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Michigan denounces reporter for claiming to be an ‘insider’

Dustin Schutte

By Dustin Schutte

Published:

The University of Michigan Athletics Department has released a statement regarding a reporter claiming to be an “insider” for the program.

On Friday night, Michigan released a statement regarding James Yoder, the CEO of Chat Sports and host of the Michigan Football Report. The university says that, despite his claim, Yoder is not an insider and has not been given access to players, coaches or any other staff members associated with the program.

“James Yoder is not a credentialed member of the media covering Michigan Football,” the statement read. “To our knowledge, he has never been affiliated with any recognized legitimate media outlet. He has proclaimed himself “the king of Michigan media” yet his comments on Michigan Football are riddled with inaccuracies and not based upon any direct access or communications with our team, coaches or other personnel. He does not cover the program in any official capacity.

“Yoder has never been given access to the Michigan Football program –neither the team nor our facilities. We believe that he films his online postings in front of a green screen and superimposes a photograph of the Schembechler Hall museum in the background, thereby creating the illusion/perception that he is an insider or informant, with access to the program and our facilities.”

Michigan did not mention any specific instances or a smoking gun behind its decision to release the statement, but did mention that some of Yoder’s remarks and “reports” have been inaccurate and have “damaged” the student-athletes associated with the program.

The university encouraged family, friends and fans to follow the credentialed and trusted media members.

Dustin Schutte

Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB