Latest news with #Mailbagg
Indianapolis Star
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indianapolis Star
Doyel: Emotional week: Mourning Jim Irsay, honoring Herb Simon, tracking Tyrese Haliburton
Here comes a peek behind the curtain, as I call these occasional notes – these glimpses into the way I do my job – I share with my text message group here for IndyStar readers Colts owner Jim Irsay died a few weeks ago, as you know, and his funeral was last week. It was closed to the public, but I was invited. An honor? Put it like this: The Pacers won the Eastern Conference Finals in six games, but had there been a Game 7 in New York, it would have conflicted with the funeral – and my bosses and I agreed: Go to the funeral, not to NYC. What I wrote showed sides of Mr. Irsay most people didn't know about, or went deeper into areas most people knew about only on the surface. And I include myself among 'most people.' Ten people spoke at the funeral – including one former Colt, all three of his daughters, a childhood friend, and a local man Mr. Irsay met at a 12-step meeting – and I learned so much more than I thought I knew. In the here and now, I realize the Pacers are in the 2025 NBA Finals and the funeral was last week, but again – I was prioritizing the funeral over Game7 in New York City. I'm definitely prioritizing it, here, as the most important part of this week's Mailbagg. From: Randy R. You made me feel as if I were at Jim's funeral. Along the way you told me words about the man I would have otherwise never known – a good man whose death I now grieve. You dove deep and returned with pearls. I also discovered that I love everything Jim Irsay loved. He was not your typical professional sports team owner, unless there are other stories out there yet to be told. My oh my, Randy. Talk about pearls. This is a beautiful note. Thank you. From: Jim L. Seems to me that, while Jim Irsay's contributions to our community were recognized, the breadth and depth of the void will be felt in the future. Maybe best summarized by Joni Mitchell: Don't it always seem to goThat you don't know what you got 'til it's gone? There will never be another Jim Irsay, not here or anywhere else, but I have faith that his daughters will carry his legacy. This is a family that cares about our state, our city, our marginalized. From: Tim B. I'm stunned and in tears. What a lovely tribute. Thank you Tim. Like the story I wrote after Tyler Trent died in 2018, I got through the writing of this story just fine. I compartmentalize when I write. But when I finish, I cry too. From: Jan C. Coming from an alcoholic home, it's hard for others to grasp how loving and fun that dad can also be. And our family secrets really weren't secrets. Thank you Gregg for putting the experience into words. Pointing out his love of everyone that crossed his path is such a good reminder to me how I can do better each day. Might start crying here, Jan. From: Leigh H. I happened to have a volunteer training at St Luke's after the ceremony. I took a moment in the parking lot to read your piece and wish him Godspeed. What a final kindness for his family to share part of today with all of us through you. I was thinking over the weekend how lucky we are for the Simon family's enduring contribution to our city's sports scene as well. We as a city should always be grateful for the commitments of both families, and for their generosity to the needy among us. Would that we each could reflect that spirit to our neighbors just a little in the coming week. Your first sentence suggested you have large heart. Every sentence that followed was confirmation. From: Jolene M. Thank you for weaving together the complex threads of Jim Irsay's life into a lovely tapestry. I know you weren't responsible for what was included in the private service, but you made it come of life for those of us who were not there. RIP, Jim Irsay, God Speed. Thank you Jolene. That room was a special place to be. John Mellencamp, Pete Ward, his daughters, Edgerrin James, the friend from a 12-step program … an incredible scene. I wanted to share it. Doyel on Jim Irsay's death: Jim Irsay died and we're less for it; Indianapolis, the Colts, all of us Doyel on the funeral: Irsay loved his daughters, his Colts, his music, his city Re-live the