Giannis Wants Out of Milwaukee!

Summary

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PTI – "Giannis Wants Out of Milwaukee!"

Podcast: PTI (Pardon the Interruption)
Date: January 28, 2026
Hosts: Mike Wilbon, Frank Isola (in for Tony Kornheiser)
Special Guest: Booger McFarland

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Episode Overview

The January 28, 2026 episode of PTI dives into sports' hottest topics. Wilbon and Isola dissect the blowback from Bill Belichick not being voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on his first ballot, the escalating NBA trade drama around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Karl-Anthony Towns, and notable news from the Australian Open. ESPN’s Booger McFarland joins for NFL deep dives, commentary on the Cleveland Browns’ coaching drama, and insights on college football’s transfer portal. The tone is lively, candid, and unfiltered, with classic PTI banter and insider context.

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Main Discussion Points

1. Bill Belichick’s Hall of Fame Snub

Segment: [01:19 – 05:32]

• Background: Despite a storied career (6 Super Bowl wins as head coach), Belichick was not inducted on the first ballot, missing the required 40 votes out of 50.
• Media & Player Reaction:
  • Tom Brady called it “completely ridiculous.”
  • Jimmie Johnson labeled it “wrong” and challenged non-voters to identify themselves.
• PTI’s Take:
  • Both Wilbon and Isola agree Belichick should be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
  • Wilbon explains flawed Hall processes, citing strategic voting that might ‘save’ spots for other deserving candidates:

    “Sometimes you're put in a position and you're saying... I can get Belichick in next year. I don't want Roger Craig, who should have been in already, or Elsie Greenwood, who should have been in already, to slip between the cracks.” ([03:03])

  • Isola notes scandal-related resentment (Spygate, Deflategate) and personal baggage may influence votes.
  • Both deride the "absurd" overreaction, arguing Belichick will—deservedly—get in soon.

Notable Quotes:

• Wilbon: “The process is extremely flawed. It's always been flawed. I have never been happier to get out of a room because of things like this.” ([03:03])
• Isola: “Now he has everyone on his side... In a weird way, he's become a martyr.” ([02:38])
• Isola: “You're a pretty courageous guy. If you didn't vote for him, would you reveal that you didn't vote for him?” ([05:09])
• Wilbon: “I would have. You and I both reveal our NBA ballots.” ([05:12])

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2. NBA Trade Rumors: Giannis and Karl-Anthony Towns

Segment: [05:32 – 08:50]

• Giannis Antetokounmpo:
  • Bucks are reportedly “more open than ever” to trading him, but his injury (out 4–6 weeks) complicates immediate moves.
  • Wilbon claims he’s said since Labor Day that Giannis would be moved by the trade deadline, but injuries likely push any deal to the offseason.
  • Wilbon:

    “What are you going to do if you're a team and you can't get back the real Giannis Antetokounmpo?”

• Karl-Anthony Towns:
  • Towns was benched by the Knicks recently, sparking speculation he could be moved independently of any Giannis deal.
  • Towns’ value: strong production (22 & 12 season average, 25 & 12 in playoffs against Indiana) but uncertainty on his playoff impact and future.
  • Isola points out Towns feels whiplashed by rumors:

    “He could have gotten extended. They didn't do that. So he's become kind of the guy that gets all the blame now.” ([07:21])

• Trade Market Dynamics:
  • Isola references the Nets getting five first-round picks for Mikal Bridges as a reference point for a potential Giannis deal.
  • Expectation: Bucks may hold off until offseason to field higher-value offers when draft positions are clearer.

