Benny Johnson on Caitlin Clark: "This Is Our George Floyd" | Hour 1

Summary

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The Dan Le Batard Show

Episode: Benny Johnson on Caitlin Clark: "This Is Our George Floyd" | Hour 1

Date: June 26, 2026

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Episode Overview

Live from the Elser Hotel, Dan Le Batard and the crew serve up their irreverent, debate-infused look at sports, music, pop culture, and the latest controversies and memes—anchored by their distinct blend of humor and candid commentary. Hour 1 tackles everything from superhero movie tropes to music genre wars, the ongoing Caitlin Clark WNBA headlines, and the “George Floyd” tweet that fired social media. The cast sifts through media narratives, marketing decisions, and the various forms of fan outrage, all in their trademark style.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Blockbuster Movies, Tie-in Merchandise, and Shared Fandoms

(00:23-07:00)

• The crew opens discussing the absurdity of modern superhero movie souvenirs, with particular attention to a much-mocked “fleshy” Supergirl cup, riffing on the intentionally risqué nature of some movie tie-in merchandise.
• Mike: “If I didn’t buy the Castle Grayskull popcorn holder... I was not going to buy the, the, the Supergirl trench coat cup. So, no, did not buy that yesterday. Now I will tell you though, I loved that movie last night. Supergirl’s good. That’s a good movie.” (03:00)
• Praise for recent DC movies under James Gunn. Nods to the shift from the “dark Snyderverse” to a more colorful, humorous tone.
• Brief critiques and nostalgia for Toy Story 5, with a divide on whether the franchise is still a draw for adults whose kids have aged out.

Memorable Moment:

• Jokes about collectible “dick cups” and movie merch reach a fever pitch, underscoring the show’s irreverent, unserious take on pop culture excess.

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2. Sports Fandom & Viewing Habits

(08:49-10:13)

• Mike confesses to falling asleep before the latest Team USA soccer match, highlighting a widespread struggle among sports fans dealing with late-night game schedules.
• Jonathan Zaslow: “If the US had their first team squad, the US wins that match. For me, the biggest takeaway was how great Christian Pulisic looked. He was unbelievable, bossing the game like a global elite soccer player.” (10:13)
• Surge of nostalgia as Fight Club’s Brad Pitt and Edward Norton are shown at the match—a “DiCaprio meme” moment for Gen Xers.

Memorable Moment:

• “There was a Fight Club reunion. Everybody north of 40... pointed at their TV, did the DiCaprio meme, and saw Tyler Durden and narrator in the same frame.” – Jonathan Zaslow (10:56)

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3. Concert Debates: The Scorned Legacy of Nu Metal

(19:16-23:43)

• Dave Damasek: “The worst popular band of our lifetime is new metal... Corn, it feels like initiated that. Well, Rage Against the Machine... ushered in corn that then get all these other horrible bands.” (19:17)
• Crew debates whether ‘nu metal’ or ‘hair metal’ was the more egregious era, with the group split over acts like Korn, Limp Bizkit, Deftones, and Linkin Park.
• Discussion spins into how musical nostalgia shifts opinions about formerly derided genres.

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4. Soccer, World Cup, and Miami’s Tartan Army

(17:05-26:14)

• Breaks down the World Cup bracket and Team USA’s prospects. Light ribbing over fan attendance numbers—“Are they Vince McMahon-ing the attendance at this World Cup?” (17:36)
• Tangent about Miami’s economic boom from visiting Scottish fans ("Tartan Army"), with exaggerated, crude metaphors for local business enthusiasm:
  • “Every single small business owner in South Florida is basically spreading their butt cheeks apart trying to get Tartan Army’s attention.” – Jonathan Zaslow (24:30)
• Focus on complex tournament scenarios and national rivalries.

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5. The Caitlin Clark Discourse & “This Is Our George Floyd” Tweet

(29:13-37:14)

Context & Recap

• Caitlin Clark takes a hard foul from Alyssa Thomas (Connecticut Sun), sparking fiery debate about league protection and media narratives.
• WNBA suspends Thomas for one game. Some say it’s too lenient; others think it’s fair.
• Old-school sports radio voices (Boomer Esiason) chime in suggesting Clark head overseas, teeing up a media storm.
• Benny Johnson’s tweet—“This is our George Floyd”—is presented and dissected for its sensationalism.

Commentary

• Dominique: “If that is your George Floyd, that really says, like, yes, things are pretty good.” (32:14)
• Jonathan Zaslow: “Benny, I think you’re missing the point... That is your George Floyd, you’re absolutely right.” (32:21)
• The group lampoons how online Caitlin Clark controversies pull in people who barely follow the WNBA, noting how manufactured outrage and meme culture distort reality.
• Discussion of identity politics: Clark’s popularity as a straight, white star, perceived tension with a league seen as dominated by out gay players, and how these narratives get weaponized by media and fans.
  • “The reason why people think that the WNBA doesn’t like her is because she fits too neatly into the broader society.” – Dominique (35:27)
• Group admits Clark isn’t close to the league’s best player, possibly barely inside the top 10—yet she’s the center of every promotional debate.

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6. WNBA Marketing & Licensing (The Poster Controversy)

(38:45-42:03)

• The crew unpacks why Caitlin Clark was missing from a WNBA commemorative poster for the Indiana Fever. It’s likely due to licensing/marketing deals, not intentional snubbing.
  • Dominique: “She’s a person who is supremely marketable, has different deals, and you can’t have any conflict there. Like, it seemed like an obvious reason why she wasn’t up there...” (39:42)
• References to Michael Jordan, Bill Belichick, and video game likeness licensing.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• “There was a Fight Club reunion. Everybody north of 40... pointed at their TV, did the DiCaprio meme, and saw Tyler Durden and narrator in the same frame.” – Jonathan Zaslow (10:56)
• “If that is your George Floyd, that really says, like, yes, things are pretty good.” – Dominique (32:14)
• “The reason why people think that the WNBA doesn’t like her is because she fits too neatly into the broader society.” – Dominique (35:27)
• “Every single small business owner in South Florida is basically spreading their butt cheeks apart trying to get Tartan Army’s attention.” – Jonathan Zaslow (24:30)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:23-07:00: Movie memorabilia, superhero movie reviews, and Toy Story 5 debates
• 10:13-11:42: Team USA soccer recap & Fight Club reunion
• 19:16-23:43: Nu metal vs. hair metal – generational divides
• 29:13-37:14: Caitlin Clark controversy, the “George Floyd” tweet, and WNBA media narratives
• 38:45-42:03: WNBA poster debate, licensing, and athletes withholding likeness rights

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Summary Takeaway

This episode is classic Le Batard: careening between sports, pop culture, and viral controversy with sharp humor and a critical eye for manufactured narratives. The Caitlin Clark discourse is unpacked with cynicism about online outrage and media hot takes, highlighting how the biggest stars become flashpoints for issues much bigger—and often more absurd—than basketball itself. The show leans into meme culture, internet absurdity, and the ways fan and media worlds collide.

