SALT LAKE CITY — Twelve days after celebrating my 29th birthday in October 2017 with family and friends in my hometown of Flint, Michigan, I arrived at Salt Lake City International Airport and rushed over to Vivint Arena to catch the last half of the Lakers-Jazz game.
It was my first day on the job as the Jazz beat writer for the Deseret News, and this was no small move for me. I had left my young son, Ethan, behind in Flint to create a better situation. I was also leaving Michigan for the first time in my life. Delayed and missed flights had postponed my arrival, and my employer would have understood if I decided to take the night off to get settled into my apartment. But I wanted to set a tone that I’m here to work. Losing never crossed my mind. I was ready to go.
I was finally in Utah.
“Utah? Really?” some family members and friends had questioned.
It turns out that living in Utah was exactly what I needed at this time in my life. And if you follow me on social media, you know that after two seasons of covering the Jazz, I’m moving to Chicago to cover the NBA for ESPN with a focus on Midwest teams such as the Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons.
There are many misconceptions about Utah, but I’ll make this clear that those are misconceptions. Utah is a great place that often catches a bad rap, and the fan incident with Russell Westbrook last season didn’t make a strong case for what I’m about to say. But I’ll tell you that I’ve loved it here.
Up until this point, I never appreciated nature or even saw mountains. But nothing brought me more joy than waking up every morning in my apartment, opening the blinds and taking in the mountain scenery to start my day. I’m going to miss my morning walks through downtown Salt Lake and Temple Square to clear my mind. There’s no greater feeling.
In addition to the beautiful scenery, and contrary to popular belief, there is somewhat of a nightlife. I would often visit The Moose Lounge and Gracie’s when I first got here, but spots like Button Down, London Belle, Whiskey Street and my personal favorite, The Bodega, are other really dope spots. The only things I had to get used to were the weird liquor laws and bars closing at 1 a.m. but other than that, the adjustment wasn’t hard.
Obviously, being a black man in Utah has its pros and cons as well. Throughout my time here, I never experienced anything racial, but Utah isn’t necessarily black-friendly at all times as far as food options and black culture. However, things are improving.
There are some really good restaurants in town, such as Trolley Wing Co. in Sugar House (if you’re a wing connoisseur like yours truly), Chile-Tepin if you’re into Mexican spots or Pie Hole if you like cheap pizza. My go-to place was often a late-night Mexican food truck parked right outside of Bar-X for some of the most fire food in town called Diego’s Tacos.
I even found my favorite barber out here, my guy Arturo Ambrosio, who cuts at Ambrosio’s Barbershop and was recommended to me through current Laker and former University of Utah player Kyle Kuzma, also a Flint native.
That was one of my biggest concerns about moving out here, things like where to get my hair cut. Because as a black man, I had heard so many weird stories about Utah before moving here. Everyone has their own experience and I’ll seriously rate mine five stars.
Never did I feel pressured to convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or its culture, either. That was my mom’s biggest concern because she watches so many of those weird television shows. She told me to keep an eye out for the polygamists and everything else she sees on television, so that was pretty funny.
Naturally, you’re attracted to things that you enjoy, and my No. 1 pastime was the game of basketball. Tony Jones from The Athletic and I would go hoop all the time and I can’t thank my brother enough for also welcoming me with open arms when he didn’t have to. He introduced me to his family and friends like he had known me all my life and I won’t ever forget that. I’ll put the pickup basketball games in Salt Lake City up against anywhere, not in terms of just overall talent, but in options of places to play and most people’s IQ. I could probably tell you a place to play on every night of the week, which is huge, especially when visiting media would want to come in town looking to stay in shape. I’m really going to miss that. So, if anyone knows of any cool places to play in The Chi, fill me in ASAP.
Our media circle in Utah was like none other. We really became like family, starting with Derek Garduno of the Jazz communications department and all his funny T-shirts and photoshopping — like my Pinky poster from the movie “Next Friday” that he hung in the media workroom for months — plus Danny Franks, Frank Zang, Jonathan Rinehart, Lindsay Twiss and Madeline Wehle Crandall. You guys are a top-notch organization. And that includes the team shop.
I also became really close with my guy Eric Walden, the great Andy Larsen, Tony Parks (Go Green!!), David Locke, Kristen Kenney, Jeremy “JB” Brunner, Aaron Falk, Craig Bolerjack, Jeremiah Jensen, Ryan Miller, Amanda Smith, Angie Treasure, Porter Larsen, Ben Dowsett, Jerry “JC” Carter, Ron Boone, Gordon Monson, Ben Anderson, Kurt Kragthorpe, Chris Kamrani, John Coon and too many others in the media to name. This media market, including the radio and television stations, is top-notch.
Shout-out to Jazz nation!
Also, I can’t forget everyone at the Deseret News starting with my good friend and editor Aaron Morton. I’m sure I bugged you way too much on work nights, but you truly made my transition here phenomenal. Good luck in your teaching career because you will be great.
Also, thank you Amy Donaldson, Aaron Shill, Kent Condon, Brad Rock, Linda Hamilton, Jody Genessy, Dirk Facer, Jasen Lee, Brandon Judd, Chuck Wing, Scott Winterton, Gillian Friedman, Herb Scribner, Doug Wilks, Burke Olsen, Teresa BlueEyes, Katie Duncan, Mike Sorensen and my good friend Ryan McDonald who always looked out for me whenever I needed him, no matter the hour. You guys are a special staff that I know will continue to serve the community well.
Throughout this journey, it’s been phenomenal to grow with Jazz players such as Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert, Jae Crowder, Derrick Favors, Royce O’Neale, Joe Ingles, Dante Exum, Georges Niang, Naz Mitrou-Long, Alec Burks, Ekpe Udoh, Tony Bradley, coach Quin Snyder and the entire Jazz front office, training and coaching staff. This season should be a big one and Jazz fans are thirsty for success.
So, so sorry if I forgot anyone. It’s all love.
I’m going to miss the hoop runs with some of my guys I grew close with in Utah like Pat, Cam, Spence, Malcolm and Rudy, but it’s time to start this next chapter. The folks in Utah saw me drive from city to city for stories and even chilling in the backwoods of Louisiana with the legendary Karl Malone while not missing a beat with the current players.
With that being said, I love you Utah. Just like I set the tone from the first day of my tenure with the Deseret News, I’m ready to do the same with ESPN. Hopefully I won’t have to show up at halftime this time, though. (lol)
I’m going for the knockout. Mike Tyson style. Let’s go!!! #FlintMadeMe