Over the past several years I've written a lot of columns here on different topics, trying my best to both entertain and inform you while also attempting to maintain a high level of journalistic integrity (i.e. - not making shit up). I've shared a Monday home with The Beeze for the past two years or so, and during that time I've tried my damnedest to live up to his standard. I know it's been a difficult task, because I know that he is one of the most honest, real, hard-core, entertaining, and tell it like it is writers here or anywhere else in the blogosphere. (Do people still use that word? Oh well, I just did.)
Like I just said, I've written a lot of columns here, and yet none of them have been as difficult to write as this one. This one is hard because its subject is the hardest one I've yet to broach - it's my time to say goodbye.
Some of you may or may not know that for the past three years I've also been a part of SB Nation as an Editor/Writer for their Panthers blog, Cat Scratch Reader. Until now I've done double duty between here and there because I've enjoyed the camaraderie that comes with both places, and since I've had the freedom to do both over the years I've taken advantage of it.
Unfortunately, I no longer have that freedom. I've accepted a position with SB Nation to write for CSR as a paid contributor, and I will also be in charge of managing the Cat Scratch Reader social media accounts. Due to the added responsibilities I will now have at CSR, I will no longer have the spare time to dedicate to turning in a required column here every week.
When I sent my resignation email to Kevin and Beeze last week, I told them that it wasn't fair to you guys if I came in on Sunday night and half-assed something every week. I don't want to do that to you guys, and if I were to keep this featured column that's what it would become - you all deserve something better than that. It's not fair for me to expect you to read my columns here and comment on what I've written when I won't be able to return that same courtesy to you. So, because of that reason, I decided it was time for me to hand over my featured spot to someone else.
On that note, I didn't just hand the place over to any bum I could find. Starting next Monday, Mo's Tavern will be back and open for business, and I hope that you all will provide Mo with the same kindness that you have shown me since I've been here. I know he will do his best to provide you with entertainment and insight into whatever's rolling around in his head, and I know that you will enjoy every single word that he writes. He's one of the best, so you are definitely being left in good hands (and honestly, if you ask me, you're getting an upgrade).
So, please welcome Mo with the same open arms that you have given me, and please know that while I'm leaving my featured spot on Monday, I won't be gone forever. I'll still drop by every once in a while when time permits, and I might even write a guest column or two on occasion.
I would like to thank all of you for your readership over the years, because you are the reason I lasted here as long as I did. Without you faithfully reading me each and every week I would have given up years ago. Thank for for not letting me do that. The one thing that I've always tried to do here is keep it real and give you something to think about, regardless of whether you agreed with me or not.
It is my hope that I have succeeded in that venture, as the last thing I've ever wanted to do is disappoint those of you who have counted on me to provide you with a unique look at the world of sports on schedule each and every week. I hope you have enjoyed my thoughts, no matter how screwed up I may think they are. I hope you have learned something - anything - from the words that my fingers have typed, because I know that I have learned plenty from each and every one of you, and those are the memories that I will always cherish as I begin this new chapter.
Again, I want to thank each and every one of you from the very bottom of my heart. Your kindness and acceptance will not be forgotten.
And Mo, if you don't mind: keep a seat at the end of the bar open for me, would ya? First round's on me.
Until next time...
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