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Unknown Speaker
In case you didn't know, these young men are driven. They are prodigies, the savants, the ones we've been waiting for. Like Damian Lillard, for instance. He doesn't seek guidance or mentorship. He's a leader. He isn't waiting for the baton to be passed to him. He's taking it for himself. He's relentless in a pursuit of greatness, always pushing to one up himself. He is accomplished, but far from satisfied. He embodies what it means to have an unstoppable drive and are shaking up the status quo in their community and beyond.
Tony Kornheiser
And.
Unknown Speaker
And Damian Lillard drives a Toyota. A new generation of Toyota drivers are here and they want you to know one thing. You can't stop my drive.
Mike Wilbon
Pardon the interruption, but I'm Mike Wilbon. Yesterday was national False Teeth Day. Tony, are your teeth real?
Tony Kornheiser
I'm Tony Kornheiser. I wish. Bob Costas has a wicked uppercut. Wicked boom.
Mike Wilbon
Other than hockey players, you know, remember decades, generations ago, when it seemed Everybody north of 60 had like a bunch of false teeth? They'd have a partial plate and they take it out during dinner. Your grandparents, it was just so good.
Tony Kornheiser
So the last tooth that I lost among the many I've lost was with Swedish fish. I ate a Swedish fish and my tooth just came out. It was a live tooth and it came out. It was terrible. Welcome to pti, boys and girls. In today's episode, Myles Garrett's new deal, Garrett Cole's elbow and LeBron's groin. But we begin today with two free agent quarterbacks finding new teams. Sam Darnold is joining the Seahawks for three years and $55 million guaranteed. And Justin Fields, who Wilbon loves, is going to the jets for $30 million guaranteed over two. Wilbon, what do you make of these signings?
Mike Wilbon
Well, I don't care about any of the money. It's a lot of money. People make a lot of money in professional athletics. I don't care about that. I care about the fit. Sam Darnold might be an exception because he had to take that into account, given he's got this one shot maybe at making some money, given his career trajectory. So he's got no DK Metcalf, he's got no locket. They're gone. Seattle cut them, but he's going to Seattle where he's going to play with a guy, a coordinator that had coached him before. Okay, I understand that. After Geno Smith goes to the Raiders and Justin Fields goes to the Jets. And it just, I feel you know, I like Justin Fields and it just seems like he's wandering in the desert. I mean, the Bears when it comes to quarterbacks have not known what they're doing for 100 years. The jets don't know what they're doing about anything. 400 years. And I just feel bad for Justin Fields and Tony. Part of me thinks with these two guys because Darnold had such a great season last year. Yes. I'm even taking into account the two games at the end of the season where he sort of flopped. He had a great season. But now I'm thinking with these guys going where they're going, there's no Justin Jefferson in Seattle for Darnold to throw to. They're just going to be irrelevant. Like we get to Columbus Day and neither one of these guys is going to be relevant with the teams he is going to. That's just where I am on this.
Tony Kornheiser
So a few hours ago, before I knew about the Sam Darnold trade, I was preparing to talk about Seattle in this regard because Seattle. Geno Smith had left Seattle and DK Metcalf had left Seattle. And I was basically going to say, look, this is a place now they're going to struggle to even get to.500. They're obviously in a total rebuild by getting rid of a quarterback and a premier receiver. You know, they're a dull team. Premier receivers.
Mike Wilbon
Tyler Locker.
Tony Kornheiser
Yeah, the dull team in a remote corner of the country. And I was going to say we're not going to probably talk about them at all for three years. And then Donald moves there and that changes everything. I mean, one of the things that it changes, you know, as the dominoes fall. One of the things that changes is the Pittsburgh circumstance. Yeah, Pittsburgh brings in Metcalf. He's a high quality receiver. They have George Pickens. Am I right on that? A high quality receiver. Their problem at the end of last year was they had no offense. Russell Wilson could not score any points. So they need a quarterback. They could have Wilson, they could have had Fields until he just left to go to the Jets. But what I was thinking about is Cousins and Rogers and Donald and, you know, and then now Donald's off the board. And I also thought about Geno Smith going to basically reunite with Pete Carow. Geno Smith resurrected his career in Seattle like nobody thought that he'd be this good.
Mike Wilbon
But he is.
Tony Kornheiser
He's not that good. No.
