ESPN Disses Deadspin

When I read this "announcement" on Deadspin:

Per ESPN editorial policy, the use of "underground" web sites as a source of credible information within any ESPN platform is strongly discouraged. Specifically speaking, the use of the site "Deadspin.com" as a source of credible information is not allowed under any circumstance. As always, any breaking hard news story off of any site must be approved through the proper channels.

Please see me or another programming manager if you have any questions or seek clarification on the web sites called into question. Thank you.

I immediately saw this as probably being from the desk of Don Skwar, formerly the head of the Boston Globe's sports department. Skwar left the Globe to be a (or the) senior news editor at ESPN (which means policy like this would have to at least get his approval). Skwar left the Globe back in February of 2004. Skwar was still at the Globe when Boston Dirt Dogs (a Boston sports web site geared mainly to the Red Sox) was acquired by the Globe's parent company. Skwar's sports department at the Globe was badly sullied by the association with the Dirt Dogs where it seemed no rumor was too unverified not to print.

Once burned twice shy I guess.

I can understand why ESPN would be apprehensive about sourcing news from websites. However, I think mentioning Deadspin by name is wholely unfair to Deadspin which is a much more professional, funny and intelligent site than Boston Dirt Dogs ever dreamed of being.

The funny thing is that mentioning Deadspin by name - whoever put out the email on underground web sites just guaranteed that everyone at ESPN with a computer will make Deadspin a can't miss site for daily perusal.

HT Off Wing Opinion