What exactly is Jerry Tipton's problem?

[YourPublicEnemy]

I just read an article he wrote (didn't know he was the author til afterward) about Calipari's 30 for 30 and he managed to still construct parts as a slight and following the article, made mention of "death threats" by Kentucky fans and then discussed how announcers being critical of refs can incite violence (idiotic). Fans have eyeballs.

But this tool seems to have been critical of this program for my entire life. I've never seen a sports beat writer show so much dislike toward the subject he's covering. Most guys tend to have some cheerleader in them (not asking for that) but he's always negative. He also seems to love discussing the 80s scandal.

What is this guy's problem? Where does he come from and has he always been like this? He's honestly the worst. I remember being beside him at a book signing of Cal's in 2009 and remember reading what he wrote later being exaggerated and no shortage of jabs.

 

[thepip]

I just read an article he wrote (didn't know he was the author til afterward) about Calipari's 30 for 30 and he managed to still construct parts as a slight and following the article, made mention of "death threats" by Kentucky fans and then discussed how announcers being critical of refs can incite violence (idiotic). Fans have eyeballs.

But this tool seems to have been critical of this program for my entire life. I've never seen a sports beat writer show so much dislike toward the subject he's covering. Most guys tend to have some cheerleader in them (not asking for that) but he's always negative. He also seems to love discussing the 80s scandal.

What is this guy's problem? Where does he come from and has he always been like this? He's honestly the worst. I remember being beside him at a book signing of Cal's in 2009 and remember reading what he wrote later being exaggerated and no shortage of jabs.

He's going the way of the LHL

 

[uky8unc5]

* Back in 1986, HL received a Pulitzer for burying UK for the Eddie Satan mess
* Since then, Tipton has carried the HL banner as UK's cynical watchdog
* He's one of the smartest in the business
* He's definitely the biggest smartazz in the business
* If God ever changes His mind about revenge, Tipton's on my list

 

[musrat59]

Never heard of him.

 

[seccats04]

He will be unemployed soon. The HL is dying a slow death.

 

[Bluest Member]

LHL is connected to a UNC Alum owner,has a UNC Alum Editor in Chief,and does everything in their power to tarnish and hurt UK Basketball while the real villain UNCheats has been CHEATING for 60+ years.
I boycotted the TRAITORS at LHL years ago and will never buy let alone read one until they change the policy of constantly attacking the hometown school.Must be the only POS paper in the country that is Anti- the local University and sports team.

 

[BaronReborn84]

It's simple really, he's an A**hole.

 

[UKWildcatT]

Truthfully, he's an old fool that was probably never good at sports, was never invited to parties, so he thought "I'll become a writer and show those jocks! I'll try to take them down, intentionally lying if I need to, but I'll get them back!"

 

[TheKentuckyKid]

He's an old curmudgeon.

 

[rabidcatfan]

To be honest, I could care less what the man writes or says about UK - it is as irrelevant as he is. No one of any worth reads the LHL anyway, and the people who actually do seems to be falling off at a fairly increasing rate. Tipton is a very respected sports journalist in those circles, but sports journalists who write for printed newspapers are becoming about as common as Bigfoot sightings. Eventually, there won't be any more of them left, because people will quit reading their news on newsprint and start getting their news like the rest of the world, online. That's when the locally-based, bias-fueled hit pieces from the Jerry Tipton's of the world will cease. Until then, just don't read them.

 

[FFWhite]

Simply put Tipton is an asshole.

 

[BlueWorldOrder74]

The LHL used to call me once per week and ask if I would renew my subscription (I cancelled it back in 2002). Each time, I ask, is Jerry Tipton still writing for the paper? They say yes, I say then no. I let them know to call me back when they fire that dick.

 

[uky8unc5]

It's simple really, he's an A**hole WHO GETS PAID TO BE AN A**HOLE.

Fixed that....because that's what makes this so repulsive.

 

[stenchymouse]

I'd prefer that Tipton and LHL were never mentioned on this board,,,

They are irrelevant and carry zero weight with ANYONE!

Getting UK fans riled up is the only way that anyone would ever notice them.

 

[preacherfan]

Let's be honest, it isn't just Tipton. It is the whole paper. Even the other sports writers have agendas as does the paper. I once had a run-in with Mark Story. He couldn't handle the fact that Tubby wasn't getting the job done and was a jerk to anyone who disagreed.

Simply put.....I don't read it or subscribe to it.

 

[UKCatWoman]

Let's be honest, it isn't just Tipton. It is the whole paper. Even the other sports writers have agendas as does the paper. I once had a run-in with Mark Story. He couldn't handle the fact that Tubby wasn't getting the job done and was a jerk to anyone who disagreed.

