We all love a good podcast. How about one from two HBCU alumni talking about everything from college to professional sports, to mixing in some social matters and current events? Well “Off The Record” with Anthony Adebayo and Scotty B has the recipe for it all. Recently, the two hosts were able to provide some feedback on how they got started, their motivation behind their podcast, and where they see the topic of sports going in the future. Take a look at what they had to say below:
When did you and your co-host start the "Off the Record" podcast and what was the motivation behind it? Also, tell us a little about the background of the two hosts and how important sports has been in your lives up until now.
Ant: Off The Record originally started in September of 2014 in Richmond, VA with me (Anthony) as the only host and Scott just doing a segment called the Fantasy 5. But after a few episodes we decided he should be on the show permanently and it's been all she wrote. I personally always wanted a radio show growing up and when the opportunity presented itself I just went for it and here we are. Scott and I are both graduates of Virginia State University and for 20 years we've been talking and debating sports.
Scott: Originally OTR started in September of 2014. I joined the show approximately two weeks after the original OTR started. I never wanted to be part of a radio show but after being a guest I soon realized that I wanted to be part of a show. I was a high school athlete and have always had a love for sports.
"Off the Record" is a sports based podcast but you also cover other topics that are relevant to society and what we are seeing in the world today. Tell us about some of those topics and why you felt they were important to include on your show?
Ant: Some of the topics we have spoken about of course have been social injustice, the pay gap between men & women, Trump, mental health, among other things. We felt that it is important to speak on these topics because they are just as important in our communities as sports are, some more than others. We feel like we need to use our platform and bring awareness to all of these topics outside of sports. We have children who play sports and it is important that they understand there is more to life than just sports.
Scott: Doing the show I have realized that what is going on in Sports and Society has a direct correlation. With the emergence of social media, athletes have become more vocal to what is going on in the world today. To effectively cover sports you have to talk about what is going on in the world today. This gives perspective in some of the athletes views and reasons to why some may respond the way they do.
You two recently interviewed the President of Virginia State University, President Makola Abdullah. As two Virginia State University Alumni, how important was that to you all to have him participate in your show and what does it mean to have someone at that level at an HBCU speak out what the events that are currently taking place today in reference to the global pandemic and the protests that are ongoing across the country?
Ant: Man, that was huge for the show. When we reached out to President Abdullah to be on the show and he said yes, you couldn't tell me nothing. I was hyped up for weeks. He said he wanted to finally talk sports with everything going on with the protests and dealing with the planning on reopening the University because of Covid-19 and for us to be the platform where he got to unwind was amazing. One of my favorite interviews, definitely top 5. He also gave us insight on his day-to-day as a president at an HBCU.
Scott: Being an alumni of VSU this was an awesome experience. President Abdullah was so down to earth. Gaining his perspective on a HBCU was great as well. Surprising part is that he wanted to really speak about sports. I was impressed with his knowledge of sports.
During the conversation with President Abdullah the topic of changing the narrative about sending student athletes to HBCUs came up. What are your thoughts on the college athletes who have already spoken out and addressed the possibility of transitioning to play sports for HBCUs instead of some of the larger D-1 schools? An example would be the players from Liberty University's football team who have made the decision to leave after they felt the school neglected to address the concerns of students in reference to the killings of black males in America and the ongoing protests for racial equality.
Ant: My thoughts on these student-athletes choosing HBCUs over a PWI are that it's about time. It has begun with Makur Maker choosing Howard over schools like Kentucky, UCLA, and Memphis. This will hopefully shift the paradigm and other 5-star recruits will start taking HBCUs seriously. I would not be surprised if you see transfers in the next year start leaving these PWIs and taking the HBCU route. The thing about a lot of these athletes now is they are starting to see their worth and know they can promote themselves better than some of these schools. Also, if these schools values don't match yours you should leave. Go where you are celebrated and not tolerated.
Scott: Personally, I am glad that the student athletes of this generation are considering going to HBCUs. This is going to help generate much needed revenue for the HBCUs. One of my models is if you really have talent they will find you. In this day and age with all the social media and internet in general you can create a brand at a HBCU.
Another topic brought up in the interview with President Abdullah was the idea that people tend to shy away from sending their children to HBCUs. Why do you believe that is and what do you think needs to be done to reverse this mindset?
Ant: Exposure and resources. That is it. If HBCUs had the funds that these PWIs had the playing field would be leveled. That's why we need alumni to give back monetarily and use whatever resource they may have to create exposure for the student body and incoming students. It can be done, but it takes everyone doing their part.
Scott: I feel that people tend to shy away from sending their children to HBCUs because of a lack of understanding on HBCUs. It is interesting, I was having this conversation with a buddy of mine. His wife did not want to send their daughter to an HBCU. He did not realize that me and my wife were products of an HBCU. Once I explained the benefits and how it changed my life both seem receptive to the idea.
You mentioned feeling a brotherhood with individuals when you travel when you all find out that you have attended the same HBCU. Can you explain how making those connections has made you feel and how they may have influenced making connections in your work or personal lives?
Ant: Well it's just a feeling you can't really explain. It's like if you're in an airport and you have on a VSU hoodie and someone says I went to VSU, you automatically are like “yoooo what's going?” The sense of excitement of seeing someone that looks like you and would understand your college experience without even having to explain it is rare and unmatched. I would assume that is how it is with folks that went to any HBCU. Hail State.
Scott: I have found that HBCU students have different experiences than other university students. One thing that I always express to people is that I learned just as much outside the classroom as in the classroom. Life experiences from other people were huge to me at an HBCU. It allowed me to learn more about my culture. I grew up in a diverse community but going to an HBCU allowed me to learn more about MY culture.
Sports are universal and touch a large demographic of individuals. How do you think sports at both the college and professional levels can play a role in bringing people together, especially during these times when we are trying to promote equality for all? How can sports help to bridge that gap?
Ant: No matter what your color, religion, or orientation, sports have that effect to make you forget your problems even if it's just for 2 or 3 hours. But right now the athletes in the sports that are going on right now are using their platform to spread awareness for racial injustice, voting rights, etc. and I think it is working. I just hope one day everyone is treated equally.
Scott: I think people tend to forget about what is going on in the world when they watch sports. People often root for their home teams without thinking about the bigger picture then race.
When does "Off the Record" air and where can people watch?
Ant: Off The Record airs every Wednesday live at 7pm on Youtube (youtube.com/c/offtherecordshow) please subscribe & Facebook(www.facebook.com/TheOffTheRecordShow/) Please follow the page. You can follow us on IG: @theofftherecordshow Twitter: @theOTRBrand Facebook: Off The Record email: theofftherecordshow@gmail.com
Scott: Off the Record airs at 7pm Wednesdays
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