For new listeners:
Expect a wild ride—raw, funny, brutally honest, and willing to ridicule both the news and itself in equal measure.

Transcript

[Dan Le Batard]

You are listening to the Dan LeBatard show in partnership with the DraftKings Sports App. Now live in all 50 states,

[Ad Read / Commercial Voice]

This

[Dominique]

episode of the Dan Lebatard show is presented by DraftKings. DraftKings. The Crown is yours.

[Dave Damasek]

Wow.

[Mike]

That was good. Excellent job there, Dominique.

[Dominique]

You're gonna do something, you gotta do it right.

[Mike]

So, Dominique, yesterday I went to the movies. I took my son. Last night, me and my 14 year, we do everything together. And what? Whatever, man.

[Dominique]

Nothing's wrong with it. I love it.

[Unidentified Male Guest 1]

It's beautiful.

[Mike]

I love it. And we went and we saw Supergirl.

[Unidentified Male Guest 2]

Did you get the dick cup?

[Dominique]

I mean, that's the only question you have to ask. We'll find out dick cup. Find out whether it was good or not later. But the most important question. You got a souvenir.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

You get that dc?

[Mike]

No, I didn't get that dc.

[Dominique]

I mean, you went to Supergirl. You did get that dc. I mean, you didn't get that Marvel.

[Unidentified Male Guest 1]

You took that dc.

[Mike]

Why would you say something like that?

[Dominique]

It's a DC movie.

[Unidentified Male Guest 1]

Is it not?

[Dominique]

Right? Did you go to that? You got that Marvel.

[Mike]

Dave, is this your first time seeing the dc? What?

[Dan Le Batard]

What?

[Jonathan Zaslow]

What in the holy hell is that thing?

[Mike]

It's a dick cup handed out wieners.

[Dave Damasek]

Because you go to see a superhero

[Jonathan Zaslow]

movie, she wears a trench coat over her super. Yeah, that's what that's supposed to be. But, you know, they. They do this on purpose.

[Dan Le Batard]

Yeah.

[Mike]

No, they don't.

[Dominique]

Yeah, absolutely.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

It was the. The dune popcorn bucket, where everyone's like, oh, I think I can bang that. And now every popcorn, it's designed for you to be like, you asked a question anytime they come out, well, but can I bang it?

[Dan Le Batard]

Yeah.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

And so they just took it next level. No one's really thought about doing it with a cup. And so D.C. was like, let's just make this look super fleshy. And everyone's like, oh, this was a mistake. This was a mistake. Come on.

[Unidentified Male Guest 1]

They definitely had a version of it. And then there was a meeting, and they're like, we need it to look more like skin color.

[Unidentified Male Guest 2]

Zaz, did you bang the Grayskull Castle when you went to see he man?

[Dan Le Batard]

Yeah.

[Unidentified Male Guest 1]

You did.

[Ad Read / Commercial Voice]

No.

[Dominique]

Oh, we were waiting, man. Yeah, go answer the question.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

I gotta be honest, that pause, it was 50. 50.

[Mike]

The answer to whether or not wang.

[Dave Damasek]

What thing is that? What kind of wang. Why are they handing that out? What's it have to do with Supergirl? Ow.

[Dominique]

I mean, that Dune one looks painful.

[Unidentified Male Guest 2]

Bangable.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

It's like, it it's like cats, that's why they're screaming all the time, because they kind of have these, like, teeth like, like that dune popcorn bucket where it grasped the penis of the cat. And so anytime, anytime you hear these cats mating on the outside, and it's like, wow, does that sound like they're having a great time? A little bit. But also when the cat tries to remove the penis, those things are being dug into the skin. The fleshy cat penis skin.

[Unidentified Male Guest 1]

It's like trying to exit a car rental place.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

That's right.

[Dominique]

Oh, yeah, Go in.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Get the sense.

[Dave Damasek]

Did Mike actually bang the dune souvenir? It's starting to sound.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

I had a friend that did and everything.

[Unidentified Male Guest 1]

We all had a friend that did. Right?

[Mike]

Look, here's the bottom line. If I didn't buy the Castle Grayskull popcorn holder, if I didn't buy the battle cat popcorn holder for he man, which is as much fun as I've had at a movie in years, then I was not going to buy the, the, the, the Supergirl trench coat cup. So, no, did not buy that yesterday. Now I will tell you though, I loved that movie last night. Supergirl's good. That's a good movie. It's really fun. I highly recommend. I like the new dc, like James Gunn, who took over that whole universe. You know, I, I like what they're doing. I like the old DC where a super dark Zack Snyder, but I really like what's happening now. The Superman movie that came out last year, I think is my favorite superhero movie I've ever seen. I loved it so, so much. And, and that movie last night, I loved it.

[Dominique]

I mean, we knew you like that dc.

[Mike]

Why you say that?

[Jonathan Zaslow]

I knew you like the Snyderverse.

[Mike]

Yeah, I did. I did like it.

[Unidentified Male Guest 1]

But.

[Mike]

But I think I like what they're doing now more than that. But I, I did like it because I like sometimes my superhero movies.

[Dominique]

These are bigger now. Like, they're like bigger and like it's a little softer, too. Like it's bigger and softer.

[Mike]

Yes.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Are you describing the film or the cup?

[Mike]

Yes. Like these, these DC movies now, they got heart to it. They're more colorful.

[Unidentified Male Guest 1]

They.

[Mike]

There's a bit of humor to it.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Vascular. So girthy, throbbing.

[Mike]

And the thing I like the most, by the way, Jason Momoa, he's good in this movie. He's fun. He plays Lobo.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Is he cut.

[Unidentified Male Guest 2]

Three words.

[Dominique]

We are the Lobo.

[Mike]

Can I tell you something that's weird, though, about this Supergirl movie? And it's not a Spoiler for those who have seen it. I'm actually helping you out here. I'm saving you your time. When is the last time a superhero movie had no post credit scenes? Not a single post. Like the superhero movie. I don't remember what the was first of all. Maybe Iron man that did a post credit scene. Was that like the start of that

[Jonathan Zaslow]

where Nick Fury shows up?

[Mike]

Yeah, yeah. And that became a thing.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

A team.

