Podcast Summary: The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show Episode: Hour 2 - Cop Involved in Breonna Taylor Case Calls In
Release Date: July 22, 2025
Host: Clay Travis and Buck Sexton
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction to the Breonna Taylor Case Sentence

In this compelling episode, hosts Clay Travis and Buck Sexton delve into the controversial sentencing of Officer Brett Hankinson, who was involved in the Breonna Taylor raid in Louisville, Kentucky. The discussion centers around Hankinson's 33-month prison sentence for deprivation of civil rights—a verdict many on the show argue is excessively harsh and unjust.

Guest Appearance: Sergeant John Mattingly

Timestamp: 01:35

The episode features a crucial interview with Sergeant John Mattingly, an officer present during the Breonna Taylor raid. His firsthand account provides an insider’s perspective on the events of that day and sheds light on the factors leading to the sentencing.

Events of the Raid: A Firsthand Account

Timestamp: 05:00 - 08:16

Sergeant Mattingly recounts the sequence of the raid, highlighting discrepancies between the official narrative and his personal experiences:

• Exigent Circumstances and Miscommunication:

  "He saw the shot, heard it, saw me go down and say I was shot. He circled around the front of the building as these shots were ringing out repeatedly by the other officer at the door.”
  (Mattingly, 05:19)

• Inadequate Preparation and False Information:

  "We were told when we went to this warrant by the brief by the investigators that it was just going to bring Brianna at home. She's alone, no dogs, no kids, no boyfriends, no weapons."
  (Mattingly, 10:00)

• Officer Injury and Immediate Aftermath:

  "Yes, I was shot in the femoral artery. I had a five and a half-hour surgery, replaced four inches of the artery with the vein.”
  (Mattingly, 05:00)

Critique of the Judicial Process

Timestamp: 02:42 - 04:53

Clay Travis criticizes the handling of the case by the Biden Department of Justice (DOJ), contrasting it with the perceived rationality of the Trump DOJ:

"This doesn't even meet the standards of that, number one. But secondly, Brett is the only officer ever charged for returning fire after being fired upon that hit. No one. He's the only officer in American history has been charged with that."
(Clay Travis, 08:44)

Call for Commutation and Pardon

Timestamp: 09:05 - 20:12

Buck Sexton and Clay Travis advocate for President Trump to commute or pardon Officer Hankinson, emphasizing the case as an example of systemic bias against law enforcement:

"I think President Trump should commute or pardon the, you know, Brett Hankinson immediately."
(Buck Sexton, 09:05)

They argue that the sentence undermines the valor and intentions of police officers, who are often put in precarious situations:

"Most cops do not get in the car every morning saying, I hope I get to kill somebody today."
(Buck Sexton, 30:17)

Unveiling the Full Story

Timestamp: 10:00 - 19:32

Sergeant Mattingly provides additional context about the warrant and the individuals involved, challenging the media's portrayal:

"This was going to be a RICO case on this Jamarcus Glover, who had just been a menace. He had six or seven pending felony cases in circuit court for guns and drugs, fentanyl, all this stuff."
(Mattingly, 12:24)

He highlights inconsistencies in the media narrative, such as misrepresentations of Brianna Taylor’s profession and her involvement with Jamarcus Glover.

Listener Reactions and Broader Implications

Timestamp: 18:13 - 32:32

The hosts discuss the broader impact of the sentencing on law enforcement morale and public perception:

"Most cops after it depends on the departmental policy. But if you're involved even in the most straightforward, lawful discharge of your service weapon, you know, defending yourself against a maniac running at you with a hatchet or something."
(Buck Sexton, 30:17)

John Mattingly underscores the fear among officers of being wrongfully accused, which can hinder their effectiveness in the field:

"Police are becoming victims of violent criminals because they're afraid of being accused of being too aggressive to stop a violent criminal."
(John Mattingly, 29:39)

Conclusion: A Call for Justice Reform

As the episode wraps up, Travis and Sexton emphasize the need for judicial reforms to protect law enforcement officers from undue prosecution. They highlight the importance of presenting all sides of such cases to ensure fair and just outcomes.

"These guys are very often not allowed to tell their side of the story. The other side of the story gets told widely and it is taken without a grain of salt very often by the media."
(Buck Sexton, 39:00)

The hosts urge listeners to stay informed and advocate for the truth, underscoring the significance of Sergeant Mattingly’s testimony in reevaluating high-profile cases like that of Breonna Taylor.

Notable Quotes

• Clay Travis (08:44): "This doesn't even meet the standards of that, number one."

• Buck Sexton (09:05): "I think President Trump should commute or pardon the, you know, Brett Hankinson immediately."

• Sergeant John Mattingly (12:24): "This was going to be a RICO case on this Jamarcus Glover, who had just been a menace."

• Buck Sexton (30:17): "Most cops do not get in the car every morning saying, I hope I get to kill somebody today."

• Buck Sexton (39:00): "These guys are very often not allowed to tell their side of the story."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show offers a critical examination of the Breonna Taylor case from the perspective of an involved law enforcement officer. Through in-depth discussion and firsthand accounts, the hosts highlight perceived injustices within the judicial system and advocate for the fair treatment of police officers. The episode encourages listeners to seek out the full story and consider the broader implications of such legal outcomes on law enforcement and public trust.