2026-02-06- KSR - Hour 1

Summary

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Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) – Hour 1

Date: February 6, 2026

Hosts: Matt Jones, Drew Franklin, Billy

Live From: Super Bowl Media Row, San Francisco

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Episode Overview

This episode of KSR broadcasts live from Super Bowl Media Row in San Francisco, offering a unique blend of Kentucky sports news, humorous behind-the-scenes moments from Radio Row, UK basketball talk, and celebrity encounters. The crew is immersed amid football personalities, TV hosts, and even the chaos of lost credentials, bringing listeners a lively, real-time account of their experiences, reflections on Kentucky’s upcoming basketball clash with Tennessee, and interactions with guests from ESPN Radio. The conversation maintains KSR’s trademark energy, wit, and candid camaraderie throughout.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Setting the Scene at Super Bowl Media Row

• The crew left their usual studio to broadcast from the bustling (though early-morning quiet) Media Row.
• They're stationed just feet from the NFL Network’s Good Morning Football set, surrounded by sports celebrities and media.
• "We are essentially on NFL Network television. Even though people cannot see us, they are right there." — Matt Jones (04:15)
• Drew shares his excitement about the proximity to hosts he admires, especially Kyle Brandt.
• Discussion about the personalities on set, with playful teasing about fanboy moments.

Notable Moment (05:27):
Drew admits he’s excited:
“It is cool to see a show that I’ve watched every morning for years right here next to me.” — Drew Franklin

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2. Celebrity Sightings, Media Row Dynamics, and On-Site Tension

• The team discusses celebrity encounters (Martha Stewart, Seth Rollins, Kirk Herbstreit’s dog) and the surreal feel of being among famous faces.
• Matt geeked out seeing Martha Stewart up close:
  "She feels like a level of celebrity… she looks amazing for 84 years old." — Matt Jones (06:05)
• Observations of off-air tension among Good Morning Football hosts, giving listeners a glimpse of the less-polished side of live TV: “I’ve seen off the air tension, sources say. And by the sources, I mean my eyes.” — Matt Jones (07:44)
  • Billy adds: “There’s been shouting... they were running around the table... split, been like a lot going on right next to where we’re set up.” (08:13)
  • Producers seem wary of how much the KSR crew can overhear and share.

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3. Fan Moments & Awkward Interactions

• Drew recounts nearly approaching Kyle Brandt during a tense break but pulls back:
  “As I got close, I realized it’s probably not the best time to insert myself in the situation.” — Drew Franklin (08:57)
• Lighthearted retelling of “hero” encounters, including meeting Derrick Henry at the urinal (“standing in their shadows”).
• Actual live-on-air interaction:
  • Drew greets Kyle Brandt, affirming his fandom, while the crew teases his excitement and self-proclaimed calm heart rate.
    • “My heart rate has not moved at all. That was cool. But I’m a grown man.” — Drew Franklin (13:13)
  • Matt adds playful commentary on the moment:
    “You got to have the moment live on the air. Oh, he's red.” — Matt Jones (13:01)

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4. Lost Credentials & Super Bowl Security

• Mario, part of the crew, has lost his press credential and is currently struggling to regain access—becomes a running joke.
• Security at Media Row is high:
  “Rule number one here, Billy, is do not lose your press credential… I don’t think they’re going to let him back in the building.” — Matt Jones (10:04; 41:08)
• Billy jokes about having nightmares of bringing the wrong credential (10:27).

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5. Kentucky Basketball: Nostalgia and Tennessee Matchup

• Focus shifts to the upcoming Kentucky vs. Tennessee basketball game.
  • Enthusiasm about the throwback “denim” uniforms and nostalgia for the mid-’90s era.
  • Drew’s childhood memories of the famous uniforms:
    “That era and that uniform means a lot to me. I’m excited to watch it on TV…” — Drew Franklin (14:40)
  • Billy, younger, is still excited about the vintage aspect and anticipates Coach Mark Pope’s attire.
• Discussion of expectation and excitement for the game’s energy and the fans’ role.
  • “It does matter a lot. You don’t have the same nostalgia... Are you excited about it or do you think it’s kind of lame?” — Matt Jones (15:03)
  • Billy: “I think that, you know, I’m kind of into the vintage right now...” (15:13)

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6. UK Basketball’s Recent Performance & Turnaround

• Analysis of Kentucky’s team progress under Coach Pope, who’s kept the team performing strongly despite injuries:
  • Winning 7 of the last 8 games; optimism grows as the team finds ways to close out games.
  • “If we’re going to be critical at times, we gotta give [Pope] some praise for keeping this team together and playing this well…” — Billy (26:02)
  • Increasing optimism from Drew and Matt, albeit with cautious hope:
    “I do feel like they’ve kind of turned a corner and figured out a little bit now… Kentucky is becoming a good team.” — Drew Franklin (24:20)
  • Anecdotes about favorite moments (LSU game-winning shot, resilience against Tennessee, Ole Miss).

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7. Rivalry Banter and SEC Basketball Personalities

• Matt describes fun “trash talk” with Ron Slay, Tennessee basketball legend.
  • “I really like Ron Slay… He said next to his senior night at Tennessee, his most powerful night was [getting] a standing ovation at Rupp Arena.” — Matt Jones (16:14)
  • Discuss how rival players have won over UK fans and vice versa.

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8. Listener Calls & UK ‘Whiteout’ Discussion

• A listener suggests a “whiteout” fan event for the Tennessee game.
  • Matt and Drew say it could work if the effort is made ahead of time—requires organization and communication.
  • “They just wait too late to tell them. In football, there’s been times… Friday afternoon, ‘hey, tomorrow, blackout.’” — Drew Franklin (20:08)

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9. Travel Tales & Billy’s Food Freak-Out

• The group recounts a dinnertime incident where Billy, overwhelmed by “foo foo” cuisine, had to take a breather outside.
  • Playful but empathetic storytelling:
    “Billy just freaks out… gets up and he goes outside and gets like two minutes of fresh air… you just needed a reset.” — Matt Jones (21:46)
  • Drew benefited by eating Billy’s untouched pig’s ears.
  • Billy on his tastes:
    “I like proteins, ground beef, chicken…” (21:43)
  • Experience highlights the camaraderie and ribbing that defines the show.

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10. Media Reflections: Newspapers, Sports Writing, and the Value of Journalism

• Caller raises issue of layoffs in sports media (especially at the Washington Post).
• Matt explains the importance of local beat writers and tough questioning, particularly for UK sports.
  • “When you don’t have that and all you get is propaganda, then you start to go, well, maybe I missed it a little bit…” — Matt Jones (31:18)
• The panel laments shrinking newsrooms and the impact on sports coverage and accountability.

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11. Celebrity Guest: ESPN Radio’s Evan Cohen (35:01 – 40:25)

• Matt brings on Evan Cohen of ESPN Radio for a spontaneous segment.
• Evan compliments Matt, calling him “arguably the biggest host in America” and “deep down, really nice and kind” (35:20-36:08).
• The conversation turns meta as Cohen and Drew dissect Matt’s “heel” (villain) vs. “face” (good guy) radio persona:
  • “I think he takes pride in trying to be a heel while he’s actually a face.” — Evan Cohen (36:09)
• Evan shares stories about ESPN morning TV, security at ESPN’s NYC studios, and the difference between “radio” and “first take” treatment.
  • “If you fill in for first take, you can’t get killed... if you’re on ESPN radio, you’re allowed to actually get killed.” — Evan Cohen (39:05)
• Matt and Evan recall studio experiences, inside media stories, and mutual professional admiration.

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12. Interactive Segments, More Calls, and Basketball Analysis

• Listeners ask about matchups for Tennessee’s big man (Nate Amand), leading to strategic commentary about Kentucky’s options (Diabate, Moreno, and offensive trade-offs).