Simply put.....I don't read it or subscribe to it.

Ditto here. We have never subscribed to the HL - mainly because of Tipton!!!

 

[Ben101er]

That idiot wrote for the Huntington Herald Dispatch during the late 70's and came to UK in 1981, I believe. He has had a chip on his shoulder since day one. Almost every game, a fan would make a comment to him, about his negativity. He seems to enjoy the notoriety.

 

[preacherfan]

That idiot wrote for the Huntington Herald Dispatch during the late 70's and came to UK in 1981, I believe. He has had a chip on his shoulder since day one. Almost every game, a fan would make a comment to him, about his negativity. He seems to enjoy the notoriety.

On the bright side, Cal taks jabs at him every so often. He isn't as smart as some think because he sometimes takes the bait and Cal makes him look stupid. I love the video of Cal talking about the little dogs yapping and Tipton steps right in it. I don't know if the video is still available but it is hysterical if you can find it.

 

[TriangleUKCat]

Acne scars, most likely.

 

[zannmann]

He is just a bitter old man.

 

[UKrazycat2]

Tipturd= tits on a boar hog. Useless.

 

[BlueBomb]

Just as an aside: I've been in the publishing business for 25 years. The LHL won't die. Yes, the newspaper (along with all large-city dailies) has been drastically impacted by the internet (the digital age in general) and many other things. But they won't simply disappear. They will instead become much, much smaller community newspapers that will increasingly report -- what they call in the business -- hyper local news. They might even cease to print all seven days. But they won't die completely any time soon.

And Tipton likely won't lose his job either. Basketball coverage is the lifeblood, of that newspaper. And regardless of what people think of Tipton, the company does not feel any tangible losses that they can contribute to his continued employment.

SO, we just have to ignore him as best we can.

 

[BlueWorldOrder74]

Cal calls out Tipton (Dog Yappin Video)

http://kentuckysportsradio.com/1/calipari-vs-jerry-tipton/

 

[uky8unc5]

He is just a bitter old man.

The only thing...he was a bitter young man too. Old isn't the problem (said the Senior of Senior Citizens).

 

[Blueaz]

Let's be honest, it isn't just Tipton. It is the whole paper. Even the other sports writers have agendas as does the paper. I once had a run-in with Mark Story. He couldn't handle the fact that Tubby wasn't getting the job done and was a jerk to anyone who disagreed.

Simply put.....I don't read it or subscribe to it.

I used to know the Story family...he. has a very hard time with ANYONE that does not think he right. Apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
His dad was principal and once pulled a "Mitch" or "Jerry" on the high school basketball team, fans and coach.
The men's basketball team was having a tough season (even with only moderate expectations), barely .500... but the team made an awesome run through district and miracle run in region... lost in region finals game...under 3secs left, up by two; inbounds pass stolen...quick drive.. our guy tries to take a charge, they score and ref calls a "flop" technical and then tech in bench, as you can imagine (the one and only time I have ever seen this called... the flop T)
Fans went "Higgins crazy" after the game
Story makes a special announcement the next day to denounce the fans and says something like (it's been 30 years, so this is my best paraphrase). The fans, team and coach were embarrassing especially with the talent on this team, we were just lucky to be there. No congratulations on a great run, tough loss or anything like that.
At our last practice that day, he shows up...everyone thinks he is there to apologize to the team, coach and finally offer congratulations... hell no, he says same thing and says he expects better behavior going forward.

 

[Smashcat]

He's an old curmudgeon.

He was a young curmudgeon too.

 

[uky8unc5]

FYI:
* The HL was well over double (almost 140k) back in the 1980's.
* Today their circulation is about 60k.
* They have remained viable by 1) syndicating...2) expanding their printing business...3) embracing the internet

 

[uky8unc5]

Our guy tries to take a charge, they score and ref calls a "flop" technical and then tech in bench, as you can imagine (the one and only time I have ever seen this called... the flop T)

"Flop Tech" was a point of emphasis in high school basketball in the mid 1980's. Don't ask me why, but it was pushed at pre-season clinics. The ONLY (and I do mean ONLY) officials who ever called one are the guys who disappeared into oblivion. I am amazed by your story....Sad on top of sad...

 

[likelarry901]

I haven't bought the LHL in over ten years. Before that I bought one every day of the week for the previous 20 years. The reason for this decision can be blamed on Tipton's sports views and their political slant to the left. They can write what they want. I not buying it or reading it.

 

[YouKay]

Can't believe he isn't about to hit mandatory retirement age. Has to be older than me and I'm almost there. It amazes me that he is still writing his vitriol.

