The Ringer NBA Show - Taylor Rooks on NBA Player-Media Relations, Betting in the Bubble, and More | Real Ones

Episode Date: December 17, 2020

Bleacher Report’s Taylor Rooks joins Logan and Raja to talk about the emotional highs and lows of the NBA bubble (1:00), how she approaches relationship-building with NBA players as a member of the media (21:30), and gives her Real One of the Week (42:00). Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Guest: Taylor Rooks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Yo, what's good? Real ones. This is Logan Murdoch here with Roger Bell. What's good, bro. Same old dog. Navigating some, you know, minor mechanical issues on my end, some technical difficulties, but all good. Okay. All right. Well, we had a really great guest today, Roger Bell. We had Taylor Rooks of Bleacher Report. That was dope. She was phenomenal. The game that she referenced playing against NBA stars, I play that with my young nine-year-old and three-year-old. I am phenomenal, just full disclosure. Okay, yeah, yeah. That was a good time when she was talking about the content that she made in the bubble and just coping with the bubble in general. And also what is like to be a woman in the current sports media landscape? It was a really, really dope conversation, man. Tap in. What is popping? Another episode of Real Ones. I'm Logan Murdoch with Roger Bell.

Raja, we have a very special guest, bro. Very special. Introduce our special guests. We have Leisure Report's own. who's about to take it there. Taylor Rooks. I'm happy to be here. Happy to talk to you again, Logan.

Nice to meet you, Reg. I'm very excited to meet you as well. Appreciate that. Feelings mutual. How are you doing right now, right? Because you just got out of the bubble, it seems like almost yesterday, and we're about to go through another NBA season. How are you feeling right around this point?

Are you excited? Are you like, what just happened? We just left the bubble? Like, how are you feeling right now? I mean, I'm excited, but it's funny because I'm thinking, okay, if the turnaround seems so tight for all of us, just imagine what the turnaround feels like with the people that were actually, you know, playing basketball. It's going to be a lot. And just because the boat was so intense and so hyper-focused on playing basketball and, you know,

being in this environment that was only basketball. And then you feel like you might get a little break when you leave the bubble just to, you know, turn around and do it all again. I think the good thing, though, is that it feels like there won't be a major need for a bubble. You know, I think that that's good, that the bubble probably was the first and the only. And hopefully we continue to trend in this direction of, you know, people being safe, no positive cases and all that. But definitely a quick turnaround. Yeah, I was going to ask you, like, what is that, like, from your travel schedule normally? Like how is that affected by COVID and then now being outside of the bubble?

Like will that, will that curtail some of your activity on the road? Or how does that work? I mean, I ain't got no more status on the airlines, I'm sure. Which honestly sucks. It's like, I loved that. You know, like, you're getting your flight and you're like, all right, how many miles? What am I going to get? I was like, yeah, all that worked down the drain.

But, no, normally I'd be traveling so much. Like with the Twitter Live show last season, we did the, Lakers home opener and then the Warriors home opener. So we were just, we were there. And even last year, we were like going to be traveling to do Twitter Live. And obviously we didn't because of everything that happened. And now everything's virtual. We're doing Twitter Live from our homes.

I'm doing interviews from my home. Like it's definitely just a different, different world, lots of less traveling. Yeah. How was that affected your routine, right? Because, you know, us as journalists, we have that routine. I'm like, okay, once we're back home for a little bit, we're automatically on a plane to now be confined to your crib. How is that for you?

How have you done with that adjustment? Honestly, it's been good and bad because I'm a person who likes to get up and go. You know, I enjoy the fact that I'm not always at home. Like, if my friends were like, hey, let's go to Aruba this week. And I'm like, let's do it. Like, let's figure it out. Let's go and do that. And so when work just calls me to go to do an interview or,

go to a game, I'm so down. So I miss the ability to just go do the things I like to do. And I like working. You know, I think we're super blessed to be in these positions where we enjoy going to work. We enjoy talking to people. We enjoy being around the sports that we love. So in some aspects, you kind of feel like it was taken away. And I have talked about this a bit before, but even leaving the bubble, I was actually

super sad to leave the bubble. And so I ended up leaving about a month earlier. I left during the conference finals. I had to go to attend a funeral. But then after the funeral, I'm like, I wish I could go back because you just feel like you left the epicenter of everything. Like now you feel like nobody cares about the work you're doing because you're not in the bubble,

which is what everybody cared about at that time. Like I really went through this time of being sad. Like it was hard to watch the games because you're like, I wish I was there. I wish I could ask a question. I wish I could be experiencing this. So I've gone through those like work withdrawals. Yeah, that's interesting.

I want to ask you, like, just personal, like, opinion, guys outside of the bubble. Like, the bubble itself made it impossible for guys who ordinarily would, you know, get out and, you know, maybe be in the streets to be in them. Do you imagine that NBA players are going to be able to pull this off? I know there's going to be a random case here or there, but what's your personal? I mean, you can't predict it, but you think guys are going to be responsible enough to really keep COVID at bay?

