Who's Going Home with the NL MVP?

Summary

PTI – Who's Going Home with the NL MVP?

Hosts: Mike Wilbon (ESPN), Frank Isola (guest co-host for Tony Kornheiser)

Date: August 6, 2026

---

Episode Overview

This episode of "Pardon the Interruption" (PTI) brings heated summer baseball debates to the forefront. With Tony Kornheiser out, Mike Wilbon is joined by Frank Isola for a spirited breakdown of the National League MVP race between Shohei Ohtani and Pete Crow-Armstrong, the surging Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves, MLB's evolving attitude about celebrations, and notable sports headlines, including Lionel Messi's soccer exploits and FIFA intrigue.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Who’s Going Home with the NL MVP?

(00:52–05:41)

Main Contenders

• Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers): Known for two-way excellence, though currently not pitching.
• Pete Crow-Armstrong (Cubs, "PCA"): Hailed as MLB’s best defender, improving offensive numbers.

Frank Isola’s Take:

• Draws parallels to previous “sentimental” versus “statistical” MVP battles (01:51).
• Notes "voter fatigue" as a factor, referencing NBA MVP history (01:51).
• Observes PCA’s strengths: “The one difference, the stolen bases for PCA and by all the metrics…they have him rated as the best defensive player at any position in the game.” (02:16)
• Emphasizes defense and baserunning; Ohtani’s case would strengthen only if he pitches again.

Mike Wilbon’s Perspective:

• Thinks Ohtani needs to pitch again for MVP consideration (02:43).
• Stresses PCA’s value as a traditional “two-way player,” being “the best defensive player in the game” (02:59).
• Reflects as a Cubs fan on historical scarcity of great Cubs center fielders, “PCA's the greatest center fielder in the history of the Cubs…” (03:08)
• Recalls rivals and great Cubs outfielders; highlights PCA’s “subtle” two-way excellence (03:24).
• Appreciates sportsmanship between Ohtani and Crow-Armstrong: “Each guy is likable in a different way. They both commented on this. How cool was this?” (03:41)
• Celebrates PCA's growing discipline at the plate: "This guy’s in the second full [season]. He, he can get better than this.” (04:57)

Notable Quotes

• Frank: “Voter fatigue…it's a real thing.” (01:51)
• Wilbon: “For those of us who care about this, and I do, my bias is I’m a lifelong Cub fan, PCA’s the greatest center fielder…in the history of the Cubs.” (03:08)

Data & Stats

• Both Ohtani and PCA: 6-for-13, two HRs apiece in the recent series (04:18)
• PCA’s walks: 60 this year, 50 combined previous two seasons (04:50)
• Ohtani pitching pre-injury: 8–2, 1.79 ERA (“Cy Young type numbers”) (05:16)

---

2. Which Hot Team – Red Sox or Braves – Is Scarier Right Now?

(06:09–08:58)

Red Sox

• Wilbon: Praises Boston’s sustained dominance: “35 and 5…not just one of the best 40-game stretches in Red Sox history...” (06:09)
• Frank: Points out nine consecutive series wins, most since 1912 (07:16)
• Highlights Sonny Gray’s pitching: 14–2, 2.78 ERA (07:16)

Braves

• Wilbon: Braves “getting it done” sans spotlight, despite Ronald Acuña Jr. not being his old self (06:44)
• Frank: Notes Braves’ turnaround post All-Star break (14–5), key players hitting, strong pitching (07:53)
• Braves’ rotation with Sale, Elder, and Holmes could be “dangerous”; Braves have leapfrogged Dodgers atop standings (08:16)
• Braves’ strong record against NL contenders: “11 and 4 this year against…the Dodgers, your Cubs, Brewers, and Phillies.” (08:46)

Notable Quotes

• Wilbon: “It’s Boston...to sustain this with the pressure that FR that team and those players are always under…” (07:38)
• Frank: “Nine straight series wins for Boston, most since...1912.” (07:16)

---

3. Are MLB’s ‘Big’ Celebrations Out of Control? – Jeffrey Yan’s Leap

(09:06–12:18)

