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Matt Jones
Comedy Up Broadway in Lexington welcomes d. Ray Davis June 20th through the 22nd, then catch Last Comic Standing champion John Heckron June 26th through the 28th. And don't miss Kentucky native Joe Deuce July 3rd and 5th. Comedy Off Broadway opened in downtown Lexington in 1987 and they're still bringing the best in stand up comedy to the area 38 years later. Call 859-271-Joke or visit comedyoffbroadway.com Comedy Off Broadway welcome everyone.
Ryan Lemon
It is Kentucky Sports Radio here live at the Sulphur Creek Mike's Landing restaurant here down in Cumberland County, Kentucky, right on the Kentucky Tennessee border where once again we have a great crowd. Our third year here at Mike's Landing. Absolutely beautiful place. You can give us shout out to Clark's Puppet shop, phone line 859-280-2287. A Vision Auto Glass text machine is 772-77-45254. In this session, sponsored by the TJ Smith Law Office. You call TJ, he'll make them pay. Look at this crowd riding.
Drew Franklin
Awesome.
Ryan Lemon
You get that? You get here. It is June. It is June and we are two and a half hours from Lexington on the lake and a packed house here at Mike's Landing. What if there's a better symbol of how big Big Blue Nation is? I don't know what it is than here.
Drew Franklin
Third year in a row we've been to Mike's Landing. The weather has been spectacular all three times and look at this crowd, man, they come out in full force wearing their blue red, ready to celebrate.
Ryan Lemon
Another good KSR on Dale Hollow Lake down here. This is close to Kentucky Tennessee. They make the Mike and Bonita have owned this since 1978, the year I was born. It's the colors are blue and orange for Kentucky and Tennessee. But I asked the crowd earlier today, no Vol fans here. I could tell because there was no no one smelled. It was perfect and we are glad to be here. Drew we last year I missed this because I was in Europe this morning. Got up 6:30 to to drive down here. Made my way through dense fog in this area to to get here.
Shannon The Dude
Zach Same thing. I missed it last year. Two years ago had an absolute blast. We did the night before. I love being here this morning. But Mike's Landing looks like a place that at nighttime you could have a little fun too.
Ryan Lemon
So we were two years ago. We were here the night before Shannon and it was kind of a wild night. We locked Billy in his bath.
Rick Bozich
That's right.
Ryan Lemon
It Was a good time.
Rick Bozich
That's right. I missed doing that. I was hoping he would come down last night and get locked in there again. But yeah, this is the place that we partied at a. A couple of years ago. And this is the place you want to come if you're down in this area.
Ryan Lemon
That's right. So they have 30 log rental cabins, 32 campsites, and then Mike's Landing here. We've been to a lot of these sort of docks. This is the nicest. This is the nicest ride restaurant that is part of one of these down here with. At Mike's Landing.
Drew Franklin
You know, when we said that the first time we came down three years ago, we're like, wow. We were kind of blown away. It's just so beautiful. This part of the state. Cumberland county is kind of a hidden little.
Ryan Lemon
So you gotta want to get here. Yeah, you gotta want to get to Cumberland County. I had never been until I did my. My book and everybody. This was. This was one of my favorite little areas that Clinton county close to here too, right? Yes. So they're right next to each other. And I kind of. Do you got some Clinton county people. That's right. You know, I do have a fact about Clinton County. Clinton county has the greatest. The highest percentage of people that go to church of any county in the United States.
Drew Franklin
In the United States, yes.
Ryan Lemon
I want to say like 92 or 93% of people that go to church that live in Clinton county go to church.
Shannon The Dude
All right. Who are the three people not going to church?
Ryan Lemon
They're probably here at Mike's Landing on Thursday nights and they can't get to church on Sunday.
Drew Franklin
Well, Cumberland county is one of those counties where the city of Cumberland is not in Cumberland County.
Ryan Lemon
That's right.
Drew Franklin
And I thought this county was like in southeastern Kentucky somewhere. Just because that's where the city is. Yeah, but it's. I know very, very little about this.
Ryan Lemon
Area, I think, and somebody can tell me if I'm wrong. At one point, the major. Before I75, the major highway that went north south in America came through Cumberland County. I have heard. And no one's shaking their head. So that may have been a lie. But. But there. This used to be a way to get from north to south. And then with i75, that changed.
Rick Bozich
I think you can get here by boat. I think that's the best way to get here now. Right. They're going to have a big boat show, by the way. They said at 10 o' clock. So I'm expecting some Boats to run.
Ryan Lemon
Through here because we're on central time.
Rick Bozich
So that 11 o' clock then Eastern time, we'll have some boats roll through.
Ryan Lemon
So there's going to be a boat show?
Rick Bozich
Yeah.
Ryan Lemon
Are we not on central time?
Drew Franklin
We are.
Ryan Lemon
We are. That's what I said.
Rick Bozich
So it's not in an hour from now?
Ryan Lemon
In an hour. Very cool. We will. We'll do it. Well, listen there, we got a lot of little stuff to get to. 859280 2287. But I, I wanted to start with, I, I'm stealing this from another podcast I heard and I want everyone and Rick, I'm even gonna let you go on record on this. Rick, I had one of my friends say that you are sometimes their favorite part of the show. They don't. We don't use you enough. So Rick, are you ready to be part of this? I'm ready. You sound like it. I am. I think that's, I think that's what.
Rick Bozich
That's Rick excited.
Ryan Lemon
That is Rick excited. Okay, so this is a. Ryan, go on record.
Drew Franklin
Okay.
Ryan Lemon
You have to go on record and whatever your answer is, it sticks and I'm going to write them down and I will, sure, I'll forget it, but we will still go on record. All right, you have to decide right now.
Rick Bozich
What was that?
Drew Franklin
Why would you be afraid what's coming next?
Ryan Lemon
You have to decide right now. What is the next year that Kentucky basketball wins a championship. What is the next year. You have to decide. You go on record right now. What? You can't say, oh, they might do it here. They might do it here. You are, you've got your Biff from Back to the Future with the book looking back at sports history. What is the next year that Kentucky wins a college basketball title?
Drew Franklin
I'm going to say we just signed. You just signed a five year deal.
Ryan Lemon
I didn't, but Mark Pope did.
Drew Franklin
You did too, with the radio station.