[Mike]

That's a thing. I want to talk about the Avengers Initiative. That became a thing, right? Where every superhero movie. You stay in your seats because there's two, sometimes three. And other movies have this too. Like, I saw He man last week. They had three post credits.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Toy Story 5 had one.

[Mike]

Is that. Did you see Toy Story 5?

[Jonathan Zaslow]

I did.

[Unidentified Male Guest 1]

And don't spoil it. My daughter saw it and had to stop her from spoiling it. Well, she said something like. She was like, buzz. And I'm like, don't you dare say it.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Well, this is something that you should know. Something that you should know because it's not really in the marketing that I saw. It's a Jessie movie.

[Dominique]

Oh.

[Dan Le Batard]

Oh.

[Mike]

That's why Joan Cusack, like, made her, like, first appearance on the red carpet in years, right?

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Is that how you say Joan Cusack?

[Mike]

Yeah.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

I thought you were saying the name of a Star wars character. Joan Cusack. Some sort of Star wars bounty hunter.

[Mike]

Whatever, man. Who cares?

[Unidentified Male Guest 1]

How much do you hate Lily Pad?

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Oh, dude. So my daughter took the wrong lesson from it. She saw that and wanted to play with the tablet right away. But over the weekend, then we started playing with toys and using the imagination. And I really like that lesson that we got.

[Mike]

So you liked it, though? It's good.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

I really liked it. But there are some people that are like, man, the marketing kind of got me.

[Ad Read / Commercial Voice 2]

I wanted more.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

What? He wanted more Buzz. And this is absolutely a Jesse movie.

[Mike]

Really?

[Jonathan Zaslow]

It should have been. I understand why they made a Toy Story 5. And they want to trick people a little bit with marketing. Some people kind of feel duped, but it is 100%.

[Mike]

It's like.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

It's like 90%. Jesse and Buzz and Woody are just accents on it.

[Dominique]

So this isn't Toy Story 5. This is Jesse 1 pretty much.

[Mike]

I don't have. I don't think I have it in me. I don't really have any interest in Toy Story 5.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

And all of them are bangers.

[Mike]

Even with your kid there, he's not into. He's 14. Like, he's a little Supergirl.

[Unidentified Male Guest 1]

The younger one?

[Mike]

Yeah, Supergirl. Is a superhero movie.

[Dominique]

I love how this is.

[Unidentified Male Guest 1]

Like, I'm not taking my kid to

[Dominique]

see a kid movie.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Get out of here.

[Mike]

Toy Story. Toy Story is, like, for kids.

[Dominique]

You go to wrestling, you have a younger kid, too.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

I mean, Toy Story is also for parents. Parents. Dominique makes a great point.

[Unidentified Male Guest 1]

Yeah.

[Dominique]

Like, it's okay to like these things. There's no shame in it. Like, you're not ashamed that you like wrestling. Why would you turn your nose up at someone wanting to go see Toy Story?

[Mike]

First of all, I don't know why there would be any shame in me liking wrestling.

[Dominique]

No shame.

[Mike]

That's number one.

[Dominique]

All right, so then why is there shame in you potentially going to see Toy Story?

[Mike]

There's no shame in me seeing it.

[Dominique]

I'm reacting like you. Like there was some judgment.

[Dave Damasek]

No, no, no.

[Dominique]

You think I would go see toys?

[Mike]

I didn't mean that. That's. That's fair. I did not mean that. Go see Toy Story 1. I'm just saying, for me, I don't know. Like, I'm not so interested in Toy story. Toy Story 4. I didn't think was that great. Toy Story 3, that's the best of all Toy Story 4 didn't love. And it's not like my kids are of an age where they want to go see Toy Story anymore. It's like, I think I'm out on Toy Story. That's all.

[Dominique]

That's all.

[Mike]

Go see a movie if you want.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

You know, I'm so invested in these characters.

[Mike]

All right.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

I mean, I thought they were all going to die. I legitimately thought.

[Mike]

I legitimately thought they were all going to die in three.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Yeah. Oh, my God.

[Mike]

When they were in the incinerator other they were. I thought they were going to get burned. And then the movie ends. Roll credits.

[Dominique]

What an ending that would have been.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Yeah, that would have been. Quentin Tarantino speaks on this. It's like the greatest trilogy of all time at that point, if they die. But I wish somebody would have paused the movie in a zazzle voice. Listen to me. You really think Disney is going to forfeit trillions of dollars? You really think they're going to kill Woody? Huh? You think they're going to kill Woody?

[Mike]

That's what. That's me.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Yeah. You think for one second they're gonna put kids through that trauma of killing Woody and Buzz the Lightyear and losing trillions of dollars?

[Mike]

That's me.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

You think. You think they're not gonna do that? You're an idiot.

[Mike]

I'll work on that. If I Were you? I'll work on that. I will admit though, I woke up this morning, I had text messages from my father, who is like live texting me as he's watching Team USA last night. He's into it. My dad likes soccer, you know, and he's into it. I had dinner with him a few nights for Father's Day. I dinner with him a few nights was like, hey, are you watching the World Cup? You know, you watching team? He was like, yeah, I love it. And so he's live texting me last night. But I got the text this morning because, shameful admission, I fell asleep before the start of the game last night.

[Dominique]

Oh, yeah.

[Mike]

Now I wouldn't. I would have forced myself. See, that's part of my problem. I do tummy time in the bed, I watch on the tablet, and if you're tired like I am at 10pm start time, I'm going to fall asleep. I'm already in bed. But if the game had stakes last night, I'd have stayed downstairs watching the family room. I wouldn't have put myself in a position to fall asleep. So, Mike, like last night I got. Well, yeah, I guess I got some questions, you know, how did Team USA look last night? Obviously, they lost. Turkey scored their first goal of the World Cup. They ended up winning. They scored in. In. In stoppage time, like 90 plus 8. So they must have scored the very end of stoppage time and they beat the United States three to two. But overall, is there anything positive to take away from last night?

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Loads of positives. Not great that Turkey beat the US Especially in the manner that they did right at the end. But I think he came away from that performance knowing that if the US had their first team squad, the US Wins that match. For me, the biggest takeaway was how great Christian Pulisic looked. I was nervy.

[Mike]

He didn't start though, did he?

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Didn't start. And then he came on the field and he was unbelievable, bossing the game like a global elite soccer player. It was pretty obvious to even a casual soccer fan who the best player on that pitch was.

[Mike]

So clearly Pochettino handled it properly. He didn't play the second game.

[Unidentified Male Guest 1]

He.