• Story: Mets rookie reliever Jeffrey Yan makes MLB debut, celebrates first K with an exuberant leap.
• Frank: Acknowledges wind change in MLB culture; previously such celebration “would’ve gotten you drilled.” (09:33)
• Yan’s journey: Blew out elbow in minors, worked odd jobs abroad—deep appreciation for “the moment.”
• Mike: Reflects on history; iconic pitchers like Gibson, Drysdale “would have drilled this dude.” (10:40)
• Notes “bat flips are every[where]…now you sort of gotta let it go. Everything is done in the name of entertainment.” (11:05)
• Frank: Warns some old-school players still may push back (11:48)

Notable Quotes

• Wilbon: “The world changes, and now…everything is done in the name of entertainment.” (11:41)
• Frank: “Do I think he’s going to do that every time he strikes somebody out? I’m not so sure. I’m OK with it right now.” (10:35)

---

4. Messi’s Triumphant Return for Inter Miami

(14:44–16:46)

• What Happened: Lionel Messi scores twice in League’s Cup action, leads Inter Miami to victory.
• Wilbon: Calls Messi’s return “goat affirming” – “The beauty…the art is in the placing, in the positioning.” (15:23)
• Frank: “My word is necessary...he started in the World Cup final on July 19th...the fact that this guy is all in…” (15:50)
• Messi compensates for Suarez’s absence (suspended after spitting incident); delivers when Miami needs it most.

---

5. FIFA Politics & Infantino’s Endorsement

(16:49–19:14)

• Context: FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s failed World Cup sale plan, UEFA’s ongoing threats to boycott.
• Frank: Picks “VAR” (video review) as his word – this is all still murky and “under review.” (16:56)
• Wilbon: Picks “confusing” as his word, skeptical about UEFA’s “preachiness” and expects more backroom deals (17:55)
• Mentions Morocco’s bid for World Cup and potential favor-trading, massive new stadium project (18:36)

---

6. Quick-Hits & Final Thoughts

(20:37–24:42)

• Birthday Shoutout: David Robinson, lauded for class, Spurs legacy (20:37)
  • Quote from Wembanyama: “He might be the closest thing we have to Hercules…” (21:14)
• Happy Anniversary: Deion Sanders’ HOF induction; Sanders’ recent recovery from illness, optimism for Colorado football (21:39–22:16)
• Baseball: Padres’ Casey Mize’s rough debut: “Not the first impression I wanted to make. I’m frustrated and embarrassed.” (23:19)
• NFL/MLB Notes: Aaron Judge returning to light activity (23:34); Jonathan Taylor’s contract extension; Aces vs. Fever (WNBA); NFL Hall of Fame Game preview.

---

Memorable Moments & Quotes (with Timestamps)

• Frank on Voter Fatigue: “Voter fatigue…it's a real thing.” (01:51)
• Wilbon’s Cubs Fan Bias: “For those of us who care about this…my bias is I’m a lifelong Cub fan, PCA’s the greatest center fielder in the history of the Cubs.” (03:08)
• Frank on MLB Evolution: “Twenty years ago…MLB players would not have been okay with it, and I don’t think I would have been okay with it.” (09:33)
• Wilbon on Baseball’s Changing Identity: “The world changes, and now…everything is done in the name of entertainment.” (11:41)
• Wilbon on Messi: “My word is goat affirming…what he is continuing to do at this stage… I throw up both hands.” (15:23)
• Frank on Messi’s Impact: “My word is necessary…Fact that this guy is all in. It’s an absolute home run for MLS.” (15:50)
• Wilbon on FIFA: “I believe greed always wins. Always.” (17:56)

---

Key Timestamps for Major Segments

• NL MVP Debate (Ohtani vs. Crow-Armstrong): 00:52–05:41
• Red Sox vs. Braves Hot Teams: 06:09–08:58
• MLB Celebration Culture: 09:06–12:18
• Messi’s Return & Big Soccer Stories: 14:44–16:46
• FIFA Political Intrigue: 16:49–19:14
• Quick Hits (Robinson, Deion, Mize, NFL, WNBA): 20:37–24:42

---

Episode Tone & Style

The exchange is lively, full of banter, personal bias (especially from Wilbon as a Cubs and Chicago sports fan), and rich references to baseball history and changing sports culture. Both hosts display a mix of humor and thoughtful sports analysis, maintaining a conversational, sometimes teasing tone.