Ryan Lemon
I did. Good point. So I didn't know that I would have any effect on whether or not they won, but okay, so my answer.
Drew Franklin
Is going to be the last. The, the next year after that contract. So in six years as the KSR effect. Six years.
Rick Bozich
So you think that the day he's off the air.
Ryan Lemon
That's one.
Rick Bozich
Why would you say that?
Ryan Lemon
That's the worst answer. You could say.
Drew Franklin
We have a great.
Ryan Lemon
That's like the most depressing answer.
Drew Franklin
No, you guys took it. Maybe I said it wrong.
Rick Bozich
Yes, I'm sure you come out of retirement for that. I think.
Drew Franklin
No, we have A great five years. Pope has a great five years. And that next year, we're not. We're not going anywhere. We're still here. That's when they win it. The one. The next year, it'll be the next. We gotta pick something. I just picked that one.
Rick Bozich
He's on record.
Ryan Lemon
On record.
Drew Franklin
Watch me win it. I'll be the winner.
Ryan Lemon
All right, so that would be 26, 27, 28, 29. You're saying 2031. 2031. That's it.
Drew Franklin
That's the winner.
Ryan Lemon
All right, 2031. I think he could have said that without blaming it on me, but that's all right. 2031, Drew Franklin, next Kentucky title.
Shannon The Dude
I have a visual of senior Trent Noah lifting Kentucky's next national championship, which would be the year 2028, if my math is right there. So I will say the Trent Noah walk off championship.
Ryan Lemon
That's interesting. Trent Noah walk off championship. I like that.
Shannon The Dude
To his legend status.
Drew Franklin
I like that.
Ryan Lemon
I think that's actually a very good one. Okay. We tend to win in even years. First of all. 78, 96, 98, 2012. They tend to be an even year, so that's good. All right, so 2028. Shannon, what about you?
Rick Bozich
If you look at past champions, it's usually a team that's been knocking on the door for a couple of years at least. Right. So I'm going to say that by 2029.
Ryan Lemon
2029. So that'll be the year after Trent.
Rick Bozich
Yeah.
Ryan Lemon
All right, so we got 28. We got 29. We got 31. Rick, what about you?
Drew Franklin
I'm gonna say 2027.
Rick Bozich
Oh, listen, nice going for the top.
Ryan Lemon
Rick's like saying Pope is, you know, you could see that because they, they brought in a couple of these guys that are probably going to be two year players right away, would be gone. But you could, you could conceivably have a lot of these guys that they just brought in back the next year.
Shannon The Dude
Even the best freshman in that class.
Ryan Lemon
Yeah, I mean, you could even get Jalen Lowe back at your point guard when theory. So that's not crazy.
Shannon The Dude
Yeah, there's a couple of superstars in that recruiting class that would be freshmen if Kentucky could get them. So that could help out.
Ryan Lemon
Right. So we got Rick, 27, Drew, 28, Shannon, 29, Ryan, 30. I was going to take Ryan's same scale, but be a little bit more positive, which was going to say they were going to go out my last year, that I was potentially going to go out and win in 2030. And take a title that year. So we all think so. We all believe it will be in within the next five to six years. Everybody. Does everybody feel confident about that?
Drew Franklin
I feel very confident about that.
Ryan Lemon
Okay, now let me move it to a different one. When's the next time we get to a final four? I want you to give me the year we get to a final Four. Since he. Ryan's depressing. I'll let you go first.
Shannon The Dude
I will go ahead and say the year 2026. Matt Jones.
Ryan Lemon
Yeah, this year.
Shannon The Dude
This year.
Ryan Lemon
This year.
Shannon The Dude
Final four semis. But they get to the final Four.
Ryan Lemon
Okay. All right. I like that, Shannon.
Rick Bozich
I'm going to agree. I think the same thing. You look at the schedule that they have. They're going to be battle tested going into March. They've got a great roster. Orga is coming back. I think they go this year.
Ryan Lemon
All right, Rick.
Drew Franklin
2026 is what I had in my.
Ryan Lemon
Oh, listen to Rick. Even got it. All right. Mine was going to be 2026 as well. I think we go to a final Four this year. I think he has the roster to do it. Reiner, you're going to make it a.
Drew Franklin
Sweep, make it unanimous this year. 2026.
Ryan Lemon
Absolutely.
Shannon The Dude
Indianapolis.
Rick Bozich
I thought you were going to say the year after Matt retires.
Ryan Lemon
Retires.
Drew Franklin
We win our title.
Ryan Lemon
You were going to say 2031. Okay, now let me flip gears or switch gears for a second football.
Shannon The Dude
Oh, no, don't make us do this.
Ryan Lemon
What is the next year, Shannon? I'll let you go first.
Rick Bozich
Yeah.
Ryan Lemon
That Kentucky wins eight games during the regular season, goes eight and four in the regular season. What's it going to be?
Rick Bozich
I don't think Mark Stoops will be here. So I don't know who our coach would even be at that point.
Ryan Lemon
Still have to guess though. Remember in football season, we still have the 2025 season to go. So like you got one more year.
Rick Bozich
But go ahead 2042. Don't ask me why. I'm just saying a random number because.
Ryan Lemon
I mean it take till 2042 to win 8 games.
Rick Bozich
How many years did it take to get to eight wins before Mark Stoops? A long time. Right. Remember all those 48 years?
Ryan Lemon
I mean, I guess. How long was it between eight win seasons? Was it 78 to 2000.
Rick Bozich
Okay, you just made my point. So if we're thinking realistically, that's a lot like.
Ryan Lemon
I think you're right about that. All right. What about you, Drew?
Shannon The Dude
I'm gonna say I'm gonna be optimistic. I'm gonna say 27.
Ryan Lemon
27. So not. So three years from now I will.
Rick Bozich
Say 3027 or 26.
Shannon The Dude
26. There's a new coach and they use that exception excitement to build up the bankroll. And in year two, have a big year and then we figure out what's next. From there they ride the wave of a new hire for a couple years.
Drew Franklin
Ryan, you just signed a five year contract. Pope just signed a five year contract. So 2020, 2031. I'm staying with the same year.
Rick Bozich
You're logical.
Ryan Lemon
Signing the new contract is going to be why the football team wins.
