Lincoln Riley, the head coach of the USC Trojans football team, is catching heat for his recent decision to suspend a reporter for two weeks for allegedly violating the school’s media guidelines.
The reporter in question, Luca Evans of the Southern California News Group, wrote a story about freshman running back Quinten Joyner that included a harmless conversation Joyner had with another player before speaking with reporters. Riley apparently took issue with the story, believing that it violated the school’s policy of not reporting on anything that happens outside of approved media availability.
Evans’ suspension has been met with widespread criticism from journalists and media rights advocates, who argue that it is a clear violation of the First Amendment. They point out that Evans did not violate any USC policy by reporting on a conversation that took place in plain sight, and that Riley’s decision to suspend him is an attempt to control the media narrative.
Riley has defended his decision, saying that he is simply trying to protect his players. He claims that Evans’ story was inaccurate and that it contained confidential information that should not have been published. However, Evans has denied these allegations, and there is no evidence to support them.
Bad bad behavior by everyone involved except the reporter. Embarrassing stuff. Also Lincoln doesn't understand the market he works in now https://t.co/pwqYz3JDCs
— Alex Kirshner (@alex_kirshner) September 19, 2023The incident has raised concerns about Riley’s commitment to press freedom. Some critics have accused him of being thin-skinned and of trying to control the media. Others have suggested that he is simply trying to protect his players from negative publicity.
USC has suspended a reporter from the beat for two weeks. Are you freaking kidding me?
So *this* is the Lincoln Riley Oklahoma media were warning us about. https://t.co/d7MgshQzQj
— Brady McCollough (@BradyMcCollough) September 19, 2023Regardless of his motivation, Riley’s decision to suspend Evans is a dangerous precedent. It sends the message that coaches can punish reporters for reporting on things that they don’t like. This is a threat to the First Amendment and to the public’s right to know.
Lincoln Riley said he wasted 10 minutes a day walking to-and-from his parking spot when "I could be doing something (better) to help us win." Instead he used that time to suspend a reporter for 2 weeks
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) September 20, 2023In addition to the First Amendment concerns, Riley’s decision to suspend Evans is also bad for USC. It makes the school look like it is trying to censor the media and control the narrative. This is not good for USC’s reputation or for its relationship with the media.
Riley should reverse his decision to suspend Evans and apologize for his actions. He should also issue a statement reaffirming his commitment to press freedom and to the public’s right to know.
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