The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #134757 Message #3067886
Posted By: gnu
05-Jan-11 - 02:24 PM
Thread Name: BS: What a story! Rags/riches with voice Ted
Subject: BS: What a story! Rags/riches with voice Ted
CLEVELAND - A homeless man in Ohio with a deep, gifted voice, has been offered a job by the Cleveland Cavaliers and is being sought by NFL Films for possible work, as well.
Ted Williams, whose rich baritone and plight have made him an online video sensation, was first contacted Wednesday by the Cavaliers. Team spokesman Tad Carper said details are still being worked out on a possible position for Williams.
Carper said any job could include working in Quicken Loans Arena, the NBA team's downtown arena. It is not yet known if Williams has accepted the team's offer.
Williams' compelling tale has also drawn interest from NFL Films, which has chronicled pro football for nearly 50 years and wants to contact Williams.
"It's that voice," said Kevin McLoughlin, director of post-production films for the NFL told The Associated Press. "When I heard him tell his story, I said, 'That's what we do. This guy can tell a story.' Somehow, some way, I need to get a demo with him."
Williams was spotted by The Columbus Dispatch standing near an exit ramp off Interstate 71. In a video interview, Williams — holding a cardboard sign that asks motorists for help and says, "I'm an ex-radio announcer who has fallen on hard times" — explains in his smooth, bottomless voice that he grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y.. and that he was drawn to radio at the age of 14.
Williams described in the video that he went to school for his voice, but that his life was later affected by alcohol and drugs. Williams claims to have been sober for two years.
"The man deserves a second chance," said McLoughlin, who has not yet been able to contact Williams.
Other offers could soon be rolling in for Williams.