🔥Upside Video Chat: Dr Ron Dick, Duquesne University, on the NFL Draft, the MLB, NBA/NHL Playoffs, The Kentucky Derby, NCAA Ruling with Kentucky, and More

This week we have the honor to interview again Dr. Ron Dick, associate professor of sports marketing at Duquesne University in the school of business. Ron also worked for 20 years in sports, including 15 years in the NBA with the Sixers and the Nets, and then five years in the NCAA.

Watch the full video interview by clicking on the link below:

You can read the full transcript of the podcast interview with Ron located at the top of this blog post.

📝Show Notes: Through this interview, we touched on the following topics:

1. NFL draft

2. MLB update

3. NCAA ruling with Kentucky

4. Kentucky Derby

5. NBA playoffs

6. NHL playoffs

Here are the best quotes from our interview with Ron:

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1. What is your take on the NFL draft?

“These locker rooms in all four major sports — in all sports, really — they’ve got a lot of Type A personalities that could be obnoxious. So when people say [Deion Sanders’ son] is arrogant or overconfident, I mean, he wouldn’t be the first confident alpha male in an NFL locker room. This could be a great pickup for the Cleveland Browns. If he turns out to be as good as some people think, then absolutely, it’s a steal.”

“I don’t think the Browns thought he’d still be available in the fifth round. That’s why they took a quarterback from Oregon earlier. The quarterback position is so important, it’s like a lottery ticket — most are going to be losers, but you hope one hits. If Sanders or Dylan Gabriel hits, then it’s all worth it.”

“And it’s wild because you’ve got Deshaun Watson, who’s owed over $150 million but may not even be on the team. Then there’s Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, and now two rookies. It’s a crowded quarterback room. But this is how teams hedge their bets.”

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2. Can you give me an update on the MLB?

“The Dodgers aren’t quite as good as we thought. They look mortal. A couple of their pitchers are headed to the injured list, Kershaw still hasn’t pitched, and others might not be back until after the All-Star break. Right now, San Francisco, San Diego, and Arizona all look better — so the power really seems to be out West in both leagues.”

“The Yankees are off to a hot start, Detroit’s doing well, and even the teams like Seattle and Texas are showing strength. But the real tragedy? The Colorado Rockies. As of our recording, they’ve won just 4 games and lost 24. That’s horrific. They’re bad in every single area — hitting, pitching, defense, bullpen — it’s all terrible.”

“They’re on pace to go 20-142, which would obliterate the worst record in MLB history — the 1899 Cleveland Spiders went 20-134. If this continues, multiple people are getting fired, for sure.”

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3. What is your take on the NCAA ruling with Kentucky?

“The University of Kentucky announcing that they’re forming an LLC — that’s a huge game changer. That essentially makes the athletic department a business. But it raises so many questions. Who owns the buildings? Who pays the players? Are these players now employees with contracts? Can donors get tax write-offs if they pay them directly?”

“This has the potential to reshape college sports entirely. Presidents don’t want to be explaining to boards of trustees why they’re now managing what amounts to a pro sports franchise. And with the upcoming drop in college-aged students — due to the 2008 birthrate decline — universities are going to be fighting for enrollment, even more so than before.”

“And the NCAA? They’re powerless now. They’ve become glorified event planners. The power lies with the SEC, Big Ten, and maybe a couple other conferences. We need a commissioner — someone to create real rules around pay, education, and contracts. Otherwise, it’s chaos.”

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4. What is your take on the Kentucky Derby?

“The Kentucky Derby is one of those events that doesn't get enough attention for how big it actually is. The TV ratings are off the charts, and when you consider how big gambling has become, it’s probably one of the most gambled-on events in the country — right up there with the Super Bowl.”

“It’s a cultural event too — people get really dressed up, it’s a time when the weather is breaking, and the social side of it is huge. Athletes, celebrities — they all show up. It’s kind of like a big party. Women in hats, guys in suits — it’s one of those rare events that blends tradition, fashion, and sport.”

“People forget, but back in the 1970s, horse racing was one of the top three sports in America along with baseball and boxing. That was before ESPN, Monday Night Football, and the NFL’s meteoric rise. It’s hard to imagine now, but the Derby is a relic of that era that’s still hanging on in a big way.”

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5. What is your take on the NBA and NHL playoffs? Who are your favorites?

“The Cavaliers are looking incredible. They dominated the Miami Heat — beat them by 55 points in a playoff game, which is the largest margin ever in a 4-game sweep. It was like men among boys. It would mean a lot for Cleveland to win without LeBron. Right now, I think we’re heading toward a Cleveland vs. OKC Finals, even though Boston is still the defending champ and a big obstacle.”

“In the West, the Lakers are down 3-1 and likely going to lose to Minnesota. Golden State is up on Houston, and the Nuggets and Clippers are in a dogfight. The Knicks, Pacers, Cavs, and Celtics are probably the best four teams in the East.”

“As for the NHL, big news out of Pittsburgh — Mike Sullivan is out after 10 years. He’s a two-time Stanley Cup winner and will absolutely coach again. I’m predicting he ends up with the New York Rangers — they spend money and want to win. He’s the winningest coach in Penguins history. It’s like what happened with Andy Reid in Philly before he went to Kansas City.”

“As for the Cup? I liked Edmonton, Boston, and Toronto earlier, but I’m not sure anymore. It’s still wide open.”

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