Marc Spears Conference Call

"There's so many great rivalries in sports. But i think what sets this one apart is they rarely play each. Yankees and Red Sox can't play in championship. Ohio State and Michigan can't play in championship." said Spears of the Lakers rivalry. He spoke on the "Hollywood" environment of LA compared to the more raucous stadium in Beantown. Spears picked the Lakers in 7 because of Kobe's closing ablilities but noted that Rondo could "destroy fish." This is the 12th series between these teams with boston leading 9-2.
He was very pleased in Rondo's coming-of-age and noted that he talked to him his rookie season when he was down while playing behind Sebastian Telfair and Delonte West. Rondo was an all-star for the first time this year and will surely be one for years to come. Rondo is among the talks of the best PG in the NBA but he still carries the chip on his shoulder of being drafted so late in the draft.
This is Spears second time reporting on this historic match-up but noted the Lakers size as a reason for their dominance. The Celtics are getting older very quick and with free agency looming changes could be made.
Later on in the interview he talked to us about relationships with athletes and the business. Something we learned yesterday the key to this business is relationships and becoming close with your sources to get a good story. He's interviewed NBA players such as Carmelo Anthony, Allen Iverson, Lebron James, and Kevin Garnett. These relationships have made him successful in the business and put him at levels as high as Yahoo Sports. Other reporters talk about him for being close with players but it has gotten him where he is.
He went on to talk about how different players interact with media the good, the bad, and the ugly. Not all players are going to make themselves available before the game or after so you have to deal with different attitudes.
His job has changed with Yahoo from the Boston Globe he writes more features and no longer reports on games or reports on practices like he did at the Globe. His position with the Globe was Boston Celtics writer but he called himself "a glorified beat writer."
He reminded us to be creative and try to scene set. Towards the end of the story he told us some words that I will always remember.
"You gotta be careful who you give your inside information to especially in today's world. Somebody could write it or blog it. You gotta ask yourself if your worth it. Be fair and write it straight."