From NBC Sports · · 1m 30s
Bills radio voice loses credential after Brady criticism
John Murphy's press-box access was denied days after he wrote a critical column about the Bills' new coach.
In brief
John Murphy's press-box access was denied days after he wrote a critical column about the Bills' new coach. Sports organizations may be using credential denial to silence critical coverage from their own media partners. Originally reported by NBC Sports.
Radio voice loses press access
John Murphy, who spent 34 years with the Bills, lost his press-box credential two days after writing a critical column about new coach Joe Brady for WIVB-TV.
“I think so, but I don't know.”
Official reason cites part-time status
The Bills attributed the denial to a policy against part-time workers getting credentials, though Murphy claims he was previously promised a seat.
VP promised credential beforehand
Bills VP of marketing Chris Jenkins told Murphy he would receive a credential and even showed him the seat he'd be using in the new stadium.
Second column blocked by station
Murphy's follow-up column predicting a 10-win season for the Bills wasn't published by WIVB, which said the station faced pressure from the team.
Murphy questions station's support
Murphy told the Buffalo News he felt the station didn't fight for him. He said his critical column "wasn't that bad."
“[WIVB] didn't fight for me. [The column] wasn't that bad.”
Retaliation hard to prove
It's unclear whether the Bills deliberately retaliated, as organizations rarely admit to such actions. The team declined to comment on the situation.
Pressure over coaching changes
The incident may reflect pressure the Bills feel after firing coach Sean McDermott and promoting Joe Brady, with GM Brandon Beane also under scrutiny.
What it means
Sports organizations may be using credential denial to silence critical coverage from their own media partners.
