Forward, Thinking

In Forward, Thinking | Episode 26, Ricky hosts a panel discussion focusing on 2020's lasting impact on the sports industry. The panel consists of: Wendell Haskins (Chief Marketing Officer of the PCL), Kavitha Davidson (Podcast Host/Editorial Director, The Lead at The Athletic), Kelsey Trainor (Business & Legal Affairs, Abrams Media), and Kailee Scales (Principal, ThinkFree Global Strategies). The discussion more specifically focuses on: (1) Impact of the Pandemic on sports, especially college sports, (2) Racial Inequality and the Black Lives Matter movement, & (3) Investing in women's sports and equal rights in the sports industry.Show Notes:00:17 – Introduction to Kavitha, Kelsey, Kailee, & Wendell08:52 – Kavitha on how has the media has changed throughout the pandemic12:12 – Kelsey on adjustments that leagues have made in terms of revenue generation and the WNBA CBA agreed to in 202014:25 – Kavitha on the media’s coverage of sports restarting during the pandemic16:07 – Kailee on the expectations of athletes (primarily black athletes) to return to play despite the lack of certainty 18:52 – Wendell on the pandemic’s effect on college sports and how the curtain was further drawn back on the business of college sports and its reliance on predominantly black and unpaid athletes21:28 – Kelsey on the possibility of future litigation related to college athletes being made to play during the pandemic23:58 – Kailee on the historical legacy of the United States exploiting vulnerable communities to keep things going at difficult times24:57 – Kavitha on polls showing dividing lines between white and black respondents on whether college athletes should be paid and whether sports should have returned during the pandemic27:00 – Kavitha on how pro sports teams and leagues used the pandemic as cover to cut certain costs and “cry poor”29:51 – Wendell on drawing comparisons between the radical disruption of the music industry because of Napster and of the sports industry because of the pandemic31:49 – Kavitha discussing sports being an industry based on inertia and how British sports organizations had pandemic insurance, while US counterparts did not33:40 – Kelsey on insurance strategies in the sports 34:44 – Kailee on how most fans are able to relate more to, and are thereby more supportive of, owners over athletes in labor38:16 – Wendell on his experiences at the PGA of America44:37 – Kavitha on how and why sports organizations are attempting to address diversity and inclusion 47:06 – Kailee on challenging the “window dressing” elements of D&I initiatives in sports and applying pressure by presenting solutions 50:43 – Wendell on the strategies for the PGA of America that he included in his open letter52:07 – Kelsey on the impact of the WNBA on the 2020 elections56:04 – Kavitha on how female athletes laid out the blueprint for successful athlete activism and the Milwaukee Bucks followed it in the aftermath of the killing of Jacob Blake 59:44 – Kailee on whether there were sports organizations striving for systemic changes1:04:49 – Kelsey’s final thoughts on continued investment in and growth of women’s professional sports1:08:18 – Kavitha on women’s sports being a growth industry with nowhere to go but up1:10:12 – Kailee on whether sports can be a driving force for positive change

