Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) – Dec 19, 2025, Hour 2
Host: Matt Jones
Crew: Shannon, multiple co-hosts, frequent female interjector, callers
Theme: UK Sports Talk – Volleyball Final Four, UK- St. John’s basketball, sports media, and NFL stadium debates
Overview
The second hour of KSR is packed with Kentucky sports news and lively banter, spearheaded by Matt Jones and crew. Main topics include the aftermath of a dramatic crime story, Vince Marrow’s social media antics, Kentucky Volleyball’s historic run, the UK vs. St. John’s game, the implications of sports podcasts moving to Netflix, and a spirited discussion about NFL stadium funding and domes. The crew field numerous caller questions, delivering equal doses of analysis and humor.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Dramatic Crime Story in Providence
- Matt recounts the remarkable story of a homeless man (John) who played a crucial role in identifying the perpetrator of the Brown University shooting.
- Homeless man recognized the suspect from a police-released photo, followed him, collected evidence like license plates, and eventually went to the police after Reddit users persuaded him.
- The tip leads police to the suspect, who then takes his own life.
- Twist: The homeless man had also been squatting in the building where the crime occurred and originally thought the suspect merely looked suspicious.
- Reward: The man is to receive $50,000 for his help.
- Quotes:
- “He basically, like, followed the guy. Then the guy saw him following him...the homeless man runs, gets to the police, describes his clothing, takes his license plate, which allows the police to find out who he is.” – Matt Jones (05:24)
- “He goes on Reddit…and people on Reddit were like, go to the police. And he goes, ‘You think I should go to the police?’ And they’re like, ‘Yes!’” – Matt Jones (08:28)
Memorable moment: The team marvels at John’s effectiveness compared to authorities.
“Maybe he should be the one who’s on, like, the police force!” – frequent female interjector (08:11)
2. Vince Marrow’s Social Media Saga
- Vince Marrow, Kentucky football coach, retweets a report saying Louisville’s cornerback coach declined UK’s offer, captioning it “Don’t mess with the Big Dog. He knows. Knows we own the state.”
- Panel playfully debates whether he means he prevented the hire, or simply that Kentucky retains dominance in recruiting and coaching battles.
- Amusement at Vince’s public persona and propensity for bold Twitter statements even during games.
Memorable exchange:
- “Donald Trump and Vince Marrow have one thing in common. They need to get off their phones.” – Matt Jones (09:34)
3. Previewing UK vs. St. John’s and Volleyball’s Run
- Point spread for UK vs. St. John’s: Kentucky is a 2.5-point underdog (12:22).
- Callers ask if more pregame and postgame coverage will be dedicated to the volleyball team, especially if they win the national championship.
- Matt affirms desire but highlights network logistics challenges.
- Emotion in the community over volleyball finals.
- Discussion with “Debbie” (call-in) about the technical aspects of volleyball officiating and rules, such as net techniques and line calls (14:13–15:52).
4. On-Air Humor: PA Announcing and Local Sports
- Shannon describes doing PA at high school games — not always knowing who’s playing:
- “What do you mean you don’t know who’s playing?” – Matt Jones (17:00)
- Light ribbing about whether he does unique calls (“Matt Jones three points!”).
5. NFL Stadium Funding & Domes Debate
- The Bears threaten to move from Chicago (possibly to Gary, Indiana, or Arlington Heights), demanding city funding for a new stadium.
- Matt's view: NFL teams shouldn’t get public money for stadiums; football stadiums see limited use compared to arenas.
- Strong opinions against domes, advocating for unique NFL home-field advantages and keeping games in harsh weather (“Chicago-Green Bay should be in the snow”).
- Crew mocks the notion of domes hosting concerts and major events versus historical outdoor stadiums.
- Panel dislikes Final Fours in domes as losing “environment” and intimacy.
Notable quotes:
- “The NFL should not be using public money for stadiums!” – Matt Jones (31:15)
- “When you put a dome on it, it makes me want to puke.” – Matt Jones (34:02)
- “The Final Four. I know they have it there. It stinks.” – Matt Jones (45:47)
6. Barstool’s “Pardon My Take” Podcast to Netflix
- Discussion on Pardon My Take and Barstool podcasts moving to Netflix:
- Skepticism about demand for podcasts on Netflix versus traditional audio/youtube channels.
- “If I go on Netflix, I’m gonna have so many other choices. Am I gonna watch a podcast?” – Matt Jones (35:34)
7. Women’s Volleyball vs. Women’s Basketball
- Callers debate relative entertainment and athleticism between women’s volleyball and basketball.
- Matt defends women’s basketball athleticism and calls for appreciation of both sports’ differences.
- Agrees women’s volleyball is compelling due to longer rallies, compared to “serve, set, spike” in men’s games.
Quote:
- “Women’s volleyball, you get these rallies that you just don’t get in the others.” – Matt Jones (38:55)
8. UK Athletics and NIL Issues
- Caller critiques Kentucky’s unique contract with JMI as a hindrance to NIL (name, image, likeness) efforts, comparing it to “good food, poor service.”
Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)
- “Donald Trump and Vince Marrow have one thing in common. They need to get off their phones.” — Matt Jones (09:34)
- “Maybe he should be the one who’s on, like, the police force.” — frequent female interjector (08:11)
- “The NFL should not be using public money for stadiums!” — Matt Jones (31:15)
- “When you put a dome on it, it makes me want to puke.” — Matt Jones (34:02)
- “Women’s volleyball, you get these rallies that you just don’t get in the others.” — Matt Jones (38:55)
- “If I go on Netflix, I’m gonna have so many other choices. Am I gonna watch a podcast?” — Matt Jones (35:34)
Timestamps - Important Segments
- [04:22] – Segment opens with phone lines, non-sports crime story discussion begins.
- [05:24–08:28] – Detailed recounting of the homeless man breaking the Brown shooting case.
- [09:19] – Vince Marrow Twitter story and discussion.
- [12:22] – Breaking news: Kentucky is a 2.5-point underdog vs. St. John’s.
- [13:11] – Listener asks about possible expanded volleyball pregame/shows.
- [14:13–15:52] – Caller Debbie gives an inside look at volleyball officiating/rules.
- [22:11; 23:03] – New details in the homeless man/shooter story.
- [26:06] – Caller: Not all fans love Rick Pitino; Mark Pope’s mindset toward Pitino discussed.
- [31:04] – NFL stadium funding controversy, Bears and domes discussed at length.
- [35:28] – Barstool’s podcast moves to Netflix; crew doubts viability.
- [36:53] – Callers: volleyball vs. women’s basketball, athleticism debate.
- [47:57] – Parlay picks for College Football Playoff games.
- [48:13] – JMI/NIL store and UK’s NIL struggles discussed.
Closing Notes / Tone
The episode features energetic debate, classic KSR playful ribbing, and in-depth discussion of Kentucky-centric sports and news. The crew maintains a conversational, semi-sarcastic, and community-minded tone, with Matt Jones leading both analysis and the comedy.
This summary covers the main themes, debates, and memorable moments from KSR’s December 19, 2025, Hour 2. Perfect for anyone who wants to catch up on the UK sports buzz—and the colorful banter—they missed.
