Black in Sports Podcast

Black In Sports
  • 5.0 (18)
  • Sports
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Unfiltered, NO BS perspective on black culture & impact of #sports hosted by Las Vegas #sportsbiz professionals EJ Cutliff (@ejcutliff ) & MH (@hayesbhayes4) Looking to give you a business perspective and how we learned lesson in sports then apply them in our life success. Giving a platform for the culture were we will not shut up and dribble, power to the people we are Black in Sports! Follow us on Twitter @blackinsports Follow us on Instagram @blackinsports Follow us on Facebook @blackinsports Don’t forget to subscribe to this YouTube channel. Leave any feedback! Thank you

  1. 22h ago

    Franklin "Paco" Whatley Jr | Author & Owner | "Pac From the Barber Shop" | S7 Ep 324

    🏈✂️ WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE DREAM YOUR FATHER HAS FOR YOU ISN’T THE DREAM YOU’RE MEANT TO LIVE? His father envisioned a college quarterback. He chose barber school. What looked like a change in direction became a journey rooted in family legacy, purpose, and entrepreneurship. We sit down with Cleveland native and Portland barbershop owner Franklin “Paco” Whatley for a conversation that goes far beyond sports and haircuts. From growing up in a family of barbers to building his own business in Portland, Paco shares the decision that changed his path and why he believes it was all part of God's plan. 🏈 THE DECISION: FOOTBALL DREAMS OR THE BARBER CHAIR? Before the clippers, the customers, and the business ownership, there was football. Paco's father had a dream of seeing him continue his quarterback journey at the college level.  What goes into making a decision that doesn't follow the path your family imagined? How do you find the courage to choose your own future while honoring the people who helped shape you? We get into the real decision, the expectations, and how a different kind of calling led Paco toward a career that was already part of his family history. ✂️ A FAMILY LEGACY: FROM CLEVELAND TO PORTLAND Coming from a family with a deep history in barbering and barbershop ownership, he grew up around the craft and the culture. His journey took him from Cleveland, Ohio, to Portland, Oregon, where he continued building his career, eventually founding Classic Men Barbershop in 2016 with help and connection to former NBA player Terrell Brandon, and shared his knowledge as an instructor at Beau Monde Academy. 🔥 THE BLACK BARBERSHOP: MORE THAN JUST A HAIRCUT This might be the most important conversation of the episode. The Black barbershop has historically been a gathering place, a community center, a cultural institution, and a space where conversations happen that don't always happen anywhere else. It's where sports gets debated, politics gets discussed, relationships are talked through, business ideas are shared, and generations connect. It's where the neighborhood gets its news, young men find mentorship, and community bonds are built. But what happens when those spaces begin to disappear? We discuss: Why the Black barbershop has always been bigger than the barber chair. The role barbershops play in Black culture and community. How barbers become trusted voices, mentors, and entrepreneurs. The changing landscape of Black-owned barbershops. Why preserving these community spaces matters for the next generation. 🏀 CLEVELAND, LEBRON, MJ & THE SPORTS DEBATE You can't have a conversation with a Cleveland native without getting into basketball! Paco loves LeBron James, but when it comes to the greatest of all time, he's standing with Michael Jordan. We get into the GOAT debate and the conversations that bring sports fans together—even when they don't agree. 🎙️ THIS IS BIGGER THAN BARBERING It's also a conversation about Black entrepreneurship, community leadership, sports culture, and the importance of preserving spaces that have helped shape generations. 🎧 Tune in as EJ and MH connect with Franklin “Paco” Whatley for a conversation about football, family, faith, business, sports, and the cultural importance of the Black barbershop. 👇🏾 WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! And let's settle the other debate: Michael Jordan or LeBron James? Who's your GOAT? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 👍🏾 Like the episode, subscribe to Black in Sports Podcast, and share this conversation with a sports fan, entrepreneur, barber, or someone who understands that a barbershop is about much more than a haircut. More with Paco: Personal IG- @Pacfromthebarbershop IG: @classmenpdx Website- https://classicmenpdx.com/ LinkedIn- Franklin Whatley Book: The Art Of Clipper Cutting: A Guide To Clipper Cutting 🎧 For more Black in Sports additional content on our podcast see below: linktree: https://linktr.ee/blackinsports | Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/blackinsports | YouTube - @blackinsports | Instagram - @blackinsports | Twitter/X - @blackinsports | TicTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@blacksinsports | Website - https://www.blackinsports.com/ | Thank you & we appreciate you!  #ThreeTimeAwardwinningpodcast #bestsportspodcast #blackpodwinner #bestsportsbusineespodcast #sportspodcastawards #fortheculture #blackinsports #sportsbusiness #podcast #tellingblackstories #blackowner #Blackeffect #sportsbiz #BlackPlayersForChange #nfl #nba #wnba #ncaa #nil #collegefootball #sportsnews #blackowned #blackmedia #HBCU #blackpodcastmatter #raiders #vegasgoldenknights #lvaces #athletics #blackmen #blackeffect #bestdamnsportshow #3xawardwinningpodcast #media #mediadeals #EJcutliff #myleshayes #mediamoney #workinsports #perfectseason  #ticketsales #season7 #PacoWhatley #FranklinWhatley #BlackBarbershop #BlackBarber #BarbershopCulture #BlackEntrepreneurs #BlackOwnedBusiness #BlackBusiness #PortlandOregon #ClevelandOhio #BarberLife