In Forward, Thinking | Episode 25, David and Ricky are joined by legal expert and professor N. Jeremi Duru and Senior Writer at ESPN's The Undefeated and co-author of "I Came As A Shadow" Jesse Washington.Jeremi discusses his career, his work with the Fritz Pollard Alliance (FPA). the creation and evolution of the Rooney Rule, and the current state of diversity initiatives in the NFL.Jesse discusses his work at The Undefeated, how he was selected by John Thompson to co-write "I Came As A Shadow", what it was like to work with Coach Thompson, his favorite stories from the book, and his outlook on the current state of collegiate and professional sports.Show Notes:Jeremi Duru1:29 – Introduction to Jeremi Duru4:32 – What initially drew Jeremi to the law and the civil rights movement6:01 – Clerking for a federal judge, working for a big firm to pay off his student loans, and joining a civil rights firm to follow his passion8:15 – The importance of racial justice in sports10:03 – Fritz Pollard, the first black head coach in the NFL, and the creation of the Rooney Rule13:56 – Manipulations of the Rooney Rule, from Bill Parcells to fake candidates to sham interviews, and the reactionary evolutions of the rule16:57 – Whether other professional sports leagues should consider adopting a version of the Rooney Rule20:51 – Expansions to the Rooney Rule to include front office and coordinator positions, as well as requiring female candidates be interviewed for business operations positions24:06 – The Deshaun Watson situation in the era of superstar player empowerment & how it compares to Chris Paul leaving the New Orleans Hornets28:49 – The work of the Fritz Pollard Alliance beyond the Rooney Rule31:06 – How is Eric Bieniemy not an NFL head coach?33:21 – Jeremi’s daily routineJesse Washington36:58 – Introduction to Jesse Washington37:08 – Being selected as John Thompson’s co-writer for his autobiography37:59 – Preparing to write Coach Thompson’s book, getting angry after reading the first book written about him, Mary Fenlon’s scrapbooks, 39:44 – Disproving the myth that Coach Thompson didn’t like white players and was a racist, a myth perpetuated by opposing coaches through negative recruiting44:25 – Incorporating the critical themes into the book while chronologically telling Coach Thompson’s story48:03 – The importance of education to Coach Thompson, global issue lectures during practice, and letting the team see his Nike contract51:07 – Coach Thompson’s style, what Coach Thompson told Roy Hibbert about his career options, Black History Month is every month lectures, advice from Dean Smith, and keeping his players off-balance, especially Dikembe Mutombo56:51 – Coach Thompson’s evolution with regards to the compensation of college athletes59:32 – How Coach Thompson viewed the book as his final statement of purpose and being, Jesse’s feeling of responsibi lity to do it right, and why Coach Thompson wanted Jesse to do the audio book1:02:00 – Why The Undefeated is a critical platform in the sports media landscape today1:04:52 – The current state of the NFL with regards to diversity in coaching and front office ranks and whether there is a reason for hope that significant change is on the horizon in sports overall1:07:52 – Freedom is the right to not be successful, how Coach Thompson applied Gandhi’s beliefs to the opportunities afforded to black coaches1:11:27 – Why the purpose behind change is so important in the process of change1:15:54 – Jesse’s daily routine

In Forward, Thinking | Episode 24, David and Ricky are joined by Alan Major and Greg Oden to discuss their careers, thoughts on the current landscape of college and professional basketball, and approaches to coaching. Alan was recently named the Head Coach of the PCL's DC Stealth with Greg set to join his staff as an assistant coach.

In Forward, Thinking | Episode 23, David and Ricky are joined by ranked WTA player and former collegiate tennis player Brittany Collens and psychiatrist and mother of four Dr. Janet Taylor.Brittany discusses her collegiate tennis experience at UMass and New Mexico State, the NCAA's decision to vacate everything related to her junior and senior seasons, and how she hopes to be a change agent for college sports. Dr. Taylor discusses her career, how the pandemic has affected people negatively and positively from a mental health standpoint, what anti-racism is and its role in addressing structural inequities, the major issues with playing college sports in a pandemic, and why everyone needs to continue to make mental health a focal point in every day life.

In Forward, Thinking | Episode 22, David and Ricky are joined by Senator Chris Murphy (CT-D), then Ricky and guest co-host Wendell Haskins are joined by actor, director, producer, activist, singer, and entrepreneur Malik Yoba.Senator Murphy discusses issues related to college sports reform, including what initially made him think that Congressional action may be needed, the current status of federal legislation related to college sports, state NIL bills, the potential impact of NCAA v. Miller on state bills, and why NIL rights are the only beginning. We also discuss his current sport activities, routines, and visualization techniques. Malik discusses his family upbringing, his career from Cool Runnings to his most recent documentary on the power of real estate, how New York Undercover changed his life forever, working with Tyler Perry and the urban theater circuit, portraying MLK, why Empire was one of his least favorite experiences in his career, and rugged individualism versus compassionate capitalism in America. Show NotesSenator Murphy01:24 – Introduction to Senator Murphy03:08 – Initial attraction to the idea that federal legislation could bring successful reformations to college sports04:30 – The critical issues that need to be solved in college sports06:03 – Congress' ability to address these issues, especially with so many national issues at hand08:26 – Whether compensating college athletes is a partisan issue and how the Georgia run-offs may impact a pro-athlete bill09:56 – The competing bill proposals in the House and Senate, especially Sen. Rubio's bill and the bi-partisan House proposal from Reps. Gonzalez and Cleaver, and the spectrum of pro-NCAA/pro-university to pro-athlete. 12:42 – The NCAA's plan to legally challenge state NIL bills based on the Commerce Clause and the real "deadline," if any, that Congress is facing on this issue.14:54 – The importance of understanding the terminology involved in the discussions around reforming college sports, and making that terminology more accessible.15:53 – The current status of the framework and plan that Senator Murphy is working on, and the plan to address more than just name, image, and likeness rights.17:41 – The issues and concerns that keep Senator Murphy up at night related to college sports legislation.19:52 – Whether the NCAA is a necessary stakeholder to the future of college sports.21:36 – Senator Murphy's routines: breakfast every morning and visualization techniquesMalik Yoba23:59 – Introduction to Malik, booking Cool Runnings, and growing up in Harlem26:27 – Coming from a big family and being raised in a Muslin household29:00 – Malik's many skills and talents and his latest project focused on the power of real estate35:37 – Rugged individualism versus compassionate capitalism40:49 – The impact of New York Undercover43:45 – Working with Tyler Perry and the Urban Theater circuit46:31 – A man ahead of his time, trying to sell subscriptions in the Urban community before the Internet boom and the MYNT Company51:18 – Gotham, portraying MLK in Betty & Coretta, and working with Angela Bassett (Betty & Coretta) and Phylicia Rashad (Bull)55:58 – Working on Empire, the casting process, and being the most experienced in television on set1:04:01 – Adding nuance and layers to characters beyond the script and how psychological safety brings out the best version of yourself1:10:05 – Getting killed off of Empire and finding out at a fundraiser screening of the show for the National Urban League in St. Louis following the murder of Mike Brown1:15:56 – Malik's daily routines

