My parting words as Hawks beat writer: Thank You

ajc.com

Credit: Chris Vivlamore

Credit: Chris Vivlamore

I’m going to have to start buying soap and shampoo again.

It’s not that I haven’t used the personal hygiene products for the past five years. It’s just that the fine folks at Marriott have kept me in ample supply during NBA seasons since 2012.

That officially comes to an end today.

After five seasons covering the Hawks (and two years before covering the Thrashers until they left town), I am returning to my roots as an editor at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. I will have digital responsibilities as well as the industry continues to move forward and I will play a role in that.

It has been a pleasure covering the Hawks and the NBA these seasons. I have learned so much and met so many interesting people. There were ups and down, thrilling moments and difficult stories to report and write. I have been around for two ownerships groups, two head coaches and three general managers in my limited time. And there has been a lot of travel. I won’t lie, it will be nice to be home full time. My wife may miss the sky miles and hotel points. It seems as she got those while I got the soap and shampoo. (Just joking, dear.)

One journalist friend introduced me last month as the “competent” beat writer for the Atlanta Hawks. I hope I was just that. I’ve tried to present information as accurately, fairly and quickly as possible. I pride myself on that track record.

I would like to thank you the reader for following my reporting and writing. You are the reason I did it all, the reason we do it all. That will continue. Michael Cunningham will return to the duties as Hawks beat writer. He’s a seasoned professional and will lead the AJC’s top-notch coverage of the Hawks.

I have completed one rewarding journey in my career in journalism. I move on to another. Thank you all very much.