Meet the New Guys…
The newest member of the News 2 Sports Team may be a familiar face to some of you. Brandon Fisher comes on board as sports reporter/anchor, but he’s no stranger to Middle Tennessee. Recently, Brandon was on board at NewsChannel 5 as a freelance reporter for news & sports. Before that, he spent 3 years at WVLT in Knoxville, covering the University of Tennessee. He first gig was in Jackson, TN…and he interned under the sports staff at WSMV here in Nashville back in the summer of 2000.
Brandon brings some fresh energy and new ideas to the sports department. He’ll make his on-air debut Sunday on Sports Extra.
Our new producer/photographer is Nathan Brooks. Nathan comes to us from Lexington, KY where he was the sports photog/producer at WKYT. He’s covered numerous Kentucky Derbies, followed the Kentucky Wildcats through several NCAA Tournaments, and has shot dozens of Cincinnati Bengals games. He’s got a great eye, shoots tight highlights, and has been in the biz since the age of 19. Not too shabby for a guy who’ll see his 30th birthday in 2012.
Nathan’s first day is July 12th.
As soon as they get set up on the blog network, you’ll be hearing from them.
Growing Up Josh
In a previous post, I told you about Josh Hailey, an 18 year-old homeless teen battling obesity. On Saturday Josh flew to Fresno, California where he enrolled in The Academy of The Sierras, a learning institution that helps overweight kids shed pounds. This was made possible through Louie’s Kids, a charitable organization dedicated to fighting childhood obesity. Both of these are very worthy causes and help kids like Josh in ways other outlets can not. They need your help to battle the bulge. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to these organizations, you can log on to their websites below.
www.louieskids.org
www.academyofthesierras.com
Thank you for your help.
Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone…
Well, the word’s officially out. Our little China Doll, Sara Walsh is officially leaving for greener pastures. In the 3 years I’ve worked with Sara, she’s become like a little sister to me. If anyone has seen the movie “Anchorman”, Sara’s life the past 3 years has mirrored Veronica Corningstone…with me playing the role of Brian Fontana, Dwyer as Ron Bergandy, and Cory as Brick Tamland. The only thing missing would be a bottle of “Sex Panther” - it’s made with bits of real panther, so you know it’s good.”
Losing Sara is tough, but it’s a great move for her and I know she’s going to be a star in DC. It wouldn’t surprise me to see her on Monday Night Football in a few years.
As for me…I’m also moving on. It’s been a great 8 year run here at the duece. I’ll be around until the end of July, so you’ll still see me on Sports Extra occasionally. It was a tough decision, but I’m at the stage of my life where if I don’t accomplish the goals that I’ve set for myself, they probably will never be accomplished. The one thing I’ve learned in my 34 years on this planet is, anything worth doing is complicated. I’m a little nervous about taking this jump, but I honestly think I’ll look back on it and have no regrets. It’s been an honor to work with John Dwyer, John Boruk, Mike Hill, Steve McDonald, Tom Oates, Cal Baxter, Cory Curtis, Sara Walsh, and the guy that hired me here back in 1998 Matthew Zelkind. I don’t want to turn this into an obit, because I’m still on board for a least a month…So we’ll save the final farewells for then.
And now for something completely different…
A quick explanation of my recent posts before I move on to a very inspirational story I’ve been working on. The News 2 sports department is often looked at as the “comic relief outlet” of the station, and more often than not, I’m the ringleader of the circus. People drop by to get a quick laugh, vent, or just take a break from the demanding daily grind that goes on in the newsroom. What you’ve seen on the blog is an extension of that. Sure it’s not sports, but the cool thing about blogs are - there are no rules. So if you see a something on here from me that may not resonate, I apologize in advance. Consider it walking in on an inside joke, and the best jokes are always politically incorrect.
Moving on.
A few weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to meet 18 year old Josh Hailey. Josh is tipping the scales at 350 lbs. He always struggled with his weight, but let it get out of control a few years ago. Raised in Florida by his grandmother, Josh is a product of a dysfunctional household. His father, who wasn’t around when Josh was growing up, struggled with drugs and alcohol and had a few run-ins with the law. He had a great relationship with his mom, but she had her own addictions as well.
