2026-04-03- KSR - Hour 2

Summary

Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) - Hour 2

Episode Date: April 3, 2026
Hosts: Ryan Lemond, Drew Franklin, Shannon the Dude, Billy (with Matt Jones scheduled to return Monday)
Podcast by: iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM)

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Episode Overview

This hour of KSR delivers a quintessential mix of Kentucky sports news, community updates, nostalgia, and lighthearted banter. The crew discusses breaking news on UK's NIL partnership with Fanatics, major traffic infrastructure developments in Lexington, heartfelt moments in sports media, and listener calls focused on everything from UK basketball to quirky local crime stories. The episode concludes with Final Four picks, reflections on UK basketball memories, and a look ahead to an upcoming CBS documentary.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Breaking News: UK's 12-Year NIL Extension with Fanatics

• [05:01] Drew Franklin announces UK's "first of its kind NIL program" with Fanatics, a 12-year extension focused on student-athletes profiting from merchandise and name/image likeness deals.
  • Host Reactions:
    • Matt Jones admits to being unsure about Fanatics' industry stature.
    • Drew Franklin assures listeners: "It's a big brand, probably the biggest out there. They gobbled up a lot of companies."
    • Ryan Lemond notes Kentucky already had a Fanatics relationship, but this solidifies and expands it for NIL.
    • Some debate on the wisdom of decade-plus contracts, but consensus is it's a positive for athletes.
    • Later, a text (at [24:11]) corrects Drew on Fanatics’ dominance in sports merchandising, solidifying the importance of the deal.

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2. Lexington Infrastructure Updates & Traffic Solutions

• [06:16] – [10:16]
  • Matt Jones excitedly details plans to build a new tunnel from Sir Barton Way to Polo Club under I-75 and expansions of Georgetown Road and Red Mile Road to ease traffic in Lexington, particularly benefiting growing hospital zones.
    • Drew: "Whatever it takes to make things better out there."
    • Ryan: Observes this is a trend across Kentucky and other cities considering similar tunnel/subway projects.
  • The crew riff on suburban development, new schools, hospital expansions, and their personal commuting woes.
  • Further expansion on New Circle Road announced.
  • Quote: Matt Jones: "Someday I'm going to be mayor of this town and my whole platform is going to be improving traffic in Lexington, Kentucky because traffic stinks." [06:24]
  • Humorous Moment: Ryan notes, "This is what I have to look forward to when I get a little older—just tracking changes in traffic patterns.” [10:20]

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3. Heartfelt Media Moment: Dan Orlovsky’s Son on NFL Live

• [10:59] – [13:06]
  • Caller Casey reminds hosts that it's been 14 years since UK's last national title, then brings up a viral clip from NFL Live featuring Dan Orlovsky's son, Madden, who appeared on World Autism Day.
  • The crew describes Madden’s endearing fandom, his Eagles fight song, and the emotional impact on the hosts and viewers ("everyone watching is crying").
  • Quote: Matt Jones: "This is one of the best things I’ve seen. ...a very heartfelt moment between father and son with Madden kind of drawing some attention to World Autism Day." [12:54]

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4. Listener Calls: Reds Season, KSR Night at the Ballpark, UK Basketball Roster Reflection

• Various listener interactions add humor and local flavor:
  • Don suggests a contest predicting when Matt will "give up on the Reds" this season ([13:09]).
  • Drew recounts getting "booed by an entire stadium" at a KSR Night at the Reds: “There’s not a drug out there that could recreate that feeling.” [14:13]
  • Multiple callers weigh in on supporting Coach Pope, roster construction challenges (Malachi Smith’s strength, depth issues, Diabate’s fit), and the need for a stronger Kentucky basketball identity ([21:44]–[23:38]).
  • Drew clarifies NIL and Fanatics’ role in player merchandise ([24:11]).

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5. Nostalgia & Kentucky Basketball Memories

• [32:03] – [39:03]; [37:08] – [39:16]
  • The hosts answer a text on their earliest UK basketball memory, ranging from the 1978 title (Matt), the 1993 run (Drew, Shannon), and the “tape delay” era (memories of games broadcast hours after they concluded).
  • Quote: Matt Jones: "My earliest Memory is the 78 national championship game. ...it was a big deal, I wanted to watch the national championship." [33:46]
  • Listener Radio Ron calls with vivid memories dating back to 1945-46, sharing knowledge about Jack Tingle and Alex Groza.

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6. Local News: Bud Light Truck Heist in Evansville

• [25:23] – [27:49]
  • Matt shares a quirky local news story about a man stealing a Bud Light truck in Evansville, attempts a pun ("the judge gave him a light sentence"), and the crew jokes about the absurdity and consequences.
  • Quote: "Randall Baker, the drink maker, jumped in and took off. Stole a Bud Light beer truck..." [26:13]

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7. Final Four & Women’s Tournament Picks

• [48:12] – [52:59]
  • The crew preview the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Final Four, give spread picks, and reflect on the unique stories for Illinois, Michigan, and other teams.
  • Discussion about underdog Illinois’ roster: "They’ve got a bunch of-‘vics!” (referencing their Eastern European players) and point guard Keaton Wagler’s emergence.
  • Noted the fun, no-media-training attitude of Illinois’ players, relating to the team's appeal.

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8. Upcoming: CBS Sports UK Documentary

• [40:44] – [42:54]
  • Discussion on the much-anticipated CBS behind-the-scenes documentary about Kentucky basketball airing the next day at 1 pm. Debate about whether fans will finally see what happened during the contentious Louisville game and key moments during the season.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Matt Jones on Lexington traffic:
  "Traffic stinks. Did you see the story, what they're doing over in Hamburg? ...You won't have to go up to Man O' War." [06:24]
• Drew Franklin on NIL:
  "If it means that someone like Colin Chandler can put his face on T-shirts and make money off that, then good, because that's what we need." [06:06]
• Casey (Caller):
  "Yesterday was 14 years since we won our last title and that just blows my mind. ...I'm just so ready for our program to get back on track." [10:59]
• Matt Jones on Dan Orlovsky's son:
  "I'm crying when I watched it last night. It's a very heartfelt moment between father and son..." [12:54]
• Drew Franklin’s comedic take on getting booed:
  "There's not a drug out there that could recreate that feeling." [14:13]
• Matt Jones on Kentucky basketball memories:
  "My earliest Memory is the 78 national championship game. I remember thinking like the first time my dad was going to let me stay up and watch it." [33:46]
• Shannon on Kentucky’s televised games:
  "You couldn't watch the—you had to listen to it on the radio. And then you got to watch it at 11 o'clock at night." [35:24]
• Radio Ron (Caller):
  "I'll never forget the joy my father and I had in 1945 hearing the Wildcats win the National Invitational Tournament." [38:02]
• Matt Jones on the CBS documentary:
  "Let’s just get behind the weeds and peel back the curtain and see what’s back there." [41:12]

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Key Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment/Topic | |-------------|--------------| | 05:01 | UK-Fanatics 12-year NIL extension announced | | 06:16 | Lexington road/tunnel expansion plans | | 10:59 | Dan Orlovsky’s son on NFL Live (World Autism Day) | | 13:09 | Caller suggests a contest on Matt’s Reds fandom | | 21:44 | Caller talks UK basketball roster, Coach Pope | | 24:11 | Fanatics and sports merchandising explained | | 25:23 | Evansville Bud Light truck heist story | | 32:03 | Hosts reflect on earliest Kentucky basketball memories | | 37:08 | Radio Ron recalls 1940s UK memories | | 40:44 | Preview and speculation on CBS UK basketball documentary | | 48:12 | Final Four picks and analysis | | 52:59 | Illinois’ roster and fan support, Coach O mention |

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Flow, Tone, and Takeaways

• The tone is friendly, humorous, knowledgeable, and conversational, mixing deep sports insight with relatable local color.
• Several segments reflect genuine emotion and community, particularly around UK nostalgia, sports parenting, and local pride.
• Listener calls and texts are integrated throughout, reinforcing the show's ongoing dialogue with its audience.
• Cross-generational perspectives—ranging from WWII era fandom to modern NIL deals—keep the episode rich and grounded in Kentucky sports culture.