Drew Franklin
Sure. Why not 2021. 2031.
Ryan Lemon
I mean 2031. All right, Rick, I'm going to say 2029. 2029. Okay. I like. Who said 28 or 2027?
Shannon The Dude
Seven. New coach. You're riding that wave.
Ryan Lemon
I like. I like 27. Because either stoops will get it back on track and we'll have it back where we need to be with investment in 27. Or you have a new coach and you do that. All right, last question. When is the next year Kentucky is looking for a new basketball coach? Give me the next year that Kentucky hires a basketball coach. Ryan Lemon.
Drew Franklin
Everybody says this job has a 10 year shelf life. So I'm going to just say in 10 years from now. 2036.
Ryan Lemon
2036. So that would give him an 11 year career. Shannon.
Rick Bozich
I think he stays here about 15 years. I'm going to say, I guess the math would be 2040, then 2040.
Ryan Lemon
All right.
Shannon The Dude
About same. I'll say 2039. Just to be different.
Ryan Lemon
All right. And then Rick, 2035. So you were right. One of the things I like about Mark Pope is and this could be exhausting with Rick Patino. It was exhausting with Cal. And Tubby didn't do it till the end, but it happened some with Tubby at the end as well. Will he go? Will he, Won't he go? Mark Pope will never leave this job until he's either fired or retired. Right. Like he. You're not going to have to worry about. Yeah, I think that's positive.
Shannon The Dude
She's wearing a Mark Pope shirt.
Ryan Lemon
There are very few. I think there's very few coaches. You could. How many coaches in America could you even say that about? In theory?
Drew Franklin
Right.
Ryan Lemon
I don't think there's very many. I think Mark Pope is one of them. So I'm just going to say like 2038 because I think he will do. I think he'll do 15 years here. And I think he'll be here. He. I feel confident he will retire in this job.
Rick Bozich
You're right. I mean, if ever there were a coach in our lifetime that would not leave for another job, it's Mark Pope.
Drew Franklin
Yeah.
Rick Bozich
You know, the guy played here. Here. He loves being here.
Ryan Lemon
How many serious, how many coaches in sports do you think you can say that about where they are coaching? I mean, I know Mike Shashevsky ended up not leaving, but he considered the Lakers a couple of times. I mean, there were always people, they would listen. Tom Izzo listened at Michigan State. I, I would think Drew. I don't even know if he would listen to any of those jobs. Maybe he would. Maybe there's an NBA job he would, but I kind of doubt it.
Shannon The Dude
Yeah, I doubt it too. I mean, you almost have to look at anybody that's a player coaching, maybe a John Shire, anyone that played where they're coaching.
Ryan Lemon
Right. See, I could see John shire in the NBA.
Shannon The Dude
NBA.
Ryan Lemon
Yeah.
Shannon The Dude
I can't imagine Pope would entertain another college.
Ryan Lemon
Yeah, I can't either. So that is a cool thing to about him here is we don't have to worry about that stuff anymore. The sun is coming out. Yeah. It is a beautiful day here at dale hollow resort. We are at Mike's landing restaurant. Nearly a full house if you're around. I don't think you're just driving in the area, but if you want to come down, you can still get here. Get a table. There's a couple left. We'll take a break and be right back. This is Kentucky sports radio. Welcome back. It is kentucky sports radio here live at Mike's landing at sulphur creek. Let's see this decibel meter that I've always. This has been up here for a few years. Let's try this. Let's see how loud we can get it. Ready? Are we going to beat Louisville this year? There we go. 112 decibels we get here at Mike's. Lady, I appreciate it. Text machine is 772-774-5254. One person writes Matt, I work with a group of uofl fans. You have made them madder this week that I've ever seen them. I want to thank you for that. I don't know why in this time of goodness they get so mad at you, but I think it's hilarious. Well, because we're here in burksville and we have a bigger crowd than most of their shows could get in their. In their house. I mean, if they had it in their living room. They couldn't get this on a game day. On a game day. I mean, like, that's why. It's the same reason yesterday we were talking about Stephen A. Smith. The reason we talk about Stephen A. Smith is for better or worse, he matters. You know, no offense to the Louisville folks, but they get frustrated because Kentucky and BBN and KSR matters. And it seems like that Lakers Clippers thing Drew made them the maddest. But the point is still the same. Just like, just like Clippers fans talk about the Lakers more than Lakers fans talk about the Clippers. You have the exact same thing happening here.
Shannon The Dude
I really didn't expect them to, to react to that comment the way they did, but I've seen a lot of people upset with the Clippers comparison.
Ryan Lemon
They get really mad. But I think it's a compliment. The Clippers are good.
Rick Bozich
Yeah. They're still in the league. You know, they, they are still in the league. They exist, but nobody's going to buy them for 10 billion do dollars. Just like Louisville, right?
Ryan Lemon
Yeah, that's a good point. Like herself, for $10 billion, do you think the Clippers would get $10 billion? No. If Kentucky was a private entity, you could buy. Do you think it would go more for more than Louisville?
Rick Bozich
Yes, of course it would.
Ryan Lemon
Now that doesn't mean I don't understand. Like, I'm the one person in the Kentucky fan base who will say Louisville's the seventh best program of all time. Like, I will give it compliments, but facts are facts. And so, you know, it is what it is.
Drew Franklin
And they make it just too easy for us. A lot of the things that happen, just. What, we're going to ignore it? No, we're going to talk about them.
Ryan Lemon
I will say, I got a message. Where's Mario? I got a message that one of the Louisville shows today was going after you. That's how to get me angry. You say whatever you want about me, but if they start. Yes. That they were like, going after Mario. So, like, how can they go after cute little Mario? Well, probably because you say things like that, but he's, he's a grown up. You don't call him cute little Mario. Like, he's good. He's good. But, but that's a good way to. Actually, I haven't, you know, I haven't heard it, but that's a good way to, to make people upset.
Shannon The Dude
This. You got me fired up. I'm about to hop in one of these boats and head to Louisville and think the water connects but you got me ready to go fight somebody.
Ryan Lemon
Yes.
Rick Bozich
That pinball machine. I went back and listened on the podcast that Mario set off.
Ryan Lemon
Yes, you could hear it.
Rick Bozich
You could. I took it out. If you were listening yesterday. You know what I'm talking about. Fiction.
