Hour 3: Like a Rhinestone Cowboy

Summary

Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron: Episode Hour 3 - Like a Rhinestone Cowboy Released: June 1, 2025

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Upcoming CMA Fest in Nashville

The episode kicks off with Matt Jones and Myron Medcalf eagerly discussing their upcoming appearance at the CMA Fest in Nashville, Tennessee. Myron shares his excitement about experiencing the country music world for the first time, stating, "There's no radio show in the United States that would have in a 13-hour period Phineas and Ferb's creators, John Wall." (01:00). Matt echoes this enthusiasm, anticipating a unique and memorable experience despite never having attended a country music event before.

The Cowboy Hat Debate: Rhinestones and Authenticity

A playful and engaging segment follows as Myron encourages Matt to embrace the cowboy spirit by sporting a cowboy hat at CMA Fest. The conversation delves into the authenticity of cowboy attire, with Myron advising, "If you're trying to look like a cowboy, there are no rhinestones." (04:02). Matt expresses his desire to appear genuinely cowboy-like, aiming to intrigue passersby with his outfit. The duo banters about the practicality and style of cowboy hats, discussing various brands and price points. Myron offers Matt his own hat, emphasizing comfort and style, while Matt remains particular about the feel and authenticity of the accessories he wears.

Knicks Season Review and Trade Speculations

Transitioning to basketball, Matt and Myron analyze the New York Knicks' recent performance. The Knicks' loss in Game 6 marks the end of their season, though they reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 1999. The hosts critically assess a recent opinion by Kevin O'Connor, a basketball reporter, who suggested trading Carl Anthony Towns. Myron states, "Considering they made the conference finals for the first time in 25 years... trading away their second-best player is absolutely ridiculous." (05:38).

Matt counters by acknowledging the complexity of team dynamics and future prospects, highlighting the importance of evaluating player contracts and team needs. They discuss the potential impacts of retaining or trading key players like Mikhail Bridges and Carl Anthony Towns, debating the balance between offensive prowess and defensive liabilities. Myron emphasizes, "The Knicks are in as good a shape as any team in the East going into next year. So I don't know why you would change that, really." (08:50).

Anthony Edwards' Post-Season Remarks

The conversation shifts to Anthony Edwards' surprising comments following the Timberwolves' elimination from the Western Conference Finals. Edwards described his feelings about the loss as "exciting" rather than hurtful (19:20), a response that Matt criticizes for lacking genuine competitiveness. Myron adds, "That's an odd answer. I mean, you have to see how they lost... I'm not hurting. I'm excited." (19:33). They discuss the importance of players showcasing commitment and emotional investment in high-stakes games, underscoring the need for authentic expressions of effort and dedication.

Listener Call-In: Advice from Country Singer Rowdy Johnson

A highlight of the episode is a call from Rowdy Johnson, a country music singer, who offers Matt and Myron advice on embodying the cowboy aesthetic authentically. Rowdy emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself, stating, "Don't blend in just to fit in the crowd, whatever you feel is you is come correct." (21:20). The hosts engage with Rowdy, appreciating his insights and discussing the nuances of presenting a genuine cowboy image versus an over-the-top persona. Rowdy’s input adds a cultural depth to the conversation, bridging sports and country music communities.

Exclusive Interview with John Wall

The episode features an exclusive interview with John Wall, a former Kentucky Wildcats player and NBA veteran. Myron introduces John Wall with high praise, highlighting his influential presence during his college years and his ongoing legacy among Kentucky fans. Wall reflects on his collegiate experience, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and the support he received: "Playing on one of the biggest levels with one of the best schools in the country and getting the opportunity to go to the league." (31:42).

Discussion touches on the evolution of college basketball with the introduction of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) policies. Wall shares his perspective on the financial opportunities NIL presents for current athletes, balancing enthusiasm with caution: "I'm glad the athletes are getting paid, but they gotta do like some boundaries with some of it." (32:18). The conversation also delves into the Knicks' future, reflecting on team dynamics and potential offseason adjustments. Wall advises against trading Carl Anthony Towns, emphasizing the need for strategic roster improvements to enhance both offense and defense.

Sports Picks Segment

In the latter part of the episode, Matt, Myron, and guest Evan delve into their picks for various sports events, including WNBA games and Major League Baseball matchups. Their analysis covers team performance, player injuries, and statistical insights. For instance, they discuss the Connecticut Sun versus the New York Liberty in the Commissioners Cup, with Matt advocating for the Liberty due to their strong start: "I think they're going to win this game today too." (43:23).

The segment showcases the hosts' in-depth sports knowledge and their ability to provide informed predictions, engaging listeners who are keen on wagering and following live sports action.

Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

As the episode winds down, Matt and Myron reiterate their excitement for CMA Fest and their ongoing commitment to providing insightful sports analysis. They invite listeners to join them live in Nashville, promising an immersive experience that blends sports and country music cultures.

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Notable Quotes:

• Myron Medcalf: "If you're trying to look like a cowboy, there are no rhinestones." (04:02)
• Matt Jones: "The Knicks are in as good a shape as any team in the East going into next year. So I don't know why you would change that, really." (08:50)
• Rowdy Johnson: "Don't blend in just to fit in the crowd, whatever you feel is you is come correct." (21:20)
• John Wall: "I'm glad the athletes are getting paid, but they gotta do like some boundaries with some of it." (32:18)

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This episode masterfully intertwines sports analysis with cultural elements, particularly the upcoming CMA Fest, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience. Matt and Myron's chemistry and diverse topics ensure that both sports enthusiasts and music fans find value in their discussions.

Transcript

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[Matt]

This is Matt and Myron the podcast.

[Myron]

There's no radio show in this here United States of America that would have in 13 hour period Phineas and Ferb's creators, John Wall. And then next week we will be at the CMA Fest in Nashville, Tennessee. That's only Sunday morning with Matt Myron, who next week from 10am to 1 will be live at 6 CMA Fest in Nashville getting our boot scooting boogie and honky tonk badonka donk on Myron Metcalf. Are you excited for your trip to CMA Fest? I, I'm looking forward to it. I've actually never been, even though I've been to Nashville a hundred times. Are you excited for your, your first opportunity in the country music world?

