Podcast Summary: KSR - Hour 1 (June 11, 2025)
Introduction and Show Overview
In the latest episode of Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) hosted by Matt Jones alongside the KSR crew from iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM), listeners are greeted with an engaging blend of local sports commentary, listener interactions, and light-hearted banter. The episode, recorded on June 11, 2025, delves deep into pressing topics within Kentucky sports, particularly focusing on the recent developments surrounding Vince Merrill and the Kentucky football program.
Notable Quote:
"Welcome everyone, Kentucky Sports Radio Wednesday, June 11th. I'm Matt Jones here at the studio in Lexington."
— Matt Jones [00:36]
The Vince Merrill Situation
A significant portion of the discussion centers around Vince Merrill, the head of UK Athletics. As of the morning of the podcast's recording, Vince has yet to tender his resignation from the University of Kentucky (UK), with no official announcements from either UK or the University of Louisville (U of L).
The hosts speculate on the reasons behind the unexpected leak of Vince's potential departure, pondering whether internal communications failed or if external leaks influenced the situation. The lack of official statements has led to confusion and frustration among fans and stakeholders.
Notable Quotes:
"What do you guys make of the fact that as of this morning, he hasn't tendered his resignation to UK and there still hasn't been an announcement at U of L? Is it something or is it nothing?"
— Matt Jones [01:39]
"You can't come back. He couldn't."
— Ryan Lemon [08:22]
The conversation highlights the strained relationship between UK and U of L fans, especially concerning Vince's potential move. There is a consensus that Vince's lack of direct communication with UK Athletics has left many in the dark, exacerbating tensions between the two universities.
Notable Quote:
"You can't roll out of town and have the employer that employed you for 13 years find out from a tweet."
— Matt Jones [05:04]
Murray State Baseball's College World Series Run
Shifting gears, the hosts celebrate Murray State's remarkable journey to the College World Series. Despite playing in a modest stadium with a capacity of 800, comparable to high school facilities, Murray State's persistence and underdog spirit have captured the attention of the local sports community.
The anecdote about the pitcher who not only contributed on the field but also maintained the grounds adds a charming, grassroots element to the story. The team's unique celebration practices, including the infamous "dog pile" with oatmeal-covered players, have become a talking point among listeners.
Notable Quotes:
"They had a dog pile. Then the baseball were like, sorry, you got to do it again."
— Matt Jones [12:15]
"What an awesome story."
— Shannon The Dude [12:16]
Entertainment Segment: TV Shows and Comedy
The podcast also ventures into the realm of entertainment, discussing various TV shows and comedy series. The hosts express their opinions on shows like "Tires" featuring Shane Gillis, comparing its seasonal progression to other series such as "Parks and Recreation", "30 Rock", and "Succession". They lament the initial shortcomings of certain shows and celebrate those that found their footing in subsequent seasons.
Additionally, there's a humorous promotion for Comedy Off Broadway in Lexington, highlighting upcoming performances by Country Wayne, Eric Griffin, and Greg Morton.
Notable Quotes:
"Season one of Tires. Awful. I was so disappointed. I was like, I like you so much. This show is not good. Season two... Much better."
— Matt Jones [27:54]
"It's our best iPhone offer ever. Switch to T Mobile."
— Matt Jones [15:46]
(Note: This pertains to a commercial segment and may be considered non-content.)
Listener Calls and Questions
Interactive segments with listeners form a core part of the podcast. Callers pose diverse questions ranging from sports statistics to personal preferences about athletes they'd like to dine with.
One notable listener, Danny, expresses strong support for UK, emphasizing a deep-rooted loyalty by stating, "If you go down, I'm going down too. We gotta. We... This is such a chump move." This sentiment echoes the broader community's passion and concern over the Vince Merrill debacle.
Another caller discusses the "Weetabix" challenge during the tournament, highlighting the community's engagement with local sports events.
Notable Quotes:
"What would you set the over. Under on percentage of Weetabix eaten versus purchased during the tournament."
— Caller [26:32]
"Dead or alive. Ali."
— Matt Jones [40:21]
Miscellaneous Discussions: Cicadas in Lexington
Towards the latter part of the podcast, the conversation takes a light-hearted turn as the hosts discuss the sudden surge of cicadas in certain parts of Lexington. Listeners have reported concerns over these insects, leading to debates about their distribution across the city.
The hosts humorously debate the behavior of cicadas, their prevalence in specific neighborhoods, and the general public's reaction to their presence.
Notable Quotes:
"I keep seeing on. On the TikTok people going crazy going, I'm so tired of the cicadas in Lexington."
— Matt Jones [37:54]
"They make that screechy noise all the time. They're awful."
— Matt Jones [39:54]
Closing Remarks
The episode concludes with reflections on expectations for Kentucky football compared to its storied basketball legacy. The hosts underscore the historical successes of UK basketball, contrasting them with the fluctuating fortunes of the football program. They emphasize the importance of realistic expectations to maintain fan satisfaction and reduce perennial frustration over performance inconsistencies.
Notable Quotes:
"So, no, there's nothing we could do that would be that bad. Bruce. Go ahead, Bruce."
— Matt Jones [31:26]
"We have expectations that will not make me always unhappy. So my expectation is win six. We didn't do that last year. If you don't do it this year, then I start to get very frustrated."
— Matt Jones [42:10]
Conclusion
This episode of Kentucky Sports Radio offers a comprehensive look into the current state of Kentucky's sports landscape, intertwined with engaging discussions on local entertainment and community issues. Matt Jones and the KSR crew effectively balance serious sports commentary with light-hearted segments, ensuring a well-rounded and entertaining experience for their listeners.