The Right Time with Bomani Jones Bomani Jones & Michael Smith Reminisce on Around the Horn's Impact, ESPN Ups and Downs | 5.28
May 28, 2025
Michael Smith, co-founder of Inflection Point Entertainment and former ESPN commentator, joins Bomani Jones for a nostalgic dive into the impact of 'Around the Horn.' They discuss the show’s significance in shaping their careers and its role in sports commentary. Michael reflects on his roots in print journalism, while both share humorous insights about New Orleans culture. They highlight how the show fostered friendships and community, and the challenges of maintaining a series for over two decades, portraying the emotional weight of its legacy.
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Blackjack Lesson on Hitting 16
- Bomani Jones recounts a blackjack lesson involving hitting on 16 from a New Orleans dealer named Buddy.
- The logic was to hit on 16 every time, as the person winning at the table always did that.
Commit to Fixed Decisions
- Bomani advises minimizing decisions by setting fixed responses to common situations.
- Committing to one consistent action reduces mental strain and confusion.
Around the Horn as Career Home
- Michael Smith shares how Around the Horn was his career starting point and felt like home.
- The show opened doors and provided a welcoming environment unlike other corporate settings.