[Matt]

Yeah, it's gonna be an experience, I think, you know it's gonna be an experience.

[Myron]

You get a cowboy hat. You got your cowboy hat ready?

[Matt]

I don't know. They don't have them up. They don't. I don't think they have them up there.

[Myron]

I guarantee you they have somewhere in Milwaukee. There's somewhere you could get a cowboy hat.

[Matt]

I'm in Minneapolis area. How much do you spend? How much do you spend?

[Myron]

You want to wear it besides Saturday night when we go out or do you want to have like a good one?

[Matt]

Well, I don't know. Like, tell me like you would tell me if you're interested.

[Myron]

You could spend like, if you're talking like a top of the line cowboy hat, you could spend anywhere from 300 to $800. If you're just talking about a cowboy hatch. Yeah. If you're talking about a cowboy hat you could just put on to go out on a night, you could wear 40 or $50.

[Matt]

I mean, it's, I want it to be genuine. I don't, I don't do.

[Myron]

Well, you're not gonna get a genuine one because you're not a cowboy. Like, you're not going to Be. I mean, you're not getting, like, a Stetson hat.

[Matt]

How much are they?

[Myron]

Like, probably 5, 6, $700.

[Matt]

But is that a. Is that a genuine hat? Is that what.

[Myron]

What do you mean by genuine? Are you wanting a hat that, like, people actually use to rope and ride? Is that what you want?

[Matt]

I want to. I want people to. I want people to pass me by and wonder if I'm a cowboy. Like, I want.

[Myron]

No, wait a minute. Let me. Actually, The Stetson El Presidente. Okay, so this is like the top of the line Stetson hat. Yeah. Is $1,300. But then they also have. They have the Stetson corral hat, which is for people who are just corralling out on the range. And that's $160. Yeah.

[Matt]

Is there a brother's discount? Like, I feel like. I wonder if somebody. Well, somebody's. Let me wear the hat, you know, for promotional reasons.

[Myron]

Honestly, Myron, I have an extra hat. Would you like to wear my extra cowboy hat?

[Matt]

I got a feel hats on my head, so I'm a very, like. I'm very kind of, like, uppity about that.

[Evan]

For a guy who doesn't have a cowboy hat and needs one, you are super.

[Myron]

You're very demanding about a cowboy hat when you don't even own one. Right.

[Matt]

But with hats, I got to feel it on my head. Like, I don't, you know.

[Myron]

All right. It has to feel wearing my hat, which is very nice, which you are not allowed to wear. Would you rather have, like, a light one or do you want a black one? Which one do you want.

[Matt]

Like, light, like, color? Like beige?

[Myron]

Yes. Beige or black?

[Matt]

I thought everybody wears black. Does everybody wear a black hat? Isn't that the.

[Rowdy Johnson]

The bad guys wear black.

[Myron]

Yeah, I wear beige. Like, I wear, like, a beige cowboy hat. Yeah. But I have a black one I could let you use if.

[Matt]

What do you put the rhinestones? Is it rhinestones?

[Myron]

First of all, if you're trying to look like a cowboy, there are no rhinestones.

[Matt]

All right?

[Myron]

I mean, I can tell you.

[Matt]

You know what? Can I tell you something? You're not always very good at introducing things to people. Okay. How do I know that there are rhinestones on a hat? I don't know. This is my first day as a cowboy, and you're already telling me I.

[Myron]

Failed the cowboy internship program out there. Trying to r. You know, get your cows in line. Are you going to be wearing rhinestones that could fall off your hat?

[Matt]

If it was stylish, you know, I would so, yeah, I don't know what.

[Myron]

Those things are demanding. We will be dealing with this diva next week at CMA Fest, hopefully having country music folks join us, and we will be in Nashville. And if you're in Nashville, we'd love to come meet you. If you are a listener of the show, we will let you know where we're gonna be. Do we know where we're gonna be?

[Matt]

Yeah, we gotta figure it out so we can tell people this show. That'd be nice.

[Myron]

Yeah, that would be helpful. If we want people. I'll go.

[Evan]

I'll go ask Evan.

[Myron]

If we want people to tell them where to come, I think it'll make it much more likely that they'll make the trip.

[Matt]

Everybody, we're gonna be there, but you can't find us.

[Evan]

Just wander around.

[Myron]

Just wander around Nashville, and then hopefully you'll.

[Matt]

I ain't wandering around, but if Matt wants to, he can.

[Myron]

I will be your. I'll invite you to the barbecue for Nashville. All right. So the Knicks lost last night in Game 6, and now season's over. First Eastern Conference finals, though, since 1999. And the first thing I saw when I got online was trade Carl Towns. Carl Town's got a trade. There's this dude. I can't remember his name. Kevin.

[Matt]

Oh, Connor, I think.

[Myron]

Okay, Kevin o' Connor. What does he do? Who is that person?

[Matt]

He's a basketball reporter, I think, for maybe the Athletic or something like that.

[Myron]

I don't think he's for the Athletic. Wherever he is. Kevin o' Connor, he came out and he said, you got to trade Carl Towns. Which I thought was absolutely ridiculous. I mean, considering, you know, they make the conference finals for the first time in 25 years. Like, oh, let's get rid of our second best player. That'll sure work out. I don't understand that. Do you agree with that philosophy, or do you say, hey, we won game one collapse away from potentially being in the NBA Finals? Let's let it ride.

[Matt]

Well, first off, Kevin O' Connor, covering the NBA since 2013, hosted the Kevin O' Connor Show. So I guess that's what.

[Myron]

And that's all it says.

[Matt]

Yeah, that's what the bio says.

[Evan]

Well, I mean, there's a link to Yahoo, too, so.

