David Aldridge To Leave Philadelphia Inquirer
Here’s a clip of DA doing what he does…
David and I had a conversation last night where he congratulated me on the Ed Berliner conversation regarding the LeBron/Gisele Vogue cover because he thought the dialogue was important–even if he didn’t altogether agree with my words. I was mos def flattered–he seemed a little more reflective than usual–but hey I was just glad to be speaking to the man because of all the respect he commands. I honestly felt more comfortable with him around because players genuinely like him and that makes everyone’s job easier. He’s leaving the Inquirer because he’s grown tired of juggling assignments and wants to focus strictly on television. The travel is grueling for a typical beat writer and I couldn’t imagine covering the NBA for TNT as well as reporting on other sports for the Inquirer. Travel had to be indescribable–especially if you have a family.
He’s the most professional reporter I’ve personally come in contact with and I’m in awe of some of the intelligent questions he comes up with on the fly. Crazy, but before the Sixers began to win consistently and there were barely any national press at the games, I sat in DA’s seat in press row. He had the best view and his chair is at the end of the isle…so what else was a brotha to do?
I’m sure you’ll be around DA. Thanks for all the encouragement you’ve shot my and Anthony Gilbert’s way recently. It really meant a lot.
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April 11th, 2008 at 2:32 am
Its really a shame that ESPN got rid of DA, but I know he’ll land on his feet. I listen to him 2/3 times a week on Tony Kornheiser’s show here in DC
April 11th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
[...] to the boys over at The Starting Five for this news. It appears columnist and NBA guru David Aldridge is taking a buyout from the [...]
April 11th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
I always respected DA he and whats that brotha who does NBA for CNN newspaper??
Anyway both those brothas are class acts and I have always respected them. Man I grew up watching those brothas.
Man thats when ESPN had the NBA today. Man that was good TV then. It was about what the players did on the court not what they did off of it. Or how many kids they had. Or how much money they made or their D@mn credit score.
April 11th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
I keep stressing the point that we have to demand more of these news sources initiated by demanding more of ourselves.
David will be sorely, sorely missed. When I began to see his face more on TV, it inspired me to at least take a look at the journalism field and that’s why we need more of us out in front. I can’t help but to think he feels a little bit better by seeing more of us in the Philly press rooms.
That alone gives me the strength to step up and become the journalist I aspire to be.
IMO DA is the consummate journalism soul model.
April 11th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
The Philadelphia Inquirer has lost two great Black sports journalists in a year, the other being Stephen A. Smith. What I’m curious to see is who will be in those seats now and will they be journalists of color.
April 11th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
[...] - The Cleveland Cavaliers’ top five rivals, and J.J. Redick is out of place yet again. - The Starting Five - NBA coverage in the Philadelphia Enquirer just took a major hit. - Sports by Brooks - [...]
April 11th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
DA is leaving. It reminds me of the time when Dr. J retired from the 76ers…we are losing DA the journalist, and not the man, so today is a good day!
April 11th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
D. A. has always been one of the good guys in the media. I wish him well.
February 17th, 2009 at 3:13 am
Can you provide more information on this? Or can I PM you about this…Thanks