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By Charles Jay - Whether it is voluntary or not, Larry Merchant will soon be leaving his role on HBO's World Championship Boxing. His contract, which runs out in June, will not be renewed.
It seemed inevitable, as Merchant appeared out of place in an atmosphere where intellect has found itself going out of style. Be that as it may, Merchant was a welcome constant, in that he was thoughtful and thought-provoking in his commentaries. For those who appreciate neither of those qualities, he had diminished appeal, so naturally you will hear the chorus of fans opining that this moment was long overdue.
Could it be something he said?
You bet. And most likely, something that somebody didn't agree with. When you're around for as long as he has been, and you have the temerity to voice an opinion that may not constitute the pursuit of safe ground, that's going to happen sooner or later.
The question is not - nor should it ever be - whether you or I always agreed with him. After all, what person of genuine thought and conviction would ever ask you to do that anyway? I didn't always sympathize with his point of view, but I could appreciate his presence in an overall sense, and that's what is most important. [details]
It seemed inevitable, as Merchant appeared out of place in an atmosphere where intellect has found itself going out of style. Be that as it may, Merchant was a welcome constant, in that he was thoughtful and thought-provoking in his commentaries. For those who appreciate neither of those qualities, he had diminished appeal, so naturally you will hear the chorus of fans opining that this moment was long overdue.
Could it be something he said?
You bet. And most likely, something that somebody didn't agree with. When you're around for as long as he has been, and you have the temerity to voice an opinion that may not constitute the pursuit of safe ground, that's going to happen sooner or later.
The question is not - nor should it ever be - whether you or I always agreed with him. After all, what person of genuine thought and conviction would ever ask you to do that anyway? I didn't always sympathize with his point of view, but I could appreciate his presence in an overall sense, and that's what is most important. [details]
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