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Fanhouse's David Whitley Crosses the Line, Compares Edwards' Benching to Casey Johnson Situation

There are some lines you just don't cross. There are some events that may happen, that you don't just casually mention in conversation or in writing as they were extremely poignant to all parties that were affected.


Apparently, AOL Fanhouse's David Whitley didn't get that memo.

WR Braylon Edwards was disciplined by the Jets with what they deemed appropriate -- and, as such, he was benched for the first quarter in Sunday night's game. Afterwards, upon conclusion of the game, most of us thought this issue was dealt with and that it was time to move on.

Whitley did not receive that memo either.

In an article he wrote which was published on Fanhouse's website yesterday evening,  Whitley repeatedly brings up Woody Johnson's deceased daughter, Casey, for no reason at all. Below, we read about the first first mention of [Casey] Johnson, which is in reference to Edwards' benching.

Did Johnson think of his late daughter and wonder if she'd approve of the way he disciplines his work force?

But wait, there's more.

What about the message Sunday sent to Edwards? He's a spoiled man-child who has the money to get away with almost anything. Not unlike Johnson's daughter, Casey, who partied her way through life before tragically winding up in an early grave in January at 30. Her heartbroken father tried everything to get her straightened out. Can't he see that Edwards is on the same road?

So now he's comparing Edwards' situation to that of [Casey] Johnson's.  He goes on to mention Johnson one more time, but I don't want to beat a dead horse, I'll leave that to Whitley.

Herm Edwards said it best when he delivered his famous "... you play to win the game." speech. That's exactly what the Jets did on Sunday night, winning their first road game of the season in a tough divisional battle. Edwards was an integral part of this victory, providing a huge touchdown and many key blocks in clearing the way for RB LaDainian Tomlinson.

I'll conclude with this: a message to Mr. Whitley.

In the United States, the accused are innocent until proven guilty. Edwards hasn't even gone to court yet, yet Whitley has taken this situation to a level that no one else would even step foot near. Have some class.

(I've contacted Fanhouse so we can hear their side of the story here.)

Comment 68 comments  |  2 recs  | 

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I was so disgusted I stopped at the first one

I did not even realize there was a second quote. I am so mad I am almost shaking.

"Sorry bro, he Jason Bourned me"- Drama

by BL3ACH on Sep 28, 2010 8:04 AM EDT reply actions  

This is the same guy, who in an article about Stallworth

Said he was:
A) Unlucky, and did something most people have done.
B) Shouldn’t be banned by the NFL because spending 24 days in jail was punishment enough.

Hypocracy Here

by Timmaht on Sep 28, 2010 8:05 AM EDT reply actions  

Great link...

Would love to know how he can defend these two posts. Talking about Woody’s daughter is nothing but borderline slander…

Word.

by Jerricho ToonWalker on Sep 28, 2010 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions  

This only makes it infinitely worse

This guy should become a politician. The Republican Party would love to have him.

by Exystence on Sep 28, 2010 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions  

What does your statement mean exactly?

"Sorry bro, he Jason Bourned me"- Drama

by BL3ACH on Sep 28, 2010 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions  

Steer clear of invoking your political views.

Editor-In-Chief
Gang Green Nation
SB Nation's Jets Blog
http://www.ganggreennation.com

by John B on Sep 28, 2010 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions  

Yeah, I'm a left leaning Independent voter

and I think the large majority of politicians are a joke. So, I would agree with you but in a more general sense. Democrats/Republicans = Two different flavors of corrupt.

by Timmaht on Sep 28, 2010 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions  

I wonder if he remembers this article

His main point was Stallworth paid his debt to society. Well like what Edwards did or not, he didn’t go to court yet to deal with this matter. So what the heck is he talking about?
I think the real problem is he does not like the Jets. Half way through the Edwards story it turned into bash the Jets hour. So imo this has little to do with Edwards nd more to do with he hates the Jets.

"Sorry bro, he Jason Bourned me"- Drama

by BL3ACH on Sep 28, 2010 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions  

I hope they respond.

Gang Green Nation Managing Editor --- covering all things NY Jets!

SB Nation(.Com) Contributing Writer

by Matt Birch on Sep 28, 2010 8:06 AM EDT reply actions  

I don’t even want anything to do with Fanhouse. If they let this go I would have to say Fanhouse feels the same way if they take no action.

