The standoff between TCU and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram is over after the university restored media credentials back to the outlet following an earlier removal based on the Jacob Fields incident.
While TCU fell in its season opener last Saturday in Ireland to North Carolina, there is another issue that has been looming overhead in Fort Worth.
In the weeks leading up to their debut, reports emerged that the Horned Frogs had dismissed transfer safety Jacob Fields from the program after "a violation of team rules."
While the initial reports raised questions about the potential cause of the removal, the ensuing coverage kept revealing more stunning details that went far beyond a simple separation. ... and the conflict raised issues about journalistic integrity and freedom of the press.
One of the main outlets providing updates on the situation was the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, which drew attention from TCU itself.
After alleging that information published by the Star-Telegram caused another member of the program to face threats to his well-being, the staff at TCU revoked their media credentials ahead of the meeting with the Tar Heels.
The move sent shockwaves throughout the sport and beyond, with several other journalists and publications rallying behind the outlet and voicing their opposition to the decision from TCU.
Around a week later, the program has announced that it has restored all credentials back to the Star-Telegram.
"Today, TCU Athletics fully restored media credentials to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram," TCU wrote in a statement released on social media Friday.
"In a series of productive discussions, we made clear our position and resolved to move forward. We respect their role as an independent news source and voice in our community, and we look forward to the season ahead."
So, asks long-time DFW sportswriter Mike Fisher, "Who screwed up?''
Fish asks and answers ...
"I assume coach (Sonny) Dykes was the driving force with the initial move, and I assume he thought he was somehow protecting his locker room,'' Fisher said. "But that initial move comes across as petty and overly defensive.
"Can you imagine if Jerry Jones' Dallas Cowboys banned every outlet that ever said anything negative about the team? Even if the accusation was inaccurate? The press box would be empty!
"So good for TCU here. Give the newspaper its credential - and its freedom to dig up truths - even if the truths are unflattering.''
Although the move drew an extreme amount of backlash, arguably warranted, it does not appear to have detrimentally impacted either party.
Steven M. Johnson, the primary reporter for TCU football at the Star-Telegram still traveled to Ireland for the season opener and covered it for the publication.
However, it could have hampered TCU in the long run, as the Star-Telegram is the only publication that is solely focused on covering the Horned Frogs.
That possible split and the nasty consequences that were set to follow seem to be avoided, at least for the time being.
And the sour situation between the two seems to be on the path toward repair after the reconciliation from the university.
For TCU, it is a much needed relief from outside noise plaguing the perception of the program, especially after the poor showing in Ireland.
Head coach Dykes and company can now focus on getting back on track and fixing their reputation on the field in their home opener against Grambling State.
And the Star-Telegram should be right there inside Amon. G Carter Stadium for the bounce-back attempt with the Tigers on September 12.