Ryan Lemon
I hope it didn't go over there, but, you know, if it did, that's okay. All right, so I have a question for you before we go the phones. 859-280-2287. Have you seen the video Drew, of Kelsey Plume, the WNBA player, and the autograph seekers outside of the hotel?
Shannon The Dude
I have.
Ryan Lemon
All right, so she is outside of her hotel getting ready to go back and forth. You know, she's in some town to play a game, and there is an autograph secret. Like, a old guy, he's got one of these, you know, binders full of cards, and he wants him to sign it. Clearly somebody who's probably wanting to sell it. It's not a group of little kids or little girls. This is clearly like somebody wants to sell it. And she gets kind of angry at him because he keeps yelling. And she kind of goes off on him a little bit, and it's. And it basically. It's not a great look. She's kind of going off on him at the same time he is outside of her hotel. Kind of, I think, creeping her out a little bit. What did you make of it? And who's in the right and who's in the wrong?
Shannon The Dude
Yeah, she called him weird.
Ryan Lemon
She said, you're being weird. Yeah.
Shannon The Dude
In the clip I saw, it wasn't too aggressive. I kind of feel like, you know, they talk about wanting to be on the same level, the NBA. If you want to be that kind of superstar, there are gonna be people wanting autographs when you walk in your hotel. So I would tell her she should almost appreciate it because they were just a little different.
Ryan Lemon
If it's a woman and it's like she's by herself and it's old dudes yelling at her, it looked like she.
Shannon The Dude
Had people with her. If he did. If he did anything appropriate, I'd have a different stance. But from what I saw, it was just people wanting autographs. Maybe they had intentions of selling them, but if you want to be a.
Ryan Lemon
Superstar, apparently had, like, a bond or something. Shannon, do you think it is weird to stand outside of. Of if you're not with, like, a little kid. Right. If you're an adult by yourself, do you think it's weird to stand outside of an athlete's hotel hoping to see Them coming in or out?
Rick Bozich
Yes, it's really weird. And these autograph seekers that collect autographs are very aggressive. You'll see them pushing kids to the side to be able to get their autograph, you know, it's crazy. So, yeah, I think it's, it's definitely.
Ryan Lemon
When is it appropriate to. Is it ever appropriate to wait outside, like a hotel for anyone?
Rick Bozich
Well, first of all, you have to know where they're at. So that tells me you already did some recon and that's a little creepy in its own right that you had to look up where somebody is staying in their hotel.
Shannon The Dude
Yeah, well, every UK trip, I get a message, what's the team hotel? I mean.
Rick Bozich
Yeah, I do too. Like, I don't know, like you think.
Drew Franklin
I care, but maybe it's hard for us because we're not a woman. For a woman, it may be totally different. You come out of the hotel and there's some grown men creeping on you, screaming at you, coming at you aggressively. I can see where maybe bother you a little bit.
Ryan Lemon
I, I think it's perfectly fine to ask someone for an autograph, but you also have to be perfectly fine if they say no. Yeah, you know, I mean, I, I do think that, that sometimes with, especially with big stars, that there's an expectation that they, that they're going to sign. Like, I don't have a. I think it's weird to wait outside somebody's hotel. But if you run into somebody and you say to them, can I have your autograph? I think that's fine. But if they say no, like, you can't get mad at them. And I think what, what happens is sometimes people get mad. Like they just need to stop what they're doing at any given moment to do that, to do that.
Rick Bozich
If you're at a game and you ask for an autograph, absolutely, that's totally fine. If you run into them at an airport.
Ryan Lemon
At an airport, that's fine. Even in a restaurant, I wouldn't go to their table. But if you get them coming in or out, I'm okay with that.
Rick Bozich
When you're waiting two, three hours outside of somebody's hotel room, waiting for them to come out, just stalking them, basically. I do too.
Ryan Lemon
To me, I mean, at least, you know. And so I actually kind of. She was a little rude to him, but I actually kind of was on her side. Right.
Shannon The Dude
See, there are people that wait outside the lodge for autographs.
Ryan Lemon
Yeah, no, I've seen that. There are people who will stand outside of the UK basketball lodge Waiting for the players to come out. I find that, like, kind of odd behavior. I do. Who's up next? Moffat is up next. Moffat. Go ahead, Moffat.
F
Hey, man. How are y' all doing today?
Ryan Lemon
Doing good.
F
I've been listening to podcasts all week, and you've been speaking to my soul about this dog situation.
Ryan Lemon
Oh, no, you had to bring up the dog thing out here. Go ahead.
F
Well, I deliver boxes out of a brown truck for a living. And so I. If I had a dollar for every time somebody told me, oh, you know, that's just little Sparky.
Ryan Lemon
He don't.
F
He won't buy the biscuit. And then little Sparky throwing at the mouth, trying to eat my ankles up. I can retire right now, dude.
Ryan Lemon
I. First of all, I could never be a UPS worker or post office worker for that very reason you have to deal with everybody's dogs. And again, Drew, everyone thinks their dog is cute. Nobody's like, my dog is hideous. My dog is dangerous. Everybody thinks their dog is cute. Yeah. And clearly their dog barks. So somebody's dog's not cute. I appreciate the call. I. I sympathize with you, sir. For UPS workers who have to, like, walk right up next to them, that's a tough gig. We'll take a break, be right back here at Mike's Landing. This is ksr. Welcome back. It is Kentucky Sports Radio here live at Mike's Landing in. Would you call this. I mean, would you call it. This is not Berksville. What would you just say Cumberland County? Is that what we would do here in Cumberland County? Beautiful day. This is going to be an awesome weekend. It's going to be hot, but otherwise beautiful. Lot going on. The Lexington, the Lexington Sporting Club game tonight. It'll be on ESPN2 as well. You got festivals going on in Lexington and Louisville and lots of good stuff. Our Reds for my Reds playing your Cardinals as well in St. Louis.
Drew Franklin
I listened to the Reds game when it started yesterday because I knew you were there. It was like home run derby to start.
Ryan Lemon
It was very hot, but a lot of fun. Great crowd.
Drew Franklin
They.
