Just as I suspected.
John L. Smith
The management of the Las Vegas newspaper is treating the departure of 30-plus-year columnist John L. Smith as if he were an anonymous copyeditor. There is no mention in the paper today, a scheduled column day, of Smith’s Tuesday resignation over being told he could not write about two of the most prominent casino owners in Las Vegas because they had unsuccessfully and frivolously sued him for libel years ago.
They could not even inform their readers that Smith had left the paper to “pursue other opportunities” — the old, frayed, hackneyed standby for departing employees.
This simply shows a total disregard for the paper’s readers. Smith is arguably the most recognized writer in Nevada not named Twain or Laxalt, but the newspaper managers wad him up and toss him out.
The newspaper’s subscribers are just left to speculate and ruminate, while management chews its cud.
A 1991 photo of R-J editorial board, from left, Thomas Mitchell, managing editor; John L. Smith, general columnist; John Kerr, editorial writer; Rafael Tammariello, editorial page editor; Jon Ralston, political columnist; and seated Sherman Frederick, editor. Kerr had left the paper several years ago but recently returned as editorial page editor. All others are now departed in one manner or another.
4TH ST8 
Now there really is nothing left.
In fact, less than nothing, they continue to maintain the gov’t spox.
Congratulations to John L. on a great career at the RJ, which has turned into a sad, dark place in the years since Sherm and Mitch were running things. If John L. is like me, leaving the RJ will be the best thing that could have happened to him. I never worked for Sheldon Adelson and cannot comment on his management, but John L. deserved a good send off. How did you photoshop all those high-school graduation pixs for the group shot?
That newsroom photo is a classic!
Nice pic of guys with ties. When did Vin show up?
Thank you for showing this. I noticed there was no info on Smith in the RJ or the Sun supplement this AM. I printed a copy to post on my bulletin board.
Winston: Vin didn’t have on a tie that day so they didn’t let him be in the picture.
I can’t believe that the people of Las Vegas will not have the opportunity to be able to read one of the best columns In the RJ all because of one persoms ego (or two) may have been bruised. John Smiths was the first one I turned to. What is our world coming to when we are deprived of the freedom of the press. So I say Shame on you Mr.Addelson.