In our continuing series, SportsBusiness Daily/SportsBusiness Journal asks top sports personalities for their thoughts, ideas, aspirations and likes. Today, BASE Productions co-CEO and ESPN's "Sport Science" creator and host JOHN BRENKUS.
What I like in 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?
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 in general: Nasty people.
Pet peeve: Nasty people.
In sports: Nasty people.
In business: Nasty people.
About sports fans: Sometimes they can be nasty!
People that I like: 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!
Above all else: My family.
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.
Teams: I grew up in the Washington, DC, 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 (because): Summer. I love to sweat!
Music: My favorite band these days is One Eskimo.
Books: "Born to Run," "Talent Is Overrated."
Authors: CHRIS MCDOUGALL, GEOFF COLVIN.
Magazine: ESPN The Magazine.
Website: ESPN.com.
Gadget: iPad!
iPad app: "The Daily," Wall Street Journal.
Chores: Anything my wife needs me to do!
Hobbies: Ironman Triathlons.
Trips: The Big Island!
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.
Food: Homemade smoothies!
Dessert: Carrot cake -- my Achilles' heel!
Drink: Water. All the time.
Vacation spots: The Big Island! Breckenridge, Colo.
Cars: Prius. It's a car without a "class." All income brackets drive them!
Aftershave: None. They all smell funny to me.
Singer: DAVID GILMORE (also my favorite guitarist).
Quote: "That which does not kill you makes you stronger."
