2025-08-22- KSR - Hour 2

Summary

---

KSR - Hour 2: August 22, 2025

Date: August 22, 2025
Hosts: Matt Jones and KSR Crew
Guests: Craig Greenberg (Mayor of Louisville, co-owner of Ohio Valley Wrestling)

---

Overview

In this engaging episode of Kentucky Sports Radio, Matt Jones and the crew broadcast live from the Volunteers of America Mid States Community Care Campus in Louisville. The episode features an in-depth conversation with Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, focusing on city issues like homelessness, sports, economic development, memorable stories from his career, and the intersection of politics and wrestling. The team also discusses high school and college football, UK basketball predictions, the potential NCAA football playoff expansion, and takes spirited calls from the audience.

---

Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. Mayor Craig Greenberg Interview

Timestamps: 01:33–14:20

The Unlikely Intersection of Politics and Wrestling

• Matt recounts how Craig Greenberg sparked his journey into wrestling ownership.
• Quote [02:32, Craig Greenberg]: "I definitely think [wrestling and politics] have a lot in common... kind of the public persona... preparation is everything. So there is a lot more in common between professional wrestling and politics than I think any of us would like, but that's the world."

Handling Homelessness in Louisville

• Greenberg highlights progress on homelessness, emphasizing partnerships with Volunteers of America and private sectors.
• Focus on providing shelter, services, and medical respite.
• Quote [04:44, Greenberg]: "People who are homeless are struggling… So we have found that by providing more services and shelter, that's the ultimate solution. That's what people need. They need help and they need support."

Balancing Legal Enforcement and Support

• Matt presses on balancing law enforcement and compassion.
• Greenberg details how multiple stakeholders (police, social workers, housing developers) collaborate.
• "You make judgment calls on a daily basis." [05:41, Greenberg]

Celebrating Louisville's Sports Scene

• The return and restoration of UofL banners, and street-naming in honor of Tom Jurich.
• Quote [07:14, Greenberg]: "I would like to see [the 2013 championship restored]. I don't know what's going on with the NCAA these days, but if I can help lead the charge, I'm going to."
• Matt asks about supporting UK at UofL events; Greenberg advocates for in-state athletic camaraderie.
• Discussion on the economic impact of UofL sports for downtown Louisville.

Hosting Major Events & the Solheim Cup

• Greenberg hints at Louisville being in contention for a major international Olympic sport event in 2028, in addition to the Solheim Cup.
  • Quote [10:30, Greenberg]: "It is an Olympic sport, an international... If it happens, it would be in 2028. That's a hint."
• Discussion on PGA/LPGA events returning to Valhalla Golf Club.
• A candid account of the chaotic morning involving Scottie Scheffler’s arrest during the PGA event.
  • Quote [11:55, Greenberg]: "I just... on a group facetime with our chief of police... I literally sat on the top of my stairs... trying to get information because... that was one of the challenges in any real time."

Promoting the VOA Community Care Campus

• Greenberg describes the Community Care Campus as a "national model" for helping unhoused families and individuals regain stability.

---

2. Vince Marrow's Move to Louisville & Reflections

Timestamps: 15:38–17:56

• Discussion about Vince Marrow’s comments after switching from Kentucky to Louisville football staff.
• Reflections on behind-the-scenes dynamics and staff changes.
  • Quote [16:08, Ryan]: "I think that hurt Vince's feelings... I'm the guy brings in all these players. Why are you giving away some of my power to these other guys?"
• Notes on Marrow's unique contract and coaching compensation patterns.

---

3. High School Football Preview & Notable Players

Timestamps: 17:56–20:02

• Boyle County, Trinity, Saint X, and Paducah Tillman identified as top teams.
• Spotlight on standout players: Seneca Driver (Boyle County) and Tate Lorenzen (Fort Thomas Highlands, son of Jared Lorenzen).
• Anecdotal banter about mistaken game dates and high school traditions.

---

4. Listener Calls: Student Life & Empty Nesting

Timestamps: 20:16–21:47

• Callers share upcoming experiences, such as interviews at UK dental school and living alone.
• The crew discusses the emotional aspect of empty nest syndrome.
  • Quote [21:10, Ryan]: "For the people that are Empty nest syndrome. It's a real thing and it's awful. I hate Every second of it. And I'm just gonna have to start having more kids."

---

5. Predictions: Top 5 Kentucky Basketball Scorers

Timestamps: 21:47–23:24

• Hosts each draft their projected top five scorers for the UK basketball season, noting a wide variance and the depth of the new roster.
  • Matt: Lowe, Oweh, Diabate, Johnson, Chandler
  • Ryan: Oweh, Lowe, Aberdeen, "Yellow" (Yelolic?), Garrison
  • Shannon: Lowe, Oweh, Aberdeen, Johnson, Garrison
• Discussion of Jaden Quaintance’s potential impact once healthy.

---

6. UK Basketball Team at Natural Bridge & Team Building

Timestamps: 24:33–25:25

• The team is at Natural Bridge State Park for a chemistry-building outing.
• Debate over what to do at Natural Bridge and Matt’s musings on scenic bridges.

---

7. Lexington Park Opening & Parking Humor

Timestamps: 25:39–26:49

• Details on the opening of a new park in Lexington and anticipated crowds near Matt’s home.
• Jokes about playground safety and parking frustration.

---

8. College Football Playoff Expansion Debate

Timestamps: 26:49–31:17

• Analysis of the Big Ten’s pitch for a 28-team playoff vs. the SEC’s 16-team model.
• Matt makes a statistical case for broader playoffs based on the percentage of teams that get in, contending it could make college football more in line with other sports.
  • Quote [30:33, Matt]: "Of all the sports, the sport that has the smallest percentage of the teams... college football is the sport that has the smallest percentage of teams in it make the playoffs."
• Some callers favor a stricter cutoff, while hosts see 28 as a better chance for Kentucky.

---

9. Kentucky Basketball Games in Louisville's Yum! Center

Timestamps: 31:17–34:38

• Mayor Greenberg supports letting UK play marquee games in the Yum Center.
• The hosts reminisce about the unique and lively atmospheres at previous games in Louisville and Freedom Hall.

