The only ones who owe an apology are the witnesses who reported the snake was hissing.  If a reporter was told the snake was hissing, I don't think they needed to sit on the story until they found the guy (who used a fake name at the time). 

TK,

My wife asked me about the hissing and I believe they the witinesses probably did hear the snake hiss. It probably was hissing in the backpack when he opened it and broke the spine.  Remember that the link I provided here was not from the Bakes Cal but a totally different news source, so if they could find him and interveiw him, why could the original source? True the man should not have given a false name to the reporter, but I have a feeling that he gave the Survival show his real name.

The reason I feel I owe him an apology is because of my posting the blog here and may have furthered the bad image.

I know Brent and he is one of the nicest guys around. He goes out of his way to help others. Just last month he and his wife worked very hard to help fight the "White" fire. Their actions helped save many homes. He did this out of caring not for money or fame. I hope no one judges him on this one action but for the many things he does to help Tehachapi and his neighbors.

Shane,

I know myself I would not hold one event to measure someone life or who they are. To error is human and I know I have errored so how can I hold one event against someone.  Heck I errored by trusting I had the complete story when in fact the Bakes Cal's lack of news gathering to truely inform the readers.

Jer,

I'm glad that you have the guts to apologize in such a public manner.  That shows true integrity, which is something that is hard to find.

As for your second comment:  If you had said or done a controversial thing that was SURE to invite a partially made-up story that would have people jumping on your back without engaging their brain first - perhaps going so far as to physically come after him, his family, or his property - wouldn't you have given a false name, too?  I think he was very smart to think that much ahead.


TK,
Just because it may have been the reporter's fault that false information was spread, that doesn't absolve the people who attacked Brent without all the (correct) information.  Frankly, I'm surprised anyone takes the media at their word.  Everyone was so quick to judge and condemn, but very few actually said anything to the effect of "If this story/fact is true, then I think..."

 
By the way, I know Brent and his family.  They are all really great people, and I'm glad that none of them were seriously injured (emotionally or physically) because of this falsely reported story.  Everyone needs to take more responsibility for what they say, and that goes triple for the media.

Christibdce,

Thank you. I agree that to most it is rather hard to come forward when wrong. I however feel that regardless of your mistake it is always better to come forward. I teach my kids this as a moral and ethical responsibility and if  I can't follow my own teaching then what good is my word.

I agree that Brent did have a good reason to protect his identy and don't really fault him for it. As you can see in my profile Idon't do that myself, but I do understand the pros and con to it.

I normally look for multiple news stories before I make comments about them as to get all the information. In this case with the eyewitiness reports on the also called news video It seemed pretty save to comment.

Will say that I would never support any body to physically or emotionally attack someone. By emotionally I mean threats. I understand that the story it self does create an emotional response but as long as it is kept to creditizing the actions or comment without personal threats.

And the story continues... video of an interview with Rusty or Brent or whatever he calls himself today.  He says the snake was alive.  Did he lie then to get on the show?  Is he lying now to cover his behind?  The snake looks very lively to me.  The only apology should be coming from Rusty/Brent. 

http://www.bakersfield.com/...

??? I saw the same thing and now I don't know what to think. ????