Could Nick Saban Return to Coaching?

Summary

PTI Episode Summary: "Could Nick Saban Return to Coaching?"

Released on July 15, 2025

In this engaging episode of PTI, ESPN’s Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon delve into a variety of hot topics, intertwining discussions on baseball achievements, collegiate coaching legends, NFL quarterback evaluations, and insights from MLB’s Mark DeRosa. Below is a comprehensive summary capturing the key points, notable quotes, and the dynamic interplay between the hosts.

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1. Episode Introduction

Timestamp: [01:00]

Tony Kornheiser kicks off the episode by outlining the main topics for discussion:

• Nick Saban’s potential return to coaching.
• Criticism surrounding NFL quarterback Jalen Hurts.
• Insights from Mark DeRosa on baseball starting pitchers and All-Star selections.
• Celebratory mentions of Cal Rawley’s Home Run Derby victory.

---

2. Cal Rawley’s Historic Home Run Derby Win

Timestamp: [01:35] – [02:59]

The hosts celebrate Cal Rawley’s achievement as he becomes the first catcher to win the Home Run Derby. Tony highlights Rawley’s unique accomplishment and its place in baseball history, joining the likes of Ken Griffey Jr., Mark McGwire, and Aaron Judge.

Michael Wilbon comments on Rawley’s star potential:

“He’s the odds on favor to be the MVP… my concern is whether he can sustain this performance over more than one season.”
[01:35]

Tony Kornheiser reflects on the emotional aspect of Rawley’s victory:

“What a warm moment it must have been… when Cal Rawley is up there swinging and his dad is throwing the pitches and his younger brother is catching behind him.”
[02:00]

They discuss Rawley’s defensive prowess, switch-hitting ability, and the challenges he faces playing for Seattle, a less glamorous market compared to Ohtani and Judge.

---

3. The Future of Nick Saban in Coaching

Timestamp: [02:59] – [07:40]

A significant portion of the episode debates whether legendary coach Nick Saban might return to the sidelines. Triggered by comments from Greg McElroy and Lane Kiffin, the hosts explore various perspectives.

Michael Wilbon expresses skepticism:

“It’s not settled down at all. It’s going to be wilder because people are going to offer money outside of whatever the salary cap is… Saban seems to be one of those people who just enjoy their lives.”
[06:43]

Tony Kornheiser presents a counterpoint, suggesting that the coaching landscape might stabilize:

“Things evolved… It seems to me possible that Saban would say yeah, I’ve been out two years, I’ll take another shot at this.”
[06:14]

They discuss the impact of the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and transfer portal on coaching dynamics, comparing Saban's situation to other coaching legends like Bill Belichick and Pete Carroll.

---

4. Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles Debate

Timestamp: [07:40] – [11:03]

The conversation shifts to NFL quarterback Jalen Hurts, amid criticisms questioning his role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory. Nick Sirianni denies that Hurts merely rode the team to success, asserting Hurts’ crucial contributions.

Nick Sirianni states:

“I think that’s bull bleep. We’re talking about the ultimate team game there is, and he does whatever he needs to do to win every game.”
[07:40]

Michael Wilbon dismisses the criticism as unfounded:

“This is what happens when a 17 game season has to be discussed on every network… fodder for stupid talk.”
[08:26]

Tony Kornheiser defends Hurts’ performance:

“Jalen Hurts is out there on every play to make sure Saquon Barkley gets the ball… He’s every bit of that [Bart Starr-like] role.”
[09:21]

The hosts agree that Hurts’ consistent performance warrants his recognition and counters the notion that his success is due to surrounding talent alone.

---

5. MLB Central Interview with Mark DeRosa

Timestamp: [13:16] – [18:34]

Mark DeRosa, co-host of MLB Network’s MLB Central, joins the show to discuss the All-Star Game and broader baseball dynamics.

Discussion Points:

• All-Star Selections:

  • Mark DeRosa explains the selection of pitchers like Ray and Skeens, emphasizing entertainment value versus performance.

    “As an entertainment product, I can’t wait to see him tonight.”
    [13:40]

• Starting Pitchers and Game Strategy:

  • DeRosa advocates for valuing starting pitchers by allowing them to engage in more meaningful matchups rather than relying heavily on bullpens.

    “Organizations have to start valuing efficiency… letting these guys go through the lineup multiple times.”
    [15:02]

• Technology in Baseball:

  • Enthusiastic about the introduction of challenge systems for balls and strikes, DeRosa shares firsthand experience.

