Meeting Vinny Guadagnino

Yesterday I met Vinny Guadagnino. Vinny is one of the stars on Jersey Shore. I know you're all wondering how this came to light, so let me tell you.

I was at the event in Barclays Center (details on the previous article) and I saw on the guest list that Vinny will be there. Of course, I got excited, but as a journalist I was forced to keep my cool. As the celebrities started walking the carpet, I realised that Vinny's publicist was literally two feet away from me. Being as professional as possible, I decided to hand him my business card. We started to chat a bit, and eventually he told me he'll get me a one question interview with Vinny. I was super excited, especially that vinny was running late and was really done with the media. This interview was super special because of how nice Vinny was. He seemed really sincere with what he was saying and even though we only spoke for about a minute, he seemed genuine.

Big shout out to Vinny and his publicist, Mr. Roger!

CC Sabathia and Robinson Cano event

Although it's not basketball season, basketball hasn't stopped in Brooklyn. Last night the Barclays center hosted a Celebrity basketball game to raise funds for CC's PitCCh foundation and Robinson Cano's RC22 foundation. TSS was fortunate enough to gain access to the red carpet and the event. 

We arrived there two hours early and was shocked by a hello from Robinson Cano. He was super nice and made a couple jokes and told me that tonight will be a nigh to remember, he was so accurate! At about 6:10 the red carpet started. Celebrities like Tiki Barber, CC Sabathia, Robinson Cano, Melo, KD, Derek Jeter and even Rihanna where there. They walked out one by one, took pictures and did some interviews. We had the privilege to catch up with a few players and hear what they had to say about the event, here are some quotes.

Vinny from the Jersey Shore: "It feels amazing (to be here), I am here to support CC Sabathia"

NeYo "It feels fantastic, spend time for a good cause" when asked if he was playing tonight he reluctantly said "ya,ya"

Tiki Barber said "My job is to pass the ball to someone who can shoot"

CC Sabathia:"It means everything to be here" 

Derek Jeter also said he was excited to be here!

As you can see, this was no ordinary event. Celebrities from all walks of life came together to support a great cause! The event raised over 1 million dollars.

The publicist sent us the following summary of the event of last night: Thursday night, CC Sabathia and Robinson Cano joined forces along with Roc Nation Sports to present the Summer Classic Charity Basketball Game at Barclays Center. All proceeds from the event served to benefit Sabathia’s PitCCh In Foundation and Cano’s RC22 Foundation equally while aiming to increase opportunities for underserved youth in the areas of education, wellness and fitness – the night successfully raised $1,040,000! Team Sabathia took on Team Cano with a competitive celebrity match-up led by master of ceremony Angie Martinez. Sabathia and Cano had some help coaching on the sidelines from NBA and MLB pros including Derek Jeter, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, JR Smith, Kyrie Irving and James Harden. Some stellar player performances included Chris Brown with 18 points (who was rarely seen without the ball in his hands running up and down the court) and Terrell Owens with 23. The real “star” of the game was DJ Khaled - fans chanted for his return to the court every time he was benched for an unfortunate play. Ultimately, Team Cano secured the win by 2 points. The 8,500 spectators included some familiar faces – Rihanna sat courtside alongside girlfriends Melissa Forde, Skylar Diggins and Cara Delevingne sipping on D’USSE cocktails throughout the entire game.

Michael Gruen

This article was created for TSS.

Ball boy in Brooklyn gets a run for his towel!

Hey sports fans! Last night I got to sit in a suite. The view and experience was great but one think stood out from last night. What stood out was the fact that their was 6 people from Brooklyn on the court, but the best part is only 5 of them are on the roster. What do I mean by this? Well you can see in the link below's video, is one of the Nets esteemed ball boys cleaning the floor, but it this mundane cleaning turned suspenseful when Tyler Hansbrough ran down the court at full speed and almost tripped over the ball boy! Yes, that's scary. I can now tell you that all of Brooklyn are great ball players! It's actually funny, if you look in the corner of the video you can see Ethan Gold (pictured with me above) running backwards as well.