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For New Listeners…

This episode offers a lively taste of everything KSR is known for: breaking sports news, community angles, old-school nostalgia, unique local stories, and the collective anxiety, hope, and humor of Big Blue Nation. You'll hear meaningful discussion on student-athlete opportunities, city development, moving sports media moments, and a passionate look ahead to college basketball’s biggest weekend.

Transcript

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[Shannon]

welcome to hour two of Kentucky Sports Radio presented by Stockton Mortgage. Now here's Matt Jones.

[Matt Jones]

All right, welcome back. Hour number two, Kentucky Sports Radio. Ryan, Drew, Shannon and Billy. This is Matt's last day off. He'll be back Monday. We'll have our normal show for a baby Franklin is due by the way, the aviation glass text machine. Somebody said VJ Franklin has a nice ring too.

[Drew Franklin]

VJ does have a good name.

[Matt Jones]

VJ Franklin. Breaking news though. Shannon, we got a breaking news story we got to get to immediately. Not off the press. Drew Franklin, what's our breaking news?

[Drew Franklin]

I don't know what are we going

[Matt Jones]

with the Fanatics thing?

[Drew Franklin]

Kentucky signed a 12 year extension. We love a long contract with Fanatics. It will help with Nil with athletes. They're calling it a first of its kind nil program with Fanatics. So congratulations to UK student athletes. They get to put their names on things.

[Matt Jones]

Okay, I almost sound like the old man. Okay, Is Fanatics a popular brand right now or something?

[Drew Franklin]

It's a big brand, probably the biggest out there. They gobbled up a lot of companies, a lot of merch. Yeah, I'd say it's good. I like the if it's as they're saying it is. I mean it's a good idea to help the players get their own deals and I'm sure they'll be putting their names, T shirts, all that stuff. So I'd say it's a positive. I don't know why we keep agreeing things that are over a decade long. But overall if it's another long term

[Ryan Lemond]

contract with a company they'd already been in a relationship with. Right. So Kentucky and Fanatics has been working closely together but I think Champions Blue

[Drew Franklin]

has like a Fanatics VP on it or former on it too.

[Matt Jones]

So there you go.

[Drew Franklin]

Connection's been there a while, but overall I would say as long as.

[Matt Jones]

But doesn't stick with the Nike clothing brand.

[Drew Franklin]

Well, Fanatics has not. It's like a big broad sort, I'd say. If it means that someone like Colin Chandler can put his face on T shirts and make money off that, then, then good, because that's what we need.

[Matt Jones]

They can get done. All right. 859-280-2287 I don't know if you guys saw this, but there's. There's big news in Lexington. The city of Lexington.

[Ryan Lemond]

Oh, what's that?

[Matt Jones]

You know, someday I'm going to be mayor of this town and my whole platform is going to be improving traffic in Lexington, Kentucky because traffic stinks. Did you see the story, what they're doing over in Hamburg? This affects both of you guys, okay? They're going to build a road from Sir Barton Way. Think about the middle of Sir Barton Way.

[Ryan Lemond]

Okay?

[Matt Jones]

It's going to cut across to I75. You know, you don't have to go. You won't have to go up to man of War. It'll cut across to i75, go under i75 as a tunnel and then end up at Polo Club. The new Polo club out there. It's supposed to help alleviate some traffic because the new hospital, Baptist Hospital blowing Up out there. UK is about to build their own hospital out there. The traffic is about to be insane. So there's a proposal. Well, I think this is gonna happen. There's gonna be a road from Sir Barton Way to Polo Club that goes under I75. What do you think?

[Ryan Lemond]

It sounds like this is what we're doing all throughout Kentucky. Didn't Nick talk about the what they're thinking about doing in Louisville with the tunnel from the airport?

[Shannon]

Because that was on April 1st.

[Ryan Lemond]

Well, I think that's in the infancy.

[Shannon]

I don't think that we're gonna have a subway in Louisville.

[Ryan Lemond]

I think that was what city leaders were talking about. I don't know if this was official, but this was something they have been talking about. So you're telling me there may be a tunnel in Lexington now?

[Matt Jones]

There will be if this goes passes. Drew, it's got to be big news for you living out there.

[Drew Franklin]

Big news for me. I didn't know about it. We need something because that area is just blowing up by those hospitals. And they're clearing more land for more, you know, shopping and more restaurants to get out there. And it's already crowded enough. So I'm having a hard time visualizing your tunnel. But whatever it takes to make things better out there.

[Matt Jones]

Well, you know, Polo Club now has extended all the way from Man O War to Winchester Road. And that's this growth product. There's a new middle school out there. The Baptist hospital is ginormous.

[Drew Franklin]

I pass it on my way to Costco.

[Matt Jones]

And UK is going to build their own hospital. So this is kind of a little foresight, little planning. But there's more to the plan.

[Ryan Lemond]

Tell us, Mayor.

[Matt Jones]

This is where I am really excited for me. You guys are all excited about the tunnel going under I75. They're going to expand Georgetown Road from Spur Road to Ironworks Road. So think about that. Georgetown Road. You're going from Lexington up Georgetown Road to Georgetown. It goes like two lane. Where it goes by Red State barbecue. It's kind of windy. They're going to expand it. And for somebody who makes that drive every day because yoga girl lives in Georgetown. I about jumped up and down. I saw this news. Big news in my world.

[Drew Franklin]

You worry about the construction to get it built. It's going to be probably a little, well, I convenient for a while.

[Matt Jones]

I hadn't thought about that. Yeah. For about a year. I'm gonna have to take the detour around it.

[Drew Franklin]

You're excited?

[Matt Jones]

Take the interstate around it maybe, but yeah. Georgetown Road.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah. That tunnel is gonna be more than a year if we're talking about construction purposes for that.

[Matt Jones]

Right. But there's more.

[Drew Franklin]

Oh, he's still going in.

[Matt Jones]

This plan again helps me. They're gonna expand the road of red mile from Versailles road to Leestown Road. You know, it's kind of a two lane windy comes down there to old Frankfurt Pike. I take that road to work every day. Here I come take that road to KS Bar every single day.

[Ryan Lemond]

I thought you were going to the red mile every week and that's why

[Matt Jones]

you wanted the extra come to ksbar.

[Drew Franklin]

So I love your excitement in these roads.

[Matt Jones]

I was tickled to death the two roads I travel the most every single day. That is a headache about to get better.

[Drew Franklin]

How many times is he gonna be late for the show because of various construction. Yeah, you gotta be leaving earlier because

[Matt Jones]

right now Leasetown road's a mad.

[Drew Franklin]

It is. I was just on it yesterday.

[Matt Jones]

It's got chaos. They're down to one lane for a short term again and going underneath it right now. So it's bad. So. So there you go. So you folks in? Well, there's actually another part of the plan doesn't affect me but new Circle Road between Boardwalk and Bryant Station and that kind of gets congested there between Boardwalk and Brian State. So they're going to kind of work on expanding that area there too.

[Drew Franklin]

So I feel like we're with officer Dawn. Traffic report here.

[Ryan Lemond]

This is what I have to look forward to when I get a little older is just like changes in traffic patterns.

[Matt Jones]

I am so excited about this.

[Drew Franklin]

We can tell Billy wasn't wrong about the Louisville subway though. That's a. That's a real thing. They're considering connecting downtown. I don't know Louisville well, but airport grounds and all.

[Ryan Lemond]

Nashville 2 Elon has talked about an underground tunnel where only Teslas can go on. I mean that was a couple years ago. We talked about this.

[Matt Jones]

Stay tuned because if mayor Gordon doesn't get it done, I'm gonna get it done when I'm mayor. Those almost steal those ideas.

[Drew Franklin]

Now's your time to run.

[Matt Jones]

That's true.

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Just.

[Drew Franklin]

Just say you're gonna fix the ice in Lexan and you're. You're in there.

[Matt Jones]

859-280-2287. We got a call, Shannon.

[Shannon]

Let's go to Casey.

[Matt Jones]

Casey, Go ahead. Casey.

[Casey (Caller)]

Fellas, good morning. Had a couple quick things. Yesterday was 14 years since we won our last title and that just blows my mind. Like my son is 10 and he's a huge UK fan, and he hasn't even got to experience the greatness of it all. And I'm just so ready for our program to get back on track. But then the second thing I wanted to say. Did you guys see the Madden Orlovsky video from yesterday?

