WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:02.636  (female announcer)    Production funding    for Sports Files is 00:02.636 --> 00:04.338  made possible in part by... 00:04.338 --> 00:08.775  (male narrator)    Infiniti of Memphis    has moved to Germantown 00:08.775 --> 00:10.177  road just half mile north of   Wolfchase Galleria and is proud 00:10.177 --> 00:13.280  to support WKNO for its quality   broadcasting and service 00:13.280 --> 00:14.314  to our community. 00:14.314 --> 00:16.783  Quality and service --   No wonder Infiniti of Memphis 00:16.783 --> 00:19.786  feels at home on WKNO. 00:27.728 --> 00:30.564 - My guest today on Sports Files is iconic sports figure, 00:30.564 --> 00:33.333 television analyst and basketball Hall of Famer, 00:33.333 --> 00:35.068 Dick Vitale. 00:35.068 --> 00:52.452 [theme music] 00:52.452 --> 00:54.655 Dick Vitale has had an amazing run. 00:54.655 --> 00:56.657 He's as well known a sports figure 00:56.657 --> 00:57.691 as the athletes themselves. 00:57.691 --> 01:00.928 In fact, he's probably more popular than most. 01:00.928 --> 01:04.097 But if you think Vitale is all glitz and no substance, 01:04.097 --> 01:07.334 then you have no idea who the real Dick Vitale is. 01:07.334 --> 01:10.070 For years he has been in the forefront in helping raise money 01:10.070 --> 01:12.773 and awareness about pediatric cancer. 01:12.773 --> 01:16.009 He also serves on the board of the Jimmy V foundation and has 01:16.009 --> 01:18.011 made appearances throughout the country, 01:18.011 --> 01:21.348 using his celebrity to help out numerous causes. 01:21.348 --> 01:24.584 In simple terms, Dicky V just gets it! 01:24.584 --> 01:26.586 He also knows how to fire up his audience, 01:26.586 --> 01:29.389 with a passion and flair few others even attempt 01:29.389 --> 01:30.757 to replicate. 01:30.757 --> 01:32.726 He is a true original. 01:32.726 --> 01:35.529 His catchphrases are timeless and he's surely been 01:35.529 --> 01:37.831 impersonated by thousands. 01:37.831 --> 01:41.702 When you hear the words "Diaper Dandy" or "PT-PE-ER", 01:41.702 --> 01:45.806 or" Dipsy-Doo Dunk-a-roo" or "It's awesome baby", 01:45.806 --> 01:47.708 you know it's Dicky V. 01:47.708 --> 01:50.510 Today, the fun side and the serious side of the iconic 01:50.510 --> 01:51.645 Dick Vitale. 01:51.645 --> 01:54.448 And he's next on Sports Files. 01:54.448 --> 02:04.257 [theme music] 02:04.257 --> 02:06.293 Dick, first of all, great to have you in Memphis. 02:06.293 --> 02:07.661 Happy Father's Day to ya. 02:07.661 --> 02:08.395 - Well, thank you. 02:08.395 --> 02:10.530 I think Father's Day is certainly very special. 02:10.530 --> 02:14.434 I've been getting Tweets from my grandchildren and my daughters. 02:14.434 --> 02:16.336 You know, you take that responsibility. 02:16.336 --> 02:18.672 A lot of guys don't understand, you know, 02:18.672 --> 02:21.575 it's probably easy bringing a child in the world but taking 02:21.575 --> 02:23.910 care of that child and nurture them and having the 02:23.910 --> 02:27.180 responsibility to raise them with lots of love. 02:27.180 --> 02:29.182 I know I miss my father so much. 02:29.182 --> 02:33.787 My dad really set an example for my family in every way possible. 02:33.787 --> 02:38.058 I can't remember him missing a day's work because of a headache 02:38.058 --> 02:39.059 or the flu. 02:39.059 --> 02:40.227 And he worked. 02:40.227 --> 02:43.697 I mean, pressed coats in a factory. 02:43.697 --> 02:45.699 The more coats he pressed, the more money he got paid. 02:45.699 --> 02:46.867 Came home, we ate dinner. 02:46.867 --> 02:49.803 I learned more at my dinner table than any class I ever had. 02:49.803 --> 02:50.804 I learned about love. 02:50.804 --> 02:51.905 I learned about family. 02:51.905 --> 02:53.440 I learned about togetherness. 02:53.440 --> 02:54.708 I learned about adversity. 02:54.708 --> 02:57.477 And then he put a security guard uniform on. 02:57.477 --> 02:58.545 You're from Jersey. 02:58.545 --> 03:01.682 And he would go to the Bergen Mall in New Jersey and he would 03:01.682 --> 03:05.585 walk the mall from 6:00 to 12:00 as a security guard. 03:05.585 --> 03:06.753 That was his life. 03:06.753 --> 03:08.989 Up at 6:00 in the morning, go to the factory, 03:08.989 --> 03:12.192 press coats, eat dinner and go walk the mall. 03:12.192 --> 03:15.929 And if you don't think that affected me to learn about 03:15.929 --> 03:19.833 discipline and learn about family and love, 03:19.833 --> 03:21.468 it really impacted me big time. 03:21.468 --> 03:22.536 So, I miss my dad. 03:22.536 --> 03:23.537 - Values as well. 03:23.537 --> 03:25.539 I lost my dad when I was 13 years old. 03:25.539 --> 03:27.074 He died at the age of 35. 03:27.074 --> 03:29.509 So, it's very special, this day, to me, 03:29.509 --> 03:32.079 not having been with him for many, many years. 03:32.079 --> 03:34.114 Dick, this is quite the hardware you have next to you. 03:34.114 --> 03:35.615  You've won a lot of hardware. 03:35.615 --> 03:38.151  Of course, being elected in to   the NBA Hall of Fame probably at 03:38.151 --> 03:39.352  the top at that list. 03:39.352 --> 03:41.988  But to be honored by the   AutoZone Liberty Bowl, 03:41.988 --> 03:45.092  a college football game with   the distinguished citizen award. 03:45.092 --> 03:47.094 What do you think about this honor? 