Basically he thinks UK fans are a bunch of hillbilly clowns who care too much about basketball and that the university spends too much money on basketball. He thought he destroyed this evil program in the 1980s when he won his Pulitzer and is still convinced the program is hopelessly corrupt. He thinks his job is to be the "truth teller" that finds out and tells UK fans the stuff they don't want to hear. His agenda is to make UK basketball look as bad as possible.

Unfortunately the "Higgins death threats" thing has given him a shiny new hobbyhorse he is gonna ride right up until he finally retires.

 

[rick64]

Too bad he doesn't work for the CJ here in Louisville, and turn him loose on RP and TJ.

 

[On-On-UK]

Be careful what you say about him. Your words could be interpreted as threatening.
He could have the FBI knocking on your door...

 

[Sawnee Cat]

Any UK fan that subscribes to the LHL for any reason has no reason to complain about Tipton. You can live without the newspaper folks. Get rid of it and put them out of business.

 

[Sawnee Cat]

Too bad he doesn't work for the CJ here in Louisville, and turn him loose on RP and TJ.

I doubt seriously that he would go after them. His vendetta is against UK and UK only. This is the only reason he lives, to screw UK.

 

[JDHoss]

FYI:
* The HL was well over double (almost 140k) back in the 1980's.
* Today their circulation is about 60k.
* They have remained viable by 1) syndicating...2) expanding their printing business...3) embracing the internet

Same story at practically every print newspaper in the country. It doesn't have anything to do with their content. It has to do with the digital media and the immediate availability of it. When you get the morning paper, it truly is "yesterday's news", and you have likely already read about it online somewhere.

 

[preacherfan]

"Flop Tech" was a point of emphasis in high school basketball in the mid 1980's. Don't ask me why, but it was pushed at pre-season clinics. The ONLY (and I do mean ONLY) officials who ever called one are the guys who disappeared into oblivion. I am amazed by your story....Sad on top of sad...

I saw the "flop t" called in the 1970's at a small college game. The official was Dr. Leroy Fanning, a prof at UTChattoonga and a "friend" of mine. A player obviously flopped in the middle of the court with little, if any, contact. Dr. Fanning ran over, pointed at the player on the floor and blew the T. That is the ONLY time I have ever seen it called.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

I really believe it is, or at least was, a culture at the paper. It ties back to the NCAA violations under Sutton. I had an email discussion with Mark Story about this some years ago. Everything they were writing then was negative. I questioned him about it, he said it wasn't their jobs to be homers. I let him know that it was foolish from a business standpoint to always write so negatively about the LHL's home team and the most important sports team in the state. No one was asking them to be homers but at least be neutral. It's been some time since they all wrote like that. Tipton even forgets and writes articles that aren't negative now and then. I'm still no fan of the LHL though and their treatment of UK basketball is the main reason.

 

[WildcatDJ]

Misery loves company

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

This guy should move to Chapel Hill. He'd had much more to write about if he really wants to bring a program or coach down, so he can get a Pulitzer.

 

[YourPublicEnemy]

I really believe it is, or at least was, a culture at the paper. It ties back to the NCAA violations under Sutton. I had an email discussion with Mark Story about this some years ago. Everything they were writing then was negative. I questioned him about it, he said it wasn't their jobs to be homers. I let him know that it was foolish from a business standpoint to always write so negatively about the LHL's home team and the most important sports team in the state. No one was asking them to be homers but at least be neutral. It's been some time since they all wrote like that. Tipton even forgets and writes articles that aren't negative now and then. I'm still no fan of the LHL though and their treatment of UK basketball is the main reason.

It's funny how a lot of journalists think they're the saviors of the "little people" and get to tell us how to think.

Here's the thing, I don't think anyone wants constant cheerleading and puff pieces but at the same time, constanty getting jabs in and inserting negative slights consistently even when the piece doesn't warrent it, gets old. More and more people are seeing this type of crap in our national news media. Refuse to give credit or say anything positive about the subject and find a way to insert your bias in there or insinuate something negative.

A few random examples of sports journalism come to mind including the article I referenced earlier. Tipton mentions an accusation of Cal as an assistant at Pitt trying to get a recruit by lying that another coach has cancer. The way it is written at first makes it seem like it was true. Then the below paragraph says it's not true. But what if the reader stops reading before that next paragraph?

The next is from Memphis' The Commercial Appeal a month or so after Cal took the Kentucky job. The headline read something like, "Memphis accused of major violations under Calipari."

Then you read the article and Cal's name is not mentioned until the last sentence where it states, "Calipari's name was not mentioned in the report." Then why did you put his name in the headline, dick?