By Richard Sandomir
New York Times
Published 10/23/2007
Excerpt:
Robert M. Steele, a professor and ethics expert at the Poynter Institute,
said, "To me, Levine’s roles are significant, both with Torre and with the
business relationship" that YES has with Francesa and Russo. He added, "If
somebody had asked me ahead of time, I’d say disclose the relationship."
Case No. 2: Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated.
Verducci wrote in a column on SI.com
last week that under Levine, "the Yankees let corporate cowardice be their
guide" and that "there is blood everywhere on Levine and the boys" over the
handling of the Torre contract.
Levine questioned Verducci’s objectivity because he collaborated on Torre’s
1997 autobiography, "Chasing the Dream." "They had a financial relationship,"
Levine said.
Verducci said he didn’t regard disclosure of his old Torre book deal as
necessary in his first critical article about Levine. Still, at some
journalistic outposts, he would have been prohibited from having such a
relationship with someone on his beat.
"It’s 10 years ago and clearly a matter of public record, "he said. "So I
don’t regard it as anything that’s covert at all." He added that he had been a
paid commentator on YES, "and my appearances have been approved by Randy."
Steele said that while he didn’t think Verducci was hiding anything, he added
that, "I'd argue that it's better to be forthright and write, 'By the way, I
collaborated with Torre on a book.'"
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