Unscripted: The Unpredictable Moments That Make Life Extraordinary

by Ernie Johnson Jr., John Smoltz (Foreword)

Ernie Johnson Jr. has been in the game a long time. With one of the most recognized voices in sports broadcasting, he is a tireless perfectionist when it comes to preparing and delivering his commentary. Yet he knows that some of sports' greatest triumphs--and life's greatest rewards--come from those unscripted moments you never anticipated.In this heartfelt, gripping autobiography, the three-time Sports Emmy Award-winner and popular host of TNT's Inside the NBA provides a remarkably candid look at his life both on and off the screen. From his relationship with his sportscaster father to his own rise to the top of sports broadcasting, from battling cancer to raising six children with his wife, Cheryl, including a special needs child adopted from Romania, Ernie has taken the important lessons he learned from his father and passed them on to his own children. This is the untold story, the one Ernie has lived after the lights are turned off and the cameras stop rolling. Sports fans, cancer survivors, fathers and sons, adoptive parents, those whose lives have been touched by a person with special needs, anyone who loves stories about handling life's surprises with grace--Unscripted is for all of these.

Genres: Sports, Biography, Nonfiction, Memoir, Basketball, Audiobook, Autobiography

209 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 4, 2017

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are familiar with Ernie Johnson, Jr., then you'll understand what I mean when I say that reading Unscripted is as delightful and genuine as watching him on TV. If you are not familiar with EJ, this book would be a great way to get acquainted. It's an inspirational memoir that anyone can appreciate. Ernie is a class act.

I read an uncorrected proof, received from the publisher via NetGalley, but I expect that I will purchase this book and audiobook (read by the author!) to give as gifts. It truly is an inspirational story. It's not a perfect book and he clearly tries to shine a positive light on some things that seem impossibly challenging. It's a very human story and the message will remain with me for a long time. Ernie and his wife, Cheryl, have six kids, four of them were adopted and the family clearly has a ton of love to give. He talks about his job, but mostly about his family and his faith. He speaks about finding Christianity as an adult and his initial concerns about being judged negatively by having a Christian symbol on his car, or wearing a WWJD bracelet back when that was a thing, and eventually had to change his mentality after realizing that he was still focused on him, and what other people might think. His perspective is uplifting. For anyone with different beliefs who might have less interest when hearing that there is a Christian message in a book, I hope you'll give this one a chance. I think that EJ's family is an inspiration and his message is inclusive for anyone who has faced challenges. We should all take the time to appreciate the unscripted moments in life and stop to pick some blackberries.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a touching memoir of a man who is so much more than a beloved sportscaster. I've always loved watching Ernie Johnson on "Inside the NBA" (I love the NBA!) I always respected him and assumed that he was 'one of the good guys' but now I know that he definitely is! He's a son, husband, father, grandfather, cancer survivor and Christian.

His memoir is well written, it includes his humor that all us fans know well, and it is also incredibly transparent. He talks about his life's journey - being a son/husband/father, adopting several special needs children, his job in sports broadcasting, etc - in an inspiringly humble and relatable way. Most touching is his openness in sharing his cancer journey and how he found God. Both are incredibly touching, raw, funny and empowering.

Half of me is disappointed that there aren't more "tell all" stories of his many interactions with famous athletes (Shaq, Barkley, and so many more). But then half of me is glad he didn't because that type of showy content wouldn't be true to his humble and down to earth nature.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves sports but also to anyone who is struggling with parenting, looking for faith or fighting cancer. So much wisdom, grace and humor.

[Jeff Prosser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading autobiographies and this is one that I came across back in April when I heard EJ speak at a conference in Nashville.
I told my wife that I found the perfect book for the beach. Probably the quickest I've ever read a book. And it was one that I found myself laughing a bit aloud, shedding a few tears and a couple of times pausing to simply reflect about my own "blackberry" moments. A really enjoyable / encouraging read!

[Jeremiah Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love watching Ernie wrangle Shaq, Chuck and Kenny on Inside the NBA. When I saw he had written a book I couldn't wait to read it. Before reading this I knew nothing about Ernie Johnson other than he was a great sportscaster.
I think I was expecting this book to have more insights and anecdotes about his life on the TNT set. This was not the case, but I can honestly say I didn't care.
This book was a great heartfelt look into the life and mind of Ernie. His blackberry moments made me smile and laugh. The stories about his adoptions brought tears to my eyes.
Ernie's passion for life is infectious. His dedication to family and friends is admirable. I now feel like I've known him for years without ever having met him. Hopefully that can happen one day.

