Dan Bernstein Unfiltered

Episode: "Victor Wembanyama, 'a cost that's too great for me right now'"
Date: January 28, 2026
Host: Dan Bernstein, with longtime executive producer (possibly Matt Abbatacola, occasionally referred to as "Nate" or "Jason")

Overview

This hard-hitting episode opens with heartfelt praise for NBA star Victor Wembanyama, who spoke publicly about violence and injustice, expressing his struggles and fears as a foreign athlete in America. Bernstein and his co-host use Wembanyama as a springboard to tackle athlete activism, free speech, civic courage, and broader sociopolitical issues—from police violence and ICE to healthcare and the changing landscape of college sports. The show keeps its signature authenticity, veering between thoughtful outrage, sports analysis, personal anecdotes, and the trademark Bernstein humor.

Main Themes and Key Segments

1. Victor Wembanyama's Statement on Speaking Out (00:01 – 03:49)

• Bernstein opens with gratitude for Wembanyama’s bravery in “towering above all others” by speaking up about political injustice, in spite of pressure from his team and league.
  • "Thank you, Victor Wembanyama, for saying what you've said, and I hope it gives some cover for others to do similarly." – Dan Bernstein (00:44)
• Wembanyama’s ESPN interview (played):
  • Expresses horror at violence against civilians, laments those who normalize it.
  • Admits he can't say everything on his mind due to potential repercussions:
    "Saying everything that’s on my mind would have a cost that’s too great for me right now." – Victor Wembanyama (02:37)
  • Acknowledges extra difficulties being a foreigner speaking out.
  • Affirms respect for those who do speak up:
    "I think it definitely takes some balls and... you might have some pricing right now. Each and every one of us has to decide the price we're willing to pay." (03:26)
• Co-host underscores the emotional and existential cost for outspoken athletes.

2. Athlete Activism—Risks, Responsibilities, and Solidarity (03:49 – 09:34)

• Bernstein contextualizes Wembanyama among other athletes using their platform (Tyrese Halliburton, Brianna Stewart, John Randall).
• Details John Randall’s defiant social media posts against violence and ICE, using his platform to highlight injustice.
  • "Athletes are people first and citizens first. And if they have a larger platform because of their athletic achievement, good. They built it, they earned it, they can use it." – Dan Bernstein (06:41)
• Discusses PR and organizational pressure to remain silent, referencing coaching figures like Steve Kerr and Gregg Popovich as positive exceptions.
• Bernstein emphasizes his role as an ally in the media:
  • "He's begging to be met halfway. All he wants are some people who know, who understand and are too frightened to come over to him and say, I got you. We can help bring some of this the rest of the way." (03:49)

3. Fear and the Price of Free Speech in America (12:47 – 17:53)

• Co-host voices sadness and anger that thoughtful, intelligent young people like Wembanyama fear speaking out due to threats and repercussions.
• Segment turns to ICE and police violence, referencing deaths of Alex Preddy, Renee Goode, and others.
• Highlights increase in ICE deaths, especially in 2025 (highest since 2005).
• "It breaks my heart to hear that young guy sit there and say, well, I'm afraid to speak out, but I couldn't take it anymore." (15:56)
• Bernstein insists the podcast platform must be used to amplify courageous voices, listing athletes and coaches deserving praise for activism.

4. Debate on Opinion, Dissent, and American Freedoms (17:53 – 22:47)

• The conversation evolves into a debate on dissent, with both hosts agreeing everyone should be able to “believe what you want to believe” and express it without threat.

• Co-host laments three major U.S. issues: ICE/police violence, school shootings, and medical care tied to wealth.

• Anecdotes illustrate the healthcare crisis—e.g., a foreigner at a work conference is refused treatment without $3,000 up-front.

  • "I'm tired as a 53 year old man in this goddamn country, Dan. I'm tired of three things. I'm tired of what's happening with ICE and border... the second thing... school shootings... and health care... what the fuck are we doing?" (18:49)

• Bernstein and co-host stress the right to free speech for all, regardless of whether their views align.

