2025-02-07- KSR - Hour 2

Summary

Podcast Summary: KSR - Hour 2 (February 7, 2025)

Introduction In the February 7, 2025 episode of KSR, hosted by Matt Jones and the KSR crew from iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM), listeners are treated to a dynamic blend of sports analysis, personal anecdotes, and engaging discussions. The episode delves into a variety of topics ranging from the future of employment in an automated world to heartfelt farewells to beloved team member Max Duffy. This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, notable quotes, and the overall flow of the conversation.

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Age Differences in Relationships The episode opens with Ryan Lemond addressing a listener's comment about hypothetical age differences in relationships.

• Ryan Lemond reflects:

  “If you were to have a daughter today, that would be like them dating someone 71 when they're 25. That's true.” (01:05)

This sparks a brief conversation among the hosts about the implications and societal perceptions of such age disparities.

Environmental Policies: Plastic vs. Paper Straws The discussion shifts to environmental policies, specifically President's stance on plastic straws.

• Ryan Lemond shares:

  “Best thing is he did say today he was going to bring back plastic straws. And I do like plastic straws.” (02:10)

• Shannon The Dude counters:

  “We go to New York, we go to California, we go to every coffee shop and we take all the paper straws out and replace them with plastic.” (02:59)

The hosts debate the practicality and environmental impact of this policy, highlighting the challenges in balancing convenience with ecological responsibility.

Future of Jobs and Automation Concerns A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to concerns about the future of employment amid rising automation.

• Ryan Lemond cites a listener’s comment:

  “It's like, we're gonna fundamentally change what it means to be a human being over the next 20 years.” (03:51)

• Matt Jones humorously adds:

  “No robots will build the robots. Okay, so now what are those people going to do?” (05:21)

The hosts explore the unsettling possibility that 80% of jobs could be automated, questioning the sustainability of an economy where traditional employment is scarce. They discuss potential societal shifts, such as universal basic income, and the broader implications for human identity and purpose.

Indiana Basketball: Coaching Changes and Future Prospects The conversation transitions to college basketball, focusing on Indiana University's recent struggles and coaching changes.

• Ryan Lemond informs:

  “Mike Woodson… is likely to miss the tournament.” (05:44)

• Drew Franklin suggests:

  “They have to hire Chris Beard. He would absolutely say yes.” (06:37)

The hosts debate the viability of Chris Beard taking over the program, considering his background and passion for the sport. They express skepticism about Mike Woodson’s ability to rejuvenate the team and reflect on Indiana’s historical performance versus recent downturns.

Kentucky Basketball: Team Performance and Key Injuries A substantial segment is dedicated to the University of Kentucky’s basketball team, addressing recent performances, injuries, and team dynamics.

• Ryan Lemond discusses:

  “We lost Nerlen Noel… Lamont Butler is just so crucial to this team.” (12:55)

• Matt Jones adds:

  “When you take him away, you take his backup away. I think that's one reason why they've struggled.” (13:49)

The hosts delve into how the absence of key players like Lamont Butler impacts the team’s defensive strategies and overall performance. They analyze the potential for the team to rebound if Butler returns, citing his leadership and essential role on the court.

Farewell to Max Duffy: A Heartfelt Goodbye One of the most poignant moments of the episode is the farewell to Max Duffy, a beloved member of the KSR crew who is moving back to Australia.

• Ryan Lemond expresses:

  “Max, I just want to thank you for what you did, obviously when you played football, for what you did on KSR. But really personally for me, for being an amazing friend.” (21:03)

• Max Duffy responds:

  “I have a lot of great friends here. I've met most of them… it's been awesome.” (16:57)

The emotional exchange highlights Max’s contributions to the show and his close relationships with the hosts and listeners. Stories of his time in Kentucky, his impact on Australian punters, and personal anecdotes about his friendships underscore the deep connections forged over his seven-year tenure. Listeners share their sentiments, with Matt Jones noting:

“We all know how important Max is to us, to this show, bbn, his teammates.” (26:26)

Super Bowl Anticipation The conversation briefly touches on the upcoming Super Bowl, with the hosts sharing their predictions and excitement for the event.

• Matt Jones confidently bets:

  “Eagles are going to win, man. They're mad from getting beat two years ago.” (31:09)

• Ryan Lemond counters with:

  “I'm taking the Chiefs… Patrick Mahomes. I think he wins again.” (31:34)

The debate showcases the hosts' diverse opinions and adds a dose of lively sports banter to the episode.

Arkansas Basketball: Recent Victories and Tournament Implications The discussion returns to college basketball, focusing on Arkansas’s recent performance and its implications for tournament seeding.

• Ryan Lemond states:

  “What a dunk contest. These guys… they are now listed as the first team out of the tournament.” (40:11)

The hosts analyze Arkansas’s potential to qualify for the NCAA tournament, considering their SEC standings and recent victories against teams like Texas. They discuss strategic moves and the importance of maintaining momentum to secure a favorable bracket position.

Listener Interactions and Final Remarks Throughout the episode, listeners call in with comments, questions, and farewells, adding a personal touch to the show. The hosts respond thoughtfully, addressing concerns about team performances, sharing in the emotional goodbye to Max, and engaging in light-hearted banter.

• Caller 3 shares:

  “Good morning. I just wanted to say fun farewell to Max Duffy. It was another person I could understand.” (37:26)

The episode concludes with final predictions for Kentucky’s upcoming game against South Carolina and a heartfelt send-off to Max Duffy, leaving listeners with a sense of community and anticipation for future episodes.

