SmartLess - SmartLess Media Presents: Owned with Rex Chapman

Episode Date: August 1, 2023

Buckle up for a wild trip behind the scenes of one of the most exclusive clubs on earth: the world of professional sports owners. A mix of comedy, tragedy, and everything in between, OWNED is the first podcast ever to take listeners way above the court or field into the luxury boxes where billionaires roam. Each week, former NBA player (and current Twitter all-star) Rex Chapman is joined by a cast of reporters, athletes, and comedians to dissect the politics, scandals, and scores of these eccentric moguls who hold our hopes and dreams in their hands. It is fun, funny, dynamic, surprising, and based on incredible stories; a hybrid talk show that combines the wit and flair of SmartLess with the reporting, storytelling, and production muscle of Campside Media, creators of hit shows like Chameleon: Wild Boys, and Suspect.Listen to Owned with Rex Chapman: Wondery.fm/OwnedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rex Chapman, hello. Hello, Rex. Hello, Will, Sean Jason. So great to hear. How is your going. Thank you for talking with us. So we got this new podcast with you called owned or very, very excited. You said yes to doing this.

Thank you so much. I'm so grateful you guys asked when they said that Rex Chapman was going to do a podcast with us. I said, how are we possibly going to do a podcast about moonshine? But you know what? They said it's not. It's not. Right.

It's not that. It's not that. It's not that. Sports owners. But you are here today because of owned, which is a smartness media podcast that we're so lucky to have you. Yeah. So nice. You said yes to do that. I'm so thankful you guys. It's fantastic. It's out now. Yeah. It's really, really great. Tell us briefly exactly like what it is.

And why do you want to do it? Like the dummies we are. Maybe like a listener that has no idea what this is about. I'm going to go. I know I'm going to bring. Okay. You ready? No. Talk to me now. is about. Yeah, I'm gonna go. I know I'm gonna, I know I'm gonna bring, okay, you ready? No, talk to me now. All right, all right, here we go. So you know how you guys with your movies or your TV shows, there's a finance here. Yeah, a person who's paying the bills,

flitting the bill. Sometimes those guys, those women, people, they don't know anything about making a movie or a TV show. And I'm sure for you guys, that's pretty frustrating when that person wants to have say as to what's going on on film. It can be a challenge. Well, you're looking at my track record. I don't know anything about making a movie or TV show.

So let's be real. Let's call it what it is. But sports ownership is really no different. I mean, there are good owners and they're not so good owners. And there are bad owners. Most of them are millionaires to billionaires. And they do this for a hobby. Some are very good. Some of them have sports backgrounds. And those owners are usually pretty good to work for and play for. The others though are not just as you might imagine. I was, they were asking me earlier about some of the owners I had.

I played for two owners, four owners. Two, the first one was in Charlotte, and that was a guy named George Shinn, and he was very cheap, didn't spend a lot. I remember a cup, we got the Transistra for a Christmas one year and a monogrammed Bible when you come out. Oh my God. Oh my God. Yeah, yeah.

And so then I was traded from there and went to Washington and played for the old bullets. Sure. A. Bolin was the owner. And my first day there, I get to the locker room and we're practicing, we don't have a practice facility, it's at Bowie State University and it's got a like a literal play stage on the side of the gym. It's a high school gym, right? But we're in there, I'm in there and there's a note

on my chair by my locker, very first day and it asks me, says, you can take your gear home and wash it every day, or you can pay, have $25 taken out of your check every week so we can pay the equipment manager to wash your shit for you. So it's a professional basketball team. Professional basketball team. What year was that? This was 1992. Did you have to drive yourself to away games? No, but in Washington, you're not supposed to take buses and then be anything longer than an hour and a half. So you can travel like Philly to DC maybe. We traveled all over the East Coast on buses.

