Hour 2: Player Engagement

Summary

Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron
Episode: Hour 2: Player Engagement
Release Date: July 20, 2025
Hosts: Matt Jones and Myron Medcalf, ESPN Radio

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1. Golf Spotlight: British Open and Major Rankings

The episode kicks off with Matt and Myron delving into the current state of the British Open, affectionately referred to as "the Open." With Scotty Scheffler holding a significant lead, the hosts discuss the dynamics of the tournament and the performance of notable golfers like Rory McIlroy.

Notable Quote:
Myron (00:34): "Scotty Scheffler leads by seven, might make a bogey here, might be down to six, but still a huge lead over a number of golfers, including Rory McIlroy."

The conversation shifts to ranking the four major golf tournaments. Matt expresses a preference for the U.S. Open due to its competitiveness and challenging courses, while Myron favors the Masters for its prestige and familiarity.

Notable Quotes:
Matt (01:02): "Probably the U.S. Open."
Matt (01:04): "It's competitive. It's a hard course."
Myron (02:15): "I'm going to say Masters one just in part because I know the course."

They also touch upon local golfers' performances on renowned courses like Augusta and the difficulty for amateur players to match the prowess of professional golfers.

2. Player Engagement Controversy: Lloyd Howe Jr.'s Resignation

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the resignation of Lloyd Howe Jr., the former executive director of the NFL Players Association. Investigations revealed misuse of union funds for personal indulgences, including visits to strip clubs and extravagant expenses.

Notable Quotes:
Matt (05:24): "I give them credit for listing a strip club visit as player engagement, because that's a new one for me."
Myron (06:04): "If this is a dude negotiating deals and you're a player in the NFL, you're pretty... you might be worried about."

The hosts critically analyze Howe Jr.'s actions, questioning the appropriateness of categorizing such expenditures as "player engagement" and drawing parallels to historical figures like Jerry Springer who faced similar controversies.

Notable Quotes:
Myron (07:56): "It's run support. It's definite run support."
Matt (08:11): "I think it makes you feel like you have a guy who's not serious about the job."

They further discuss the potential impact of Howe Jr.'s resignation on future negotiations and the overall strength of the NFL Players Association compared to other major sports leagues.

3. Mixed Martial Arts: UFC 318 Recap

Matt and Myron review the highlights of UFC 318, focusing on Dustin Poirier's final fight against Max Holloway. Despite losing, Poirier's performance is lauded for its competitiveness and excitement.

Notable Quote:
Matt (14:09): "Justin Poirier is one of the legends of the sport... he's one of those guys who would be remembered as just a fun fighter, exciting fighter, and I'm glad he went out with that kind of battle."

They also comment on the unexpected presence of celebrities like Lil Wayne at the event, pondering the reasons behind such appearances and their relevance to the fight atmosphere.

Notable Quotes:
Myron (14:36): "They just randomly shows up at these fights."
Matt (14:49): "It was weird. Like, Theo Vaughn got here an hour before the broadcast."

4. Boxing News: Manny Pacquiao's Latest Bout

The conversation shifts to boxing, with a focus on Manny Pacquiao's attempt to become the oldest fighter to win the welterweight championship. His fight against Mario Barrios ends in a majority draw, marking an unexpected conclusion to his storied career.

Notable Quotes:
Matt (15:56): "Manny looked better than I thought he would at 46. Didn't have a lot of power, but he was still fast..."
Myron (16:10): "He's 46 years old. Like, why do we keep doing this?"

The hosts express mixed feelings about Pacquiao's continued presence in the ring, acknowledging his dedication while questioning the motivations behind his persistent pursuit of victories.

5. NFL Spotlight: Joe Burrow's Stolen Property

A headline-grabbing story involves Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, whose stolen luxury items were sold by a pawn shop owner. The individual pled guilty to purchasing and reselling goods belonging to Burrow, including high-end watches and handbags.

Notable Quotes:
Myron (18:37): "It's kind of scary. I have to say, for these players, Myron, I would be scared."
Matt (19:09): "It's just bizarre to me, like, something that high profile."

The discussion highlights the vulnerabilities high-profile athletes face regarding personal security and the underground markets that thrive on such illicit activities.

6. Entertainment Mishap: Martha Stewart and Jalen Brunson

An unusual incident is brought up where Martha Stewart's toe was reportedly broken by NBA player Jalen Brunson during the Celtics' playoff series. The story, sourced from a New Yorker column, sparks curiosity and amusement among the hosts.

Notable Quotes:
Myron (20:34): "Martha Stewart getting her toe broken by Jalen Brunson during the playoffs. How was that not a lead story when it happened?"
Matt (21:20): "If you're gonna sit courtside, somebody might run into you."

They ponder the lack of media attention such a peculiar event received and discuss the unpredictable nature of court-side interactions at sporting events.

7. NFL Contracts: TJ Watt's Record Extension with the Steelers

The episode covers TJ Watt's substantial contract extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. The hosts debate the financial implications and strategic value of such a deal for the team.

Notable Quotes:
Matt (43:08): "I'm fine with rewarding a guy who has been one of the best defensive players in the NFL and is the anchor of your defense."
Myron (43:38): "It's a short deal. That's good, because then if you get a franchise quarterback going in the future, you could maybe still have him on a rookie deal."

The discussion touches on the balance between investing in elite defensive talent and maintaining flexibility for future team-building endeavors.

8. Interactive Segment: King of the Mountain

Introducing a new interactive segment, "King of the Mountain," Matt and Myron invite listeners to call in and share their best sports takes. The current reigning king, Jared from St. Louis, sets the bar for incoming challengers.

Notable Quotes:
Myron (44:08): "King of the Mountain is next on Sunday morning with ESPN Radio."
Matt (44:06): "We have a king right now. Who's our king right now? James? Do we know the person's name?"

