My last post talked about my time with the Stat Crew at the Dallas game.  Fabulous experience.  But that was not the only eye opening experience that night.  I also had the privilege of receiving a “Media Pass” that allowed me to go anywhere the media went. 

Mr. Derek Garduno, who is a one of the Jazz public relations/communications people, was put in charge of me.  I’m sure he was happy about that!  But he was very kind, informative and patient.  It isn’t easy playing host when you also have a job to do.  A big thanks goes out to Derek :-).

With a Media Pass, I was allowed to go in to the Press room.  Now you may picture a press room as having lots of computer hook-ups, an interview room etc.  And that would be correct but what you don’t think of is a huge buffet of fabulous food at your disposal.  Prime Rib, Rigatoni, veggies, pastries, and my personal favorite . . . Diet Coke.

The rules for a Media Pass are that you can’t take still pictures in the locker room and no cheering.    Other than that, you pretty much have free reign.  I was able to take some pictures courtside before the game and during quarter breaks. 

I saw the Jazz players, some of the media (Boone, Hot Rod, Manning, Bolerjack), Jeff Hornacek, and some players families but I was too terrified to do much other than admire from a distance and snap a few pics.  Although, I did get very brave and asked for a picture with Coach Sloan after the game.  He was very kind and allowed me to have my picture taken with him.  I will treasure it always! 

The Jazz players were all very kind and patient with the hordes of people wanting autographs and/or photo opps.  Some were, understandably, more distant than others but always cordial.  Following the game, which, WE WON (again, because I was there), I listened to the after game interviews with Coach Sloan.  Then, I waited OUTSIDE the locker room.  Yep, outside.  I could have gone in, but I just couldn’t do it.  You know, it just felt wrong invading privacy like that.  I just wouldn’t make it as a media person.

 So, I waited outside the locker room to get great pics of the team as they were leaving.  I’m sure they were wondering who the crazy lady who doesn’t speak but shoots pictures at them was.  It was me.   I felt truly honored just to be that close to get those types of photos.  That was good enough. 

Some of the players showered, dressed and left surprisingly quick and some took FOREVER . . .namely, Deron Williams.  But I still waited, he’s just such a cutie.  He was born the year my husband graduated, he could almost be my son.  Sad for me.  But he is a cutie nonetheless :-) 

My oldest daughter, Brooke, made a deal with me that if I got a good picture of Deron’s face AND a picture of his  “No Guts, No Glory” tatoo, she would take all of my Christmas stuff down.  So, I waited.  I got the tatoo picture between quarters but it took about 15 tries before I actually got both arms in one shot that you could read.  I’m sure going to enjoy watching her take all that stuff down.  Especially the stuff on the upper ledge that you need a ladder for.  Thanks for the break Deron! 

What surprised me most about this behind the scenes experience was the business like atmosphere.  I guess when you are looking at the type of money that is being earned, that would explain it.  I missed the emotion, the raw energy, the passion of the game like you would see in a high school game.  The team was happy, but not hooting and hollering like I was trying not to do (see the no cheering rule explained above).   

The entire experience made me yearn to be part of it. . . .any part of it, stat keeping, garbage pick up, vending . . .something!   I wonder if you do it day in and day out, does the ‘awe’ wear off.  Because I felt like a kid in a candy store trying to behave! 

I think it would be good for all those involved to just really take a look at how lucky they are.  How fabulous it would be to play in the NBA . . .with any team, with any coach.  To play with the best.  To coach and develop players.  To work alongside so many talented athletes.  To taste what fame feels like.  Those are experiences few will ever get.  I’m just proud to say, I was there, if only for one game, it was unforgettable.