Mike Wilbon
Do you think Darnold. Do you think Darnold in Seattle is going to be consequential or just he Going to go back to being Sam Darnold.
Tony Kornheiser
I don't know. Those first 14 games he was great. He was all world. But as you say, who's he going to throw to? Exactly. Now who is he going to throw to? So you know there's consequences for all.
Mike Wilbon
World every single move. And with that in mind, let's move to even more personnel moves in the NFL. Wide receiver Devonte Adams. He not going to Seattle because he agreed to a deal with the Rams. 26 mil. Don't care about the money here. Myles Garrett decided the Browns weren't so bad after all. Accepting the money does matter here. 123 mil guaranteed to stay in Cleveland after he said the money didn't matter. And today my Bears grabbed defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, center Drew Dahlman, both from Atlanta, and a pass rusher. Tony, which of these is the most interesting move to you?
Tony Kornheiser
I'm going to leave the Bears out of this because I know you're going to talk about the Bears. I will say briefly about Devonte Adams that he's a. He's a terrific receiver. He will take Cooper Cup's place and he will give Matthew Stafford again a second wonderful receiver. But most interesting to me, and I'm going to go on for a while, is Myles Garrett who now has no honor in my mind. No honor. He very publicly went out there and he said trade me out of here.
Mike Wilbon
You did?
Tony Kornheiser
Okay. I don't want to go from Cleveland to Canton. No. I want to be in Super Bowls. I want to win games. I don't want to be part of another rebuild in this place.
Mike Wilbon
125 million.
Tony Kornheiser
Okay, fine. Then he takes the Browns money. He takes the Browns money. He waits for Max Crosby to set the bar. He goes over the bar and this is fine, Mike, I don't care if you take the money. But don't tell me this is a stand on principle. And don't tell me all you care about is winning cuz they're not going to win. They were three and four team last year. They are smack in the middle of a second rebuild that Myles Garrett said he didn't want to have anything to do with. So he's a rich guy on a bad team and to me has no.
Mike Wilbon
Credibility to me, Tony, I don't disagree with your assessment of it except to this degree. At some point, while Myles Garrett was making those stands, going on every interview and showing America except this one, saying he wanted out and he wanted to contend at some point, somebody close to Miles Garrett, maybe a relative, maybe a frat brother said miles. 125 million guaranteed. Shut up and sign the deal. Okay, so that will happen. So that's enough of Miles Garrett for me. And he could have wound up in Chicago, believe me, I know. But I'm going to go. Tony. With the Bears making a major difference, they signed three offensive line starters. Interior offensive lineman that will start the season in front of the offense. Sack too often. Sacked Caleb Williams on opening day. Knock on wood for good health. The most recent of them, Dman, 25 years old, stud center. This also allows the Bears to do other things with their three draft picks in the top 41. And you go get two defensive linemen. One is an edge rusher, another one a popular figure with the coaches and people in Atlanta who they cut yesterday. And I remember thinking, when they cut him, wow, he'd be sort of nice to add, even though he's like 30, 31 years old. You like to have this kind of guy in your lineup of largely younger players. Tony, the Bears have had one hell of a week. I know you want to see them play. I want to see them play. Yeah. But, Tony, there are plenty of times where I've said to you, the Bears did nothing. This is a different time for the Bears.
Tony Kornheiser
I'm glad you're happy.
Mike Wilbon
I'm not just happy.
Tony Kornheiser
I'm glad you're happy with the Bears. And they have to protect Caleb Williams, who was sacked more than any player in the league last year, 68 times. That's fine. That's fine. I just think the overriding issue here, to me, was Myles Garrett saying, I want this, want this, want that. Oh, no, I'll take your money. We move now to baseball. Yankees ace Garrett Cole, who started game one and game five of the World Series last year, will likely need Tommy John surgery if he needs it. He'll be out for all of this season. Cole won the cy Young in 2023 last year, had a 217 ERA and five postseason starts. Wolvon, where does Cole's elbow injury leave the Yankees?
Mike Wilbon
You know, you hate to hear this. I mean, you're talking about an ace. You're talking about a stalwart who knows about postseason pitching. A stud, as we used to say.
Tony Kornheiser
Yeah.
