Oregonian uses picture of Calipari in article about college hoops corruption

Yesterday, The Oregonian published an expose on T.J. Gassnola, one of the central figures in the college hoops trial, but by looking at the article, you’d think it was about John Calipari.

While Gassnola, a former Adidas bagman turned star witness for the government, is in the picture used by reporters Brad Schmidt and Jeff Manning atop the piece (blurry, side profile, behind Calipari and Derek Kellogg), Calipari is clearly the most recognizable face:

Mercifully, the caption on the website gives some direction as to where Gassnola is in the photo with “basketball royalty,” but Twitter doesn’t allow for that, so Cal’s face is now attached to a story that’s been shared all across social media by Jay Bilas (1.95 million followers), Adam Zagoria (50K followers), and The Oregonian (300K followers).

NCAA knew about T.J. Gassanola over a decade ago, yet did nothing. NCAA members partner with (sell players to) shoe companies, therefore, the NCAA does it. After all, NCAA is the members. So, what is the NCAA accountability? None. Asleep at the wheel. https://t.co/aSi319tqgI

— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) February 4, 2019

As Calipari’s daughter Megan tweeted, could they not find a better picture of Gassnola?

https://twitter.com/MeganteCalipari/status/1092525872215670784

Pictures of Gassnola are in short supply (purposefully so, I’m sure) but Sports Law Blog seems to have a nice one:

SportsGossip.com even had the decency to put an arrow pointing at Gassnola in this picture:

At the very least, The Oregonian could have done that, or put a big circle around Gassnola’s head. Or, use a photo of Rick Pitino, who was fired as a result of the scandal, or Bill Self, who’s been linked to it multiple times. Or, just use a stock photo of an Adidas basketball. But, that wouldn’t get as many clicks, right?

All former Cat Wenyen Gabriel could do was laugh.

Cal not even in the article 😂 https://t.co/YEV6v1dz8n

— Black. (@WenyenGabriel) February 4, 2019

As you might expect, Erin Calipari is also putting the decision to use the photo featuring her dad on blast, even going back and forth with Jay Bilas over it:

We are so far from involved in this that the family even allowed to buy Adidas stuff. #Nike

— Dr.SicilianoCalipari (@TheErinCalipari) February 4, 2019

Hi Jay! We did read the article. It didn't mention our family, yet, the cover photo is of our dad front and center. I would love for you to start putting random people as the cover photos for all of your articles. @MeganteCalipari and I have some great headshots we can provide. https://t.co/UOytJdgaCK

— Dr.SicilianoCalipari (@TheErinCalipari) February 4, 2019

"or have someone read it to you". Coming in with the 🔥 sexism. Love it. Unfortunately not only do we both read, we actually write books and manuscripts for a living. https://t.co/UOytJdgaCK

— Dr.SicilianoCalipari (@TheErinCalipari) February 4, 2019

Bilas already has his hands full with Erin and Megan, but when Ellen finds out, he’s toast. Fire coming to Instagram in 3…2…1…

[mobile_ad]