"Sorry bro, he Jason Bourned me"- Drama

by BL3ACH on Sep 28, 2010 8:08 AM EDT up reply actions  

Its not even like he had a point or we are just mad because we are Jet fans

It is there for no other reason besides trying to be hurtful, it adds nothing to the story (if you could even call it a story)
.
How do I find out who the editor is, or do they function like a newspaper? Not sure if they can just post stuff randomly with out having someone okay what was written?

"Sorry bro, he Jason Bourned me"- Drama

by BL3ACH on Sep 28, 2010 8:14 AM EDT reply actions  

At the start, it was a lot like SBN, real fans covering their favorite teams. It’s slowly shifted more and more into being a regular newspaper with the assortment of “real” sportswriters. Not coincidently, a lot of the originials who had the orginal concept of revolving it around real fans have migrated to SBN.

There is someone in charge of the NFL and of the site as a whole. I’m not sure who they presently are.

As for the substance of the article, while we can debate whether Edwards should have gotten a greater punishment, invoking a man’s dead daughter was in very poor taste IMO.

Editor-In-Chief
Gang Green Nation
SB Nation's Jets Blog
http://www.ganggreennation.com

by John B on Sep 28, 2010 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions  

O okay thanks for the info

Yeah thats exactly right. You want to complain about the Edwards punishment or how it was handled, do it, write 5 stories about it a day until you are over it.
But to try to compare an NFL player with the passing of his daughter, its just so low.

"Sorry bro, he Jason Bourned me"- Drama

by BL3ACH on Sep 28, 2010 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions  

Exactly, it wasn't needed

Myers from NYDN also recently wrote an article slamming Jets for how they dealt with it.

But he didn’t take it to the level that Whitley did, and it was totally unneeded, also.

Gang Green Nation Managing Editor --- covering all things NY Jets!

SB Nation(.Com) Contributing Writer

by Matt Birch on Sep 28, 2010 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions  

Any comment from Fanhouse?

I can’t see this article being up much longer. It’s beyond bad taste.

by colinyoung on Sep 28, 2010 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions  

Nothing yet. Still waiting..

Gang Green Nation Managing Editor --- covering all things NY Jets!

SB Nation(.Com) Contributing Writer

by Matt Birch on Sep 28, 2010 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

As of right now, article is still up and live

Gang Green Nation Managing Editor --- covering all things NY Jets!

SB Nation(.Com) Contributing Writer

by Matt Birch on Sep 28, 2010 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

I first read this article from the link provided up top.

I only just realized that the article is the main read on the NFL page itself. Was that the case when you first found it or did they just promote it now?

by colinyoung on Sep 28, 2010 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions  

This is fucking disgusting

Im really sorry about the swearing but this doesnt deserve any other response… DISGRACEFUL

by Leamg on Sep 28, 2010 8:18 AM EDT reply actions  

What's the punishment for him?

Acting like a complete idiot and dirt bag should have consequences too!

by GangGreenGol4 on Sep 28, 2010 9:10 AM EDT reply actions  

That's so awful

Why would you say something like that? Did he go out and look for the most hurtful and disgraceful comparison he could find? Jesus

"I reject your reality and substitute my own"
-Adam Savage

by blueandorange4life on Sep 28, 2010 9:14 AM EDT reply actions  

Investigation

I think someone should investigate this clown Whitley’s family. There has to be a whole lot of crap floating in his gene pool.

by USA on Sep 28, 2010 9:55 AM EDT reply actions  

Diabetes is an awful disease.

It can, and often does, lead to feelings of isolation, rage, and fear. Those who don’t live with it could never understand how difficult it can be to cope. It influences every decision you make and, when dealing with the emotional burden of a chronic illness, your judgments and motives are often clouded and lead you to make wrong decisions that are the result of those very emotions— isolation, fear, and rage.

This poor girl suffered her whole life. Continuing to rag on her after her death is about as low as it gets. He might not understand, be he should be ashamed.

by Gideon Jay on Sep 28, 2010 10:38 AM EDT reply actions  

Total lack of class & respect

Woody Johnson goes through every day of his life with the memories of his deceased daughter without some dirtbag bringing up the circumstances behind her death.

Whitley shows a callous disregard for the most private of feelings and should be banned from any postings on any site until he recognizes that.