---

10. Rapid-Fire Football Picks & Bar Stories

Timestamps: 36:29–39:42

• Quick picks for college football’s week zero, with banter over teams and local favorites.
• Note on Dublin's flag mix-up for the Aer Lingus Classic provides comic relief.

---

11. Listener Stories: Driverless Cars and Uber Dogs

Timestamps: 39:44–42:09

• Callers recount their experiences with autonomous rideshares in Phoenix and an Uber driver who brought his dogs along.
• Hosts express skepticism and amusement over these transportation tales.

---

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Craig Greenberg on Politics & Wrestling:
  "There is a lot more in common between professional wrestling and politics than I think any of us would like, but that's the world." (02:32)

• On Louisville’s Homelessness Strategy:
  "The solution, it's more housing units, it's more mental health providers... We're addressing the homelessness crisis but also, as importantly, helping these people get a new lease on life." (04:44, 13:44)

• Restoring UofL's 2013 Banner:
  "If I can help lead the charge, I'm going to. So we're looking into that." (07:14)

• Economic Importance of UofL Basketball:
  "It's 20 plus games a year at the UMP Center. If you have 20,000 people coming versus 8,000 people, that is a big difference." (09:12)

• On College Football Playoff Expansion:
  "If you're a Kentucky football fan like we all are, you want to go 28. There's been a couple years. We would have been in the playoffs at 28 and maybe even at 16." (27:54)

---

Tone & Atmosphere

True to KSR's character, the tone is conversational, humorous, and punctuated by local references and inside jokes. Despite covering significant topics like homelessness and economic development, the hosts maintain an approachable style, making the content lively and relatable. The interplay among co-hosts, guest, and callers preserves a communal and entertaining atmosphere throughout.

---

Additional Timestamps

• Craig Greenberg birthday celebration: 13:13–13:36
• High school preview and mistaken game dates: 18:04–19:06
• Listeners calling in with personal stories: 20:16–21:47
• Debate about playground safety at Matt's house: 25:39–26:49

---

Summary

This episode of KSR deftly weaves Louisville city issues and sports culture, delivering both insight and banter. The conversation with Mayor Greenberg offers a unique view into leadership, the continuing evolution of Louisville’s social services and sports, and local politics. The second half pivots to Kentucky-centric football and basketball discussions—providing predictions, hot takes, and laughter—before wrapping up with community calls and an entertaining run of football picks and odd Uber anecdotes. The episode stands as a vivid snapshot of Kentucky conversation: passionate, community-minded, and always ready for a good story.

---

Transcript

[A]

Looking for a mortgage bank to help you make your next major mortgage move. Whether it's a refi or home purchase, regardless of whether it's your first one or one of many. Consider our friends at Stockton Mortgage but don't just take our word for it. Stockton mortgage has over 70,000 5 star reviews and counting. Just like this review from Joshua who says this about his experience with Stockton. They were super professional, always answered my questions I had and streamline the process. I I could not ask for better people to help me and my family get our first house. I feel blessed to be able to go through them, be like Joshua or the 69,999 others just like him and get started with Stockton Mortgage today by going to Stockton.com and get started. I've even used Stockton Mortgage myself on my own home loan for your home loan needs. Stockton.com and click Get Started Stockton Mortgage NMLS 8259 equal housing lender nmlsconsumeraccess.org welcome.

[B]

Back our number two Kentucky Sports Radio here at the Volunteers of America Mid States Community Care campus on East Breckenridge street in Louisville. We've got by the way back there free Penn Station for everybody. Thanks to Penn Station for coming and you can head to any of the 22 Louisville Penn Station locations. Shannon $7.99 pin pair deal right there. That is what this weekend. So $7.99 plus three grilled sandwiches and fresh cut fry for just $7.99 at Penn Station this weekend.

[C]

Can't beat it. I'm going to grab some on the way out today.

[B]

You got to do to get your donut and get that. We are now joined everybody please welcome the mayor of Louisville and my friend Craig Greenberg. How are you?

[D]

I'm doing wonderful. Great to be with you and the team.

[B]

Matt Craig so I I met you a number of years ago and then of changed my existence by calling me up and saying hey what do you think about buying a wrestling company and then the next thing you know I found myself in that world. So I guess so. Thank you for that. It.

[D]

It has been a great adventure. I know that you I hope you've enjoyed it as much as I have.

[A]

It's.

[D]

It's. Well it was neither one of our primary focuses in life. It certainly was one of our more.

[B]

Sometimes it felt like it though.

[A]

That is true.

[B]

Sometimes it felt like. What did you think by the way on with with OVW there's a lot of people that say wrestling is kind of like Politics in life, especially now. You know, Trump being president, he was in both for a while. You're in politics, You've been in wrestling. Do you think wrestling and politics have a lot in common?

[D]

I definitely think they have a lot in common. I mean, definitely sort of the public Persona and the aspect that's certainly critically important. And people, you know, gravitate towards those who they like and who they don't like very easily. You know, preparation is everything. We saw how much preparation, all these, and that helps also in politics. So there is a lot more in common between professional wrestling and politics than I think any of us would like, but that's the world.

[B]

Did you find it weird when the cameras were following us around and to have your light. I mean, I know you're in a public eye, but that was a little bit different. Did you find that odd at all?

[D]

It was. Oh, it was definitely weird. And so now. But it's. You know, that was also three, four years ago that that happened. So now I'm a little bit more normal, used to it.

[B]

Used to.

[D]

In my life than I was back then. I was just getting into it at that point in time.

[B]

So, Ryan, four years ago, Craig looks at me and says, or four and a half years ago, I think I'm going to run for mayor of Louisville. What do you think? And I gave one of my great, terrible predictions of all time. I said, why in the world would you want to do that? And you have no chance of winning. And I was very wrong about the no chance of winning now that you've done it. I mean, was it what you thought it'd be?

[D]

I have loved every day of it, Matt. Certainly it's the most challenging thing I've ever done in my life, but it's also been the most rewarding. And nearly three years in, the momentum that we have in Louisville is wonderful. We are. There's so much positive stuff going on, including this project right here that VOA and the city have partnered on with other private partners. I'm really proud of where Louisville is.