    “I watched it work to our advantage twice… It has made the game a better product.”
    [16:30]

• Pete Alonso’s Proposal for Fights in Baseball:

  • DeRosa finds merit in Alonso’s unconventional suggestion to legalize one-on-one fights to address on-field tensions.

    “Usually it’s a one on one matchup… I kind of understand where Pete’s coming from.”
    [17:35]

Tony Kornheiser humorously probes into Alonso’s motivation behind the proposal, linking it to physicality and enforcement on the field.

---

6. Celebrations and Career Reflections

Timestamp: [20:23] – [24:46]

The episode transitions to celebratory and reflective segments:

• Juju Watkins’ Recovery:

  • Tony Kornheiser celebrates Juju Watkins’ resilience post-ACL injury, emphasizing advancements in sports medicine.

    “Greatest players can come back now, including Juju Watkins.”
    [21:07]

• Rafael Palmeiro’s 20th Anniversary:

  • Remembrance of Palmeiro’s milestone 3,000th hit, juxtaposed with his steroid suspension and legacy.

    “Palmeiro is not in the hall of fame clearly because of steroids…”
    [21:23]

• Noah Eisenge’s Summer League Dunk:

  • Tony Kornheiser humorously laments Noah Eisenge’s memorable dunk, shared widely on social media.

    “This could qualify as an international incident.”
    [22:23]

• Paul George’s Knee Surgery and Player Health:

  • Michael Wilbon and Tony discuss Paul George’s arthroscopic knee surgery, expressing hope for his swift return.

    “They can’t catch a break in Philly… I hope he can get out there soon.”
    [23:26]

• Retiring Art Monk’s Jersey and Tampa Bay Rays Ownership:

  • Brief mentions of Art Monk’s jersey retirement and speculation about the Tampa Bay Rays’ ownership changes, though not deeply explored.

• Closing Banter:

  • The hosts exchange light-hearted remarks teasing future topics, rounding off the episode on a playful note.

---

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon maintain their signature banter, blending insightful analysis with humor. They engage listeners with discussions ranging from historic baseball achievements and collegiate coaching legends to NFL quarterback evaluations and MLB All-Star dynamics. The inclusion of expert opinion from Mark DeRosa adds depth, particularly on baseball strategies and the evolving nature of the game. Overall, the episode offers a rich tapestry of sports commentary, making it a must-listen for fans seeking both information and entertainment.

---

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wilbon on Cal Rawley:

  “If he’s going to be the MVP and then can sustain this… that’s what’s worth watching to me.”
  [02:59]

• Tony Kornheiser on Nick Saban:

  “Nobody wants to coach with the NIL and the transfer portal… But things evolved, Mike.”
  [06:14]

• Mark DeRosa on Starting Pitchers:

  “Missing bats is kind of leaking down into the minor leagues… it’s what these kids are chasing.”
  [15:02]

• Mike Wilbon on Jalen Hurts:

  “This is what happens when a 17 game season has to be discussed on every network… fodder for stupid talk.”
  [08:26]

---

This detailed summary encapsulates the multifaceted discussions of the PTI episode, providing listeners with a clear and comprehensive overview of the topics covered.

Transcript

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[Mike Wilbon]

Pardon the interruption, but I'm Mike Wilbon. Baseball's All Star Game is tonight. Tony, have you ever made any All Star teams?

[Tony Kornheiser]

I'm Tony kornheiser. Streeton Smith's 10 Sexiest Sports Writers 1978. I got a copy of it behind me on the bookcase.

[Mike Wilbon]

Wow.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah.

[Mike Wilbon]

You beat out Bob Ryan. Is that the case?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Huh? I think I beat out Ryan. Pretty sure I beat out Lupica.

[Mike Wilbon]

Pretty sure I'm not getting it out.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You can look it.

[Mike Wilbon]

I'm not going anywhere.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Welcome to pti, boys and girls. In today's episode, Nick Saban's football future, criticism of Jalen hurts and Mart DeRosa joins us to talk baseball for five good minutes. But we begin today with Big Dumper. Cal Rawley winning the Home Run Derby last night, becoming the first catcher to ever do so. Raleigh is now the fourth player to win the Home Run Derby while leading the majors in home runs to that point, joining Ken Griffey Jr. And Mark McGuire who did it in the 90s, and Aaron Judge who did it in 2017. Wilbon, how high in the star rankings can you see Raleigh ascending?

