Situational ethics

Hypothetical: A print writer, a television reporter and you are interviewing a smallish AA rookie baseball player after he hit for the cycle in a mid-season afternoon game of no greater import. You have already gotten enough quotes/sound for your story, but you are hanging in the interview in case he rips off a great quote. As the interview is in its finishing stages, in your direct line of sight, you see two of his prankster teammates sneaking up behind him with a towel full of shaving cream with the obvious intention to smear it all over his face. You are sure that if you warn the rookie about the eminent surprise attack that he will be able to avoid the smearing. You are also sure the rookie does not sense his teammates presence. You are not sure what any of the other two reporters are seeing, but you have the clearest view of the developing situation.

If you say nothing, are you crossing a line by becoming an active participant in the prank? What if you warn him? Discuss.

 

Well, you may not be crossing a line, but you are becoming a douchebag. Let it happen.

 

What he said. It's none of your business.

 

We're here to report the news, not make (or alter) it

 

Take a step back to make sure you don't get splattered. If he doesn't realize why, that's his problem.

 

You have a choice:
- piss off the prankster teammates by warning the rookie about it.
or
- share in the laugh with the rest of the team

The choice is obvious. You just let the prank happen. The rest of the team will be pissed if you stop it from happening. As coffeman said, just take a step back to avoid getting splattered.

 

I blame women's basketball.

 

Hold the guy down so they get a good shot. Then make it your lede.