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My heart goes out to the Levine family. Les was a Cleveland sports talk legend & even better human. His influence among Cleveland sports talkers, on or off air, is immeasurable. I'm lucky enough to know firsthand (thread) https://www.cleveland.com/sports/2021/02/les-levine-longtime-cleveland-sportswriter-and-broadcaster-dies-at-age-74.html
The best compliment to give Les is he treated the part time board op as he did his cohost, with genuine respect.
I first worked with Les as his update anchor and my first time cohosting with him was postgames on @923TheFan during the Cavs title runs
I first worked with Les as his update anchor and my first time cohosting with him was postgames on @923TheFan during the Cavs title runs
Les looked at me before the first show and earnestly asked, "who should lead" and I replied, "oh, I can lead"
Btw, the correct answer is, "the guy with 40+ years experience should lead you dumbass." Yet Les let me lead & never questioned my youthful arrogance
Btw, the correct answer is, "the guy with 40+ years experience should lead you dumbass." Yet Les let me lead & never questioned my youthful arrogance
Over time Les became someone I could lean on for advice. When I got the night time gig, my first full time gig, I was completely unprepared for the mean girl jealousy from members of the Cleveland sports talk community and even a few of my coworkers
I can't tell you how isolating that feeling is when you finally get the big break you were working for over years and people you thought were your friends gossip behind your back or give you the cold shoulder
I confided in Les how hurt I was, his response "fuck 'em"
I confided in Les how hurt I was, his response "fuck 'em"
Les Levine...cursing? The self proclaimed voice of truth & reason, the guy I grew up listening to, saying that sobered me up. Eff them indeed.
He followed up on how you cant let someone else's jealousy define you. I needed those words
He followed up on how you cant let someone else's jealousy define you. I needed those words
Les was the first guy to understand my unorthodox approach to radio and encourage me to lean into it, instead of trying to be the next anyone. He would compliment a bit, understanding radio is a blank canvass- not some special formula to be followed by all
Les didn't see me as I was: raw, inexperienced, struggling
He saw me for what he thought I could be, treated me that way and it honestly made me believe it at a time when I was filled with self doubt
He saw me for what he thought I could be, treated me that way and it honestly made me believe it at a time when I was filled with self doubt
Cleveland sports talk listeners will remember the wit, common sense and intelligence of Les
I'll remember all of that, the mischievous twinkle in his eye, his strength to do things his way and his heart...the love of his family, who he talked about
I'll remember all of that, the mischievous twinkle in his eye, his strength to do things his way and his heart...the love of his family, who he talked about
When the Cavs won the championship in 2016, Les brought his son, Jeremy, up to the studio to celebrate with
The joy in his eyes (and Jeremy's too) as they hugged, laughing that the curse of Cleveland was finally broke. It was such an incredible & powerful moment
The joy in his eyes (and Jeremy's too) as they hugged, laughing that the curse of Cleveland was finally broke. It was such an incredible & powerful moment
By the time I met Les, he didn't have to invest time or energy in me. He had accomplished so much & had already mentored countless others in the business
But he loved what he did, he loved people and he always offered support, encouragement and advice
But he loved what he did, he loved people and he always offered support, encouragement and advice
My advice to other sports talkers or PDs: Don't judge someone off your perception of them now or their spot on the org chart. Invest your time & energy in offering support, encouragement & advice in everyone you can. Plant seeds, don't trample flowers
Be Les Levine
Be Les Levine
My advice to young people in ST or wanting to be in ST: Find yourself a Les Levine. Truly listen to him, truly be open with him & appreciate him. Understand that person doesn't have to do this and its a gift
I leaned on Les heavily for advice about deciding to leave Cleveland. My night shift was hard on my family, marriage and me. I was in a rough spot financially
Les told me to do what I needed to do but leave with integrity so I could always come back home
Les told me to do what I needed to do but leave with integrity so I could always come back home
After moving to Charlotte, we lost touch. A phone call here, a text there but my career & my life is better because of Les
The crazy thing is, I'm just another guy he helped. I guarantee you there are countless more stories of Les' impact in sports talk & otherwise
The crazy thing is, I'm just another guy he helped. I guarantee you there are countless more stories of Les' impact in sports talk & otherwise
I'm so thankful for having Les in my life. I'm heartbroken for the Levine family, whom Les talked about with love and admiration
Thank you Les. I will always try to pay it forward. Rest in peace
Thank you Les. I will always try to pay it forward. Rest in peace
