You Make the Call, Acceptable or Over the Line?

Around the web today there were many sports shooters who took exception to a photographer who reached out and touched the Vince Lombardi trophy as it was being presented to the New York Giants.  It happens at 0:56 in this video.  Was this inappropriate for a photojournalist covering the event, or was it an acceptable moment?  You make the call in the comments below.

Comments

[Scroono]

Who was this guy? How do we know he was a "photojournalist"? Maybe he was the public relations guy for the team.

[Chris]

For this game, sideline photogs wore tan vests so it does not appear he was part of the team PR staff.

[Seldel]

When is he gunna get to touch it again?? I would have ;)

[Terry]

If I had already gotten the shot I needed, You bet I would have touched it.

[Chris Burleigh]

I do not see a big deal. Personally I would have been more interested in getting a few cool shots of the other peoples hands on the trophy but I don't think it was inappropriate. Definitely not professional but not over the line.

[K]

It did not seem to bother anyone there. It did not bother me.

[Allen Piercy]

Sorry. This is a non-story.

[Jim Adams]

I always thought a photographer was supposed to record the news, not make the news.

[Greg]

We do a lot of crazy things in this profession, and perhaps this was his opportunity to touch a bit of history. I am not bothered by it at all. I would check out the CBS reporter (probably a local affiliate reporter) at the 1:28 mark, touching and kissing the trophy. Again, perhaps it is not “professional”, yet done in the moment. Who can blame them?

[Kimberly]

Completely unprofessional. This person did NOTHING to earn that trophy. The touching of the trophy was reserved for the players that earned it, fought for it, worked their entire careers for it. For someone that could be photographing a still life, the Occupy movement, or a wedding over the next week to reach out an touch that trophy at the same time as the players, is the sign of a complete NON PROFESSIONAL. He SHOULD have been doing his job, photographing the people who earned it touching it, from that completely unique perspective. Had I been his editor/employer and saw that... that is the LAST project he;d ever do for me.He missed his ideal opportunity for personal gratification!

[Kathy]

As photojournalists, we are NOT part of the story. He definitely crossed a line by getting personal while on assignment. Absolutely not professional.

[Peter M]

Take it easy folks. It's quite alright. The "line" was set up so that people could touch the trophy. At least a few dozen persons did.

I guess that you would be horrified in the manner that the NHL's Stanley Cup is handled as it travels around the world after the season is completed. Everyone and their relatives get their hands on the Cup.... Beverages are consumed out of it; Food is served from it; A baby was once changed in it. Dents are common which are later fixed for the next year's recipients.

The NFL trophy looked great as it was lightly touched by the game's participants, press, and other onlookers.... Gave it a down home kind of feeling.

:-)

[LC]

I see no problem with the guy touching the trophy. Not a wedding where he got involved in a private affair. This was a public sporting event and he was lucky enough to be within touching distance. He gives the trophy a quick touch while still keeping the camera to his eye doing his job.

[Dan]

No big deal. I'm sure the guy got caught up in the excitement of the moment.

[Adam L. Labonoski]

The photog wasn't the only one touching it, there were hands of all kinds in there. Was it inappropriate for the kids to touch it too? There were women touching it, and officials.... Hell I probably would have too if it passed by me. I don't think it was inappropriate at all. The team didn't seem to care, the management and security didn't seem to care....

[Eric Harmon]

I don't understand what the issue is. A whole bunch of people were touching it - why not him? I don't see where there's anything remotely sacred about a trophy or special about football players that there would be any distinction.

[Daniel Martin]

Well in my opinion he should have not touched the trophy. They let him get close to the trophy to do his job which is to capture the moment not to touch it! To me he abused his privilege.

[Giorgio Colonna]

Definitely he abused of his professional status. The more, beeing a pro, he should have avoided to interfere in the set he was supposed to report. Pro or amateur?

[Doug Fresh]

He could of waited till the end at least ...lets the gamers all be side by side to the end like they were in the game ...but no foul.

[Bill B]

Crossing the line is photographing a nude model and touching her. Touching a trophy is not over the line.