KSR Podcast Summary: Hour 2 (June 9, 2025)

Host(s): Matt Jones, Shannon The Dude, Ryan Lemond
Publisher: iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM)
Duration: Approximately 16 minutes
Release Date: June 9, 2025

1. Introduction and Overview

Timestamp: 00:57 – 02:07

KSR's Hour 2 kicks off with hosts Matt Jones, Shannon The Dude, and Ryan Lemond diving directly into the day's pressing sports topics. They focus primarily on college baseball, specifically the recent performances and standings leading up to the College World Series.

2. College Baseball Highlights and Caller's Perspective

Timestamp: 02:07 – 04:40

Shannon The Dude shares listener feedback via text, highlighting excitement over Tennessee's loss and Louisville's advancement to the College World Series after two years of absence. Despite acknowledging some fan frustration, the hosts note the competitive landscape with seven different conferences vying for representation.

Notable Quote:

Shannon The Dude (02:25): "Only one series left. Seven different conferences have a chance to be represented in the College World Series."

Matt Jones adds that the SEC typically dominates rankings, but this year saw a gradual decline in some SEC teams' performances, allowing smaller schools to make significant strides.

3. The NCAA Settlement and Its Implications

Timestamp: 01:58 – 15:39

A substantial portion of the discussion centers around a landmark settlement involving the NCAA, led by an athlete named House. This settlement addresses the long-term compensation of college athletes, culminating in a $2.8 billion agreement covering the past ten years.

Key Points:

• Settlement Details: The settlement mandates schools to allocate up to $20.5 million annually towards athlete compensation from 2025 through 2035. This fund aims to resolve collective claims from the last decade of college athletes.

• Role of Deloitte: Deloitte has been appointed as the overseeing accounting firm to ensure fair distribution and to regulate expenditures beyond the allocated $20.5 million. The firm is tasked with verifying that any additional funds are justified by corresponding work or value provided.

  Notable Quote:

  Shannon The Dude (09:48): "So, Ryan, you get smart people in a room and you don't have to worry about going on Fox News or MSNBC and screaming at each other. I think they can come to a resolution."

• Impact on Conferences:

  • SEC and Big Ten: Larger conferences are expected to manage the allocations more effectively due to substantial revenue streams from media deals.
  • Smaller Conferences: These institutions may struggle to meet the financial demands, potentially leading to budget cuts or revenue-generating measures.
  • Big East and Others: Institutions without football programs, like those in the Big East, might find allocating funds easier compared to football-centric schools.

• Legislative Action: The future of this settlement hinges on congressional approval, particularly by Senators Ted Cruz and Cory Booker. The hosts express hope that bipartisan efforts will solidify these changes into law, ensuring long-term governance of college sports.

  Notable Quote:

  Shannon The Dude (15:11): "And this will govern the next 20 years. But Deloitte and Ted Cruz and Cory Booker are kind of the most important parts of this."

• Challenges and Criticisms:

  • Enforcement difficulties due to the subjective nature of evaluating "fair market value."
  • Potential for legal challenges as schools navigate the new financial obligations.
  • Concerns over Title IX compliance, with uncertainty whether funds must be equally distributed between men's and women's sports or merely provide equal opportunities.

  Notable Quote:

  Shannon The Dude (07:54): "Guys have agreed, and it says they can spend up to $20.5 million, but they don't have to. They can choose to spend less, but they have the option to spend $20.5 million."

4. Local Sports Spotlight: Murray State's Historic Run

Timestamp: 15:39 – 29:41

The conversation shifts to a local sports highlight: Murray State's exceptional performance in the College World Series. The team faces Duke in a decisive Game 3, with the winner advancing to the World Series. Hosts express widespread support for Murray State, viewing their potential victory as a historic upset.

Key Points:

• Murray State's Performance: Scoring impressive runs against major conference teams like Ole Miss, Georgia Tech, and Duke, Murray State demonstrates remarkable offensive prowess despite limited major league prospects.

• Community Support: The hosts and callers show significant enthusiasm for Murray State, contrasting their potential triumph with the dominance of traditionally powerhouse teams.

  Notable Quote:

  Shannon The Dude (22:13): "They scored, like, 16 against Ole Miss, 14 against Georgia Tech, 19 against Duke. What do they do?"

Matt Jones attributes Murray State's success to effective coaching and the team's fearless approach, praising Coach Skirka and the hitting coach for their contributions.

Notable Quote:

Matt Jones (23:35): "Somebody obviously has got some magic working, and these guys are just not intimidated."

5. Tribute to John Clay, Retiring Sports Columnist

Timestamp: 35:06 – 41:27

In a heartfelt segment, Shannon The Dude honors John Clay, a beloved sports columnist from the Lexington Herald-Leader, who is retiring after 44 years of dedicated service. The hosts reminisce about Clay's impactful journalism, early adoption of digital platforms like Twitter, and his significant contributions to the University of Kentucky's sports coverage.

Key Points:

• John Clay's Legacy: Recognized for insightful writing and breaking important sports stories, Clay is celebrated as a pillar of the Kentucky sports media community.

• Personal Anecdotes: Shannon shares personal experiences of meeting Clay and acknowledges the growth of their relationship from initial criticisms to mutual respect.

  Notable Quote:

  Shannon The Dude (38:25): "Over the years, I would eat Chipotle back off Nicholsville Road that the Chipotle in the mall. And I would see him there and we got to, I got to learn to start talking with him."

Matt Jones echoes these sentiments, highlighting Clay's status as a Lexington legend and his enduring impact on sports reporting.

6. Community and Listener Engagement

Timestamp: Throughout

Throughout the episode, the hosts interact with callers, addressing questions related to the NCAA settlement, expressing support for local teams, and engaging in light-hearted banter. Notably, the discussion emphasizes the importance of legislative support to solidify the NCAA's new policies and the hope that bipartisan efforts will lead to lasting changes in college sports governance.

Notable Interaction:

• Caller on NCAA Settlement (30:27 – 35:07): A listener seeks clarification on the $20.5 million allocation, prompting detailed explanations about fund distribution and revenue sources.

  Notable Quote:

  Shannon The Dude (30:35): "They have to figure out who's next."

7. Conclusion and Final Remarks

Timestamp: 41:27 – 43:03

The episode concludes with a light-hearted discussion about the successful capture of a zebra, blending community news with humor. The hosts wrap up by reiterating their support for Murray State and the importance of the forthcoming game against Duke.

Notable Quote:

Ryan Lemond (43:03): "They take him to the zoo and then patch the hole in that fence and they take it back there."

Overall Insights:

• NCAA's Paradigm Shift: The settlement represents a monumental change in how college sports operate, with significant financial implications for universities, especially within the SEC. The involvement of Deloitte underscores the complexity of fair compensation distribution.

• Local Sports Passion: The hosts' enthusiasm for Murray State exemplifies the deep-rooted sports culture in Kentucky, highlighting the community's support for underdog teams.

• Media Evolution: The tribute to John Clay reflects the changing landscape of sports journalism, recognizing the blend of traditional reporting and digital engagement.

• Legislative Hurdles: The success of the NCAA settlement hinges on political collaboration, emphasizing the intersection of sports, law, and governance.

Key Takeaways:

• The NCAA settlement has far-reaching impacts on collegiate athletics, particularly in financial allocations and governance.
• Local sports teams like Murray State are capturing national attention, showcasing the unpredictability and excitement of college sports.
• The retirement of esteemed journalists like John Clay marks the end of an era in sports reporting, highlighting the importance of legacy and mentorship in media.

For More Information: Listeners interested in the topics discussed can reach out to KSR at 859-280-2287 or engage via their official website.