You did. Boston, New York, New Jersey, to DC. And, you know, we'd play the Nick sometimes at home and then play them the next night in the garden. And they would beat us home because they flew back after the game. And we're driving up on a bus the next day. And you guys are and you're not how tall are you Rex? Six, three, six, four. Right. So again, I mean, still still by NBA standards maybe not the tallest but also very tall right and the rest your teammates you probably had guys were six seven six eight crammed on a bus I mean that's not good for yeah it's not good for the product but that was

you know that was an ownership that just didn't spin I was traded. I was traded though. I was traded though from there to Miami. The Miami Heat who are currently playing, or playing in the NBA finals. Yeah. Yeah. Great ownership. Mickey Ererson got there. He was one of the first team owners to buy a plane.

We got a plane our first year. So now we're not even flying commercial, which most other teams do. Yeah. We have our own plane and that changes the whole game. And as you guys know too, it's not just spending on the top players. Right.

It's not just spending on the, you know, the marquee actor. It's spending on everybody and making everyone feel loved and valued, and that's what the good owners do. I went on to Phoenix and played for Jerry Kalangelo, another great owner. So it just boils down to, you know, which owners are good, which owners are not. And the ones that aren't just kind of back off

and let people do their jobs. And it's not just money, it's also just like, that trickled down effect vibe wise to the whole team is so important, right, from the ownership, no question. And you know, the owners that know your kids and your wife's name and you're, you know, you're the people that come to the game with you.

The owners that, it's no different than life. Relationships. Yeah, that's what I like about it. Like, it's no secret. I'm not a massive sports fan, but listening to this podcast owned, I'm like really into it because of that, what you just said, because it's,

I love the human stories. And like, I'm really, really into it because of what you just said because it's, I love the human stories and like I'm really, really into how that all works and like everything you just said, I think it's fascinating. I think you make a great point, Sean, and I probably should have said this. This isn't targeted for sports nuts. This is targeted for people that listen to your guys show

who are entertainment people who love storytelling. Yeah, I'm gonna get some of these crazy owners. who are entertainment people, who love storytelling. And we're gonna get some of these crazy owners. Yeah, by the way, Rex, so we're just speaking of sports notes. Did you wear a cup? No, no, it's a good question. We do that. I think back, and why didn't we wear cups?

But you also rarely get hit in the balls in basketball. I wore one to high school just so I could feel a little more masculine. But it's fun to sort of vicariously like live through these, these own, like how many, how many people say, boy, if I had $10 billion, what would you do? What would you buy, you know, and so to hear about what these massively wealthy people do with all of that influence and access and permission, a lot of them do the right thing and a lot of them do the wrong thing. And that's kind of some of the stuff you explore, yeah?

No question. The good ones are always fun. The bad ones are fun. For instance, we have Rick Riley on. Oh, yeah, I love Rick. And we did a, we have an episode on Marge Shot. Yeah, you know, you ask, Marge Shot, Marge used to say the N word, Rick, wow.

She was not, she let her dogs poop on Riverfront Stadium out there in the field. But Rick was telling us a story. He said, we asked him, you know, any just crazy weird story with Marge. He said, I don't know where to start, but he came up with one. He went to interview her at her house

and she was off chasing the dog around. And he was kind of meandering through the halls and she walks back and he pulls out of a drawer, a Nazi arm band. Oh, wow. And he asks Mar smarts about this. And she just kind of poo-pooz and says, oh yeah, just, you know, just something in the door there.

Little memorabilia. Little memorabilia. Oh, what? And this lady was running the Cincinnati Reds for years and years and years. I mean, see, those are the kind of stories that you don't hear anywhere. Like, and other guests that you've had on, Larry Wilmore, Paul Sherr, Russell Crowe, Ike Baronholds, like a lot of people been

coming on. It's fantastic. I wasn't sure I wanted to do this with you guys, because normally we just, I just entertain the Oscar winners. We've got Russell Crowe and Natalie Portman, right? Yeah. I know. I know. You guys have one Oscars yet. Have you? Now, what's Natalie talked about? They didn't give them out for the Miller's on CBS. Sorry, go ahead Rex. Natalie's part of a soccer team, right? Natalie, a women's soccer team. Yes, the LA angel.

