PTI Podcast Episode Summary

Title: Rodgers FINALLY Signs With the Steelers
Hosts: Pablo Torre and Tony Kornheiser
Release Date: June 5, 2025
Description: Tony Kornheiser and Pablo Torre delve into the day's hottest topics, including Aaron Rodgers' much-anticipated signing with the Steelers, NBA and NHL finals, tennis highlights, and more.

Aaron Rodgers Signs with the Steelers

The episode kicks off with the breaking news that Aaron Rodgers has decided to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Both hosts express their excitement and analyze the potential impact of this significant move.

• Pablo Torre (01:24):
  "My reaction is that 2024, Pablo would have loved, loved to get an alert on his cell phone saying Aaron Rodgers signs with an NFL team just doesn't hit the same."

• Tony Kornheiser (02:03):
  "I think the best place for Aaron Rodgers is a team coached by Mike Tomlin, who has watched him for an awful lot of years."

Discussion Points:

• Risk vs. Reward: The Steelers’ decision is characterized as a "high variance" move, meaning Rodgers could elevate the team to new heights or not deliver the expected results.
• Division Competitiveness: With quarterbacks like Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and now Aaron Rodgers in the AFC North, the division is set to be one of the most competitive in the league.
• Team Dynamics: Concerns about how Rodgers will fit into the Steelers’ system, including his rapport with teammates and the existing offensive strategy.

NBA Finals Preview: Thunder vs. Pacers

Shifting gears to the NBA Finals, Tony and Pablo discuss the upcoming series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers, providing their predictions and insights.

• Pablo Torre (04:12):
  "I'm giving them a little chance. And I say that because the way they play on offense has been impressive."

• Tony Kornheiser (04:32):
  "Oklahoma City has the best defense in the league. If they figure out Indiana early on, I don't know where Indiana goes."

Discussion Points:

• Team Strengths: Oklahoma City is lauded for its defensive prowess, while Indiana's offense is both organized and dynamic.
• Series Duration Prediction: Pablo anticipates a longer series, possibly extending to six games, rather than a quick sweep by Oklahoma City.
• Kendrick Perkins' Insights (14:34): The conversation includes expert commentary from Kendrick Perkins, who emphasizes the importance of Oklahoma City maintaining focus and limiting distractions to secure the championship.

Stanley Cup Final Highlights

The hosts recap the thrilling Stanley Cup Final game where the Edmonton Oilers staged a comeback against the Florida Panthers.

• Tony Kornheiser (06:44):
  "Leon Draisaitl won it in overtime. All these signs are very good for Edmonton."

• Pablo Torre (07:55):
  "The biggest criticism of the Florida Panthers is they have won so much, been to so many consecutive finals that they might be tired now."

Discussion Points:

• Edmonton's Resilience: Edmonton’s ability to overturn a 3-1 deficit showcases their championship potential, especially with stars like McDavid and Draisaitl in peak form.
• Florida Panthers' Streak: While Florida remains a formidable team with consistent finals appearances, their depth and experience are under scrutiny.

French Open Highlights

Tony and Pablo switch focus to tennis, discussing Novak Djokovic’s remarkable semifinal performance and other standout moments from the tournament.

• Tony Kornheiser (09:08):
  "If we're going to get Sinner and Djokovic in the semifinal tomorrow, we're going to get that. And it's split. But Sinner's won the last three, like Djokovic in winter."

• Pablo Torre (09:14):
  "I want to tip my cap to Coco Gauff for that reason. But I cannot shake the idea that Novak Djokovic... might be entering his last dance mode."

Discussion Points:

• Djokovic’s Longevity: At 38, Djokovic continues to defy age expectations, reaching his 54th major semifinal, the most ever.
• Coco Gauff's Rise: Highlighting Gauff’s rapid ascent in the tennis world, making significant strides in her performance and ranking.
• Potential Matchups: Speculation on the upcoming semifinal between Djokovic and Sinner, discussing the implications for Djokovic's legacy.

Interview with Kendrick Perkins: NBA Finals Focus

The podcast features an insightful interview with former NBA player Kendrick Perkins, who shares his expertise on the NBA Finals.

• Kendrick Perkins (15:56):
  "This is easy. This is an easy one for me. And there's no disrespect to Tyrese Halliburton, but I'm going with SGA all day..."