Notable Quotes:

• Wilbon: “Let’s review what Giannis's record is in the last 10 playoff games... 1 and 9. Otherwise, Giannis is hurt and he's not even on the floor in the playoffs.” ([08:32])

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3. Australian Open Quarterfinals

Segment: [08:50 – 11:09]

• Men’s:
  • Novak Djokovic advanced after Musetti retired injured; now faces Sinner, who’s beaten him four times in a row.
  • Discussion: Ben Shelton's struggles against top seeds; parallels drawn to Andy Roddick’s era.
    • Wilbon: “We keep waiting for Shelton to break through because it seems like he has all the, the parts including the charisma tennis needs...” ([10:23])
    • Shelton’s record vs. Sinner and Alcaraz: 1–12; vs. top 3 players, 1–17.
• Women’s:
  • Rybakina upsets Witek; Jessica Pegula reaches another major semifinal—possibly a “breakthrough year,” but faces tough competition like Sabalenka.
• Memorable Djokovic Response:
  • When told he’s now chasing Sinner and Alcaraz, Djokovic quips,

    “Hold on a second. You failed to mention I won 24 majors in between.” ([11:09])

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4. NFL Hot Topics with Booger McFarland

Segment: [12:48 – 19:43]

A. Bill Belichick’s Snub (Booger’s Reaction)

• Booger: “You have the greatest coach arguably in professional sport... For at least 11 people to say, you know what? We don't think Bill Belichick is a Hall of Famer, to me, it screams of powerless people trying to get power and become powerful, and it's a shame on them.” ([13:19])
• Booger stresses Belichick’s historic impact—not just the wins, but his influence and football intellect.
• Calls the vote a “disgrace” and urges NFL leadership to “rectify” the system.

B. Browns Head Coach Decision / Jim Schwartz Situation

• Todd Monken named new Browns HC; Jim Schwartz (interviewed for the job) is reportedly upset and may leave his DC post.
• Booger:

  “Jim Schwartz basically told everybody, if I ain't getting this job, I'm out. He threw the deuces.” ([15:23])

• Booger uses the scenario to highlight the Browns’ dysfunction and their trouble attracting candidates.

C. Super Bowl Preview: Patriots' D-line

• Focus on Patriots DT Milton Williams (8 pressures vs Broncos, highest-paid Patriot).
• Booger:

  "Look at their ankles... Milton Williams... is a guy that can create pressure and create havoc in the middle."
  "If that one, two punch can create enough pressure on Sam Donald ... just maybe we might have a game when we get to Santa Clara." ([17:01])

D. CFB Transfer Portal: Duke’s QB to Miami

• Duke QB Darian Mensah transfers to Miami—an in-conference move.
• Booger (relationship analogy):

  “If you're dating somebody who left somebody to come with you, don't be surprised when they leave you to go to somebody else.” ([18:28])

• Says it’s emblematic of portal era culture in college football, driven by money and opportunity.

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5. Rapid Fire Final Segment: Headlines & Happy Topics

Segment: [21:18 – 23:56]

• Peyton Pritchard: Celtics guard’s emergence, value contract ($7.2M), and scoring leap.
• Cowboys Anniversary: 30 years since 3 SB wins in 4 years; team’s glory days recalled.
• Nebraska Basketball: Stunned by Michigan, end of their unbeaten run.
• Quick Hits:
  • Jets coaching search update: Jon Gruden declines; Frank Reich a candidate for OC.
  • Patrick Reed leaves LIV Golf for PGA Tour (Wilbon: “Not significant.”)
  • USWNT blows out Chile in a friendly; Trini Robbins scores and celebrates.
  • Patrick Kane ties American-born NHL points record.
  • NBA matchups: LeBron possibly last visit in Cleveland, injuries noted.

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Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• Wilbon on Hall of Fame voting:

  “The process is extremely flawed. It's always been flawed. I have never been happier to get out of a room because of things like this.” ([03:03])

• Isola, on Belichick becoming a “martyr”:

  “Here he is, we're a week away from the super bowl, and the former Patriots coach ... is dominating the news cycle. In a weird way, he's become a martyr.” ([02:38])

• Booger McFarland on the Belichick snub:

  “It screams of powerless people trying to get power and become powerful, and it's a shame on them.” ([13:19])

• Isola, on NBA trade rumors:

  “It's still Giannis. So I gotta get ... young stars and draft picks. Why do I want the guys off the Knicks?... I think he's going to get traded... in the off season.” ([07:41])

• Wilbon, on Giannis’s playoff record:

  “Let's review what Giannis’s record is in the last 10 playoff games in which he has participated. 1 and 9.” ([08:32])

• Djokovic’s press conference quip:

  “You failed to mention I won 24 majors in between.” ([11:09])

• Booger on college football’s transfer scene:

