Episode 35SportsWest Central

Andrew Luck’s Retirement, Ron Artest’s Trade Demand, and ESPN Secrets

Get IN. Sports·Dom Miranda·Oct 30, 2026·63 min
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Show Notes

On today’s episode of Get IN. Sports, Dom Miranda interviews longtime Indianapolis sports journalist and IU Media School lecturer Mike Wells about his path from being a military brat and grinding at Central Washington to covering the Vikings when they had Randy Moss, then joining the IndyStar to cover the Pacers through the Malice at the Palace era, Reggie Miller’s final game, and the Paul George/Lance Stephenson Eastern Conference Finals run.

Wells recounts breaking the story of Ron Artest wanting a trade and sharing firsthand experiences from the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing while on assignment. He explains moving to ESPN as the Colts NFL Nation reporter, the chaos of Adam Schefter’s Andrew Luck retirement tweet during a preseason game, and why relationship-building matters in modern journalism.

Wells also discusses the Colts’ current direction, Jim Irsay stories, and why he left ESPN to teach and create credentialed opportunities for students at IU.

If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. Sports episodes where Dom talks about Indiana sports, visit getindiana.com/podcast/shows/get-in-sports.

You are going to learn about:

  • Mike Wells’ Experience at Central Washington
  • Wells’ Sports Journalism Journey
  • Why Wells Left ESPN
Episode Details
Show
Get IN. Sports
Category
Sports
Topic
Get IN Sports
Region
West Central
Duration
01:02:39
Published
Oct 30, 2026
Guests
Mike Wells
Indianapolis sports journalist and IU lecturer

Mentioned: IndyStar, ESPN, IU Media School, Minnesota Vikings, Indiana Pacers, Indianapolis Colts

About the Host
Dom Miranda
Dom Miranda
Host · Get IN. Sports

Dom Miranda covers everything Indiana sports, from Friday night sectionals to Pacers playoff runs, talking with the people closest to the story.

View show

Chapters

  1. 00:00Artest Trade Hint
  2. 01:02Guest Introduction: Mike Wells
  3. 01:57Slow Jam Reentry
  4. 03:18Military Brat Roots
  5. 04:45Central Washington Grind
  6. 05:44Brawl to IndyStar
  7. 07:21Chasing Randy Moss
  8. 09:14Basketball Junkie
  9. 12:35Indy First Impressions
  10. 14:00Pacers Beat Access
  11. 14:52Artest Wants Out
  12. 19:01Relationships Matter
  13. 21:34Pacers Peak Moments
  14. 23:15Boston Marathon Scare
  15. 28:33ESPN Calls
  16. 30:37Leaving for ESPN
  17. 31:05Holder John Legend Story
  18. 32:05Stuart Scott Inspiration
  19. 33:33Teaching Offer Decision
  20. 35:29Riding Andrew Luck Wave
  21. 36:57Luck Retirement Chaos
  22. 41:54Career Highlights Scoops
  23. 44:44ESPN Grind Exit
  24. 46:32Colts Stuck No Mans Land
  25. 49:23Jim Irsay Yacht Tales
  26. 52:45Life as IU Professor
  27. 56:36Industry Changes Advice
  28. 58:17IU Football vs. Purdue Debate
  29. 1:01:22Indiana Sports Passion

Frequently asked

Quick answers.

The useful details, answered clearly and without the digging.

What was Mike Wells' path to becoming a sports journalist?

Wells started as a military brat and attended Central Washington University before covering the Vikings during Randy Moss's era. He then joined the IndyStar to cover the Pacers through major moments including the Malice at the Palace, Reggie Miller's final game, and the Paul George/Lance Stephenson Eastern Conference Finals run.

How did Mike Wells break the Ron Artest trade story?

Wells was covering the Pacers beat for the IndyStar when he broke the story of Ron Artest wanting a trade, a significant scoop in his early career covering the team.

What happened with Andrew Luck's retirement announcement at ESPN?

While working as the Colts NFL Nation reporter for ESPN, Wells experienced the chaos of Adam Schefter's Andrew Luck retirement tweet being posted during a preseason game, a pivotal moment in his ESPN tenure.

Why did Mike Wells leave ESPN?

Wells left ESPN to teach at IU and create credentialed opportunities for students at the IU Media School, prioritizing education and mentorship over continuing his role as an NFL reporter.

What role does relationship-building play in modern sports journalism according to Mike Wells?

Wells emphasizes that relationship-building is crucial in modern journalism, a lesson he learned throughout his career covering the Pacers, Colts, and other major stories in Indianapolis sports.

What was Mike Wells' experience during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing?

Wells was on assignment and shared firsthand experiences from the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, a significant moment during his time as a sports journalist.

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