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Notable Quotes

• Ryan Lemond:

  “We're gonna fundamentally change what it means to be a human being over the next 20 years.” (03:51)

• Matt Jones:

  “No robots will build the robots. Okay, so now what are those people going to do?” (05:21)

• Shannon The Dude:

  “We go to every coffee shop and we take all the paper straws out and replace them with plastic.” (02:59)

• Ryan Lemond:

  “I'm taking the Chiefs… Patrick Mahomes. I think he wins again.” (31:34)

• Ryan Lemond:

  “I just want to thank you for what you did… for being an amazing friend.” (21:03)

Conclusion The February 7th episode of KSR masterfully intertwines sports analysis with personal narratives, offering listeners a comprehensive and engaging experience. From discussing the potential impact of automation on future employment to bidding a heartfelt goodbye to Max Duffy, the hosts navigate a range of topics with depth and emotion. Notable insights into Indiana and Kentucky basketball, alongside lively Super Bowl predictions, ensure that both sports enthusiasts and casual listeners find value in the conversation. This episode not only informs but also fosters a sense of community among its audience, exemplifying the essence of Kentucky Sports Radio.

Transcript

[Matt Jones]

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[Ryan Lemond]

Hour number two here Kentucky Sports Radio 859-280-2287 the text machine is 772-774-5254. One person writes Matt, think about it like this. If you were to have a daughter today, that would be like them dating someone 71 when they're 25. That's true. That would be as if I had a daughter today.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Ryan Lemond]

And then in 25 years they that that would be the age thing which is kind of a crazy thing to think about. So this could actually. If I. Well, I don't plan on having a daughter or anyone right now. But this is actually theoretically something that could happen to me if I were to have a kid.

[Drew Franklin]

What if she brings home andy Reid in 20 years?

[Ryan Lemond]

Andy Reid. I think Andy Reed would be a fun son in law. I'm not gonna lie. It'd be weird if he'd be older than me.

[Shannon The Dude]

It would be like her dating someone who is 46 right now.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah, but that's, I mean something about like that but. Because that's obviously a different thing. But I'm just saying like it would be. It's just, it's weird. But you know what? Look my. If they're happy, whatever. 859-280-2287 Text Machine 772-774-5254 on the Text Machine one person writes Matt, I can tell it hurts your head not to talk anything about the President. You know me, don't you? What do you think is the best and worst thing he's done so far? That's a good question. Best thing is he did say today he was going to bring back plastic straws. And I do like plastic straws. Paper straws to me are the worst. I don't really know how he's going to do that exactly. I think people can sell whatever straws they want, but I am for plastic. It's like when you. When I go to New York, almost every straw is paper and I do hate paper. They've seems like they've made them a little bit better, but they still stick.

[Shannon The Dude]

We go to New York, we go to California, we go to every coffee shop and we take all the paper straws out and replace them with plastic. I mean, outside of California, you just steal them. And then Ryan still sports. He gets away with it. Outside of California and New York, I mean, are there any other places that have paper straws? I feel like those are the two violators.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah, I don't know. I don't have it. But that, but I'm, I do hate paper sh. So I saw that from him. So that. I'll give that an A. As far as the things I don't like, I really don't like that he's made Elon Musk a part of my life. Like, I don't like that guy. And he's wake. He's in the news way too much. So those would be the two things that stick out. I, I would like to find a way to put all Elon Musk news away from my life because I find him really annoying.

[Drew Franklin]

It does feel like people forgot that we have several movies about a billionaire and his robots taking over the world and we're just going to walk right.

[Ryan Lemond]

Into it, you know, Completely different point. I heard a guy, again, who knows if this person knows something, but he said that he thinks in 20 years, 80 per. Now I want you to think about this stat. 80% of the jobs in America will go away and be automated and that like. And at that point with 80, basically the only people whose jobs will be left will be like in the service economy, like, like, like waiters and, and that kind of.

[Shannon The Dude]

They already have robot servers, you know, the robot bartender.

[Ryan Lemond]

But I mean, I was, you know, if that's true, which I guess is plausible, how do you have an economy if no one has a job? Like that's, that's really scary if you think about it. Like, does that mean we just. Everybody just gets paid just to live and no one works and like, I, I don't.

[Shannon The Dude]

Everybody has to make the same salary. I mean, how does that.

[Ryan Lemond]

But I mean, what else if no one. If there are no jobs? Like, people have to have money somehow, right? So I guess what. The government just gives that. And. And the person's point was, like, we're gonna fundamentally change what it means to be a human being over the next 20 years. Like, and that's kind of crazy. And all I want to do is watch Kentucky beat South Carolina tomorrow. Ryan and I saw that, and it just got in my brain, and I was like, whoa, that's kind of crazy to think about, but it's. But I can see how that could happen, actually.

[Matt Jones]

You know, you got me in my. My brain just going.

[Shannon The Dude]

I'm thinking, slow down, slow down. Smoke's coming out of his ears.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, the only. What are. What are the only jobs going to be? People that build the robots. No robots will build the robots. Okay, so now what are those people going to.

[Ryan Lemond]

I don't know.

[Matt Jones]

The button. Start the robot.

[Shannon The Dude]

Only fans. We'll start my only fans career.

[Ryan Lemond]

You think the only thing left is going to be only fans.

[Shannon The Dude]

Nobody wants to look at a robot.

[Drew Franklin]

So, you know, actually, in 20 years, we'll have several people married to robots and are sitting on couches with robots.

[Ryan Lemond]

It's not. It's not a pleasant thing. Mike Woodson announces, or at least it's reported Mike Woodson will resign at the end of the year. To keep that from being a mess. Indiana is likely to miss the tournament. Mike Woodson, who. Indiana fan said, get ready. He's bringing us back. Like they've been saying for 25 years. Looks like that's going to be a failure now as well. Indiana basketball just done, like, just done forever. Or is there ever a way they come back? I mean, they thought this was the dude. They. That Indiana fans were talking more trash about this guy than even Arkansas fans were with Cal. They thought this was the dude. Now they got one more option.

[Drew Franklin]

I. They have to hire Chris Beard. He would absolutely say yes. He's obsessed with Bob Knight. He worked for Bob Knight. I think if anyone can save them, and I'm not saying he can, but that's like their last.

[Ryan Lemond]

That seems like a slam dunk for.

[Drew Franklin]

Them because he's already. Look at it.

[Ryan Lemond]

Chris Beard. I mean, I feel like you. You can't even mention Chris Beard walks into a room and just starts talking about Bobby Knight. Like, it. Like, he. He loves Bobby Knight. You're.

