PTI Episode Summary: Arkansas Beats St. John’s, Rodgers Meets with Steelers

Release Date: March 24, 2025

Hosted by Tony Kornheiser and guest Pablo Torre, this episode of PTI delves deep into the latest happenings in the NCAA Tournament, explores potential NFL moves, discusses notable events in the NHL, MLB, and more. Below is a detailed summary capturing the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

1. NCAA Tournament Highlights

a. Maryland vs. Colorado State: A Significant Upset

• Pablo Torre highlights Maryland's victory over Colorado State, emphasizing the dramatic nature of the win.
• Quote [02:25]: "How the drama, the shot, that kid... a bank shot from an angle that I had not seen and still don't understand."
• The impact of knocking out a 12-seed like Colorado State from the Sweet 16 stage is discussed, showcasing Maryland's strong performance under Coach Steve Sands.

b. Arkansas Upsets St. John’s: Calipari’s Triumph

• Tony Kornheiser praises John Calipari for leading the 10-seed Arkansas to an unexpected victory over Rick Pitino’s 2-seed St. John’s.
• Quote [05:49]: "Cal Perry had a great weekend... he behaved very, very well. He could have gloated and he didn't gloat."
• Despite the game’s poor shooting statistics (4 combined 3-pointers from 41 attempts), the competitive spirit and defensive efforts made it a compelling match.

c. SEC’s Dominance and Future Concerns

• The hosts analyze the SEC's unprecedented 14 team bids into the NCAA Tournament and their continued success.
• Pablo Torre [09:20]: "Are we at a point where the talent market is now more efficient?"
• Concerns are raised about the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) affecting the diversity and unpredictability traditionally associated with the tournament.

d. Loss of Traditional Cinderella Stories

• Tony Kornheiser expresses disappointment over the absence of lower-seeded underdogs making significant runs, remarking, "It's not satisfying the way it usually is."
• Pablo Torre [11:48]: "If this is a trend, it's remarkable," highlighting the potential long-term impacts on college basketball's landscape.

2. NFL Updates: Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers

• Pablo Torre and Tony Kornheiser engage in a lively debate over the speculation surrounding Aaron Rodgers potentially becoming the Pittsburgh Steelers' next starting quarterback.
• Pablo Torre [15:00]: "It is not. It can't be, Tony."
• Tony Kornheiser [15:43]: "If Aaron Rodgers believes that everyone believes it's inevitable, he will make sure it doesn't happen."
• The discussion covers Rodgers' influence, his extensive talks with the Steelers, and the potential short-term nature of such a deal.

3. NHL Spotlight: Goalie Fights and Referee Interventions

• Pablo Torre expresses disappointment over referees stopping a planned fight between D'Arcy Kemper and Jeremy Swayman.
• Quote [17:14]: "I hate that they intervened for peace."
• Tony Kornheiser counters by emphasizing the importance of goalies in playoff scenarios and the risks associated with potential injuries from fights.
• Tony [17:57]: "It's great that you want. If you want to fight, sign up for UFC 753 or whatever the number is now."

4. MLB Concerns: Mookie Betts’ Health

• The discussion shifts to Mookie Betts and ongoing health issues affecting his performance.
• Tony Kornheiser [19:02]: "Mookie Betts has lost like 15 to 20 pounds."
• Concerns are raised about his ability to maintain health and performance, with Pablo Torre [19:09]: "It's worrisome to me."

5. College Soccer: US Men's Team Struggles

• Pablo Torre briefly touches on the US Men's Soccer Team's recent losses to Panama and Canada.
• The coach urges fans not to lose hope despite the setbacks.
• Tony Kornheiser [23:53]: "We're not a very good team."

6. Coaching Changes in College Basketball

• The hosts discuss notable coaching movements, including:
  • Ben McCollum leaving Drake for Iowa.
  • Ryan Odom transitioning from VCU to Virginia.
  • Will Wade moving from McNeese to NC State.
  • Sean Miller finally relocating from Xavier to Texas.
• Pablo Torre [24:06]: "Ryan Odom is going back to where he grew up."

7. NBA Insights: Steve Ballmer and the Clippers

• Tony Kornheiser reflects on Steve Ballmer's ownership of the Clippers, questioning the lack of championship success despite substantial investments.
• Quote [21:07]: "Ballmer is often wildly enthusiastic as he watches games in his new lovely Intuit Dome."

8. Memorial Tribute: George Foreman

• The episode pays homage to the late George Foreman, acknowledging his dual legacy in boxing and as a beloved entrepreneur.
• Tony Kornheiser [22:31]: "The most salient point about Foreman's heavyweight career is that the thing we remember most is the fight he lost in what was then Zaire to Muhammad Ali."

9. Additional Highlights

a. U.S. Men's Soccer Team Coaching Changes

• Pablo Torre [19:21]: "Coach of the U.S. men's soccer team asked the fans to not get pessimistic after two bad losses."

b. High-Profile Coaching Moves

• Pablo Torre [24:25]: "Sean Miller is leaving Xavier finally for Texas."

c. Collectibles Market: Paul Skeens Rookie Card

• A brief mention of Paul Skeens' rookie card selling for $1.1 million, eliciting personal anecdotes from the hosts.

Notable Quotes

• Pablo Torre [02:25]: "How the drama... a bank shot from an angle that I had not seen and still don't understand."
• Tony Kornheiser [05:49]: "Cal Perry had a great weekend... he behaved very, very well."
• Pablo Torre [09:20]: "Are we at a point where the talent market is now more efficient?"
• Tony Kornheiser [15:43]: "If Aaron Rodgers believes that everyone believes it's inevitable, he will make sure it doesn't happen."
• Tony Kornheiser [17:57]: "It's great that you want. If you want to fight, sign up for UFC 753 or whatever the number is now."
• Pablo Torre [19:09]: "It's worrisome to me."

Conclusion

In this episode of PTI, Tony Kornheiser and Pablo Torre provide comprehensive coverage of the NCAA Tournament's latest developments, scrutinize potential NFL quarterback movements, evaluate decisions within the NHL, and touch upon significant events in MLB and college soccer. Their insightful discussions shed light on the evolving dynamics in college sports, the implications of administrative decisions, and the personal challenges faced by athletes. The episode underscores the complexity and interconnectedness of various sports leagues, offering listeners a nuanced perspective on current sports narratives.