[B]

So one of the things we've talked about a lot on this show, because I think it's become kind of a big issue in Lexington. And to be honest, it was an issue in Louisville for a long time. And I actually think you've made some. Some good strides on it is what does a city do about the homelessness situation? I mean, I. Lexington is actively dealing with this. They have new parks being built. They're trying to figure out how to handle it. I think anybody who lives in Lexington knows that for. It feels like to me, the situation has gotten better in Louisville. I know this is part of it. Talk to me about, like, what does the city do? How do you think? Like, how do you handle it? Because it seems like such a tough issue to figure out.

[D]

It is challenging. I mean, people who homeless are struggling. They're dealing with addiction and mental health issues. So we have found that by providing more services and shelter, that's the ultimate solution. That's what people need. They need help and they need support. So we start just like this project right here that's providing services and shelter to families. It's providing medical respite for people who get in the hospital that are homeless so that they don't go back out on the streets. And all the other great services that VOA does, you know, we're working with. The private sector is also putting in money to this. They're going to have some great announcements about some other funders for this long term. The solution, it's more housing units, it's more mental health providers. It's more people who help with drug addictions. You also have to enforce the laws. And that's something that we did here in Louisville. I mean, there. We really no longer have an encampment problem in Louisville. We used to. When I became mayor, that's no longer the challenge. Now we're helping people who.

[B]

How do you balance that, though? I mean, enforcing the laws also requires people like, how do you balance that every day?

[D]

There are a lot of people. I mean, the. The police, our social service providers, our housing developers, Everybody is contributing. And you make judgment calls on a daily basis.

[B]

You. Rishi Farmer was here a minute ago. You said you went to Ballard in 19. What is that, 88? When that wouldn't that.

[D]

Well, come on now, Matt.

[B]

I'm not that old. It was 1991 maybe.

[D]

Come on.

[B]

No, it wasn't, was it? I mean, Richie graduated. You're right, you're right, you're right.

[D]

I heard you doing a math problem earlier. My math is worse than yours. That's right. I graduated in 91. But that. That was because Allen Houston was a couple years ahead of me. And so I was there at Ballard during those great rival days. And I recently traveled down to Clay county with my good friend Senator Stivers and all the folks from one Clay county, many of whom are here today. And I saw in the Clay County Historic Historical Museum there is a great retrospective of the Ballard vs CL.

[B]

Those are the great, great high school basketball rivalries of all time. So you made a decision for the university of Louisville that you decided to bring the banner back, right? At U of L. Yeah. We're a Kentucky show, but, like, they're our rival. So you brought the banner back to U of L. You know, I don't know what we think about that. What was. What was the reason to do that?

[D]

So I think the two most popular things I have done as mayor were, number one, bringing the banner back. And now there are calls for me to get involved in. In formally restoring the 2013 championship.

[B]

Do you think that'll happen, by the way?

[D]

I would like to see it happen. I don't know what's going on with the NCAA these days, but if I can help lead the charge, I'm going to. So we're looking into that. And then the other most popular thing I did was when we had an honorary street naming in honor of Tom Jurits just a few weeks ago.

[B]

Okay, hang on just a second. All right. I just. I interviewed Andy Barr.

[D]

Yeah.

[B]

A couple days ago. Gave him a hard time. I got to give you a hard time. How you going to name a street after Tom Jurich?

[D]

He did a lot for this city.

[B]

In this and this athletic program here. Come on.

[D]

He built up the entire campus.

[B]

He certainly did.

[D]

Laid the foundation that UofL athletics is building on top of today. And Josh Hurd and his team are doing an amazing job.

[B]

Do you think that the change in the NCAA now, like, the fact that players can be paid, etc. Does that make you think people look back at that time a little bit differently?

[D]

Oh, absolutely. I think it definitely changes the perspective of everything. I don't know if it's good or bad for college sports. I'll leave that to you guys as the experts. But it certainly is changing things. I was thrilled yesterday, though. Speed, I know you're talking about U of L, but uk, I saw your coach. Coach Pope was at the ham breakfast yesterday morning at the state fair.

[B]

So have you met Mark Pope?

[D]

Yeah, I met Mark Pope and his wife, Leanne. They're wonderful people. They had me to a UK basketball game with my family.

[B]

That's right, you did. Now, let me ask you a question. You were at a UK basketball, and I wore blue. I believe you were, like, in, like, the second row something. Did UofL fans give you a hard time about that?

[D]

Absolutely, they did. I was going. It was great, though. You know, I'm not one of those haters, though. I. I'm.

[B]

I like to support. I am Definitely.

[D]

I like to support UK athletically and academically. It's great for our state.

[B]

I say I'm a hater. I am. But I also have said over the years, and I believe this. This city as an economic unit, and I think most of you here live in Louisville. This city needs UOFL basketball especially, but football as well, but especially basketball, to be competitive for the downtown. How much, just as a mayor, how much of what this downtown does, where we are, requires Louisville to be good?

[D]

It's incredibly helpful. I mean, think about it. It's 20 plus games a year at the UMP Center. If you have 20, 000 people coming versus 8, 000 people, that is a big difference. For all the restaurants and bars that are downtown where. When our women's team is doing well, also, that. That. That helps tremendously also. So you have like 40 days a year, we have three volleyball games that sell out each year also because we've got a great volleyball program. It's critical to the success of downtown Louisville. And it just makes people feel better when Louisville's doing well, when the football program's doing well. People are in a good mood in Louisville.

[B]

For years, there was a problem that Jurich did not want UK to be able to use the Yum center for a game. Would you be willing, if Kentucky wanted to, to have you allow UK to use the Yum center for a game?

[D]

Absolutely. That'd be great for our city, our state. I'm all for it.

[B]

Yeah. Well, that's good. There's a dip. Remember we had Greg Fisher on that time and I asked him that question. I remember it very. You want to talk about an awkward interview?

[C]

Yeah. He wasn't very receptive.

[B]

He was not very receptive. You've been big on trying to bring sporting events to Louisville. Like, do you have any hints of things that might be to come for people?

[D]

There is one very big international event we are working on right now that if we get it, we're in the final two would be wonderful.

[B]

Oh, wow. It would be.

[D]

Be in a couple of years from now.

[B]

Final two.