I mean, I hope so. I know recently at Salman in the news that some players have been partying, you know, with certain rappers and all things like that. But hopefully those, you know, I know he has to go through a slew of tests and he has to come back a bit negative and all those things. But I think just the nature of the virus, there's going to be. cases. And I have really tried to shift my mindset of thinking that if someone gets COVID, it's because they were irresponsible. Because sometimes people just get it, right? You know, you really could be doing all the necessary steps and be doing all the necessary things and end up with it. I know people who I know have been in their house, but maybe left for a minute

or saw someone who said they had also been in their house. You know, like, I don't think it's always like you get COVID because you went out to a party or because you were being reckless. Some people end up just getting it. So I just think based on how viruses work and how the nature of something contagious works, people will get it, you know? Yeah, totally. I agree with you. Look, I didn't go through the bubble. And I guess we're going to get to like, you know, because I read your piece in GQ on the bubble and the highs, the lows, the like the goods and the bads. Like I was one of the people that thought that maybe like for the reasons you just articulated like multiple mini bubbles, like where you were giving people a break, you know what I mean?

Just to make sure that you got it played. But like, you know, I don't know. Yeah, and I will openly say, I thought that the bubble wasn't going to work. I was like, someone's going to get COVID. Right. Like that, I'm like, we're not going to finish the whole season. We'll do a couple games and then the bubble might burst. But the NBA did such an incredible job with that bubble.

Like, I'm still in awe of just how well the machine worked down. on Orlando. But yeah, I think the only way for there to be no cases is for what happened in the bubble. Like where we're tested every day, we're confined to a space. Like there's social distancing. Everyone has on a mask. Like that's the only way to absolutely contain COVID. So I don't know. I just, I hope that we can minimize risk as much as possible. You talked about, you know, Riser referenced a GQ article, which was really, really good. You guys to check that out. you really had a it was a first person account

of your experience in the bubble and you talk about the highs and lows of the bubble right? Because it does, on one hand, it does feel like a summer camp with all your homies in,

you know what I mean? And on the other hand, you are separated from the rest of the world and the toll that puts on there. But by the end of it, you said you missed the bubble. Can you talk me through

those reins of emotions that the bubble made you have? Yeah, it was so many emotions. Like I just, Even when I was writing that piece, you know, obviously there were so many moments bubble that were really heavy and people were, you know, sad and disappointed and angry. But I thought it was really important to portray that there were light moments too. Like a lot of people view the bubble as some sort of refuge. You know, they were around some of the friends they have had for an incredibly long time.

They were on their teammates. They're having fun. They're playing cards. They're drinking wine. Like the happiness is a part of the experience too. Even though it sucked to be away from your family, I think there were just a lot of moments of levity and moments of joy. So I wanted to make sure those were sprinkled in there as well.

But it was a roller coaster. I mean, I said I got there, had a false positive, literally thought I was going to have to pack up and go home. I'm like, I went through all this. I'm not even going to be in the bubble. I remember, like, calling, Donovan mentioned on Rudy Gober and Spencer Denwitty. And I'm like, what was it like when you had it?

Like, did you have any symptoms? Like, I'm freaking out. And they, like, were keeping me so calm. And thankfully to them, they didn't tell anybody because then a couple days later I found that I was fine. But literally when I've survived, they weren't giving me all this advice about COVID. So ended up being okay, never having it, still haven't had it up to this point, fingers crossed. Then, you know, going out there, doing the games, watching some great basketball, and then you see Jacob Blake. And then the NBA stops.

And then there's this historic meeting. And then they decide to do this initiative that should hopefully last for. the rest of the time the NBA exists. And then it's like we go back to games and you see more great basketball. And then my uncle passes away. So then I have to leave the bubble. And then I leave the bubble. And then I'm sad.

I'm not in the bubble. And then you feel like everybody around you has COVID because they are getting tested every day like we were in the bubble. So it was a lot of ups and downs for sure. Yeah. You know, it's interesting that you're talking about like the camaraderie and stuff when I read an article. Like as a former player, what we miss the most is that.

So like for someone who, you know, wasn't there, it sounds fantastic, right? You sit around, you're drinking some wine, you're talking some shit. You're playing phase 10. Like, it just sounds like, that's all the shit I miss about it, you know? But yeah, yeah, I know it had to come with some really tough times too. I want to ask you because you talked about Jacob Blake and then, you know, the, you know, the players kind of taking this stand. How divided were they? Like, not at the end because I know they became, but, but like, was it like 50, 50 guys that were like, were there anyone that didn't want to play?

