John Salley Interview

A Man of Many Hats

John Salley

Talking directly at you!

An invigorating conversation with Mr. John Salley, retired NBA player with four championships with three different NBA teams, is focused on being a change agent for a healthier lifestyle. The affable TV host talked about owning, fixing and ultimately changing ourselves to embrace a lifestyle that we want our children to imitate.

John Salley enjoyed an illustrious career with the Detroit Piston “Bad Boys Squad”, the Chicago Bulls with Michael Jordan, and in Los Angeles with the 1999-2000 Lakers' Championship Team where under the invite of Phil Jackson provided experience and leadership.

A proud native of Brooklyn, New York, John Salley discovered his passion for basketball at an early age when he accepted a basketball scholarship to Georgia Tech to play for the legendary head coach Bobby Cremins. When discussing how he progressed to TV, Mr. Salley stated that he has always dreamed of being a TV personality. That opportunity knocked in 1989 at an NBA All-Star Game when he was asked to announce the playoff lineup of the Slam Dunk Competition. That was his debut in TV and he has never looked back. John has hosted several award shows and been involved in a slew of other TV shows and film including the movies Bad Boys 1 and II with Martin Lawrence and Will Smith. John participated in the celebrity survivors' reality show, “I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here!” where he was in the jungle for 30 days and placed third. Currently he is the host of the wildly popular Basketball Wives on VH1.

Mr. Salley recently formed his own entertainment group John Salley Presents, Inc. and is working on an upcoming TV production.

John Salley has also made a name for himself in the health and wellness arena as a vegan lifestyle advocate. John says, “You are what you eat.” He constantly enjoys sharing with others on topics such as, “Do you know what is in your foods?” Well most of us really do not know and then the question John poses is, “Do you care?” “If you do, let me show you a better lifestyle.” When talking to John about food, one would think you are in a heated congressional hearing, as he is very passionate about educating those who will listen and choose better eating habits. Having family members who suffered from diseases that are undeniably linked to diet and subsequently seeing their health improve from dedicated dietary changes makes John unyielding in his vegan lifestyle. He states, “I choose my fork over my knife and always know what I'm eating!”

John's father died from cancer and he passionately talks about the time he spent with him and respect he has for his father. “My father is my idol,” John says. “He worked to provide for me and I thank him for that. Another idol is Mohammed Ali, “I love what Mr. Ali stands for and the respect he professed for the Black woman. We must respect and uplift our women.”

When asked, “What do you feel is our obligation to the young people?”

John laughed and said, “I always remind people about 'The Man in the Mirror' that was so eloquently highlighted in Michael Jackson's record. We have to fix the adult first. If we fix what is wrong with the adult, our children copy us and hence therein lies the answer. Work on You – the children will follow; they are imitators. Be that example you desire in your kids.”

When asked to comment on the economy and entrepreneurship:

He said, “I encourage people to make their own jobs. Don't wait for someone to give you a job. Be the engine that creates jobs, services and value and you will never be unemployed.”

He went on to say that, one of the challenges facing African Americans is they do not understand their history and many times will not work together as a team. This is common dilemma also in Africa where we have seen tribes fighting other tribes, another form of division that plagues the black people.


John is involved with many community initiatives including diabetes education, Vegan Fest and Operation Smile, where he has been very active. These humanitarian initiatives are life changing and immensely rewarding.

When asked about his family life:

John was happy to say that he has now been married for over 18 years and has three kids, 23, 15 and 8. He enjoys spending time with his girls and teaching them life principles and being a dad. He is direct in his approach and calls it, “TALKING DIRECTLY AT YOU.” He feels this open and engaging attitude will fix many of community shortcomings. Change yourself before you can change the world is his advice.

When asked about his clean-cut image and if it's something he has to work at:

A great respecter of the power of the Internet, John is matter of fact in recommending, “Stay away from trouble if you do not want trouble to follow you.” Understanding the breadth, depth and the ability of news to go viral should caution a person on the image or perception transmitted globally. “If you don't understand the value of technology and the Internet you will get left behind.”

John Salley is a successful TV actor, sports icon, movie and documentary host and philanthropist. You can read more about the man of many hats at JohnSalley.com.

Final words by John:

“I choose my fork over my knife”


“Watch what you eat, what you do, who you connect with and leave this place a better place for our kids. Change yourself for better health, lifestyle and financial freedom.”