Jason Whitlock gave an interview to The Big Lead last year that landed him in a lot of hot water and basically cost him his plum job with ESPN. But in a brand-new interview with The Big Lead, Whitlock says he has no regrets.He also references leaving AOL for FoxSports.com, what newspapers should be doing to stay competitive in the 21st Century, and why he thinks Mitch Albom shouldn't be proud of all those awards he's won. But this might be the most intriguing statement he's made in either of his two Big Lead interviews:
I want to win a Pulitzer Prize for commentary. Royko won one and I'd like to win one. I'm hoping my stuff on Imus and The Jena Six will put me in contention. If it doesn't, it's just not meant to be.Columnists don't often openly discuss wanting to win a Pulitzer -- journalists are supposed to pretend they're above openly campaigning for the most coveted prize in journalism. In fact, Whitlock is the only journalist I can ever remember coming right out and saying that's his goal, although he's certainly far from the only journalist who has that goal.
And, actually, I could see it happening. Few columnists are as associated with any one issue as Whitlock is with the Don Imus story, and the Pulitzer judges have historically rewarded columnists who hammer an issue over and over. If nothing else, having a Pulitzer would give Whitlock a leg up on Mike Lupica.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-10-2007 @ 8:08PM
dpc1994 said...
Jason Whitlock is an extremely dangerous individual, and he cannot exist without the same type of fervor that he shamelessly plays off of in order to gain petty points with conversative "right-minded" people on issues of race.
Consider this: Jason Whitlock is against the villainization of Barry Bonds. That's why he's not on ESPN's the Sports Reporters any more.
Consider this: Whitlock doesn't like the objectification of black womeon in rap videos and lyrics. Great. So why does a certain segment of America that jocks Whitlock reconcile the fact that he is proud of going to strip joints where women are valued for their brains? Sorry, Whitlock ball riders, you can't diss hip-hop while also being unable to pass a strip joint.
Consider this: Jason Whitlock thinks that it was racist to fire Ty Willingham while slobbering over Charlie Weis and giving him an extension based on nothing more that Tom Lemming's tea leaves. If you're a white person and think Willingham deserved to be fired, then how can you sit there and ballride Whitlock for saying that?
Consider this: Whitlock's race-baiting column on the US Olympic basketball team and the US Ryder Cup team. He says that America should root for both teams and that there's something wrong about choosing to root against the spoiled American basketball players while also rooting for the spoiled American golfers.
Consider this: It's one thing to feel that there should be personal accountability for everyone as far as what they say when it pertains to everyone that raps or plays basketball. But a nationally syndicated broadcaster like Don Imus smearing some college kids on a radio show is just fine because black folks do the same thing to each other in rap lyrics?
Consider this: Jason Whitlock wants white America to jump on his bandwagon against the Jena Six by stating that somehow Mychal Bell deserves LESS justice because his father didn't live in the home? Wow, Jason, I didn't realize that the people hanging nooses in Jena were aware that people that don't have a father living in their home deserve less protection under the law for that reason. I didn't realize there was a codicil in the Constitution that said you don't deserve justice if you aren't of favored status or live like "right-minded people."
Jason Whitlock is what he is: a reactionary demagogue. He has more in common with Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton and his hunger to beat his chest and prove it to everyone highlights that point. Whitlock doesn't give without seeking a reward. Sadly, some white and black people that hang on his word as gospel are no different than the people in the old Staples Singer's classic "I'll Take You There." Some of you people are looking to the "smiling faces (that are) lying to the races."
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10-10-2007 @ 10:05PM
Rob92782 said...
I am an AOL member and I was elated that Whitlock left. I wonder if he talked his way into assignments since he isn't very talented in his profession, that is unless he tells you (and I am sure he will). He is a self promoting twit!
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10-11-2007 @ 6:13AM
Kathleen W. Monroe said...
Jason Good Luck, I like to hear both sides of an issue and you provide that for your readers.
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10-11-2007 @ 11:38AM
Bruce said...
Mr. Whitlock should be censored. The idea of "Wanting" to win a Pulitzer Prize for reporting on "Don Imus" and the "Jena 6".
Where is the story? Where are the pearls of wisdom this man allegedly made. Is he reveling in Imus' firing in April? or does he think that the Jena 6 is such a great story?
He must belong to the National Association of Broadcast Journalists who at this very minute attempting to influence Citadel Broadcasting on the hiring of Don Imus.
Aren't journalists suppose to allow free speech or the ability to be gainfully employed and let the free market judge them for what they stand for?
If Mr. Whitlock gets the Pulitzer Prize I guess I could get it too.
Sorry Mr. Whitlock your not getting any awards.
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10-17-2007 @ 10:05PM
Peter Salvatore said...
Mr. Whitlock has the stones to report the facts, his opinion and not really care if it's politicaly correct. I hope he does win a Pulitzer.Imus was rail roaded to be fired. He apologised.Many times. By the way..where was the outrage by women, "hoes" ? Please.. I just don't want him to leave the Kansas City Star. Go Mr Whitlock, go Mizzou.
Jason,you are a refreshing voice in a very convoluted media arena.
Thank you Mr. Whitlock
P.Salvatore
Oak Grove, MO
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10-17-2007 @ 10:07PM
Peter Salvatore said...
Mr. Whitlock has the stones to report the facts, his opinion and not really care if it's politicaly correct. I hope he does win a Pulitzer.Imus was rail roaded to be fired. He apologised.Many times. By the way..where was the outrage by women, "hoes" ? Please.. I just don't want him to leave the Kansas City Star. Go Mr Whitlock, go Mizzou.
Jason,you are a refreshing voice in a very convoluted media arena.
Thank you Mr. Whitlock
P.Salvatore
Oak Grove, MO
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