Ryan Lemon
They had huge crowds for all three games. I went to all three of them. Piece of news here. Well, first of all, a couple things. Where is. Where's Jonathan in the crowd? 22nd birthday for Jonathan. Happy birthday over there. Happy birthday to Jonathan, 22 years old. I'm sure you're going to have a very calm weekend here at Nice and relaxing here at Sulphur Creek. And look, with that crowd, it looks like it's going to Be very calm, I can tell you. How about an interesting piece of news? Dan Skurka, the baseball coach, has been on here twice over the last few weeks at Murray State, is returning to Murray State. Ryan Lemon signs an extension for four years. They raise his pay from 65,000. I think that's good news, to $180,000. Duke offered him 200,000. Murray beat Duke to go to the College World Series. Duke then tried to hire him. I guess they saw him beat him right there in front of their face and tried to hire him. And Murray State matched the money they offered and kept him. Good for Murray State, but also good for Dan Skerker for staying in Murray.
Drew Franklin
Yeah, I'm sure Duke wanted him after they saw what he did to their program. But if that was the only option and Murray State decided to match it, that tells me that he's very loyal to Murray State now. He's the highest paid coach in the conference. They'll probably have great recruiting success now just based on what they just did. So they probably have great seasons for years to come.
Ryan Lemon
Everybody says they're loyal until the bunny comes. He actually stayed almost no one. Drew stays almost no one. And he actually did.
Shannon The Dude
Yeah. Watching their postseason run even, really before they got to Omaha, when they were still at Ole Miss, I was thinking, this guy's making himself a lot of money putting Murray State on the map like this. A lot of his players, too, I'm sure have done well. And I would have expected. Expected him to make a jump to a better level. But good for him for sticking around. I know it's been a little exaggerated. Like they say, Moe's and everything.
Ryan Lemon
Yeah, he said. He said, here, you weren't on here. He said he didn't do that.
Shannon The Dude
That was debunked. But he's been a very cool story. He said all the right things in Omaha, too.
Rick Bozich
I didn't even know who Dan Skurka was three weeks ago, but we've had him on the show twice, and he seems like a really cool guy. Great coach and I'm happy for him. And staying at Murray, that's great.
Ryan Lemon
Who's up next? Rick Cody is up next. Cody, go ahead. Cody.
F
Hey, Matt, how are you doing?
Ryan Lemon
I'm good. Just assume I'm good and go ahead.
F
Yeah. Doing good in Cincinnati. Won nine out of the last 12. Got a chance to take over the Cardinals.
Ryan Lemon
Yes, they do.
F
So excited about that. But quick question on Vince Marrow. They were saying that locker room was the biggest problem. I'm sorry, but if you're a coach for Kentucky and you go to the red team. Was your heart ever really in it at Kentucky?
Ryan Lemon
Well, I appreciate the call. I mean, my view about Ryan, about coaches is with a handful, with a couple of exceptions, a guy like Mark Pope who went here, they're all to some extent hired guns now. That doesn't mean that they didn't really care about it when they were here. I think they did. I think Vince loved Kentucky. I think Vince loved being here. I think Vince bled blue. But it's not like us, you know, it's not the same. It's still a job. And the best way I can describe it is if I. Let's say that I started doing radio and I didn't start it in Kentucky, I just got a job. And let's say I became the play by play broadcaster for, you know, again, Colorado. I was into Colorado. I love Colorado. Colorado's the best. Go Colorado. I want the Buffaloes to win. I'm all in on Colorado. And then all of a sudden Alabama gives me a job offer or even Colorado State for double the money. I'm not from there. Like I'm going to, you know, it's. I might do it. So we always have to remember that, yes, Ryan, they can bleed blue, they can love Kentucky, but it's still just a job for them, whereas for us it's a passion. And that will always be the case for nearly every. With a handful of exceptions.
Drew Franklin
Yeah, Vince may be the only guy that. Maybe it's leaving some people with a bad taste or mouth because we felt like he was one of us, that, like he was on our side.
Ryan Lemon
But we should honestly remember, Shannon, that that should net. We should never assume that.
Rick Bozich
Right.
Ryan Lemon
You know, I mean, they can be one of us until they're not. It's like being in a marriage. You can love them and just until you don't anymore. Like, I feel like that's kind of how it is sometimes.
Rick Bozich
The only guy that I'm going to assume that for is Mark Pope because he. Because he played different. Right.
Ryan Lemon
He played here, but. But that's it. But that's unique.
Rick Bozich
Yeah. But the thing about Vince Merrow is that for so many years, he was the most outspoken, the most anti lovable of probably all of our coaches. And then to see him leave and go directly to Louisville was just kind of weird.
Ryan Lemon
Three straight nights I've gotten a picture of him at dinner. Oh, I didn't get another one last night. Jeff Ruby's for the second time in three nights. I've got. I don't know. I don't know if people are following him around or they're just all sitting. But I've gotten it now three straight nights, three different tables. So it's not. I can tell it's not the same picture every time.
Shannon The Dude
Doc crows for L. Another. He's really struggling with the. With the L. I saw another one where it's more of a.
Ryan Lemon
The L was more like he. It's like he can't make his hand do it. He goes, I just. I just can't put the. Put the L up. I. I had saw online one of the Louisville people say, I've never seen Kentucky fans this upset since they lost to us and they. They picked some game. Do you feel like it's been that bad? I mean, we. Part of this is because it happens in June and there's nothing else going on, and you end up talking a lot about. Do you get the sense, though, fans are hurt or just like, angry? Like, what do you think the Kentucky fan emotion is? Betrayal. I think we just feel that's a strong word.
Drew Franklin
I think it's what a lot of it is. You know, it felt like, like I said earlier, he felt like he was one of us. He didn't like Louisville. He was the L's down. He was in your face talking smack to deliver when he went in a recruiting battle against him. Now I almost feel like betrayed. Like, man, were you just deceiving us the whole time?
Ryan Lemon
Well, I knew he almost went twice before, so I knew Drew this was a possibility. So, I mean, I was surprised, but I was not shocked because I thought he was going to leave. I honestly thought he was going to leave in December. And then he decided to stay. I think I told you when we got in the car to start our drive to the Gonzaga game, I was like, I think he's probably going to end up there. And then he changed his mind. So I was surprised. But. But, you know, again, love the dude. But Vince is going to go where Vince is going to go. For Vince, you know, I think his.