03:47.094 --> 03:49.096 - Well, I'm really touched by it. 03:49.096 --> 03:51.098 I know when Steve called me and Dave Woloshin, 03:51.098 --> 03:52.099 they called me about it. 03:52.099 --> 03:54.334 I was touched by it because obviously they're involved 03:54.334 --> 03:55.335 with St. Jude. 03:55.335 --> 03:57.604 And St. Jude is so special to me. 03:57.604 --> 03:59.606 St. Jude has been part of my life. 03:59.606 --> 04:01.608 I can't begin to tell ya. 04:01.608 --> 04:02.642 I lost my eye as a youngster. 04:02.642 --> 04:04.644 I thought it was the end of the world. 04:04.644 --> 04:07.214 And my mother gave me a Saint Jude card. 04:07.214 --> 04:10.550 And Saint Jude has been with me for over 70 years in my pocket. 04:10.550 --> 04:14.121 Saint Jude has been a part of my life. 04:14.121 --> 04:15.355 It's the Saint.. 04:15.355 --> 04:18.492 I'm not here to preach religion. 04:18.492 --> 04:21.361 But in the Catholic religion, it's all about hopeless times. 04:21.361 --> 04:23.063 You reach out to Saint Jude. 04:23.063 --> 04:25.932 And I know I've reached out a number of times, 04:25.932 --> 04:28.235 begging and pleading to have one good eye. 04:28.235 --> 04:30.804 And Saint Jude has been good to me, man. 04:30.804 --> 04:31.938 Been good to me. 04:31.938 --> 04:35.642 So, when I took a tour today and went with Steve and the 04:35.642 --> 04:37.644 beautiful people at the hospital, 04:37.644 --> 04:40.814 taking my wife and I on a tour of the St. Jude's Hospital, 04:40.814 --> 04:43.950 I was blown away, blown away by what they have done. 04:43.950 --> 04:47.387 I only would hope and dream and pray that Danny Thomas could 04:47.387 --> 04:50.524 have been living to see what this has built in to. 04:50.524 --> 04:53.393 The impact he has had on lives, generation after generation. 04:53.393 --> 04:55.395 Isn't that a sign of greatness? 04:55.395 --> 04:56.396 - Absolutely. 04:56.396 --> 04:58.398 - To win a basketball game is one thing. 04:58.398 --> 05:01.368 When you're affecting people's lives like he has and what he 05:01.368 --> 05:04.237 does because of what he started, to have the vision. 05:04.237 --> 05:06.807 The vision I feel when I look at that, 05:06.807 --> 05:08.542 I feel like a no body. 05:08.542 --> 05:11.645 'Cause, man, what he did is something special. 05:11.645 --> 05:13.647 - But you have affected lives, Dick. 05:13.647 --> 05:16.850 And I want to talk about what you have done with obviously 05:16.850 --> 05:18.852 your great friendship with the late Jim Valvano, 05:18.852 --> 05:20.854 what you do for cancer research. 05:20.854 --> 05:21.855 And it's so dear to your heart. 05:21.855 --> 05:25.325 So, yes, you may be calling basketball games and making a 05:25.325 --> 05:28.328 lot of people happy with the way you call a game but you've done 05:28.328 --> 05:30.330 a lot of things for a lot of people. 05:30.330 --> 05:31.331 - Well, I appreciate that. 05:31.331 --> 05:34.034 I think it's important in life to give back. 05:34.034 --> 05:37.938 I think celebrity-hood has given me an opportunity to open up 05:37.938 --> 05:41.041 doors to where I can get the CEOs and the presidents, 05:41.041 --> 05:44.544 people that can make instant decisions in donating money and 05:44.544 --> 05:45.545 giving money. 05:45.545 --> 05:49.049 And it's really something I try to utilize in a positive way. 05:49.049 --> 05:51.751 And I try to use celebrity-hood in a positive way. 05:51.751 --> 05:54.621 And we've been blessed that we've raised we like to think 05:54.621 --> 05:56.923 some good dollars with the V Foundation. 05:56.923 --> 05:58.925 I'm a member of the board of directors. 05:58.925 --> 06:03.697 We've raised over $120 million that's utilized in all kinds of 06:03.697 --> 06:06.132 research of breast cancer, lung cancer, 06:06.132 --> 06:09.502 you name it, prostate cancer, right down the line. 06:09.502 --> 06:14.874 But my specific gala through the V Foundation is for kids. 06:14.874 --> 06:16.476 It's all about pediatrics. 06:16.476 --> 06:17.744 I've said it once. 06:17.744 --> 06:18.745 I'll say it again. 06:18.745 --> 06:22.649 There is very little being done to help kids with dollars for 06:22.649 --> 06:23.650 research in cancer. 06:23.650 --> 06:24.651 Only four percent.. 06:24.651 --> 06:26.920 It breaks my heart when I hear this. 06:26.920 --> 06:31.858 Only four percent of every dollar raised for cancer 06:31.858 --> 06:34.094 research goes to pediatrics. 06:34.094 --> 06:35.528 And that is sad. 06:35.528 --> 06:36.563 That is sad. 06:36.563 --> 06:37.831 It's got to change. 06:37.831 --> 06:38.965 That's got to change. 06:38.965 --> 06:40.433 The kids, that's our future. 06:40.433 --> 06:42.535 Seeing these youngsters battle this disease. 06:42.535 --> 06:44.037 We had at my gala.. 06:44.037 --> 06:45.238 I introduced to the crowd.. 06:45.238 --> 06:47.040 The crowd was filled with greatness. 06:47.040 --> 06:48.174 You name the coaches. 06:48.174 --> 06:49.609 John Calipari was there. 06:49.609 --> 06:50.777 Bob Huggins. 06:50.777 --> 06:52.145 Jim Larranaga. 06:52.145 --> 06:54.447 Over the years, we had Calipari, Pitino, Donovan. 06:54.447 --> 06:56.016 You name them, they been with us. 06:56.016 --> 06:58.151 Heisman Trophy winners have been with us. 06:58.151 --> 06:59.920 Vinny Testaverde has been with us. 06:59.920 --> 07:01.988 This year we had Jameis Winston with us. 07:01.988 --> 07:03.256 We've had Kenny Chesney. 07:03.256 --> 07:04.791 We've had Magic Johnson. 