This segment aims to engage the audience, encouraging participation and fostering a sense of community among listeners.

9. Closing Remarks and Promotions

The hosts wrap up the episode with light-hearted banter about phone mishaps and promotional segments for sponsors like Shopify, Venmo, and State Farm Insurance. They also tease upcoming content and encourage listener interaction through the "King of the Mountain" segment.

Notable Quotes:
Myron (38:49): "I have Drake's phone number. I never called it."
Matt (41:07): "Is that their slogan now? Because it probably can be."

The episode concludes with energetic exchanges and reminders for listeners to tune in next week for more sports discussions.

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Key Takeaways:

• Golf: Scotty Scheffler's dominance in the British Open and discussions on the prestige of major tournaments.
• Player Engagement: The ethical implications of financial mismanagement within the NFL Players Association.
• MMA and Boxing: Highlights of UFC 318 and reflections on Manny Pacquiao's enduring boxing career.
• NFL Security: The alarming case of Joe Burrow's stolen property and its impact on player safety.
• Entertainment: The quirky story of Martha Stewart's accidental toe injury by Jalen Brunson.
• Contracts in the NFL: Analyzing TJ Watt's lucrative contract and its strategic value for the Steelers.
• Audience Engagement: Introduction of the "King of the Mountain" segment to foster listener participation.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Myron (00:34): "Scotty Scheffler leads by seven, might make a bogey here, might be down to six..."
• Matt (01:02): "Probably the U.S. Open."
• Myron (05:24): "I give them credit for listing a strip club visit as player engagement..."
• Matt (14:09): "Justin Poirier is one of the legends of the sport..."
• Myron (18:37): "It's kind of scary. I have to say, for these players..."
• Myron (20:34): "Martha Stewart getting her toe broken by Jalen Brunson..."
• Matt (43:08): "I'm fine with rewarding a guy who has been one of the best defensive players..."
• Myron (44:08): "King of the Mountain is next on Sunday morning with ESPN Radio."

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This comprehensive summary encapsulates the diverse range of topics covered in the episode, providing listeners with a clear overview of the engaging discussions between Matt and Myron.

Transcript

[Matt]

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. This is Matt and Myron, the podcast.

[Myron]

It is Sunday morning here. Matt Myron, ESPN Radio the British Open, or as we like to call it, the Open, is that Royal Port Bush in Northern Ireland? Scotty Scheffler leads by seven, might make a bogey here, might be down to six, but still a huge lead over a number of golfers, including Rory McElroy. What's your favorite golf major, by the way, Myron, if you were to rank them.

[Matt]

Probably the U.S. open.

[Myron]

Why do you like the U.S. open? You like seeing guys struggle?

[Matt]

Nah, just, it's competitive. It's a hard course.

[Myron]

I mean, it's competitive. They're all.

[Matt]

It's a hard course.

[Myron]

That's like, that's like a Mike Francesa answer. Well, they're competitive. I like that it's competitive.

[Matt]

I was just in Augusta, so I mean, maybe it's. The Masters is obviously the.

[Myron]

Well, now you've named two of the four rank them for me. You can't just give them all a shout out.

[Matt]

I've never been comfortable with the name the Masters, but the Masters are probably number one and then number two, the US Open, and then probably the name.

[Myron]

You don't want to call Turkey Masters.

[Matt]

It doesn't feel right. It's never felt right. You know, I wish there was a nickname I could use. But, yeah, the Open's probably fourth for me of all the majors. You know, I just, you know, I.

[Myron]

Never thought, you know what I never really thought.

[Matt]

I don't know if I can go to the Master. I've always felt like, I will say.

[Myron]

I've been to the Masters. I've always felt like the Masters is kind of a little bit, it's, it does feel a little bit like a time that, you know, we should have moved on from. It does feel like there's. But it is nice. Yeah, I'm gonna say.

[Matt]

And everything cheap.

[Myron]

Yeah, I'm going to go Masters one just in part because I know the course. So, like, I know, okay, 15 is coming up. You could eagle that one. You know, I do enjoy that. And then I'd probably go US Open, British Open the pga. But I will say the PGA comes to Louisville and we arrest the players. And so I do think that one makes it a little bit more exciting. You have to know, can you get through it without being arrested?

[Matt]

What could a great local golfer, like, just a guy in your city who plays really well. Like, what would he shoot at Augusta?

[Myron]

The moon. If it was set. If it was set up for the master.

[Matt]

Like, if you just put Joe the guy who's.

[Myron]

Like, when you say Joe the guy, although Scotty makes a long par putt there, that was a nice save. When you say Joe the guy, what do you mean? Like, what handicap?

[Matt]

I don't. The best golfer, you know, what does he shoot at?

[Myron]

Okay, so. Well, I know guys who've played on Tour, but, like, let's just say you're like a Saturday golfer. You know, five or six handicap. Right. You're gonna shoot in the 90s at Augusta, on the tournament, maybe in the hundreds. I mean, I played Beth Page. I tell this story. I played Beth Page Black once, and it was not from the tips, but from, like, the next one up. And I'm probably a 15 handicap, maybe a 12. When I play a lot, I played maybe the best round of my life and shot an 88. And I played, like, amazing. And that's where the Ryder cup is this year. And I. And I literally couldn't have played better. And so, you know, you put. You put just a regular Joe in these courses. Forget about it. They play the PGA here at Valhalla in Louisville. I play it a lot when it's set up for the PGA. I mean, I don't think I could break 90. Like, it's just a different level.

[Matt]

Yeah. No, and I feel like that's not even with all the attention attached to it, too.

