Why Quick Matters
by Ben. on Dec 11, 2008 4:54 PM PST
81 comments
One of the questions that we received into the Bat Phone multiple times yesterday asked for my take on Jason Quick vs. Greg Oden. If you're late to the party, Dwight has some audio that you should listen to: an interview that Quick did with 1080 The Fan during the last road trip, in which he says some borderline-nasty things about Greg that you don't usually hear a beat writer saying about an NBA player, especially an NBA player with the visibility of Greg Oden. These comments found their way to TrueHoop yesterday and Deadspin this morning.
There has been a lot of criticism of Quick for his comments. I exchanged emails with him yesterday looking for his reaction to the delayed attention his comments have received. This afternoon, he has posted a must-read public response to the criticism.
First off, I listened to them and was, quite frankly, embarrassed. I didn't intend to come across so abrasive, but I did, and I have no other choice but to own up to it. There is one line I would like to take back, where I said "I can't stand to be around" Oden. I think a more accurate reflection of my feelings would have been to say 'I'm sick of dealing with the entity of Greg Oden." The entity of Oden is the media mosh pits around him. It's hearing stupid questions, like ones about his beard. It's the incessant questions on the radio, and in internet chats, about him. And yes, it's the actual dealing with Greg himself. I totally stand by my comments that the guy is not pleasant to be around. There is nothing enjoyable about it.
In the post-game locker room sessions, sometimes I find myself watching JQ as much as I watch the players. That sounds weird but for someone who is straight up addicted to the stories that get told about this team, it's completely unavoidable. Quick is a force of nature.
He walks into the locker room or team office: you notice, Brandon notices, Nate notices ("What's up, Quick?," with a smile), everyone notices. Invariably, within 60 seconds, Quick turns on his Oprah voice -- speaking very softly, pensively, asking questions almost one word at a time so that the player is in a relaxed state --- and then the good quotes start flowing. A few times I've found myself in situations where a group of reporters finishes interviewing a player, leaving only JQ and myself standing with the player. It is an incredible sensation: almost immediately I feel like I'm intruding upon a private conversation. The feeling to "get out" comes quickly and sharply. It's kind of like rolling up on your parents making out when you're a kid. MUST LEAVE NOW.
Whether you care to admit it or not, Quick carries serious weight in the Blazers locker room. He has the respect of the three most important personaties: Brandon, Nate and Kevin. There's no debating or arguing that point -- none. During a practice session earlier this year, Quick reached up and grabbed Nate's shoulders during an interview, something akin to tossing raw meat in the direction of Jerryd Bayless. I was ready to bolt but Nate barely flinched.
Does that mean every player, every team official and every coach tells JQ their deepest, darkest secrets about life just by virtue of his being there? No, it doesn't. Does that mean KP won't float some cockamamie through him every once in awhile? No, it doesn't. But it does mean that if you want to more deeply appreciate the coverage of this team, you might consider changing how you view Quick.
It's time to give up seeing JQ as the team's "beat writer" once and for all. Put a fork in that. That is a very restrictive term and it is so 1997. Calling him a "beat writer" does a disservice to his voice and his range; look at what else this man does. He is the go-to guy on sports radio. He writes personal columns (more opinion, more background) in the paper and online. He podcasts. He blogs (sort of). He is willing to give detailed answers and interviews to bloggers like us.
Each of those media has different conventions and demands; it's impossible to be all of those things and still be a "beat writer." Why? Because "beat writing" is dying with newspapers. Tough break but those are the facts. And, judging by the diversification of his talents, I suspect that Quick understands that better than almost anyone else in the business.
Given all of that, how should you view JQ?
JQ is a one man media cyclone. Treat him as such. As you guys voted last week, he is the Blazers Media MVP. Not just for the first quarter but for as long as he is in Portland. He is Dwight Schrute, Dunder Mifflin's Salesman of the Month 13 times in the last 12 months (twice in February). He is as close to being a part of the team as I can imagine a reporter becoming. Don't believe me? Ask practically any one in the media that spends time around him-- and I have-- they will all tell you the same thing.
I suggest you view Jason Quick simply as "Talent."