[Myron]

Yeah, but Yahoo still around. They still have.

[Matt]

Yahoo's around. Okay, yeah, they're around. They're around. I mean, good for them. Yeah, I see it both ways. Right. At the end of the day, you got it. You beat the Celtics with this group. Um, you should be in a 3, 3 situation going into game 7. If you just, if you just don't have one of the most epic collapses of all time in game one, we're talking about game seven at Madison Square Garden where the Knicks probably win that. So I can understand the idea of like, don't overreact. Think about how close you came to a championship. At the same time, I do think it's fair to go. You invested a ton of money. Is this group going to ever be in a position to get to the NBA Finals? You got to figure out Mikhail Bridges. Do you resign him to an extension and pay him $40 million a year? Do you put Cat on the trade market? Are you missing a piece? So I think all those questions are fair. I actually don't think Cat is the guy that you replace because he is who he is. Yeah, defensive liability, but also one of the great offensive big men.

[Myron]

I mean, why would you. First of all, let's just look objectively say, can they make the Finals? Okay, they're in the East. So let's talk about what the east is going to look like. Like next year, right? Cleveland proved to be very disappointing in the playoffs for the last two years. Regardless of how many wins they win in the regular season, they've proven to be disappointing the playoffs. Boston Tatums out maybe the whole year, but certainly part of the year next year. Joel Embiid will be injured next year at some point, if not the entirety of the thing. Giannis may be traded by the time you start next year. And then you have a Pacers team that you've already shown you can match up with whether you want. So when you're asking me, can the Knicks make the Finals if they were in the west, the answer might be no, but they're in the East. And who do I see in the east that if I'm the Knicks, I say I cannot beat. They're probably one piece away. But I don't think you want to get rid of your two best players to get that piece. As a matter of fact, you know, they basically played a six man rotation. I think you try to go find one guy to make that a seven man rotation instead of a six and then say, let's go. I think the Knicks in as good a shape as any team in the east going into next year. So I don't know why you would change that, really.

[Matt]

Well, no, I think you make a good point in terms of the east is not the west and they can get, they can be competitive for all the reasons that you just mentioned. The question is if you get to the same point, are you going to run into the same challenges? I don't think it's Cat. I don't think it's Cat. I think you need another big guard. Like I think you need someone who can deal with.

[Myron]

I mean you can't go get. We can't go get a star because they don't have the cap space for that. So who can you. Is there a kind of player that you would want to go get that you think would be a good addition for him? That's that they can actually realistically get.

[Matt]

I mean the realistic part is going to be the problem to me if I'm the Knicks. It's not Cat. I'm moving. I'm doing something with Mikel Bridges. I know like obviously he had big moments in the playoffs and down the stretch of the season, but if you tell me I can have Mikel Bridges or a big two way guard who can guard the, you know, the Tyrese Halliburtons and also be an offensive spark for the Knicks, that to me is who I would go for. Over trying to move Carl Anthony Towns.

[Myron]

Yeah, the problem they had is clearly on defense. Right? I mean that's the problem. And I think David made a good point earlier about how Carl Townsend, Jalen Brunson are net negatives on defense. So you've got to find someone to bring in to become a net positive on defense. I mean an example they probably can't afford them is. But they need their Lou Dort, you know what I mean? Like they need a guy that'd be.

[Matt]

The perfect kind of. That's the perfect.

[Myron]

They need a guy like that. And you know, Lou Dort's probably not going to be on Oklahoma City next year. Just. I mean he's probably the one guy that they're not going to be able to bring back. But they're probably not gonna be able to bring him back because he's going to get a lot of money which means New York can't. Can't afford afford him either. So they're probably not going to get him. But that's the kind of dude they need. They need a Lou Dort type guy and I don't know if they got that guy is out there or not, but I think Doomsdayers Kevin o' Connor from Yahoo needs to like take a break about getting rid of Cat because this idea that you make the conference finals, they're doing the same thing to the my Carolina Hurricanes in hockey. Carolina Hurricanes have made the Conference finals, two of the last three years, and the first thing people say is, well, they can't get it done. They got to blow it up. Like, what are you talking about? Like, there's only four teams left. You're one of them. I feel like that's a pretty good starting point, Myron.

[Matt]

Yeah. But I also understand, like, why in this era, teams go, can we get better between this season and next season? Like, what do we have to add? And what's changed the conversation, really, the reason why Carl Anthony Towns is being talked about as a potential trade, a part of a trade, is because Giannis could be on the move.

[Myron]

Like, to me, they're not getting Giannis. They're not. They don't have the pieces for Giannis.

[Matt]

They may try Milwaukee.

[Myron]

Yeah, but they can try. Milwaukee's not trading him to the Knicks because they don't have.

[Matt]

They may not have a choice. They may not have a choice.

[Myron]

Milwaukee.

[Matt]

If Giannis goes to Milwaukee and says, I want out, that he's going to.

[Myron]

Be moved, then he'll go to where they have the best offer, which will be San Antonio or Houston. San Antonio and Houston have a lot of picks they can offer. They have young players. What are the Knicks. What are the Knicks going to offer? Carl Towns and what, you're not gonna make that trade?

[Matt]

No, but you're gonna. You. You. If you get a Carl Towns and maybe there's another team you add to get the picks.

[Myron]

There's.

[Matt]

You do need picks.

[Myron]

Houston's a team. Houston can give them a ton of picks. They can give them young players.

[Matt]

No one as good as Carl Towns, though. But they can't give them anyone as good as.

[Myron]

Milwaukee's not trying to be good right now. They're building for the future. They're not. They're not going to see Carl Towns and go, we can win a title with Carl Towns. They want to build the future. They want to do what Houston and the Thunder did. And to do that, you got to have picks, and the Knicks don't have picks. So why would they do that? There's no.

[Matt]

They would have to get another team involved, all the trading there.

[Myron]

I'll make you a bet. I will show up. It's your favorite barbershop in a cowboy hat. If he ends up on the Knicks, like, that's not happening. It's not happening. Yeah.