[Mike]

He came in as a sub in the third game and he looked fantastic.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

He looked fantastic. I guess that diffuses some of the injury concerns. He didn't get hurt there, which is everybody's heart was in their throat when he came on the field because they were worried he'd re injure himself. But for me, outside of Pulisic, this Is what you should be really bummed that you missed. Guys, there was a Fight Club reunion. Everybody north of 40. Everybody north of 4040 pointed at their TV, did the DiCaprio meme, and saw Tyler Durden and narrator in the same frame. This is something like they haven't been photographed many times together.

[Mike]

Yeah, I don't recall them, like, being together.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

I've never seen them hanging out. And they were hanging out for a long stretch of that game.

[Ad Read / Commercial Voice 2]

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[Jonathan Zaslow]

Who's the goat in hoops.

[Ad Read / Commercial Voice 2]

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[Jonathan Zaslow]

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[Ad Read / Commercial Voice 2]

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[Jonathan Zaslow]

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[Ad Read / Commercial Voice 2]

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[Jonathan Zaslow]

Tony, you know that moment at a party or at a tailgate where everything just sort of clicks?

[Unidentified Male Guest 2]

I know it well. It's usually when I show up, everybody goes crazy.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Yeah, you usually take all the credit for it, but it's because Tony usually walks in with Cuervo. Walking like this. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Cuervo is a thing that turns hanging out into this is the night.

[Unidentified Male Guest 2]

It has that effect on people.

[Dan Le Batard]

It does.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

You usually take the credit for it, but again, it's the Cuervo effect. It's like that moment in a big game where everyone in the crowd just starts standing up, hooting and hollering. Keep it Cuervo.

[Dave Damasek]

Cuervo, baby.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Hello, listeners.

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[Dan Le Batard]

Dan Levitar.

[Dominique]

Hey, Damacek. You know about that?

[Dan Le Batard]

Jadakiss, Dave Demichek.

[Dave Damasek]

No, I don't.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Okay, I figured.

[Dan Le Batard]

This is the Dan Lev show.

[Mike]

Fight Club. The very first DVD I ever bought.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Fight Club. My favorite movie of all time. And that seems pretty obvious. I fit that mold. I also like Nu Metal and I hate Dave Danishek's takes on that. More on that in a second. But they were hanging out. They seemed like legit friends. By the way, the shirt, the jersey, the lifestyle jersey that Brad Pitt wore. The. This whole look sold out immediately once it was shown on frame. His entire head to toe drip. Sold out. And rare to see some of the natural facial hair color on Brad Pitt. He usually has a pretty good colorist leaning in. But Ed Norton was super into the game. There were so many stars there last night. Ed Norton got really excited for a big play here in this match.

[Mike]

Yeah. Did you see this, Dominique?

[Dominique]

First goal?

[Dan Le Batard]

Yeah.

[Mike]

Edward Norton was. He was afraid. Look at him. He's afraid. Afraid when the US Scores the goal. Did somebody tell him before the game that when a goal is scored, like the goalie gets executed?

[Unidentified Male Guest 2]

He.

[Mike]

He's afraid.

[Dominique]

I. I recognize that. That's the face I make whenever you say, what do you think, Dave? Because I'm like, oh, we're in for something here. Roller coaster.

[Dave Damasek]

Terrific again.

[Dominique]

Anyway, it could be great. Oh, I'm sorry. Yes, Dave, go.

[Dave Damasek]

No, no, please. The floor.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Oh, no, don't do this, Dave. This was in la. The, no, the.

[Dave Damasek]

I, I, the thing I resent is what is the passive aggressive move from Brad Pitt. Now, of course, Johnny Depp is the worst violator of this, which is. But Pitt's doing it, too, which is, I'm going to wear the floppy bucket hat or whatever it's called, that thing. It looks good on nobody, but Brad Pitt can wear it. Because what he's saying to all the other fellows out there is, you see how ridiculous I look? I could still take your woman if I wanted to. That's. I don't like that. It's, it's Johnny Depp with all the scarves and the jewelries and all the rest of it. It's like, yeah, you look like a ridiculous ass. And you laugh at him. And then he goes like, yeah, your lady liked it.

[Dominique]

And she.

[Dave Damasek]

And, and he means it. He means he could take any woman. I don't like that.

[Mike]

So where does Team USA stand? I mean, they won their group. Do we know who they're going to play in the round?

[Jonathan Zaslow]

99% certainty. This is Bosnia.

[Mike]

I think it's Bosnia Herzegovina.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Yeah. Both countries, good fans.

[Dan Le Batard]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

You'll tell me about that tall test having to play, too. But if you're seeing how this bracket, this side of the bracket that they're on is breaking down very favorable.

[Mike]

Yeah, tell me.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Yeah, you got Egypt. Potentially a following knockout stage game against either them or Belgium, depending on how some of the results go.

[Mike]

Is Belgium definitely in?

[Jonathan Zaslow]

No Belgium win today.

[Mike]

Right.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

There's a lot of interesting scenarios. I thought it's been a great tournament, by the way, already the most attended World cup in history. Think about that.

[Mike]

Now, are they. Is that fudging the numbers? You know, like, like Vince McMahon. He'll tell you there's 200,000 people. WrestleMania 3. We all know that's not true.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Yeah, Yeah. I don't know. They're fudging the numbers. But look, it's a Spanish World Cup. There's more games, no doubt.

[Mike]

Who is that?

[Jonathan Zaslow]

This is John. But we also have to keep in mind, you know, how many more matches there are.

[Mike]

Yeah, it's a lot more.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Yeah, like, like about 45 more.

[Mike]

Why are you talking like that?

[Jonathan Zaslow]

They've already set the record.

[Mike]

Nobody.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

About 4 million people have gone to games. How many more million people with 45 more games. 45 more games.

[Mike]

We love him.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Hey, listen to me. 45 more. 45 more.

[Unidentified Male Guest 2]

Is that you?

[Mike]

I, I know it's not me.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

45 more.

[Mike]

Yeah, that's me and you work on that.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

You know how many? Just take that math multiplier.

[Mike]

Take that. What?

[Jonathan Zaslow]

My man. Apply over 45 more.

[Dan Le Batard]

Mad.

[Mike]

Swallowing your tongue. How's that impression? I don't swallow my tongue.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

You know how many fans that is?

[Mike]

How many?

[Jonathan Zaslow]

200 million fans. Rough estimate. 200 what? 200 that what? 200.

[Dominique]

Hey, hey.

[Mike]

Did you.

[Dominique]

How you feel about Kawhi Letter to the Heat?

[Dan Le Batard]

Awful.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

That tape sucks. Bad basketball team, let me tell you. Miami Heat. Quiet, Leonard. Bad basketball.

[Mike]

I'm being misrepresented.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

That's what you said. You said sucks, which was harsh.

[Unidentified Male Guest 1]

Harsh.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

You said sucks.

