Any idea what this Marathon & Beyond freelancer raised a stink about at the Chicago Marathon? And was it something that deserved being banned from covering the event in the future?
The freelancer was the recipient of this angry letter:
Dear Dr. Morris:
I have been working at The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon since Tuesday, and spent the day working in their Media Center/Press Room, as you observed.
I have been approached by principals from that organization to complain that they are outraged by your behavior today, which they viewed as inappropriate. Apparently you "called your own press conference" just outside the Media Center to share your views with three media outlets on Robert Cheruiyot falling over at the finish line of the race today.
While you are entitled to your opinion on any matter, it is totally inappropriate for you to act as if you are speaking on behalf of the event, or on behalf of the national federation, USATF. Those media people assumed you were either speaking for the event, or that you were the official voice of USATF at this event because of your USATF blazer badge. Nothing could be further from the truth. You registered as a media representative for 'Marathon and Beyond' and were never at any time representing USATF, nor the event.
You begrudgingly stopped your "press conference" when told to do so by The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon Media Relations Manager, Ms Marianne Caponi. You did not offer her any apolgies for your actions. Quite frankly they are very disturbed by your behavior.
I am reliably informed that you will not be receiving media accreditation at this event in future.
I suggest you reconsider such outlandish behavior in future at like events, because you jeopardize the good, solid relationships the event has with USATF, and you embarrass the event.
Sincerely;
Glenn Latimer
Chair, Men's Long Distance Running
USA Track & Field