Arkansas Sports 360 - ArkansasSports360.com

3/21/2011 at 9:12am

We love it when journalists use terms like "Sources say..." or "According to reports..." They rank right up there on our list with "Legend has it..." and "...so says Wikipedia."

Twitter was lit afire with "reports" that Mike Anderson had signed a deal with Arkansas and would be the subject on Sunday of a homecoming press conference in Fayetteville. Why, we'll just leave it to your imagination the emotional picture of Anderson with a catch in his throat, addressing reporters from a Razorback-clad podium, telling his prodigal family that he had won a national championship here and that, *sniff*, another one would be on the way.

You'll have to imagine that scene since it didn't happen, contrary to "reports" had to say. The Hog Database rounds up some of these "reports" and it's not unlike watching wildfire spread after a cow kicked over a lantern in Columbia.

It's important to be first in the news business, especially when offering lightening-quick sports blasts online. But more importantly, journalists still need to get their facts correct. One way to do that is to name sources. You may want to protect their identities before something official happens, but give readers something more than "reports say..." Readers are smart and know that "reports" could just about come from anywhere.

At least that's what people say. It's what the talk is all about. A little birdie told us that one.

Tagged: Mike Anderson, media, Arkansas Razorbacks