Shannon The Dude
Timing is helping him a little bit. If he had done this three years ago before the program was on such a downslide, I think he'll be a lot more upset. Yeah, people are definitely still upset and betrayed, but there's just a lot of the fan base that is just ready for all this to be over with in another regime. They don't have high hopes for the season. So the Vince move is just like the latest thing. Something else to add to the List of problems.
Rick Bozich
I think half the fan base is angry, the other half is trying to go, well, who cares? But you can't downplay his significance to recruiting for Kentucky football all those years.
Ryan Lemon
You cannot downplay what he did the first 10 years. I think it is an open question to ask in today's transfer portal world, does it matter as much? Does it matter as much now where you're paying money? Do the personal relationships matter as much when ultimately you're writing a check and people can go, well, I do really like them, but this is twice as much money. I mean, I do think they're. I think it matters, but I'm not sure it matters like it did five years ago. Quite the same way we said forever.
Shannon The Dude
Vince is so good at going into a high school players living room, meeting the family, showing them how help protect him at the next level. He was a big living room guy, but living rooms don't matter as much anymore. Some guys just straight up say, what am I getting paid? And that's how they pick their school.
Ryan Lemon
Speaking of the Money these next 10 days, I don't, I don't know that people realize what all is going on in the next 10 days because the. So starting July 1st, all the deals have to go through this clearinghouse. But the thing is, if you get it done before July 1, it doesn't. So a lot of these schools are writing big checks to players right now because it doesn't really start till July 1. There was a story this morning about the University of Missouri. The University of Missouri is that they had to release financial records. They have $11 million going out in the month of June for players next year. Wow. Because starting July 1st, it has to change. So you're, you've seen and you're going to continue to see Drew guys commit. I wouldn't be shocked if we have a basketball player or two commit for the next year or football players. What you might be going, why are there so many commit? We got like six football commitments in a week. It's because of this. You got like nine more days before the new rules are not implemented.
Shannon The Dude
That's a rush for a money grab. Especially if you're one that can commit early, change your mind on down the road. At least get something in writing now or agreed upon before it goes to the clearinghouse.
Ryan Lemon
Yeah. And the collectives, they're like, I mean collectives are like furiously trying to raise money in the next nine or ten days. It's, it's, it's starting July 1st. This is all Going to be better. But you still have 10 days, Shannon of the Wild west coming, which is still going on.
Rick Bozich
And if I'm a player, I'm like, hey, let's get that money now. Let's.
Ryan Lemon
If you're a player right now, you're like, okay, I got 10 days to get the. The most.
Rick Bozich
Because this is probably gonna be the last time that this will be the last again, right?
Ryan Lemon
Unless a court overturns it. This is. I mean, you're still gonna get the money, but like now there's going to be essentially a salary cap, basically. But you got 10 days here where you don't. And so, you know, if you have a kid who's going to be a senior in high school, if they haven't signed yet, do it because. Because now's the time. The NBA Finals game seven is Sunday. It's your last chance to bet on the NBA this season. You go, the DraftKings sportsbook, official sports betting partner of the NBA. Are you guys going to do it?
Drew Franklin
Somebody on yesterday's show said the Thunder was going to win by 20 points last night.
Ryan Lemon
You shouldn't have said that. Try placing a bet on your personal MVP. To drop over 30, 40 or 50. Download the DraftKings sportsbook app. Use the code KSR. New customers get 300 in bonus bets if you win. If you win. If you bet five bucks, tell me who's going to win the NBA Finals?
Shannon The Dude
Oh, I've been so bad. Lost a big parlay last night. I'll say the Thunder. But I'm. I'm cold.
Rick Bozich
Yeah. In Oklahoma City. The Thunder Wind. Sorry, Ryan.
Drew Franklin
You guys keep picking them Pacers. Pacers are for real, Rick.
Ryan Lemon
Who's winning?
Drew Franklin
Stole their soul.
Ryan Lemon
Pacers. Yeah. You're wrong, Rick. It's gonna be the Thunder. But I've been wrong every time I've said that. For DraftKings, you could go do the code KSR. The Crown is yours. If you have a gaming problem, call 100 GAMBLER 18+KENTUCKY only on eligibility supply but must bet, must win to Receive reward minimum -500 odds required post expire 168 hours after issuance. For additional terms responsible gaming resource see DKNG co. We'll take a break and be right back here at Mike's Landing. This is Kentucky Sports Radio. Welcome back. It is Kentucky Sports Radio here live at Mike's Landing. Sulphur Creek, Dale Holly. If you and your family wanted to get a getaway, get away from Lexington, Louisville, Cincinnati, whatever, come down here into God's country where it's beautiful. Right next to Cumberland county on the lake Sulphur Creek, Mike's Landing. This is where you want to go. 32 campsites, 30 log riddle cabins. The only hard place to find a place to park because there's so many people here. But other than that, you can't ask for anything else here at, at Sulphur Creek. They're gonna have the boat show coming on here in just a few minutes. And Mario, you need to take that group and go somewhere a little so that they're not getting through the microphone here. 85928 Home 22.
Shannon The Dude
Mike over there.
Rick Bozich
Who would have thought that Mario would get yelled at before Bob and Jamestown.
Ryan Lemon
That's true. Bob and Jamestown's been quiet over there right now. 859280, 2287. Real quick, before I go the phones UK, the hair leader released the all the quarter century UK football team. So these are the, this is the best players since 2000. So from 2000 to 20, 25. See if you want to. If you agreed with the selections, first of all, quarterback Andre Woodson picked over Jared Lorenzen. Will Levis. Those are probably the three biggest choices. They go with Andre Woodson. You good with it?
Shannon The Dude
I'm good with that. Jared's my guy, but I'm good with it.
Rick Bozich
I, I would have picked Jared personally, but maybe that's because of my Andre.
Ryan Lemon
One more. Yeah, I mean Andre had very successful. I, I think Andre is probably the right choice. Do you agree?
Drew Franklin
Andre had that one good year, but man, Jared was a four year starter. Set records.
Ryan Lemon
It'll never be two really good years. He had one awesome.
Drew Franklin
Yeah, I, I can't, I cannot pick Jared. I'd have to pick Jared.
Ryan Lemon
You cannot pick Jared. You have to picture.
