When it comes to attending prom, the third time should be the charm for ESPN's Michelle Beadle.
The 38-year-old Beadle, who recently returned to ESPN following a short stint at NBC, will be accompanying teenager Jack Jablonksi to prom this spring at Benilde-St. Margaret’s School in St. Louis Park, Minn. Jablonksi, a former hockey player, was paralyzed during a game in 2011 when he was checked head first into the boards.
Beadle says she had two forgettable proms in high school -- and surely this one will be the most meaningful.
Jablonski, who co-hosts a weekly radio program called "Hockey Night in Minnesota" (see below), invited Beadle to be his guest on the show this week. A few minutes into the interview, which can be heard here, Jablonksi invites Beadle to prom. Beadle immediately accepts.
New gig for Jack Jablonski! He's host of "Hockey Night in Mn" Wednesdays @105theticket from 5:15-5:45. pic.twitter.com/Rypt3a0oSf
— Deb Lyngdal (@deblyngdal) October 2, 2013
"Seriously, I'd love it," Beadle said. "Can I wear an '80s dress to the prom?”
Beadle told Larry Brown Sports that she's gotten to know Jablonksi over Twitter and is inspired by his story.
"I know that he's a badass and someone I look up to immensely," Beadle said. “I was shocked when he asked today. And I adore him for doing it live on the radio. I’m honored to squeeze my 38 year old behind into a formal gown for a great night!"
While it doesn't appear that Jablonski and Beadle have ever met in person, judging by their easy rapport on Twitter it seems like they're in for a fun night.
@MichelleDBeadle it's that high school life... #pubertyround2
— Jack Jablonski (@Jabs_13) March 13, 2014