Hour 2: Matt Loves the Tour de France

Summary

Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron – Episode: Hour 2: Matt Loves the Tour de France Release Date: July 6, 2025

Hosts: Myron Medcalf and Matt Jones from ESPN Radio

---

Introduction

In this engaging episode of "Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron," hosts Myron Medcalf and Matt Jones delve into a variety of sports topics, blending insightful analysis with their characteristic humor. The discussion spans from the Tour de France to the NFL preseason, MLB controversies, WNBA expansions, and NBA team strategies. Below is a detailed breakdown of their conversations, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

---

Tour de France: Excitement and Insights

Discussion Highlights:

• Rider Dynamics and Race Strategies ([00:19] - [01:01])

  Myron begins the episode by expressing his fascination with the Tour de France, particularly the intense efforts of riders chasing each other uphill. He remarks, “It's very exciting. Now they're about to go downhill. … when they go downhill, you know, they can get up to 60 miles an hour. And that's very scary stuff” ([00:19]).

• Downhill Dangers and Rider Conditioning ([01:01] - [02:33])

  Matt echoes concerns about the dangers of high-speed descents, especially when riders are fatigued. The conversation touches upon the historical context of doping in cycling, referencing Lance Armstrong’s return to the sport. Myron notes, “I don’t think they’re juiced up anymore. … Plus now they've let Lance Armstrong back” ([01:12]).

---

NFL Preseason and Team Analyses

Key Topics:

• Steelers and Dolphins Trade Analysis ([01:20] - [05:26])

  The hosts discuss a significant trade where the Steelers acquire Jalen Ramsey from the Dolphins. Myron questions the motives behind the trade, while Matt emphasizes the ongoing importance of John Smith and the implications for Aaron Rodgers. Matt states, “I just think we're giving the Steelers credit in ways that we wouldn't if another team had made similar moves” ([03:30]).

• T.J. Watt’s Potential Holdout ([03:30] - [04:26])

  The conversation shifts to T.J. Watt’s dissatisfaction with the Steelers, contemplating whether he might sit out training camp for a new deal. Matt highlights Watt’s value, asserting, “This is a dude who's going to go down as one of the all-time defensive players ever. You got to pay him” ([04:26]).

• Top AFC Teams Performance Predictions ([04:26] - [10:23])

  Myron and Matt evaluate whether top AFC teams like the Chiefs, Dolphins, Broncos, Chargers, Bills, Bengals, Patriots, Jets, Browns, Texans, Jaguars, Colts, and Raiders are better or worse compared to the previous season. They exchange differing viewpoints on teams’ prospects, often referencing key player performances and potential roster changes. For instance, Matt opines that the Chiefs might be worse due to Travis Kelsey’s declining performance ([06:03]), while Myron believes they’ll be better, anticipating continued success ([06:15]).

---

MLB Controversy: Dodgers vs. Astros

Discussion Points:

• Oral Hershiser’s Comments on Astros ([17:54] - [20:10])

  The hosts address a recent Dodgers game loss to the Astros, focusing on Oral Hershiser’s controversial remarks about the Astros’ ongoing advantage from the 2017 sign-stealing scandal. Myron expresses skepticism about the lasting impact of the scandal, saying, “I never understand why people got so mad at this at the Astros” ([18:20]). Matt counters, recognizing the severity of the incident, “That's the whole thing” ([18:41]).

• Moral Implications and Accountability ([19:52] - [20:32])

  The conversation evolves into a broader discussion on whether teams should be perpetually held accountable for past misconduct. Myron argues for moving past the scandal, while Matt feels justified in maintaining long-term resentment towards the Astros. Matt remarks, “I think you should be able to knock the Astros for that cheating scandal forever” ([20:03]).

---

Tour de France Headlines and Incidents

Notable Incidents:

• Crash on Cobblestone Streets ([15:32] - [17:37])

  James reports a dramatic crash during the Tour de France where two cyclists collided on cobblestone streets during a sprint, leading to both riders falling. Myron elaborates on the challenges of racing on cobbles, stating, “In Europe, we call them cobbles… they race on the cobbles. Makes it hard” ([16:01]). The incident sparks a debate between Matt and Myron about appropriate responses to such crashes, with Matt humorously suggesting, “I think I get up and fight him” ([17:10]), while Myron advocates for contacting authorities.

• Matthew Vanderpoel’s Yellow Jersey Victory ([32:47] - [33:05])

  Myron shares the news of Matthew Vanderpoel taking the yellow jersey after a stage win, prompting Matt to question the promotion’s nature. Myron emphasizes its significance, “What's wrong with saying that Matthew Vanderpoel is… a big story in the news” ([33:05]).

---

WNBA Expansion: Detroit and Cleveland

Analysis and Promotion:

• Introducing New Teams ([35:17] - [38:55])

  The hosts discuss the WNBA’s expansion to Detroit and Cleveland, cities often unfairly criticized. Myron opens with, “Detroit and Cleveland listeners. So let's start with Cleveland” ([35:43]). Matt and Myron take turns highlighting Cleveland’s attractions, with Myron delivering a mock “tourism pitch” to celebrate the city’s cultural landmarks and vibrant downtown, saying, “Ladies and gentlemen of America, you need to visit Cleveland, Ohio” ([37:12]).

• Addressing City Stereotypes ([38:25] - [39:28])

  The conversation addresses common stereotypes about Detroit and Cleveland, with Matt promoting Detroit’s Motown legacy and Cleveland’s revitalized areas. Myron counters by comparing these cities to other major metros, asserting that every large city has its unique appeal and challenges.

---

NBA Focus: Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Future

In-depth Discussion:

• Bucks’ Roster Moves and Giannis’ Commitment ([26:03] - [32:18])

  Myron and Matt delve into the Milwaukee Bucks’ recent acquisition of Myles Turner and its implications for star player Giannis Antetokounmpo. They explore whether these moves sufficiently bolster the team to compete for championships. Matt metaphorically describes the situation as “the hourglass has started” for the Bucks and Giannis, indicating time is running out to secure another title ([30:07]).

• Evaluating Team Competitiveness ([27:33] - [32:18])

  The hosts debate the Bucks’ prospects, with Matt expressing cautious optimism about their competitiveness in the Eastern Conference but doubting their championship potential against teams like Cleveland and New York. Myron references analyst Sham Charania’s views on Giannis’ impending evaluation of his future with the team, leading to discussions on possible trade scenarios and the franchise’s long-term strategy.

