TCU is set to begin the 2026 season against North Carolina in Dublin, but the Horned Frogs have found themselves in the spotlight for a much different reason this week.
The program revoked the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s media credentials for covering TCU athletics following the newspaper’s report on a locker room altercation, sparking widespread reactions across the college football community.
TCU’s Star-Telegram Ban Backfires as CFB Community Calls Out the Move
TCU’s decision to revoke the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s credentials came after the newspaper reported that senior safety Jacob Fields was involved in a physical altercation with wide receiver Dozie Ezukanma in the locker room.
The Aug. 13 incident resulted in Fields being dismissed from the team, while Ezukanma was reportedly knocked unconscious during the fight.
The Star-Telegram initially did not name Ezukanma in its report, but he identified himself three days later in an Instagram video that has since been deleted. Because Ezukanma publicly confirmed his identity, TCU’s decision to hold the newspaper responsible drew immediate criticism from media members.
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A TCU athletics spokesman told the Star-Telegram the credentials were pulled because the coverage resulted in threats to the player. Athletic director Mike Buddie added that TCU disputes the initial reporting, saying an unnamed source without first-hand knowledge supplied inaccurate information.
However, many in the college football community argued that restricting a news organization’s access is an inappropriate response to investigative coverage.
“Who knew Horned Frogs have such thin skin?” ESPN’s Tim MacMahon tweeted.
Who knew Horned Frogs have such thin skin? https://t.co/GHWJp2ox8q
— Tim MacMahon (@BannedMacMahon) August 26, 2026
“This seems embarrassing by TCU,” The Athletic’s senior writer Andrew Marchand wrote.
This seems embarrassing by TCU. https://t.co/GtElEki88p
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) August 26, 2026
“Absolutely no outlet should cover any of their home games until this is rectified. This is unbelievable,” Hall of Fame voter Charean Williams wrote.
Media credentials typically provide reporters with access to areas such as the locker room and news conferences. However, TCU’s athletic department reportedly has not clearly explained what steps the Star-Telegram must take to have its credentials restored.
Many believe the more likely explanation is that TCU was unhappy with the negative attention surrounding the locker-room incident and chose to punish the newspaper for publishing the story.
“This is wild. The Star-Telegram is the only traditional media outlet that regularly covers TCU … and has for decades and decades,” ESPN’s Dan Wetzel wrote.
This is wild. The Star-Telegram is the only traditional media outlet that regularly covers TCU … and has for decades and decades. https://t.co/6KL7fRTPeC
— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) August 26, 2026
“TCU should be embarrassed. Pulling credentials because someone reported facts,” HornSports tweeted.
“I’ll keep it PG, but that’s COWARDICE. As an Alum, I hope they come to their senses,” TCU alum Omar Villafranca wrote.
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On the field, TCU is coming off a 9-4 season that included a 5-4 record in Big 12 play. Heading into the 2026 campaign, PFN gives the Horned Frogs a 6.2% chance of reaching the College Football Playoff, with a 4.1% chance of winning the Big 12.
