Episode 180

Steve Johnson Joins The Pod, The Orange Express Gets Stonewalled, NIL Chaos Grows, And Beaver Leadership Stalls

The Orange Express had a blueprint. Oregon State had a chance. And leadership fumbled it. Again.

Steve Johnson returns to the pod to lay out the innovative, deeply considered proposal he and others crafted to elevate OSU Men’s Basketball through alumni engagement, academic partnerships, and NIL-era relevance. It was strategic, sustainable, and endorsed by campus leaders, and still, the Athletic Department walked away.

We break down every layer of the story: the vision, the red tape, the now-infamous Gary Payton comment, and what it says about the decision-making happening behind closed doors in Corvallis.

• Episode Summary

  In this episode, Steve Johnson discusses the challenges and opportunities facing Oregon State basketball, particularly in the context of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) regulations. He emphasizes the importance of alumni engagement, storytelling, and building a digital marketing agency to help athletes monetize their brands. Johnson outlines a comprehensive roadmap for the future of Oregon State basketball, highlighting the need for institutional support and innovative strategies to ensure sustainability and success in a competitive landscape. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the legacy of Oregon State athletics, particularly focusing on the importance of alumni engagement and the challenges posed by NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) regulations. They express frustration with the current state of the athletic department, emphasizing the need for a compelling narrative and innovative strategies to secure the future of the programs. The discussion highlights the disconnect between leadership and the passionate fanbase, calling for a more proactive approach to ensure the success of Oregon State athletics.

• Key Takeaways

  • Steve Johnson emphasizes the importance of alumni engagement for Oregon State basketball.

  • The NIL landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for student-athletes.

  • Building a digital marketing agency can help athletes monetize their personal brands.

  • Storytelling is crucial for engaging the fan base and attracting support.

  • A comprehensive roadmap is needed for Oregon State basketball's future success.

  • Financial sustainability is a key concern for the athletic program.

  • Institutional support is necessary for the success of NIL initiatives.

  • The importance of retaining top players to build a competitive team.

  • Collaboration with the College of Business can enhance athlete branding efforts.

  • Gary Payton's legacy is significant and should be celebrated.

  • The future of Oregon State athletics requires an inspiring vision.

  • NIL challenges need innovative solutions and proactive strategies.

  • Alumni engagement is crucial for revitalizing the program.

  • There is a disconnect between athletic leadership and the fanbase.

  • A compelling narrative is essential for attracting support.

  • The athletic department must take risks to improve the situation.

  • Fans deserve better from the athletic department.

  • The importance of historical context in sports programs cannot be overlooked.

  • The current apathy in the athletic department is concerning.

• Soundbites

  • "A bag of money is not going to solve the problem."

  • "We need to get our alumni re-engaged."

  • "We need to know what story we're telling."

  • "It doesn't matter even if you're Gary Payton."

  • "The goodwill still remains."

  • "No one will forget Gary Payton."

  • "The success that players bring is the legacy."

  • "We need that inspiring vision for the future."

  • "We saw what was about to happen with NIL."

  • "We need to control our IP for these reasons."

  • "We have to think outside of the box."

  • "The athletic department is the anchor right now."

  • "There will be ramifications for the university."

  • "You cannot just sit on your thumbs."

  • "They built excitement and got buy-in."

  • "There is a lack of narrative."

  • "It's all apathy at this point."

  • "We deserve an athletic department that cares."