Mike Downey leaving Trib

I heard something interesting out of Chicago today that I'm trying to confirm - if anyone has an idea of what I might mean, please PM me.

EDIT: Got several PMs with the information. See next post

 

Re: Hello Chicago? Pipeline is calling

Sent via Pipeline:

From Sports Editor Dan McGrath:


After 5-plus years of distinguished service to the Tribune, and many more to the LA Times, the Detroit Free Press, the Sun-Times and the late, great, Daily News, Mike Downey is leaving us.

I say this with profound sadness. Mike is not only one of the most accomplished sports columnists in the country, he is one of the best people, as any of us who have worked with him can attest.His columns were an integral part of some of our biggest stories of the last five years---the Cubs in ’03, the White Sox in ’05, the Bears in ’06---but he was even more valuable four times a week as a wise, wry, sane voice of reason. At a time when self-promoting, look-at-me bloviation is increasingly seen as the way to go in his business, Mike let his clever words, his clear thoughts and his crafty insights speak for themselves, unerringly. He was a class act from the day he showed up here. It was a privilege to work with him.

Mike has written his last column, but he and Gail will be around for a few weeks before they head back to their home and family in

California

. I’m sure he’d appreciate hearing from his colleagues. Please join me in wishing him well, and thanking him. He served with distinction.
Dan McG

 

One would think...

 

If they do, and then hire Mariotti for big bank and trumpet the hire in ads all over town, good on them. At least it's an investment in the product and a sign of initiative.