Legends Of Sport With Andrew D. Bernstein

Andy sits down with former Los Angeles Lakers Head Athletic Trainer – Gary Vitti – to discuss his upcoming book "32 years of Titles & Tears from the Best Seat In The House: What I Learned About Happiness, Leadership, & Greatness". Lessons from Pat Riley, Jerry West, Magic, Kareem, Worthy, Scott, Kobe, Shaq, Phil, and so many more!Gary expands on the path to his first year with the Lakers in 1984 under head coach Pat Riley, and how the position has evolved over 32 years. Hear stories of plane rides with Chick Hearn, Pat Riley’s 12+2+1 formula(16:05), the personal pain and trauma behind Magic Johnson’s HIV diagnosis(21:15), getting caught between Kobe & Shaq(43:03), and the importance of the ‘85 championship(46:08). PLUS, a few tales of Kobe Bryant’s world-class work ethic – including being waterboarded by Navy SEALS, and the reverse bear trap(40:24).

In honor of the USWNT capturing the World Cup we thought we'd revisit our chat with the great Hope Solo!

On today's episode of Legends Of Sport, Andy sits down with the "Nigerian Nightmare", NFL Legend Christian Okoye. Christian talks about growing up in Nigeria and his early days of playing soccer in his neighborhood. He also shares the evolution of his athletic career, and how soccer led him to track and field, which led him to the United States and eventually a career in the NFL. Christian shares a bit about his time with the Kansas City Chiefs, as well as his motivation behind starting the California Hall of Fame.

On today's episode of Legends Of Sport, Andy sits down with Lakers legend, Rick Fox. Rick talks with us about growing up in the Bahamas in an interracial family (2:22). He talks about how he got involved with the game of basketball and how he was inspired by the path of his neighborhood friend, Mychal Thompson (5:25). Rick shares his experience playing under Dean Smith at UNC (11:25) and playing with Larry Bird on the Celtics (15:55). He also talks about playing for two of the most storied franchises in sports, and the motivation he had for signing with the Lakers (23:18). Lastly, Rick shares his exciting new ventures in the world of esports (33:53).

On this NBA Finals edition Of Legend of Sport, we are joined by the "LeBron James of Sports Broadcasting", Doris Burke. Doris talks to us about being the youngest of 8 siblings and how she picked up the game of basketball at a young age. (3:31) She shares how she received her scholarship to Providence College (6:45), and how she transitioned from basketball to a career behind the mic (10:49). Doris also discusses how she's seen the game of basketball evolve throughout the years (19:41). Lastly, Doris and Andy talk about being recipients of the 2018 Curt Gowdy Media Award and what the award meant to them. (44:04)

Magic Johnson is one of the most iconic and compelling figures of the past half century both on and off the court. His tireless work ethic and determination led him and the Los Angeles Lakers to five championships and numerous accolades over his storied thirteen year NBA career. That same mentality has led him to multiple careers after basketball as a massively successful entrepreneur, franchise owner, ambassador, philanthropist, and HIV activist amongst many other leadership roles. In this memorable interview, we sit down with Magic to hear the legendary stories behind the iconic photos Andy captured of him over the years, what drove him to be the best, and what continues to inspire him today. This is a can't miss two-part interview about learning, trying, and failing in order to succeed.

Kobe Bryant and Andy discuss their bestselling book collaboration, “The Mamba Mentality: How I Play." Kobe shares his thoughts about his obsession with the process and craft that led to five NBA championships, his iconic work ethic, the importance of playing for Team USA, overcoming his Achilles injury, his final game, the meaning behind the Mamba Mentality, and his plans for the future.

Today we welcome long time sportswriter and author Rick Reilly to the podcast. Rick talks about his career at Sports Illustrated and ESPN the Magazine, and being one of the first journalists to be the “back page” columnist of both (10:33). He shares his favorite subjects to write about, and reveals one of his most memorable stories that he covered throughout his career (12:17). Rick discusses his new book, “Commander in Cheat: How Golf Explains Trump” (21:44), and shares stories from the first time that he played golf with Donald Trump (22:28). Lastly, Rick talks about how you can define a person's true character by playing golf with them (24:44).

On today's episode Andy chats with NBA legend, Jason Collins. Andy and Jason spend some time catching up and discussing their current thoughts on the NBA playoffs (3:59). Jason also talks about the special relationship with his twin brother Jarron, and how they grew up playing basketball together and competing alongside one another at the highest level (10:42). He touches on his NBA career (21:27), and talks in depth about his historic decision to come out publicly as gay and why the decision was important for him at the time (37:46). Lastly, Jason talks about the importance of allies and shares an inspiring story about his biggest ally, his brother (51:25).