FC. Oh, the angels, angels, yes. And I mean, it's just a partner, huh? Part owner and a ton, they've got a ton of famous actors, entertainers, athletes that own that squad, and it's become a big deal. And they are so mission oriented. They're trying to, yes.

Sorry, you should talk to Peter Goober. He's part owner of the Dodgers, and knows that. Love to. Golden State Warriors, right? And, oh, something else too. I know you've got a connection, because you rarely miss a Dodgers game, don't you, Jason? Well, I go to about 20 or 30 a year.

Yeah. I love him. Did you guys play? Did any of the three of you play sports seriously as a kid? I played everything a little bit except for football. My mother wanted me to play soccer because she was from England, so I never got to play football, but everything else I played, I loved. I played a little bit too. I was, I mean, I played everything very average at a very average rate, but I loved playing stuff. And I'm a huge sports nut. The other guy you should talk

to, by the way, is Sean Hayes. He's there, buddy. We all made the same Jeff Tom. Tom Warner. Oh, yeah. He's part owner of the Red Sox and Liverpool FC, which is my club and now the Pittsburgh Penguins. Fantastic. They'll come on. You guys throw these owners our way.

You know, this is a smart, less thing. Yeah, for sure. Let's share. Sean, what did you play? What sports did you play in school growing up? Did you play soccer? I played baseball. I was on the Rens and the Roadrunners. The Rens and the Roadrunners.

Yeah, different years. And then I played football one year. Tand. Yeah, and I'd be in the, I'd be in the, I don't remember, I think I played a safety and I'd be in the Scrimmage line, right? And I'd be in the stance, you know, in all fours. And the guy across from me inevitably would always say something

like, I'm gonna fuck you up, I'm gonna fuck you. I'm gonna, like, you know, I'd kind of get in my head. And I would take it so personally, I'd be like, I literally have done nothing to you. Why would you speak to me that way? And I used to take it so personally. And then I would only wanna go to McDonald's or get like the free, you know, pop or soda. You know what's funny about that. You never went to McDonald's

in the middle of the game, did you? You know what's crazy about that is as most of us play sports just to have fun and to do something with our friends. And, and but there comes a point where if you're going to really play seriously, you almost have to be an asshole. And it's contrary to everything we teach our kids, raise your kids to be polite, nice, respectful, help each other, all of that stuff. No, not on the basketball court, once you get to, you know, senior and high school maybe.

But it's just different. You got to kind of be a jerk. Right. When I played for the roadrunners, I was auditioning for commercials too at the same time, and I get up to the plate, and the coach thought he was being real supportive, like, hey, he's hit that out. I was United Airlines commercial, I auditioned for him.

Hit it all the way to United Airlines. And I'm like, you don't have to do that. It's really nice, but I'm just trying to hit the ball. It's very kind of you But you don't have to relate the two Hey Rexie's there a common denominator in terms of warning signs with a new owner coming in that you got to look for is there other things? No, I don't think players players normally just play the funny thing though is that you can always tell practices are, you know, it's kind of your punching the clock, you're putting your time in. Don't let the owner walk into practice. The owner walks into practice, everything ratchets

up a notch or two notches. Everybody plays harder wants to put on their best face for the owner. And it doesn't matter what team, what franchise, if the owner walks into practice, you know, you're going to have a hard practice because the coach is going to push you harder and the players are going to play hard. Yeah, it's a boss. It's the guy who signs the check comes in. I mean, I don't care if I'm sweeping in the corner of the boss. I'm sweeping twice the pace.

That's existically right, especially if they got a Nazi arm band on. Yeah, that's gonna make you pick up the pace if you see a fucking actual Nazi turbo. Jesus. That is genius. Oh, wreck does get your attention. A wreck, Chapman. It's called owned.

It is, it is fun, funny, dynamic, surprising. You're great. The guests are great. We're so lucky to have you part of the Smart List Media family. Yeah, very cool. We got you. God bless you. It's, it's such a great show.

