http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-917713.mp3
Macomb, IL – The panelists talk about media coverage of the settlement reached between Western Illinois University and former head football coach Don Patterson.
WIU Athletics issued a news release last September stating Patterson elected to step down due to health reasons - he was diagnosed with cancer in 2008. But Patterson says the release was filled with fabricated quotes and misinformation. He says doctors gave him a clean bill of health last year.
An investigation by WIU's Office of Equal Opportunity and Access found Patterson had been discriminated against.
At least one local paper was criticized for placing the story in the sports section rather than on the front page. But the panelists feel it's a judgment call - either location is okay. They believe the criticism is unjustified.
The panelists are also interested to see whether any follow up stories come out of the case.