[Matt]

And you shouldn't do that either way. So I won't put you in that position.

[Myron]

I mean, you're coming to the CMA fest. I felt like I could do the same thing. You know.

[Matt]

I mean, I'm not coming there on a horse.

[Myron]

You know, speaking of teams that lost in the conference finals, people are unhappy with what Anthony Edwards had to say after the Timberwolves were eliminated. We'll talk about that. Could you hear that phone ringing during that segment? Did you hear that?

[Evan]

We could definitely hear it. We want to know who's.

[Advertiser]

Who stole the house phone.

[Myron]

I mean, I'm in a hotel. I got to call, make sure everything's. Everything's all right. Well, I'm going to deal with that. We'll be here on Sunday morning on ESPN Radio.

[Rowdy Johnson]

Next.

[Matt]

Next Sunday on ESPN Radio.

[Rowdy Johnson]

Matt and.

[Matt]

Myron will be live at CMA Fest in Nashville.

[Myron]

Are you getting excited about it?

[Matt]

Yeah, it'll be different. You know, it all starts Sunday morning at 10 Eastern on ESPN Radio at ESPN.

[Myron]

It's a huge thing. This is Nashville at its best.

[Matt]

Matt and Myron, the Podcast.

[Myron]

If you've.

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[Myron]

Race the rudders. Raise the sails.

[Matt]

Race the sails.

[Rowdy Johnson]

Captain, an unidentified ship is approaching. Over.

[Myron]

Roger, wait. Is that an enterprise sales solution?

[Matt]

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[Myron]

That's right. Riding out on the horse in a small spangle rodeo. And that's what you're gonna be like on Sunday.

[Matt]

He says rhinestone cowboy, so there must be rhinestones in the hat.

[Myron]

The premise of the song is that he's not a real cowboy. He's a rhinestone cowboy. Like that. Like, the whole premise of the song is like, he's not a real cowboy. He's kind of a fake cowboy. He's like a rhinestone cowboy, so the.

[Matt]

Rhinestones make him fake.

[Myron]

I mean, that's the premise of the song, which is why it's ridiculous that you're asking for rhinestones. Like, real cowboys wouldn't have rhinestones. Now, like a cowboy.

[Matt]

How would I know that?

[Myron]

Cool. Because that's the song, and that's actually the whole premise of the entire song and the whole reason it exists.

[Matt]

I thought it was about Ryan's a cowboy with rhinestones in his head. And that was.

[Myron]

It doesn't fit in.

[Matt]

Okay, okay.

[Myron]

That's exactly what it's about.

[Matt]

I'd love to hear from some real cowboys, because I don't know, man.

[Rowdy Johnson]

You.

[Matt]

Why are you leading astray?

[Myron]

I am the first of all, I'm not going to act like I'm a real cowboy, but I'm the most cowboy person you know. I can just go ahead and say that. Like, there's nobody else in your life. I'm pretty. I feel like it's a pretty good assumption, like, who's more cowboy in your life than I am?

[Matt]

No, but. But also. But you're not. You are cowboy. But sometimes you don't do well when I ask these questions because, like, you want me to be at a level 15. I'm just coming into level one, trying to know.

[Myron]

I understand, you know? All right.

[Matt]

If you don't believe one last thing.

[Myron]

If you're a cowboy out there and you're riding around 8, 8, 8, say ESPN call right now. Because I don't want to get John Wall involved in this conversation next segment. So go ahead and get in. Eight, eight, eight, say espn. But you can. You can tell if Myron can ride around in his. In his cowboy hat with. With Ryan Stones on it next week. Go ahead.

[Matt]

Do I get it? Do I get a belt buckle?

[Myron]

Don't get a belt buckle. I think that's a little. Like, when I see dudes in belt buckles, I think they're trying that over the top.

[Matt]

I seriously don't know.

[Myron]

My view. That's just my.

[Matt]

That's over the top.

[Evan]

I think Byron should. Shouldn't get a belt buckle. I think he should.

[Myron]

I mean, here's what's going on.

[Evan]

And a rhinestone cowboy hat.

[Myron]

You don't want to look like. Here's what you have to be careful of. You don't want to look like the dude that is making fun and trying too hard to fit in like that.

[Matt]

Instead. I'm not trying to. You don't really try to.

[Myron]

But if you're just Meyer Metcalf wearing regular Meyer Metcalf things and then you put a cowboy hat on, I think that's a work that looks for you. If you're, like, walking around with a lasso and, like a belt buckle, that's for sure.

[Matt]

Whoa. We don't even say lasso. So, no, I'm not. I'm not bringing a lasso, but I don't want to get involved in that. But do I wear boots? That's the other question I have. Is it worth buying a pair of boots?

[Myron]

I think you can wear boots. Do you own a pair of boots?

[Matt]

Not cowboy, but I own Timberlands.

[Myron]

Not exactly the same thing. While we're. While we're. While we're waiting for this. Anthony Edwards, after the loss, he expressed, he was asked how much the loss hurt after they got out of the Western Conference finals. Here's what he said.

[Matt]

It's exciting. I don't know why people would think it would hurt.

[Rowdy Johnson]

I mean, it's exciting for me. I'm 23.

[Matt]

I get to do it a whole bunch of times.

[Rowdy Johnson]

I'm hurt.

[Matt]

More so for myself, for Mike.

[Rowdy Johnson]

I came up short for Mike. Like I said, we tried last year. We couldn't get it. We tried again this year. We're gonna try again next year. But hurting is a terrible word to use.

[Myron]

I'm.

[Rowdy Johnson]

I'm good.

[Myron]

Interesting answer. Like, it's like, I'm not hurting. I'm excited. It's the way we lost. It's exciting. What do you think about that as an answer? You all right with it or no?

