Professionalism, all too literally

Being a sports journalist definitely has it's perks. We get great seats at events, access to coaches and players, decent food and accommodations, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. For me, 90 percent of why I love my job is because I love what I do, the off camera gig that is.

From the media pit at Ford Field Justin O'Neal attacks his blogging duties with the intensity of an NFL linebacker.

"We remind you again, that this is a working press area, cheering for either team is not allowed," the press box announcer scolds us hooligans on the eighth floor of Memorial Stadium during football games for the slightest, "Yes!"

"Gonzo journalist" Hunter S. Thompson once wrote, "So much for Objective Journalism. Don't bother to look for it here — not under any byline of mine; or anyone else I can think of."

Is that the case with telling me not to cheer? All for the sake of appearing objective? Guilty, on both counts. But is there a line between integrity in sports journalism and involvement? Your honor, I plead not guilty. The defense calls:

Ron Santo
Dickie V
John Kruk
Any other former player or coach currently employed by the media
Bob Knight, Bob Knight and Bob Knight

How's this for a transformation? Bob Knight goes from hating the media, "One or two steps above prostitution," as he once labeled our profession, to joining ESPN. How's that for a conflict of interest? But does that make his NCAA analysis any less correct? Nope.

In fact, if I'm hiring at ESPN I'm calling Joe Pa, Phil Jackson, Joe Torre and I might have even tried to sign A-Rod or David Beckham to a lucrative multi-billion dollar broadcasting contract. These folks have real-world experience in something no journalist straight out of any school has.

And to be honest, I'd rather listen to Charles Barkley or Steve Young on television than Justin O'Neal (who?) I'm not saying there aren't good journalists out there. More power to the Lisa Lings and Anderson Coopers of the world, but please, leave sports broadcasting to the pros... like Brett Favre (oh please oh please oh please...)