[LB O'Nan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have long respected Ernie Johnson, Jr. as a broadcaster and as a human, and his memoir/autobiography confirms everything I have assumed to be true of EJ - he is a wonderful, delightful, joy-filled man who loves Jesus and loves others in a remarkable way. Part of me regrets that I’m just now reading Unscripted, published 8 years ago, but another part of me is happy to have kicked off a new year of reading with such an inspiring and enjoyable book! I highly, highly recommend!

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a fan of Ernie Johnson Jr., host of Inside the NBA, I recommend you read this book. It’s a fun, fast read (only 210 pages) full of laugh-out-loud humor and interesting stories. Ernie writes about his childhood, his pro baseball dad, his family and children. He talks about struggles, about compassion and much more. Oh yeah, and his ‘blackberry moments’. You will need to read the book to figure out that one!

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay this was so sweet 🧁 and I got unexpectedly teary a few times! I am not a sports fan by any stretch or the imagination, but my brother told me I would like this book... And he was right!

A very simple, easy to read memoir told with grace and humility, with many heart-warming moments along the way.

Recommend, especially to MLB or NBA fans!
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⚠️CW: Adoption storylines, children with severe disabilities, cancer, some mild language

[Josh Bokor · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5
Ernie Johnson is one of professional sports' greatest voices and if you've ever seen a second of "Inside the NBA," you'll quickly see Ernie's wholesome charisma, charm, and all around down to earth personality. His memoir touches a bit more of his life, including his loving family, he and his wife's outgoing selflessness, his coming up, his notable health scare, and more. I also enjoy Ernie's "blackberry moments," these unforgettable, out of body moments and I like how he coined the term and where it came from. It's a great read from a great guy. My only complaint is that it was super short and it could've easily been longer. His life so far certainly can't be condensed down to 210 pages.

[Nathan Seale · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful memoir by a sportscaster who I grew up watching. Now as an adult, I would argue that "Inside the NBA" on TNT may be the best sports show on TV. Shaq, Barkley, Kenny, and Ernie just have fun together.

A short read, Ernie Johnson Jr. shares the moments throughout his life that were impactful to his development and his faith. His journey of faith is one part of a book that I especially appreciated; how he unabashedly shares his encounter with Jesus and the pastor that was instrumental in his discipleship. This relationship with Jesus colors every aspect of his life and it shows.

I highly recommend this book to all readers.

[Brian Skinner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t even planning on listening to this book but I saw it was included in audible plus. I like Ernie so I decided to listen to it. He is basically a modern day Jimmy Stewart but instead of acting he is a sportscaster. Listening to the book is similar to the good old days of Paul Harvey.

I am sure he is not quite as good of a guy as this book makes him sound but he made a lot of good points about how we should live. My personality is just too robotic to be the way he is but intellectually I enjoy listening to his stories and thoughts.

[JD' · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outside of Chick Hearns, Ernie Johnson may be my favorite commentator. He is a 1st class guy. I'm currently staying at the 53rd floor of the Palms, looking out at the Vegas strip for a stay-cation. After 3 weeks, I think I'm more devastated about the loss of Charlie Kirk. I think his passing is the hardest. Ernie Johnson survived cancer, you see the love he had for his dad, wanting to spend each and every and the very last second with him. He and his wife adopted several children and they go to church and Ernie is a Christian and all around great American v cc

[Leon Atterberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really enjoyable book about a really inspirational person.

This book was about looking at life, throughout all the ups and downs, as a blessing and enjoying it.

Even with all the advantages that Ernie Johnson had in life, he has faced some serious issues but dealt with them in such a positive way.

I came away from reading this book in a much more positive state of mind.

[Andy Schmitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me a little longer (two times started) to read this but once I really got into it, I enjoyed it. Ernie is a really good guy (see also goofy) and has really put his money where his mouth is as he as time and time again taken kids into his family and made them his own. He truly has a heart for others, is insanely humble (also very talented) and has a cool story.

[Kent Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there was a person I could look at and say, I want to be as eloquent as them; it would be Ernie Johnson. I loved how much he appreciates life, and I’ll be looking for those blackberry moments along the way.

[Ashley Elmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend listening to the audio version so you can hear Ernie tell his story. Almost all of his blackberry moments made me tear up. I absolutely loved the combination of hearing his testimony alongside some funny and emotional stories of his career, specifically with the guys at Inside the NBA. Loved it!

