Mike Freeman is a columnist for Bleacher Report. He has previously written for 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]


References

  1. ↑ Wade, Stuart (June 16, 2000). "Books: ESPN: The Uncensored History". The Austin Chronicle.
  2. ↑ Walters, John (April 3, 2000). "Bristol Stomp". Sports Illustrated. p. 20. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
  3. ↑ "True Lies: Freeman Resigns Indy Post Due To False Resume". SportsBusiness Daily. January 12, 2004.
  4. ↑ Strupp, Joe (January 12, 2004). "Could Freeman Return to 'NY Times?'". Editor & Publisher. 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.
  6. ↑ Snyder, Gabriel (November 13, 2000). "Mike Freeman Chums the Waters, and the Sports Sharks Are Biting". New York Observer. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
  7. ↑ "Daly's libel suit doesn't go forward". ESPN.com. Associated Press. March 23, 2009.
  8. ↑ Freeman, Mike (July 26, 2002). "Fix Needed For Epidemic Of Violence". The New York Times. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
  9. ↑ "Mike Freeman | USA TODAY". www.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2023-06-19.
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