---

Summary Takeaways

• The NL MVP is a tight, compelling race—PCA’s defense and rising offense vs. Ohtani’s star power and the “two-way” legend.
• Boston’s stretch is historically impressive, but Atlanta can’t be ignored with their balance and recent surge.
• Baseball’s unwritten rules continue to evolve: today’s big personalities and celebrations are here to stay.
• Messi remains a global sensation—“goat affirming”—with his on-field magic vital for Inter Miami and the MLS at large.
• Off-field, FIFA’s drama and national ambitions keep world soccer’s future unpredictable.
• A tone of sports nostalgia, coupled with a readiness to embrace change, pervades the episode.

---

For fans who missed it: This episode delivers everything classic PTI fans enjoy—big questions, friendly sparring, and both high-level storytelling and nitty-gritty stats.

Transcript

[Crocs Advertiser]

When you think about Crocs, you think the classic clog. But did you know there's also a canvas clog, A vegan suede clog, a coastal inspired style. A style with studs, straps and lots of sass. Honestly, I could keep going with the surprises. You've got to see them for yourself because there is literally a style for every kind of girl. So do your thing and head to crocs.com or a store near you now.

[Mike Wilbon]

Pardon the interruption, but I'm Mike Wilbein and if you are looking for a sign that it's mid summer and we're on the deuce, you're about to get one.

[Frank Isola]

I'm Frank Isola. I don't get it. What? What sign? What's the sign you're not looking at?

[Mike Wilbon]

The third base coach?

[Crocs Advertiser]

Huh?

[Frank Isola]

Oh wait, it's casual Thursday. Apparently it is. Thank you for noticing. Tony texted me, said you better wear a tie. That's his requirement.

[Mike Wilbon]

What you get for listening to the wrong host. That's what happens. And you still look better than welcome to pti. We spotted Kornheiser Monday. Still couldn't make it to Thursday, so I'm joined by our great friend from the starting lineup on SiriusXM, Mr. Frank Isola. And a clock out of the pen blanket that ties a little Ivyish though, but we'll skip that for now. Let's start with the baseball MVP races. Triple Crown leader Jordan Alvarez is lapping the field in the al, so that takes care of that. But things are neck and neck and neck in the National League. Shohei let off with a home run yesterday and Pete Crowe Armstrong of the Cubs matched that in the bottom of the first after PCA homer again later, Ohtani responded with a second of his own. All this at Wrigley at the Friendly Confines. The two are almost identical across a range of hitting stats this season. Frank, so who is your NL mvp?

[Frank Isola]

You know, it reminds me a little bit of last year with Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh, where the sentimental choice was Cal Raleigh. This year the sentimental choice would be pca. You mentioned the offensive numbers, which is interesting. I think the two things that could swing it in his favor. Number one, and we know this from voting for NBA MVP is voter fatigue. And sometimes we like voting maybe for the good story and not really what should be go back to Michael Jordan, Karl Malone, all the way, way back when. The other big thing could be pitching because Shohei hasn't pitched since July. So the one difference, the stolen bases for pca and by all the Metrics. I know you don't like analytics, but you're going to like this one. They have him rated as the best defensive player at any position in the game. So defense and baserunning matters. If Shohei comes back and pitches, I think that'll swing it back in his favor.

[Mike Wilbon]

If he comes back, and I think he has to come back to pitch, I don't think the Dodgers will necessarily just trot him out there in October and wait on that. So there'll be some pitching from Shohei and you get the irresistible nature of a two way, two position player. Two for one.

[Frank Isola]

Yeah.

[Mike Wilbon]

But PCA's two way player two in a different way. Yes. More subtle, in a more traditional way in baseball, he's the best defensive player in the game.

[Frank Isola]

Yeah.

[Mike Wilbon]

He's also, for those of us who care about this, and I do, my bias is I'm a lifelong Cub fan, PCA is the greatest center fielder. And in the history of the Cubs, this is not the history of Seattle or the Astros. This is 150.

[Frank Isola]

Well, that's your fault for not having a lot of good ones.

