PHOENIX, AZ (KPHO) — It was a dream job for longtime Valley sports fan Russ Knight – a chance to work at the Super Bowl.
But, that dream turned into nightmare, because of a seemingly innocent Facebook post on the Internet. The former DJ was hired to be an assistant frequency coordinator for the NFL during Super Bowl week, and was just issued a credential. Knight was so excited that he posted a picture of himself, with the credential, on Facebook. A few hours later, he got a call from NFL security.
“He said Russ, we’ve got a problem, ” said Knight. “Apparently, on my picture, even though it’s far away, they could zoom in and they could read my credential on the bottom.”
One of the rules listed on the back of Super Bowl credentials is that you cannot post any pictures of the passes on the Internet. The NFL sets the rules as a security precaution, and to prevent duplication.
“I can’t blame anybody else,” said Knight. “I was the guy. I was the fool who didn’t read the fine print. I was that guy.”
Knight is hoping that by telling his story he’ll prevent other Super Bowl workers and volunteers from making the same mistake.
“It hurts real bad,” said Knight.
Knight told CBS 5 that he sent a letter of apology to the NFL and still plans to watch the game on TV.
“But it won’t be the same as being on the field,” said Knight.