[D]

It would be it.

[A]

Come on, man.

[D]

It is an Olympic sport, an international. It is an.

[B]

I can't give too much, but we have another great.

[D]

Next month. We're going to celebrate another great event that we're having in 2028. If it happens. It would be in 2028. That's a hint.

[B]

Okay.

[D]

But the Solheim cup, which is basically the women's version of the Ryder cup that's coming to Valhalla in 2028. That's going to be a really wonderful events.

[B]

Let me ask you about the, about the, the golf thing, because now the PGA does not own Valhalla. Do you think we'll be. And then obviously there was the Scotty Sheffler incident last year.

[D]

Remember that?

[B]

Do you, do you think we'll be able to get some PGA event? I know the Solheim cup is, is pga, but we'll.

[D]

That's lpga.

[B]

Yeah. You think we'll be able to get something back here?

[D]

Absolutely. We had a great relationship with the PGA of America. And I know, you know, everything that happened on that Friday between the tragic accident, the arrest of Scotty Scheffler, in some ways that brought us closer together. Jimmy Kurtztorfer and his team, the owners of Valhalla, stayed in close touch with the PGA. So I'm really hoping that we get another 20, 30 something PGA Championship. And I think we have a really good shot to do it.

[B]

When you got success. Yeah, no, when you got that phone call that morning. Because I know, like, as a mayor, you're just sitting there thinking, shannon, please don't have something happen. Please don't have something bad. When you got that phone call, were you just like, oh, well, here's actually.

[D]

So here's what happened. So I woke up, as I do many mornings, right, at like 6 o' clock to hop on the treadmill, usually for my day, get started that day. I was planning to go. I had a nice day out at Valhalla. And I wake up to more texts than I've ever seen on my phone at 6am and I'm like, what the heck is going on? So I start scrolling at first and I. It just was so. Because it was surreal, right? Because it had both the tragic death.

[B]

Yes.

[D]

Plus the arrest and the first things I was getting did not mention Scotty Scheffler by name. It was just that we had arrested a golfer. And then it was more information. So literally what I did, which I've never done before or since then, I just like on a group facetime with our chief of police and some of my deputy mayors at like 6:10am and I literally sat on the top of my stairs. I didn't go downstairs for like 5, 45 minutes just trying to get information because we were, that was one of the challenges in, in any real time.

[B]

We were, we were out there on the course that day doing our show. And you remember, I mean, were you there? You were there, Ryan.

[A]

I was not there.

[B]

That was like we were trying to figure out what was going on and you're at the course and that was what, that was so much information. Yes.

[C]

Coming in quickly. It was hard to stay on top of it.

[D]

It was, you know, so we all did go out. We went out, everyone went out to the course. We met there. We were able to deal with it. And again, I'm glad everything worked out the way that it did. But that was quite a day.

[B]

It's also your birthday. Happy everybody give birthday to. Thank you Mayor to Mayor Craig. We actually have present and cake for you. Thank you, Jennifer.

[D]

This is the amazing Jennifer Hancock who leads the team at VOA that's doing a great job here at the community Care campus.

[B]

So, so, yeah, well Ryan's was last week, mine's next week. So. So happy birthday.

[A]

Happy birthday.

[B]

Thank you very much. Thank you. And thank you very much for coming. Real quick for people listening, give the 30 second plug for this place.

[D]

Well, VOA has this amazing project here that I think is a national model, the community care campus. It's providing more services and shelter for individuals who are homeless at risk of being homeless. Starting with helping families, providing medical respite and all sorts of services to help people who are in need. That's one of the best things we can do as a community is to help others that are in need. We're addressing the homelessness crisis but also as importantly, helping these people get a new lease on life, a new path in life. Thanks to Jennifer and her team at voa, combined with our private sector donors, the state, the city have all contributed funds and we're going to keep making it going.

[A]

Perfect.

[B]

Mayor and more importantly, co minority owner of Ohio Wrestling with me, Craig Greenberg. Thank you very much. We appreciate it. We will take a break and be right back. This is Kentucky Sports Radio. Welcome back. It is Kentucky Sports Radio. 859-280-2287 Text Machine 772-774-5254 here at the Volunteers of America in Louisville. Let's talk a little bit about the since we're in Louisville, obviously Vince Merrow has switched sides and has gone from the Kentucky side to the Louisville side. He did an interview a couple days ago where it was with a different newspaper. But once again Ryan brought up KSR said that he was frustrated not by us, the radio, but by the website in insinuate. If you remember, Nick Roush wrote a kind of behind the scenes article where he said basically that working with Mark Stoops was almost like Game of Thrones and that Vince had been kind of pushed to the side for Eddie Grant, etc. He took exception to that. Said that's not what happened. And yeah, it was just he, he, once again, he was obviously very frustrated by that. What did you make of his comments?

[A]

Well, you know, we all love Vince and I'm. We'll all consider him a friend.

[B]

He may or may not be at that party tomorrow night. By the way, just before you say.

[A]

I hope he does. I mean, I really like.

[B]

I mean, he was invited and I have an art. I have an rsvp. Maybe a maybe. Oh, he and Joe's. He and Josiah are the two maybes that are.

[C]

Yeah, those are the two.

[B]

They're the two.

[C]

Maybe don't say anything bad, but wouldn't it be.

[A]

It'd be fun to see him and, you know, just catch up on life, not necessarily football.

[B]

But Are you, What are you going to say to him about that comment?

[A]

I think there's a lot of truth to that, that they gave some of the power, the transfer portal power, Teddy grand, and they gave some of the recruitment of freshmen, gave some of that power to the position coaches. And I think that hurt Vincent's feelings. I think he thought, look, I'm the guy. I'm the guy brings in all these players. Why are you giving away some of my power to these other guys?

[B]

Do you think Shannon Ryan will say that to his face tomorrow night if he, if he runs into him? Or will Ryan find a reason to go hide under the bar?

[C]

If you were to repeat what Ryan just said for Ryan to Vince, Ryan would be underneath the table. But you got. I don't, I don't think that Vince ever came across as a guy with a big ego, but you have to have an ego to work in that, in that field. Right. To be a football coach, I feel like you have to have that. And to hear those words said by Roush or whoever it was that wrote it. Probably did.

