Casuals with Katie Nolan – Detailed Episode Summary

Episode Title: We Need More Simone Biles, More Alcaraz-Sinner, and More Dutch Dragon | Plus Dalen Cuff on How College Sports Works Now
Release Date: June 10, 2025
Host: Katie Nolan
Guest: Dallen Cuff (College Sports Analyst)

1. Introduction and Setting the Stage

Katie Nolan welcomes listeners to another engaging episode of Casuals, a sports podcast designed for everyone—from the casual observer to the die-hard enthusiast. The episode begins with casual banter about summer activities and Starbucks' Summer Berry Refresher, setting a relaxed tone before diving into the main discussions.

2. The Need for Simone Biles and Trans Athlete Discussions

[08:22] Katie Nolan:
"I do have to get into this. I am a woman. I'm a woman who supports women's sports and I'm watching people claim that they are too and doing literally the opposite of that."

Katie addresses the contentious debate surrounding transgender athletes in sports, focusing on recent interactions between Riley Gaines—a vocal anti-trans advocate—and Simone Biles. She highlights Simone Biles' stand against Gaines' harassment and sheds light on the toxic environment perpetuated by certain media figures and followers.

Key Points:

• Riley Gaines' Actions: Gaines quote-tweeted a photo of Minnesota's Class AAAA softball state champions, derogatorily associating the success with having a "star player" who is a boy.
  [05:39] Brady:
  "But if you're going to put together a starting nine and a rod, like the best parts of his career... I want Wade Boggs in that room."

• Simone Biles' Response: Biles directly called out Gaines for bullying and advocating for exclusion, emphasizing the harmful impact on young, vulnerable athletes.
  [06:00] Katie Nolan:
  "Simone Biles... She's fighting against bigoted bullying, harassment."

• Katie's Stand: Nolan passionately defends the inclusion of transgender athletes, arguing that sports should be inclusive and that efforts to exclude trans individuals are misguided and harmful.
  [07:32] Brady:
  "Reigning American League player of the week, Vinnie Pasquintino... our favorite baseball player."

Notable Quotes:

• Katie Nolan:
  "You're truly sick. All of this campaigning because you lost a race. Straight up sore loser."
  [06:00]

• Brady:
  "Pascantino hurt himself hustling."
  [07:32]

3. College Sports and the House v. NCAA Settlement

Katie introduces Dallen Cuff, a seasoned college sports analyst, to delve into the monumental House v. NCAA settlement, which marks a transformative era in college athletics.

[50:08] Brady:
"I do love just that. When you're an absolute horse of a softball pitcher, you're out there every day."

Key Points:

• Settlement Overview:
  A $2.8 billion, ten-year settlement allows colleges to directly pay athletes, correcting the long-standing issue of amateurism in collegiate sports. This includes:

  • Back Payments: Schools will distribute funds to former athletes who competed from 2016 to 2024.
  • Direct Payments: Current athletes can receive up to $20.5 million annually from their schools, with the cap increasing by 4% each year.

• Implications and Challenges:

  • Implementation Confusion: Schools are unsure how to allocate funds within the new framework, leading to uncertainties about fairness and distribution across different sports.
  • NIL Deals Scrutiny: The settlement introduces a NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) clearinghouse, where deals over $600 must be reported and assessed for fairness. This could stifle third-party endorsements and complicate athlete sponsorships.
  • Collective Bargaining Issues:
    [61:27] Chris:
    "Collectively bargaining is the way, but you need to have one entity and another."
    The fragmented nature of college sports conferences poses a significant hurdle to forming unified agreements that fairly represent all athletes.

Notable Quotes:

• Dallen Cuff:
  "Schools can put $20.5 million... but how they use it is still TBD."
  [57:55]

• Katie Nolan:
  "Why does it seem like the compensation of college athletes? The rollout of this has been such a mess on top of a mess."
  [62:49]

4. Current Sports Highlights and Player Movements

The podcast transitions into discussing recent sports events and notable player movements across various leagues.

a. French Open Tennis Highlights

[27:26] Katie Nolan:
"Coco Golfer... she's the first American woman to win the French Open since Serena Williams in 2015."
[28:32] Isabella:
"Alcaraz was trailing five, three... attempted a comeback from two sets down."