[Matt Jones]

Let's talk about that. Thank you, Casey. Appreciate it.

[Drew Franklin]

Do you.

[Matt Jones]

If you're, if you're listening to us right now, do yourself a favor and at some point today, look up Dan Orlofsky son, Madden, who is on. Was it first take? Was the name of that show one of those NFL Live. NFL Live. It'll be the best thing you see all week. I mean, this is Easter weekend. Today's Good Friday. It's Holy Weekend. And this is one of the best things I've ever seen. Don Orlofsky's son Madden on this show yesterday, unscripted. It was World Autism Day. His son has autism, and Madden became a darling, a superstar in a matter of minutes. So I advise if you're listening right now, do yourself a favor and watch that little clip at some point today.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah, he's 14. He got on there as an Eagles fan and he kind of just shared his love for the Eagles. I think he's been on there before. And a similar moment where Dan's crying and everyone watching is crying. But yesterday for World Autism Day, they did it again and I think even says, like, dad, are you crying?

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Drew Franklin]

He's like, yeah, I just love you.

[Caller]

So.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah, it's, it's. It'll pull on your heartstrings for sure.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah, I remember he did it last year, I think, too, for Autism Day. Yeah. So I haven't seen this one, but this is, this, this is good. Dan needed some good PR after the couple weeks, as he said.

[Matt Jones]

That's true.

[Drew Franklin]

Madden drew like the Eagles logo and stuff, and they make it the big set background and yeah, they. It was really cool. Everybody needs to watch that.

[Matt Jones]

Madden sang the Eagles fight song. So Dan Orlovsky's crying. The host is crying.

[Ryan Lemond]

They're all crying.

[Drew Franklin]

Everybody homes crying.

[Matt Jones]

I'm crying when I watched it last night. It's, it's a very heartfelt moment between father and son with Madden kind of drawing some attention to World Autism Day.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah, for sure.

[Matt Jones]

So watch.

[Drew Franklin]

Very cool moment.

[Matt Jones]

All right, thanks for bringing that up, Casey. All right, who we got next, Shannon?

[Shannon]

Don.

[Matt Jones]

Don. Go ahead, Don't.

[Don (Caller)]

Hey, Ryan. Hey, everybody. Hey, since, you know, right. Matt always liked contests, why don't we have a contest about him since he's not there?

[Matt Jones]

Appreciate that don't up on the Reds. Yeah. Appreciate that. Let's think about what kind of contest could we have. Yeah.

[Don (Caller)]

The Reds are always gives up on. He always gives up on the Reds every year.

[Matt Jones]

Well, they're three and three.

[Caller]

Figure out the.

[Don (Caller)]

The first day that he gives up on the Reds and whoever wins that and, you know, maybe have a contest or sponsor, whatever you want to do with it.

[Matt Jones]

Oh, I appreciate it.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

They. They lost their last two against the Pirates, so they've slipped the three and three. They were off last night. They back tonight. I don't even know who they play tonight.

[Ryan Lemond]

I don't know. But, you know, didn't they. We try to do a KSR night at the Reds game.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Ryan Lemond]

Last year, and I don't know if it didn't work out or maybe it didn't work out.

[Drew Franklin]

I did the.

[Ryan Lemond]

Did you go?

[Drew Franklin]

No, I did the match game.

[Matt Jones]

The match game.

[Drew Franklin]

Legendary. I got booed by an entire state.

[Shannon]

Was that last year? I thought it was like, oh, that

[Drew Franklin]

was two years ago. Yeah.

[Ryan Lemond]

Okay.

[Drew Franklin]

But we did the KSR night.

[Ryan Lemond]

I remember the match game.

[Matt Jones]

I wanted to.

[Ryan Lemond]

To give you redemption. Drew, we got to get you back on that screen.

[Drew Franklin]

No, I. That went perfectly. I will be chasing that high forever, getting booed by an entire stadium. I need you all to understand how good that felt. That was that there's not a drug out there that could recreate that feeling.

[Ryan Lemond]

Oh, see, I would be the opposite. I would.

[Matt Jones]

They still talk about that doofus channel from ksr. I never lived that messed up. The match game didn't mess it up.

[Drew Franklin]

It went exactly how it needs to go.

[Matt Jones]

It's like you were just looking like you froze, like you're waiting to make a move.

[Drew Franklin]

Well, I didn't understand the rules of the game clearly. And once I just started getting the booze, man, I still want it. I can feel it right now a little bit. It's the same as when we did the roast of Matt getting a laugh at a joke. You worked on it like a comedy thing. Because I've never done stand up. That's an adrenaline rush, too. Like, my two biggest highs are the Matt roast getting a laugh and then getting booed by everyone in great American ballpark.

[Ryan Lemond]

Well, not everybody got a laugh at the Matt roast. I was. I was there. I remember that. So it didn't feel like you had to work hard for it. It was Mary Jo Perino.

[Matt Jones]

I think that Mary Jo killed it. But Dr. Really good also. Shannon had a good joke or a good line. I can't remember what it was. Shannon, you had a good line.

[Shannon]

I don't even know. I feel like that's been 20 years ago. What year was that that we did that?

[Ryan Lemond]

It was like one of my first years.

[Shannon]

I was there.

[Ryan Lemond]

17, 18.

[Shannon]

Okay.

[Ryan Lemond]

One of the two. I've got video.

[Matt Jones]

All right, we'll take a break. We'll go back to the phone lines. KS bar is open. We are open for lunch today. So if you're getting ready to go out to Keeneland, you want to kind of drag your feet before the rain stops a little bit, stop in here, have a little lunch and check out. KSR will be here till noon. 859-280-2287. This is Kentucky Sports Radio.

[Chelsea Handler]

This is Chelsea Handler from. Dear Chelsea, after the Big Game. Like most people, I kept thinking about the commercials. And there was one that stayed with me. It was from the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate. And it wasn't loud or flashy. It showed a Jewish kid being targeted at school and another student who chose not to ignore it. As someone who is Jewish, that moment felt very real to me. Not dramatic, just familiar. And what struck me was how clearly it showed that hate doesn't always announce itself. But the impact is still huge. If you saw the Blue square spot during the big game, it's worth thinking about. And if you want to show support, sharing the Blue Square is one small way to do that.

[T-Mobile Announcer]

Hey, Donald, really flying on that treadmill.

[Matt Jones]

I'm trying to run as fast AS T mobile 5G home Internet, Zach.

[T-Mobile Announcer]

Well, you better pick it up because now T Mobile has the fastest 5G home Internet according to Ookla Speed Test.

[Matt Jones]

Really? How's this?

[T-Mobile Announcer]

T Mobile's faster than that, bud. Speed up.

[Caller]

No.

[T-Mobile Announcer]

Plus they've got a five year price guarantee. Come on.

[Drew Franklin]

Faster.

[Matt Jones]

How can I go any faster?

[T-Mobile Announcer]

Channel the speed of t mobile 5G home Internet. Think 100 meter dash fast. Think drag racing fast. Think speed skating fast. Now let's bump up your speed a notch.

[Matt Jones]

Hey, whoa, whoa. That's too far.

[T-Mobile Announcer]

You'll be alright. Just walk it off.

[T-Mobile Commercial Voice]

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[Julian Edelman]

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[Matt Jones]

Oh, tiger Woods.

[Shannon]

Well, still panther.

[Matt Jones]

Wow. He. The police footage came out. What? The dash cam footage. Whatever you call it. Not good. It's kind of sad. It's kind of sad to see a superstar.

[Shannon]

Why does it cover? Okay, so I tweeted out the picture earlier. Then I deleted it because I thought it was AI. Now you're telling me it is real. The picture of Tiger covered in a blanket, looking like E. T. Do they give you a blanket when you get arrested? Like I. I'm trying to figure out what's going on with that picture.

[Matt Jones]

Well, it's cold. Yeah. Just say Maybe it was 30 degrees outside in Jupiter, Florida.

[Shannon]

He's wearing short sleeves. I don't understand. Yeah. What's going on there?

[Drew Franklin]

Gets a little bit of the hiccups.

