Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona
Episode: 06-24-25
Title: DBacks Make Deal For Stadium Repairs - Watching Surviving Ohio State Doc On MAX Has Us Questioning How Anyone Can Still Support That School For Covering Up Doctor For 20 Plus Years
Release Date: June 24, 2025
Host: John Holmberg
Co-hosts: Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Dick Toledo

1. Introduction

In this episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness on 98 KUPD, host John Holmberg and his co-hosts delve into two major topics: the Arizona Diamondbacks' recent financial decisions regarding their stadium and the disturbing revelations from the documentary Surviving Ohio State available on MAX. The discussion intertwines sports, financial ethics, and institutional accountability, providing listeners with a deep dive into issues that challenge their loyalty and perceptions.

2. Arizona Diamondbacks' Stadium Repairs Deal

John Holmberg opens the conversation by addressing the Arizona Diamondbacks' significant financial maneuvering related to their stadium. Originally constructed in the late '90s for $700 million, the stadium now requires an additional $1.2 billion for repairs. Holmberg criticizes the assertion that the stadium would be a major economic boon to the city, highlighting that instead of benefiting the community, the funds are being siphoned back to the stadium's maintenance.

Notable Quote:

"When that stadium was built, one of the big selling points was all the money it'll bring into the city... But as it turns out, a bit, $1.2 billion of the money that was from the taxes from that stadium will go right back into the stadium."
— John Holmberg [01:15]

Bret Vesely reinforces this point by comparing the initial cost with the repair expenses, calling it a "shell game" where the promised economic benefits never materialize for the city.

Key Points:

• The stadium's construction and repair costs far exceed initial projections.
• Promised tax revenues and economic benefits are being redirected to the stadium itself.
• Holmberg expresses frustration over the misleading narratives used by sports franchises to garner public support.

3. Surviving Ohio State Documentary Discussion

Transitioning from financial critiques, Holmberg introduces the documentary Surviving Ohio State, which exposes a severe cover-up involving a doctor at Ohio State University accused of multiple sexual assaults over decades.

Notable Quotes:

"There's nobody ever does that with evidence. Everybody says, hey this guy's grabbing my balls for an ankle injury."
— John Holmberg [09:17]

"2800 sexual assaults. The problem is, yes, it's that guy. And it was weird, but the coaches knew it was a cover."
— John Holmberg [10:16]

The panel discusses the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the sheer number of alleged assaults (claimed to be 2,800 according to Holmberg) and the institutional failures to address these crimes adequately. They critique Ohio State's handling of the cases, including minimal settlements and non-disclosures that prevent victims from speaking openly about their experiences.

Key Highlights:

• The documentary reveals extensive sexual abuse by a single doctor at Ohio State, with thousands of victims.
• Institutional cover-up efforts by coaches and administrators to protect the university's reputation.
• Comparison to other institutions like Penn State, noting that unlike Ohio State, Penn State eventually acknowledged wrongdoing.
• The emotional and psychological impact on victims, including ruined lives and lost careers.

4. Institutional Cover-up and Responses

Holmberg and his co-hosts express deep frustration with Ohio State's response to the allegations. They highlight the university's attempts to settle cases quietly without admitting wrongdoing, thereby denying the severity of the issue.

Notable Quotes:

"They gave him emeritus and great honor when they asked him to leave. The school is still saying, if you take the settlement money, we will not take responsibility for this."
— John Holmberg [12:13]

"It's worse than Penn State. Penn State at least admitted it... Ohio State is still burying and culpable in the protection of a guy who had 2800 sexual assaults."
— John Holmberg [22:11]

The hosts condemn the lack of accountability and the ongoing reverence for individuals implicated in the cover-up, indicating a toxic culture that prioritizes image over justice.

Key Points:

• Ohio State's settlements are minimal and come with non-disclosure agreements.
• Lack of public acknowledgment of the wrongdoing exacerbates the issue.
• Comparison to Penn State's eventual admission, suggesting Ohio State's leadership is still avoiding responsibility.
• The role of influential figures like Russ Helixon and Jim Jordan in perpetuating the cover-up.

5. Personal Anecdotes and Experiences

John Holmberg shares his own uncomfortable experiences with medical professionals, drawing parallels to the abuses discussed in the documentary. These personal stories underline the pervasive nature of such misconduct and the challenges in confronting it.

Notable Quotes:

"A guy that just did stuff to me but he'd pretend like nothing was wrong. He'd tug and be overbearing. I was trusting and comfortable, but it wasn't appropriate."
— John Holmberg [23:13]

"I've been living on that story for 30 years now. I think it's hilarious."
— John Holmberg [27:32]

These anecdotes serve to humanize the broader issues, illustrating how individual lives are deeply affected by such institutional failures.

Key Points:

• Holmberg recounts invasive and inappropriate medical exams during his youth.
• The emotional complexity of addressing past abuses, including coping mechanisms like humor.
• The difficulty in recognizing and reporting misconduct due to power dynamics and fear of repercussions.

6. Conclusion and Insights

The episode concludes with a somber reflection on the state of institutional accountability in sports and education. Holmberg urges listeners to critically evaluate their support for institutions that fail to uphold ethical standards, emphasizing the importance of transparency and justice for victims.

Notable Quotes:

"You got to walk away from all that stuff and just say, I'm not going to support this anymore."
— John Holmberg [41:11]

"It's taking the Kool-Aid there. It's culty."
— John Holmberg [38:37]

Final Thoughts:

• The importance of holding institutions accountable to prevent future abuses.
• Encouragement for victims to come forward and for the community to demand ethical reforms.
• A call to re-evaluate personal support for organizations that do not prioritize integrity and justice.

Notable Excluded Sections

• Advertisements: All promotional segments for MMP guns.com, CMC Steel Arizona, FanDuel, Action Ride Shop, and Monster.com have been omitted as per instructions.
• Non-Content Conversations: Light-hearted banter and unrelated personal stories outside the main topics have been excluded to maintain focus and coherence.

Podcast Availability:
Holmberg's Morning Sickness continues to stream online at 98KUPD.com, where listeners can access past episodes and additional content.