[Myron]

Right? I mean, the camera people in the crowd, I mean, that's a whole nother thing. You get the. If you line the fairways, I'm gonna be pegging these people in the head when I try. When you try to do it. Now, a big story this week. I thought you would enjoy. Former NFL Players association executive director Lloyd Howe Jr. He resigned after investigation showed he. He had used union expense expenses for visits to strip clubs, including one trip, he paid $738.82 for a car service to the club. And then he spent $2,400 at Atlanta's Magic City during, quote, a player engagement event. He had cash withdrawals with no players names on, named on the receipts. He resigned. It surprised some folks, but this was after public scrutiny of why he had spent player money at the club. What did you think about that, Myron? I think. I know normally you like to have a good time and think it's fine for people to enjoy themselves. Did you think this was. Cross the line?

[Matt]

You got to add context. I don't know what that means, but, I mean, here's the thing. I give them credit for listing a strip club visit as player engagement, because that's a new one for me. That's a new.

[Myron]

That's a new kind of player engagement. It's all. Whether you end it in ER or a. He means he was player engagement. That's what he meant. Just all big misunderstanding, Myron. Like, sometimes people don't understand.

[Matt]

I'm mad that I didn't think of that, but the one that got me was the $800 cab. Right? Because if you look at the details, Matt, he goes from the airport to the club and essentially just makes the cab driver wait. And he's.

[Myron]

No, he didn't. He made the cab driver wait.

[Matt]

He leaves. He leaves at 10am at 10pm he gets to the airport, they go to the club, they don't leave. He doesn't leave till 6:00am yeah, so, like, he just has a cab driver sitting out there. So, I mean, on a serious note, like, if this is a dude negotiating deals and you're a player in the NFL, you're pretty.

[Myron]

You might be worried about. You might say he's a little vulnerable to being taken advantage of.

[James]

Yeah.

[Matt]

I mean, once you. Once you're doing player engagement on the corporate car, you probably got a problem and shouldn't be involved in negotiation.

[Myron]

I was trying to think of the best stories of using a corporate card. I mean, do you remember. Did you ever know the story about Jerry Springer when he was married, when he was the mayor of Cincinnati? No. No. So Jerry Springer, a lot of people don't know the. The talk show host. He was the mayor of Cincinnati and at one point was like the youngest mayor of a major city in America. And he. You know what brought him down is he paid for a. A lady of the night with a check.

[Matt]

Why, man?

[Myron]

Like. But with a city check. I mean, that had to be. Like, did you not think there would be any expense report and a check? Like, a check who. But I'm. I'm sure that the people. I'm sure the. The person was like, well, it's a city check. I'm sure it won't bounce. But I mean, so, like, people can make really bad decisions. But if you were a player in the Players association, you'd have to be fairly upset that your leader is. Is doing this. And, you know, the NFL Players Association, I think historically has been a lot weaker than the baseball one has and then the basketball one has. So this, I think, is just an interesting development, especially for a league that will head in negotiations soon. Yeah.

[Matt]

I think it makes you feel like you have a guy who's not serious about the job. Right. If he's worried about taking these weird trips to strip clubs and $2,500 at Magic City, the wings don't cost that much. Right. So it's just Magic City.

[Myron]

That's the place where the players snuck out of the bl.

[Matt]

That's where Lou Will. Lou Williams got in trouble with your guy Jack Harlow. That's where him and Jack Harlow took the picture.

[Myron]

My guy.

[Matt]

Well, he's from your beast from your place. Jack Harlow is really the one who almost shut down the bubble because he posted that photo with Lou Williams at Magic City.

[Myron]

And that's what is the thing that Magic said they have lemon pepper wings.

[Matt]

Is that lemon pepper wings is what they're. Is what they're known for? I've been told. I haven't had it myself, but yes.

[Myron]

Well, no. So I'm. I mean, we're staying here on topic, James. Don't worry. This is. This is very important. Lemon pepper wings from Magic City. They're supposedly, like, amazing, right? I've never been.

[Matt]

Yeah, people just go in for the food. That is a real thing in Atlanta. Like, that's a real thing where people just go for the food in Atlanta. People just go get food at the strip club the same way you go get food anywhere else. Like, it's just a thing in Atlanta, you know.

[Myron]

So my. My sports bar in. In Lexington, you know, we've taken. We doing renovation this summer, and we're changing some stuff on the menu. And one of the things we're doing is we're adding sauces to our wings. And we had a specific request from one of our regular customers who said to me, matt, can you please get the lemon pepper wet sauce from Magic City and get it at KS Bar in Lexington? So we. I get. Put one of my cooks on the job. He is. We are trying to recreate the lemon pepper wet Magic City sauce at KS Bar in Lexington. And I've been told, again, I've never had the original, that they've done a pretty amazing job. And it will debut when we reopen in honor of, I guess Lou well. And Lloyd Howell Jr. Of the players Association.

[Matt]

Yes. And I will tell you that customer just didn't just want the wings. He wants you to have some other renovations that I don't recommend.

[Myron]

We're not gonna do that. This is a family place. But we're gonna. But we are gonna. So if you've never been, then you can try the lemon pepper web. Well, Lloyd, I hope the player engagement event, I hope it was worth you losing your gig. Unfortunately, the $800 for a car service, that's a whole nother. A whole nother thing. Scotty still leads by seven over Rory. Matt's Fitzpatrick, Harrison English and Myron's boy got her up. We'll give keep you up to date in the Sunday headlines. That's next here on Matt and Myron.

[Matt]

Matt and Myron the P.O.

[Eduardo]

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[Matt]

You can Venmo everything. Your favorite band's merch. You can Venmo this or their next show.

[Myron]

You can Venmo that.

[Matt]

Visit Venmo Me Debit to learn more. The Venmo MasterCard is issued by the Bancorp bank and a pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated. The card may be used everywhere. Mastercard is accepted Venmo purchase restrictions apply.