It was like, I don't want, we're not, I don't want to play. And it had to be kind of pulled along by the rest of the group. Like, how was that? I mean, I think there was a good balance. I don't think that there were any people in there that were both 100% of the same page. Like, there's probably people that were 90% of the same page, 95% on the same page. But everybody had different ideas of how to accomplish the same thing or different things. Like how I said in the, in the piece.

money was a huge point of contention. Like they spent a large amount of time in that meeting talking about money, potential loss of money, guys that were in different situations. And as I went George Hill said, he was like, well, you know, what is this money if you don't have your humanity? He felt really strongly about basketball not being the thing that was needed at that moment when he decided to sit out. And then, of course, I'm sure you guys know, you know, Lakers and Clippers were like, we're down to go. We're down to leave. And, you know,

Lakers were a team that wanted to do that when they had at that chance of very high likelihood of winning a championship. So people were willing to sacrifice. But that money was really the main thing. Like I said in the piece, Austin Rivers was like,

it was chaos. The room was just chaos. But my favorite part of the meeting is, you know, what I was saying about John Lucas, who just talked about the effect that the bubble could have on people, and that it was having on him as somebody who has very openly and publicly struggled with alcoholism

to talk about his experience and say like the more you're in here and the more you have nothing to do eventually might become an alcoholic. And while he was saying it in jest, the players understood what he meant because so many of them were going through a lot of like mental struggles and really needed to talk to somebody and needed some type of outlet. So a lot of things were being addressed out in that. meeting, but money was the main thing. How do you cope with that type of, because I know you probably were going through that as well, the ups and the downs.

How did you cope with the downs of being in that bubble and being isolated from the rest of the world? I mean, I tried to spend a lot of time, like, FaceTime with my friends talking to them, like making sure I felt connected to the outside world in some way. I also said, like, when I'd get bored, I would play Connect 4 on my phone with Joe Morant. And he taught me how to play pool. on the phone, which I'm really bad at.

Like, I'm so bad at that. I still haven't won a game. But he hasn't been in the Unconnect 4. But it was a lot of just trying to find, you know, little bursts of light in different things. And I tried to do that a lot with just connecting with my friends that were not in the bubble. Why were some of them dudes so bad at that game where you put the phone on your head? Like, it looked like it should have been real easy stuff, man.

Why were they so bad at that? Honestly, I love that game. I would play with you guys right now if you wanted. It's my favorite game. But some of them just, like, didn't know different pop culture references. It's funny. I don't think I ever posted it, but I played it with Bam. And he's like, I only know black movies.

He didn't know. There were some that were so obvious. I'm not kidding you. I'm not positive, but I think it was maybe snow white. and he couldn't get me to guess, no one. Fantastic. Yeah, like you've got a... He's like, is there a black movie category,

but they weren't good. Josh Hart obviously takes the cake for worst attempt. But JJ Redick was good. Kelly Ubre was good. Kimba Walker was good. That was my favorite thing I did was play heads up. It was just a nice break.

How important was it to you to show that side of the bubble as well, right? Because we see this other side where it's stressful, you're away from your family, but you always made a point to show, yeah, we're having fun too, guys. Yeah, because, yeah, like I said, that happiness was important, that happiness is a part of the experience, and just the bubble was different things to different people.

Like, the NBA players aren't some monolith who always all feel the exact same things at the exact same times. Some people 100% enjoyed the bubble. Like, I remember talking to Kimball Walker, he's like, this is fun. This is what I would do anyway is go home, go play basketball, go right back home. Like there was times where everybody was like, this is nice. And it would be times where I'm walking past the bar and everybody is just sitting there drinking. You know, it's been people talking about cards.

People were betting so much money playing cards. It was fun. There was really fun times. And I just think that's all a part of the experience and also all a part of the black experience. I say that because there was so much focus on, you know, the police brutality, racial injustice that was happening. And the whole world was looking at, you know, these predominantly black players figuring out what they were going to do. And while they were upset and frustrated, they're also allowed to be other things too. Like, if you don't have those moments of happiness and levity after you maybe just, you know, watched a black man be shot seven times on your phone, you'd go crazy.

Like, you need other outlets. So it's just important to shine a light on that kind of self-care aspect of the bubble, too. I thought it was, well, first of all, you're talking about fishing, golfing, hanging out by the pool, playing cards, drinking wine, and playing basketball. I'm like, I'm in. Yeah. But I got four kids in homeschool in the other room about to, like, tear each other apart. You're like, sign me up. Yeah, I'm good.

Yeah, because the wildlife, like, my thing is, obviously, I totally understand and respect why there would be people. going through really difficult mental struggles in the bubble. I didn't really experience that. I enjoyed my time there. I enjoyed bringing the story to others and asking questions. And I did try to go in there. Like, this is a once-in-lifetime experience, try to have as much fun as you can. So I'm at you, Roger. I was like, let's go to the pool. Let's light it up. I do think you touched on something that I do think it's interesting. And I read it in the article is like the times, like, and you referenced like Mello getting to sit around and talk to some of the some of the younger players and kind of passed the torch almost, if you will. Like that time,

NBA players don't typically all get to be together in one place. And while everyone wasn't there, there was enough people there where those relationships really mean something, not in your day-to-day playing against each other type of scenario, but when it comes time to collect a bargain, like when it comes time to have solid area, when you sit back, you know, down with the owners and you're trying to achieve something. So I think that part of it, you know, at the end of the day, will probably bear some fruit. Like just guys getting to know people they ordinarily wouldn't get to know.