[Drew Franklin]

When they beat Kentucky, he said. He said that was a Bob Knight game.

[Ryan Lemond]

He said that was about like, he's all just, Bobby Knight, Bobby Knight, Bobby Knight. You're obviously an Indiana guy, grew up there. Isn't that what they have to do? He's. I feel like he would win there. I mean, he was winning at Ole Miss, so I feel like he would win there.

[Matt Jones]

They thought they were getting, like, what we got with Mark Pope, you know, Mike Woodson, former player, hero, been a coach in the NBA for years. He's going to come back and rejuvenate the Indiana fan base. It just didn't happen. And when you got your student body in the end zone chanting fire Woodson and, you know, organizing boycotts, I mean.

[Ryan Lemond]

They'Re doing it every game. The students chant. First of all, I don't know why they thought that was going to work. Shannon. I said, the moment they hired him, name me a time there's ever been an NBA coach who's never coached in college. That has come and it has worked. It has never worked ever. Because dealing with dudes in the NBA is not the same as dealing with dudes in college. They're at different stages of their life. You have to approach people who make $50 million a different way than you approach a kid who used to make nothing and now makes a little bit of money. It wasn't going to work. Now we'll see if Indiana can get the next one, right?

[Shannon The Dude]

Yeah. You know, if they don't get Crisp beard, I'm just wondering, like, who else could they get? I don't know that Indiana is that much of a desire.

[Ryan Lemond]

Bring back Tom Crane. I mean, Tom Crane's been the best coach they've had since Bobby Knight. I mean, to be honest with you.

[Shannon The Dude]

25 years ago, maybe it was more, you know, desirable, but right now, I don't know that.

[Ryan Lemond]

Think about this for a second. When, since 1997, Indiana has not had a year where they were in the top 25 all year, except once. For 30 seasons, Indiana has had a year where they were in the top 25 the whole year. One time, and you know what happened that year? They lost in the second round of the NCAA tournament. Like, they to us, Ryan, Drew, Shannon, like, to our age, people, they're a power. But you take somebody under 30, Ryan, and act like Indiana is a power in basketball, they'll just laugh at you like they've never even been to people that age. Purdue is an infinitely better program than Indiana.

[Matt Jones]

When we first started doing this radio show, you always had your teams. You put in your top five or top seven of best college basketball programs. Of all time. You always had Indiana in that list. Now look, we are 15 years later. Indiana is nowhere close to being on that list.

[Drew Franklin]

There are people walking this earth old enough to date Bill Belichick that don't remember when Indiana was killed. Also, I got to name.

[Ryan Lemond]

First of all, that's not like. That's totally true. Yeah, I mean, that's totally true.

[Drew Franklin]

Jeff Goodman said they should call Rick Patino.

[Shannon The Dude]

I mean, he's kind of got it.

[Ryan Lemond]

Made if you wanted to make sure. Yeah, if you're. But you're. If you're at St. John's like, he's a New York. He's a New York guy. Like, he would not want to take it.

[Drew Franklin]

It's funny, the thought of him having to play mock Pope next year.

[Ryan Lemond]

I mean, let's be real. He is selling out the Garden again, like at St. John. You know, in New York, newspapers are about to die everywhere, but in New York, those, The Daily News and the Post are still a thing. And for those of you that have been to New York, they have a front page that's the news, and then the back page is sports. And the thing in New York is always what's on the COVID of the back page. And it's almost always Knicks, giants, jets, picket. St. John's has been on the COVID of the back page like five times this year. And I bet you it hasn't been on the COVID of the back page five times in 30 years. And so he's got. Got it to where people care about it.

[Shannon The Dude]

Plus, if somebody said you can live in New York City or Bloomington, Indiana.

[Ryan Lemond]

You'Re going to pick.

[Shannon The Dude]

Which one are you going to pick?

[Ryan Lemond]

You're going to pick New York, especially if you're. Rick, who's up next? Bill is up next. Bill. Go ahead, Bill.

[Caller 1]

Hey. Okay, you're 47 years old, your husband is 90, and he dies. Your kids, your wife, everybody's got plenty of money, and now you're 47, and you're not going to have any trouble beating somebody for the rest of your life. How is that not a good deal?

[Ryan Lemond]

I mean, but you're talking about it like it's a business transaction. Don't you think that, like, love or something like that should enter into the equation? I mean, it's not just like punching in at an atm. It is romantic emotions.

[Caller 1]

Well, I mean, it seems to me like they've got that.

[Ryan Lemond]

Well, mate. I mean, if they look again, if they're happy, who. Far be it from us. It's just. It's Just quite a visual. Like, if you haven't seen the picture from the red carpet last night, you need to see it. It is quite a visual. It's like. It's like an un. Like one of those pictures.

[Shannon The Dude]

You go, whoa, he's the modern day Hugh Hefner.

[Caller 1]

I saw it.

[Ryan Lemond]

But he's still coaching too, though.

[Matt Jones]

Like.

[Ryan Lemond]

Like that's awes. He's still coaching college football. That's kind of odd, you know, if.

[Caller 1]

He was already 80, that even be better.

[Ryan Lemond]

All right, well, I appreciate the call. He wants him. He wants him to be even older.

[Shannon The Dude]

He relates well to young people.

[Ryan Lemond]

Good at recruiting. Who's up next? Brady is up next. Brady. Go ahead, Brady.

[Caller 2]

Hey, guys. Kentucky fans from St. Louis, Missouri area. I heard John Fanta say the other night, he mentioned that the Kentucky team, they have too much experience. And he said maybe that's a reason why they kind of peaked early in the season. And while we were going through the Calipari experiment, I kind of thought the opposite where, you know, maybe we were wrong early in the season and it never got going for March. I kind of thought with the experience, we'd have a better chance late in the season.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah, but I don't understand that. I don't totally understand that argument. When you say we're. We peaked. I mean, we've. We've only played 20, 21 games or whatever. Like, I mean, it's not like these guys have gotten tired. I don't know exactly what that means. I can see how with experience, you'd be better early than a lot of the other teams are, but it shouldn't make us worse. I think it's more like.

