Chris Mortensen Cancelled WEEI Appearance To Discuss Deflategate Reporting
By Ty Duffy
ESPN NFL reporter Chris Mortensen was scheduled to appear on WEEI to discuss his false report that 11 of the 12 Patriots footballs were underinflated by two pounds. Mortensen cancelled that appearance, not wishing to be a “centerpiece” of the story.
"“You guys made a mistake by drumming up business for the show and how I would address my reporting for the first time,” Mortensen informed WEEI. “I will not allow WEEI, [Patriots owner Robert] Kraft or anybody to make me the centerpiece of a story that has been misreported far beyond anything I did in the first 48 hours. Maybe when the lawsuit is settled, in Brady’s favor, I hope, we can revisit. Don’t call.”"
Mortensen made himself the “centerpiece” of the story. His initial report, and the NFL declining to correct it, irrevocably shaped public perception.
Mortensen is a well respected reporter. It’s not apparent he did anything wrong in his process. But, the inherent danger reporting leaked information is the source could be wrong (or willfully presenting wrong information). Presuming Mortensen was diligent about his sourcing, the question becomes how and why incorrect information was leaked to him, not what he did with it.
It’s an interesting issue. There’s always a measure of hypocrisy when a journalist won’t answer questions. But, it’s perhaps understandable why Mortensen didn’t wish to address it on Boston radio (and why ESPN may not have wanted him to do so).