[Mike Wilbon]

We haven't. I think Dexter Fowler is the greatest center fielder you ever had. He only played 260 games here, but he did something that we like to call hit a home run to lead off game seven in a World Series you hadn't won in 108 years. Those. Dexter Fowler is my favorite hack. Wilson's got to be the greatest. Bobby Dick, Monday. Now we're getting to two inside Cubby. He's the greatest player at a position in a historical franchise. All these things count somewhere in this debate. And it's, It's. I don't know that it's spirited. Each guy is likable in a different way. They both commented on this. How cool was this? Did you watch? I watched this live yesterday. This was Scream out Loud for me at Wrigley, a place I've sat many days and nights in my life watching these guys rocket these home runs out. And they each said all the things you want to hear in a gracious way about the other and about being MVP but wanting to win more.

[Frank Isola]

You know, it's. It's funny though, the way it was framed. And I get it, the Cubs, you know, destroyed the Dodgers, but they both went 6 for 13. They both had two home runs. Yes, PCA did have more. Two more RBI, two more runs scored. But it was treated like Shohei went 1 for 13. And the one that base at bat or the one hit that he had was A little dribbler, something about pca. This is an important thing to keep in mind. His on base Percentage is, is 100 points higher this year because you know what he's doing. He's been more selective at the plate

[Mike Wilbon]

taking that picture, letting it go.

[Frank Isola]

Mike, his walks 60 this year. The last, the previous two seasons combined 50.

[Mike Wilbon]

Remember, remember, this guy's in the second full. He, he can get better than this. We could be looking at, I'm not going to call it a rivalry because if Shohei's out there throwing. Yeah, that's another whole dynamic. We just don't know we're going to get to that. By the way, the number of runs saved, pca, you have to, you watch him every day like I do. You get a great appreciation for this kid. All right.

[Frank Isola]

One thing to keep though in mind and we in show he's talked about he thinks he's going to pitch again. Yeah, he was 8 and 2.

[Mike Wilbon]

8 and 2.

[Frank Isola]

His era was 1.79. So he was having Cy Young type numbers.

[Mike Wilbon]

If he has one more month of that, if he has September.

[Frank Isola]

But that still counts with voters and

[Mike Wilbon]

there's some nerd head vote. They're all, you know, they can't look at it. They can't do it with their eyes and look at what they see on a baseball.

[Frank Isola]

Two media members from each of the 15 NL cities vote for MVP. Tony was right. It's a Chicago centric show. There's no question about it. So let's, you know, move away from it. Let's turn to two of the hottest teams in baseball. The Red Sox. They shut out the pale hose last night, turned their seventh straight win and the Braves match Boston's win streak by taking down the Marlins. All right, Mike, which team are you more bullish on right now? Boston or Atlanta?

[Mike Wilbon]

It's an easy one for me. It's Boston because it's sustained in a way that I was skeptical about it being sustained. Right. I thought they would jump off of it, lose seven of nine and then hit it back. No, they haven't. 35 and 5. I mean it is not. Just one of the best 40 game stretch in Red Sox history is probably. You can go down the 30 NFL, MLB teams, probably 27 of them. I mean, who has a better streak that? The 27 Yankees.

[Frank Isola]

It's only happened 26 times since 1903 where a team has gone 30 years crazy.

[Mike Wilbon]

So, so let me, let me give the Braves some love. They've got no attention because either the Red Sox have Been hot and they've gotten all the attention. The Dodgers started the year and threw most of it. Half the Cubs have had a couple of peaks. You've had Jordan Alvarez and Houston getting hot. You've had the Phillies, you know, firing their manager, bringing Don Mattingly in. And then they got all the attention. The Braves have gotten no love. Ronald Acuna Jr. Is not the he used to be. And they are still getting it done. They can wind up with the best record in baseball. Frank. But my answer is Red Sox.

[Frank Isola]

Nine straight series wins for Boston, that's the most since they had 12 all the way back in 1912. So it's actually been a while. They've been absolutely dominant. And how about Sonny Gray last night? I mean he's now 14 and 2. He's in his 14th season. His ERA is 2.78. They didn't throw one pitch faster than 93. If he was left handed, we'd call him a crafty left hander.