Drew Franklin
Yes, I cannot pick against Jared.
Ryan Lemon
Okay, there we go. All right. Wide receiver. They picked Keenan Burton and Randall Cobb. You good with that?
Shannon The Dude
Those are the two names that pop to my head.
Ryan Lemon
Keenan Burton, no doubt. Utility player. Lynn Bowden good with that.
Rick Bozich
Oh, absolutely.
Drew Franklin
The best.
Ryan Lemon
Yeah. I don't even know who. If you're gonna put Randall Cobb as a receiver, then you got to put Lynn Bowden as the utility guy. Running back thought a little bit controversial. Benny Snell and Raphael Little over Chris Rodriguez.
Drew Franklin
Wow.
Rick Bozich
Yeah, I've taken Chris Rodriguez.
Drew Franklin
You know, you could make an argument even Ray Davis. He holds the single season touchdown record.
Ryan Lemon
Now it's not as my Raphael Little. Yeah, he was good, but surprised.
Drew Franklin
He had as many receiving yards out of the backfield as he did rushing yards.
Ryan Lemon
Maybe that's why center Drake Jackson over John Toth and Luke Fortner.
Drew Franklin
Well, Freddie Maggard might have to talk about that. He's John Cole Fang.
Ryan Lemon
John Toth and Luke Fortner had NFL careers.
Shannon The Dude
I mean, this is a crew right here. These are three to be very proud of.
Drew Franklin
That's tough.
Shannon The Dude
But Drake, when he was here, was special. I'm good with it. I mean, the other two had it.
Ryan Lemon
I would have take John Toth, but I still think Drake's right there. Luke Foreigner may have been the best of all of them going to the next level. So tackles Landon Young and Darian Kennard, both NFL guys.
Drew Franklin
Hard to argue against. Both of them are both doing the NFL.
Ryan Lemon
Guard Larry Warford and Bunchy Stallings.
Shannon The Dude
Yep. Go with those two.
Drew Franklin
Warford still in the NFL.
Ryan Lemon
Tight end Jacob Tammy.
Shannon The Dude
Gotta be that no one else has really performed at that position.
Rick Bozich
Do we haven't thrown to anybody else.
Ryan Lemon
Don't think we threw to anyone else at any point. Defensive line, Josh Hair Leader, you got to fix your app. Seriously. Like this. It never works. I can't even get it put up. Well, let me do the easy ones then. Punter Max Duffy.
Drew Franklin
Unanimous. Hands down.
Ryan Lemon
Kick returner Bearing Brown.
Rick Bozich
Yes.
Shannon The Dude
Yeah.
Ryan Lemon
Yeah, Probably Punt returner Derek Abney.
Shannon The Dude
Oh, yeah, definitely.
Drew Franklin
Derek Abney is without it.
Ryan Lemon
Kind of. He kind of gets a few years. He kind of gets both of them. I'd love to give you the defensive team, but I can't get the app to work. But we'll maybe do those in the second hour. Who's next? Rick Adam is up next. Harold, do you. Harold Leader, you have the worst website. Go ahead.
G
What's up, Matt? I love the LA reference of the Lakers and Clippers for Kentucky and Louisville. I always thought that Kentucky was more like Diesel and Louisville is like the.
Ryan Lemon
Fake Diesel's better than the fake Diesel. Okay. I mean, Louisville has had.
Rick Bozich
I'm taking up for him a little fake Razor Ramon.
Ryan Lemon
Yeah, they're a little better than fake Diesel. Fake Diesel, by the way, was. Was Kane in real life. So just so you know, but go ahead. Yeah.
G
Talking about I wasn't able to call in yesterday, but the UK blunders or sports blunders and mentioning Jared Lorenzen. That UK Florida game, we're up 21 to 3. I was actually at that game and you know, he just kind of. He's being sacked and he just hurls it up in the air and it's a pick stick. We end up losing the game.
Rick Bozich
Yeah, that.
Ryan Lemon
That was a tough one. But I mean, that Was. That's just a bad play. I don't think it's. That's a blunder. Exactly.
Rick Bozich
That's not how we remember.
Ryan Lemon
I mean, that was, that was, that was just. I, I think the guy falling down is a lot more of a, of a blunder.
G
If you got just, just a minute. I was actually, like I said, I was at that game as a recruit and pre game, you know, Kentucky's going through warm ups. Jared Lorenzens just fell in like, you know, little slants, little out routes to warm up. He throws it so hard, it goes through the receiver's hand on an out route. And recruit standing next to me, it breaks his notes.
Ryan Lemon
Oh, really? I didn't know that story. I could see it though. He, he, I appreciate the call. He, he could throw it hard. I mean, literally there. I've. I've heard receivers that played with him in the NFL say he threw the hardest football of anybody in the NFL. I can totally see that. Let me do the defense until their website craps out. Josh Pascal, Dion Walker, Corey Peters, Bud Dupree on the line.
Rick Bozich
I like that.
Shannon The Dude
Yep.
Drew Franklin
I can't think of somebody that would replace one of those guys.
Ryan Lemon
Linebackers, Josh Allen, Wesley Woodyard, Danny Travathan.
Drew Franklin
All three guys.
Ryan Lemon
Dude, you could, you could win a Super bowl with this group that, that we have cornerback Travard Lindley, quarterback Trevard Lindley, Harrison, and then Maxwell Harrison. Safety Winston Guy and Mike Edwards.
Shannon The Dude
Gotta be Mike Edwards.
Drew Franklin
Mike Edwards is a given. That's a pretty good roster on defense, by the way.
Ryan Lemon
That's 11 really good defensive players that we put out and you could put a second team out of can. This is one thing that we will always have to give credit for. Stoops, one way or the other, he made at Kentucky have SEC defenses for about seven or eight years, like with star level dudes. We probably put more dudes in the NFL on defense in about seven years than we did the 40 years prior.
Shannon The Dude
Yeah, there's several guys left off that come to mind. I mean, you got Zadarius Smith, lots of guys.
Ryan Lemon
They don't. Darius Smith not even on the list.
Shannon The Dude
Linebackers not even mentioned that you could fill up.
Ryan Lemon
That is unbelievable. We'll take a break. When we come back, the basketball team has been working out. We got some news from that and a lot more. We're here at Mike's Landing. The boat show's coming on Sulphur Creek. This is Kentucky Sports Radio.