Great win and great experience!

Video and official article can be viewed : Brooklyn ballboy shows good hustle « All Ball Blog with Lang Whitaker | NBA.com

Here is a direct quote from the website: 

ALL BALL NERVE CENTER — I just spent about ten minutes trying (in vain) to find a video clip of a play from 2001, when then-Hawks guard Jacque Vaughn made a steal during a game in Cleveland, and had to forearm shiver an unsuspecting ballboy out of the way while sinking a lay-up. (There is a written recap of it here, though.)  This happens from time to time in the NBA, when a ballboy runs onto the court to do his or her job, and then the run of play suddenly reverses and the ballboy finds themselves caught out there.

This is exactly what happened last night in Brooklyn, where a ballboy ventured onto the court to clean up the floor and found himself in crosshairs of a Tyler Hansbrough fastbreak. What do you do when Psycho T comes crashing down on you? You dive off the court as fast as you can, that’s what you do …

Last nights Courtside Nets game

Me with NBA executive David Robinson

Hi!

Michael Here! Last night I had the opportunity to go to the Nets game,COURTSIDE! The experience was great and I would like to give a shout out to Sruly on getting me the tickets.

So I walk in to the awe inspiring Calvin Klein club and suddenly see the World renowned actor Michael J Fox! He didn't look in a good mood so I didn't bother him but he was there and next to me.

I walk to my seats relax and get ready for tipoff. The game was going well with a very close game.  It's the second quarter and my phone gets a buzz. So I open my phone and it's an email from one of my newest inspirations,NBA executive,David Robinson! The email says "If you get emails during the game please tell me your seat and section ASAP!" I immediately respond and enjoy the rest of the game. The buzzer  beeps and it's time to enjoy the club for half time. As I am walking there David pops out at me and says "What's up!?" He probably didn't realize how awesome timing it was. My classmates were sitting right there and they happen to see an NBA executive walk over to me and start to talk. We spoke for a few minutes and then he gave me tickets to the post game away team meet and greet VIP. I then asked him for a photograph and I see one of the esteemed ball boys and he offered to take the pic. I then took a picture with the Ball Boy and moved on to the place I embarked to go,the Calvin Klein club. I then meet someone I go way back with,exec VP of the Nets,Leo Ehrline! We spoke for a few seconds and moved on. Feeling on top of the world in that club I head straight to the Nets practice court. There they serve unlimited chocolate and you are able to play on the court.

Half time is over so we head to our seats and start to watch the game.

The game is now over and we need to head to our VIP section (Thanks to Mr. Robinson) and who walks out? None other than future Rookie of the year,Michael Carter Williams! He was extremely nice and thoughtful. I gave him my card and he told me he will get in touch with  me for an interview!

I then see Spencer Hawes chilling with a group of people. Everyone around him was cracking up! I went over there and he was hilarious. He kept joking about the Super Bowl and about the Seahawks.  I also gave him my card and he told me he will contact me as well. We walked away back to where we started from and Mirza Teletovic walked out! We spoke for a while,he was SUPER nice! Calm and very friendly. Very nice to see a guy like Mirza on the court with his kids. His kids where playing Basketball and actually scored! Do we have an up and coming Mirza?

D-Will in Fridays starting line up?

ANDREW THEODORAKIS/ NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

The Nets stand on the court stunned after blowing a 103-100 lead with 17.2 seconds remaining.

It has been reported that D-Will will most likely be in the starting lineup on Friday VS OKC. I asked Tim Capstraw about a player feels after the past loss and they said they do get down on themselves but putting him back in the lineup will allow him to gain confidence.

Last nights VIP Nets game

Joe Johnson signing autographs
for fans pre game.

Hi everyone!
So I went to a Nets game and that game changed my life! The experience was so surreal and I still can't wrap my mind around the experience:

So,I get to the game and like usual I start to hand out my business card. So I got to meet Ian Eagle-TV reporter from YES network,I got to speak to Billy King,Gary Susman,Brett Yormark and others.

