SI rumor: Wolff, Hoffer out, Dr. Z being pushed toward retirement

According to the rumors.

http://deadspin.com/5103172/ax-drops-at-sports-illustrated-layoff-rumors-include-hoffer-wolff--and-dr-z

Wolff hasn't written much lately, but I always loved his hoops writing. Hoffer's always solid, boxing especially of course. And the Dr. Z thing??? Geez.

 

I think Hoffer and Wolff are brilliant writers, but let's face it, they've been making only rare appearances in the magazine for some time now. The days of keeping guys on staff for a few pieces a year, no matter how good, are pretty much gone unless you're Gary Smith. Better to make them special contributors and pay them by the story.

 

Hoffer has been editing Scorecard for a number of years and didn't Wolff do a lot of the heavy lifting in Beijing? A big loss for the mag to be sure.

 

I'm pretty sure it's been years since Hoffer edited Scorecard. Wolff did do quite a bit of the Olympic stuff, but other than that he's had very few bylines in recent years. And I'm not faulting those guys for not writing more often. SI has to a large degree phased out the kind of longer, thoughtful pieces that writers like Hoffer and Wolff were so skilled at.

 

So they can just go and fill out applications at the magazine now hiring writers to do those types of stories.

 

I can't wait for the Best American Sportswriting pamphlet in 2012.

 

Gregg Doyell: 15 People I want to Punch In The Face.
Rick Reilly: How About this Michael Phelps guy? He loves his Mom, check.
ESPN.com: Hitler references and sports, the good, the bad and the ugly.

 

Also out on the Web side, writers Marty Burns and Pete McEntegart. Both were layoffs.

 

Too bad. Met Alex a few times during Frost Heaves tryouts and such. Put together a big package when a stringer who played high school hoops went to the tryouts. He'll latch on somewhere no doubt.

BTW, how is Dr. Z?

 

Wolff gave a seminar on writing historical features last year that I was able to attend -- had some great stories and insights. His stuff from the hostage tragedy in Munich was outstanding. He's had a smaller role with the paper lately, but he'll be missed. Here's hoping he continues to write elsewhere.

 

I think Charlie Leehrsen edits Scorecard now.