Is UConn the Favorite to Win it All?

Summary

PTI Episode Summary: "Is UConn the Favorite to Win it All?"

Release Date: April 1, 2025
Hosts: Tony Kornheiser & Michael Wilbon
Podcast: PTI by ESPN

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1. Introduction to the Episode

Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon kick off the episode by outlining the key topics for discussion:

• UConn's Return to the Women's Final Four
• NFL Rule Changes and Ownership Adjustments
• Maryland's New Head Coach Appointment
• Major League Baseball's Move to Ban Torpedo Bats

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2. Major League Baseball: The Torpedo Bat Controversy

Timestamp: [01:11]

The hosts dive into the significant announcement that Major League Baseball (MLB) is contemplating banning torpedo bats. This decision stems from concerns over the integrity of the game, particularly how increased offensive output could disrupt sports betting dynamics.

• Tony Kornheiser highlights the potential impact on betting:
  "This is about what happens when you get involved with gambling interests... PGA integrity becomes more important." ([02:52])

• Michael Wilbon criticizes MLB's reaction, suggesting it's an overreach:
  "Baseball just never seems to get it right... Finally somebody comes up with something that can help people hit a few home runs that aren't named Judge because he doesn't need the help." ([01:56])

The debate touches on the balancing act between maintaining fair play and accommodating technological advancements in the sport. Tony also humorously remarks on the possibility of selling out sportsbooks:
"Look at Ellie De La Cruz last night... it's like a cyclone with these new bats." ([02:52])

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3. Women's Final Four: UConn's Dominance Questioned

Timestamp: [04:42]

The conversation shifts to college basketball, focusing on UConn's impressive comeback to the Women's Final Four and their potential as the tournament favorites.

• Tony Kornheiser expresses skepticism despite UConn's strong performance:
  "I was stunned this morning when I learned that UConn was either a 7 1/2 or an 8 1/2 point favorite over UCLA in the next game." ([05:21])

• Michael Wilbon provides context, acknowledging UConn's strength but advocating for other teams:
  "I have the defending national champs as favorites. I got South Carolina as the favorite... They got the incentive of having been clocked already this season by UConn." ([06:22])

The hosts discuss key players like Paige Beckers and Lauren Betts, debating UConn's chances against powerhouse teams like UCLA and South Carolina. They ultimately agree that while UConn is formidable, the competition remains fierce.

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4. NFL Rule Changes: Overtime and Kickoff Adjustments

Timestamp: [08:10]

Transitioning to the NFL, Tony and Mike discuss recent rule modifications aimed at enhancing game integrity and excitement.

• Tony Kornheiser explains the changes:
  "Both teams will get the ball in overtime, so an opening drive touchdown won't automatically win the game. And touchbacks on kickoffs will go out to the 35-yard line next season." ([08:10])

• Michael Wilbon weighs in on the potential impact:
  "Anything that can bring more kick returns back, I'm in favor of." ([09:43])

They debate the merits of these changes, with Tony expressing disappointment over the Tush Push play being tabled despite being a fan favorite:
"I think the packers are doing this just because the Eagles are so good at it. And that's not fair." ([09:57])

Michael notes the potential for increased excitement with more kick returns, although both hosts show some reservations about the overall direction of the rule changes.

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5. R.J. Lewis Jr. and the Transfer Portal Drama

Timestamp: [13:14]

The episode delves into the recent news of St. John's star RJ Lewis Jr. entering the transfer portal, sparking discussions about his future and the broader implications for college sports.

• Tony Kornheiser speculates on Lewis's motivations:
  "I personally believe that he was embarrassed by that and angered by that. And he said, I'm out of here." ([13:25])

• Michael Wilbon counters, emphasizing the frequent nature of transfers:
  "All they Transfer. They all transfer all the time. And even if this kid had won that game and gone to the next game, chances are he would transfer because that's what they do." ([14:26])

The hosts explore the pressures faced by student-athletes and the strategic decisions behind entering the transfer portal, highlighting the lack of animosity from St. John's as Lewis seeks new opportunities.