• Tony Kornheiser (17:56):
  "If the Pacers do stand a chance at winning this series, the slight chance that I give them, they would have. This is a must-win Game one..."

Discussion Points:

• Player Highlights: Perkins praises SGA (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) for his outstanding performance and leadership, deeming him the best perimeter player in basketball.
• Pacers’ Strategy: Emphasis on Miles Turner as the key player for the Pacers to dominate both offensively and defensively.
• Series Prediction: Perkins maintains that Oklahoma City will win the series, originally predicting six games, but hints it could conclude in five if Oklahoma City dominates early.

Sam Darnold’s Career Turnaround

Tony celebrates Sam Darnold’s birthday and discusses his tumultuous career trajectory, highlighting his recent signing with Seattle.

• Tony Kornheiser (20:36):
  "Happy 28th birthday, Sam Darnold. Darnold was a bust with the Jets... But Darnold found great success in Minnesota last season."

• Pablo Torre (21:21):
  "The fact that that guy was so good in Minnesota and has another second third act, it's just a remarkable thing..."

Discussion Points:

• Career Resilience: Darnold’s ability to bounce back after underwhelming performances with the Jets and 49ers, leading to a lucrative deal with Seattle.
• Future Prospects: Optimism about Darnold’s potential to thrive as the starting quarterback for the Seahawks under the support of Coach Mike McDonald.

Pat Venditte’s Anniversary and Ambidextrous Pitching

The hosts reflect on Pat Venditte’s innovative pitching style anniversary and discuss the implications of ambidextrous pitchers in baseball.

• Tony Kornheiser (21:49):
  "Happy Anniversary, Pat Venditti... A rule was created colloquially known as The Pat Venditti rule requiring an ambidextrous pitcher to declare which hand he will use to pitch to a batter before the at bat starts."

• Pablo Torre (22:31):
  "I worship at the altar of Ohtani, but this specific thing... Yeah, there should be a rule that you can't make a rule named after a guy when that's the only guy who does this."

Discussion Points:

• Venditte’s Legacy: Celebrating Venditte as the first modern ambidextrous pitcher and the subsequent rule that governs such unique pitching strategies.
• Rule Debates: Critique of the "Pat Venditti rule" as unnecessarily restrictive, questioning its fairness and practicality in the sport.

Other Sports Highlights and Updates

Women's College World Series:
Tony recounts the dramatic Game One loss for Texas Tech against the Texas All-American Reese Atwood, emphasizing the high stakes and strategic errors made by pitcher Tony Kennedy.

• Tony Kornheiser (22:46):
  "Let me go to the umpire and say, just let her go to first like they do in bigs... Let's go to the big finish if we could."

Derek Carr’s Retirement:
Discussion on Derek Carr’s decision to retire to avoid surgery and his reflections on his career.

• Tony Kornheiser (23:42):
  "Derek Carr told Front Office Sports he retired because he didn't want to have surgery, quote, and just sit there and take the Saints money, unquote."

Rick Pitino and Knicks Coaching Rumors:
Tony and Pablo address Rick Pitino’s disinterest in coaching the Knicks and Anthony Richardson’s injury concerns affecting the Indianapolis Colts.

• Tony Kornheiser (24:25):
  "Jerry Reinsdorf has an agreement with billionaire Justin Ishbia that could see Ishbia eventually own the White Sox. Your thoughts?"

New York Liberty vs. Washington Mystics:
A brief debate ensues about the upcoming game between the New York Liberty and Washington Mystics.

• Pablo Torre (24:51):
  "My New York Liberty are gonna defeat your Washington Mystics, Tony. That's right. Eight and O. Eat that."

Closing Remarks

As the podcast wraps up, Tony and Pablo reflect on the diverse range of sports topics covered, from NFL signings to international tennis events, and express their anticipation for future discussions.

• Tony Kornheiser (25:00):
  "We're out of time. We'll try and do better the next time. I'm Tony Kornheiser."

• Pablo Torre (25:04):
  "And I'm Pablo Torre. The host of Pablo Torre finds out a podcast that Tony apparently listens to."

Conclusion:

This episode of PTI provides a comprehensive overview of major sports events and updates, with insightful analysis from Tony Kornheiser and Pablo Torre. From Aaron Rodgers' strategic move to the Steelers to thrilling finals across the NBA, NHL, and tennis, listeners are treated to in-depth discussions enriched with expert opinions and memorable quotes.