---

NBA Summer League and Draft Prospects

Critical Insights:

• Summer League Performances ([41:00] - [45:07])

  Myron and Matt critique the significance of NBA Summer League performances, particularly in evaluating draft prospects. They reference a recent matchup between VJ Edgecombe and Ace Bailey, debating the reliability of Summer League as a predictor of future NBA success. Matt highlights the uncertainty inherent in translating Summer League success to the NBA, citing examples like Glenn Rice Jr., who excelled in Summer League but failed to sustain it professionally ([42:58]).

• Ace Bailey’s Potential ([44:21] - [45:18])

  The discussion narrows to Ace Bailey’s performance, with Matt optimistic about his future despite current struggles, while Myron remains skeptical, hinting at potential long-term disappointing outcomes. Myron humorously states, “I would call my broker and say let's skip this one” regarding Ace Bailey ([45:07]), contrasting Matt’s willingness to invest in Bailey’s potential ([44:59]).

---

Conclusion

The episode concludes with the hosts reflecting on the multifaceted nature of sports, from the thrill of cycling races and strategic team trades to the enduring impacts of past controversies and the excitement surrounding league expansions. Their balanced perspectives offer listeners a comprehensive overview of the current sports landscape, enriched by personal anecdotes and spirited debates.

---

Notable Quotes:

• Myron on Tour de France Drama ([16:12]): “In Europe, we call them cobbles… they race on the cobbles. Makes it hard.”

• Matt on Steelers’ Trade ([03:30]): “I just think we're giving the Steelers credit in ways that we wouldn't if another team had made similar moves.”

• Myron on WNBA Expansion Pitch ([37:12]): “Ladies and gentlemen of America, you need to visit Cleveland, Ohio.”

• Matt on Giannis’ Future ([30:07]): “I think the hourglass has started. … They are running out of time.”

---

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the dynamic discussions between Matt and Myron, offering listeners an informative and entertaining glimpse into the episode's key moments and themes.

Transcript

[Matt]

Have you ever spotted McDonald's hot crispy fries right as they're being scooped into the carton? And time just stands still? This is Matt and Myron, the podcast.

[Myron]

Sunday morning, Matt and Myron, presented by Progressive Insurance here in July, 4th of July, Sunday weekend. See, I don't know how you can't like this Myron riding up the hill. Here at the Tour de France, they always have one guy, he's like running next to him, chasing them. It's very exciting. Now they're about to go downhill. Yeah, I don't know what his goal is either. Like, he's not gonna catch him. I guess he just wants to get on television and. But he'll. He'll be running. It's usually some bloke that's got a belly like out, and he's running going. You know, I like the pomp and the circumstance. And then when they go downhill, you know, they can get up to 60 miles an hour. And that's very scary stuff.

[Matt]

Seems dangerous. No, it definitely seems dangerous to be going at that speed, especially if they're all juiced up, too. That's the other thing.

[Myron]

They're not. They're not juiced up anymore. They do.

[Matt]

You said it like, you know, that they're all.

[Myron]

Well, I mean, they, they stopped the. It was they. I don't think they're juiced up anymore. Plus now they've let Lance Armstrong back. He does the post game show now, so.

[Matt]

Oh, he's back in the mix. He does.

[Myron]

Well, I mean, he's. He on Peacock. He has a show. It's called like the Ride or the. It's just him and his buddies and they just talk about what just happened.

[Matt]

Well, yeah, so that you realize people don't really get canceled. Like, the people who are like, I got canceled somehow don't get canceled because I thought he was.

[Myron]

People come back. Yeah, but I mean, he was gone for a while, but now he's back. So. Good for Lance Armstrong, I guess. Well, let's go to the NFL here for a second because we are, you know, the preseason, the, the training camps will start here, James, relatively soon. Right. Next week, two and a half weeks, something like that. We'll start. We'll start putting the pads on. And the Steelers and the Dolphins had a trade this week. Steelers basically made a trade. They ended up getting Jalen Ramsey. They send Mika Fitzpatrick. You know, it's a deal of two names that probably most guys know there was some salary implications to doing it. But now the Steelers making the trade clearly Going forth this year with Aaron Rodgers bringing in Jalen Ramsey. Did you like the move?

[Matt]

I mean, I don't know that it changes a lot either way for them now. I think John who Smith is probably a bigger part of this than people realize. The tight end. You know, I get why you get a Jalen Ramsey with the receivers you have in that division. But define going forward. Like, I think we say that phrase too often when any team makes any kind of move and we say, all right, they're trying to win a championship. I mean, this is not young Jalen Ramsey. This is a Jalen Ramsey who's probably a few years away from being in the. The end of his career in terms of his skill level. Right. His prime. And then you got a guy in Aaron Rodgers who hasn't been a great player in probably four or five years. So I. I just think we're giving the Steelers credit in ways that we wouldn't if another team had made similar moves. And, oh, by the way, TJ Watts unhappy and may sit out training camp until he gets a new deal. So I'm not as high on the Steelers as I feel like other people are.

[Myron]

Yeah, I'm not. I'm not eat. Well. I'm certainly not because of Aaron Rodgers. What do you make of the T.J. watt thing, though? Like, he's a guy that you wouldn't think of as a dude that's. That's sitting out as a dude that's going to potentially, you know, not be a part of training camp. Is it just. Is it just inevitable you got to stay and get your money?

[Matt]

Yeah. I mean, there were. Schefter said that teams are reaching out about trades. You know, now, trades don't really happen with superstar players in the NFL. That's not a thing. But the fact that your best player, one of the best players of all time, is not happy should be a thing. If I'm TJ Watt, I'm looking at this team and going, they put a lot of attention into Aaron Rodgers. They waited all summer for him to sign. They said he's the missing piece. Well, wait a minute. You don't have anything without T.J. watt. Like, there's nothing to build on without him. So I think it could be one of those ego things. He wants to be paid, obviously. Miles Garrett's got a giant deal.

[Myron]

Would you pay. Would you pay him that Miles Garrett money?

[Matt]

You have to. I feel like if. Where do you. What do you have? And I know the injuries have been a concern, but this is a dude who's going to go down as one of the all time defensive players ever. You got to pay him.