• The crew recalls last season’s “fat boy” trash talk incident—UK’s Away clashing with Tennessee’s center, highlighting the team’s “hothead” personalities.

  “The spark is ready to be lit at any given moment for all three of those…” — Matt Jones (46:02)

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Notable Quotes (with Timestamps)

• On sitting next to NFL celebrities:
  “We are essentially on NFL Network television. Even though people cannot see us, they are right there.” — Matt Jones [04:15]

• On meeting Martha Stewart:
  “She feels like a level of celebrity… she looks amazing for 84 years old.” — Matt Jones [06:05]

• On live radio moments:
  “My heart rate has not moved at all. That was cool. But I’m a grown man.” — Drew Franklin [13:13]

• On UK basketball’s turnaround:
  “If we’re going to be critical at times, we gotta give [Coach Pope] some praise for keeping this team together and playing this well…” — Billy [26:02]

• On media accountability and journalism:
  “When you don’t have that and all you get is propaganda, then you start to go, well, maybe I missed it a little bit…” — Matt Jones [31:18]

• On playful KSR "persona":
  “I think he takes pride in trying to be a heel while he’s actually a face.” — Evan Cohen [36:09]

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Important Timestamps

• [03:36] – KSR crew sets up at Media Row, describes the scene, proximity to NFL Network.
• [06:05] – Matt discusses running into Martha Stewart, celebrity excitement.
• [08:13] – Billy and Matt detail backstage tension on the GMFB set.
• [13:01] – On-air encounter between Drew and Kyle Brandt.
• [14:40] – Nostalgia for Kentucky’s denim uniforms.
• [21:46] – Billy’s food freak-out during a “foo foo” dinner in San Francisco.
• [26:02] – Debating whether Kentucky basketball is now “good” again.
• [35:01 – 40:25] – Guest: Evan Cohen (ESPN Radio) joins for talk about Matt’s persona, ESPN secrets, and more.
• [41:08] – Mario’s credential incident, Super Bowl security.
• [44:21] – Strategy discussion: how Kentucky will defend Nate Amand.

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Tone and Language Summary

The episode is lively and unscripted, mixing sports debate, inside jokes, and genuine fan-like awe at the major sports event. The KSR crew rib each other, offer honest Kentucky basketball takes, and seamlessly shift between lighthearted and thoughtful commentary. The presence of ESPN’s Evan Cohen adds a “media-insider” flavor, and callers help keep the show rooted in Kentucky fandom even when the crew is far from home.

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Summary Takeaway

This hour of KSR seamlessly blends the spectacle of Super Bowl Media Row with Kentucky sports news, real-time celebrity run-ins, classic KSR humor, and authentic moments of reflection about fandom, journalism, and the state of UK basketball. Whether you’re a die-hard Cats fan or just love sports radio at its most honest, this episode captures the unique personality and energy of the KSR crew—no matter where they are.

Transcript

[Matt Jones]

Tonight kick off the Winter Olympics in Style with the opening ceremony from Italy featuring a special performance by Mariah Carey. Celebrate the greatest athletes from around the globe as they come together to go for gold. Lipstick Sensational. The opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics.

[Billy]

Ilia Malinin redefining this sport tonight at.

[Matt Jones]

8 Eastern, 7 Central on NBC. And Peacock, Olivia Culpo here to tell you all about the launch of the new Abercrombie spring denim collection. Made the way denim should feel. Their denim has always been a staple in my wardrobe and has a wide range of fits, styles and washes. Every jean is available in both their Classic fit and Viral Curve Love. Shop in the app, online and in stores. Stugatz Here I have a podcast empire that I have brought here to iheart and I'm also hosting a daily live radio show from 3 to 5pm Eastern called Stegatz Co. Live, which is available in podcast form right when the show finishes. Every single day you can expect a lot of laughter, great guests, a ton of calls and a lot of fun. Listen to Stewgots Co. Live and our original podcast Stugots Co. And God bless Football. And you can check all of those.

[Caller/Listener]

Out on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast.

[Matt Jones]

Or wherever you get your podcast. When segregation was a law, one mysterious.

[Drew Franklin]

Black club owner Charlie Fitzgerald had his own rules.

[Matt Jones]

Segregation in the day, integration at night.

[Billy]

It was like stepping in another world.

[Drew Franklin]

Was he a businessman? A criminal? A hero?

[Matt Jones]

Charlie was an example of power.

[Drew Franklin]

They had to crush him. Charlie's Plan Place from Atlas Obscura and visit Myrtle Beach. Listen to Charlie's place on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Matt Jones]

Comedy Off Broadway in Lexington welcomes the hilarious New York comedian Phil Hanley, February 5th through the 7th. Then it's the return of AGT finalist and impressionist Greg Morton, February 12th through the 14th. And don't miss legendary comedian and podcaster Greg Fitzsimmons February 19th through the 21st. For tickets to all Comedy Off Broadway shows, call 85927 in one joke or visit comedy off broadway.com comedy off broadway.

[Billy]

This is Kentucky Sports Radio presented by Stockton Mortgage. Now here's Matt Jones.

[Matt Jones]

Welcome everyone. It is Kentucky Sports Radio. I am Matt Jones here live in San Francisco, California, where we are on Meteor Row. We left Billy's hotel room, got up early this morning and traced our way down here to Radio Row. We are excited and you can give us a shout in the Clark's Pump and Shop phone line 8, 5-92-802287. Avision Auto Glass text machine. 772-7745254. In this edition sponsored by the TJ Smith Law Office. If you call TJ he'll make them pay. It's a Whiskey thief sponsor takeover day. Whiskey Thief. Where you can thieve your own bourbon experience. Five single barrel bourbons of whiskeys that you can get right out of the barrel. One in Franklin county, one in Louisville. At the tasting room. Drew one of our favorite places to go. This is their day. We were going to be there today. We ended up coming here. But they're still with us and wish I bet you wish you had some Whiskey Thief.

[Drew Franklin]

Of course. I love Whiskey Thief. I was excited about that remote today. We'll do it another time. But excited. We can still talk about him here while we're at the super bowl because big fan of Whiskey Thief. In fact that video I made after beat after beating Arkansas people wondering what bourbon that was. Whiskey Thief.

[Matt Jones]

Whiskey Thief. So let me explain the situation here today. We got Billy with us. He got up earlier. Here's the situation. We are at media row. Alright, Billy, why don't you just take a picture just out here to show people like what we're looking at. Okay.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah. Billy's room got to smell. Too bad.

[Matt Jones]

So we've been in Billy's room every show but we decided to actually come out in public and this is where the event happens. Now it is early in the morning here. It is 7am so there are not that many people here. But we are right next to the NFL Network. Good morning, football set. Drew is literally feet from us. If you were to turn on the NFL Network, you'll see some people including Seth Rollins sitting around a table. But you can think like, I don't know, 10ft to the right of Seth Rollins are us. We are essentially on NFL Network television. Even though people cannot see us, they are right there. There's Kyle Brandt and Manti Teo and who's the other guy? Billy, you said you didn't like Jordan.

[Drew Franklin]

Jordan.

[Matt Jones]

Why don't you like him?

[Billy]

He's a Saints player. I'm a Bucs fan and he's a big hater. He likes to trash talk a lot.

[Matt Jones]

Like he's right there and he's a big dude. You do? Oh yeah.

[Billy]

I'm not approaching him.

[Matt Jones]

Jamie Erdog her name. So they are all right there and Kentucky Sports Radio is feet from them and their producers are looking at us like stop talking so loud. But you know what? We have A show to do.

[Drew Franklin]

Drew Franklin, you asked me about wanting to meet people. This is the only TV show I watch. I'm a regular viewer. When I walked in, I even named Kyle Brandt. When we played that game over the.

