Club Shay Shay Podcast: "Nightcap - Hour 2: Chief Royal Ramey, Butler Accounting Error, Neymar MLS"

Release Date: January 16, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Club Shay Shay, NFL legend Shannon Sharpe delves into significant discussions surrounding Chief Roy Ramey and his transformative Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program (FFRP), an unexpected accounting error impacting Jimmy Butler, and the buzz around Neymar's potential move to Major League Soccer (MLS). Sharpe, alongside co-host Chad Ochocinco, navigates through these topics, blending insightful interviews with engaging commentary.

Interview with Chief Roy Ramey: Empowering the Formerly Incarcerated through Firefighting

[04:31] Shannon Sharpe welcomes Chief Roy Ramey, the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program (FFRP). The program is dedicated to assisting formerly incarcerated individuals in overcoming barriers to enter the professional firefighting sector.

a. Chief Ramey's Journey and Inspiration

Chief Ramey shares his personal story, revealing that at 20 years old, he made a mistake that led to a six-year prison sentence, of which he served four years and eight months. During his incarceration, he participated in a fire camp program, an opportunity that ignited his passion for firefighting.

Chief Roy Ramey [05:40]: "When I tell you I had no idea what I was getting myself into, brother, it was crazy, man, for real."

b. Impact and Success of FFRP

FFRP boasts an impressive 10% recidivism rate across 200+ placements, starkly contrasting California's average of 42% and the national average of 82%. This success underscores the program's effectiveness in providing meaningful employment and reducing re-offending.

c. Overcoming Stigmas and Challenges

One of the primary hurdles discussed is the societal stigma associated with formerly incarcerated individuals in public service roles. Chief Ramey emphasizes the importance of partnerships and support from organizations like Cal Fire. He highlights Governor Gavin Newsom’s AB 2147 bill, which facilitates the expungement of records for inmates participating in fire camps.

Chief Roy Ramey [14:47]: "We need folks that have been through the worst, so why not take this opportunity to get to be a firefighter, make the bag, take care of your family and win."

d. Program Qualifications and Recruitment Process

Chief Ramey outlines the qualifications required for inmates to join FFRP:

• No convictions for arson, sex crimes, or violent crimes.
• Physical training assessments (referred to as PFT).
• Completion of S190 class and other foundational training.

The recruitment process is designed to be efficient, taking only a couple of weeks to transition qualified individuals into firefighting roles.

e. Financial Compensation and Fair Pay

A critical discussion revolves around the compensation for incarcerated firefighters. Currently, participants earn approximately $1 per hour, translating to about $20 per day. Chief Ramey acknowledges efforts by partners like Capitaine Fred Money to increase pay rates, but stresses the need for ongoing improvements.

Shannon Sharpe [12:11]: "They're making about 20 some dollars a day... it is pretty much a dollar an hour when they out there on the fire."

f. Vision for the Future and Expansion

Chief Ramey speaks passionately about expanding FFRP and launching initiatives like the Buffalo Hand Crew for fire prevention and suppression. He envisions a future where the program not only empowers individuals but also transforms communities by providing sustainable career paths.

Chief Roy Ramey [27:58]: "What we're doing is transcending and it's really transformed folks' lives... I just wanted to do good work."

g. Audience Interaction and Support

The interview concludes with audience members expressing their support and making donations to FFRP. Shannon Sharpe announces a personal donation of $25,000 alongside the collected Super Chat funds, showcasing a commitment to the cause.

Shannon Sharpe [30:21]: "All the money that we're going to collect from the Super Chat, we're going to donate that to your fund, but you're going to get a personal donation from me in the $25,000 because I believe in you."

Jimmy Butler's Accounting Error: Unpaid Days and Personal Flights

Transitioning from community initiatives to NBA updates, Shannon Sharpe addresses an accounting error that left Jimmy Butler without pay for 10 days. This error is tied to Butler's decision to take private flights separate from the team to visit his ailing father.

a. Context and Clarification

Butler's private flights sparked rumors about potential strained relationships within the team, particularly with Pat Riley. However, it is clarified that Butler's actions were driven by personal reasons rather than professional disagreements.