[Myron]

It is Sunday Morning, Matt. My on ESPN Radio. I like this song. Who's this by? Is it lit?

[Unknown]

Lit?

[Myron]

Yeah, Lit. Who? That call Lit.

[Unknown]

Was it lit?

[Myron]

Lit?

[Matt]

I thought it was Smashing Pumpkins or something like that.

[Myron]

This is not Smashing Pumpkins. This is lit. That's a good call by me. This is a random 90s band, and they call this one is pretty good.

[Matt]

So who did Chamberwamba? Who did Chamber Wamba?

[Myron]

No, it was Chumbawamba was the name of the group, and the song was Tub Thumping.

[Matt]

It was what? Tub Thumping?

[Myron]

Yeah, the name of the group was Chumbawamba, and the name of the song was Tub Thumping.

[James]

Who.

[Matt]

Who was Sugar Ray was Sugar Ray.

[Myron]

And Sugar Ray was I Just Want to Fly.

[Matt]

I like that song. Was that a band or was Sugar Wave clear?

[Myron]

All these white 90s bands just blended into you? No, Sugar Ray was not in trouble. Just go. Let's do Sunday Morning Headlines before he gets farther on.

[Matt]

Why don't y' all answer me the Sunday Headlines?

[Myron]

The answer is they're all different bands. Every band in the 90s got one song, and that's it. Okay, what's up first?

[Unknown]

All right, so UFC 318 was last night. Dustin Poirier could not secure a win in the final fight of his stored UFC career, but ultimately, that mattered very little. Poirier lost to Max Holloway last night. Myron, what do you think about this?

[Matt]

It was a great fight, you know, and then at the end, they just traded bombs and went back and forth. Really good fight. But Justin Poirier is one of the legends, I think, of the sport. Never quite, you know, a top five kind of guy, but beat Conor McGregor a couple times. I think he's one of those guys who would be remembered as just a fun fighter, exciting fighter, and I'm glad he went out with that kind of battle. It was weird. Like, Lil Wayne was there for some reason. Like, he had a bunch of people with them. Kind of a random group.

[Myron]

Isn't that, though? Every UFC fight, you'll look up and be like, oh, here comes, you know, Dustin Pontiac. He's walking to the ring with Nikki Haley. Like, why is it everybody just randomly shows up at these fights?

[Matt]

It was weird. So, like, last night, they were like, theo Vaughn got here an hour before the broadcast.

[Myron]

I think Theo Vaughn just came in to set up the ring. He's in all of these things.

[Matt]

I'm like, why'd he come there an hour before the event? Like, what was he doing?

[Myron]

Like, Theo Vaughan, he goes to all this stuff. Like, there is an event somewhere every night where they literally just take Joe Rogan, Theo Vaughn and Tony Hinchcliffe and they're like, all right, where are we taking them tonight? And then we drop them off. They're a package deal. They all come and it's. It's like. It's like pez dispensers. What's next?

[Unknown]

Let's stick with fighting. More than 24 years after Manny Pacquiao made his stateside debut at the MGM Grand Garden arena by upsetting Lelo Ledwava for the IBF junior featherweight title, he attempted to make history as the oldest fighter to win the Welsh weight championship at the same venue where it all started. He ultimately fell short at his attempt when his fight with champion Mario Barrios ended in a majority draw on Saturday night. Myron, what do you think about this?

[Matt]

I mean, Manny looked better than I thought he would at 46. Didn't have a lot of power, but he was still fast, threw a lot of punches. What I hate in boxing is guys can say whatever they want. The only reason they come come back like this is because they need money. It's just the reality, unfortunately.

[Myron]

But I thought he was in the Senate. He. He is. Then why does he need money? I mean, he's in the Senate.

[Matt]

Money has been a thing for Manny his whole career. I mean, I think he supports a lot of people. It's always a money playing boxing when you come back. But I. I want to see him if he's ready to fight again, maybe once. But I just.

[Myron]

He's 46 years old. Like, why do we keep doing this? I. There are certain groups of people that just. They just keep going. One of them is my beloved pro wrestlers. Ric Flair. Probably still has a fight coming up, like next week. Like, they just keep going and boxing's one of. When I heard there was a Manny Pacquiao fight last night, I could not believe it. I mean, they might as well told me there was like a Michael Spinks fight. Like, I cannot believe he is still fighting after all of these years. And, you know, I wish him the best. It makes me sad, honestly, when guys like him fight. It does. It makes me sad because it's. It's because you're right. It's certainly a money thing, but people still come. I will tell you. You know, I told you, we my sports bars doing renovations. People were calling all day yesterday asking if we had the Pacquiao fight. Like, there's there. There are groups of people, especially like Hispanic Americans who love to watch Man Pacquiao fighting these fights, and they still get crowds, so I can see why he does it.

[Matt]

Yeah. He'll fight again.

[Myron]

Yeah. Who's next?

[Unknown]

The headline is, pawn shop owner admits to selling Joe Burrow's stolen property. This guy pled guilty to buying and selling luxury items stolen by a national burglary crew whose victims included Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. According to U.S. attorney's office, Burrow was playing a road game in December against the Cowboys when items were stolen from his home. An FBI complaint unsealed in February identifying Burrow as only as Athlete 5.

[Myron]

Where was the pawn shop?

[Unknown]

Because I remember it's a New York City pawn shop.

[Matt]

Yeah.

[Myron]

Oh, okay. Because the group, I think, is, like, centered in Jeffersonville, Indiana, close to Louisville, is at least what I heard at some point. Yeah. I mean, it's amazing that this has got like, they were as successful as they were, but they caught these people, did they not? Or am I dreaming?

[Matt]

Yeah, they played guilty. Yep.

