The Adam Carolla Show

Adam “Pacman” Jones on the One Thing You Can’t Coach + Another Newsom Scandal!

Date: November 17, 2025
Guests: Pacman Jones (NFL DB, host of Politely Raw podcast)
Host: Adam Carolla
Producer/News: Dawson

Episode Overview

In this packed episode, Adam Carolla dives into the latest California political scandal involving a Newsom ally, rants on government corruption and hypocrisy, discusses American trade school woes, and interviews former NFL star Pacman Jones about life, speed, growing up in tough circumstances, and what can and can't be taught to athletes. The show features Carolla’s signature blend of wit, personal anecdote, and unfiltered commentary.

Main Segments & Timestamps

1. California Newsom Scandal, Corruption, and Political Rants

   • [02:44]–[29:00]

2. Media Manipulation & Trump/BBC Edit

   • [28:54]–[35:54]

3. Narcissism & Accountability in Life

   • [36:18]–[44:00]

4. Trade School vs College & America’s Blue Collar Crisis

   • [55:09]–[63:58]

5. Interview with Pacman Jones (NFL Star)

   • [67:25]–[102:44]

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. California Scandal & Corruption

[02:44–29:00]

• Dawson reports on Dana Williamson, former chief of staff for Gavin Newsom, indicted for federal campaign money laundering and fraud. Adam rants about the impossibility of eradicating corruption in a system so flush with loose cash and low accountability.

• Carolla rejects the idea that “if women or women of color were in charge, this wouldn’t happen,” citing the string of women implicated in corruption.

• On tax evasion and government hypocrisy: Adam exposes the baked-in incentive for everyone (rich or poor) to game the system, adding:

  “They’ve set up a system that is daring people to try to game it and abuse it.”
  — Adam Carolla [10:18]

• Touches on PPP loans, defending himself against critics while explaining how legitimately-run small business seek them out if eligible:

  “It’s a dereliction of duty if they don’t apply for it.”
  — Adam Carolla [18:58]

• Carolla skewers his online critics for personal attacks, noting their arguments are more about ad hominem than substance:

  “I love the people who try to fuck this poor guy up from the Valley who never got shit from anybody ever. It’s so funny.”
  — Adam Carolla [14:27]

2. Media Manipulation & Trump/BBC Edit

[28:54–35:54]

• Discussion around Trump’s threat to sue the BBC after they edited a speech to appear more inflammatory.

• Adam rails about January 6th hyperbole and media dishonesty, arguing that real tragedies don’t require “cooked” footage:

  “When something is actually what it is, you don’t need to cook it and pad it all the time.”
  — Adam Carolla [32:49]

• On the societal impact of passive, incurious people:

  “People have an infinite capacity to lie to themselves.”
  — Adam Carolla [36:18]

3. Narcissism & Accountability

[36:18–44:00]

• Adam discusses a comedy sketch (Dr. Drew sent him) highlighting how narcissists never admit fault. Offers a comical but pointed diagnostic: imagine certain people in your life ever owning up—if you can’t, that says everything.

• Quotes from a mock therapy session for narcissists:

  "I'm sorry that you made me do that."
  — Adam Carolla, quoting sketch [49:48]

• Commentary on how society increasingly rewards deflection and a lack of true accountability.

4. Trade School vs. College & Blue Collar Crisis

[55:09–63:58]

• News story: Ford can’t fill 5,000+ mechanic jobs at $120K/year due to lack of trade-trained American youth.

• Adam rails against the “Save the Music” movement and over-valuing college degrees at the expense of skills:

  “They need shop class, not woodwinds... First there’s shop, then there’s band.”
  — Adam Carolla [57:30 & 61:08]

• Dawson and Adam share personal reflections on societal pressure to avoid trade schools, the devaluation of blue-collar work, and the emergence of degree inflation.

• Adam ties this to broader issues of identity politics: the harmful dynamic where uplifting one group results in directly undermining another.

  “At a certain point you gotta figure out what whitey's up to and fuck them up. ... It’s not just, let’s uplift women of color. It’s go find white dudes and go after their shit.”
  — Adam Carolla [59:09]

5. Interview: Adam “Pacman” Jones

[67:25–102:44]

Speed, Success, and the NFL

• Pacman details his record-breaking speed—ran a 4.27 forty, making him one of the fastest ever.

  • Adam: "Speed is all God given, right?"
    Pacman: "Most of it... Some people just have that fast twitch and I was just blessed to be one of those people." [68:56]

  “Speed is one thing you can’t coach.”
  — Pacman Jones [70:11]

• Carolla and Pacman on playing DB (defensive back)—the hardest, “sexiest” position in football besides quarterback due to modern receiver skills, physical demands, and rule changes.

