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Mike Freeman (columnist)

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For other people with the same name, see Michael Freeman (disambiguation).

Mike Freeman is an American sports columnist for USA Today.

Career

Freeman has written for Bleacher Report, The New York Times, Washington Post, Dallas Morning News, Boston Globe, Florida Times-Union and CBSSports.com. He is also the author of five books, including a biography on Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden. His book ESPN: The Uncensored History, which alleged sexual harassment, drug use and gambling, was the first critical study of ESPN.[1][2]

In January 2004, Freeman resigned before starting a columnist job at The Indianapolis Star after he was discovered lying about his education, specifically falsely claiming a college degree.[3] Tom Jolly, sports editor at The New York Times, said "Mike's career here speaks for itself, he did some great work here".[4] Freeman subsequently said "There are no excuses and I have never made any. Never will either. I’ll get my degree this summer or fall and start my pursuit of an advanced degree the following spring."[5]

Freeman's columns have included accusations of racism and sexism against his colleagues in the New York press. His columns are often seen as far-left and anti-religious.[6] He was unsuccessfully sued for libel by golfer John Daly, with a circuit judge ruling that "Freeman's statements were either true or constitutionally protected opinion".[7] In 2002 Freeman called for a tougher program from the National Football League for monitoring off-the-field violence and drug use.[8] As of 2023 he is a columnist in USA Today.[9]

Personal life

Freeman is Catholic.[10]

References

  1. ^ Wade, Stuart (June 16, 2000). "Books: ESPN: The Uncensored History". The Austin Chronicle. Archived from the original on February 3, 2014. Retrieved September 6, 2010.
  2. ^ Walters, John (April 3, 2000). "Bristol Stomp". Sports Illustrated. p. 20. Archived from the original on March 29, 2018. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
  3. ^ "True Lies: Freeman Resigns Indy Post Due To False Resume". SportsBusiness Daily. January 12, 2004. Archived from the original on October 28, 2016. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  4. ^ Strupp, Joe (January 12, 2004). "Could Freeman Return to 'NY Times?'". Editor & Publisher. Archived from the original on March 29, 2018. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
  5. ^ McIntyre, Jason (March 12, 2007). "An 'Enemies' List at ESPN? Say What? An Interview with Sportsline's Mike Freeman". The Big Lead. Archived from the original on July 28, 2010. Retrieved September 5, 2010.
  6. ^ Snyder, Gabriel (November 13, 2000). "Mike Freeman Chums the Waters, and the Sports Sharks Are Biting". New York Observer. Archived from the original on March 29, 2018. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
  7. ^ "Daly's libel suit doesn't go forward". ESPN.com. Associated Press. March 23, 2009. Archived from the original on March 28, 2009. Retrieved September 2, 2010.
  8. ^ Freeman, Mike (July 26, 2002). "Fix Needed For Epidemic Of Violence". The New York Times. Archived from the original on March 29, 2018. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
  9. ^ "Mike Freeman | USA TODAY". www.usatoday.com. Archived from the original on 2023-06-19. Retrieved 2023-06-19.
  10. ^ Freeman, Mike (2010-04-13). "Post". Twitter/X. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
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