---

6. Oakland Athletics' Struggles in Sacramento

Timestamp: [15:23]

Tony and Mike analyze the Oakland Athletics' (A's) debut in Sacramento, which ended in a disappointing 18-3 loss to the Cubs with only 12,000 attendees in a 14,000-seat stadium.

• Tony Kornheiser criticizes the move and its execution:
  "It just looks like baseball completely botched this." ([15:23])

• Michael Wilbon remains somewhat optimistic about future attendance:
  "They drew about the same number... it wasn't bad. It wasn't a bad night." ([16:16])

The discussion highlights concerns about the A's long-term prospects in Sacramento and the broader implications for MLB's team relocations.

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7. Coaching Changes and Retirements in College Basketball

Timestamp: [20:22]

The conversation touches on the retirement of legendary coaches like Roy Williams and the subsequent changes in the coaching landscape.

• Tony Kornheiser reflects on the seismic shifts in college basketball:
  "The landscape was going to change dramatically in college basketball and it wasn't going to resemble anything they had worked their lives and competed in over a lifetime to be great in." ([21:05])

• Michael Wilbon agrees, noting the unprecedented nature of these changes:
  "And you know what? They're right. It doesn't resemble it at all." ([21:26])

The hosts discuss the appointment of Hubert Davis at UNC and Buzz Williams at Maryland, evaluating the potential impact on their respective programs.

---

8. PED Suspension and Braves' Woes

Timestamp: [21:26]

Tony reports on Roy Williams' suspension by MLB for PED use, criticizing the Braves' performance and management decisions.

• Tony Kornheiser details the suspension and its ramifications:
  "The 31-year-old journeyman was making $1 million... The team says it's quote, surprised and extremely disappointed." ([21:26])

• Michael Wilbon comments on the severity of the punishment:
  "Extending that ban, making it effective in the postseason, that gives it some real teeth punishment." ([22:08])

The discussion underscores the challenges the Braves face, including poor performance and strained team dynamics.

---

9. Additional Sports Highlights

• Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers:
  "Steelers owner Art Rooney II says signs are pointing in the direction of Aaron Rodgers joining the team."

  • Tony Kornheiser remains cautious:
    "Just wake me when something happens." ([23:25])

• Red Sox' Garrett Crochet Extension:
  "Officially, the Red Sox and Garrett Crochet reportedly agreed on a six-year extension worth $170 million."

  • Michael Wilbon questions the logic:
    "Just wondering Dustin May, Not Dusty May. Dustin makes his first start since 2023 tonight for the 60 Dodgers against the winless Braves." ([23:51])

• Celtics' Road Success:
  "Celtics went 60 on their road trip."

  • Michael Wilbon praises their performance:
    "They're so great on the road they have a chance to equal the all-time record as a road warrior." ([24:17])

---

10. Closing Remarks

Tony and Mike wrap up the episode by reflecting on the day's discussions and teasing upcoming topics, maintaining their signature banter and camaraderie.

• Tony Kornheiser signs off:
  "We're out of time. We'll try to do better the next time." ([24:26])

• Michael Wilbon adds:
  "Same time tomorrow knuckleheads." ([24:30])

---

Notable Quotes

• Tony Kornheiser on MLB's Bat Ban:
  "It's like what's so bad about in the NBA when people start to tank... It's insane." ([03:06])

• Michael Wilbon on UConn's Performance:
  "Paige Beckers is a great, great player. I see that, but doesn't UCLA?" ([07:49])

• Tony on NFL's Tush Push:
  "The Tush Push is something that probably looks illegal to most people, and it looks like it's from the 1930s." ([09:57])

• Michael on Transfers:
  "They all transfer all the time. Even if this kid had won that game and gone to the next game, chances are he would transfer because that's what they do." ([14:26])

---

Conclusion

In this episode of PTI, Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon engage in a lively discussion covering a wide array of sports topics. From the contentious debate over MLB's torpedo bats to the evolving landscape of college basketball with UConn's reign and significant coaching changes, the hosts provide insightful analysis interspersed with their trademark humor and candid opinions. Their discourse on NFL rule changes and transfer dynamics further enriches the conversation, making it a comprehensive overview for listeners interested in the latest sports narratives.

