Pardon My Take – Episode Summary

Episode Title: OKC Thunder’s Alex Caruso, Maxx Crosby Is A Raven, Jayson Tatum Is Back, CBB Regular Season Finale And LIV Golf Conspiracy
Date: March 9, 2026
Hosts: Big Cat & PFT Commenter (Barstool Sports)
Special Guest: Alex Caruso (OKC Thunder, NBA Role Player)

Episode Overview

This Monday episode of Pardon My Take kicks off a week defined by NFL free agency rumors, NBA injury returns, and March Madness fever. Big Cat and PFT Commenter recap major sports headlines—most notably, Maxx Crosby’s blockbuster move to the Ravens, dissect fallout from Dak Prescott’s public breakup, and debate the chaos currently enveloping college basketball’s bubble. The show features an in-depth and lively studio interview with OKC Thunder’s Alex Caruso, who reflects on his role in the Thunder’s success, playing style, and the journey to becoming the ultimate NBA role player.

Key Discussion Points & Timestamps

1. NFL Free Agency: Maxx Crosby to the Ravens

[02:48 - 07:57]

• Big Cat & PFT dissect the Maxx Crosby trade:
  • Ravens acquire superstar pass rusher Maxx Crosby from the Raiders for two first-round picks.
  • PFT (02:48): “When this happened, the first thing I actually thought of was—what is John Harbaugh doing right now? He’s gotta be fuming.”
  • Discussion of how the Raiders hit a franchise crossroads and whether the Ravens are pivoting to a full-on “win now” window around Lamar Jackson.
• Big Cat: “You’re kinda forking the road—stash draft capital or go all-in with Lamar?”

2. Cowboys, Patriots, and Tom Brady Ownership Conspiracy

[07:05 - 11:15]

• Jokes about the Cowboys endlessly “monitoring” every free agent and trade rumor.
• Debate regarding whether Tom Brady may have blocked the Patriots from getting Crosby, referencing vague ESPN “sourcing” and poking fun at the media rumor mill:
  • Hank (08:45): “The way Brady’s last year went—you can believe anything at this point.”
• Banter on Brady’s post-retirement life, tongue-in-cheek jokes about him and Mark Davis assembling a “pussy patrol” in Vegas.

3. NFL Free Agency Rundown & QB Carousel

[11:32 - 18:54]

• Notable signings: Khalil Mack back to Chargers; Bills and Packers shore up the center position—Big Cat: “The center market is the hottest market out there.”
• Wild speculation about Geno Smith, Carson Wentz, Andy Dalton, Jacoby Brissett, and other second-tier QBs landing new gigs.
• PFT (19:00): Joke: “I want to see Russ cold calling teams like a boiler room—‘can I interest you in a Super Bowl champion QB?’”

4. Dak Prescott’s Broken Engagement and Combos Gone Wrong

[19:39 - 24:55]

• Discussion of Dak’s breakup with his fiancé after a joint bachelor/bachelorette party ended in disaster.
  • Big Cat (20:11): “If you do a joint bachelor/bachelorette party, that’s pre-crime. That’s the most insane thing possible.”
  • Rumors swirl about whether a prenup, strip club dispute, or friends’ drama were the culprit.
• Debate on the proper QB1 approach to off-field life and the hazards of public relationships.

5. NBA Catch-up: Jayson Tatum Returns

[26:38 - 29:56]

• Celtics’ Tatum returns from injury with no minutes restriction.
  • Hank (27:01): “It’s crazy that he’s back this fast and looks completely fine.”
• Lighthearted argument over postseason futures, Celtics-Sixers rivalry, and Jalen Brown’s claim to “best human two-way player.”
  • Big Cat (30:10): “Wemby’s not a human.”

6. College Basketball: Bubble Chaos & Tournament Talk

[32:40 - 51:01]

• Mass carnage on the bubble as key teams (Auburn, Indiana, Virginia Tech, etc.) lose critical games before conference tournaments.
  • Big Cat (33:37): “Now it’s a slop fest to see who gets in.”
• Spirited defense of automatic bids, Cinderella stories, and the “chaos” formula that makes March infamously fun.
  • PFT (35:31): “Chaos is what makes March March.”
• Debate over Miami (OH)’s weak non-conference schedule despite unbeaten conference run, and rightful place in the bracket.
  • Big Cat (37:56): “I don’t care if they played nobody. If you win every game, you should be in.”
• NCAA seeding quirks, dangers of 8/9 lines, Cinderella probabilities, and the path to the Final Four.