[Mike Wilbon]

He's getting a Pedro land. Yeah. With that record and his dominance. But I, I, it's the, the, the Red Sox to sustain this with the pressure that FR that team and those players are always under and they can't ever sneak upon anything now.

[Frank Isola]

But here, you know, you talked about the attention and, and that's for that the Braves weren't getting before the break. They had lost 19 of 28 games since the break. They're 14 and five. And you look at the way that Austin Riley is now hitting the catcher. Drake Baldwin's hitting.338 since the all Star break. Last night's starter, Bryce Elder, his ERA in his last four starts by the way, is 1.50.

[Mike Wilbon]

The playoffs. Frank was Sale, Elder and Holmes and Sale is having a hell of a year. 12 and 6 with a sub 3er again that you got three guys and you're getting in series, you're getting in short order. The Braves can be dangerous. And the National League absolutely loaded with teams that can play.

[Frank Isola]

Yeah, they've already, they've leapfrogged the Dodgers and believe it or not, then they lead the NL east by eight games. Eight and a half games. The Dodgers only up by eight.

[Mike Wilbon]

They got the big league, but all

[Frank Isola]

right, so there's seven straight wins. Mets, Marlins, Nationals. Okay, fine. They're 11 and 4 this year against, I'm talking about the Braves against the Dodgers, your Cubs, the brewers and the Phillies.

[Mike Wilbon]

We could be talking about them a whole lot more. They'll be happier for talking about them in October than pretty good talking about them in April, May.

[Frank Isola]

Everything's changed since the All Star break.

[Mike Wilbon]

Unlike the Soks and the Braves, the Mets haven't had anything to celebrate this season. But don't tell that to rookie reliever Jeffrey Yan. The 29 year old made his major league debut yesterday in flamboyant fashion. He took the mound in the sixth, struck out the first hitter, then went full lord of leaping. Yan rejoiced like this throughout his time in the minors. But Frank, are you okay with Yan now taking these celebrations to the bigs?

[Frank Isola]

I actually think I could speak on behalf of both of us. I think 20 years ago, I don't think MLB players would have been okay with it, and I don't think I would have been okay with it. But things have changed. There are bat flips now. And I think baseball is trying to embrace, maybe in some levels encourage players showing more emotion. But in this case, you have to put into context. Here's a guy, that was his major league debut, the player he struck out, Angel Martinez of the Guardians, that's a friend of his. It's a former teammate. He caught him looking at the first pitch he threw. And before we go too crazy, the next two batters got singles, then he gave up a walk, then a strikeout, then a fielder's choice to get out of the inning. But here's a guy that came up at 17, the Dominican league by 19, he blows out his elbow, then he's bouncing around, you know, spending time in Japan working odd jobs. He was a roofer for a while, so he has a greater appreciation. So that being his first ever strikeout in the major leagues, do I think he's going to do that every time he strikes somebody out? I'm not so sure I'm okay with it right now.

[Mike Wilbon]

Listen, you, you're, you're, you're right about the way the world changes.

[Frank Isola]

Yeah.

[Mike Wilbon]

And 30 years. Look, I covered baseball in the 1980s and I'm, I'm. That's coming out of a time where in the 70s, still you had Drysdale and Gibson, who of course were in the 60s and in early 70s and then in the 80s and even 90s, I mean, Pedro Roger Clemens, those guys would have themselves personally drilled this dude. If he'd ever come near a plate in the American League, he never would have hit. But the world changes. And now you mentioned bat flips. So 40 years ago, each one of those guys I mentioned on the list, anybody's list of meanest pitchers and idols of mine in baseball, they would have drilled you now betflips are every. Everybody's got a signature. You know what it's like. Remember when Mark Gastineau was painted legitimately as a clown for having a sack dance? And now every single guy, including quarterbacks, Stupid discount double checks. I won't mention a quarterback that does that by name. But the world changes, and you sort of gotta let it go. And everything is done in the name of entertainment.

[Frank Isola]

Yeah, but you do know in a baseball clubhouse, guys are gonna be watching this show. They've seen the highlights. There's gonna be conversation. If he does that to me, I'm gonna do something.

[Mike Wilbon]

I don't think they think that way anymore.