[Mike Wilbon]

Well, Tony, if you're going to ascend high in star rankings, it means to me more than one season. Look, he's the odds on favor to be the mvp. And I know Aaron Judge is like, let's not count out Aaron Judge with the season he's having, but it means you got even as a catcher. And we're paying special attention because my goodness, this guy's having a hell of a year for anybody and double for a catcher. But Mike Piazza is a guy who had five, six or more great seasons. I'm not even about to start mentioning the likes of Johnny Bench. And if we go back in time, Bera and Campanello, I'm just not prepared to do that. But in today's star making turn, where the marketing people will make a star out of anybody who's had three great weeks, the Dumper is already a star by today's. Standards. But if he's going to be the MVP and then can sustain this, you know, and like, I don't care, as I said, two days in a row, I don't care about, you know, Home Run Derby. I, you know, Tony, I just want all the All Star games to get off the stage so that we can resume with the parts of the season that matter. And now we are in the second half of the season in both leagues. There's some intriguing races going on. You've got Rawley having this terrific season, but Starr to me means more than one season to me, old fashioned as I am.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah, yeah. So I would just start by saying what a warm moment it must have been last night when Cal Rawley is up there swinging and his dad is throwing the pitches and his younger brother is catching behind him. I remember when Bryce Harper's dad was throwing the pitches to Bryce Harper when he was on the Nationals and he won the Home Run Derby. And what a fortunate thing for Raleigh yesterday that the longest home run he hit in the first contest was one and then got got him into the second contest was one inch longer than the Oakland player. Right. Let me get Oakland's player's name, Brent Rooker. One inch longer. Okay. How high can he go? Catcher is a problem. It's not a glamour position, though. Two guys you mentioned, Johnny Bench and Mike Piazza, were fairly glamorous. He's the best defensive catcher in all of baseball and I think that that matters. He's got a great nickname. Big Dumper is a great nickname. He's a switch hitter. Legendary players have been switch hitters. And Mike, by August 1st, it's very possible he will have. Certainly not August 1st, September 1st, he'll have more home runs than any catcher ever had. What is the negative here? One of the negatives is he plays in Seattle, which is off the grid. Though that never hurt Ken Griffey Jr. The big negative to me is that he's in the era of Ohtani and Judge, who are tremendously glamorous players in large cities who look like old timers. So what would happen with Rawley, even if he has a great year, is somebody's going to say, do it again, do it again. Prove it's not a fluke because these other guys have done it again and these other guys have been in the.

[Mike Wilbon]

World Series and that matters again. That's just. Yes, more than once. And we'll see if he's capable. That's worth watching. I don't care about Home Run Derby. Dumper can he, can he sustain this? That's what's worth watching to me. Let's move to speculation about Brace yourselves. Nick Saban returning to coaching. ESPN analyst and former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy said on his radio show yesterday that someone very much in the know was pretty adamant that Saban will return to coaching one day. Ole Miss coach and former Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin later said, quote, I don't think he's done close quote. Tone, could you see Nick Saban returning to coaching?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah. So as a former sportswriter, I would love to know who Greg McIlroy's source is. Could it be Saban himself? Since Saban coached him at Alabama, maybe it's somebody who coached with Saban. Could it be Sarkeesian? Could it be Bill Belichick? You know, can I see Saban returning coaching? Of course I can. Bill Belichick is coaching again. Pete Carroll is coaching again. You're going to say hold it, hold it, hold it. Nobody wants to coach with the NIL and the transfer portal. And Saban got out because he couldn't control his team the way he used to be able to control his team. Well, things evolved, Mike. I mean again, look who's coaching. Look what Belichick did. He hired a GM so that he could be shielded from all the transactional stuff. I mean it seems to me this is going to settle down. It seems to me it's going to be streamlined. The transfer portal and the Nil and all that money. And it seems to me possible that Saban would say yeah, I've been out two years, I'll take another shot at this. And I would list a bunch of names like in another sport. Mike Krzyzewski, Jim Boeheim, Roy Williams, Tony Bennett, Jay Wright. Is it possible that maybe a couple of them look at it now and say maybe I was a little too hasty cuz I think it'll settle down and you can go back to coaching.

