GP said:
Another common denominator
What's up with John McClain's reports on Texans players' contracts?
Isn't McClain the one who reported Dunta was offered NEAR Chris Gamble money? You say there's no shred of evidence for it. Do you think John McClain is misleading us?
Just wondering what your take is.
I think John reports rumor as fact too much. He also puts a lot of weight on his opinion, stating them as facts. I think he writes good, correct information in many cases, but I think he's dead wrong in many cases too. I've seen examples where he repeatedly stated things as fact, when I knew he was incorrect from other people who would know. I watched with interest as events proved him wrong.
None of this necessarily makes him a "bad" sportswriter in my opinion, but readers shouldn't take his every utterance as fact. I'm sure the controversy enhances his readership too.
Basically I read John's stuff if it is interesting, but look for corroboration (other published reports or evidence) before giving it too much weight.
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For instance he reported Chris Gamble type money for Dunta. Let's forget about our feelings about Dunta for this conversation, OK?
What is Gamble type money? Total contract value? What if very little was guaranteed, or bonus based? If so, "Gamble type money" would be very misleading We don't know for sure what McClain's statement means, or where he heard the rumor in the first place. I doubt it came from Smith or Robinson.
Furthermore, pretty much everyone is in agreement that Dunta would be a fool and a dolt to turn down Gamble money structured the same way. Many think Smith would be a fool and a dolt to offer Dunta that much.
For some reason though many find it easier to believe that both Dunta and Rick Smith are fools and dolts rather than question McClain's vague report.
I question the report.