Just as Brandon defies labelling as a 1 or a 2, depending on the situation, Quick defies the strict labelling as "beat writer" or "columnist" or even "personality." Get past those conventions. They are a waste of your time. They won't exist in 5 years, or at least the roles will have changed so our current understanding will not suffice. In 5 years, though, Quick will still be Talent. And while you stress out about conventions today, Quick is out breaking another story, or two, or three. And changing how NBA reporting happens along the way.
Do I hope Quick chooses his words better than he did in the 1080 interview? Absolutely. Was it important that he got called out on these comments? Absolutely. But nobody's perfect. Brandon fell victim to a late-game double team on Wednesday night; Quick fell victim to some slightly loose lips in Washington. It happens. Appreciate the man's dedication to his craft and forward-thinking approach to team coverage. They are a daily gift to every Blazers fan.
Do not take your eye off this ball... Newspapers are going bankrupt on a daily basis; Quick's coverage remains money day in and day out.
-- Ben (benjamin.golliver@gmail.com) or Bat Phone: 503-719-1790
7 recs |
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I like Quick.
Sometimes I choose my woeds badly. Frequently far worse than he did here. I’m glad that I don’t live in a media spotlight. I think we should judge JQ by the body of his work, and as human. Greg will grow. So will JQ. So will we all. Let’s move on.
Perfect practice makes perfect.
by Ojala John on Dec 11, 2008 5:01 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I wish that I could say that was intentional.
But I’m not that clever.
Perfect practice makes perfect.
by Ojala John on Dec 11, 2008 8:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Good point
The simple fact that he gets this kind of in depth coverage is underappreciated. Maybe we’re a little more spoiled than we know.
Better to have someone following the team to a fault than not following them as close as we’d like.
"I like blocks," Fernandez said.
by joelor on Dec 11, 2008 5:01 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Quicks Interview Made
him seem to be a D*** but maybe it will bring out some crazy fire in oden we have yet to really see. I call 18 pts 15 rebs 6 blocks tonight!
Denial ain't just a river in Egypt.
by RiPCiTyBLAZERS on Dec 11, 2008 5:02 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
If anything, JQ opened a can of worms that will detract attention from the team.
sOPHIA
Though patience be a tired mare, yet she will plod. - William Shakespeare
by BlazerFan1 on Dec 11, 2008 5:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
I don’t care how accomplished this guy is, he still needs to chose his words more carefully. Even more so the more sway he has, and the fact that he’s a writer is the cherry on top. I don’t care if he likes Greg or not, that shouldn’t ever publicly come out. I ork with people on a daily basis that I can’t stand, but if I told them that it would just worsen the relationship. If I told the whole city, or country, really, what good would that do. This can and probably will referenced over and over again throughout Oden’s career. And he thought questions about the beard were bad. He dug his own ditch there. I can respect his work, but there’s no excuse for this no matter how good he is.
by einman77 on Dec 11, 2008 7:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If this detracts attention from the team, it will only be the attention of fans and other media outlets
I doubt Oden listens to radio shows and cares what these people think of him.
The team and Oden are focused on becoming better players and winning games. I don’t see how this will distract them from that effort.
by Bust a Bucket on Dec 11, 2008 7:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Did you read this?
Appearantly quick is a major presence in the locker room and in several aspects of the game, and he just trashed one of the players with the biggest spotlight on him in the spotlinght. It’s making it’s way across the national media. I would be shocked if it didn’t make it to the players. Like they have some bubble around them that filters out what the rest of the basketball world knows? Come on! I have no idea ho this can’t be considered a distraction.
by einman77 on Dec 11, 2008 7:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Did you read what he said?
He’s not sick of being around Oden:
I think a more accurate reflection of my feelings would have been to say ’I’m sick of dealing with the entity of Greg Oden." The entity of Oden is the media mosh pits around him. It’s hearing stupid questions, like ones about his beard. It’s the incessant questions on the radio, and in internet chats, about him. And yes, it’s the actual dealing with Greg himself. I totally stand by my comments that the guy is not pleasant to be around. There is nothing enjoyable about it.
by Bust a Bucket on Dec 11, 2008 7:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
not a distraction
Hopefully the players do not listen to either of the sports squawk stations or read any blogs other than their own. – Elgin
It's all blues and no dinner at the Ministry of Bag. The steaks are getting thinner. The office is a drag. - Pete Brown
by 22baylor on Dec 12, 2008 10:52 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If Oden needs a beat writer to get him pumped up for a game
there is a serious problem.
