NESN Suffers Backlash After Firing Bruins Sideline Reporter
Bruins fans are already struggling to come to terms with losing some of their favorite players, but now it looks like they’ll also be losing one of their favorite reporters, as NESN announced it is letting go of fan-favorite sideline reporter Naoko Funayama
NESN announced on Thursday night that they would not renew Funayama’s contract this coming July, effectively terminating her relationship with NESN. Although the Bruins’ inability to re-sign Andrew Ference didn’t play quite well with the fans in Boston, this decision from NESN seems to have had much more backlash in the Boston area as many are up in arms over the decision.
Funayama shared her thoughts about leaving NESN in the press release from the station announcing her departure.
“I want to thank everyone at NESN for five fantastic years and to also thank all the wonderful people I met along the way,” she said. “To have witnessed and covered the Bruins’ resurgence during this time has been a thrilling and unforgettable experience, and now I’m very much looking forward to the next chapter in my career.”
Funayama’s work ethic, professionalism, and style were appreciated by many in Boston, and predictably the fan base spoke up after the decision was made known to the public with much of the backlash appearing on Twitter.
Here is just a sample of some of the tweets making the rounds on the web:
Naoko is pro at rink and better person. Type to keep, not let go. Genius move, NESN.
— Fluto Shinzawa (@GlobeFluto) June 28, 2013
#NESN doesn’t resign @naokofunayama becasue it wants to go in “another direction”? Apparenntly professional & informative weren’t cutting it
— Mike From Attleboro (@MikeFromATown) June 28, 2013
The few times @NaokoFunayama and I crossed paths… She was incredibly nice and always a professional. Wishing her all the best.
— Jessica Moran (@JessMoranCSN) June 28, 2013
Naoko will truly be missed during the Bruins games next season. Her style, attitude and professionalism set a high bar for her replacement that will leave a big hole in every Boston fans’ heart. Best of luck to her going forward.