[Frank Isola]

I don't think every player does. He runs into the wrong player. But you know what's funny? I thought about Pedro, too. Because I remember when Pedro first came up with Montreal, he didn't mess around. Yeah, but if. If you struck out, let's. Let's say Manny Ramirez, and you did that the next time, it doesn't have to be you coming up. It could be the first serve, the next inning, and Pedro's coming high. Real quick story.

[Mike Wilbon]

Bob Gibson, he hit a guy in an Old Timers game because he didn't get a chance at him when they were late in their careers. That was the baseball I loved. It seems to have gone. Bye. Bye. Let's take a break. But when we come back, what's the word for Lionel Messi's performance last night?

[Frank Isola]

And how best to describe the reported support for embattled FIFA president Yanni Infantino? I'm gonna spike Mike in. What's the word when we return.

[Mike Wilbon]

Did you see he had that scarf, that gray probably Hermes scarf. Infantino, he buys points for me having that scarf on.

[Frank Isola]

You're saying he can afford nice clothes?

[Mike Wilbon]

Well, yeah.

[Frank Isola]

The two of you probably shopping at the same place.

[Mike Wilbon]

The sense of style to wear casual. Nice.

[Frank Isola]

Thursday, folks.

[Indeed Advertiser]

If you're a small business, the right hire can be make or break. Hoping the right people see your job. Posting isn't the best growth strategy. When the pressure's on and you need the right hire, this is a job for Sponsored Jobs. Sponsored Jobs boosts your job post and search results so you can reach the people that can help your business thrive. Plus, with indeed sponsored Jobs, you only pay for results. Spend less time searching and more time actually interviewing candidates who check all your boxes. Less stress, less time, more results. When you need the right person to cut through the chaos, this is a job for indeed Sponsored Jobs. And listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit to help get your job the premium status it deserves@ Indeed.com podcast just go to Indeed.com podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast and Indeed.com podcast terms and conditions apply. Need to hire. This is a job for Indeed. Sponsored Jobs Hard Knocks is back and so is the Official Hard Knocks Podcast this year the award winning HBO Original Hard Knocks Training Camp heads to Seattle to follow the super bowl champions Seahawks. Go behind the scenes with the team as they make another run at a title. Get unfiltered access to the personalities and challenges that define a championship team. Watch the official Hard Knocks podcast on HBO Max, YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts and watch Hard Knocks Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks on HBO Max.

[Mike Wilbon]

Time to go all the Saurus Rex on Frank and what's the word? What's first? Lionel Messi made a blank return to Inter Miami's starting lineup last night. Okay, Messi has just picked up where he left off. I mean he's back in the starting lineup and he scores these two goals and the first one, you know, it reminds me of Wayne Gretzky. So much of what Gretzky did had to do with why is he there and able to take advantage to drop a pass like that or in a shot, in Messi's case, to score. Look how effortless this is beautiful. The beauty, the art is in the is in the placing in the positioning that he has in the second goal was classic. So my word is goat affirming. And you know, look, I spent years and years and years basically pushing back, saying wait a minute, why isn't it Ronaldo, why isn't it Maradona, Why is it? And I still believe it could be play. But Messi, with what he is continuing to do at this stage, what he just did in World cup, what he's doing now in mls, I throw up both hands. It's goat affirming continuing to play this way.

[Frank Isola]

Yeah, my word is necessary and I'll get to the reason why I have that word. So this is the league's cup, which is the top club teams from Mexico playing top teams from MLS. The tournament they created this in 2023. Miami in fact won the first one. This is 14th goal in this competition. And what you love about him, he started in the World cup final on July 19th. A lot of players who were in the World cup that got eliminated earlier are just joining their clubs.

[Mike Wilbon]

They're Beezer right now. They're not exactly the Fact that this

[Frank Isola]

guy is all in. It's an absolute home run for MLS and certainly for Miami. But the reason I say necessary, because Luis Suarez last year in the leagues cup final against Seattle, after the match, spit at a player on the opposing team. He suspended for this entire tournament. He's one of their main goal scorers, so they're not going to have him. So Messi starts, delivers two unbelievable goals. And you're so right. He just knows to be in the right spot at the right time. Then he had the assist on. On another goal. Amazing.

[Mike Wilbon]

Insane return.