• Coco Golfer's Victory: Coco Golfer secures the women's French Open title, marking a significant achievement for American tennis since Serena Williams' 2015 win.
• Carlos Alcaraz vs. Jannik Sinner: Alcaraz triumphs in a grueling five-hour, 29-minute match, showcasing resilience by coming back from two sets down.

b. Aaron Rodgers Joins the Pittsburgh Steelers

[51:02] Katie Nolan:
"Aaron Rodgers... signed a one-year, $13.6 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers."

• Contract Details:
  • Guaranteed: $10 million
  • Potential Max: $19.5 million with performance incentives
• Implications:
  • Compatibility Concerns: Analysts question the fit between Rodgers and Steelers' wide receiver DK Metcalf, citing differing play styles and personalities.
  • Fan Reactions: Mixed feelings among listeners regarding this major quarterback transition.

c. Stanley Cup Finals and Player Performances

[44:21] Katie Nolan:
"Brad Marchand scored the game-winning goal in double overtime."

• Game Highlights:
  • Boston Bruins vs. Oklahoma City Thunder:
    • Brad Marchand's crucial goal ties the series at one-all.
    • Offensive performances from players like Shay Gilgis Alexander and Alex Caruso.
• Fan Engagement:
  Listeners call in to express their frustration and support, particularly against Marchand's performance.

Notable Quotes:

• Katie Nolan:
  "Having to listen to his nonsense... This is going to make you stronger as a person."
  [73:12]

5. Miscellaneous Sports Discussions

The conversation meanders through various other sports topics, adding a lighthearted and humorous element to the episode.

a. Darts World Cup

[89:24] Unknown:
"The World Cup of Darts starts this Thursday, June 12th, at 1pm Eastern on Peacock."

• Darren Van Dongen ("Dutch Dragon") leads the U.S. team, aiming to overcome past challenges and fan hostility.

b. Baseball Prospects

[78:39] Katie Nolan:
"Roman Anthony has been called up to the Red Sox, replacing an injured Willer Abreu."

• Prospect Performance:
  • Hits first home run, showcasing potential as a top prospect.
  • Discussions on fan anxiety and the pressures of debuting in major leagues.

c. Player Anecdotes and Humor

• Beard Comparisons:
  [88:27] Brady:
  "Chris Sale taking a pair of scissors and cutting up the White Sox throwback uniforms was like going through 'Mean Girls'."
• Interview Fiascoes:
  [83:07] Katie Nolan:
  "Is $10,000 enough to make you feel better about the fact that you just biffed a throw to first base?"

6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Katie Nolan wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to engage with the sports they love, embrace their emotions, and stay connected with the Casuals community.

[95:56] Katie Nolan:
"Find somebody you love, give them a hug, watch some sports you like, and enjoy yourself."

Notable Quotes Overview

• Katie Nolan on Simone Biles:
  "Simone Biles... She's fighting against bigoted bullying, harassment."
  [06:00]

• Brady on Vinnie Pasquintino:
  "Reigning American League player of the week, Vinnie Pasquintino... our favorite baseball player."
  [07:32]

• Dallen Cuff on NIL Settlement:
  "All schools can opt into this. If you opt in, you don't have to spend that, but that is the cap."
  [57:55]

• Katie Nolan on College Sports Rollout:
  "Why does it seem like the compensation of college athletes? The rollout of this has been such a mess on top of a mess."
  [62:49]

• Brady on Aaron Rodgers' Fit with Steelers:
  "DK Metcalf is a run in a straight line, barrel through, people get open however he wants... Aaron Rodgers is full Rodgers at all times."
  [53:38]

Takeaways

• Inclusion in Sports: The episode underscores the importance of inclusivity and standing against bullying in sports, exemplified by Simone Biles' actions.
• College Sports Transformation: The House v. NCAA settlement marks a significant shift in college athletics, allowing direct payments to athletes while introducing new challenges.
• Dynamic Sports Landscape: From major tennis victories and quarterback movements to quirky anecdotes about player behaviors, the podcast encapsulates the ever-evolving nature of sports.
• Community and Engagement: Despite the complexities and controversies, Casuals emphasizes the unifying power of sports and the importance of community support.

This episode of Casuals with Katie Nolan offers listeners a comprehensive dive into current sports issues, blending serious discussions with humor and personal insights. Whether you're passionate about athlete inclusion, navigating the changing landscape of college sports, or simply enjoy the latest sports highlights, this episode provides valuable perspectives and engaging conversations.