Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when it involves leaving a place that feels like home. Today, I bid farewell to the Boston Sports Journal after five incredible years, and it’s a moment filled with both excitement for what’s next and gratitude for what’s been. I’m stepping into a new role covering the Celtics for Sports Illustrated, but before I go, there’s so much I want to share with you—the readers, the fans, and the people who made this journey unforgettable.
But here’s where it gets personal… Writing this goodbye has been a struggle because I don’t want to come across as self-important. At the end of the day, I’m just a guy who’s passionate about basketball and the Celtics. Someone else will step into this role, and they’ll likely do it just as well, if not better. So, why the long farewell? Because this isn’t just a job change—it’s a chapter closing on something that’s meant the world to me.
I couldn’t just slip this announcement into a random column. It deserved more. It deserved a proper goodbye to you, the readers, and to Greg Bedard, who didn’t just give me a job—he gave me a platform to experiment, to grow, and to find my voice. Greg trusted me to craft the coverage my way, and that freedom was a gift. I quoted everyone from Robert Frost to Homer Simpson, and Greg let me run with it, even if it meant a few snarky texts along the way. And this is the part most people miss… It’s not just about the words; it’s about the trust and the space to try something new.
Looking back, I’m proud of what we’ve built together. You, the readers, are the reason this job has been so fulfilling. You spend your hard-earned money to read about the teams you love, and knowing that I’ve delivered something you enjoy is incredibly satisfying. It reminds me of my dad’s restaurants when I was growing up. Seeing a room full of people enjoying our food was magical, even if the kitchen was chaotic. That’s how this feels—chaotic at times, but always rewarding.
Here’s where it might get controversial… Not every interaction was positive, but I’m grateful for all of them. Whether it was praise or criticism, every comment pushed me to be better. As I leave, I hope you know that I gave you my absolute best, not for myself, but for you. My goal was always to enhance your Celtics experience, to create something that might spark a conversation between a parent and child, siblings, or friends. Sports have a way of strengthening bonds, and if I’ve helped even a little, it’s been worth it.
Basketball isn’t just a game to me—it’s a lifeline. It’s given me everything positive in my life, and I owe it more than I can ever repay. But I try, every day, through my writing. I never know if something I’ve said will resonate, but that’s the beauty of it. And here’s the thought I want to leave you with… What if sports coverage could do more than just inform? What if it could connect people, spark debates, and deepen relationships? That’s what I’ve aimed for, and I hope I’ve succeeded.
My path has intersected with yours for five years, and for that, I’m truly grateful. Thank you for the love, the lessons, and the memories. Oh, and one last thing—I still suck at not being pretentious. But hey, we all have our flaws, right?
- John
From Greg Bedard: We’re incredibly proud of John and everything he’s accomplished here. His work ethic, professionalism, and insight as a former college player made him a standout. We wish him and his family all the best, and we’ll be cheering him on from the sidelines. But here’s the reality check… We’d love for everyone to stay at BSJ forever, but with a hard salary cap, that’s not realistic. We’re thrilled to see former staffers like Karalis, Brian Robb, and Conor Ryan go on to bigger and better things. They were under-the-radar talents when they started here, and now they’re stars. Who’s next? Maybe the next Greek Freak, B-Robb, or Mr. Dunkin’ Iced Coffee is already on our team.
Here’s what you need to know moving forward… BSJ is stronger than ever financially, and we’re committed to delivering the same high-quality, near-daily Celtics coverage you’ve come to expect. We’re close to hiring someone with a strong background in film and analysis, so bear with us while we iron out the details. Bobby Manning will keep things running smoothly in the meantime. And yes, we’re aware the platform update hasn’t been perfect—thanks for your patience. If you’re still having issues, try logging out and back in. Adam Bertram, our backend guru, will be doing a Q&A next week, so get your questions ready.
Finally, thank you for supporting BSJ and independent journalism. Without you, none of this would be possible. Your support is what allows writers like John, Karalis, Robb, and Ryan to shine during a challenging time in this industry. Here’s to the next chapter—for John, for BSJ, and for all of us.
Now, I want to hear from you… What’s your take on the role of sports journalism in building relationships? Do you think it’s possible for coverage to go beyond the game and impact lives? Let’s start a conversation in the comments—I’m all ears.
