Pardon My Take - Episode Summary Release Date: July 21, 2025

On this episode of "Pardon My Take", hosts Big Cat and PFT Commenter delve into a diverse array of sports topics, featuring engaging interviews, insightful discussions, and humorous banter. The episode is packed with interviews from NBA star Alex Caruso and NFL quarterback Baker Mayfield, a conversation with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, analysis of Scottie Scheffler's dominance at The Open Championship, and a lively segment on the "Mount Rushmore of Best Bad Movies." Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the episode's key segments:

1. Interviews with Alex Caruso & Baker Mayfield

Chill Week Tradition: Continuing their popular "Chill Week" tradition, Big Cat and PFT Commenter host both an NBA player and an NFL quarterback. This year, the guests are Alex Caruso of the NBA and Baker Mayfield of the NFL.

Discussion Highlights:

• Scottie Scheffler's Golf Dominance: The conversation centers around Scottie Scheffler's exceptional performance at The Open Championship, comparing his rise to that of Tiger Woods.

  Big Cat remarks at [05:14]:

  "He absolutely dominated the Open Championship. It's the year of Scotty winning his second major of the year."

  Baker Mayfield adds at [08:12]:

  "It was the exact same number of days between his first major win and his fourth major win as it took Tiger Woods between his first major win and his fourth major win."

• Comparisons to Tiger Woods: Hosts discuss the statistical similarities between Scheffler and Woods, emphasizing Scheffler's potential to match Woods' legacy if he maintains his current performance trajectory.

  Big Cat states at [09:17]:

  "He still wouldn't be as dominant as Tiger, but it would be pretty damn close."

• Mental Fortitude and Personal Life: Scheffler's grounded nature and ability to find fulfillment beyond golf are highlighted, contrasting with Tiger Woods' struggles.

  Baker Mayfield comments at [13:30]:

  "Tiger was never really a well-rounded human being. Scotty loves his family more than he loves championship trophies."

Key Takeaway: The interview underscores Scheffler's impressive achievements and potential longevity in golf, drawing parallel lines to Tiger Woods while acknowledging his unique personal balance.

2. Conversation with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred

All-Star Game Analysis:

• Success of the Event: Commissioner Manfred praises the recent MLB All-Star Game, highlighting the Home Run Derby and the introduction of the "swing off."

  Manfred at [122:59]:

  "The entire four days was fantastic for us. The swing off was really exciting. It was crazy in the ballpark."

• Future of the Home Run Derby: Discussion on potential changes to the Home Run Derby format to enhance viewer experience and player performance.

  Manfred at [124:19]:

  "We will regroup with ESPN and talk about the format of the Home Run Derby. It's something we need to discuss further."

Blackout Policies:

• Challenges with Regional Sports Networks (RSNs): Manfred addresses the ongoing issues with game blackouts, emphasizing efforts to broaden RSN distribution.

  Manfred at [126:50]:

  "Fans often feel their team doesn't have a fair opportunity to compete. We need to create a system where incentives are aligned to ensure competitiveness."

Steroid Month Idea:

• Fan Engagement Proposal: Hosts propose a "steroid month" to boost interest, which Manfred acknowledges as innovative but clarifies MLB's focus remains on integrity and competitiveness.

  Manfred at [128:56]:

  "While I appreciate the creativity, maintaining the integrity of the game is paramount."

Key Takeaway: Commissioner Manfred provides insights into MLB's strategies to enhance fan experience, address broadcasting challenges, and uphold the sport's integrity amidst evolving dynamics.

3. Scottie Scheffler vs. Tiger Woods Comparison

The hosts delve deeper into Scottie Scheffler's performance, drawing statistical comparisons with Tiger Woods to highlight his potential impact on the golfing world.

Big Cat at [10:52]:

"So, if you stack up another three and a half years the same as these last three and a half years, he still wouldn't be as dominant as Tiger, but it would be pretty damn close."

Baker Mayfield at [12:11]:

"It's not fair to have a young NBA player trying to match Tiger Woods. Scotty has to stay ranked number one in the world for the next 10 years to equal Tiger's reign."

Key Takeaway: The discussion emphasizes Scheffler's remarkable rise in golf, his statistical prowess, and the challenges he faces in potentially matching Tiger Woods' legendary status.

4. WNBA All-Star Game and Team Caitlin Clark Issue

Pay Disputes:

• "Pay Us What You Owe Us" Shirts: The WNBA All-Star Game spotlighted players wearing shirts demanding rightful pay, sparking online debates about gender pay equity in sports.

  PFT Commenter at [25:57]:

  "Who’s back of the week is Max Holloway."

• Team Caitlin Clark Controversy: A subset of WNBA players, led by Caitlin Clark, were notably absent from meetings despite wearing the protest shirts, leading to speculations about internal disagreements.

  Big Cat at [30:47]:

  "Zero members of Team Caitlin Clark were very present for that. They didn’t go to the meeting."

Key Takeaway: The segment highlights ongoing struggles for pay equity in women's sports and internal dynamics within the WNBA, emphasizing the need for transparent negotiations and support from league officials.

5. “Hurt or Injured” Segment with Justin Herbert

Justin Herbert's Red Contact Lenses:

• Humorous Observation: The hosts introduce their return of the "Hurt or Injured" segment, featuring Justin Herbert with notably red contact lenses.

  Big Cat at [38:54]:

  "Justin Herbert because he’s wearing red contact lenses."

