D-G Writer Has Conflict of Interest

Otis Kirk, the D-G’s celebrated new recruiting beat writer, benefits financially from perpetuating positive news about University of Arkansas athletic recruiting. He publishes the Arkansas Recruiting Report, a monthly newsletter with a $50 annual subscription rate, to hundreds of subscribers who closely follow the Razorbacks’ player commitments and signings.

We contend that the fervor for such a service reaches its zenith when there’s exciting news to be told about the latest and greatest prospects who may play for the Hogs. In addition to being a “lifelong Razorbacks fan,” as Kirk’s employee profile on The Morning News’ Web site once read, he has boosted his business interests by being a cheerleader for the program.

So when there’s negative news to report on recruiting, will Kirk suddenly develop some objectivity for the statewide daily? Will he scoop the D-G by spiking his newsletter with tastier tidbits for recruiting aficionados?

If he doesn’t offer something juicer in his newsletter, why would anyone buy it?

Paul Loyd, a registered user on Hawgs Illustrated’s insider message board, on Sept. 6 summed up what may be the feelings of many of Kirk’s followers.

“I guess I will have to forego reading Otis’ recruiting articles in the Demozette. I can get all the recruiting info I want with Otis’ newsletter and HI (both mag & online) that I want or need. I will miss reading Otis’ articles in the paper, but will learn to live without them.

“It’s just getting too darn expensive to subscribe to all of these services.”