[Ryan Lemond]

He's definitely have the hiccups. Obviously we wish nothing but the best for Tiger. We want him to get this problem solved and not endanger people on the roadways because that's not funny. But there are memes being made from the photos of Tiger in the back of that police police car.

[Matt Jones]

And they allegedly found two pills in his pocket that are allegedly oxycodone.

[Drew Franklin]

Getting those allegedly's in there.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. I gotta make sure.

[Drew Franklin]

At one point he asked for his golf clubs, his sticks.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Drew Franklin]

And his putter. He says, I won 14 majors with it. I could see why he wouldn't want them running off and putting that in the police impound.

[Matt Jones]

That's true.

[Drew Franklin]

That putter is probably worth more than their police department.

[Ryan Lemond]

Was talking to the president too, like at the scene.

[Drew Franklin]

He's gotta call Donald, check in. I don't know what he was gonna

[Ryan Lemond]

do in that moment talking to the president.

[Shannon]

He's gonna pardon him for a dui.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah. They're like cool. Anyway, hands behind your back. I was talking about a supervisor. We're taking you in.

[Matt Jones]

You know, spring is a season for fresh starts, Tiger. And sometimes that includes your mortgage. Stockton Mortgage helps homeowners and Tiger woods and buyers explore smart options. Learn [e-mail] April Howard April Showers also bring may flowers. Sometimes also brings new home opportunities. Getting pre approved now can help buyers move quickly when the right home appears. [e-mail] Stockton Mortgage and MLS 8259 equal housing lender nmlsconsumeraccess.org 859-280-2287 that's our phone number. So who we got?

[Shannon]

Shannon Joseph.

[Matt Jones]

Joseph. Go ahead, Joseph.

[Don (Caller)]

Hey, guys.

[Caller]

Just wanted to make quick comments about Pope and the basketball season in general. Basketball, you know, as a whole is a game where the rules are created so each team is not going to have a huge advantage over the other one. I mean, I know Jimmy and Joe's matter, but you only takes one person to put the basket to the the ball through the basket to get points. And I think our team this year was pretty good overall constructed. I think if we had acquaintance and low, we would have done a lot better because I don't know how many games we had this year where we said Malachi Just wasn't strong enough or needed more strength. And that's where Quaintance could really made a big difference in that. So I'm still with Pope. You know, I don't expect to win every single game. So when we do win, I get to enjoy those games more and more. Being a fan, you know, I want to stick with our team too thick and thin, so hopefully next year will be better. But, you know, we. We got Pope. That's who our coach is, so I want to support him.

[Matt Jones]

All right. Appreciate that. There are those people out there that are still very much supporting coach Pope and what he's doing. But like Drew said, this is a make or break year for him. This is year three. You got to do something. You can't take a step backwards. For sure.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah. He needs to get back to whatever his identity is, which we think is shooting a lot of threes, and build his team around that. I know people are very critical of Malachi. He was not supposed to be the starter. The fact that you paid Brandon Garrison, whatever you paid him after you had a year with it and then he didn't take a step forward, that was a much bigger miss than Malachi. Not having strong enough hands in the

[Ryan Lemond]

SEC and depth was a huge problem. Right. I mean, even though Aberdeen was playing the point guard spot, well, Jaylen Lowe was supposed to be that guy, and Jayden Quaintance didn't have some of the best games in the few games that he did play. Maybe he's a different person if he's not injured, but.

[Drew Franklin]

And I love Diabate, but, I mean, like, you're in Pope's offense, you need spacing in your four, needs to be able to shoot threes. So it was like, as good as Diabate is, it just didn't align with what Pope needs to do to succeed.

[Ryan Lemond]

I've talked about roster construction, and there it is, right?

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. I think he really thought the combo of Diabate and yellow Vic was going to do what he needed to done in the four. You need somebody play defense and go in there and bang around. Put Diabate out there. You need somebody to go out and hit threes. Put yellow bitch out there. I think he thought that combo of the guys would be the four.

[Ryan Lemond]

But yellow, which wasn't. He was a late addition, wasn't he?

[Matt Jones]

Like, yeah, pretty late.

[Ryan Lemond]

Late into the summer before he got in. So, like, I think there was a lot of expectations on Brandon Garrison. I think maybe even Cam Williams at the 4. There was going to be high expectations there, but it Just did not come together the way it needed to from

[Matt Jones]

the aviation glass text machine. It is unfair for Drew to talk about a Fanatics partnership the way he just did. Fanatics is the only retailer affiliated with the NFL, NBA, Major League Baseball, NCAA. So Kentucky signed a 10 year extension. Is just a normal business practice.

[Drew Franklin]

Touche. I mean, I think it's great if it helps the players for sure.

[Matt Jones]

That's what it's all about, right?

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah, I think it was a 13 year extension. I don't know. I don't know. Contracts like that. Seems like a long time to me, does it not? I mean the JMI does like 20 years. That seems like a lot a big commitment to me.

[Ryan Lemond]

But your little girl will be a teenager by the time we can get out of the Fanatics deal.

[Drew Franklin]

That's true. It's true.

[Matt Jones]

Like I said, I didn't know what Fanatics was. I'm and all. I mean I kind of heard of it, but I really didn't know it was a big deal.

[Shannon]

Wearing fanatics right now.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah, it's like the biggest store in sports merchandise. They gobble everything up and they.

[Matt Jones]

Nike is under their umbrella.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah. Several brands.

[Matt Jones]

Okay.

[Drew Franklin]

Schools, leagues.

[Matt Jones]

Well, there you go. All right.

[Drew Franklin]

Think of Amazon, but for sports.

[Matt Jones]

Okay. I got a little bit. Everything that's fanatics.

[Drew Franklin]

Yes.

[Matt Jones]

Why have I not heard of it till?

[Drew Franklin]

Because you're Ryan Lemon and you're out

[Shannon]

of touch with reality.

[Matt Jones]

There's sorry out of Evansville, Indiana I gotta talk about.

[Ryan Lemond]

Okay.

[Matt Jones]

Of course. That's my old hometown. Drew and I used to go to Eastland mall and drive up and down Green River Road.

[Drew Franklin]

Give me some GD Ritzies.

[Matt Jones]

GD Ritzy's Darrell.

[Drew Franklin]

Darrell's Love Me some Daryls, Chi Cheese.

[Matt Jones]

Shannon was all on Green River Road speaking my language.

[Drew Franklin]

Now we're getting crazy. We'd go over to Mattingly's little floor a little farther away, go check on what Don was serving over there.

[Matt Jones]

Madisonville was about 45 minutes away.

[Drew Franklin]

About an hour.

[Matt Jones]

Owell was about 45 minutes to an hour away. So it kind of Evansville. This was the spot to go to birthdays, date nights.

[Drew Franklin]

We had to go down and go to Evansville.

[Matt Jones]

Evansville, Big story out of Evansville.

[Drew Franklin]

Let's hear it.

[Matt Jones]

41 year old Randall Baker got a little fool of himself and went to a liquor store. Didn't buy any liquor, but there was a Bud Light truck out in the parking lot. Keys were in it.

[Drew Franklin]

Oh no.

[Matt Jones]

Randall Baker, the drink maker, jumped in and took off. Stole a Bud Light beer truck and thought he could get away with it. Kind of hide to hard.

[Ryan Lemond]

Hard to hide.

[Matt Jones]

Hard to hide. Tied to hard kind of hide to hard. A Bud Light truck.

[Drew Franklin]

Have you been into the Bud Light truck?

[Matt Jones]

I was with Randall Baker, the steely maker. But here's the whole thing. He went before the judge. The judge gave him a light sentence. 859-280-2287.

[Shannon]

Oh, really?

[Matt Jones]

Right back it says that was it Radio.

[Drew Franklin]

You're not gonna talk about how he was on the run?

[Matt Jones]

He was on the run.

[Drew Franklin]

There was a police chase.

[Matt Jones]

What do you think there was.

[Drew Franklin]

Were you trying to get a lot more. That's a lot more interesting than that joke.

[Matt Jones]

But I wanted to get to my. My joke, my punchline.

[Ryan Lemond]

It was so tough.

[Drew Franklin]

What about how he refused to pull over and they're chasing him in a Bud Light? That seems a lot more interesting to me.