[Myron]

Yeah. So they. They pled guilty. What was. What did they sell, James? What was the borough of paraphernalia?

[Unknown]

It just says listed.

[James]

The.

[Unknown]

The total value of the items listed was $300,000. I'm kind of browsing through now to see. I. I don't know.

[Myron]

It's kind of scary. I mean, I have to say, for these players, Myron, I would be scared. It was clear they were targeting NFL players when they were gone on road games. It's got to be kind of scary.

[Matt]

And who's buying stuff from the Joe Burrow theft collection?

[Myron]

Like, oh, there's a whole. You need to read a book, Myron, about, like, art. Like, art theft and the underground market for art. It's crazy. It'll blow your mind, like, the amount of people that will buy that stuff. Even though it's clearly illegal, that market exists for sure.

[Matt]

It's just bizarre to me, like, something that high profile. I mean, this guy who pled guilty is facing five years in prison. He owes $3 million in restitution, and he's gonna get deported. I mean, there's like, all these things just to try to.

[Myron]

There's a TV show on Apple, bro. Your Friends and Neighbors is about this. About stealing art and, like, selling it underground.

[Matt]

Basquiats and stuff that people are still. I know they've been stealing. Basquiat.

[Myron]

Who? Oath. Basquiat. Look at you just throw an artist in that you. You know. All right, what's next, James?

[Unknown]

Yeah, the. The owner knowing. Said he knowingly bought high end watches, jewelry, and handbags. So.

[Myron]

Yeah, I mean, New York watch. There's. There are a lot of movie shows about this. This happens. I think you got one more. I know. Yeah, I had one you wanted to. I wanted you to do.

[Unknown]

I'm not sure which one that was about Martha Stewart.

[Myron]

Did you not do that one?

[Unknown]

I forgot about that one. Well, here, let's. I have.

[Myron]

See, James writes us. Just so people know, James writes us every weekend, and he's like, what topics would you like to talk about? And I never suggest anything. I never suggest any topic because I'm like, james can do it. And then the one time I suggest a topic about Martha Stewart, you didn't even want to do it.

[Unknown]

I forgot about it. Here it is in the New Yorker this week, Martha Stewart said Jalen Brunson broke her toe by stepping on it during the next Celtics series in the playoffs. Matt, what do you think about this?

[Myron]

Yeah, that's exactly what I texted you. Okay. So I was reading the New Yorker, as I want to do sometimes on the weekend, and I was reading this story, and it was a story about Martha Stewart and how people, like, pay to come just hang out with her, which was kind of weird. But in the story, they said she was limping because she had a broken toe. Because during the Knicks Celtic series, Jalen Brunson stepped on it courtside and broke Martha Stewart's toe. I had no idea. And, Myron, I feel like this should be a bigger story that Jalen Brunson's out here breaking Martha Stewart's toe.

[Matt]

Let me just say this. Let me start by saying I like, you know, Martha Stewart, and I don't have anything against Martha Stewart. I have zero sympathy for anybody sitting courtside because you just accept the possibility.

[Myron]

That these will step on your toe.

[Matt]

If you're gonna sit courtside, somebody might run into you. Somebody might push you. Somebody might spill your drink. Somebody might step on your toe. So I don't. I'm not saying I can. I don't like to see anyone get hurt. But sitting courtside, that's your choice.

[Myron]

I think this should have been a bigger story. I don't think it should have been buried in a column in the New Yorker about Martha Stewart super fans who happened to pay to learn to garden from her. To me, Martha Stewart getting her toe broken by Jalen Brunson during the playoffs. How was that not a lead story when it happened?

[Matt]

Toe broken or was she sitting courtside and he ran to try to get a ball or something and something.

[Myron]

Yeah. No, I mean. No, I mean, Jalen Brunson didn't like come and take a hammer and hit her toe. He stepped on it accidentally. I just feel this wasn't an attack. I just, just was like that's how.

[Matt]

You made a style.

[Myron]

No, no. I mean I just thought it was a fascinating to me. I shouldn't have had to discover this story in a buried Shawn Michaels New Yorker. This should have been a headline. Jaylen Brunson broke Martha Stewart's toe in what might have been an intentional act. We have no idea.

[Matt]

You didn't stop her, man.

[Myron]

More on the news next.

[Matt]

Matt and Myon the podcast. Hey guys, it's Ceedee Lamb, wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys. I'm partnering with Abercrombie this season to tell you all about their viral denim. All you need to know is denim should fit like this. My jeans need to check a lot of boxes fit first, trend second. They need to go with whatever I'm feeling and Abercrombie Denim has it down whether I'm throwing on a tee or putting the whole fit together. Shop Abercrombie Denim in the app, online and in store.

[James]

This episode is brought to you by State Farm Insurance may all seem the.

[Matt]

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[James]

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[Matt]

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[James]

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[Matt]

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[Myron]

There Sunday morning Matt Meyer said by Progressive Insurance British Open Scott he's only up four leads, come down a little bit. Still likely to win his fourth major. Eduardo Perez, ESPN's Major League Baseball analyst. He's on the call tonight on ESPN Television for Tigers Rangers. Eduardo I we had Jeff pass in here a week or so ago and I said this to him and he agreed. I'd like to hear take on it. I I I'm like admittedly a baseball casual outside of my Reds fandom, but I have found myself more intrigued by this season than I have in years. I think it's a combination of young superstars, teams like the Tigers who I know you have tonight, who have played well, some of the big market teams struggling but still being involved. It feels like to me that there's been some momentum with baseball this year and then the All Star game with the home run off, it feels like baseball is on a little bit of an Upswing. Do you agree with that?

