When I entered this line of work at 15 years old, I entered to tell the right story.
It did not matter whether I was first, second or last; the goal was to be accurate and generate a work of art that captures the high quality of Crimson Tide student-athletes. Despite striving to accomplish this to the best of my abilities, there have been times where I have been wrong.
None of which hurts more than today.
Prior to deleting the article, I wrote a piece on the suspended player Nick Saban mentioned last week being Trevon Diggs. Regardless of the sources involved, the story was wrong and it ended up hurting someone I truly care about. Since his arrival in 2016 from Maryland, Diggs has become one of my favorite players in the program. He may not talk a lot, but he is an incredible leader on the field, in the classroom and in the community. The senior is a product of an amazing family and I am grieved that better effort was not taken on my part in performing due diligence.
Though I understand the importance of being accurate, sometimes it takes seeing the frustration and pain caused from an inaccurate article to drive the point home. I never intended to cause harm and inflict pain upon Diggs and his family in any way, shape or form. This was a miss step on my part, but it will definitely grow into me making the right choices upon writing.
The entire second half of today was in shambles for me, upon coming to grips with what I placed in front of the public eye. To Diggs, his family and the University of Alabama, I am deeply ashamed and terribly sorry.
I wish nothing but the best (and always have) for Diggs moving forward.
Be great No. 7. Never meant to cause you any hurt.
Sincerely,
Stephen M. Smith
Reporter – Touchdown Alabama Magazine
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