5. Immigration Debate—Policy vs. Humanity (22:47 – 23:25)

• Clarifies their critique is not a blanket endorsement of illegal immigration; advocates for a humane, fair legal process.
  • "People that are trying to go through the process the right way deserve that opportunity, and they're not fully getting that opportunity under this administration."

6. College Sports Chaos: Transfers, Lawsuits, and Athlete Power (23:25 – 44:28)

• Discusses the collapse of the old "brittle structure" of college sports.
• "The center cannot hold. And this is great. Revenue-generating college sports being this unstable... all the hypocrisy and all of the lying... it is starting to crack." – Dan Bernstein (23:46)
• Key stories:
  • Darian Mensah transfer drama: Duke sues their own QB for leaving late for Miami, leading to a "settlement". Bernstein calls it "fantastic" and lauds athlete empowerment.
  • Charles Bediaco (Alabama basketball): Judge with university ties grants pro player eligibility; NCAA laments "unstable environment." The hosts love the disruption.
  • Bernstein: "This is an exploitation factory. That's all the NCAA has been is a slave labor cartel that has been manufactured to make billions of dollars off the backs of unpaid labor... Ain’t no fun when the rabbit's got the gun." (41:56)
• Lighthearted side notes: Coaching trivia, personal anecdotes about Fred Hoiberg and Rooftop tequila, and bitter (literal and emotional) Campari references.

7. NBA/Bulls Trade Speculation (47:29 – 51:02)

• News: Bulls exploring trade options; Kobe White most discussed with Minnesota Timberwolves and Houston Rockets.
• Discussion of value in possible deals, frustrations with recent team performance, and classic sports banter.
• Call for the team to show some urgency and vision in player movement.

8. Music Recommendation: “Matter of Taste” by Tyler Ballgame (52:23 – 56:53)

• Bernstein introduces a new artist discovery; the song “Matter of Taste” by Tyler Ballgame (aka Tyler Perry, not the filmmaker).
• Describes the sound as "roots rock" with a twang.
• Co-host promises to listen, details on the upcoming album (“The First Time Again” out Jan 30).
• "It simultaneously sounded old and new… This is his real voice… I think this might be great." (52:49)

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• "Saying everything that's on my mind would have a cost that's too great for me right now."
  — Victor Wembanyama (02:37)

• "He's begging to be met halfway. That's all he wants... for people who know, who understand and are too frightened to come over to him and say, I got you."
  — Dan Bernstein (03:49)

• "Athletes are people first and citizens first. And if they have a larger platform because of their athletic achievement, good. They built it, they earned it, they can use it."
  — Dan Bernstein (06:41)

• "I'm tired as a 53 year old man in this goddamn country, Dan. I'm tired of three things..."
  — Co-host (possibly Matt Abbatacola/Nate) (18:49)

• "The NCAA, a slave labor cartel. That's all it's ever been."
  — Dan Bernstein (44:22)

• "Ain’t no fun when the rabbit's got the gun. And that's what we're seeing here."
  — Dan Bernstein (44:26)

Tone and Style Notes

• Direct, unfiltered, often indignant.
• Wry humor and candid personal stories break up heavy themes.
• Blunt, Chicago radio attitude—no sugar-coating, a blend of sports talk and civic outrage.

For Listeners Who Haven’t Tuned In:

This episode is an unflinching blend of sports news and social commentary. It opens with Wembanyama’s courageous comments and deploys them as a frame for tackling tough issues: athlete activism, the emotional and real-world costs of speaking out, the chaos (and possibility) reshaping college sports, and the need for both empathy and a critical eye in politics and sports. The later portion brings expected sports analysis—Bulls trade rumors—and closes with music recommendations and lighter, convivial chat.

If you want real talk at the intersection of sports, society, and conscience—with the occasional tequila and pizza detour—this episode is a must.