[James]

Oh, wow. First of all, thanks for having me on your show. Second, I would say because I'm involved in it 24 7, that for me it's always been on that upswing. So I'm probably not the right person to ask on it. But I will say that what happened in the All Star Game, people are definitely talking about it because it was different. It was cool. Let's face it. What was it? It was Tom Grabbin and Maddox and Smoltz years ago that said chicks dig the long ball. We had that. We had that in the Home Run Derby. We've had power, we've had speed. And the reality is that when a lot of people were skeptics about there's no clock in baseball for years, the players, the system had to create that because they were the ones at fault for taking too much time between pitches. And the reality is that in three hours you can see a baseball game and most likely you're out of there before the three hour mark in today's game because of the clock. And people love the fact that they could be somewhere else or they could be at home by 10:15 at night at a 7 o' clock game.

[Matt]

Go ahead.

[Myron]

Go ahead, Eduardo.

[Matt]

Cal Raleigh is a guy who I think was one shy of Barry Bonds home run record at the All Star break. To me, still not getting the attention he deserves. Even after the Home Run Derby, I think most of us assume Aaron Judge will win MVP over him. Why don't catchers get more respect in the conversation about MVP anymore?

[James]

Well, cow is now. I mean, cow definitely is now. As a matter of fact, even I was saying it beforehand. What happens, this is the thing. What happens is we've fallen in love with the new statistics, right? The ops, the winds above replacement. We've. But we've forgotten. I'll say this. In the 70s and 80s, it's a no brainer. Or even in the 90s, it's a no brainer who the MVP is this year. And right now in that era, it would be Cal Raleigh. It would be Cal Raleigh. Without a doubt, the OPS plus. It's a statistic that I have to explain to my dad, who's a Hall of Famer and played until 1986, and I have to explain it to his friends Marechal and Dave Concepcion, because they don't understand it. And I put those numbers in front of their faces and they're like, look, without a doubt it's Cal Raleigh. Why? Because what he means behind the plate, what he's done behind the plate. Last night, for example, they won a game because of his base running at third base. A lot of players would have stopped running on a ball that a lot of people considered a hit by pitch that Dylan Moore was hit off the nod. He played the game. He played that play through and at third base he saw the ball once there and he scored. He hustled through it. A lot of people would have stopped because Dylan Moore hit the ground trying to act like it hit him and it would have been a dead ball instead. Cal Raleigh beats you in so many, so many different ways. Platinum Award winner last year, still can frame with the best of them, can catch and throw with the best of them. A very smart base runner. We know about his hitting prowess this year. To me, Cal Raleigh right now is would be the mvp. But yet the new statistics say Aaron Judges and you have to take into account the year that Aaron Judge is having. It's magnificent as well. But Cal Riley's doing it in Seattle where travel is tougher, the climate is tougher, the ballpark is more difficult to hit in. It's a great conversation to have and I can't wait to see where it goes once this season is over.

[Myron]

Talking to Eduardo Perez, Major League Baseball analyst for ESPN I was in Eduardo New York for the Reds Mets on Friday night and this is as an outsider, I've been to a couple Mets games but not a ton. But I was just telling Myron the Reds hit a home run to take the lead and it's like the fifth inning, Mets are down one and their fans are booing and then they booed like the rest of the game. And I was sitting there thinking, do you think it is people talk about the advantages of playing in New York. Do you think it is harder when you're playing for a fan base like the Mets? That I've now watched two straight games where they have booed their team the entire game even though they are still in the wild card and were competitive in both games and their fans seem to turn on them at the first negative thing that happens. Is that a thing that has any effect on the players?

[James]

It's expected though. You can tell that I can tell right away that you're a Midwest fan. I love that. I can tell that you're you describe it beautifully being a Cincinnati Red fan. I grew up being a Cincinnati Red. Right. Because that's where my dad played. That's where I played also for a lot. And you would not anticipate the booze. You would actually see fans trying to edge you on and move you forward. But that's what you get. That's what you get when you play in New York. That's what you get when you play in Boston. That's what you get when you play in Philly. It's expected. And you know, as much as, as much as it's a surprise to you, it actually brought a smile to me because that's what makes it so difficult to play in New York. If you're a Met fan, if you're a Met or a Yankee, you're expected. And what have they always said, at least for the Yankee side of it? You're not a true Yankee if you're not booed first. Derek Jeter brought it out, the same thing. Reggie Jackson said it before that with the Yankees and with the Mets. I think the expectations, because the way they started the season was so great that all of a sudden they saw Philly bypass them and they're like, wait a second, we have to start brewing now.

[Myron]

Well, Jeff Brantley, the Reds announcer said that when you go play road games in New York, your job is to do something early on that gets their fans to boo them. That that's how you go in with that mentality. Do you agree with that?

[James]

That's a great perspective from the Cowboy. I actually agree. I actually agree with him. I actually do. He's always had great perspectives. I played with him with, when he was with the Reds, when he came from San Francisco and I've seen how he's been able to turn something into an edge. For him, it definitely would work. And man, I would advise that to any player going into New York.

[Matt]

Eduardo, what do we do with Paul Skeens who is obviously pitching incredibly but has four wins on the season?

[James]

I think we should, in terms of Cy Young, also the days he doesn't pitch, that's what he was also before he got to LSU as a two way player, catcher and pitcher. It's run support. It's definite run support. When you look at the historic numbers that the Pittsburgh Pirates are putting up when he pitches, even when they don't pitch, they don't have a lot of. They don't, they don't hit the ball out of the ballpark. So you know that it's going to be very difficult for them to put crooked numbers up on the board. And the other thing with Paul is they've been limiting, making sure that the innings don't go too far. So he's pitching five, no more than six innings now. Per game. And because of that, it's just been harder for him to get those W's. The other thing is knowing in the players also know. The players know and they're putting pressure upon themselves as well because they want to add runs on the board for him. They want to do so much that they do little with it. You try to. That's the beauty of baseball, unlike any other sport, where if you try to do everything fast, it just does not work. You sort of have to treat it like golf, like Sheffield treats it right now. What did you say? Down 4. Down 4 today, but still enough for him to win.

