From Adrian Wojnarowski:
A few words about Marc Spears, who leaves us for a fantastic opportunity at The Undefeated site on
ESPN.com.
It has been an honor to work with him for the past several years, and one of the joys of my life to call him a friend. It felt like we spent a thousand days and nights together chasing big and small stories, all of them -- all together -- putting Yahoo Sports on the map for NBA coverage. He never slept. He never rested. Marc could get star players to open up to him, because they trusted him, because he put people at ease. He is 6-foot-7, played college ball and it’s no accident that he’s the only NBA writer who ever stood toe-to-toe with a pissed-off Tony Allen and never blinked.
Whatever we became covering the league at Yahoo, we became in immense part because of Marc Spears.
Marc gave me so much credibility with players in the league:. Because I worked with him, a lot of guys were more apt to trust me. That was true with agents, coaches, executives too.. Once we hired Marc at Yahoo, everyone’s game elevated. Walk into an arena with Marc and it was just remarkable to watch him work. It wasn’t only the coaches and players, the referees and scouts. Marc knew the ushers too. He knows everyone. There is such a pied piper quality to Marc. I learned so much from him.
Of course, Marc is a hell of a lot more than a great journalist. He’s a sweet, kind man and a mentor unlike I’ve ever seen in our business. He is one of the most generous people I’ve ever met; generous with time and advice for young journalists, with spirit and a smile for everyone. There isn’t a young person who has ever approached Marc who didn’t come away smarter, sharper and more encouraged. He’s done it a formal capacity as an official with the National Association of Black Journalists, and probably far more often in press rooms, locker rooms and hotel lobbies all over the country.
After I told my family the news of Marc’s move, my son said, “ESPN and an Arsenal fan? I’m not sure I can be friends with Marc anymore.” Of course, he was laughing. Whoever this job has allowed me to build relationships with in the NBA, I am sure of this: None were ever more popular, more beloved in my household than Marc Spears. My daughter will never forget Marc wearing his big fur coat in New York City’s Times Square on All-Star Weekend in 2015, and swallowing her up in a big hug. He would reach out, check on her as she made a transition to a new school, a new school year. Marc feels like family, because he is family.
It doesn’t matter where he’s working, because he will always be one of us at Yahoo Sports. Farewell to one of the founding fathers of this site, one of its true builders. You’ll always be a part of us, Marc, and always be loved here.
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