Podcast Summary: PTI Episode - "Cowboys Fans Yell 'Pay Micah' at Training Camp" Release Date: July 28, 2025
In this episode of PTI, ESPN's Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon delve into a variety of hot topics spanning the sports world. From the Dallas Cowboys' fan chants to major developments in baseball, basketball, and more, Kornheiser and Wilbon provide insightful commentary and engaging conversations. Below is a detailed summary of the key discussions, complete with notable quotes and timestamps.
1. Cowboys Fans' "Pay Micah" Chants and Jerry Jones' Response
[00:45 - 04:12]
The episode opens with a discussion about the Dallas Cowboys' training camp, where fans have been chanting "Pay Micah" in support of Micah Parsons amidst contract disputes. Tony Kornheiser introduces the topic, referencing Jerry Jones' reaction to the chants.
Tony Kornheiser:
"What do you think of Jerry's response to the pay Micah chants?"
[01:42]
Mike Wilbon expresses his skepticism towards Jerry Jones' remarks, stating,
"He likes to hear himself talk... I'm not paying any attention so I assign no meaning to it."
[02:53]
Kornheiser respectfully disagrees, highlighting the fun Jerry Jones brings to the organization and believes that Jones will honor Parsons' contract. He adds,
"He's more fun than Woody Johnson of the Jets... Michael Parsons has not yet said the following words. Get me out of here. I hate it here."
[04:12]
Wilbon counters by discussing the potential negative impact of contract disputes on team performance, mentioning the financial and competitive costs involved.
"But the Cowboys, they're not in the big action late. They're not relevant in January."
[04:12]
2. Aaron Rodgers' Response to Terry Bradshaw
[04:12 - 07:34]
The conversation shifts to Aaron Rodgers' recent response to Terry Bradshaw.
Mike Wilbon:
"Terry's a legend... I'd love to get to know Terry on a deeper level."
[05:45]
Kornheiser applauds Rodgers' approach, calling it a brilliant move that fosters goodwill between the two sporting figures. He emphasizes Rodgers' strategic communication,
"He put Terry Bradshaw in a position now where Terry Bradshaw has no alternative but to smile and to say, let's chat and let's eat."
[06:43]
Wilbon agrees, reminiscing about the approachable nature of Rodgers in the past and commends the respectful interaction.
"Who’s better to sit around with the Terry Bradshaw? The answer is nobody."
[07:34]
3. Aaron Judge's Injury and Its Impact on the Yankees
[07:34 - 10:46]
The focus then shifts to baseball, specifically Aaron Judge's 10-day IL placement due to an elbow issue.
Mike Wilbon:
"It diminishes his season and it diminishes the Yankees... He's one of the best Yankees of all time."
[08:28]
Kornheiser discusses the severity of the injury, analyzing Judge's performance metrics and its implications for the team,
"When you diminish his ability to play, that hurts. The Yankees are a solid playoff team. They need this guy."
[10:46]
4. Nick Kurtz's Historic Four-Home-Run Game
[10:50 - 15:48]
A highlight of the episode is the remarkable performance by rookie Nick Kurtz.
Tony Kornheiser:
"What's your word for rookie Nick Kurtz's performance at the plate on Friday night?"
[13:33]
Mike Wilbon:
"Holy bleep. That's the word... he's the only rookie who's ever done it."
[14:30]
Kornheiser echoes the sentiment, labeling Kurtz's achievement as "historic" and noting its unprecedented nature in MLB history. Both hosts marvel at the rarity of hitting four home runs in a single game, especially for a rookie.
5. Pirates' Pitcher Paul Skeens' Pitch Count Management
[15:48 - 18:01]
The discussion moves to baseball strategy, focusing on the Pittsburgh Pirates' management of pitcher Paul Skeens.
Tony Kornheiser:
"Are the Pirates right to ramp up Paul Skeens, his pitch count?"
[15:53]
Mike Wilbon:
"No. ... he's a fabulous pitcher, but why ramp him up now when the team isn't in contention?"
[17:40]
Kornheiser defends the decision by analyzing Skeens' performance statistics, suggesting that the increased pitch count isn't harmful.
"At this point in his career, Paul Skeens is fabulous. And then 99 pitches is no big deal."
[17:53]
Wilbon remains unconvinced, questioning the strategic benefit of the decision.
"Why ramp him up now and get in contention? Go get some hitters. Go get a lineup."
[18:01]
6. Houston Texans' Coaching and Quarterback Situation
[18:22 - 21:39]
Kornheiser takes a brief detour to discuss Ryan's coaching career and the Texans' quarterback situation.
Tony Kornheiser:
"The Texans are set at quarterback with CJ Stroud... this season is going to revolve in large part around Stroud."
[21:26]
Wilbon adds his perspective on Stroud's performance and the team's reliance on him,
"They're going to need that."
[21:39]
7. Barry Sanders' Retirement Anniversary
[21:39 - 22:56]
The conversation shifts to a historical reflection on Barry Sanders' abrupt retirement from the NFL.
Tony Kornheiser:
"Happy Anniversary Detroit Lions... Barry Sanders... the best running back in team history, announced his retirement at the age of 30."
[22:41]
Wilbon lists his top running backs, including Sanders, emphasizing their impact on the sport.
"Jim Brown, Emmett Smith, Walter Payton, Eric Dickerson, Barry Sanders, Marshall Faulk."
[22:56]
8. Guardians' Closer on Paid Leave and Nikola Jokic's Emotional Moment
[22:56 - 24:55]
Kornheiser and Wilbon discuss recent events involving the Guardians' closer and Nuggets' star Nikola Jokic.
Tony Kornheiser:
"Emmanuel Classe placed the Guardians closer on non-disciplinary paid leave as part of a sports betting investigation."
[22:56]
Mike Wilbon:
"Looks like he's got bigger fish to fry right now."
[23:59]
The episode also highlights Jokic's emotional celebration over a harness race victory in Serbia, contrasting it with his stoic demeanor post-NBA title.
"Jokic climbed over the rail, hugged the horse and celebrated with champagne."
[23:36]
9. MLS Suspends Lionel Messi for Skipping All-Star Game
[24:09 - 24:24]
Kornheiser touches on Lionel Messi's suspension by MLS for missing the All-Star game.
Tony Kornheiser:
"Is that fair? Messi ought to buy the league and fire the commissioner."
[24:24]
Mike Wilbon:
"He looks great to everybody. Is he going to commit to defense, too?"
[24:32]
10. Deion Sanders' Health Update
[24:46 - 25:03]
The hosts conclude the episode with a positive update on Deion Sanders' health.
Tony Kornheiser:
"Deion Sanders says he's cancer free after doctors removed a tumor from his bladder."
[24:55]
Mike Wilbon:
"Great to see him sitting there with that smile... Hope you are well."
[24:55]
Conclusion
Throughout the episode, Kornheiser and Wilbon navigate a wide range of sports topics, blending insightful analysis with their characteristic banter. From the tactical decisions in baseball and football to remarkable individual performances and heartfelt personal stories, the duo offers listeners a comprehensive look at the current sports landscape. Their balanced perspectives and engaging dialogue make this episode a valuable listen for sports enthusiasts seeking in-depth discussions on the latest happenings.