In Forward, Thinking | Episode 21, David and Ricky are joined by the other members of the PCL's management team, Wendell Haskins (CMO), Keith Sparks (CDO), and Andy Schwarz (CIO) to discuss how the team was assembled, the evolution of the PCL's business model, and the newly-released DC team brand.Show Notes:01:30 - Introducing the PCL "Starting 5" and how Andy created the original idea behind the league05:55 - Keith's familial ties to HBCUs and how he came to be a part of the team08:05 - D-West becomes the COO - how he learned about the PCL and why he joined the team right after retiring from the NBA09:37 - David's collegiate experience and how even a mid-major program can generate considerable revenues from top talent11:13 - David on learning about the business of basketball while with the Pacers11:57 - Wendell joins the PCL after a meeting at NBA All-Star Week, what drew him in15:04 - Ricky's collegiate journey and what brought him to the PCL17:16 - Building a new team brand – alliteration, bad ideas, local tie-ins, making sh*t up21:04 - The elephant in the room - a white guy wanting to partner with HBCUs22:46 - The short-lived PCL Atlanta team name26:58 - The parameters that were set in the team name selection phase for each city and why we had to get creative29:19 - Legal clearances and another short-lived Atlanta team name idea30:03 - Developing brands that players want to rep and wear32:10 - Getting a brand right34:53 - The DC team name reveal – The DC Stealth!38:20 - Why it's a good idea to release one brand at a time

In Forward, Thinking | Episode 20, David and Ricky are joined by sports writers Kavitha Davidson and Jessica Luther, co-authors of Loving Sports When They Don't Love You Back, Dilemmas of the Modern Fan, to discuss the challenges they've overcome in their careers, the excitement around the mounting successes of and investment into women's sports in the US, the great work of the athletes in the WNBA, their book - what motivated them and what it includes, Title IX, whether the US needs a Ministry of Sport, white fragility and racist mascots, and the routines that help fortify them daily to be at the top of their game. Show Notes:02:04 - How sports drew them in and their current relationship with sports05:32 - The challenges they have faced and overcome in their careers09:59 - The relationship between athletes and the media17:47 - Whether female writers are pushed to cover women's sports20:49 - The excitement around the mounting successes of and investment into women's sports in the US24:43 - The great work of the athletes in the WNBA and the impact of the Bucks' boycott25:09 - Introducing Loving Sports When They Don't Love You Back, Dilemmas of the Modern Fan, the motivation behind writing the book and what33:28 - Deciding what to include and not to include in their book35:45 - Grassroots sports and male dominance in the coaching ranks of women's youth sports40:33 - Title IX and its significant impact on women's sports42:01 - Whether the US needs a Ministry of Sport and comparing US "sports law" to international sports law44:42 - White fragility, racist mascots, and the internal struggle (and reckoning) that fans experience50:48 - Brand value and the business opportunities that follow changing a team's name54:35 - The routines that keep them at the top of their game

