TCU has fully restored credentials to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram after pulling them because of its reporting of an August locker room altercation involving players Jacob Fields and Dozie Ezukanma.
In a statement issued Friday, TCU said it had "a series of productive discussions" with the Star-Telegram about its coverage.
"We made clear our position and resolved to move forward," the school said. "We respect their role as an independent news source and voice in our community, and we look forward to the season ahead."
Steven Johnson, the Star-Telegram's TCU beat reporter, wrote on X, "Let's get back to football, shall we?"
Last month, TCU rescinded the Star-Telegram's credentials, which included press box access and interview sessions, after newspaper quoted an unnamed source who stated that Fields attacked Ezukanma on Aug. 13 because he was "targeted" by teammates, and that TCU coaches knew about tension leading up to the incident and did not de-escalate it. The newspaper later changed its reporting, stating that the incident was not motivated by any bullying or mistreatment.
In a statement to the newspaper, TCU athletic director Mike Buddie said, "The inclusion of the misinformation advanced a narrative that endangered a student-athlete and resulted in threats to him and his family." The Star-Telegram was not credentialed for TCU's season opener against North Carolina in Dublin, Ireland, but still sent Johnson to cover the game.
Fields, who was dismissed from TCU's team shortly after the altercation, was arrested Sunday and charged with aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury. Ezukanma was hospitalized for three days because of a brain bleed, a concussion and other injuries, according to a signed arrest warrant affidavit obtained by ABC affiliate WFAA in Dallas.
TCU next plays Sept. 12 against Grambling.
