ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit has been around college football for years so when he calls out a colleague for “reckless behavior,” people take notice.
That colleague is Dan Orlovsky who opened a can of worms on Wednesday when he appeared on The Pat McAfee Show.
The topic in question was Ohio State’s Justin Fields whose draft stock appears to be falling in spite of a stellar Pro Day just this week.
Orlovsky’s Allegations
He is very vague in his sourcing of this information that could be damning to Justin Fields’ NFL future.
Orlovsky raises red flags about Fields’ work ethic and his desire to be a great quarterback.
When McAfee presses him for his sources, Orlovsky says they are people “associated with decision making.”
Who knows what that even means?
Herbstreit Responds
Kirk Herbstreit, a former Ohio State quarterback, was not convinced that Orlovsky’s information was legit, and he took to Twitter to say so.
As a result, Orlovsky appeared to do more digging.
He came up with a decidedly different report on Justin Fields’ work ethic from named and credible sources.
Orlovsky attempts to walk back what he said on Twitter.
😂😂😂
Absolutely RIDICULOUS.
Even if YOU aren’t saying it…
to pass that along from “people in the know” is reckless and absurd!! Embarrassing!! https://t.co/r0RFSr1B6y— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) April 1, 2021
Ohio State Head Coach Ryan Day Also Responded.
Day made it very clear that Fields’ work ethic should not be questioned.
“First off, I read some of the things that were said in the last few days, and I take umbrage with that. I don’t understand where any of that’s coming from…This is a guy who, after that Clemson loss, took it personally coming off the field the last game ending with the interception. And all he did for the next year was work on getting back to that game. When COVID hit and we were in quarantine, he went home and I think (Mickey) Marotti would tell you he’s one of our hardest workers. And he told me the other day that he inspired Mick every day during that time…he really inspired our team, I can honestly say that. Then he comes into the season, competes really well, gets all the way back to that same game that he lost the year before, gets nailed in the back, and very easily could have come out. Then didn’t (come out), threw six touchdowns, and went on to win that game. If you’re talking about a body of work over one year of unbelievable work ethic and competitive toughness, I’m not sure there’s someone better out there in the country, and that’s what you’re getting if you’re drafting Justin Fields.”
Accurate Reporting Should Rule.
It is not responsible to report on vague behind-the-scenes chatter without putting some specifics behind it and verifying it with other sources.
An incorrect assessment of a guy’s character leading into the NFL draft can be detrimental.
These guys are under the microscope and have a big challenge ahead.
Being drafted is just the beginning; succeeding in the NFL is a different story.
These media professionals should know better and be careful about what they are saying.
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