In Forward, Thinking | Episode 19, David and Ricky are joined by award winning columnist formerly of the New York Times and currently at ESPN's The Undefeated and author of "Forty Million Dollar Slaves" and the 10-year NBA veteran, author, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and member of the PCL's Athlete Advisory Board CJ Watson. CJ discusses his career in the NBA, the D-League, and overseas, what motivated him to write his children's book series, why he founded the Quiet Storm Foundation and what its mission is, his views on the recent evolution and future of the NBA, what he thought of the NBA's and WNBA's bubbles, and more.Bill discusses his career, motivations for "Forty Million Dollar Slaves," the mission of the Rhoden Fellows Initiative, how elite college talent shifted from HBCUs to PWIs, the circumstances for minority coaching and front office candidates, whether athletes would benefit from attending HBCUs, the imbalanced power dynamics between athletes and teams, how superstar athletes like LeBron James may be redistributing the power, and the importance of using history to prepare us for the future.Show Notes:CJ Watson02:12 - How CJ got into sports, more specifically basketball02:47 - CJ's motivation in writing his book series (CJ's Big Dream, CJ's Big Moment, & CJ's Big Project)03:21 - Was writing always an interest?03:45 - How being a dad influenced his perspectives with the book series04:23 - Will we see other books from you once the series is complete?04:48 - CJ's transitions from Europe to the D-League to the NBA then back to Europe06:00 - Dealing with the disappointment and frustration of going undrafted and having to play overseas07:18 - In a country known for racist chants, were you ever targeted while in Italy?08:13 - Were drums and other instruments common while playing in Europe?08:44 - Carving out a role in the NBA09:57 - The importance of mental toughness, especially with a 10-day contract10:59 - Playing for Don Nelson, the originator of small ball lineups12:38 - Playing for a coach that benched you for offense rather than defense13:33 - CJ's favorite team he played for13:52 - The mission and purpose of the Quiet Storm Foundation14:42 - The importance of his education and keeping his promise to his mom and grandmother15:29 - Whether or not he spoils his kids16:36 - How the shift towards a more family-friendly environment for players and their families has positively impacted the NBA and CJ personally18:54 - Why CJ hasn't push his kids into sports19:44 - The NBA Bubble20:38 - Thoughts on where the NBA is headed21:44 - Why it's necessary that the NBA continue to support the voices of its athletes25:03 - Thoughts on the Milwaukee Bucks decision to refuse to play25:53 - Thoughts on the WNBA's "wubble"27:18 - CJ's morning routineBill Rhoden28:56 - Bill's introduction, retirement from the NYT, his current role at ESPN's The Undefeated, & the Rhoden Fellows Initiative30:47 - Going to Morgan State and this history of elite athletes at HBCUs32:54 - The shift of talent from HBCUs to PWIs following desegregation36:58 - Whether the NCAA's reduction to grant-in-aid scholarships was tied to desegregation ending or a coincidence40:39 - The power dynamics between athletes and teams; whether circumstances have improved for black candidates seeking positions of power in sports46:11 - How superstars like LeBron James are shifting those power dynamics49:03 - The importance of critical thinking and whether black athletes would be better served at HBCUs today57:10 - The importance of learning from history

In Forward, Thinking | Episode 18, David and Ricky are joined by Patrick Hruby (award winning writer and journalist) to discuss how he got into sports journalism, comparing college football and the NFL in terms of player health and safety, how the NCAA cartel and repeated antitrust law violator continues to exist, lawsuits the NCAA has faced (O'Bannon & Alston), the political, judicial, and legislative deference given to sports in the United States, the player perspective on the growth of college sports, how college and professional sports make (or fail to make) their product appealing to Gen Z fans, and how we should allow athletes to make mistakes in college as a learning opportunity.01:50 - Writing the first story on the PCL (previously known as the HBL or HBCU League)03:23 - How Patrick got into sports journalism06:14 - College sports and the NFL are the best mirrors for larger societal issues in the US09:07 - Missed opportunities with women's sports, sexism, and the hurdles women face working in sports10:09 - Junction Boy Syndrome (an average of 2 college football players are dying per year) and the need for balancing power between the athletes and "management" in college sports13:35 - How the NBA rapidly responded to the death of Jason Collier by revamping their approach to cardiovascular testing17:12 - The NCAA is a cartel, which Mark Emmert leads with the support of the member-schools (no matter what they may tell you)19:13 - How can the NCAA's monopoly exist in 2020?21:16 - The political, legislative, and judicial deference that sports that have always enjoyed in the US; the racism and mythology that has surrounded sports in the US23:21 - Judge Wilken's opinion in Alston24:46 - The player perspective on amateurism and the rapid growth of revenues in college sports33:35 - College are leaving billions on the table with individual licensing and the disconnect with Gen Z sports fans40:01 - How the NBA embraced social media and the development of individual personalities43:33 - College is where we should allow athletes to make mistakes and grow from them50:35 - Patrick's morning routine (or lack thereof)

