Saints continue dot.com media policy with banishment of NewOrleans.Com reporter

Written by Les East | Thursday, 28 January 2010 19:23 | Les East's Blog
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METAIRIE - NewOrleans.Com Saints beat writer Brian Allee-Walsh was banned from the New Orleans Saints media workroom Thursday and denied access to all Saints media availabilities prior to the team departing for Super Bowl XLIV on Monday.

It was the latest in a series of incidents in which the Saints front office has singled out Walsh and NewOrleans.Com for exclusion from standard media access even though the organization granted full season credentials to NewOrleans.Com before the start of training camp.

The Saints’ actions will have no effect on NewOrleans.Com’s comprehensive coverage of the team once it arrives in Miami on Monday for the Super Bowl XLIV game against the Indianapolis Colts on Feb. 7. The NFL handles credentials for the Super Bowl and has approved NewOrleans.Com for two credentials, including one for Walsh, to cover the game and the entire week.

“We’re disappointed,” NewOrleans.Com President Donald Jones said. “We have repeatedly requested meetings with the Saints organization to resolve the issue. Within the past 18 months, NewOrleans.Com has carefully assembled an award-winning Sports staff of writers and producers that have been well-established in our community for years. Some of our contributors are known and followed on a national basis as well.

“There’s not another website in this region that has our growth and velocity in Sports, and our audience continues to rival or exceed that of many other media organizations, including radio and television, because of the quality of our content. Hopefully, we will have the opportunity to meet with the Saints at the conclusion of this extraordinary and historical season.”

NewOrleans.Com officials have held off on reporting on the restricted access, which began Nov. 25 and was expanded in late December, because behind-the-scene efforts were being made through proper channels – the Pro Football Writers of America and the NFL – to try and resolve the situation.

Walsh was credentialed for each of the Saints’ two playoff games in the Superdome – a 45-14 victory against Arizona on Jan. 16 and a 31-28 overtime victory against Minnesota in the NFC Championship game last Sunday. He was also allowed access during the week leading up to the championship game because the NFL, not the Saints, was in charge of media access for that week.

Though the NFL’s jurisdiction in New Orleans ended after Sunday’s game, Walsh was able to attend Payton’s news conference and the locker room availability with players on Monday.

There was no media access on Tuesday and Wednesday because the players were off. When Walsh returned to the media workroom at mid-day Thursday in preparation for Payton’s and the players’ availabilities, he was told by a member of the Saints media relations office that he would have to leave because he did not have a credential for the availability in New Orleans on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

“The team has discretion on credentialing access to our practice and currently we are strictly enforcing that policy,” Saints Vice President of Communications Greg Bensel said in an email to NewOrleans.Com. “We are falling in line with what the majority of the other NFL teams are doing with regards (to) the numerous dot com’s that cover our teams.”

According to CBSSports.com, only four of the 32 teams have banned their correspondents from practice and the Saints are the only one of the four who cited the non-affiliation policy. The other three said they banned CBSSports.com because it is "national media.

The NFL will take over all Super Bowl media-related activities beginning Monday.

“Each club makes the determination as to the news organizations that are credentialed in their markets for access to their practice facility and games,” NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said in an email to NewOrleans.Com on Thursday. “We have never defined the local media for a team.”

NewOrleans.Com/Sports, which is fully credentialed by the NFL, the Hornets, LSU, Tulane, and was fully credentialed by Major League Baseball and the Houston Astros last summer, has been credentialed for full Saints coverage since it was launched 19 months ago.

The Pro Football Writers of America have supported NewOrleans.Com’s efforts to get Walsh and the web site fully reinstated.

“The Pro Football Writers of America had hoped that this matter would be resolved internally between the parties,” PFWA President Charean Williams, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s NFL writer, said in a statement. “We are disappointed it wasn’t. NewOrleans.Com has made a significant commitment, both financially and professionally, to provide a serious journalistic approach to covering sports in their city.

