Making the news this week has been the back and forth between a writer and later the editor of Deadspin and Senator Ted Cruz. For those that are ignorant of such things Deadspin is an blog/web site that reports on sports from a left leaning perspective. In an article in Politico concerning Ted Cruz’s future in the Senate it was revealed that he has begun weekly basketball games among his colleagues in order to foster unity among it’s members.
In response to this Deadspin writer Ashley Feinberg, in the article titled “Send Us Proof Of Ted Cruz Playing Basketball,” wrote:
“…Surely some of you reading this must work on the Hill, or know someone who works on the Hill, or know someone who is secretly sleeping in the men’s locker room in the Russell Building on the Hill. Either way, if you happen to snap a few photographs—or better yet, a video—of Ted Cruz in his raw, unbridled, soup-fueled athletic form, please for the love of god send them to ashley@gizmodomedia.com.”
Deadspin also tweeted out “Send us proof of Ted Cruz playing basketball.” To this Ted Cruz tweeted back a picture of Duke’s star guard and a young Ted Cruz look alike Grayson Allen, with the caption “what do I win.”
Deadspin then tweeted back the very mature response “@TedCruz go eat s..t”
The following day the exchange was highlighted by various conservative outlets with headlines such as The Washington Free Beacon’s “Ted Cruz Owns Deadspin in Twitter Spat” and RedState’s “Ted Cruz Owns Deadspin in Hilarious Tweets.” I am also sure that Deadspin received quite a bit of push back on Social Media.
This led Deadspin’s editor, Tim Marchman, in an apparent case of severe butt hurt, to send out two Tweets “Unsurprising that not one Ted Cruz-supporting cuck/Twitter user is willing to face me in the UFC octagon.” and “Amazing that low-testosterone Ted Cruz enthusiasts are comfortable haranguing @ashleyfeinberg but not me, Deadspin’s actual editor!”
First Iraq War vet and wounded warrior, losing his right arm, in an IED explosion, J. R. Salzman responded: “Time and place.”
Next up was Green Beret and and MMA fighter, Tim Kennedy, who tweeted: “I’m your huckleberry. I also take note that you are a pathetic cyber bully. My email is tim@rangerup.com I’m available at your leisure.”
Thursday morning Tim Kennedy came on Glenn Beck’s nationally syndicated radio show to discuss the issue. During the interview Glenn offered up $50,000 and any proceeds from a pay for view event to the charity of the winner’s choice. In response Tim Kennedy offer to match the $50,000 prize money.
If you want to get involved I would encourage you to Tweet to Tim Marchman’s and to Deadspin’s accounts and also to Deadspin’s Facebook page. My request is that you keep it respectful and positive, otherwise it will be used against us.
markE watkins 