[Caller 2]

No, just to be clear. No, just. Sorry to interrupt. Just to be clear. John Fanta said it. I was kind of playing the advocate that I don't know if this Kentucky team peaked early in the year. They were playing good ball, obviously, but I still thought the experience was going to carry over and help us in March, not be a, you know, detriment to the team.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah, well, I appreciate the call. I. I think Ryan, you know, I. I don't like to make excuses for injuries because everybody has injuries, but sometimes injuries affect your team differently than other injuries. Right. So when we lost Nerlen's Noel, there was absolutely nothing we could do on that team to replace Nerlens Noel, like there. It did not matter what we did. It was not basketball team. There have been other times you lose a guy and it would be Ryan, nice to have him, but you still can win with him. Like when we lost Alex Porus. Right. The question is, is Lamont Butler NER Noel or is he Alex Porus? And I thought it was probably more Alex Porus, but I kind of think maybe it's more Nerlands Noel. That Lamont Butler is just so crucial to this team. Not having him is. Is a big detriment.

[Matt Jones]

You know, they can get by with not having him on the offensive end, but we're seeing how valuable he is on the defensive end. I think the last couple games they have him, things may be a little different. And they look, you know, he's the leader. We heard this summer. There's no doubt. This is Lamont Butler's team. He is the leader. You take him away, you take his backup away. I think that's one reason why they've struggled.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah, I. Do you think. Let me ask you this, Drew. When he comes back, let's assume he comes back. Is it all good? Are we back?

[Drew Franklin]

Don't be better.

[Ryan Lemond]

Are we back to the team that can beat anybody on any given game and wins most of the games? They should.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah. But Lamont being out didn't make Kobe Brayes start missing all his threes. I mean, Kobe will have to get back in rhythm again too, but yes, they'll be much better. Their record would be different if he played. And Lamont by himself might not be nerlens, but when both of your point guards who were former starters, I mean, Pope signed two starters for one spot and you lose both of them by January, there's not a team in the country that can handle losing two point guard.

[Ryan Lemond]

And also remember, we haven't for three or four weeks had the full Andrew Carr, although he looked more like himself in the last game. Haven't totally had him either. But it's not a total excuse. I mean, to be fair, Arkansas lost their best player and maybe got better. So, you know, it happens. 8592802287 we will take a break and be right back here at Kentucky. Brandon. This is ksr. Welcome back. It is Kentucky Sports Radio here live at Kentucky branded. Go to Kentuckybranded.com all day. Buy one, get one free on t shirts and sweatshirts. 20% off the entire store that's online or here or at the other store out in Hamburg and in Louisville, Kentucky Branded. Today is the day. Go check it out. Everybody welcome us. Max Duffy is here on the show.

[Max Duffy]

Thank you. Thank you.

[Ryan Lemond]

So, Max, you. I, I sort of spoiled the surprise last night. But you are moving back to Australia this Weekend. Why the change? Back to the below under land.

[Max Duffy]

Yeah, a few people found out via your tweet before I got to give them a call, so.

[Ryan Lemond]

Well, I mean, I had to tell people you're going to be here.

[Max Duffy]

No. Yeah, no doubt. You know, I think there comes a time where you have a realization and you're like, I need to make a move. And when you walk back into your house yesterday and your roommate says, do you want to see a picture of my colon? I think it's the point where it's like, I think I've had enough of this and it's time to go back.

[Matt Jones]

Time to go.

[Max Duffy]

But no, yeah, obviously, I'm as sad as I am leaving. I'm excited to get back home and see family and friends a lot more and hang out with them, so, yeah.

[Ryan Lemond]

So give people a sense. You came to Kentucky when?

[Max Duffy]

2018.

[Ryan Lemond]

2018. How many times? So that was seven years. How many times have you been home since 2018?

[Max Duffy]

Two times. I've seen. I've seen my parents and my sisters and my brother four times, I reckon, in seven years for maybe at the most a week. So not, I mean, obviously FaceTimes and, you know, calls and all that, but, yeah, not a whole lot of sustainability.

[Ryan Lemond]

And I assume you've Have. Have friends that you maybe haven't seen since.

[Max Duffy]

Right, Got a couple.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Max Duffy]

But, no, absolutely. Yeah, I have. I mean, there's been so many guys, and, you know, you try to get back and see everyone, but in seven days you're trying to prioritize your family, too. So. So many guys are like, hey, man, I didn't get to see you when you got back. I'm like, yeah, I'll be back soon. It's like, yeah, actually, don't get back soon. Like, you're going for. There was four years, really, where I didn't see my parents and.

[Matt Jones]

Wow.

[Ryan Lemond]

So you said to me the other night, you said, like, it's tough because you left a life to come here that you miss, but you're also going to miss a life here. You have a lot of great friends here. I've met most of them. And then obviously, the football staff and you have this life of football that's you. You said to me, like, 50 of me is excited and 50 of me is not. Is that right?

[Max Duffy]

Yeah, definitely. I mean, it's. It's bittersweet, obviously. Like, you know, when I kind of left Australia, I was like, well, I'll be back at some stage. So, you know, it was sad and all that. But I was like, I'm going for three years, and who even knows if I'll get a game for this Kentucky team? And I might be back after a year when they cut me or something like that. I didn't know how it works. So to be here for seven years is kind of a surprise. It honestly feels like I left yesterday, so definitely made a lot of lifelong friends and had some great experiences, and we're really, really great. Seven years, so it's been awesome.

[Ryan Lemond]

You. You and I were talking last night about the way the Kentucky fan base has embraced you. You know, you grew up in Perth, Australia. Talk about that. Like you were talking last night.

