"I am a transsexual sportswriter," wrote Mike Penner in April 2007. "Today I leave for a few weeks' vacation, and when I return, I will come back in yet another incarnation...As Christine."

"It has taken more than 40 years, a million tears and hundreds of hours of soul-wrenching therapy for me to work up the courage to type those words," Penner continued. "I realize many readers and colleagues and friends will be shocked to read them."

On the day the article was posted on the Drudge Report, it accounted for about 25% of the Times' incoming web traffic.

On Monday, Times sports editor Randy Harvey appeared to confirm Daniels' return to the sports desk as Mike. "We're looking forward to Mike's byline appearing in the paper and on the website with increased frequency," he told LA Observed. "He continues to be a valued member of our sports staff." Also, the blog that chronicled Daniels' transition appears to have been removed. At the time of writing, Daniels' bio was still active, and the Christine Daniels byline remains.

"Well, no one can ever say we don't have diversity on this staff," Harvey said in 2007 on the revelation. "Somewhere in all of this," noted USA Today's Tom Weir, "it should be mentioned that Penner has done some danged fine sportswriting over the years.

"Alas, we're pretty sure Hallmark doesn't make a 'Welcome Back' card for this kind of occasion."