Sports Philanthropy Forum

I attended a terrific forum yesterday at the headquarters of Gannett / USA Today in Tysons Corner, VA.   It was a “Sports Philanthropy Forum” — which featured leading philanthropists, professional athletes, media executives and community service executives from professional leagues and teams.

Kudos to the Gannett / USA Today management for hosting this type of event.   As I blog about often, my main areas of passion are Sports, Philanthropy and Education.   So, this forum really hit home yesterday.  I couldn’t agree more with many of the points raised and articulated by the panelists and guest speakers.

In particular, I was moved and inspired by a panel hosted by Christine Brennan, one of the top sportswriters in the industry.  She hosted a session featuring all-time NBA greats Dikembe Mutombo and Bob Lanier and NHL legend, Pat LaFontaine.   Each one of these athletes spoke about the importance of “getting involved and giving back to the community.”   Their personal stories were heart-warming and moving.

They all spoke about how everyone can give back … it’s not just pro athletes or wealthy people who write checks that “give back.”   Everyone can give back in one way or another … helping teach a young child to read, helping teach a person who is new to this country to read English, serving food to the elderly, being there as a big brother or big sister to youth who may not have adult role models in their lives, going to the hospital or senior homes to read or listen to those that may not have family members nearby, etc.  There are so many countless ways to get involved and to help.

I have seen a revolution starting to take place …the younger generation — the 20′s crowd … is getting much more involved in volunteering and community service.  I’m proud of my Georgetown students that are getting involved or that are asking how they can volunteer and give back.  I’ve had a number of my students sign up as teachers in the wonderful “Teach for America” program.  A number of our grad students have inquired about volunteering with a few of the non-profit organizations I work with in DC.  Nothing gives me more pride than seeing our youth want to activate and get involved to help others that may come from tougher or less-fortunate backgrounds.

Thanks to Gannett / USA Today and to the many executives who shared their wisdom and insight yesterday.  We need to keep spreading the message about the importance of mentoring, volunteering, community service and helping others.

Sports Marketing Strategy

We had a terrific class last night … after the initial class on Jan 13th, last night’s class was the start to the semester of our Sports Marketing Strategy class at Georgetown.

We focused on explaining the foundation and history of the Sports and Sports Marketing industries over the past few decades — including the development of the Sports Marketing agencies, Professional Leagues and Teams, the evolution of how sports media, event management, etc.

Then, for the second half of the class, we were all thrilled to hear the presentation from our esteemed guest speaker — Phil de Picciotto, President, Octagon.  Phil is one of the most powerful and legendary executives in Sports, yet he is a humble and terrific person.  He’s a great role model for me … as as a shining example to our students.

He spoke to my class last year — and they loved his presentation.  But, he in turn, told me how impressed he was with the our Georgetown students.   So, we were fortunate to have him back on campus for the second year in a row.

Octagon is one of leading global full-service sports agencies – they were voted Sports Agency of the Year in 2008.  They rep a wide array of leading sports figures, including the legendary Michael Phelps.  To see a full list of their athletes as well as the firm’s capabilities, please go to  http://www.octagon.com.

I’m thrilled to the great start to the semester.  We have a number of other leading sports executives and personalities, including team owners, marketing executives, sportswriters, financial advisors, etc scheduled for the rest of the semester.  Looking forward to a great Spring semester.

Weekend in DC

A good, fun weekend in DC.

On Friday evening, I took Tyrell from Real World DC to a number of events.  As background, this past summer, I was contacted by Real World DC about providing career advice to one of the cast members who was interested in an internship with a local professional sports team.  Since the cast member was a real college graduate, this was similar to the career discussions I have with many of the seniors I teach in our Sports Marketing Strategy class at Georgetown University.

So, we scheduled to meet at a friend’s conference room in Georgetown.  Before dispensing career advice, I like to find out the background of the person I’m trying to help.   Ty grew up in a tough neighborhood in Baltimore.  But, fortunately, for him, he was able to attend one of the top high schools in Baltimore — where he became an All-State football player and excellent student.

