In 40 years as a journalist, I have covered thousands of athletic events, as well the aftermath of hurricanes, tornadoes and floods. I have jumped out of an airplane and then written about that. Never have I worked on anything approaching this as far as leaving such an empty feeling. Even when reporting the devastation of a natural disaster, there are inspirational stories to be told, stories of the human spirit, of charity, of fortitude, courage and grit.

There seemed no redeeming value, no silver lining in this. None.

Woodward shot Crane in the back of her head when she bent over to pick up her jewelry, including her wedding ring. Glenn White, who prosecuted Woodward, remembers a taped confession in which "Woodward ate peanut butter and crackers, drank a soda and talked about it like it was almost nothing."

Woodward, 38 at the time of the murder, died a far less painful death at the age of 62.

Justice?

We could argue that for the rest of our lives. I would argue this: What happened 24 years ago, and the fact it took 24 years for a resolution, represents the worst of what we know as the human condition.

About an hour before the execution, [Commissioner] Epps said he asked Woodward point-blank if he felt any remorse. Epps said Woodward replied he did.

Epps told Woodward he would have the chance to apologize to Crane's family with his last words.

He chose not to.

Glad to be back on the sports beat today. Last night, in Parchman, the late Supreme Court justice Earl Warren's words never seemed more true.

Said Warren, in explaining why he always read the sports page first:

"The sports page records people's accomplishments, the front page usually records nothing, but man's failures."

One more note from Parchman. If everyone in state government handled their jobs like MDOC chief Chris Epps, Mississippi would be a far better place.
This is a copy of a note I wrote Epps today:

Hey Chris,

Thanks for you professionalism and hospitality yesterday. I do not envy you your job but I certainly do respect the way you handle it. You, sir, are a pro.