[Matt]

What time was the flight for vacation? Because it sounds like he's already there. It's a terrible answer. You know, I'm in Minnesota. The thing about Anthony Edwards, I do think some stuff is unfair. You know, people talk a lot about his personal life. And you know what? He. He's reportedly has a lot going on. But let me tell you something. A bunch of athletes have a lot going on on the court. I think he's still one of the most promising young players in the entire NBA. But when you say stuff like that, Matt, it can follow you. It can be the thing that people come back to, to question your competitiveness, to question your commitment. I. I don't need him to fake being hurt, but I need him to at least act like this matters to him. And he just didn't sound like someone who cared enough after losing in a series like that.

[Myron]

Yeah, I feel like. I think that was an odd answer. I mean, I don't think it's the worst thing in the world, but I think it's an odd answer to say I'm excited. I mean, you know, I was in. I've been in losing locker rooms when teams have lost in the NCAA tournament. We're going to have John Wall here in a few minutes. I watched him cry at the end of the NCAA tournament. Yeah, I don't think excited is what you would say now. Rowdy Johnson is on the phone. Rowdy Johnson is a country singer. All right.

[Matt]

Oh, wow.

[Myron]

Rowdy, What a name.

[Matt]

Yeah, that's a country Rowdy.

[Myron]

What do you. Rowdy, how do you weigh in on Myron CMA apparel for next week.

[F]

Brother? First of all, I got. I gotta agree with you, man. You're the most cowboy one on there, so I can tell you, man.

[Matt]

Well, that's. Everybody knows that, Rowdy. Nobody's ever said, I wonder if Myron's more cowboy than Matt. We all know that, Rowdy.

[F]

So. So the deal is, man, basically, what he's saying is true about the song, man. Anybody that has to wear all that bling ain't a real cowboy, man. To be honest with you, it's like Parking Lot Princess. There's trucks that get out in the mud, and there's trucks that are pretty and never get dirty. So it's just the. The real ones don't have to show off.

[Myron]

That's just weird.

[Matt]

What should I wear?

[Myron]

That's a great point. It's like everything in life. If you got money, you don't have to tell people you got money. And if you're actually a cowboy, Rowdy, you don't have to tell people that.

[Matt]

Right, but what should I wear, Rowdy?

[F]

What should you wear? Oh, you got to be true to you, man. Don't, don't. Don't blend in just to be, you know, fit in the crowd, man. Whatever you feel is you is come correct. That's about it, man.

[Matt]

If I wear a Cabo hat with a FUBU jersey, will I stand out? Is that like, what's the. I don't know the rules. Somebody Tell me the rules. I don't know the rules.

[Myron]

You might see. Hey, Rowdy, you're a country singer. Can I find your music somewhere?

[F]

Yeah, man, I'm all over Spotify. Just look up Rowdy Johnson. Amazon itunes, everywhere out there, brother. I appreciate the shout out and everybody listening to my music. Thank you all.

[Myron]

Appreciate. Well, thank you very much. I appreciate the call. Listen, if you, if you, if you, if you call in, I'm gonna give a first. What a great name. Rowdy Johnson, right? Rowdy Johnson. I'm seeing right here, American outlaw country music singer. That's right. He's an outlaw. That's, that's a good kind that outlaw country on Sirius XM is my favorite to listen to. So check out some Rowdy Johnson if you get a chance. Myron, Good advice for you by the way. Be yourself.

[Matt]

Really good.

[Myron]

He has a song called Church of Hank. You know who the Hank is?

[Matt]

He's talking about Hank Johnson.

[Myron]

That's what I thought. Sunday morning on espn. John Wall is next. Hey, it's your resident super bowl champ Chris Candy coming up Monday. From the NBA to the NHL and everything in between, I'll react to it all in my upon further review at 7am Eastern. It's unsportsmanlike weekday mornings at 6 right here on ESPN Radio, ESPN2 and ESPNU.

[Matt]

Matt and Myron the podcast.

[Myron]

This episode.

[Matt]

Is brought to you by State Farm. Knowing you could be saving money for.

[Rowdy Johnson]

The things you really want is a great feeling.

[Matt]

Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with the personal price plan. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Prices are based on rating plans that vary by state. Coverage options are selected by the customer. Availability, amount of discounts and savings and eligibility vary by state.

[Myron]

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[Matt]

Go to your happy price. Priceline.

[Myron]

This is a great song. Now it's Sunday morning here on ESPN Radio presented by Progressive Insurance, Matt Myron, game one Thunder and Pacers ESPN Radio Thursday night, 7:30 and we are live at CMA Fest, that is next Saturday, 10am to 1pm we will be at Fanfare X. So for those of you that are in Nashville, you go to Fanfare, it's got all these. All this stuff for you to do. And if you do, we will be in there doing the show, talking to the people, meeting them. So we will be at Fanfare on Sunday at CMA Fest. John Wall was our wildcat for Name that Wildcat, but they haven't got him on the phone yet. Myron. It doesn't mean that they won't. But we only. We only have 24 minutes, so hopefully we will. But nevertheless, we'll do the. We'll do the John Wall if they don't. Me and you. How about that?

[Matt]

Yeah. Yeah. He's special, man. Special player. I mean, that's a big deal.

[Myron]

We kind of rushed through a conversation earlier about the College Football Playoff in the sec. You know, I think what's happened is there's so much news off the field in college sports. It's easy to just kind of like, roll your eyes and move on. But the discussions about the expansion of the playoff are going on. But there's a bigger question about whether or not the SEC and the Big Ten are just going to get to control everything going forward. It felt like there was pushback this week from the SEC's own coaches, basically saying our conference needs to chill a little bit and let this stuff be decided on the field. Were you surprised that that happened?

[Matt]

Yeah, I thought that was odd. I also don't know how real it is, because to me, let's say you go at 5 and 11.

[Myron]

If that means 5 conference champions and then 11 at large bids. But go ahead.