“Brian Allee-Walsh has covered the NFL for more than 20 years, and other members of NewOrleans.Com have similar experience covering the league. Therefore, the PFWA maintains that this gives NewOrleans.Com credibility and legitimacy, which in turn should automatically grant the organization credentials to cover the team on a regular basis. We will continue to address this with both the Saints and the league, because of the obvious concern that teams will be allowed to ban members of the media at their discretion.”

The Saints have repeatedly said the ban is part of an ongoing effort to adapt to the expansion of web sites seeking to be credentialed.

However, no other media outlet has been banned in a manner consistent with the policy applied to NewOrleans.Com. Reporters who are credentialed through other media outlets and contribute to NewOrleans.Com have been unaffected and continued to write for the web site.

Walsh, an award-winning 23-year veteran of covering the Saints, chose to retire from the Times-Picayune in November, and joined NewOrleans.Com/Sports as a credentialed member of the media shortly thereafter.

On November 25, Walsh was singled out by a Saints media relations representative and barred from the portion of practice that is open to the media.

A CBSSports.com article last week speculated that Walsh’s banishment was related to something he had written about Saints running back Reggie Bush a few days earlier, but there has been no indication from the Saints that the two were related.

After NewOrleans.Com questioned why Walsh was being singled out, two days later the Saints added representatives of CBSSports.com and WWL-TV.com to the list of credentialed media banned from watching practice, citing the “dot com” policy. Bensel said the policy allowed only NFL “affiliated” web sites to cover practice.

NewOrleans.Com/Sports, CBSSports.com, and WWL-TV.com were able to continue covering the team’s news conferences, the locker room, and games until Walsh’s complete banishment in late December.

CBSSports.com and WWL-TV.com continue to have access to news conferences, the locker room, and games. Times-Picayune reporters, who regularly post on NOLA.com, the newspaper’s web site, which is not affiliated with the team or the league, has had uninterrupted access to practice.

Walsh’s complete banishment came just hours after a Payton news conference during which Walsh asked the coach if there was any truth to a radio report that tight end Jeremy Shockey’s toe injury was not football related and that the injury had led to friction between Shockey and the organization and between Shockey and Payton.

Payton seem nonplussed by the question and answered it, refuting each aspect of the report, which had been buzzing around the Internet.

That evening, Bensel sent an email to Walsh in which he cited the question about Shockey before saying neither Walsh nor NewOrleans.Com would be credentialed and therefore were banned from news conferences, access to the facility, locker rooms, games, and any other Saints media event.

At least two other news organizations reported Walsh’s question and Payton’s answer with impunity. Ironically, the Walsh question and the Payton response were played up bigger on NewOrleansSaints.com than on NewOrleans.Com/Sports. The news conference transcript, including the Shockey issue, was posted on the Saints’ official web site. Walsh merely mentioned it dozens of paragraphs into a notebook.

At that point, NewOrleans.Com solicited the assistance of the PFWA, which asked the NFL to intervene. The NFL talked with the Saints and chose not to intervene further, citing its preference for individual organizations to handle their own credentialing issues.

However, it later appeared that a second conversation between the NFL and the Saints would lead to NewOrleans.Com/Sports having its credentials reinstated in the week prior to the first playoff game.

On the Tuesday before the game, Bensel said the web site’s credentials would be reinstated for Saturday’s game and Walsh would be allowed access to the team’s facility beginning Wednesday. Shortly afterward the Saints reversed field and said the ban would remain in effect through Friday, though Walsh would be credentialed for the game Saturday.

Walsh and the NewOrleans.Com team will continue to cover the Saints’ historic run comprehensively.