[Myron]

Yeah, I mean, the injuries are why you would be careful. That's the. That, that's the. Because, you know, for every great TJ Watt stat, there's the. Okay, here's another game where he's out. Let me, Let me play a game with you. With these top AFC teams, are they better or are they worse than they were last year? So let's take the. Let's first take the two teams in the trade. Are the Steelers better than they were last year?

[Matt]

I'm at.

[Myron]

Maybe. I feel like you got. There's nothing. Maybe is not an answer. That's a, that's a HOA homeowner's answer. I need, I need an answer. Are they better? Are they worse than last year?

[Matt]

DK Metcalf is an upgrade over Pickets. I think I'll take Aaron Rodgers as a slight upgrade. Yeah, I'll say they're better.

[Myron]

Right. I'm gonna say. I'm going to say slightly worse because I think Aaron Rodgers is going to be a train wreck this year. Are the Dolphins better or worse?

[Matt]

I mean, you're bringing back Fitzpatrick. I mean, the defense is what it is. They had a ton of injuries. They'll be better, but I think not because of the moves potentially they made. I think, because if they can get.

[Myron]

Healthier, I think that's, that's my answer. I think they'll be better because I just don't think they can have quite the bad in injury luck that they had last year. Let's go to the top. Or are the Chiefs better or worse?

[Matt]

Neither. I mean, I don't know that they've. I'll say worse because I think we're watching the end of Travis Kelsey. Um, I think we were watching that last year and I think that'll be even more pronounced this season. So I'll. I'll say worse.

[Myron]

I'm gonna say better because I think they had, they, they, they got to the championship, although I don't know that they were great during the year, but they just kind of. They did their thing and got there. I actually think they'll be during the year, but you're going to see. I think a lot of the top teams are better. Do you think the Bills are better?

[Matt]

I mean, I don't. It has to be. I think they're the same about. Right. I mean, I'll say better because I feel like Josh Allen will continue to get better. So I'll Say better.

[Myron]

I'm going to say slightly worse, because I think they were the exact opposite of. Of. Of Kansas City in the sense that things went well for them at least until the championship at. And then they went out. Bengals better. Worse. Bengals are better.

[Matt]

I mean, if you tell me Trey Henderson, like, is he. Is he signing?

[Myron]

Let's assume he plays. If he plays, then are they better? Cause I think you will.

[Matt]

I think they're better. Because now, if you tell me again, that's a health thing with that team, a lot of that's going to be health. They'll be healthier. Joe Burrow played incredibly last year, just didn't have the results in the standings. So I think they're better.

[Myron]

They have to start better. The problem for them in these years is they start like 1 and 4 or oh, and 5, and then they're trying to come back. Baltimore better, Worse. I'm gonna say slightly better.

[Matt]

I mean, you had. You had Jair Alexander, I mean, at cornerback.

[Myron]

Yeah, but I mean, again, they had such a great regular season. You think that's going to happen again?

[Matt]

Yeah, I think they're one of those teams that, like, every year they're going to win 11 to 14 games. Like, I think that's just the way they are. The question will be, what are you doing the postseason with that?

[Myron]

Okay, Patriots better, Worse.

[Matt]

I mean, you had a Mike Vray.

[Myron]

But Patriots are better. Jets better, worse.

[Matt]

That's a good question. I mean, you add in Justin Fields. I don't. I'll say slightly worse, maybe.

[Myron]

Yeah, I'm going to say worse as well. Brown's better. Worse.

[Matt]

Worse. I think somehow, because their quarterback room is such a mess.

[Myron]

Somehow worse.

[Matt]

Somehow. I mean, that. I mean, who's their quarterback? I mean, that's.

[Myron]

The Texans better, worse.

[Matt]

Again, Hell thing. They'll be better just because, you know, C.J. stroud. Remember last summer with C.J. stroud, remember he was doing all these podcasts? He was like, yeah, it's Tom Brady, Josh Allen, Lamar and me. Like, like. And now that stopped. So I haven't seen any of him this summer, like, talking that stuff anymore. So I feel like he's just working out.

[Myron]

So, yeah, that's a good thing. That's a good thing.

[Matt]

Yeah. I mean, last year he was like, yeah, I'm a top five player in this league. Like, whoa, man.

[Myron]

All right, so Jacksonville, Indy and Tennessee were all bad last year. Will any of them be better?

[Matt]

I mean, Tennessee, I think, is upgraded at quarterback with Cam Ward.

[Myron]

Don't be saying that about Will Levis, he's Will Levis.

[Matt]

You know, you know, everything can't be. That's not mean. That's just the reality. They went out and got the number one pick.

[Myron]

Jacksonville with Duvall. What about Liam Cohen? Is he going to be able to do something?

[Matt]

I want to give him credit that he just let that die. Like, he didn't. He didn't do a bunch of interviews where, like. Because you know, sometimes in that stuff people will be like, man, you gotta do it. And all of a sudden it just becomes your thing. Like he gotta let that die out. Yeah. A better. I think it's a better coaching staff. It's hard to imagine them being worse. I don't think they're very good. And then with Indy, Anthony Richardson, more injuries, more questions at quarterback within. It's just hard to pick how good they'll be.

[Myron]

I am going to say he needs to do it more. If. When they win their first game, if they win week one, if he doesn't come out and say Duvall, I'm going to be very disappointed.

[Matt]

Can't do it.

[Myron]

Broncos. Broncos. Better? Worse.

[Matt]

Oh, better. Year two, Sean Payton and Bo Nicks. They'll be better.

[Myron]

All right. What about Raiders? Better? Worse.

[Matt]

I mean, Pete Carroll, you know, Geno upgraded quarterback. They'll be better.

[Myron]

All right. Chargers, Better. Worse.

[Matt]

Yeah. Another year with Harbaugh.

[Myron]

So, yeah, I just want the record to show. James, he has said 13 of the 16 teams are going to be better. So he is. That doesn't mean they'll be expecting amazingness out of the league. He is expecting 13. The only teams he said would be worse are the Chiefs, who very likely will be better. The jets and did he say anyone else would be worse? Oh, the Brown. So the Chiefs, the Jets and the Browns.

[Matt]

But like the Steelers, to me it could be better. And still finished 10th in the FC. Like, I don't. Doesn't mean you're going to suddenly rise.