  “If you’re dating somebody who left somebody to come with you, don’t be surprised when they leave you to go to somebody else.” ([18:28])

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Topic | Start | Notable Discussion/Quote | |---------------------------------------|----------|---------------------------------------------------------------------| | Belichick Hall of Fame Debate | 01:19 | “The process is extremely flawed...” – Wilbon ([03:03]) | | NBA Trade Rumors (Giannis/Towns) | 05:32 | “Let’s review what Giannis’s record is...” – Wilbon ([08:32]) | | Australian Open Results | 08:50 | “We keep waiting for Shelton to break through...” – Wilbon ([10:23])| | Booger McFarland Segment | 12:48 | “It screams of powerless people...” – Booger ([13:19]) | | Browns Coaching Drama | 15:03 | “He threw the deuces.” – Booger ([15:23]) | | Super Bowl/Patriots D-line | 17:01 | “Milton Williams is ... highest paid Patriots player...” ([17:01]) | | CFB: Duke QB Transfers to Miami | 18:02 | “If you're dating somebody who left somebody to come with you...” | | Rapid Fire Headlines & Happy Topics | 21:18 | “Happy 28th birthday, Peyton Pritchard ...” |

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Summary

This PTI episode features a riveting, rapid-fire tour across pro and college sports’ biggest stories:

• Belichick’s Hall of Fame snub sparks fierce debates about voting politics and personal resentments, with consensus that he’ll soon get his well-deserved place.
• NBA trade rumors swirl around Giannis and Towns, with Wilbon and Isola emphasizing the business realities, Giannis's fragility, and the unpredictability of timing.
• Australian Open results highlight generational shifts in tennis and the struggles of rising stars against current legends.
• NFL guest Booger McFarland unloads on the Hall voting process, dissects Browns coaching dysfunction, and highlights college football’s chaotic transfer market—all with directness and humor.
• Rapid-fire segment touches on the NBA, NHL, PGA Tour, and women's soccer, pairing insight with PTI’s trademark banter.

Whether you’re catching up on the latest drama or want to relive the best moments, this episode captures the intense debate and unique camaraderie only PTI offers.

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Transcript

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[Mike Wilbon]

Pardon the interruption, but I'm Mike Wilbon. It's National Kazoo Day. Frank, do you kazoo Dylan?

[Frank Isola]

Frank favors flugelhorn. Everybody knows that.

[Mike Wilbon]

I don't know who those things are. Kazoo to me was that little big haired dude on the Flintstones.

[Frank Isola]

That's right.

[Mike Wilbon]

Right. That's kazoo.

[Frank Isola]

I think it's kazoo. I know when you watch NFL games, I think of kazoo. Cause a lot of guys wear those Bubba helmets. Yes.

[Mike Wilbon]

Same here.

[Frank Isola]

Right.

[Mike Wilbon]

So we go with Flintstone.

[Frank Isola]

Why do more guys wear that vanity otterwear?

[Mike Wilbon]

I think it's a badge.

[Frank Isola]

I think of kazoo every time I see those helmets.

[Mike Wilbon]

Welcome to pti. Tony's at the day spa. So here to handle his duties is our great friend from the starting lineup on SiriusXM, Mr. Frank Isola.

[Frank Isola]

They've heard me play the flugelhorn.

[Mike Wilbon]

They can bring a kazoo.

[Frank Isola]

I do shows every weekend when I'm in dc.

[Mike Wilbon]

Let's begin with blowback to the Pro Football hall of Fame Committee's vote not to induct Bill Belichick on the first ballot. The six time super bowl winning head coach reportedly fell short of the 40 votes needed. A 50. Belichick was reportedly puzzled by the decision. Tom Brady called it completely ridiculous. And Jimmie Johnson termed it wrong and called on those members who did not vote for Bill to identify themselves. Frank, is all this reaction merited?

[Frank Isola]

And number one with the voters and we've seen this with the baseball writers for the hall of Fame. Some of the guys will reveal their votes. Other guys don't. And remember Derek Jeter did not. Was not unanimous. And then Ichiro fell one vote short.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah.

