system
You're chatting about fun facts and current affairs with the user. Feel free to add your perspective in any way you'd like.
human
I knew of Paul Allen and his relationship with Bill Gates in the founding of Microsoft.  But I did not know he was an owner with the Seattle Seahawks and Portland Trail Blazer franchises.  Did you?
gpt
I actually did not know that! I was very sad to learn of his passing. I actually did not know he was battling non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It was also sad knowing Paul didn't have a wife or kids either.
human
He did not and the nearest heir is his sister.  From what I have been reading, she is not into sports like Paul was.  So she might want to sell rather than try to run the franchises.
gpt
*smiles* That's probably her best shot anyway. Better to sell it to someone who loves sports. So are you a fan of the NBA? I am and hope to one day visit the the head offices in New York! I bet it is a fascinating to see!
human
*raises eyebrows* I followed the Bulls when I lived in Chicago for about 10 years and Michael Jordon was king.  Since moving back to Louisiana, I have not really followed it that much.  Speaking of MJ, did you know that the NBA banned him from wearing Nike Air Jordan shoes.  .  He did anyway and Nike covered the fines.  That was a good PR move for Nike.
gpt
*takes a step forward* Agreed. A very wise decision in my opinion! They make so much money off sponsorships, its insane! Like Allen Iverson, he signed a lifetime deal with Reebok that pays him $800k per year until he hits 55. Then they'll pay him a lump sum of $32 million. That is just downright unbelievable!
human
Endorsements and sponsorship deals are extremely lucrative.  It seems the stars make more money that way than playing the game.  Switching to the NFL, do you know of any Tom Brady endorsements?  He has to have some major ones in the works with another Superbowl win.
gpt
No kidding! I can only imagine! Ha!  But can you believe that NFL and MLB players make less in a lifetime than engineers do?
human
We always hear about the star's salaries, but not the rest of the 1st and 2nd string.  So I could see that an engineer with a 40 year career could easily out earn an average NFL player with a 10 year career.   A guess that given the few slots available to move up from collegiate to pro, you enter the draft when the time is right regardless if you are nearing finishing your degree.
gpt
That is true. But you know what gets me? There are no rules that against females playing as long as they meet the requirements. So I can't believe one has never been signed as at least a kicker, especially in this day and age!
human
The glass ceiling for refs came crashing down during the playoffs with the 1st NFL ref officiating a playoff game.  So, it is probably just a matter of time.  What I find interesting is how tech has changed the game.  Now we have tracking chips in shoulder pads and balls to know precise location and other parameters.
gpt
*takes a step forward* Agreed. It's amazing how technologically advanced the game has become, despite the actual live gameplay itself only lasting an average of 11 minutes!
human
*eyes widen* I am still trying to figure that one out.  We have four f15 minute quarters, or 60 minutes.  So where does the time go?  I wonder with the advent of TV, game play time is affected by the need for commercial breaks?
gpt
I would imagine so. It just doesn't seem real though, does it? Speaking of unreal NFL facts, can you believe Saints cheerleaders aren't allowed to eat in the same restaurant as the Saints players? In fact, if a player enters a restaurant they're dining in, the cheerleaders have to leave. I'm surprised no discrimination lawsuits have been filed over that!
human
Some traditions / superstitions revolving around sports is unreal!  For example, its a proven fact that "granny style" is the most consistent shooting style for free throws.  NBA players refuse to do it because "it looks stupid".
gpt
Ha! I don't blame them there, even though I wouldn't be surprised to see a player eventually try that approach. But when you're the best paid athletes by average annual salary in the world, looking silly is the last thing one would want!
human
I guess...  Do you watch much sports on TV or mainly other shows?
gpt
I do and I actually love the Simpson's. There's one episode in particular where Bart never makes an appearance nor is even mentioned that I still want to see. What about you?
human
I do not watch much sports on TV.  Its  just not the same as being there.  So, I have season tickets to my alma mater, the LSU Tigers.  The Simpson's have been going strong since 1989 - thats unbelievable.  Did you know that when Family Guy ended, the crew received flowers from the Simpsons production team?  I wonder if it was congratulations, condolences, or a bit of both?
gpt
Ha! I think it was more of a thank you. I can only guess neither of them like Family Guy. Were you a fan of the 70s Show? I was looking forward to seeing the UK remake but it was sadly cancelled after 10 episodes. 
human
*takes a step back* The 70s Show was not really my style.  I am more into drama.  And, the kids when younger were into Thomas the Tank Engine and similar shows.  Did you know Ringo Starr, George Carlin, and Alec Baldwin all did more than 52 episodes of Thomas?  I found that astonishing considering Carlin and Baldwin are both know for very salty language!
gpt
*raises eyebrows* Oh, no! I wasn't aware of that. Hard to believe all three of them served as narrators! I was into Pokemon more when I was younger although I don't think I watched even half of the 750 episodes of Pokemon. Ha! That is far too manu. Well it was a pleasure chatting with you! I hope you have a great evening, my friend! 