Sports Talk SHow Host Devan Wade Interview

It is a blessing and very inspiring when your able to connect and network with someone in your same career interest. I had the opportunity to interview Devan Wade, which is a sports talk show host in Houston, TX.

Devan Wade was very cooperative and inspiring when I asked him for an interview. His words of inspiration were “ I love to share and help others, especially Afro Americans who are ambitious.” Once I heard this I was very excited and knew I made the right selection because as an aspiring sports agent every little encouragement helps.

         Devan Wade has been a talk show host since 1992 and has had the opportunity of interviewing sports professionals, entertainment professionals and politicians. He was employed with The Houston Informer as a freelance editor for many years. The Houston Informer newspaper is the oldest African American newspaper west of Mississippi. Currently, Devan Wade is a talk show host for radio station KTSU in Houston, Tx and his show is titled “The Friday Express.”

         During my Interview with Devan Wade I was very interested in the following questions:

1. As a talk show host what kind of athletes do you mostly interview?

Devan: “I Work with retired athletes in Houston most with notoriety, such as NFL players and pro athletes and NBA players from all major sports. Most of the time I will set up my own interviews with folks from media relationships I have built over the years. Also, through personal relationships such as PR people. I interview athletes mostly when they are promoting something. Also some of the interviews come through the organization. For instance, like through their team or through their facility. I get many interviews during the athlete off-season because they come to promote their charity foundations or upcoming events.”

2. Which kind of athlete do you enjoy interviewing most?

Devan: “Honestly, it’s not much different. But, football players are most guarded, more relaxed, I’m not sure if it’s part of their contracts or what. But they are the easiest. I don’t have a real preference, but mainly concerned about what topic I choose to speak about. Houston is more football base, which allows me to focus more on football athletes and stories.”

3. Which athlete was the most exciting to interview?

Devan: “Most exciting interview I have had was with legendary former football player Jim Brown. He was entering into a lot of social things in the 60’s and broke a lot of barriers. He was the first leading black man to have a love interest for a white woman in the movie titled “Hundred Rifle.” I interviewed him a couple of years ago and he has a successful foundation called “Imerican I can.” We Sat for an hour and talked about sports and social issues as well, and the changes within the African American culture. This was my most exciting interview to date.”

4. What were some of the steps a soccer player took in becoming a successful soccer player?

Devan: “The Houston dynamo playing David Beckham and the La Galaxy is very successful. I have not spoken to any Soccer players. But, I spoke with the Soccer team president. My audience is not big in soccer, But Oliver luck I had the privilege of sitting down with. His excitement about bringing professional soccer to the city of Houston was our main discussion. The team which is currently in Houston called the “Dynamo” Oliver Luck was a big influence in bringing the team to Houston”

5. What and which athlete interview was your most heartfelt & memorable moment?

Devan: “My most heartfelt interview was with former boxer Gerald McClellan. He was a champion and he fought in London. He almost died because of severe injuries and became very sick due to brain damage. I spoke with him briefly between his sister and himself because sometimes he would forget or take a long time to speak. He had to raise a foundation for his kids, and many people in boxing forgot about him. It’s memorable as well because I always wanted to get in contact with Joe Frazier for an interview. But, I was not able to make that happen. I have interviewed Floyd Mayweather and I’m excited and waiting to see him fight boxer “Paqchioa”. I bring these boxers up because I had the privilege of interviewing Gerald. But, not Joe Frazier and I can say that I have covered the current major most relevant boxers interviews.”

Name: Sparkle Callahan

Interviewee: Devan Wade

Title: Host of Sports Talk

Twitter: @wadeword

Company: Host of KTSU's The Friday Express Houston Native

Contact info: KTSU 3100 Clebourne, Houston, Tx 77004

Ph: 713 313-7591 Fax: 713 313-7479

Blog Site: http://www.wadeword.tumblr.com

Boxer: Floyd MONEY Mayweather Social Media Presentation

In my Social Media presentation I will be discussing undisputed champion Boxer Floyd MONEY Mayweather. I will be discussing his enhancements as a social media participate, as well as analyzing his media presence thus far. Click the link below:


Presentation Link: http://www.viddler.com/explore/sparkle1/videos/11/

Sources:

www.floydmayweather.com
www.atlpics.net
www.prinyourpajamas.com/traditional-media-for-pr/
www.reuters.com/article/2011/05/13/us-twitter-celebrities-odd-idUSTRE74C3BA20110513

By Sparkle Callahan
Twitter: @sparklecallahan
Linkedin.com/sparklecallahan

Facilities Management Nov 6, 2011

In sports finances is very imperative to keep teams and the athletes going. However, pro athletes and major leagues suffer less or if not at all compared to the little leagues such as college sports. During, economic hardships there are still ways for the smaller leagues to survive. With the correct strategic planning with heartfelt ambition it can happen. In other words creating your very own events, and proposals to charity foundations. Being different by implementation can create creative ways to sustain economic hardship within a sports team.

