First and foremost, on behalf of myself and our family, I want to express our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of support, love, and sympathy from around the world...
I am so sorry for you and your family’s loss, Céline. He was a great man, that touched so many people and will be greatly missed.
I don’t know how others feel, but if possible, I’d prefer not to get a refund and instead have that money go to a charity that Grant was passionate about in his honor. Just a thought
Celine - if organizing that is a burden, you could simply suggest a charity. If you’d rather just process refunds and move on, I would be happy to write my own check to that charity in his memory
Agreed. I would feel crass receiving a refund when I have received the value of the subscription many times over through Grant’s wonderful writing. I would rather it be directed as you and the family feel most appropriate. If it is too much trouble not to process refunds, then please suggest a charity that Grant would have supported. My deepest condolences- he will be missed by many.
Like so many others I am so sorry for your loss. I lack the words to properly express my feelings so I'll let others words stand for me.
And 100% - however it happens that is easiest for Dr. Gounder and the family I'd like my balance to support Grant's causes. And I would continue to donate to that cause in memory of Grant.
I agree that no refund is necessary. Hopefully any excess money that can be donated/given to a charity/foundation that Grant loved/donated to, in his memory. A possible suggestion would be to any organization that provides money for underprivileged youth so they can cover the fees, equipment costs, etc. to be able to play soccer and enjoy the sport that Grant championed throughout his life and loved.
I agree about refunds. I am so sorry for your family's loss. I have never been affected so profoundly by the death of someone I've never met, such was the importance of Grant's journalism to me. I would like to honor Grant's memory and legacy by having any refund due donated to a cause that was close to Grant's heart.
Sorry for your loss. No personal connection other than the personal connection he made with any reader of his work - a rare gift. Agree with these folks about this suggestion.
I came here to echo your thoughts. In no small part because of Grant, there's an entire community of soccer journalists in the US, and something that struck me is how every one of them spoke or wrote about Grant's generosity and the things he did to elevate them, even when he absolutely didn't have to. It seems that donating any money instead of refunding it would absolutely be the right way to honor him.
If for legal or other reasons that isn't possible, Céline, if you could suggest charities of meaning to you and Grant, I think a lot of us would gladly make donations in his name. I'm so sorry for your loss. I wish there was anything that any of us could do that would any part of this better.
I came here to say this as well. And as someone says below, if it's easier just to process the refunds, I'll commit to passing mine on to a charity in his memory.
Totally agree on next year’s as well. Celine, if Substack can’t make this happen, please let us know what charity you would like us to donate to directly in Grant’s memory.
Came here to write the same thing. Please bill me through 2023 and donate whatever Substack passes along to whatever charity you and Grant love. Wishing you only the best during this awful time, Céline.
Unlike literally all others, the substack subscription is a bill I'll miss paying. Grant brought real journalism to sports reporting and could both criticize and encourage.
Ditto on any subscription balance to any charity of Grant's or your choice.
Celine - may you have peace. I only knew him as a reader, so can’t imagine the impact he had on those who knew him well.
Grant helped shape my love of soccer. Like him, I am an American who came to love the game more as an adult rather than from birth. I appreciate his willingness to speak to truths, even inconvenient ones (Moldova, Qata, FIFA in general). As someone of ~his age, his untimely passing makes me more acutely aware of my mortality, and makes me appreciate the need to live each day fully. I think he did, and wish you peace and fond memories.
Im still puzzled why im so broken up about someone i never met. Ive heard of him forever but only recently started to listen to the pod and read his writing. Its pretty apparent he was a beautiful human being.
Grant was responsive to me on twitter, until my tweets about behalter got a little toxic. Im sure he muted me as he should of. Thats a lesson going forward. Ill be more like Grant and less toxic because that shit gets you nowhere.
Thank you for sharing him with us. I never met Grant, but I did know him in a way. I knew him through his words, his voice, and most importantly through his values, which filled his work. That deep compassion and kindness, which has been further confirmed by all the stories of his generosity, form the foundation of his legacy.
I haven’t been “into soccer” for a very long time, primarily after my son started getting into it about 10 years ago, with whom I would share Grant’s writing as he got older. My understanding and knowledge of the sport have been indelibly shaped by Grant. His stories helped deepen my appreciation for the beautiful game he so obviously loved.
It’s hard not to process loss through one’s own lens and experience, and I say all this just to share a little bit of the impact he had in the world with me in particular. Just know that there are many of us whose thoughts are with you, his family, and his close friends. May his memory be a blessing to you, and all, who like me, he reached with his life.
