ESPN today announced that author Robert Lipsyte will be the net’s fifth Ombudsman. Lipsyte will begin his 18-month term in June, with his role including writing pieces for ESPN.com, online chats and other multimedia interactions with fans. Lipsyte previously worked for NPR, the N.Y. Times, the N.Y. Post and wrote sports essays for “CBS Sunday Morning.” Lipsyte has also written a number of books, and in ’01 was given the Margaret A. Edwards Award honoring lifetime contribution in writing for young adults. Lipsyte follows former ESPN ombudsmen George Solomon (’05-07), Le Ann Schreiber (’07-08), Don Ohlmeyer (’09-10) and The Poynter Institute from ’11-12 (ESPN). The N.Y. Daily News' Andy Martino wrote on his Twitter account, "This is the best hire of all time." Grantland's Bryan Curtis wrote, "This is outstanding news. ... What I love about Bob Lipsyte is that he wonders aloud about whether sportswriting is a good way to spend one's life." Bleacher Report's Dan Levy wrote, "I honestly don't know if they asked anyone before signing Lipsyte, who is widely respected, but I would have hired @AJDaulerio. ... Seriously, if ESPN got someone like @AJDaulerio it would have given instant credibility to a younger demographic & made columns must read."