[Matt Jones]

Well, I thought that was kind of implied when he drove off in a truck. Him around.

[Shannon]

How about a 10 million dollar bond? It says was set for him too.

[Matt Jones]

There you go. Ronald Baker, the mistake maker.

[Drew Franklin]

He was charged with attempted murder, auto theft, criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon, resisting law enforcement and reckless operation of a tractor trailer and driving while intoxicated.

[Matt Jones]

But he got a lot.

[Caller]

Have a day.

[Matt Jones]

But he got a light sentence.

[Ryan Lemond]

What's with the cargo theft? We saw the Kit Kats being stolen.

[Matt Jones]

That's true.

[Ryan Lemond]

Central Europe this past week.

[Matt Jones]

Like What, a million KitKat bars or something like that.

[Ryan Lemond]

413,000.

[Matt Jones]

My goodness.

[Ryan Lemond]

Just over that.

[Matt Jones]

And now.

[Ryan Lemond]

Well, I mean, the keys are in the truck.

[Drew Franklin]

Ryan, the driver had to jump out of the moving truck. So he like GTA'd him. He hit the triangle button and just hopped in while the driver, Ronnie Baker.

[Matt Jones]

How about that?

[Drew Franklin]

Light sentence.

[Matt Jones]

Got a light sentence. I thought you guys would like that.

[Drew Franklin]

We'll work on it. We'll work on it during the break.

[Matt Jones]

859-280-2287. Who's next? Shannon.

[Shannon]

Let's go to Pokette. Jim.

[Matt Jones]

Pokette, Jim. Go ahead, sir.

[Don (Caller)]

Yeah, I want to see if I can change your guys thinking on Monday when you were kind of celebrating Duke's loss. I was kind of pulling for Duke, believe it or not. But I hate to say that because Connecticut has won six national championships since our last run there in the late 90s. Duke has won three. And I don't think Duke had a shot at Arizona or Michigan, but Connecticut does. That would give them seven and three of the last four.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Don (Caller)]

Besides the ladies winning 12 and a half year to me. Now, who's the gold standard? I would definitely pull against Connecticut. I was going for Duke in that game.

[Matt Jones]

Appreciate it. Yeah. Thank you very much. Yeah. The final four starts tomorrow. Illinois actually a slight favorite over Connecticut, I think last I looked, which kind of surprised me. And Michigan a slight favorite over Arizona. That kind of surprised me. I would have probably thought Arizona and UConn would be the two favorites.

[Drew Franklin]

Both one and a half point spreads, too. I'm with you. I probably would have flipped them. I was surprised. I thought UConn with their experience and Hurley, even though Illinois has got all the size, I thought it would be the other way around on both sides of the bracket.

[Ryan Lemond]

Illinois, the most efficient offense in the country right now and have really stepped up their defense.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Ryan Lemond]

For the three seed to make it to the final four.

[Matt Jones]

So they've not made it to the final Four since. Oh, five or. I think they got to the championship game and lost. Arizona's not been since 97. Right. When they beat us in the championship game in 97. So both those teams trying to get back to the finals.

[Drew Franklin]

I get the caller's point, but I'm never not going to celebrate Duke losing. I'm sorry. I'm not. You can't convince me. I was all in on Yukon that game. I get the title count, but I hate Duke. The fact I've been punched by a Yukon fan in the face and I still wanted Duke to lose that game.

[Matt Jones]

UConn men and women both in the final Four. Yukon women, like he said, going for the 13th championship. But the men, that they can win three of the last four. That's. That's a hell of a run right now.

[Drew Franklin]

Heck, yeah. That's why we need Illinois to get the job done tomorrow.

[Matt Jones]

Did you see, like, the. The TV ratings, like, out the roof too?

[Drew Franklin]

Of course.

[Matt Jones]

Most watch NCAA tournaments since 93, which is because, well, the Duke run against St. John's and the Duke game against Yukon. Those reviewers were out the roof on their ratings.

[Drew Franklin]

So even the Kentucky game, and it was the first round of gets Santa Clara. But Ken Palm does like an excitement score. I don't even know how they measure that, but it was considered one of the most exciting tournament games in many years.

[Matt Jones]

So we'll take our break, come back. We'll go Back to phone lines. 859-280-2287. Opening day of Keeneland. Is the sun out yet, Mario? Not yet. So come on. Here at KS Bar and Grill, we got a couple people here for lunch to kind of Enjoy their lunch break before you go out to Keeneland. Are you guys going out to Keeneland at all this weekend? It's Toyota Bluegrass Stakes tomorrow out there.

[Drew Franklin]

I think I'm going for like an hour tomorrow. Not even going in.

[Ryan Lemond]

Next week.

[Matt Jones]

Next week, yeah. Hope the weather clears up for them for tomorrow's Toyota Bluegrass Stakes. We'll take a break, come back. This is Kentucky Sports Radio. TJ Smith, personal injury attorney. Call tj. He'll make him pay.

[Shannon]

Now more of Kentucky Sports Radio presented by Stockton Mortgage. Here's Matt Jones.

[Matt Jones]

All right, welcome back Kentucky Sports Radio. Ryan, Drew, Shannon and Billy, our sports Shannon. You got a sponsor for us this segment?

[Shannon]

I do, yeah. Our friends at Cornbread Hemp. You know, warmer weather is finally here. If you're looking for a good way to kick back after a long day. Our friends at Cornbread Hemp have exactly what you need. They're seltzers. We all love them. They come in four delicious flavors. They're a great way to unwind without the hangover or next day regret. And only 30 calories or less per can. And available in original and extra strength. So you can find out what works for you. Cornbread makes it expertly crafted third party. Test it. Seltzers. They've also got the gummies as well. And if you are a first time customer, you can sign up with promo code KSR for 20% off your first order. Cornbreadhemp.com promo code KSR. And don't forget, Cornbread Hemp is also fighting to keep hemp illegal. You can help out as well. Go to cornbreadhemp.com action to learn more and make your voice heard with Cornbread Hemp.

[Matt Jones]

Alright, welcome back. We got a couple phone call lines open. 859-280-2287. If you want to call and get on board, we'll get to you. I did get another text from the a vision glass text machine. What was each of you guys earliest memories of UK basketball? That's a good little summer topic. Your earliest memories.

[Drew Franklin]

I was just too young to actually have memories of Laettner but I can remember things with a 93 run. I can kind of remember like everyone around me being mad about Laitner but having like a vivid memory of me watching that shot. I think I was just a little too young to hang on to that one. But starting about 93, I can really remember games.

[Ryan Lemond]

It's right up there on the TV screen. It was John Calipari's press conference.

[Matt Jones]

Really? Yeah.

[Ryan Lemond]

I didn't move to Kentucky until oh, 8. And so that was when I, when I came. They're like, you got to pick Kentucky or Louisville or Kentucky or Louisville. Well, I went to Western so I didn't really pick one. But I did get into the craze of Kentucky around that time.

[Matt Jones]

Shannon, what about you?

[Shannon]

I'm with Drew. You know, I was I guess 10 at that time, but I didn't really pay much attention to sports. So you know, first year for me it was 93. Was that the year that they played the SEC tournament at Rupp arena and they beat Tennessee by like 60 and Todd so voter had outscored Alan Houston. Yeah, I think that was the night. Was that 93? I think it was 93, 94, something like that. That was, that was probably my first memory that season there. I think that's also the season where they tried to do the switcheroo at the free throw line.

[Matt Jones]

Oh yes, Vanderbilt.

[Shannon]

Yeah, I remember.

[Matt Jones]

Didn't try to do it.

[Shannon]

They did it. They did it. But then they got suspended afterwards.

[Matt Jones]

Right, right, right. They did it during Vanderbilt. Then again Travis got suspended for the Tennessee game. The next game. Yep.

[Drew Franklin]

I can remember where I was at my grandparents house for Kentucky, Michigan and then that was the Weber timeout.

[Shannon]

Definitely remember that.

[Drew Franklin]

So 93 is probably when I really could hang on to some memories. Maybe God was like, you know what, you don't need to know about this shot in Philadelphia in 92. We'll wait a year and then you can start storing these memories.

[Shannon]

That's because God was up to something.

