Separating the fanboy from the journalist (or, "we" vs. "they")

A few years ago, before I got press credentials to cover D.C. United, I was able to go to a match as a rabid fanboy looser but then turn around hours later and write a piece that wouldn't even suggest that I was there as a rabid fanboy looser.

However, when I was in the press box the next year, I think I made one subtle fist pump under the table the entire season during a year when D.C. United won MLS Cup. I should also add that I won't try the whole rabid fanboy looser thing/reporter thing. If I'm there with a press credential, I'm not there to cheer. If I'm there with a ticket, I'm not there to cover the game.

Back to the "we" versus "they" thing, when I was interviewing one of the visiting team guys while covering indoor football this year, he referred to the team I was covering as "you guys." It made me want to cringe openly.

 

Covering a state soccer tournament this year, there was a nearby school that sent a team to the semifinals. After this nearby team won its semifinal, I'm talking to the opposing coach, who says, "Boy, you guys sure have a good team."

Um ... not my guys and they aren't even in the same town.

 

i honestly believe 99 percent of coaches who use that line aren't attempting to imply a damned thing.

 

To me, it's just the other side of the same irritating coin.

 

To my knowledge, there is one -- and ONLY -- fan group that should be allowed to use "we" when referencing their favorite team: Green Bay Packer fans that live in Green Bay. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that if you are a tax-paying resident in that town/city, you are a partial owner of the team.

 

huh?

 

Nope. If I'm with my friends, I forget I'm a journalist. I just grab a beer, take a seat and enjoy life for three hours.

 

I'm referring to the whole argument about not using "we" when referring to a team. In this case, I'm talking about players and coaches who lump reporters in with the team they've just played against. Just as annoying to me.

 

Happy 6,000 fanboy!

 

he was too fucking busy cheering to even notice.