[Mike]

Doesn't matter. It's not gonna happen.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Dave, he said sucks. Right, Sucks.

[Mike]

Whatever. It's not gonna happen. Tell you what else sucks, Dave. You've been getting crushed with your new metal take.

[Dominique]

New metal?

[Dave Damasek]

Well, you and I both, to be fair, Zaz, but I think we were spot on. And Cor and I agreed that the worst popular band of our lifetime is. Is new. Well, I said what genre of music? You said new metal.

[Mike]

Yeah, because I.

[Dave Damasek]

Because I said corn.

[Mike]

I like corn, but I don't like that genre of music.

[Dave Damasek]

Well, Limp Bizkit is worse. But. But Corn, it feels like initiated that. Well, Rage against the Machine. I feel bad because I like Rage against the Machine, but I think they ushered in corn that then get all these other horrible bands.

[Mike]

Rage Against Machine is one of my all time favorite bands. I love Rage Against Machine. But you are right, where that kind of rap metal, it then spawned new metal.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Give BC Boys a little credit here.

[Mike]

You're right.

[Dominique]

Beast Boys, like it's more hip hop than metal.

[Dave Damasek]

Right?

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Right. But then they started venturing over to rock. So where Dave's approaching it is a rock band that had. That started toying with hip hop. Whereas the core discipline for Beastie Boys was hip hop. But they actually were a punk band to start and then ventured over there and they went back to their roots. I think BC Boys for a huge part of America and Public Enemy to Public Enemy deserves a lot of credit. Run DMC did a lot of work. Basically anything Rick Rock Rubin touched had that influence. But yeah, it. You could see Generationally about 15 years later, the kids that grew up listening to Beastie Boys and Run DMC and Public Enemy, they started toying with that concept a little bit more and it birthed new metal. And yeah, while I'll concede not the strongest generation of rock music, there were weaker spots. Like hair metal wasn't better than. Or hair metal was Just as bad as that metal. And I do think that there. There have been some bands especially. I don't. I don't understand the sideswipe on Corn in particular, because I think corn is displayed. I like, they have staying power and they have a pretty unique sound.

[Mike]

It gives me a stomachache, but whatever.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

And. But you get to see what did it right. You look down, what are they?

[Dave Damasek]

So the 25 year old millionaire. So overwrought, so up. So what are you so down about, white guy? What do you. What's so wrong in your world that you got to complain?

[Mike]

I have to cut myself to feel.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

He was sexually assaulted by. Yeah, he did a whole song about it. It's a very disturbing listen.

[Dave Damasek]

But now I feel attacked by you, Mike. And I don't appreciate that.

[Mike]

I will tell you the one point. I will tell you like, like Dave is saying he doesn't like corn. I'll tell you that group that I don't like, Slash don't get. And everyone's getting really mad when I say it, but it is what it is. I don't get Lincoln Park.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

I didn't like Linkin park as it was happening, but now it feels nostalgic, which is. I'm. I'm sure a lot of people feel that way about hair metal, which I think is a good comp. Like, man, looking back, this wasn't the coolest era of rock music, but it just takes you back to a time. And so I get it. They.

[Dan Le Batard]

They were.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

They were kind of like a pop

[Mike]

rock does nothing for me.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

I get it. I get it.

[Unidentified Male Guest 2]

We can all agree that corn with a C is better than corn with a K. Yeah.

[Dominique]

Oh, for sure.

[Dan Le Batard]

Yeah.

[Mike]

Corn tastes better than corn's. Music is good. Put it on the pole.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Put it on the pole. Have you heard Falling Cheese?

[Mike]

Good juju. Put it on the poll. Which corn is better?

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Got the life.

[Ad Read / Commercial Voice 3]

Also Lincoln.

[Mike]

Mike.

[Dave Damasek]

Mike is maybe right though. Corn, Limp Biscuit, Linkin park versus Poison, White lion. And I can't even think of other white Warrants.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

White Snake.

[Dave Damasek]

Warrant. Yeah. That's a good one. That maybe is worse.

[Dominique]

It's a big Google segment for your boy.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

So no Jadakiss. Yeah, he didn't know Jadakiss. You don't know Warrant. It's. It's fair. Fair play. What do you do with Deftones? Because I think they're more of a metal band. A lot of people just mischaracterize bands that were playing rock music, getting airplay on rock and roll stations while new metal was happening. As a new metal band. System up also gets this. And they are not a new metal band.

[Mike]

I like Deftones when they cover other groups.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

You don't like Deftones originally?

[Mike]

I like Deftones when they do Weezer. Say it ain't so.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

That's how I discovered.

[Mike]

Me too. Me too. And I like Deftones Off. Yeah.

[Dan Le Batard]

Me.

[Mike]

Oh, I used to steal so much music from Napster. I don't care. Come at me, bro. And I also like Deftones cover of Lynyrd Skinner's Simple Man.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Have you ever heard their shot a cover? No, I've never heard the Death songs. No Ordinary Love cover.

[Mike]

No.

[Unidentified Male Guest 1]

Really?

[Jonathan Zaslow]

That's got some incredible covers. Have been around for over 30 years.

[Mike]

All right, all right. That's something right there.

[Dave Damasek]

Stained.

[Dominique]

Would you.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Okay. Stain sucks. But I look, every Tuesday night I do a dad Rock forever thing at my bar.

[Mike]

Oh, I want to come to that.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Come. Come on Tuesday.

[Mike]

That sounds awesome.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Yeah, I play a lot of.

[Mike]

What time's that at?

[Jonathan Zaslow]

It starts at six.

[Mike]

All right. Because I'm more of like an earlier.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Yeah. Well, this starts earlier.

[Mike]

All right.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Earlier than 6. 6 and 9pm Ish.

[Mike]

6 is good.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Yeah.

[Mike]

All right.

[Dan Le Batard]

Dude.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

You know who showed up? Who Last on this most recent Tuesday.

[Mike]

I mean, it could be anyone, but who?

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Tart. Narmy.

[Dan Le Batard]

Wow.

[Mike]

How about that?

[Jonathan Zaslow]

A lot of money was spent like

[Mike]

Tartan army really put a boost in the Miami economy.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Yes. Everyone. Everyone loves them. It's. We are. Every single small business owner in South Florida is basically spreading their butt cheeks apart trying to get Tartan Army's attention.

[Mike]

Know if it needs to be said,

[Jonathan Zaslow]

like, it's like walking down the street in Southeast Asia right now. We all want some of the Tartan Army.

[Unidentified Male Guest 1]

That's industry lingo.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Yeah. No, I am. I am pulling my butt cheeks apart saying, tartan army, get over here.

