Excellence In Journalism Awards

While I could have handed out these awards a month ago and in perhaps a more timely fashion, please view the 2010 ZSMART Sports Excellence In Journalism Awards.

Coming from a trash-talking motor mouth who has various highly-reputable daily writers pegged as no-talent clowns who couldn't write a crime report in Harlem, please recognize I due give credit where it is due. I do value some of the game's elite.


Best Sports Columnist-Dave Solomon

The longtime New Haven Register columnist and Jim Calhoun nemesis, Solomon continues to churn out top-flight columns while taking no prisoners in the process. Top-notch, well-written, and well-researched work is always expected from Solomon, who will call out everyone from a diddly-eyed Joe to a damned-if-I-know if he has to. He shows flashes of brilliance during certain columns. There are moments where he emerges with a unique, original, and thought-provoking play on words that seems unrivaled in the tri-state area.

Still, Solomon keeps it real with powerful and persuasive sentences. His vast knowledge of sports and the history of sports in the Greater New Haven area adds intrigue to his stories.

Solomon recently wrote a terrific piece on the immense ego of Robert Burton and the embarassment the man of millions' "scathing" letter to UConn athletic director Jeff Hathaway has caused.

Solomon tells it as it needs to be told. He will heap lavished praise on a team for their commendable job. He'll make readers aware of the great deal of adversity some athletes have hurdled to get to where they are today. He will chastise a certain spotty Sports Information department for once again going into a "public relations fetal position." Awesome work, Mr. Solomon!


Best New York Sports Journalist-Mike Vaccarow

He's been entertaining the local city sports junkies for eons with "Vac's Whacks."

Vaccaro, who is more New York than a yellow taxi cab and has the memory of an elephant when it comes to some of the legendary teams, is the runaway here.

The guy has been the face of the NY Post's sports section and constantly found the story within the story. He sees the picture beyond the daily happenings.



Best Upstate Journalist- Toby Rogers

As a writer with devoted readers around the world, you would think Toby Rogers might rest on his laurels. Instead the New York City native packed his bags, moved upstate and went back to his roots; community journalism.

Toby Rogers is a writer who I and many others have followed religiously since his days at High Times and his 2004 book, "Ambushed." He is a top-of-the-line writer, free of hyperbole and high on accuracy and capturing the moment. Previously, he has written for the New York Times, New York Post, High Times and the Village Voice. His voice as a writer, ability to bring the scene to life with quotes or powerful and persuasive language, has always made him a favorite amongst us here at ZSMART SPORTS.

Mr. Rogers delved into areas the mainstream media avoided during his many years covering and investigating the Bush family and his he brings that same relentless commitment to sports. I found his recent piece "In The Name of The Father," particularly moving and his 3-Part series on the life of Cus D'Amato a true masterpice.

I also wanted give an award Rogers' editor Micheal LaBuff of the Catskill Daily Mail Best Upstate Editor. Anyone who greenlights Toby Rogers to write an three-part series on Cus D'Amato deserves an award of his own. Great work guys!