ESPN’s Marty Smith is one of the better liked and respected reporters in the industry. He covered NASCAR for years before jumping into NFL and college football coverage, so few sports TV journalists know the everyday grind quite like Smith.
Following LSU’s win over Alabama on Saturday, Columbus, Ga., CBS affiliate WRBL reporter Jack Patterson was working on a taped recap from the field level and stumbled with his words during a take. Smith noticed Patterson’s frustration and approached the young reporter to offer some words of encouragement.
The result was an awesome moment of kindness that was all captured on video.
Smith told Patterson that he found those taped standup shots the toughest part of his job because he’d always try to be perfect.
Smith said:
“You wanna know the hardest part, the hardest part of our job is what you’re doing right now. The taped standup. Hate ’em. I hate ’em, man. Because if you’re live and you kind of mess up, whatever, you just keep on diggin. This thing — you wanna be just perfect. I can’t stand ’em.”
After the two took a photo together, Smith said:
“Keep plowing. You’re doing a good job.
Patterson’s reaction was particularly great. And as his clip went viral, he thanked Smith again and shared the photo.
Just as our Michelle Martinelli told me, “Marty Smith is nice.” He certainly backed it up in that exchange.