[Matt]

If there are a couple of SEC teams on the bubble that don't get in, I assure you they're going to change it up. I mean, at the end of the day, I do want to see it decided on the field. I want to see true seating. But the SEC is in this position along with the Big Ten to do whatever they want. I think that's the part to me where you have the Big 12 and ACC kind of going, hey, you got to give us a chance to. They actually don't. Whether you like it or not, I mean, the SEC and Big Ten are just in that spot. And I can't feel sorry for the Big Ten or ACC because everybody got in on the realignment game. The SEC and Big Ten just came out on top. So as much as people don't like the power they have, get Used to it because they're two of the most, the two most powerful leagues in all the college sports.

[Myron]

Can I say a word of warning for the Big 12 in the ACC for a second? The SEC and the Big 10 offered you a model where it was 4SEC, 4 Big 10, 2 Big 12 and 2 ACC. I'm gonna give you a warning that at least ensured you too. If they go five and 11, there are going to be leagues years where the ACC and the Big 12 don't even get in two. Okay. I mean they're going to be year like, oh, I'll give you an example. Last year if it was 16 teams, you know how many teams would have gotten in for the Big 12? 1. The team that made it, Arizona, Kansas State wasn't getting in if they had, if they had 11, 11 birds. So I think they got to be careful because I think those leagues are so bad in the middle and the bottom that you could have years where you don't even get more than one. They were offering you two guaranteed.

[Matt]

Okay.

[Myron]

If you don't want to take it, that's fine. But I think. I can't imagine there's a year, Myron, where the SEC doesn't give four either way. Would you agree? I can't imagine a year that happens.

[Matt]

No, I mean that's, that's going to happen. And again, I think whether to me it's five conference champions in 11 at large bids or it's this system of four automatic bids, the SEC is going to have the most representation along with the Big Ten. Either way, there's another layer to this too that like people aren't talking about. At the end of the day, the SEC in the Big Ten in the next five years could just decide to go get all the biggest teams remaining in college football and literally do their own thing and just wipe everybody else.

[Myron]

I hope they don't do that. I will. I hope they don't even do that.

[Matt]

I hope the proposal was to avoid that. I feel like automatic bids was a part of it.

[Myron]

Britt Yormack, who is the Big 12 commissioner, he did a press conference this week where he said something I thought was kind of interesting. Let's see if you agree. Go ahead.

[Rowdy Johnson]

But I think there's real momentum for 5, 11. Certainly the public is voting yes for it, which I think is critically important and it's a very good sign.

[Myron]

And yes, the Big Ten in the SEC are leading the discussions, but with.

[Rowdy Johnson]

That, with leading those discussions, they have a great responsibility that goes with it to do what's right for college football and not to do anything that just benefits two conferences. And I have a lot of faith.

[Myron]

In the process and I think we'll.

[Rowdy Johnson]

Land in the right place.

[Myron]

I don't know if that. If I would agree in that faith, but we're going to have to put that to the side because our guy John Wall is on here it is. Guess the Wildcat summer picking former Kentucky Wildcats to come on. And you just put on one of my favorites right here. John, I guessed you in two guesses as the person who would be in first team, consensus all American at Kentucky, 11 year NBA career, and somebody I've known since high school. John, how are you doing?

[Rowdy Johnson]

I'm great, buddy. How you doing, my guy?

[Myron]

I'm doing awesome, John. I was, I was saying there may be. In my time covering Kentucky basketball, there's never been a person that was a bigger rock star when they were on campus than John Wall. There have been teams that had more success, but I've never seen a player captivate a place like you did in your year at Kentucky. When I ask you to think about that year in Lexington and your one year in college, what comes to mind?

[Rowdy Johnson]

I say, great, man. And once in a lifetime experience, you know, I mean, since the day I stepped foot on campus, it was amazing. I mean, I already knew what the fan base was like and I know how much they love basketball horses out there. But it was surreal, man. Like, I really enjoyed every moment of it, had fun and it'd be one of those things like, you know, I mean, if I wasn't had an opportunity to go number one, I would have loved to come back for another year because I wanted to win a championship. But what we did and brought back the culture of fun basketball with Kyle and all that going on in Kentucky, it was just so amazing.

[Myron]

You said if he didn't go number one, what pick, let's say you projected 10th, would you have come back? What pick would have made you come back?

[Rowdy Johnson]

Yeah, I think. Yeah, I think like 10 or higher, I probably would have came back.

[Myron]

You were too good, John. Unfortunately.

[Matt]

John, you're on. You're on the list of. You're on the list of players. I think about, you know, if NIL had existed when you played college basketball, how much money you would have made? How often do you think about that, like, what that would have been like for you if NIL rules would have been in place?

[Rowdy Johnson]

Me and my homeboys talk about all the time and joke, like, I don't know if it's true. But I just seen like Cooper flag made like 28 million. They say I was like, good lord. But I don't. We don't. I don't really. I'm. For me, I'm glad I didn't come up in that area, you know, I mean, I'm glad I was able just to. Really. Yeah, for sure. You know, I mean like, just for me. I think it's dope. I think it's great. I think what they're doing is fun. I think they gotta do like some boundaries with some of it, you know what I mean? So it's not like everybody jumping in a porter every year and trying to just search for money. But I'm glad the athletes are getting paid. But I'm glad I got to an era where I just got to play basketball, enjoy, have fun, and then make my decision if I want to go to the league or not.

[Myron]

But see it's got. You got to think, John, like when I go to UK games now, there are still, I would say at any given game, the second or third most jerseys I see next to people that are currently on the team are John Wall jerseys. Like literally they're everywhere. There's got to be a part of you goes, can I get just a little piece of that? Like just a little piece of all those people wearing Wall jerseys?

[Rowdy Johnson]

That would be dope. And that's always like a lot of respect and love that I have for Kentucky. How much love they got for me for all the things I've done there and get opportunity to play there. Even though it was only one year, I enjoyed that. But yeah, that would be crazy to see how much I would have gotten for sure.

[Myron]

Is there a connection? Oh, go ahead, Myron.