Totally, yeah. And this didn't make it in the piece, but I remember when I was interviewing, Jason Ten, and I asked him, like, is there anybody in the bubble that you didn't really know, but you're leaving the bubble feeling like you guys are good friends? And he's like, well, you know, there was a night I just sat and talked to Trez for like two hours in the lobby.

And he now feels like they have so much in common and they're cool. And before I had never even really spoken. I'm sure a lot of guys have stories of like, I would have never talked to this person. We ain't even in the same conference. I barely see him. But now we're cool. And I think that's a really exciting and cool thing that can happen.

Just that's what basketball does. And that's really what the bubble did. On a personal note, it seemed like you were finding your voice this summer when you talk about you were donating, I think, $10,000 to causes for Black Lives Matter. And you were the person to ask the questions, right? How do you feel like you found a voice? and how do you think that helped, you know, players kind of get their message out this summer? Yeah, I mean, I just, it's so important for there to be black media members.

And the more we can diversify our newsrooms and diversify that people that we watch and read, I think the more stories will be complete. And so you need to have people asking about experiences that they, too, have. lived, mainly because the person you're asking, and a lot of ways feels more comfortable opening up in a way that feels true to them when they think there's a level of understanding. That doesn't mean they can't have the conversation with somebody who, you know, isn't a black person. But I think the conversation is a bit different when there's just this innate understanding that that takes place. And so it was just important for me because sometimes I felt like, okay, if today I'm the only person here who is experienced what this person is talking about. I got to make sure I asked the right questions.

And I've always felt like I had that responsibility and just had a responsibility as a black media member. So it was because there was so many historic things that took place in the bubble, I think we all just wanted to make sure the story was told as accurately and completely as possible. Yeah. How important is it to have black women in media?

Yeah. Because, you know, there's one thing to have to be black in media, And that's a powerful statement. But to have a black woman in there to show a different perspective that we normally don't get. Yeah, very important, especially because all this was happening on the backdrop of Brianna Taylor.

And I know how black women felt specifically about that murder is everyone was like, that could have been me. I remember that was one thing Malika Andrews was saying when she was talking on TV is like, we're all, you know, Brianna Taylor. And for the players, to rally behind that person and that cause so much, I'm sure made all of us feel really seen and heard.

And also pushed us to make sure that we reclaim this space in media as much as possible. So it's important to have black women in really any space because black women have been the backbone of so many things. They have driven so many movements. They push things forward. And I do think we also try our best to make people, like, fully seen. So it's important. No doubt.

I want to ask you, and in the, you know, kind of not along the same lines, but in the same, what's going on with Kyrie right now, before he came out and kind of recanted and changed his position on it, like as a media member with as much access as you have, how did you feel about that? Like, what, if you, you know, looking at it, was it? You were either on one side of the fence with that. Either you were like, yeah, man, I hear you, bro, do what you do,

or you were, like, that's irresponsible. Like, you owe it to the journalist and to the public to do this media. Where were you on that, Taylor? Yeah, well, so I was always kind of confused about the stands because I thought, because when it happened, I had not, I hadn't said anything about it because I thought what he was saying was that he wasn't going to speak at Media Day. And then I guess he And you know how it goes

This story is never as big as the one that's cooler But he came out like his camp was like No, he's gonna speak to the media throughout the season He just wasn't going to speak during that media week I think that so and I listen I get that If you are a person who's like I want to take the stance And not talk today, cool But I don't think it's possible to not talk to the media at all

But I also don't think that's what he's saying Like the media are a necessary cog of the machine. Regardless of what you feel about the media, like, it's essential to keep this going. It draws viewership and makes people care about players and teams. It's like you tune in to certain people. You read certain articles and it drives the interest in the game. No doubt. Period.

It's a part of it. I don't even think people realize when they're watching the game, like that's media. Like you're listening to the game. You know what I mean? You're listening to the commentators. Like you're watching the interview with the Southern Reporter. Like, so you're actually engaging in video just by turning it on, right? But yeah, I think that the, you know,

or the thing people took issue with was when he said pawns. It's kind of like, we really shouldn't be name calling anybody. So this stance I have no problem with. But it's the like, I think we all have to have just a respectful environment, all of us. media players, players, media. And hopefully that continues. I was on his first call when he spoke to the media a couple days ago.

