You’ve probably seen the video for the picture above (if not, it’s here, along with the story). It’s the one where the Oakland Raiders employee John Herrera completely forgets about this thingy called Youtube and tries to dismember San Jose Mercury-News columnist Tim Kawakami. Not only was Mr. Herrera out of line, but his actions made me remember another awkward press conference incident.
One that happened to me.
Flash back to the winter of 2006. Saturday, February 25th, Assembly Hall in Indiana …
I was a reporter for a Louisville TV station traveling to Bloomington for the Hoosiers game against Iowa. But this was to be no ordinary game: Rumors were flowing about then-head coach Mike Davis - he told the team he’s resigning at the end of the year; he’s already resigned; he wasn’t going to coach the game; he was replacing Don Rumsfeld (ok, not that one). Heck, we couldn’t even get confirmation from the sports information staff where Davis was, only to find out minutes before tip off Mike was “sick” and wouldn’t attend; an assistant would coach the team.
Yes, sick. And Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. But I digress.
Anyhow, Iowa wins at tight game, and we head to the post-game news conference. I reported, but also shot the game (and post-game interviews), so my questions all come from the back-of-the-room riser (don’t worry - it’ll mean something later). Up comes Iowa coach Steve Alford to the podium and, well, you should have an indication of where this goes.
After the jump, when crazy fans go insane on the press. Read More »