KSR Podcast Episode Summary: Hour 1 (June 20, 2025)
Host: Ryan Lemon with Drew Franklin, Shannon The Dude, and Rick Bozich Location: Mike's Landing Restaurant, Sulphur Creek, Cumberland County, Kentucky Release Date: June 20, 2025
The episode kicks off with Ryan Lemon welcoming listeners live from Mike's Landing at Sulphur Creek, Cumberland County, highlighting the venue's charm and the enthusiastic crowd present for the third consecutive year. Drew Franklin and Shannon The Dude join Ryan in celebrating the picturesque setting and the strong turnout of Kentucky sports fans.
Notable Moment:
Ryan Lemon [01:04]: "It is June and we are two and a half hours from Lexington on the lake and a packed house here at Mike's Landing."
The hosts discuss the significance of Mike's Landing as a hub for Kentucky's "Big Blue Nation," emphasizing the community's passion for sports. They reminisce about past events, share humorous anecdotes about partying at the venue, and appreciate the longstanding tradition of gatherings that bolster Kentucky's sports culture.
Notable Moment:
Drew Franklin [01:20]: "Third year in a row we've been to Mike's Landing. The weather has been spectacular all three times and look at this crowd."
A significant portion of the conversation revolves around predicting the next Kentucky Wildcats basketball championship. The panelists engage in a lively debate, offering various timelines for when Kentucky might secure their next title.
Predictions:
Notable Moment:
Shannon The Dude [07:12]: "I have a visual of senior Trent Noah lifting Kentucky's next national championship."
Shifting focus to broader tournament success, the hosts discuss the possibility of Kentucky reaching the Final Four in 2026. There's a consensus that the current roster possesses the potential to make a deep postseason run.
Notable Moment:
Shannon The Dude [09:18]: "I will go ahead and say the year 2026."
The conversation transitions to football, where the hosts debate the realistic timelines for Kentucky achieving notable success, such as an 8-win season. While some predictions lean towards the distant future (2042), others like Shannon The Dude and Rick Bozich express optimism for a turnaround by 2027, possibly influenced by coaching strategies and new hires.
Notable Moment:
Ryan Lemon [10:06]: "What is the next year Shannon? I'll let you go first."
A heartening update is shared about Dan Skurka, the baseball coach who has been pivotal for Murray State. Despite offers from higher-profile programs like Duke, Skurka has chosen to extend his tenure with Murray State, reflecting his loyalty and the university's commitment to his leadership.
Notable Moment:
Ryan Lemon [24:03]: "Dan Skurka... is returning to Murray State. Ryan Lemon signs an extension for four years."
The episode delves into the controversial move of Vince Marrow, a beloved Kentucky football coach, relocating to Louisville. The hosts and callers express mixed emotions, ranging from feelings of betrayal to understanding the professional decisions behind such moves. The discussion highlights the deep-seated rivalry between Kentucky and Louisville and the impact of coaching changes on fan sentiment.
Notable Moment:
Drew Franklin [29:50]: "He felt like he was one of us. He didn't like Louisville."
Ryan Lemon introduces a critical topic regarding upcoming NCAA regulations effective July 1st, which mandate that all player compensation deals must go through a centralized clearinghouse. This change has prompted a surge in commitments from athletes eager to secure endorsements before the new rules take effect. The hosts analyze the implications of this shift, discussing how it might influence recruiting and financial strategies across collegiate sports.
Notable Moment:
Ryan Lemon [31:34]: "Starting July 1st, all the deals have to go through this clearinghouse."
The podcast features engaging listener calls addressing various topics:
Autograph Seeking Behavior: A discussion on appropriate versus intrusive practices when requesting autographs from athletes.
Notable Moment:
Ryan Lemon [19:27]: "If you run into somebody and you say to them, can I have your autograph? I think that's fine."
Dog-Related Complaints: A humorous take on the challenges faced by delivery workers dealing with customers' pets.
Notable Moment:
Caller [22:07]: "If I had a dollar for every time somebody told me, oh, you know, that's just little Sparky."
Sports Blunders: Analysis of memorable mistakes in Kentucky sports history, such as Jared Lorenzen's game mishaps.
Notable Moment:
Caller [39:27]: "If you got just, just a minute. I was at that game as a recruit..."
Towards the episode's conclusion, the panel evaluates the University of Kentucky's top football players from the past quarter-century. Highlighting figures like Andre Woodson and Jared Lorenzen, the hosts debate selections for various positions, reflecting on their contributions and legacies within the program.
Notable Moment:
Ryan Lemon [36:22]: "Everybody says this job has a 10-year shelf life. So I'm going to just say in 10 years from now. 2036."
Community and Tradition: Mike's Landing remains a cornerstone for Kentucky sports fans, fostering a strong sense of community and excitement around local events.
Optimism for the Future: Despite recent challenges, there's a hopeful outlook for Kentucky basketball and football, with predictions of championships and successful seasons in the coming years.
Coaching Stability and Loyalty: The loyalty of coaches like Dan Skurka and the controversial moves of others like Vince Marrow significantly impact team dynamics and fan perceptions.
Regulatory Changes: Upcoming NCAA rules on player compensation are reshaping the landscape of collegiate sports, prompting strategic adjustments from athletes and institutions alike.
Fan Engagement: Listener interactions provide a window into the diverse perspectives and passions of Kentucky sports enthusiasts, highlighting both the joys and frustrations of fandom.
Ryan Lemon [01:04]: "It is June and we are two and a half hours from Lexington on the lake and a packed house here at Mike's Landing."
Shannon The Dude [07:12]: "I have a visual of senior Trent Noah lifting Kentucky's next national championship."
Ryan Lemon [31:34]: "Starting July 1st, all the deals have to go through this clearinghouse."
Drew Franklin [29:50]: "He felt like he was one of us. He didn't like Louisville."
This episode of KSR encapsulates the vibrant spirit of Kentucky sports, blending live event coverage with insightful discussions on team performances, coaching dynamics, and evolving sports regulations. Through lively debates and heartfelt conversations, the hosts and guests provide listeners with a comprehensive overview of the current state and future prospects of Kentucky's beloved athletic programs.