Comments (26)Add Comment
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written by karyn killinger, February 06, 2010
Brian Allee Walsh is an outstanding sportswriter and a consummate professional. This fact has been well establshied over his twenty year career with the Time-Picayune and NewOrleans.com I look forward to his commantaries. Shame on the Saints powers that be for banashing Allee Walsh after many years of excellent reporting on The Saints. I am looking forward to his coverage of the Super Bowl. GO Saints!
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written by Les , January 30, 2010
Dr. Bear:

Thanks for commenting. Actually, we're not so sure there is a good reason for the Saints' actions because they haven't provided one. They say their policy is to deny access to web sites, but other web sites have access. They say only web wites affiliated with the NFL are allowed to cover practice, yet representatives of NOLA.com are allowed to cover practice daiy. They have singled out one individual to place one web site at a distinct competitive disadvantage without offering any explanation that holds water. We think that's unfair and discriminatory. But we'll continue to offer outstanding coverage. Keep following the Saints on NewOrleans.com.
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written by Dr. Mark Bear , January 30, 2010
It is confusing to see all of the fuss by people not in agreement with the Saint's decision here. They are supposedly preparing for the game of their lives. I think they should be applauded for making this decision. The team (much to the disagreement of others on this site) is not owned by the fans, but by the franchise owner. Also, I have noticed something of interest. It seems to me that the Saints fans which I happen to be one of are fair weather fans. I cannot stand to see the fans boo the team when the team is struggling only then opening to an uproar when they do well. Let's face it here. They have played good football all year long. Yet, if you listened to some fans or sportscasters this season you would think that the team was just falling apart near the end of the season. You either are a fan or you are not. I know this is getting off the major topic which I began writing about but it bears a good point. The Saints have the right to control who does or doesn't get access: period. If we do not like that policy perhaps we should seek another team to support. I am certain there is "some" reason or rationale out there as to why this person has been denied access. Enough said and GO SAINTS!!!!!
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written by Gregory Paul Plein, January 29, 2010
Saints are looking very good! I just met several people from New Orleans stationed here at Luke Airforce base tonight. They were from New Orleans and we watched the Vikings game together here in Az. They told me no matter what the Saints will be ready to play. I couldn't agree with them more! Go Saints
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written by Dean Shapiro, January 29, 2010
Slight correction and clarification on what I just submitted. I meant to say Websites that cover media events are becoming more and more the wave of the present and will be the RULE in the future when the conventional print media goes the way of the dinosaur. Organizations like the NFL that issue press credentials need to realize this if they are going to live and do business in the 21st century.
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written by Dean Shapiro, January 29, 2010
Websites that cover the media are becoming more and more the wave of the present and will be the RULE in the future when the conventional print media goes the way of the dinosaur. Organizations like the NFL that issue press credentials need to realize this if they are going to live and do business in the 21st century.
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written by Section 119, January 29, 2010
Regardless of how you feel about this, it seems to me that the obvious point to make here is that the NFL, which the Saints belong to, fully credentialed Mr. Walsh and this site. As a long-time season ticket holder, I like this site quite a bit and come here daily. I have seen nothing but positive things about the Saints here. What is there problem? It seems to me that the NFL is telling the Saints that this reporter and this group are good with them. Has to be personal. While I don't agree with everything Walsh has written when he was with the T.P., he is a good writer and a good dude. I met him when he was covering golf. Between this and the Who Dat merchandise issue, the Saints are acting like bullies and that's too bad. I love this team. Hard to believe they actually copyrighted Who Dat. That belongs to the fans.
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written by John Montgomery, January 29, 2010
Gregory Paul Plein,
It is not the job of the sports media to report only the good -- or what someone considers to be the good -- parts of a sport, franchise, team, coach or player. The media is supposed to report the facts, warts and all, and let the reader/viewer make his/her own decision.
If the Saints can't take the "pressure" of one veteran reporter from a Web site asking a question about whether or not an injury was football-related, how will they handle the actual pressure surrounding the Super Bowl?
Yes, the team has the right to restrict media access until the NFL takes over the duties for certain situations. But by -- at the very least -- appearing to do so in a vindictive manner makes the organization look like a spoiled child who throws a fit when it doesn't get its way or hears something it doesn't like.
And who cares if the news organization wrote 15 articles on it or 150? The fact one article was written about the situation should be a red flag to those in charge.
Did Saints officials think the reporter and Web site would just fade away into oblivion after having credentials taken away while other Web sites were granted continued access?
Congratulations, Saints officials, on adding one more distraction for your team's preparation for THE biggest game in franchise history.
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written by Gregory Paul Plein, January 29, 2010
Old dog...I agree with some of your latest points. However it's getting a little out of hand the spinning your putting out. The whole point isn't who is right or who is wrong. It seems that all we are trying to do (here) Fans of the (Saints) is cheering on our Saints on this Media outlet... for our team! Saying what your implying to disagree and point out..well it's getting old. So lets just keep it positive and write about good not bad for our team. It's not about who right or who wrong...it's about keeping the comments towards the goal of cheering on the Saints! GO SAINTS...
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written by Timbo, January 29, 2010
They're getting ready for a Super Bowl and they're wasting time with something as trivial as this? That's scary.
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written by RedAuerbach, January 29, 2010