[Matt Jones]

Week, you kind of like, when I.

[Drew Franklin]

Walked in, he was standing in the doorway doing a live. As I was walking in, I'm just.

[Matt Jones]

Like, hey, love me. We were talking about people geeking out if they saw people. Drew is a little Kyle Brick.

[Drew Franklin]

I'm excited.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. So he. So he.

[Drew Franklin]

I wouldn't call it, like, a fanboy thing. My heart rate's still very calm. But it is cool to see a show that I've watched every morning for years right here next to me.

[Matt Jones]

And you're breathing the same air right now.

[Drew Franklin]

We're getting some inside baseball.

[Matt Jones]

He is sick. You may get sick or vice versa. That's how close we are. Shannon to him. Is that Shannon, that Kyle Brandt and Drew might get each other sick this morning?

[Billy]

I mean, would you be fine with getting a cold from him?

[Matt Jones]

Would you like a cow brand?

[Drew Franklin]

I'm not driving.

[Billy]

Is there anybody there, Matt, that you would geek out over?

[Matt Jones]

I geeked out a little bit yesterday over Martha Stewart.

[Billy]

Stop it.

[Matt Jones]

Well, I mean, she was like. I don't know. Shannon. She was like, two feet from me. First of all, looks amazing. Can we say, at 84 years old. Did you see that picture I put up of her on Instagram? Shannon, look at my story. Look at. Look at. Look at her and tell me that she looks 84 years old. Plus, like, I think she's a genuine celebrity. I don't think she's just a sports celebrity. I think she's, like, a genuine celebrity. Doesn't she look amazing for. At 85 years old?

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah.

[Billy]

Yeah, she does.

[Matt Jones]

So, yeah, I saw her, and I was like, oh, there's Martha Stewart. So, yeah, Shane and I probably geeked out a little bit about Martha Stewart.

[Billy]

I mean, did you, like, watch a lot of Martha Stewart?

[Matt Jones]

No, I have no connection to Martha Stewart. It's just. I know. It's just I know who she is, and, like, she feels like a. I don't know. She feels like a level of celebrity. Like, Seth Rollins is right here. Okay, I like Seth Rollins, but I'm not gonna go up there and, like, play with his man.

[Drew Franklin]

But, you know, that'd be really cool.

[Matt Jones]

If you did just look at it and go, hello, man, bud. Like, I'm not gonna do that, But I did do it to Martha Stewart yesterday, exchange recipes, and that's what I Would do. Billy, you. But you were up earlier this morning. When you came in here, it was what, 5:30 this morning?

[Billy]

Yeah, earlier than that. And there was maybe 50, 60 people here. So we've seen a couple people roll in, but these guys have been doing like. There's been tension on this set.

[Matt Jones]

So this is what we want to talk about.

[Drew Franklin]

Don't. Don't do this. This is uncomfortable for me.

[Matt Jones]

I'll do it. Why is it uncomfortable?

[Drew Franklin]

Because I don't like that it's happening. Okay, so, Shane, don't meet your heroes.

[Matt Jones]

This is just us talking. All right. We're not good. We're not on the radio right now. Right, right, right. We're at break. Yes.

[Drew Franklin]

Okay.

[Matt Jones]

So good morning football. Big TV show.

[Drew Franklin]

My favorite.

[Matt Jones]

Drew. Drew's favorite show. We've been seeing off the air tension, sources say. And by the sources, I mean my eyes. That the breaks. These people get mad at each other. Shannon. Like, I mean, I've never been one to get upset. Never. But that's never been mine. My. My bag. But. But Billy, this has been kind of interesting to watch. I'm not. We don't have to go into details, but there is tension among.

[Billy]

There's been shouting. If you look at the first pre game or pre show segment, you may have heard it in the background.

[Matt Jones]

No, there's been shouts.

[Drew Franklin]

We didn't know about the air.

[Matt Jones]

I didn't know that.

[Billy]

Yeah. So, I mean, they were running around the table and I don't know if that was on air or off, but it split. Been like a lot going on right next to where we're set up. Go look who just said don't take your, like, animosity off the air with your co host, wasn't he.

[Matt Jones]

Well, they, they had.

[Caller/Listener]

They didn't hear.

[Billy]

Go take his advice.

[Matt Jones]

They did not hear it because it's. It's been. There's a little bit of tension right here. And we are people. We are right next.

[Drew Franklin]

They can definitely hear us.

[Matt Jones]

The producers, like I. The producers are sitting at the table next to us, Shannon. And so, like, we're. So. We have to be careful what we say, but there's stuff happening.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah, no comment on the off air tension.

[Matt Jones]

Love.

[Drew Franklin]

Good morning football. But I will say there was a moment during their break, Kyle was by himself. And I thought, you know, this place is pretty empty. I'm gonna be like, Kyle, watch every morning. Nice to meet you. As I got close, I realized it's probably not the best time to insert myself in the situation.

[Matt Jones]

I backpedal Drew has had a hard time with his heroes on this trip. Derek Henry at the urinal, standing in their shadows, and Kyle Brandt in the middle of a very tension filled segment. So if you actually turn on your TV and mute, who knows, we may end up walking behind there. If you, if you see Seth Rollins, man bun, Jiggly Jiggly, you will know. You will know where that happened. 859-280-2287.

[Billy]

So like cousins.

[Matt Jones]

So, yes, there's Kirk Cousins. See, we might be able to pull guests on here. Okay, he's going onto that set. That makes sense. Make more sense.

[Drew Franklin]

He's going on right to that stage.

[Billy]

Coming right at us.

[Matt Jones]

What a pump. Like, wow, Kirk Cousins to be on the show. And right up to, oh, you want to be on the NFL Network? Okay, that makes. That makes more sense.

[Drew Franklin]

We're the kid table over here.

[Matt Jones]

Yes, we are. Now, Mario has lost his press credential, Shannon. So he just. So he is right now in the other building trying to talk them in to letting him come in. You know, rule number one here, Billy, is do not lose your press credential. Mario this morning, he came downstairs and says, everybody, get your press credential. And then I was like, where's yours? And he said he lost.

[Billy]

I had a nightmare about that. The other, other night we got a press credential for the. The Golic, or not the Golic, but the Rich Eisen thing. And I had a dream that I brought that instead of this. So I, I had made sure that we were bringing this. If Herb Street's dog can get a credential, Mario can get a credential.

[Matt Jones]

That's a good question. Did Herb Street's dog have a credential?

[Billy]

The dog is more responsible than Mario.

[Matt Jones]

Let me say one of my favorite things was watching how angry Billy got at the dog. The dog. Let me. That dog got more attention in this building yesterday. There were two. The two most popular people I have seen at this event, even more than Martha Stewart, were Kirk Herbstreet's dog and the Crocodile Hunter's kid. Okay, whoever that is.

[Drew Franklin]

Robert.

[Matt Jones]

Robert, Steve's kid. First of all, let's all have 10 seconds in our life where we have the effect on women that the Crocodile Hunter's kid did. I've never seen anything like it. Every woman in this place was following him around like he was. Like he was the most beautiful thing in the world. We were about to tape our podcast and somebody said something to the effect of, what does, you know, look at him. Was he as Good to look at right up close. I was like, he has a snake around his. He had a snake around his neck. A big viper snake. And. But he's been very happy. And then Kirk, Herb Street's dog gets its own chairs. But it got loose. Shannon. That was my favorite part yesterday. It's not on a leash and it's freaked out and it just started running through the building.

[Billy]

Oh, I'm sure you appreciated that as well.

[Drew Franklin]

Right through our table.

[Matt Jones]

It ran through our table and it did all that. And I enjoyed that. Then I guess that freaked him out. Cuz then he had his own wagon.

[Billy]

After he was in a cart, like. Yeah, like a little electric cart. He was riding around and it was. We've taken it too far. I love dogs, but this dog is just you not.