Pacers' unbelievable run to the NBA Finals with our commemorative book From: Chris B. Rick Carlisle is a class act, from any perspective. Your story finally clears up the muddy media trolling I'd been reading about. As usual, your writing, as well as Carlisle's ethics, touch a positive emotional chord in my heart. I'm an expert on trolling, or at least, on trolls. Immersed in them. Surrounded by them. Praying for them, if you can believe it. From: Rick W. "That cesspool of malice and misogyny." Well written, Gregg! That was a reference to Twitter. And anywhere else the trolls, incels and losers congregate. I say prayerfully. From: Kathy M. I didn't know all that and you really told it well. Thank you so much for all this IN ADDITION to your other article. Not planned. I was walking to the locker room and walked past Doris. We met eyes and she nodded – we've known each other for 20 years, because of our shared college basketball experience – and I walked past. Then I thought: Dummy, THAT'S the story. Go back! So glad I did. From: Rick P. Just finished your heartfelt column on Carlisle/Burke. I'm not crying, you are! So very glad I did. Doyel: The story behind the story of Pacers coach Rick Carlisle defending ESPN Doris Burke On Game 1, where Tyrese Haliburton hit his fourth last-second shot of these playoffs… From: David M. Can we Pacers faithful send a group thank you to all the NBA players who voted Tyrese as "Most Overrated" and who are now lying on a beach somewhere with an umbrella drink watching the Finals on TV for their obvious motivation for what he's accomplished in these playoffs? Absolutely. From: Larry J. Can we just officially proclaim him "Houdini Haliburton? Now that's interesting, Larry. You wrote this after Game 1. But it was Game 2 where my lede was: 'This is the Tyrese Haliburton experience: Sometimes, most of the time, he pulls a rabbit out of a hat. But sometimes, other times, he makes himself disappear. Don't try to understand it, because he doesn't. If he did, you think this would happen? Those first three-plus quarters of the Indiana Pacers' 123-107 loss to Oklahoma City in Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Finals?' And my kicker was … well you'll see. Chef's kiss! Not printing this. More from readers on Game 2… From: Tom S. Oh my goodness. What a lede! Spot-on & dad-joke!! Wait. How can it be great AND a dad-joke? And who says what I wrote about the rabbit, etc., was a dad-joke? And why are we hyphenating dad-joke? From: Craig E. You gotta like Carlisle. What other NBA coach calls his team an 'ecosystem'? Between he and Kevin Pritchard, there's a lot of IQ there. I wonder if they'd hyphenate dad-joke? From: Paul J. If any loss was a team loss, it was last night. To choose one player to blame is easy journalism, in my opinion. I agree with you 75% of the time, but not this time I hear you Paul. Not sure I was BLAMING Haliburton. Just pointing out the vast difference between his impact on Game 1 and Game 2. And when you're the only Olympian on the team, frankly, what I pointed out was fair. And listen to me: If you think it's 'easy' to criticize Tyrese Haliburton in this market – or frankly, any pro athlete in this market – I'd ask you to walk a mile in someone else's shoes. Not mine, of course. I'm a rock! Not printing this either. Doyel on Game 1: Pacers never give up, have a star who doesn't miss in clutch time Doyel on Houdini Haliburton: This one-man NBA playoff run has been borderline impossible Doyel on Game 2: After pulling rabbit from Game 1 hat, Haliburton disappeared much of Game 2 From: Robert J. Yep, Haliburton can be Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Maddening at times how extreme the differences in his play are at times. Fortunately, or unfortunately, we expect more from others and demand consistent high performance from our surgeons, chefs, teachers, pilots, linemen, engineers, etcetera, and especially our sports columnists. Thankfully, you consistently meet and exceed expectations and high performance, and at a salary that is a fraction of what the sport stars make. I love this ecosystem! Did I use that write? Not printing this. Find IndyStar columnist Gregg Doyel on Threads, or on BlueSky and Twitter at @GreggDoyelStar, or at Subscribe to the free weekly Doyel on Demand newsletter.