---

For those who missed the episode, this summary encapsulates the key discussions and viewpoints shared by Tony and Mike, offering a detailed look into the pressing sports issues of April 2025.

Transcript

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[Mike Wilbon]

Pardon the interruption, but I'm Mike Wilbon. It's National Poetry Day. Tone, you got one for us?

[Tony Kornheiser]

I'm Tony Kornheiser. Of course I do. Roses are red so much is for naught. The Bulls haven't won since that half court shot. Now, I know that naught and shot don't exactly rhyme, but you get the idea, right? You get the idea, but they've lost.

[Mike Wilbon]

Two games since then and they got popped at OKC last night. But everybody gets popped against OKC and that's just going to happen. Last 15 games, the Bulls are better than any of us dreamed. It doesn't mean much, but you know, I feel better about them.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Glad you feel better about them. The audience is glad when you feel better about something on today's episode. After we welcome everybody to PTI. Boys and girls, in today's episode, UConn is back in the women's final four. NFL owners make changes and Maryland has a new head coach. But we begin today with a big turn in baseball's embrace of torpedo bats. The league is reportedly planning to ban the bats going forward, citing the commissioner's integrity of the game clause. Among the reported reasons, a concern that a spike in offensive output could throw off all the over under numbers issued by sports betting interests. Wilbourne Baseball backed the bats just two days ago. Is it doing the right thing by reconsidering?

[Mike Wilbon]

No, Tony. This is so overreactionary. I mean, you know, I mean, baseball just never seems to get it right. Look, There were only seven hitters last year who hit.300 in the major leagues. Seven. That's a crazy low. Batting averages overall, way down. They've done all these things to actually, unlike the trend in most sports, take offense away. Right? They've. They've done that. And so, you know, you got the analytics out there and spin rate and torque and all these things. And so finally somebody comes up with something that can help people hit a few home runs that aren't named Judge because he doesn't need the help. And baseball overreacts like this. Tony, this is insane. I thought, remember the Commercials about people digging the long ball. Whatever happened to that marketing campaign? Did all those marketing people get fired a few years ago?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Well, at your insistence, most of them have been fired as recently as an hour ago. Look, this is about what happens when you get involved with gambling interests. All of these leagues, the NBA, the NFL, mlb, they all have gambling partners. As a result of that, the integrity of each game becomes more important. Because people bet on these games, Mike, and they bet at the encouragement of the leagues. This is like what's so bad about in the NBA when people start to tank. People lose thousands of dollars on every game betting on a team that's not not only not trying to win, but is actively trying to lose. Look at Ellie De La Cruz last night. He gets one of these bats in his hands and he destroys the over under number because he's so far over prop bets they get. It's like a cyclone with these new bats. And what, Mike? What if you're the Milwaukee Brewers? You open up against The Yankees, you go 0 3, you give up 36 runs. Now baseball bans the bats. Do you get the three games back? Do you schedule later in the season? Nestor Cortez gave up five home runs. What happens to his era? How does he get his ERA back? I'm telling you, I complete. I understand this. I do.

[Mike Wilbon]

If you want to ban something, Tony, ban that right field Wall being 204ft from home plate in Yankee Stadium.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's history.

[Mike Wilbon]

Ban that.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's history. They're not going to do that. Do you want to. Do you want me to say it, or do you want to say it as to what we're doing here? Which one of us.

[Mike Wilbon]

I like saying it. I'm such a curmudgeon. Now that's an April fool story, you dopes. Knuckleheads. April Fools.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You know what?