I love it. Listener, I'm about to play a clip from the episode of owned. Rex did with Russell Crowe. Be sure to listen to the full episode to hear that amazing Aussie accent. Enjoy Owned on the Wondry app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to Owned Early and Add Free on Wondry Plus, Join Wondry Plus in the Wondry app or on Apple Podcasts today. on Apple Podcast today.

Australia, a huge, wild country full of Tasmanian devils, snakes, and also some of the most passionate rugby fans you'll ever meet, especially here in Redfern, a small working class suburb of Sydney and home to the South Sydney rabbit toes. It's 2006, and frankly, the club has seen better days. A recent legal battle has left them strapped for cash and their win-loss records shows it. But rabbit-o's fans are loyal, and although they've never wavered in their support of the bunnies, they want change, which brings us to March 19, 2006.

The club's voting membership is holding a general meeting to decide the future of the club, and the place is packed, just a large hall full of emotional Australian dudes in dark green rabbit-os gear. And toward the back, leaning against the wall is the man they're all here to see. Because he wants to buy the team,

and in order to do that, he needs to win over 75% of the people in this room. I sure hope he's good at public speaking. The man approaches the microphone. He's got messy hair, and his dark green rabbit-o's polo is tucked into a pair of orange jeans. He unfolds a crumpled piece of paper and begins to read. Hey, Don Fox. How are you? However, the situation ends up today.

Our relationships together as a group of people will never be the same. However this goes, now listen carefully, because this could be really big. Everyone is on the edge of their seats. Geez, this guy is a good public speaker. Like, he could probably win an Oscar or something someday. Well, turns out he already has one.

I'd like to thank the Academy. Because this man, the guy who wants to buy the rabbit-os, is Russell Crowe, the Russell Crowe, and Crowe's channeling a role that's all too familiar, a leader, a gladiator, addressing the town's people, gaining their trust, giving them hope. Those of you in favor repeat that simple, optimistic word, off to me. Yes!

Yes! Yes! You almost expect to hear the director yell cut at any moment and rap for lunch. But even though Russell Crowe is a Hollywood big shot, today, he's not acting. Today, he's getting back to his roots. He's a lifelong fan of the South Sydney rabbit holes, a kid who grew up watching the bunnies dominate the league and who wants nothing more than to restore this struggling club to its former glory.

So Russell Crowe is not taking this whole ownership thing for granted. His fist pumps in the air and he's constantly spinning in circles as if trying to address every person in the room individually. I believe this club is a viable competitive team of the future. I believe and love and respect the history and past players of South Sydney. I want to win. Vote yes, let's get in bed together. I hope you respect me in the morning. Remember, Crow needs 75% of the people in this room to get into his bed. And as the votes are counted, everyone waits with baited breath. Will Russell Crow, the Russell Crow, save the rabbit-o's from decades of financial instability and bring

them back to their glory days? Will these working-class people from South Sydney, Australia, actually trust this charming actor from Hollywood. Resolution 1, total valid votes, 3,942. Yes, 2,998. Representing 75.8%. By a margin of just 32 votes, Academy Award winner Russell Crowe became the proud owner of the South Sydney rabbit holes. The professional club he'd loved his whole life. And how did that go for everybody?

Well, we'll get into that right after the break. Well that's a man that can host a podcast clearly. Yeah. Yeah. A nice speaking voice. And he was a huge NBA star. And he understands the sport right from the inside. Uh-huh.

Yeah. So we're in good hands with him. It seems like. Yeah. I guess we could do. I don't know about you guys, but I never read his auto. Bye. Bye. Oh, yeah. I don't know about you guys, but I never read his auto. Bye.

Bye. Oh, hi, I grew up in a city. Woo. Listen to owned wherever you get your podcast. You can listen to owned early and add free on Wondry Plus, join Wondry Plus in the Wondry app or on Apple Podcasts today. Start. Blast. S-Me-E-O. Oh.