David Manning / USA Today Sports

For the first time since FIU started their football program, the Miami Herald won’t be covering the Panthers’ home opener.

The Miami Herald requested press credentials for David J. Neal, who’s been covering FIU athletics since June 2011. However, FIU athletics officials said that it was a no-go. The ban on Neal was imposed without an explanation from Pete Garcia, FIU’s athletic director and executive director of sports and entertainment.

Miami Herald Managing Editor Rick Hirsch insisted that Neal covered the season fairly and has been a consummate professional.

“As far as we can tell, David has done a diligent, thorough job of reporting on the Golden Panthers. Not all of the coverage is positive. Teams win and teams lose. Programs have successes and stumbles. But in our review of his work, we believe it stands up to scrutiny as fair and professional.”

“It’s unprecedented for any local team to refuse to credential our beat reporter without reason,” Herald Executive Editor Aminda Marqués Gonzalez said. “FIU is an important part of our coverage and we hope to find a resolution.”

(Thanks to the Miami Herald for sharing.)