[Mike Wilbon]

We didn't win.

[Tony Kornheiser]

When I prepared for this story, I think we just did it very well. I think we established positions that we could both live with. I really do, actually.

[Mike Wilbon]

And I got to take a shot at baseball, Major League Baseball, just because. Let's move to the Women's Final Four. And this is not an April Fool's joke. Paige Beckers, if you saw it, and I did, scored 31. And UConn beat Southern Cal in one regional final last night and Texas beat TCU in the other. So the tournament semis will pit Texas against South Carolina and UConn versus UCLA. Tony, do you have Gino Or's Huskies, the lone two seed among three ones, as the final four favorite to win the entire thing?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Is that what you're asking me? Do I pick them now to win the entire thing?

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah.

[Tony Kornheiser]

No, I don't because of what you just said. There are two. And the other three teams in here are one. Look, I love Geno Auriemma. I love what he's done at UConn over the years and we haven't ever seen anything like it. He's been to 24 Final Fours. John Wooden only went to 12. Gino's been to 16 of the last 17 Final Fours. It's absolutely remarkable. But I'm tell you something, Mike. I was stunned this morning when I learned that UConn was either a 7 1/2 or an 8 1/2 point favorite over UCLA in the next game. I mean, I couldn't believe it. UCLA is the overall number one seed. UCLA only lost to one team all year. It's twice, but only one team. USC with juju Watkins. Okay. And then UCLA beat USC with juju Watkins. Connecticut just beat USC without juju Watkins and lost to them with juju Watkins.

[Mike Wilbon]

So I'm.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I am amazed. What did UCLA do to become the underdog in this particular game?

[Mike Wilbon]

Well, Tony, UConn looks like a steamroller. Again, it's less about what UCLA did or has done or not done than what UConn is doing. Paige Becker's specifically in AZ Fudd and their freshman big. They. I mean, UConn looks like the monster on the block, but I don't have him as a favorite. I got the defending national champs as favorites. I got South Carolina as the favorite. South Carolina. Dawn Staley's teams have been to five consecutive Final Fours. They've won three since Geno's won. So as great as Gino's machine has been, and you did not overstate it by one bit. South Carolina's been every bit of that. And they got the incentive of having been clocked already this season by UConn. By UConn. That would be some game if they play each other in the final.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Paige Beckers is a great, great player. I see that, but doesn't UCLA? What does UConn do about Lauren Betts, who's averaging 23 and 9 and shooting 75% on the field in a tournament. Well, Mike, but she struggled against swing defenders. I would love to see Connecticut win this thing cuz I have great respect for them. But I don't see UCLA as a walkover at all.

[Mike Wilbon]

No, no, no, no.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Let's move that.

[Mike Wilbon]

You know, I am rooting a course for UCLA and they are no walkover.

[Tony Kornheiser]

But no, they're not.

[Mike Wilbon]

UConn is going to be the favorite in that game. You knew it coming in. But wait till we get a line. If we get the matchup of South Carolina, the other USC, they don't like that down in Gamecockville versus UConn.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Let's move to NFL rule changes and not rule changes. The biggest news is that the Tush push has been tabled. Our friend Mark Maski. The Washington post reports that 16 teams want to ban it, but you need 24 in actual changes. Both teams will get the ball in overtime, so an opening drive touchdown won't automatically win the game. And touchbacks on kickoffs will go out to the 35 yard line next season, not the 30 in an attempt to discourage kicking off into the end zone. Wilbaugh, where do you want to start?