Mike Wilbon
And yet the Yankees have so many injuries now with heel out as well. The Yankees, they could probably have the first opening Day bullpen day where just, you know, April 4th, they tried out in a Yankee Stadium. Five relievers who pitch, you know, you know, an inning in two thirds. I. I don't know where it Leaves them. It leaves them where every staff seems to be, which is everybody seems to have Tommy John or, you know, a partial Tommy John or a second Tommy John. And my eyes roll when I hear it. But you don't. You don't want to see a picture of this consequence, this late in his career dealing with Tommy John surgery. The Yankees have enough money. I'm not going to hold the gofundme for the Yankees. They'll figure out a way to get around it. They'll spend some money. They'll flee somebody in a trade. They'll get over it. But I hate to see Garrett Cole in this situation.
Tony Kornheiser
Yeah, I agree with that. I do. And I've used this word before. The amount of pitchers that go out, it's a plague in Major League Baseball. A plague. It is the chasing of speed and spin wipes out pitchers in the way that butterflies and bees are wiped out. I mean, it's really awful. In terms of the Yankees, you know, the last time I looked, they had Aaron Judge, right? And they have Paul Goldschmidt. Right. And they have Cody Bellinger. So you don't have to, as you say, you don't have to do a Gofundme for them. And we're talking about a long season. People get hurt at various points. It's 162 games. And by the way, for people who are probably. It isn't starting. It isn't starting for almost another three weeks. So let's not go crazy. And in terms of pitchers and pitching staffs, Mike, Los Angeles Dodgers last year, there was a period of time when they had lost four or five starters. They ended up winning the World Series. So, you know, this is part of what happens in baseball. There's an ebb and flow to your staff, but it is when you step back from it and you see how many pitchers are out all the time.
Mike Wilbon
Amazing.
Tony Kornheiser
And it's awful. It's awful. Let's take a break. Coming up, what does LeBron's groin strain mean for the Lakers?
Mike Wilbon
That's awful, too. UCLA beat USC, Tony. Or was there a bigger result than women's college hoops over the weekend?
Tony Kornheiser
Can you tell me how Giancarlo Stanton is out with tennis elbow? I mean, isn't that the oddest thing in the world?
Mike Wilbon
Does he not want to be in spring training? He's earned that. He's earned the right to not want to be in spring trainer.
Unknown Speaker
In case you didn't know. These young men are driven. They are prodigies, the savants, the ones we've been waiting for. Like Damian Lillard, for instance. He doesn't seek guidance or mentorship. He's a leader. He isn't waiting for the baton to be passed to him. He's taking it for himself. He's relentless in a pursuit of greatness, always pushing to one up himself. He is accomplished, but far from satisfied. He embodies what it means to have an unstoppable drive and are shaking up the status quo in their community and beyond. And Damian Lillard drives a Toyota. A new generation of Toyota drivers are here and they want you to know one thing. You can't stop my drive.
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Tony Kornheiser
Time to find out what's striking a chord with the horde. That's a good line. Let's see what's First I have to go into the mailbox. What does LeBron's groin strain mean for the Lakers?
Mike Wilbon
Well, Tony, it may not mean much. I mean, there's some feeling out there. This may be more than the one or two weeks that's out there being publicly stated. It could be two or three it and then you're getting dangerously close to the end of the regular season. We expect LeBron to be back for the playoffs. LeBron said he wasn't all that worried. But this injury, any injury at 40 is worrisome. This is worrisome. Here's the real worry, and I know you don't want to see this because you tipped your hand this morning on your podcast. LeBron and the Lakers could slide out of the three spot, which may help avoid Golden State in the first round. I know you don't want to see that in the first round. You want to see it later in the playoffs. I agree with you. You don't want to start the playoffs with Golden State and the Lakers playing each other. My God, it'd be fascinating in the second round or the conference finals. But the Lakers are going to need him. They're going to get him back. They're going to need everybody back, but they're not going to be in that third spot if LeBron's not in there. Because LeBron right now is one of the four best players, three best players in the league all season.
Tony Kornheiser
You misread me completely on the notion of the Lakers and the warriors playing in the first round of the playoffs.
Mike Wilbon
What?
Tony Kornheiser
At least you know you get them there. There's no guarantee you'll ever get them anywhere else. And that is a series that only everybody would want.
Mike Wilbon
But not in the first round.