He was super kind. He talked about it at the end. He was like, you guys, please be well. Thank you so much for your time. He was great. But yeah, it's going to be, I'm very excited to watch the debts. I think that they are going to supply a lot of entertainment. Of the on and off the court.

Yes. Yes. Do you, me and Roger were talking our last episode about the relationship overall between media members and the media,

media members and players and that I think personally both sides just need to realize that we need each other, right? And, you know, players need to see that, hey, you know, we have a job to do as well. Yeah.

But I think also media members need to have a bit more empathy and stuff. And what they do, and also understanding them more and understanding players more. Because that's how that's how stories get told. And that's how great stories get told, right? If you, you don't necessarily have to be, I don't have to be glowing to Raja Bell, right? Like, I don't have to write, I can write, I have to, if I can write something negative about Raja, at least I come to him and I'm responsible with it.

Totally. If he messes up, I have a responsibility to do that. But I think that's been lost, though, right? From both sides, would you agree with that? that it has kind of been lost, that we do need each other in the long run. Yeah, totally. And I am not a big fan of,

because the main reason I think players sometimes feel worried about the media is because they're wary about headlines. And sometimes there are interviews that only take place to grab one sound bite, right, and be like, this is the thing. And a lot of time, it's salacious, right? And it's a bit of a shocker. And you walk, we'd be like, wow, he said,

What? What? I think the more we drift back to like interviews because they're supposed to be full conversations, the more people would want to talk to the media. But I'm sure players can tell when there's somebody who is only asking a question for reaction, you know, or a question for a story that they have already decided they want to write. And they just need that quote for that story. And listen, media, get it how you live. Everybody, you know, has different styles and different things like that. But I think the more we could approach talking to players to come from a place of understanding and not a place of like judgment or sensationalism, we could bridge that trust.

Because you're right, we both need one another. It doesn't work if both sides aren't in this like, you know, mutual relationship. But yeah, and you're right. Like if you're going to write something about a person who isn't super, and it isn't super flattering, you definitely have to ask that person if they have a comment, let them know that this story is coming out, because that's how you burn the bridge. Because you put that out and then you got to go talk to them tomorrow and you didn't say anything

about it. You didn't even give them a chance to, you know, refute it. There just has to be communication at all times. Yeah, those are great points, right? Like trust, relationships, and then being able to have both sides of the story told or the three of the things that I thought were, you know, really, really important when I played in the relationship between the journalists. The Ringer NBA show was brought to you by Fandual Fantasy. It seems like just yesterday that L.A. was poplar and bubbly in the NBA bubble. It's hard to believe that basketball's already back. Here's some of the storylines I'm looking forward to.

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So you talked about story. What's your favorite storyline heading into the season? Like you talked about how fun it's going to be for you to watch Brooklyn. Yeah. What other things are you looking for going in? I'm excited to watch Chris Ball and Evan Booker. I cannot. wait.

I'm also trying to figure out what's going to happen in Houston. Like, are we going to see James there? Are we going to see a James that wants to be there? Like, I am very curious because there's so many different reports. And, like, I feel like nobody really knows exactly what's going on with that. So I'm excited for that. Oh, what am I missing? Anything else?

Chris and Devin are really sticks out. Oh, and just on the Houston tip, just seeing John Wallback. It's going to just be super exciting. Obviously, Russ with the Wizards. I want to see how far they can go. It's always interesting to me when, you know, player swap teams. And if that team goes further than they did with the other player,

how people put the onus on the player that left. You know, like, so I just wonder if that's going to be the storyline with them. I mean, I know obviously Damar and Kauai are different players. But when Kauai got there, then the Raptors in the finals, they won. And everyone was like, it was tomorrow. And it's like, I don't know if anything is ever one person. But if the Rockets do better or if the widgets do better, the narrative is going to be that it was this one person who ended up making that difference.

So I'm just excited to see how the seasons play out for those people. I do want to go back to the locker room dynamic and media and players, particularly with women in the media, right? I think that you guys are really great at your jobs. but you guys have to go through a lot more stuff that even me as a black man don't have to go through. Yeah.

You guys have to, the stuff that I can do, you guys get shamed for doing. Like, I can go and talk to a player or get a player's number or get a someone's number. And it's really nothing. Like, I can go and get coffee with a player.

Women, on the other hand, it seems like get judged for that same notion. How do you overcome that? And why does that, why does that happen? How do you over and how do you overcome that? Why does it happen? I would say immaturity.

I think people just in general over-sexualized women and they really over-sexualized black women. They'll see a woman interviewing a player and be like, oh, girl, you want him? It's like, no. We're just doing an interview. I literally had to talk to him. But yeah, I mean, you see men who have literally made their career

off of being friends with players. Like that's what Ahmad Rashad did. He was great. He made that career off of being friends with players. And nobody thought of Amad Shah was dating in Jay. You know what I mean? But if I go and do anything, I have to be dating with that player. It's very strange that I think people try to, people try to think of whatever reason they can to diminish why a woman is doing what they're doing.

