you know of Blake's reputation???? Thorpe did the RIGHT thing! Go back to unemployment like you were when you were hired! You have always been a sad day in UNC legacy of ethical coaches and outstanding atheletic programs!
The NFL network
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 21:26 — gvillegatrIf the NFL Network is considered "unemployment" where do I sign up ?! #dumbass
Well done
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 17:01 — SurferI thought this was very well done. Critics will be critics.
Thanks, Butch for taking a
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 16:01 — johngThanks, Butch for taking a stand on this. I already dislike the new beat reporter after reading a few of his sentences. Where is Robbie when we need her?
Robbie -- if we promise to be nice, maybe she'll come back!
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 17:50 — SFPNCNativeYa think???
"Or at least part of the story"
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 14:39 — SFPNCNativeA little sarcasm on your part? It's obvious you don't believe Davis with that little phrase -- "at least part of the story"
I thought news reporters were supposed to be impartial. Oh, I forgot, this is the N&O.
BTW, I am a UNC alum, and think Thorp did the right thing in firing Davis. But, as a JOMC alum, I also think reporters should be impartial. When they upgrade you to columnist, then you can write your opinions.
In this blog you can expect
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 17:01 — Andrew_Carter (author)In this blog you can expect to read a lot of opinions. And analysis. And random thoughts. And other things.
And for the record, there
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 17:02 — Andrew_Carter (author)And for the record, there was no sarcasm intended. Butch told part of the story. His part of the story. That was the point of the editorial and video, correct?
And for the record, Butch told his story -- period
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 17:47 — SFPNCNativeMy my, when you add "just for the record," that's the first sign I rattled a nerve. Didn't you learn that in J-school?
You made sound like Butch Davis told a part of his story. He told his story, period. And I am not even a Butch Davis supporter.
If you think I'm your toughest critic, you are in for the surprise of your life. You'll have plenty of supporters here, mostly the ABC'ers, but you'll also have plenty of critics that swallowed nails for breakfast. Orlando, the land of retirees, this "ain't!"
Have a good day. Carry on as you please.
Thanks but to clear up a few
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 17:56 — Andrew_Carter (author)Thanks but to clear up a few things:
-I didn't go to a journalism school.
-When I covered Florida State I lived in Tallahassee and not Orlando. And, "for the record," neither city is known for its retirees. Didn't they teach you in journalism school to avoid broad generalizations that could in reality prove to be inaccurate? :-)
-And for the record, you shouldn't take the usage of "for the record" as an indication that you touched a nerve.
-For the record part II: I enjoy the back-and-forth, as you'll come to learn. I like interacting with readers. That's part of what I hope to do a lot of here in this space.
But alas, that's all for now. Deadline beckons.
my last word to you
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 18:47 — SFPNCNativeIt shows you didn't go to journalism school -- most reporters don't have the time to waste on a "feud" (you call it a back and forth) with readers.
I know both cities very well -- Orlando IS mostly known for retirees and Disney World.
and, "for the record" is taught as a nerve IS touched --- or someone is very angry -- so take your choice and a chill pill -- check with some of the editors
last word from me -- period. I really wish I hadn't wasted my time writing you.
good luck
Hey SFPNCNative...
Wed, 11/16/2011 - 12:09 — richardfoc@gmail.comI think we can tell whose nerve was really touched.
I don't think interacting
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 18:52 — Andrew_Carter (author)I don't think interacting with readers is a waste of time. I welcome all comments and commentary. Thanks for reading.
Welcome
Wed, 11/16/2011 - 12:50 — SurferYeah, welcome to the fray...As far as interacting w/ readers possibly being a waste of time? Uh, there is this person we call "bluegnat" that you might want to be wary of. You'll prob find out for yourself soon enough though.
Also, thank you for posting
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 23:33 — unc098Also, thank you for posting the relevant links.........
Welcome And I love the fact
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 23:11 — unc098Welcome
And I love the fact that you are willing to spar with the peanut gallery.....As JPD says, lets remember that there is more than one school in the area even though you are the UNC beat reporter. ;-)
Suggestion
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 19:21 — JPDOhioJust make sure every UNC, Duke and State football and basketball game is covered here and I'll be happy. You'll get plenty of opportunities to interact with readers too.
Welcome.
good for you, coach
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 13:22 — gvillegatrOne last word as you exit stage right.
If you were guilty of anything it was not knowing. This is where your assistant coaches failed you as they had to know something.
Oh well. Let's all move on to bigger and better things ...