[Matt Jones]

You hate it. Let's not act like you don't hate it. You hate Kurt Curv Street's dog. What's Freddie? Peter. Peter. Peter versus Billy is the new rivalry for the Super Bowl. Yeah, yeah, but there he is. Drew.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah, I'm just go talk to him.

[Matt Jones]

Come on.

[Drew Franklin]

You know, man, I'm just gonna enjoy my coffee.

[Matt Jones]

Billy, why don't you ask him?

[Billy]

This is Drew's moment. Like my day.

[Matt Jones]

Why don't you ask him to come on?

[Drew Franklin]

He's doing a show right now. They have a show. They're about to hop back on with Kirk Cousins.

[Matt Jones]

Oh, so he's on the air. He is your biggest big fan.

[Drew Franklin]

I don't miss. I don't miss a morning.

[Matt Jones]

He's talked about you for 10 straight years.

[Drew Franklin]

Don't make it weird.

[Matt Jones]

Drew Franklin.

[Drew Franklin]

Big fan, though.

[Matt Jones]

Yes, as well. Kyle, it's. We. We're in Kentucky. We're doing a live radio show right now. Yes, but we. Yeah, we're on right now.

[Drew Franklin]

Hello, Kyle Brand. Everyone watch Good morning football.

[Matt Jones]

Nice to see you, Kyle Brand. Look at that. See, you got to have the moment live on the air. Oh, he's red.

[Billy]

I can feel the blushing from here.

[Drew Franklin]

Take a picture of me if I'm blushing. My heart rate has not moved at all. That was cool. But I'm a grown man.

[Matt Jones]

You got to hear that live on the air.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah, it was a nice guy. Everyone should watch it. I enjoy the program.

[Matt Jones]

And now look. Kyle was not even amongst this tension. He was very. He was. He was.

[Drew Franklin]

And I hope the show goes well the rest of the way for them. Shout out Good morning, football.

[Matt Jones]

You know, I've known you a long time. I don't know if I've ever seen you blush.

[Drew Franklin]

You're also exaggerating in this bad here.

[Billy]

It's a little red.

[Drew Franklin]

If it had been Derrick Henry, we would have had a moment that was.

[Matt Jones]

That was very, very nice.

[Drew Franklin]

Nice guy. I'm not going to downplay it. I like the show. That was cool moment.

[Matt Jones]

Yes. But I like that. I love that. That went over the air that I wish you could have. We should. That we needed Mario, but he lost his prescription. It's true.

[Drew Franklin]

Thanks, Mario.

[Matt Jones]

He could have. He could have filmed that. 859-280-2287. We are. We are here. Kay Adams. Her show is within eyesight.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah. So she used to be on this one. So we got. It's kind of like she used to be. She left that one to just go.

[Matt Jones]

Over and then she's over here.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah. She's the OG crew with Kyle.

[Matt Jones]

Okay. See, I didn't, I didn't realize that. Kentucky and Tennessee, tomorrow night, 8:30. The denims are coming out. We got to see the shoes officially yesterday. Are you excited for this? There's a lot of build up to this. Mark. Mark Pope may walk out. The Canadian tuxedo. Are you looking forward to it?

[Drew Franklin]

I am. You know, I wouldn't trade this for the world. I wish there was this, but I wish, I wish they weren't the same weekend. I wish we could have staggered the denim game because I'm of that age where when the denim and the 96. I mean, I went to Patino's camp when they had the denim. Our camp shirts had the denim on them. So that that era and that uniform means a lot to me. I'm excited to watch it on TV and hopefully they get the game one because that also matters a lot.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, it does matter a lot. You don't have the same nostalgia for that era because you're essentially that age of the, of the. Are you excited about it or do you think it's kind of lame?

[Billy]

No, I'm excited for it. I didn't learn about it yesterday as many people thought when I was like double checking if they were wearing the denim. But look, I mean, I think that, you know, I'm kind of into the vintage right now, so I like the gear that's going to be coming out on it. You know, I'm, I'm interested to see what Mark Pope comes out. You said Canadian tuxedo. I may think it's just like a suit that looks like denim. That's. That's what they got to go with. Right? He's not going to come out in.

[Matt Jones]

It, I hope, I hope he comes out. I mean, well, the uniforms are not actually right. They're, they're denim, like colored. So I'd say that's what the suit will be as well. It's ESPN game. You know, it was got announced Kentucky Arkansas is the most watched ESPN game of the year. I think there's a decent chance. I mean we're going Duke, Carolina and then Kentucky, Tennessee. So this will be a big, big, big college basketball viewing night.

[Drew Franklin]

And even though we're out here, we feel the buzz. I mean Ron Slade, little, little trash talk yesterday.

[Matt Jones]

I went on Ron slay show for 20 minutes yesterday just talking trash back and forth and he's excited about it.

[Caller/Listener]

Yeah.

[Drew Franklin]

And then with the, with the shoes and everything around it, it can be such a big day. Let's just finish the job and get the balls one more time.

[Matt Jones]

I really like Ron Slay. Like, I like. He's genuinely kind of an awesome guy.

[Drew Franklin]

That's a remarkable turnaround from the Ron Slay that was on the court with the headband that we did not like to. I think most Kentucky fans really like.

[Matt Jones]

Him on the, when I was on with him yesterday, he said next to his senior night at Tennessee that his most powerful night as a college basketball player was when he left the floor his final game in Lexington and Rupp arena gave him a standing ovation. I did not remember that happening. But he said, he said he thought it was like the ultimate. He said and he said on the Tennessee show, Kentucky's got the best fans in the country because they even recognize other teams players.

[Drew Franklin]

All right, are we sure he just went for someone else? He thought it was might have been.

[Matt Jones]

For Keith Bogan and he thought it was for him.

[Drew Franklin]

But no, his, his brand with Kentucky has changed his network. He's great on there.

[Billy]

Did he put you in the Boom boom room?

[Matt Jones]

I don't know what that or the sleigh ride. No, that was a different thing. That's what he's going to take Kyle brandt to do. 859-280-2287. Text machine is 772-774-5254. We're live here on Meteoro. Like a real radio show. That's next here on KSR. This month, iHeartRadio is celebrating the stars of the 2026 Winter Games. Douglasville, Georgia should be proud of Ilana Meyers Taylor, who is rewriting the definition of longevity as the most decorated black.

[Billy]

Winter Olympian in history.

[Matt Jones]

She returns to the driver's seat for her fifth games determined to chase one medal she has yet to gold. Balancing motherhood and elite competition, she navigates the icy track with veteran precision.

[Billy]

Meyers Taylor isn't just sliding for a.

[Matt Jones]

Medal, she's sliding for a legacy. For more Winter Games Gold Search olympics on the iHeartRadio app tonight, kick off the Winter Olympics in style with the opening ceremony from Italy featuring a special performance by Mariah Carey. Celebrate the greatest athletes from around the globe as they come together to go for gold. Lipsy for sensational the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics.

[Billy]

Ilia Malinin redefining this sport tonight at.

