KSR Podcast Episode Summary - "Hour 2"
Release Date: May 1, 2025

1. Team Drafting for Tubby Smith's Era

In this segment, Matt Jones leads a spirited drafting game where the hosts select players from Tubby Smith's coaching tenure at the University of Kentucky (1998-2009). The objective is to build a fictional team by choosing players who contributed to either Tubby Smith or Billy Gillispie's eras.

Notable Moments:

• Shannon The Dude kicks off the draft by selecting Tayshawn Prince at [03:29].

  "I am selecting Tayshawn Prince."
  — Shannon The Dude [03:29]

• Ryan Lemond emphasizes the need for a strong big man, choosing Jamal McGlore and Scott Padgett to bolster his team’s defense and scoring.

  “I need a big guy. And then there were a lot of good ones in the Tubby era.”
  — Ryan Lemond [04:21]

• Drew Franklin opts for grit by selecting Turner and Chuck Hayes, highlighting his preference for hardworking players.

  “I'm grit. I'm all about the grit.”
  — Drew Franklin [04:14]

The drafting process showcases the hosts' deep knowledge of Kentucky basketball history, blending strategy with friendly competition.

2. Navigating NIL Deals for Kentucky Players

The discussion shifts to the evolving landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals impacting college athletes. Ryan Lemond explains how players can monetize their NIL through partnerships with organizations like Club Blue.

Key Insights:

• Ryan Lemond breaks down the partnership model:

  “Club Blue is saying, we guarantee you $200,000 either through endorsements. So, a company like the ones you're seeing on the billboard there, come sign a deal with Club Blue and then Travis Perry pays out...”
  — Ryan Lemond [15:10]

• The hosts explore the benefits and complexities of exclusive versus partial deals, emphasizing the importance of athletes managing their own marketing rights to maximize earnings.

  “They have the opportunity to make money beyond what they...”
  — Ryan Lemond [16:07]

This segment provides listeners with a clear understanding of how NIL deals operate and their significance for student-athletes at Kentucky.

3. Real ID Travel Concerns

As the real ID enforcement deadline approaches, the hosts express concern over the low percentage of Kentuckians possessing Real IDs, potentially causing travel disruptions.

Highlights:

• Matt Jones alerts listeners to the imminent Real ID mandate:

  “You have to have your Real ID to get on a plane. And I saw only 40% of Americans have it.”
  — Matt Jones [27:34]

• Drew Franklin compares obtaining a Real ID appointment to securing Taylor Swift concert tickets, illustrating the difficulty many face.

  “It's like getting Taylor Swift tickets. Trying to go get your real ID right now.”
  — Drew Franklin [29:44]

The hosts advise listeners to act promptly to secure their Real IDs to avoid last-minute travel hassles.

4. Andy Beshear's Potential Presidential Run

The conversation turns political as the hosts speculate on Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear's ambitions to run for president.

Discussion Points:

• Ryan Lemond expresses confidence in Beshear securing the Democratic nomination:

  “I think he can win some. Anytime you can get the other party to kind of be on your side a little bit, I think you're doing your job right.”
  — Ryan Lemond [21:15]

• Drew Franklin remains skeptical, predicting a Trump vs. Stephen A. Smith scenario instead:

  “At the rate our country's going, I expect Trump Round 3 vs. Stephen A. Smith is my pick...”
  — Drew Franklin [21:45]

• Matt Jones reflects on the rarity of a Kentucky-born presidential candidate:

  “When's the last time we had a real presidential candidate from Kentucky?”
  — Matt Jones [22:50]

The segment highlights differing opinions on Beshear's political future, adding a layer of local political insight to the show.

5. Derby Horse Naming and Grading Game

In a lighthearted segment, the hosts engage in a game where they grade Kentucky Derby horse names from A to F, injecting humor and camaraderie into the discussion.

Memorable Exchanges:

• Shannon The Dude selects "Ran Rondo" and grades it thoughtfully:

  “Hashimu.”
  — Shannon The Dude [07:02]

• Matt Jones humorously compares horse names to everyday experiences:

  “I like my horses like I like my burritos.”
  — Matt Jones [31:05]

The game underscores the hosts' playful rapport while celebrating the Kentucky Derby's festive atmosphere.

6. KSR and On3 Site Acquisition

A significant update reveals that On3 has acquired KSR and rival site Rivals, marking a pivotal moment for Kentucky sports media.

Key Announcements:

• Matt Jones shares the news enthusiastically:

  “KSR is an On3 site. And then the other big site is Kat Illustrated, which is a rival site. So they'll now be owned by the same ownership group.”
  — Matt Jones [35:09]

• Drew Franklin highlights his role as the first employee of On3, expressing excitement about the future:

  “I'm employee 1 in the company. So I'm excited. It's growing and getting bigger.”
  — Drew Franklin [45:24]

• Ryan Lemond discusses the integration with Yahoo:

  “There'll be some really cool stuff going down the road with Yahoo, including a Yahoo radio network.”
  — Ryan Lemond [45:49]

This acquisition is portrayed as a strategic move to unify Kentucky sports coverage, promising enhanced content and broader reach for listeners.

7. Bill Belichick and North Carolina Football Issues

The hosts delve into the controversial involvement of Bill Belichick’s girlfriend with the North Carolina football program, raising questions about professional boundaries.

Topics Covered:

• Matt Jones questions the extent of personal involvement:

  “Have you ever been around coaches where their spouses have been this much a part of everything?”
  — Matt Jones [46:07]

• Ryan Lemond emphasizes the unprecedented nature of the situation:

  “Nothing like that’s happened before with a coach's wife or girlfriend.”
  — Ryan Lemond [47:10]

• Shannon The Dude suggests administrative action:

  “Have a come to Jesus meeting with old Bill and just say, hey, man, she can't be a part of everything that we do.”
  — Shannon The Dude [47:38]

The discussion highlights concerns over potential conflicts of interest and the need for clear boundaries within sports organizations.

Conclusion

This episode of KSR delves deep into Kentucky sports, blending in strategic games, political speculation, and significant industry updates. The hosts provide insightful commentary on both on-field and off-field matters, ensuring listeners are well-informed and entertained.

Key Takeaways:

• The drafting game underscores the hosts' comprehensive knowledge of Kentucky basketball history.
• Insights into NIL deals reveal the evolving financial landscape for college athletes.
• Timely warnings about Real ID enforcement aim to prepare listeners for upcoming travel requirements.
• Political discussions offer a glimpse into the potential future of local leadership on the national stage.
• The acquisition of KSR by On3 signifies a major shift in Kentucky sports media, promising enhanced coverage and collaboration.

For more detailed discussions and updates, tune into KSR’s "Hour 2" on iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM) every weekday from 10 AM to noon.