The University of Iowa’s suspension of longtime broadcaster Gary Dolphin not only was unnecessary and unfair, the decision reveals Gary Barta and Fran McCaffery as a thin-skinned administrator and coach who look to the media not for honest and open opinions, but for toe-the-company-line commentary.
The decision also sends an unfortunate message to athletes who in the not so distant future will emerge into the real world: When confronted with criticism, shoot the messenger.
From here on out, expect Dolphin’s remarks to be as vanilla as one can imagine, lest he risk further punishment for what amounted to no more than candid criticism.
Aaron Halstead
Madison, Wis.