07:04.791 --> 07:06.259 I mean, we've had greatness. 07:06.259 --> 07:08.561 But I told the crowd this year, I said, 07:08.561 --> 07:10.430 "You know, with all the greats that are here, 07:10.430 --> 07:12.565 and I think every one of you for coming.." 07:12.565 --> 07:14.200 Because they all come free of charge. 07:14.200 --> 07:18.238 They all pay their own way, pay their own expenses and many of 07:18.238 --> 07:21.074 them give us thousands and thousands of dollars. 07:21.074 --> 07:22.942 I mean, thousands. 07:22.942 --> 07:25.679 So, I told them, I said, "Now I'm going to introduce a team 07:25.679 --> 07:29.282 that to me is what courage is all about." 07:29.282 --> 07:31.051 I brought up ten youngsters. 07:31.051 --> 07:33.286 And I told them about each one because I get to know them. 07:33.286 --> 07:36.690 A name doesn't mean much to the people here but Jake Turaska. 07:36.690 --> 07:39.592 Jake Turaska was told, "You will never walk. 07:39.592 --> 07:41.594 "You will never talk. 07:41.594 --> 07:43.430 "And most likely, you're going to lose your life 07:43.430 --> 07:45.598 to Neuroblastoma." 07:45.598 --> 07:47.967 Today Jake is 16 years old. 07:47.967 --> 07:51.071 And I'll tell ya he's an outstanding baseball player. 07:51.071 --> 07:52.072 - God bless him. 07:52.072 --> 07:53.206 - One of the best in our area. 07:53.206 --> 07:54.641 And I introduce Jake. 07:54.641 --> 07:55.909 Then I introduce the young guy. 07:55.909 --> 07:58.111 You see him and you just want to hug him. 07:58.111 --> 08:02.082 Seven years old, Josh, the cutest smile, 08:02.082 --> 08:03.483 light up a room. 08:03.483 --> 08:07.187 Josh did 1,600 doses of chemotherapy. 08:07.187 --> 08:08.488 Chemotherapy. 08:08.488 --> 08:11.925 And he can't do enough to want to help other kids. 08:11.925 --> 08:13.760 And it just blows me away. 08:13.760 --> 08:15.762 And I introduced all these kids to the crowd. 08:15.762 --> 08:17.964 And obviously was tears in the crowd, 08:17.964 --> 08:21.534 standing ovation, over 900 people that paid $1,000 08:21.534 --> 08:22.535 a person. 08:22.535 --> 08:24.204 And we raised $2.38 million. 08:24.204 --> 08:25.338 But that's not enough. 08:25.338 --> 08:28.641 - Well, Dick, as you've said, you've used your celebrity 08:28.641 --> 08:29.676 for good. 08:29.676 --> 08:32.078 But there was a point, you didn't know you were going to be 08:32.078 --> 08:33.079 this celebrity. 08:33.079 --> 08:35.081 Let me go back to the late '70s. 08:35.081 --> 08:36.182 I was in high school. 08:36.182 --> 08:38.184 I remember you 'cause I was a, you know, 08:38.184 --> 08:39.185 budding sportscaster. 08:39.185 --> 08:41.187 I wanted to be a sportscaster since I was a kid. 08:41.187 --> 08:42.188 So, I followed sports. 08:42.188 --> 08:44.190 I knew that you were the head coach at the University of 08:44.190 --> 08:45.558 Detroit, now Detroit Mercy. 08:45.558 --> 08:46.659 I'm looking at your numbers. 08:46.659 --> 08:48.461 79 and 29 in four years. 08:48.461 --> 08:51.431 26 and 3 in that fourth year. 08:51.431 --> 08:52.432 Why did you become an AD? 08:52.432 --> 08:54.834 And then eventually you went to the Pistons. 08:54.834 --> 08:56.836 I'll talk about that in a second. 08:56.836 --> 08:58.838 But why did you get out of it there? 08:58.838 --> 09:00.840 - Well, you know, I made a mistake. 09:00.840 --> 09:02.842 I shouldn't have went to the NBA. 09:02.842 --> 09:03.843 I belonged in college. 09:03.843 --> 09:05.845 Jimmy Valvano used to always say never mess with happy. 09:05.845 --> 09:08.848 If one is happy, don't mess with it. 09:08.848 --> 09:10.984 And I knew too many people mess with happy. 09:10.984 --> 09:13.820 The happy with it but you're a free agent and you can get more 09:13.820 --> 09:15.155 money going somewhere else. 09:15.155 --> 09:16.156 They take the cash. 09:16.156 --> 09:18.324 And cash is not always the answer. 09:18.324 --> 09:20.326 I mean, if you're making a good living. 09:20.326 --> 09:22.328 And when the job came open with the Pistons, 09:22.328 --> 09:24.330 I was shocked, you know, and stunned. 09:24.330 --> 09:25.331 I got offered the job. 09:25.331 --> 09:26.933 I was like in my thirties. 09:26.933 --> 09:28.268 And it was an ego trip, too. 09:28.268 --> 09:30.270 I mean, financially, here it is. 09:30.270 --> 09:32.105 I mean, 1970. 09:32.105 --> 09:34.808 I'm teaching the sixth grade, coaching the high school. 09:34.808 --> 09:38.077 Seven years later, I'm in the NBA as a head coach. 09:38.077 --> 09:39.079 I'm sitting there in awe. 09:39.079 --> 09:41.881 I mean, you got Jerry West on the other sideline. 09:41.881 --> 09:42.882 Jack Ramsay. 09:42.882 --> 09:45.418 I want to get my autograph book and go get autographs. 09:45.418 --> 09:46.686 Man, it's unbelievable. 09:46.686 --> 09:50.990 But really, my personality belonged in college. 09:50.990 --> 09:53.426 You know, we see now Billy Donovan has moved on. 09:53.426 --> 09:54.861 Freddie Hoiberg. 09:54.861 --> 09:59.699 But as opposed to when John Calipari or Pitino or myself or 09:59.699 --> 10:03.269 the late Jerry Tarkanian, we didn't go to good teams. 10:03.269 --> 10:06.339 We didn't go to teams that really had the personnel to win. 10:06.339 --> 10:10.009 Billy and Fred right now are going to teams 10:10.009 --> 10:11.177 that have a chance. 10:11.177 --> 10:13.813 Then you've got a Kevin Durant and a Westmore. 