Man up, Mr. Whitley, and offer an apology from the heart.

Shock journalism at someone else’s expense is as low as you can go.

by oldskooljet on Sep 28, 2010 10:40 AM EDT reply actions  

yeah I mean is page views the motive to mention his daughter?

Because that is freaking weak if thats the reason.

"Sorry bro, he Jason Bourned me"- Drama

by BL3ACH on Sep 28, 2010 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions  

What the hell is this guys malfunction?

Not only is there no possible connection between Edwards and Woody’s poor daughter. But to even try to fabricate a connection between the two for a web article is downright deplorable. Even the mentioning Woody’s daughter in the article seems fundamentaly disjointed. As if he were just using the statement to incite outrage without any concern of weather his article would still be of any quality without it.
After reading the entire article I can honestly say I am feeling neasueas. This is not “shock journalism”. It’s worse.
John, In most cases I would say that an article like this should be ignoerd at all costs. But I feel soo disgusted by this guy, I literaly want to see whatever joke of a job he has vaporize into thin air. I hope to god this reaches the mainstream media and this guy gets hug out to dry.

by colinyoung on Sep 28, 2010 10:53 AM EDT reply actions  

Still not over it yet.

I cant believe AOL Fanhouse would even approve of an article like this in the first place. I suppose there are morons like David Whitley infested all over this world. But that does not mean his filth should be spread about the world under AOL’s headline.

by colinyoung on Sep 28, 2010 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions  

I felt the same way at first about MSM

I fear it would be more “Bloggers” in general and not Fanhouse or David Whitley. They are always looking for a reason to discredit the blogs to keep the papers going. So that garbage story could end up hurting more then just fanhouse if it played out like I thought it would.

"Sorry bro, he Jason Bourned me"- Drama

by BL3ACH on Sep 28, 2010 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions  

Direct Your Outrage Appropriately

Calling David Whitley a journalist is like calling the fry cook down at Micky D’s a chef. Actually that’s probably unfair to the kid at McDonald’s who puts more thought and effort into his product. The real problem is the credibility, or lack thereof. of a site like Fanhouse. Treating this site, those like it and the people like Whitley who write for it as legitimate sources for news and opinion is the real issue. There are a lot of great things about the internet as an information resource, but it is also like a giant wall for graffiti. Just scroll through the “comments” section after any news article regarding anything that is the least bit controversial and look at the miscreants that post, apparently from their mother’s basements. Just because its on the internet doesn’t make it legitimate. While we need to be smart enough on our own to separate the wheat from the chaff in terms of what we read, the real outrage should be directed at Fanhouse for disseminating swill like this under the guise of journalism. This is just another example of what is symptomatic of a much larger problem with news and journalism in the internet age. The credibility of Fanhouse is suspect at best, more likely non-existent. Unless you have excessive time on your hands, it is a site best avoided.

by Sherman Plunkett on Sep 28, 2010 11:05 AM EDT reply actions  

Follow this link to log a complaint

and while your at it demand a answer as to why AOL Fanhouse would choose to be connected to a writer as deplorable as David Whitley in the first place.

<a href="http://feedback.aol.com/product/sports/?tid=53&r=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fanhouse.com%2F&ch=us.sports" target="new">

by colinyoung on Sep 28, 2010 11:43 AM EDT reply actions  

Dont just say your offended on GGN do something about it

This is a sample of one of the letters I have writted to AOL so far.

Im sorry to say that I take gross exception to one of your articles posted late lastnight. The filth written by one David Whitley in his article titled “Braylon Edwards’ Punishment Didn’t Come Close to Fitting Crime” needs to be taken down and dealt with at once.
I take no exception to the majority of his article to be honest. Taking on a contorvercial subject like unfair punishment to the pro athletes of the world has been done before in similar words.
What I can’t fathom is why the author would choose to invoke the deceased daughter of the teams owner as he tries to understand the reasoning behind Mr. Edwards seemingly “light” punishment.
As a parent who has lost two sons already in his short lifetime, I would like to express my absolute disgust with this particular writer and his story. Why is AOL, a respected source for all general information, connected in any way with a writer who would play on the horrid nightmare of a grieving father? I demand an answer!

by colinyoung on Sep 28, 2010 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