[Mike Wilbon]

It's not settled down at all. It's going to be wilder because people are going to offer money outside of whatever the salary cap is. You think the Texas A and M just to pick a place. You think their oil rich alums are going to say yeah we're going to pay attention to the cap. No they're not and Saban's not coming back and I'm going to go Bill cower on you cuz there are some people who just enjoy their lives and Saban seems to be one of them. He plays the best golf courses in the world every Time he wakes up and wants to do it. I tell you something, Saban would be great. I'd be great at a lot of stuff. How about the czar of college football? Because college football is going to need one. All the college sports needs one. No, he's not coming back because Saban very quickly identified what the problem was going to be, the issues going to be in college sports, and he got out the next day. He was smarter and quicker than everybody and he ain't coming back.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I'm going to go the other way. I'm going to go the other way and I'm just going to make it very, very simple here. And he's done great work. He's brilliant in that verbo commercial. He is. But he's been out two years and this is the life he's always had. And maybe he misses it. Maybe he misses it. Let's move to the NFL, where Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni told NBC Sports in Philadelphia that he totally rejects the notion that last year's super bowl winning Eagles carried quarterback Jalen Hurts. And that Hurts was just along for the ride, a notion that apparently has found traction in Philadelphia. Sirianni said, quote, I think that's bull bleep. We're talking about the ultimate team game there is, and he does whatever he needs to do to win every game, unquote. Wilbourn, was this something that ever entered your mind?

[Mike Wilbon]

No, because it's too stupid to enter my mind. And this is what happens when a 17 game season has to be discussed on every network, including this one, for 52 weeks. That means there's 30 plus weeks when it shouldn't be discussed, when there ought to be a moratorium, when people ought to say, let's discuss something else like golf and tennis and track and field. But no, we, we're going to just discuss this ad nauseam and propose questions and debates that are stupid and not worth considering. And then we're gonna do it tomorrow morning and the next morning and the next morning. And that's all it is, is fodder for stupid talk.

[Tony Kornheiser]

So I think that in this particular case, it may have something to do with these rankings of quarterbacks that come out and you see that Hertz is ranked like 9th or 10th or 11th or something like that.

[Mike Wilbon]

Just dumb.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I'm one of those people who believe that there are better quarterbacks than Jalen Hurts, but I would be inclined to put Jalen Hurts as you know, as the MVP ahead of a lot of those guys. Joe Burrow, I think is a better quarterback. Lamar Jackson I think is a better quarterback. Their results are nowhere near. Jalen hurts his results. Jalen hurts. His results are right in front of you. I mean is it. Is. Is there linkage to the fact that Saquon Barkley came to the Eagles and the Eagles won a Super Bowl? Sure, that's possibly true. But Jalen hurts is out there on every play to make sure Saquon Barkley gets the ball where he needs the ball and make sure that that offense is maximized. I'll give you a quarterback, Mike, A comparable quarterback who did not have overwhelming statistics, who had wonderful receivers and had great running backs and won Super Bowls. Bart Starr. And I don't think the packers could have won without Bart Starr. You know, I think that team was Bart Stars in the way that the Eagles team is. Jalen hurts. And like you, I don't know where this comes from. I just don't.

[Mike Wilbon]

I don't. It comes from a place of stupid because there's history is littered with guys who did what they were supposed to do your job as Bill, as a parcels or Belichick, I forget which Bill said it. Do your job Belichick. Bob Greasy Belichick. Doing your job. Bob Griesi would never be mentioned with the all time great Pat. What'd he do? He did what he was supposed to do and did his job and quarterback great team and there are people like that. You mentioned Barstow. Of course those guys are. And Jalen hurts is every bit of that. And so when I see these rankings, the rankings have to come out so you can have these stupid discussions.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I will tell you, 52 weeks a year this feels like a creation. And I would give all the credit in the world to Nick Sirianni if he created it just to slam it. Let's take a break. Coming up, Tarek Scubal and Paul Schemes are your all star starters. What can baseball do to restore the stature of the starting pitcher? We're going to ask Mark DeRosa.

[Mike Wilbon]

We'll also ask him about Pete Alonso's suggestion to make one on one fights legal in baseball. We should ask him about another Pete, MD Pete. Pete Crowe Armstrong. That's what we should ask him. That's the Pete we should be talking about.

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[Tony Kornheiser]

In a story we broke in our first segment, Baseball's All Star Game is tonight, which makes it a perfect time to bring in the co host of MLB Network's MLB Central, Mark DeRosa. Wilbon is a devotee of Mark's, which you'll find out later. Let's start with this. Some Phillies Some Phillies are having a problem with the Miz making the All Star team as a replacement. Mark, how do you feel about that?