10:13.813 --> 10:15.548 You got a chance to win. 10:15.548 --> 10:17.016 You go with Derrick Rose.. 10:17.016 --> 10:19.018 You guys obviously know well here. 10:19.018 --> 10:21.387 But Derrick Rose and company down there in Chicago, 10:21.387 --> 10:23.156 you got a chance to win. 10:23.156 --> 10:24.157 And I just.. 10:24.157 --> 10:25.191 I couldn't handle losing. 10:25.191 --> 10:28.127 Best thing to ever happen to me was getting fired. 10:28.127 --> 10:30.129 Because had I stayed in coaching, 10:30.129 --> 10:33.066 I firmly believe I would have never made it to 50. 10:33.066 --> 10:35.068 Because I really couldn't handle losing. 10:35.068 --> 10:36.069 I couldn't lose. 10:36.069 --> 10:37.437 I tore my heart out. 10:37.437 --> 10:40.673 - But you went from that situation where you were out of 10:40.673 --> 10:41.674 a job. 10:41.674 --> 10:43.676 You coached some college and the NBA. 10:43.676 --> 10:46.212 You were trying to figure out what to do next. 10:46.212 --> 10:48.781 This fledgling company ESPN asks you to do games. 10:48.781 --> 10:50.783 And it took a while. 10:50.783 --> 10:54.354 You didn't become Dicky V for a few years. 10:54.354 --> 10:55.355 - Nobody knew us. 10:55.355 --> 10:56.356 Nobody watched TV. 10:56.356 --> 10:57.357 - But were you.. 10:57.357 --> 11:02.061 You could not have been the broadcaster you are today when 11:02.061 --> 11:03.062 you first started, right? 11:03.062 --> 11:04.097 Did you even like it? 11:04.097 --> 11:05.165 - Well, I liked it. 11:05.165 --> 11:06.165 I liked the idea. 11:06.165 --> 11:08.167 But I was still thinking about, you know, 11:08.167 --> 11:10.170 coaching in college until one day. 11:10.170 --> 11:12.171 I didn't understand what he meant. 11:12.171 --> 11:13.573 I got hired first of all. 11:13.573 --> 11:16.176 It's amazing how something can change your life. 11:16.176 --> 11:19.546 My last game I ever coached as a college coach, 11:19.546 --> 11:20.547 ever coached. 11:20.547 --> 11:22.549 We played at Rupp Arena and we played 11:22.549 --> 11:23.550 the University of Michigan. 11:23.550 --> 11:25.552 And they were number one in the country. 11:25.552 --> 11:27.554 It would be like, I guess, equated to -- Oh, 11:27.554 --> 11:28.555 I don't know. 11:28.555 --> 11:31.057 A Memphis playing when they're super at Tennessee. 11:31.057 --> 11:32.058 We were playing. 11:32.058 --> 11:34.961 We're the little guy, basically the eyes of the public. 11:34.961 --> 11:36.462 And Michigan is the giant. 11:36.462 --> 11:39.165 Their full budget is bigger than our whole budget. 11:39.165 --> 11:40.333 But there were are. 11:40.333 --> 11:42.735 We win 21 in a row that year. 11:42.735 --> 11:45.438 We beat the likes of Michigan State and Arizona. 11:45.438 --> 11:46.639 We had great teams. 11:46.639 --> 11:48.741 We beat Marquette in fact at Marquette, 11:48.741 --> 11:51.444 Al McGuire's team that won the national title two-and-a-half 11:51.444 --> 11:52.946 months after we beat them. 11:52.946 --> 11:54.447 But anyway, we were good. 11:54.447 --> 11:55.949 I had three NBA players. 11:55.949 --> 11:56.950 We were good. 11:56.950 --> 11:58.651 And we wanted to play Michigan. 11:58.651 --> 12:00.753 We couldn't get them on the schedule. 12:00.753 --> 12:02.755 Finally when appearings came out, 12:02.755 --> 12:05.258 one of my assistants comes running in and he says, 12:05.258 --> 12:07.327 "Coach, you're not going to believe this. 12:07.327 --> 12:11.364 If we get to the Sweet Sixteen, we play Michigan." 12:11.364 --> 12:12.398 I called a team meeting. 12:12.398 --> 12:13.533 Got them in there. 12:13.533 --> 12:15.768 All you guys, all you do is bitch and moan how much you want 12:15.768 --> 12:16.769 to play Michigan. 12:16.769 --> 12:17.770 Alright. 12:17.770 --> 12:18.771 You want to play them? 12:18.771 --> 12:19.772 Roll down appearance. 12:19.772 --> 12:20.773 There they are. 12:20.773 --> 12:21.774 Sweet Sixteen. 12:21.774 --> 12:23.776 - There's your momentum right there. 12:23.776 --> 12:24.777 - Now we go and we played. 12:24.777 --> 12:27.213 And the day before at practice.. 12:27.213 --> 12:29.349 There's three people at practice. 12:29.349 --> 12:31.584 Two I recognize right away. 12:31.584 --> 12:33.152 One I have no idea. 12:33.152 --> 12:36.022 The two I recognize -- John Wooden and Curt Gowdy. 12:36.022 --> 12:37.023 You're a broadcaster. 12:37.023 --> 12:39.258 Curt Gowdy is as big as it gets. 12:39.258 --> 12:41.261 I'm saying to myself, "What are they doing here?" 12:41.261 --> 12:43.363 The third guy comes up to me and he says, 12:43.363 --> 12:46.532 "We've decided because as David and Goliath, 12:46.532 --> 12:51.070 "we're going to televise the game on NBC and Mr. Gowdy is 12:51.070 --> 12:53.673 "going to do the play by play and John Wooden is going to be 12:53.673 --> 12:54.674 the analyst." 12:54.674 --> 12:55.675 Oh, my God. 12:55.675 --> 12:57.110 I was like a little kid. 12:57.110 --> 12:58.111 John Wooden! 12:58.111 --> 13:00.113 So, I bring my team over to meet him. 13:00.113 --> 13:01.114 We take a picture. 13:01.114 --> 13:04.751 And then I give a talk, a five minute talk about greatness. 13:04.751 --> 13:06.052 I told my players. 13:06.052 --> 13:08.054 I said, "I'm going to define greatness. 13:08.054 --> 13:09.722 "Greatness is right here. 13:09.722 --> 13:12.291 "Coach Wooden, ten national titles. 13:12.291 --> 13:16.329 "Curt Gowdy with every award imaginable as a broadcaster. 13:16.329 --> 13:17.864 This is greatness." 