[Myron]

So just. Hey, Kansas City fans, he has you lumped in with the jets and the Browns as the only three teams. Oh, no, that will be worse in the nf.

[Matt]

How are they going to deal with it right here? Oh, no, there's one right here.

[James]

So they're going to what, win 13 games instead of 15?

[Matt]

That's what I mean, though. Like, what are we talking about? Like, better or worse is relative. But you don't think. You don't like Justin Herbert. That's your thing with the charges. Like, you don't think he's. No, I think you don't like Harbaugh.

[Myron]

I don't like hardball, but I do think but I think Harbaugh's I don't like him, but I do think he's a good coach. I do think that of all the teams in the league, the one I could see making the biggest leap is the Chargers. So I'm not hating on the Chargers. I, I actually think they will make and I think Jacksonville is going to make a big leap because I think Liam Cohen, for all his Duvall dorkiness, is actually a really good coach. And I think you're going to see a much, much better offense. I think Jacksonville is going to leap into that second best team in their division and kind of hold that spot for a while because I think, I think he's actually a really, really good coach. It's time to do some headlines that are not about the big stories. Our specialty that's next on Sunday morning. Matt Myron.

[Matt]

Matt and Myron the Podcast.

[Advertiser]

If you've shopped online, chances are you've bought from a business powered by Shopify. You know that purple shop pay button you see at checkout? The one that makes buying so incredibly easy? That's Shopify. And there's a reason so many businesses sell with it. Because Shopify makes it incredibly easy to start and run your business. Shopify is the commerce platform behind 10% of all e commerce in the US from household names like Mattel and Gymshark to brands just getting started. Shopify gives you a leg up with hundreds of beautiful ready to go templates to express your brand style and forget about the code. Tackle all those important tasks in one place from inventory to payments to analytics and more. Spread your brand's word with built in marketing and email tools to find and keep new customers. And did I mention that iconic purple shop pay button that's used by millions of businesses around the world? It's why Shopify has the best converting checkout on the planet. Your customers already love it. If you want to see less carts being abandoned, it's time for you to head over to Shopify. Sign up for your $1 per month trial and start selling today at shopify.comnetwork. go to shopify.comnetwork shopify.comnetwork with a Venmo debit card.

You can Venmo more than just your friends. You can use your balance in so many ways. You can Venmo everything. Need gas? You can Venmo this. How about snacks? You can Venmo that. Your favorite band's merch. You can Venmo this or their next show. You can Venmo that. Visit Venmo me Debit to learn more.

[Myron]

You can Venmo this or you can Venmo that. You can Venmo this or you can Venmo that.

[Advertiser]

The Venmo MasterCard is issued by the Bancorp bank pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated. Card may be used everywhere. MasterCard is accepted. Venmo purchase restrictions apply.

[Myron]

It is Sunday morning, Matt Myron on ESPN Radio, presented by Progressive Insurance. They offer home auto commercial on insurance, plus a variety of business insurance options. Visit progressive.com Sorry about that. Sometimes I can't. I get so excited about Progressive, I can't even, like.

[Matt]

Yeah.

[Myron]

Get the words out. Do you like John Mellencamp there? I was born in a small town. You know, he's gonna die in a small town.

[Matt]

I mean, that's one of those, like, now that's what I call music songs that would come on, like, on the infomercials. Is that right? Yeah.

[Myron]

You don't feel like it's like a real. A real song. It's just like, everybody dance now.

[Matt]

Yeah. I mean, we play different songs that are barbecues.

[Myron]

Okay, fair enough. Let's time. Let's get some headlines out there in the sports world. It's Sunday morning headlines. Extra, extra.

[Matt]

The Sunday headlines.

[Myron]

All right, James, let me know what you got.

[James]

Yeah, I think. I think I play different music than at my cookouts.

[Myron]

Than. Than who, then?

[James]

Myron does.

[Myron]

Yeah, Myron likes it. Okay. You like Scoochy Mane? There's nothing wrong with.

[Matt]

James likes Med rock.

[James]

Yeah.

[Matt]

Hard rock in the Ramstein. Is that what it's called? Yeah, that's.

[James]

That's. That's a little. That's a little too.

[Myron]

What about Five Finger Death punch?

[James]

I don't think Five finger and death punch.

[Myron]

Well, that's too bad. I could have gotten them on here. But now you just ran away. What's our. What's our first headline?

[James]

All right, so you brought this to our attention. There was a crash yesterday on the Tour de France. Two guys in a sprint to try to get first place. And right as they. They're on cobblestone streets, too, which is. It can't be good to ride a bike on a cobblestone street. Anyway, as they're sprinting toward the finish line, one guy overtakes the other. And as they cross the finish line, they crash.

[Myron]

Yes.

[James]

And both fall down. The guy who got second place is like, what's going on here?

[Myron]

So first. Yeah. First of all, you need to say in Europe, we call them cobbles, okay? Like, they. They race on the cobbles. Makes it hard. So they did this in Europe, in the Tour de France, that we.

[Matt]

We Tour de France people. Are you that far into it? Are you that deep into it?

[Myron]

Dude, I love. Listen, I can tell you the riders, I understand the crosswinds and the cobbles.

[Matt]

Okay, fine, you said we, but let.

[Myron]

Me just tell you what happened here and see if you'd be mad. You saw the video, for those of. You can look it up. In the race, it was like something Tomas. And then I didn't know the other guy.

[Matt]

Okay?

[Myron]

In the race, they have, like, these little midpoints where you get points if you. If you cross first. So they'll have, like these little mini sprints throughout the race. And one of them was on the cobbles, and it was very close. These two guys have been going back and forth, back and forth. One of them passes at the line, and he kind of lets up to celebrate, and then he loses control of his bike, rams into the other guy, knocks him out. And they were very upset at each other. The guy in second was like, not only did you beat me, you crashed onto me. You saw the video. How angry would you have been if you were that second guy?

[Matt]

I think I get up and fight him. I think that's the only way to settle it. Call the police in the moment. You got to fight him.

[Myron]

He would call the police.

[Matt]

No, no, I wouldn't call.

[Myron]

Yes, you would. You would call the police. And you would say, he has interrupted my rights as a bike rider.

[Matt]

Not at all, man. I would say you got to fight a dude right there.