And yes, I called him a beat writer. Old habits die hard ;-)
Every night the team scores 100 points is sort of a mini-Hispanic night.........all the fans get free Chalupas. --Bust a Bucket
by prezofdeath on Dec 11, 2008 5:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It must be because Portland is such a small, tiny market, since up here in Seattle there's still a ...
tangible difference between a beat writer — who’s essentially a sports journalist — and a columnist.
For example, The Seattle Times employs beat writers who report on each of the major professional teams throughout the region — such as José Miguel Romero for the Seattle Seahawks, Geoff Baker for the Seattle Mariners, et cetera — while Steve Kelley and Jerry Brewer are columnists who write articles on a variety of sports related topics.
Furthermore, The Seattle Post-Intelligencer employs beat writers who report on each of the major professional teams throughout the region — such as Clare Farnsworth for the Seattle Seahawks, John Hickey for the Seattle Mariners, et cetera — while Art Thiel and Jim Moore are columnists who write articles on a variety of sports related topics.
All things considered, there’s technically a colossal difference between beat writers and columnists.
by AK1984 on Dec 11, 2008 7:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Seattle is a larger market and the media is less nimble and will eventually have to adapt to the realities of the 21st century
The Tribune Co. (owners of many papers and the Chicago Cubs) went bankrupt in the last week.
Readership and advertising revenues have been declining steadily and swiftly over the last decade. Newspapers are dying as Ben pointed out. The Oregonian is trying to survive. It will inevitably evolve if it hopes to make it. We’ll see how it all shakes out.
by Bust a Bucket on Dec 11, 2008 7:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not arguing that the newspaper industry must adjust itself to the evolving 21st century.
My claim here is that there’s still a tangible difference between beat writers and columnists, so Jason Quick of The Oregonian is walking a fine line by interjecting subjective remarks into his supposedly objective articles. It’s undoubtedly acceptable for Quick to justifiably criticize Greg Oden for his less than stellar play thus far this season; however, it’s completely irresponsible of him to remove his objectivity by taking personal shots at someone because he doesn’t like them.
by AK1984 on Dec 11, 2008 8:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
things are changing.
the P-I, etc are going to start looking at their overhead and trying to reduce it. I think Dwight is ahead of the curve here – hopefully he can make some coin off his blog somehow, but the newspaper business is slowly turning into a website business. – S.
It's all blues and no dinner at the Ministry of Bag. The steaks are getting thinner. The office is a drag. - Pete Brown
by 22baylor on Dec 12, 2008 10:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The Bat Phone Works!
Thanks for addressing this Ben. Well put, culpability all around and generated some decent discussion on a “Talents” role with the Blazers. Quick’s response was a good one. I admit upon listening I was a bit shocked to hear what I perceived as a pretty emotional response from Quick. Nice to hear that he acknowledges that and also clarifies himself. Outstanding. Great work Ben!
"I saw him in the face" Sergio's quote on the latest alley-oop to Rudy.
by blazermaniac32 on Dec 11, 2008 5:03 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sick of this story
Hopefully this whole thing is over now.
Plus, Quick is calling it likes he sees it. I can’t say that he was entirely sensitive with his word choice, but his point? Hard to argue and even a casual fan can see it. Greg doesn’t talk with his team on the bench, doesn’t give or receive high fives or engage the media very well. Shoot, I’m rooting for the guy too but I’m not blind to his sulking and I don’t approve. He’s making 5million dollars this year and was the #1 pick and doesn’t, frankly, have many expectations that aren’t self imposed. May we all be so lucky someday to have Greg’s problems!
I’m not sure the kid gloves are needed.
whaa happen?
by Toby on Dec 11, 2008 5:06 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Calling it like he sees it?!
And you think you have some idea what Greg’s problems are? You bought in to this garbage!
Quick is reporting on himself. On his “feelings” about a player on the team. Not on the play of the player on the team, but how HE doesn’t like his personality. If I was a friend of GOs in this situation, I would definitely try and find a way to get back at JQ. Freeze him out. Bust up his car. Bust up his lip. That’s what friends do when someone attacks you personally in a public way.
The Blazers organization has to appease the media. They’re a business. But to hear this from the fans just doesn’t make sense to me.
