University of South Carolina Libraries
• Quote, Unquote A ‘The purpose of this project was for the class to ■ gain an understanding of how the different sectors ■ W ■ I of journalism work.’ Cal Harrison, ^ College of Journalism and Mass Communications professor IDlC (BaHIECOCk Wednesday, July 18,2001 Hhe (Samecock Serving the Carolina Community since 1908 Editorial Board Mackenzie Clements, Editor in Chief Ann Marie Miani, Viewpoints Editor David Cloninger, Sports Editor Cristy Infinger, News Editor Rick Johnston, Asst. Sports Editor USC football fans need to grow up here’s been a lot of scrutiny about the media’s coverage of foot ball player Jeremiah Garrison’s arrest and consequent suspension. Many Gamecock fans have expressed their disgust with how Gar rison’s arrest and suspension were covered by such national outlets as ESPN and CNN/Sports Illustrated. The shock came because the coverage was so extensive, both on a national and local level, of a reserve player.'Though Garrison wasn’t a starter, he was a regular player. This coverage, coupled with the exten sive coverage of incidents involving Derek Watson, has upset fans. What fans need to realize is that along with the success that comes from having a football program on the rise, coupled with having a high profile coach such as Lou Holtz, is that all news, good and bad, will be published. Think about more high-profile programs, such as Florida State, Michigan or Ohio State. Anytime a player from one these programs has a lapse in judgment, it’s usually covered by the national media. Keep in mind that Ohio State defensive back Derrick Ross was involved in a traffic incident, and national media covered that. Former Florida State wide receiver Peter Warrick received a suspension after incidents at Dil lard’s department stores, and national media covered that. Coincidentally, both of these programs have national prominence. Also, similar incidents happened with Watson and Garrison. Gamecock fans everywhere need to realize that USC players aren’t perfect and will commit errors of judgment. However, their prominence as football players in a program that’s gaining national prominence is going to grab more headlines than before, and journalists have responsi bilities to report all the news, good and bad, without bias. Welcome to the big time, USC fans. About Us •The Gamecock is the student newspaper of the University of South Carolina and is published Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the tail and spring semesters and eight times during the summer with the exception of university holidays and exam periods. Opinions expressed in The Gamecock are those of the editors or author and not those of the University of South Carolina. The Board of Student Publications and Communications is the publisher of The Gamecock. The Department of Student Media is the newspaper's parent organization. The Gamecock is supported in part by student activities fees. One free copy per reader. Additional copies may be purchased for one dollar each from the Department of Student Media Address The Gamecock 1400 Greene Street Columbia, SC 29208 Offices on third floor of the Russell House. Student Media Area code 803 Advertising 777-3888 Classified 777-1184 Fax 777-6482 Office 777-3888 Gamecock 803-777-7726 Editor in Chief gamecockeditor@hgtmail.com News gamecockudesk@hotmail.com Viewpoints gamecockviewpoints@hotmail.com Spotlight gamecockspotlight@hotmail.com Sports gamecocksports@hotmail.com Online www.dailygamecock.com The Gamecock Betsy Baugh Jia U Community Affairs Page Designer Student Media Erik Collins Faculty Adviser Ellen Parsons Director of Student Media Susan King Creative Director Todd Hooks Creative Services Sarah Sims Advertising Manager Maegen Thornton Advertising Sales Carolyn Griffin Business Manager Sheny Holmes Classified Manager College Press Exchange w5C>N, STill AnoTH^ im rsroPV SAYS LOW /Ausic 31 ~>/MO HA(RNV ^i?oStT ^ _S*tl . ySW*} V/ ' . * I Life lessons: A letter to Austen Elisabeth On Monday, July 9,1 witnessed a miracle that made me re evaluate the ■ things I write about and what’s really important in life. You might be asking what miracle would Ann Marie Miani nave sue n a is Viewpoints editor major influence andcanbe on me. It was reached at the miracle of gamecockviewpoints j^e ©hotmail.com. ' _ , On that day, one of my best friends, my former roommate and former editor in chief of this newspaper gave birth to a baby girl, Austen Elisabeth. It’s been about 12 years since I’ve been around a newborn. To say I was in awe of little Austen would be an understatement. I just kept looking at her, thinking, “She's a real little person. A tiny human being. A pint-sized miracle.” On Monday night after 1 left the hospital and came to work on Wednesday’s edition of the newspaper, I had the idea to write Austen a letter. Here are the words of wisdom I have to offer. Dear Austen, I’m your Aunt Mimi — your mother’s nickname for me — and I’ve actually lived with you for about eight months while she was pregnant with you. I want you to know I’ll do all the fun things with you that my Aunt Debbie did with me. When you get a little older, we’ll stay up late to watch movies and eat popcorn, go shopping and gossip about boys. When you get a lot older, we’ll do some things your mother might not approve of (wink, wink). And since I’m an only child and probably won’t be getting married anytime soon, you’re the closest thing I’ll have to a niece, at least for a while. You nave quite an array oi aunts and uncles — Aunties Julie. Becca, Annie Lee and Mackenzie and Uncles Kevin, Dave and Rick. We’re an interesting bunch, but we’ll love and protect you as much as any blood relative. Even if we aren’t in the same city, state or even country as you after next May, we’ll always just be a call away. Since you came into my life a little more than nine months ago, I began to evaluate the things that are really important in life. So here’s your first life lessons from your Aunt Mimi: 1. AH You Need Is Love — No matter what anyone tells you, the most important thing in life is love. This doesn’t only mean romantic love, but the love you feel for your family, friends and your fellow man. You will never be truly alone as long as you have the love of your family and friends to fill your world. 2. A Hard Day’s Night — If you learn one thing from me, it’s to stay out of the news business. I know both your parents are journalists, and it’s probably in your blood. You were watching CNN when you were just a few hours old. But Austen, you’ll work terrible hours, make no money and have bad eyes and wrists by the time you’re 25. 3. Imagine — In the immortal words of John Lennon, “Imagine all the people, living for today.... You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will be as one.” Those words were written 30 years ago, but they have as much truth now as they did then. Always live your life to the fullest as if each day is your last. My generation hasn’t seemed to figure out that the world would be a happier place if we would all stop fighting with one another. These are the first lessons I’m going to teach you. There will be many more in the years to come, but I think this is a good start. Love, Aunt Mimi P.S. Watch out for those Canadians. They can be vicous.