There is no cheering in the press box. Period.

There is no cheering in the press box. Period.

This may or may not come as a surprise to folks, but this is THE rule among sports writers than cannot be broken.

There is No Cheering in the press box. Period. Ever.

I don't know if this is news to fans or not, I think to some it is. And apparently its news to some sports writers - good ones - as in the case of Thomas Bowles who got canned for clapping in the press box after Trevor Bayne's win at the Daytona 500.

Bowles, a part-time sports writer for Sports Illustrated, was canned by the magazine - in part - for clapping following Bayne's win. On top of it, he then took to Twitter to defend his indefensible actions. I can't be surprise he was fired. Still, it may shock fans.

Some don't realize that in addition to covering events (sports and beyond) we are supposed to be objective. We're not supposed to root for teams. You don't show up in press box in school colors, or cheer, whine or bitch when a call goes for or against the local team.*

Most writers are even hesitant to wear a shirt the same color as one of the teams they are covering. Case in point; many in the sports department were concerned when the paper provided us with red News and Sentinel shirts. There was concern we would be perceived as Big Red fans. Anyone who has been around the sports scene in this town knows those concerns are justified. I've lost count the number of times people have called here accusing Sports Editor Dave Poe of being pro-South or pro-PHS. And believe me, we get calls accusing all of our guys of this stuff.

It's not limited solely to sports. As the city writer, I have been accused of being the Mayor's press agent.

The accusations will always fly. As journalists can't give readers evidence to support that.

Here in Parkersburg, it seems naturally obvious we don't root for any teams -- regardless of what high school or college we attended. Again, any prep writer who has spent more than a year covering a multi-school beat knows this is Rule 1.

Rooting from a team - even WVU - is over the line. So is showing up on gameday in said team's shirt or colors. It's bush league and unprofessional.

If readers and fans see us as homers for the opposing team, we lose credibility.

For that reason, sports writers cannot cheer, or clap. You see a great play, you are allowed to appreciate it and expected to write about it. That's part of the greatness and beauty of sports, sports writing and writing in general.

However, Clapping after a win, hugging a coach or player - even a cute one (especially, a cute one) - is over the line.

The lack of understanding that rule cost Bowles his job with Sports Illustrated.

Here's what I am reading ... Former state trooper (civilly) accused of rape - BS or Not? . ... Metlife Insurance ought to be ashamed. .. No surprise to anyone who follows college football; UConn lost more than $1.5 million in attending the Fiesta Bowl ... Why would anyone want to be a teacher and deal with this kind of crap? ... I don't think this help BYU's recruiting efforts ...