In the process of attempting to make a touchdown catch against Kansas State on Saturday, Oklahoma wide receiver Sterling Shepard fell on the camera of a sideline photographer and sat on the ground “writhing” in pain. Though he eventually returned to the game, it was a scary incident.
Photographer apologizes for camera hitting Oklahoma WR Sterling Shepard
Shepard landed hard on the photographer’s camera while falling out of bounds.
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The photographer, Mike Simons of the Tulsa World, took a lot of criticism for being in the way. He wrote about it on Monday and offered up his apologies, saying this was the first time an incident like this has occurred in his 26 years taking photos on the sidelines.
When he landed, he fell into me and came down on my Canon 400mm F 2.8 lens. Shepard was hurt. He let me know it while he writhed in pain. For that, I would like to apologize that our paths crossed. I felt horrible and still feel very bad about that. I was relieved when he came out and played in the second half.
Some comments have been made about camera gear lying by my side. I have always felt that flat on the ground is the safest place for gear that isn't being used at that particular moment. It is where most photographers keep their gear. It allows me to move out of a player's way quickly. And there are no monopods (the metal poles on the bottom of our cameras) sticking up needlessly. It has worked perfectly for 26 years. On Saturday, while lined up with dozens of other photographers in the designated photo area, it didn't.
Here’s another look at the incident.
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