It's official: No more sports at Washington Times

[BYH]

Confirmed by Hoyas beat writer Barker Davis.

http://blog.georgetownvoice.com/2009/12/10/washington-times-giving-barker-davis-hoya-basketball-coverage-the-boot/

Jesus ****in Christ.

 

[Michael_ Gee]

It's not a newspaper anymore. Sports was about the only part of the paper that was real.

 

[slappy4428]

So much for Moddy's income...

 

[Moderator1]

I'm not so sure it's "officially official." I don't think further word has come down since the original announcement.
I do think it will happen, sadly. But I'm told there's been no notice given to sports that it is definite.
Any Times guys want to chime in, you'd be welcome.

Slap, I appreciate your attempt at humor. Honest. But a whole bunch of people are almost certainly going to lose their real jobs. There's nothing laughable in this, in any way, shape or form.

 

[slappy4428]

I'm not so sure it's "officially official." I don't think further word has come down since the original announcement.
I do think it will happen, sadly. But I'm told there's been no notice given to sports that it is definite.
Any Times guys want to chime in, you'd be welcome.

Slap, I appreciate your attempt at humor. Honest. But a whole bunch of people are almost certainly going to lose their real jobs. There's nothing laughable in this, in any way, shape or form.

Actually, wasn't trying to be as flip as you think I might. I agree, losing jobs is not laughable -- fulltime, parttime or freelance. As I said, so much for part of your income. Any time you lose a gig, it sucks.

 

[Moderator1]

Actually, you said so much for my income. Not part of my income.
I've done six stories for them. Others are losing much more and I feel awful for them.

 

[JackReacher]

Never really paid much attention to the Times until I moved to NOVA a year ago. Damn talented staff -- on the desk and in the field. Here's hoping they all land on their feet very, very soon.

 

[slappy4428]

Actually, you said so much for my income. Not part of my income.
I've done six stories for them. Others are losing much more and I feel awful for them.

Meant to say part... knew it wasn't all... my bad.

 

[Moderator1]

Actually, you said so much for my income. Not part of my income.
I've done six stories for them. Others are losing much more and I feel awful for them.

Meant to say part... knew it wasn't all... my bad.

No worries. This one hits as close to home as probably any paper other than my old haunt, for a lot more than the work they've given me lately. I know most of them and respect their work.

I did hear from some folks there. It is indeed still not "official" but the sports department is preparing for it to become that way. Some fear it may happen before Jan. 1, so they don't have to get into paying anyone extra vacation time.

Nice f-ing business.

 

[Harry Doyle]

Have been waiting to chime in on this issue for two reasons: Prayed it wouldn't happen and I hoped something profound to say would come to me.

It hasn't.

Lots of exceptional people there who don't deserve this.

 

[Baron Scicluna]

Well gee, it's not like Washington has anything going on in terms of sports in the town.

Sheesh. Why not just announce you're folding and get it over with already.

 

[jambalaya]

This is pretty depressing. I remember a story about Dave Smith, the old sports editor from the Dallas Morning News say that business and sports would be the main revenue generators and their focus was what made the DMN so powerful in the 80s and 90s. Have we changed so much that sports shouldn't be part if the product? Period? Also, is it true they are going to an all free model? Didn't the Examiner already bail out of Baltimore because it doesn't work? Sympathy to all at the Times.

 

[joe_schmoe]

Sheesh. This is getting ridiculous.
Every day I get more thankful for the job and measly pay I have and fret over my colleagues who no longer do.
Good luck to those this one effects.

 

[zeke12]

Well, ****.

I'll keep a good thought for those affected.

 

[Colton]

My heart goes out to those folks getting kicked in the gut.

Good luck to all affected. Damn.

 

[Fredrick]

No sports?
No product. Best wishes to all.

 

[UMDjschool]

Well gee, it's not like Washington has anything going on in terms of sports in the town.

Sheesh. Why not just announce you're folding and get it over with already.

Except the Capitals have arguably the biggest name in hockey and spent a good chunk of the post season on the ice last year. DC United also has excellent talent and puts on a damn good show in the MLS.

 

[Sam Mills 51]

It's stuff like this that makes me wish I loathed working in this business. I don't, but being on the outside looking in, why make any effort to climb back?

Good thoughts out for some quality folks getting some undeserved and nasty news at the wrong time of year (not that there is a good time to hear this).

 

[chase.colston]

Best of wishes and good luck to all involved.
I said it on the first thread, but I was offered a job at the Times last year, and while I'm thankful especially now I didn't take it, it was an extremely tough decision to make.

The guys I met -- Mark Hartsell, John Taylor and Harrison Goodman -- are top-notch, great guys and it would have been an honor to work with them.

 

[Bubbler]

Anyone know what their rationale is? Are they hyper-focusing the paper on politics or something? It really makes no sense.

Or does the Rev. Moon just not like sports? (or the money it takes to do it properly)