Bruce Feldman Suspension Draws Anger From College Football World

Many sports personalities are furious over ESPN's indefinite suspension of college football writer Bruce Feldman, who ESPN is essentially forcing to disappear from the internet after he participated in the writing of an autobiography of former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach. The suspension reportedly came despite the fact that Feldman had received permission to participate in the book project.

Sports Illustrated's Stewart Mandel is leading the charge.

One of the finest writers in the profession was suspended today because of a company's own irresponsible journalism.

Here's another tweet from Mandel.

If you appreciate journalists who do their job professionally and with respect ... then boycott ESPN. Seriously.

Yikes.

The National Football Post says that Feldman's suspension is a "travesty":

First off, I've only crossed paths in-person with Feldman one time, which came this past February at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, and I was as impressed with his professionalism as anyone I've ever met. Second, being suspended for his role in Leach's book is nothing short of an absolute travesty, especially if he truly was given the 'OK' by ESPN management.

SB Nation's Conquest Chronicles says that if Feldman were allowed to leave ESPN, he would be "snatched up faster than you can breathe." Yahoo! Sports' Dan Wetzel echoes that sentiment, saying Feldman would be "a great get" for the website. Sports Illustrated's Andy Staples, meanwhile, says that if SI had to, it would be wise to fire him - meaning Staples himself - in order to hire Feldman.

Clearly, writers throughout the business are assembling behind Feldman on this one. We'll see if ESPN releases a statement in response. If the company decides it's through with Feldman, there will be a queue lined up to hire him.