    Franklin "Paco" Whatley Jr | Author & Owner | "Pac From the Barber Shop" | S7 Ep 324

  2. Oct 29

    End of Inside the NBA " Farewell EJ " | The Locker Room - S7 EP323

    Some shows cover sports. The great ones become part of sports history. For decades, Inside the NBA has given fans unforgettable basketball debates, hilarious moments, and a legendary crew that feels like family. But with Ernie Johnson announcing that the 2026–27 season will be his last as host, one BIG question remains: Can Inside the NBA ever be the same without EJ? On this episode of Black in Sports Podcast, EJ and MH pay tribute to Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny “The Jet” Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal while debating the future of one of the most iconic shows in sports television. 🎙️ ERNIE JOHNSON: THE GLUE THAT HOLDS THE CREW TOGETHER Ernie has been more than the host sitting between Shaq, Chuck, and Kenny. He’s been the moderator, the steady voice, and the coach of a crew full of big personalities. From managing heated debates to setting up hilarious moments, Ernie has helped make the show’s chemistry feel effortless. But can you replace someone who knows exactly when to let the joke ride, when to bring the conversation back, and how to keep the entire crew clicking? 😂 SHAQ, CHUCK & KENNY: CAN YOU RECREATE THIS KIND OF CHEMISTRY? Charles Barkley’s unfiltered opinions. Shaq’s larger-than-life personality. Kenny Smith’s basketball knowledge and competitive energy. And Ernie somehow keeping everything on track. The magic of Inside the NBA has never been just about highlights, statistics, or game predictions. It’s the personalities, the friendships, the jokes, and the unscripted moments that keep fans watching—even when their favorite team isn’t playing. Can a new host capture that same energy, or is this chemistry something that can only come from decades of working together? 🏆 MORE THAN A SHOW: A LEGACY IN SPORTS MEDIA Inside the NBA helped redefine what a basketball studio show could be, blending expert analysis with entertainment and authentic personalities. Its impact goes beyond basketball, proving that the right chemistry can turn sports coverage into must-watch television. We’re talking legacy, sports media, NBA culture, and what happens when a show becomes bigger than the games it covers. 🔥 THE BIG DEBATE: REPLACE ERNIE OR END THE SHOW? If Ernie steps away, what should happen next? Should the network bring in a new host and allow Shaq, Chuck, and Kenny to continue? Or should the crew walk away together and let Inside the NBA end on its own terms? And if the show continues, WHO could possibly fill Ernie Johnson’s chair? Is there someone who can bring the right personality, credibility, and chemistry—or would replacing him change the show forever? 🎧 Join EJ and MH on Black in Sports Podcast as we celebrate Ernie Johnson’s legacy, reflect on the unforgettable Inside the NBA crew, and debate the future of a sports television institution. 👇🏾 NOW IT’S YOUR TURN! Should Inside the NBA continue without Ernie Johnson, or should the crew end this legendary run together? If the show continues, who gets your vote to replace EJ? Drop your take in the comments! 👍🏾 Like, subscribe, and share this episode with an NBA fan who has spent years laughing, debating, and watching along with Ernie, Chuck, Kenny, and Shaq. 👍🏾Because replacing a host is one thing. Replacing chemistry, history, and a legacy? That’s a whole different ballgame. 🏀🔥  🎧 For more Black in Sports additional content on our podcast see below: linktree: https://linktr.ee/blackinsports | Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/blackinsports | YouTube - @blackinsports | Instagram - @blackinsports | Twitter/X - @blackinsports | TicTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@blacksinsports | Website - https://www.blackinsports.com/ | Thank you & we appreciate you!  #ThreeTimeAwardwinningpodcast #bestsportspodcast #blackpodwinner #bestsportsbusineespodcast #sportspodcastawards #fortheculture #blackinsports #sportsbusiness #podcast #tellingblackstories #blackowner #Blackeffect #sportsbiz #BlackPlayersForChange #nfl #nba #wnba #ncaa #nil #collegefootball #sportsnews #blackowned #blackmedia #HBCU #blackpodcastmatter #raiders #vegasgoldenknights #lvaces #athletics #blackmen #blackeffect #bestdamnsportshow #3xawardwinningpodcast #media #mediadeals #EJcutliff #myleshayes #mediamoney #workinsports #perfectseason  #ticketsales #season7 #InsideTheNBA #ErnieJohnson #CharlesBarkley #Shaq #KennySmith #NBA #SportsMedia #BasketballCulture #NBATalk #BasketballCulture #SportsMedia #SportsBroadcasting #NBAHistory #NBAFans #SportsBusiness #BasketballPodcast #NBAAnalysis #SportsEntertainment

