First of all, I would like to thank ESPN for not letting me make my announcement in prime time or any other time. I would like to let everyone know that no proceeds from this announcement will go to the Boys/Girls Clubs of America.
I, unlike LaBum James (my new way of spelling the prince...sss), have informed the State of California of my decision to leave it after 45 years. It was a very difficult decision for me and my family, and up until this morning (in April), I wasn't sure if we were leaving. Just like the princess, we will be taking less money than if we stayed in California (cost of living is cheaper where we are going).
I would not like to thank New Jersey, Miami, Chicago and New York. Just like LaBum, I had no intentions to move to your City or State.
Irony, it's whats for breakfast. I have posted this statement a few times on Facebook over the past few weeks and now must explain. As a college football junkie and a die-hard Cal football fan, there is one place you would never imagine I would move to. Ok, maybe there are a few. It's not Palo Alto. I would love to piss off all those Stanfurd (Cal spelling) fans.
Where, you ask? Let me first say that in my 45 years of life, I have witnessed my baseball team (A's) win 4 World Series, my basketball team (Lakers) win 11 NBA Championships in LA, and my NFL football team (Cowboys) win 5 Super Bowls. I would trade them all for 1 Rose Bowl birth for my Bears. Not really, but it makes for good reading. You see, I have always dreamed about Pasadena and the Rose Bowl for my Bears. No! I do not mean the UCLA/Cal game played every other year -- the real one. The New Year's Day game. I thought that I was going to live this dream back in 2004 and it was taken from my Bears because a snake of a man, a cry baby -- the most hated man in the "Wise Guy" household. I will not even mention his name. Ok, Mack Brown, coach of UT. Why would I bring this up? This is the irony ... BIG irony! We are soon to be neighbors. Like two gun slingers in an old western, The Sports Wise Guy and Mack Brown in the same town. You can count on many "anti" UT posts!
Yes! The Sports Wise Guy and his family are moving to Austin, Texas. Home of the University of Texas ... UT! Thank God Augie is there and he is Fullerton guy. Who? Just the Phil Jackson of college baseball! Sorry UCLA, but Phil is the best hoop coach ever!
Just like LaBum, who is joining Bosh and Wade, I will be joining my little brother and my son "Greggers." Don't worry, you will never, ever, see me wear anything UT or the color Orange. Not even on Halloween!
In the coming weeks, a whole new look and daily posts from the "Sports Wise Guy." Call it your sports cup of coffee. It will be a quick hit on what happened in sports the previous day or night from the Wise Guy's point of view. You can also follow me on twitter!
Lastly, and most importantly, my wife, kids and I would like to thank all of you, our family and friends who are like family, for all the great times, many laughs and the countless margaritas we shared. Our older kids grew up together, and we have been an Aunt and Uncle to many of your kids as you have been to ours. You made this one of the hardest decisions we had to make. I love you all!
The Sports Wise Guy
PS: CALI baseball! You will have Baby Jake (i.e, JMM (Jaky My Man)) in two years, unless I can talk his parents into moving to Texas in the next 2-3 years.
