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The Day the Music Died
By Jamie Mottram | May 5, 2011
Last night seemed like enough. The Caps had been swept, crushing us yet again. Then I awoke this morning and did the daily DMV, which was full of more of the usual dread: a young Wizard acting foolish, a Redskins exec acting evil, the Redskins organization being an all-around failure, the Nats losing, Jordan Williams leaving early, and so on.
And then the hammer. It struck me via voicemail from Maryland Sports Correspondent Andy Peden:
“I just heard the bombshell that Gary Williams is retiring. I guess it’s being reported everywhere. I don’t know if you’ve seen that yet. I’m actually in my car, but, uh, holy shit.”
Know two things about Andy: 1) He’s the biggest Maryland fan I know, and 2) he’s a Gary guy, as all Maryland men should be.
Since getting that message, as well others lamenting Gary’s departure, I haven’t looked into it. Haven’t visited Testudo Times. Not the Washington Post either. I haven’t even been on Twitter, which is weird.
I just can’t take it. The light went out, it came back in, and the light looks different. The tune is the coda to “Layla,” which you know from the end of Goodfellas. There’s interest in what was, but no feeling, not really. I loved that part. It broke my heart.
Now it’s time for dinner. I’ll have a good beer. I probably won’t watch or read about D.C. sports. Maybe I’ll catch up on the DVR or my magazines. Maybe I’ll just go to bed.
I’ll wake up tomorrow, fire up the computer, sift through my feeds and put together another DMV. I’ll follow, I’ll watch, I’ll root again.
Until then, I won’t.
Topics: Gary Williams, Infinite Sadness, Maryland | 7 Comments »
May 5th, 2011 at 8:25 PM
great article!
May 5th, 2011 at 8:44 PM
I feel you bro. I’m more of a G-Town fan myself but root for Maryland to.
It’s not just about DC sports teams losing, but how they lose. Always finding new & inventive ways to FAIL. I’m from NOVA but currently living in central PA so I not only have to live this but get to hear about it on a constant basis.
DC sports teams are like that weak animal in the herd you see on national geographic; they can’t keep up w/ the pack & at some point you know they’re going to be fucked in the near future.
Anyway you’re not alone. It could be worse, I’ve got a friend who reps Cleveland teams…so there’s that.
May 5th, 2011 at 8:59 PM
FML
Turn to NFL network for top 10. I love those. Topic worst players signed during FA. #1? anyone signed by the Redskins. #doyouwanttokickmydogtoo
May 5th, 2011 at 9:06 PM
Rough day for Terp fans and college hoops fans in general. This was a really great post though. Bravo.
May 5th, 2011 at 10:47 PM
Jamie, you summed up the worst day of my life in a way I never could. Thank you, and I guess all that’s left to do is go fuck ourselves.
May 6th, 2011 at 12:45 AM
Despite graduating college, marrying an amazing woman, becoming a parent and starting grad school another chapter of my childhood and youth closes today.
This is a last “ED-die”. Ripken’s last at bat. Riggins taking bows in full uniform.
Here on out, Maryland basketball should be played on Coach Williams Court.
May 6th, 2011 at 8:19 AM
I was so shocked when I read the news. Unfortunately part of my job involves writing breaking news when I see it. It was really difficult to keep my composure when writing the article, all I wanted to do was instant message my friends and reflect on the past. Growing up in this area, Maryland basketball was my ONE TRUE MEMORY of rooting for a team that had a chance to win the championship. I remember when they would go head to head with Duke, living or dieing on the result…The one constant was Gary through all that…I just don’t know if it will be the same without him.