I suppose you all know why I have called this press conference. First, I'll make a statement then I will take some questions.
I was not planning to make this decision so soon, but IU sophomore Jared Jeffries has inspired me to take action. I'm going pro.
I would like to make it official today that I will forego my final three years of eligibility at the Daily News and work at a professional newspaper. I have had only two dreams in my life. One was to see my name on my high school diploma, the other was to see my name on the sports page of the New York Times. I never imagined that I would get to see my byline so early.
I'd like to thank my editor Greg Fallon for getting me to the place I am today, but my dreams are in my hands now. My staff-mates and I have been through a lot together this year, and nothing can take that away from us.
I will now take questions.
Q: Jay, do you really think you are ready for a journalist's lifestyle? You are just a freshman after all.
A: I think one year at the Daily News was plenty to prepare me for the real world. There is nothing more that I can do here. Now, I realize that I am not a finished project, but I believe the only way for me to improve as a journalist is to learn from the best.
Q: Jay, your critics say you are too small and too shaky when the deadline comes. How do you respond to that?
A: I think my strengths are more than adequate to cover my weaknesses.
I am great in the transition. We all learn in high school that transitions are crucial to good writing. I can also finish like Vince Carter on a fast-break. Finish a column, that is.
I can go inside with a hard-hitting story, but I also have great range.
Q: Not everyone who leaves school early is an instant success, look at IU's Kirk Haston or Michigan State's Zach Randolph. How would you deal with mediocrity?
A: I would just like to remind all those who are comparing me to Kirk Haston, that Magic Johnson left school early. Look at what he did. And for every Zach Randolph, there are two or three Stephon Marburys, who also left after his freshman season.
Q: Is this your final decision?
A: I want to assure my fans that I did not make this decision in haste. I talked it over with my family and to the people whose opinions I trust. They all support me even though they don't necessarily agree with my decision.
The fact is, college journalism cannot pay my bills, and if I have a chance to make thousands of dollars, I'm going to jump on that chance.
Q: Jay, don't you think this is just a stupid thing to do?
A: Of course it's stupid! But as long as it is legal, I have the freedom to make a stupid decision. I may not be an instant superstar, and Jared Jeffries may not either, but there is that chance.
Sure, I'll have to spray a bottle of Sprite instead of champagne at staff parties. Sure I still get carded when I buy a lottery ticket, but if Jared Jeffries can be drafted in the lottery, why can't I be a beat reporter somewhere?
I'm just as old as half the guys in the NBA anyway, maybe I will have more success relating to them than the reporters we have out there now. And I would like to encourage all of you college students out there to leave early. Get a head start on life! You never know when a computer science major might develop carpal tunnel syndrome and be out of a job before he graduates school. Go tackle the real world before it tackles you!
Write to Jay at jdkenworthy@bsu.edu
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