[Mike Wilbon]

You know, I guess with the tweaks to things that actually we know about. So few kicks have been returned the last couple of years. Even though it was from. It went from 22% which is really low, up to like 33%. And I know there are people now in that room on that committee that believe it could go up to 60%. I don't believe that maybe 40, but even 40 would be an improvement on Tony. A play that you and I have always thought is the most exciting play in professional football. Just like taking away and you know. But I like the tinkering with overtime. I was okay with the way it was, but I'm okay with this too. And the Tush push. I'm just sort of disappointed that there's enough momentum to even get 16 teams to say, yeah, we ought to get rid of this or, you know, seriously consider it. And they're just going to table it for a while to the next meetings in May. Disappointed in that, but I'm okay with the other two changes that just sort of tinker around the edges. Anything that can bring more kick returns back, I'm in favor of.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah, I'm going to track over what you're saying. I love the kickoff return and by the way, I'm fine with what they've done to eliminate the big momentum of the kicking team once they kick the ball off because now they're only five yards apart. I'm good with that.

[Mike Wilbon]

That's right.

[Tony Kornheiser]

But I want to see more kickoff routine returns. It did go from 21.8% to 32.8%. And Rich McCrae of the. Rich McKay, rather of the competitions committee, he's the guy who says it could go to 60 or 70. I'd love to see that. It's the best play in football. So I'm good with that. Like you, I'm okay with the fact that everybody's going to get the ball in overtime. But personally, like you, I liked it this way. I like it that you could get the ball on a kickoff and you could get a touchdown and knock the other team out. Because like you, I would say, hey, play defense and shut up. Defense, stop them and then you'll get the ball back. But, but because this is fair, and it is fair, I'm going to live with it. The Tush Push Mike the tush push is, is something that probably looks illegal to most people, and it looks like it's from the 1930s at the beginning of the NFL. But what bothers me here is that I think the packers are doing this just because the Eagles are so good at it. And that's not fair. That's selective punishment. And I don't like that. Let's take a break. Coming up, St. John star RJ Lewis Jr. Has entered the transfer portal. What is the word for and how.

[Mike Wilbon]

Best to describe the A's opening night in Sacramento Sack Town I think people.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Are gonna believe us. I think they're gonna believe us that they're gonna ban the torpedo back. I think we sold that.

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[Tax Act]

Tax Act Knows you probably don't need help filing taxes, but if you get stuck, we have live experts you can talk to. And who knows, you could hit it off and become long term tax friends. Staying up late at night talking about deductions, refunds, personal exemptions. Heck, you could even fall in love and create a little dependent of your own one day. Or they could just answer your filing questions. Tax act let's get them over with.

[Tony Kornheiser]

It's time to get it on with lexicon and what's the word? What's first?

[Mike Wilbon]

It's blank.

[Commercial Voice]

That St. John star R.J. lewis Jr. Has entered the transfer portal.

[Tony Kornheiser]

My word is predictable. I know Mike. When I was looking at him when he was bench for the last five minutes in the Arkansas game, I thought, this is it. He's not going to come back to this. I know he was the Big east player of the year and I know he was 3 for 17 from the floor in that game. But when they cut away on shots to him, he just looks so sad. Now there are sources out there that are saying, no, it's not about that incident at all. He wants to go to the NBA. He wants to check on his draft status. If his draft status he finds out isn't what he wants it to be, then he'll go back to college at another place. And the sources also say, you know, that St. John's they're okay with it as well. There's no animosity, but they don't want to wait until May to find out his decision. So they've already begun to replace him. And if you want to believe it's Peachy Keene, you go ahead and you believe that. But me personally, I believe that he was embarrassed by that and angered by that. And he said, I'm out of here.