[Myron]

Doesn't sound like you had to fight a dude. You would call the police. That's a really good call, James. Karen over here would call the police.

[James]

Sorry.

[Myron]

By the way, we're coming down.

[Matt]

We don't have to do the third hour of the show.

[Myron]

There's only 12 point. You know, there's only 12.8 kilometers left as the peloton approaches the end of stage two. What's next? All right.

[James]

On Friday night, The Dodgers lost 18 to 1 at home to the Houston Astros. During the broadcast, Oral Hershiser, who one of their legendary pitcher for the Dodgers, also broadcast on TV for them, couldn't help but recall the 2017 MLB sign stealing scandal involving the Astros. And he said, quote, I don't want to open an old wound, but in some ways, they're swinging these breaking balls like they know what's coming.

[Myron]

Yeah, boy. The Astros are just never going to get over the sign stealing, are they? So I will. I'm going to take a controversial view. I never understand why people got so mad at this at the Astros. If you make signs that. Yeah, if you make signs that people can steal, isn't that on you?

[Matt]

What do you mean? They were using, like, illegal technology.

[Myron]

Okay, that part they shouldn't have done. That part they shouldn't have done. But if it wasn't for that. That's the point.

[Matt]

That's the whole thing.

[James]

Electronics.

[Myron]

I thought it was a trash can. What was wrong with the trash can?

[Matt]

Yeah, but they were using the trash can based on the fact that they were capturing the signs illegally with video.

[Myron]

That part I'm against. Let me go back to this one, though. Oral Hershiser. Need.

[Matt]

Oral Hershey said the Houston Astros should be vindicated. I didn't say they should be vindicated of the century.

[Myron]

I'm just saying, look, they got punished at some point. Don't we have to move on that? Just every time your team's getting crushed, you just have to say, well, the Astros must be cheating because we're getting crushed. Oral Hershey. It's the Dodgers. They have the payroll double. Any other team, take your L and don't whine. I didn't like that for moral.

[Matt]

Nah, I think it's. It's for life with the Astros.

[Myron]

For life, you get.

[Matt]

Yeah, you get to say that forever. You know what I mean? Like, to me, if it was another team, I'd say, whatever, but.

[Myron]

So do you think people get out of jail? Like, when people get out of jail, they should just be able to be harassed their entire life about what they did.

[Matt]

Sometimes you make you. You go to, like, an example that has nothing to do with the example. Will make it pretty far. That was.

[Myron]

It's a logical thing. Like, if. Do you believe when people serve their time, they should then be able to move on?

[Matt]

I don't know. Law and order, suv, What I do know is that you should be able to. Major League. I must be watching on tubi. But no, I think you should be able to knock the Astros for that cheating scandal forever. So I'm fine with it.

[Myron]

Well, so you. Exactly. You're the kind of person that not only calls the police on the kids shooting the fireworks, you want it to be on their permanent record so that they're not able to get hired later in life.

[Matt]

You don't think the Astros thing was that bad? That's what I hear. You said.

[Myron]

Like, you don't listen. It was, but it was Cheating baseball. No one cheats more than people in baseball. They got caught. They got in trouble. I think Oral needs to take his L and move on. What's next?

[Matt]

Yeah.

[James]

All right. This one's for Myron. Red Panda, the popular halftime performer known for her unicycle and bowl balancing act, suffered a broken left wrist during a fall at the WNBA Commissioners Cup Final earlier this week. The injury occurred when a damaged pedal on her unicycle caused her to fall. What do you think about this, Myron?

[Matt]

First off, I want to commend all the people in Minneapolis who responded to that incident. So the Minnesota Timberwolves mascot went with her to the hospital. The staffer stayed with her. She was at the hospital for like 12 hours. Treated very well. I'm probably one of the few people that has actually talked to Red Panda and her story is incredible. You know, why she started doing the bike? She, you know, she's taking care of her parents. Like, it's a pretty amazing thing. And I want to see.

[Myron]

Did the mascot go to the hospital in the uniform?

[Matt]

Like, I had the same question. I wasn't sure.

[Myron]

I would love to have been in the hospital when, like, the Timberwolves mascot is holding hands with Red Panda offhand, not the one that got hurt.

[Matt]

And walking the mascot, a lot of them contractually can't walk around without the uniform. So I don't. I think, I think he went from the game to the house. Maybe there's a chance.

[Myron]

I. In my mind, Red Panda got taken to the hospital by two mascots and people saw her check in and thought, is a panda coming here? This is not a vet's office. This is. That's how I think the story went. It's Sunday morning. Matt Myon here on ESPN Radio.

[Matt]

Matt and Myon the pod.

[Myron]

Foreign.

[Advertiser]

This message is brought to you by Abercrombie and Fitch. I've been ready for summer for a while and now it's finally time for summer outfits. With a trip coming up, the A and F vacation shop has me covered. Abercrombie really knows how to do a lightweight outfit. Their tees, sweater, polos and linen blend shorts never miss. I wear Abercrombie denim year round. Their shorts are no different and have the comfort I need for summer prep. For your next trip with the A and F vacation shop, get their newest arrivals in store online and in the app.

This episode is brought to you by State Farm. Sports are all about teamwork and so is insurance. Whether you need an in person or digital assist, State Farm is there to help you choose the right coverage for your home car and more. Get a game plan that helps fit your life and talk to State Farm today. State Farm with the assist. Coverage options are selected by the customer available. Availability and eligibility vary by state.

The Bucs agree to a four year, 107 million dollar contract with Center Miles.

[Myron]

Turner to make room for Turner. Milwaukee's waving Damian Lillard. They are going to be paying Myles Turner and they are paying Dame Willard so that they can hope that Giannis doesn't demand a trade. We are getting an exciting finish here. Stage two of the Tour de France. I'm sure Myron is on the edge of his seat on Peacock. See, these are. I know I may be the only person has all these are great scenes. Flags waving, smoke in the crowd, bikers going, yeah, people like smoke. Said they like set off fireworks and smoke bombs and stuff. It's kind of amazing. Like in America and really everywhere else, you know, there's such crowd control. But it looks to me like in the Tour de France they're just like, hey, if y' all want to be part of the race, you can. Like, there's just people like out on the streets. It is amazing to me that there aren't more issues when they happen.

[Matt]

Well, isn't that where the signed woman a couple years ago, like, yeah. Almost kill people. Right?

