Pardon My Take Episode Summary: Charles Barkley, Grit Week Has Begun, Mount Rushmore of G Words, Plus Happy Gilmore 2 Review Release Date: July 28, 2025

Host/Author: Barstool Sports

Introduction to Grit Week

In this special episode of "Pardon My Take," hosts Big Cat and PFT Commenter embark on Grit Week, a themed series celebrating resilience and determination in sports. The show is uniquely set in an RV, adding a dynamic backdrop to the discussions.

Exclusive Interview with Charles Barkley

A highlight of the episode is an in-depth interview with the legendary basketball player Charles Barkley. The conversation delves into the essence of grit, Barkley's personal experiences, and his perspectives on the evolving sports landscape.

Defining Grit and Competitive Spirit

• Barkley: "Grit to me is just your competitive nature. Like, talent is different for everybody... When I see grit, I think about T.J. McConnell, just like that dude gives you everything he's got, and that's all you can ask for any player." [55:08]

College Career and Growth

• Barkley recounts his transformative high school years:
  • "I was a 5'10" backup point guard. I grew from 5'10" to 6'5" in one year... The turning point was playing against Bobby Lee Hurt from Alabama. I had a 20-point game, and that's when recruitment letters started pouring in." [58:10]

Working with Moses Malone and Media Relations

• He emphasizes the importance of constructive criticism:
  • "Moses Malone taught me how to deal with the media. He said, 'Some criticisms are fair, others aren't. If it's fair, take it; if not, let it go.'" [74:07]

Transition from TNT to ESPN

• Barkley shares insights into his shift from TNT to ESPN:
  • "We were traded to ESPN, and it was disheartening to hear about it on the internet rather than directly from our bosses. Communication was lacking, and it felt unprofessional." [63:23]

Gambling Strategies and Experiences

• The conversation shifts to Barkley's approach to gambling:
  • "I love gambling, but I've learned to control it. Initially, I'd win big and then lose even bigger. Now, I focus on small wins and enjoy the process without chasing the big jackpots." [74:28]
• Barkley criticizes high-stakes parlays:
  • "Parlays are the stupidest thing ever. You always hit three out of four and get pissed off by the fourth." [79:34]

Dream Team and Barcelona Memories

• Reflecting on the iconic Dream Team and their experiences in Barcelona:
  • "The practices were like game sevens—intense and competitive. But the games were easy because everyone was focused on representing the United States." [90:00]
• Barkley reminisces about the camaraderie and competitive spirit:
  • "We played cards every night for hours. Larry Bird and Patrick Ewing became great friends. It was incredible." [88:28]

Mount Rushmore of G Words

The hosts engage in a humorous segment where they attempt to create a "Mount Rushmore" of words starting with the letter G, intentionally skipping the word "grit" to celebrate its theme. The playful banter leads to unexpected and often irreverent choices, reflecting the show's signature humor.

Notable Picks Include:

• Gridiron: "Can't do football without gridiron." [38:31]
• Golf: "I'm a huge golfer. Golf will be our first, and girls will be our second." [38:51]
• Guitar: "Guitars, they're everything to music." [40:28]
• Gold: "Gold is a good element." [41:31]
• God: "God is the greatest of them all." [47:38]

Humorous Missteps:

• Girls: The segment hilariously addresses the confusion between "girls" and "women," highlighting the hosts' comedic chemistry.
• Gorilla Harambe & Guy Fieri: Attempts to include pop culture references, leading to comedic exchanges.

NFL and UFC Updates

The episode also covers recent developments in the NFL and UFC, providing listeners with timely sports news and analysis.

NFL Highlights:

• Terry McLaurin's Status: McLaurin is holding in and listed on the PUP due to an ankle injury, sparking discussions about his future with the team.
• Christian Wilkins' Release: Wilkins was cut from the Raiders following a bizarre incident involving inappropriate behavior, humorously described by the hosts as putting his finger in teammates' butts. [12:31]
• Quarterback Controversies:
  • Kenny Pickett: Sustained a hamstring injury, affecting the Browns' quarterback lineup.
  • Devonte Adams: Now with the Rams, Adams expresses frustration with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, leading to humorous anecdotes about team dynamics.

UFC Recap:

• Shermat Magomedov's Performance: Magomedov is lauded as the greatest UFC fighter of all time, though the hosts humorously describe his appearance and reactions. [19:54]
• Notable Fights: Discusses violent encounters and fighter performances, including a memorable knockout that left a fighter with significant eye damage. [20:14]

Quotes:

• PFT Commenter: "Shermat Magomedov is the greatest UFC fighter of all time. He looks like an angry leprechaun." [19:54]
• Dan Katz: "It looked like a tire pump was put underneath his eyelid." [20:19]

Happy Gilmore 2 Review

Concluding the episode, the hosts review the long-awaited sequel, Happy Gilmore 2. Their opinions are mixed, balancing nostalgia with criticism.

Host Reactions:

• Dan Katz: "I fell asleep for a little bit, but I thought it was exactly what I expected... It was nostalgia with some cameos and fun moments." [98:42]
• PFT Commenter: "I laughed probably 10 times out loud during the movie. There were a lot of cameos and throwback jokes." [98:44]
• Zach: "I was waiting on it, but I didn't find it as entertaining as the first one." [25:37]

Key Points:

• Cameo Highlights: Rob Schneider and Bad Bunny’s performances stand out as the best cameos.
• Plot and Structure: The sequel is criticized for being too reliant on nostalgia and not offering a fresh storyline, though it serves as a light-hearted, fun watch.

Quotes:

• PFT Commenter: "Rob Schneider's in there. What a great job, Rob." [99:05]
• Dan Katz: "It was just like a fun popcorn watch. Didn't expect it to blow me away." [98:42]

Wrap-Up and Promotions

The episode wraps up with a light-hearted lottery ball segment, where a participant's chosen number was 17, coinciding humorously with host Max's favorite number.

Promotional Segments:

• Truly Unruly Hard Seltzer: Multiple mentions throughout the episode, highlighting its refreshing taste and high alcohol content, perfect for sports enthusiasts.
• Hey Dude Shoes: Promoted as the ideal footwear for tailgating and game day comfort.

Final Thoughts: The hosts express their appreciation for the engaging week, the successful interview with Charles Barkley, and encourage listeners to continue following "Grit Week."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Charles Barkley on Grit: "If you compete and give it your best, that's all you can ask for." [56:23]
• Charles Barkley on Constructive Criticism: "Some criticisms are fair. If it's fair, take it; if not, let it go." [74:07]
• PFT Commenter on Christian Wilkins' Release: "It was a butt incident." [12:44]
• Dan Katz on Barkley's Deodorant Story: "I forgot to put on deodorant. That's grit, you know?" [56:40]
• Charles Barkley on Media Relations: "When you're winning, you can treat the media how you want. When you're losing, they come for you." [72:01]

Closing Remarks: This episode of "Pardon My Take" masterfully blends sports commentary, humor, and insightful interviews, making it a must-listen for fans seeking both entertainment and in-depth sports analysis. The exclusive conversation with Charles Barkley provides valuable perspectives on grit, personal growth, and the ever-changing world of sports.