13:17.864 --> 13:20.066 Little did I know we get beat. 13:20.066 --> 13:22.068 Heartbreaker, last minute, we lose. 13:22.068 --> 13:23.903 Unbelievable game. 13:23.903 --> 13:28.474 Well, I get fired by the Pistons November 8, 1979. 13:28.474 --> 13:30.376 A week later the phone rings. 13:30.376 --> 13:33.179 It said, "Dick, you're not going to remember me but my name is 13:33.179 --> 13:34.514 "Scotty Connal. 13:34.514 --> 13:37.583 "I've just been named the head of a new network, 13:37.583 --> 13:38.584 ESPN." 13:38.584 --> 13:40.186 He said, "I was the third guy. 13:40.186 --> 13:42.455 "I was the head of NBC sports. 13:42.455 --> 13:46.025 "I was the third guy with Mr. Gowdy and Mr. Wooden. 13:46.025 --> 13:48.628 "And when we left the arena that night, 13:48.628 --> 13:51.864 he said, "John Wooden and Curt Gowdy said to me.." 13:51.864 --> 13:54.801 Said, "Scotty, I think that guy -- interview him, 13:54.801 --> 13:56.402 "he'd be great at TV. 13:56.402 --> 13:57.403 His personality." 13:57.403 --> 14:00.540 He says, "So, I want to give you a chance. 14:00.540 --> 14:03.976 I want you to do our very first game on this new network." 14:03.976 --> 14:07.113 And to tell you the truth, I said, 14:07.113 --> 14:09.549 "No, I have no interest, no television. 14:09.549 --> 14:10.917 "I don't want no television. 14:10.917 --> 14:12.452 I want to coach in college." 14:12.452 --> 14:14.454 - Didn't your lovely wife urge you on? 14:14.454 --> 14:16.456  (Dick)    She's the one that threw me out. 14:16.456 --> 14:19.392  She actually threw me out of   the house because my wife.. 14:19.392 --> 14:20.727 Let me tell you this. 14:20.727 --> 14:23.129 I was watching Luke and Laura on General Hospital. 14:23.129 --> 14:24.464 I was so down, man. 14:24.464 --> 14:25.765 I was down and depressed. 14:25.765 --> 14:26.766 My career exploded. 14:26.766 --> 14:28.768 And all of a sudden you get fired. 14:28.768 --> 14:30.036 No body calls you back. 14:30.036 --> 14:31.104 You can't get calls. 14:31.104 --> 14:33.973 You can't get anybody to call you and return calls. 14:33.973 --> 14:34.974 It was depressing. 14:34.974 --> 14:38.644 And then, all of a sudden he called me back a week later. 14:38.644 --> 14:41.481 And my wife said, "Go do the game. 14:41.481 --> 14:42.949 "Stop feeling sorry. 14:42.949 --> 14:45.084 "You're not the first guy to be fired. 14:45.084 --> 14:46.085 You're not the last guy." 14:46.085 --> 14:47.720 I went and I did that game. 14:47.720 --> 14:49.889 It was like a fresh breath of air. 14:49.889 --> 14:50.957 It was unbelievable. 14:50.957 --> 14:52.291 I never thought.. 14:52.291 --> 14:55.161 So, Scotty kept saying to me, "Don't go to coaching, 14:55.161 --> 14:56.262 Dick." 14:56.262 --> 14:58.931 He said, "There's something you connect with people. 14:58.931 --> 15:00.099 "You connect. 15:00.099 --> 15:02.068 There aren't that many guys announcing that connect." 15:02.068 --> 15:03.169 He said, "You connect." 15:03.169 --> 15:04.070 I didn't know. 15:04.070 --> 15:05.138 What are you talking about "connect"? 15:05.138 --> 15:07.206 He said, "Whether they agree with you or disagree, 15:07.206 --> 15:08.941 "they react to you. 15:08.941 --> 15:10.576 They react." 15:10.576 --> 15:15.381 Well, 1983, I go to my first Final Four as a TV broadcaster 15:15.381 --> 15:17.150 for ESPN. 15:17.150 --> 15:20.186 I walk in the arena and people are coming up for pictures, 15:20.186 --> 15:21.020 autographs. 15:21.020 --> 15:22.955 And Scotty says, "Didn't I tell ya? 15:22.955 --> 15:24.557 "You connect, my friend. 15:24.557 --> 15:25.825 You connect." 15:25.825 --> 15:28.928 And right then and there, my life sort of changed because 15:28.928 --> 15:30.463 offers came. 15:30.463 --> 15:35.034 And if you would have told me from then on I'd have 13 books 15:35.034 --> 15:37.904 I've written, that I've been on David Letterman, 15:37.904 --> 15:41.274 the Bill Cosby Show when it was number one. 15:41.274 --> 15:43.276 - You were offered a sitcom, were you not? 15:43.276 --> 15:44.277 - Yeah. 15:44.277 --> 15:45.545 Well, we had so much fun. 15:45.545 --> 15:47.547 They did a phony kind of sitcom. 15:47.547 --> 15:49.582 But I was offered an opportunity. 15:49.582 --> 15:52.785 They flew me to Hollywood to do a sitcom. 15:52.785 --> 15:55.888 And when I got done, I told my agents. 15:55.888 --> 15:57.290 I said, "I'm not interested." 15:57.290 --> 15:59.792 And they couldn't believe it and neither could the people. 15:59.792 --> 16:01.661 They met with me a second time. 16:01.661 --> 16:03.663 You know we're talking a lot different money than what you're 16:03.663 --> 16:04.664 making in television. 16:04.664 --> 16:06.999 And I said, "I have no desire, none. 16:06.999 --> 16:08.367 "I love what I'm doing. 16:08.367 --> 16:09.402 "I'm making enough money. 16:09.402 --> 16:10.403 I'm happy." 16:10.403 --> 16:15.575 And I realized, you know, you don't just run for dollars. 16:15.575 --> 16:17.577 And I think too many people do that. 16:17.577 --> 16:19.579 - We only have a few more minutes, Dick. 16:19.579 --> 16:21.581 But I want to ask you -- is there ever a point where you're 16:21.581 --> 16:22.582 just -- leave me alone. 16:22.582 --> 16:23.983 You know, I can't always be on. 16:23.983 --> 16:26.185 I need some time to myself and my family. 16:26.185 --> 16:28.087 Does that happen to you? 16:28.087 --> 16:29.088 - Absolutely. 