[Myron]

No, he's out. He's up for. But up for. Yeah, he's up for.

[James]

I'm sorry, he's up four. And he'll keep that lead because we know who Scottish Scheffler is. The players have to know who they are and they have to believe in who they are when they're out there. And if they don't, they're going to have a tough time scoring runs because Paul Skeens believes in who he is and he believes in his fastball, he believes in his arsenal and he believes that he can keep the game close. Now it's up to the offense to believe the latter, that they can open up the game and give him room to be able to finish. Finish those games out.

[Myron]

We'll finish with this, Eduardo. In two weeks, they're playing a game at the Bristol Motor Speedway. I'm going to go. My Reds are playing the Braves in front of. They're expecting like 60,000 people or something at the game. Do you. You know, they did this with the Field of Dreams game. Do you like that? I mean, I think it's a very cool thing. I'm. I'm going. Because it's at the Bristol Speedway. You think baseball should try to do more of these kind of might look gimmicky, but just new experiences for baseball.

[James]

Well, I think you put a bow on it, right? You put a bookend on it because you started with. Is the game, you know, a lot better right now because it's. And I think because of these things, we're marrying baseball to other sports in different venues. We're expanding it not only outside of the United States, internationally, but we're bringing it to areas where Major League Baseball would have never gone. Bristol, think about it. And to be able to do that, I think is fantastic. I think when you marry a historic race track to it, it's definitely a win win for both sports. It brings baseball Fans to a venue and baseball players to a venue that they would have probably never have been to in their lives or have, you know, and I think that's going to be the cool thing. And the architects of what who have been able to put a major league baseball ready field in the middle of Bristol Speedway, man, they are so great. And you're right, baseball has taken them in different areas, but I love it. I love it. We've gone to military bases, to the field of dreams, to places in Japan, in Korea, in Mexico, Puerto Rico, you name it, in Europe. And unfortunately, last year it was supposed to be in France as well. And eventually I believe it will be. But we're globalizing the sport. And because we are, I think baseball continues to grow, not only domestically, internationally, and now we're doing it into different sports. I can't wait to see what's next.

[Myron]

It's going to be beautiful. That track with the scene around the mountains, that's going to be a really, really cool thing to look at. It's. That's a very cool place. Look at it.

[James]

You're going.

[Myron]

Yeah, I can't wait. I grew up a Brave fan and now I'm a Reds fan. And it's at Bristol Motor Speedway, which is close to where I grew up. So I like. It's almost like they did it for me. So I'm excited about it. Eduardo, thank you very much. I appreciate it.

[James]

You got it. But I still want to know, how does that happen? Braves, the Red.

[Matt]

Yeah, we'll talk about.

[Myron]

So when I was growing up. Yeah, when I was growing up, it was all that was on wtbs. And then I'm in Kentucky. We don't have any pro sports teams. And the Reds are close enough. I could drive for season tickets. So I flipped.

[James]

All right. All right. I'll quiz you on the 70s. So get to studying on it.

[Myron]

Yeah, I didn't watch this, but I will. Thank you, Eduardo. Appreciate it.

[James]

All right, take care.

[Myron]

The Steelers have had a very active off season. Is it going to matter when they actually play the games? That's next here on Sunday Morning.

[Matt]

Matt, Myron, Matt and Myron. The podcast.

[James]

The McDonald's Snack Wrap is back.

[Myron]

You brought it back. Ranch snack wrap.

[James]

Spicy snack wrap.

[Myron]

You broke the Internet for a snack?

[James]

Snack wrap is back. Bottom up.

[Matt]

Gatorade is the number one proven electrolyte blend designed to hydrate better than water so you can lose more sweat and raise your game. Gatorade, is it in you?

[Myron]

So this is actually Smashing Pumpkins. Myron, this is 1979, which was a big song in the 90s. Do you know the song?

[Matt]

Well, I know the. The leader, the bald headed dude, Right. What's his name?

[Myron]

Yeah. He now owns, like yours truly, he owns a professional wrestling organization. Billy Corgan.

[Matt]

Billy Corgan, yeah.

[Unknown]

Yeah.

[Myron]

Have I ever told you the story about him calling me and what his phone number is? I'm not gonna say his phone number, but have I ever told you. So he was calling me. This is not the topic that's listed on our screen right here, but on Sunday morning, Matt Myers in by Progressive Insurance. Yeah, he was calling me about a wrestling thing. And, you know, I grew up listening to him play to music. So when I knew he was going to call, I was kind of like, oh, here we go. Billy Corgan's going to call my phone. It's going to be exciting. And when he calls, you know how people's name pop up? So like when you call me, it says like Meyer Metcalfe. When he calls, what pops up is Smashing Pumpkins.

[Matt]

I like it.

[Myron]

I didn't put it in there. He somehow got like the phone company to put his name in his phone as the Smashing Pumpkin. I mean, you think when Mick Jagger calls, it comes up the Rolling Stones.

[Matt]

It should. I mean, it should. Like, what's the point of being famous unless you do something like that?

[Myron]

Do you like that, though? Do you like that? It comes up with his band on the thing.

[Matt]

Every band should do that. I think every band. The lead singer should do that.

[Myron]

Right. I like that. Well, it was. I still. So I saved it in my phone. So I have the. I literally can just call. Hello, is this the Smashing Pumpkins? Nice to speak with you today.

[Matt]

Another random phone store. I know we got other stuff to do, so Sir Mix A Lot. There's a story. You remember Sir Mix A Lot. I like that. So he's a British change.