In 2002, Josh’s mother died unexpectedly. Her death sunk his grandmother into a deep depression, and she died shortly afterward. Losing 2 people in such a short period of time was devastating to Josh. He found comfort in food. He ballooned to more than 400 pounds in a matter of months.
Josh’s father came back into the picture, and they moved to Nashville to be closer to his family. Unfortunately, his dad was still dealing with his drug and alcohol problems, and was still having legal problems. They both lived in a weekly-rate hotel, until his dad died of liver disease in March of this year. Josh was about to be homeless.
His teachers at Glencliff High School rallied around him, and helped pay his hotel bills until he was able to move into the Oasis Center, a shelter for homeless teens. He’s been there for a few months, and has really tried to turn his life around.
What’s the sports angle behind this? Josh made a pact with himself to lose weight. So far he’s shed 90 pounds since February. It hasn’t been easy. Because of his weight, Josh suffers from arthritis and has problems with his joints. Despite all of his obstacles, he’s been able to keep the pounds off by maintaining a sensible diet, and becoming more active.
Each day he walks a mile and half to work at Home Depot, where he’s a lot associate. It’s a physically demanding job. Every bag of mulch, garden rocks, bark, etc that is sold there, Josh loads into people’s cars. I was exhausted just watching him.
What’s most impressive about Josh is he doesn’t consider himself a victim. He’s very intelligent. He’s an avid reader quotes Mark Twain in conversation. And he’s determined. Determined to make his life better. I have no doubt in a few years he’ll be successful at whatever he decides to venture into.
I hope you can check out Sports Extra this Sunday for Josh’s story. Thanks for checking out the blog.
Who’s Packie Jillers?
I think nicknames go further to describe someone than just anything. Sara Walsh has nickname, it’s boomboom… What’s that mean? I don’t know? John Dwyer has several nicknames, J-Diddy, John Burgandy, just to name a few. Then there’s producer Tim Hardiman, he’s just Timmy or on this blog Time.
You only get a nickman if someone cares enough to actually give it to you. We don’t have enough nicknames these days in professional sports. Name a few? The Freak, the Rocket, A-Rod, Air McNair… How bout some really fun names though? There just aren’t enough of them out there.
If you’ve got a few or a few good ideas let me know and if I like them I might even use them in the show.
I’m out.
Juicy C
The New Face of LP Field.
My colleagues in the sports office were wondering who should be replacing Steve McNair on the banner that hangs on the side of LP Field. When you look at the options, the pickings are slim. The immediate candidate is Keith Bulluck. He’s a force on the field. A vocal leader in the locker room. Well respected by the fans and media in Nashville. There aren’t a lot of downsides to making him the face of the former Coliseum. But outside of Music City, is Keith Bulluck a house hold name? That’s debatable.
Another candidate would be Vince Young. He’s the future of the team. A national sports figure. Also respected by fans and media. However, he has yet to take a snap in the NFL. I’m not saying it’s going to happen, or want it to happen, but there’s the risk that he could wind up like Ryan Leaf or Akili Smith. And if Billy Volek is currently #1 on the depth chart, isn’t that a slap in his face?
Jeff Fisher could also be on the short list. Throughout all the changes, he’s been the one constant. He provides stability, security, and leadership. He’s arguably one of the most popular sports figures in Tennessee. However, how many people go to games to watch the coach map out game plans? Also, if Jeff isn’t able to turn the Titans around this year - the final year of his contract - there’s the possibility he could be moving on.
And finally, a reader in the Tennessean had this unique approach. Look at the history of the players featured on the banner. Eddie George = Gone. Steve McNair = Gone. With that in mind, he suggested Pacman Jones be on the next banner. I’m not saying I agree with him, but I like the way the guy’s thinking.
What do you say Nashvegas? Who would you like to see on the side of LP Field?
The McEnd, Finally!
Why did this all take so long? Over the last few months I’ve been asked over and over about Steve McNair and I’ve always given the same answer, “he’ll never play for the Titans again”. I knew it, you knew it, Bob Dole knew and yes, the American tax payers knew it.
