NFL Shooters Seeing Red
First there was the proposed rule asking photographers to apply for permits in order to photograph in public places in NYC. This issue is still in limbo as Mayor Bloomberg has agreed to redraft the proposal. Now the NFL wants all sports shooters to wear red vests featuring logos of various NFL sponsors like Canon and Reebok. To be fair, the NFL claims the move will “keep track” of who is on the field-for security reasons. Still, they refuse to remove the corporate logos.
It’s bad enough that we have to endure logomania at most sports events. These days it seems that every inch of every stadium– and even some athletes —are for sale. We are accustomed to seeing “walking billboards” in golf and tennis, as the best (and ironically the wealthiest) athletes in the world sport Nike caps and Umbre T-shirts for dollars. But sports photographers aren’t for sale. They are just doing their jobs. They are journalists. And are supposed to be objective, unbiased. They carry all types of gear. What happens if a Nikon snapper is forced to wear a Canon vest? Oh, that’s doing the sponsor a real service.
Isn’t it enough that the media already helps to feed the monster NFL machine by shooting game after game–logos and all? What’s going on in this country with photographers’ rights?
If I could creep into NFL’s corporate offices might I see what’s next on the its unconstitutional marketing agenda: Sports writers must wear purple hats with logos of different computer companies. Can you imagine?
Photojournalists who go to cover any NFL game having to remove their ties or blouses and wear some heavy vest all beefed up with a sponsor of choice is just wrong. Maybe newspapers should begin mandating quarterbacks to wear jerseys with the names of newspapers covering the game. Chad Pennington’s says New York Times. This is dangerous stuff. And it’s really about respect. So far newrooms across the country are speaking out against the mandate. Some are even considering banning NFL coverage. But that can’t last for long since many newspaper buyers begin at the back of the paper–the sports section. Let’s hope this fiasco gets sorted out by September—when football season begins. I mean this craziness just crosses too many lines. How about the photographers will agree to stay safe behind designated yard lines if the NFL stays behind the fine line of good taste. What happened to “For the love of the game”? For more check out www.imaginginfo.com/web/online/News/Sports-Photographers-Debate-NFLs-Walking-Billboard-Rule/3$2948.
August 22nd, 2007 at 10:26 am
great blog
August 23rd, 2007 at 3:01 pm
It is time that photographers and all other media to boycott this mandate. Why not go to the fans with this and show them who is asking for this. Let them ask for mangagements heads. Next the fans will be asked to wear those cute little vest. Current mangaement no longer belongs working for the NFL. Many cities are held ransom to build a new stadium or the team will move etc..
how much abuse are we going to take.
This is going to far.
Screw Reebok and Canon too! Time to stuff your Canon in a smelly pair of Reeboks.
August 23rd, 2007 at 3:11 pm
I am a photographer. What ever happened to freedom of the press? Boycott? I for one would, but how many others would? I don’t tell the NFL how to run their organization nor do I want to. Wearing a color vest is no problem. Wearing a color vest with the publication I’m shooting for is no problem. Wearing a color vest with a corprate logo such as REEBOCK etc. is OK IF I get paid the same as any other player on that field.
August 24th, 2007 at 12:23 am
I think all this over-acting regarding wearing the Canon and Reebok logos on vests has become feeble, infantile and tiresome. From what I understand the logos are not very big and will probably not even be noticed by fans or TV cameras. I am a professional sports photographer and have been in the industry for over fifteen years so I feel I have the right to speak out on this subject. I am tired of the whining photographers who seem to think they are some kind of royalty and make issues out of non-issues. Shrink you egotistical heads down to size and realize that while your work is appreciated in this media world, what you do as an individual really isn’t all that important in the grand scheme of things - in the big picture. Thank the heavens that you are waking up every day with a really sweet job that so many others only wish they had… realize how lucky you are to be doing something that you absolutely love to do and get paid for it and then grow up and stop your moaning. This whining has become disturbingly infantile and annoying. Grow up and thank the good Lord for the great job you have and stop sweating the small stuff. There are so many really important things to worry about in life and this is NOT one of them. This is just another spectacle of poor behavior and a high and mighty attitude that makes me almost embarrassed sometimes to admit that I’m part of the Photography profession. Stop whining like little girls and do your job. Stop embarrassing yourselves and our industry.
September 9th, 2007 at 1:06 am
I totally agree with Jim. As long as there is no interference with the work, it does not matter what the photographer is wearing and how many logos there are on the cloth.
This is something that has gone completely out of control. Repeat after me; this is does not compromise the integrity of the photographer in any way.
And the photographers are getting in for free. If they paid their way, then it would perhaps be a different matter.
September 18th, 2007 at 3:50 pm
Thanks for all your great comments on this subject. The latest news is that canon renewed its contract with the NFL until 2010.
September 25th, 2007 at 7:49 pm
You are crying and I am trying to get in the field. Can I take your spot? Is there anyone out here that can help me get in? Email me at manthatlovesfish@yahoo.com
Thanks
TJ
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July 7th, 2008 at 11:03 pm
I completely agree, work and cloth are totally different. Canon renewed its contract, ha?
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