[Myron]

Yes.

[Matt]

So he changed. He changed phones one time. Right. But someone. Someone got his old number.

[Myron]

Yeah.

[Matt]

And like just spent like two years getting text messages and raunchy voicemails from people who thought it was Sir Mix A Lot. There's like a whole story out there. And they never changed the. The number, but, like just would be inundated with messages that were meant for Sir Mix A Lot. So.

[Myron]

Yeah, well, see with. These phone stories are great with. When Drake visited UK's campus. You remember when he played with the UK basketball team and acted like.

[Matt]

Which was the worst, by the way, the worst basketball performance I've ever seen.

[Myron]

Yeah. If you've never seen that. You need to go look up. Drake warms up with the UK basketball team. He shot like six airballs.

[Matt]

It was honestly like terrible. Like if you want to know how much better good basketball players are than like regular people, go watch that. It's the worst thing I've ever seen.

[Myron]

Well, I went up to him before the game to ask if I could have an interview and he goes, I'm busy right now, I got to warm up with the team. And he said, here, I'll give you my number and you can call later. And he just gave me his phone number. And so I have Drake's phone number. I never called it. And you know, as the news came out later in the year, it's probably a good decision. But if anybody ever wanted.

[Matt]

Drake said he lost the battle. Are you taking a side on the battle? Is that what you.

[Myron]

I think he might have lost the battle. Sunday morning is presented by Progressive Insurance. Progressive can help you protect your home, auto, boat, motorcycle, atv, RV and more. And if something wasn't mentioned on that list and you want to insure it, then go to progressive.com maybe they'll do it. 1-800-progressive be pro because it probably can be. Is that their slogan now? Because it probably can be.

[Matt]

Where does it say that?

[Myron]

It says it right?

[Matt]

Yeah, because it probably can't. That's weird.

[Myron]

No, it's great. Good slogan by friends at Progressive Read.

[Unknown]

It's a great read.

[James]

We love.

[Myron]

It's A great read. TJ Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to a 3 year 123 million dollar contract extension. It's going to make TJ the highest paid non quarterback in NFL history. Includes 106 million fully guaranteed and it ends months of negotiations. He of course joins Aaron Rodgers who signed. I mean TJ was on the team but now two big time signings this offseason. You've got two guys that are going to be the anchors of the offense and the defense. But after all of this, Myron are the Steelers. It's nice they've got TJ locked down. They've got a Hall of Fame quarterback and yapper in Aaron Rodgers. But are they going to be any good?

[Matt]

I just don't know what good means. Right. Based on the buzz, I think people think that that means like contending, making a run in the playoffs. I don't know that they're that because I don't think Aaron Rodgers is that Aaron Rodgers anymore. You know, you bring in DK Metcalf. I think it's good Some injury issues. A bunch of guys they're counting on have to stay healthy. I mean, and they're in their 30s now, TJ, Watt included. But if you tell me they're healthy, they'll be competitive, they'll be a playoff team. They can have a top six, seven defense, maybe top five, but I don't think they're advancing in the playoffs, and I don't think they'll be a real contender. I don't.

[Myron]

You think a three years, $120 million for a defensive player is a good cap decision? Obviously, TJ's a great player, but is it a good decision in building a team?

[Matt]

I mean, I believe in giving a guy what he's worth, you know, and they're probably paying him, not even just for the three years ahead, but for all the years up until this point. I'm fine with that. He's a franchise player.

[Myron]

He's afraid to pay people for what they used to do in the NFL.

[Matt]

Yeah, but, but I mean, he, he. He is an elite player when healthy. That's undeniable. There have been some injury concerns, but I'm fine with rewarding a guy who has been one of the best defensive players in the NFL and is the anchor of your defense.

[Myron]

It's a short deal. That's good, because then if you get a franchise quarterback going in the future, you could maybe still have him on a rookie deal. So it's not. It's fine, but that's a lot of money for a dude at that position. Now, we started a new segment a couple weeks ago called King of the Mountain. Excuse me? Where you call in and give the best take. And if at the end of the week or at the end of the show you have the best take, you're the new king of the Mountain. We have a king right now. Who's our king right now? James? Do we know the person's name?

[Unknown]

Yes, Jared. And St. Louis.

[Myron]

Jared in St. Louis is our current king. Will someone knock him off the mountain? 888 say ESPN. Can you take down Jared from St. Louis or will he keep it? 888 say ESPN. And you can put it on any topic. You pick your topic. We give you 30 seconds to make your point. And if whoever is the best is the king of the mountain and will basically be royalty, you will be allowed to essentially run ESPN until next Sunday if you get the job or if you do it. So. So. But you just have to call in. 888 say ESPN. Myron, I've enjoyed this little gimmick. I didn't get to Hear Jared from St. Louis, but we'll play his take at the beginning to show people what they have to beat. Yeah.

[Matt]

And just so we're clear, sports topics.

[Myron]

Yeah.

[Matt]

Yeah.

[Myron]

I don't want to hear about.

[Matt]

We don't.

[Myron]

I don't care what you think about COVID or, or any. I don't care about that. Sports topics. 888 say ESPN. King of the Mountain is next on Sunday morning with ESPN Radio.

[Matt]

Matt and Myron the pod.

[Myron]

You've seen the headlines, heard the debates. Some say the three point ball has created a monotonous rhythm to the game. Has the three pointer ruined basketball? And how did we get here? The rise of the three point shot can be partially traced to an eccentric Kansas genius named Martin Manley, whose story didn't turn out quite the way he imagined. I decided I wanted to have one of the most organized goods goodbyes in history and I think I will be successful. 30 for 30 podcast presents a brand new original series Chasing basketball heaven, available July 22. Wherever you get your podcasts.