Hey! A brazilian newbie here! Hope to bring some AV info to you guys! I showed that article to my friend and he decided to write to the reporter. Take a look:
"Mrs. Gerstner,
I think you don't know Anderson Varejão. I think you don't know he was Euroleague Champion with Barcelona F.C.. Anderson is 23 years old and, believe me, his game will grow up a lot. The funniest thing is that his game against the Detroit Pistons is not surprising anyone in Brazil, Ohio or Spain. Maybe, on your arrogant view, you couldn't research about his career and see he has never been a bust or a "no-name". Research, edit and write correctly with ethic, without judging or criticizing someone you don't know about. THIS is journalism.
Cavaliers 86 x 84 Pistons, today at The Palace. I think Cavs' players are PhD on "shutting arrogant people up".
Ivan Marques
Journalist
Salvador, BA, Brazil"
Surprisingly she answered!
"Ivan -
Appreciate your thoughts. It's all about context. He is a no-name, in terms of the NBA. But not anymore, Anderson's play is getting him known in the United States.
I think you need a little perspective too. Nobody in the North America knows, cares, or even sees the Euroleague. Therefore writing about his career there means nothing to my readers. The Euroleague is perceived, rightly or wrongly, as the place where players who couldn't make it in the NBA go to play.
I write with research, ethics and care. I am sorry if you do not see it that way, but your bias as a Brazilian comes through. Being called a no-name isn't an insult. It's just a statement of fact for where Anderson was. He's certainly making a very strong impression.
I look forward to visiting your country on vacation in November, and Anderson has been kind enough to give me a few wonderful places to visit.
Take care.
Joanne
Joanne C. Gerstner
Sports reporter
The Detroit News
313.223.4644"
What do you guys think?