Pardon My Take Episode Summary: Ryan Whitney, Someone Peed At The Masters, Luka’s Return + Fyre Fest Of The Week
Release Date: April 11, 2025
Hosts: Big Cat & PFT Commenter
Guest: Ryan Whitney

1. Masters Tournament Controversy: The Case of Raised Creek

The episode kicks off with Big Cat announcing, "[The Masters have] been canceled" ([00:00]), immediately diving into a heated discussion about amateur golfer José Luis Ballister from Arizona State. Ballister caused uproar by urinating in Rivers Creek during the first round, leading to widespread criticism from both hosts and listeners.

Notable Quotes:

• PFT Commenter: "Somebody has peed in Rivers Creek." ([03:05])
• Big Cat: "He's an amateur. He wore an upside-down hat." ([03:07])
• PFT Commenter: "I think everyone pees in Rivers Creek. We just don't talk about it." ([04:00])

The hosts express their disgust over his actions, particularly criticizing the use of an upside-down hat, deeming it "beneath Augusta" ([04:35]). They humorously debate the acceptability of such behavior, comparing it to swimmers discreetly relieving themselves in pools.

2. Luka’s Return and the Tribute Video Debate

Transitioning from golf to basketball, the conversation shifts to Luca's emotional tribute video following his performance against the Mavericks—a move that has sparked discussions about the prevalence and appropriateness of tribute videos in sports ([12:00]).

Notable Quotes:

• PFT Commenter: "My couple thoughts about the tribute video: it was really well done, and Luca got emotional." ([12:30])
• Big Cat: "He deserves a tribute video if you win a championship or are the face of the franchise." ([12:52])

The hosts debate whether such tributes have become too commonplace, reminiscing about past instances like Isaiah Thomas Jr.'s tribute. They commend Luca for his emotional performance and criticize the Mavericks' general manager, Nico Harrison, for making controversial trades and avoiding confronting fans post-trade ([14:00]).

3. T.J. Watt Trade Speculations and Team Strategies

The discussion moves to NFL trade rumors, specifically surrounding T.J. Watt and his potential move to the Steelers. The hosts dissect the implications of Watt's age (41 years old) and his influence over the Steelers' draft strategies, suggesting that Watt might be leveraging his position to influence the team's decisions ([18:00]).

Notable Quotes:

• Big Cat: "He's not even a Steeler. Everyone is waiting to see if they'll draft a quarterback." ([18:00])
• PFT Commenter: "He was furious, and we all freaking out that he might be gone." ([16:23])

4. Nuggets and Jokic: Loyalty and Team Dynamics

Shifting to basketball, the hosts analyze Nikola Jokić's tenure with the Nuggets, emphasizing his loyalty despite minimal All-Star company and lack of significant team support. They highlight Jokić's MVP-worthy performance and question the Nuggets' commitment to building a championship-contending roster around him ([21:00]).

Notable Quotes:

• Big Cat: "Jokić has had zero All-Star teammates while being an MVP. That's pretty crazy." ([22:25])
• PFT Commenter: "He's been a good soldier, never asked for a trade." ([22:46])

5. DraftKings and KFC Dunk It Challenge Promotions

Throughout the episode, promotional segments for DraftKings and KFC’s Dunk It Challenge are interspersed. DraftKings promotes their sportsbook partnership with UFC, encouraging listeners to bet on upcoming fights ([02:00]), while KFC introduces the Dunk It Bucket, an interactive food experience designed for ultimate dunking, with a competition airing on April 16th ([10:38]).

Notable Quotes:

• Big Cat: "Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app now and use Code Take for $150 in bonus bets." ([02:00])
• PFT Commenter: "KFC is inviting everyone to dunk it their way. Tune into the KFC Dunk It Challenge on April 16th." ([11:00])

6. Mini Golf Mishaps and Office Competitions

In a lighter segment, the hosts recount their chaotic mini-golf tournaments, filled with humorous incidents like Big Cat getting heat-induced vomit ([97:43]) and accidental entrances into women's bathrooms ([100:00]). These stories highlight the comedic side of their friendships and the unpredictable nature of their office competitions.

Notable Quotes:

• Big Cat: "Mini golf is the dumbest sport ever, but it's the most frustrating thing in the world." ([98:00])
• PFT Commenter: "I got yelled at for showering after the gym. It's bizarre." ([104:00])

7. Hockey Playoffs Predictions and League Management Critique

Delving into hockey, the hosts provide extensive analysis on playoff prospects, team performances, and league management. They discuss the Denver Nuggets' coach Michael Malone, the Nuggets' championship strategies, and compare hockey's playoff unpredictability to other sports leagues ([19:00]). Additionally, they critique NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, questioning the widespread disdain among hockey fans despite his long tenure ([60:30]).

Notable Quotes:

• PFT Commenter: "How can I hate every commissioner when they're just doing what the owners tell them to do?" ([61:08])
• Big Cat: "Hockey's in a great place right now, thanks to Bettman." ([61:26])

8. Ryan Whitney Interview: Insights and Promotions

The latter part of the episode features an interview with Ryan Whitney, discussing his experiences and providing further promotional content for sponsors like GameTime Baseball and Part of My Cheesesteak. Whitney shares anecdotes from his college days, his professional journey, and upcoming projects, adding depth to the conversation ([28:30]).

Notable Quotes:

• PFT Commenter: "Ryan Whitney's brought to you by GameTime Baseball—making getting tickets faster and easier." ([26:31])
• Big Cat: "Ryan, if you're not on the leaderboard, we need to get you back on." ([28:36])

9. Fyre Fest Of The Week: Office Shenanigans

Concluding the episode, Hank shares his "Fyre Fest of the Week," narrating his experiences dealing with negative feedback during mini-golf tournaments ([97:43]). The segment underscores the show's blend of sports talk with personal and relatable humor, wrapping up with light-hearted farewells ([115:00]).

Notable Quotes:

• Hank: "Everybody hates me. My boss is telling me to suck my coworkers, but that's kind of fun." ([97:56])
• Big Cat: "Mini golf is the most frustrating thing, but it's the most fun because we take it seriously." ([98:00])

Conclusion

This episode of "Pardon My Take" seamlessly weaves through various sports anecdotes, controversies, and personal stories, all while maintaining the hosts' signature humor and candidness. From the scandal at the Masters to in-depth sports analyses and hilarious office mishaps, Big Cat and PFT Commenter deliver an engaging and comprehensive discussion that caters to both dedicated sports fans and casual listeners alike.

Key Takeaways:

• Respect and Etiquette in Sports: The Masters controversy highlights the importance of sportsmanship and etiquette in prestigious tournaments.
• Emotional Moments in Sports: Luca's tribute video emphasizes the emotional investment athletes have in their performances and team dynamics.
• Player Trades and Team Loyalty: Discussions around T.J. Watt and Nikola Jokić shed light on player influence and loyalty within professional teams.
• Promotional Integrations: The episode effectively incorporates sponsor promotions without detracting from the main content.
• Humorous Relatability: Personal stories and office competitions add a relatable and humorous dimension to the podcast.

For more episodes, visit Barstool Sports' Pardon My Take available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Music for Prime Members.