[B]

Reading the article about how he's being paid because he's actually being paid less of a salary than he makes at Kentucky. But it says he's like getting the difference. It says from a private source. Yeah. Which I thought was kind of interesting. And like, there's. So there's some. I don't know if it's a person or if there's some. Someone it looked like, but some of his money. Ryan is coming from a private source, which you don't hear about a lot. But I do wonder if that happens in the future. If, like there's there, there are ways where you almost have people sponsoring coaches or something. And some of the money does come from private stuff, you know, Vince was.

[A]

What, the highest tight end coach in the history of college football?

[B]

Not highest, highest paid.

[A]

Highest paid.

[B]

You don't want to say was the highest tight end coach. That was. I don't think that's a good night. I don't think that's nice.

[C]

A lot of cornbread him.

[A]

He would not have gone to Louisville if the money was not at least comparable. He just wouldn't have. He's earned the right to be the highest paid coach. He's not going to give that up. I don't think.

[B]

Kentucky high school football starts tomorrow. I asked you a few days ago if you had a preview. You had three days to get one. Do you have some previewing?

[A]

Yeah, I got. Got a little bit. You know, the rich get richer. It's going to be the same schools. We're looking at Boyle County, Trinity Saint X. But Paducah Tillman's got a really good team. They've got one of the best players in the state. A big offensive lineman. That's like one of the top players in the state. But I think the best player in the state is a junior Seneca Driver at Boyle County.

[B]

He's the, he's the next NFL Seneca driver. Yeah. Is he a potential UK football recruit?

[A]

Well, I know he was being recruited. Vince was recruiting him for UK when Vince was here as a sophomore. Nice junior, but the guy, I think he's the next, like I said, NFL caliber player to come through. He's just a junior.

[C]

I hate to tell you though, they're going to lose tomorrow. They don't play tonight. They play tomorrow. They play Bullet east and Bullet east is going to take them down.

[B]

Ryan said that he was the announcer tonight for Woodford county versus, quote a team from Illinois. I was told by somebody on the text machine that you might need to know that game is not till next weekend.

[A]

Yeah, it's not this Friday. It's a week from Friday.

[C]

Your plans just opened up. Now you have another lonely night at home.

[A]

Free night tonight.

[B]

Here's my question, Shannon. If I hadn't told him that he.

[C]

Would have showed up.

[B]

Do you think he would have just showed up to the game and like, where's everybody at? Where. Where is everyone? Yeah, she's supposed to be playing football today.

[C]

There's no doubt he would have done that. You need somebody to like schedule your, your itinerary.

[B]

It's like you've got enough time now to do it.

[A]

Yoga Girl said the same thing. She goes, I guess you're busy now. Your high school football. I'm like, I may have missed that up. I do want to mention one more high school football note.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Fort Thomas Highlands. They're tight end we all need to keep an eye on. His last name is Lorenzen and he's gonna be a superstar. So.

[B]

So Jared's kid.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

How. What year is he?

[A]

I believe he'd be a junior.

[B]

Is. He's legit, like really good.

[A]

Yeah. He'd already got offers from like Miami of Ohio and some schools like that, so. But we all got a pool for Fort Thomas Highlands and Tate and Lorenzen, of course.

[B]

Yes. That's. I cannot see again. You talk about that kid is now a junior in high school.

[A]

Isn't it crazy Little Tate and I think was Maybe that is 10 years.

[B]

Old to be Jared's kid, junior in high school. Unbelievable. Who's up next? Hagan is up next. Hagen. Go ahead, Hagen.

[E]

Hey, guys, first time caller.

[B]

Who are. What's up?

[E]

I just want to let you know I got a dental school interview at Kentucky on. On next Wednesday and right after I'm going to stop by the bar and check it out.

[B]

That'll be awesome. Like, we open on Tuesday at KS Bar. We'll be doing the shows there Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Come on out. We're going to be having all kinds of specials. And then of course, Saturday, the game and we'll open for breakfast. It should be a really fun week. I'm looking forward to it. It's been awesome being back in there with all the energy and the vibe in the last couple nights.

[E]

Awesome. I'm excited also for Ryan next year I'm going to be living alone for the first time as well. So I'm just praying for you. I know it's gonna be hard.

[D]

Yeah.

[B]

Appreciate the call you have had. I've had more people come up to me and talk about you being alone. I've had like therapists reach out to me and want to help you. Like, I'm sure it's been even more overwhelming for you.

[A]

Well, you know, we were talking last night at KS Bar and you said, has anybody come up and talked to you about it? I said every table. Every single table. I'd stop by. Either they've gone through it. They're getting ready to go through it. They dread the fact they gotta go through it. I'm telling you, for the people that are Empty nest syndrome. It's a real thing and it's awful. I hate Every second of it. And I'm just gonna have to start having more kids.

[C]

Okay, that is adoption clinic. Come home with two more kids.

[B]

I would guarantee you that's not the prescribed thing that you should do.

[A]

I think I need to go adopt like Shannon said. Four or five more kids. Give me a starting lineup for basketball. Six, five, six, seven, six, eight kids and let's go.

[B]

One person writes on the text machine. Matt Rank everyone ranked their top five scores for UK basketball this year in order. All right, while you all think I'll go first, top five scores in order. I'm gonna go Jalen Lowe 1. Ortega away 2. Oh, this is where it gets hard. I mean, you could go a lot of different ways for the other three. All right, so I gotta pick a big because I'm gonna say Mohammed Diabate 3. I'm gonna say Jasper Johnson 4. Colin Chandler 5. But three, four and five could be eight different people. What about you?

[A]

Okay, I'm gonna go Otega one and low two. I'm gonna flip flop your top two, flip flop around, take a one, low two. Aberdeen 3. I'm gonna go. I'm gonna go yellow four.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

And I'm gonna go Brandon Garrison 5.

[B]

Like you just picked three completely different.

[A]

People you said, because three, four, five.

[B]

What are you doing?

[C]

All right, so I've got low one, Ortega two, Aberdeen three. I'm gonna go Jasper Johnson four. And by five, Brandon Garrison.

[B]

Yeah, it's crazy. It's hard starting at number three. There are eight guys who could do it. Absolutely there is. I think the top two are going to be the top two.