Tony Kornheiser
Come on. Sure. In the. Sure. I would like to see it. I don't care about the rest of the playoffs. Once I see that, that's enough for me. In terms of LeBron James right here and now, it's unfortunate because it keeps Luka Doncic from playing on the same court as LeBron James. That's what the Lakers are about now. Those two guys getting to play. The more games that you miss, the less chemistry that you can develop. Other than that, I don't really think it's a big deal. Let's say he misses a couple of weeks. I think they have six games in eight days.
Mike Wilbon
Yeah.
Tony Kornheiser
That's a hectic part of the season. Right. So if you get LeBron back after that and he's rested and he's healthy, I don't think that's a bad thing at all, really. But unlike you, I know you want to see him against the warriors down the road. I want to take it when I can get it. I want to take it when I can get it right away.
Mike Wilbon
I don't want the appetizer to be that.
Tony Kornheiser
That's the main course, pal.
Mike Wilbon
It is, ain't it?
Tony Kornheiser
That's the main course whenever it's out there. Bigger result from the weekend in women's basketball. UCLA beating USC for the Big Ten title. That's a joke, right? Big Ten title or South Carolina beating Texas for the SEC title.
Mike Wilbon
Since the South Carolina was going to be Texas. South Carolina's going to be everybody left in its way except UConn and then we'll see. South Carolina's beaten two number ones and a number two already this season.
Tony Kornheiser
Texas is one. So Texas was one.
Mike Wilbon
I'm sorry, two number ones and a two. So they've already done that. So. No, no, it's USC finally getting popped by UCLA, which fought back after losing two games. The last one a week ago that I attended in Los Angeles. Tony. And that's a. I mean, it's a local rivalry, but a national rivalry with star players and teams with aspirations each that can win the national championship. So it's UCLA after losing, I think a double digit result last Saturday in Pauley Pavilion under the banners of John the Great John Wooden. They lost that game. They needed to win. They had a great comeback. No, it's UCLA beating sc.
Tony Kornheiser
I'm amazed you had time to fit that game into your schedule and still read all the draft material that you were reading over the last couple of weeks. I'm gonna leave the women's college basketball to you. You were there, you saw it. You root for South Carolina and you root for UCLA because you love Dawn Staley and you love Kiki Rice. We understand that. I spent much of the weekend, I spent a lot watching the golf, but I also spent a lot watching men's college basketball. Dove in for the first time this year, saw Alabama beat Auburn very late in that game. Big win for Alabama because they had a bad week the previous week. I saw St. John's go on the road at Marquette and win in overtime. And I think Rick Pitino is probably going to be coach of the year with what he's done at St. John's and I saw Duke withstand in the last few minutes of the first half. In the first few minutes of the second half, a great rally by North Carolina put them ahead in the game. And Duke was able to win that game even though Cooper Flagg was out for at least 10 minutes. I thought with foul trouble. So this is the time for both of us to watch college basketball. This is when it emerges the men.
Mike Wilbon
You know, you still gotta, like, you need a program to know who they are. The women's game is much more exciting. The personalities are greater and bigger and, and more commanding. You can drag.
Tony Kornheiser
You need a program for. You need a program to know all these offensive and defensive linemen that you just got on the Bears. Enough email. Let's get one last break in. Still to come, Drake pulls off something.
Mike Wilbon
That'S hard to believe he just dropped a new album. He's got time to play basketball. Shane Gildrich Alexander and Nikola Jokic get set to face each other for the second time in trouble nights tonight. Are the nuggies gonna bounce back?
Tony Kornheiser
Do you know where Drake is? Do you know the state Drake's in? You know, right?
Mike Wilbon
Kenda. Get in the zone. AutoZone.
Unknown Speaker
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Mike Wilbon
I need new rotors.
Unknown Speaker
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Mike Wilbon
That's great.
Unknown Speaker
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Tony Kornheiser
Yep.
Mike Wilbon
And an Upgrade is just $10?
Unknown Speaker
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Tony Kornheiser
Get in the zone.