[Dominique]

Well, that's to them when they played against Brazil.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Yeah. Oh, I have a scenario in case you want. In case you also own a small business and one Tartan army invade your town. Not looking good for our boys here. But here's. They have a 12% chance to make it to the knockout stage. They are technically still in it. I think they are the last team in right now. They need Belgium to beat New Zealand. That seems plausible and in fact likely. They need Egypt to win. El Homophobico. You know about that?

[Mike]

I get it. Yes.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Yeah. Egypt versus Iran. Yeah. In Seattle. It is the. The pride match with two countries that, you know, are less than enthused about this interesting venue.

[Mike]

For that.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Iran seems, in particular, really perturbed by this. But whatever, we'll pay them $300 billion. They'll be all right. They need Spain to be Uruguay, which I think. I think that happens. Cabo Verde, you know, Cape Verde. Cape Verde. Cabo Verde.

[Mike]

Cabo Verde.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

I've heard, like, 12 different pronunciations of this name, and I apologize. I'm trying to get all of them, because at some point, I'll be right. They need them to beat Saudi Arabia. Tougher, but I think that can happen. But here's one where it falls apart. They need Senegal to draw or lose to Iraq.

[Mike]

Oh, that's. That's probably the toughest one.

[Dan Le Batard]

That.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

That's where I think our tartan army falls short. And we're going to have to be looking at some other fan bases to pull our butt cheeks apart for.

[Unidentified Male Guest 2]

And by the way, World cup fever, as you can tell, is absolutely here. The Dan levittar show in DraftKings Sports. Join us for Colombia vs. Portugal on Saturday. Tomorrow, June 27th at 7:30pm Lost Boy Clubhouse, 157 E. Flagler St. In downtown Miami. And remember, DraftKings Sports is now available in how many states, Chris?

[Ad Read / Commercial Voice 3]

Cody?

[Ad Read / Commercial Voice 5]

All 50.

[Unidentified Male Guest 2]

All 50.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

50 states. I have some breaking news on that front. I've been working the phones with my friends over at DraftKings, our great partners over at DraftKings, and I got them to come to the table with a little treat in honor of our watch party for new customers using the promo code DLS. All DraftKings Sports customers using that promo in Florida can get a hundred percent trade match up to $10 in the Columbia Portugal match. A little special treatment in honor of our watch party by our presenting partners, DraftKings Sports.

[Dan Le Batard]

All right.

[Mike]

And I can tell you right now, Colombia, Portugal, great fans.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Do you think it's a big game, though?

[Mike]

Oh, if we were doing big game and a big game. Colombia, Portugal. That's a big game. Yep. You didn't see that coming. That's a big game.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

I'm not giving up.

[Mike]

I am selling the building.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

The final season of FX is the Bear.

[Mike]

The restaurant is full. Everything's either gonna be okay.

[Dave Damasek]

No, stop. Or not.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

We are outgunned and we are outmanned, but we have each other. FX's the bear, the final season. All episodes now streaming on Disney.

[Ad Read / Commercial Voice 5]

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[Ad Read / Commercial Voice]

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[Dan Le Batard]

Dan Levatar.

[Mike]

My algorithm on Instagram is Dan it's all boobs.

[Dan Le Batard]

Jonathan Saslow.

[Mike]

It's a good algorithm.

[Dan Le Batard]

This is the Dan Lev

[Unidentified Male Guest 2]

foreign.

[Mike]

Did you see the. The whole to do over the last couple days, what's going on with Caitlin Clark? We talked about it a bit on the show yesterday. You see what's going on there with your girl in the Indiana Fever and the big latest controversy involving Caitlin Clark.

[Dave Damasek]

I wasn't aware of. I, I update me on what the latest chapter is, but it all amounts to just an insane situation. This, the sport two years ago was the emerging star on the, in the world of sports, right? And now everybody hates its biggest star and the one who has really caused the boon.

[Mike]

So, so as you can see on the video here, that's what the hell, right? That's two. Two nights ago. Alyssa Thomas is, is straight up fist to the throat of Caitlin Clark. She's pulling the move where, you know, you kind of use the person on the ground as leverage to get up, even though we all know, you know, you're really just trying to make them uncomfortable. But here she does it with a fist and she does it in Caitlin Clark's throat. And Dave, I can tell this is the first time you're seeing this. Let me also tell you that, that a foul was not called on this play. This was a legal play. All right, in the game the other night, and you know, everybody was all up in arms about it, the treatment of Caitlin Clark, the way that other players treat her. She's not protected, her safety is at risk. And yesterday the WNBA has now suspended Alyssa Thomas for a game, which, I mean, I think is appropriate. I think a lot of people are angry. They think she should have been suspended multiple games. I don't know, a game suspension feels pretty appropriate for that. Right? I.

[Dan Le Batard]

Right.

[Dave Damasek]

Well, so this is why national treasure Boomer Assiacin now is. Is saying that Caitlin should take herself overseas. What? Women's leagues even exist overseas?

[Dan Le Batard]

Yeah, they.

[Dominique]

They try. They have women's leagues over there. And I was like, that's how we ended up with the Brianna with the Brittney Griner.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

I'm sure Boomer Siason can name all of them.

[Dominique]

Yeah, I mean, I. I don't know.

[Dave Damasek]

I, I.

[Dominique]

This is what I said yesterday. Like, I feel crazy, like, coming in, because I know that you could pick some things from sports that I watch a lot of, like, basketball and football. You pick one thing, you're like, these guys are insane. And, like, I don't actually know what this is like, all the time. And, like, we found out yesterday about the Caitlin Clark poster situation. I don't know. It just feels like I'm getting duped. Anytime I open Twitter and there's, like, a whole Caitlin Clark controversy, I know not to get involved, because I know that this is a trap. It is a trap to pull us in and make us argue about something that we don't actually care about.

[Mike]

Well, so I will tell you.

[Dominique]

Did she die? No, I don't really care about. I don't really care. Okay, well, you care. I don't really care about Caitlin Clark's throat.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Louis, show the tweet. Show the very accurate representation of what happened by Benny Johnson. Quote, this is our George Floyd.

[Dominique]

That is a great tweet. Oh, no, that's a great tweet because

[Jonathan Zaslow]

these are George Floyd.

[Dominique]

If that. If that is your George Floyd, that really says, like, yes, things are pretty good.

[Dan Le Batard]

Yeah, Benny.

[Dominique]

Things are pretty good.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Benny, I think you're missing the point. That point. Yeah, you n. I agree. That is your George Floyd. You're absolutely right.

[Mike]

Who is that guy?

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Benny Johnson. God, I love your existence. Ah, man. To be Jonathan Zaslow. To live in the space where you don't know Benny Johnson. Consider yourself blessed, my man.

