Celebration of Sports Legends
In an unexpected intersection of events, a celebration of sports legends unfolded in March 1995, just moments after Mike Tyson’s release from prison. The scene was set in an Indiana mosque, where Muhammad Ali—one of the greatest athletes ever—appeared seemingly out of nowhere as Tyson arrived for a prayer service. As he approached me, Ali, ever the showman, demonstrated his quick jabs with a playful grin, a testament to his enduring charisma despite the toll Parkinson’s had taken on his body. Just hours prior, Michael Jordan had made his highly publicized return to the NBA, playing his first home game in Chicago after a brief retirement. For a sports journalist like myself, covering both Tyson’s reintegration into society and Jordan’s comeback was a remarkable opportunity. I had driven 200 miles through the night and was thrilled to be present at such a historic juncture in sports history.
Unforgettable Moments in Sports Journalism
In my decades-long career in sports journalism, I’ve witnessed countless unforgettable moments: from the Yankees’ dominance to Wayne Gretzky’s retirement game, and unforgettable incidents like Mike Piazza’s dramatic home run post-9/11. Yet, my life in this industry often resembles a wild ride, encapsulated by memories like the time I traveled with Jerry Tarkanian’s UNLV Runnin’ Rebels. I boarded their plane to witness their Final Four run, only to receive a furious wake-up call from Tark himself, who was upset over a piece I wrote. Thankfully, by the end of the day, we were finding common ground over drinks in the hotel lobby—a reflection of the chaotic yet fulfilling nature of this profession.
Highs and Lows of the Journey
Throughout my journey, I’ve encountered the exhilarating highs and the troubling lows. The highlights include securing a farewell interview with the infamous George Steinbrenner and receiving heartfelt gratitude from Larry Doby, the first Black player in the American League, for writing a piece that he believed aided his Hall of Fame induction. On the flip side, I also made misjudgments, like predicting that the Patriots would regret hiring Bill Belichick after just 24 hours of his hiring, a sentiment that still lingers with me.
Surreal Experiences
I also recall moments that were downright uncomfortable, such as posing a delicate question to an aging Arnold Palmer regarding rumors of infidelity, which led to an awkward exchange magnified by the presence of his hearing aid.
Surreal experiences are not limited to on-field encounters; I once found myself on board Jack Nicklaus’ jet, braving a thunderstorm at 40,000 feet with the great golfer visibly shaken. It was eye-opening to see these titans—who are often perceived as invincible—exhibit moments of vulnerability. Working closely with icons like Tiger Woods, Tom Brady, and LeBron James reveals the incredible drive that separates them from the rest—qualities significantly beyond ordinary human capability.
The Evolution of My Career
My journey in sports journalism began during the vibrant 1980s, when I worked at The New York Times and dreamed of being a columnist amidst the talented personalities around me like Dave Anderson and Frank Deford. It wasn’t long before my uncredited writing on Earl “The Goat” Manigault would lead me to a pivotal opportunity at The National, America’s first all-sports newspaper, a leap I took despite warnings against leaving the prestigious Times.
As I navigated the evolution of journalism—reflecting on the leap from typewriters to digital platforms—I’ve seen the industry transformed dramatically, yet the passion for reporting and the sense of belonging to a team has never waned. After a two-year hiatus devoted to penning my sixth and seventh books, I chose to return as a columnist, realizing my affinity for collaboration far outweighed the solitary life of an author. Joining this latest team represents a unique opportunity within a rich tapestry of talented reporters and storytellers, and I aim to contribute meaningfully, akin to a reliable teammate coming off the bench in a well-coordinated play.
