How to Anger Boston Bruins Fans? Let Popular NESN Reporter Naoko Funayama Go

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This has not been the best of weeks for Boston sports fans. First, the Bruins lost the Stanley Cup on home ice to the Chicago Blackhawks. Second, the Aaron Hernandez story that led to his arrest on first degree murder charges. Third, former Celtics coach Doc Rivers getting traded to the Los Angeles Clippers and the dueling press conferences between Rivers and C’s GM Danny Ainge. Fourth, the Celtics trading Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett to Brooklyn. And fifth, you have word that NESN has decided to not renew the contract of popular Bruins rinkside reporter Naoko Funayama.

In a blurb that was sent out to reporters just before 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, NESN stated the following:

NESN has elected to go in a different direction and will not be renewing the contract of NESN Bruins sideline reporter Naoko Funayama when it expires later this summer.

In addition to doing Bruins sideline, she has produced features, anchored NESN Daily, and filled-in as a Red Sox sideline reporter. NESN has incredible appreciation and admiration for the work that Naoko has provided the network during this historic chapter of rebirth of Boston Bruins hockey.

“I want to thank everyone at NESN for five fantastic years and to also thank all the wonderful people I met along the way.”  Naoko 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,” Naoko added.

A search for a new sideline position is underway.

When word got out, the outpouring of support for Naoko from Bruins fans swelled to the point where she trended in Boston.

Unfortunately, this is par for NESN to drop talent when it feels they cost too much money. Sean McDonough, Tina Cervasio, Hazel Mae, Cole Wright, Randy Scott, Heidi Watney are some of the people who come to mind. And there have been numerous production people who have also felt the pinch from management and lost their jobs.

Funayama caught the attention of NESN executives in 2007 when she was a reporter for WMUR-TV in Manchester, NH. She was covering the Red Sox signing of Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka when the official interpreter was having trouble translating the press conference. Naoko who is fluent in Japanese, quickly took over and NESN hired her as a freelance reporter to cover Daisuke for that season.

She was hired full-time by NESN as the Bruins sideline reporter and was there as the team rose from mediocrity to Stanley Cup Champions in 2011 and continued through the Cup run that fell short this season.

What’s interesting about the whole thing is the day before the NESN announcement, Naoko tweeted the following about Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference who was let go by the team this week.

The Boston Globe’s Chad Finn who does a great job covering the sports media wonders if NESN knew how unpopular this move would be.

Her co-worker, NESN Bruins voice Jack Edwards showed support and then tried to rally angry Bruins fans to come to Naoko’s defense.

The “fighting the good fight” line is in reference to Jack’s infamous 2011 commentary following the Bruins’ elimination of the Montreal Canadiens.

Other NESN co-workers including Naoko’s Red Sox counterpart Jenny Dell gave their support.

Bruins radio voice Dave Goucher chimed in.

Former NESN co-worker Randy Scott who is currently at ESPN gave Naoko some career advice.

Another former co-worker, Heidi Watney of MLB Network gave her support to Naoko as well.

Bruins forward Tyler Seguin summed up the players’ thoughts.

Not only did Naoko gain the respect of the fans, but she also had the respect of the players over the five seasons she was with NESN.

You know you’re respected when reporters from NESN’s competitor Comcast SportsNet New England give their thoughts.

And when ESPN’s hockey maven, John Buccigross tweets in support of Naoko, you know she has received a lot of national respect as well.

It has been an amazing night to see the reaction to Naoko’s forced departure. To see it almost unanimous in her favor is practically unheard of in this Twitter age.

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