[Matt]

No, John, I want to put you in the, in the Knicks front office for a second. If you lose that game to Indiana last night, what's your approach to the off season? Are you trading someone like Carl Anthony Towns? Are you just bringing everybody back? How would you approach it after a tough loss like that in Eastern Conference finals?

[Rowdy Johnson]

That's a very tough one. I mean, I think I love Tim, do a great job. I think they have a great team. They did a lot of great things this year. I think you gotta just play the bench a little bit more, you know what I mean? I think if they would have played the bench a little earlier, some of those guys legs would have felt a lot better and would have not felt so much like they was fatigued or not. They fought and made it a great chance to come back. But yeah, you got to make some adjustments. I think they make a couple adjustments for me. I don't think you trade Cat, and I think Cat had a great year. He wasn't great defensively, but that's never been Cat big calling Cardinal. So you got him playing the five, which gave you advantage on the offense end, but on defense, and it kind of hurts you a little bit. And I think what they went with Mitchell Robinson at the 5, it gave him a little bit more help. But yeah, I think they'll make some changes. I just don't know which ones yet, but I think they'll figure it out.

[Myron]

John, when you see, you know, SGA was the MVP this year, but when you see the younger dudes, Cat, sga, Tyrese Maxey go on through the list. Case and Wallace is on the Thunder playing for the title. And you guys have that Kentucky connection. Do you guys like, is that a bond that you have even if you don't know them, or in this case, now they're 12, 13, 14 years younger than you?

[Rowdy Johnson]

Nah, it's great. It's dope. I mean, that just lets you know, like, how Kyle had it going at Kentucky. I mean, a lot of great players coming through there, and there was a lot of great players before Kyle even got there. Like, we never gonna discredit that legacy that they had, and the reason why a lot of people wanted to go there and want to put on that big blue jersey. But it's great to see those guys blossom, man. You know what I mean? The league has transitioned so much differently to what it was when I was playing. And you just see a lot of these guys putting in a lot of work, continue to get better over the years. And it's great to see so many Kentucky players is blossom in the league and have opportunity to win their first championship.

[Myron]

I'll get you out of here with this. They have a new coach now, Mark Pope this year with sweet sixteen. Got a big class headed for next year. I know he wasn't the guy that coached you, but what do you think of Mark Pope and are you enjoying his time now?

[Rowdy Johnson]

I'm happy for Mark Pope. I got an opportunity to meet him this past summer. Well, last summer in Indiana when it was EYBL tournament going on. Talk to him for a little bit, and he got off to a hot start. I think a couple injuries kind of slowed their team down, but for your first year to go that far, that's great. They got a lot of great pieces coming in this year with Some good pieces coming back, and it's great that he does it his way, you know what I mean? Cal had it his way, and the people loved it for a while, and now it's a new transition of what's going on. So you got to respect Mark Pope, you know what I mean? He's a guy that had a championship there. He brings a different pedigree and how he wants to coach and do things. And I think they have another great year. Just got to see, like, how you build that chemistry together. Everybody rock together. But I think how he got off to a great start was amazing. For them, it's just a couple injuries, you know, hurt you. You know, that's how basketball goes. There's a lot of having opportunities to have luck and health, and when you have both of those, you have opportunity to win a championship, and you have to just see how they do this year.

[Myron]

We gotta get you back to Lexington this year. Feel like you need to be the Y. You think we can make that happen?

[Rowdy Johnson]

Oh, yeah, for sure, man. You know, Kentucky's always home for me. There's always love. I mean, that's the school I went through, jersey I put on. It gave me opportunity to reach one of my goals and dreams in life, to play college basketball and played on one of the biggest levels with one of the best schools in the country and get opportunity to go to the league. So, yeah, I'm definitely coming back. Mark Pope wrote me this year, asked can I come down for the summer if I get opportunity to play some pickup or just work out with some of the guys, and I'm gonna try to find time to get that through my schedule.

[Myron]

That's awesome. Six, four. From Kentucky, this is John Wall. Thank you very much for your time. And on a personal level, thank you for always being there for me as well. Appreciate it.

[Rowdy Johnson]

Thanks, man. Good to hear from y' all.

[Myron]

Good to hear from you. It is just. Look at that. Guess the Wildcat. Two in a row. Three in a row. I love Travis, but MC John Wall, they're. They're killing it here. It is now, before. Before we go, we always like to tell you who's going to win the big games to come. It's take your pick Next on Sunday Morning with Matt Myron.

[Matt]

Next Sunday on ESPN Radio. Matt and Myron will be live at CMA Fest in Nashville.

[Myron]

Are you getting excited about it?

[Matt]

Yeah, it'll be different. You know, it all starts Sunday morning at 10 Eastern on ESPN radio and on the ESPN app.

[Myron]

It's a huge thing this is Nashville at its best.

[Matt]

Matt and Myron the podcast.

[Rowdy Johnson]

Craftsman days.

[Myron]

Are here at Lowe's with big savings.

[Rowdy Johnson]

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[Rowdy Johnson]

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[Myron]

Mustard, honey mustard, Sprite, McFlurry, Big Mac.

[Rowdy Johnson]

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[Myron]

More ranch and creamy chili.

[Rowdy Johnson]

McCrispy strip dip now at McDonald.

[Myron]

Gonna have a lot of this next week in Nashville. Little CMA Fest. It's Hank Jr. I was trying. We were gonna play some Hank Senior but we don't have it in our system. So we got Hank Jr. Hank senior CMA fence. 10-6-8 to 1 in Nashville. We will be there at fanfare. Hope to see you guys come by. Myron's first trip to anything country music and then I'm taking to see Zach Topp, I never lie his big song. We'll see that Sunday night. So I hope you're ready.

[Matt]

Yeah, it's gonna be an experience. Man. I've never been to a country music anything actually.

[Myron]

You've been to a. You've never been to a country bar?

[Matt]

No, not. No, no. I've never been to anything country music like that.

