Action...Reaction

I saw this column over the weekend and thought about doing something here. But in the end, I thought, eh, not interesting enough. But, the reader reaction is amazing and screams for some attention.

So, here is the original column by David Mayo of the Grand Rapids Press

Inge plays role of cowardly Tiger

Brandon Inge might become all accountable and forthcoming when he grows up someday, though that day was not Friday.

The Detroit Tigers third baseman, or utility infielder, or would-be catcher -- or perhaps soon-to-be-ex-Tiger, if the Tigers have their way -- hasn't uttered a public peep all winter.

Not a word since last month's Miguel Cabrera trade with Florida brought the Tigers a top-shelf third baseman, which Inge assuredly isn't.

See where this is going?

He signed autographs for several hundred fans at a Grand Rapids Griffins game, but as for speaking to the masses, he opted out.

For a brief moment, he turned the northeast corner of the arena, started to chat upon seeing familiar reporters -- Tom Gage of The Detroit News, Jason Beck of mlb.com and myself -- shook hands with Whitecaps executive Jim Jarecki, and was considering a question about when he might grant an interview, when that thought was terminated.

Sean Wright, senior director of advertising at Van Andel Arena, quickly wrapped an arm around Inge, declared "No media tonight," and set into motion a sequence of events that led to the reporters' removal from the area.

I'm not sure who seemed pettier at the moment, the man who wouldn't stand up and answer for himself, or the man who prohibited it.

Or the man who writes about being snubbed in a newspaper column?

From there we go into the realm of what Inge might have said in response to probable questions. Then, there was this wrap up to the column.

In lieu of a players-only room in the clubhouse to hide in, which is Inge's usual trick, he orchestrated Friday's media boycott long before his arrival. The Griffins, citing information gained from Inge's agent, sent out an e-mail informing media the player would not grant interviews.

The Griffins advertised his presence and asked for the publicity, and Inge presumably cashed the check for his appearance fee, all without granting answers to a single question the larger masses want answered.

We've seen this lack of accountability before. It was on full display during Inge's ridiculously bad second half last season, when he hit three home runs after June 12.

Look at that bold text again. Remember it. This will be important in a minute or two.

Now there is this: Readers come to the defense of Inge

When Press columnist David Mayo took exception to Brandon Inge's refusal to grant interviews during a promotional stop Friday at Van Andel Arena, it struck a nerve with baseball fans.

Mayo was highly critical of Inge ("Inge plays role of cowardly Tiger," Saturday, Jan. 19). The Detroit Tigers third baseman has refused interviews since he told team officials last month he wants to be traded, after the Tigers acquired All-Star third baseman Miguel Cabrera. The popularity of Inge, a former West Michigan Whitecaps player, remains strong, according to these letters.

Inge not obligated
What a sorry job of reporting by Mr. Mayo. Or maybe I should say whining. I'm not sure where it is written that an athlete like Brandon Inge has to give an interview. Inge was invited by the Griffins to meet the public and sign a few autographs. Mr. Mayo even stated he knew there would be no interviews granted in advance of showing up. What is it about "no interviews" he didn't understand? Attacking someone for wanting a little privacy just doesn't seem right to me. Getting paid to do it is even worse!
-- MIKE O'DONNELL/Grand Rapids

Criticism unwarranted
It appears David Mayo had his nose bent out of shape because he was not able to talk to Brandon Inge at the Griffins' event, even though he had been notified in advance that Mr. Inge would not be available to the media. The vitriol spewed by Mr. Mayo was completely inappropriate and not worthy of a newspaper as fine as The Press.

Tom Gage, of the Detroit News, covered the same incident in a fair and balanced manner that did not reflect any of the rage expressed by Mr. Mayo. Since when did it become a duty for anyone to speak to the press? Mr. Inge has every right to not share his thoughts and feelings about his situation with Mr. Mayo, and for him to call Inge a coward for not doing so is just plain wrong. Mr. Mayo's immature outburst should have never made it passed the sports editor's desk.
-- ALAN MILLAR / Jenison

Oh, one more.

Story is disgusting
The Saturday sports edition contained an article by Press Columnist David Mayo entitled "No Media Tonight." Below that headline were the comments, "Inge plays role of cowardly Tiger in Grand Rapids appearance." I can only describe my feelings as totally disgusted about this article. All because Mr. Mayo did not get his way so that he could interview the guest of the Griffins. Poor baby!

The Detroit News also reported this story by Tom Gage, who also was denied access for an interview. However, Mr. Gage only reported this happening. He did not proceed to rant on like a spoiled child about not being granted access for an interview. Mr. Gage also said that "Inge was a smash at the meet and greet." He also mentioned that at one time it was estimated that 1,000 people were in line to greet Brandon and get an autograph or a photo taken. I think this comment speaks for the reason Brandon was in Grand Rapids.

My advice to Mr. Mayo is wake up, not write trash like this when you do not get your way. You struck a nerve on this one!
-- JAMES GILBERT/Hastings

There are plenty more at the link.