Posts Tagged arkansas razorbacks

by Mike Bako
What happens when the allegiances of a fan crosses paths with the real world of sports journalism? The tried and true axiom of “no cheering in the press box” was put to the test this past week resulting in a firing and ridicule for two autograph seekers.
Ridicule does not lose anyone a job but evidently wearing the wrong teams hat to an Arkansas Razorbacks press conference was the final straw for Hog Sports Radio reporter Renee Gork. This past week, in the heart of SEC country, she wore a Florida Gators hat to the press conference of Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino. A big no no that earned her a pink slip from her job at the radio station. According to her ex boss Dan Storrs this was the last straw for her. Activity on her Twitter account was also mentioned but not elaborated on by Storrs who openly admitted that his station is bias in favor of all things Razorbacks when it comes to coverage of the schools sports teams.
Another way to face instant scorn from your peers is to ask an athlete for an autograph. Earlier this week after a Denver Broncos pre season game two reporters were seen asking for and receiving autographs from Bronco quarterback Tim Tebow. A Broncos public relations director saw this and quickly had the two reporters removed from the player interview area.
A lesson for any reporter, whether they are covering sports, politics or entertainment, is to never cross the line of professionalism into being a fan. An autograph on a piece of paper is not worth the credibility that you lose amongst the athletes you are covering and from your colleagues.