Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel has an interesting column that should prompt discussion in sports journalism classes throughout the country.

It seems Florida coach Will Muschamp called out the media for incorrectly reporting that he had suspended one of his players for Saturday’s game.

Muschamp, who went on a two-minute tirade during his post-game news conference,  barbecued the Gainesville Sun, Palm Beach Post and GatorCountry.com — media entities that all incorrectly reported that true freshman defensive tackle Jay-nard Bostwick was among the Gators suspended for the Toledo game.

“That was very irresponsible journalism,” Muschamp said. “You guys can write whatever you want to say about me … But when you take a shot at a kid, and it’s inaccurate and it’s written inaccurately, I’ve got a problem. … It’s wrong. Damn wrong …. Our trust is done, I can assure you of that. And you know exactly who I’m talking to. I don’t know where them Gator Country guys are, but I’m going to tell you right now we’re done.

“Who was your source?” Muschamp asked, and got no response. “Church mice in here. If you want to write something, stand up and stand behind it.”

However, Bianchi notes Muschamp did his part to contribute to the bad report.

Muschamp, too, indirectly contributed to the sloppy reporting by telling one of those “coaching lies” that unfortunately have become an accepted part of doing business in college football.

Interesting that Muschamp talked about “trust” when he deceived the very reporters who wrote the errant information. One of the reporters — Jason Lieser of the Palm Beach Post — asked Muschamp during an SEC teleconference on Wednesday if any players — other than middle linebacker Antonio Morrison — would be suspended for the opener against Toledo.

Muschamp’s response: “No, not at this time.”

The fact is, Muschamp knew at that time that four additional players were going to be suspended, but he chose to intentionally deceive the media. Had he been forthcoming and released the names of the suspended players at the time, there would have been no mis-reporting of the facts.

Bianchi correctly notes that the reporters still are to blame for not getting the facts right. He concludes:

Call me a dreamer, but I believe journalists should do everything in their power to make sure their facts are correct.

Then again, I also believe coaches should be honest and truthful when dealing with the media.

Keep dreaming about that last point, Mike.