[Max Duffy]

Yeah, I mean, I don't want to sound like LeBron James kid from Akron and all that, but, I mean, honestly, a kid from Perth, like, who would ever think you'd come? I mean, I didn't even know what Kentucky was before I got here. And, you know, when they told me I was going to University of Kentucky, I was like, kfc awesome. Like, this will be great chicken every single day, and I'll probably put on £200. But no, like to come here. And Lexington's such a great town. To me, like, UK is the biggest thing in town, and all the fans are just unbelievably fanatical. And that's so awesome. Like, for them to embrace you and, you know, little things like walking out on game day, like through the. Through the huddle and seeing all the fans there, that was. That was probably some of the best moments of my life.

[Ryan Lemond]

And what about your time on this show? I mean, I. You. We've talked a lot about. You have people who write you from all over. I said to you last night, there are people who listen to this show who have never left the United States and who, like, hear you talk, and they don't know anyone from a place like Australia like, that has to be cool to be able to have that connection with people.

[Max Duffy]

No doubt. I think I annoyed some people with my basketball takes every now and then, but no doubt. No, it's. It's been great. And to, you know, try to, you know, be able to give that different perspective, I guess. And like I said, I mean, it doesn't really matter about me. It's just been awesome that you guys have embraced me. You gave me a chance on this show, Obviously. Me and Miles did our little podcast, which was pretty fun for a couple years, and I ended up doing it with Drew and the guys, so that was really fun. The road trips were awesome and just for me to get an experience like this, like, I'm going to go home and no one's going to have a clue what I did. Like, even with college football, I was telling that last night. Like, my sister goes, so what's the team exactly called? And I'm like, okay, we got a lot of work to do here.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah. Because college football is not a thing over there, really.

[Max Duffy]

Right, right. So, I mean, I tell the story all the time, but when I said I was coming over to punt, my mum thought I was coming over to gamble because Australia, it's called punting, just stuff like that. But no, it's been, it's been really, really awesome.

[Ryan Lemond]

You. So you, you know, you, you want, you come over here, you win the award for the nation's best punter. You have a trophy. Are you carrying that through? Through?

[Max Duffy]

I'm leaving it in Nashville at the moment.

[Ryan Lemond]

I mean, that trophy is like unbelievable. It's insanely tall. You know, you look back at those moments, you. We've traveled all across the the country together with this show, et cetera. When you got on a plane to come to America, would you have ever imagined it would have been like this?

[Max Duffy]

Absolutely not. Like, I, I really didn't know what to expect. As I've said many times, like, I didn't know what Kentucky was, I barely knew what the SEC was. So for me, you know, coming over here, all I wanted to do was hopefully get a game. Like I just hopefully wanted to kick and for it to surpass. That's been awesome.

[Ryan Lemond]

So for people who don't know, you know, a few years ago, Max was in between places, he needed somewhere to stay and I had in my Lexington house an extra room and he came and stayed for a couple years. Then you went to Murray and then you came back and stayed a little over a year recently. And I said this to you. Not only have you become a great friend to me and to the show, you've been wonderful for Big Blue Nation. But just on a personal level, I said this. You know, I barely knew you when you moved in and then immediately I had some health issues and some health issues that were very difficult for me and made it to where oftentimes, to be quite frank with you, and I've talked a little bit about this on this show. I had anxiety a lot just about day to day living and here was this dude in my house, really even knew. And you could not have been kinder to me, somebody you didn't know. You helped me through evenings where I was really Struggling, you know, you saw me in some difficult situations and I can't thank you enough. You've become a great friend to me. You've come a great friend of these guys. As I said to you last night, I'm not going to get emotional, but I'm going to miss you. I mean, because it's not like you're moving to Knoxville. I don't know when. I don't know when.

[Max Duffy]

I think you might hate me if I moved to Knoxville.

[Ryan Lemond]

I would hate you if you moved to Knoxville. I don't know when we're going to see you again because you're moving to Australia for good. Yeah. But I just want to thank you for what you did, obviously when you played football, for what you did on ksr. But really personally for me, for being an amazing friend and I, you know, it's tough. You don't have a lot of friends that just go to the other side of the earth. So, Max, thank you very much and I wish you nothing but success the rest of your life.

[Max Duffy]

I appreciate it. And same goes back to you, obviously. Thanks.

[Ryan Lemond]

He promised he wasn't gonna cry, but he's about to.

[Max Duffy]

We had a few tears last night, but no, no, same thing. Like, I appreciate it and, and for you guys, and obviously especially Matt, like, giving me good opportunity.

[Ryan Lemond]

So back stuffy, everybody, and good luck, my friend. Thank you all. Thank you all very much. We will take a break and be right back. This has been Kentucky Sports Radio. We're coming to Perth one day.

[Drew Franklin]

Heck, yeah.

[Ryan Lemond]

Welcome back. It is Kentucky Sports Radio Richmond Road Vet Clinic. I've told you about BBN Pets. You can sign up your dog today and let them join the big blue nation in style. Exclusive BBN gear for dogs. Imagine your pup rocking their BBN swag. I saw somebody the other day who came up to me with their dog and they're like, hey, I got this at the BBN Pets. You want to hold it? And I said, no, but. But it's still very nice. BBN pets.com the Richmond Road Veterinary Clinic. Go there. Get your dog pampered, celebrated and decked out in big blue pride. @bbn pets.com One person writes, Matt, I came here to get ready for the game tomorrow. I didn't think you all were going to make me cry. I'm going to miss Max a lot. You know, I mean, he's right. I'm just being honest. He and I both, last night cried a little bit. I. It, you know, it's. I don't. I don't think I've ever had a situation where someone was a good friend and they just left. And you're like, I don't know if I'll ever see that person. I mean, like, Australia is far away. So. So, yeah, that's tough. And as I said, you know, we. He's a kind of sarcastic Australian. They have a word for him that I won't use on the air, but. But you hear that side of him. But he is extremely kind, and I've watched him do stuff for people in this state that is really unbelievable. And just for me personally, I had a really difficult time three or four years ago. And when I was in Louisville, you know, I. When I was in Louisville, my friend hubby, when I was having difficult nights, would sit on the phone with me and talk. And then when I was here, he would sit there with me. We'd watch Cheaters and Family Feud. Absolutely terrible shows. And it would find a way to kind of get me back to a good place. And, you know, it's going to be. It's going to. It's tough losing a friend you've spent a lot of time with over the last few years. Yeah.