He then went to on to graduate with a degree in economics.  I was very impressed with his background — his desire to learn and grow, his interest in working in Sports and / or Entertainment, and his eagerness to work with local non-profits to help children from low-income families.

Ty applied and was chosen as one of the cast members for the Real World DC show that was shot in the summer to fall months in DC.   As people who follow the show on the internet know — he ended up doing an internship with the Washington Capitals.

So, we just re-connected so I could provide him career advice.  Our first stop on Friday evening was a a Happy Hour for our Georgetown University Sports Industry Management students.  Ty enjoyed meeting the grad students – and, they in turn enjoyed meeting him.

We then headed to Verizon Center where he attended his first NBA game.   It was great to see Dwayne Wade in action but it was tough for the hometown DC fans to witness another loss.   But, Ty had a great time — he met some of the players after the game as well as some of the Wizards cheerleaders.  So, all in all, it was a good, fun Friday night.

Saturday was the Georgetown – Rutgers game — won handily won by the Hoyas.

Then, on Sunday, it was back to Verizon Center to watch the Wiz take on the LA Clippers.   Another tough loss to witness.

But, then Sunday afternoon and night was terrific with the AFC and NFC Championship games.  As with most of my friends, we were all enthralled with the thrilling NFC game, which ended in overtime with the Saints winning on a 40-yard game-winning field goal by Garrett Hartely.

Normally, I’m sick and tired of all of the the hype during the two week run-up to the Super Bowl.  But, this year, I think it’ll be important since there will be many, many stories about the City of New Orleans — and how there’s still much that needs to be done to help repair that great American city.  Hopefully, the additional visibility and exposure will help the city as it tries to back up on its feet.

Much more to discuss about the Super Bowl in the coming two weeks.  Ciao.

Washington Capitals

I went to the Capitals – Red Wings game on Tuesday night at a packed Verizon Center.   The Caps games are now absolutely the best sports experience in DC.   Hands down – nothing else comes close.  Yes, Ted Leonsis, the Caps owner, is a mentor to me and I’m friends with many of his partners.  But, that’s not why I’m stating this position.  All one has to do is attend a Caps game to feel the excitement.

It’s not only inside the Verizon Center, but also out on the streets as you near the arena.   There’s a buzz around this team that has been lacking in the DC sports scene recently.  As you approach the arena near game time — whether you are on the Metro or walking to the arena — there’s a sea of red (as the Caps officials like to say, “rockin’ the red).

The team is arguably the most exciting team in the NHL right now.  They are leading the Eastern Conference in points.  They’ve assembled a core nucleus of young and talented players.  Obviously, there’s Alex Ovechkin, the two-time NHL MVP and best player in the world.  But, there’s also Mike Green, Nicky Backstrom, Alex Semin, etc.  This team is built for the long haul.  And, they’ve done it the right way.  Kudos to Ted’s ownership group, the executive leadership from Dick Patrick and George McPhee, and the terrific coaching from Bruce Boudreau and staff.

Compare the Caps experience to other DC sports teams over the past year:

- Wizards:  this is an unfortunate situation.  They had a quality team assembled coming into this year.  But, the Arenas situation has clearly caused much strife.  I went to the game on Monday – it was a nice win against a good Portland team (although without their star, Brandon Roy).   There were less 13,000 fans in the arena.   I think this team will continue its improved play and they have a fair shot at getting back to .500, but for now, it doesn’t compare to the amazing, rocking experience of Caps games.

- Redskins:  I’m an optimist — and think the hiring of Bruce Allen and Mike Shanahan were terrific moves.  But, that being said, going to the ‘Skins games this past year was not a good experience.  I even went to one game where there were over 30,000 no-shows.  And, the team played poorly at home against so-so teams.  It was a bummer to see how bitter the fans have become.  It looks like the tide has turned with the new management brought into place.  The 2010 season should be much more positive and interesting for ‘Skins fans.

- Nationals:  I’m eager for this upcoming baseball season.   I’m a huge baseball fan and love the new Nationals Park.  But, the team hasn’t been good for the past couple of years — which contributes to the lack of fans and lack of passion at the games, especially this past year.  But, I love the off-season moves … adding Marquis, Pudge and the two relievers … bringing back Riggleman as the manager … building a terrific scouting staff.   I think the Nats are on the rise and will have a competitive and enjoyable team this year.