Discussion Highlights:

• Aesthetic and Functionality: The conversation humorously critiques Herbert's red contacts, likening them to those worn by goth kids and discussing their potential impact on his intimidation factor on the field.

  Baker Mayfield at [39:36]:

  "Hurt or injured, though it sounds bad."

Key Takeaway: The segment combines humor with light-hearted sports commentary, focusing on the trivial yet amusing aspects of athletes' appearances and gear.

6. "Who's Back of the Week" Featuring Max Holloway

Max Holloway's Return:

• UFC Insights: The hosts spotlight Max Holloway's return to the UFC, discussing his fighting style, legacy, and relationship with fellow fighters.

  PFT Commenter at [43:11]:

  "Who's back of the week is Max Holloway."

Discussion Highlights:

• Fight Analysis: Conversations revolve around Holloway's fights, his friendship with former opponents like Dustin Poirier, and his reputation as a beloved fighter who never backs down.

  Big Cat at [44:28]:

  "He fought everyone. Like, yeah, he was a light lightweight champion."

Key Takeaway: The segment celebrates Holloway's resilience and popularity in the UFC, highlighting his dedication and impact on the sport.

7. Mount Rushmore of Best Bad Movies

Best Bad Movies Debate:

• Selection Criteria: The hosts and guests debate and select movies that are critically panned yet enjoy a cult following or entertainment value.

Movie Picks:

1. Con Air PFT Commenter at [71:30]:

   "First pick is going to be Con Air."

2. Paul Blart: Mall Cop Shane at [75:55]:

   "We would like to take Paul Blart, Mall Cop."

3. Sharknado PFT Commenter at [74:18]:

   "I was thinking, we should have a listing for Sharknado."

4. **Clique to give a bit more context, but the transcript cuts off before completing the list.

Discussion Highlights:

• Memorable Lines and Scenes: Emphasis on the entertainment despite poor critical reception, with particular focus on memorable acting and unique plot lines.

  Baker Mayfield at [75:14]:

  "I think the best bad movie is Rocky Balboa."

Key Takeaway: The debate showcases the hosts' affection for movies that may not have been critically acclaimed but hold a special place in pop culture and audience enjoyment.

8. MLB Trade Deadline and Team Performances

Cubs vs. Brewers vs. Dodgers:

• Team Analysis: The hosts discuss the Chicago Cubs' performance against the Boston Red Sox and analyze broader MLB standings, including the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers.

  Big Cat at [31:40]:

  "We're getting close to the trade deadline, Hank."

Signings and Trades:

• David Robertson's Return: The Cubs sign veteran pitcher David Robertson, prompting discussions about his age and performance impact.

  Zach at [33:00]:

  "He was a free agent. He did like a showcase in Rhode Island and the Phillies signed him."

Key Takeaway: The segment provides an overview of current MLB team dynamics, player signings, and potential impacts on the league's competitive landscape.

9. Super Bowl Rings Design Critique

Eagles' Super Bowl Rings:

• Aesthetic Analysis: The hosts humorously critique the design of the Philadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl rings, noting their resemblance to mustaches and their overall cool factor.

  Baker Mayfield at [36:17]:

  "It looks a little bit like a mustache."

Big Cat at [36:40]:

"It's just so cool that they did that."

Key Takeaway: The discussion blends humor with design appreciation, highlighting the cultural significance and fan perceptions of championship memorabilia.

10. Additional Segments and Banter

Snake Eating Contests and Memes:

• Concerts and Fan Interactions: Light-hearted conversations about attending events, engaging with memes, and the fun dynamics among the hosts and guests.

  Baker Mayfield at [48:14]:

  "They should be standing up and just throwing. Yeah. Yeah."

Personal Stories and Experiences:

• Championship Parades and Celebrations: Guests share personal anecdotes about their experiences winning championships, including the aftermath and celebrations.

  Alex Caruso at [100:44]:

  "The parade was so sick. I slept from like 3 to 11, woke up for like 30 minutes and slept from like 11 to 8."

Game Predictions and Sports Strategy:

• Running the Ball and Defensive Plays: Discussions on sports strategies, comparing basketball plays to football tactics, and the importance of offensive aggressiveness.

  Alex Caruso at [112:03]:

  "We run one play where it's just like a flat ball screen where you put the worst offender in it and Shay has the ball."

Key Takeaway: These segments provide a blend of humor, personal insights, and sports strategy discussions, enhancing the episode's rich and engaging content.

Conclusion

This episode of "Pardon My Take" offers a multifaceted exploration of sports, blending interviews with prominent athletes, insights from the MLB commissioner, and entertaining segments that cover everything from golf to bad movies. The hosts maintain their signature blend of humor and in-depth analysis, making the episode both informative and highly entertaining for listeners.

Notable Quotes:

• Baker Mayfield at [01:08]:

  "Goodell balls in your court, bro."

• Big Cat at [05:14]:

  "He absolutely dominated the Open Championship. It's the year of Scotty winning his second major of the year."

• Rob Manfred at [124:19]:

  "We will regroup with ESPN and talk about the format of the Home Run Derby."

• PFT Commenter at [25:57]:

  "Who's back of the week is Max Holloway."

• Big Cat at [38:54]:

  "Justin Herbert because he’s wearing red contact lenses."

This summary encapsulates the episode's breadth, ensuring that both regular listeners and newcomers can grasp the essence of the discussions and enjoy the lively exchanges between hosts and guests.