“From Griffey and Prime Time to Jordan and Jeter, 1996 serves as a Vegas-style buffet of sports legend. Years come, years go. But Jon Finkel’s masterpiece proves that, on rare occasion, some 365-day spans are worth bronzing in gold.”
―Jeff Pearlman, author of Three-Ring Circus: Shaq, Kobe, Phil, and the Crazy Years of the Lakers Dynasty
“Part time machine, part fax machine, this book brings the ’90s vividly back to life, with all the insight and hindsight of the athletes who made the era so memorable. Finkel makes a strong case that 1996, like 1776, was revolutionary.”
―Steve Rushin, Special Contributor to Sports Illustrated and author of Sting-Ray Afternoons and Nights in White Castle
“The basketball brotherhood in Seattle is just different. There’s such a deep connection with each other and their city. I really enjoyed that feeling and I was happy to be apart of it. This story of the culture of basketball in Seattle is so pure.”
– Kevin Durant, 10x NBA All-Star, 2x NBA Champion
“The fans are so loyal and so dedicated in Seattle. They give you a feeling of warmth and family. So many guys made it to the NBA from the area because of that feeling of family. Hoops Heist is the story of generations of NBA guys lifting each other and their community up”.
– Gary Payton, Pro Basketball Hall of Famer, NBA Champion
“The Sonics have always had a special relationship with their city and fans. The team shaped the community and the community shaped the team. Hoops Heist captures both sides to show the incredible influence the franchise had on Seattle and the whole NBA.”
– Jason Terry, NBA Sixth Man of the Year, NBA Champion
“I know for a fact I would not have made it to the NBA without the presence of the Sonics being here in Seattle. The fact that I was able to go to games and get a chance to workout with some of the players – it made my dream of making it to the NBA more believable for me. In turn, with their help, the vibration of what they accomplished is still being felt for generations in our basketball community. I am glad that so many will get a chance to learn more about our community in this book.”
– Jamal Crawford, 3x NBA Sixth Man of the Year
“When I found out I was going to be a dad I thought, ‘Can I handle it? Would I hopefully be like my dad? What would my kids be like?’ Then I felt pride and love. It was terrifying and amazing. Just like it is for every new dad. Reading The Life of Dad will help you relax and know that it’s worked out for all these amazing dads, and it’ll work out for you.”
—Mark Cuban, entrepreneur, Dallas Mavericks owner, Shark Tank star
“Becoming a dad doesn’t come with an instruction book. Or at least it never did before now. Jon Finkel and Art Eddy have packed these 256 pages with wit and wisdom from world-class superdads and distilled their real-world experience into actionable, easily digestible advice. Whenever new dads ask what to expect, the hardest part is figuring out where even to begin. Now I can point them toward a copy of The Life of Dad.”
—Robert Irvine, celebrity chef, philanthropist, father of two
“Dads don’t stop for directions, read assembly instructions, or consult the owner’s manual. But everything a dad needs to know is in here. The Life of Dad contains the collected wisdom, knowledge, and love of countless fathers. If you are a dad, have a dad, or ever hope to be a dad, read this book.”
—Steve Rushin, bestselling author, National Sportswriter of the Year winner
“There has been nothing else in my life that has given me the utter satisfaction and joy that raising my daughters with my amazing wife has given me. It’s a lot of fun to learn from others how they have managed to deal with raising kids in somewhat unique situations that were caused by the career paths and success of the fathers. And it’s even more fun to see that no matter who you are, you can have a lot of the same joys, hurdles, frustrations, and failures that every dad goes through. The Life of Dad should be a must-read for any dad who’s been through it all or is about to get started on this wonderful journey that is fatherhood.”
