Utah Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox Plays Sports Reporter For Jazz Home Opener

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Noted Utah Jazz fan and local social media must-follow Spencer Cox, who happens to also be the lieutenant governor of the Beehive State, took the role of sports reporter for KSL Friday night. He was tasked with covering the Jazz’s home opener against the Golden State Warriors. It was an exciting game for fans and a grueling day on the job for the lieutenant governor.

Here’s a look at the day through Cox’s eyes:

Pregame

The day began with a media scrum after the Jazz’s morning shootaround session.

.@SpencerJCox asked some great questions at #UtahJazz shootaround this morning. He will share what he learned when he makes his reporting debut on @KSL5TV at 5 and 6:30. pic.twitter.com/osWLOU0jMP

— Jeremiah Jensen (@JJSportsBeat) October 19, 2018

Cox took to the air for the first time as a Jazz reporter at 5 p.m. Friday night.

. @SpencerJCox preparing for his sports reporting debut. Watch his Jazz/Warriors preview now in @KSL5TV or the app. pic.twitter.com/8GFIavb9F9

— Jeremiah Jensen (@JJSportsBeat) October 19, 2018

Tanya Vea, general manager of KSL Broadcasting, was thrilled to have Cox on board, if only for the day.

When the Lt. Gov. jokingly applied for a Jazz sports job on Twitter- I said, you’re hired! Thanks @SpencerJCox for having some fun with us today on @KSL5TV. Come back anytime! #TakeNote #TeamIsEverything https://t.co/GVlQIYr1eo

— Tanya Vea (@tanyavea) October 20, 2018

Cox felt a little more confident in his second on-air report before the game.

Round two was a little better (don’t mind the pregnant pause). Also gave me a chance to show off my lucky Jazz socks. 😂 #TeamIsEverything #TakeNote https://t.co/YMFbCakOjE

— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) October 20, 2018

In-Game

The game tipped off and Cox had a hard time hiding his fanhood among the rest of the objectively-viewed media.

This might be the hardest thing I’ve ever done. 😬😵 #NoCheering https://t.co/WzP7YevRVc

— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) October 20, 2018

He did, however, offer his insight on the game to his followers.

1st qtr thoughts:
-Dante Exum is making The Leap.
-Good Ricky showed up tonight.
-Guarding KD is hard.
-No seriously Exum might be unlocking the matrix. #TeamIsEverything #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/FeeZ966Ajc

— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) October 20, 2018

2nd qtr thoughts:
-Jazz and Warriors both shoot 45% from 3…but Jazz took 24 to only 11 for GSW (what?!)
-81 points. Really.
-This crowd is bonkers loud.
-KD might be the best player on the planet.
-I need to run outside and cheer my guts out. #TeamIsEverything #TakeNote

— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) October 20, 2018

3rd Qtr Thoughts:
-JOE INGLES BUZZERBEATER THREES!
-I did the whole fist-in-the-air-then-pretend-to-run-my-fingers-through-my-hair-but-I-don’t-have-hair thing.
-Steph is good at basketball.
-AB struggling but close. #TeamIsEverything #TakeNote

— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) October 20, 2018

The Thrilling Finish

As the game wound down to the exciting conclusion, Cox was barely able to contain his own enthusiasm.

Here we go. Please send the paramedics to section 9 row 27. 😬😱😅

— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) October 20, 2018

Welp. Jerebko. Unbelievable. What a game.

Chin-up Jazz fans. It’s going to be a fun year. #TeamIsEverything #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/MaSthypdas

— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) October 20, 2018

Postgame

After the Warriors’ Jonas Jerebko hit the game winning shot, Cox got behind-the-scenes access with the Jazz and continued to provide excellent reporting.

Coach Snyder: Blamed loss on mental fatigue more than anything. “Nothing to hang our heads about.” pic.twitter.com/zvSf2EAUB9

— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) October 20, 2018

You know who doesn’t want to talk about his career night? This guy. It’s all about the team. #TeamIsEverything #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/d0MlOooKF5

— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) October 20, 2018

At the end of the day, Cox gave thanks for the opportunity to enjoy a Jazz game as a reporter, even if he had to maintain somewhat of a neutral facade.

When I jokingly applied for a sports reporter opening on twitter, I never thought I would actually get a chance to try. After 12 grueling hours of interviews, editing, writing, live shots & more, I have a whole new respect for those in front of and behind the camera. Thanks KSL! https://t.co/P5HTUOkodb

— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) October 20, 2018