An open letter to the fine people of the Houston Chronicle: For the past 18 years, I have made it a goal to avoid sports cliches. As the copy editors among you know, I've had mixed results with that goal. Hey, it is what it is. Or, was. But I feel the need to pull out one more cliche because it seems appropriate here. If a trade doesn't hurt, then it probably wasn't a very good trade. This trade I'm about to make hurts. It hurts a lot. It hurts because of you, the fine beat writers, reporters, co-workers, support staff, copy editors and management team whose jobs, in part, have been to help me look good. So look at it this way: Your job just got a little bit easier. OK, maybe it got a lot easier. I am trading in my Chronicle press credential for an opportunity to become part owner of a sports and event enterprise that is unique, thrilling, challenging and hopefully someday will give me the same sense of accomplishment I've had for 18 years. Sometimes, you just know when an opportunity is right. It feels right. It looks right. It is right. It hurts, sure, and this hurts a lot, too, because of the amazing loyalty and support that so many Chronicle readers have given me. As you guys know, I always have said that I don't write for me. I don't write for you or any editor, senior manager or even the publisher. I write for the readers. That's it. It's been a simple philosophy. They've cursed me, sure. They've praised me. Always, they've read me and for that I could not be more thankful or humbled. Now, perhaps, they'll travel like a rock star with me on the finest fleet of all-encompassing luxury coaches, complete with on-board hostesses, seven plasma screen TVs with DirectTV, food and drink and event packages that include the most difficult tickets to find -- and at less than a ticket broker's price! Along the way, maybe they'll enjoy Hannah Montana tickets and luxury tours, Aggies, Longhorns or UH tickets, LSU games and maybe even take in a few Messina Hof wine tours or trips to the Nutcracker Market or First Monday in Canton with me. In style. Shameless plug? Yes, of course. But I get one parting shot, don't I? I'll still be covering sports and doing the radio thing 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on 790 AM, so I'll still be around the games and people I respect and admire in the business. People like you all. People like Tony Wyllie, Kevin Cooper and the Texans PR staff. People like Jimmy Stanton with the Astros, Nelson Luis with the Rockets and their great staffs. I'll still try to keep Drayton McLane and Tim Purpura honest. They can't get rid of me that easily. I need to straighten out Rick Adelman on a few things, so I'll be over at the Toyota Center a lot. And Gary Kubiak surely will miss my Mario Williams rants, but now they'll be on the radio. I'll keep a professional relationship with the Chronicle via a weekly Football Friday Nights post-game high school football show on 790. But I will miss the column. This is absolutely an opportunity that could not be passed, but the column was a part of me. From the day I walked into the building at 801 Texas Ave in 1989 until I walk out in the coming days, the ride has been exhilarating and more fun than a San Antonio kid from simple means ever deserved to have. I thank you sincerely and with every bit of my heart for helping me live a dream. And I thank Houston for reading. http://blogs.chron.com/lopezblog/archives/2007/08/_30.html
Well, with him departing, maybe the Chronicle will finally be able to get one decent columnist. Nah, doubtful.
beat it dork. you'd think the 4th largest city in the us would be able to attract some talent, but we'll see
Just think, if AM790 ever folds up we'll be rid of him for good. Seriously though, I don't dislike Lopez as much as many here do. He isn't the worst; he isn't the best. Won't miss him at all. I will never forget his article on the "Big Unit" or his detailed coverage on the outing of a female tennis player at Wimbledon several years ago.
These sports columnists take themselves way too seriously. Do they realize that the only reason most people read their columms is because they're bored?
Now I know exactly why his Chronicle columns read like they were written on a third graders Big Chief tablet. Unfortunately, we are a one daily newspaper town, but IMHO the Chronicle is better off without him.
So, what is this opportunity that he's going to be the owner of? Event tour packages? I don't get it.
Did you read his column this morning? I won't paste the whole thing here, but here is a link: http://blogs.chron.com/sportsjustice/archives/2007/08/youre_wrong_to.html The title reads: Astros should let Jennings know he's wanted in 2008 Yep...wanted by the Round Rock Express as a batting practice pitcher.
hopefully, the other John will follow. McClain, can you please stop with the Mario Williams bashing? that's all his show is about.
Mario is the new Carr. Every team needs a whipping boy. Until Mario does something meaningful, he will get this kind of treatment. Justice on the other hand just flip flops about everything. Today he says we sould keep Jennings, 2 months from now he will say it was the worst trade in Astros history.
i understand the criticism and so far it's been deserved, but McClain's who shtick seems to be just about dumping on Mario every chance he gets.
that's awesome! lopez kills me. if only we can get the radio show gone now. i hope he does well in life and in this new venture...but wow, he drives me bonkos as a sports columnist/talk show host.
Lopez was a beacon of mediocrity in a sea of absolute incompetence. Not that he couldn't be replaced by a good 9th grade intern, but Lopez wasn't the really bad one.