Indianapolis Star
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Doyel: Colts TE Tyler Warren can run. Related: Ball State's David Letterman Building rocks
Can Colts TE Tyler Warren run? Weird question, bro. Does Ball State's David Letterman Building rock? WEIRD QUESTION, BRO. Clearly it does. Let's Mailbagg™. The weekly Mailbagg comes from Doyel's text message group with IndyStar subscribers. Doyel sees every text; readers see only what he shares. Mainly first column links, and peeks behind the curtain. Among this week's topics: Doyel's "weird hook" on the Colts' top draft pick, and his visit to Ball State's annual 70th journalism convention for middle and high school students. Mailbagg™ is a living, breathing organism, and I never know where it's going. A few weeks ago my flooded basement became the anchor for a 1,500-word discussion with readers. Last week shifted toward our polarized society, and my ability to bring the world together by wondering – ahem – if the Indianapolis Colts would draft Shedeur Sanders with the 14 th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. And then comes this week, where I'm about to do the strangest thing yet: Discuss the speed of Colts top draft pick Tyler Warren, and my visit to Ball State's David Letterman Communication and Media Building, and do it in the same brief note to my IndyStar subscriber group. And then I'm going to use that text message as the anchor for the 1,500-word discussion with readers about to follow. I mean, maybe I'll do that. It's not like I wait until the end of writing this weekly Mailbagg to hammer out this intro. Far as you know. Colts draft Penn State tight end Tyler Warren From: Me to the group, last Friday morning Hey guys. Late night last night (Colts in the draft) and late night tonight (Pacers in NBA playoffs). And early morning today! I'm speaking at Ball State's journalism expo, with thousands of middle and high school students expected. Yikes! I'm not ready! I was too busy last night writing about the Colts' perfect draft pick, Penn State TE Tyler Warren, though he comes with a disclaimer: How fast IS he? And why didn't he run at the combine – or Penn State's Pro Day? From: Mark L. Sigh. No. From: Mark L. Sorry. The old editor in me couldn't resist. I liked the column, though! Love my bosses, as I say all the time. BUT YOU'RE NOT ONE OF MY BOSSES, MARK. Still like you, though. Gimme a hug, you big lug! P.S. In your first text, the 'c' in "can" should be capitalized. Complete sentence follows the colon? Capitalize the first word. This is me, petty. From: Zachary B. I know you need a hook, but this – the focus on Tyler Warren's unknown speed – is a weird one, man. The Colts just drafted a skill player whose time in the 40-yard dash is a secret – because he refuses to run for NFL teams. And as a Colts fan, you don't think THAT'S weird? Don't confuse 'only you wrote about that' with 'you're weird.' From: Doug K. Long-time reader, first-time Mailbagger™. Speed doesn't always kill: Dorin Dickerson ran the fastest 40 time for a tight end in NFL Scouting Combine history. Eleven career catches, 151 yards in three seasons. Tyler Warren is going to be a monster (if any of our QB's can get him the ball). Dougg Respect that you signed your name with two g's. Also appreciate learning about Dorin Dickerson in 2010. Not sure why you care about Tyler Warren's speed, though. From: Bill J. Warren looks slow, but not molasses slow. Another note about Tyler Warren's speed? I know you guys all need a hook, but this is a weird one, man. Doyel on Colts' draft: Chris Ballard usually drafts athletes. This year he picked football players It's a small, small world From: Dr. Sara: Loved your Tyler Warren column, but for the love of all things Colts, can we please not even mention that he can play QB??? And I don't see Zaire giving him No. 44. If you can believe it, when I said Tyler Warren would remind folks of another No. 44 who played tight end for the Colts – Dallas Clark – I'd forgotten that Zaire Franklin already wears No. 44! And I bet you can believe it, Doc. To everyone else: I met Doc at a hospital a few years ago. I was visiting a friend, and she walks in wearing a nametag on her doctor's coat. She'd emailed me a few times, so I recognized her name. Or maybe she recognized me first? I forget! But either way, it was one of those mind-blowing, 'what a small world' moments. Fast forward several years, and here she is in the Mailbagg – correcting my column, reminding me that Tyler Warren won't be wearing the No. 44 I was trying to give him. Hmph. Join us in the link below any of my online columns. Readers see only the texts from me, maybe 4-5 short notes a week – mainly the first looks at my columns, with an occasional peek behind the curtains. Doyel on Game 4: Ball don't lie. Pacers deserve to win series – and Bucks deserve to lose About my visit to Ball State The official name for Ball State's journalism expo is ' JDAY+/CCIM+ ' – short for Journalism Day and College of Communication, Information and Media – and it goes back 70 years! It's a finely run event, and I was one of six 'featured' speakers … which means Ball State milked a trio of 45-minute sessions out of me. I chose the topics. Title of one session, which I presented twice: 'Your story is won or lost before you start writing.' Title of my other session: 'Real talk about writing.' I started each session by telling the class some form of the following: 'Let me say two things, and it might not sound like it, but I promise both are true. First, I love people. And I love questions. So please have questions ready for the end. 