As fans and media continue to push for more unique content, those who call the game, or those media looking for som.first person experiences, are coming more and more into the public eye. Obviously the issues with NBA ref Tim Donaghy revealed a less then brilliant side of NBA officiating (although one that is the exception not the rule), but the stories of these men and women, whose exposure many times only comes when they make a mistake, can be as compelling, sometimes even more compelling.than the athletes themselves. Now we are not advocating that the officials or those behind the scenes become the focal point of the fans and the media. but they do offer an occasional sidebar or feature that both the casual sports fan and the ardent follower would find compelling, and will drive more casual interest in even the largest sports.
Case in point is Jack McCallum's great piec.on NBA referee Bob Delaneysi.com.? The piece, a preview to the upcoming book about Delaney's life (which is also being shopped for a film), Covert. My Years Infiltrating the Mob, lets fans understand Delaney's background as a former New Jersey State Trooper and really puts his current occupation into perspective (although not a sports book per se, it is a great read that should make many lists in ’08). There have been a number of other solid pieces recently, from media trying out to be ballboys at the U.S. Open to the New York Time. reporter Harry Hurt trying everything from zamboni driver to MMA cut man, those jobs which fans and the media see but many take for granted.
These slice of life pieces, from the refs and umpires to the ballboys an.track announcers, provide tremendous unique content, especially in the digital space, and continue to humanize sports and all those involved in an era when many fans and business partners hav.ever-increasing competition for their time.?
One other note for those visiting the site…we have noticed a large range of “search” terms coming up, so if there is something you would like to see covered or information that you cannot find and would want to find, drop us an email at jf@ifl.tv and we will help you find what you are looking for!
