KSR Podcast Episode Summary: May 7, 2025 - Hour 2

Presented by iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM)

Introduction

In the second hour of the May 7, 2025 episode of KSR, hosts Matt Jones, Ryan Lemond, and Drew Franklin delve into a variety of topics ranging from local Kentucky news and sports to national headlines. The episode seamlessly interweaves listener interactions, in-depth discussions, and insightful analyses, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of current events and sports dynamics.

Joe Creason and the Park Naming Controversy

A significant portion of the episode centers around Joe Creason, a revered Kentucky journalist, and the recent controversy surrounding the naming of a park in his honor.

• Background on Joe Creason:

  • Joe Creason was a beloved journalist for the Courier Journal, known for his engaging storytelling and deep love for Kentucky.
  • Born in Benton, Kentucky, in 1974, Creason tragically died while playing tennis with WHAS radio personality Milton Metz.

• Controversy Highlight:

  • Ryan Lemond brings up a recent community meeting where residents voiced unanimous opposition to updating a local park to include pickleball courts.

    Ryan Lemond (04:55): "There were hundreds of people at the meeting. No one showed up in favor of the pickleball tennis court. Everyone was against."

  • The opposition stems from traditionalists who prefer maintaining the park’s legacy tied to Creason rather than introducing new sports facilities like pickleball.

    Matt Jones (06:15): "Nobody wants it is what it sounds like to me."

• Community Sentiment:

  • Attendees chanted "Keep Joe Creason" during the meeting, emphasizing their desire to preserve the park's historical significance.

    Matt Jones (06:26): "They were chanting keep Joe Crease... Keep Joe Creasing."

• Hosts' Perspectives:

  • Drew Franklin highlights the irony of the controversy, given Creason’s passion for tennis.

    Drew Franklin (07:14): "He died playing tennis with Milton Metz."

  • The discussion extends to whether modern additions like pickleball honor or dilute Creason’s legacy.

    Ryan Lemond (08:15): "Do you think he would really want pickleball, though?"

Sports Program Building vs. Maintaining Success

The hosts engage in a thoughtful analysis of the challenges involved in building and maintaining successful sports programs, drawing parallels with coaching strategies.

• Building vs. Maintaining:

  • Ryan Lemond reflects on Coach K’s philosophy, positing that building a program is often more challenging than maintaining it.

    Ryan Lemond (12:30): "Building the program is the hardest because it takes a long time."

  • Matt Jones adds that sustaining motivation and consistent effort is pivotal for long-term success.

    Matt Jones (13:10): "I seriously have questioned, is he still grinding at that level."

• Case Studies:

  • The discussion references Mark Stoops’ tenure with the UK program, questioning the sustainability of its success.

    Ryan Lemond (13:10): "Can you maintain the motivation that built your success?"

Triple Crown Horse Racing: Traditions vs. Modern Realities

A heated debate unfolds regarding the scheduling and traditional structure of the Triple Crown races in horse racing.

• Current Issue:

  • The recent decision to have the Derby winner skip the Preakness has sparked controversy among purists and fans.

    Ryan Lemond (30:26): "You can't have a Triple Crown where the Derby winner voluntarily skips the Preakness."

• Proposed Changes:

  • Hosts suggest rescheduling the races to better accommodate the horses' health and modern racing demands.

    Ryan Lemond (30:44): "You could make the Preakness a Memorial Day weekend event."

• Impact on the Sport:

  • The potential shift could enhance viewership and integrate the races more seamlessly into national holidays, revitalizing interest.

    Ryan Lemond (33:09): "Make horse racing great again."

Airport Real ID Implementation and Resulting Chaos

The episode touches upon the nationwide rollout of the Real ID, discussing the anticipated chaos at airports due to implementation issues.

• Current Status:

  • Real ID requirements began on the day of the podcast, leading to long lines and confusion at airports.

    Matt Jones (21:48): "There’s a long line for that."

• Potential Consequences:

  • Hosts express concerns over security protocols and the efficiency of the new system, citing recent communication failures with aircraft.

    Drew Franklin (23:28): "That's an absolutely disastrous situation. It's going to affect a lot of people."

Listener Interactions and Notable Calls

Throughout the episode, listeners contribute to the conversation with various inquiries and comments, enriching the discussion with diverse perspectives.

• MLB Umpire Clothing Requirements:

  • A listener named Bob initiates a quirky discussion about MLB umpires being required to wear black underwear to prevent wardrobe malfunctions.

    Bob (35:03): "They have to wear black underwear in case of a wardrobe malfunction when their pants split."

  • The hosts verify the information, leading to a humorous exchange about the practicality and necessity of such regulations.

    Drew Franklin (36:37): "Yeah, I looked it up as he was talking because I didn't believe him."

• Righteous Gemstones Finale Reaction:

  • Another listener shares disappointment over the final season of "Righteous Gemstones," noting it didn't meet expectations.

    Stockton Mortgage Representative (24:00): "It's probably my least favorite of the four seasons for sure."

• AI in Legal Proceedings:

  • The discussion shifts to a groundbreaking court case where AI-generated video was used to represent a deceased victim during sentencing.

    Drew Franklin (45:31): "They used an AI video of him to talk to the man who murdered him."

  • Hosts express surprise and concern over the ethical implications of AI in the justice system.

Sports Highlights and Updates

The hosts provide updates on various sports topics, including Kentucky football player acquisitions and NBA playoff performances.

• Kentucky Football:

  • Recent additions to the UK football team are discussed, with debates on their potential impact.

    Ryan Lemond (26:50): "Kentucky has three new football players in the last 24 hours."

• NBA Playoffs:

  • Excitement builds around the underdog road teams excelling in the playoffs, with particular emphasis on the Indiana Pacers' remarkable comebacks.

    Ryan Lemond (37:12): "The road team is 5 and 0, including three games where the team was down 20 and came back and won."

Concluding Remarks

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the day's discussions, expressing appreciation for the engaging topics and listener participation.

Ryan Lemond (39:21): "I like this show because you learn things you wouldn't have known either way."

They also tease upcoming events and encourage listeners to stay tuned for more insightful conversations on Kentucky Sports Radio.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ryan Lemond (04:55): "There were hundreds of people at the meeting. No one showed up in favor of the pickleball tennis court. Everyone was against."

• Matt Jones (06:15): "Nobody wants it is what it sounds like to me."

• Drew Franklin (07:14): "He died playing tennis with Milton Metz."

• Ryan Lemond (12:30): "Building the program is the hardest because it takes a long time."

• Ryan Lemond (30:26): "You can't have a Triple Crown where the Derby winner voluntarily skips the Preakness."

• Bob (35:03): "They have to wear black underwear in case of a wardrobe malfunction when their pants split."

• Drew Franklin (45:31): "They used an AI video of him to talk to the man who murdered him."

• Ryan Lemond (39:21): "I like this show because you learn things you wouldn't have known either way."

Conclusion

The May 7, 2025 episode of KSR offers a rich tapestry of discussions that cater to sports enthusiasts and local news followers alike. From honoring local legends and debating the future of traditional sports to addressing modern-day challenges like Real ID implementation and the ethical use of AI, the hosts provide a balanced and engaging narrative. Listener interactions add depth and diversity to the conversation, making this episode a compelling listen for those keen on staying informed about Kentucky's vibrant sports and community landscape.