    End of Inside the NBA " Farewell EJ " | The Locker Room - S7 EP323

  3. Oct 22

    Want to Work in Sports? "Hard Jobs " | The Locker Room - S7 EP322

    Would you rather coach under championship-or-bust pressure or manage the business side of a major franchise? Which sports job deserves more recognition? And what's one job in sports you would NEVER want to do? Whether you're pursuing a career in sports, working in sports business, or simply love the game, this conversation will give you a different perspective on what it takes to make sports happen. Because loving sports and working in sports are two completely different things! 🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode, LIKE the video, SUBSCRIBE to Black in Sports Podcast, and SHARE it with a fellow sports fan or industry professional. 👇🏾 DROP YOUR ANSWER: What's the HARDEST or most stressful job in sports—and WHY? Let's hear your take!  🎙️ EJ and MH share theirs.... Now it's your turn. 👍🏾 Like the episode, subscribe to Black in Sports Podcast, and share this with your sports debate partner. Because in sports, winning is one thing. Making your opponent FEEL it? That's another.  🎧 For more Black in Sports additional content on our podcast see below: linktree: https://linktr.ee/blackinsports | Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/blackinsports | YouTube - @blackinsports | Instagram - @blackinsports | Twitter/X - @blackinsports | TicTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@blacksinsports | Website - https://www.blackinsports.com/ | Thank you & we appreciate you!  #ThreeTimeAwardwinningpodcast #bestsportspodcast #blackpodwinner #bestsportsbusineespodcast #sportspodcastawards #fortheculture #blackinsports #sportsbusiness #podcast #tellingblackstories #blackowner #Blackeffect #sportsbiz #BlackPlayersForChange #nfl #nba #wnba #ncaa #nil #collegefootball #sportsnews #blackowned #blackmedia #HBCU #blackpodcastmatter #raiders #vegasgoldenknights #lvaces #athletics #blackmen #blackeffect #bestdamnsportshow #3xawardwinningpodcast #media #mediadeals #EJcutliff #myleshayes #mediamoney #workinsports #perfectseason  #ticketsales #season7 #SportsCareers #work #sportsprof