[Matt Jones]

I think my earliest Memory is the 78 national championship game. I remember thinking like the first time my dad was going to let me stay up and watch it.

[Shannon]

What year?

[Matt Jones]

78.

[Shannon]

Oh my God, you're old.

[Drew Franklin]

How boy would you have been?

[Matt Jones]

Well, I was, I was 12. I was. No, I was almost 12. I was 11. Almost 12. But back then, you know, was before cable television. You know, you only had the three network channels and they didn't show games. So it was a big deal. I wanted to watch the national championship. I can remember watching all of Duke and uk. I remember like Duke had Jim Spinarkle and Mike Jaminsky. Because I remember I was so into it and I was a big Kyle Macy fan. I was going to beat Kyle Macy. I'm telling you, they're not. We've heard he was Indiana Mr. Basketball. I was going to be Indiana Mr. Basketball. He played for his dad. I was going to play for my dad.

[Ryan Lemond]

So tell me about games being on tape delay. Ryan, like did you just.

[Shannon]

I remember that.

[Matt Jones]

Oh yeah, that was in the 90s. Well, I was working at Channel 7 in Evansville doing the weekend news. When the news is over, the Kentucky game would come on on Saturday. We do the news get out and boom, there's Rob Bromley doing the Jefferson Pilot tape delay. Game of a Kentucky game, especially football.

[Drew Franklin]

Those would always be on, always on tape. Delay, delay.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. So we. So you know, you didn't get to watch the games live most of the time. I know there was a station in Evansville used to carry the Indiana games live once that started. And then finally Channel 7 started carrying the Kentucky games live. But that was. Yeah, like Shannon said, what a wild concept.

[Shannon]

I mean, you think, like we're not talking about something that happened in the 50s. We're talking about the 90s.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. And you guys are all you. Yeah. Alive. When we're still doing tape delay broadcast. Yeah.

[Shannon]

You couldn't watch the. You had to listen to it on the radio.

[Matt Jones]

Yep.

[Shannon]

And then you, you know, you got to watch it at 11 o' clock at night.

[Matt Jones]

And if you did.

[Drew Franklin]

But there was nothing to spoil you. It's not like you pulled out your phone and saw the highlights. Well, we're just. That was basically just when the game was in your mind.

[Matt Jones]

So during our, during our sportscast, we had to warn viewers. Now we're about to show you the final score, if you don't want to know, turn away right now. We had to because the game was coming on just a minute or two later after we were sportscast.

[Drew Franklin]

You know, now like with the NFL, you know, they have like the Simpsons games and they're like, change.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, yeah.

[Drew Franklin]

I want AI to get to a point where I can choose to have the Jefferson Pilot broadcast for Kentucky games. It's like an option. If I change, it'll have the Dave's and just give me. I'll even stay up, watch a replay if I have to. But I would love to just go back for the old, the old time format.

[Ryan Lemond]

Well, that's a slippery slope now if we're talking about AI.

[Shannon]

Right.

[Ryan Lemond]

Because you could get Aikwood to do every game from here on out. Right. And then you would never have anybody replace Tom Leach.

[Matt Jones]

So. But you're right, it was a big deal. You got to watch Dave Neal and Dave Baker got the Dave's. You're going to the day. Dave would do the play by playing and Dave Baker would do like the halftime report and stuff.

[Drew Franklin]

Just missed the graphics too. Just bring it back one game.

[Matt Jones]

They should really have like an old school throwback game. Old jersey graphics.

[Shannon]

Tom Hammond, Larry Conley.

[Matt Jones]

Oh, those were the best.

[Drew Franklin]

We were good.

[Shannon]

Yeah.

[Ryan Lemond]

So do you ever have the game spoiled for you?

[Matt Jones]

Yes. Well, I did the sportscast, so I knew the score. I had to, you know, I knew it.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

So very rarely did I get to be surprised with a game because. Yeah, they wouldn't come on till, well, 10:30 central time, 11:30 here eastern time. And you got to wait till 1 in the morning for the game was over a lot of times. Yeah.

[Ryan Lemond]

I was like, don't tell me the score. I'm gonna watch the game.

[Matt Jones]

Watch the game when I get home.

[Drew Franklin]

Exactly.

[Matt Jones]

859-280-2287. Who's next? Shannon.

[Shannon]

Radio Ron.

[Matt Jones]

Radio Ron. How are you, Radio Ron.

[Caller]

I'm doing great.

[Don (Caller)]

Older statesman.

[Caller]

How are you guys doing?

[Matt Jones]

Good. Good to hear from you, sir. I hope you. Everything's doing well.

[Caller]

Yeah. Well, I thought since you were asking about the earliest memories and, you know, Ryan, you're sort of the historian. Do you know of anyone that goes back further than I? Do you remember the first game years?

[Matt Jones]

Yeah,

[Caller]

go ahead.

[Matt Jones]

1. And those games were not televised, so what's the first time you remember watching a game on TV, Ron?

[Caller]

Oh, my goodness. It would have to be 51. We had one of the earliest TVs when UK won the NCAA tournament.

[Matt Jones]

And the game was back to.

[Caller]

I go back to 1945 and 46 is my brightest memory because UK won what we considered the national tournament, and that was the NIT. They beat Rhode island by one point, and they had a 28 and 2 record that year. And you know who my favorite player was?

[Matt Jones]

Who's that? Ron Tingle. Jack Tingle,

[Caller]

because I thought the name was kind of funny, you know, and so he was my favorite player, but a lot of people don't know that Alex Groza was on that team. He had just gotten back from the Army. And I'll never forget the joy my father and I had in 1945 hearing the Wildcats win the National Invitational Tournament.

[Matt Jones]

Wow. Wow. It's a different era. Appreciate it, Ron. Thanks for the phone call. It's a different time. It was crazy how guys would go off fighting the war and then come back and play college basketball for a couple years. It's just a different time and hard to explain.

[Drew Franklin]

We got Jack Tingle, first player from Trimble County. Says the Internet.

[Matt Jones]

How about that? From Trimble County. Shout out, Trimble County, 859-280-2287. You want to jump on board now? After we Got radio Ron. Good to hear from him. I know you guys are big. The NFL podcast guys cover zero. Is Kirk Cousins now one of your main stories you're going to cover right now?

[Ryan Lemond]

Well, he did make a lot of money.

[Matt Jones]

A lot of money. What do you get?

[Ryan Lemond]

170 million.

[Matt Jones]

170 million. Kirk Cousins. So probably still be a mentor. Basically.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah. They probably still get Mendoza number one overall and. And sit him behind Kirk Cousins at least for a year. That seems like to be the plan that they're going to do.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah. It's clearly a Mendoza play in case he's not ready right away. I bet Kurt Kirk starts the season, does some mentoring. It's kind of funny though. They're kind of the same. Kind of same brand, I'd say a little bit.

[Ryan Lemond]

They've got.

[Drew Franklin]

They got the. Both of them have photos in the locker room wearing all their teammates chains. Like I think they'll get along great.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Drew Franklin]

In Vegas of all places from those two guys.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Drew Franklin]

It seems to be a Mendoza mentorship plan there. Or at least let cousin start till Mendoza's ready.

[Matt Jones]

That seems to be a lot of money to spend to be a mentor for a couple for five years.

[Drew Franklin]

Heck yeah. That's why the reaction to it was pretty shocking across the board. Not that they'd give him the job. What they got him paid especially. It was kind of crazy what the Falcons paid him after having a high draft pick just a couple years ago. So Kirk Cousins agent is killing it out there.

[Ryan Lemond]

Keep getting away with this. But you know, Tom Brady's making decisions for the Raiders now, so he probably had his hand in this.

[Matt Jones]

Ryan.

[Ryan Lemond]

This weekend, the CBS sports documentary about basketball is going to be played at 1pm tomorrow.

[Shannon]

We told him four times during the break.

[Ryan Lemond]

Are you gonna watch that?

[Matt Jones]

I forgot about this.

[Drew Franklin]

Billy has tried to bring this up since the third segment of the show.

[Matt Jones]

So when is it? Is it tomorrow?

[Ryan Lemond]

Tomorrow at 1:00pm on CBS and Paramount. Plus, is there any sense that you would want to relive what happened with Kentucky basketball this year?