- Fortunately for DC area sports fans — there are many options, including DC United, Georgetown Hoyas, Maryland Terps, AU Eagles, GWU Colonials, etc.  In fact, the Hoyas look terrific (great win on the road against Pitt last night) right now and could definitely make a Final Four run.

But, for now, the best sports experience in DC – hands down – is attending a Washington Capitals game.   And, we still haven’t hit the stretch drive or the play-offs.  NHL playoff hockey is terrific to witness in person.  The Caps have two games coming up against their arch-nemesis, Pittsburgh Penguins.   It’s going to be a wonderful few months coming up — and hopefully the Caps season will run well into June as they make their first Stanley Cup appearance since the ’98 season.  Let’s go, Caps!

Paul Baker

A long-time friend and member of the AOL family, Paul Francis Baker, was laid to rest yesterday in Northern Virginia.  To the many people that knew Paul, we will remember him for his larger-than-life persona, his infectious smile, his brilliant story-telling, his love of the Oakland Raiders, his drive and intelligence, and his love of his family – he loved being “Uncle Paul” to his many nieces and nephews.

Paul and I graduated from the same high school – WT Woodson in Fairfax.  I only went there for my junior and senior years – and I didn’t know Paul well in high school but we became good friends during our days at AOL in the mid 90′s to early 00′s.   I’ll always have fond memories of working together to help build AOL into a powerhouse, the joyous times we had during Super Bowl Weekends as well as the many social functions that the AOL’ers attended together.

The memorial service was held on Friday evening in Fairfax; then a Catholic Mass was held on Saturday morning in Clifton to celebrate Paul’s life.

One of the things that stood out is the large group of people that came on both days.  It showed the impact that Paul had on so many people — family, friends and co-workers.  Friends flew in from all over the U.S. to pay respect to Paul and his family.

I know Paul would have been so proud to have so many members of the AOL family show up to honor him.  So many key employees that helped turn AOL into a major global media brand in the 90′s were there on Friday and Saturday.  It was great to see the old gang – although it was tough to see each other during such a difficult and unfortunate time.   I know Paul would have teared up seeing so many of his old AOL teammates there — having Steve and Jean Case and Ted Leonsis there would have meant so much to him.  So many of his hard-working and loving friends from AOL gathered to pay tribute to our Paulie.   Yes, we have all left AOL … and, it’s been a long time in seeing many of the old gang … but, it shows that AOL was and will always be family.

We are in talks about creating a scholarship in Paul’s name.   Many of the AOL family members have already noted that they would like to get involved.   Ho Shin, John Gardiner and I will reach out after we’ve had time to discuss the creation of this memorial fund.

As this weekend showed, it’s important to let your family and friends know how much you love and care about them.  There were a lot of hugs and tears the past two days.

Rest in peace, Paulie.   We already miss you.

Capitol Movement Project – March 20th

I attended the annual fund-raiser for the Capitol Movement Project last night at the Reserve in downtown DC.   I’ve blogged a few times about CMP in the past, so some of this might be redundant, but I wanted to get the word out about our upcoming performance on Saturday, March 20th at the historic Lincoln Theatre (right next to Ben’s Chili Bowl).

Every year, I purchase a block of tickets and invite friends to the CMP performance.  And, each year, my friends rave about what a great, entertaining gig they just witnessed.  So, I want to keep spreading the word and help the CMP team sell out this year’s event.

Here’s some background info about CMP (fyi – I serve on their board of directors and have been a supporter of CMP from the beginning) — co-founded by Stephanie Jojokian (head of the Washington Redskins cheerleaders) and Amber Yancey, CMP is a first-rate organization.   Per their website — the mission of CMP is “to build better lives through dance by partnering with community organizations to provide disadvantaged youth and underserved citizens the chance to participate and patronize the arts in Washington, DC.”  CMP also aims to “create opportunities for underprivileged DC area dancers to train and perform at the professional level.  We represent dance in all its forms and styles as this transcends all boundaries and nurtures our mission.”