    Want to Work in Sports? "Hard Jobs " | The Locker Room - S7 EP322

  4. Oct 15

    Iconic Sports Moments "DISRESPECTFUL or JUST COMPETITION?" | The Locker Room - S7 EP321

    Is it just competition—or straight-up DISRESPECT? 😤🔥 From stepping over an opponent to embarrassing a rival on the biggest stage, sports has delivered some unforgettable moments that left fans talking. But when does confidence cross the line? On this episode of The Locker Room on Black in Sports Podcast, EJ and MH talk about the most disrespectful plays, celebrations, and actions in sports. The conversation starts with an NFL rivalry and an incident involving Mike Evans and All-Pro defensive back Diggs, then takes us back to the legendary moments that made us say, “NAH, THAT WAS PERSONAL!” 🏈 We're talking: The line between trash talk, competition, and disrespect NFL rivalries and the emotion behind those heated matchups The most disrespectful plays and moments we remember When a celebration becomes a statement The iconic moments that made opponents look completely helpless Whether disrespect fuels greatness—or crosses the line From jaw-dropping plays to unforgettable moments of humiliation, some actions become bigger than the game itself. They become part of sports history. But what's the MOST DISRESPECTFUL thing you've ever seen in sports? Is it Allen Iverson stepping over Tyronn Lue? A savage celebration? A cold stare after a big play? Or a moment we're forgetting? 🎙️ EJ and MH share theirs.... Now it's your turn. 👇🏾 DROP YOUR MOST DISRESPECTFUL SPORTS MOMENT IN THE COMMENTS! Tell us the player, the play, and why it was cold. 👍🏾 Like the episode, subscribe to Black in Sports Podcast, and share this with your sports debate partner. Because in sports, winning is one thing. Making your opponent FEEL it? That's another.  🎧 For more Black in Sports additional content on our podcast see below: linktree: https://linktr.ee/blackinsports | Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/blackinsports | YouTube - @blackinsports | Instagram - @blackinsports | Twitter/X - @blackinsports | TicTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@blacksinsports | Website - https://www.blackinsports.com/ | Thank you & we appreciate you!  #ThreeTimeAwardwinningpodcast #bestsportspodcast #blackpodwinner #bestsportsbusineespodcast #sportspodcastawards #fortheculture #blackinsports #sportsbusiness #podcast #tellingblackstories #blackowner #Blackeffect #sportsbiz #BlackPlayersForChange #nfl #nba #wnba #ncaa #nil #collegefootball #sportsnews #blackowned #blackmedia #HBCU #blackpodcastmatter #raiders #vegasgoldenknights #lvaces #athletics #blackmen #blackeffect #bestdamnsportshow #3xawardwinningpodcast #media #mediadeals #EJcutliff #myleshayes #mediamoney #workinsports #perfectseason  #ticketsales #season7 #DisrespectfulPlays #SportsMoments #NFLFootball #NBA #AllenIverson #SportsHistory #FootballCulture #BasketballCulture #SportsPodcast #SportsFans #SportsTalk #TheLockerRoom #SportsDebate #NFL #NFLRivalries #MikeEvans #SportsCulture #TrashTalk

    Iconic Sports Moments "DISRESPECTFUL or JUST COMPETITION?" | The Locker Room - S7 EP321

  5. Oct 8

    Protect College Sports Act S. 4668 " Or Protect the System?" | The Locker Room - S7 EP320