• Pacman closes with how rule changes (like new gloves/balls) have made things easier for today’s offensive players. Adam and Pacman marvel at 67+ yard field goals now possible due to new balls and kicker prep.

Life in the Projects & The Power of Community

[74:30–86:54]

• Pacman’s honest reflections growing up in Atlanta public housing (“the jets”), losing his father to murder at age 8, and mother’s two-year prison sentence for money laundering.

• Candid stories about how community “looked out” for him due to his athletic gifts:

  “They wouldn’t let me sell drugs... because they believed in me so much. ... I was supposed to make it.”
  — Pacman Jones [77:03 & 78:24]

• His grandmother’s home was a community hub (selling food, candy, liquor). She kept the family together and ensured Pacman was protected and focused on sports.

• Emotional note: Grandma died during his freshman year at West Virginia, but lived to see him earn a scholarship.

Academic & Athletic Achievement

[88:27–92:29]

• Pacman was a standout student (1150 SAT, 3.9 GPA), recruited to most SEC schools for both football and basketball; ultimately chose football and West Virginia.
• Coaches, family, and community made sure he took SATs early with a clear vision for his path.
• Contrast with Adam’s youth—he never took SATs, drifted into construction.

The Limits of Talent, Life After the NFL, and Money

[92:29–102:44]

• Discussion on the harsh, binary nature of football talent evaluation and how it “boots out” players regardless of effort or dream.

• Pacman retired voluntarily, happy to spend more time with family:

  “I kicked myself out. ... I enjoy when I retired, though, because I got a chance to spend more time with my kids and do different things.”
  — Pacman Jones [95:29 & 97:26]

• Candid about money:

  • Did “pretty good,” could’ve saved more.
  • Big car guy—Rolls Royce, Bentley, Trackhawk, vintage ‘74 Trans Am (Smokey & the Bandit style).
  • Carolla advises: buy vintage cars, they appreciate.

• Humorous pop culture disconnect: Pacman doesn't know who Tony Hawk is, leading Adam to muse about the distinction between subcultures.

• Pacman's podcast: "Politely Raw with Pacman Jones."

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “Turns out [corruption] is every bit as bad in every group—maybe worse... Just as bad, maybe worse.”
  — Adam Carolla on political corruption [05:58]

• “Our society, retards have flipped the script. You got it all backwards. ... The day you get rid of all the people who create the jobs and all the fucking noble people who take SNAP, we’re done.”
  — Adam Carolla [17:00]

• “When something is actually what it is, you don’t need to cook it and pad it all the time.”
  — Adam Carolla (re: January 6th coverage) [32:49]

• “They need shop class, not woodwinds.”
  — Adam Carolla on American education [57:30]

• “Speed is one thing you can’t coach.”
  — Pacman Jones [70:11]

• “I was supposed to make it... You ain’t gonna be up here with us doing this. And I’m thankful for that.”
  — Pacman Jones [78:24]

Segment Highlights/Timestamps

• Rant on Corruption & Tax Games — [10:18–18:58]
• PPP Loan Defense & Online Critics — [12:18-19:45]
• Media Manipulation “Cooking” Example — [29:39–35:54]
• Narcissist Comedy Skit & Life Reflection — [49:01–49:54]
• Trade School/Save the Music Rant — [55:09–63:09]
• Pacman on Community Protection in Projects — [78:24–80:04]
• Pacman on Speed and Athletic Gifts — [69:00–70:11]
• NFL Kicking Game and Equipment Change — [73:02–74:13]
• Pacman’s Cars & Tony Hawk Moment — [99:03–100:59]

Conclusion

This episode delivers the classic Carolla mix: incisive political and societal criticism, passionate rants (especially about government, taxes, education), and a vivid look inside the life and philosophy of Pacman Jones—from surviving a violent childhood thanks to community support to thriving in the NFL on pure, God-given speed. Pacman's humility and Carolla's self-aware, blue-collar background foster a rich, honest, sometimes hilarious conversation about life, work, and what truly matters.

Pacman Jones’ Podcast:
Politely Raw with Pacman Jones — available on YouTube and major podcast platforms.

For upcoming Adam Carolla shows and live events:
adamcarolla.com

Recommended Segments for Quick Listen:

• Political Scandal & Corruption Rant: [02:44–18:58]
• Pacman Jones on God-Given Speed: [69:00–70:11]
• Pacman on Overcoming Childhood Environment: [74:30–80:04]