And so that’s why the responses on here have surprised me. I assumed as Blazer fans, we’d all feel some love for GO. I’m afraid growing up on Rush Limbaugh and Jon Stewart has really taken it’s toll on the BE readership.
by Blazin' on Dec 11, 2008 5:41 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
chill
please
"Brandon Roy, that man is unstoppable, it's like he's playing NBA Live." - Anthony Carter
by jamon51 on Dec 11, 2008 6:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh puleeeeeze
Get a grip. You want to bust chops….in one of the smallest media markets in the country. THAT is pretty much Oden’s problem as well. When you are the #1 draft pick, you HAVE to deal with the attention. If Oden thinks the pressure in Portland is tough, imagine if he was in NYC and had to deal with Peter Vecsey every day.
Jason Quick is not Greg Oden’s problem. Greg Oden is GO’s problem. When he gets his head on straight, he’ll be just fine on the court.
Quick owned up to a bad choice of words. Now let’s all move on.
by antediluvian on Dec 11, 2008 6:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks you
could not have said it better myself
65.....
by JWise on Dec 11, 2008 6:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
What?
Toby said, “and doesn’t, frankly, have many expectations that aren’t self imposed.”
This statement strikes me as delusional.
Oden ranks third in PER among rookies. He has been averaging a double double almost every other game, and yet on a near daily basis we read about him not living up to expectations. The guy is twenty and coming back from major surgery.
If JQ is sick of all the happenings around Oden, just imagine what it must be to be GO and try to find peace in the middle of all the BS. Your apparent lack of insight and compassion is notable.
by upper left corner on Dec 12, 2008 3:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly
Well-put, ULC.
"If [Roy & Aldridge] walked around in fur coats, with a bunch of glamour & glitz, we'd have a bunch of guys wearing fur coats. But they don't. They're just good guys who want to win and know how to play the right way." --Kevin Pritchard
by hurryup09 on Dec 12, 2008 6:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Kudos to Quick.
That’s awesome.
“I can’t stand to be around” Oden
That probably came across worse than it was intended to and it takes a big man to admit when he made a mistake. It speaks volumes about where this franchise is with the media these days. Openness is a good thing.
by Nick Van Excellent on Dec 11, 2008 5:08 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
I used to be a fan of Quick's work
It helped me get thru the dog days of the off-season. But that began to change when he began to extract quotes from players—and print them—that, in my opinion, threatened team chemistry. Then came the “underwhelming” comment about GO’s play awhile back.
That was the straw that broke the camel’s back for me; Quick was no longer reporting the story—he was trying to become the story. This latest anti-Greg episode is more of the same. Re/ Jason Quick, I’m no longer a fan—at all.
"If [Roy & Aldridge] walked around in fur coats, with a bunch of glamour & glitz, we'd have a bunch of guys wearing fur coats. But they don't. They're just good guys who want to win and know how to play the right way." --Kevin Pritchard
by hurryup09 on Dec 11, 2008 5:12 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Quick's job
Do you feel that Quick’s principle priority should be to foster team chemistry then, or report what he is told? Should he not say Oden is underwhelming if he feels Oden isn’t playing that well? Keep it quiet? Lie? I’m wondering what most Portlanders are looking for in their sports media. Should they just be PR guys for the Blazers, or should they, you know report and opine?
by morg on Dec 11, 2008 5:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Many BEdgers would prefer to bring back Art Sasse, the Henchman
and return to a time when the media gets locked out if the don’t tow the company line.
They don’t want independent eyes on the organization… any criticism is over the line.
It’s a sad day when people advocate that.
by Bust a Bucket on Dec 11, 2008 5:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
independent eyes and critism is ok, and even apriciated
what some dont apriciate is the seamingly thoughtless flippency with witch he spoke. ive read his peace adressing his choice of words, and with that am at peace with quick in his position. I dont think the players or the office should lock out the media, if its critikal, but i would more then support the team if they chose to lock out a media personality if they were sensationalistik and disrespectful in there commentary. i think quick has admitted his wrong, and i for one am now open again to him.
the statement that “any criticism is over the line” is just as far off the mark as "anything you say and labal as critism is a-ok.
i really do hope that people dont advocate silence in the media.