    Who Does the Protect College Sports Act Really Protect? College sports just changed, and the biggest question may not be whether the Protect College Sports Act is good or bad. The real question is: WHO does it protect? On September 28, 2026, the U.S. Senate passed S. 4668, the Protect College Sports Act, by a 77–22 vote. That sends one of the most consequential pieces of federal college-sports legislation in years to the House. The bill addresses NIL, athlete protections, transfers, health and safety, agents, eligibility, and more across a rapidly changing college sports landscape. Could it disproportionately affect the Black athletes who have become central to the business of major college athletics? 🔥 In this episode, EJ and MH break down the pros and cons of S. 4668, the major players behind it, and what's at stake if it becomes law. 🏛️ Who's Behind the Bill? Sen. Ted Cruz and Sen. Maria Cantwell  But bipartisan support doesn't mean everyone agrees on what the bill means for athletes.  💰 NIL, Money & Athlete Power NIL changed the relationship between athletes and institutions. The transfer portal changed player mobility. Revenue sharing changed expectations around compensation. Now Congress wants to set the rules. Supporters see the bill as a path to consistency and stability. Critics argue it could strengthen institutional power while limiting the leverage athletes have only recently gained. 🖤 Where Do Black Athletes Fit? The Congressional Black Caucus has raised serious questions about what the legislation means for the economic future and representation of Black athletes, coaches, agents, and HBCUs. The NAACP has also opposed the bill, arguing that Black athletes have played a major role in building the economic value of college sports. If Black athletes are so visible and so economically important to major college sports, are their interests being represented in the legislation shaping their future? And who gets a seat at the table when the business of college sports is being rewritten? 🏫 Are HBCUs an Afterthought? What does a national framework mean for HBCUs? Will they have the resources and leverage to compete in a new NIL and revenue-sharing environment? Could federal rules open new doors, or widen the gap with the biggest athletic budgets in the country? And were HBCUs, and the communities that built so much of college sports, given enough consideration? 🎙️ Have We Answered the Main Question?  Now Congress is stepping in. But before we celebrate or criticize, we have to ask: What problem are we actually trying to solve? Is this about protecting athletes? Schools? Conferences? The NCAA? Or the business model that made college athletics a multibillion-dollar industry? 🔥 Where Do YOU Stand? This episode isn't about telling you what to think. It's about giving you the questions you need to think about. Does S. 4668 bring much-needed stability to college athletics, or does it risk taking power from the athletes who created the system's value? Does it help or hurt Black athletes and HBCUs? Watch or listen to the full episode and decide for yourself. 👇🏾 Then tell us where you stand, and WHY. This isn't just about sports. It's about power, money, opportunity, and who gets to shape the future. Black in Sports Podcast — where sports meets business, culture, and real conversation. 🎧 For more Black in Sports additional content on our podcast see below: linktree: https://linktr.ee/blackinsports | Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/blackinsports | YouTube - @blackinsports | Instagram - @blackinsports | Twitter/X - @blackinsports | TicTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@blacksinsports | Website - https://www.blackinsports.com/ | Thank you & we appreciate you!  #ThreeTimeAwardwinningpodcast #bestsportspodcast #blackpodwinner #bestsportsbusineespodcast #sportspodcastawards #fortheculture #blackinsports #sportsbusiness #podcast #tellingblackstories #blackowner #Blackeffect #sportsbiz #BlackPlayersForChange #nfl #nba #wnba #ncaa #nil #collegefootball #sportsnews #blackowned #blackmedia #HBCU #blackpodcastmatter #raiders #vegasgoldenknights #lvaces #athletics #blackmen #blackeffect #bestdamnsportshow #3xawardwinningpodcast #media #mediadeals #EJcutliff #myleshayes #mediamoney #workinsports #perfectseason  #ticketsales #season7 #ProtectCollegeSportsAct #S4668 #CollegeSports #NIL #NCAA #CollegeFootball #BlackAthletes #HBCU #HBCUs #HBCUSports #SportsBusiness #CollegeSportsBusiness #AthleteRights #StudentAthletes #CollegeAthletics #SportsPolitics #tedcruz #deionsanders #coachprime

    Protect College Sports Act S. 4668 " Or Protect the System?" | The Locker Room - S7 EP320

