KSR - Hour 2 Summary
Release Date: June 4, 2025
Hosted by Matt Jones and the KSR crew from iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM), this episode of Kentucky Sports Radio delves into a variety of hot topics ranging from local sports incidents to national political dynamics. Here's a detailed rundown of the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from Hour 2 of the show.
1. Youth Sports and Player Safety
Timestamp: [03:45] - [06:39]
The episode kicks off with a pressing issue concerning player safety in youth sports. A listener reports a disturbing incident where a parent, who is also the team director, physically assaulted a 12-year-old player for hitting another child during a game.
Ryan Lemond emphasizes the gravity of the situation:
"First of all, there is no excuse ever for hitting a kid or for hitting a woman, period." [05:02]
The hosts agree unanimously that taking out frustrations on young athletes is wholly unacceptable, highlighting the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful environment in youth sports.
2. Elon Musk and Donald Trump: Clash of Egos
Timestamp: [07:14] - [08:01]
The conversation shifts to the volatile relationship between Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump.
Ryan Lemond recalls his prediction:
"You said eventually he's going to turn on Trump and they're going to disagree." [07:14]
Musk's exit from Trump's circle and subsequent criticism are seen as inevitable due to their towering egos, drawing parallels to the explosive dynamics seen in professional wrestling.
3. Reds' Recent Victory and Baseball Field Dimensions
Timestamp: [08:18] - [12:10]
A significant segment reviews the Cincinnati Reds' recent win, praising their thrilling gameplay and critical defensive plays.
Ryan Lemond recounts a pivotal ninth-inning error:
"It was up four to two, two outs, Ellie. All he has to do is throw it first. That's it. Game over. And he throws it away. Error. So now there's a guy on. Game should be over." [08:30]
The discussion then transitions to the peculiarities of baseball stadium designs, particularly questioning why center fields are universally deeper than left and right fields.
Matt Jones provides an explanation:
"Center field in baseball is typically deeper than other outfield positions because it covers the largest area... influenced by factors like altitude and the historical constraints of building ballparks within city blocks." [12:10]
Despite the explanation, Ryan Lemond expresses skepticism:
"I don't really know why that would. What that. Why that would change anything, but." [12:16]
4. Listener Calls: Basketball Schedules and Football Game Odds
Timestamp: [13:04] - [22:51]
Several listeners reach out with questions and comments:
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Madison inquires about the upcoming basketball non-conference game announcements and the high odds for Kentucky's first football game against Toledo.
Ryan Lemond responds:
"Usually, Ryan, by mid June you have the whole schedule... I think it's usually around mid June." [13:22] -
Andrew from a local school district discusses the challenges of funding post-COVID, emphasizing increased expenses and staffing costs.
Ryan Lemond acknowledges:
"Yes, there are added costs. If this budget bill passes, there's going to be cuts to local school districts." [28:19] -
Shane shares his experience as a Morehead State alum, questioning the unique dimensions of their baseball field supposedly due to an endangered salamander species.
Ryan Seacrest debunks the claim:
"I don't believe it. I think you hit on it earlier..." [46:51]
5. Celebrity Encounters: Bill Burr in New York
Timestamp: [14:58] - [22:51]
The hosts discuss a listener's encounter with comedian Bill Burr in New York. Ryan Lemond marvels at how celebrities can walk the streets unnoticed in big cities:
"If Bill Burr were to walk down the street in Lexington, people would be like, oh, there's Bill Burr. But in New York, it's like, it's cool to not act like they're that famous." [15:02]
Ryan Seacrest adds:
"They don't have an entourage or nobody. They just walk by themselves like it's nothing." [16:00]
6. Government Budget Bill Debate
Timestamp: [31:00] - [35:43]
A heated discussion unfolds about the inefficiencies in passing legislation due to the Senate filibuster rules. Ryan Lemond explains:
"In America, we basically pass most of our laws now in one bill called the budget bill... because the budget is the only kind of bill that doesn't require 60 votes." [32:24]
He criticizes the practice of bundling unpopular measures into the budget to bypass the need for a supermajority, leading to excessively long and unwieldy bills. This method is blamed for the current dysfunction in Washington.
Ryan Seacrest confirms:
"I would think that's exactly how you do it." [32:07]
7. Kentucky Football Fan Engagement Strategies
Timestamp: [23:36] - [26:39]
Listeners express concern over dwindling enthusiasm for Kentucky football. Ryan Lemond and Ryan Seacrest brainstorm potential strategies to rekindle fan interest:
Ryan Seacrest suggests:
"I would have Calzada do some meet and greets or come on here with us." [24:22]
Ryan Lemond adds:
"Put together a really good hype video and put it out there on social media, hyped up." [25:06]
However, they acknowledge the challenge posed by overwhelming negativity in fan comments, making it difficult to generate enthusiasm until the season gains traction.
8. Final Segment: Curing Cancer vs. Meeting Aliens
Timestamp: [48:46] - [51:27]
In a light-hearted closing segment, callers pose hypotheticals about monumental achievements:
Caller: "What would you rather be the first person to ever meet a legit alien nation, like land in your parking lot, or discover the cure for all cancers?" [48:37]
Ryan Lemond advocates for curing cancer:
"Curing cancer would be like literally discovering penicillin in terms of its effect on humanity." [49:20]
Ryan Seacrest concurs, emphasizing the universal benefit:
"Definitely you want to do that." [50:24]
The discussion concludes with a reflection on historical figures like Alexander Fleming, who discovered penicillin, and Ryan Lemond notes the importance of recognizing such contributions.
Notable Quotes
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Ryan Lemond:
"First of all, there is no excuse ever for hitting a kid or for hitting a woman, period." [05:02] -
Ryan Lemond:
"In America, we basically pass most of our laws now in one bill called the budget bill... because the budget is the only kind of bill that doesn't require 60 votes." [32:24] -
Ryan Seacrest:
"They don't have an entourage or nobody. They just walk by themselves like it's nothing." [16:00] -
Ryan Seacrest:
"Definitely you want to do that." [50:24]
Concluding Thoughts
This episode of KSR provides a comprehensive look into current sports controversies, the intersection of politics and business, and the challenges faced by local sports programs in maintaining fan engagement. The hosts balance serious discussions with lighthearted segments, ensuring a well-rounded and engaging listening experience for their audience.