My Decision To Leave...
chucks last raptor blog;
May 7, 11:12 a.m.
It is with a very heavy heart that I tell you I have tendered my resignation as a member of the Toronto Raptors organization.
I am leaving the Raptors for family considerations which will remain private. I love Toronto, became a Canadian citizen this past January, and considered myself a "Raptor" for life. But when the Chicago Bulls requested permission to speak to me last week, I first considered and then accepted their offer in what I thought would be in the best interests for my family at this particular time.
My departure from Toronto and the Raptors is not done out of career ambitions. As the world sees it, I am probably doing everything in reverse. I am leaving money on the table, moving from TV to radio and stepping outside a wonderful comfort zone with great fans to take on a new challenge in my professional life.
Raptors' fans are tremendous. I fed off your passion, energy, drive and basketball intelligence. It was an honour when a child or adult would ask for a picture or an autograph. I was proud of seeing so many supportive "Salami and Cheese" and "Onions Baby Onions" signs throughout Air Canada Centre. I answered hundreds of daily e-mails and loved connecting with you through our daily CCI blog.
The Raptors Foundation and the magnificent work they do has left an indelible mark in my life. To see children in need assisted by the resources of the Raptors Foundation was indeed a highlight of my 10 years with the team.
There are just too many people to thank, so I won't even attempt too, fearing that just one omission will cause disappointment or the false thinking that they weren't important in growing the game of basketball through my involvement at MLSE. I will forever be grateful to Nelson Millman at the FAN 590 who took a chance hiring someone who had never done an NBA game before. And the support and encouragement given to me by Tom Anselmi and others at MLSE is irreplaceable.
The Raptors will find a superb broadcaster and Jack and Leo will bring their excellent analysis to you next season. Continue to support the Raptors. MLSE is a tremendous organization that I was extremely priviledged to be a part of. Ownership, management and staff are world class. Bryan Colangelo is a tremendous sports executive and leader. His drive to better the Raptors will continue this off season to provide you with entertaining basketball for the 2008-2009 season. You will want to be a part of the growing season seats fan base by renewing and considering purchasing ticket packages this off-season. Does it sound like a sales pitch? Yes. Because it's the truth. The Raptors will be extremely tough next year.
From time to time think of me when you look at the Bulls scores and drop me a line at
swirsk054@aol.com. I look forward to hearing from you.
May God bless you and thank you for your kindness, appreciation and generosity throughout the years.
Sincerely,
Chuck Swirsky