Patrick O’Neal: Kings Fan

waves and Pat at the Yard House

As you may know, Patrick O’Neal covers Kings games for Fox Sports West when they are broadcast on FSW or Prime Ticket. He has also covered many other teams in the past, including the Ducks. His Duck coverage has led many Kings fans to believe he is a Ducks fan. I’m not sure exactly why this is (I have my theories) but it reached a boiling point late last season when a fan held up a sign behind O’Neal during a live broadcast saying, “Patrick O’Neal is a Ducks fan.”

Patrick O'Neal is NOT a Sucks Fan

While on the surface this might seem like just a funny joke, it was anything but. After Friday night’s Kings 4-1 victory over the Canucks, a couple friends and myself had a long conversation with Pat at the Yard House where I quickly discovered that he did not take too kindly to the infamous sign. As we got into the topic of Kings vs. Ducks he made it clear, in no uncertain terms,that he is a true fan of the Los Angeles Kings Hockey Club, and NOT the bastard step children down south.

“I’m a Kings fan through and through,” said O’Neal  “I grew up here. I was born in Santa Monica and went to many Kings games at the Forum when I was growing up. I love the Kings. Period.”

Not only did he say this while looking me dead in the eye, but he said it with such vigor that there can be no mistaking his sincerity. Of course, it really doesn’t matter who any of the Kings on-air personalities root for in their personal life, just as long as they do a great job of covering the team. Right? For example, look no further than Rich Hammond, who covers the team better than probably anyone ever has…and yet he isn’t a Kings fan. In fact, he has publicly stated that being fan of a team you are covering isn’t a good idea as far as he is concerned.

I’ve always liked Patrick O’Neal’s work. I think he does an admirable job in an unpredictable business… that being live television. Much of what comes across is equal parts knowledge of a team, public speaking ability, improvisation and a large dose of personality. I remember Heidi Androl’s first year doing live interviews and thinking, “Oh no, what a disaster!” I never thought she would last, but to her credit, she has gotten much better…of course, she’s a drop-dead gorgeous too, which doesn’t hurt.

O'Neal & Androl

O’Neal, on the other hand, has been at this for over 10 years and continues to hone his on-air skills. Despite his Hollywood upbringing, it hasn’t been an easy road for him. He is the son of legendary academy award nominated actor, Ryan O’Neal and an accomplished actress in her own right, Leigh Taylor-Young. Patrick could have easily been sucked up and spit out of the Hollywood grind-house, just as so many children of celebrities have been. In fact, I was a product of actor parents myself and while it was on a completely different level, I understand the dynamic that can lead to failure. Instead, O’Neal has kept a relatively low profile and even worked as a bartender prior to his on-air gig. In other words, Patrick has carved out a respectable niche for himself by working hard and making sacrifices.

“It doesn’t matter who I cover as long as I’m working,” O’Neal said, “You give me a microphone and tell me to interview Teemu Selanne, I’m happy to do it. It’s my job and how I earn a living.” This doesn’t necessarily mean he likes the team he’s covering, but it does mean he is a professional doing his job and he should be respected for it. It just so happens that O’Neal is NOT covering any Ducks games this year. Instead, he will be covering the Lakers sideline at home, some Clippers, UCLA football and basketball along with his favorite hockey team, the Kings. Hopefully this will end the perception of his being a Ducks fan. Incidentally, he had no idea the “Ducks Fan” sign was behind him until AFTER the segment was finished. (Note to on-air directors: when you’re on-air talent is getting punked live, you should probably go ahead give him a heads up in his ear piece so he can cover his ass.)

Many fans probably couldn’t care less whether or not Patrick O’Neal is a Kings fan, but I felt the record should be set straight if for no other reason than to shed light on a person who is a proud member of the Kings family and should be treated as such. He should also be respected for being a single father supporting and raising two young daughters. O’Neal’s ex-wife happens to be actress Rebecca De Mornay, who was the subject of many a crush in the 80′s (including myself).

O'Neal & DeMornay

So from this Kings fan to you Patrick, thanks for all you do in covering our beloved team. Keep up the good work and I look forward to many more interviews and live segments.