In Forward, Thinking | Episode 17, David and Ricky are joined by Joel Anderson (staff writer at Slate & host of Slow Burn Season 3) to discuss how he got into sports, his own athletic journey and how TCU's recruitment of LaDainian Tomlinson led to his transition into journalism, the current landscape of college sports and the power imbalances between the universities and players, the lack of representation, diversity, and inclusion in the coaching and administration of college (and professional sports), how black coaches shouldn't have to be rising superstars to get a job, his prediction for the future of college sports over the next 5-10 years, why it's unfair to expect college athletes to go on strike, why it's ridiculous that Eric Reid doesn't have a job, whether college athletes can handle being paid differently, and how universities are currently risking the lives of college football players.

In Forward, Thinking | Episode 16, David and Ricky are joined by Syracuse 8 member Clarence "Bucky" McGill and Washington Post columnist and regular on ESPN's Around the Horn Kevin Blackistone. Bucky discusses his experience as a member of the Syracuse 8, from the support of Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown to reconciling with a former teammate to returning to Syracuse University and being awarded the Chancellor's Medal of Courage. Additionally, Bucky describes the political and economic power of athletes and the importance of civil disobedience to bring attention to critical issues. KB discusses what drew him to sports journalism, the importance of black journalism in sport (and in general), the sleight of hand schools are using to distract us from the new heights of college sports exploitation, the historical struggle of the black athlete in the US, the college player movements in 2020, and how much he misses live jazz.

In Forward, Thinking | Episode 15, David and Ricky are joined by Black-ish writer and Mixed-ish creator Peter Saji and the PCL's Chief Development Officer and Co-Founder Keith Sparks. Saji discusses becoming a writer, breaking into Hollywood, writing for Black-ish, creating Mixed-ish, writing the Black-ish Juneteenth episode, supporting Marsai Martin during the BET Awards, and how productions are adjusting in the pandemic.Keith discusses working in Stanford's athletic department, mentoring elite college athletes, the compromised education opportunities for college athletes, waivers being forced on college athletes, and what's really happening to football and basketball teams on college campuses as we speak.

In Forward, Thinking | Episode 14, David and Ricky are joined by CEO & Founder of PWRFWD and NBA veteran, athlete activist, and author Etan Thomas.Luke discusses what influenced him to become an activist for athletes' rights, the state of name, image, likeness, and athletic reputation rights for college athletes, and what he's currently working on with PWRFWD.Etan discusses the political and societal climate in the US, how the culture of the NBA has changed Adam Silver comparative to the David Stern era, how athletes can use their platforms for good, his open letter to Adam Silver regarding the NBA restart, and the Black Lives Matter movement.

In Forward, Thinking | Episode 13, David and Ricky are joined by PCL Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer Andy Schwarz and actor, activist, choreographer, and author Rosie Perez.Andy discusses the history of amateurism, the current landscape of college athletics, and the Professional Collegiate League.Rosie discusses the parallels between Do The Right Thing and George Floyd's murder, her perspective on the Black Lives Matter movement, her history of activism, her push for expanded Puerto Rican rights, her love of boxing, and the Hollywood shakeup and reemergence of representative, impactful films and television.

In Forward, Thinking | Episode 12, David and Ricky are joined by PCL Chief Marketing Officer Wendell Haskins to discuss his open letter to the PGA of America and his time at the organization, the influences golf has had on his life and career, what motivated him to start the Original Tee Golf Classic, his attempt to get Charlie Sifford fast-tracked into the PGA of America Hall of Fame, how he recruited Steph Curry, Coach K's recent Black Lives Matter video, and why we must hold individuals and companies accountable for their words and actions at such a critical time in the country's history following the death of George Floyd.