         Mostly in the south college football passion drives financial stability. In 2007 5 of the top 10 revenue producers in college football was: Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Auburn and LSU. No matter what the recession and economic restraints are at the time these schools are still able to sell tickets, and have there contracts still in place with sponsorships. Because of their passion in the south they will always come out on top. Having passion for your league, will allow you to make ways to continue in prosperity. It is almost impossible to keep a college football league going every semester, especially if the team is not in the pro league. Therefore, passion will allow one to create events, write proposals and be different by implementation.

         Many lay offs and threats of canceling sports programs within the smaller college leagues have been threaten, especially in Louisiana. However, donors from the community helped out just in time before any tennis or sports division was omitted. When donors within your community help out and donate this is called passion.

         There are various ways I would be able to generate revenue for my sports division during a recession. The first approach I would do is create a wonderful and beneficial event, with a ticket purchase of $30.00 for non-students & $10.00 for students. I would have the event on the college campus of the team league. It would be either in the auditorium or out in the campus field. The event would consist of a mainstream or Pro athlete making an appearance at the school. The Pro athlete will be urged to speak to the students, faculty, community, and etc about the importance of sports/talent. The Pro athlete will sign autographs during, the allotted time set a side for a meet and greet and photos opts. depending on how much money need to be raised I will have this event with different Pro athletes once a month until we reach our goal.

         The second approach I would also utilize is writing proposals to charity foundations and various companies for monetary assistance for the college students. Since, I’m already experienced with writing such proposals I will be able to submit to many different organizations on the college behalf. I will explain to the organization benefits they would gain by donating for a good cause. It’s always someone somewhere willing to help and passionate about keeping programs continuing within a college. Which is why my target base will be charity foundations because they understand the importance of keeping students goals first.

Viddler Post: http://www.viddler.com/explore/sparkle1/videos/10/

Articles:

http://www.allaboutpresentations.com/2009/01/sponsorship-proposals-10-ideas-that.html

http://www.shiksha.com/getArticleDetail/2981/Organizing-College-Events-Teach-Crucial-Skills-To-Future-Team-Leaders

Posted By:

Sparkle Callahan

ADIDAS AND REEBOK MERGES IN AUGUST 2005

When I first heard or Adidas and Reebok doing a joint venture in year 2005, my initial thought was why? I thought why? because they are both household brand names and I did not see why it would be necessary to collaborate. However, Adidas felt that they could do better together than apart. Bringing both brands together would build a driving force mechanisms to the world of sports.

Germany's Adidas Saloman agreed to buy Reebok international for 3.1 billion euros. Although, Nike is a huge brand as well, Adidas & Reebok combined are ready to give NIKE a run for their money. Investors are willing and ready to give NIKE a huge challenge, with this new collaboration with Reebok and Adidas. The key to this this collaboration is for Adidas to expand their geographic reach. Adidas will focus on one geographic area, while Reebok will focus on another. The most important geographic area for Adidas is North America, as Adidas feels it is very imperative to conquer. Adidas goal is to be number 2 in the sporting goods market worldwide, and to create footwear and apparel that addresses a wider demographic spectrum. (187)

In 2005 the companies already saw $150 million dollars in annual savings collaboratively. This kind of money was seen through the world of Hip Hop music. Adidas and Reebok began to target NBA players and Hip Hop artists with endorsements, and product identity. Hip Hop artist Missy Elliott supported Adidas tremendously, while other Hip Hop artists such as Jay z & 50 Cent supported Reebok. Although, Adidas and Reeebok had their share of celebrity support, NIKE also had their celebrity support with Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods, as NIKE is not too much into the urban world, but have fairly made great advancement with these urban personalities. Adidas has been feeling heat from other brands as well such as Puma. However, this just drives Adidas to concentrate on a higher margin of innovation, along with its collaboration with Reebok.

Articles

http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/aug2005/nf2005084_8340.htm

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=rovell_darren&id=2123332

Posted By: Sparkle Callahan

The MMA denies Major media outlets at their sport events

April 2011 Although the MMA (UFC) is a sport, the confidence of them going totally mainstream has been in doubt. I found this article about the MMA very interesting because although they may not be seen as a total mainstream sport. They have denied major sports reporters and major media outlets press credentials. When a sport denies major press, this is also a way of saying they are denying going mainstream. Media outlets, reporters, journalists, press, bloggers, social media Guru's and etc are all the driving force to make one obtain their public awareness. The question that I asked is "what would make a sport division banned press and media from their event?"

