By J.J. Kahn
Sports In the Bay
They are a few rules that broadcasters and writers abide by in the press box regarding sporting events all around the world, but the major rule is NO CHEERING IN THE PRESS BOX.
I, for one am guilty of this rule, as in my first year a student assistant in
the Sports Information Department at Cal State Northridge was caught clapping on
press row during a Women’s Volleyball game by the Assistant Sports Information
Director, who informed me of the rule that you are not allowed to cheer on press
row, ever!
Over the past 13 years since committing this Cardinal Sin, I have only cheered
once in a press box, as it was on the night that Giants pitcher Jonathan Sanchez threw the first no-hitter since 1976 this past season.
I was fortunate to be in the press box on the night of August 7, 2007; the night that Barry Bonds broke Hank Aaron’s home run record. Not a single soul applauded when the most hallowed record in all of sports was broken. When in Rome, do like the Romans do so I followed everyone’s lead and kept quiet.
Before every game at Candlestick Park, the in house press box announcer makes an
announcement that states, per NFL rules “There is no cheering allowed in the
Press Box during the game.”
Rather it is announced or not, as a working professional, it is up to us to know the rules of the house and if someone is an intern or assistant, it is their superior’s job to inform them of the dues and don’t s like fraternizing with the players, asking for autographing and cheering.
Although each press box has its own climate it appears that the Press Row at Oakland Raiders games is different.
The cheering is not as loud as the screaming fans in the famous “Black Hole,” but it is noticeable by the writers.
“Did I just hear someone cheering,” one writer said to be during halftime at a recent Raider home game this season. “That is just unprofessional!”
This same person has seen her own nephew score his second NFL touchdown in San Francisco and didn’t open her mouth. Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald’s father, Larry Sr. is a longtime sportswriter. When the camera cut to him this past week when his son got a touchdown, he was unemotional.
There has never been a reminder announcement about this type of behavior in Oakland but it definitely sets the tone and makes those of us who have worked hard question the type of people who are allowed to cover games for such a storied franchise and organization. I’ve always felt their staff was very fair and I am sure if it was announced and stressed in perhaps a memo, people would understand the importance…and unprofessionalism of these actions!
Unfortunately people are not separating their personal feelings from their professions. When you are covering a game, you are to be unbiased, not a fan.
Of course we admire players and their athletic abilities on the field, however out of respect for the position and those who have come before us; we should always conduct ourselves as consummate professionals.
From Chad Ochocinco choice to receive fines instead of adhering to NFL rules to NBA players refusing to report to their traded team, to the woman dressed inappropriately in the locker room, I guess it is just a sign of the times but I hope it’s not. We really need to quit watering down everything and keep the beauty of order and tradition.
Jeremy Kahn is a contributor to Sports in the Bay and his comments are not necessarily the personal beliefs of Sports in the Bay.
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