With days to go until TCU plays UNC, the Horned Frogs have reportedly revoked the credentials of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and beat reporter Steven Johnson following the newspaper’s reporting on an alleged locker room assault that resulted in a case filing with TCU Police.
Johnson said he was informed the decision stemmed from concerns that the alleged victim received threats after coverage of the incident. However, Johnson has maintained that his original reporting did not identify the alleged victim. According to Johnson, the individual later publicly identified himself in an Instagram post several days after the initial story was published.
The move has drawn attention because the Star-Telegram serves as the only full-time media outlet dedicated to covering TCU athletics on a daily basis. The decision also comes just days before the Horned Frogs open their season against North Carolina in Ireland.
Johnson revealed on social media that although TCU pulled his credential for the game, he still plans to travel to Ireland and cover the program. The development has sparked debate about the relationship between athletic departments and the media, particularly when coverage involves sensitive subjects that extend beyond on-field performance.
Media access and credential decisions are generally at the discretion of universities and athletic departments. However, the revocation of credentials for a reporter and outlet covering a major developing story is certain to generate questions regarding transparency, access, and the role of independent journalism in college athletics.
The situation remains fluid, and it is unclear whether the credential decision will extend beyond TCU’s season opener or if additional discussions between the university and the Star-Telegram will take place in the coming weeks.
For TCU, the story represents an unwanted off-field distraction as the program prepares for the 2026 season. For the media covering the Big 12, it is a noteworthy development involving one of the conference’s flagship programs and the newspaper that has long served as its primary beat outlet.