  6. Oct 1

    Danan Hughes | Chiefs Kingdom | "Many Ways to Success" | S7 Ep 319

    What does it take to go from Bayonne, New Jersey, to the biggest stage in football?  NO Specialization, is how and message KC Chiefs wide receiver wanted to share on his road to success!   Danan Hughes takes us inside the journey—from his roots in New Jersey to becoming an Iowa Hawkeye great and spending six years in the NFL. 🏈 On this episode of the Black in Sports Podcast, we sit down with Danan Hughes, a six-year NFL veteran and Iowa football great, for a conversation about the journey behind the player. Before the NFL. Before the stadiums. Before the lights and the pressure of professional football, there was Bayonne, New Jersey. Danan takes us through the path that eventually took him from Bayonne to Iowa and ultimately to Kansas City, sharing the experiences, decisions and lessons that helped shape his football career. This isn't just another interview about what happened on the field. It's about the journey that got him there. 🏈 Every athlete has an origin story, but the path from a hometown in New Jersey to major college football—and eventually the NFL—is filled with moments that don't always show up in the highlight reel. What was Danan's journey like growing up in Bayonne? What helped put him on the path toward Iowa? And what did it take to turn that opportunity into a professional football career? 🎓 BECOMING AN IOWA HAWKEYE Danan Hughes became a standout at the University of Iowa, building a reputation as a Hawkeye great and taking another major step toward his professional football dreams. We talk about his Iowa experience, the culture surrounding college football, bowl game, bounds built and the lessons that come from competing at one of the highest levels of the college game. The next challenge: The NFL. 🏆 SIX YEARS IN THE NFL Making it to the NFL is one accomplishment. Staying there is another. Danan spent six years as an NFL veteran, giving him a perspective that goes beyond simply reaching the league. We explore the realities of professional football, the demands of the business and what athletes learn when the stakes become even higher. 💼 THE BUSINESS OF BEING A PROFESSIONAL  ATHLETE Behind every NFL career is a business story. There are decisions. Relationships. Coaches. Teammates. Opportunities. Setbacks. Preparation. And the constant pressure to prove yourself again. Danan gives us an opportunity to look beyond the statistics and the highlights and talk about what it actually means to build a career in professional sports. And perhaps the biggest lesson? The destination gets the attention—but the journey builds the person. 🎙️ In this conversation, we explore: 🏈 Growing up in Bayonne, New Jersey 🎓 Becoming an Iowa Hawkeye great 🏈 Making the transition from college football to the NFL 💪 The reality of spending six years in the NFL 📍 His relationship with Kansas City 💼 The business and personal lessons that come with being a professional athlete 🔥 The experiences that shaped his football career & life 🧠 What young athletes can learn from his journey Whether you're an Iowa football fan, NFL fan, New Jersey sports fan, Kansas City football fan, aspiring athlete or sports-business professional, this conversation gives you a different look at the person behind the football career. Because the real story isn't just where you ended up. It's where you started, what you had to overcome, and everything you learned along the way. 🔥 Watch or listen to the full conversation with Danan Hughes on the Black in Sports Podcast. More with Danan Hughes: Twitter- @dahughesguy83 IG- dananhughes Facebook- Danan Hughes LinkedIn- Danan Hughes Threads- dananhughes 🎧 For more Black in Sports additional content on our podcast see below: linktree: https://linktr.ee/blackinsports | Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/blackinsports | YouTube - @blackinsports | Instagram - @blackinsports | Twitter/X - @blackinsports | TicTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@blacksinsports | Website - https://www.blackinsports.com/ | Thank you & we appreciate you!  #ThreeTimeAwardwinningpodcast #bestsportspodcast #blackpodwinner #bestsportsbusineespodcast #sportspodcastawards #fortheculture #blackinsports #sportsbusiness #podcast #tellingblackstories #blackowner #Blackeffect #sportsbiz #BlackPlayersForChange #nfl #nba #wnba #ncaa #nil #collegefootball #sportsnews #blackowned #blackmedia #HBCU #blackpodcastmatter #raiders #vegasgoldenknights #lvaces #athletics #blackmen #blackeffect #bestdamnsportshow #3xawardwinningpodcast #media #mediadeals #EJcutliff #myleshayes #mediamoney #workinsports #perfectseason  #ticketsales #season7 #DananHughes #NFL #NFLVeteran #NFLAlumni #IowaHawkeyes #IowaFootball #Hawkeyes #KansasCity #BayonneNJ #NewJerseyFootball #CollegeFootball #chiefs  #SportsBusiness #BusinessOfSports #AthleteJourney #ProFootball

