Before Victor Wembanyama, there was Ralph Sampson, the original unicorn. One of the nation’s first super recruits, Sampson appeared on six Sports Illustrated covers in four years at the University of Virginia and once more as a member of the Houston Rockets. Matt and Stak sit down with the Hall of Famer to reflect on his legendary career, from NBA brawls and battles with Michael Jordan and Dr. J to facing greats like Moses Malone and teaming up with Hakeem Olajuwon. He shares wild stories about receiving death threats in college, Bob Knight smacking a cop while coaching Team USA, running into Mad Max in jail, and the Puma deal that became a lifetime contract. Sampson remains one of the most under appreciated talents in basketball history, and this conversation proves why.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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1:11:31
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1:11:31
Tupac’s “Brenda’s Got a Baby” Was REAL - and We Found Him (EXCLUSIVE)
Tupac like you’ve NEVER heard before. New York Times bestselling author Jeff Pearlman discusses his groundbreaking biography Only God Can Judge Me, the most in-depth look ever at Tupac Shakur — his rise through West Coast hip-hop to his time at Death Row Records, movies like Juice and Poetic Justice, and the myths that still surround his murder. In an ALL THE SMOKE exclusive, we’re also joined by Davonn Hodge, the real-life baby from Tupac’s iconic song “Brenda’s Got a Baby.” For the first time, he shares his story and how his life connects to one of the most powerful songs in rap historySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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57:16
Andruw Jones Reveals Gold Glove Secrets, Crazy MLB Rookie Hazing Stories, & Hall of Fame Case
Andruw Jones sits down with Matt Barnes to reflect on his legendary MLB career and the conversation around his Hall of Fame case. The Braves legend talks about growing up in Curaçao, breaking into the league at 19, and the unforgettable rookie hazing he experienced. He breaks down the secrets behind his elite defense, his approach to hitting, and the mindset that kept him consistent for over a decade. Jones also shares stories about playing alongside Chipper Jones and Greg Maddux, his Jordan Brand deal, and watching his son Druw follow in his footsteps.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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1:01:42
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1:01:42
Spencer Haywood on Lawsuit That Changed The League, ABA-NBA Merger, & Fight Against NIL Reform
Spencer Haywood joins All The Smoke for a powerful conversation on basketball, culture, and legacy. Haywood breaks down his landmark lawsuit that changed the NBA forever, reflects on the struggles of his childhood and rise in Detroit, and shares what it was like making the Olympic team at 19. He opens up about his battles with substance abuse during his Lakers days, his road to sobriety, and the stories behind marrying supermodel Iman and mentoring his godson, Common. The crew also gets into Pistol Pete Maravich, turning down early Nike equity, his fight for NIL reform, and the impact of the ABA’s merger with the NBA.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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1:02:24
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1:02:24
Darryl Strawberry Explains Barry Bonds’ Greatness, Mets vs. Yankees, & Choosing Baseball Over Hoops
Darryl Strawberry pulled up to All The Smoke for a powerful sit-down. The 8x All-Star and 4x World Series champion opened up about his recent heart attack, growing up in South Central LA, and why he chose baseball over basketball after a standout run at Crenshaw High. He reflected on his smooth swing, life in the 80’s MLB, and unforgettable moments with Doc Gooden, Keith Hernandez, Lawrence Taylor, and Mike Tyson. Strawberry also kept it real on Mets vs. Yankees fans, his regret over joining the Dodgers, battling substance abuse during his career, and the recent controversy around Pete Alonso breaking his Mets home run record.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
ALL THE SMOKE pairs two of the most outspoken and controversial players of their time. Known as fiery, intense competitors during their on-court careers, Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson are now two of the most widely respected voices by today’s crop of NBA stars. Serving as mentors to numerous players throughout the league and with their hands firmly on the pulse of the game, they have first-hand insight into the minds, lives and pressing issues facing today’s players. Barnes and Jackson, who have played alongside two generations of All-Stars, will dish on the latest news and drama from on and off the court without boundaries.