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People and Pop Culture

What I Like: John Brenkus, Creator & Host, ESPN’s ‘Sport Science’; Co-CEO, BASE Productions

PROFESSIONAL

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What I Like …

An insight: “Good” is a word that you use when something isn’t “great.”

An influential person in my career: Ted Leonsis. A truly inspirational billionaire.

An out-of-the-box idea: Raising the basket in the NBA to 11 feet to bring the sport back in line with how it was originally conceived.

A timeless idea: Love conquers all.

A business deal: Sports, anyone?

A sports facility: Staples Center.

A sports event: There’s nothing like the Super Bowl.

A strategy: Never reveal your strategy (that’s a legit strategy).

A hire: Bruce Boudreau, Washington Capitals head coach.

A brand: Specialized bikes for triathlons and TaylorMade golf clubs.

A trend: Baseball is fading and the NFL continues to grow … how big can it get?

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An innovation: The iPad! Revolutionizing the way we consume media.

A story that bears watching: The “concussion” debate in the NFL … not sure how serious we are as a society about this issue.

An idea or invention I wish I had thought of: YouTube.

A fantasy job: I have my fantasy job! Honestly, doesn’t get better than hosting “Sport Science.”


What I Like About …

My job: Getting to work with the greatest athletes on the planet and being able to put them to the ultimate test.

Sports: It brings everyone together.

Sports business: Being involved with something that is so precious to rabid fans in every sport.

Sports media: Being able to reach a worldwide audience and spreading cool information about a topic people genuinely care about.

Sports technology: The more technology advances, the more the leagues have to regulate the game.

Competing: Pushing yourself to the absolute limit.

The future (or direction) of sports business: It’s alive and well.

Sports fans: Ever wonder why fans care so much? Doesn’t matter why … they just do. It’s in their blood!


What I Would Like To …

Change: Nasty people trying to knock others down just because they made it to the top.

Change in what I do: Trying to be more vocally positive.

See: A perfect NFL season.

See more of in sports: Sportsmanship. Seriously. I don’t want any professional athlete to do something I wouldn’t want my kids to do.

See more of in sports business: Can always use more money, right?

See less of in sports: Arguing with the refs. Seems silly. Play the game!

See less of in sports business: Arguing with me. Seriously. Play the game!


What I Don’t Like …

Pet peeve: Nasty people.

In sports: Nasty people.

In business: Nasty people.

About sports fans: Sometimes they can be nasty!

PERSONAL

What I Like …

People: I love my family! My wife is the most amazing person I know, and my kids just blow me away!

That would surprise those who know me: I don’t drink alcohol or caffeine. I’ve never done any drugs of any kind. My high-octane style makes people wonder how I can be on “11” all the time, but it’s the truth. I just love life!

About myself: I love creating something from nothing. It’s incredibly rewarding to manifest a thought by making a profitable business!

Heroes: My mom and dad. Tough as nails, but tender with their love. Somehow, I feel like they got it right!

Players: Larry Fitzgerald. Truly a class act, and incredibly talented.

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Teams: I grew up in the Washington, D.C., area, so I’m a fan of the Redskins, Wizards and Capitals!

City: Los Angeles. How can you not love 75 and sunny!

Possession: My Prius. I love driving an inexpensive, sensible car!

Time of year: Summer. I love to sweat!

Music: My favorite band these days is One Eskimo. Check them out!

Books: “Born to Run,” “Talent Is Overrated.”

Magazine: ESPN The Magazine.

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Gadget: iPad!

Hobbies: Ironman Triathlons.

Movies: “127 Hours”! My favorite film of the year. Also, anything Christopher Nolan does.

TV: My TV is parked on ESPN.

Concerts: Kings of Leon, Coldplay.

Artist: Dali.

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Dessert: Carrot cake … my Achilles’ heel!

Vacation spots: The Big Island! Breckenridge, Colo.

Aftershave: They all smell funny to me.

Quote: That which does not kill you makes you stronger.

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