KSR (Kentucky Sports Radio) – Hour 2 – January 26, 2026

Host: Matt Jones
Co-Hosts: Ryan, Shannon, James Sandlin (guest)

Episode Overview

This lively hour of KSR dives into three big Kentucky talking points: recent snow and sidewalk etiquette, UK basketball’s upcoming games (with concerns about performance and injuries), and–stealing the show–the viral middle school basketball brawl in Knott County that ended with the legendary phrase: “They just tased Ryan.” Matt and crew dissect the chaos, play memorable audio, and interview James Sandlin, the now-famous play-by-play announcer whose calm commentary has taken social media by storm. The episode is a mix of lighthearted banter, genuine local radio magic, and a perfect snapshot of Kentucky culture.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Sidewalk Shoveling & Age Debate (03:24–04:51)

• Listener texts in, chiding Ryan for refusing to shovel his sidewalk for the elderly.
• Ryan defends himself:

  "Yeah, I'm elderly. I'm not out there risking heart attacks scraping my sidewalk. If you want to walk, walk in the middle of the street." (03:53)

• Banter about what age is “elderly.” Shannon checks, saying it starts at 65, Ryan claims it when it benefits him.
• Sets the light, playful tone for community life in Kentucky.

2. UK Basketball Chat & Betting Woes (05:13–06:09; 23:08–26:09)

• Shannon boasts about betting Ole Miss to 15 first; group notes they struggle against the spread:

  “I have to think we haven’t done too well against the spread this year ... Even we didn’t cover Saturday, we won by nine. It was nine and a half.” (05:23)

• Previewing challenging games ahead (Vanderbilt, Arkansas):
  • Arkansas looks like a tough matchup. Vandy could be an opportunity, but “the way Arkansas plays, how fast paced, how athletic… I just… don’t like our chances.” (24:24)
• Debates about defense, player injuries, and potential redshirts.

3. The Knott County Middle School Basketball Brawl (06:09–41:32)

Context and Setup (06:09–09:37):

• Viral video from Car Creek vs. Emelina Middle School.
• Fight erupts between players, parents join in; electricity out at Vanderbilt adds flavor.
• Announcers in the video, especially “James,” become unexpected internet stars for their reaction.
• Listeners may not have seen the video, so Matt sets the scene in detail for full context.

Iconic Audio Recap (09:37–13:40):

• Plays the viral clip; announcers’ deadpan “They just tased Ryan” line analyzed:

  “The nonchalant way he says it—'They just tased Ryan.' Like it happens every week. This is what happens at Car Creek games.” (11:46, Matt)

• Matt and crew riff on the legend of “Justin,” the randomness of the tasing, and the apparent local immunity to such chaos.

Why This Blew Up (13:40–16:21):

• “They just tased Ryan” and “James, go get Justin” become instant show memes.
• Discussion on small-town culture, announcer accents, and why this resonated across Kentucky and even got play on national platforms.

4. Live Interview with James Sandlin (30:02–41:22)

Background — Who is James Sandlin? (30:02–33:09)

• Local play-by-play announcer, retired Kentucky State Police, covers games all over Eastern Kentucky.
• Sets up the tense championship context: “You don’t make it to the championship game and want to lose. Everybody’s in there wanting to win.” (31:35, Sandlin)

What Actually Happened? (33:09–36:33)

• Fight broke out between kids, but was second fight of the night.
• “Competitive spirit” and high emotions among both kids and parents.
• Ryan (the one tased) is “one of the quietest, most humble guys you’ll ever meet. He’s just a good dude.” (33:20, Sandlin)
• Law enforcement (Knott County Sheriff’s Office) decided to tase Ryan “when he kept trying to stay involved in the chaos.”
• There was also “mouthing” and minor scuffles among parents off-camera.

On Iconic Delivery (35:07–35:47)

• Matt probes James’ calm during chaos:

  “So when it happens, you know, after you’ve done it for 25 years [as police], you kind of expect to expect the unexpected.” (35:07, Sandlin)

Becoming a Meme & Reflecting On Virality (36:46–40:26)

• “Midday…the next day, my phone blew up. Inside the NBA, on ESPN, KSR… Even people you hadn’t talked to in 20 years were calling you, going, dude, you’re famous.” (37:09, Sandlin)
• Sandlin admits some guilt, wishing people understood all involved were “good people.”
• Matt encourages him to embrace the positive side—“They just tased Ryan is going to be a line forever.” (39:47, Matt)

Clarifying Who’s Who (40:50–41:15)

• Justin: Another parent, supposed “to break things up.”
• “At the end of the day, Ryan got tased and the game was over.” (41:15, Sandlin)
• The show loves this; it’s “a best of—right there.”

5. Why Local Radio Matters (44:18–46:37)

• Matt reflects on the joys of local radio: “This show today, by the way, is exactly why I love local radio.”
• Local stories, immediate reactions, real community people—“This is what people actually would rather hear.”
• Appreciation for community chaos, unpredictability, and Kentucky’s distinct flavor.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [08:13] Matt Jones: “The mother is doing something. And then it looks like a man trying to calm the mother down might, like, put his hand on the mother's shoulder… And then some person named Ryan gets … takes exception to that, and he starts going after the guy who has put the hand on the shoulder. Is that how you all see the thing happening?”

• [09:46] Radio Announcer (from the viral video, via Matt):

  “They just tased Ryan.”

• [11:46] Matt Jones:

  “The nonchalant way the man says it: 'They just tased Ryan.' Like it just happens every week.”

• [14:24] Kelly/crew:

  “He’s got like a little bit of an immunity built up to the tase. So many times…” (regarding Ryan falling, then getting back up quickly).

• [39:47] Matt Jones, to Sandlin:

  “They just tased Ryan is going to be a line forever. And you did that, James, and I hope you are able to get some joy from it.”

• [41:15] James Sandlin:

  “At the end of the day, Ryan got tased and the game was over.”

Important Timestamps

• 03:24–04:51: Sidewalk shoveling/elderly debate
• 05:13–06:09 & 23:08–26:09: UK basketball/betting chat
• 06:09–13:40: Viral Knott County fight, intro and play-by-play
• 30:02–41:22: Live interview with James Sandlin, “They just tased Ryan” origin story
• 44:18–46:37: Reflection on local radio, community, and show purpose

Summary

This episode highlights why KSR is Kentucky’s favorite: quick wit, genuine community connection, and a deep love for local quirks. The viral “They just tased Ryan” moment becomes more than an internet meme—it’s a jumping-off point for a full exploration of small-town basketball culture, the unpredictability of live sports, and earnest appreciation for local broadcasting. The segment with James Sandlin is rich in detail and warmth, offering both humor and empathy. The hour also gives space to weather woes, aging debates, and passionate (if wary) UK basketball analysis, all delivered with classic Kentucky charm.

For anyone who missed the episode:

• You’ll understand every angle of the viral brawl
• Meet the men behind the meme
• Hear straight talk on basketball and real Kentucky life
• And, most of all, remember: sometimes you just have to “go get Justin.”