[Drew Franklin]

We took a group photo. Don't zoom in on my eyes on that. They got a little watery. But I wasn't nearly as close to Max as you. But through the road trips and like you said, doing shows, hang out with Lexington. Great friend. I'm going to miss our trips to Pizza Ranch. I'm going to miss the joy on his face when he'd see a Christmas tree. But, you know, with zoom and everything, now, hopefully we'll be able to link up.

[Ryan Lemond]

I can probably say this now that he's leaving, but two years ago, the last year of our big blue wall, Ryan, he. Max was really close with those guys.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Ryan Lemond]

So I would come home sometimes. Like, if I'd been in Louisville, I would come to Lexington and I would see our entire UK offensive line sitting in the living room of my house. And they would be. Sometimes they would be drinking wine, and we would call them the UK Wineman. But that group that included, like, it was that Luke Fortner group, right. That group was often at my house. Usually I let them have their space because they. But it was. I really grew to like those guys a lot. So Miles, Max, but then that group of offensive linemen that year. So they were all just excellent dudes. And it was been tough watching the offensive line stink because I knew the group before and how good they were and how nice they were and now they're all gone.

[Matt Jones]

You know, we all know how important Max is to us, to this show, bbn, his teammates. I didn't realize he's like the godfather of Australian kickers and punters. We were on a trip to Seattle. He got a call every day, dude.

[Ryan Lemond]

This is a true story. So we're driving to Seattle and it's transfer portal season. My man was on. The only person on the phone more than me was him.

[Matt Jones]

Was him.

[Ryan Lemond]

Every Australian punter in the country was calling Max, asking where they ought to go. And then he'd get off the phone and he'd call a coach and be like, you gotta take this guy. And he was literally like the Scott Boris of Australian punters. And somebody go, they're offering me this. And Max would be like, you can get more next. And he would just do all this the whole time. It was absolutely unbelievable to watch. I. I love Mark Stoops, but he doesn't listen to him about punters. Max has tried to hand him a punter for the last two or three years and he won't take them. And I'm like, Mark, he's given everybody else in the country, you know, like, I think two of the three finalists for the Ray guy. Max helped put him at the school they were at, and somehow we don't take him even though he played here. Yeah.

[Shannon The Dude]

I thought Max was running, like, the punters hotline.

[Ryan Lemond]

He really was. Unbelievable.

[Shannon The Dude]

How can I direct your.

[Ryan Lemond]

That's right.

[Drew Franklin]

My favorite was when he told that one. My first piece of advice, don't ever say that to your coach again. We won't repeat what the player said to his own coach. But he said, do not talk to your coach.

[Ryan Lemond]

So they use a word in Australia that people we don't use in America. It rhymes with the action you do in baseball where you just touch it and then run to first base.

[Drew Franklin]

Or what Max does.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yes. So you can't use that word, but in Australia, it's just a word you just use. Right. And he called his coach that. And Max was like, you can't do that. They don't react. Saban's not going to react like that like. Like other people.

[Drew Franklin]

He is like the dad of the college punters.

[Ryan Lemond]

He really is. He is. Who's up next? Knox is up next. Knox, Go ahead, Knox.

[Caller 2]

Hey, Matt, I just got a quick question for you. I wasn't sure too much about Tyler, her younger brother Austin, but, you know, if he's gonna be playing at all or what's his kind of future. For college basketball. I wasn't sure.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah, I have no idea.

[Drew Franklin]

He's. He plays. He's asked. He's on South Carolina's roster. He doesn't really play, but there is a young hero on that team.

[Ryan Lemond]

Is it really?

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah, he used to run around Lexington. As soon as I saw his team photo, I was like, that 10 year old is in college now, but yeah.

[Ryan Lemond]

I remember him from the Bahamas. Yeah, he only gets about a minute ago. That kid's in college.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah, he looks just like Tyler too. But unfortunately, probably won't see too much of him.

[Ryan Lemond]

Things like that keep happening. The just make me feel so old. Tyler hero's brother is in college.

[Drew Franklin]

Felt that way about Dakari's brother when he was at Arkansas.

[Ryan Lemond]

Well, I appreciate the call. Who's next?

[Matt Jones]

Johnny is up next.

[Ryan Lemond]

Johnny, Go ahead, Johnny.

[Drew Franklin]

Is Max moving back?

[Caller 2]

Because all the Outbacks are closing down now, I think.

[Ryan Lemond]

No, I think. Yeah, it's. It's more. It's. It's ice. I think is. Is. Is running him off.

[Caller 2]

And then also what's younger or who's younger? Belichick girlfriend or Matt's Facebook age.

[Matt Jones]

Close.

[Ryan Lemond]

You know what? Hang up on this guy. 859-280-2287 Are you excited about the Super Bowl Sunday?

[Shannon The Dude]

No, no, I'm excited about like the party, you know, the, the environment, I guess, of the super bowl, but not.

[Ryan Lemond]

That's in New Orleans. That's a great. That's a great environment.

[Shannon The Dude]

No, I'm at my party. Not. I don't care.

[Ryan Lemond]

Your party that you don't invite us to.

[Drew Franklin]

Exactly.

[Shannon The Dude]

Yeah.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yes.

[Shannon The Dude]

But other than that. No, I, I can't get excited about Chiefs and Eagles are.

[Ryan Lemond]

But yeah, I mean, like we're watching. Greatness. Come on. I mean, these are. These are probably the two best teams. And then you. They get to play each other. I think it's going to be. I mean, Saquon Barkley's got a chance to win his first Super Bowl. Kelsey and Mahomes got a chance to make history. I feel like. I mean, I feel like it's exciting. You're not.