Shannon Sharpe [34:30]: "He wasn't just taking it because he didn't want to file on the plane. In consequence, Pat Riley might have been on the plane..."

b. Emotional and Personal Priorities

The conversation emphasizes the emotional weight of Butler's decision, highlighting the importance of family and personal well-being over professional obligations.

Shannon Sharpe [36:31]: "But I don't really have a problem with Jimmy taking a private flight because he could have just like, hey, the hell with it. I'm gonna be here with my dad as long as my dad needs me."

Neymar's Potential Move to MLS: Implications for U.S. Soccer

The episode shifts focus to the soccer world, discussing Neymar's potential transfer to MLS and its broader implications.

a. Potential Teams and Financial Considerations

Neymar is reportedly in talks with three MLS teams, with Miami being a favored destination. The move is seen as a strategic effort to boost MLS's profile, akin to the impact of international stars like Messi and Suarez who have previously graced the league.

Shannon Sharpe [36:37]: "If Neymar is to come to the States, if it was to happen, it would be Miami... I don't see him going anywhere else."

b. Comparison with Other Stars

The discussion draws parallels between Neymar's potential MLS move and other high-profile players, analyzing the financial incentives and career motivations behind such decisions.

Shannon Sharpe [39:45]: "He makes $107 million a year... Ronaldo makes $180 a year."

c. Impact on American Soccer

Neymar's arrival in MLS is anticipated to elevate the league's status, attracting more international talent and increasing viewership and sponsorships.

Shannon Sharpe [39:14]: "He not playing for any other team. That's no disrespect to them, they just wouldn't have the type of money he's looking for."

Audience Engagement and Final Thoughts

The latter part of the episode features audience questions, donations, and concluding remarks. Highlights include:

• Donations to FFRP: Audience members express support for Chief Ramey's initiative.
• Interactive Q&A: Shannon Sharpe and Chad Ochocinco tackle questions ranging from personal advice to sports insights.
• Expressing Gratitude: Both hosts acknowledge and appreciate their listeners' contributions and support.

Shannon Sharpe [89:00]: "Be respectful. Be kind. Be receptive to courtesy. Be considerate. Take care of your responsibilities. I take that very serious."

Conclusion

This episode of Club Shay Shay masterfully blends social impact discussions with current sports narratives, offering listeners both inspiration and entertainment. Shannon Sharpe's heartfelt conversation with Chief Roy Ramey underscores the power of community programs in transforming lives, while the segments on Jimmy Butler and Neymar keep sports enthusiasts engaged with the latest updates and analyses.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Chief Roy Ramey [05:40]: "When I tell you I had no idea what I was getting myself into, brother, it was crazy, man, for real."

• Chief Roy Ramey [14:47]: "We need folks that have been through the worst, so why not take this opportunity to get to be a firefighter, make the bag, take care of your family and win."

• Shannon Sharpe [12:11]: "They're making about 20 some dollars a day... it is pretty much a dollar an hour when they out there on the fire."

• Shannon Sharpe [34:30]: "He wasn't just taking it because he didn't want to file on the plane. In consequence, Pat Riley might have been on the plane..."

• Shannon Sharpe [36:31]: "But I don't really have a problem with Jimmy taking a private flight because he could have just like, hey, the hell with it. I'm gonna be here with my dad as long as my dad needs me."

• Shannon Sharpe [36:37]: "If Neymar is to come to the States, if it was to happen, it would be Miami... I don't see him going anywhere else."

• Shannon Sharpe [39:45]: "He makes $107 million a year... Ronaldo makes $180 a year."

• Chief Roy Ramey [27:58]: "What we're doing is transcending and it's really transformed folks' lives... I just wanted to do good work."

This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, insights, and notable quotes, ensuring that those who haven't listened can grasp the full scope and depth of the conversations.