TCU restores media credentials for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram after the newspaper’s access was revoked following coverage of a locker room altercation that led to safety Jacob Fields being dismissed from the team.
“Today, TCU Athletics fully restored media credentials to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram,” the department said in a statement. “In a series of productive discussions, we made clear our position and resolved to move forward. We respect their role as an independent news source and voice in our community, and we look forward to the season ahead.”
Reporter Steven Johnson wrote on Aug. 18 that tensions had been building in the locker room and that, despite being alerted, coaches did not attempt to defuse the situation. Head coach Sonny Dykes was reportedly unaware of the extent of the issues among players.
After the paper disclosed that its credentials had been pulled, a TCU athletics spokesman said the move followed alleged threats made to sophomore receiver Dozie Ezukanma, who was punched by Fields. The Star-Telegram did not identify Ezukanma in its initial report. He later publicly said on social media that he was the player involved.
Johnson traveled to Dublin, Ireland, to cover TCU’s 15-10 season-opening loss to North Carolina, but he did so from the stands instead of the press box at Aviva Stadium.
Jacob Fields dismissed from team after locker room fight
Fields was dismissed from the team earlier this month after the Aug. 13 locker room incident.
In an Instagram video, Ezukanma alleged that Fields “sucker punched” him, causing his head to strike the floor and leaving him unconscious. He also said Fields kicked him in the head, according to the Star-Telegram’s reporting.
A TCU football staff member reported the altercation to campus police the next day, according to an official report. Fields was dismissed from the program, and a warrant for his arrest stated that Ezukanma suffered a brain bleed.
Fields turned himself in on Aug. 30 and was arrested by Tarrant County, Texas authorities on a charge of aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury. The senior transfer was booked into the Tarrant County Jail and released later that day after posting a $50,000 bond.
Johnson’s reporting on the incident and its fallout comes amid heightened national attention on football programs, following other high-profile stories such as the Broderick Jones trade and increased scrutiny on player safety.