... happens to be the Mountaineers' color analyst on their radio broadcasts.
It was a bit of a surprise with a minute to play when Jay Jacobs hopped up from his spot in the front row of press seating, turned around and began imploring the crowd to roar. It was a bit surreal, far surpassing anything I've ever seen in terms of unusual media behavior.
(It also made the dozens of reporters who stood and applauded Dean Smith at the ACC tournament last week in Charlotte look a lot less lame).
Jacobs, who played at West Virginia during the Jerry West era, rushed over toward the band and led some more cheers after the buzzer. And since the Mountaineers' media guide lists him as being in his 31st season as an analyst, it's probably fair to say he's both an institution and a legend. So chances are, this has happened before and West Virginia folks love him for it.
Still, I wasn't the only person in the press corps surprised by the outburst. Then again, you can't spell West Virginia without "W-E."
--- Patrick Stevens
Comments (7)
He's a University employee, what do you expect? Was this the first college basketball game you've attended, Patrick?
Posted by Steve Weber | March 24, 2008 9:30 AM
If you're sitting on press row, you're sitting in a place where just a little bit of professional decorum is called for. That generally means not turning to the crowd and doing more to incite the crowd than the cheerleaders, band and mascot combined.
Most announcers who happen to be a "university employee" manage to contain their enthusiasm to their broadcasts and not jump up and down along press row.
Is this the first time you've heard of the cliche "No cheering in the press box," Steve?
Posted by Patrick Stevens | March 24, 2008 2:23 PM
I think that this is great! Hopefully we will see more of this in Arizona and you will have more to write about. I think that anyone that is remotely familiar with the zeal that WVU fans have for their teams can totally understand this. Press or not, Jay is a fan first and foremost. Good for you Jay! We all know that members of the press are always just full of professional decorum as they sit behind their keyboards and bad mouth student athletes. But then again, if you did not have anything to complain about you would not have a job would you? Next time I hope Jay tapdances across your laptop! LETS GO MOUNTAINEERS!
Posted by James | March 24, 2008 3:29 PM
I'll be in Charlotte for the East regional, so my laptop will be safe.
These two replies have pretty much bolstered one of my original assumptions: The guy is an institution and beloved for it. Bully for him.
James, believe me --- though given your apparent low opinion of those who dabble in the written word for a living, I suspect you will not --- when I say that sort of behavior is, at best, amateurish.
Posted by Patrick Stevens | March 24, 2008 4:21 PM
Cubs announcer Harry Carey cheered for his team when he sang "Take Me Out To The Ball Game." I don't see you wasting keystrokes on his erratic behavior. Jay is human like the rest of us. If he wants to cheer then who really cares? Besides you?
I know nothing about the press but according to the "all-knowing" Wikipedia, "The rule against cheering is generally enforced only in the writers' area of the press box, as broadcasters are usually employed by one of the teams involved."
I guess if you were King there would be no dancing in Bomont.
Posted by Chris | March 24, 2008 8:14 PM
All hail Wikipedia, which is an amazing little toy to get lost in if you allow yourself to.
In the case of the NCAA tournament, the broadcasters and writers are interspersed along the front row. But yes, usually they are separated.
Chris makes a valid point about "wasting keystrokes." A wonderful rule to live by is to not fritter away time arguing with people when you have no chance of persuading them to see things your way.
I obviously failed to heed that rule today. So with that, there will be no more replies on this topic.
Posted by Patrick Stevens | March 24, 2008 10:38 PM
Thanks for the reply Patrick. I just wish that all the press shared your view on what is and is not amateurish. Have a good trip to Charlotte. Lets Go Mountaineers!
Posted by James | March 25, 2008 1:30 PM