7. Golf: LIV, Conspiracies, and Arnold Palmer’s Umbrella

[50:12 - 52:57]

• Arnie Palmer’s classic umbrella logo origin (a story that involves a “hot chick”).
• LIV Golf’s rumored “scripted” victories: John Rahm finally wins after public speculation, sparking jokes about “magnetized” golf balls and Saudi influence.
  • Big Cat (58:03): “How long before President Trump wins a LIV event?”
  • PFT (59:15): “54 holes and shorts—that’s LIV to me…”
• Side tangent: viral left-handed golf content and the theory that discussion of certain players (Four Aces) on PMT leads to their real-life wins.

8. World Baseball Classic & International Sports

[65:46 - 67:56]

• High praise for the energy, fan engagement, and “real stakes” of the WBC.
• Tangent on Taiwan’s baseball dominance at youth level vs. pro level.
• Big Cat (66:51): “Selection Sunday, semifinals, final—then March Madness. It’s perfect.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Joint Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties:
  • Big Cat (20:11): “That’s pre-crime. That’s the most insane thing possible.”
• Maxx Crosby Trade:
  • PFT (02:48): “Crosby handled the trade request the best way any superstar ever has.”
• On Miami (OH)’s Cinderella Profile:
  • Big Cat (37:56): "They deserve to be in—played a shitty schedule, but not their fault. Give them a 1-seed for the comedy."
• On NBA Tanking:
  • Alex Caruso (100:45): “The reality is, the way the league’s set up—you have to tank if you want to get good.”
• LIV Golf Conspiracy:
  • Big Cat (58:03): “How long before President Trump wins a LIV event? It’s gotta be coming, right?”
• On Headbands:
  • Alex Caruso (104:07): “I sweat a lot… After a game, kids love my sweatband, they don’t even care.”
• On March Madness as a Pro:
  • Big Cat (91:09): “Does it suck not being able to watch all of March Madness?”
  • Caruso: “Those are the days… 8 AM to whenever, wall-to-wall games—it does sting missing it.”

Special Guest Interview: Alex Caruso (OKC Thunder)

[76:40 - 119:00]

Highlights:

• On Role Player Excellence:
  • Big Cat: “You’ve entered all-time role player level. That’s a compliment.”
• Game Prep & Secret Weapon Status:
  • Caruso details how his minutes vary by matchup and “mini playoff games,” especially in high-leverage nationally televised showdowns.
• Stealing Transition Turnovers:
  • “It’s part anticipation, part film—like a defensive back in football.”
• NBA Cup & Midseason Motivation:
  • Caruso laments falling short in the NBA Cup, jokes about the need for road trip “motivation” vs. tanking teams, and offers to throw in special “bounce pass assists” for PMT listeners.
• Golf Fandom & Charles Barkley's Surprise:
  • Humorous retelling of Barkley’s “miracle” golf round overshadowing Caruso’s best-ever 74 at Tahoe.
• Tanking & League Structure:
  • A frank assessment: “It works… If you don’t draft well, you’re stuck in a losing revolution.”
• Team Vet Life:
  • Details on being the “old guy” among Thunder youth, getting ribbed for being “ancient” at 30, and road life mishaps (hotel key mix-ups, confusing cities).
• TikTok Dance Ultimatums:
  • Caruso jokes about possibly having to do a TikTok dance with Jared McCain if the rookie threatens to “guarantee a title” online.
• On NBA Cups:
  • Lighthearted refusal to “guarantee a title”—“Anyone can win one or one-and-a-half, but the NBA Cup? That’s a different beast.”

Other Running Themes & Sidebars

• Banter about sports media rumors, NFL ownership drama, and the “script” of professional sports.
• Jokes about podcast “influence”—Hank’s passionate left-handed golf journey, PMT’s supposed impact on real sports outcomes.
• Emphasis on the emotional experience of sports as both fans and professional athletes, especially around March and playoff time.

Episode Conclusion

The show wraps up with “Who’s Back?” segments (including Four Aces, Logan Paul, and the World Baseball Classic), rapid-fire debate about half marathons, and the ongoing PMT tradition of trying to hit the mystical correct “random number.” As always, it’s a blend of sharp sports analysis, self-aware comedy, and deep-dive conversation with legendary role players—perfect for sports fans looking for laughs and context on the week’s hottest topics.

Quick Reference Timestamps

• Maxx Crosby Trade & Harbaugh Reactions: 02:48
• Cowboys Drama & Brady Rumors: 07:05
• QB Rumor Roundup: 11:32
• Dak Prescott Breakup: 19:39
• NBA (Tatum Returns, Wemby Tears Up): 26:38, 30:30
• CBB Bubble Chaos: 33:29
• LIV Golf & Conspiracy: 50:12, 58:03
• Alex Caruso Interview: 76:40 – 119:00

“If you do a joint bachelor/bachelorette party, that’s pre-crime. That’s the most insane thing possible.”

—Big Cat (20:11)

For further context, listen to the full episode on your preferred podcast platform or visit barstool.link/pardon-my-take.