[Frank Isola]

And we never found out the identity of them. I have no problem if you're not going to. They're not going to reveal themselves. I do like the fact that Bill polling. A lot of people think that he's kind of behind this. And he said, I'm 95% sure I voted for Bill Belichick. I'm 100% sure. With the way the climate is right now. I would not reveal my vote if I did not vote for Bill Belichick. But I was thinking about it, though. Belichick accomplished a lot. I think we both think he should be in. Yes, he accomplished so much. Then there becomes resentment. Then he has some scandal. So people don't like the fact that Spygate, Deflategate. Then he leaves and then he goes to Carolina, loses. Then there's some personal stuff off the field and he almost becomes a punchline. Now he has everyone on his players. LeBron James is coming out. This actually, in the long run, might be the best thing for Bill Belichick. Here he is, we're a week away from the super bowl, and the former Patriots coach, not Bob Kraft, is dominating the news cycle in a weird way. He's become a martyr.

[Mike Wilbon]

He has become a. When I started hearing some reaction, the overreaction is absurd. Yes, it's absurd. I voted for 10 years in that room. I would have voted for Bill Belichick on the first ballot. But let me explain this. The process which people, including most NFL players past and current, don't understand, is that sometimes you're put in a position and you're saying, wait a minute, if. And I'm not saying this happened in this case, but let's say Roger Craig, who is on that ballot, great player, let's say this is his last chance to get in. And you want to get Roger Craig in. But there's not an infinite number of spots. You can only vote one person in or two people in. And you say to yourself, you know what? I can get Belichick in next year. I don't want Roger Craig, who should have been in already, or Elsie Greenwood, who should have been in already, to slip between the cracks. I don't want that. So I'm going to move Belichick to next year to get these two dudes in, Jimmie Johnson out there stumping for them, Tom Brady stomping for them. No. So people don't understand the process. The process is extremely flawed. It's always been flawed. I have never been happier to get out of a room because of things like this.

[Frank Isola]

And you mentioned. So there were five guys in that group. It was Bill Belichick, coach BOB Kraft, contributor then Ken Anderson, the former Bengals quarterback, and Roger Craig, who you see high stepping, I mean, those knees up.

[Mike Wilbon]

High should have both been in.

[Frank Isola]

And that's my point. Else you. But when you see those five guys and Roger Craig was great, and Elsie Agreement should be in. But out of those five, the first vote I'm giving to is Bill Belichick.

[Mike Wilbon]

It is. Unless those guys have to go away and their candidacy is over. So in other words, I'm gonna say Bill Belichick can't wait a year. If Elsie Greenwood goes away forever. A member of the Steel Curtain defense who was. Come on, now. So the overreaction is. I agree. I would have voted for Bill Belichick. The overreaction, I'm tired of. Tired of it.

[Frank Isola]

You're a pretty courageous guy. If you didn't vote for him, would you reveal that you didn't vote for him?

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah, because really, you and I both reveal our NBA ballots.

[Frank Isola]

Yes, we do.

[Mike Wilbon]

We do.

[Frank Isola]

Well, the league does that. So when we vote.

[Mike Wilbon]

I did it before.

[Frank Isola]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Mike Wilbon]

I did it before the league did it.

[Frank Isola]

Yeah.

[Mike Wilbon]

You gotta take people head.

[Frank Isola]

I'm more sensitive. I don't want people coming after me on social media. You're a big shot. It doesn't matter social media anyway.

[Mike Wilbon]

It doesn't matter about your social media.

[Frank Isola]

All right, let's move to some potential NBA trade. Sean's reporting that the Bucks are more open than ever to trading on a Santa Kounbo. And Mark Stein reports, quote, a persistent belief among rival teams is that Carl Anthony Towns, who was benched by the Knicks in crunch time last night. The Knicks didn't win the game, could be moved, even in a deal that doesn't involve Giannis. So, Mike, which situation is more intriguing to you?

[Mike Wilbon]

They're both absurd. See, look, I've been saying all along. I started saying Labor Day that Giannis would be moved by the trade deadline, but then giannis, you know, Dr. Giannis tells us he's out four to six weeks.

[Frank Isola]

I love that.

[Mike Wilbon]

So what. So you. What are you going to do if you're a team and you can't get back the real Giannis Antetokounmpo, The.

