Conflicting reports emerge as Mayweather camp allegedly blocks credentials of reporters
Hours after it was reported that The Money Camp blocked the credentials of two female reporters, the situation has become vague, at best.
Early Saturday afternoon, ESPN reporter Michelle Beadle and Turner Sports reporter Rachel Nichols sent out tweets minutes apart, claiming their fight credentials were revoked.
I, along with @Rachel__Nichols, have been banned from the MGM Grand Arena for the fight tonight by the Mayweather camp. #TheFightGame
— Michelle Beadle (@MichelleDBeadle) May 2, 2015
No fight for me or @MichelleDBeadle. Mayweather's team told my producer the camp was blocking my credential. https://t.co/JTjjXadPp8
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) May 2, 2015
But the latest developments in the story indicate that Beadle is not in Las Vegas and that she received the news before the weekend.
After hearing my credential was pulled, I went home. Told this morning that HBO was able to get it re-approved late last night.
— Michelle Beadle (@MichelleDBeadle) May 2, 2015
That's it. All she wrote. I will now concentrate on Game 7. #GoSpursGo
— Michelle Beadle (@MichelleDBeadle) May 2, 2015
The news is anything but a shot in the dark, as the sports media personalities have a history with Mayweather for being outspoken regarding his history with domestic violence.
According to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, USA Today reporter Martin Rogers, who has also covered Mayweather's violent past, was also denied his credentials.
In addition to banning @Rachel__Nichols and @MichelleDBeadle, Mayweather declined to credential @mrogersUSAT, who has written great DV stuff
— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixSI) May 2, 2015
Almost an hour after the reporters broke the news, Kelly Swanson, Mayweather's publicist, said on Twitter that no one has banned them from the fight.
No one including ME banned @Rachel__Nichols from covering the fight. She is already credentialed. #Facts
— Kelly Swanson (@kellyswanson1) May 2, 2015
And @MichelleDBeadle isn't even on the press list. She's credentialed through @HBOboxing. Yes credentialed. #Fact#2
— Kelly Swanson (@kellyswanson1) May 2, 2015
In light of Swanson's statements, Nichols told her side of the story on Twitter:
Have had a bunch of folks asking questions about the Mayweather issue. Here's what happened: After asking tough questions of Floyd Mayweather on my program, I was not offered press credentials to cover tonight's fight. In an email dated April 23, I was told I would only be credentialed for the run-up events through the week, but in bold, italic letters the email stated "you do not have any access Saturday to any services or events." A CNN producer revisited the issue with the Mayweather camp on April 29, confirming to Mayweather's publicist that I would be in Las Vegas, and the publicist replied that I would still be denied a fight night credential. I was told the same thing when I arrived at the credential office in person on May 1, by two separate officials, in front of several other people. It doesn't surprise me that now, after facing significant backlash, the Mayweather camp has reversed its position. But despite this, and other outside parties generously offering me their seats, I will not attend the fight. I will also not let fear of retaliation prevent me from asking the tough questions the public deserves answers to in the future.
If the news does in fact hold validity, ESPN's Darren Rovell says the reporters will not be allowed into the MGM Grand.
For those asking, per the fight contract, Mayweather Promotions is the signatory on the contract & therefore controls credentials.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) May 2, 2015
Below is an interview Nichols conducted with Mayweather in September in which she relentlessly challenged him about his past.
Needless to say, reporters from numerous outlets have caught wind of the situation, standing together to make their voices heard.
It's a total disgrace that @Rachel__Nichols & @MichelleDBeadle would be refused credentials for tonight's fight. Mayweather camp is a joke.
— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) May 2, 2015
Banning @MichelleDBeadle & @Rachel__Nichols from the fight is a cowardly move by Mayweather. Those w credentials must press the DV issue.
— Wendy Thurm (@hangingsliders) May 2, 2015
Mayweather blocking @MichelleDBeadle and @Rachel__Nichols from the fight is a disgrace. No way that should be acceptable to any of us.
— Chris Jones (@MySecondEmpire) May 2, 2015
Mayweather camp banning @Rachel__Nichols @MichelleDBeadle from fight. Because they don't sugar coat. This should surprise… no one.
— Bonnie Bernstein (@BonnieBernstein) May 2, 2015
HEADLINES
- Leafs beat Utah in shootout after blowing 3-0 lead
- Curry moves within 2 threes of 4,000, Warriors beat Blazers for 5th straight win
- Foligno: Getting rid of 'distractions' key to Blackhawks' improved play
- MacKinnon becomes 100th player to record 1,000 career points
- March sadness: Heat squander double-digit home lead for 3rd time this month