Scott Raab, My Youngs.

For those who don't know, I'm trying to get on with the blog, The Smoking Section. As I tirelessly slave creating sample posts for the editor-in-chief to eventually tear apart, I figured I'd share a few of my "refined" posts who will probably never see the light of day on the actual website.

Lucky you.

With that being said, here's a blog post I wrote about an Esquire blog (creative, I know) that's written by Scott Raab. Raab, a native Clevelander and Esquire senior writer, gives his nihilistic view of the LBJ carnival like only a northeast Ohioan can. Raab's blog is funny and, sadly, probably very true.

Enjoy my take and then enjoy his. But really, enjoy his more. His writing is phenomenal. And he went to Cleveland State of all places. Go fucking figure.


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For the general American sporting public, it’s hard to sympathize with a Clevelander. Those who have been blessed with championships in cities such as New York, Boston, Chicago and Los Angeles can easily overlook the championship destitution (and actual destitution) of northeast Ohio while showering in their clubs’ previous successes.

So while everyone and their mothers are vying for King James’ services this year, it’s understandable that a ‘Land ombudsman has been ignored.

Luckily for us underrepresented Cavs fans, Cleveland native and Esquire senior writer Scott Raab has taken it upon himself to air the disgruntled and nihilistic voice for Ohioans everywhere with his LeBron Watch blog:

"If LeBron decides he’d rather toil in New York City for the Dolans or in Chicago for El Reinsdorfo, that’ll say all that needs saying about his loyalty and intelligence."

While his blog won’t win him any favors with LeBron himself, the following rings true for all Cleveland pessimists:

"If he leaves, LeBron will replace Art Modell as the most hated figure in the history of Cleveland sports…. All Modell did was fire Paul Brown, bully Jim Brown into early retirement, and move the Browns to Baltimore — that's the short-short list. But Modell didn't grow up in northeast Ohio and he didn't play the game. Should James go now — without a ring and with full, first-hand knowledge of what his departure will mean to millions of sports fans in Cleveland, Akron, and all over Ohio who will have nothing left but despair — nobody will remember him for seven years of excitement and hope. He'll forever be known for what he is: the son of a bitch who quit on the court, quit on his team, and quit on his home town."

Maybe it’s his above prediction of LeBron’s northeast Ohio status if he leaves. Maybe it’s his referral to the LBJ circus as a “dog-and-pony free-agent tour” and “media lap dance.” Whatever it is, it’s nice to finally have a sensible Cleveland perspective on LeBron James’ free agency in the media.


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And for those who haven't peeped it yet, check out mine and Matt Marina's latest video projects on Big Sean and Fly Union. Watch out for Big Sean's debut album, Finally Famous, to drop in September along with new albums from fellow G.O.O.D. music artists Kanye West and Kid Cudi.

-Video #1
-Video #2



God Is Love,

Rev Rub