After the game I started to talking to an executive from the NBA,Mr. Robison. He was super cool and gave me passes to meet the Magics VIP. After I was meeting all the Magics I see him running at me. He starts to tell me "Glad you didn't leave,here,take these passes and go to the VIP club to meet some of the Nets! My mouth dropped and I couldn't believe it! It was insane! A memory I will never forget

Me with Ian Eagle

Goals

Me with NBA legend Keke 

I received 4 emails this week asking me what's my plans for the 2014. So here is the answer:

1) Develop relationships with teams and organizations. I have been in contact with the Mets,Giants,Knicks and others... 

2) Develop relationships with actors on a personal level as opposed to through their PR staff. This will allow me to get advice when needed. I'd like to shout out to: Bill Curry,Gregory Jbara,Cardinal Robbins,Geno Segers,Keke Vandeweghe and many others.

3) Get involved in charity. I am in touch with the Jason Kidd foundation and in the middle of coordinating an event with them.

4) Get in touch with people who do this for a living.

5) Start my intern with TwinAmerica.com as a PR intern.

6) Interview sports figures for this blog.

7) Redo my website and preform SEO.

Thanks for the emails! Please feel free to contact me michael@universalinterview.com

Bill Curry ineterview

Here is an interview with an NFL legend,Bill Curry.

1)Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am a seventy one year old person who has been blessed in many ways. I am have been married to a wonderful woman for fifty one years, and we somehow love each other more now than ever before. Carolyn is the light of my life. Our family includes two grown, married children and six grandchildren. We treasure every moment with them. I was raised by thoughtful, caring people in the Christian tradition. We were taught to respect all faiths and all people, and I do not subscribe to the notion that one religion has all the answers. This past fall was the first season in 58 years that I did not have a fulltime job in the sport of football. Needless to say it was a time of adjustment, but one filled with happiness since I could be with family and friends on a regular basis at their events, rather than “my” team’s events. All my career I have spent my time and energy seeking to serve my student-athletes, and many of them remain in touch, and that is an added joy.

2) How did you start your career in football?

Involuntarily! I went out in high school (eighth grade) and hated every minute of football. I would have quit except for my father. He had not made me go out, but did require that I finish what I had begun. All I wanted was to pitch for the NY Yankees. As time passed I began to see that my only route to Yankee stadium was through hiking a football, and I began to love my teammates, the huddle, and the demanding contests. I did indeed play in Yankee Stadium, only not in the pinstripes, and not with a round ball! (The Giants used to play home games there, and we played against them when I was with the Baltimore Colts and Houston Oilers. Each of those teams has obviously moved.)

3)How did you feel coming in to the first Super Bowl as the starting center?

We were excited, and ready to play. I was injured and had to leave the game, but it was great fun for our team. Kansas City was better than anyone imagined, but we had a great football team and Coach Lombardi was in rare form.

4)What does it mean to be the first super bowl winning center?

I don’t think it means very much as a specific experience. There were many years of NFL football before we started calling the championship “Super.” In the minds of modern culture there is an unhealthy disconnect, as if nothing counts that occurred prior to 1966. I think it is very unfair to the men who came before us and established the NFL.

5) In the Super Bowl against Joe Namath was the team scared to play him,especially after he'd guaranteed he'd win that season?

Joe is a good guy and a friend of mine, but we laughed at his saying such a thing. Our record was 15-1 at the time, and Jets, while they were a good team, were not awe inspiring. They beat us because they played well, and because we turned the ball over again and again, not because Joe predicted it. We beat them the next four times we played, but nobody knows or cares.

6) What did it mean to you becoming the Coach of the same college you attended?

It was awe-inspiring. Georgia Tech has a great tradition of scholarship and excellence on and off the field. We had fallen on hard times, and the responsibility to bring the program back to respect was a powerful obligation.

7) As a coach, did you realise new aspects of the game that you didn't see as a player?

I was terribly underprepared to be a head coach, and had to learn every day. There was so much I didn’t know! There is still a great deal I don’t know.

8) Do you wear your super bowl rings daily? Is it your most cherished item from the NFL?

