I’ve been broadcasting and working for sports teams for over 25 years now and wish I had a buck for every time someone asked me “So…who do you cheer for?” Well, it’s really quite a simple answer.
I’ve been doing this so long and have worked so hard at maintaining a level of objectivity that I no longer cheer for teams. But I’m certainly not too embarrassed to say that I do cheer for players and front office people who’ve been part of my sports world — I’m talking about people who’ve exhibited loyalty, friendship, honesty and integrity to me throughout my career.
With that in mind, it was not too difficult to watch the L.A. Kings hoist the Stanley Cup and smile. Many on that team have crossed my path — Dustin Penner, Jarrett Stoll, Matt Greene, Willie Mitchell, Bob Miller, Darryl Evans just to name a few. They’ve all treated me well when I asked for an interview or information and I appreciate that. Plus they all did it with a smile on their face too. So it was not hard not to watch those guys be successful on the NHL’s biggest stage. I’m happy and excited for them!
This does work the other way too. Many times I’ve watched a player hoist the silver chalice and thought to myself that life isn’t fair. How did that jerk win that? But that’s how it works, not all great guys win. I can always turn away for a brief moment to help keep my lunch down.
Luckily the NHL is blessed with many individuals who are good guys and it makes watching the traditional presentation of the Cup well worthwhile.
Not sure that will stop folks from asking and that’s OK but I hope it makes it easier to understand how I view things. Do you view it the same way?