The MMA sports is arguing that press and media outlets, service false materials to their readers about the MMA. According to President of the UFC Dana White, he did not consider some press outlets stories worthy of his PR clip file. Dana White banned the most prominent media outlets such as ESPN and CBS. The journalists that were denied press credentials were long time media supporters of the UFC, which were  ESPN Josh Gross and Loretta Hunt. According to a spokesperson at CBS '' We serve a growing base of MMA fans on CBSSports.com, so we're obviously disappointed the credential request was denied"

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/jeff_wagenheim/04/13/credentials/index.html

http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Dana-White-We-only-credential-real-media-?urn=mma-156706

http://www.cagepotato.com/dana-white-never-forgets-espns-josh-gross-cbs-sports-loretta-hunt-and-sherdogs-jeff-sherwood-denied-media-credentials-for-strikeforce-diaz-vs-daley/

Posted By Sparkle Cllahan

NBA LOCKOUT 2011-2012

This newly lockout controversy with the NBA seems to be the biggest dispute within the past 5 years. After union president Derek Fisher non chalant attitude and the athletes stubborness, I find it quite odd to see former Chicago Bulls player Dennis Rodman state his opinion on the lockout. According to Rodman "I just think that…the players should bow down….In 1999 we (were locked out) and missed half the season, Most players don't give a [expletive] about the game. They want the money and all of a sudden they want unity. I'm not taking the owners' side. I think the players should look at themselves." Of course having this lockout cause athletes,  loose out on their money, although the flip side is, should the athletes just sign an agreement without mutual benefits?. According to Rodman the athletes need to just compromise and take the agreement for less money, instead of loosing money. Seasons are being canceled, fans, supporters and people are without jobs due to this 2 month lockout.


According to Gary Roberts "I said a year ago that the NFL would settle in the August, and I said the NBA would not settle and would probably lose the entire season, and I think that's exactly what's going to happen." The NBA loosing out on its entire season would definitely be a total lost for the athletes, because they will still have and unsettled case and a lost of revenue. According to NBA executive Billy Hunter he saw the day that 2011-2012 NBA regular season games would have to be canceled. I wonder why did Billy Hunter foresee this episode of events?


I really think that the owners should be able to make some more reasonable offers in regard to the agreement for the athletes. Also, it seem sort of selfish because their are fans and supporters who have paid for there season tickets in advance and had to get a reimbursement. This kind of behavior within the NBA is very inconsiderate and maybe more damaging to the brand than worrying about revenue. However, without a brand there is no way to really retrieve revenue. As of right now October 16, 2011 there still has yet been a determination in regard to this lockout, hopefully soon a decision will be made and the NBA can move forward or there will be an entire season missed!


http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/story/2011-10-11/What-you-need-to-know-about-the-NBA-lockout/50735802/1
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ycn-10205927

Marcus Jordan is The cause of UCF loosing its Adidas Sponsorship

In the world of sports there are many stipulations and protection laws that must be in place, for the protection of trademarks, patent laws, and copyrights. Over the years there has been many controversies with sports teams taking legal action against another team or company because of this matter. However, it is important to protect all brands, logos etc to avoid any sort of legal action.

Recently, Professional basketball player Michael Jordan son Marcus Jordan denied wearing an Adidas sneaker during his game. But, instead insisted he wear his father air Jordan Nike Air sneakers, although Adidas was sponsoring the UCF. When Marcus denied wearing the Adidas sneaker during his game, Adidas then terminated their sponsorship with UCF. The UCF is now suffering from any future sponsorships because of this matter. Part of the sponsorship all coaches, and athletes were suppose to wear the Adidas clothing. However, I guess Marcus saw this as a conflict of interest/trademark issue with his father brand Nike Air. The UCF lost its 3million dollar adidas sponsorship and any future Adidas sponsorships is also in question. However, Marcus argues the fact that the school said he could wear his father sneakers, although they knew they had a contract with Adidas. It was very important for Adidas to have the most famous athletes to wear their apparel during the UCF games. It would have been a mutual benefit for Michael Jordan's son Marcus Jordan to wear Adidas sneakers during the game.


Resources;

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/05/marcus-jordan-wears-dads_n_346783.html

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_bianchi/2009/10/i-dont-blame-adidas-i-dont-blame-them-one-bit-in-the-controversy-regarding-what-brand-of-shoes-marcus-jordan-the-son-o.html

http://chicagoist.com/2009/11/05/jordan_wears_nike_adidas_bids_adieu.php

Posted By Sparkle Cllahan