[Frank Isola]

The.

[Mike Wilbon]

The MVP and. And recent former champ. You going to make that deal?

[Frank Isola]

Yeah.

[Mike Wilbon]

Unlikely. And don't tell me Carl Anthony Towns doesn't have great value. He's not an mvp. But last year, you and I watched from the front row. Carl Anthony towns average about 22 and 12.

[Frank Isola]

Yep. For the. For the playoffs, 25 and 12 against.

[Mike Wilbon]

Indiana in that series, the Knicks cannot. This should be the New York Knickerbocker season. This is their year. Indiana lessened, Boston lessened because of injuries to their stars. Detroit's going to take their lunch money. But this is supposed to be the Knicks year and ain't going to be the next year without Carl Anthony Towns. So what are you going to do with them? Train them for a Who? Yeah, who are they going to get back to replace that production?

[Frank Isola]

Yeah. Well, last year the coach got blamed, and now Carl's getting blamed for everything. And I think what happened was Carl got wind over this summer that they were talking about moving him. And I think Carl thought, hang on a second. I like my. I like Minnesota. Probably going to get my jersey retired there. You trade me to New York, I'm back home, I get to see my father. Now you're going to trade me to Milwaukee. I'm going to become one of those guys that's going to get moved around. So Carl could have gotten. They could have extended him. They didn't do that.

[Mike Wilbon]

Right.

[Frank Isola]

So he's become kind of the guy that gets all the blame now as Freeganis. I spoke with someone with intimate knowledge of those talks with the bucks. They said 50, 50 gets traded, but they haven't gotten a wow offer now. A wow. Think about this. Mikel Bridges. The Nets got five first round picks for him. Yeah, yeah. So I understand that. I understand that.

[Mike Wilbon]

I get it.

[Frank Isola]

But it's still Giannis. So I gotta get. I want to get. I want to get. Exactly. I want to get young stars and draft picks. Why do I want the guys off the Knicks? I'm just. I'm going to be kind of stuck in that cycle. I want one or two young players, and I want draft picks, and I'm going to wait until the off season when I know where teams are drafting. I have a better sense of where I could pick in the draft. I think he's going to get traded. I think it's going to happen in the off season.

[Mike Wilbon]

Off season, yes. I can see it. I just can't. Now. You can't see it with this out four to six weeks. Let me mention this, though, too, Frank. The Milwaukee Bucks have done a lot of things to surround Giannis with the.

[Frank Isola]

Things that he wanted.

[Mike Wilbon]

Things he wanted.

[Frank Isola]

Y. Including changing the coach, including his brother on the team.

[Mike Wilbon]

Okay, so they've done all this stuff for Giannis, who. Let's review what Giannis's record is in the last 10 playoff games in which he has participated.

[Frank Isola]

Yep.

[Mike Wilbon]

One and N. Otherwise, Giannis is hurt and he's not even on the floor in the playoffs.

[Frank Isola]

And that's. And you know, now you hear about the calf injury, it's not as much of a sure thing when he plays. He's a dominant player. But to your point, 1 and 9. His last 10 playoff games that he's played. All right, you go, Mike. You.

[Mike Wilbon]

You talk and now to the quarterfinal results at the Australian Open. Lorenzo Musetti went up two sets to love on Novak Djokovic before having to retire with a leg injury. Joker will now face Johnnick Sinner, who, who rolled past Ben Shelton again, I might add, in straight sets on the women's side. Elena, I'm going to get the name wrong again. Rib Rybakina upset second seated IGA Witek. I didn't get that one wrong. And Jessica Pugula, looking for her first slam title, topped Amanda Anasimova. Frank, which result stands out to you the most?

[Frank Isola]

All right, so Jess Pugula, maybe this year will be her breakthrough. Last year, Madison Keys got it at the Australian Open. 1. Jess Pagul's only been to one major final. Maybe she can get their win, but you still have to face Sabalenka. As for the men, if Novak Djokovic is going to win this, what that has to happen? He doesn't play a five set match. He catches a break. His opponent had to retire. Now he gets Jannik Sinner. He's probably going to have to play the match of his life.