I met Grant before the US-Czech Republic game at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. He came into the pub my friends and I were at. I recognized him and offered to buy him a beer. (He declined since he was about to work and got a Pepsi instead.) Anyway, I invited him to join us and he did, talking with us for close to an hour, as I recall. Just a great guy. He will be greatly missed by so many.
Celine - so very, very sorry - I sat next to Grant (freelance journos) for all 3 USA games plus two or three other group stage matches - some great convos - I would like to send you the tribute I'm doing for Grant on my SiriusXM FC show today - I interviewed him after his last book came out - he is exceptional in his descriptions (as always). I'm playing portions of the interview and will release the full interview on my podcast. @GlennCrooks - contact me at glenncrooks01@gmail.com so that I can share with you. Heartfelt condolences - just shocking and surreal. Peace. Glenn
I made a commitment to myself in the past couple years to always let me people know the impact they have on me, because I have had people in a small way do that for me.
For a person I never met, the loss of Grant has hit me hard. I am not sure if it is his age, the involvement he had in my life without knowing me, or just the respect everyone seemed to have for him--probably a mix of all of it--but it has hit me harder than any similar person ever has. He is missed already, as I look for him to tell me about the World Cup or the Gio Reyna saga--he would have loved it and impacted me as he has so many times before.
thank you for sharing with us the exact medical story of Grant's death! I am sure that everybody appreciates this as much as I do! Again, words fail me to express to you my sympathies and condolences on this loss on SO MANY LEVELS. I tried to email you my earlier message but the mail bounced. So here it is:
Words cannot approximate the sadness and shock that I have felt since I heard and read about Grant's death yesterday.
You and I met once when we had lunch in a soccer dive in the Broadway theater district in New York I would say ten years ago, perhaps longer.
Grant was a real hero for me, a fantastic writer full of erudition and intellect and an unparalleled knowledge of soccer but WAY beyond the game itself. I LOVED listening to his podcasts and was honored to appear on them repeatedly.
I am sure that his being warmly recalled and mentioned the world over is no solace for you in these days of loss and pain.
Know that you have my sincerest sympathies and warmest condolences.
I am attaching a photograph of Grant and me which we had taken in late July, early August of 2018 when he came to be my guest here in Ann Arbor for a weekend. We had a fabulous time and I still have the kind THANK YOU card that he sent me upon his return home to New York.
All best
Andy Markovits AKA "Charles Grodin"
Grant came to call me his CHARLES GRODIN who was this constant guest on DAVID LETTERMAN's show for no particular reason. Charles never had a movie or a book to sell, he was just Dave's guest because Dave liked to talk to him. Analogously, and to my eternal honor and delight, Grant had me as a guest on his podcast repeatedly for no particular occasion or reason: he just liked to talk soccer with me! May he REST IN PEACE!!!!!
Celine, thank you for taking time to share these thoughts about Grant during your time of grief. I'm sure I speak for many when I say I want no refund. I suspect that, in the early phases of this effort, Grant will have taken on debt he anticipated would be recouped over time. Even if that is not the case, my strong wish would be that you use what remains of my subscription in whatever way you see fit. Thank you for sharing Grant with me.
I feel as if I've lost a friend. I looked forward to reading each word and listening to every podcast. My heart goes out to you and your family. I also want no refund and would be proud for my small share be directed to charity.
It has helped me to understand (or try to) that the grief felt for someone is as deep as the love you held for that person. As much love as Grant put into the world by the life he led and the person he was, and by the love that was reciprocated his way, the wake of grief that follows his passing inevitably stretches around the world. The legacy of his work and his memory will continue to inspire for the rest of our lives.
Thank you, Dr. Gounder, for thinking of all of us during this period of what has to be excruciating loss. You can tell by the outpouring of love for Grant just how much we valued him. It wasn’t his knowledge or analysis of soccer that tied us to him, it was his obvious care for others, his curiosity, his integrity, his loyalty. It all came through in his writing and interviews. How I’ll miss his voice and thoughts. I followed him from the beginning. My condolences to you and all your loved ones. Please, no refund for me. Do with whatever remains as you see fit. Grant will be missed terribly by all of us.
I think one of the most salient points that people have made about Grant was that he was “the best of us“. And I think that there are so many examples of how Grant has created moments in sports culture that go by simple titles or names and everyone knows what the refer to, “The Chosen One”, “the Grant wall tweet,” and “the ambition list” come to mind. He will be missed.
I am so sorry for you and your family’s loss, Céline. He was a great man, that touched so many people and will be greatly missed.