[Reed Contreras · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always admired Ernie, but reading more in depth about his story in this book has turned him into one of my personal hero’s. He’s a man who “gets it”. He’s a sports guy, but this is so much more than a sports book!

[Josiah Canto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful autobiographyfrom one of my favorite sports analysts. What's the most incredible part of his book is his discovery of who Jesus is in his life and his faith, one of my new favorites!

[Chris Griesemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anything less than five stars for EJ would be offensive. What an incredible man of great character. Finished it in less than a day.

[Grannie Suede · Rating 5 out of 5]

This man should be a saint

[Eric Holman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ernie Jr. is one of my heroes. I want to live with the same confidence in God’s goodness that Ernie has. You will read this fast! It’s great!

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I consumed over the past couple years. I listened to the audiobook, read by Ernie Johnson Jr, and I'm glad I did. Hearing the book in Ernie's voice only made it better.

This book is full of anecdotes intended to encourage and challenge the reader/listener, from being a leader in the home as a husband or father, to relationships with parents and with children, to fighting through struggles (e.g. cancer), to adoption. Sure, it's all from Ernie's perspective and experience, but I found it all to be valuable.

I was also moved to tears/near tears in several instances (Stuart Scott?) and it almost sounded as though he was fighting off tears as he read. And Chapter 10 - Trust God. Period. Wonderful.

I highly recommend listening to this book, if able. It's one I'll listen to again (and again).

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous! What a humbling read and one full of grace.

[Eli Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

EJ is one of a kind. He is just a good human being. And I’ll be looking for all the “blackberry” moments to come!

[Taylor Lambert]

Blackberry moments

[Dave Cottenie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An uplifting look at the life of a truly special individual. Johnson’s journey into broadcasting and family life. His battles with cancer, spirituality and experience with adoptions are unexpected themes weaved throughout his experience on Inside the NBA and broadcasting Major League Baseball. Uplifting for sure.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t know who Ernie was (and that he was a famous sports broadcaster) when I started the book, so I don’t know that I was the target audience. It had some sweet moments, but overall it wasn’t a book for me.

[John Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are many moments in this story that ordinarily would make me roll my eyes. But I never did because EJ’s folksiness comes across as so darn genuine and heartfelt. If you need to be reminded of what humans can be at their best, then this book is for you.

[Darin Mirante · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful reflection on life. Every dad should read this book.

[Alyssa Lehmitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!

[Bill Pence · Rating 5 out of 5]

The popular host of “Inside the NBA” shares unscripted moments, in his life, which he called “Blackberry Moments”. He encourages us to embrace these moments and the blessings in our lives. In this book he includes some wonderful stories and memories from his personal and professional life and how God had worked in his life. Included in the book are excerpts from his writings (eulogy, poems, journals). His writing (and narration of the audiobook edition), is witty and humorous.
Family is extremely important to the author. He and his wife Cheryl have six children, including four that they have adopted, one that has special needs and two of whom who had endured the sex trafficking industry.
His father, Ernie Johnson Sr., was the best man in his wedding and his best friend. He was a pitcher in the major leagues and later the broadcaster of the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves. The two would work together in the booth for Braves games. Ernie Jr. gave the eulogy for his father in 2011. The text of that moving message is included here. His parents were married for 63 years. His father was the greatest influence on his life.
Ernie wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and play in the major leagues, but after getting cut from the University of Georgia baseball team as a sophomore, he pursued a career in the media. He would start doing the news, but would quickly move to sports.
He would meet future wife Cheryl, who was working as a bank teller. She would later serve in a number of non-profit organizations in Atlanta. He includes touching stories about son Michael with Muscular Dystrophy, his fascination with cars and his significant health issues.
He writes about hosting “Inside the NBA” for 25 years with Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley, and more recently with Shaquille O’Neill. Of particular interest was his decision to choose to attend to attend his son’s high school graduation rather than broadcast an important seventh game of an NBA postseason series.
Raised Roman Catholic, Ernie writes of his faith being dormant. He was drawn to Christ in 1997 at Crossroads Church in Georgia (now known as 12Stone Church). Wife Cheryl would be drawn to Christ a few years later.
Ernie noticed a bump on his face one day while shaving. He would wait six months to have it looked at by a doctor, and would be diagnosed with stage 2 Follicular Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. He would eventually go through six cycles of chemotherapy. Afterwards, he would have a new appreciation for life.
It was a joy to read this book and hear about how God has worked in Ernie’s life.