TCU Horned Frogs football anticipates a strong performance in a largely open Big 12 Conference, coming off a successful 9-4 season in 2025. However, local fans, especially subscribers to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, may find their coverage of the team lacking this season.
The Star-Telegram covered an incident in the TCU locker room leading to the dismissal of senior safety Jacob Fields from the team. Fields was reportedly involved in an altercation with wide receiver Dozie Ezukanma, who later confirmed his involvement through a now-deleted Instagram post.
Following this report, TCU decided to suspend the Star-Telegram’s media credentials for covering Horned Frogs athletics. This decision was attributed to concerns over the ‘health and wellbeing’ of student athletes.
‘Our primary focus is the health and wellbeing of our student athlete,’ stated Mike Buddie, TCU Athletic Director. ‘An unnamed source provided inaccurate information, which we disputed. This misinformation led to threats against a student-athlete and his family.’
Buddie mentioned that media credentials would remain withdrawn until further discussions occur between the athletics department and the sports reporting team. He emphasized their aim to restore student health and focus on upcoming games.
This decision occurred just before the Horned Frogs’ season opener against Bill Belichick’s North Carolina team in Dublin. Star-Telegram reporter Steven Johnson, though present in Ireland, lacks media credentials to cover the game from the press box.
The TCU athletic department has not specified the steps required for the Star-Telegram to regain their credential. The situation is particularly ironic as the Horned Frogs’ home stadium is named for the founder and publisher of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Barring news organizations from reporting on events sets a concerning precedent. It’s unclear why TCU has pinned the blame solely on the Star-Telegram, especially given that the player involved self-identified. The incident may reflect poorly on head coach Sonny Dykes, suggesting the move may aim to shield the team from negative publicity.
Whether the Star-Telegram will recover their credential to cover the upcoming game remains uncertain. They certainly should.
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