Arn Tellem writes Sports Illustrated letter

Arn Tellem – recently hired by the Pistons – wrote a letter in Sports Illustrated to explain his decision. A couple excerpts:

"Ten years ago Steve Jobs gave a commencement address in which he advised young graduates to continually ask themselves: “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?” Whenever the answer is “no” for too many days in a row, he counseled them to summon the courage to follow their hearts and intuition.Those thoughts have stuck with me ever since. This week, after 34 years as a player agent, I tendered my resignation to the Wasserman Management Group in Los Angeles and accepted an offer to, later this summer, become vice chairman of Palace Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Detroit Pistons. This decision to change careers has been the most difficult of my professional life.When owner Tom Gores offered me the job, I was at first stunned, and then flattered. Part of me thought, I can’t possibly accept. I’m responsible for helping to guide the careers of scores of pro baseball and basketball players. But I grew pensive when I remembered something a friend once told me: That making a difference in a community gives you a deeper sense of purpose.Tom was offering me a chance to join him in making a difference in Detroit and its surrounding neighborhoods. I thought, ‘I’m 61. If not now, when?’"

"I’m excited by the 21st century potential of Detroit—in commerce, the arts and on its playing fields. I hope to make a constructive impact as the Motor City emerges from bankruptcy. I want to augment and expand the Pistons’ Come Together Foundation, which enriches the lives of Detroiters by mentoring local youth, encouraging volunteerism, and partnering with businesses, government and charitable causes. Outreach programs like Come Together can make a real difference in the community.Though I grew up in Philadelphia and have lived in L.A. for most of my adult life, I’m no stranger to Detroit. I got to know the place in the late ‘70s while attending law school at the University of Michigan. I got to know the Pistons when I repped center Ben Wallace. I’ll never forget a game at the Palace during which the fans were so loud and boisterous that I thought my heart would explode.I believe in the future of the franchise. As vice chairman, I’ll do whatever I can to support the management team, led by Stan Van Gundy and Dennis Mannion, and help build the team into a contender again. I’m coming aboard at a unique moment for the Pistons and Palace Sports & Entertainment. Together they will play a pivotal role in Detroit’s turnaround.I’m elated. I’m pumped. And frankly, I’m terrified. But if not now, when?"

I suggest reading the piece in full.

I’m skeptical of this being as altruistic of a decision as Tellem presents, but I’m sure there’s truth in in what he says. I’m sure he wants to do good in Detroit, but we’ll see how large a priority that is relative to everything else that goes into such a significant career move.

I hope he makes a difference for the franchise and in the community.

I’m definitely excited he’s on board.