The Titans got offered a 5th round pick on draft day, said they wanted a 4th, Baltimore said no. That just seems silly. They wouldn’t give up a 4th for a huge upgrade at quarterback? So, here we are today, McNair’s missed virtually all of the Ravens OTA’s and they finally decided to part with that coveted 4th rounder. Again, what took so long?
As for all of that good will the Titans were sending out in the paper the last 2 weeks, that wasn’t intended for Steve, it was all for Baltimore. The more it seemed like the Titans wanted him, the higher the price was going to be.
Folks, the only question here was how long were the Ravens were willing to wait. We knew #9 was gone as soon as training camp got here and the Titans needed to sign their draft picks. So, again, if the Ravens didn’t want to wait until then, why didn’t they give up a 4th rounder 1 or 2 months ago? I can’t believe it the more I keep saying it to myself. They gave the guy $12-million dollars! Why not get him in sooner rather than later? He’s not a long term investment, he’s a win now guy, so why not get him in now?
Yes, it’s said he’s gone. But, as we’ve heard over and over again it’s business. Reality is he wasn’t taking the Titans to the Super Bowl this year. It didn’t go smoothly, but it was probably the right move for the long term health of the organization. I know it was for Steve’s pocketbook! $12-million! Wow!
The DLR Impact
For me, sports is not the be all - end all. A lot of people think that because I work in sports, I must watch Sports Center 24/7; catch every game in town; buy every retro jersey; collect athlete’s autographs. I can assure you my life away from the station couldn’t be more different. Let’s put it this way: Do you think the cat that served you the Big Mac you ate for lunch went home and made burgers for dinner? Exactly - now you follow me.
When I got into this crazy industry some 13 summers ago, I was a young, aggressive, hungry, know it all with a few semesters left in college. Have microphone, will travel. Fast forward to 2006, and I’m an older, aggressive, guy who just had a snack that now realizes he doesn’t know it all after having dropped out of college. The point I’m trying to make is - Times Change, People Change. And with those changes comes a great amount of soul searching.
The TV business has given me opportunities most people aren’t fortunate enough to land. How often does your job take you on an all expense paid trip to the Super Bowl with sideline seats? Now granted, you’re working 18 hour days during it all, but would most folks consider this work?
Recently, Big Joe on the Go got to interview a hero of mine: David Lee Roth. In my formative years, DLR came to my hometown for a show and I got to sit down with him for what turned out to be a life changing experience. I was 22 at the time; freaking out that I was going to be face to face with one of my childhood legends. Van Halen was everything to me when I was a teenager. If it wasn’t for hearing Eddie Van Halen, I never would’ve picked up a guitar. If it wasn’t for David Lee Roth, I never would’ve picked up my first girlfriend. Are you following me?
Flashback to July 1994, Huntington, WV. Dave sits down with me in one of the banquet rooms of the Radisson Hotel. If you’ve never heard DLR give an interview - it’s not the typical “coachspeak” that we bring to you on a daily basis. The word “cliché” isn’t in Roth’s vocabulary (unless he’s describing Sammy Hagar).
I nervously launch into my first question, and sound an awful lot like Chris Farley doing it. Dave picks up on this immediately. But, he’s never condescending, nor put out that he’s sitting here with some college kid wasting 20 minutes of his time while the ice in his Jack and Coke is melting.
After the interview, Dave pulls me aside and says “nice job.” Then he goes on to say - I knew you were nervous, but you managed to pull it together to ask some intelligent questions. Afterwards, he gave me the one piece of advice that I live by to this very day. He looked me straight in the eye and asked “Do you think Michael Jordan ever takes the court thinking he’s going to lose a game?” I said “no”. He replied “That’s the attitude. That’s the spirit. That’s the lifestyle. Master your craft like no other, and you’ll be feeling that way too.”
Later that night during his show, Dave was cool enough to let me shoot on stage with him for most of the concert. He even stopped the show during “Panama” to introduce me to the crowd of 25,000 he was playing in front of. It was one of the best nights of my life.
Stepping out of the way back machine and returning to 2006, I find again find myself in some uncertain situations. The winds of change are blowing so hard that Lisa Patton is ready to cut in to programming with a Storm Tracker Update. And once again, I find myself recollecting another piece of wisdom that only DLR could provide.