'And, two, I have a form of ADD that means I notice everything. It's great for my job – I notice EVERYTHING – but it can be an issue when I speak to large groups. Because I notice everything, and get distracted. So I'm asking you now, please don't talk to the person next to you, not even to giggle with your friend because you think I'm funny. Please don't. I'll notice, and if I notice, you'll have to leave. 'Nod if you agree.' The entire class nodded, all three times. These were about 100 kids, ranging in age from 12-17. And I didn't have to kick anyone out. One of the most impressive groups of kids I've ever spoken to. Possibly related: This was the first time I've issued that warning. Think I'll keep doing it! Anyway, when I told the text group about my pending visit to Ball State, folks had thoughts. From: Ric M. Will someone put your talk on YouTube? I'd really like to hear it. Oh I hope not. My talks are always fun, and kids are always laughing, but as one title said: I keep it real. Another rule of my class visits, everywhere I go: 'No tweeting out my comments. No video on social media either. I'll be transparent in this room, but it has to stay in this room!' Each session had several teachers, too, and all of them came up to me afterward to tell me I should teach! Aww!!! Maybe someday. From: Cheryl F. Thank you for going to J-Day! I attended in high school and am a Ball State Journalism alum. You will inspire some kids today! Hope so, Cheryl. That's the goal. David Letterman's contributions, combined with Ball State's legacy of journalism, makes for an awesome place. From: Rick S. You'll do great! For me, sports have always been about the human stories, and you have a great way of starting in that place. I'm sure those young journos will get plenty from you Kids always want to hear about my favorite stories, and depending on the story I mention, I'll be giggling or crying – sometimes a little of both. From: Dianne D. If you speak half as good as you write – and I know you do, from watching your videos – those kids are in for something special. I truly wasn't prepared, and just winged it, and discovered a neat little interactive trick along the way. I was telling the kids some things NOT to do in their stories – and next thing I know, I'm writing examples on the grease board in blue, then circling it in red and drawing a line through it. By the end of the last two sessions, when I'd write a no-no on the board, kids were walking to the front of the class to circle it and draw the line through it! I let them, of course. And then kicked them out. I'm kidding. Maybe. No video, so who's to say? Not printing these From: Sid B. My interest in the Mailbagg tends to focus on your witty replies. Thank you Sid. I had another form of Mailbagg when I was at We called it Hate Mail – OK, that was my idea – and I printed the meanest emails I received every week … and then proceeded to rip those readers right back. That was another era. And another me. From: Mike C. Ha. I think of that Jason Bean article often. Seriously – what about THAT guy? Time will tell. I laid it on pretty thick here last week, taking credit for Jason Bean's popularity around town, didn't I? Doyel lays it on thick: You love Colts scout-team QB Jason Bean? I did that! From: Randy R. Hey Gregg. I wonder if you could answer a question that has been bugging me for quite some time. The Colts have a quarterback, I think on the practice squad, and I believe he came from Kansas. I can't remember his name, but in the preseason he really impressed us. Why don't we hear anything about him? Wonder if you could give me your thoughts on the subject. You trolling me, Randy? I devoted an entire section of last week's Mailbagg to former Kansas QB Jason Bean, and to the story I wrote last year – in the preseason when he really impressed us. Then I took credit that so many people know his name around here. I laid it on pretty thick! And you ask me … that? From: Randy R. Top columnist in the nation? Had no idea, but I agree and am happy to hear it! That's like MVP in any sport! If the Hoosiers can't be national champs, you can. Oh. Same guy wrote these last two notes, and this one seems awfully nice… Wait. You had no idea I won? You trolling me, Randy?