[Mike]

Yeah, I don't know that fool. Whatever, all right? I'll never think about him again after now.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Oh, you won't think about the guy that said, this is our George Floyd?

[Mike]

It's like, I'll never remember that guy's name. I don't know who that is.

[Ad Read / Commercial Voice 3]

Shout out to his family.

[Unidentified Male Guest 1]

It's not the coach of the Bears,

[Jonathan Zaslow]

but I. I'm a fan of Boomer's WNBA coverage, and I think that this should.

[Mike]

It's an amazing thing, that Boomer science. Why don't you let everybody know what he said?

[Jonathan Zaslow]

I think that this should be his new beat because he ventured to, like, you know, Caitlin Clark. This is on. This is ridiculous treatment of Caitlin Clark in the W. Because. Because she should go overseas. He should go over and why is

[Mike]

she being treated this way?

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Because she's a white woman and straight. And straight.

[Mike]

Right.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Yes, yes. Which, you know, perfect. Thank you for the thought provoking take. In fact, CBS does a great job covering women's sports. Chris Whittingham should toss it to Boomer on the sidelines of the UEFA Champions League Women's final. Nwsl. Put Boomer in the booth. We are blessed to have Boomer finally covering women's sports. This is the kind of coverage that the mainstream has been missing.

[Mike]

Can you imagine if Caitlin Clark were to heed Boomer Esiason's advice there and leave like some venture capitalist would back her to have her own league. She'd be like the, like the biggest sissy of all time. Where you're running away from the league, that's mean to you.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

But at least Boomer siasson will be there, supported, hopefully in the booth.

[Dominique]

I also don't think that the appeal that she has here would translate. Like, I'm not sure that if she went to go play for a Spanish team or a team in Russia.

[Ad Read / Commercial Voice 5]

Right.

[Mike]

They don't give a about Caitlin Clark.

[Dominique]

Oh, we got Caitlin Clark. Pay up, baby.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

They got straight white women over there too.

[Dominique]

Like, that was the part of the thing. It was like Kayla Clark was shooting from the sticker. There was this big rival, like, subplot rivalry in college that we all cared about that felt like a race war and made us really interested. It was fun. Caitlin Clark means something to us here. She's not going to go over there and be like, fill up the stadium.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

I get the white thing. Look, it has to be said, having a white superstar, especially in American, which is a big deal. I always find it funny when NBA people like Bill Simmons are like, man, if we had our best players playing soccer, we dominate. When like the NBA hasn't had an American MVP in a decade. Like, get your own house in order a little bit at this point. But yeah, I, stupid me, I never thought when she was bombing away from half court, she's straight. You catch that? Hey, you won't believe this. That girl shooting from half court, lighting up college basketball, she's straight.

[Dominique]

I think guys like Boomer and not me, not just like guys like Boomer. People believe that like in the wnba, a good proportion or certainly a disproportionate number relative to society are like out gay women. And so, like, that sport would look at someone who's not like that and see her get the attention and they feel offended. Like, you could understand that they would feel offended. Like, man, we've been here doing it, and maybe you won't celebrate us because we. We do not fit this contract. It's like a weird mind game where it's like, the reason why people think that the WNBA doesn't like her is because she fits too neatly into the broader society. It's a weir. A weird way to be. Like, I'm oppressed or my. I guess Caitlyn's not saying this saying my idol Caitlyn is oppressed because she's just a little too much like everybody else. It's just a weird place to be in. I'm not making any argument about it otherwise, but I recognize that if you're a white person watching basketball, you see a white person playing basketball, well, you gotta be a little bit more excited. Like, I think we all have that little impulse in us.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Can't wait for the I have a Dream remix with David. This song goes out. But is she.

[Dave Damasek]

The thing I don't know. To Dominique's point is, is she in fact the best player in the league?

[Mike]

No, no, not even close.

[Dave Damasek]

She's not.

[Mike]

No, no, that's all right.

[Dominique]

She.

[Mike]

She might be top 10.

[Dominique]

It was said they would build it up too.

[Ad Read / Commercial Voice]

What?

[Dave Damasek]

She's not. She's barely top 10.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Pop culture reference.

[Dominique]

I wanted to know where it was gonna go from 20.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

From, you know, Covid from 2020.

[Dominique]

It was gonna be nice.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Shout. Shout out to Dave Damoshek's family.

[Mike]

Yeah, Dave, She's. She's definite. I don't think you can make the case top five. I don't think so. I think she's right outside the top five. So between five and. Really, Caitlin Clark isn't in the top five?

[Dave Damasek]

Well, then I agree with everyone then. She is getting too much shine if that's the case.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

No, but where is she with the straight women?

[Mike]

Probably a one in the top five. Maybe top three.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Top three, maybe top three straight ladies.

[Mike]

Like, I know every girl, every woman's sexuality in that league. I have no idea.

[Dominique]

I mean, so Sophie Cunningham, she got the poster and. And she owned Twitter. Yes.

[Mike]

She might be my.

[Dominique]

For the right reasons. Like, you can own Twitter for the wrong reasons.

[Mike]

She's so great.

[Dominique]

Sophie Cunningham's reaction that became a meme of her pointing was the centerpiece of all the best Twitter jokes yesterday. They were all nice, happy Fun WNBA ish.

[Ad Read / Commercial Voice 3]

Content that's going to have more run than a 24 hour run. Like, that's not just quick. That's going to be a longstanding meme for a very long time.

[Mike]

You want to talk about understanding, filling a role.

[Dave Damasek]

And.

[Mike]

And she understood. What was it like early last year where I'm going to be the one who protects Caitlin Clark. Like, I'm gonna be this tough guy and that's gonna be my role. When the reality of it is like, like Dominique, do we know she's act like, is she actually tough? Like, I have no idea.

[Dominique]

Sophie Cunningham.

[Dan Le Batard]

Yeah. Is she?

[Dominique]

I guess so.

[Dave Damasek]

Yeah.

[Mike]

Like, I don't know.

[Dominique]

Sure. Like,

[Jonathan Zaslow]

certainly good analysis by you.

[Mike]

Yeah, that was good.

[Dominique]

I mean, that's how I feel about it. Every time someone brings up wnba, let's talk about it. I feel like I don't really watch it.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Guys, we got Pelosi kneeling in the halls.

[Dan Le Batard]

Ooh.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Wearing a Caitlin Clark jersey.

[Dominique]

That's what's up. That's what's up. Now you're thinking.