On today's episode of Legends Of Sport, Andy chats with NBA Legend, Adonal Foyle. Adonal shares his experience growing up in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (4:40), and how he was introduced to the game of basketball at 15 years old (9:10). He also touches on his first time coming to the United States (12:53), his decision to play collegiate basketball at Colgate (16:58), and his tenure in the NBA, playing with the Warriors, Magic, and Grizzlies (20:45). Adonal also discusses his passion for player development and his mission to help the NBA and its players navigate their careers both on and off the court (22:38).

In this episode of Legends Of Sport, Andy talks with one of the pioneers of women's basketball, Jennifer Azzi. Jennifer shares what she is most proud of out of all her career accomplishments (3:23), her decision to attend and play basketball at Stanford (5:17), and why she feels young athletes shouldn't specialize in one sport until they are older (7:06). Jennifer also discusses training for and playing in the 1996 Olympics (9:40), becoming a co-founder of the Women's Basketball League (11:22), her current involvement with NBA Cares and NBA Academies (17:54), and her most favorite role to date - being a mother (23:00).

On today's episode of Legends Of Sport, Andy chats with one of the most accomplished women the game of basketball has ever seen, Nancy Lieberman. Nancy talks about getting introduced to the game of basketball and spending her early days at Rucker Park in Harlem. She shares her experience of trying out for the Olympic team while she was in high school, as well as the boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics. Nancy also discusses coming out of WNBA retirement at age 50, coaching in the BIG 3 league, and some of her current projects with Nancy Lieberman charities.

On this episode of LOS, Andy chats with professional women's beach volleyball player, Holly McPeak. Holly talks about growing up in Manhattan Beach, CA, and how she was introduced to the sport. She also discusses the challenges she faced being 5'7", which is considered short for her sport, yet competed at the highest level. Additionally, Holly shares the intricacies of the beach volleyball game and how she continues to give back to the new generation of volleyball players.

On this episode of Legends Of Sport, Andy chats with legendary sports photographer, and one of Andy's personal mentors, the great Neil Leifer. Andy reminisces on the first time that he and Neil met, and the mentorship that Neil provided when Andy was a young photographer (10:45). Neil also shares how he got his start in sports photography by wheeling veterans around Yankee Stadium in 1958 (14:55). He also discusses how luck happened, because he prepared enough to be in the right places at the right times (22:18), and he shares stories about working with his favorite subject, Muhammad Ali (1:03).

On today's episode of Legends Of Sport, Andy sits down with former NBA Commissioner, David Stern. David shares his experience on being the 24th employee to join the NBA and working to clean up the reputation that the game of basketball had at that time (10:26). He discusses his top 3 most memorable moments during his tenure as commissioner (16:39), as well as the iconic 1992 All-Star game and Magic Johnson being diagnosed with HIV (18:26). David and Andy also share some of their favorite memories together throughout the years (48:51).

On today’s episode of LOS, Andy sits down with 3-time NBA Champion, and one of his close friends, Bruce Bowen. Bruce talks about his inspiring journey to the NBA and the importance of hard work, perseverance, and trusting your process in life. He also shares stories from his glory days with the San Antonio Spurs, as well as his relationship with Kobe Bryant.

On today’s episode of Legends Of Sport, Andy sits down with one of the trailblazers of women’s tennis, Julie Heldman. Julie talks with us about how she began playing tennis, her family background, and how her mothers abusive relationship fueled her career (6:33). Julie also discusses being a part of the original nine who boldly started the Virginia Slims Circuit and changed the landscape of women’s tennis (8:42), as well as her struggle with mental health and her diagnosis and battle with bipolar disorder (25:40).

On today's episode of Legends Of Sport, Andy chats with 3x WNBA Champion and 2x Olympic Gold Medalist, Swin Cash! Swin shares her story on how she got involved with the game of basketball and her mother being a driving force throughout her career (4:37). She also talks about Tamika Catchings being her toughest opponent (8:41), her longtime friendship with Sue Bird (10:05), and what she's currently up to now with the Cash 4 Kids Foundation, the New York Liberty, and Yahoo's The Bounce (30:55).

This week Andy travels back to where his passion for sports began, Madison Square Garden, to chat with his family friend - NY Rangers President Glen Sather. Glen recounts his career as a player, his history with the Edmonton Oilers' dynasty days, insights about Wayne Gretzky’s shocking departure from Edmonton, and the state of the NHL today!

Andy chats with Hall Of Fame Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back - Franco Harris! Franco delves into his path to the NFL, his contributions to turning around the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1970s, details surrounding ‘the immaculate reception’ (23:40), how Frank Sinatra became Brigadier General of ‘Franco’s Italian Army’(35:40), becoming the first African American & first Italian American Super Bowl MVP in the league’s history (33:10), his incredible charitable work in the city of Pittsburgh, and his thoughts on the current Steelers’ contract debacles with LeVeon Bell & Antonio Brown (48:35).