Do You Applaud On Senior Day?

I've blurred a few lines...but never clapped. You just can't clap.

 

A father of a kid I used to cover eight years ago emails me to this day complaining about the coverage of his son (who is in the NBA) gets. I probably get an email from the guy once a week with links to stories about his kid. I don't have the heart to tell the guy I've seen his kid play twice since he left college and both times it was a coincidence because it was the game I happened to be watching anyway.

He's a really nice guy who for whatever reason sees me as a sympathetic ear to vent to.

 

I covered a player early in my career who after they announced him at Senior Day stopped along press row to hug each of the three beat writers.

If Kenneth from 30 Rock had a jump shot and was smarter, it would be this kid. I was really embarrassed, but it was hard to take it too seriously.

 

Nope, never applaud if you're covering the event.
Like media dudes showing up wearing Whatsamatta U's cap/Tshirt/etc., it's a No-No.
How many out there have been "reprimanded" or questioned by a fan/booster at a school that the writer attended, yet doesn't sing the school's alma mater following the game or, say, give a familiar school symbol such as the "Hook 'em Horns?"
I've covered the very school I've graduated from and have experienced that retort after standing and simply listening to the alma mater. "What are you, some traitor to your school?" has been a response from some Joe Clueless Fans.
amazing.

 

Why don't you support your hometown school, micke?

 

Yeah, micke. Why do you hate America?

 

Guess I got that "be objective' blood running through my journalistic blood.

 

I don't applaud. I just bring an air horn.

 

Well-played. Ay-OOO-ga.

 

I guess the next time my school's alma mater is playing, I better go along with it or Ace and Shotglass will rag my ass on SportsJournalists.com.

 

No, you shouldn't have applauded.

You're a professional, period. If someone asks you point blank why you didn't applaud, explain to them the principles of objectivity in media.

 

I don't applaud. I boo at the top of my lungs.