[Matt Jones]

I do. Because if they're truly going to go behind the scenes from the whole season, let me know what happened at the Louisville game. Show me what happened at the Louisville game. Something happened. I mean, I know they, they try to downplay it, but Mark Pope would not have said that if something didn't happen. And it seemed to kind of COVID a dark. Have a dark cloud the rest of the season. So let's just. Let's just get behind the weeds and peel back the curtain and see what's back there?

[Drew Franklin]

It all for me depends on, like, who has creative control here. Because if Kentucky has a say in it, we won't. But if cb if they agreed to just let CBS film whatever and put out whatever, I think it'll be very good. I'm not gonna clear my schedule to watch it. I'll catch the replay because, you know, if you're happier times, I'd make sure I'm sitting down at 12:45, ready to go. But I'll watch it before the weekend's over just to see what went on.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah, I'll definitely throw it on, but I think you're gonna have to wait till a book comes out before we know what happened in that Louisville pre game. Ryan, like, that's gonna be in the

[Matt Jones]

trailer they put out. They've got Otega away saying. They say I fought with my teammates in the locker room. Like, what is that all about? You know, he kind of is downplaying it, but I felt like Pope why didn't even bring it up if something didn't happen? Something threw him off.

[Drew Franklin]

He flipped the switch too early. Isn't that what he said? Yeah, but it's not just the Louisville game. Are they gonna go to Nashville where everybody boot them because they're down 30 at halftime? Hopefully they lean more into the Arkansas trip and the Tennessee game and Rupp and the LSU comeback, but I have a feeling that it's going to be more on the negative end.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah, there were still some high moments. Right. So hopefully they highlight those and not the disappointment of year two and Mark Pope.

[Drew Franklin]

And we punches the dry race board that's on there. Saw that on the trailer.

[Matt Jones]

That's on the trailer.

[Drew Franklin]

We get to see a dark Pope from behind the scenes a little bit.

[Matt Jones]

And when did you say this is going to air?

[Drew Franklin]

Tomorrow.

[Matt Jones]

Tomorrow, 1pm at 1 o'.

[Shannon]

Clock.

[Matt Jones]

All right, we got one more second. We got to take our break. If you want to call and get on board, we'll get you on. Don't forget the documentary tomorrow at 1:00 clock on CBS. Paramount, Brian Lemon, Drew Franklin, Shannon, the Dude and Billy. Our sports. This is Kentucky Sports Radio, and they

[Drew Franklin]

just tell you dry.

[Julian Edelman]

This is Julian Edelman from Games With Names. I want to take a second to talk about something that's personal to me. I've had the privilege of working closely with Robert Kraft for a long time, and one thing I've always respected is how seriously he takes up standing up to hate. As a Jewish athlete, my identity is something I am proud of. But I also know what it feels like to be singled out for it. That's why this new commercial for the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate that aired during the Big Game really hit home. It's about showing up for someone when they're targeted. Even if you don't have the perfect words. And sometimes standing next to someone is enough. And you can show support by sharing the Blue Square.

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[Matt Jones]

I'm trying to run as fast AS T mobile 5G home Internet. Zach.

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[Matt Jones]

Really? How's this?

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[Matt Jones]

No.

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[Matt Jones]

How can I go any faster?

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[Drew Franklin]

Whoa, whoa.

[Matt Jones]

That's too fast.

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Get on the fast track. T Mobile now has the fastest 5G home Internet. And for a limited time, it starts at just 30 bucks a month with autopay and a voice line. Plus a five year price guarantee, plus taxes and fees.

[Matt Jones]

Fastest, according to Ooklo Speed test intelligence data. Second half 2025. All rights reserved. Guarantee for monthly price of 5G Internet. Data on eligible plans. Find exclusions and details@t mobile.com Every March,

[DraftKings Announcer]

the tournament delivers the unexpected. This year, DraftKings Sportsbook is leaning into the chaos with a mystery reward. All customers guaranteed rewards every single round. Opt in and boom. A single use mystery promotion drops straight into your account. What is it? That's the fun part. You won't know until it's yours. One thing we can tell you. Each round, there will be a new mystery offer valid for the men's and women's tournament. When you're set to place your bet, just select your mystery token in the bet slip and use cash or DK dollars to lock it in. Opt in today at DraftKings Sportsbook. Your mystery reward is waiting. Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app now and use code pointgame. That's code pointgame to opt in and claim your mystery reward at DraftKings Sportsbook in partnership with DraftKings Sportsbook, the crown is yours. Gambling problem. Call 1-800- GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-SET NEW YORK. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY, CT. Call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org on behalf of Boothill Casino in Kansas. Wager tax pass through may apply in Illinois. 21 plus in most states. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. One reward per customer. Rewards vary and expire at the end of the final NCAA basketball game, each turning round when offered. See.draftkings.com promos for more details.

[Julian Edelman]

This is Julian Edelman from Dudes on Dudes with Gronk and Jewels. All right, real quick. Take a look at yourself right now.

[Caller]

Why?

[Liquid IV Customer]

What's wrong?

[Julian Edelman]

Nothing's wrong. You look like a guy running on three hours of sleep and vibes.

[Ryan Lemond]

Okay.

[Liquid IV Customer]

Yeah, I'm tired, kind of cranky, and very thirsty.

[Julian Edelman]

Congrats. Those are some of the potential signs of mild dehydration. And I bet your last bathroom break showed you another sign. Your body might be throwing you a penalty flag.

[Liquid IV Customer]

So what's the play call?

[Julian Edelman]

Liquid IV hydration multiplier. One stick in water helps hydrate faster than water alone.

[Liquid IV Customer]

Okay, but where's the proof?

[Julian Edelman]

Liquid IV's clinical studies, not just a guy. I know real science. Results you can trust.

[Liquid IV Customer]

Well, take a look at me now. Liquid IV is officially part of my daily hydration routine. Past the firecracker popsicle flavor.

[Julian Edelman]

Stay hydrated like a pro, not like Jack. Before this. Stock up on Liquid IV hydration [e-mail] and use the promo code nuthouse for 20 off your first purchase.

[Matt Jones]

Remember the greatest song in the history of recorded music. Appreciate that, Shannon. Darius Rucker.

[Shannon]

He didn't even write it, but he

[Matt Jones]

did a better job singing it.

[Drew Franklin]

You ready for Bourbon and Beyond?

[Matt Jones]

Oh, absolutely.

[Drew Franklin]

I'm so excited.

[Matt Jones]

I cannot wait.

[Drew Franklin]

Great lineup last year. I got to see Shannon. It was my first time. But that lineup came out this year and I think about it often.

[Matt Jones]

Dave Matthews band. Who you Blowfish? Foo Fighters, Chris Stapleton. I mean though that alone got Mumford.

[Drew Franklin]

We're big Mumford.

[Matt Jones]

Counting Crows, I think Counting Crows. So when is that that in June?

[Drew Franklin]

September.

[Matt Jones]

September.

[Drew Franklin]

Rail birds. June Railbird is also stacked real birds. The one is in June on one stage on Sunday. Robert. There's Zach Top. Tyler Childers back to back. Just plant me a chair right there and I'm not moving.

[Matt Jones]

859-280-2287 who's this sponsor? Shannon.

[Shannon]

DraftKings. Let's pick the games. What do you say for the the final four? We got Yukon in Illinois. You got Illinois, one and a half point favorite. Who you guys have? Ryan.

[Matt Jones]

Well, like I said earlier, I'm I'm taking Yukon. Even though they're the underdog, I'm definitely going to take Yukon in this one.

[Ryan Lemond]

I love Brad Underwood, slicked back hair. Give me Illinois, the favorite in this

[Matt Jones]

one with Orlando, Antigua and Big Z.

[Ryan Lemond]

That's right, drew.

[Drew Franklin]

I have UConn, Arizona in my bracket and I hope I'm wrong. I want Illinois to win. I think they can do it. They've got the size and they're just such a fun team. Everybody's loving Illinois right now with all the ridiculousness they do. Cowboy hats, saying whatever they want, interviews. They're so fun and I hope we get to keep watching them.

[Shannon]

I'm gonna take Yukon in that one. So we're split on that game. Then the second game. Michigan, Arizona. Michigan's a one and a half point favorite.