[Mike]

So a couple things to revisit from yesterday. Number one, Dominique was 1000% right when we. Because I brought up yesterday and it became a thing on Twitter. It was like a hot topic for 24 hours. How the WNBA, which, by the way, is still a really weird league. Okay. And they put out this commemorative poster which has a representative player, either a legend or a current player from every single team. And for the Indiana Fever, it's Sophie Cunningham. It's not Caitlin Clark, which is really odd on the surface. And you're wondering why, like, like, why are you pushing back from marketing your most popular, most visible player in everything you possibly can do to market the league? And your only answer to that was ended up being correct?

[Dominique]

Yeah, because, I mean, I thought it was obvious. I'm sure that they wanted her on there, but I just assumed that there was some sort of like, marketing or licensing group licensing situation. And I referenced the old basketball games that we used to pick up and want to play. And then the guy who was on the bowls that look a lot like Michael Jordan was like, number 23 Jordan. Like, he's a person who is supremely marketable, has different deals, and you can't have any conflict there. Like, it seemed like an obvious reason why she wasn't up there to me. And then we come to find out that that was the reason.

[Mike]

So is that kind of like a dick move, though, on her part where it's like, no, no, you're not going to be Able to use me to promote the league unless you pay me more money.

[Ad Read / Commercial Voice 5]

No.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

In the history of video games, who are the athletes that didn't allow this? Bill Belichick didn't allow for it.

[Mike]

Yep. Michael Jordan, very famously. Yep.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

You know about that? John Dowd Jordan had his moments where

[Unidentified Male Guest 2]

he was able to. NBA Live 2003, I think with Jason

[Mike]

Kidd on the COVID He was part of Wizards.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Are you familiar with the legend of John Dowd?

[Mike]

John Dowd.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

All right, so you're a little too old.

[Unidentified Male Guest 1]

Mvp.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

But also you're a little too old for MVP Baseball. MVP Baseball. With one of the greatest soundtracks ever. One of the best sports games ever. And probably this missed Dave Damasek too. And Dominique Baseball. I'm just going to go ahead and assume that's not your jam.

[Dominique]

Nailed it.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Right.

[Dave Damasek]

But John Dowd Sega NHL 94 is the number one sports.

[Ad Read / Commercial Voice 5]

You're wrong.

[Mike]

Wasn't it Brett Hall? Wasn't Brett hall one of the timer?

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Yeah. I think Brett hall was one of those players that didn't allow for his likeness to be used. Right?

[Mike]

I think so.

[Dan Le Batard]

And.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

But John Doubt is the greatest video game baseball player ever. And it was just he. Based on Barry Bonds.

[Dave Damasek]

Just Barry.

[Dominique]

He was a.

[Unidentified Male Guest 1]

He was a right. He was a righty white guy.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Yeah, that's right.

[Mike]

I think he didn't make him black white guy.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Righty whitey.

[Ad Read / Commercial Voice 3]

He wore number 99. He was incredible.

[Dan Le Batard]

Wow.

[Ad Read / Commercial Voice 3]

Also MVP baseball 2005 comes up weekly on the pitch clock.

[Mike]

Wow. I did not know that.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Does John Doden. Of course I would make any other players. Has a fictional character ever been an ambassador? Let's make him ambassador to, I don't know, Ethiopia.

[Unidentified Male Guest 1]

I'd love to interview him.

[Mike]

So not only did we learn that Dominique was right about that yesterday with Caitlin Clark, but also. So this was weird. Help me out here. I brought up yesterday that tweet from Phoenix Mercury where they. It seemed like they were mocking Caitlin Clark being injured.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

He was a lefty.

[Mike]

Oh.

[Dominique]

And we don't like him.

[Mike]

And then you guys very astutely pointed out that. That it seems that that is just a really weird coincidence because it's. It appears that it's Dewana Bonner who is on Phoenix that they are putting that cartoon tweet about. And. Okay, that's fine. Except Dominique the Phoenix Mercury. Then amidst all this controversy, they deleted the tweet.

[Dominique]

I mean, they don't want to be in the middle of the nonsense. Like, I feel like this happens. You're better off just getting out and it's like when someone asks you to apologize, you don't have to really be sorry. Just say I'm sorry and get out the way. I assume that that was it. They felt like people were grabbing this and making it into something like we don't want to deal with it. Let's get out of here. I think they generally had some good defense, but it's also possible that they were doing. The thing that a lot of people do to try to get attention is walk the thin line to get close to it and understand that some people misunderstand this and some people won't and hope to get attention from it and realize it's not attention.

[Mike]

Want John Dowd, huh?

[Unidentified Male Guest 1]

It's gonna sit with me all weekend that I said he was a righty.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Sit with me too.

[Unidentified Male Guest 2]

Yeah, it was bad. It's almost like he didn't play the game.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

It's good delivery.

[Dan Le Batard]

Oh.

[Mike]

So was he not a righty?

[Unidentified Male Guest 1]

He was a left.

[Unidentified Male Guest 2]

It was a carbon copy of.

[Unidentified Male Guest 1]

He was white.

[Mike]

I was gonna say. Was he at least white?

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Yeah, he's definitely white. And not Barry Bonds?

[Dan Le Batard]

Yeah.

[Unidentified Male Guest 1]

Didn't have the stance.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

No, but deep voice.

[Mike]

But they played. But he played like him. He hit like him.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Yeah, he was incredible.

[Unidentified Male Guest 1]

Yeah, he's like 99 all the.

[Ad Read / Commercial Voice 3]

He had basically Mike Trout's stance from the left handed side. Like just super still. But was Barry Bonds like he was spectacular. He was a cheat code because Barry

[Mike]

Bonds is a Chico. More chico than Bo Jackson. Super Tech mobile. Come on.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

You get that reference?

[Ad Read / Commercial Voice 3]

I do.

[Dominique]

I'm pretty sure I'm young Vic. Vic was the biggest.

[Mike]

Vic was a big one in Madden 04. No, earlier Lemieux. Really?

[Dave Damasek]

Mew and NHL 93 and 94. Unstoppable. Just about literally unstoppable. You mentioned Mike Trout and I have to the range from Boomer Esiason and be ugly American for a second. I think this. I know it's a hot take sports radio thing and all of that, but it's wacky to suggest that if you could. If there were an alternate universe and you took Christian McCaffrey and Mike Trout and Tyree Kill and Russell Westbrook and you know any number of high end Saquon Barkley and in the year 2000, instead of them playing football or basketball or otherwise and you had them focus on soccer, that the US wouldn't be an international soccer power. It's a ludicrous argument. Yes. Morocco doesn't just create great athletes, they create great soccer players. More so than the US Does. It's an illogical argument.

[Mike]

I was trying to make that case to my 14 year old son. A few days ago he looked at me like I was an idiot.