There are different types of journalism, the variety which is objective and strives to give the audience facts to come up with their own educated view and opinion. Then there’s the other type, which is more like TMZ, where the basis of facts are not necessary, where speculation runs rampant, and where the “journalist” can say whatever they wish in a manner that is straight up mean and unwarranted.

Who am I talking about you ask? Today’s example is ESPN contributor Paul Finebaum.

Mr. Finebaum is a voice-piece for the SEC, while his radio show is simulcast on the SEC Network.

Yesterday a fan called in to Finebaum’s show asking why he doesn’t give Michigan more credit for their highly successful season (thus far). Finebaum told him he thinks the BIg Ten is the best conference but isn’t sure about Michigan because he hasn’t seen a “sample size” out of them like Ohio State and Michigan. Finebaum then asked why the caller thought he was giving them lack of respect, the caller pointed out the comparisons between how the Alabama program was when Nick Saban became head coach and how Michigan’s program was when Harbaugh got the job were unfair. This is when Finebaum became testy. ultimately ending the call.

Once the call ended Finebaum showed his true colors again (we will get to the other examples in a second). “Is there a more pathetic fan base in America than the University of Michigan? What a whiny and sniveling bunch.”

Talk about finding a way to alienate a fan base, but he doesn’t care, as long as what he says resonates with SEC fans all is well. If you listen to the call, nothing warranted that response from Finebaum. It was... mean.

And this was not the first time Finebaum has went after Michigan.

Example 2

Finebaum compared Harbaugh to the most controversial presidential candidate in generations.

“The Donald Trump of college football. Jim Harbaugh wants Greg Sankey, Hugh Freeze, and Butch Jones, and Gus Malzahn, and Brett Bielema, to all get their panties in a wad and make him an even bigger story.”

Not to get overly political, and no matter whom you’re voting for in November, this comparison is completely unwarranted and without basis. Secondly, Harbaugh could care less what other coaches do or say in regards to what Michigan does. The Satelite Camps were to better the Michigan program, any reaction received because of it was not the goal whatsoever.

Example 3

When Michigan was revealed as the number once choice for sports bettors in regards to National Championship wagers, Finebaum tweeted out “Worth remembering what P.T. Barnum famously said: "There's a sucker born every minute."

Example 4

“So once again, Jim Harbaugh has hijacked college football, “Finebaum said. “I think he has been an entertaining entrant to college football since he arrived in Michigan a year and a half ago. Entertaining. That was then. I find him growingly and increasingly annoying now.”

“Jim Harbaugh is all about Jim Harbaugh, and that’s fine, but I think it’s finally caught up to him, and I think he has gone from the most entertaining person in college football to the most annoying. And I for one am really getting sick of him.”

Even the casual fan knows Jim Harbaugh isn’t all about Jim Harbaugh.. Jim Harbaugh is about football, about Michigan. Harbaugh has found ways to market his program in a new way tailored towards what the 21st Century is about. He thinks outside of the box, with Satelite Camps being a prime example.

Example 5

Last month Aubrey Solomon de-committed from Michigan after he received a letter in the mail in which they spelt his name wrong and thanked him for being at an event he did not attend. A staffer owned up to the error, and Solomon still plans to take his official visit to Michigan.

When Finebaum spoke about the incident he said “I think maybe if Jim Harbaugh would spend less time trying to work on his top five Drake songs or appearing shirtless or going to Australia or who knows where else, maybe he would know who he is trying to recruit at the University of Michigan.”

Jim Harbaugh and his staff know darn well who they are recruiting. Mistakes happen, and this one was not a reflection of how the coaching staff know their recruits and how they treat them. Finebaum knows this.

Conclusion

Everyone can have a little bias flowing through their veins, but Finebaum needs to come out and say it, he hates Michigan and he’s nothing more than an SEC Lobbyist. How he acts and reacts reminds me of a politician. I love the world of sports as an escape from the problems in the world, not to hear a journalist be the equivalent of a high school bully or be the Donald Trump of sports pundits.

More facts less bashing, Paul. I speak for Michigan fans, alumni, when I say Michigan’s fan base isn’t pathetic, it’s among the best in the nation, and the world. Academically and athletically there aren’t many that match what Michigan has to offer. I know Michael Phelps and Tom Brady have my back, and that’s all that matters. Checkmate.