Porter: Three Reasons Mike Gundy is Right to Restrict his QBs from Talking

Earlier this week, Mike Gundy did what Mike Gundy does and pulled media access from Nos. 3 and 6 (the ones on offense).

Spencer Sanders and Dru Brown will not be allowed to talk to those of us who write and talk about them from now until at least the end of fall camp. Normally in a situation like this I’d be hollering about freedom of the press and screaming about how historically-speaking there has been little evidence that restricting media access in any sector of society has ever ended well for anyone.

I’m actually fine with this move by Gundy for a few reasons. I don’t think it absolves Gundy of his warped view of media control, nor do I think it’s a good long-term solution for anyone, but in this hyper-specific situation it makes sense. Here’s why.

1. It’s a short amount of time: If this flips into an all-year thing, I’ll have 3,000 words waiting (and I haven’t ruled this out). But for two weeks? Whatever. With a QB race as sensitive and intense as this one apparently is, I think it’s probably wise to just let coaches discuss what’s going on. It does beg the question of why you ever let anyone talk though. Maybe that’s a trajectory we’re on (which I’m also fine with! See No. 4).

2. Protecting the rest of the team: While I think Gundy is displaying a lack of trust more than he thinks he is here, I also understand why he’s doing it. The QB horse has been beaten to death and turned to glue and we’re still here beating it. There’s really no upside to these two talking, there’s nothing for us to glean or for you to know about until Gundy pulls the trigger on something. There’s only downside (and drama, which I’m also here for).  To be honest, it would be nice if we would all start writing and thinking about something else entirely and start giving Chuba, Tylan and Co. the attention they probably deserve (Gundy’s words). At least for the next two weeks.

3. It’s a step up from last year! Remember when Gundy tried to coerce folks at practice into not asking about Jalen McCleskey’s transfer? Here’s what I wrote then.

To be clear, there is a Jelani Woods-sized difference between restriction and this form of censorship. Powerful public figures restricting access to the press: Maybe not smart but probably not wrong. Powerful public figures trying to dictate what their organization is asked about: Definitely not smart and definitely wrong [PFB]

Putting QB1A and QB1B in a bubble is annoying, but I don’t think it’s fundamentally wrong like trying to tell media members what to ask and not ask is. At least he’s not telling us to not ask about QBs. He’s simply not allowing the QBs to answer. That’s fine.

As an aside: Those of you who think it’s OSU’s job to keep the crooked press as far away from these kids as possible are the same ones satiating for quotes from the newest football superstars, all of which makes me laugh.

The unintended benefit for Gundy is this also protects them from themselves. I think it’s better to either be all the way open or all the way shut and not kinda sorta both. He’s choosing the latter — which is not the best choice — but it’s at least better than the alternative.

4. (Bonus) Any media restriction is good for PFB: There’s an arrogance here for sure, but I think our ability to write essays and thoughts sans quotes is as good or better than any other outlet covering OSU. Therefore, if quotes are taken away from everyone then I believe that benefits us. Part of this is the way we’ve set up our shop from the beginning. We did it all without any media access at all and can (and would) do so again. That’s fine. I think it’s really not that great for a program overall and deserves to be criticized generally, but I’m not-so-secretly fine with the concept as it relates to our business (not fine with it as it relates to where we are at with how society functions).

Again, if this stretches into Oregon State, Tulsa and beyond, then there are going to be some issues. But for a two-week policy leading into the first game? I don’t support it, but I understand why it was implemented and where Mike Gundy is coming from.