[Matt Jones]

8 Eastern, 7 Central on NBC and Peacock Abercrombie knows how denim should fit and feel and this year is about curating a denim collection that carries your closet head straight to Abercrombie's baggy and ultra baggy fits. These are the pairs that turn any tier shirt into a full outfit. All of their jeans come in classic fit with select jeans available in athletic fit designed for guys who want more room in the thigh shop. Abercrombie Den Denim in the app, online and in stores. Abercrombie knows how denim should fit and feel and this year is about curating a denim collection that carries your closet head straight to Abercrombie's Baggy and ultra baggy fits. These are the pairs that turn any tee or shirt into a full outfit. All of their jeans come in classic fit with select jeans available in athletic fit designed for guys who want more room in the thigh shop Abercrombie Denim in the app online and in store. Welcome back. It is Kentucky Sports Radio 859-280-2287. Text Machine 772-774-5254 Got a couple of lines and we are going to take calls today. We didn't do that yesterday but we don't have a delay today so I can take it. So give us a shout. 859-280-2287. One person writes Matt Malachi Moreno tweeted out last night that he wanted to have a whiteout at the game. Do you think we can do it? I mean if they, if they put all their efforts behind it. If UK puts it out and then tells us to put it like I'll yeah, I mean they could certainly make it happen. I think it would be cool. We haven't been the best at that over the years, but we've gotten better in the last couple years. People will do it. So I think having a white out. The problem is you want to be able to give people the t Shirts and they probably won't do that, but yeah, I think that would be awesome.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah. Sometimes they just wait too late to tell them. In football, there's been times where it's like Friday afternoon, they're like, hey, tomorrow, blackout. And people have already. Already. You need to give them a little bit of notice. But if they can pull it off, it would look great.

[Matt Jones]

It would look great. I mean, really, honestly, you just need, like, the lower level to do it because that's what's on television. And then it would look great.

[Drew Franklin]

It's been so long since they've done it. Can't remember the last time, but when I was in college, I remember one of the big Florida games where they actually had the T shirts waiting for you in the whole arena.

[Matt Jones]

I mean, every.

[Drew Franklin]

We did lose, but every. I think there was a. A C shirt, an A shirt, a T and an S going around the arena. And it looked awesome in there.

[Matt Jones]

It did. That. That was. I think that was the. When Florida came in as a defending national champion game. And that was a. That was a great environment. One person writes, matt, I love listening to you on the show, how happy you guys have been throughout. But have there been any moments where being on the road together, you've gotten irritated at each other? Well, so. So Drew and I have traveled so much that we don't really get irritated at each other. Like, we give ourselves, you know, space. And so, like, Drew and I, we've got this down. But Billy. Shannon. Billy had a moment last night. Billy had. Billy had a freak out moment. So I took everybody to a nice restaurant, and it was probably a little more Shannon foo fooey than I wanted it to be. You know, it was kind of a foo foo.

[Drew Franklin]

More international, too.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, A little bit more San Francisco foo fooey than I probably want. I forgot that Billy has the, like, palette of a seventh grader. And so he didn't want. You know, you like. You like chicken and rice, right? Like, that's basically what you like.

[Billy]

Yeah, I like proteins, ground beef, chicken.

[Matt Jones]

So we ordered the. The tasting menu where they bring you all this stuff. And Billy was not enjoying it, and we were giving him a hard time. And then the waitress came over and I was like, where is a place he could eat with plain food? And you. Billy just freaks out. And he was like, I've had it. And he just gets up and he goes outside and gets like two minutes of fresh air. And then you came back refreshed, but you just needed a reset.

[Billy]

I wish Mario was here to back Me up a little bit on this and how, like, borderline the food was. I guess it was good for you guys, but, like, it was. Was. It was pretty spicy. I mean, there was a lot going on.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, it was. It was. Now.

[Billy]

Now we get Shannon, we sit down with menus, and Matt decides to order for the table.

[Matt Jones]

That's not what happened.

[Billy]

We're gonna do the chef's tasting.

[Matt Jones]

That's not what happened.

[Billy]

Yes, it is.

[Matt Jones]

She asked us if we wanted it, and you said yes, and Drew said yes. But you. To be fair, we didn't look at you.

[Drew Franklin]

Also, you can, like. I can get the chef's tasting, and you can get a. A mozzarella cheese stick if you want.

[Matt Jones]

Yes.

[Drew Franklin]

The whole table doesn't have to partake, so.

[Matt Jones]

So. But you're right. I didn't probably.

[Billy]

Yeah, so I didn't get Shannon. I had to sit through all that food. And then at the end, you know, we're trying. Matt's like, he has the pallet of a seventh grade. Where can we find a plain McDonald's cheeseburger?

[Drew Franklin]

A lot about your pal.

[Billy]

You do brag a whole lot about your taste. Like, I have such elegant taste. I never said McDonald chicken nuggets.

[Matt Jones]

No, I mean, I. I try to show you all, like, we're in the place with, like, the most Asian food and most diverse, and I was trying to, but I. But Billy, I forgot, like, you don't. You don't like that stuff, and so we won't do it again. I'm gonna get you. I'm gonna. I asked him, literally, all right, it's your 30th birthday, Shannon. Where would you like to go? And he goes, I like deli sandwiches, which. Okay, you're gonna be a cheap date for your third.

[Billy]

Well, man knows what he likes. But I was. You know, he was. It was just. It was a little too much. I had to get out, get some air.

[Matt Jones]

But he did kind of freak out for a minute.

[Drew Franklin]

He did. I like that he dismissed himself, though. He felt some back talk or, like, a situation. He's like, instead of raising my voice, I'm gonna step outside, collect myself. Okay.

[Matt Jones]

He came back.

[Drew Franklin]

Great, by the way. That's a great reset. And I benefited because I got to eat his pig ears that he didn't want.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, he didn't like the pig ears. They had. They had pig ears. They had a lot of stuff. It was. It was a little more foo foo than I thought it was.

[Billy]

That's what you do with a kid, though, when a Kid starts acting up. When a kid, you take it outside for some fresh air, you bring him some McNuggets.

[Drew Franklin]

We asked for a coloring book. They didn't have one.

[Billy]

And the waitress came by and Matt's like, he finally ate some of that chicken. And she's like, y is not what I was wanting.

[Matt Jones]

They were treating him a little childlike. So how are you feeling good about the game tomorrow night?

[Drew Franklin]

I really am. I think I said this yesterday. I had a lot of negativity in my brain. I just. Every single game, even Ole Miss, I just. I wasn't confident they. I mean, I feel like they would win. There's a part of me I was like, this could be a loss. Just because the inconsistency, consistencies. I do feel like they've kind of turned a corner and figured out a little bit now. Tennessee is still a tough opponent, but I think Kentucky is becoming a good team with the pieces they have after. We all know the struggles earlier.

[Matt Jones]

Ron Slay said to me yesterday, he goes, I think you all are becoming good. And I was like, that's hard for me to say. And maybe it's hard for me to say because I've watched them be bad so much of the year, but it has been hard for me to say that. Billy, like, yes, I think we're good. I don't even know if I would say it now, but Ron Slay, like, Ron Slay is picking them. There's Jim. Garrett Gray. There's Jim Gray. Look at that.

[Drew Franklin]

Oh, wow.

[Billy]

I was a big fan of Jim Gray.

[Matt Jones]

Jim, great. You think? Why don't you go ask him?

[Drew Franklin]

Not the transportation Kentucky guy, but no. Yeah, I'd like to see him too.

[Matt Jones]

He just walked by. Why didn't we grab him?

[Drew Franklin]

I don't know.

[Matt Jones]

Although the thing is, what if I brought Jim Gray on here? What would I say?

[Drew Franklin]

Hello, Jim Gray.

[Matt Jones]

What's like, what's going to be the first question to Jim Gray?

[Drew Franklin]

Can you fix our roads in Lexington?

[Matt Jones]

Why were you so mean to Pete Rose that one time?

[Billy]

He probably kind of a smart ass interviewer, wasn't he?

[Matt Jones]

Like, if I grab Jim Gray right there because he. I could have touched him.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

What would he. What would we say to him?

[Billy]

I don't know.

[Matt Jones]

Because, like, you think that, you think you want to talk to these people, but then it's harder than you think. Yeah. Hi, Jim Gray. Well, you know, we know a Jim Gray. What do you think about that?

[Drew Franklin]

You know any other gyms? Ron Lemon says hi.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, that would have been that may have been all we got.

