The N.Y. TIMES' William Rhoden today writes his final offering as a full-time columnist for the paper after nearly 35 years and 26 consecutive writing the Sports of The Times. He wrote, "I simply decided ... that this has got to end at some point." Rhoden: "What I have appreciated more than anything has been the interaction with readers. ... I’m grateful to all who over the years have taken time to read, respond and, of course, critique" (N.Y. TIMES, 7/25). The big question centers on Rhoden’s next step, which he did not address in his column. Sources say Rhoden has been talking with ESPN about a loosely-defined role on the company’s website, The Undefeated. Talks have been described as preliminary -- no announcement is planned. But ESPN’s top execs have talked with Rhoden about taking a mentorship role at the website to advise younger writers and write occasional columns for it. ESPN declined official comment (John Ourand, Staff Writer).
TWITTER REAX: ESPN.com's Claire Smith wrote, "Thanks for always being a class act. The NY Times, and journalism blessed to have you." CBSSports.com's Dennis Dodd: "Journalism takes another massive hit." ESPN's J.A. Adande: "Rhoden's an icon. One of the guys I looked up to and leaned on for advice when I got into the biz." SB Nation's Paul Flannery: "Bill Rhoden gave me advice and support when I was writing about Bill Russell. A true giant and generous with all of us."
