Adrian Wojnarowski Shows His True Colors with a Message to Shams Charania Following His Old Foe’s Move to ESPN, Sparking Interest in Their Ongoing Rivalry .giang

Former NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski sent a heartfelt message to Shams Charania after his rival replaced him at ESPN.

Last month, Wojnarowski decided to retire from sports reporting and news breaking. He had been with ESPN since 2017, serving as the network’s Senior NBA Insider – and on Monday, Charania announced he was officially being hired in that role.

“I am honored to join ESPN as the company’s Senior NBA Insider,” Charania posted on social media. “I can’t wait to be part of an incredible group of colleagues at ESPN and serve the sports audience worldwide.”

• LeBron James and son Bronny made Deion Sanders jealous as Colorado coach makes feelings clear
• NFL insider does ‘180 in 5 minutes’ with Rashee Rice injury update as fans confused

Charania had been a media free agent since his deals with The Athletic, Stadium, and FanDuel all expired at the end of the summer. He was heavily linked with taking over the ESPN role following Wojnarowski’s departure, with the duo serving as key rivals in the art of breaking sports news.

Regardless, Wojnarowski sent a touching message to Charania, who he mentored at Yahoo! Sports years ago. The 55-year-old appeared on “The Jim Rome Show” to say: “Listen, Shams texted me after I announced my retirement. And what I told is what I would say today, I hope he has as fulfilling and as rewarding of a career as I’ve had. I certainly wish that for him.

“He’s right about the incredible group of colleagues that he’s going to find at ESPN. The best of the best, incredible reporters, on-air talent. For me, that was always the best part of working at ESPN were the colleagues who elevate you.

Follow us on Xfor the best and latest in sports news

“You’re around the best of the best, and that was true on the NBA, and it was true being around [Adam] Schefter, and [Pete] Thamel, and [Jeff] Passan and those guys so I wish him the best. He’s got a great team around him at ESPN. I miss those guys already but still talking to those guys a lot, too.”

When Charania was a junior in college, he was recruited by Wojnarowski to join Yahoo! where he was given all the tricks of the trade. However, the two reportedly fell out over a Complex magazine profile and photo shoot of Charania – and when Wojnarowski left for ESPN in 2017, the pair became direct competitors.

Before Wojnarowski’s retirement, NBA reporters and officials compared the relationship between the duo to that of Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker in Star Wars. Given the mentor has now left the competition, perhaps their relationship will improve.

Wojnarowski has left sports scoops to become the general manager of the men’s basketball program at his alma mater, St Bonaventure. He graduated from St Bonaventure in 1991 and has since helped with fundraising efforts for the school.

“This craft transformed my life, but I’ve decided to retire from ESPN and the news industry,” Wojnarowski’s retirement statement read in part. “I understand the commitment required in my role and it’s an investment that I’m no longer driven to make.

“Time isn’t in endless supply and I want to spend mine in ways that are more personally meaningful.”