NFL draws industry ire with required advertisment-laden vest

The National Football League is setting fashion requirements for photojournalists: Wear NFL advertisement-laden vests while you work on the sidelines.

The NFL rebuffs concerns that this turns our employees into walking billboards for the NFL. Just let our photojournalists do their jobs without subjugating them.
Chicago Tribune: "We're not doing it," said George de Lama, the managing editor for news. "Absolutely not." If the rule doesn't change, the paper will cover the NFL without visuals.” More coverage boycotts are being considered.
The question goes beyond the fashion statement.
“Seriously, journalists are supposed to be objective. And running around the sidelines with advertisements on our backs could make our credibility look even more questionable in already dubious times.” – Staff Photographer Greg Pearson (The Big Picture blog, The Times, Shreveport, La.)
The Canon camera company logo is a concern. What next? Will we be told what camera equipment to use on the sidelines? See more photos of the vest at Photo District News online. See more photos by Jeanine Fijol.
Along with the letter from the American Society of Newspaper Editors and the sentiments of the Associated Press Managing Editors, we strongly encourage the NFL to reconsider.

Bonds, BALCO & The First Amendment; The Story Behind The Story

Baseball fans lived in a world of fantasy watching Barry Bonds eye the home run records of Babe Ruth (714) and Hank Aaron (755). The soon-to-be-hit ball marking a new record will come painted with a BALCO asterisk. Watchdog print journalism revealed the uncomfortable reality that a pure pastime may be tainted with impure achievements.
The story behind the story shows the role of the press being tested.
Click “read article” to find out: “How one book called “Game of Shadows” about legendary Giants slugger Barry Bonds and allegations he was a drug user made problems for two reporters from the San Francisco Chronicle and nearly landed them in jail. Kristi Funderburk on the scandal’s aftermath and just what this has to do with the First Amendment” – The American Editor, summer 2007
Bonds is one homer away from Hank Aaron’s epic record of 755. The San Francisco Giants are off tonight and open a series in Los Angeles against the Dodgers Tuesday night.