The TCU football program has restored credentials for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram after the newspaper’s access was revoked for its coverage of a locker room altercation that resulted in safety Jacob Fields being dismissed from the team.
“Today, TCU Athletics fully restored media credentials to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram,” a statement issued by TCU said.
“In a series of productive discussions, we made clear our position and resolved to move forward. We respect their role as an independent news source and voice in our community, and we look forward to the season ahead.”
“Today, TCU Athletics fully restored media credentials to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram,” a statement issued by TCU said.
“In a series of productive discussions, we made clear our position and resolved to move forward. We respect their role as an independent news source and voice in our community, and we look forward to the season ahead.”
Star-Telegram reporter Steven Johnson reported on Aug. 18 that tensions had been developing in the locker room, but coaches made no attempts to de-escalate the situation despite being informed of what was happening. Head coach Sonny Dykes reportedly did not realize how serious the issues were among players.
After the Star-Telegram reported that its credentials had been pulled, a TCU athletic department spokesman said the decision was made because of alleged threats made to sophomore receiver Dozie Ezukanma, who had been punched by Fields. However, the newspaper’s report of the incident did not identify Ezukanma until the player revealed he was the one attacked on a social media video.
Johnson traveled to Dublin, Ireland to cover TCU’s 15-10 loss to North Carolina in its season opener, but did so from the stands rather than the press box at Aviva Stadium.
Fields was dismissed from the team earlier this month after the locker room fight. The incident in question occurred on Aug. 13.
Ezukanma alleged in an Instagram video that Fields “sucker punched” him, causing his head to hit the floor and knocking him unconscious. He said Fields also kicked him in the head, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported.
A TCU football staffer reported the incident to campus police the next day, according to an official report. Fields was subsequently dismissed from the football team and a warrant for Fields’ arrest stated that Ezukanma suffered a brain bleed from the attack.
Fields was arrested on Aug. 30 after turning himself in to Tarrant County, Texas police on a charge of aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury. The senior transfer was booked into the Tarrant County Jail and was released later that day after posting a $50,000 bond.
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