Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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THE SIDELINES — A lot of jobs have hazards. That’s why employers have the Worker’s Compensation Fund and other similar programs.
But you won’t find anyone from KSL using those benefits this weekend.
Here are our favorite moments from the weekend.
KSL photographer gets drilled at BYU
The BYU football team expected a physical defense when it faced SEC foe Mississippi State in Provo last Friday night.
But the most physical player wasn’t a linebacker or running back. It was a TV photographer on the sideline.
Look out pic.twitter.com/aiFDrVnYoz
— Deadspin (@Deadspin) October 15, 2016
That’s KSL TV sports producer Dave Noriega, who was drilled by BYU defensive back Dayan Lake while defending a play in overtime Friday night.
Don’t worry, readers; Noriega is OK, and he even finished the game — without missing a beat.
Yes, that’s the nearly two-decade sports photographer catching the very next play of a tight game in overtime right after being taken out on the sideline.
You’ll also notice BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe and administrative staff member Fui Vakapuna immediately rush to Noriega’s aid. That’s right, two former NFL bruisers were worried about safety on that hit.
Shout out to the man who takes a hit and keeps on working, though.
Taylorsville, Cottonwood make special needs player’s shining moment
Another big shout out: the football teams at Taylorsville and Cottonwood high schools.
After the first half of the high school football game last Thursday, the Warriors agreed to let Cottonwood special-needs student Brian Herrera, who was born with cerebral palsy, run back the opening kick for a touchdown.
A classy move by both teams, but it gets better: watch as the Colts and Warriors actively cheer and push Brian forward so he can have a special moment in the spotlight.
This is why we love sports.
Chinese arena football has the best touchdown celebrations
We’ll finish on more comical note.
Ask almost any fan of the NFL in the past 10 years, and they’ll tell you the same thing: the NFL is quickly becoming the No Fun League with bans on glitzy equipment and post-touchdown celebrations.
Other leagues are filling the void. Like the Chinese American Football League.
We are allowing Chinese Arena Football to have better touchdown celebrations than us pic.twitter.com/BJChUJtsa7
— Brian Pickett (@BrianPickett) October 16, 2016
Nice try, China. But we’ve seen that before with LaVaughn Macon and the Utah Blaze.