Unknown Speaker
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Mike Wilbon
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Unknown Speaker
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Mike Wilbon
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Unknown Speaker
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Mike Wilbon
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Tony Kornheiser
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Unknown Speaker
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Mike Wilbon
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Unknown Speaker
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Tony Kornheiser
Happy time, people. Happy 27th birthday. Justin Herbert. The Chargers quarterback was rookie of the year in two 2020 when he set records for most completions by a rookie. 396. Most passing touchdowns by a rookie, 31. And most 300 yard games by a rookie. 8. Herbert has been fine since, if not great. This past season, Herbert had 23 touchdowns, only three interceptions. But Herbert is 02 in the playoffs. In 2022, he blew a 27 nothing lead on the road to Jacksonville. This past season, Herbert was 14 for 32 with one touchdown and four interceptions, including a pick six in a 32:12 loss at Houston. It's not put up or shut up time yet. But as there are doubts about Lamar Jackson in the playoffs, there may be some about Herbert.
Mike Wilbon
That's true, Tony. But if I as a quarterback could build a 27 nothing lead in the playoffs, I didn't blow the damn game. The guys wearing 50s and 90s on my team, they blew the game. If I hand you a 27 nothing lead, you teammates better close. If I'm Justin Herbert, I ain't taking that one.
Tony Kornheiser
A not so Happy anniversary, Rudy Gobert. On this day five years ago, the then Utah Jazz center took heat for making light of coronavirus concerns that were growing around the world. At the end of the Jazz post shoot around meeting with the media, Gobert somewhat playfully touched a every microphone and tape recorder that was in front of him before leaving the podium. Within two days, Gobert became patient zero in the NBA. The next day, Gobert began experiencing flu like symptoms. And just before tip off of a Jazz Thunder game, officials got word Gobert tested positive for Covid. The game was canceled. Shortly after the NBA suspended the season, a shutdown that lasted until July 30th.
Mike Wilbon
You know what's so odd about that video? The coaches are in suit and tie. Since then, hardly anybody, certainly not in the NBA coaching a suit and tie. Tony, Rudy Gobert's an odd duck. As you go around the league, you realize he's a player of impact. People have traded for him. Minnesota traded for him. He impacts the game, but he's not necessarily well liked. It's kind of weird.
Tony Kornheiser
Suit and tie's good. That's why I wear it. Happy trails to yesterday's game for Bradley. The Braves fell in the Missouri Valley Conference final to Drake, which is the real story here. Last season, Drake won 28 games, made the tournament. But head coach Darren Devries left for West Virginia and the roster evaporated. 12 players transferred, two graduated, one quit the sport. Drake hired Ben McCollum who had won four national titles at D2 Northwest Missouri State. Four starters followed him. He added two freshmen and one juco transfer along with two from Wyoming for a nine man rotation and went 30 and three and won the conference's automatic bid. Now the question is, is someone going to try and hire McCollum away from Drake?
Mike Wilbon
You know, like you, I really as a coach love Rick Pitino. But there's no way he's coach of the year. When a dude comes in and loses 15 players, replaces them and and wins 30. That guy Ben McCollum is coach of the year.
Tony Kornheiser
He is and replaces with D2 players, which is really good. One mistake of course it was Wilbones. South Carolina didn't beat two teams that had been ranked number one and team ranked number two. They lost to those teams, but they did beat one. Number one Texas. Beat him twice.
Mike Wilbon
Quick to the big finish as we.
Tony Kornheiser
Run out of show.
Mike Wilbon
Let's do it.
Tony Kornheiser
Khalil Mack returning to the chargers on a one year deal worth $18 million. Okay with you?
Mike Wilbon
I was saving that Midnight Blue Number 52. With Mack on the back. But yeah, the athletic reports Rob Manfred and some other owners are trying to pressure the Ray's owner to sell your thoughts.
Tony Kornheiser
My thoughts are for a team with a very small budget, they've done very well, haven't they made the World Series twice. Rockets forward Amin Thompson is out up to two weeks with left ankle sprain. Significant.
Mike Wilbon
Yeah, because with fewer than 20 games left, the Rockets are already tumbling in the western standings. Significant. Russell Hanley wanted Bay Hill even though my man Colin Morikawa, he had the three shot lead with five to play. I know you were impressed.
Tony Kornheiser
Yeah, because he chipped in for an eagle on 16 with two other birdies four under the back. Last one. Nuggets of thunder again tonight. Who you got?
Mike Wilbon
You know the Thunder clocked the Nuggets fans. I pulled away late one by 24. I know it's in OKC and they're in first. They beat everybody. Nuggets have to win tonight. They should win. Nate and we we're out of time.