I realize that being a father who can relate to the pain that Mr. Johnson will have to carry the rest of his life might make me “over-sensitive”. So I am very sorry if Im taking this personally. But when I heard that Woody had suffered the kind of loss I was forced to endure, my whole heart went out to him. His pain is everlasting and will forever change the man he was to be. He will wear it on his face in every expression and feel the weight on his broken heart for the rest of his days. I pray that he never comes across this article. Not being familier with this writer or where it came from would be of little consequence to him. The mere mentioning of your deceased child by someone you don’t even know in such a context is enough to drive a father into an enraged state. Needless to say I am truly offended by this article. Im sorry for carrying on like this.

by colinyoung on Sep 28, 2010 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions  

Don't apologize Colin

The worst thing there is, is for a parent to attend their child’s funeral. You have every right to be angry; after all, what does Woody think about such a depraved article?

The guy is obviously a lowlife, and he needs to know it. NOW.

by umohan21 on Sep 28, 2010 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions  

The last few sentences in his article are the most uncalled for and outragous imo. I think it's wants bothering me so much.
After the DWI is resolved, he may have to return to Cleveland and face Judge Michelle Early. When he stood before her in January she told him:
“Someone who has as much to lose as you should not be standing in front of me. You have to make better choices.”
Casey Johnson probably got that speech a lot from her father. That’s why I wonder if he enjoyed the flight home Sunday night as much as everyone else.
Of all people, he should know that children need guidance. This one is hardly getting it from the Jets.

by colinyoung on Sep 28, 2010 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

That is by far the most insulting sentence I have read in a long while. How dare some asshole even speculate on the thoughts of a man who has lost what Woody has, let alone throw it out there for all the internet to read. Woody’s thoughts of his daughter are beyond private. And they are assureadly off limits to to this prick.

by colinyoung on Sep 28, 2010 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions  

Not only that

How in anyway is Woody responsible for any kind of parental obligations with reguards to Braylon Edwards? That is as stupid as the day is long. Who in their right mind even attemps to make a connection between the two?
.
This guy writes the checks, Braylon cashes the checks. As far as anyone is concerned that is the extent of the relationship.

"Sorry bro, he Jason Bourned me"- Drama

by BL3ACH on Sep 28, 2010 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

Im not totally unaware of the fact that this moron ignored any sembalance of reality when he wrote this article. He obviously did this without any need for respectfull journalism. You have to assume his message was to invoke anger and outrage an not to speak with any intellegence at all.

by colinyoung on Sep 28, 2010 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions  

Colin, I agree with pretty much everything you’ve said, and feel for you.

Unfortunately, there’s only so much we can say, don’t want other MSMs giving us a rep of attacking other writers.

This definitely deserved it though, and Im doing my best. You guys can definitely help by what you’re doing, voice your opinion and let them understand that what they wrote was completely and utterly wrong.

Gang Green Nation Managing Editor --- covering all things NY Jets!

SB Nation(.Com) Contributing Writer

by Matt Birch on Sep 28, 2010 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions  

The fact that you care in the first place is more then comendable Matt

GGN dosnt owe me or anybody alse anything. The idea that you guys care enough to cast light on a story like this is the first place means so much.

by colinyoung on Sep 28, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions  

Colin you're right again man.

What also bothers me, is that didn’t poor Casey die as direct cause of her diabetes? What the hell does that have to do with Braylon’s arrest?

by umohan21 on Sep 29, 2010 2:28 AM EDT up reply actions  

I found this guys twitter account

It’s “WhitFanHouse” if anybody is feeling inspired

by colinyoung on Sep 28, 2010 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions  

+1

Outhouse has gone from shock to shlock to flat out offensive journalism….

by oldskooljet on Sep 28, 2010 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions  

this is the editor's choice on fanhouse front page too!

What kind of joke is that. Everyone should definitely take the time to write to them, it takes a minute and its worth it to just get the frustration out. See above to get the link from colinyoung, good idea colin

by lund123 on Sep 28, 2010 1:49 PM EDT reply actions  

wowwwww, i wonder if they actually added editors choice after i contacted them?

Gang Green Nation Managing Editor --- covering all things NY Jets!

SB Nation(.Com) Contributing Writer

by Matt Birch on Sep 28, 2010 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions  

Well was this update always in the story?