Travis please save us
by Sabonis4Ever on Dec 2, 2008 5:14 PM PST Gameday Open Thread: Blazers vs. Knicks on Blazer's Edge
by maid tu rek on Dec 11, 2008 6:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Dude
where do you get this stuff? Nobody has said that. You and Hobobob just make things up to make your stance sound more credible. I appreciate that Quick semi-owned up to what he said. He still was harsh but at least regrets what he said. His underwhelming comment I had an issue with because it was said during the pre-season to a man coming off microfracture but I didn’t think it was that horrid. It’s when you personally insult someone that it becomes a problem. I don’t understand your rabid devotion to quick and your incredible nastiness towards those who think Greg comports himself as a gentleman and that Quick crossed the line.
He's Coming! Oden Slayer of Giants
by Idog1976 on Dec 11, 2008 7:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You've taken the "underwhelming" quote out of context once again
I think Quick used a poor choice of words. I also thinks he does a great job overall and doesn’t deserve people calling for him to resign or get shutout by the team. The team obviously feels the way I do because they haven’t said anything bad about Quick or limited his access. In fact Oden answered questions for his article about Nate’s post game speech in Toronto.
In sum, Blazer fans have been underwhelming to me in their knee-jerk reactions to a couple sentences from a guy that puts out thousands of words of content each week.
No ill will intended. Sorry if it came across as nastiness.
by Bust a Bucket on Dec 11, 2008 7:50 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Sounds good
We’ve probably all been a little over the top about it and I apologize if I have been on my side of the conversation as well. I appreciate this post. Thanks Bust a Bucket.
He's Coming! Oden Slayer of Giants
by Idog1976 on Dec 11, 2008 8:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
well done Idog.
That first comment wasn’t like you. I like the restate.
I enjoy reading your stuff and imagine I’d enjoy a beer and a game with you immensely. Truly so.
Same with Quick.
I
Perfect practice makes perfect.
by Ojala John on Dec 11, 2008 8:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
This made me think
Do I want indepth news coverage. Absolutely.
But then again, the NBA is not news to me, it is entertainment.
by Risk on Dec 11, 2008 7:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He did NOT report that Oden was underwhelming
Rather, he TOLD Oden he found him underwhelming, got the desired negative reaction, then reported THAT. That was not, you know, reporting and opining. It was, in a word, a cheap shot. Small wonder Oden isn’t overflowing with sweetness & light in Quick’s presence these days.
It’s ironic that Quick speaks of hating the “media mosh pits” around Greg Oden—when he’s been in there banging away at the poor guy with the best of them. If Quick had the imagination necessary to imagine for one moment what it has been like to BE Greg Oden for the past year, he might show a hint of compassion towards this young guy. Maybe Oden’s appearance is a curse; when you’re 7’ tall, 280 lb, and appear to be 35 years old, people forget you’re a 20-year-old kid with the weight of the world on you.
"If [Roy & Aldridge] walked around in fur coats, with a bunch of glamour & glitz, we'd have a bunch of guys wearing fur coats. But they don't. They're just good guys who want to win and know how to play the right way." --Kevin Pritchard
by hurryup09 on Dec 12, 2008 1:15 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Two and a half things.........
1. Just tried out the Bat Fone via text message. Saaweet!
2. This post is insightful and well-thought out. Thanks Ben.
2a. rec’d
Every night the team scores 100 points is sort of a mini-Hispanic night.........all the fans get free Chalupas. --Bust a Bucket
by prezofdeath on Dec 11, 2008 5:13 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
great piece Ben!
You provide the perspective on Quick that only somebody with credentials could.
by Bust a Bucket on Dec 11, 2008 5:16 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Thanks Ben.
The haters just don’t understand. Put things in perspective people.
by Dough on Dec 11, 2008 5:19 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Quick is cool with me
He just needs a PR rep like Shaun from Entourage to kick him in the butt.
BINGO, BANGO, BONGO
by blzrfan on Dec 11, 2008 5:29 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I didn't like the last season of Entourage
It kind of jumped the shark. The whole Ari turning down a studio gig to be loyal to a guy who can’t act (on the show and in real life),.
by RoyDrexler on Dec 12, 2008 1:04 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Quick is UNDERWHELMING
I appreciate Ben’s response explaining Quick’s role with the team. I still firmly believe in my headline though.
by clonigro on Dec 11, 2008 5:29 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Agreed.
Oh and Ben nice work. You’ve really elevated your blogging game recently. Can’t say I agree with your ultra-high opinion of JQ but I definitely appreciate how you are rolling now days Ben. Rec’d the post for your words not Quicks.