[Frank Isola]

Amazing.

[Mike Wilbon]

What's next?

[Frank Isola]

It's blank.

[Mike Wilbon]

That FIFA senior staff reportedly endorsed Gianni Infantino.

[Frank Isola]

All right, so FIFA the other day apologized for Gianni Infantino's what they call the fail plan to sell off part of the World Cup. So at this meeting among some FIFA leaders, they then said, you know what? We still. They reaffirmed their support. Frinfantino is the president. Okay. My word is. Here's a soccer word. Var, var. I'm the referee. This is under review because UEFA and Mike, you and I sat here last Friday and we talked about it. We were thinking, this is not going to last. Sure enough, three hours later, it was done. UEFA said we're gonna boycott every FIFA event if this plan goes through. They scrapped the plan. Now they're saying we're still upset with Johnny Infantino. We. We still may go ahead with our boycott. So now what they're doing, Infantino put himself in a position where there's a big movement to get him out as president. And this comes among reports that he's offered Morocco. Show support for me.

[Mike Wilbon]

Aha.

[Frank Isola]

And I'll give you the World Cup.

[Mike Wilbon]

That's where I want to jump in. You know, I believe greed always wins. Always. Look, you know, we're together on this since Friday. My problem is UEFA is going to get a little preachy here. And. And when you get to that point, I don't believe you. I believe someone is in the back room going with palms. I just. That's the way I am that cynical now, so my word is confusing. And by the way, you are familiar with this 110,000 seat stadium that they're supposedly building in Morocco as a place to host. So you think nobody in any country wants to play ball to get.

[Crocs Advertiser]

Huh?

[Mike Wilbon]

You believe that? See, I ain't buying that yet. This is going to go, you know, at some point, to me, they're going to tweak and tweak and tweak and tweak. And so we're going to be discussing this again, what, two years from now?

[Frank Isola]

Yeah. And so Spain is already saying we deserve the World Cup Final and they're talking about where our men's team won, our women's team.

[Mike Wilbon]

Well, maybe there's a way to get it if you play ball.

[Frank Isola]

But you said it though, because they have a great stadium where Barcelona plays against. They already have it, the Bernabeu where Real Madrid play. Yeah, but like you said, 113,000 in Morocco.

[Mike Wilbon]

Imagine the Casablanca. He had 113,000. They can't process 10,000 out of that.

[Frank Isola]

Here's looking at you, kid.

[Mike Wilbon]

That's a final word. We're taking a break. But still to come, Casey Mize has a miserable start to his Padres career

[Frank Isola]

and the Colts lock up Jonathan Taylor for two more seasons. How about last week? We were off the air two hours later. They must have been listening to the show, infantino said. You know what? Those guys are right.

[Rich Eisen]

Rich Eisen here with some advice. If high interest credit card debt is grinding you down, it might be time to call an audible. With a Sofi personal loan, it consolidates your debt into one low monthly payment with no fees required. And with as soon as the same day funding, you can make the right play fast. Call an audible on your debt [e-mail] debtplay loans originated by Sofi Bank NA member FDIC terms and conditions apply. NM LS 696891 fast funds terms [e-mail]

[Grainger Advertiser]

debtplay as you know, managing maintenance, repair and operations is never easy. But for the ones who always rise to the challenge, Grainger has your back. From professional grade products you can count on to fast, dependable delivery, they're there to help you keep things running smoothly. Plus, their technical product specialists are here to help answer your toughest questions. And because Grainger knows safety is always a priority, they're committed to being your partner and protecting both your people and your facilities. Call 1-800-GRAINGER click granger.com or just stop by.

[Mike Wilbon]

Time to get happy people. Happy 61st birthday. David Robinson, the Spurs legend frequently joined Tim Duncan in the stands during Victor Wembanyama's run of the finals this season. Robinson was the spurs first great center, a 10 time all star, two time champ, 1995 league MVP and a one time officer who has always been a gentleman. I've known him since he was a kid, before he even entered the Naval Academy, and he's always been an example of class and dignity, wimby recently said of the Admiral. Quote he was running through 48 minutes in 100 games a year. I think he might be the closest thing we have to Hercules in real life. I mean just conditioning wise and shape wise. It was just amazing.

