Was that he occasionally told it like it was. Even if it led to a mean spirited disagreement with a writer, player, coach etc.

I do say 'occasionally' because as the years went on, he actually looked to pick a fight with many guys, which became annoying.

Hanley did handle the Don Cooper situaion well though, when Cooper was being an asshole and finally Hanley did call him on it, but it was after about 10 minutes. I would expect a little more confrontation in the future.

Since when does Cooper coach the Bulls?

Or are you assuming that, since they are both Reinsdorfian teams, that JR would issue a decree blacklisting Manly Hanley?

Is this something new, or are you referring to Coop's being a jerk 2 weeks ago? Regards to being more assertive, that'd probably work against Brian, who also does beat reporting. You don't want to be thrown out of the locker room while trying to gather wool for the next story...