16:29.088 --> 16:31.924 But you know, I get so much time with my family. 16:31.924 --> 16:34.460 People that really know me, my intimate friends, 16:34.460 --> 16:37.496 know that every day of my life, my wife, 16:37.496 --> 16:40.132 my daughters, my sons-in-laws and my five grandkids, 16:40.132 --> 16:42.602 my whole life evolves around them. 16:42.602 --> 16:44.604 I'll be gone tomorrow to a party today. 16:44.604 --> 16:46.873 My little granddaughter, Ava, she's ten now. 16:46.873 --> 16:47.940 She turned ten yesterday. 16:47.940 --> 16:50.443 Papa, Papa, you gonna take me for my birthday? 16:50.443 --> 16:54.247 I said, "Tomorrow, Monday night, we're going out and we're going 16:54.247 --> 16:58.551 "to have a great time at the Cheesecake Factory and go out 16:58.551 --> 16:59.552 for her birthday." 16:59.552 --> 17:00.553 But my family.. 17:00.553 --> 17:02.755 A lot of people don't know this but my daughters went 17:02.755 --> 17:03.756 to Notre Dame. 17:03.756 --> 17:05.758 I was telling today Steve Erhart.. 17:05.758 --> 17:09.662 I said, "A lot of people don't know it cost me a lot of money," 17:09.662 --> 17:14.433 because I closed my calendar from Thursday to Sunday and I 17:14.433 --> 17:17.236 have a lot of offers to speak making a lot of money, 17:17.236 --> 17:19.238 because I do a lot of corporate events. 17:19.238 --> 17:21.540 And I said, "I'm not going." 17:21.540 --> 17:24.744 I did not miss, in four years that my daughter was at Notre 17:24.744 --> 17:29.115 Dame, I did not miss one Notre Dame home football game. 17:29.115 --> 17:33.219 And I would always take some couple with me that was good to 17:33.219 --> 17:35.221 me whether it be from New Jersey, 17:35.221 --> 17:38.124 somebody who was good to me in my career would be my guest. 17:38.124 --> 17:41.193 And we would go to South Bend, Thursday to Sunday 17:41.193 --> 17:42.395 and see the Irish. 17:42.395 --> 17:45.364 And my daughter who started off with like six people and then it 17:45.364 --> 17:48.267 ended up with like 30 every Friday night and Saturday. 17:48.267 --> 17:50.836 All their friends and you know whw picked up the tab. 17:50.836 --> 17:52.004 It cost me a lot of money. 17:52.004 --> 17:56.275 - Dick, I like to end all our interviews with something I call 17:56.275 --> 17:57.310 "Five for the Road." 17:57.310 --> 18:00.479 So, I just need a quick answer, first thing that comes to mind, 18:00.479 --> 18:01.480 simple questions. 18:01.480 --> 18:03.816 Favorite professional sports team of all time? 18:03.816 --> 18:05.184 - Favorite sports.. 18:05.184 --> 18:07.019 Oh, you're kind of tough. 18:07.019 --> 18:09.488 You're kind of tough, man. 18:09.488 --> 18:10.790 Wow, this just floors me. 18:10.790 --> 18:13.192 Favorite pro team, probably, I would have to say, 18:13.192 --> 18:16.896 uh, growing up as a kid, the Yankees when they had the great, 18:16.896 --> 18:17.897 great players, man. 18:17.897 --> 18:21.934 When they had all those guys. 18:21.934 --> 18:23.069 - They weren't too shabby. 18:23.069 --> 18:25.504 How about your favorite pro athlete of all time? 18:25.504 --> 18:26.839 - Favorite pro athlete, Magic Johnson. 18:26.839 --> 18:27.740 I love Magic for his passion and pride. 18:27.740 --> 18:30.009 - What's your favorite music or musician or band? 18:30.009 --> 18:33.713 Who do you like to listen to when you just kick back and 18:33.713 --> 18:34.847 listen to music? 18:34.847 --> 18:38.551 - I love all kinds of music but give me Kenny Chesney and give 18:38.551 --> 18:39.685 me Lionel Richie. 18:39.685 --> 18:40.686 - Really? 18:40.686 --> 18:43.689 So, a little country, a little bit of R and B soul. 18:43.689 --> 18:46.292 - We are absolutely fanatics, my wife and I, 18:46.292 --> 18:47.293 for concerts. 18:47.293 --> 18:48.828 We go to concerts galore. 18:48.828 --> 18:52.164 Every kind from Josh Groban to you name it. 18:52.164 --> 18:55.401 Hey, I got a great Josh Groban story if you want to hear it? 18:55.401 --> 18:56.402 I'll give you a quick one. 18:56.402 --> 18:57.703 Josh Groban. 18:57.703 --> 19:00.473 Wife comes home so we go to see Josh Groban in concert. 19:00.473 --> 19:02.475 I said, "I'm not going to see Josh Groban. 19:02.475 --> 19:03.476 "I don't know Josh Groban. 19:03.476 --> 19:04.510 I don't know his music." 19:04.510 --> 19:06.512 And, "No, no, you gotta go." 19:06.512 --> 19:08.514 My daughter says he's great now. 19:08.514 --> 19:10.516 So, I put on Twitter that I'm going. 19:10.516 --> 19:11.517 I put on Twitter.. 19:11.517 --> 19:12.518 I have 700,000 followers. 19:12.518 --> 19:14.754 Hey, tell me about this guy Josh Groban. 19:14.754 --> 19:15.755 Is he any good? 19:15.755 --> 19:16.756 I'm going to see him. 19:16.756 --> 19:18.090 I get all these Tweets. 19:18.090 --> 19:19.091 He's fantastic. 19:19.091 --> 19:21.360 He does the prayer. 19:21.360 --> 19:23.362 Middle of the concert, he's singing. 19:23.362 --> 19:24.463 The place is packed. 19:24.463 --> 19:25.965 Twenty thousand people. 19:25.965 --> 19:29.568 Josh Groban goes to the crowd, "I understand Dicky V is in the 19:29.568 --> 19:32.772 "house and he sent a Tweet out wanting to know if I'm any good. 19:32.772 --> 19:34.106 Am I any good, Dicky V?" 19:34.106 --> 19:37.276 And then we met with him after the show. 19:37.276 --> 19:39.278 - And you learned quickly about Twitter that it gets back to 19:39.278 --> 19:41.280 some people that you Tweet about. 