[Mike Wilbon]

Tony more than one thing can be true, and it is in all these cases with transferring. My word is he's transferring. It must be Tuesday. That's what happens every day in college sports and high school sports. Tony, I know a school I'm not gonna name which school that's got five people visiting like this week in the transfer portal. What I didn't tell you, and I'm here to tell you now on national television is I have entered the transfer portal and I'm hoping to go and join Mike Greenberg for a powerful Northwestern power tandem at get up. So I have entered the transfer portal and I applied nil funds. Tony they all Transfer. They all transfer all the time. And even if this kid had won that game and gone to the next game, chances are he would transfer because that's what they do.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I don't believe the last part of it. Let's go. What's next? The A's debut in Sacramento last night was blank. It was humiliating. They lost 18 to 3 to the Cubs. 18 to 3. That's not the worst part. The worst part is they could not fill that minor league stadium in Sacramento. It only holds 14,000 and they only got 12,000 people to that game. And this is not a one year deal like in Tampa Bay. While they fix a stadium. They could be. The A's could be in Sacramento for three to four years. I mean, I just think. I think this looks. Looks terrible for the A's, by the way, their radio broadcast even went out. It looks terrible for Major League Baseball. They should have somehow kept that team in Oakland. That team got better last year. It just looks like baseball completely botched this.

[Mike Wilbon]

You know, Tony, I wish the team had stayed in Oakland too, but I'm not gonna say they should have. I'm not. Because I told you I would call you on my cell phone as I was walking into a Warriors playoff game in April, May or June. And I would just walk in like you're walking into a high school game. Have a seat. The ushers would say, oh, you go into the warriors, you got a couple hours, watch a game. No one went there. It's not humiliating at all. It's typical. This is what they got. And so it wasn't bad. It wasn't a bad night. They drew about the same number of.

[Tony Kornheiser]

People they drew losing three. Yeah, okay. It's a minor league park, Mike. It's the minor league. This is the majors. And they're in the minors. They're in the minors.

[Mike Wilbon]

So the difference between that and drawing 12,000 to a 50,000 seat stadium, that's somehow different. No, it is to me. That is more embarrassing.

[Tony Kornheiser]

It is to me. It is to me.

[Mike Wilbon]

That's more embarrassing.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I don't even want to cite analytics on it. That's the final word.

[Mike Wilbon]

Fifth city for this franchise. The A's move every. They've applied to the transfer portal. The A's have now entered again the transfer portal.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's right. And they're going to end up with you in Greeny on Get up. Let's take one last break. Still to come, the 05 Braves get two more pieces of bad news.

[Mike Wilbon]

And do the Celtics get enough attention for what they're doing on the road this season. Transfer portal.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Even when they Drew, they drew 11:5, let's say at the Oakland Coliseum. That's a major league ballpark. If you can't sell it a minor league ballpark, why you.

[Mike Wilbon]

It's not a major league ballpark. It's a.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Well, it was.

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[Mike Wilbon]

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[Mike Wilbon]

Oh, yeah.

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[Tony Kornheiser]

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[Tony Kornheiser]

Happy time people. Happy 21st birthday. Tyrese Proctor. The Duke guard is lit it up during the NCAA tournament. So far. In the round of 64, Proctor was 6 of 8 from 3 in just 21 minutes against Mount Saint Mary's. In the round of 32, Proctor was 7 of 8 from from 3 against Baylor. In the round of 16, Proctor fell off shooting just 1 of 4 from 3 against Arizona. But in the regional final against Alabama, Proctor was seven of ten from the field. So far in the NCAA is the six six junior from Australia. Proctor is averaging 17 points a game, which is complementing the six nine freshman from Maine. Cooper flags 19 and a half points per game. Next up for Duke is Houston, statistically college basketball's best defense.

[Mike Wilbon]

As great as Flag is Tony Proctor and Knipple really round that and make that what looks like a championship team. I think Proctor is going to be a big star potentially in the NBA. He just seems to be that new Wave player that's got a lot of different skills and can really elevate once he gets to the next level.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Happy anniversary, Roy Williams. On this day four years ago, the North Carolina coach surprisingly retired after 33 years at Kansas and at Carolina and three national titles, all at Chapel Hill. People wondered if this was an April Fool's joke. But in short order, Mike Krzyzewski announced plans to retire after one more season at Duke. Jay Wright retired from Villanova. Jim Boeheim retired from Syracuse. Tony Bennett retired from Virginia. All national championship coaches. Former player and longtime UNC assistant Hubert Davis took over for old Roy and got to the national title game in his first season. The next few haven't been as kind. The selection of the Heels as a First four team this year was criticized though. They won that game.

