Mike O'Hara: Soon to be ex-Lions beat writer

I just caught this surprising blurb in Crain's Detroit Business in an article covering the latest round of buyouts from the struggling to stay afloat Freep and News.

Among the notable names leaving are Free Press columnist Susan Ager and Detroit Lions beat writer Mike O’Hara, a veteran of The Detroit News since 1966.


O’Hara, who has covered the team since 1977, said he’s retiring.


“I’m not an unhappy camper; it’s just time,” he said.

I don't know, covering the awful Lions full-time for over 30 years could make anyone an unhappy camper.

Jesus, it seems like O'Hara has been covering the Lions for my entire lifetime. For many of you younger fans, he actually has. I've seen no mention of when the retirement goes into effect in this article or in the News, but I would assume soon, if not immediately.

I'm sorry to see O'Hara go, even if I didn't always agree with his takes. O'Hara knows his stuff, even if he, like many beat writers, too often drank the team Kool-Aid. Unlike many beat guys with the fishwraps, O'Hara kept up an active web presence, and often interacted with his readers.

Enjoy your retirement, Mike. You've definitely earned it.

The only other thing I can say is...Why couldn't it have been Rob Parker? WHY?! Is there no God?