He's Coming! Oden Slayer of Giants
by Idog1976 on Dec 11, 2008 7:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Very true.
I hadn’t noticed it until dogg pointed it out.
Your latest stuff has been really good. Dave good.
Well done.
Perfect practice makes perfect.
by Ojala John on Dec 11, 2008 8:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
hard to differ with Ben's opinions
since Ben sees him working up close and, as he says above, hangs on every word Quick writes.
I appreciate Ben’s embeddedness; Quick is even more so. Thanks to you all for reporting on the Blazers in the way that you all do. – Elgin
It's all blues and no dinner at the Ministry of Bag. The steaks are getting thinner. The office is a drag. - Pete Brown
by 22baylor on Dec 12, 2008 10:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Does he fly with the team like Mike and Mike?
just curious
by Sabonis4Ever on Dec 11, 2008 5:43 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
No, he doesn't get to fly on the team plane.
That would be a “conflict of interest”.
But it’s hard not to say he has conflicts of interest since he is so close to Nate (and B Roy and KP to some extent).
If you listened to his podcast, he and Nate walked back to the hotel from practice together before the Boston game. Nate asked him before the season started who would be in his starting lineup (when the Batum/Rudy/Outlaw debate was raging).
Nate and Quick are close, but he still can’t get anything for free from the Blazers (like a flight) and be considered an independent media person.
by Bust a Bucket on Dec 11, 2008 5:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
i think his statements
were taken out of context if they were interpreted in a negative way. its like someone saying they cant stand their parents but they still love them and eat their dinner every night
by Yawnie on Dec 11, 2008 5:47 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Did you listen to the interview?
They weren’t taken out of context at all. In fact, listening to them actually makes them seem worse. He also aggress with the idiot shock jock who says Oden has “no accountability,” whatever that’s supposed to mean.
by ilserpente on Dec 12, 2008 2:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Be careful with my team Jason
It’s interesting to have confirmed how much weight JQ holds amongst the Blazers, and scary too because he clearly has a louder voice with fans than players. Fortunately, gone are the days when Quick and Canzano are our only media outlet. When they held a grudge or simply didn’t like someone, they had the power to sway the opinion of the city. Obviously both of those guys still hold a lot of weight, and they should consider that carefully. I’m not saying they should cover for the guys when they screw up, but I am saying that they should be careful when personal disagreements slant their writing and agendas become confused.
by MavetheGreat on Dec 11, 2008 5:58 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
I want to know if he has an entourage
Viva la Rudylucion
by Norsktroll on Dec 11, 2008 6:03 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Historical Perspective
I feel like a lot of Blazer fans lack some historical perspective on what Quick’s role has been in defining Portland’s relationship with its professional franchise. Or maybe I just have a slightly different take. I watched Quick systematically assassinate the character’s of Rasheed Wallace, Damon Staudamire and Zach Randolph. Sure, those guys had real character issues, and performance issues. But Quick buried them with the city be constantly harping on perceived inadequacies. Rasheed Wallace refused to speak with the Portland Media for the last year or so he was with the team. Quick wrote a series about Zach Randolph three years ago saying he was lazy and could not play for coach McMillan. I think those are examples of where Quick’s inflammatory and opinion laden reporting were inappropriate, inaccurate and harmful to the city. We never needed 800 articles about how Sheed and Damon got caught with pot. But for years, even within the last year, Quick still includes that irrelevant fact in his reporting. Quick does very good work. Sometimes he is outstanding. But the downside is very ugly. And we are seeing that right now.
by goblazer1 on Dec 11, 2008 6:32 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
these players assassinated their own characters
while Quick reported the story. – Elgin
It's all blues and no dinner at the Ministry of Bag. The steaks are getting thinner. The office is a drag. - Pete Brown
by 22baylor on Dec 12, 2008 11:00 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Jason Quick is kind of cute.
Ben’s next poll should be who is the hottest guy covering the Blazers.
by tominhawaii on Dec 11, 2008 7:04 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
What happens on a secluded Hawaiian beach between two men
stays on a secluded Hawaiian beach between two men.
Too much info, TiH, too much info.
by Bust a Bucket on Dec 11, 2008 7:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He looks anorexic to me.
I hope the stress is not getting to him. Eat something to put a little more junk your trunk, Quick.
