NASA: "Shuttle Commander Mark Kelley Not Available for Media Interviews"

Shuttle Commander Mark Kelley Not Available for Media Interviews
“HOUSTON — Space Shuttle Commander Mark Kelly will not be available for media interviews that had been scheduled from 3 p.m.-5 p.m. CDT Thursday, March 24, at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Kelly will participate in a previously scheduled news conference with his crew at 2 p.m. CDT Thursday to discuss their upcoming STS-134 shuttle mission to the International Space Station. The news conference will air live on NASA Television and the agency’s website.”
Scott Kelly’s Cancelled TV Interviews (Update), earlier post
Kelly abruptly cancels media interviews, CBS
“A NASA spokesman said no other shuttle astronaut had ever declined to participate in the one-on-one interviews and dozens of reporters and photographers were expected to be on hand Thursday. Why Kelly waited until the day before the long-planned interviews to make his decision was not known. … It remains to be seen whether reporters will honor expected requests not to ask about Giffords during the crew news conference Thursday or what Kelly might do if questions are, in fact, asked. It also remains to be seen whether Kelly will participate in a traditional launch pad question-and-answer session at the Kennedy Space Center March 31 during training before a dress-rehearsal countdown April 1.”
NASA Cancels Kelly Interviews, Discovery News
“I’m no PR expert, but as a journalist, I’ve sure been told “No comment,” often enough. It also makes you wonder why NASA went to such lengths to distribute a glam shot of Scott Kelly showing off his “Gabby” wristband after landing. NASA says Mark Kelly will participate in a formal press conference along with his crewmates this afternoon. Should be interesting …”
NASA Policy on the Release of Information to News and Information Media
“(h) NASA employees are not required to speak to the media.”