Disney Chair & CEO BOB IGER is making the media rounds to promote his new book, "THE RIDE OF A LIFETIME," which was released yesterday. Iger said he is a “huge sports fan” and has been “since I was a little boy.” Iger: “It’s a big part of my life. I spend a lot of time watching. I’m a super ESPN fan as well.” Iger said some sports highlights of his included attending Game 6 of the ’77 World Series, when Yankees RF REGGIE JACKSON hit three home runs, because he has “been a Yankee fan all my life” and that was a “thrilling moment.” Iger was also in attendance, working for ABC Sports, for the “Miracle on Ice” at the '80 Lake Placid Games, which was an “unbelievably memorable moment.” When asked what sports figure exemplified the best leadership qualities he extols in his book, Iger said late UCLA men's basketball coach JOHN WOODEN was someone “I looked up to the most.” Iger: “This is a man that exemplified so many incredible principles, not just for athletes but for people” (“Get Up,” ESPN, 9/24).
WHAT'S NEXT? Iger said he is “deeply appreciative” of running Disney and he tries to “remain humble, [though] sometimes it’s not an easy thing when I love what I do.” Iger: “My self-satisfaction comes mostly from the fact that I feel like I’ve put in the work and that feels great.” When ABC's ROBIN ROBERTS asked about what he will do when he eventually leaves Disney, he said, “I've been at this for 45 years and I’ve had a great ride. I've loved every moment of it, and I have no need to make any plans right now post-Disney" ("GMA," ABC, 9/23). ABC's JOY BEHAR said the “sad part of your life right now is that you’re planning to retire.” Iger: “There is no sad part of my life.” Behar: “For Disney, maybe, because you’re so valuable” (“The View,” ABC, 9/23).
GOOD TIMES: Iger recounted a story from when he was at ABC Sports where he found himself standing next to his boss, late ABC Sports President ROONE ARLEDGE, in the men’s room. Arledge was someone Iger “did not get a chance to speak with very much and he asked, ‘How’s it going?’" Iger: "I said, ‘Some days I have trouble keeping my head above water,’ and he responded (immediately with), ‘Get a longer snorkel’” (“Live With Kelly and Ryan,” ABC, 9/23).
