The Chicago Tribune has "elected to turn back" its
media credentials for this year's Indy 500 in response to
the IRL denying SI's Ed Hinton a credential due to coverage
by the magazine that the IRL "deemed unfavorable." Tribune
Associate Managing Editor for Sports John Cherwa: "We are
doing this not in support of Sports Illustrated but in a
stand against a form of censorship by a sports
organization." The newspaper said it will use wire services
to cover the event (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 5/20). IRL Dir of PR
Mai Lindstrom said that race officials had "no comment on
the Tribune's decision" (AP, 5/20). On "Sports Tonight,"
Fred Hickman reported on the newspaper's decision and said
that "several other newspapers are also considering a
boycott" (CNN, 5/19). ESPN2's "RPM 2Night" did not mention
the Tribune credential issue (THE DAILY).
FOLLOW THE LEADER? In Indianapolis, Curt Cavin writes
that "other major outlets are considering a similar move."
L.A. Times Exec Sports Editor Rick Jaffe said that the
newspaper "was trying to reach IRL officials Wednesday
evening to discuss the issue." Chicago Sun-Times Sports
Editor Bill Adee said they are "reviewing the controversy,
but declined" further comment. But the local Indianapolis
Star-News will cover the event. Assistant Managing Editor
for Sports Nancy Winkley: "This is one of the biggest events
that occurs in our hometown and we intend to cover it." AP
Sports Editors (APSE) President Bob Yates: "I think that IRL
has its priorities out of whack. I think they should be
more concerned with making their sport safe for the fans and
not be so concerned with how people cover the event." Yates
"wasn't certain" what action APSE would take in response to
the IRL's actions but said, "I think APSE will protest this
action because it strikes at everyone" (STAR-NEWS, 5/20).