19:41.280 --> 19:42.281 Favorite movie of all time? 19:42.281 --> 19:44.283 Can be a sports movie or anything. 19:44.283 --> 19:45.284 - I love "Rocky". 19:45.284 --> 19:46.552 I love the original "Rocky". 19:46.552 --> 19:48.821 - And finally, your favorite TV show. 19:48.821 --> 19:51.257 What's your simple little pleasure? 19:51.257 --> 19:52.958 - Ed Sullivan years ago, man. 19:52.958 --> 19:53.959 Give my age away. 19:53.959 --> 19:55.061 - What about in this century? 19:55.061 --> 19:56.162 - My favorite TV show.. 19:56.162 --> 19:57.663 I don't watch much TV. 19:57.663 --> 20:02.234 ESPN Sports Center. 20:02.234 --> 20:04.370 - Hey, Dick, it's been an absolute pleasure. 20:04.370 --> 20:05.671 Thank you so much. 20:05.671 --> 20:07.039 - You're well prepared, man. 20:07.039 --> 20:09.041 You have a chance in this career. 20:09.041 --> 20:11.043 I wish I had your looks and I was your age. 20:11.043 --> 20:11.777 I wish I had some hair on my head. 20:11.777 --> 20:13.045 - The great Dick Vitale. 20:13.045 --> 20:13.479 We'll take a break. 20:13.479 --> 20:14.747 Overtime is next. 20:14.747 --> 20:15.915 - T-O baby! 20:15.915 --> 20:17.183 [laughter] 20:17.183 --> 20:32.465 [theme music] 20:32.465 --> 20:36.535 - We're less than two months away from college football camps 20:36.535 --> 20:39.638 opening up across the country, but it's never too early 20:39.638 --> 20:41.006 to talk pigskin. 20:41.006 --> 20:43.542 Last year was the first year of the national college football 20:43.542 --> 20:46.779 playoff which resulted in Ohio State winning the first ever 20:46.779 --> 20:49.281 championship, taking down the Oregon Ducks, 20:49.281 --> 20:50.816 42-20. 20:50.816 --> 20:53.586 With several weeks left before the end of the regular season, 20:53.586 --> 20:56.522 there was a lot of uncertainty as to which four teams would 20:56.522 --> 20:57.890 make-up the playoff. 20:57.890 --> 21:00.493 The incredibly competitive SEC West, 21:00.493 --> 21:03.162 considered by most as the best top to bottom division in 21:03.162 --> 21:06.599 college football, had a number of teams in the mix. 21:06.599 --> 21:10.035 One of them was the surprising Mississippi State Bulldogs. 21:10.035 --> 21:12.605 In Dan Mullen's sixth season at the helm, 21:12.605 --> 21:15.574 the Bullies shot to number one in the country for the first 21:15.574 --> 21:17.109 time in school history. 21:17.109 --> 21:20.045 And while the Dogs were unable to sustain that top ranking, 21:20.045 --> 21:23.082 they did go on to produce one of their greatest seasons in the 21:23.082 --> 21:25.684 110 year history of the school. 21:25.684 --> 21:27.853 Mississippi State would finish ten and three, 21:27.853 --> 21:30.389 their second ten win season ever. 21:30.389 --> 21:32.391 They would also get an invitation to play 21:32.391 --> 21:33.392 in the Orange Bowl. 21:33.392 --> 21:36.729 Once again only the second time in school history the dogs got 21:36.729 --> 21:39.198 to play in one of the major bowls. 21:39.198 --> 21:41.667 Last month, Head Coach Dan Mullen payed a visit to Olive 21:41.667 --> 21:44.537 Branch and our Sports Files camera caught up with him. 21:44.537 --> 21:48.007  (off screen male)    How did your spring practice    go and what did 21:48.007 --> 21:49.108  you learn from it? 21:49.108 --> 21:51.110 - Well, you know, I think it went really well. 21:51.110 --> 21:53.112 Really pleased with the effort our team gives 21:53.112 --> 21:54.113 and how our guys play. 21:54.113 --> 21:56.115 We got a lot of inexperienced players. 21:56.115 --> 21:58.117 You know, we got some guys coming back. 21:58.117 --> 22:00.119 But for us, you know, we like to have a lot of depth. 22:00.119 --> 22:02.521 We play a lot of guys and develop and roll guys through an 22:02.521 --> 22:03.522 awful lot. 22:03.522 --> 22:05.524 So, we got some inexperienced guys. 22:05.524 --> 22:07.526 We've still got a lot of work to do before we play 22:07.526 --> 22:08.527 the first game. 22:08.527 --> 22:10.529 But we have a lot of time until we have to play that game. 22:10.529 --> 22:12.531  (off screen male)   What did you try to accomplish   in spring training? 22:12.531 --> 22:14.533 - Well, just that to get guys ready to go play. 22:14.533 --> 22:16.535 Teach these young guys who haven't played a whole lot of 22:16.535 --> 22:18.537 football to learn how to play with maximum effort. 22:18.537 --> 22:19.872 That's really important to me. 22:19.872 --> 22:21.874 And so, you know, if we get those guys, 22:21.874 --> 22:24.944 they're learning how to play to the level we expect them 22:24.944 --> 22:25.945 to play at. 22:25.945 --> 22:27.947  (off screen male)    Well, you had a pretty good    year last year. 22:27.947 --> 22:28.948  Ten wins. 22:28.948 --> 22:30.316  How do you build on that? 22:30.316 --> 22:33.352 - Well, we got to get 11, 12, 13 and 14 or 15 this year. 22:33.352 --> 22:35.354 We got to find a way to get more. 22:35.354 --> 22:37.356 And, you know, I think with our guys, 22:37.356 --> 22:39.358 we've built the program to the point where, 22:39.358 --> 22:41.360 you know, we can compete for championships year in and year 22:41.360 --> 22:42.394 out and we need to do that. 22:42.394 --> 22:46.265  (off screen male)    And you've got    Dak coming back. 22:46.265 --> 22:48.434  What does that mean to you? 22:48.434 --> 22:49.435 - Well, it certainly helps. 