[Drew Franklin]

So.

[Matt Jones]

But, but do you think we're good?

[Billy]

You know, it's hard to say since I saw them lose by Gonzaga by so much and even so recently as Vanderbilt. But I got to give Pope some credit with the injuries. If we're going to be critical at times, we got to give him some praise for keeping this team together and playing this well, winning seven of their last eight. I mean, I think he deserves some praise for keeping them together.

[Matt Jones]

He, he deserves a lot of praise.

[Drew Franklin]

I think the way they won at LSU in the moment was awesome. Felt like got a little bit of luck, good fortune. Then even at Tennessee he's like, oh, we did it again. Stole that one. But then you have the Chandler has another dagger against Ole Miss, then another dagger and eventually that's not luck. You're just finding the way to win games and doing the right plays down the stretch. And they've done it so many times. That wasn't a fluke. I mean, they're finding a way to close.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, that's what I mean.

[Drew Franklin]

Well, even at Arkansas with all the technicals that could have gone the other way, but they pulled it right back.

[Matt Jones]

That's right. We will take your calls. 859-280-2287. Jim Gray's just pacing back and forth. I think he wants to come on. We might have Jim Gray when we.

[Billy]

He's coming back.

[Matt Jones]

Ksr.

[Drew Franklin]

TJ Smith, personal injury attorney.

[Billy]

Call tj. He'll make him pay. Now more of Kentucky sports radio presented by Stockton Mortgage. Here's Matt Jones.

[Matt Jones]

Welcome back techy sports radio. It's the whiskey thief. First, thieve your own experience. Five single barrel bourbons. Whiskeys, fill your own bottle straight from the barrel. They got cocktails, live music. You can learn more@wiqukey thief.com. great place to take a group out if you're looking for something to do. You get to go straight from the barrel at Whiskey Thief. There's one in Louisville in New Lou as part of their tasting room. And then of course the farm in Franklin county that we go to a lot. No two barrels taste alike. At Whiskey Thief during the break, we saw Kirk Cousins throw an out route to Kyle Brandt, which was kind of exciting. Got Seth Rollins in his boots. I feel like we're almost part of. I guess we are part of the NFL network, but barely.

[Drew Franklin]

Very exciting. Hate that Mario's not here to document it. Since I didn't get.

[Matt Jones]

I think, I don't think they're gonna let.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah, I don't Think we'll see Mario again.

[Matt Jones]

We may not see him again. We may just be gone.

[Drew Franklin]

Everybody's had their big camera moment since he didn't get Mama Kyle Brandt. If y' all could just draw a picture of me meeting Kyle Brandt so I can have that. If anyone out there would like to attempt that AI something. But we may never see Mario again.

[Matt Jones]

We. We may not. One person writes. Matt, I think a white out would be great, and I think Kentucky fans can do it. There were years where I didn't think so, but now they seem better at it in the football games. They have been better the last few times. So I do think it's. It's plausible that they could make it happen. By the way, new quarter zip. That one looks to be not reversible.

[Drew Franklin]

It is.

[Billy]

It's gray. Gray on gray inside. But I also got double NFL logo today.

[Caller/Listener]

Wow.

[Billy]

We are company, man.

[Matt Jones]

Stranger things.

[Billy]

Why?

[Matt Jones]

But the inside also looks to be gray.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah, I don't think that's reversible.

[Matt Jones]

I know.

[Drew Franklin]

It is the same color.

[Billy]

No, it's. It's a gray and then, like white. This is like more of a cream.

[Drew Franklin]

Okay.

[Matt Jones]

Looks kind of the same to me. 859280, 2287. Who's up next?

[Billy]

All right, we'll start with Bill.

[Drew Franklin]

Bill.

[Matt Jones]

Let's go, Bill. What's going on?

[Caller/Listener]

Hey, what's up, guys? Sounds like you are having a good time and shows have been great. Hey, comment about that Washington Post that you were talking about, Bezos, but real quick, there's an app. I tried to call a couple days ago. There's an app. I don't know if it's still out there, that you can download it in San Francisco and it shows you where the homeless have relieved themselves so you can avoid it on the sidewalks because it's so prevalent out there in that liberal bastion. You and your boy Andy would love it out there.

[Matt Jones]

I seen. I haven't seen one of those things anywhere. Have you?

[Drew Franklin]

No, not at all.

[Matt Jones]

I think the. I think all the people that are scared of or like to downplay the city, I think are. Have they just haven't been here. Like, at least not recently. I mean, like I said, McAfee went on a big rant yesterday about how great he thought this place was. Me, too. Even I was kind of.

[Caller/Listener]

Well, I know that new mayor seems like she's kind of trying to. It's really trying to get it turned around. It sounds like it's a he. Oh, is it a he?

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Caller/Listener]

Oh, well, There you go. That's how long it's been since I was there, but about a year ago.

[Drew Franklin]

Anyway.

[Caller/Listener]

No, about your article about when you talk about Bezos, and I'm no fan of Bezos. Bezos, however you want to say it. But you're giving him crap about, you know, cutting a lot of staff and the sports thing. But man, I mean, he's got to turn a profit. I mean, it's not a non profit, you know what I'm saying? So if he sees that's where he needs to cut stuff, that's where he needs to cut it. But if you get something going on at like one of yours, you, what's up?

[Matt Jones]

I appreciate the call. I, I, that was not what I was, I was just saying it was sad that the sports department went away because, I mean, they produced so many great, you know, your guy John Feinstein started. That's my guy started there.

[Drew Franklin]

You got Culpepper Chuck.

[Matt Jones]

Chuck Culpepper, Wilbond Kornheiser. Dave Kindred, who actually got his start with the Courier Journal but then went to the Washington Post. David Aldridge got his start with the Washington Post as well. So, I mean, it's just, you know, like if you, if you, I understand why people get mad at news and mainstream news, but I will say to you, if we ever have a day where we don't have it, then try to figure out what's going on in the world. Like if you have a day where there's no one reporting the news, I mean, I hear people, look, let's use Kentucky basketball as example. I used to complain, whine, and that this was my fault about how Jerry Tipton was the worst. Kentucky sports could use a Jerry Tipton. Kentucky sports could use a Jerry Tipton. That would hold people to the fire that didn't care. Fans got mad. Who would ask UK hey, give us more details on some of these contracts you're getting in. Like that stuff matters. And when you don't have that and all you get is propaganda, then you start to go, well, maybe I missed it a little bit, Drew.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah, and a lot of that's going away. I thought it was kind of neat, you know, another big newspaper. We were outside the Chronicle building here yesterday. It's just this massive place and, you know, as those operations get smaller and smaller, kind of saw what they all once were.

[Matt Jones]

I mean, mainstream media can be arrogant and can be, and can be wrong, but also we need them sometimes. And when we lose them, I think, I think it does, it does Hurt. I mean, we. We. I think UK Sports, but especially basketball, have been worse off without having Jerry Tipton to ask hard questions. When things were bad, when they're good, it kind of always feels like he's trying. He was trying to, like, stir up the pot. But when things are bad and you want to know answers, you kind of need somebody like that.

[Billy]

And there's a lot of noise nowadays, right? Like, you can. If in the past, you can only find one or two sources. Now there's a lot of sources, so the trusted ones and even ones that are going away like institutions, it's sad to see.

[Matt Jones]

So it's. You know, I hate that they ended up cutting sports and international news and international news. I mean, we don't live there. If they. If they don't tell us, nobody's gonna even. Even know.

[Billy]

The Olympics start today.

[Matt Jones]

I mean, that's crazy. That. Does it feel like the Olympics are starting today? Well, I think the opening ceremony maybe starts at noon or something. Like, I think it starts. Starts, like, in the next couple hours, and it just doesn't. It doesn't feel like it's here. Who's next? Shannon?