If the NFL had a Super Bowl for tone-deafness, the Saints would have 25 Helen Keller Trophies lining the walls on Airline Drive.

Telling a long-time responsible member of the local sports media to "git off mah proppity" at the height of the team's national visibility in the last 43 years is just intergalactically stupid.
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written by olddog, January 29, 2010
No, Greg, I agree - following your favorite (my favorite) team DOES include yelling out positive remarks - but you're missing the point. This isn't about being a good fan - its about exclusion, suppression, and censorship - THAT'S THE POINT. And apparently someone (or a few) in the Saints organization is being a bit disingenuous to use such an ambiguous cover such as "too many dot.coms" or some nebulous unevenly enforced policy. They should have the honesty to give specifics instead of vagueness. To not allow a quality print news reporter in now that he's writing for a dot.com is akin to saying that Drew Brees should be banned from playing for the Saints because he played for the San Diego Chargers at one time. People change jobs all the time. It doesn't change who they are or the quality of what they're doing after 23 years. And, Greg, being a part of the media, and the expression of free speech is one of the principles that this country was founded upon and we continue to fight and pay for each year. It's not a privilege (a drivers license is a privilege - not a right) its a necessary part of who we are and what we believe in and fight for as a nation. GO SAINTS!
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written by Casual observer, January 29, 2010
Yes, the Saints are a private business, but they have an anti-trust exemption, they are subsidized by tax dollars and are now government contractors by benefit of their deal to operate the City Centre/Benson Towers facility. To say they don't owe the press open access because they aren't a government entity is disingenuous. To say they can arbitrarily ban a media organization (which has done NOTHING wrong) just because they are having a good season and someone in the PR office wants to flex their muscles is just stupid.

Does it occur to anyone that, if this behavior is allowed, you might end up with Fox 8 as your only Saints reporting option eventually? Just wait and see.
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written by JasonV, January 28, 2010
"written by Who Cares, January 28, 2010
stop whining...you didn't get what you want so you write 15 articles about it

Stop defending Walsh, fire him and I bet they will let you back in"