And it's so unbelievable to a person to think that they could get that done because they're good at their job. they got to think of a reason why they're cheating. You know, it's like, well, no, it's because she's a woman. It's because he likes her, because she likes him. It's like, no, maybe it's just because I do a good job. I would say at this point, it's not a thing that I like care about or think about. It's unfortunately become a part of it and it doesn't get better, but I think that you get better. And that's for the only thing that you can control is you understand that the people whose opinion matters on your work,

understand what being a journalist actually is, what is and isn't going on. And any time that you decide you want to give in to like Twitter, it's like, there's other issues that you need to address. Like, Twitter is not the masses, nor is it a good pool of smart people. You guys got to let Twitter be Twitter. I have told myself, like, if a problem can be solved by putting your phone down, it's not our problem. So. Did you have, was there a time where you had to, because I can't imagine what goes on, seeing Jamel Hills mentioned, seeing your mentions.

I couldn't imagine even going through that. How, when did you get to a point where you were, well, I can't pay attention to this. I can't, just for my sheer sanity, I can't pay attention to people throwing dirt on my name for doing a great job. Oh, I would say like maybe two years ago, two and a half years ago. Like the year right before I started at Bleacher, I would just kind of like, you literally you can't care about that. Like you can't read the comments.

You can't read all your Twitter mentions. And now like sometimes I do what I just don't care about what they say. I just think eventually everybody hits that point where you say, wait, like this actually doesn't matter. Like it just genuinely doesn't. Like, why did somebody getting on their phone and computer typing something to you? Why would that ruin your day? If it has nothing to do with you, if it's not rooted in truth.

Like, why would you care? You know? And you just kind of wake up one day and feel that way. Like, it wasn't like this journey for me as much as it was like, you are being dumb if you care about this. You know what I mean? That's just, that's kind of how it happened for me. One thing I love about your questioning. and when I see you interview people

is the share empathy that you do give. You might not necessarily agree with what they're about to say or what they've said in the past, but it seems like you genuinely want to ask the question that you're asking. Yeah. How do you use empathy to make sure

that the players are comfortable in that way when you are interviewing them? And how important is empathy for a journalist? Yeah. I mean, I think empathy is important for journalists because empathy is important for humans. Like, I try to approach every interview. Like, I'm just talking to a person. Like, I'm talking to my best friend or talking to someone I just met.

Like, there are so many ways that you can just make a person comfortable. And the thing about asking questions is like, you ask a question because you don't know. Right? You ask a question because you wouldn't know the answer. asking a question is literally the easiest thing that you could do. Like you just, you don't know, so you're just asking. So I really try to approach it in that way. Like, I mean, you said this and we're confused about it.

So can you just like explain it? Because we want to know. Like, that's why I'm asking this question to you. I also try to, like, I try to be super open because I don't believe in asking a question that I also wouldn't answer. And I think sometimes players feel offended when people ask. some stuff because they're like, you would never say this, right? Like, this isn't even what you, you would never accept this being asked to you, right?

And I think sometimes we, there's meeting members, we're like, like, you just want this to get them. So, yeah, empathy's just, it's important and it makes people open up a bit more, I think. Roger, do you feel that sometimes from a player's perspective when it doesn't seem like we care about your life at all, but we just want to get this question to, to get you. Do you see that? Oh, no doubt. You see that as we're asking the question.

Well, absolutely. I mean, first of all, I know who you are in most cases, right? Because we're dealing with the same people, right? Like, we're seeing the same faces when you go from city to city or even nationally, people that will cover you nationally. So I know you. I know your motives. And it all goes back to you and I talked about it. And we talked about a few minutes ago.

Like the relationship that you and I have kind of cultivated. And, you know, if it's one where we may chop it up, outside of this microphone type of scrum and you care about what's going on with me and vice versa. I'm pretty confident that we can, you know, I'll give you what you need. But you know the ones that are just there to get the headline, right? And the question's pointed. And, you know, they're trying to put you in a corner was what they're asking you. And you know, that's why I say to any player, like it's media 101 when we come into the league.

Like, don't feel like you have to answer everything. Like there's times when you can sit up there and, you know, take a, you know, just pivot. Take your answer somewhere else. you know, if it's a trap. You know what I'm saying? Yeah, totally. Just when you do see that, I think Taylor brought up a good point,

Roshin, when you talk about giving a media member, giving them a little bit of themselves to you, do you appreciate that when we do that? Is that something that you'd like to see from media members? Like, no, it's not, it's a two-way street. All of my best, like, all of the people that can call me now for something that I worked with when I played are people that, like, knew me and knew what was

going on with me and vice versa, right? Like, I knew where they were from. Like, I knew what their job was before they had the job that they were currently on asking me questions, right? So there was, again, a genuine relationship. And there was, to have that, you have to give some of yourself to someone, right? Yeah. You know, and so, yeah, I think that's super important, especially, you know, if you want to foster the type of relationship where you can pick up the phone and call someone and expect them to, A, pick it up, and then be willing to kind of help you out on whatever it is that you're trying to do without a relationship, you're not even getting the phone picked up. You know what I'm saying?