[Billy]

Peanut.

[Matt Jones]

Peanut. Go ahead, Peanut.

[Caller/Listener]

All right, in honor of you having Golic on the other day and Mario thanking Mike Greenberg and Seth Greenberg, I got a little quick story.

[Matt Jones]

Go for it.

[Caller/Listener]

I used to be a chef at this seafood restaurant down at Disney called the boathouse. And in 2017, they did the Mikey Mike show at Downtown Disney in it, which was a little bit away from my restaurant. But I walked over there and.

[Matt Jones]

At.

[Caller/Listener]

The end of their show, and they. They each had separate lines for people to get autographed. So Mike Golick was on one end, and Green, he was on the other end. I guess that's because they didn't like each other.

[Billy]

But.

[Caller/Listener]

I snuck off from the. From my job, and all I had was a baseball cap, said the Boathouse.

[Matt Jones]

On it, and I.

[Caller/Listener]

That's a weird memorabilia. I got. I got Greeny to sign my Boathouse restaurant hat, so.

[Matt Jones]

Well, there you go. Well, that. That. That's probably worth dozens of dollars now, so. Peanut, I appreciate. Appreciate the call. Our second Cover Zero episode went up. It has interviews with. We did get the Sean Alexander interview up there bussing with the boys. Joe Milton and Bryce Young. That one went up last night.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah. Had another fun day out here. Day two of Radio Row. Looking for day three today.

[Matt Jones]

This one's gonna be a lot harder. Who are these people?

[Drew Franklin]

Yes. We're gonna have to dig deep.

[Matt Jones]

First of all, can we cancel these.

[Billy]

Well, apparently, like, afternoon. This place is dead, so, like, it's gonna. Not gonna be a lot of people around either. But who do we have here? I got the list.

[Drew Franklin]

We got Eric Kendricks, 49ers linebacker.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Billy]

Cam Hart.

[Drew Franklin]

We got Cam Hart.

[Matt Jones]

Who's Cam Hart?

[Drew Franklin]

Smart. He plays. He's a corner for someone.

[Billy]

Oh, yeah, the Chargers.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah.

[Billy]

And then you have Denzel Ward. Denzel Ward.

[Matt Jones]

Hang on. Come here.

[Billy]

And Orlando Brown Jr.

[Matt Jones]

This. Billy him on real quick. Come here and join us. Evan. This is from. This is espn. From ESPN Radio's Evan Cohen, who does the morning show. One of my colleagues dressed.

[Evan Cohen]

Am I not supposed to sit down? Why is everybody standing?

[Matt Jones]

I stand. It keeps my energy up. You. This is the. The face of ESPN Radio in the mornings. Evan. Good to see you.

[Evan Cohen]

I'm not an ugly face mat. Why? I'm trying to figure out Matt Jones. Let's talk as if he's not here.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah, just us.

[Evan Cohen]

So Matt Jones is, I think, arguably the biggest host in America. Okay. In my opinion.

[Matt Jones]

Okay, slow down.

[Evan Cohen]

Matt Jones is a business mogul. Matt Jones, I think people don't. I'm sorry to ruin the COVID here. I actually think is deep down, really nice and kind and, like, insanely nice and kind.

[Drew Franklin]

What did he pay you?

[Evan Cohen]

And I think. I think he takes pride. This is like the wrestling version of him. Like, I think he takes pride in trying to be a heel while he's actually a face. Okay, what do you guys think?

[Drew Franklin]

You think he's leaning into something he's not a little bit?

[Matt Jones]

No, no, no.

[Evan Cohen]

I think he's probably both, but I think he's way more faced than heel.

[Drew Franklin]

Okay.

[Matt Jones]

Drew knows me probably as well as anybody. What do you think?

[Drew Franklin]

I agree with that. And I think he likes the villain role a little bit. I mean, he doesn't want to be a bad guy, but, you know, he might. Likes to ruffle feathers a little bit when he needs to.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Evan Cohen]

But I also like that he.

[Drew Franklin]

He's.

[Evan Cohen]

So we're talking as if he's not here. I love it. He's so honest and real that. We had a conversation about something the other day, and I'm like, yeah, maybe just say it differently. And it wasn't. To me, it was like you were.

[Matt Jones]

Talking about talking to our bosses at espn. You said, maybe don't say this.

[Evan Cohen]

Whatever the thing was, I'm like, maybe you're gonna like what your message is is correct. But maybe, like, throw a curveball instead of a fastball. Like, you still throw a Pitch. But it was fascinating the way he said it.

[Matt Jones]

You. You came from, like, just. You were just doing local radio in Milwaukee to then all of a sudden.

[Evan Cohen]

No, not Milwaukee. This is.

[Matt Jones]

He keeps.

[Evan Cohen]

The first time you ever mentioned me on ksr, you said that. And I'm like, when did I do local radio in Milwaukee? I have no recollection of that. I went to University of Wisconsin.

[Matt Jones]

Then you're a SiriusXM.

[Evan Cohen]

Then I went to West Palm Beach, Florida, and then Sirius XM and then ESPN.

[Drew Franklin]

Well, West Palm beach is like Milwaukee.

[Evan Cohen]

Same exact. Yeah, yeah, exactly.

[Matt Jones]

Same. You work with Chris Canty and Michelle Small. Correct. What's. Every day you get on at 6:00am, 6:00am Eastern, and you have to have makeup on?

[Evan Cohen]

Yeah, I currently have makeup on.

[Matt Jones]

So does Philly from last night. You are dressed up to the nines and all that. Does that ever get old, being up that early and always have.

[Evan Cohen]

No, because I've been doing the morning shift since 2011. So when I was at Sirius, I did 6A to 10A or 6A to 9A. So I've been doing the same shift for, what is it, 15 years?

[Matt Jones]

Yes.

[Evan Cohen]

So, like, I don't look at this as that early. I look at this as, like, this is my life. Before I. Before I moved back to New York, where I'm from, to do the mornings on Sirius and then espn, I was actually doing the others. I was doing night TV work after radio. So I went from, like, working every night till to midnight to then I 6am to 6am with no in between. So that kind of screws you up a little bit.

[Matt Jones]

Now, I have been to your studios, the ESPN studios in Seaport, the old ones, we moved. Oh, you moved.

[Evan Cohen]

They just didn't tell you they were gonna have you go. Matt, you want to fill in?

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Evan Cohen]

He goes to the wrong studios.

[Matt Jones]

Stephen A. Stephen A. Smith. One time I got there and he came out with six security guards.

[Evan Cohen]

Okay, I have a great story about this. This is amazing. So every day we go into the studio, and it's in the heart of New York City. We go in, we do the show, leave whatever their security to get in, and security to get up to the fourth floor where we are. I've had the opportunity to fill in on First Take. Let's call it six times.

[Drew Franklin]

Okay.

[Evan Cohen]

Last summer, when I did First Take, when we were done, I have a security guard, like, as close as Matt is to me right now, it's right next to each other saying, all right, let's go. I said, go where? They took Me through a special exit.

[Matt Jones]

Oh, it's a Stephen Ax.

[Evan Cohen]

To get to a car. No, not just for him. Them, but to get to a car.

[Matt Jones]

And I'm like.

[Evan Cohen]

Just so I understand, I work out of the same building every day. If I got killed yesterday, it's okay. But not today. If you fill in for first take, you can't get killed. If you're on ESPN radio, you're allowed to actually get killed.

[Matt Jones]

So you don't get the. You don't get the special?

[Evan Cohen]

No, first take gets the special.

[Matt Jones]

What level of espn? Because I get no exit. Like, they actually don't even. Oh, no.

[Evan Cohen]

They're gonna try to exit you at some point, I'm sure.

[Matt Jones]

How do you. Who. Who all gets to go out the special exit? No, it's.

