Pablo Torre Finds Out: The Billionaire, the Billboards, and the Star of the Worst Ad in Sports History
Episode Release Date: July 22, 2025
Podcast: Pablo Torre Finds Out
Host: Pablo Torre
Guests: Zach Schwartz, BJ Porter
1. Introduction
In this compelling episode of Pablo Torre Finds Out (PTFO), Pablo Torre delves into a deep exploration of one of the most infamous and cringeworthy commercials in sports history. Titled "The Billionaire, the Billboards, and the Star of the Worst Ad in Sports History," the episode uncovers the intricate web behind the notorious "sportsmanship" ad featuring a young basketball player named Alex. Hosted by Pablo Torre with insights from journalist Zach Schwartz and actor BJ Porter, the episode promises a fascinating journey beyond the surface of a seemingly simple commercial.
2. The Infamous "Sportsmanship" Commercial
The episode begins with Pablo Torre introducing the subject: a widely ridiculed sports commercial that has etched itself into the collective memory of sports fans everywhere.
[04:22] Zach Schwartz: "It's basically a viral commercial every six months. So we were doing our show... and I was like, what's the most viral basketball thing that people would be like, oh, my God, you found that guy? And it was Alex."
The commercial portrays a high-stakes basketball game where Alex, the protagonist, exhibits an exaggerated form of sportsmanship by admitting to intentionally tipping the ball out of bounds to demonstrate honesty. Despite its noble message, the ad has been mocked for its unrealistic portrayal and over-the-top acting.
3. The Quest to Uncover the Truth
Zach Schwartz shares his journey to uncover the truth behind the ad and locate the elusive actor who portrayed Alex.
[09:14] Zach Schwartz: "I used to host this podcast for Wave called Out of Pocket... It was Paul George's show is blowing ours out of the water. And I'm like, I gotta find a guest for our show that Paul George could never get for his."
His investigation reveals the commercial’s viral nature, its pervasive presence across various platforms, and the challenge of identifying the actor due to the lack of available information.
4. Introducing BJ Porter: The Man Behind Alex
After an extensive search and numerous dead ends, Schwartz connects with BJ Porter, who reveals himself as the actor behind Alex.
[31:35] BJ Porter: "I was so happy to finally get to meet him. And levels are all good on our great. He's 35 now. He's got a bit of scruff...
Porter details his experience of being typecast and the lasting impact the commercial has had on his personal and professional life.
5. The Making of the Ad
Porter recounts the production of the ad, highlighting its initial intent and the alterations made to portray a message of unwavering sportsmanship.
[34:06] BJ Porter: "I used to act. So just basically from the age of around 12 when we moved out to Utah."
He discusses his transition from child acting to focusing on basketball, which ultimately led him to the role of Alex in the controversial commercial.
6. Virality and Its Lingering Impact
The episode delves into how the commercial achieved viral status, exacerbated by social media and online commentaries.
[44:39] BJ Porter: "And I just never forget, I walked into the locker room one time with my teammate and he's just dying laughing. He's like, man, they're roasting you. They're going after you, you."
Porter explains how the ad's portrayal of Alex became a subject of ridicule and continuous online discussions, affecting his reputation and personal life.
7. The Shadow of Philip Anschutz and Corporate Influence
A significant portion of the episode uncovers the connection between the ad and Philip Anschutz, a reclusive billionaire whose foundation funded the commercial campaign promoting universal values.
[17:03] Zach Schwartz: "His name's Philip Anschutz. He is a billionaire... the wealthiest person in our state... He owns Aegis Angelus Entertainment Group, who does Coachella. They own crypto.com arena... he's managed to scoop up a few different sports teams."
Schwartz exposes how Anschutz's foundation utilized advertising slots as tax write-offs, making the ad campaign omnipresent across the United States.
[24:20] Joshua Schwartz: "They’re everywhere, and their reach for these campaigns is so impressive."
The discussion highlights the intertwining of philanthropy and corporate strategies, revealing the foundation's motives behind promoting seemingly benign values while masking more controversial financial maneuvers.
8. BJ Porter's Personal Journey and Resilience
Porter shares his personal struggles with the ad's notoriety, detailing how it affected his social interactions and career trajectory.
[39:09] BJ Porter: "I did not touch the ball. This whole thing is a lie."
Despite acknowledging the ad's unrealistic portrayal, Porter reflects on its lasting impression and his growth beyond the role.
[46:35] BJ Porter: "There's a reason why they have refs, and refs are supposed to do their job. So whatever the rest, let them decide."
He emphasizes the importance of integrity and sportsmanship, contrasting his personal values with those presented in the commercial.
9. Reflections on Sportsmanship in the Digital Age
The episode concludes with a profound reflection on the nature of sportsmanship and its portrayal in media, especially in the age of the internet where every moment is subject to scrutiny and virality.
[50:03] Pablo Torre: "What I feel like I found out, Zach, what I found out, thanks to your reporting today, is what actual sportsmanship in the age of the Internet actually looks like..."
Porter and Schwartz discuss how genuine sportsmanship transcends scripted narratives, emphasizing authentic behavior over staged performances, especially in a world where every action is amplified and immortalized online.
Notable Quotes
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Zach Schwartz [04:22]: "It's basically a viral commercial every six months."
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BJ Porter [34:06]: "I used to act. So just basically from the age of around 12 when we moved out to Utah."
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Zach Schwartz [17:03]: "He is a billionaire and he's been a billionaire for a very long time."
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BJ Porter [39:09]: "I did not touch the ball. This whole thing is a lie."
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Pablo Torre [50:03]: "What actual sportsmanship in the age of the Internet actually looks like..."
Conclusion
This episode of Pablo Torre Finds Out masterfully unravels the layers behind a controversial sports commercial, exploring themes of authenticity, corporate influence, and the enduring quest for genuine sportsmanship. Through meticulous research and personal narratives, the podcast sheds light on the complexities of media influence and the human stories intertwined within. For listeners unfamiliar with the ad, this episode offers an insightful and engaging exploration of how a single commercial can spark widespread debate and leave a lasting legacy in the digital age.
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