By John P. Lopez (Follow On Twitter)
I would like to commend you on receiving the transfer of Kyle Allen. I have been covering college football in this town since Jan. 1, 1990.
In my time covering sports in Houston, you are the 10th Houston Cougars head football coach that I’ve covered. You also are the best, in my opinion. I’m a huge fan of yours. My son is a proud Houston Cougar and I regularly go to games — as a fan.
Thus, while I can appreciate your note about the details of how Kyle Allen became a Coog, your characterization of me as, “jumping at the chance” to be first or lacking accountability is, frankly, inaccurate and lacking the accountability in which you take so much pride.
For decades, I have covered college football literally from coast-to-coast. I have been to 30-plus major bowl games, multiple national championship games, and have built deep, credible relationships with coaches and administrators across the country. I have had a Heisman Trophy vote for 30-years and live for the college game more than any other. I would encourage you to ask around. People like Mack Brown, Les Miles, Steve Spurrier, Art Briles, Kevin Sumlin, Pete Carroll and Barry Switzer.
What I’m getting to is this: I have no interest in being first, or making a name for myself by bending the rules of accountability.
I don’t need to.
I do my job. That’s all. Like I always have.
While I am a huge fan of yours and the UH program, my responsibility — and accountability — is to Houston sports fans. My report was accurate from the start. My report never changed, others’ did. When others said my report was wrong, I doubled-down, because I knew the story and had extremely reliable sources on it.
I filed my report not for individual accolades, not to be first, not to make a name for myself in this town. I already have a name in this town. I filed my report because it’s my job. It’s what I do and it was what football fans in this town deserved to know, as it involved a rising program and superstar coach. In fact, the only reason I am even responding now is because you tried to disparage a reputation I have worked decades to build and work daily to protect.
If you care to discuss and/or elaborate, I am on the air every morning, from 6 a.m.-10 a.m. on SportsRadio 610. Or I would be happy to meet anytime, anywhere.
Respect and admiration,
John.
