When is the the truth not the "truth?" In the media's eyes their 
         perspective is the truth? This weekend I was reading a newspaper article in 
         the sports page of the Mpls Star and Tribune, it was the summary of
         the Gophers and MTU series. There was the usual stuff. Doug Woog had his 
         complains about how the refs, you know,the refing was so bad, the refs were 
         making calls against the Gophers all weekend and that the tactics of the 
         MTU Huskies coaching staff might be a little suspect, if not dirty. 
         The story said that Woog was talking on the telephone in the lobby 
         after the pre game meal when he over heard Michigan Tech player Andre Savage
         joking to his MTU team mates about how he should have re broken Casey 
         Hankinson's left thumb Friday night. Then Woog alleges that he heard
         Savage say some R-rated comments about the Gophers (like any of us haven't).
         My point is when is the truth really the truth? You can decide for your 
         self. Here the other sides of the story. I should know better than to 
         believe a news paper like the Tribune they are pro Gopher and pro Democrat 
         (but that is for another page, their left wing slant is not objective either). 
         I got permission from Dave Fisher to use his perspective on the event in 
         question. Thanks Dave.

         Eric --

         As you might imagine, there are two sides to every story.
         Obviously, you have passed judgment on Savage based on one side of the story.
         Let it be known that Savage did not joke about trying to break Hankinson's
         left thumb. He was talking to his teammates about Friday's game and was
         telling them how Hankinson had his stick between his legs and wouldn't
         remove it. Savage then told his teammates that he gave Hankinson a shot
         with his stick in hopes he would get his stick out from between his legs.

         That is a far cry from the Woog version of the story. Savage is a talented
         player who can play the physical part of the game as well. He does not,
         however, attempt to intentionally injure opposing players.

         As I could have predicted...one side of the story is reported and
         automatically the vast majority of folks believe what they read. That's not
         your fault, but the fault of the reporter.

         In any case, I just wanted to make sure you had both sides of the story.

         I'm glad you're a passionate fan of college hockey. You've got a great team
         to root for up there...perhaps a second straight national title?!

         Kindest Regards,

         Dave Fischer
         Director of Athletic Communications & Promotions
         Michigan Tech University

         I thank Dave Fischer for his elegant point. I made the mistake of passing 
         judgement to quickly on the matter. Remember just because it is in the 
         papers doesn't mean it is true.

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