[Mark DeRosa]

You know I never looked at it guys like an entertainment product when I played, but now being on this side of it, I do see it as an entertainment product. This guy has lit it up. I know it's only five starts. I also know that a lot of guys have declined going and usually the rule is if you're going to be a replacement, you have to be available to pitch in the game. I can understand Christopher Sanchez having an art. He should have been an All Star from Jump, but he just pitched recently. He wasn't going to be available. Probably same with Ranger Suarez. They start going down the line and eventually they could get to a guy who's throwing a buckle, one who has a chance to come in. Maybe in the fifth, sixth or seventh inning and light it up. I can understand the guy's having a problem with it, but as an entertainment product, I can't wait to see him tonight.

[Mike Wilbon]

God, I have to hate him as my birthright as a Cub fan, Mark to hate the Miz, even though I'm fascinated by him, of course. Let's say we're starting pitching because we got this great matchup for as long as it lasts between Scubal and Skeens. If you were czar of baseball, what would you do to. To sort of make sure starting pitching and starting pitching matchups were a bigger part of the game?

[Mark DeRosa]

Yeah, you know what this is? This is a bigger question. This is a full show because this is leaking down all the way into the youth. I just think there's got to be something in place. I don't know if it's a rule. The way I watch the game is I pick out who the best starting pitching matchup is that night. And that's where I'm fixated at. I don't get overrun with guys who are going to go four or five innings and. And then they're just going to start rolling the bullpen in there. So for me, it's what the industry is valuing right now. Missing bats is kind of leaking down into the minor leagues, how they're being developed and it's leaking into college and all the way into the. Into youth baseball. It's what these kids are, are chasing. I'm immersed. I have a 15 year old son. They're chasing, lighting up the radar gun. They're chasing exit V even if it's not a hit. So I just think organizations have to start valuing efficiency, certainly stuff, but the ability to pitch and be willing to let these guys go through the lineup not only twice, but some of them maybe a third time and not be so fixated on a pitch count.

[Mike Wilbon]

There's something else that people might get fixated on. I'm not sure how I feel about it yet. We want to find out how you feel about players being able to challenge balls and strikes tonight. Yeah. Are you. Where are you on technology improving the game?

[Mark DeRosa]

I love it. I'm going to be honest with you. I just was the bench coach for Chipper Jones in the Futures Game and we got to use it and I watched it work to our advantage twice. So yeah, I'm good with it. I think you're going to see this next year. I think this is going to be brought into the game next year. I think they're trying to figure out how many challenges to give people. You don't want everyone saving it to the ninth inning and then it slows down the game. The pitch clock has made the. Whether you, whether you agree with it or not, it has made it a better product in my opinion. Getting. Getting the ball moving a little bit more. So, yeah, I think you're going to see it tonight. Guys are going to be scared to use it. Tarik Scubal actually said he's not going to use it. He'll leave it to his catcher if he wants to use it.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Now we got another question for you. This is a wild question. I was unaware of this. Pete Alonso said today that he would like to see one on one fights get legalized in baseball the way they are in hockey. This is so off the board for me. Where do you come down on Alonzo's proposal?

[Mark DeRosa]

You know what's crazy? I kind of understand where he's coming from because the whole bench clearer and nobody throws a punch. And then here comes the bullpen and we got a 15 minute Del and it's a lot of pushing and shoving. Listen, I've been a part of a couple brawls in my life. You make a quick decision, you're either in the mix at the bottom of the pile, willing to get after it, or you're playing peacekeeper. So, I mean, I kind of get, I kind of get where he's coming from. Usually it's a one on one matchup if those guys want to go at it. I kind of. I kind of understand where Pete's coming from.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah. Alonzo's coming from the position of being about 6, 3, biggest guy on the field. Yeah, that's where he's coming from.

[Mike Wilbon]

Enforcement.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You got to pick your spots.

[Mark DeRosa]

You got to pick your spots, who you're going to drill and who you're not going to drill.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Absolutely. Mark, thank you so much for being on this show. Thanks a lot.

[Mike Wilbon]

Appreciate it, man.

[Mark DeRosa]

Hey, big honor. Thank you guys.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Let's take one break. Still to come, a dunk to remember for, you know, at least a few days, if that.