—James Blake, former professional tennis player, New York Times bestselling author, proud husband and father, founder of The James Blake Foundation
“Presidents aren’t just the commander in chief – they’re also athlete in chief… The Oval Office has a long history of being occupied by athletes. These sweaty pursuits are detailed in Jocks in Chief.” – The New York Post
“It’s not a prerequisite that the president be athletic, but a number of our leaders have shown they’re not out of place on the football field, baseball diamond or basketball court. A new book titled “Jocks in Chief” ranks the presidents on their athletic prowess. Author Jon Finkel shows us who topped the list – and who likely would have gotten picked last at a White House pick-up basketball game. – CBS This Morning
“Charlie Ward is not only a once-in-a-lifetime athlete, he’s a once-in-a-lifetime person. The Athlete is the remarkable, page-turning biography his story deserves.” – Tony Dungy, Super Bowl Champion Head Coach
“I can’t imagine if you’re a high school parent and your son is being coached by a man with the combination of athletic success, personal character and competitive spirit that Charlie has. I still don’t think people properly grasp what this guy has done. And now to pass all that knowledge and experience on to high school kids? It’s perfect.” – Jeff Van Gundy, ex-NBA Coach, NBA Analyst
“His leadership transcended offense, defense and special teams. It transcended the basketball court. The way he goes about his life with such integrity. The way he’s remained grounded after all he’s accomplished. I’ve learned as much from him as he ever did from me.”- Mark Richt, University of Miami Head Coach
“I lived with Charlie during the height of his college football popularity and I have so much respect for how he carried himself. He was the biggest star in college and he was so humble. His teammates respected him. His leadership was so unique. He had such a quiet strength and he treated people so well. You can achieve all of your dreams and goals and treat people with the utmost respect!” – Warrick Dunn, National Champion, 3x NFL Pro Bowler
“I became a believer in Charlie Ward the person before I became a believer in Charlie Ward the football player. We were neighbors for two years at Florida State. As a quarterback, he changed the college game as we know it with his speed and passing. As a man, he’s almost beyond reproach.” – William Floyd, National Champion, Super Bowl Champion
“Because of his physical play he was known as “Mean” Joe Greene, but those of us who truly know Joe Greene know that he is a better person than he was a player and that’s saying a lot.” – Mel Blount, NFL Hall of Famer
“To view Joe as only a great football player is to miss the biggest part of a great man. I am glad he has agreed to do this book, as it comes at a time when real heroes are desperately needed.” –Jon Kolb, 4x Super Bowl Champion
“There is no question in my mind that “Mean” Joe Greene is the greatest Steeler of all time!” – Franco Harris, Pro Football Hall of Famer
“Joe Greene had many achievements, playing in Super Bowls, Pro Bowls, and all the best recognitions. He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987. However, he was not interested in the accolades. He was focused on being the best.” – Dan Rooney, Owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, former US Ambassador
“The Dadvantage is your key to grown-up fitness.” – Mario Lopez, Extra TV host, author of Knockout Fitness & Extra Lean
“Like many first-time dads, I let my exercise and diet habits go to pot when my son arrived. I was just too tired and pressed for time during those first few weeks of being a dad to go to the gym and eat a healthy diet. Definitely going to be using the The Dadvantage plan for kid #2. –Brett McKay, The Art of Manliness – artofmanliness.com
“Your wife just had a baby, your spare time is gone and youwant to avoid getting fat. Read this book. TheDadvantage is funny, completely practical and effective. No more excusesdads.” – Joe Wuebben, Senior Editor, Muscle & Fitness magazine
“From the very minute my orange and blue, my New York Knickerbockers drafted Nate Robinson I was a big fan of his. I even wore his game-worn road blue #4 jersey at Madison Square Garden. In addition to his great athletic ability, I love his personality. Nate and I are the same height but his heart is 7 feet. Us little guys gotta stick together. Please read and enjoy Nate’s journey. Once a Knick always a Knick. (P.S., we should have never traded him in the first place.)” – Spike Lee / Filmmaker, Da Republic of Brooklyn, NY.
“Watching Nate play you’re drawn to him because of his size, but also for me, because of his heart and his freakish athleticism.” – Isiah Thomas, NBA Hall of Famer
“The way he plays gives me a little pride. You feel like it’s your brother out there or your son because you want him to do well. You know if he doesn’t, they’ll say something about his size. But you can’t say that about Nate. He’s great to watch.” – Spud Webb, NBA Slam Dunk Champion
“Even if Nate didn’t play another day in the league, he’s proven so many people wrong and exceeded everyone’s expectations. He’s scored 40 in an NBA game. He’s won three dunk contests. He’s been amazing.” – University of Washington Men’s Head Basketball Coach, Lorenzo Romar
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