[Myron]

Like, that's exactly right.

[Matt]

Took her to jail, I believe, when she called.

[Myron]

Yeah.

[Matt]

Because.

[Myron]

Well, I mean, but it is like the scenes. Part of why I like it. I say I liked it being peaceful and then the scenes are absolutely amazing. Like, if you could see this ending as they're coming to the finish. I've been before, like I've stood like at a final and it's. I think I told you this. In France, they change the route every year, so it goes through different towns and every town will get the finals like once every 10 years. So when they do, they make it a huge celebration. So all these small towns, they have a festival and it's the most fun thing in the world, mind you. I'm. I'm telling you, the race itself in person. You only get to see them for like a second. But the hoop loss, the hoopla surrounding it is worth it. It's a huge party.

[Matt]

So where do you post up, though? Like, what's the best place to post up?

[Myron]

Knowing to me the best place to post up is in the town where the race finishes. Because it's more about the ambiance of the town than it is the race. If you're just out on the course, like, you just see them for a minute and then they're gone.

[Matt]

That's what I mean.

[Myron]

Yeah. So I think it's more to be part of. It's like a cultural celebration, Myron. You know what I mean?

[Matt]

You're into it, man. Like I said, I've never heard you talk about anything the way you talk about the tour.

[Myron]

De facto. I talk, I enjoy it. It's just really. Yeah, well, you like to talk about how Milwaukee you are. That's one of your big things. People come call from Milwaukee and you get angry if they're not as Milwaukee as you. Is Giannis Milwaukee enough that he will and finish next season with the Milwaukee Bucks?

[Matt]

Number one question I got when I was back home last weekend from my parents 50th is everybody was like, pulling me aside saying, you think Giannis is standing? Like. I mean, at the end of the day, he doesn't have to. I think that's where we have to start. With Giannis winning the championship with Milwaukee. He, to me, is going to get a statue, be a legend, no matter what. And I actually think if he came out and demanded a trade, people would still support him like he would.

[Myron]

They really.

[Matt]

Yeah, well, they would. People would understand, come back. He'd be able to come back in a decade, and people would cheer for him because everything he's done for the city. I don't think that this move kind of keeps them out of the possibility. Like, Miles Turn is a good player, but it doesn't change them into a team that you think can challenge Cleveland, can challenge New York in Eastern Conference, necessarily. So I think this is a big year for Giannis to see, you know, what happens this season, are they competitive, and if he thinks he can win another championship here. But I think they did the best they could do given the circumstances with Damian Lillard.

[Myron]

So how good are they at this point? Like, are they good enough in your mind to. To win a championship? Are they good. Good enough to make the Eastern Conference finals? Are they going to have done all this and lose in the first round again?

[Matt]

Yeah, I mean, I think, you know, it's interesting. Like, I think Miles Turner puts them in a position to where, again, they'll be competitive, you know, in the Eastern Conference. That looks a lot different. Right. So I don't know that it makes them championship level. They're not better than Cleveland. I don't think they're better than New York. I don't know that they're better than an Atlanta team that can be very, very good. I don't know that they're better than, you know, if Orlando puts it all together. But it keeps them in the hunt. Like, it keeps them a team where you say, if everything breaks right, everyone stays healthy. I think they can be a top four seed, potentially in the Eastern Conference.

[Myron]

Sham Charania was on the NBA Free agency special, and he says, well, here's what he said about Miles Turner's impact.

[I]

I'm told Giannis Antetokounmpo will continue to evaluate everything the entire off season. He took notice of this move today, no doubt, but sources tell me he will evaluate more than just one day. And at the end of the offseason, my understanding is Giannis Antetokounmpo will ask himself. He'll look in the mirror, he'll look around him and ask the question, can I win a championship, a second championship with this team as currently constructed? And the answer to that question faces and looms. Johnson, de Campo, the Bucs, and Milwaukee.

[Myron]

I have to tell you that I find all MPA storylines like this. Like, this is what always happens, that we have the exact same thing about LeBron. We have the exact same thing about Devin Booker. Like, everybody always says, he's evaluating. Like, he's sitting at home and he's going to think, what is going to happen? How do I evaluate? Like, it's sort of a bunch of nothing. Because ultimately, what is that evaluation going to be? The Bucks team is what it is. Right?

[Matt]

Yeah, but I mean.

[Myron]

I mean, there's not a lot of things.

[Matt]

It's not a move happening now, you know? Like, it's not. Like, I think he's going to ask for a trade this summer. But. But I. But I do think the. What's that. What do they call that? Glass with the sand. Is that. What do they call that? The. The. You know, I'm talking about the glass with the sand.

[Myron]

The sand, like an hourglass.

[Matt]

Hourglass, right. I think the hourglass has started. Why? Well, let's say. Why is it? Well, because, like, I thought it was.

[Myron]

Days, you know, in Days of Our Lives, they say, days of our lives.

[Matt]

These are the times of our lives. Yeah. So. But the hourglass is. The sand is. It's coming, you know, it's going. So in terms of.

[Myron]

In terms of the clock is starting. Listen, man, an hour time is start.

[Matt]

You flip an hourglass, and the sand starts coming through. Right?

[Myron]

Okay.

[Matt]

That's happening for the Bucks and Giannis right now. Like, they are running out of time. I think to convince him to stay. But this is a big year for that. I thought it was something else. You sure it's an hourglass? Isn't there another name for it?

[Myron]

No, it's called an hourglass. You remember Days of Our Lives? They were like the sands on the hourglass. Days of Our Lives.

[Matt]

And then Bone and Thugs and Harmony said the same. They had a song like that saying, these are the days of our lives. So, okay, I'm just. I'm just. That's what.

[Myron]

I totally follow how that. What that has to do with the Milwaukee Bucks, but I would say this. I don't really know what it is. I don't really know what Giannis would want if not this, if that makes sense. Like, I don't really know. I mean, if Giannis does not want to have one more chance at it, there's really nothing else the Bucs could have done. If you're looking at trying to win this year, they did the best they could for Giannis. I mean, stretching Damian Lillard might not be the best decision for the franchise as a whole long term, but to win this year for Giannis, that was the best thing he could have done. It gave them the best chance of winning. It gave them the best chance of being able to go get someone. So if you're Giannis, if you were in on the Bucks before the Miles Turner move, I have no idea what.

