The Woj bombs are no more.
By the time NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski shoots out of a tweet, millions of NBA fans around the world are on the edge of their seats in anticipation of reading the next big move in basketball. However, Wednesday’s notification was perhaps the biggest shock of all.
The 55-year-old is retiring from ESPN and is ready to become the general manager of Division I San Bonaventure men’s basketball. Wojnarowski published the following statement about X.
“I grew up the son of a factory worker two miles from the ESPN campus and never dreamed of making a living as a sports writer. Thirty-seven years ago, the Hartford Courant gave me my first byline and I have never stopped chasing the thrill of it all. This craft has transformed my life, but I have decided to retire from ESPN and the news industry. I understand the commitment required in my role and it is an investment that does not I am more motivated to do it.
“Time is not in an infinite supply and I want to spend mine in ways that are more personally meaningful. I leave with overwhelming gratitude for countless mentors and colleagues, subjects and stories, readers and viewers. No one has benefited more than me by the belief, trust and generosity of others. The past seven years at ESPN have been a special privilege. I appreciate the leadership of the company – especially Jimmy Pitaro and Cristina Daglas – for their understanding and acceptance of my decision to make a life change. After all these years of reporting on everyone’s teams, I’m back to my own.”
Wojnarowski returns to run the school he graduated from in 1991. The former insider has been an active member of his community in recent years via fundraising.
“It is a thrill of a lifetime to be able to return to a university and community that I love in a role of service to our student-athletes, coaches and institution,” Wojnarowski told ESPN. “I hope to be able to bring value in many areas to our basketball program and open doors for the future of our young people professionally and personally.”
“Woj is the perfect person to fill this new role, combining his intimate knowledge of St. Bonaventure and our Franciscan values with a deep network of relationships he has built in the world of professional and intercollegiate basketball,” said the athletic director. of San Bonaventure, Bob. Beretta. “The fact that the pre-eminent journalist in his field is willing to step away from a lucrative media career to serve his alma mater in a supporting role is a testament to his love and passion for Bona.”
The Bonnies made their last appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 2021 which marked their eighth in school history. The school made three trips to the Sweet Sixteen and one to the Final Four (1970).