PTI Podcast Summary
Episode Title: Maxx Crosby Says "I'm Not Leaving!"
Hosts: Tony Kornheiser & Michael Wilbon
Date: March 12, 2026
Overview:
This PTI episode features Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon debating top stories in sports, including fiery MLB World Baseball Classic moments, the uncertain future of Maxx Crosby with the Raiders, Kyler Murray's possible move to the Vikings, and reactions to Miami of Ohio’s first basketball loss. The discussion blends insightful analysis with the hosts' witty, conversational style.
Main Discussion Points & Insights
1. World Baseball Classic & Vinnie Pasquantino’s Heroics
[01:00 – 04:25]
- USA Advances Thanks to Italy’s Win:
- Italy, led by Vinnie Pasquantino’s 3 home runs, beats Mexico 9-1, allowing the U.S. to advance.
- Pasquantino’s trash talk—“You welcome USA. We were thinking of you guys over at your hotel. Glad you guys could join us in the party.”—impressed the hosts.
- Wilbon celebrates Pasquantino:
"That was so cool... Pasquintino, that was fabulous. In the age of social media where people don't even really know how to effectively talk trash anymore, Pasquantino did it." — Mike Wilbon [01:44]
- Tony raves about Italy’s home run celebrations (espresso rituals and sport coats) as “sophisticated” compared to standard dugout hijinks.
- Analysis on Team USA:
- Kornheiser speculates whether Pasquantino should be on the U.S. team, but notes depth at first base (Bryce Harper, Paul Goldschmidt).
- Both question Team USA manager Mark Derosa’s statement that "we've got the 30 best ballplayers in the world”, highlighting Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto’s greatness.
2. Maxx Crosby: Will the All-Pro Stay With the Raiders?
[04:32 – 07:51]
- Crosby Declares Loyalty:
- Maxx Crosby posts, “I’m a Raider. I’m back. Run that bleep.” after the Ravens pull out of a trade.
- Kornheiser:
- Skeptical Crosby stays: Raiders may still trade him if the right offer comes; recent free-agent moves and a top overall pick (likely Fernando Mendoza, to be mentored by Tom Brady) strengthen the roster.
- Raises questions about the Ravens’ reputation after backing out of the deal—teams and agents may become wary.
"I know there's a lot of talk among agents. I don't want to do deals with the Baltimore Ravens because… they got rid of a very popular head coach in John Harbaugh and they reneged on a deal for an all pro player." — Tony Kornheiser [05:46]
- Wilbon:
- Focuses on Crosby’s health (knee/meniscus) as the real issue hurting his trade value:
"Max Crosby is going to be a Raider because nobody else is going to offer a one and a one. …Late in the season, Max Crosby stopped playing. Why?" — Mike Wilbon [06:20]
- Doubts teams will pay a high price given medical concerns.
- Focuses on Crosby’s health (knee/meniscus) as the real issue hurting his trade value:
3. Kyler Murray’s Free Agency & Fit With the Vikings
[07:51 – 11:04]
- Murray in Minnesota:
- Visiting the Vikings, planning conversations with several teams.
- Wilbon:
- Skeptical about pairing Murray with coach Kevin O’Connell, referencing failed “quarterback whisperer” narratives:
"The quarterback whisperer must not be able to whisper to everybody because he would whisper to the guy they drafted." — Mike Wilbon [09:08]
- Skeptical about pairing Murray with coach Kevin O’Connell, referencing failed “quarterback whisperer” narratives:
- Kornheiser:
- Notes O'Connell's McVay coaching tree but is not convinced the fit is ideal:
"I don't know Kevin o' Connell from Kevin Garnett." — Tony Kornheiser [09:33]
- Cites Murray’s talent but points out that pairing didn’t work for previous "offensive gurus."
- Sees Murray as a “baseball player at heart”.
- Notes O'Connell's McVay coaching tree but is not convinced the fit is ideal:
4. Word Play: Miami of Ohio’s First Loss & Duke’s ACC Tournament Test
[12:56 – 17:30]
- Miami of Ohio Upset (“Wordy with Wilbon”)
- Tony: “Nothing. …They're still going to be in the tournament. This is the drama of this is past us. It doesn't really matter.” [13:06]
- Wilbon: “Mind-changing… It annoyed me they dropped this game.” [14:05]
- Both agree Miami is still a contender, but confidence is shaken.
- Duke vs. Florida State (“Wordy with Wilbon”)
- Tony: “Uncertain…Duke has been an eight-man team all year and now they are a six-man team because they have lost two starters.”
- Wilbon: “Scrimmaging… It's like a scrimmage. You're going to go out there... But Duke does have a bench… Jon [Shire] knows who those people are and how to get them ready.”
5. NBA Briefs & College Basketball
[17:45 – 18:25 / 24:03 – 25:26]
- Celtics-Thunder Game:
- Star absences sap anticipation; both say the regular NBA season often feels “wasted time until mid-April.”
- Wilbon:
“The NBA mostly wastes people's time until mid April, but only for six months to be great.” [18:14]
- Big Finish:
- Jayson Tatum out for Celtics (Wilbon: “no surprise”).
- Collin Morikawa withdraws from Players Championship; both express disappointment.
- NCAA picks: Wilbon likes Houston over BYU, and smells a possible Northwestern upset at Purdue.
Notable Quotes & Moments
- Vinnie Pasquantino’s Classic Trash Talk:
“You welcome USA. We were thinking of you guys over at your hotel. Glad you guys could join us in the party.” [Tony quoting Pasquantino, 01:38]
- On Italian Home Run Rituals:
“After every home run, he went over to the espresso machine in the Italian dugout, had a cup of espresso... so much more sophisticated. So much better than spitting sunflower seeds at one another.” — Tony Kornheiser [02:40]
- On Maxx Crosby’s Trade Prospects:
“Max Crosby is going to be a Raider because nobody else is going to offer a one and a one.” — Mike Wilbon [06:20]
- On the Vikings/QB Whisperer Myth:
“The quarterback whisperer must not be able to whisper to everybody because he would whisper to the guy they drafted.” — Mike Wilbon [09:08]
- On the NBA Regular Season:
“The NBA mostly wastes people's time until mid April…” — Mike Wilbon [18:14]
Key Timestamps for Important Segments
| Segment | Timestamp | |----------------------------------------------|---------------| | World Baseball Classic / Pasquantino | 01:00 – 04:25 | | Maxx Crosby & Raiders/Ravens Drama | 04:32 – 07:51 | | Kyler Murray & Minnesota Vikings Discussion | 07:51 – 11:04 | | Miami of Ohio Loss (“Wordy with Wilbon”) | 12:56 – 15:17 | | Duke’s Tournament Opener Analysis | 15:17 – 17:30 | | NBA/Celtics-Thunder & NBA Season Critique | 17:45 – 18:25 | | Brief NCAA & NHL Picks / Big Finish | 24:03 – 25:26 |
Episode Tone and Style
- Conversational, witty, and often teasing.
- Hosts mix sharp sports analysis with playful banter and nostalgia.
- Frequent callbacks to Chicago roots and running gags (e.g., Red Fox / high school with Wilbon’s mother).
Conclusion
This episode of PTI covers a lively set of topics: US optimism in the World Baseball Classic, the business and injuries behind NFL trades (Maxx Crosby, Kyler Murray), college basketball drama, and NBA regular season slog. The hosts offer equal doses of cynicism and enthusiasm, with classic quotes and on-brand banter ensuring the episode is both informative and entertaining for sports fans.