Fixing College & Pro Sports (Brad and Isaac Rochell) (Breather Episode with Brad)

After my interview with LA Chargers defensive end and all-around thoughtful guy Isaac Rochell, we keep talking about how college and pro sports can improve the way they conduct business and treat athletes. I propose numerous innovations I would make as a professional team owner, such as giving each player a free driver, chef, bodyguard and massage therapist. After all, these guys are each multimillion-dollar economic entities individually, so they should be cared for as such by the team. On the flip side, Isaac explains the importance of athletes investing in their own health and well being—not just to sustain a productive career for as long as possible, but also to support long-term health after retirement.  

Isaac then hangs up the phone to go make a healthy meal and do some yoga, and I go off further on the topic of fixing pro sports. First (sorry Isaac), we probably should phase out tackle football and replace it with soccer. Football is a magnificent athletic spectacle, and a tremendous growth experience for players working hard to contribute to a team effort. I also think the players are pushed too hard to play too many games. This is driven by money and disregarding player health and longevity. Recall a few years back how coach Greg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs stood up to the ridiculousness of the NBA schedule by benching star players who weren’t injured. This is against the rules, drew a big fine to the Spurs, and the coach said “whatever” because he wants to win in the playoffs.  

You’ll be shocked at the crazy reason why NBA teams fly their private jets all night, trashing the players’ sleep cycles. And the disparate types of NBA athletes—some incredibly committed to training/recovery/healthy living (aka Kobe Bryant and LeBron James), some pretty much there, and some pretty much just coasting along on talent and blowing lots of Benjamin’s leading the high life. Are you one of those people who think athletes are paid too much? Think again, as we learn some free market realities from economics 101. I share the top-secret sage advice that I dispensed to Lance Armstrong that was brilliant at the time, but came back to bite him in the bust and cost big legal fees years later.