[Mike Wilbon]

Tony. I think what all those men knew was that the landscape was going to change dramatically in college basketball and and it wasn't going to resemble anything they had worked their lives and competed in over a lifetime to be great in. And you know what? They're right. It doesn't resemble it at all.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Happy trails. Jurickson Profar Baseball suspended the Braves new left fielder for 80 regular season games and the postseason for PEDs. The 31 year old journeyman was making $1 million from the Padre Rays last season when he produced a big surge in his stats. Made his first All Star Game that career year, enticed the Braves in January to sign him to a three year deal worth $42 million. The team says it's quote, surprised and extremely disappointed. Something it could also say about its record. So far the Braves are.05, have scored just 8 runs total and yesterday placed All Star pitcher Ronaldo Lopez on the il with shoulder. Inflation nation.

[Mike Wilbon]

You know what, Tony? Extending that ban, making it effective in the postseason, that gives it some real teeth punishment. Does you have to miss the postseason 100%.

[Tony Kornheiser]

In addition to happy trails to the opening for the Maryland basketball job. After Kevin Willard left for Villanova and appeared to render the Maryland job worthless, the Terps came up with Buzz Williams, who will leave Texas A and M to ride to the rescue at College Park. Williams has taken Texas A and M, Virginia Tech and marquette to the NCAA tournament 11 times. Williams has been to the Elite Eight once and the Sweet Sixteen three other times. In comparison, Willard has been to seven NCAA tournaments while coaching Seton hall in Maryland and reached a sweet 16 once this year with Maryland.

[Mike Wilbon]

Tony, Maryland basketball has been incredibly important for a long time, but in the Big Ten. Now just let me ask you, is it fair to wonder if Maryland basketball has an identity issue that it is still grappling with through no real fault of its own?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah, because. Because everybody knows it from its ACC matchups for 50 years. You know, I don't have any of those in the Big Ten yet. We go to the big finish. The NBA suspended five players for their roles in the Pistons Wolves scuffle. Okay by you?

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah. You know there had to be some suspensions but you have to go crazy. It was not a brawl as some people say. There were no punches thrown. Steelers owner Art Rooney II says signs are pointing in the direction of Aaron Rodgers joining the team. Your thoughts?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Just wake me when something happens. Officially, the Red Sox and Garrett Crochet reportedly agreed on a six year extension worth $170 million. Wow. Does that make sense?

[Mike Wilbon]

Wow. It's a bit of forecasting because he's only thrown 224 innings in his career. Just wondering. Dustin May, Not Dusty May. Dustin makes his first start since 2023 tonight for the 60 Dodgers against the winless Braves. How significant is Mays return?

[Tony Kornheiser]

The red haired kid, right? I hope he's great. But if not, the Dodgers are still loaded.

[Mike Wilbon]

Last one.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Celtics went 60 on their road trip. You impressed?

[Mike Wilbon]

They're so great on the road they have a chance to equal the all time record as a road warrior. Forgive the pun. Yeah, I'm impressed.

[Tony Kornheiser]

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

[Mike Wilbon]

And I'm Mike Wilbon. Same time tomorrow knuckleheads. You can get the podcast on the app or Apple podcasts. And now pti.

[Brad Milkey]

Hey, I'm Brad Milkey. You may know me as the host of ABC Audio's daily news podcast. Start here. But I'd like to add aspiring true crime expert to my resume and here's how I'm going to make it happen. Every week I'm going to unpack the biggest true crime story that everyone is talking about. ABC's got some unique access here. So I'll talk to the reporters and producers who have followed these cases for months, sometimes years. We'll bring you the latest developments and the larger context on the true crime stories you've been hearing about. Follow the crime scene for special access to the people who know these stories best.