You're a genius. The Saints don't like a writer, so he should be fired. That's brilliant. I haven't seen 15 articles on this either. But it seems to be a selective "freedom of the press" suppression move for no reason.
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written by Adam Clement, January 28, 2010
I enjoy media coverage just as much as the next guy, but the Saints and the NFL are a private business. If they want to banish certain media groups from inside coverage, then it's their right. Writing whinny articles about it is just pointless. Sports organizations can be torn apart from rumors and negative media. Is it so hard to understand why they would banish you if you were writing and asking negative things about their business? They don't want the drama. I'm not saying that NewOrleans.com or any other media group should not write drama inducing articles, it's your right, but you shouldn't be surprised when they try and ban you from inside coverage. If you were in their position you would do the same thing, trust me.
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written by kevin, January 28, 2010
Um, does mr superpositive saints fan speak english or has he had one too many hurricanes?
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written by saintsjunkie, January 28, 2010
its the nfl , trying to control the coverage of their product, I for one will miss the extra info that drives the frenzy of the fan (fanatic)in me. I am glad we are in the superbowl, i can spend less time and money on the nfl now that less info to drive my frenzy will no doubt save me money long term. but if it was my product on the internet, I would enjoy any extra interest brought to my product.
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written by Gregory Paul Plein, January 28, 2010
Old dog....What point are you trying to make or stir up? I thought following you favorite team includes saying positive upbeat remarks? Whatever anyone writes or says in my opinion is ok. It's ok so far not too go into details of mis infor or rumors gossips ect. Oldog I can't understand why (some people) have to bring down what people want to say positive about the Saints..going to the superbowl! It's the biggest game and the hardest to reach in sports. So I'm going to keep writing postive remarks about my favorite team (Saints) and block out all negative what (some people) will say to bring down Saints fans. Time and time again it's just another u turn some people try to say to stop Saints fans from writing great things about their favorite Team (Saints) Go saints and don't let anything get in your way. Never never never give up....Go Saints!
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written by Guido Merkins, January 28, 2010
Just imagine if the Saints were losing, would everyone be banned?
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written by olddog, January 28, 2010
I find it interesting that regardless of the "upset with the quality of the site" statement, and the "whining" statement about 15 articles (which I haven't been able to find), and the "forever, no matter what Saints fan"- Greg, missing the point completely - that all of you apparently visit this site on an on-going basis regardless of your bias and, additionally, have free reign to reply in any fashion you deem necessary. Let's see any other media type offer any of you that opportunity.
It's about the dot.coms, the apparent discrimination, and the question of their legitimacy that the Saints media relations people have - or maybe the just didn't like a question that was posed. I'm sure glad the rest of our media doesn't have to be subjected to this nonsense (or do they). I suppose that's why the Saints have a website, too, because websites are not the future of news and journalism distribution. According to some - they're just today's CB radio craze! Wake up people... if you listen closely enough, its the sound of some media's revenues and salaries falling and it will get louder and louder.
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written by YatPundit, January 28, 2010
I wonder, if Boston.com (formerly the Boston Globe) wanted credentials, would the Saints give them? Of course.

Walsh is in an elite fan club, with Buddy D and others banned from the plane and locker room by a venal organization.
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written by Gregory Paul Plein, January 28, 2010
I just feel that being a part of any media is a privelage not a right. Sometimes what you say or stir up has negative impacts. Being in the spotlight becomes something that carries a heavy microscope. Between what a writer says and what the other is trying to convey. The Saints have come very far and nothing should be written negative ect at any time. Im proud to be a Saints fan and allways stand up to support and say positive. I believe this is the time in which the Saints will show all that again they have heart. Heart to fullfill what has been a challenge, and heart again to show all never never never give up! GO SAINTS!
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written by Who Cares, January 28, 2010
stop whining...you didn't get what you want so you write 15 articles about it

Stop defending Walsh, fire him and I bet they will let you back in
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written by bensons1stwife, January 28, 2010
Why is this clown Bensel worried about Brian A-Walsh in a season like this?
It's unprofessional. But, oh, right -- the guy works for Tom Benson.
I hope the writers association implores the league to look into this further, and that the league realizes that this guy Bensel isn't applying the league's guidelines appropriately. All the NFL has to ask is, "If the T-P hired Walsh back, would you fully reinstate his credentials?"
Bensel, you're embarrassing our city and our team!
Karen Dalton Beninato
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written by Karen Dalton Beninato, January 28, 2010
This puts the "What the Eff" in N Eff L!
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written by chief, January 28, 2010
As the city rejoices and we look forward to the team playing in the Super Bowl, it saddens me that the Saints management are excersising such poor judgment. What the hell are they thinking?


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