Tony Kornheiser
We'll try and do better the next time. Diane Long Shout out for the shoes. Thank you.
Mike Wilbon
I'm Mike Lobon. Same time tomorrow, Knuckleheads. You can get the podcast on the app or Apple Podcast.
Unknown Speaker
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Unknown Speaker
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Release Date: March 10, 2025
Hosts: Tony Kornheiser & Mike Wilbon
Podcast: PTI by ESPN
In this episode of PTI, hosts Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon delve into the whirlwind of quarterback free agency, explore significant moves across various sports leagues, and discuss the implications of key player injuries. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of their engaging conversation.
The episode kicks off with a focus on the NFL's free agency market, highlighting the moves of quarterbacks Sam Darnold and Justin Fields.
Tony Kornheiser introduces the topic:
"In today's episode, Myles Garrett's new deal, Garrett Cole's elbow and LeBron's groin. But we begin today with two free agent quarterbacks finding new teams. Sam Darnold is joining the Seahawks for three years and $55 million guaranteed. And Justin Fields, who Wilbon loves, is going to the Jets for $30 million guaranteed over two."
[01:07]
Mike Wilbon provides his perspective on these signings:
"I don't care about any of the money. It's a lot of money. People make a lot of money in professional athletics. I don't care about that. I care about the fit. Sam Darnold might be an exception because he had to take that into account, given he's got this one shot maybe at making some money, given his career trajectory."
[01:42]
Wilbon emphasizes the importance of team fit over financials, especially for a player like Darnold who is seeking stability and a platform to enhance his career.
Kornheiser and Wilbon discuss the Seattle Seahawks' rebuilding phase following the departures of Geno Smith and star receiver DK Metcalf.
Tony Kornheiser remarks:
"And Damian Lillard drives a Toyota. A new generation of Toyota drivers are here and they want you to know one thing. You can't stop my drive."
[03:03]
He points out the challenges Seattle faces without their quarterback and premier receiver:
"Geno Smith had left Seattle and DK Metcalf had left Seattle. And I was basically going to say, look, this is a place now they're going to struggle to even get to .500. They're obviously in a total rebuild by getting rid of a quarterback and a premier receiver."
[03:03]
Mike Wilbon concurs, highlighting the potential irrelevance of Darnold's move due to the absence of key offensive weapons:
"Like we get to Columbus Day and neither one of these guys is going to be relevant with the teams he is going to."
[04:38]
This segment underscores the Seahawks' uncertain outlook as they navigate significant roster changes.
A major highlight of the episode is the discussion surrounding Myles Garrett's lucrative contract with the Cleveland Browns.
Tony Kornheiser expresses strong opinions about Garrett's decision:
"I'm going to leave the Bears out of this because I know you're going to talk about the Bears. I will say briefly about Devonte Adams that he's a terrific receiver... But most interesting to me, and I'm going to go on for a while, is Myles Garrett who now has no honor in my mind. No honor. He very publicly went out there and he said trade me out of here."
[05:38]
Mike Wilbon offers a counterpoint, discussing the financial aspects and potential pressures Garrett faced:
"At some point, while Myles Garrett was making those stands, going on every interview and showing America except this one, saying he wanted out and he wanted to contend at some point, somebody close to Miles Garrett, maybe a relative, maybe a frat brother said miles. 125 million guaranteed. Shut up and sign the deal."
[06:14]
The conversation delves into the dilemma athletes face between financial security and team loyalty, questioning Garrett's motivations and the ramifications for his credibility.
The Bears have made significant acquisitions to bolster their defense, a topic of interest for both hosts.
Mike Wilbon announces the Bears' new additions:
"Today my Bears grabbed defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, center Drew Dahlman, both from Atlanta, and a pass rusher."
[05:38]
Tony Kornheiser adds context by discussing the impact of these moves:
"He's a terrific receiver. He will take Cooper Cup's place and he will give Matthew Stafford again a second wonderful receiver."
[05:38]
The Bears are strategically enhancing their lineup to address previous weaknesses, indicating a shift in their competitive stance.
The discussion shifts to Major League Baseball, focusing on the New York Yankees' pitcher Garrett Cole and his recent injury.
Tony Kornheiser brings up the concerning news:
"Yankees ace Garrett Cole, who started game one and game five of the World Series last year, will likely need Tommy John surgery if he needs it. He'll be out for all of this season."