22:49.435 --> 22:51.871 Anytime you have your starting quarterback coming back, 22:51.871 --> 22:56.742 it's going to help, especially a guy as talented as Dak is. 22:56.742 --> 22:58.811 Doesn't just help on the field. 22:58.811 --> 22:59.812 It helps off the field. 22:59.812 --> 23:01.347 Off season conditioning. 23:01.347 --> 23:03.349 All summer long when we can't be around the guys, 23:03.349 --> 23:05.351 Dak's going to be with the guys out there. 23:05.351 --> 23:08.087 And, you know, I mean, pushing guys and making sure they're 23:08.087 --> 23:09.355 continuing to develop. 23:09.355 --> 23:13.492  (off screen male)   So, um, you had some    good exposure last year. 23:13.492 --> 23:16.595  Uh, Game Day from ESPN,   those guys showing up. 23:16.595 --> 23:19.832  What did that mean to   you recruiting wise? 23:19.832 --> 23:22.601 - Well, you know, I think it's great for the program. 23:22.601 --> 23:25.704 You know, I think a lot of these young players that are out 23:25.704 --> 23:28.207 there, they look and they look at all of our players that are 23:28.207 --> 23:30.209 graduating, getting their degree, 23:30.209 --> 23:32.411 how they're being developed throughout their career and 23:32.411 --> 23:34.713 their opportunity to go on and play in the NFL. 23:34.713 --> 23:37.349 We're putting as many players in the NFL as any team 23:37.349 --> 23:38.350 in the country. 23:38.350 --> 23:41.287 And so, when you have that and they can live all their dreams 23:41.287 --> 23:43.322 at Mississippi State, they know it's a great place to come 23:43.322 --> 23:44.323 to school. 23:44.323 --> 23:45.324 And I think that helps. 23:45.324 --> 23:47.626  (off screen male)    What are your    strengths for this year? 23:47.626 --> 23:49.862 - Well, I mean, obviously we got a great quarterback coming back. 23:49.862 --> 23:52.197 You know, we got some guys coming back, 23:52.197 --> 23:55.668 some good leadership on the team with some great leaders 23:55.668 --> 23:56.769 coming back. 23:56.769 --> 23:58.771 You know, our guys expect to win. 23:58.771 --> 24:00.773 We've win and we go to bowl games. 24:00.773 --> 24:02.775 So, guys expect us to win and go compete for a championship. 24:02.775 --> 24:05.144  (off screen male)   So, what's your message   for the fans this year? 24:05.144 --> 24:06.145 - Keep showing up. 24:06.145 --> 24:07.146 We're on the right direction. 24:07.146 --> 24:08.147 You know what I mean? 24:08.147 --> 24:10.416 We've built this program from a program where maybe going to a 24:10.416 --> 24:12.251 bowl game was a great season. 24:12.251 --> 24:14.286 Now we're looking to win championships. 24:14.286 --> 24:16.989 And, you know, we've done it by selling out the stadium, 24:16.989 --> 24:19.725 having unbelievable enthusiasm, people wearing the school 24:19.725 --> 24:21.460 colors, great pride. 24:21.460 --> 24:22.461 And we need to do that. 24:22.461 --> 24:24.463 Every game has got to be sold out next year again. 24:24.463 --> 24:26.498 We've got to have the hardest environment to play in on 24:26.498 --> 24:31.170 Saturdays and continue to build on what we've built in the past. 24:31.170 --> 24:34.940 - The Bulldogs will open the 2015 season on September 5th at 24:34.940 --> 24:38.610 Southern Miss, and will begin SEC play the following week when 24:38.610 --> 24:43.182 they play host to LSU on the 12th at Davis Wade Stadium. 24:43.182 --> 24:45.884 The NBA Draft is taking place tonight and the Memphis 24:45.884 --> 24:49.488 Grizzlies are set to select 25th in the first round. 24:49.488 --> 24:52.624 The Grizzlies have no selections in the second round but a move 24:52.624 --> 24:54.193 is always possible. 24:54.193 --> 24:57.196  In other Grizzlies news, free   agent forward Jeff Green has 24:57.196 --> 25:01.333  exercised his player   option for the 2015-'16 season. 25:01.333 --> 25:03.369  That was certainly expected. 25:03.369 --> 25:05.537  Green will make $9.2 million. 25:05.537 --> 25:09.274 Of course Grizzlies fans are awaiting the biggest news of the 25:09.274 --> 25:13.045 off season and that is the Marc Gasol decision which is right 25:13.045 --> 25:14.146 around the corner. 25:14.146 --> 25:16.882 Several national outlets have reported that Gasol will 25:16.882 --> 25:19.418 entertain offers from interested parties, 25:19.418 --> 25:21.653 but when it's all said and done we'll re-up 25:21.653 --> 25:23.422 with the home town team. 25:23.422 --> 25:25.491 We will soon find out. 25:25.491 --> 25:26.492 And that will do it for now. 25:26.492 --> 25:29.428 Remember you can see any of our previous Sports Files programs 25:29.428 --> 25:33.432 by simply going to our website, wkno.org. 25:33.432 --> 25:35.734 Until we talk again, have a great week and we'll see you 25:35.734 --> 25:36.969 next time. 25:36.969 --> 26:08.734 [theme music] 26:08.734 --> 26:10.903  (female announcer)   Production funding   for "Sports Files" is 26:10.903 --> 26:13.272  made possible in part by.. 26:13.272 --> 26:15.808  (male narrator)    Infiniti of Memphis has    moved to Germantown 26:15.808 --> 26:18.677  road just half mile north of   Wolfchase Galleria and is proud 26:18.677 --> 26:21.680  to support WKNO for its quality   broadcasting and service 26:21.680 --> 26:22.815  to our community. 26:22.815 --> 26:24.850  Quality and service --   No wonder Infiniti of Memphis 26:24.850 --> 26:27.386  feels at home on WKNO. 26:27.386 --> 26:31.386 CLOSED CAPTIONING PROVIDED BY WKNO, MEMPHIS.