If you like dance and the arts, I strongly encourage you to attend the upcoming annual performance, which will take place at 8:00 pm on Sat, March 20th at the historic Lincoln Theatre on U St.

Yes, a number of the dancers are Washington Redskins cheerleaders but it’s also a wide array of dancers … male and female … youth and adults.  Three of my favorites every year are the three young ladies who nearly always steal the limelight.  You’ll see a wide range of styles, including traditional, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, etc.  You will be entertained – I guarantee it!

For more info, please visit our site at http://www.capitolmovement.org/home.htm.

Georgetown University – Sports Marketing

Last night was the first class of the semester for the “Sports Marketing Strategy” course that Joe Wang and I teach at Georgetown University.   The course is for seniors that are Marketing majors in the McDonough School of Business.

It seems like just the other day when we designed the course and stepped on campus to teach the course.  But, in fact, this is now Year 5 of teaching the Sports Marketing Strategy course.

As in years past, we have a full class.  This year’s class is comprised of 40 students but we’re going to probably bump it up a few slots since a handful students asked if they could be added into the class.

One of the most exciting things about this year’s course is that the class will be held in Georgetown’s brand new business school.  It’s a fantastic building with state-of-the-art classrooms and technology.  And, there’s tons of rooms for student and group meetings.

We do our best to schedule a number of leading sports executives and personalities to come to our class to speak to the students.   Some of the great guest speakers we have had in the past include Capitals and Mystics owner, Ted Leonsis; Octagon President, Phil de Picciotto; Nationals President, Stan Kasten; Dodgers COO, Dennis Mannion; 3-time Olympian, Dominique Dawes; WNBA All-Star and Olympian, Swin Cash; MTX Wealth Management co-founder, Steve Trax; USA Today writer, Christine Brennan; top sports attorney, Jim Tanner, ProVentures founder, Patrick McGee, etc.

In addition to teaching this course in the undergraduate program, I’m also serving as the Visiting Professional for Georgetown University’s Masters program, Sports Industry Management.  This has been a great thrill — working with our top-notch faculty and eager-to-learn graduate students.

I will blog each week about the topics covered in the course as well as some of the nuggets shared by our guest speakers.

Go Hoyas!

Brazil – Happy Ano Novo

Just got back from 8 days in Brazil.  It’s summer time there so it was great to be in warm weather after the recent cold weather and massive snowstorm in DC.  This was my third trip to Brazil in the past 15 months.  As with the past trip, it was a combination of vacation and a few business meetings.

I’m developing my sports relationships in Rio de Janeiro since it’ll be a key and important market in the sports space with the World Cup coming there in 2014 and the Summer Olympic Games there in 2016.   The futbol season was over so we didn’t make it to a game but I still have great memories of seeing Flamengo play at the famed Maracana Stadium on an earlier visit to Rio.  It might be the greatest soccer stadium in the world.  The enthusiasm and joy of the Brazilian fans at a futbol game in Maracana is unparalleled in the US.

In addition to futbol, they love to play volleyball in Brazil, including a version where you can’t use your hands — instead, they volley by hitting the ball with their head, shoulders, knees, chest, etc.  It’s quite something to witness.

The legendary beaches are also pretty spectacular, including Ipanema, Leblon and Copacabana.  We also had a great time visiting the beach at Barra.

The highlight of the trip was attending New Year’s Eve on Copacabana Beach.  I went with a group of friends to a NYE party in Leme, but then we went down to Copacaban Beach at around 11:15 to witness the fireworks display.  It was an incredible show — huge fireworks in the sky as nearly 2 million people celebrated the arrival of the NYE.  I’ve been told it’s something one should try to witness at least once in their life — I can now see why.  One word to describe it — WOW.

I enjoyed the time there, particularly the warm, sunny weather, but it’s good to back home.   It’s back to building to continuing to build the new sports business, teaching (the semester at Georgetown starts next week) and philanthropy (tons of board meetings coming up).

My best New Year’s wishes to everyone.   May 2010 bring you good health and happiness.  Happy Ano Novo!