I know I'm supposed to be an unbiased journalist, but anyone who knows me knows that I bleed burgundy and gold (hopefully I don't have to regret saying that).
On Tuesday I emailed Chris Helein the head of public relations for the Skins in hope of getting a press credential for the Breeze. Chris had hooked me up with credential for the Lions game, where Gary Clark (JMU '84) was inducted into the Ring of Fame. But I didn't know with the media circus surrounding Sean Taylor's death if I would get an opportunity to cover what is the worst instance in team history.
I was shocked when I was e-mailed back today to be notified of my press pass. I had to leave Harrison Hall where I was working on a project to catch my breath. "Am I really going to cover this event?" I thought to myself.
The thing is it isn't just a coverage opportunity. Sean Taylor is one of my favorite players of all time. I've been following the story since Monday afternoon and was really taken aback when I woke up Tuesday to the news.
How could someone be so sick to do this? Sean was close to being engaged and he had an 18-month old daughter. Every player who has spoken to the media has reiterated the maturity Sean has exhibited in the last year or so. Sure he has had legal troubles, but even that has been ballooned I feel. Until there is some correlation to the crime and Sean's past I wish people would be a little more respectful.
Yesterday I heard people around the office downplaying what they considered the "importance" of the incident. They argued that people die everyday and they don't get this coverage. Yes that is true, but Sean was a celebrity and is thus getting celebrity treatment. It isn't his fault that he busted his ass to get into the league and consequently the spotlight that he didn't ever really want. I have no problem with this story's coverage and do not feel like it has been overdone.
I will be covering my second game of the year, but wont be able to get quite the same experience. When my pass allowed me onto the field, I was able to see how hard Sean really hit and how athletic he really was. When I rushed the field with the press following the game, Sean actually brushed into me. Yeah he is just another human being, but I can't lie growing up a Skins fan it was really cool. I even saw Sean after the game in the locker room and this time around I wont get that.
Bittersweet definitely describes how I feel and how I'm sure I will on Sunday. But like Sean's father, Pedro, I will be pulling for the Redskins (just secretly in order to be a good journalist). Lets Go D.C.! We've done five in a row before, but this time it'll be for Sean.
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