"Where does it say I can't cheer at the press table?"

I've seen some long-time small school SIDs take homerism to new levels and was actually okay with it because it was cheap entertainment.

Now, one time I covering an af2 game in Ft. Myers and the home team PR guy lost his temper and actually kicked a trash can because his team was losing. That was unprofessional in every shape in form.

So the follow-up question is how much professionalism is expected by the PR people?

 

A lot, if you're a garbage can.

I don't mind a PR person cheering for his/her team, but I think stoicism works best.

 

What Ace said.

 

I think you are correct. If you'll watch the press area at international soccer matches, especially at the World Cup, you'll see guys standing in their seats cheering.

 

I'll admit to joining a standing ovation this year as well. A cheerleader at one of the schools we cover died in her sleep and the basketball team made a presentation to the girl's parents before a game. In that instance, I thought, the heck with being a reporter, this family has been through one of the worst hells I can imagine. How could I not applaud?

On the other extreme was about 10-11 years ago at an NFL game. Some reporter bought a buddy along (yes, it was pre-9/11) who was cheering along with every play by the home team. A couple of writers in the front row looked back and I nodded my head toward the miscreants. A play or so later, one of the reporters turned around - all 5-0 or so of her - and plainly said: "Hey, there's no cheering in the press box!"

The rest of the game was much quieter.

 

I'd probably do the same in that situation, HanSenSE. Can't imagine someone seeing you and thinking, 'Wait. Isn't he a reporter?'

 

Even if I'm in the press box, I will applaud a nice rendition of the national anthem.

 

Especially if it's under 1:20... more than that and she could look like Rachel McAdams and sing like Norah Jones; she gets no props from me

 

Couple of exceptions to the rule...

1) Earnhardt when he won the Daytona 500. Heck, everyone was borderline giddy afterwards.

2) Bobby Bowden's last presser after the Gator Bowl...

 

Early in my career I'm covering the tournament. I was about the ninth guy there from my paper, so I was a couple rows back and sitting next to a kid who was the editor of the school paper of one of the teams in the tournament.

I was only a year or so older that the kid, who seemed nice, was dressed professionally and seemed well-behaved.

After his team won on a buzzer beater, he started screaming, jumped over our table and the one in front of us and jumped on the dogpile of students and players in the middle of the floor.

 

I don't see how either of those are exceptions.

 

I covered the Pepsi 400 when Earnhardt Jr. won it and the media contingent there gave him a standing ovation when he walked in the press conference. Some of the big name legendary racing writers were participating as well.