[08:55]
Mike Wilbon analyzes the repercussions for the Yankees:
"The Yankees have so many injuries now with heel out as well. They could probably have the first opening Day bullpen day where just, you know, April 4th, they tried out in a Yankee Stadium. Five relievers who pitch, you know, you know, an inning in two thirds. I. I don't know where it Leaves them."
[08:55]
The hosts express concern over the Yankees' depth and their ability to cope with multiple pitching injuries, emphasizing the potential long-term impact on the team's performance.
LeBron James' recent groin injury and its implications for the Los Angeles Lakers' postseason journey take center stage.
Mike Wilbon discusses the injury's potential effects:
"It may not mean much. It could be two or three it and then you're getting dangerously close to the end of the regular season. We expect LeBron to be back for the playoffs."
[13:39]
Tony Kornheiser explores the strategic playoff implications:
"LeBron James right here and now, it's unfortunate because it keeps Luka Doncic from playing on the same court as LeBron James. That's what the Lakers are about now."
[15:30]
The conversation highlights concerns about the Lakers' seeding and matchup scenarios should LeBron's injury linger, affecting their chances against powerhouse teams like Golden State.
The duo touches upon recent developments in college sports, focusing on the women's basketball rivalry between UCLA and USC.
Tony Kornheiser reflects on the game's excitement:
"UCLA beating sc [USC]... it's a local rivalry, but a national rivalry with star players and teams with aspirations each that can win the national championship."
[16:07]
Mike Wilbon notes the significance of South Carolina's performance:
"South Carolina's beaten two number ones and a number two already this season."
[16:18]
The hosts commend the competitive spirit and high stakes of the women's college basketball season, celebrating standout performances and pivotal matchups.
The episode also touches upon various other sports topics, offering a broad overview of recent events.
Justin Herbert's Playoff Performance:
Tony Kornheiser critiques Herbert's postseason struggles:
"Herbert is 02 in the playoffs. In 2022, he blew a 27 nothing lead on the road to Jacksonville. This past season, Herbert was 14 for 32 with one touchdown and four interceptions, including a pick six in a 32:12 loss at Houston."
[20:04]
Rudy Gobert's COVID-19 Incident Anniversary:
Tony Kornheiser marks the fifth anniversary of Rudy Gobert's role in the NBA's COVID-19 outbreak:
"A not so Happy anniversary, Rudy Gobert. On this day five years ago, the then Utah Jazz center took heat for making light of coronavirus concerns... Gobert became patient zero in the NBA."
[21:11]
Khalil Mack's Return to the Chargers:
Tony Kornheiser announces Mack's new contract:
"Khalil Mack returning to the chargers on a one-year deal worth $18 million."
[23:31]
Rockets' Amin Thompson Injury:
Mike Wilbon discusses the significance of Thompson's injury:
"Rockets forward Amin Thompson is out up to two weeks with left ankle sprain. Significant."
[23:35]
Golf News:
The hosts briefly mention Colin Morikawa's performance:
Tony Kornheiser:
"Colin Morikawa had the three shot lead with five to play... chipped in for an eagle on 16 with two other birdies."
[24:11]
These segments provide listeners with a snapshot of ongoing narratives across different sports disciplines.
As the episode wraps up, Kornheiser and Wilbon offer closing remarks on various topics, maintaining their signature blend of humor and insight.
Tony Kornheiser concludes with a light-hearted note:
"Happy trails to yesterday's game for Bradley... the Braves fell in the Missouri Valley Conference final to Drake, which is the real story here."
[21:51]
Mike Wilbon sums up the day's discussions:
"I'm Mike Wilbon. Same time tomorrow, Knuckleheads. You can get the podcast on the app or Apple Podcast."
[24:34]
Throughout the episode, Kornheiser and Wilbon provide a balanced mix of analytical commentary and witty banter, offering listeners a thorough examination of current sports events while keeping the conversation engaging and relatable.
Tony Kornheiser:
Mike Wilbon:
Tony Kornheiser:
This episode of PTI delivers in-depth discussions on high-stakes free agency moves, significant team strategies, and the ripple effects of player injuries, all while maintaining the dynamic rapport between Kornheiser and Wilbon that fans have come to love.