[Mike Wilbon]

And if he gets, and he lost four straight to center and if he.

[Frank Isola]

Plays Alcaraz, he's going to have to win the match of his life because he's trying to get to that 25th major. Now as for Shelton, I'm wondering if he could be just like Andy Roddick, who was a great player, but unfortunately for him, he came along at a time when Roger Federer played and Rafael Nadal. So Roddick got One major, the US Open. I think it was in 03 or 04. He would have won more if those two guys weren't around. I wonder if that's going to be the same thing with Ben Shelton because you have those two great players.

[Mike Wilbon]

We keep waiting for Shelton to break through because it seems like he has all the, the parts including the charisma tennis needs and he could, you know.

[Frank Isola]

He kills it on his turn and.

[Mike Wilbon]

So, but he can't beat center, he can't beat Alcarez. His record against those two dudes is 1 in 12. Yeah, so, and, and, and if you, if you throw in the third seed, the. I'm sorry, the third ranked player in the world, it's 1 in 17. And so Shelton just seems to, I hate to think this is Cecilia at 23 years old, but to me, that result, I'm looking at Shelton every big tournament and I'm saying, okay, this is the time for Shelton to break through. He's had these chances against center and when he had him once, it seems like he was in a great position. He had to retire because of the injury.

[Frank Isola]

Reporter asked a question to Novak Djokovic. He said, you started your career chasing Federer and Nidal. Now you're chasing Sinner and Alcaraz. He said, hold on a second. You failed to mention I won 24 majors in between. In between that chasing you're talking about.

[Mike Wilbon]

Let's take a break. But coming up, how important is it that the man who got the Browns job holds on to the man who did not? We'll ask Booger McFarlane.

[Frank Isola]

We'll also ask him about the impact of Duke's quarterback transferring to win conference rival Miami.

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[Mike Wilbon]

We've got football questions for our great friend, ESPN NFL and college football analyst Booker McFarland. Booker, there's no place to start except with Bill Belichick and the reaction in the aftermath of him not getting into the hall of Fame on the first ballot. You tweeted yesterday it was a disgrace that Bill did not get in on the first ballot. Explain or elaborate for us why it struck you in such a way.

[Booger McFarland]

Well, because you have the greatest coach arguably in professional sport. Not just football, but in professional sports. When you talk about eight championships, six as a head coach, two as a coordinator, he has left his imprint on the game. He's one of the smartest coaches. I think if you talk to anybody. And for a guy who is the second winningest Coach, when you talk about regular season and playoffs in the National Football League, only behind Don Shula. And he's number one in every other category that you want to measure for that coach named Bill Belichick. Not to be a first ballot hall of Famer to me is a disgrace. I think when you look at the NFL, I understand the hall of Fame is a small group, a very, very small group. It's a special group. And I think for someone like Bill Belichick, who's a historian of the game, he talks about the game from a perspective that not many people can, going back 40 or 50 years. So it means something to him. This is important to him. This is not like, okay, I'm a great player or I'm a great coach and I know I'm going to get in. This man understands the fabric of what the game of football. And for at least 11 people, because there were 50 people who voted, he needed at least 40. So he didn't get 40, so he got 39 or less. So for at least 11 people to say, you know what? We don't think Bill Belichick is a Hall of Famer, to me, it screams of powerless people trying to get power and become powerful, and it's a shame on them. And I think it just goes to show you that when you have a subjective measure like the hall of Fame, that should be a slam dunk. I mean, it should be a no brainer for a guy like Bill Belichick that there are people that always are going to have access to grind in the NFL and Roger Goodell and the people that run this process, shame on you. Because this should have never happened. And the fact that it's happened, it needs to be fixed and rectified somehow.

[Frank Isola]

Yeah, it's a little hard to believe. One of those teams that Bill Belichick coached was Cleveland. They just named a new head coach, Todd Monken, who of course was the Ravens offensive coordinator. Jim Schwartz didn't get the job. The word at the NFL Network's reporting that he's upset about it. How important is it for Todd Monkin to keep Jim Schwartz on this staff?