I do indeed love the rings, because they symbolize my teammates, and the synergy we were privileged to build. Sadly, my fingers are so swollen from arthritis I can no longer wear them. I look at them and remember my buddies. The friendships are the most cherished aspect of the NFL experience.

9) Do you have any of your own or other players memorabilia from when you played?

I have a few footballs, jerseys, helmets, bowl watches, and programs.

10) What advice would you give someone attempting to pursue a career in football? 

Be very careful. We are learning more every day about brain trauma, and its devastating consequences. Know what you are getting into. Football has become a twelve month obligation because of the training required. Be sure the coaches are people of character, and that they teach eternal values, including respect for all people. They will leave their marks on every child…for better or worse.

11) Is there a way fans can contact you for autographs or just to talk?

I can be contacted through our website: www.billcurry.net. I am always happy to communicate if possible.

Monday nights Nets game

Jason Kidd being awesome and making a plan
which with Garnett and the team which
ended up making a world of a difference in the fourth quarter

Hello Nets fans! Sorry for the delay in this post. I haven't been feeling great.

I arrive at around 6:00 excited to be going to a Nets game. I was also lucky to be able to have a planned "meeting" with Brett Yormark,CEO of Nets and Barclays. He is one of my entrepreneurial idles.  I also had many other surprises. Look at the schedule below to find out more.

6:20 Walk in Barclays.

6:25 I start to get food for FREE,thanks to our free food tickets.

6:45 meet radio broadcasters, speak to them and relax a bit.

6:55 Dominique Wilkins (one of the best dunkers ever) is talking to me from the court.

7:05 I am watching Joe Johnson shoot around and taking about 80 free throws in a row. He also slapped me five.

7:15 center is starting to get crowded and the players walk out. I try to get Jason Kidd's attention and I got him to look at me.

7:25 GM Billy King walks in and I, of course was in awe. I went over to him for an autograph and a picture.

7: 30 it's right before Tip Off and I thought" I guess Brett wasn't able to come". But I hear "Michael,Michael" being called. I turn around and there is Brett! He was super nice and a really good person. I was so excited to even ask the questions I wanted to. I gave him my business card and he told me he will try to work something out with me. WOW!

7:35 Tip off!!!!!!!

8:30 I see my seats on the screen with a woman and her friend. I then hear them playing-Monsters-IT'S RHIANA! I am sitting two seats away from Rhiana. I got to speak to her a bit and she smiled at me numerous times!


10:00 I got to meet Ian Eagle from SNY!


WOW! WHAT A NIGHT!

Welcome!

Welcome!

     My name is Chuck, and I am the new sports reporter and graphic consultant for Universal Interview Sports. I specialize in NBA and NCAA basketball. I will go under the code name of Brooklyn Beast. Please feel free to add any questions or ideas in the comment space below.

BIO:

Favorite Teams:

NY Knicks,Brooklyn Nets,NO Pelicans,NY Mets, Kentucky Wildcats

Favorite Players:

Carmelo Anthony, Deron Williams, Anthony Davis, Andrew Wiggins

 

                                 Logging off, 

                                                                            THE BEAST

Nets Beat Cavaliers

One of Williams's top shots this evening.
Picture taken from Nets official photos

Tonights Nets players (Deron Williams – 21,  Paul Pierce – 17, Andray Blatche – 12) scored in double figures.

The Nets had a solid first half where they built a 51-38 lead only to see it evaporate in the third quarter where the advantage diminished 27-16.

Nets regained the win against the Cavs 22-17 in the fourth quarter to close the win.

Reggie Evans scored eight points and grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds for Brooklyn.

This is the only second time this year the Nets have put a winning streak together with back-to-back wins. 

Jason Kidd has done it again!

Mondays' Nets game!

Nets official logo.

I will be attending the Nets VS Hawks game on Monday. I am so excited! I will be there early to try to meet Jason Kidd! He is by far my favorite player ever! I will most definitely post about  my experience. I will make my way around the court,meet executives and celebrities like usual. 