[A]

I think so.

[B]

But after that you that what? Yellowic number four.

[A]

I think he's going to be the surprise.

[B]

Wow, that's exciting. All right, we'll take a break. Be right back. This is Kentucky Sports Radio. Is Kentucky Sports Radio here live at Volunteers of America Community Care Campus right here. The campus helps transitional housing for young adults, permanent supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness. Has a medical clinic and a lot more. They've been great here today thanks to Penn Station as well. And just in time for Labor Day, there's more places for you to pick up your bottles of Red State barbecue. Kentucky proud section of Liquor Barn. Kroger Publix in Louisville. And now select Myers across the state. Go to redstatebbq.com Best barbecue sauce in the state. And it's not even close. Redstatebbq.com and use my code, KSR20. That's 20 spelled out 20tw y k s r20 for 20 off your order from Red State Barbecue. Great barbecue sauce there at red State. Some 1. Some people were writing me and telling me that UK's basketball team is at Natural Bridge State park today.

[A]

Nice.

[B]

What I've heard of natural bridge. I think I've probably even been there. But what does natural bridge do? Like what do you do at Natural Bridge?

[A]

It's a big rock that the wind. The hole was about the size of a quarter and the wind through erosion finally made it this huge gap underneath it. So there's a natural bridge. The rock has shaped into like a bridge on top.

[B]

A bridge from what to what?

[A]

Well you just hike up the. Hike up the side of the mountain. They got like a path about a mile and you get to go up to the bridge. It's beautiful views of the the valley.

[B]

But when I think of a bridge like I'm thinking of a bridge over air.

[A]

It's like a rock bridge over space.

[B]

Okay, so it's a bridge. Yeah. All right. But it's natural.

[A]

It's natural. Yeah.

[B]

Okay. Is it nice?

[A]

I like it. There's a chairlift. You can go up. You don't want to take the hike so.

[B]

Well this is like I'm clearly a team building outing.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So Mark Pope seems Shannon to be big at those. He seems to be big on the sort of let's do things as a group and let's all.

[C]

You're bringing in an all new team. You know, every year you gotta do something to beat. Build the team chemistry. So that's. That's kind of cool. I've never been to it before.

[B]

For the folks here in Louisville, this won't matter to you quite as much. But in Lexington 10am Tomorrow they're opening that park. They are expecting thousands of people there. I'm really looking forward to having all those people outside my house tomorrow.

[C]

Will you be there to catch the babies falling off the playground?

[B]

I'm just going to tell you right now, if you block my driveway, I'm going to have you towed. That's my one. That's it. Do not block my drive. Otherwise do whatever you want. But there's gonna be a lot of people there tomorrow and hopefully there will not be kids falling in despair off of the playground.

[C]

What's the parking situation like over there? Do they have enough space do you think? Or is it gonna be, I don't know, run over?

[B]

It's like, it's just like any UK game. I mean you just probably park wherever you do for.

[C]

I want you out there like Counting the number of injuries. So we can go like, you know, X amount of days since an injury.

[B]

I, I don't want to be seen as the, like, guy that's against the playground. I'm just telling you I'm a little nervous about the playground and I just want to have my reservations noted.

[A]

Well, I'm planning on. I'm not gonna go tomorrow, but I'm planning on going and parking in your driveway and walking over there.

[B]

You can park in my driveway. Other people cannot block my driveway. College Football Playoff. We talked about this on my ESPN show. I don't think we talked about it here. The Big Ten says they want to have 28 teams. The SEC yesterday said they want to have 16 teams. So the. So I think because the SEC and the Big Ten both want to have more teams, there are definitely going to be more teams. Would you rather have 16 or would you rather have 28? Now I. When I said 28, I saw you, sir, shake your head. No, let me make the case for 28. We might make it.

[C]

That's my thought. Do you want the chance of Kentucky?

[B]

My case for 28 is we have a shot of making it. Now. I think we have a shot at 16, but I think we'd have a real shot. Not this year, but we'd have a real shot some years at 28. So I'm actually not against it. I think 28 probably doesn't happen. I think it ends up being 16. But what would you prefer if you had a chance? Yeah.

[A]

If you're a Kentucky football fan like we all are, you want to go 28. There's been a couple years. We would have been in the playoffs at 28 and maybe even at 16. So I'm all for 28 to give us a chance.

[B]

They also. So here's what I just for just so people know, a 16 game playoff, the argument for it is if you're one of the top four seeds, you still get a home game. Right. You could still have a game on your campus with the revenue that's associated with that. Because the way the system is now, the best four teams don't get a home game.

[A]

Right?

[B]

Right. So this is the reason you would do that is so everybody gets a home game. Now one of the games would be price stink. You'd have a one seed, probably against like Tulane or something like that. But in general, everybody gets a home game. What would happen with the 28 is the top four seeds would get a buy, but then the first and second round. So basically the round of 32 and the round of 16 would both be home games. So some schools would get two home games on their campus. Which would you prefer?

[C]

You know, I think 28 feels like a lot, but when you start to think about it and play it out in your mind, having a, a home game in a college playoff like that, the atmospheres would be crazy. Right? And I was going to say, like you said, Kentucky would have a chance. And then lastly, you know, we put such an emphasis on the top 25. It feels like the top 25 should have the chance to play for a playoff.

[B]

I'll do one more thing, see if this convinces you, sir. No, I mean, like, I get it. My initial reaction is 28, seems to me. But what if I told you that there are 340 teams, Division 1 in basketball, and 68 make it, which is a little less than 20%. Right. Then what if I told you there's 138 Division 1 teams in football? 28 would be about 20%. Right? It would be the, it would be kind of the exact same thing as in basketball. About 20% of the teams would make the playoffs. And then I'll go even further. Look at the pro sports leagues. NBA, NFL, NHL and Major League Baseball. In all of those sports, more than 20% of the teams make the playoff. It's more like 35 to 40% of the teams make the playoff. So the argument is of all the sports, the sport that has the smallest percentage of the teams that play it, and this includes all college sports, baseball, volleyball, all of them. College football is the sport that has the smallest percentage of teams in it make the playoffs. And if you wanted to put it in line with the other sports, Ryan, you would have 28 make it. So again, I'm not advocating for that, but that isn't. I hadn't thought of it like that, but that's an interesting way to look.