Am I right? Tom? crickets
by RoyDrexler on Dec 12, 2008 1:08 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He doesnt really feel like talking to oden right now?
Who is the reporter and who is the baller?
by tevisthe4th on Dec 11, 2008 7:21 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Just because he doesn't "feel" like talking to him right now
doesn’t mean he won’t talk to him right now.
In fact, he got some quotes from him for his story about Nate’s post game speech and applause session for Oden following the Toronto game.
My worry is that the team giving him an applause is nice, but also might reinforce the fact to Oden that everyone is watching him. I just hope he can battle through this crap and not lose his head over the next year.
by Bust a Bucket on Dec 11, 2008 7:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Your praise of Quick is a bit Overkill
I didn't mean to turn you on
by dukedee on Dec 11, 2008 7:45 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
you can ignore Quick's talent if you want
but don’t attack Ben for his honesty.
by Bust a Bucket on Dec 11, 2008 7:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Why does this seem like attacking?
Its no harsher than Quick’s words on Oden…Isn’t this what its all about? Offering critique on someone’s performance.
I didn't mean to turn you on
by dukedee on Dec 11, 2008 8:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I know I sound like a twit, but...
I called it.
it's kind of hard to keep your composure when you're down 20 -Oden
by pxilpooshr on Dec 11, 2008 7:46 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Quick too often becomes the story.
I want to read about the game and the Blazers not the opinion of someone who is not part of the game and team. Jack Ramsey used to go nuts over some of the comments and writings of those covering the Blazers back in the championship years. He objected to criticisms by someone who never played pro ball and probably not any basketball beyond grade school.
Quick went beyond his role as sportswriter when he told Oden his performances were “underwhelming”. That is exactly what I object to — the sportswriter either creating the story or being the story.
Canzano drives me nuts; Quick just a little less so.
Ben, you have a unique perspective. You are "in the business’ of sports writing. So you have a natural affiliation with Quick. I am a sports fan, actually, a sports nut. I like sports a heck of a lot better than sportswriters.
Stu Inman: a soft-spoken, witty and brilliant basketball guy -- who had so much to do with Portland's only championship. He believed that you won with not just great players, but with great people. (D Jaynes 2-2-07 Portland Tribune)
by OrygunRod on Dec 11, 2008 9:17 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I'm tired of the whole thing!
This is the second time Jason has more or less dealt with Oden and found himself apologizing, the first was with his “underwhelming” interview. Plus his statement today was in my opinion incredibly weak. He was embarrased he sounded so abrasive? He wishes he could take back his statement that he can’t stand being around Oden? He then attempts to sidestep and backpeddle with an almost non-understandable redefinition of “The Entity of Oden”. Sorry Jason, that’s not what you said, and this entity of Oden stuff isn’t cutting it, and even if it was you finish with going back on Oden again by saying " Yes, it’s the actual dealing with Greg himself. I totally stand by my comments that the guy is not pleasant to be around." Huh? so is it an apology or not?
Bottom line, I don’t mind having a sports writer, beat writer that has opinions of his own. I can even forgive the occasional mistake or over emotional reaction. But ultimately Jason isn’t suppose to create the news, he isn’t suppose to be the news. Too often now Jason has made himself the story by creating the controversy. I’m just getting tired of dealing with the “Entity of Jason Quick”, I realize that it wasn’t a column or an article that he wrote that got him in trouble but answers to an interview but still Jason should be on the ball enough to realize that when he as primary beat writer of The Blazers for the largest local paper when he says " I can’t stand to be around Oden " that’s going to be not only abrasive but become huge news. Maybe Jason just can’t handle the Entity of Being The Blazer Beat Writer? Because dealing with Oden is part of the job and for some reason that seems to be something Jason has a problem with. If you think there is a problem with Oden, go ahead write an article, do an interview with him, ask him whats going on, BUT don’t go on a local radio station and whine about how you can’t stand to be around the guy and then act suprised, shocked or embarrased that you sounded so abrasive. Then apologize by not really apologizing. Jason, the story should be about The Blazers, about Oden not about YOU and The Blazers and/or Oden.
"Mother Nature started this fight, I think it's about time we ended it!"
by Krang on Dec 11, 2008 11:09 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
I'm tired of the "Entity of Quick vs. Oden"
We’ve had half a dozen of these threads in the last few months and I’ve wasted too much of my life arguing on them.