[Mike Wilbon]

And what could a change in ownership mean for the Tampa Bay Rays? No, you can't have it. Can't be like the NHL. No, no, I don't want that. No. Nuh.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Okay. So you love Derosa as a cub, right? You love them and you love the show.

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[Tony Kornheiser]

By happy time people. Happy 20th Birthday Juju Watkins the USC basketball star was averaging 23.9 points per game for the 1 seed Trojans when Watkins tore her ACL in a second round NCAA tournament game against Mississippi State in March. Watkins absence was felt a couple of rounds later when USC lost to eventual national champion Connecticut and we all missed a chance to see Watkins and Paige Beckers on the same court. Watkins had a sensational freshman year, averaging 27.1 points, second only to Caitlin Clark. The last two number one draft choices in the WNBA are Clark and Beckers. Watkins could surely follow in their footsteps when she chooses to come out.

[Mike Wilbon]

Thank goodness that modern medicine and healthcare and technology have rendered the serious knee injury just not as big a deal as it used to be. And the greatest players can come back now, including Juju Watkins.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Happy anniversary, Rafael Palmeiro on this day 20 years ago, while playing for the Orioles, Palmeiro doubled for the 3,000th hit of his career, joining only Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Eddie Murray as players. Then, with at least 500 home runs and 3,000 hits, Palmeiro's shining moment took a dark turn within weeks when he was suspended for a positive steroids test. Palmeiro played only seven more games, finishing his career with the most games played by someone who never played in the World Series 2831Palmeiro is not in the hall of Fame clearly because of steroids and is likely most remembered for wagging his finger at a congressional inquiry into steroids and baseball.

[Mike Wilbon]

Tony, doesn't it seem Palmeiro, as great as he was, played most of his career in the shadows? Like you just don't. I don't have moments I go to automatically for somebody as great as Palmeiro, as talented as he was.

[Tony Kornheiser]

No, you're right. But those numbers, Those numbers are amazing numbers.

[Mike Wilbon]

Unbelievable.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Happy trails to a little bit of dignity for Noah Eisenge. The Bulls rookie got dunked on by Johnny Furfy of the Pacers in summer league yesterday. Esenge tried to deny Furphy at the rim and for his effort ended up in a tough photo that was retweeted by stars like Tyrese Halliburton and Caitlin Clark. And that image is what people will remember even though Eisenge outspoken 21:15 and the Bulls won the game. Furfy grew up in Australia. Assange is from France, so this could qualify as an international incident. Wilbon.

[Mike Wilbon]

I want Assinghe to go up even stronger next time. Not worry about the poster. Assange Bussellas, Kobe White and Josh Giddey. I'm starting to just at least wonder if the Bulls are putting together something. I like that kid we drafted in the first round 12th. I think overall a Senge like what I've seen so far in summer league.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah. Let it rest. It's the off season. Let it rest for a while. Big finish. Paul George had arthroscopic knee surgery to treat an injury suffered in a recent workout. Your thoughts? I know you love them.

[Mike Wilbon]

I do. They can't catch a break in Philly or Paul that just this training camp. It's a long season. I hope he can get out there soon. When it's time. Trevor Lawrence tells. Pardon my take. He really needs to turn it on this season. What are you waiting for? You agree with him?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah. I mean, they paid, they redid his contract, they gave him a lot of money. And you loved him more than anybody ever in college. You did. I know that the Panthers will host your Blackhawks to open the NHL season. I'm sure you're excited.

[Mike Wilbon]

No, we're not ready for prime time yet. No, no, no. The Washington football franchise will retire Art Monk's 81 number 81 jersey this season. Make sense?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yes. I mean, he was a great receiver on super bowl winning teams. Yes. Last one. Ray's owner, Stu Sternberg reportedly selling the team your thoughts?

[Mike Wilbon]

Do you have any thoughts about that franchise? Tampa Bay Times reporting playoff games will be a Steinbringer's deal. I guess that's a big deal.

[Tony Kornheiser]

We're out of time. We'll try to do better the next time. And I'm Tony Kornheiser.

[Mike Wilbon]

And I'm Mike Wilbod. Same time tomorrow. Knuckleheads Tony Fisman and Riggins not retired. What?

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's amazing. How could Riggins. How could they not retire?

[Mike Wilbon]

44.

[Tony Kornheiser]

How's that fun?

[Mike Wilbon]

BTI.

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