NDSU President Rescinds Media Ban, AD Offers Stale Apology

North Dakota State thought it could strong-arm media members and organizations not paying for rights by barring them from, among other things, live tweeting from games or interviewing coaches. Essentially, the school’s athletic department hoped it could get away with preventing local bloggers and beat writers from doing their jobs unless their outlets paid in cash.

As one would expect, the announcement did not go over well with the local or national media, and on Tuesday, university president Dean Bresciani released a statement to KFGO condemning the decision and confirming that the school’s athletic department would rescind the restrictions and allow the local reporters to actually do their jobs.

“I was profoundly disappointed when I learned the facts about this issue. This is not the way NDSU treats local journalists and our many loyal fans who value the breadth of news coverage NDSU enjoys. As the state’s land grant university, our commitment is to access and inclusion in all endeavors.”

Athletic director Matt Larsen, with his tail tucked between his legs, also issued a statement, voicing his regret for harming everyone except the people he intentionally set out to kneecap.

“I erred in not bringing these ideas forward for the president’s review, and I regret the damage this has caused to the administration, institution and university community.”

[KFGO]