    Danan Hughes | Chiefs Kingdom | "Many Ways to Success" | S7 Ep 319

  7. Sep 24

    Sports Traditions.. "We Pretend to Like… But Really Don’t" | The Locker Room - S7 EP318

    Let’s be honest… there are things in sports that we’re all supposed to love—but secretly don’t care about. 👀 The traditions. The rituals. The events. The broadcasts. The debates. The fan experiences. The things that sports fans have been told are “must-see” or “must-love” simply because… well, that’s how it’s always been. But what happens when you finally admit: “Yeah… I’m actually not into that.” 😂 On this episode of the Black in Sports Podcast, EJ and MH are keeping it real and putting some of sports’ most beloved traditions, conversations, and experiences on trial—not literally, but definitely in the court of public opinion. What sports traditions have gotten completely overrated? Are there major sporting events everyone acts excited about that you could honestly skip? What about the debates that dominate sports media for days & leave you thinking, “Who actually cares?” And what sports rituals do fans participate in simply because everybody else does? EJ and MH share the sports things they personally don't like anymore, creating the kind of honest, funny, and potentially controversial conversation that sports fans can jump into immediately. And that's where the fun begins. Because you might completely agree with them… or you might be ready to argue with them in the comments. 😂 From sports culture and fan behavior to the business of sports and the way leagues, media companies, teams, and brands turn traditions and major events into entertainment, there is more underneath these “little annoyances” than meets the eye. What if something being traditional doesn't automatically make it good? What sports thing do YOU pretend to like just because everyone else does? This is one of those Black in Sports conversations where there are no safe answers—and somebody is probably going to disagree with you. 🎙️ Watch or listen to the full episode of Black in Sports Podcast. Then tell us: 👇 What is ONE thing in sports that everybody else seems to love… but you absolutely don't care about? Drop your answer in the comments. We want to know if EJ and MH are the only ones thinking this way—or if there are thousands of sports fans out there secretly feeling the same way. 👍 Like the episode 💬 Join the debate 📲 Share it with the sports fan who will definitely disagree with you 🔔 Subscribe to Black in Sports for more conversations about sports, business, culture, and the people behind the game. Black in Sports Podcast — where sports meets business, culture, and real conversation. 🎧 For more Black in Sports additional content on our podcast see below: linktree: https://linktr.ee/blackinsports | Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/blackinsports | YouTube - @blackinsports | Instagram - @blackinsports | Twitter/X - @blackinsports | TicTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@blacksinsports | Website - https://www.blackinsports.com/ | Thank you & we appreciate you!  #ThreeTimeAwardwinningpodcast #bestsportspodcast #blackpodwinner #bestsportsbusineespodcast #sportspodcastawards #fortheculture #blackinsports #sportsbusiness #podcast #tellingblackstories #blackowner #Blackeffect #sportsbiz #BlackPlayersForChange #nfl #nba #wnba #ncaa #nil #collegefootball #sportsnews #blackowned #blackmedia #HBCU #blackpodcastmatter #raiders #vegasgoldenknights #lvaces #athletics #blackmen #blackeffect #bestdamnsportshow #3xawardwinningpodcast #media #mediadeals #EJcutliff #myleshayes #mediamoney #workinsports #perfectseason  #ticketsales #season7 #sportstraditions #UnpopularOpinions #UnpopularSportsOpinions #SportsTraditions #SportsDebate #SportsConversation #SportsFans #BusinessOfSports #SportsLife

    Sports Traditions.. "We Pretend to Like… But Really Don’t" | The Locker Room - S7 EP318