[A]

It's coming. We got to just accept the fact that it, the playoffs are going to expand. It's coming. And I love what you're talking about. The home field advantage, man. That's one thing that makes college football great is that home game environment, that atmosphere, these college stadiums. Can you imagine if it's a playoff game? It's gonna be awesome.

[B]

Well, let's just say we went on the road to, I don't know, Penn State to play a playoff game. B. It would be kind of awesome. I mean, I mean it would be. And if we ever got to a year that we were able to host, oh My. It'd be like the best night in Lexington of all time. So, I mean, it is. I don't think they'll go to 28, but I don't think it's a crazy idea, as maybe I did when I first heard. Who's up next? Adam is up next. Adam. Go ahead, Adam.

[E]

So, Matt, totally against 28. If you're not, you know, one of the best 16, which you know, Kentucky usually isn't, then you don't deserve to make it.

[B]

Do you feel. Do you feel the same way about the NCAA Tournament? Because the. If you were going to do percentages, only 32 teams would make the NCAA.

[E]

Tournament, and most years, Kentucky is one of the best.

[C]

32.

[E]

Correct.

[B]

But, I mean, you would. If you would advocate for cutting the NCAA tournament from 64 to 32. Yeah.

[C]

Yeah.

[E]

I don't. Why do I need to see a team that went 7 and 11 in the ACC, as you know.

[B]

Because I love. I would argue the first two days of the NCAA tournament the best days of basketball of the year. That's just me, but go ahead.

[E]

Yeah, so I saw your. Or heard you talking to Mayor Greenberg about having a game in Louisville. As long as it's a marquee game, you know, when we got into. When it was UK and IU and Freedom hall every year, that was awesome.

[B]

Yeah.

[E]

When it got to the Iona and UAB and UNC Asheville, like, we can do without that. It's actually crazy to think in. In today's world, like, can you imagine that we used to play SEC games.

[B]

Yes.

[E]

Freedom hall and in Cincinnati. Like, that just blows my mind now that, you know.

[B]

We played SEC games in Cincinnati. Yeah.

[C]

Kentucky and Vandy one year played up in Cincinnati. I think that's when Derek Anderson got hurt.

[B]

See, I, you know, I didn't even know that. I didn't even realize we played a game in Cincinnati. Well, thank you. Appreciate the call that. By the way, that was a little piece of news from Mayor Greenberg that he said they would. He would let Kentucky use the Yum Center. Would you want Kentucky to use the center for a game? If they had the. If they had the ability. Because for a long time they were kind of banned from doing it.

[A]

I would love it. I really think the young center is one of the best college basketball venues I've ever been in. I think it's an awesome venue and we would pack it. It would be blue.

[B]

So, Richie, would you want him to play a game here? Here's. I actually would. And I'll tell you When I'd really like it is when they host the first and second round the NCAA tournament. Because when we're good, if we're ever really good and they're hosting the first and second round, we'll be there. Right. Louisville last year was put in RUP as an eight seed. So that may tell you that they would even put us in there. Shannon, even if we weren't one of the top seeds. I think it would be a good idea to play a game in the Yum center if we know the NCAA tournament that year is in the Yum Center.

[C]

Yeah. And as long as we're getting enough marque teams in Lexington at Rough arena because there's some schedules where you just don't get enough, you know, big name teams in there. So I wouldn't want to substitute it out for that though.

[B]

But I, but, but part of why I like the games at the Yum center or at Freedom hall was not just because it's in Louisville. I mean it's an hour away. That's not a huge difference. It's that you got a different crowd than you get in. Rubbery. Yeah, those tickets were up for sale and usually even against the bad teams, the atmosphere was better in Freedom hall because you had people who just didn't get to go all the time.

[A]

You know, these big five year deals were playing with Gonzaga and Indiana. Why wouldn't you want to play one at the Yum center instead of going to Nashville?

[B]

Those games against Indiana at the Yum center were off. They were, excuse me, at Freedom Hall. Yeah, those were awesome. The environments were awesome.

[A]

Like they were half and half, half blue, half red.

[C]

If you're a Kentucky fan living in Louisville and you had them play here, I think you're just probably by default a bigger fan, you know, more, more, you know, excited to be there.

[B]

Stop overpaying for sunglasses if you're tired of buying expensive sunglasses. Shady Ray, an independent American owned company with premium polarized shades for every activity. They have tangle free aviators. They don't get stuck in Ryan's hair. It's all there at shady rays and shadyrays.com they offer the best protection program in the industry and you can get lost and broken. Replacements go to Shady Rays, a company right out of here, out of Simpson, shady rays and shadyrays.com we'll come back for a final segment. Let me hear it from those of you, the Kentucky fans. See all the, all the casuals didn't stay around because they left. But the true ones are here. We'll be right back. KSR welcome back. Final segment here Kentucky Sports Radio at the VOA Mid State Community Care Campus. We thank them for having us out today for their event. Good to see all the folks from Clay county who made the drive Ms. Mayor Greenberg, Richie, keep in mind this is a public private partnership and they need your help. Fundraising still going [e-mail] click on it. And the Community Care campus, it's been great for the city of Louisville and I'm sure it will, it will continue. 859-280-22871 Person Writes Matt, what about Jaden Quaintance? How are you not picking him as one of your top scorers? Well, I mean, I'm not picking him for me. I'm not picking him as one of my top scores because I don't know if he'll play enough. And I also think there'll be a few even if we're doing points per game, I think there'll be a few games where it takes him a while to get to sort of get accustomed. So that's, that's my reason exactly.

[A]

He, he may be the highest NBA draft pick when it's all said and done, but he's kind of going to limp into the season a little bit. You know, they'll take it a little easy on him before he finally gets going and then you pick it up a little bit.

[C]

I don't think he would play. I mean, I don't know this, but I would guess that he probably won't play a whole lot in the first couple of months of the season. Just because of that. INJ yeah, that.