[Matt]

What.

[Myron]

Why you wouldn't be after they gave you a better chance to win. Damian Lillard is not playing, so they gave you a better chance to win.

[Matt]

Yeah, but, I mean, you know, cutting Damian Lillard and stretching the rest of his deal, like that's going to hit the cap for the next five years, $22 million a year.

[Myron]

So what did they still do if they. If. If they didn't do that? I don't know what Giannis would have wanted. If they didn't do that, then. Then Damian Lillard's cap hit would have been so big this year, they couldn't have added anybody.

[Matt]

I agree with you. I think they did the best they could under the circumstances. But I also think it can be true that that might not be enough to convince Giannis to stay. I don't think he's leaving this offseason. But is there a February trade deadline thing that could happen if this gets off to a rocky start? I think that certainly is not outside the realm of possibility.

[Myron]

Yeah. By the way, just so you know, Matthew Vanderpoel was able to cross first to win the stage today for the Tour de France. He will now take the yellow jersey, at least temporarily. Matthew Vanderpoel. So are you excited about that?

[Matt]

Are they paying you for this? Like, are you, is this a paid promotion? What are you talking about?

[Myron]

What's wrong with, what is wrong with saying that Matthew Vanderpoel is. I mean, I'm trying to keep pull up. It is a big story in the news. What, what is, what else is going on at this moment that's as big as that?

[Matt]

There's LeBron stuff. I mean, there's not NFL training camp.

[Myron]

The Orioles and the Braves, by the way, their game has started on Roku. And at the tight end to the top of the first, it is 00. For those of you watching on Roku, the WNBA is still kicking wrong and they are going to expand two new teams no matter what Sophie Cunningham wants. They're headed to Detroit and Cleveland. We'll talk about that. And just the league's health as a whole. Caitlin Clark is still hurt. This is Sunday morning on ESPN.

[Matt]

Matt and Myron, the podcast.

[Advertiser]

On WhatsApp. No one can see or hear your personal messages. Whether it's a voice call message or sending a password to WhatsApp, it's all just this. So whether you're sharing the streaming password in the family chat or trading those late night voice messages that could basically become a podcast, your personal messages stay between you, your friends and your family. No one else, not even us. WhatsApp message privately with everyone.

[J]

This episode is brought to you by Polestar. There's only one true way to experience the all electric luxury SUV Polestar 3. And that's to take a test drive. It can go from 0 to 60 in as little as 4.8 seconds with the dynamic handling of a sports car. But to truly understand how it commands the road, you need to be behind the wheel. Up to 350 miles of range. The 3D surround sound system by Bowers and Wilkins. It's all something you have to experience to believe. So book your Test drive for Polestar 3 [e-mail].

[Myron]

Sunday morning here on ESPN Radio. Matt Myron, presented by Progressive Insurance. I have two things I want to get with you here. One, you know, WNBA is going to expand to Detroit and Cleveland. Those are two cities that people really like to kind of crap on. Myron, it's easy to make fun of. I'm not sure. Are there two cities that get made fun of more than Detroit and Cleveland? What would they be?

[Matt]

I mean, yeah, I think those are the blue collar. Yeah.

[Myron]

When people say when People are like, what's the worst city? They unfortunately don't say Indianapolis, because that would be a good answer. But they usually say Detroit and Cleveland. And so I wanted you. I thought it would be good, since they're coming into the wnba, for you and I to say, what is it that we like about Detroit and Cleveland? Like, what are some positives? Because all they hear are negatives. We have Detroit and Cleveland listeners. So let's start with. With Cleveland. Give me. Give me some positives about the city of Cleveland, who is now welcoming a WNBA team.

[Matt]

Well, I mean, in the. In the LeBron era, that area around their arena has been. Become an incredible kind of, like, downtown hub. So, I mean, it's. It's really cool kind of what they've done.

[Myron]

It's like, what. Tell people who haven't been to Cleveland, like, sell Cleveland your. MYRON Metcalf Cleveland TOURISM DIRECTOR.

[Matt]

I don't know if I want that job. But, I mean, but the. I mean, you got. I mean, you have a nice.

[Myron]

Let me.

[Matt]

Full of restaurants. I'll do just the Rock and Roll hall of Fame.

[Myron]

Let me do it. Okay.

[Matt]

You were always gonna do it. Like, you don't want me to sell it. You want me to do it. And then you want to be like, watch me do it better. Like, that's your bit. That's what you do. How about you try? And then you're like, you can't say that. Let me do it. I'll do it. So you just be the chairman of Congress.

[Myron]

I'll let you go first if you want.

[Matt]

Go for it.

[Myron]

Here's what I'm gonna do. Ladies and gentlemen of America, you need to visit Cleveland.

[Matt]

This is not a presidential address. Why don't you say that? You're talking.

[Myron]

What do you mean, talking to the country? Ladies and gentlemen of America, you need to visit Cleveland, Ohio. Forget what you have heard about Cleveland. We are a place with pop culture, with pop culture icons and with a vibrant downtown, as my colleague Mr. Metcalf told you, we, our basketball arena and baseball stadium have created a vibrant downtown of bars, nice restaurants, all walkable. It's one of the more walkable downtowns in America. But beyond that, there's much more. There's the Rock and Roll hall of Fame, all of these great iconic guitars, pianos, memorabilia from everywhere. Did you like A Christmas Story? You'll shoot your eye out the house from A Christmas Story, including the leg of the lamp. It is there as well. And there's a casino and beautiful landscape. Plus one of America's favorite musical groups. Bone Thugs in Harmony was once there as well. Please visit. Beautiful Cleveland. The mystic view on the lake.

[Matt]

Yeah, that's pretty good.

[James]

You just read a brochure.

[Myron]

No, I came up with that off the top.

[Matt]

He is a brochure. He's just really into that. He. I think he really wants to be somebody's chamber of commerce. I think that's the job he actually wants. Like the Tour de France stuff where you basically were doing like a, like you. A paid promotion or whatever you were doing today. And now Cleveland.

[Myron]

I'm just saying I don't like when people are rude to cities like Cleveland, which has got just as much to do as all but about seven cities in America.

[Matt]

True, they're great cities, but let's. You also got to tell people, you don't, you know, you don't just go everywhere in Cleveland and Detroit, you know, I mean, that's the couple cities.