  8. Sep 17

    Erjaam Hayes | Director of Player Engagement NBA | "Inside the NBA" | S7 Ep 317

    FAMU to the NBA: Erjaam Hayes’ Nearly 20-Year Journey Behind the Game On this episode of the Black in Sports Podcast, we sit down with Erjaam Hayes, Director of Engagement with the NBA, for a conversation about basketball, education, career growth, player development, and the business of professional sports. Growing up in a basketball household where education and HBCUs were celebrated, Erjaam’s path eventually took him to Florida A&M University (FAMU) and, from there, into the NBA. What started as an internship grew into a career spanning nearly two decades with the NBA, with Erjaam taking on multiple roles and continuing to evolve along the way. But what does that journey actually look like? Erjaam takes us behind the scenes of his career—from getting his start with the NBA to navigating different opportunities within the league and discovering how each role helped prepare him for the next. He also talks about his experience working with the NBA G League and how that chapter contributed to his professional development. The conversation goes beyond basketball. Erjaam shares what he enjoys about helping NBA players develop off the court, while also discussing the NBA's broader programs and initiatives and the league's impact around the world—including efforts connected to NBA Africa, coaching, player development, and community engagement. We also explore an important question for anyone trying to build a career in sports: Is getting your foot in the door the hardest part—or is knowing how to grow once you're inside? From HBCUs and career development to NBA careers, player engagement, the G League, international basketball, and the business behind one of the world's biggest sports leagues, Erjaam provides insight into a career path that many aspiring sports professionals would love to understand. If you've ever wondered how people build long-term careers in professional sports, what opportunities exist beyond being an athlete, or how an internship can become a nearly 20-year journey inside the NBA, this conversation is for you. 🏀 Watch or listen to the full episode and hear Erjaam Hayes' story. Then tell us: What is the biggest key to building a long-term career in sports—the right opportunity, education, relationships, or continuously finding ways to grow?  🎧 For more Black in Sports additional content on our podcast see below: linktree: https://linktr.ee/blackinsports | Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/blackinsports | YouTube - @blackinsports | Instagram - @blackinsports | Twitter/X - @blackinsports | TicTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@blacksinsports | Website - https://www.blackinsports.com/ | Thank you & we appreciate you!  #ThreeTimeAwardwinningpodcast #bestsportspodcast #blackpodwinner #bestsportsbusineespodcast #sportspodcastawards #fortheculture #blackinsports #sportsbusiness #podcast #tellingblackstories #blackowner #Blackeffect #sportsbiz #BlackPlayersForChange #nfl #nba #wnba #ncaa #nil #collegefootball #sportsnews #blackowned #blackmedia #HBCU #blackpodcastmatter #raiders #vegasgoldenknights #lvaces #athletics #blackmen #blackeffect #bestdamnsportshow #3xawardwinningpodcast #media #mediadeals #EJcutliff #myleshayes #mediamoney #workinsports #perfectseason  #ticketsales #season7 #erjaamhayes #NBACareers #SportsBusiness #SportsBusinessCareers #Basketball #BasketballBusiness #HBCU #HBCUSports #FAMU #FloridaAM #NBAGLeague #PlayerDevelopment #NBAAfrica #SportsCareers #ProfessionalSports #BasketballCulture #SportsIndustry This episode includes AI-generated content.

    Erjaam Hayes | Director of Player Engagement NBA | "Inside the NBA" | S7 Ep 317
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Unfiltered, NO BS perspective on black culture & impact of #sports hosted by Las Vegas #sportsbiz professionals EJ Cutliff (@ejcutliff ) & MH (@hayesbhayes4) Looking to give you a business perspective and how we learned lesson in sports then apply them in our life success. Giving a platform for the culture were we will not shut up and dribble, power to the people we are Black in Sports! Follow us on Twitter @blackinsports Follow us on Instagram @blackinsports Follow us on Facebook @blackinsports Don’t forget to subscribe to this YouTube channel. Leave any feedback! Thank you

Information

  • Creator
    Black In Sports
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    323
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Black In Sports
  • Show Website
    Black in Sports Podcast