[B]

I mean, that's my thought. It's really more just like a plane time kind of thing. But in terms of talent, by the end of the year, he's going to be if he advances like you want, he's going to be one of the most talented folks going. All right, let's college football begins tomorrow with some actual games, including a top 25 matchup. So I'm going to go through here as part of our draft Kings. You go to DraftKings. Use promo code KSR. We're gonna make our picks. Are you ready to go? This is just gonna be a, a quick who wins? Let's get started. Idaho State. Unlv.

[C]

Give me Idaho State.

[A]

Oh, yeah. Idaho State's back to have a big year.

[B]

They're 26 and a half point underdog. So I'm gonna go ahead and take UNLV. I think, I think going without a State's probably not the best early week zero.

[C]

Anything could happen.

[A]

And I meant they cover. They cover the 26.

[B]

Oh, did you.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Okay. I didn't think that's what you said. Fresno State plays Kansas. Kansas with its new $300 million donation. They will they hold serving when at home against Fresno State?

[C]

I'd say they had better. Otherwise there's gonna be a lot of questions asked. Why? Why can't you win against Fresno? Give me Kansas.

[A]

Oh, yeah. I got Kansas all day, every day.

[B]

All right, Sam. Hugh. I am too. Sam Houston State playing against Billy and Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers debuting their season.

[C]

I gotta go with Western Kentucky on this one.

[A]

Toppers. Toppers. Toppers. Yeah. They got a big season coming.

[B]

I'm going to go Western as well. Stanford gets on the road and crosses the Pacific and heads to Hawaii. Who you got?

[C]

Give me.

[B]

Hawaii's a 2 1/2 point favorite.

[C]

The Rainbows. Hawaii.

[A]

Yeah. They'll have jet lag and their legs will be tired. So give me Hawaii.

[B]

I'm going to take Stanford on the road. Smart kids are going to do it. And then finally, the big game in Dublin. The Aer Lingus College Football Classic. Kansas State, Iowa State. Did you see, by the way, all the bars the city of Dublin. This is kind of funny. The city of Dublin decided to adorn like bars all over the city in the flags of the two teams, right? So they ordered Iowa State flags. They got the right one. But when they ordered a Kansas State flag, they accidentally ordered the state flag of Kansas.

[C]

Oh, no.

[B]

They did. They did not order the Kansas State. So all across the city, it's like the Iowa State Hawkeyes and then the state flag of Kansas, which is kind of like Kentucky's two. I think it's like people shaking each other's hands or something. So I. They didn't quite get the memo.

[C]

That's bad mojo for Kansas State. Give me Iowa State.

[A]

Oh, yeah, that. That made my mind. I was kind of on the teeter totter. I'm going Iowa State.

[D]

Yeah.

[B]

Well, Kansas State's a 3 1/2 point favorite.

[A]

Oh, Iowa State. Load up, win and covers.

[B]

My feeling is if you can't get their flag right, there's their team is not going to be pumped up. There's no way they're going to be excited. I will take the Cyclones. Iowa State, by the way, a team that's supposed to be like a sleeper for the.

[A]

Oh, Shannon. I knew that. That's why Shannon and I picked.

[C]

Yeah, yeah. Might be in the college football Playoffs this year.

[B]

All right. Well, good. Who's next?

[A]

Cynthia's next.

[B]

Cynthia. How are you, Cynthia?

[F]

I'm good. How are you guys doing?

[B]

Doing good.

[F]

My husband and I fly. We flew out to Arizona. We're gonna catch a red game against the Diamondbacks.

[B]

Oh, that's cool. That's a nice stadium. They got really good food, a lot of, like, tacos and stuff. Really good food in the Diamondback Stadium.

[F]

Okay. We're looking forward to it. We never been so. But we've had two rideshare experiences, and we wanted to get your opinion on them. The first one is we ordered one of those driverless cars and put the ride in it. Have you all ever done that, or would you order?

[B]

No, but they're all. They're all over the place out there in Phoenix. I don't like that. That. You know, I haven't really seen them a lot in other places, but when we were in Phoenix for that barstool party, there's a lot of the driverless cars are everywhere out there.

[F]

Yeah, I've seen a bunch of them. I think the only other place I've seen them was when we were in Austin, but. And then our second one was later in the day. We ordered an Uber, and when our Uber driver pulled up, his two dogs were in the front seat.

[B]

Get out of the car. What would you have done? One star. You can't be Uber drivers. Can't. They can't bring their dogs or their babies. Like, if it's a grown child, I'll accept it because they got a working parent. I get it, but, like, no, I'm. I'm canceling the ride. No offense to him, but I'm not getting in a car with the dog.

[C]

It's less room for passengers, too, if you're putting your dog in there.

[B]

I appreciate the call. When you see. Let me. Have you ever been in a place with the driverless cars? Have you ever seen them?

[C]

I haven't.

[A]

I'm not ready for that yet. I don't think I can do it.

[B]

You know, when you see them, like, it's. It's all. It's like, weird. And, like, they. Do they drive. I mean, I'm not saying they drive bad, but it's just, like, I can sit. Like, it's just. I don't know.

[C]

I would feel like I'm breaking somebody's car if it's just a car that's empty and I'm just getting in there.

[B]

And you just get in, and then I.

[C]

How do you know you're in the right. What if there's multiple ones and you.

[B]

Get in the wrong car? Well, it has a license play, but like it's got a big sensor on top and it just, it, it threw, it threw me off, I'm not gonna lie.

[C]

So you've been in one and you've.

[B]

Well, I know I, I haven't been in it. I, I, but you see them. Yeah, all over the streets. There.

[C]

There was one story of the guy that was just driving around in circles because his car wouldn't stop and he was late for a flight.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

The car just took him to a parking lot and started driving in circles. The guy is like, somebody stop this. I'm gonna be late for my flight.

[B]

Thank you guys very much for coming. All you Kentucky fans that made the trip. Thank you to volunteers of America doing great work for having us. Here's our schedule. Next week we'll be in studio. Monday, we're at the restaurant. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. And then our remote before the first game Friday. Remember, first football game is at is at 12:30. On Saturday, we will have our pregame show at 8:30, serving breakfast at the bar. It is that time of year, Ryan.

[A]

If you're not excited, it's time to get turn it up.

[B]

We'll see you later. This has been Kentucky sports Radio.