Reporter Clarifies Awkward Postgame Moment With Cowboys’ Coach

NFL games can be emotional affairs, especially when the stakes are raised during the postseason. Reporters try to capture some of that emotion right after the game, both the highs of victory and the lows of defeat.

Players and coaches aren't always in the mood to talk with the media, however, particularly after a devastating loss. Sometimes they even take out their frustration on reporters, which appeared to happen on Sunday with Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy.

McCarthy was caught apparently pushing a cameraman out of the way after the Cowboys' 19-12 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The reporter has since come forward to explain what happened, however.

Mike McCarthy Reporter Controversy

Noah Bullard, an award-winning photojournalist for NBC Sports, defended McCarthy by saying that he merely put his hand up to cover Bullard's camera rather than forcefully pushing him. Bullard also added that McCarthy met with him privately after the game and apologized.

McCarthy was understandably upset after his team's season-ending loss to the 49ers and is known to get emotional. That doesn't excuse what he did or justify his actions, but it's encouraging to hear that he took accountability for it and wasn't purposefully malicious toward Bullard.

At the end of the day, reporters have jobs to do, just like the athletes they cover. There are certain boundaries they shouldn't cross, of course, but as long as they're being professional and respectful then they shouldn't have to worry about their safety.

It sounds like Bullard and McCarthy are on good terms, so hopefully, they can both move on from this incident and McCarthy will avoid making a similar mistake in the future.