You won't even have the number. Right. You won't have the right. Yes. Yeah. Right. Correct. Yeah.

Taylor, are you afraid about the divide, which, this divide that we do speak on where players are having their own platforms, you know, Kyrie, this all started because he went on Kevin's podcast, Kevin Durant's podcast, right? Yeah. That they do have their own way to, you know, go on IG Live and go to these different places. Are you afraid that divide is just going to get. further and further? I'm not actually.

No, I think that it's all different types of content. Like, I enjoy, you know, sitting with Kai, where he has his IG Live and people come on and you see this very, like, authentic, fun version of players. But that's different than sitting down with someone who's a trained interviewer. They're just two different types of content. And you could do whatever's your taste, right? If a viewer wants to see that chill friend conversation, they can do it. that. If they want to see a bit more of like a structure, I'm asking you some questions,

people want the answers to, you can do that. I think there's room for all things. It's okay that there's like, you know, Turner and Bleacher and ESPN and Fox Sports. And then there's like, there's also, I don't know, uninterrupted and the shop. Like you need all of that type of stuff. Like all, they all exist and they all have people that are devoted. Do you feel some type of way when you see somebody on the shop and they get a like a bomb answer on the shop and you're like, damn, I wanted to ask him that. Like, dang, I wish that was me.

LeBron, come on, man. If anything, they'll say something. And this is what I mean. So they'll say something, right, that is interesting. And then I'll say, well, I want to interview them to follow up on that. Because there's not always follow-ups in that type of setting.

And so I think sometimes that's when someone else wants you've been and say, you said this, but like, let's expand upon that. So there's space for all of that. Yeah. Roger, would you have a platform if you was here? Would you, you know, I know you're with us right now. But if you were a player right now, would you be on it with IG Lives and all that?

You feel me? No. No. No. I mean, listen, you can, and maybe like, you know, I'd be in the wrong for that because that's how you build a brand, right? Like, these, these players, like, I got a chance to do the top 100 camp, like, when I was still playing.

And so the kids that were coming through that crop, were, I don't know, like the Sam Decker's, the Mitch McGarys, you had the Michael Frazier's. These were all kids that were on my team. Some of them wound up playing in the NBA. Some of them didn't. But the point was they were learning how to build brands then. And I was like towards the twilight in my career like, damn, no one ever taught me this. It's like, no one ever taught me how to build a brand. So to some degree you need it, Logan, I'm just not a dude. I don't want everybody in my business. Like, do you know what I mean? Like I don't, I always said that. I don't want people knowing where I am at 4 o'clock in the afternoon. I don't want that. Like, if you figure it

out, good, but I'm not broadcasting that to everybody on the planet. So I probably wouldn't. But I say that in one breath. And then I also said to you, like in a situation I found myself in when I couldn't control the narrative or even explain my side of the story, it would be nice to have a platform to have been able to do that on. So how did you, how did you feel about your your latest hip-hop reference. Yeah. Yeah. I was flattered.

My kids thought, like, I am now cool dad for at least a week. Yeah, because I'm in a rap. So other than that, I'm not cool dad. But I felt, you know, my kids loved it. And so I was like, it's pretty dope. That's so funny. I actually did, like, full disclosure. I went on someone's Twitter.

And I was like, let me check out and see, like, my name. and it was all Jack Harlow. It was all Jack Harlow. I was like, all right, cool. See, when you say that, I don't know. When you talk about, when you say, if you were a player, you might not have been on it, bro, you went on someone else's Twitter to search your name. That is the most millennial thing that you can do, bro.

I did. You know what I mean? Yeah, I mean, my son has Twitter, right? Like, he's trying to build his brand. He's 13. So I went on his Twitter. That's not what it is, though. If you're in a rap song, you get a pass.

Thank you. Thank you. Taylor, thank you. So, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, what we got, fam? What a terrible time to get frozen. Bro! Bro! Oh, man!

Yo, the alligator ate the modem, bro. Damn. All right, man. Roger had some bum-ass Wi-Fi, so he got cut off. So it's time for a real one of the week, which is somebody, an entity, or a person or a player that got your respect this week. I'm going to start off with mine,

and I'm going to give, save the best for last, with Taylor Rooks. So my real one of the week is a guy by the name of Janice Adetakumbo, who got the absolute bag. Woo-woo. We all know he's been through a lot, and he's gotten the bag. with the Milwaukee Bucks,

five years, 228 million. Shout out to Janus, man, ruin of the week. Now. Big shout out. Taylor, who is your real one of the week? Okay, I might be cheating the segment because I'm choosing three people, but it's of the same thing.

