Pardon My Take – Episode Summary Release Date: February 19, 2025

In this episode of Pardon My Take, hosts Big Cat and PFT Commenter engage in a spirited discussion covering a variety of hot-button sports topics, with special guest Paul Bissonnette joining the conversation. The episode delves into the upcoming Four Nations Final, LeBron James' controversial moment at the All Star Game, and debates whether the current sports calendar is facing its worst weeks. Additionally, the hosts tackle amusing listener calls and participate in their regular segments, Hot Seat and Cool Throne. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

1. Preparing for the Four Nations Final with Paul Bissonnette

The episode kicks off with anticipation for the upcoming Four Nations Final scheduled for Thursday night. Paul Bissonnette, a well-known figure in the hockey community, joins the hosts to discuss the dynamics between the USA and Canada in hockey.

• Paul Bissonnette's Take:
  • Hank (02:50): Expresses enthusiasm about Bissonnette's participation, highlighting his intention to use the show’s platform to discuss hockey rivalries.
  • PFT Commenter (46:11): Emphasizes the importance of USA Hockey's development programs and credits Canadian players for bolstering the American team's success. He states, “The United States has definitely excelled in the goaltending position over the years. They have probably five of the top 15 goaltenders in the world now” (51:16).

2. The "Worst Three Weeks" of the Sports Calendar

Big Cat posits that the current period is the most challenging phase in the sports calendar, citing a lack of significant events compared to other times of the year.

• Big Cat's Proclamation:

  • Big Cat (03:33): Declares, “I believe that we are in the worst three weeks of the sports calendar” (03:33), citing minimal action except for draft-related news and the upcoming Final.

• Counterpoints from Hank:

  • Hank (05:48): Disagrees, mentioning conference championship week as a favorite period, though acknowledges it’s scheduled slightly later than usual this year.

3. LeBron James and the All Star Game Picture Controversy

A heated discussion unfolds around LeBron James' actions during the All Star Game, specifically his decision not to wear the historic OG jersey, which sparked backlash among fans.

• Controversial Moment:

  • Big Cat (06:45): Mentions LeBron's recent act of not participating fully in the All Star Game, leading to accusations of him "ruining a picture" (05:05).

• Analyzing the Backlash:

  • Memes (12:08): Comments on how photoshopping LeBron out improved the picture, reflecting fan dissatisfaction.
  • Big Cat (10:21): Criticizes LeBron's actions as selfish, suggesting it was a form of silent protest against his perceived impact on the All Star Game.

• Notable Quote:

  • Big Cat (12:10): “This picture is one of the worst sports pictures of all time” (12:10).

4. Hot Seat/Cool Throne Segments

The hosts engage in their signature segments, discussing a range of topics from unconventional sports injuries to the effectiveness of business schools.

• Josh Rosen's Career Missteps:

  • Big Cat (07:20): Discusses Josh Rosen opting out of his anticipated NFL career, humorously noting he might pursue a doctorate instead.

• Business Schools Critique:

  • Big Cat (08:37): Dismisses the value of business schools, labeling them a “complete racket” focused on networking rather than education.

• Unique Sports Injuries:

  • Big Cat (40:17): Highlights Dustin May's unusual injury caused by eating lettuce, which resulted in a torn esophagus requiring emergency surgery (40:01).

• Notable Quote:

  • Big Cat (18:33): “Stick to your guns. I played third. I mean, what else?” (18:33), emphasizing the importance of players maintaining their positions.

5. Listener Calls and Amusing Interactions

The episode features humorous listener calls about unconventional bathroom habits and relationship dynamics, offering comic relief amidst intense sports discussions.

• Bathroom Etiquette:

  • Listener Call (88:16): A caller humorously questions whether it’s normal for guys to cross streams in the bathroom, sparking a lighthearted debate among the hosts.

• Relationship Dynamics:

  • Listener Call (94:04): Another caller seeks advice on her boyfriend's peculiar bathroom habits, leading to a funny exchange about personal boundaries and privacy.

6. Paul Bissonnette’s Heated Exchange on Hockey Rivalries

The guest, Paul Bissonnette, engages in a fiery debate with the hosts about the USA vs. Canada hockey rivalry, expressing strong nationalistic sentiments.

• National Pride and Rivalries:

  • Paul Bissonnette (46:42): Claims, “We're better than you,” asserting Canada’s superiority in hockey and responding aggressively to USA’s perceived dominance (46:22).

• Discussion on Player Contributions:

  • PFT Commenter (53:22): Acknowledges the strong contributions of Canadian players to USA Hockey, while also calling for respect towards their efforts.

• Notable Quote:

  • Paul Bissonnette (64:46): “We are not a 51st state,” reinforcing Canada's distinct identity in the sports rivalry (64:51).

7. Predictions and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, the hosts and Bissonnette make bold predictions for the Four Nations Final, anticipating high-stakes gameplay and potential on-ice confrontations.

• Game Predictions:

  • PFT Commenter (66:56): Predicts a significant victory for the USA team, highlighting players like "McJesus" and "Mitchie Marner" as key contributors (66:43).

• Potential Fisticuffs:

  • PFT Commenter (69:24): Discusses the possibility of fights during the game, referencing player rivalries and the intense national rivalry fueling the competition (69:02).

• Final Notable Quote:

  • Paul Bissonnette (78:03): Declares, “Don't pull my anthem,” underscoring the deep-seated nationalistic fervor surrounding the game (78:19).

Conclusion

This episode of Pardon My Take masterfully blends fervent sports analysis with humor and passionate debates, particularly around the upcoming Four Nations Final and the USA-Canada hockey rivalry. With guest Paul Bissonnette adding an extra layer of intensity, listeners are treated to a comprehensive and entertaining exploration of current sports controversies and events. The hosts' engaging interactions and insightful commentary ensure that both avid fans and casual listeners find the discussion both informative and enjoyable.

For those looking to stay updated on the Four Nations Final and enjoy a lively take on current sports happenings, this episode is a must-listen.