Editor’s Note: Casey Johnson’s cause of death was diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a complication of diabetes,
.
.
I didn’t think it was there the first time I read it but I am not positive?

"Sorry bro, he Jason Bourned me"- Drama

by BL3ACH on Sep 28, 2010 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

Actually, it's a complication of Diabetes....

….which generally results from the patient not being diligent with their monitoring and meds regimens, and would be greatly exacerbated by a failure to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. That information is actually rather crucial to a complete understanding of the issue. It’s not like she was just unlucky that she was affected by ketoacidosis.

FYI, I’m a Diabetic.

by DougGreen on Sep 28, 2010 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

So am I

I guess that’s obvious by my post up top.

But take into account the emotional hardships associated with chronic illnesses. We all have problems, but these are serious problems that can be very tough to shake without help.

Money doesn’t solve all problems. She seemed to be in denial and trying to prove something. She was suffering, she wasn’t just living a party lifestyle and smiling as she through caution to the wind.

by Gideon Jay on Sep 28, 2010 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

I gave them until 4 PM to give a response, FWIW

Gang Green Nation Managing Editor --- covering all things NY Jets!

SB Nation(.Com) Contributing Writer

by Matt Birch on Sep 28, 2010 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

nice, i really hope they reply

by lund123 on Sep 28, 2010 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

and thanks for doing all that you do, this is a cool site

by lund123 on Sep 28, 2010 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions  

Thank you sir, just trying to stand up for what we feel is right.

Not optimistic about a reply from them unfortunately, never was. Figured they’d dodge. That’s OK, we can go to Jets’ PR next..

Gang Green Nation Managing Editor --- covering all things NY Jets!

SB Nation(.Com) Contributing Writer

by Matt Birch on Sep 28, 2010 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

I think you should tell them anyway.

"Sorry bro, he Jason Bourned me"- Drama

by BL3ACH on Sep 28, 2010 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yea, even money is Woody hasn't seen this yet

Either its unknown or his staff hasn’t informed him. I think if JETS PR finds out they can and should come down on this guy like a ton of bricks. I’m all for protecting journalistic integrity but this is disgusting. By all means pass the buck if it gets results

"I reject your reality and substitute my own"
-Adam Savage

by blueandorange4life on Sep 28, 2010 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

yep, there was no journalism integrity used in writing this piece

i dont think Whitley has any at all, actually

Gang Green Nation Managing Editor --- covering all things NY Jets!

SB Nation(.Com) Contributing Writer

by Matt Birch on Sep 28, 2010 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

FWIW- I feel like I know what this means but at the same time what does this stand for?

"Sorry bro, he Jason Bourned me"- Drama

by BL3ACH on Sep 28, 2010 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

For What Its Worth

Gang Green Nation Managing Editor --- covering all things NY Jets!

SB Nation(.Com) Contributing Writer

by Matt Birch on Sep 28, 2010 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

Oh

lol I really could not connect on that one

"Sorry bro, he Jason Bourned me"- Drama

by BL3ACH on Sep 28, 2010 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions  

Douche.

Darrelle Revis once won a game of Connect Four in three moves.

by bm01bath on Sep 28, 2010 2:18 PM EDT reply actions  

Have they bothered

to respond?

Is the sun going to come up tomorrow?

by Brian. on Sep 28, 2010 6:04 PM EDT reply actions  

Must not be a Father

No responsible parent would write an article so hurtful about someones deceased child. You never ever talk about someones child dying. Mr. Johnson, I am sure thinks of his child each and every day. But I am sure he does not related the dwi of one his players to his child death. No class, and needs a kick in the ass.

"Keep on Living and YOU, will get OLD someday"

by crow5589 on Sep 28, 2010 8:34 PM EDT reply actions  

Yeah

Talk about salt in the wound.

by umohan21 on Sep 29, 2010 2:30 AM EDT up reply actions  

Thats just wrong.

In so many ways.

The player I would like least at #9 would be my sister’s cat, Captain Creamsicle. She does have a great work ethic and agility, but I’m really concerned that at 9 lbs., she’s too small to play safety in the NFL. She also bites way too often on play action and is easily distracted by someone waving string in the crowd. Lastly, her wonderlic score was pretty awful, answering "meow meow meow" for most of the questions- Dr. Brackish Okun

by mob16151 on Sep 29, 2010 11:41 PM EDT reply actions  

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