[Drew Franklin]

I can't wait. I love the Super. I don't care. But the team's in it every year. I love the Super Bowls. Unfortunately, our last football game we get to watch. But I mentioned this yesterday. I'll have a spreadsheet with 50 bets on it that are all ridiculous. Keeps me entertained. The commercials. I love it. I'll make a whole day.

[Ryan Lemond]

Ryan.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, I enjoyed it. Just because the event, you know, the commercials, the partying, the food, the beer, everything.

[Ryan Lemond]

Are the commercials still a thing? Like I don't feel like they are them early.

[Shannon The Dude]

Yeah, I guess to get, you know, maximum run out of it, but, and.

[Ryan Lemond]

I know Kendrick Lamar is doing the halftime so like I guess that'll be good. You get New Orleans. I'm sure they'll have New Orleans flavor.

[Drew Franklin]

It should have been Lil Wayne.

[Ryan Lemond]

New Orleans is the best for a big event in the country like New Orleans. New New Orleans is such a great city and so unique. So I, I, I'm looking forward to it. Who do you think wins? This will be our draft Kings pick of the day. Go to DraftKings promo code KSR. Who wins?

[Shannon The Dude]

I can't beat the Eagles, so I'm going to go with the Chiefs. Chiefs, yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Eagles are going to win, man. They're mad from getting beat two years ago. It's old hat for Chiefs. Eagles win.

[Ryan Lemond]

I said that so confidently. Eagles are going to win, man. All right.

[Drew Franklin]

I haven't fully committed, but my logic is probably going to be the same as last year. If I bet on the Chiefs and they lose, I can sleep at night. If I bet against them and I lose that bet, then I'm just an idiot for betting against the Chiefs. So I will probably side with greatness. Even though I, I think the Eagles have a very good chance. Saquon can go off.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah, I'm taking the Chiefs. I mean, I feel like, I feel like that we're going to look back one day and go this two year period right here where the Chiefs were not as good as they used to be. Before Kelsey retires and before they bring in some other stud, we're going to look back and go, how did the NFL let them win those two? Like they were their teams weren't even that good and then they still won. I, to me, you, you can't bet against Michael Jordan, you can't bet against Tiger woods, you can't bet against Tom Brady. And I don't think you can bet against Patrick Mahomes. I think he wins again. Who's up next? Mark is up next. Mark, Go ahead, Mark. Matt, as a 80s and 90s country fan, I can't believe you didn't set the joke up. What did Belichick's girlfriend parents say to her? Here's your one chance, fancy. Don't let me down. Yeah, I didn't say that joke on purpose because it wouldn't have been good. But I, but yeah, I appreciate the call. Plus I, I hate that song. So that wasn't gonna happen. 859-280-2287 let's do one more. Who's next? Next.

[Matt Jones]

Greg is next.

[Ryan Lemond]

Greg. Go ahead, Greg. Hey guys, let me get off my. Anyway, I got this theory about the. Our team. All of our players come from lesser conferences. Yes. And I just wonder that that has some effect them playing in the sec. Yes, I do. You know, in Kentucky, without question, you're like everybody's Super Bowl. Well, I think, I think that's less it because these guys, I don't think these guys hide from the moment. But I think what we have and I appreciate the call is we have Ryan mid major to high mate. They don't. We have. We just. Our athletes are not as good. I've said that all year. I said that when we were winning and people were like, matt, you're crazy. They're great athletes. They're all going to get drafted or a bunch of them get. We. These dudes are not great. We've Kentucky fans, we've seen great players. Right. Like we know what great players look like. We know what great athletes look like. That's not these guys. But these guys have to win with execution. And Ryan, when you are winning with execution, you better not lose your effort, you better not lose your focus. You can't do any of that stuff because you're not good enough to overcome that. And I think the last few games we've seen that go away and that's been surprising.

[Matt Jones]

You're right, man. These other teams more athletic than we are and they have is taken. Taken our focus away and our energy that and this team is the athletes. But they, when they play together as a team, like you said, when they execute, they can beat anybody in the country. It's just they haven't been. I guess focused is the right word. It seems like the last couple of.

[Ryan Lemond]

Weeks I talked about this last week but I went back and looked at the. At that video that has one win from every game since Cal got here. Okay. Or has one play from every win since Cal got here. And it's an hour and 20 minutes. It's on YouTube if you're bored tonight, watch it. Some great memories, but it starts with the Anthony Davis year and it goes through last year. And when you watch that dude, Anthony Davis was a freak. But it wasn't just him. John Wall was a freak. Terrence Jones was a freak. Julius Randall was a freak. Dear. And Fox was a freak. Jamal Murray was a freak. All these dudes, we're just used to Seeing freaks of nature. And then in the last five years, those freaks didn't come as much. And Cal wasn't as good. None of these dudes are freaks of nature. Not one of them. They're all good basketball players. But that means, Drew, they have to perform and execute. And if they don't, they can end up getting run like you did in the first half against Ole Miss.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah, to your point. On Tuesday, a clip went viral of Malik Monk. Going into end. He did something like not many people in the world can do on that Ole Miss team. But part of that also goes to Pope's got to set them up because it's philosophy. These guys are in his system.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Drew Franklin]

And right now where they're getting out and jamming these guys, they don't have an answer. You're not going to hit your back door cuts when these guys are in their face and throwing arm bars like they were against Ole Miss. So even though their effort can be a lot better, it's also on him to set them up in better positions. Because they don't have anyone that can just go out and do it without that.

[Ryan Lemond]

And we forget about the athletes that we had that were crazy, that weren't even necessarily great basketball players. Like Archie Goodwin was a freak. Willie, although he was a great player, was a freak. I'll tell you a guy that was an athletic freak that you don't even think about. Marcus Lee could jump and dunk on people like crazy. We just don't have guys like that, Shannon. They're just not. And, and so they, they have to execute or they will get run off the court.

[Shannon The Dude]

A roster full of good to great mid major talent is a good way to put it. And you can beat top tier talent, but you gotta have, you gotta be firing on all cylinders to do that. We see it every year in the tournament. Mid major teams upset. Yeah, a great team.

