Pardon My Take - Episode Summary: 2X NBA Champ Mike Miller In Studio, Randy Moss, Nuggets Force A Game 7, Hank Saves The Celtics And Has A New Rival In Timothee Chalamet + NFL Schedule Release

Release Date: May 16, 2025

Introduction In this action-packed episode of Pardon My Take, hosts Big Cat and PFT Commenter delve into a myriad of sports topics, interspersed with engaging interviews and humorous anecdotes. From NHL playoff drama to NBA strategies, horse racing insights, and the latest NFL schedule updates, this episode offers a comprehensive and entertaining take on the sports world.

NHL Playoffs: Capitals vs. Hurricanes

The episode kicks off with an in-depth discussion of the NHL playoffs, focusing on the Washington Capitals' recent struggles against the Carolina Hurricanes. PFT Commenter shares a personal story from a Capitals game attended with his mother, highlighting both the emotional highs and lows of being a dedicated fan.

Notable Quote:

PFT Commenter [03:20]: "Mother's Day was bigger than sports. And she was just like, son, we love spending time with each other."

Key points include:

• Disappointment over unexpected playoff exits.
• Critique of player performance, specifically Ovi's declining form.
• The Hurricanes' defensive tactics that hinder the Capitals' rhythm.
• Comparisons to the Toronto Maple Leafs, emphasizing pride in the Capitals' relative success.

NBA Playoffs: Denver Nuggets Force a Game 7

Shifting to basketball, the hosts analyze the Denver Nuggets' playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, which has extended to a decisive Game 7. They commend standout performances from Nuggets' Jamal Murray and Julian Strother, underscoring the team's resilience.

Notable Quote:

Big Cat [16:58]: "I wanted a game seven in this series."

Highlights include:

• Analysis of key players' contributions and strategies.
• Commentary on coach Mike Malone's tactics.
• Predictions for the outcome of Game 7, considering both teams' momentum and player health.

NFL Schedule Release: Reactions and Predictions

Big Cat and PFT Commenter express their thoughts on the 2025 NFL schedule release, critiquing the trend of scheduling division games internationally. They argue that such decisions dilute the traditional rivalry and competitive integrity of the sport.

Notable Quote:

Big Cat [127:08]: "It's absolutely not a good idea, but I do think Goodell hears the words like national television event and thinks about it."

Key discussions involve:

• The impact of international games on team dynamics and fan engagement.
• Concerns over the logistical and financial implications for teams.
• Comparisons to other sports' load management and scheduling strategies.

Interview Segment: Mike Miller – From NBA Champion to Agent

A significant portion of the episode features an insightful interview with Mike Miller, a two-time NBA champion who has transitioned into a sports agent role. Mike shares his journey, the challenges of representing players, and the strategies his agency employs to nurture talent.

Notable Quotes:

Mike Miller [90:07]: "Once you get out of the game, you gotta find competitive to keep you going."

Mike Miller [95:12]: "Our company got a ton of guys. We're blessed."

Highlights include:

• Transition to Agency: Mike discusses his decision to remain in the sports world post-retirement, emphasizing his passion for mentoring young athletes.
• Agency Philosophy: Focus on being basketball-driven, with a strong emphasis on building a supportive infrastructure for clients.
• Player Representation: Insights into representing notable players like Paolo Bancaro and Jabari Smith, and his approach to negotiating contracts.
• Training Regimens: Mike elaborates on his rigorous training routines, advocating for consistency and self-discipline to maintain peak performance.

Interview Segment: Randy Moss – Horse Racing and the Preakness Stakes

Randy Moss joins the studio to provide expert commentary on the horse racing scene, particularly the challenges facing the Preakness Stakes in the wake of the Kentucky Derby. He addresses the growing reluctance to enter horses into consecutive high-stakes races and its implications for the Triple Crown.

Notable Quotes:

Randy Moss [132:27]: "It's going to happen more and more frequently in the future until the Triple Crown races become further apart on the calendar."

Randy Moss [133:58]: "Everyone knows that. But it still has the Triple Crown. The Triple Crown is still a huge event."

Key insights include:

• Health and Performance: Trainers like Bill Mott prioritize horse wellbeing over racing back-to-back, citing safety and optimal performance.
• Historical Context: Comparison to past eras when consecutive wins in the Triple Crown were more common.
• Future of Triple Crown: Advocacy for adjusting the racing calendar to preserve the prestige and competitiveness of the Triple Crown.
• Recent Races: Analysis of current horses like Sovereignty and Sandman, evaluating their prospects in upcoming races.

Humorous and Side Discussions: Fire Fest

Interspersed throughout the episode are lighthearted conversations about personal lives, including anecdotes about bachelor parties, pet raccoons and foxes, and the hosts' participation in local softball games. These segments add a relatable and entertaining dimension to the podcast, balancing the more serious sports discussions.

Notable Interactions:

• Pet Stories: PFT Commenter shares hilarious tales of his pet raccoon, Coco, and fox, Roxy, highlighting the unpredictability of raising exotic animals.
• Bachelor Party Plans: Banter about attending a friend's bachelor party, complete with wild card antics and playful teasing among the hosts.

Conclusion: Anticipation for Upcoming Sports Events

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reiterate their excitement for upcoming sports events, including the Belmont Stakes in horse racing and additional NHL and NBA playoff games. They also emphasize the importance of enjoying sports responsibly, reflecting on the episodic highs and lows experienced as avid fans.

Notable Quote:

PFT Commenter [69:40]: "Moms are good luck. Mother's Day week."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Pardon My Take showcases the hosts' ability to blend in-depth sports analysis with personal stories and engaging interviews. Whether dissecting playoff performances, debating scheduling changes, or sharing amusing personal experiences, Big Cat and PFT Commenter deliver a rich and entertaining narrative that caters to both seasoned sports enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.