It really gets me when people say something – especially as a lead-in or a title of some kind – and then within the body of their message, that title gets contradicted.
For instance, this article where the writer says that Jerry Richardson (owner of the Carolina Panthers) has provided a definitive answer to a hypothetical question. Later, he also mentions that Richardson officially closed the door on any speculation.
The question? Whether the Panthers may pursue much-maligned NFL receiver Terrell Owens.
His answers? I don’t think they’d ask, referring to coach John Fox and Marty Hurney checking with Richardson to see if it was okay to make a move for Owens. Then, later, I just don’t think they’re going to ask me that, when asked again if Fox and Hurney would push to acquire Owens.
At first, we see words like definitive and phrases like closing the door. That sounds like there’s not a lot of wiggle room. But in Richardson’s answers, we see him say I don’t think. That doesn’t mean much of anything.
Now I’m not saying that Richardson would approve, and I’m not saying that Fox and Hurney would ever ask. But it just esems to me like there’s a whole lot of difference between that lead-in and the supporting evidence. Why it is that we’re so hung-up on leading folks astray? Just to draw eyeballs? That’s wrong.