I wish we could just move on to something basketball-related, not gossip and attitude related.
by Bust a Bucket on Dec 11, 2008 11:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It's on DeadSpin, at very least.
http://deadspin.com/5107529/greg-oden-is-just-one-big-depressing-mess
Quick’s comments are more than just some little ol’ beat writer catching a case of foot in mouth disease. The comments have gone national.
The kid isn’t even old enough to go to the bars yet. He had 3/4 a season at OSU and a year lay off. He hasn’t had the advantage of a smooth transition in the level of talent he’s facing, this year is literally him being thrown into the fire.
All the Blazer fans and media talking heads are annoying me. The “what a disappointment” idiots. The “he just needs to be himself” idiots. The “he just needs to block it out and play basketball” idiots. The last thing Greg Oden needs is anyone’s advice besides his friends, family, and teammates, but he strikes me as the type of personality that takes things personally. Combined with his perfectionist streak its a bad combination trying to be a people pleaser and perfect all at once.
Why can’t we just give Greg the Steve Blake treatment for a while? Not agonize over how he plays every waking second but smile and nod when he puts a solid performance together. I know, I know. He’s a #1 draft pick. He’s the “salvation” of the franchise. Etc, etc, etc. But good lord, if I saw him on the street all I’d want to do is give the kid a hug and tell him “I really enjoy you being here” considering how much flak on a daily basis he takes from media and fans alike.
by TheMedZag on Dec 11, 2008 11:22 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Thank you.
"If [Roy & Aldridge] walked around in fur coats, with a bunch of glamour & glitz, we'd have a bunch of guys wearing fur coats. But they don't. They're just good guys who want to win and know how to play the right way." --Kevin Pritchard
by hurryup09 on Dec 12, 2008 1:19 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
"Why Quick Matters" is my least favorite blog entry
The Oregonian thinks of itself as some kind of shrine we all need to genuflect to. With all due respect, this blog entry appears to recommend we also pay hommage to Jason Quick.
The Blazers are cool even if the Oregonian ceased to exist. If Jason was hired by the next biggest market and moved on from Portland, which most reporters at the Oregonian (fewer than a handful are from around here) are hoping for (that isn’t a negative, just a fact), the Blazers would still be cool.
And Blazers Edge is cool because Dave and Ben are excellent writers with creative talent in many areas and built a great environment and attracted good people to participate and create a community. Nobody at our “paper of record” could dream of doing anything close.
The Oregonian and Jason Quick simply have leverage over the Blazers because they can hurt them by their coverage. That’s why Nate and company act around them like they do, not because they are in awe of Jason’s writing skills and insights.
quid Latine dictum sit, altum viditur
by dvcastle on Dec 11, 2008 11:36 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
If you're the only game in town, you will always have people that hate you
but you’re still the only game in town.
Ignore The Oregonian if it pleases you.
by Bust a Bucket on Dec 12, 2008 12:11 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
No, dvcastle has it right
Nate, KP, et al have to kiss up to the Oregonian because they’ve seen the power of the press in action. They don’t have the luxury of “ignoring the Oregonian if it pleases them.” If they did, I’m sure they would, because between Canzano and Quick, there’s plenty of justification. The Blazers’ organization was once arrogant and wrongheaded. They did a complete 180. Yet still there is all this negative reporting.
"If [Roy & Aldridge] walked around in fur coats, with a bunch of glamour & glitz, we'd have a bunch of guys wearing fur coats. But they don't. They're just good guys who want to win and know how to play the right way." --Kevin Pritchard
by hurryup09 on Dec 12, 2008 1:22 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Until I read this post,
I did not understand how fully awesome Quick is. Quick is all forms of media, at all times. He can impersonate Oprah and can ask questions “almost one word at a time.” When you are near Quick, you will be reminded of your parents kissing. He once rubbed Nate’s belly during practice. Nate giggled. Newspapers and the rest of humanity will perish, Quick will not. Deal with it.
by sfblazerfan on Dec 12, 2008 2:55 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
Thanks Ben
for the perspective on Quick The Embedded.
> I suggest you view Jason Quick simply as “Talent.”
I can buy into this. – Elgin
It's all blues and no dinner at the Ministry of Bag. The steaks are getting thinner. The office is a drag. - Pete Brown
by 22baylor on Dec 12, 2008 10:50 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
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