[Booger McFarland]

It can be important as hell, but it sounds like Jim Schwartz ain't coming. Jim Schwartz basically told everybody, if I ain't getting this job, I'm out. He threw the deuces. So I get he's under contract, but by all reports, Jim Swartz interview for the head coaching job and now you want him to stay and be the defensive coordinator. It goes. It just goes to show you where the Browns are as a franchise. Like, you knew Jim Schwartz wanted the job and the fact that he didn't get it, now you want him to stay. And this is nothing against Todd Monkin, because I think there's only 32 National Football League teams and there's only 32 of these jobs. And Todd Monkin took the job. And I honestly think he thinks that Jim Schwartz is going to be his coordinator, but I don't think Jim Schwartz is going to do that. I think Jim is going to have other opportunities. San Francisco 49ers come to mind, but Jim Schwartz is a great defensive coordinator. But to me, this speaks more to the Browns. Nobody wants this job. Think about how many people pulled out. Think about how many people said, nah, I'm withdrawing my name. I know there's only 32 of these in the world. I don't want to be considered for one of them. Think about that. That's what the Browns are as a franchise. So I'm happy for Todd Monkin. I think Todd Monken is a good coach. I knew knew him when he was at the University of Georgia. But with all that being said, man, it just goes to show you where the Cleveland Browns are as a franchise. And I do not think Jim Swartz is going to be the defensive coordinator in 2026 for the Cleveland Browns.

[Frank Isola]

All right, let's move to the Super Bowl. Specifically the Patriots defense. Defensive tackle Milton Williams, eight pressures against the Broncos. What makes him so effective?

[Booger McFarland]

Well, he's a tremendous athlete. You know, anytime you look at big guys, Frank, always the first thing you should focus on after you figure out how big they are, look at their ankles, because you got to have thin ankles to be a dancing bear. And Milton Williams is that. He is a guy that can create pressure and create havoc in the middle. And I don't care what quarterback you talk to, the one place they don't want to be rushed or don't want to be pressured is is up the middle. And he does a phenomenal job. Did you know he's the highest paid Patriot ever? Not Tom Brady, not Gronk, not Venatori. Milton Williams is the highest paid New England Patriots ever player, and I think he's starting to earn that in the postseason. He's a phenomenal player. And I think Mike Vrabel understood when he went out and got him in free agency what he was doing. You put him and Christian Barmore together, they have a one, two punch inside. And if that one, two punch can create enough pressure on Sam Donald, and, and can make Sam Donald throw a couple of interceptions in the Super Bowl. Just maybe, just maybe we might have a game when we get to Santa Clara.

[Mike Wilbon]

We're actually going to let you go after we ask a college question. Booger Duke quarterback Darian Mensah, he's going to Miami. He's going to end up transferring there. 1. How do you like that fit? And what do you think philosophically about a guy being able to move within conference like that and go from one rival, if I want to use that word, to another?

[Booger McFarland]

Well, think about this, Mike, and I'm going to take this to the relationship game. If, if, if you're dating somebody who left somebody to come with you, don't be surprised when they leave you to go to somebody else. Let's not forget now he was at Tulane before he got to Duke. Duke got in from Tulane. Now he leaves Duke and goes to Miami. So it is what it is, man. I think Mentor is one of the better quarterbacks in the country. And Miami has kind of proven themselves. They're going to be quarterback portal you. They're going to try to get the best quarterback in the portal they can. It was Cam Ward, then it was Carson Beck, now it's Darian Mensah. It's working for them. It's, it's the, it's the lay of the land that we live in right now. But don't be surprised if you're another school. And guess what? Somebody comes and gets a player or two from Miami because that's the nature of the beast that we're living in. But I'm not surprised at all. But Darian Mint is a really good quarterback. Duke paid a lot of money, but guess what? Miami's got just a little bit more money maybe than Duke. And so now they got the quarterback and he's in conference and they're going to have to see him maybe in the ACC title game. Good for Darian. Men, I think he's making a lot of money, but something is wrong with college football. To your point, when this type of thing continues to happen, when one school from another.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah, seems like just the standard operating procedure we're going to have to get used to. Booker. Thanks, man. We appreciate you. Let's take one last break. Still to come, another golfer leaves Liv to return to the PGA Tour and.

