Post by kas on Jan 5, 2011 14:32:14 GMT -5
Homeless man w/golden radio voice in Columbus, OH (Update-FINAL)
Follow up:
sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5991313
Follow up:
Homeless man with radio voice has offer
ESPN.com news services
CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Cavaliers have offered a job to a homeless Ohio man with a golden radio voice.
Ted Williams, whose deep baritone and plight have made him an online video sensation, was contacted Wednesday by the Cavs. Team spokesman Tad Carper says details are being worked out on the possible position. It could include Williams working in Quicken Loans Arena.
The Columbus Dispatch reports that video of Williams posted this week on its website has commanded millions of views.
In the clip, Williams stands near a Columbus highway ramp demonstrating his smooth, deep speaking voice. He holds a sign that asks motorists for help and says, "I'm an ex-radio announcer who has fallen on hard times."
Williams, who told the Dispatch he sometimes lives in a camp behind a gas station, says he had trouble with drugs and alcohol but is two years sober.
"I'm trying hard to get it back," he told the newspaper.
A Dispatch videographer by chance decided to film Williams, who sometimes panhandles off Interstate 71.
"We run into these guys at the exit ramps and we pretty much ignore them," the videographer, Doral Chenoweth III, said on the Dispatch website. "This guy was using his talent."
On the Dispatch's video clip, Williams said he was 14 and on a field trip when he became fascinated by the world of radio after talking with an announcer.
"He said to me: 'Radio is defined [as] theater of mind,' " Williams said on the video. "I can't be an actor; I can't be an on-air [television] personality. The voice became something of a development."
The newspaper since has fielded numerous inquiries from various media entities, radio stations and talent agencies.
"My boss said to me: 'If you don't get him hired, you're fired,' " Kevin McLoughlin, director of post-production films for the NFL, told the Dispatch Tuesday night. "I can't make any guarantees, but I'd love to get him some work."
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
ESPN.com news services
CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Cavaliers have offered a job to a homeless Ohio man with a golden radio voice.
Ted Williams, whose deep baritone and plight have made him an online video sensation, was contacted Wednesday by the Cavs. Team spokesman Tad Carper says details are being worked out on the possible position. It could include Williams working in Quicken Loans Arena.
The Columbus Dispatch reports that video of Williams posted this week on its website has commanded millions of views.
In the clip, Williams stands near a Columbus highway ramp demonstrating his smooth, deep speaking voice. He holds a sign that asks motorists for help and says, "I'm an ex-radio announcer who has fallen on hard times."
Williams, who told the Dispatch he sometimes lives in a camp behind a gas station, says he had trouble with drugs and alcohol but is two years sober.
"I'm trying hard to get it back," he told the newspaper.
A Dispatch videographer by chance decided to film Williams, who sometimes panhandles off Interstate 71.
"We run into these guys at the exit ramps and we pretty much ignore them," the videographer, Doral Chenoweth III, said on the Dispatch website. "This guy was using his talent."
On the Dispatch's video clip, Williams said he was 14 and on a field trip when he became fascinated by the world of radio after talking with an announcer.
"He said to me: 'Radio is defined [as] theater of mind,' " Williams said on the video. "I can't be an actor; I can't be an on-air [television] personality. The voice became something of a development."
The newspaper since has fielded numerous inquiries from various media entities, radio stations and talent agencies.
"My boss said to me: 'If you don't get him hired, you're fired,' " Kevin McLoughlin, director of post-production films for the NFL, told the Dispatch Tuesday night. "I can't make any guarantees, but I'd love to get him some work."
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5991313