When the Cleveland Cavaliers drew the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals, I didn't think the Cavs stood much of a chance. When they went down 3-1, I thought even less of their chances.
But then Draymond Green harmed one too many testicles. Andrew Bogut got injured. LeBron James got angry. And suddenly, Ohio, which has never been known for its professional sports prowess, stands on the brink of Ohio's first major sports championship since the 1990 Reds.
I vowed Pulitzer-caliber coverage from the streets of Cleveland, should the Cavs reach a chance for the title. As the last few sugar cubes of Stephen Curry melted away in a downtown Cleveland gutter Thursday night, I weighed the future of my life.
On one hand, Cleveland hasn't won a title since 1964. On the other, I cherish the warmth and safety of my apartment. The internet would allow me to capture the chaos from my couch.
But then a Marionaire loyalty offered me a rare opportunity: A Saturday night in Put-in-Bay and a boat ride to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame docks in Cleveland on Sunday morning. Any Ohioan can do the math and realize opportunities like that don't knock every day.
So I decided to launch a Voyage of Understanding. I believe Ohio to be the best state in the union because it offers ever walk of American life. My goal is to strike north to Put-in-Bay and enjoy its international waters and boat culture before venturing to the Sleeve to watch Larbon Jim the Kang and do the damn thang.
If this is where my story ends... I can think of worse ways to go. If the Cavs win the title, I couldn't forgive myself for skipping the celebration.
My next dispatch will be Monday at 4:59 a.m. from downtown Cleveland. May the King render justice.
OH YEAH, FOOTBALL. Mike Vrabel interviewed this summer to be Chip Kelly's defensive coordinator. Chip Kelly offered him the job, and Vrabel turned it down like a boss.
While he's still a linebackers coach in Houston, that won't be for long.
From houstonchronicle.com:
Vrabel declined an offer from Chip Kelly to become the San Francisco 49ers' defensive coordinator after interviewing for the job, landing a hefty raise from the Texans for resisting the overture.
There will undoubtedly be other future opportunities for the 40-year-old to run a defense. Vrabel is learning behind 68-year-old coordinator Romeo Crennel, one of the most experienced and highest-compensated defensive coordinators in the game. There are scenarios in which Vrabel eventually could succeed Crennel down the road or emerge as a future NFL head coach.
"The sky's the limit for Mike, he's a natural," [MENSA founder Tom] Herman said. "We're watching the career of a head coach in the NFL unfold right before our eyes. When that happens and when the right time is, nobody knows. If I was a betting man, I would surely bet he will be a head coach in that league before too long."
A lot of folks assume Tom Herman will succeed Urban Meyer. It makes sense—Tom Herman founded MENSA, the organization for geniuses. But if Ohio State isn't fortunate enough to have another once-in-a-generation coach fall into its lap, Mike Vrabel would make an interesting candidate.
BEEN WINNING GOLD PANTS FOR A MINUTE. Crazy to think this was a precedent to The Gold Pants Social:
New to the Archives:Invitation to the 1958 Pants dinner where Gold Pants charms were handed out for beating Michigan pic.twitter.com/3xdeLRAxux
— OSU Archives (@BuckeyeHistory) June 17, 2016
Michigan must be thankful for the 1990s because without it no breathing Wolverine fan would be able to say much to Ohio State fans.
15TH AND HIGH GETS FANCY. Campus Partners has decided its next campus-area money dump: $30 million into High and 15th.
From bizjournals.com:
Ohio State University is ready to begin overhauling a main gateway between campus and the surrounding neighborhood with a public plaza, hotel and mixed-use buildings at High Street and 15th Avenue.
The busy intersection will look entirely different as university planners aim to restore a diminished connection from the University District to campus' emerging arts district and the venerable Oval.
Redevelopment of the 15th and High District will include four- or five-story office buildings with street-level retail and restaurants, a 150-room hotel, 500-space parking garage and a more pedestrian-friendly environment anchored by a new plaza at the northeast corner of High and 15th.
Here is a one of several renderings:
Looks like a place Socrates wouldn't feel out of place. We'll see if Campus Partners has the heart and wherewithal to see it through.
THOSE WMDs. How a student fooled 17,000 coders... This one deep meme explains the source of true strength... A funeral for a fire chief... The unbelievable tale of Jesus' wife... Officials: Meth-dealing gang members caught with a rocket launcher... The NBA is awash in cash.