[Frank Isola]

A report that jets coach Aaron Glenn reached out to an unexpected name in his search for help on offense.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah, Miami's got probably a little, I don't know, you know, who's got more Money Miami or Duke.

[Rich Eisen]

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[Mike Wilbon]

Time to get happy people. Happy 28th birthday Peyton Pritchard the Celtics Garden won last season, sixth man of the Year this season with Jason Tatum injured, Pritchard has started every game in which he played and is averaging 17 a game, up a couple of ticks from last year. The Celtics are a surprising second in the east and Pritchard says he's found the lowered expectations motivated.

[Frank Isola]

He and Derrick White are tough. How about Payton Pritchard? Only $7.2 million he makes. That's a bargain.

[Mike Wilbon]

Pretty good. They've hit all the right buttons so far. Happy Anniversary Dallas Cowboys on this day 30 years ago, the Cowboys became the first NFL team to win three Super Bowls in the span of four seasons. In this one, Troy Aikman, Emmett Smith, Michael Irvin and company downed the Neil O' Donnell Steelers 27 17. I spent a lot of time taking shots at people's obsession over the Cowboys, but these teams were worthy of it. Full of talent and chaos and greatness. The franchise hasn't even made it back to a conference championship game since.

[Frank Isola]

In the video we saw the MVP of that game. It was Emmett. It wasn't Troy. Larry Brown, defensive back, got that interception. Good play.

[Mike Wilbon]

Happy trails. In Nebraska's unbeaten season, the fifth ranked Cornhuskers started 200 but lost by three last night in Ann Arbor to third ranked Michigan. Nebraska was great for the most part, but failed to score over the final three and a half. Their success so far has been stunning. Frank, because Nebraska is The only power conference program never to have won NCAA tournament.

[Frank Isola]

Great stat.

[Mike Wilbon]

They next host number nine Illinois Sunday.

[Frank Isola]

And the coach in Nebraska, Fred Hoiberg.

[Mike Wilbon]

The former Bulls coach doing a great job.

[Frank Isola]

He really is.

[Mike Wilbon]

All right, let's run to the big finish. The athletic reports that Aaron Glenn reached out to Jon Gruden about joining the jets, but Gruden declined.

[Frank Isola]

I'm a little surprised by that. Now they're saying Frank Reich being considered the offensive coordinator. Patrick Reed is leaving Liv to return to the PGA Tour later this year. Is that significant?

[Mike Wilbon]

No. Brooks kept up playing Torrey Pond tomorrow. That's significant. The US Women blew out Chile in a friendly last night. Five nil. Your takeaway.

[Frank Isola]

How about Trini Robbins?

[Mike Wilbon]

She scored.

[Frank Isola]

Then she danced with the head coach, Emma Hayes.

[Mike Wilbon]

That's pretty cool.

[Frank Isola]

Patrick Kane of the Red Wings tied Mike Madonna last night for the most points by an American born player. That's great.

[Mike Wilbon]

She'll be in a different sweater, but that is significant. Patrick Kane's accomplishment. Last one, Lakers, Cavs, Spurs, Rockets tonight. More intriguing.

[Frank Isola]

You said it before. It could be LeBron's the last game in Cleveland. Maybe Evan Mobley out a few weeks with a calf injury. Steven Adams out for the season, ankle surgery.

[Mike Wilbon]

Can you believe it?

[Frank Isola]

We're out of time. Thanks for watching. I'm Frank Isola.

[Mike Wilbon]

I'm Mike Lovine. Same time tomorrow, Knuckleheads.

[Grainger Announcer]

Welcome back to. Oh, yeah, that's a pepper thing. First up, we've got Harrison wrapping his Dr. Pepper in a tiny quilt so it feel at home. Oh, how tender. That's a pepper thing. And over to Becca, who's whispering affirmations to her can.

[State Farm Announcer]

You're sweet.

[Mike Wilbon]

You're unique.

[State Farm Announcer]

You're the best thing I ever poured over ice.

[Grainger Announcer]

She swears it makes it taste better. It's not a science thing, but it's a pepper thing. Why do they all do it all for that sweet, delicious, truly one of a kind. Taste of Dr. Pepper. It's a pepper thing.