Okay. So my real ones of the week are Stefan Diggs, DeAndre Hopkins, and Kareem Hunt because I won a fantasy this week as playoffs. And I would not have got it done if DeAndra Hopkins didn't have 100 plus yard game. Stefan Diggs went crazy. And everybody was doubting me having Kareem Hunt on my team. But Kareem Hunt got me 24 points, two touchdown.

And even though the Browns lost with the Ravens, he won my game. I was actually facing Lamar Jackson. And I ended up winning by like 10 points, but only because of all those three. So those are my real ones in the week. Well, congratulations to you. I'm sure that will help out with the pain that the Falcons have given you all season. Boom. Bye.

Well, no, man. Thank you so much for coming on. I'm a big fan of your work. I really appreciate it. Thank you, Taylor. Thank you for having me. This is a great time. Good to see you.

Thank you so much. Bye. And we're back. Raja had some bum-ass Wi-Fi, so he got cut off. Something about the Florida. The crazy thing is, I just upgraded all Wi-Fi. Like, I just went through this with Comcast.

They came out. They upgraded all the routers. We supposedly have a faster speed. Like, they're not going to be any interruptions with everybody streaming their schooling at the same time. And I lose my Wi-Fi more than I did before. And in the midst of a great question, Raja, in the midst of a great question about Kobe and you being on IG Live

after you close, my man. Can you just expand on that answer real quick, how you would be in the normal millennial age? You didn't hear anything I said about that? No, it cut off as soon as you said. Damn, that's a shame, bro. Hey, that's a shame. You didn't hear any.

No, what I said was, now, I'll give you the answer. The answer is I would have been talking a whole lot of mess on Instagram and Twitter and all of that because at the time I was emotional. And that would have been the, like, the wrong thing to do would be tweeting and posting stuff that lives forever when you're emotional, which way too many

people do. So it would have been really, like, in my opinion, a harmful thing for me to have done. But knowing myself and how heated I can get and having that access at my fingertips, it would not have been good. I would have been in there, you know, saying reckless stuff. And it would have been a counterproductive. I think that I could definitely see you on IG Live that night or IG Live during the, during, During game six where you're like at some bar in LA, I could definitely see you IG Live or live tweeting that whole thing and just messing off so many bags.

It would have been so counterproductive. Yes, I would have been just, it's just completely irresponsible. But again, like I'm a believer. Like don't, not emotional, dude. Don't do it emotionally. Like if you got something, put the Twitter down, put the phone down and like come back to it a couple hours from now or a day later.

Like don't do it out of emotion. Let's get to, since you got. cut off me and Taylor had to do our real one of the weeks without you. Who were they? I had Yonis. She had Stefan Diggs and her fantasy team who balled out. True. True. So, you know, she had a good weekend.

All right. What? Who is your real one of the week? So I got three of them and they're all quarterbacks. They're all quarterbacks. Okay. All right. One, Jalen Hertz, taken over for Carson Went in Philadelphia.

Philly's a tough sports town, man. Like, Jalen Hertz came out and he bawled. Like, he's got some room to grow. I'm sure they simplified that game playing. It's going to be interesting to see. But everywhere he's been, he's faced some adversity and he's risen to the challenge. So shout out real one for Jalen Hertz

getting his first NFL win as a starter. Lamar Jackson, a South Florida kid, having to go off the hit with the cramping issue, slipping all over the field against a bitter AFC North rival in the Browns, like coming back after the injury to Colt McCoy and on the first play, you know, life or death basically for their team. Throwing a touchdown pass, I think it was the Hollywood Brown. I know the South Florida kids.

So real one of the week for both of them. And then my third and most important real one of the week is one Dia Bell, quarterback of the FBU 7th grade South Florida team that took home the Florida region and will play for an FBU national championship this weekend in Naples. I'm Diabelle through two touchdowns in the final game. And I don't remember what his stat line was, but we're balling down here in South Florida, dog. Diabelle, real one of the week.

Tap in, tap in to the young homie, man. Shout out to the young homie out here bawling in Florida, okay? Hey, Florida, that's a football hotbed, okay? Like, shout out to the little homie for our balling out, man. Appreciate you. That's dope, man. All right. So, a little housekeeping thing, we are, next week,

we're just going to be going on Mondays, week. For the next two weeks, we'll just be having one shell per week. But yeah, man, it's been a good whirlwinds. It's been a good one. Shout out to Taylor Works for coming on. She was amazing. Awesome. She had to leave early to go to the James Hardin availability. He was talking for the first time since the leaked trade, since going to the ice ball with a little baby, since just having the time of his life off the court, apparently during a pandemic. And so she had to go go check that out. So shout to Taylor for coming on. She was fantastic. She's a boss. She was awesome. And we'll see you next Monday. Real ones tap in.

Hala.