In Forward, Thinking | Episode 11, David and Ricky are joined by actor and activist Wendell Pierce to discuss the history of New Orleans and Hurricane Katrina, Drew Brees, Colin Kaepernick and kneeling, Black Lives Matter and police reform, the changes needed in college sports, the opportunity in front of NBA players in the league's restart, the approach and psyche of an actor, working in concert rather than in competition, and the importance of economic development in the movement for equality in the US.

In Forward, Thinking | Episode 10, David and Ricky are joined by former professional basketball player Chris Copeland and sport and entertainment attorney Kelsey Trainor.Chris discusses the hurdles he faced and overcame in his career playing overseas, in the D-League, and in the NBA. He also discusses the importance of mental health, education, off-the-court interests, and quality coaches.Kelsey discusses the importance of primetime coverage and investment in women's sports, the USWNT lawsuit, the WNBA Draft and recently signed CBA, and the legal landscape of college sports, especially as college athletes report for "voluntary" summer workouts.

In Forward, Thinking | Episode 9, David and Ricky are joined by PCL CMO Wendell Haskins and special guest Luther "Luke" Campbell to discuss Miami and Liberty City, his legal cases involving parody and explicit lyrics, the Liberty City Riots following the death of Arthur McDuffie, the current political climate, the U's football team and talent from Miami, and how youths are driving societal change.

In Forward, Thinking | Episode 8, David and Ricky are joined by Emmy-nominated actor, mentor, speaker, and author Dondré Whitfield and Shanti Das, founder and executive director of Silence the Shame. Dondré discusses the evolution and elevation of manhood and his recently released book Male vs. Man.Shanti discusses Silence the Shame, a nonprofit organization that focuses on education and awareness around mental health, in Forward, Thinking's continued series around mental health and wellness.

In Forward, Thinking | Episode 7, David and Ricky are joined by former NBA player & current Beijing Duck Ekpe Udoh and Dr. Kendell and Kainon Jasper. Ekpe discusses his transfer experience from Michigan to Baylor under Coach John Beilein, his career in the NBA, Turkey, and China, his educational awakening and how that's changed his perspective on the world, his global fan book club and what they've read recently, basketball atmospheres in Europe, and his advice on critical career transitions.Kendell and Kainon discuss their unique and adaptable approach to mental health and wellness, confronting stigmas around mental wellness, working with young athletes, the warning signs for those that may be struggling, their role in the NBA Rookie Transition Program, and the importance of national protocols related to mental health for athletes.

In Forward, Thinking | Episode 6, David and Ricky are joined by former USTA President Katrina Adams and 12-year NBA veteran and creator of "Block or Charge" Rex Chapman. Katrina discusses her playing career, experience as the President, Chairperson and CEO of the United States Tennis Association, Immediate Past Chairperson of the US Open and current Chairperson of the ITF Fed Cup and Gender Equality in Tennis Committees, the importance of education, how sports will change after COVID-19, and more.Rex discusses his playing career, transitioning to the front office, battling opioid addiction, mental health and wellness, how he started "Block or Charge," the eras of professional basketball, and more.

In Forward, Thinking | Episode 5, David and Ricky are joined by ESPN sports journalist Bomani Jones and David McFarland, a mental wellness and suicide prevention expert and PCL Advisory Board member. David discusses his efforts to create national initiatives for mental health and wellness in sports and his role in the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention's U.S. COVID-19 Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Response effort. Bomani talks about the current state of college sports, the importance of a college education, and treating black athletes with respect.

In Forward, Thinking | Episode 4, David and Ricky are joined by 2-time NBA All Star, entrepreneur, filmmaker, and investor Baron Davis to discuss life in the NBA, the art of basketball, super teams, analytics, organizational culture, creating an identity, off the court pursuits, and more.

In Forward, Thinking | Episode 3, David and Ricky are joined by journalist, author, and television personality Howard Bryant to discuss the exploitation of black athletes, socialism in sports, and bringing about structural change.

In Forward, Thinking | Episode 2, David and Ricky are joined by NBA Finals MVP and 3-time NBA Champion Andre Iguodala. David and Ricky also discuss the toxic attitudes of college coaches that have come to light in recent weeks.

In Forward, Thinking | Episode 1, we are joined by special guest Soledad O'Brien. Co-hosts David West and Ricky Volante also discuss social distancing, HBO’s The Scheme, the current state of college basketball recruiting, and give a quick introduction to the Professional Collegiate League (or PCL), along with PCL CMO Wendell Haskins.