I don’t know how others feel, but if possible, I’d prefer not to get a refund and instead have that money go to a charity that Grant was passionate about in his honor. Just a thought
++ to this
Celine - if organizing that is a burden, you could simply suggest a charity. If you’d rather just process refunds and move on, I would be happy to write my own check to that charity in his memory
Agreed. I would feel crass receiving a refund when I have received the value of the subscription many times over through Grant’s wonderful writing. I would rather it be directed as you and the family feel most appropriate. If it is too much trouble not to process refunds, then please suggest a charity that Grant would have supported. My deepest condolences- he will be missed by many.
This is precisely how I feel. I would ask the same.
Like so many others I am so sorry for your loss. I lack the words to properly express my feelings so I'll let others words stand for me.
And 100% - however it happens that is easiest for Dr. Gounder and the family I'd like my balance to support Grant's causes. And I would continue to donate to that cause in memory of Grant.
I agree that no refund is necessary. Hopefully any excess money that can be donated/given to a charity/foundation that Grant loved/donated to, in his memory. A possible suggestion would be to any organization that provides money for underprivileged youth so they can cover the fees, equipment costs, etc. to be able to play soccer and enjoy the sport that Grant championed throughout his life and loved.
I agree about refunds. I am so sorry for your family's loss. I have never been affected so profoundly by the death of someone I've never met, such was the importance of Grant's journalism to me. I would like to honor Grant's memory and legacy by having any refund due donated to a cause that was close to Grant's heart.
Sorry for your loss. No personal connection other than the personal connection he made with any reader of his work - a rare gift. Agree with these folks about this suggestion.
I came here to echo your thoughts. In no small part because of Grant, there's an entire community of soccer journalists in the US, and something that struck me is how every one of them spoke or wrote about Grant's generosity and the things he did to elevate them, even when he absolutely didn't have to. It seems that donating any money instead of refunding it would absolutely be the right way to honor him.
If for legal or other reasons that isn't possible, Céline, if you could suggest charities of meaning to you and Grant, I think a lot of us would gladly make donations in his name. I'm so sorry for your loss. I wish there was anything that any of us could do that would any part of this better.
I came here to say this as well. And as someone says below, if it's easier just to process the refunds, I'll commit to passing mine on to a charity in his memory.
I agree that I would prefer not to receive a refund. Please use the money as you see fit; your family has more than earned it.
Yup, me too. I'd much rather see the money go to charity.
Please donate any remaining subscription balance I may have to a charity of your choice in Grant’s memory.
Same. I want no refund; I would prefer my subscription fee--and one more for next season--go to the charity of your choice.
Totally agree on next year’s as well. Celine, if Substack can’t make this happen, please let us know what charity you would like us to donate to directly in Grant’s memory.
Agreed.
I was thinking the same.
Came here to write the same thing. Please bill me through 2023 and donate whatever Substack passes along to whatever charity you and Grant love. Wishing you only the best during this awful time, Céline.
Couldn't agree more. I'd like to donate my balance as well.
Absolutely the same.
No refund necessary, please donate!
agreed
Yes, same! Well said, Mike!
Unlike literally all others, the substack subscription is a bill I'll miss paying. Grant brought real journalism to sports reporting and could both criticize and encourage.
Ditto on any subscription balance to any charity of Grant's or your choice.
Hear, hear! Totally concurred. Please donate any “refund” to your charity of choice.
Celine - may you have peace. I only knew him as a reader, so can’t imagine the impact he had on those who knew him well.
Grant helped shape my love of soccer. Like him, I am an American who came to love the game more as an adult rather than from birth. I appreciate his willingness to speak to truths, even inconvenient ones (Moldova, Qata, FIFA in general). As someone of ~his age, his untimely passing makes me more acutely aware of my mortality, and makes me appreciate the need to live each day fully. I think he did, and wish you peace and fond memories.
Im still puzzled why im so broken up about someone i never met. Ive heard of him forever but only recently started to listen to the pod and read his writing. Its pretty apparent he was a beautiful human being.
Grant was responsive to me on twitter, until my tweets about behalter got a little toxic. Im sure he muted me as he should of. Thats a lesson going forward. Ill be more like Grant and less toxic because that shit gets you nowhere.
Thank you for sharing him with us. I never met Grant, but I did know him in a way. I knew him through his words, his voice, and most importantly through his values, which filled his work. That deep compassion and kindness, which has been further confirmed by all the stories of his generosity, form the foundation of his legacy.
I haven’t been “into soccer” for a very long time, primarily after my son started getting into it about 10 years ago, with whom I would share Grant’s writing as he got older. My understanding and knowledge of the sport have been indelibly shaped by Grant. His stories helped deepen my appreciation for the beautiful game he so obviously loved.
It’s hard not to process loss through one’s own lens and experience, and I say all this just to share a little bit of the impact he had in the world with me in particular. Just know that there are many of us whose thoughts are with you, his family, and his close friends. May his memory be a blessing to you, and all, who like me, he reached with his life.