[Ryan Lemond]

Hamadu Diallo, insane freak.

[Drew Franklin]

What a dunk contest.

[Ryan Lemond]

I mean these dudes, these dudes are, are, are crazy. And we, we just don't have that. And so it's just, it's different. We just have to get used to it. Valentine's Day's coming up. You're probably looking for gifts for someone. How about Kentucky grown hemp from Cornbread hemp? Cornbread hemp makes natural bliss easy to achieve. Soothe your sweetie with cornbread hemp.com and remember, we will give you a free jar of 750 milligram gummies with a purchase of $75 or more. It is cornbread hemp dot com. Cornbread hemp. This is the good life. Billy, what are you saying to me? We can't take a break right now.

[Shannon The Dude]

Why can't we?

[Ryan Lemond]

Why? Because your computer. Computer's broken. You hear that in a lot of road, a lot of radio shows.

[Drew Franklin]

I'm glad you switched.

[Ryan Lemond]

All right, well, thank you. I appreciate you telling me that. We know what, we'll go Back to phones. 859-280-2287. No breaks here on KSR. Who's next?

[Matt Jones]

Got Pete up next.

[Ryan Lemond]

Pete, go ahead, Pete. Hello.

[Caller 3]

Good morning. I just wanted to say fun farewell to Max Duffy. Sort of kindred spirit there. And, you know, when he talked about football or gridiron, I. I appreciate it because I could understand what he was saying, you know.

[Ryan Lemond]

So you're. You've called here before, right? You're from Australia now?

[Caller 3]

New Zealand.

[Ryan Lemond]

New Zealand. Very close, yeah.

[Caller 3]

Next door.

[Ryan Lemond]

Next door, yeah.

[Caller 3]

And the other thing was, the other person that taught me a lot about what I know about gridiron is Mr. Maggot. When he spoke, when I first heard him, he was another person I could understand. Really good. I just shout out for both of.

[Ryan Lemond]

Them, yes, Freddie Magga's a wonderful, wonderful man. Do you. Do you. Do we not speak about football or gridiron, as you say, in a way that. Understand.

[Caller 3]

Well, you. The comment commentators tend to use for jargon instead of talking about the ball, where it's going or what they're doing with it. You know what I mean? I got you names and it's a little confusing.

[Ryan Lemond]

I understand. Well, come by sometime. Come by sometime. I'd love to meet you, sir.

[Caller 3]

Yeah. And can I say one more thing?

[Ryan Lemond]

Yes.

[Caller 3]

Yeah. Tell Max if you see him again, he owes me a beer for calling my accent fake.

[Ryan Lemond]

Oh, that's right, I remember that. He did call your accent fake. Thank you very much. Give everybody Ryan quickly. Appreciate the call because I get asked all the time an update about Freddie and how Freddy's doing.

[Matt Jones]

Fred, you know, honestly, I haven't talked to him in a couple weeks, but Drew and I met him for lunch. It was like right after.

[Drew Franklin]

Right before Christmas. I talked to him yesterday. He was trying to get by here today, so I've been watching the door, hoping he walks in. I don't know if he's going to make it, but he texted me last night, where's the remote? So maybe. Maybe we'll have a sighting soon. But he's doing well?

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah. Really. Really.

[Drew Franklin]

Starting for sales.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yes. And listen, even though he's not able to communicate with fans. We pass on all the messages you give us. Everybody, please keep Freddie in your prayers. That's. I'm not sure anybody bleeds blue more than Freddie Maggard. Let me switch gears for just a second. Arkansas beat Texas the other night. They play Alabama Saturday night at home. They're not going to get good.

[Shannon The Dude]

No.

[Ryan Lemond]

Like, they beat Texas. Like they were up 20 plus on the road at Texas. That's two straight road wins. Like, are they going to be good? Am I going to have to. To throw those nuggets in my face here at some point?

[Drew Franklin]

I bet on Texas. That's why they won that game. I, I do think they've found something that Davis and Flan just weren't working together because the moment Flynn went out, Davis has found his rhythm and his plan like he was last year in college basketball. But I, I don't know, man. There's. They only got five guys. I mean, up until Lexington, they couldn't shoot at all. If they did just flip a switch and magically get good in a week, that's impressive. But I'm still a little skeptical.

[Ryan Lemond]

Let me also note, they are now under the bracketology. Ryan. They are now listed as the first team out of the tournament. If they get in the tournament and everybody else holds serve, the SEC could get 14 teams in the NCAA tournament, which is absolutely ridiculous. But they could. But either way, you know, they've got some wins on the schedule that they can get. So they still have a chance to make the turtle.

[Matt Jones]

You look at the SEC standings, Arkansas is one game behind Kentucky.

[Ryan Lemond]

I don't want to think about one. I don't want to think about. And they hold the tiebreaker. Please don't. We need to win Saturday. Have them lose. Let's get a gap in there. We can't do it. All right. We can't take a break right now, so we need to. We will take a break and be right back. This is Kentucky Sports Radio live at Kentucky. Brandon, welcome back. It is Kentucky Sports Radio. 859-280-2287. Text machine 772-7745254. I've just got a second here. Tomorrow we open at 9am for breakfast at KS Bar Tucky. Brandon. Thank you all very much. Let's do quickly who we're gonna beat. South Carolina tomorrow.

[Shannon The Dude]

Yes. 8367. Give me Kobe Braya. He's gonna have a big game tomorrow.

[Matt Jones]

85. 75 Ortega.

[Drew Franklin]

I'll go 86. 74. Andrew Carr.

[Ryan Lemond]

I think it's like a two point game at halftime so that we all freak out and then it's like 85, 70 when it's over. But I think in the first half we're gonna have a collective like coming in a little bit. Kentucky, Brandon. Thank you all very much for coming out. Always a great crowd here. We appreciate it. Go to kentuckybrand.com pregame show tomorrow is at 9:30am get up and join us. Bar opens at 9. Let's go beat those Gamecocks and get back on the winning track. This has been Kentucky Sports Radio.