(Barry Gossage/NBAE/Getty Images)
Suns forward Jared Dudley, who has maximized his opportunities for more time on the court this season, is also looking to maximize his opportunities off it. The third-year man attended an ESPN gathering with teammate Steve Nash that was used to promote the network’s “30 for 30” documentary series.
The red-carpet function was hosted by renowned wide receiver Terrell Owens and took place at the end of January in Park City, Utah; the same week as the Sundance Film Festival. Nash was invited because of his contribution to the “30 for 30” series, a documentary that he produced about Canadian runner Terry Fox, which is due to air this year.
Dudley’s motives for going were a little different. Known for his presence on Twitter and his “JMZ” behind-the-scenes locker room videos, the 6-7 swingman was looking to score himself an internship with ESPN.
“I’m trying to set up some work for the ESPYs,” Dudley said in reference to ESPN’s well-known award show. “I’d like to somehow do some interviews on the red carpet or get behind-the-scenes and just be involved.”
Dudley isn’t sure if he wants to pursue a career in the media once he’s finished playing basketball. In fact, he’s always talked about becoming a college coach.
But he believes being media-savvy would be a great asset in that field, as well. While he was watching the NFC Championship and networking with various ESPN execs, Dudley ran into one of the most popular members of the sports media, fellow tweep and ESPN writer Bill Simmons.
“I asked him how many followers he had and when he said 1.1 million, I started laughing,” Dudley said. “And he said, ‘No, really.’
“It’s funny that someone you wouldn’t know like that is pretty big time. I didn’t know who he was until Steve told me.”
Dudley says that he now follows Simmons on Twitter and hopes to be a guest on his podcast someday.