[Evan Cohen]

It's not. I. I don't want to make it seem like it's like a special.

[Drew Franklin]

It sounds like you work at Severance and you found a new part of the building.

[Evan Cohen]

It's a security exit. It's just a security exit. ESPN security. Of all the amazing things about espn, I swear to you, security may be the number one.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Evan Cohen]

People at the security are unbelievable. So kind. Unless you're in radio, but, like, they. They walk you out. I'm just trying to think of how I can explain this. Okay, so if I'm leaving the first take studio for. For our show, I make a right and I go up an elevator and I exit. If I'm leaving as a host, you go. I make a left, and I go through this. This special hallway out to this side exit. I'm like, where are we right now?

[Drew Franklin]

Straight to the subway.

[Matt Jones]

It's amazing.

[Evan Cohen]

It's unbelievable.

[Matt Jones]

Well, Evan. Evan has been probably one of my biggest advocates at espn.

[Evan Cohen]

Well, I think you're awesome.

[Matt Jones]

Let me. I do.

[Evan Cohen]

And I think what you guys have done is amazing and building your empire, and I think it's so cool. And I think everybody in Kentucky obviously loves you guys. And I think everything you've done with the wrestling and. And KSR and the sports bars and everything you've done is unbelievable.

[Matt Jones]

Well, that's very kind. Nice to see you. You too. You can listen to him in the morning.

[Evan Cohen]

Well, you're gonna tell a good story then. I interrupted you.

[Matt Jones]

What was the story? I don't even remember. We will have plenty of time about your time in Milwaukee. Yeah. Remember all the cheese in Milwaukee. We will take a break and be right back. Ksr. Thank you. Welcome back. It is Kentucky Sports Radio. You can stop overpaying for sunglasses. If you're tired of buying expensive sunglasses only to lose or break them, Shady Ray's and company start right here in Kentucky Tangle Free Aviator Aviators premium polarized shades. It's a shady rays or shadyrays.com Mario it's turned out cannot find his press credential and they have told him to get a new one. He has to file a police report. So I've recommended Shannon he not file a police report for his credentials.

[Billy]

Feel a little excessive.

[Matt Jones]

Just feels a little excessive. But like this is the Super Bowl I guess. Guess security is a massive thing so I don't think they're going to let him back in the building. Billy. He won't even.

[Billy]

We'll put ice on whoever's got it.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. Don't even have a souvenir of his time here unfortunately.

[Billy]

Yeah, that's worst case scenario in my mind. Still lose the credential and on super.

[Matt Jones]

Bowl week but well, luckily he's not going to the game. Like what if he. What if he couldn't go to the game because of the credential? That might be worth doing the, the police report for.

[Drew Franklin]

You know it does seem extreme but I understand with how tight security is if someone were just pick. You don't want a random access to all this. Just some random person having it with all the screening they do.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, well that is. That's sad. 859-280-2287 One person writes Matt, I do not believe that is Evan Cohen. I believe that was somebody you paid to come on and say those nice things on the air.

[Drew Franklin]

It was very nice of him.

[Matt Jones]

It was very nice of him. He's. I, I don't think I play a heel. Although, you know, I was on the ladies of KSR Facebook account and somebody put up the what they think we're all like behind the scenes. And everyone got really nice reports. Except mine was kind of mixed review. It was a mixed review. It was like, I think he's nice, but I'm nice. Why do people think that I'm not nice?

[Billy]

Well, like radio Matt's different than off the air Matt. We talked about that earlier. I mean we put on a little bit of a Persona when we're on the air. We. We turn it up a notch. So maybe they just see that and think that you're like that.

[Matt Jones]

But they think literally like all times of day I'm going, hey everybody. Like, I mean I have a regular life like other people.

[Billy]

Until they meet you then yeah, probably. I mean you think Kyle Brandt is just out there flexing on everybody until you actually meet him.

[Matt Jones]

I actually don't think he flexes everywhere he goes, but he wears tight shirts. I think we can say that we know that they fight off the air.

[Drew Franklin]

Because we're not a part of the good morning football.

[Matt Jones]

So I do think we, we could say that with confidence, but because we saw it ourselves. Who's up next? Shannon?

[Billy]

Nick.

[Matt Jones]

Nick. Go ahead, Nick.

[Caller/Listener]

Hey, guys. Sounds like y' all are having a lot of fun out there. I've been. Been listening to everything you put out, so thank you. Hope it continues to be a ball. Hey, I was at the Tennessee game last year. I go to a lot of Kentucky basketball games. I live here in Lexington. Y' all remember the Kobe bray or take a away alley oop last year? Because that is the loudest I've probably heard RUP in two years. I mean, it was insane last year.

[Drew Franklin]

That environment, definitely Rup's had some, some down moments here and there, but these big games, RUP still throws his fastball and I'm hoping I remember that one last year as well. I'm hoping we get that same energy tomorrow.

[Matt Jones]

And also playing at night at 8:30. I mean, oddly, it seems like our best crowds are either when we play at 11 or will we play at 8:30 at night. So I think it's going to be. I think it's. Actually, I'm bummed because I think it's going to be a great atmosphere. I think the 45 minutes before a big game at Rupp arena, like a really big game, are so awesome. And even when I don't stay for the game, I just want to be in there and soak it up. I really wish I could do that Saturday because I think it'll be great.

[Caller/Listener]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. One more quick point for lose, y'.

[Matt Jones]

All.

[Caller/Listener]

Yeah, I think tomorrow we've got two on my short list of SEC players of the year. Nada. Man's getting really hot. Always getting really hot. I don't know who's going to cover a. Not tomorrow. I mean, I would say Cam Williams. He's a 7:2 wingspan, but he's out. How do you cut. Who do we put on him? He's a 6 10. Just bucket. Who covers him?

[Matt Jones]

That's a great question. I appreciate the call. Who you putting on Nate Amit?

[Billy]

I don't know.

[Drew Franklin]

He's a nightmare matchup. And the caller's right. He had a little bit of a slow start, at least compared to his expectations.

[Matt Jones]

What did we do?

[Drew Franklin]

He's like oh wait, he hit another gear here lately.

[Matt Jones]

What did we do with Caleb Wilson? Because they're similar builds and similar.

[Drew Franklin]

Trying to think back. He didn't have a great game.

[Matt Jones]

No, he didn't play well against us. Who did we put on him? Was it Mo?

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah, Diabate. I mean Dubate will be the answer tomorrow, I guess.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. And the thing you have to remember is when you play Diabate, which they're going to have to do, you're going to hurt your offense. So the, you know, you're going to have to find ways to generate points because you. If I think they're going to, I think it's going to have to be Diabate primarily probably Moreno second. And if that's going to be the case then you're going to have to make sure that you're able to generate offense from other, other sources.

[Drew Franklin]

And he's one to watch. But let's not forget last time we saw them as walking off the court, didn't away kind of call their big guy a little heavy set. Remember we had the.

[Matt Jones]

Oh, that's right.

[Drew Franklin]

Might have called him a fat boy on the way out.

[Matt Jones]

You know what? He did call him a fat boy.

[Drew Franklin]

So watch Kerry too. I'm sure he's going to be motivated.

[Matt Jones]

He did call him if I forgot about that. But there's, you know, Garrison gets all the, gets all the hype for being a hothead. But away is low key hot head too.

[Drew Franklin]

The three pack of oa. Diabate and Garrison are one of our better. I wouldn't fight them trios we've had on any team.

[Matt Jones]

I mean they are.

[Drew Franklin]

Those three are ready at any moment.

[Matt Jones]

That's what's gonna say the spark is ready to be lit at any given moment for all three of those which makes it kind of exciting. All right, we're gonna take a break. When we come back back we will have our second hour here live on Meteoro. This is Kentucky Sports Radio.