5 Questions for WFAA Channel 8’s Brett Shipp
Categories: Dallas, Media, Sports
Written By: Shawn Williams
Since Brett Shipp launched another muckraker sweeps week attack on South Oak Cliff, I’ve had some questions.
I guess I could have scheduled some time with him since I have his email address, but I thought I’d put my questions out in the airwaves like he did with Coach Mays. So here goes.
1. Mr. Shipp, why do you keep reporting that South Oak Cliff had to give back their 2006 championship? For your information, here is a list of the 2006 basketball champions according to the UIL website.
2006 Champions
5A State Champion: Plano
4A State Champion: Dallas South Oak Cliff
3A State Champion: Dallas Roosevelt
2A State Champion: Arp
1A State Champion Div I: Bogata Rivercrest
1A State Champion Div II: Nazareth
2. Do you think that the reason why your sources were reassigned or terminated by DISD is important to your tabloid stories?
3. Why didn’t you sign in at the South Oak Cliff office as a visitor the day you launched your ambush on Coach James Mays with cameras rolling?
4. Did you know that by law, a student’s grades are private? That’s right Mr. Shipp, here’s a little background on that law:
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, commonly known as FERPA, is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student educational records. As defined by this Act, student educational records include scores and grades assigned to students during the course of the semester.
The law was intended for schools and teachers. I wonder how it applies to former teachers and tabloid news reports? I’m sure we’ll find out soon enough.
5. Why are stories about South Oak Cliff only important during sweeps week?






June 11th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
I’m curious to see the adjustment in your take now that the UIL has officially stripped SOC from that 2006 title. I agree that he should not have posted the grades, and that’s why UIL used “ineligible player” and nothing more. Still, it’s a rule, and journalists love them some controversy. It’s a pain.
January 13th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
Brett, I know that the Dog injured by the guywire is not the responibility of the home owner but a quick fix and not expenseve is put a piece of pvc pipe on the end that has caused the problem and duct to the cable. Thank You, Jerry Mccoy