“Do you want to be the same guy that got on the bus 20 years ago when you get off? Why take the ride? Be an art project, don’t just wear one.”
It’s so brilliant that not many people even recognize the genius in that statement. As for me, I’m wondering where the bus is going to stop next.
Lights, Camera, Zach-tion!
What a whirlwind weekend it has been. I was fortunate enough to hang with Titans O-Lineman Zach Piller this weekend in Madison, Wisconsin. The purpose of the trip was to shoot what is hoped to be the final chapter of his debut documentary, “QB Needs Job”.
The subject of Zach’s film - Jack “Rambo” Pickens is a unique individual. At first glance, you would probably think Rambo is crazy. I admit, I thought the same thing when I first met him 5 years ago in Green Bay where the Titans were playing a preseason game against the Packers.
He walked up to me at the hotel bar and asked if I knew Zach. (I guess he saw me getting off the team bus, since we travel with the Titans on road trips) and then went on this hour long rant about how the Russians were taking over Wisconsin, and how he’s the only one who could stop them. He then went on to state that he was the greatest QB in the NFL. Did I mention Jack was 56 at the time?
I try not to be disrespectful to people in public, so I listened to Rambo’s bizarre story. After 5 beers, Rambo (who doesn’t drink, but certainly led me to that night) and I went our separate ways and I never thought I’d see him again. As a matter of fact, I never even mentioned to Zach that I met him, because I figured he was just some nutty fan.
Fast forward to 2004 and I find out Zach’s making a story on Rambo’s life. At the time, I was also working on my documentary (that will hopefully be finished before my 2 year old daughter finishes college). Zach and I struck up a conversation about the finer points of first time film making and the rest is history.
What’s cool about Zach - people have no idea the amount of time, money, and patience he’s sunk into this project. For him, this film is truly is a labor of love, albeit one that he wants to see completed in the not too distant future.
If anyone has seen the 1999 documentary “American Movie” - Zach would be comparable to Mark Borchardt.
He doesn’t allow anyone to make a mockery of his work! (Inside joke for those who’ve seen the film)
As for Rambo…After spending nearly 3 days with this cat, I earned a new respect for him. He’s a compelling guy. I don’t necessarily believe every word he says, but he’s extremely intelligent, very well-read, and has a quick wit to him. He nicknamed me “Ferrari” because I have some scant Italian blood in me.
Zach’s wants to have the film completed within the next year. He hired Scott Simmons to edit it, and the rough cuts I’ve seen have been absolutely mind-roasting.
From football to film making, Zach’s the man. IN PRIMETIME!
By the way - we need to get Dwyer’s mug off the website since he’s no longer on board. It’s creeping me out. And while we’re at it…can we take the “e” off of my name?
Later!
Winning & Losing
I hate losing. I mean I HATE it! When I was growing up and trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life I decided to stay out of coaching because I hated losing so much. All I could think of were the ulcers and the sleepless nights.
Tim Corbin is the same way. No he’s not, he’s worse. He hates losing and got into coaching anyway. Nobody takes a loss more personally than this guy. That’s probably why Vanderbilt’s made such a dramatic turnaround on the baseball field, he simply won’t accept anything but his teams very best.
Tonight’s a tough night for the head coach. His teams run in the NCAA Tournament is over after losing for the second time to host Georgia Tech. No, it won’t help to point out to him that Tech was the number one seed and was playing on its’ home field. He won’t accept those excuses and he shouldn’t. It all comes down to two things, either you get it done or you don’t.
I think it’s OK to think that way, because he’s in the business of winning and losing. Me, I left those days behind a long time ago. I actually learned along the way that it was the competition that I loved so much. So, now if I go out and compete hard and lose I can accept it, I still had fun. For me it’s about testing myself. The only way I really lose is if I don’t put it all on the line.
Back to Tim Corbin. No one competes harder than this guy and his teams are always ready. I guess my point is, if he wants to be angry, upset, grumpy or just mope around for the next few days, let him, he’s EARNED it. When he’s done he’ll be back and better than ever. These have been good years for Vanderbilt, but I firmly believe the best are still to come. If Tim Corbin stopped thinking that way he’d be the first to say it’s time to move on and that’s why he’s a winner.