[Myron]

We're gonna have so much fun. I can't wait. I going to take you out on the town. Do a little boot scoot and boogie. It is now also time to make our picks for today's game. Let's get through it. Let's take our pick. No NBA final, no NHL final, but a lot of college baseball, a lot of regular baseball. What did you pick, James?

[Evan]

Yeah. So let's start with the WNBA Connecticut sun against the New York Liberty. The Liberty are 18 and a half point favorites as part of the Commissioners Cup. The Liberty are 60 to start the season. They're defending champs.

[Myron]

What are the Commissioners Cup. Is that like the thing they have in the NBA now where they do the mid season tournament? Is that what that is?

[Matt]

Yeah, yeah. It's like part of the.

[Myron]

I mean I guess if they're an 18 and a half point favorite, I'll have to take the New York Liberty. Sounds like we need to break them up. Break up the Liberty. Eighteen and A half points in a professional game is crazy. So give me the Liberty.

[Matt]

Yeah, but I mean, you know Connecticut Sun, a team that was in the semi conference finals last year. One game they've won this year. Lost Alyssa Thomas, really great player. Their coach went to the Fever. So you know they're a rebuilding team, but definitely New York Liberty, who are undefeated so far.

[Myron]

Undefeated 6 and oh so far this year. What's next?

[Evan]

The Minnesota links are an 11 1/2 point favorite at Golden State Valkyries. This is also part of the Commissioner's Cup. The links are also 6, 0.

[Myron]

What is a Valkyrie? Is that like something. Is that something I should know? I mean, I know that Golden State.

[Matt]

New Golden State team.

[Myron]

I know, but what is that? What is a Valkyrie like? What is it. Is it a. Is it like a medieval something? Is it a Marvel character?

[Matt]

I don't know. I don't know what a Valkyrie.

[Myron]

It's a. It's a Norse God, female figure who guides the souls of deceased warriors to Valhalla. To the golf course. Valhalla. That's. That's a. It's a nice game.

[Rowdy Johnson]

That's what they were talking about during.

[Myron]

He'll get arrested if you take him to. If you go there. Okay, well so it's a. It's a God. All right, well I. So they're the Valkyries. While Norse Gods for the dead are also 11/2 point underdogs. Who you got? Myron?

[Matt]

I'll definitely. Minnesota leagues, hopefully. Nafisa Kaga play. She was held out of a game a couple days ago with some knee pain, but she's leading scorer in the NBA. 27 points a game. But even without her, they found a way to get a win against the Connecticut Sun. So the Lakes are going to win the WNBA championship. I think they win this game today too.

[Myron]

I'm taking the Valkyries to cover because if they can help cover those who have passed, they certainly can cover the Golden State or. Excuse me, the Minnesota Links. What's next, Jeff?

[Evan]

Let's head to the Major League Baseball. The Cardinals and Rangers play today. Jacob deGrom on the mountain for the Rangers. He's having a strong start to the season.4 and 2.2.42 ERA and the Rangers are minus 160 on the money line.

[Myron]

Who's pitching for the Cardinals, who've been very hot recently, by the way?

[Evan]

Eric Fetty.

[Myron]

Oh yeah, I don't know who that is, so that's why I didn't say his name. Yeah, well, Eric Fetty has no chance. He will Be confetti when the game is over because Jacob deGrom is going to help get the victory. I will take the Rangers to win at home, even though the Cardinals been very good recently.

[Matt]

I'll take the Cardinals who've been on definitely a hot streak and you know, they start off slow but they've been on the run since the end of April. So I think the Cardinals keep that momentum.

[Myron]

Got big. Jacob Fetty fans. Is that why you're picking him? You like the stuff he brings today?

[Evan]

It's Eric.

[Myron]

Oh, Eric. Jacob is his brother. Yeah. Jacob Petty was a good dude. Eric. Eric's the more talented of the two brothers, so we'll take him. Who's. What's next?

[Evan]

All right, Sunday night baseball. Dodgers, Yankees tonight. You can hear it right here on ESPN Radio. Coverage begins at 6:00pm Eastern. It's been a. It's been a pretty wild series so far. Aaron Judge has three home runs. He had two last night. They were the only two runs in the Yankees scored. Ohtani has had two home runs in the game before. Dodgers have taken both games. But who you got tonight?

[Myron]

Yeah, I mean the Dodgers. I got the sweep. The Yankees are kind of confronting reality here. The the AL east has been actually relatively poor considering what the expectations were going the year. But I'll take the Dodgers. They're juggernaut and I'm excited to watch tonight. There's not a lot of regular season baseball games that aren't the Reds that get me to tune in. I will tune in tonight. My.

[Matt]

I mean we might be watching the greatest home run hitter of all time in modern history and Aaron Judge and maybe the greatest talent of all time and showy Ohtani. So I've enjoyed watching this series. Bad news for the Dodgers. Mookie Best with that fractured toe, hasn't been in line and won't be there today. But give me the Dodgers to win again.

[Myron]

Look at you. Given the injury reports, I'm impressed you've been studying your sports racing form over there to get all of this.

[Matt]

I read a lot. I'm informed, man.

[Myron]

You read a lot.

[Matt]

I'm informed.

[Myron]

Okay, well good. Well, I hope you enjoy it. Now next week, Nashville, we're coming to CMA Fest. We will be at Fanfare 10:00am to 1:00 clock. Would love to see you if you're out there. If not, just tune in for a little country music. Myron, he's gonna be ready to go. Myron, I will see you in Nashville. Game day is up next. Host that are going to go unnamed because they're so exciting. That's next on ESPN Radio. Hey, it's your resident super bowl champ Chris Candy. Coming up Monday, I'll tell you the NFL teams that are headed for major shakeups if they don't make the super bowl. It's unsportsmanlike. 6am Eastern right here on ESPN radio, ESPN2 and ESPNU.

[Matt]

Thanks for listening to Matt and Myron the Podcast. You can listen to the show live every Sunday morning at 10am Eastern on ESPN Radio, the ESPN app, and on SiriusXM Channel 80. Matt and Myron the Podcast.