Q & A with Jeff Pearlman

This week I had the opportunity to interview author Jeff Pearlman about his writing career and his newly released book, “Sweetness: The Enigmatic Life of Walter Payton.” Pearlman, who grew up in Mahopac, has written for Sports Illustrated, Newsday and has already published books on the 1986 New York Mets, The Dallas Cowboys, Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens. The Payton books went on sale this week. My feature article about Pearlman will be printed and published online later this month. For now, enjoy this Q&A:

1. When did you publish your first sports story?

My junior year at Mahopac High School, for our school paper, The Chieftain. It was a tiny preview of the boys cross country team. And since I was a member of the team, I excluded myself. So the No. 6 runner was never mentioned.

2. When did you start working at The Patent Trader?

I think it was the summer of 1990, right after I graduated from high school. The sports editor, Joe Lombardi, took me under his wing, taught me the ropes, changed the course of my life.

3. Who did you write for in college and before Sports Illustrated?

Well, my paper at the University of Delaware, The Review. And I had several internships—the Champaign-Urbana News-Gazette; The Tennessean. Then I got hired by The Tennessean out of college to be its food and fashion writer. I knew 0 about the subjects … they just liked my writing. I was terrible and arrogant, and I got demoted to the cops beat. Another life-changing moment, because it taught me to report.

4. What was your favorite story that you did at SI?

A profile after 9.11 of Tyler Ugolyn called PICTURE THIS PERFECT. A haunting time; a lost son. I still keep in touch with the family.

5. Do you ever get tired sometimes as being known as the writer who wrote the John Rocker story when you have written so many other stories?

It’s not so bad any more. But through the years it definitely wore me down. I meanm it certainly didn’t hurt my career, as it gave me some name recognition. But it’s also sorta like a tattoo—very hard to get rid off; always there, even when it’s concealed.

6. Why did you decide to start writing sports books?

My friend, Jon Wetheim, wrote a biography of the Williams sisters called Venus Envy. And I was jealous. That’s really the reason.

7. Is writing a sports book always a big goal for you?

No. Honestly, in 2011 my biggest goal is spending s much time as possible with my kids; is trying to hold onto a gig that frees me up for most drop offs and pick ups. It’s what my life is about. My true calling—being a dad.

8. What’s the best sports book you ever read?

A Hero’s Life by Richard Ben Cremer

9. What’s the favorite book you have published before the Walter Payton book?

Probably Boys Will Be Boys. It combined the joy of The Bad Guys Won with the reporting chops of Love Me Hate Me. And it sold amazingly well.

10. When did you decide to write a book on Payton?

About three years ago. I was done with Roger clemens, seeking out someone different … intelligent … insightful. He was perfect—and, best of all, mysterious.

11. During the research process who was the best source you interviewed for his?

Probably Bud Holmes, his longtime agent. Bud is 80-something, lives in Mississippi, doesn’t take any shit and can talk for hours. Plus, he’s wickedly smart and great company.

12. Who was the hardest person to interview for the Payton book?

Connie, his wife. She agreed to meet. I flew to Chicago, only to find she apparently changed her mind.

13. I heard the strong comments that Mike Ditka made about you? How do react to people who don’t understand what journalism is and think you went into this project to try to destroy Payton’s name?

Well, I’m best served not responding; just leeting the idiocy linger. But sometimes I can’t help myself, and I bark out. But it rarely works out. I encourage people to hold their tongues.

14. When you were on ESPN radio Chicago you had some great comments about Ditka, Bears fans and people who came out against your book were you nervous doing that interview?

Nah. This is an argument I can win. It’s an easy one—biographies matter; nothing is wrong with the truth; etc …

16. Did you have any control on what part of the book SI decided to publish?

Nope.

17. Did you have any idea about Payton’s problems off the field before you started doing this book?

None whatsoever. None.

18. During the ESPN Chicago radio interview you mentioned you respected Payton so much more now than you did before you did the book can you explain why?

Because he was human. And, in his shortcomings, he shone. When he was depressed, he refused to being others down. When he was ill, and not eligible for a transplant, he still fought for organ donations. He had a greatness about him; a very unique greatness.

19. What do you want the reader to take away from reading this book?

That people are complex, and just because one suffers through difficulties doesn’t mean he lacks goodness. Walter Payton was a remarkable man—but one with flaws. As we all have.

20. Do you have a subject for your next book?
Former Blind Melon singer Shannon Hoon.

21. What advice would you give to a high school student who want to become a sportswriter?

Work your butt off. Make your writing shine. Report the hell out of every piece. And eat lots of Jell-O.

Peter Gerken is a Westchester County native and has published previously with The Patent Trader and the Bronxville Review Press. While attending Boston College he was the sports editor of the university’s newspaper, The Heights, and served as a staff writer for the Boston College sports publication Eagle Action. He can be reached at pgerken@theexaminernews.com.