Updated

Updated · Fox News · Sep 5

TCU Restores Star-Telegram Press Credentials 1 Week After Pulling Them Over Player-Dismissal Report

Updated

Updated · Fox News · Sep 5

TCU Restores Star-Telegram Press Credentials 1 Week After Pulling Them Over Player-Dismissal Report

Q: What secret agreements were made behind closed doors to restore press access after a player suffered a severe brain bleed?

There is no public evidence that any secret agreement was made. What is known is limited to TCU’s statement that the school and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram had “productive discussions,” that TCU “made clear our position,” and that both sides agreed to “move forward.” Neither TCU nor the newspaper has disclosed any private terms, concessions, apology, correction agreement, or restrictions tied to the credential restoration. The broader record suggests the dispute centered on the Star-Telegram’s initial reporting about what led to the Aug. 13 locker-room assault. TCU athletic director Mike Buddie said an unnamed source without firsthand knowledge provided inaccurate information, and that the resulting narrative led to threats against injured receiver Dozie Ezukanma and his family. The newspaper later updated its reporting, saying the incident was not driven by bullying or mistreatment. The underlying incident was serious. Court records and reporting indicate former safety Jacob Fields was later charged with aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury after Ezukanma suffered a brain bleed, concussion and other injuries, and was hospitalized for three days. Given the lack of disclosed terms, the most supportable reading is that the credential restoration followed private negotiations over access and coverage standards, but any claim about “secret agreements” beyond that would be speculation.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 5

TCU Athletics said it fully restored the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s media credentials after pulling them last week, saying productive discussions resolved the dispute.
The ban followed a Star-Telegram report on a locker-room altercation that led to the dismissal of senior safety Jacob Fields, leaving reporter Steven Johnson to cover TCU’s opener from the stands.
15-10 was the score in that season-opening loss to Bill Belichick-led North Carolina in Dublin, where the credential fight drew wider attention just as TCU began its season.
Sept. 12 is TCU’s next game, against Grambling State, after the school said it respects the paper’s role as an independent news source and wants to move forward.