The L.A. Times got something wrong?

"L.A. Times story shocks CSUC officials":

A Tuesday L.A. Times article that appears replete with errors, omissions and unnamed sources has left Chico State University officials cringing.

The 1,450-word, in-depth piece on Chico's Greek system was a huge disappointment, said university President Paul Zingg Tuesday afternoon...

The quotes from Zingg appear similar to those he made during a February speech to the Greek community following the death of Chico State student Matthew Carrington, but there is no attribution to the local newspapers that alone covered the event. Nor is there mention of the speech...

Rick Rees, associate director of student activities at Chico State, said he spent no more than five minutes speaking to its author. But when he read the article, like other university officials, Rees was surprised by its content. "At one point I thought, Are we sure we're talking about Chico?' " he said...

The L.A. Times article in question is "Hazing Death Highlights Chico's Greek Life". I don't know if it's been changed since publication or whether it will be changed. But, at post time there's no indication on that page that the facts are in dispute.

In further career limiting move news, the AP repeats the disputed facts about Zingg being interviewed by the L.A. Times reporter in the much more upbeat tale "Chico Suspends Fraternity Over Adult Film":

California State University in Chico suspended a fraternity after members admitted they participated in an adult film.

The national chapter of Phi Kappa Tau also suspended the school chapter and is investigating the taping several months ago by Shane's World, an adult film producer known for using college students in its videos. The company generally provides the female porn stars for the films...

University President Paul Zingg told the Los Angeles Times that Carrington's death was "the last straw" and that if the Chico fraternity system was found to be beyond repair, he would shut it down.

UPDATE: See "L.A. Times to fire scapegoat; leave everyone else in place".

Los_Angeles · Wed, 03/30/2005 - 17:33 · · Importance: 1