[Frank Isola]

You said it. Class on and off the court. Remember won his last ever game championship. You know, walked off into the sunset. But how lucky is when Benyama you get to be around a Spurs organization. Those two Dave Robinson and Tim and they're there all the time.

[Mike Wilbon]

And Pop and Ginobili and Tony Parker when he drops in from France.

[Frank Isola]

Yeah.

[Mike Wilbon]

Come on. Happy anniversary Deion Sanders. On this day 15 years ago, Deion was inducted into the Pro Football hall of Fame, albeit with a bus that some say bears a strange resemblance to Troy Aikman. Deion is now the head coach, of course, of Colorado and struggled through last season as a He battled a series of illnesses personally, including bladder cancer. But he recently said, quote I've got my health back. I've got my swagger back. He also predicted his Buffaloes team that went 39 last year will be much better this year, saying quote it's already turned. You just ain't seen the fruit. It's already there.

[Frank Isola]

Close quote it does look like Troy Aikman. Now. We talked a lot about baseball today. I remember covering games. The guy, the fastest guy I've ever seen go from home to third.

[Mike Wilbon]

Deion.

[Frank Isola]

Oh my God, Dion. What? It's crazy. What an athlete.

[Mike Wilbon]

September 19th in Evanston, Illinois I'm going to be there to watch Deion at Northwestern. Last game at the Littlefield. Happy trails to last night's Padres debut for Casey. Mize My surrendered eight earned in three and a third in his first outing for San Diego, a 104 loss in Arizona. That's not just Mizer's worst start of the season, but the most earned runs he's allowed in 103 career starts. Mize had been terrific with the Tigers before getting dealt at the deadline. He posted an ERA of 270 across 16 outings. He hadn't pitched in 11 days but did not blame Rust for those struggles. Said Padres manager Craig Stammon. I know once he gets back into his five day routine, he'll be back to normal. And the guy we traded for?

[Frank Isola]

Close quote. You know what my said?

[Mike Wilbon]

What?

[Frank Isola]

Not the first impression I wanted to make. Oh said I'm frustrated and embarrassed.

[Mike Wilbon]

I still take him.

[Frank Isola]

Yeah, absolutely.

[Mike Wilbon]

M is going to be fine. Yep, no errors today. Let's run to the big finish. Aaron Judge has been cleared for light activity. Frank, what does that mean?

[Frank Isola]

He hasn't played in over two months. But this is huge for the Yankees. We didn't really do a lot at the deadline. They need him back and he thinks he's going to return this season, which would be big. The Colts and Jonathan Taylor reportedly agreed on a two year extension for 39 million guaranteed. Is that significant?

[Mike Wilbon]

It means a few NFL clubs seem smart enough now to pay their best players to stop worrying about how they're categorized. Pay your best player. Atlanta 2. Vinnie Jr. Agreed to a six year deal to stay at Real Madrid. Significant?

[Frank Isola]

I think his agent did a pretty good job because there was a lot of rumors about him going to the Premier League to play for Arsenal that

[Mike Wilbon]

have been a big loss. Big change.

[Frank Isola]

Big for him. Aces at fever tonight in the wnba. You intrigued?

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah. It could be a Finals preview, couldn't it? Last one NFL hall of Fame game tonight. Frank, this is way too soon. Panthers? Cardinals? Are you curious, Mike?

[Frank Isola]

You've already invited me. You've texted me three times. Are you coming over to watch this game? I said, mike, I don't know. I'll try to make it. Yeah. So tonight's food in the hall of Fame. Oh, it is kind of early, but not for time. Thanks for watching. I'm Frank Isola.

[Mike Wilbon]

I'm Mike Wilbond. Back on the mothership tomorrow, Knuckleheads.

[Grainger Advertiser]

As you know, managing maintenance, repair and operations is never easy. But for the ones who always rise to the challenge, Grainger has your back. From professional grade products you can count on to fast, dependable delivery. They're there to help you keep things running smoothly. Plus, their technical product specialists are here to help answer your toughest questions. And because Granger knows safety is always a priority, they're committed to being your partner in protecting both your people and your facilities. Call 1-800-granger clickgranger.com or just stop by.