The following is a voicemail from Otis Allen to his oldest nephew, Kerry.
“Hey big man, it’s your uncle O. Just calling to see how school’s been going for you. You’re not partying too much right? Listen man, your mother reached out to me to talk to you. As I’m sure you know, one of your coaches reached out to her to let her know about your grades. And before you get all high and mighty about things, just hear me out. Listen man, trust and believe I’ve been there. Being the big man on campus is great in the moment, but you’ve gotta stay focused on the long-term. I know you’ve always said you’re gonna be just like your big uncle O and go to the league, but you’ve gotta be honest with yourself my guy. I worked hard for what I got, but at the end of the day a lot of guys who worked just as hard as me never got the shot that I did. And even when I did get my shot I always made sure that I kept up my grade and my resume to make sure I could put food on the table. One day my time in the league is going to end, and I know that I’ll have my education to fall back on. You’re a smart man; make the right decision. Love you man, call me back.”
“Hey big man, it’s your uncle O. Just calling to see how school’s been going for you. You’re not partying too much right? Listen man, your mother reached out to me to talk to you. As I’m sure you know, one of your coaches reached out to her to let her know about your grades. And before you get all high and mighty about things, just hear me out. Listen man, trust and believe I’ve been there. Being the big man on campus is great in the moment, but you’ve gotta stay focused on the long-term. I know you’ve always said you’re gonna be just like your big uncle O and go to the league, but you’ve gotta be honest with yourself my guy. I worked hard for what I got, but at the end of the day a lot of guys who worked just as hard as me never got the shot that I did. And even when I did get my shot I always made sure that I kept up my grade and my resume to make sure I could put food on the table. One day my time in the league is going to end, and I know that I’ll have my education to fall back on. You’re a smart man; make the right decision. Love you man, call me back.”