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The Revelation of the Game
By Diana Bridgett, Managing Editor
May 25, 2010

Often times in our community, the ideal profession of our young men is intertwined with their desire to become the next huge sports phenomenon. During the summer, the neighborhood basketball courts are filled with citywide tournaments. During the fall, our school fields are packed with football scrimmages along adoring fans, family and friends. The reality behind the dream is that not many of those young men who spend their adolescent and teenage years physically training for that one game; that can forever alter their lives, actually make it to the league of their choice. Suddenly the passion that ran through their veins becomes emptied, the drive they had to achieve a better life becomes mundane, and hearts become bitter.

However, there are moments when society is blessed to sit as the audience to a life of a person who takes exchanges what many may view as a concrete no into an incredible successful yes. Not only do I stand apart of the audience, but also I was given the opportunity to stand with this walking success.

As I stood in the SNY studio enclosed in glass in Rockefeller Center, Brian Custer spoke of his love of sports with fervor and dedication. His speech connected with his desire to be a positive role model to our youth, almost became a fluid seamless dance of some sort as he moved around his place of business.

Brian Custer, the host “The Wheelhouse” and the Emmy nominated, “The Jets Post Game Show Live” on SNY is just that extraordinary gem that we can bear witness to. Extremely talented, extremely blessed, gifted in both education and wisdom yet exceptionally humble, Brian stands in the eye of the sports world, commanding and receiving respect.

Of all of his accomplishments, what will strike any person when meeting Brian is that he takes his success in stride.As a matter of fact, with all that he has going on; he undoubtedly embraces his role as a husband, a father, and a mentor to his community. With all of the negative images that plague the media, Brian has not only recreated the image of a successful black man, but has cancelled societal stereotypes imposed upon his life. Can this trailblazer help you see revelation within your own life? You decide.

Diana Bridgett: Can you provide me some background on how you began your career in Journalism?

Brian Custer: Like any young man, I had dreams of becoming the next NBA player. However, I knew that education was important. I attended Hampton University contingent upon the deal that my mother and I agreed to that I would complete all four years and graduate with honors. During my time at Hampton, I was a college broadcaster.

Diana Bridgett: Why sports and not politics?

Brian Custer: Sports has always been my passion. My goal has always to become a Sports Anchor.

Diana Bridgett: Tell me about your show “The Wheelhouse” on SNY (SportsNet New York) tv.

Brian Custer: New York City is very passionate about sports. Everything is debated. Sports talk radio is huge here. “The Wheelhouse” is exactly like that. We debate sports on the show. I serve as the Referee between the other two hosts, and the show is ended with a celebrity guest. That segment is called “Bring in the Heat” where I ask a series of questions and the guest has to respond with the first thing that comes to mind.

Diana Bridgett: Now “The Jets Post Game Live” show has been Emmy nominated. What do you attribute to the success of that show?

Brian Custer: It is the chemistry of the guys. Ray Lucas makes the show come alive. I serve as the Quarterback; I just throw the questions out them.

Diana Bridgett: With all of the negativity surrounding young African American athletes, what is your assessment of the black athletic role model?

Brian Custer: They have to know and understand that they are role models whether they want to be or not. Kids are going to watch what they do because they are in that light. They should embrace the fact that they are role models. However, this mindset comes from having a good foundation. If they have been surrounded around individuals who monitor their actions, it makes a difference. Take for instance; Michael Jordan never did an interview without wearing a suit. He set that precedent for himself. During one interview, he didn’t wear a tie. His mother saw him during this interview and commented about him not being completely dressed. The next interview he had on a tie. It is all about the foundation.

Diana Bridgett: With much media hype surrounding the NBA playoffs regarding Kobe and LeBron, do you feel that the love of the sport has been tainted by the competition between young players to be crowned the next Jordan?

Brian Custer: So many young men chase the dream of being famous and the talent becomes secondary. Jordan loved the sport of basketball. It was his passion. He practiced off season, he trained, and he watched what he ate. He was serious about his craft. Today, we have players that do the bare minimum because their heart is in love with the fame and not the sport.

Diana Bridgett: I understand that you mentor young athletes in high school. Would you elaborate on why you began your mentorship?

Brian Custer: I have a love for children. My biological father died before I was born. My mother remarried when I was eight. Before that time, I did not have a male representation at my Little League games. My father could not be there. I know how I felt and I don’t want any child to experience that feeling. I am present and involved at my children’s Little League games on Saturday. I decided that I wanted to be that mal role model to my children and other children.

Diana Bridgett: As you stand back and view the sports arena as a whole, what do you see as a journalist that could be improved to better prepare athletes for the balance of their professional and personal lives?

Brian Custer: A lot of these players are great at what they do, but lack personally. Many come into the profession with a sense of entitlement. They have to learn to be well rounded. You have to be the same person at all times. If you have a different character that represents your profession and a different character that represents your personal life, eventually the two will collide. I am the same on and off television.

Diana Bridgett: I also notice on your Twitter that you sprinkle words of wisdom to your followers. What do you believe is your purpose in serving in the lives of others?

Brian Custer: I always want to challenge people to be great in whatever you choose. Have a spiritual side. You have to believe in someone greater than you. Lastly, help someone.

Diana Bridgett: How do you interpret your career, your success, your influence as not only a journalist but a man?

Brian Custer: I don’t see myself as successful. I still have so much work to do. As a man, my role is to take care of my family, spiritually and financially. As a journalist, I have a responsibility to do my job ethically and responsibly.

Diana Bridgett: What advice would you give to young athletes who chase the fame and not the passion? What advice would you give to journalist who chases notoriety and not integrity?

Brian Custer: For the athlete I would say you may get one pay check, what happens next? Your passion of the sport will make room for you; all of the other stuff will come. For the journalist, fame is fleeting. As quick as it comes, it can go that fast. Anyone who works with no integrity is done. All you have is your name and credibility.

Diana Bridgett: Lastly, what do you want your professional and personal legacy to represent?

Brian Custer: I want a person to say that I was someone who was great in everything he was passionate about. Above all, I don’t want to ruin my name. All you have is your name.

For more information or to book Brian Custer for speaking engagements, please contact n.s.kirby@comcast.net.