[Matt Jones]

See, that surprised me too. I thought Arizona would be the favorite. I mean, these are the two best teams to me all season long. These two teams in Duke are meeting in the semifinals. Gonna be a great game.

[Drew Franklin]

Three of the four top four in Ken Palm. I mean, if Duke had just won it, we would literally got the top four teams as the final four.

[Matt Jones]

Well, I'm definitely taking Arizona, though, in this one.

[Ryan Lemond]

Can't wait for this matchup. I'm going Arizona, though. Give me the fighting Tommy Lloyd's.

[Drew Franklin]

I'm really conflicted on this one. Michigan's awesome, but Arizona is awesome. I'm gonna say Arizona. I don't want Michigan. I mean, they've already had a great year, but I don't like that they got Yaxel and they have. They're the hot team right now. I don't want them getting a ring. I can. I can stomach an Arizona ring.

[Shannon]

Well, I picked Michigan in my bracket, so I guess for the sake of my bracket, I'm gonna go with Michigan. I don't have the odds for the crown. The college basketball crown. I know you guys want to pick that, but I don't have it, unfortunately.

[Matt Jones]

I do have the odds for the women.

[Shannon]

Oh, you do? Okay, let's go through that real quick.

[Drew Franklin]

It's all one seeds, right?

[Matt Jones]

The women, all four one seeds and all four repeat Final Four teams from last year.

[Shannon]

Oh, really?

[Matt Jones]

Oddity. Yeah, all four of these teams. So Texas is a one and a half point favorite over ucla.

[Ryan Lemond]

I'm going Texas. I saw them play Kentucky.

[Matt Jones]

I am too. I'm taking Texas. Now here's the one that's kind of interesting. UConn and South Carolina, the two premier programs. UConn is a six and a half point favorite over Don Staley in South Carolina. To me that seems like a lot of points. I think you can may win, but I may take South Carolina to cover.

[Drew Franklin]

It is a lot of points, but they're undefeated. They're 38 or 39 and. Oh, 38. No, I'll go Yukon.

[Ryan Lemond]

I'll go Yukon too. Even though I think Dawn Staley will hold her own and South Carolina will have a good showing. It just seems like Yukon's a year.

[Shannon]

I think I'll go Yukon too. Did you see that furniture store that's going to be giving away free furniture? If you bought furniture from that store between like January 31 and March, the something. I'm not sure what the date of it was, but if both the men's and women's teams make the championship game. They're giving away free furniture in both Yukon teams.

[Drew Franklin]

Yes.

[Ryan Lemond]

So I guess there may be in trouble.

[Drew Franklin]

I hope he got insurance on the men's side. Did you see Michigan's point guard had to go to the hospital for an allergic reaction in Indy. I think it was a nut allergy, but I mean you just gets there and allergic reaction, hasn't hospitalized. I think he's gonna be okay, but it's not ideal for your starting point guard to have to go through that right as you get there.

[Matt Jones]

He's good too. He's very solid.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah, they say he's fine, but he did have to go get medical attention for it.

[Matt Jones]

You know, one of the best stories is Illinois's point guard. To read the story about him, he's like he was under recruited. He was like, I don't know, maybe around 100 or something out of high school. Nobody recruited him. Illinois took a flyer on him, a chance on him and earlier this year he had 49 points in a game. He's like blossomed out of nowhere to be this superstar. Wagler. His last.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah, Keaton Wagler. I mean their whole roster kind of under recruited guys. I mean we know Big Z bounced around a little bit. Now he's having a good year with his brother Thomas Love. That's why they're so fun. I mean none of them were really high level recruits. A lot of them earning from America, but they're just having a blast and they're, they're easy to root for.

[Ryan Lemond]

They're on fire though. Like a team that had lost five of their last nine games before the, before the tournament started and they're playing really good.

[Drew Franklin]

So they got a story. Akovich. I wanted him pretty bad. Yeah, I was A big pager fan.

[Matt Jones]

They got a bunch of Vic's.

[Drew Franklin]

They do five of them.

[Ryan Lemond]

Like he's not even like a stand up shooter on the side. Like he's just very different.

[Drew Franklin]

They also have no media training. I mean they're just cussing like sailors anytime they're asked questions. I mean maybe that's not for everyone, but I love an Illinois interview.

[Matt Jones]

And you know, we played Illinois last year in the Sweet 16 in Milwaukee. And yeah, Milwaukee, they had a lot of fans there. They had more fans than Kentucky fans there. So now they're just traveling to Indianapolis for the final four. I bet they, they may have the most fan base there. Biggest fan base there.

[Drew Franklin]

Oh, they absolutely. They'll have a huge crowd. And also just the Coach O angle. I'm rooting for him so hard. Matt texted me for a long time. KSR listeners know Coach O and I had a thing we said back and forth. Can't even say it on radio. And at the final four here at the Elite 80, walked up to Matt and said, tell Drew I said, you know, so I love that we still have that connection with him and I want him and Big Z to have, have a get a ring at the end of this.

[Matt Jones]

So there's your DraftKings segment. Do the legal for us.

[Shannon]

Yes. Bet it on DraftKings. Bet $5. Get $200 in bonus bets as a new customer. Promo code KSR. If you have a gambling problem, 1-800- gambler 18/ Kentucky only eligibility and restrictions apply. Bonus bets expire seven days after issuance. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG co AUD limited time offer.

[Matt Jones]

I just got a text. Jeff Brahm did not throw anybody out of his office today over at Louisville.

[Drew Franklin]

That's good news.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, it's good news. Earlier this week throwing the ad out of his office. Apparently nobody through got thrown out of his office today over in Louisville.

[Drew Franklin]

Wild times over there.

[Matt Jones]

They did have Malachi Brown walking around though. The kid from Corbin. Four star recruit. They just got Jahad Brown. Now they're trying to get Malachi.

[Drew Franklin]

Oh, the big dog is trying to do well in the state. How about Kentucky? Will Stein, you see him taking batting practice yesterday?

[Matt Jones]

I did see that. That was cool.

[Drew Franklin]

Love that. Also nice swing. Maybe see a lot of play.

[Matt Jones]

So the UK baseball team hosts Missouri this weekend over Kentucky.

[Ryan Lemond]

Proud park series over the next three days.

[Matt Jones]

You got to work the games.

[Ryan Lemond]

I might, yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Are they playing on Easter Sunday?

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah, yeah, I believe so.

[Matt Jones]

Well, there you go. Spend your Easter Sunday. Go find your Easter eggs and go to watch the cats play at Kentucky Proud Park.

[Drew Franklin]

Check them out.

[Matt Jones]

All right, appreciate you guys. Been a good week. Matt returns on Monday. Don't forget his trivia will be next Thursday here at KS Bar and Grill. Keeneland opens today. Final four this weekend. But it's a holy weekend. It's Easter weekend. Remember that in your prayers. This has been Ryan, Drew and Shannon and Billy. This is Kentucky Sports Radio.

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[Chelsea Handler]

This is Chelsea Handler from Dear Chelsea, after the big game, like most people, I kept thinking about the commercials. And there was one that stayed with me. It was from the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate. And it wasn't loud or flashy. It showed a Jewish kid being targeted at school and another student who chose not to ignore it. As someone who was Jewish, that moment felt very real to me. Not dramatic, just familiar. And what struck me was how clearly it showed that hate doesn't always announce itself. But the impact is still huge. If you saw the blue square spot during the big game, it's worth thinking about. And if you want to show support, sharing the blue square is one small way to do that.

[Don (Caller)]

That.

[Matt Jones]

What's up cousin?

[Julian Edelman]

I want a new phone. Have you seen any good deals?

[Matt Jones]

Everyone has free phones. But when I switched to T Mobile,

[Public Investing Announcer]

I got more value and so much more.

[Ryan Lemond]

Like streaming included and travel benefits.

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And the best part, the price of your talk, text and data is guaranteed for five years. Get more benefits and more value at T Mobile Family Save and get a five year price guarantee.

[Matt Jones]

Switch now@t mobile.com Qualifying plan requires price guarantee on DOC, text and THETA exclusions like taxes and fees apply. CT mobile.com if you work in University

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