I met Grant before the US-Czech Republic game at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. He came into the pub my friends and I were at. I recognized him and offered to buy him a beer. (He declined since he was about to work and got a Pepsi instead.) Anyway, I invited him to join us and he did, talking with us for close to an hour, as I recall. Just a great guy. He will be greatly missed by so many.
Celine - so very, very sorry - I sat next to Grant (freelance journos) for all 3 USA games plus two or three other group stage matches - some great convos - I would like to send you the tribute I'm doing for Grant on my SiriusXM FC show today - I interviewed him after his last book came out - he is exceptional in his descriptions (as always). I'm playing portions of the interview and will release the full interview on my podcast. @GlennCrooks - contact me at glenncrooks01@gmail.com so that I can share with you. Heartfelt condolences - just shocking and surreal. Peace. Glenn
I made a commitment to myself in the past couple years to always let me people know the impact they have on me, because I have had people in a small way do that for me.
For a person I never met, the loss of Grant has hit me hard. I am not sure if it is his age, the involvement he had in my life without knowing me, or just the respect everyone seemed to have for him--probably a mix of all of it--but it has hit me harder than any similar person ever has. He is missed already, as I look for him to tell me about the World Cup or the Gio Reyna saga--he would have loved it and impacted me as he has so many times before.
I am sorry for your loss and please no refunds.
Dear Celine,
thank you for sharing with us the exact medical story of Grant's death! I am sure that everybody appreciates this as much as I do! Again, words fail me to express to you my sympathies and condolences on this loss on SO MANY LEVELS. I tried to email you my earlier message but the mail bounced. So here it is:
Words cannot approximate the sadness and shock that I have felt since I heard and read about Grant's death yesterday.
You and I met once when we had lunch in a soccer dive in the Broadway theater district in New York I would say ten years ago, perhaps longer.
Grant was a real hero for me, a fantastic writer full of erudition and intellect and an unparalleled knowledge of soccer but WAY beyond the game itself. I LOVED listening to his podcasts and was honored to appear on them repeatedly.
I am sure that his being warmly recalled and mentioned the world over is no solace for you in these days of loss and pain.
Know that you have my sincerest sympathies and warmest condolences.
I am attaching a photograph of Grant and me which we had taken in late July, early August of 2018 when he came to be my guest here in Ann Arbor for a weekend. We had a fabulous time and I still have the kind THANK YOU card that he sent me upon his return home to New York.
All best
Andy Markovits AKA "Charles Grodin"
Grant came to call me his CHARLES GRODIN who was this constant guest on DAVID LETTERMAN's show for no particular reason. Charles never had a movie or a book to sell, he was just Dave's guest because Dave liked to talk to him. Analogously, and to my eternal honor and delight, Grant had me as a guest on his podcast repeatedly for no particular occasion or reason: he just liked to talk soccer with me! May he REST IN PEACE!!!!!
Celine, thank you for taking time to share these thoughts about Grant during your time of grief. I'm sure I speak for many when I say I want no refund. I suspect that, in the early phases of this effort, Grant will have taken on debt he anticipated would be recouped over time. Even if that is not the case, my strong wish would be that you use what remains of my subscription in whatever way you see fit. Thank you for sharing Grant with me.
I feel as if I've lost a friend. I looked forward to reading each word and listening to every podcast. My heart goes out to you and your family. I also want no refund and would be proud for my small share be directed to charity.
It has helped me to understand (or try to) that the grief felt for someone is as deep as the love you held for that person. As much love as Grant put into the world by the life he led and the person he was, and by the love that was reciprocated his way, the wake of grief that follows his passing inevitably stretches around the world. The legacy of his work and his memory will continue to inspire for the rest of our lives.
Thank you, Dr. Gounder, for thinking of all of us during this period of what has to be excruciating loss. You can tell by the outpouring of love for Grant just how much we valued him. It wasn’t his knowledge or analysis of soccer that tied us to him, it was his obvious care for others, his curiosity, his integrity, his loyalty. It all came through in his writing and interviews. How I’ll miss his voice and thoughts. I followed him from the beginning. My condolences to you and all your loved ones. Please, no refund for me. Do with whatever remains as you see fit. Grant will be missed terribly by all of us.
I think one of the most salient points that people have made about Grant was that he was “the best of us“. And I think that there are so many examples of how Grant has created moments in sports culture that go by simple titles or names and everyone knows what the refer to, “The Chosen One”, “the Grant wall tweet,” and “the ambition list” come to mind. He will be missed.
So beautifully written. Thank you for this. May his memory be a blessing.