TCU revoked the credentials of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram after it claimed that its reporting of a locker room dispute caused threats to be made against one of its players.
While TCU is prepping to open its season this weekend in Ireland, an unfortunate situation involving a locker room dispute continues to cast a dark cloud over the program.
The saga began after news broke that transfer safety Jacob Fields was dismissed by the Horned Frogs for "violations of team rules."
Further investigation, primarily from Steven M. Johnson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, revealed that an assault at the team's facilities was reported to the TCU Police Department near the time of Fields' removal.
This was never confirmed to be the cause by TCU nor did Johnson reveal any information around the other involved parties or the incident itself.
In the wake of the newfound information, Horned Frogs wide receiver Dokie Ezukanma released a video on Instagram, where he identified himself as the the other involved party in the alleged assault from Fields.
The post has since been deleted, but it was picked up by Johnson and others looking to provide more insights into what led up to the less-than-ideal situation for TCU.
Fast forward to August 26 and the Star-Telegram released another update to the case, this time involving its relationship with TCU.
The Star-Telegram pushed back against these claims from TCU by reiterating the fact that Johnson nor anyone on its staff identified Ezukanma until he did so himself on social media.
Regardless of the motivations behind the move, it is one that could have serious ramifications for the Horned Frogs.
The Star-Telegram is the only full-time publication that is solely dedicated to covering TCU athletics.
Of course, TCU is merely days away from beginning its season and have an even closer deadline to get over to Ireland.
As a part of the Star-Telegram's team, Johnson was planning to travel across the pond, as well. And based on updates from him, he will still make the trip regardless of the status of his credentials.
For a program with a serious chance to contend this season in the Big 12, the ongoing discussion of Fields' dismissal and the various updates that spawned out of it are taking eyes away from the talent on the field.
TCU will look to get back to this focus on football when the Horned Frogs suit up for the first time on August 29 against Bill Belichick-led North Carolina.