[Myron]

Fair enough, but that's true of anywhere. Name me a city where you can go to every single part of it and you should be cool with it. Name me a big city. You can't go to every part of New York. You can't go to every part of la. You can't go to every part of Chicago. Can't go to every part of Miami. Can't go to every part of Vegas. Like, there's nowhere you want to just go. Anywhere.

[Matt]

I'm with you. But this is me and you talking. There are some places you can't go. You can't just be wandering. That's all I'm saying. Like, these are not cities where you, you want to go with a plan, an agenda, if you will. This is not like exploring places, you know, So I think that's why people maybe knock Cleveland and Detroit, I love both of them. Detroit, super cool city. The people are great. I mean, it's, it's cool. You got Motown. You've been to Motown. You've been to Motown Records.

[Myron]

I've not been to Motown Records, no.

[Matt]

The museum is incredible in Detroit. Well worth your time.

[Myron]

Improved. A lot of parts of Detroit, like a lot of parts of Detroit are up and coming. So I, I'm just saying to you, you get outside of New York, Louisiana, Miami, Vegas, Chicago, and you know, pretty much that all cities at that point, Myron, I think, have pretty much the same things to offer. Once you get out of those top six, six to eight cities, they all pretty much have the same thing.

[Matt]

Well, in those blue collar towns, the reason that, that leagues want to go there is because the fans are better. Like, you know, I saw Sophie Cunningham saying miami, there are no fans in Miami. There are no fans in it. Like, not to the same degree, like the best fans in America are in the Midwest and the South. That's just a fact. Like in terms of passionate fan bases where people stick with their teams no matter what, where they're there the entire game. Like that is the Midwest in the South. Once you get beyond those regions, you have questionable fan bases.

[Myron]

New York, but New York.

[Matt]

New York's so gigantic, though. It's hard.

[Myron]

No, they do. And Philly. But yes, in general, you're. In general, you're right. All right. So last night, one of those cities that people are hesitant to go to is Salt Lake. In the first night of the summer league occurred, and you got a VJ Edgecombe versus Ace Bailey matchup. VJ Edgecomb, of course, playing for Philly, Ace Bailey for Utah. Those were, most people thought the top two candidates for the number three pick. They put them against each other. And if you just went on last night, you would have said that Philly went the right way. Edgecombe had 28 points in the matchup, while Ace Bailey struggled one point shooting 3 for 14. Although, you know, it's a bad night when the official story says he struggled offensively, but quote contributed with hustle and defense.

[Matt]

Yes. You never want to hear that he.

[Myron]

Contributed with hustle defense. The story that was VJ Edgecombe, 28 points. You know, Philly, one of the questions about whether they should trade out of the number three pick was are they a team that's contender this year? Why would they want a guy who couldn't contribute? Did he show you last night that he could contribute or you don't care about the summer league?

[Matt]

Why do we do this with summer league now? I don't really understand, like, why we take summer league and we assume it's going to somehow translate to the NBA. The best players in the NBA are not playing in the summer league. So. So these guys are mostly playing that dude to are either rookie or guys trying to make a team, guys on training camp rosters. So it's cool. I mean, I think if you're a Philly fan and say, maybe VJ Edgecombe is the guy, and I think a lot of tools to be great, but we got to stop putting so much on summer.

[Myron]

Do you think a summer league team is better than a college team? What do you think you can get more.

[Matt]

Yes.

[Myron]

Out of. Okay, so you can get more out of a performance in summer league than college. So isn't there some benefit in seeing that they are even better or worse than they looked in college?

[Matt]

There are just too many examples of guys who didn't translate. Like Glenn Rice Jr. I remember, averaged like 29 points a game in summer league and that was his greatest moment. You know what I mean? So you have a lot of situations where guys excel in summer league and nothing else.

[Myron]

I'll tell you what I've seen. I agree with you about the succeeding in summer league. I don't think succeeding in summer league matters a lot. But I'll tell you what I do think summer league's good at. Summer league does a pretty good job of showing that dudes that might not be what we thought when guys struggle in summer league. I am actually a little interested in that. I remember Anthony Bennett summer league did look like what Anthony Bennett's career looked like. And you went, oh, this dude's the first pick and he only is scoring four points a game in summer league. Yeah, it's one game. He'll have probably six or eight games. But you start to see some Ace Bailey vibes of okay, now I can see why you dropped from the third pick a little bit. You look kind of out of control. Was having a hard time getting open. I'm not saying, I mean, look, I. You cannot make a big judgment on summer league. Certainly can't make a big but judgment on one game. But there was. If you watched that game last night and you compared Vijay Edgecomb and Ace Bailey, it was clear which one is more at this moment ready for the next level.

[Matt]

Well, it's also clear that people didn't watch any Rutgers basketball because like Ace Bailey did this a lot. Like, there were a lot of moments where you thought, wow, this, this guy could be a phenom, maybe at the next level as he grows into his body. And there were other moments where you thought, this guy's not going to be able to score at the next level. So part of the Ace Bailey stuff is going to come from him not wanting to work out for anybody. Utah picking him. Clearly he didn't want to go to Utah. And now he's the story in this draft. Like how he does everything will be scrutinized. And I just wonder how he's going to handle that because that's not going to stop.

[Myron]

Would you buy Ace Bailey stock? Do you think Ace Bailey in five years will be a very good NBA player?

[Matt]

Yes, I would buy stock for him to be a really good player in five years. The ceiling is as high as anyone's ceiling other than Cooper Flats.

[Myron]

I would call my broker and say let's skip this one. Let's go put our money into no, I mean I'm not. Let's just skip it. There are other options out there.

[Matt]

You look like you take on the.

[Myron]

Just cause he's white does not mean I'm four con caniple. I'm BJ Edgecombe. I'm putting my stock in that. What about Arch Manning? We'll let you know.

[Matt]

Matt and Myron the Podcast Foreign.

[Myron]

The first words spoken on ESPN weren't just an announcement.

[Advertiser]

If you're a fan, they were a sports prophecy.

[Matt]

What you'll see in the next minutes.

[Myron]

Hours and days to follow. Glad you're with us tonight.

[Matt]

May convince you you've gone to sports heaven and right now you're standing on the edge of tomorrow.

[Myron]

This fall, the next era of ESPN begins Sports forever.