Mondays' prediction is a WIN! I have been rebirthed with new hope and pride after last nights win. Jason did a great job and so did all the players. Williams kept his head up high and Johnson scored final points to win the game with a buzzer beater. 

SEE YA ALL SOON!

Nets tonight

Hello Sports fans! Hope your holidays were nice!  Tonights Nets game will be a real game as the Nets may actually win. I lost hope for them after Brook Lopez got injured but they can still work on themselves for next season

Three new sports interviews will be out  soon!

Tonights prediction WIN!

Nets Brutally defeated by the Bulls

WOW! The Nets failed to execute against the Bulls. Why? The score wasn't even in the 100s for either team. It's really an issue. Jason Kidd is still trying to find out himself. My predictions this season is 1-3 which is an old time low. I expected much more from a starting lineup of 35+ all star appearances.

This is some comments on yesterdays game.

“It’s frustrating,” shooting guard Joe Johnson said about the booing, the loudest and nastiest heard at Barclays Center this season. “But we deserve it.”

“I’m surprised at this season, how it’s played out altogether,” point guard Deron Williams said. “It’s like a nightmare.”

“At the end of the day, the coach can only hold you responsible for energy and effort,” Kidd said. “If you’re not giving it, I have to take you out. If you’re missing shots, that’s just part of the game. But if you’re not giving energy or effort, I’ve got to take you out.”

Tomorrows Nets game and Brook Lopez

Hello Sports fans!

Tomorrows game will be EPIC! Unfortunately I will not be able to be in attendance but I will be watching the game. Tomorrow night the Nets will face the Pacers. The Pacers are currently the best team in the NBA. I am really excited to see Jason Kidd lead his team to victory!

Brook Lopez is currently injured and won't be in tomorrows game.  The Nets record without Lopez is 1-4. 

Good Luck Nets!

Tomorrow nights prediction: WIN!

PLEASE VISIT MY WEBSITE: UNIVERSALINTERVIEW.COM 

Laker Interview: Xavier Henry

Michael Here! I had the opportunity, thanks to the Lakers, to interview Xavier Henry! I am very excited to post it here on this blog!

Universal Interview (By Xavier Henry)
1.     How does Kobe returning from his injury going to help your team?
"He's Kobe Bryant. How's it [his return] not going to help us? He'll help us in every facet of the game. He'll bring a lot of leadership with him."

2.     What have you learned most about Kobe, with your experience on the same team?
"He's really smart. He goes at his own pace and he really owns the game. He communicates with everybody on his teams and he gets everything done."

Hope you enjoy this interview.

Michael Signing off! 

My first Nets game

Last week Tuesday I was invited by a family member who has Courtside Season tickets, to a game with him. I arrive at the Barclays Center subway stop with a surreal feeling and butterflies in my stomach. I gett of the train and see hundreds of people around. The sight was amazing and nothing I have ever seen in my 15 years of living in Brooklyn.   I then make my way up the elevator to the Calvin Klein VIP club. I was amazed on how well it was designed and how brilliant it was.
I make it over to the Kosher Food stand prepared to pay for the food I took,but there's no register or workers to take the money. So I go over to a Nets employee and he told me it was FREE. Perfect! I'll take triples!

I then make my way to my seats which where located 2nd row directly opposite the home players bench. After chanting "Let's GO BROOKLYN" for about an hour it was half time. We walk out and go near the locker rooms and meet Nets VP Leo Ehrline. I started to talk to him and he handed me his card and told me to email him. Can my night get any better? I didn't think so until I met the Nets mascot. 

I then start walking to my seats and I see i
former Nuggets,Celtics Player who was a 2x all star who was also the GM of the nuggets, former NJ Net coach and current NBA VP of basketball operations. His name is Kiki Vandeweghe ,standing 6"8 he was one of the nicest people ever!  We took a picture together and it was such a pleasure meeting him! I also got his email address and I will be interviewing him in January! So excited!

After going back to my seat to the right of me, was Rapper Fabulous. He was also very nice! Took a picture together And spoke for a few minutes. 

THIS DAY WAS GREAT!!!!!