Hour 1: Adnan's Perenniallyal Reheated Turd (feat. Adnan Virk)

Summary

The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

Hour 1: “Adnan’s Perenniallyal Reheated Turd” (March 12, 2026)
Special Guest: Adnan Virk

---

Episode Overview

Broadcasting from the Elser Hotel in downtown Miami, Dan Le Batard, Stugotz, and crew welcome sports broadcaster and cinephile Adnan Virk for a characteristically freewheeling, joke-studded hour. The crew touches on everything from the drama of the World Baseball Classic and dubious “exclusive” stories, to a sharp Oscars preview, hockey woes for the Maple Leafs, and a spirited Tarantino debate. Playful shaming about reheated anecdotes, repeated Adnan flubs, and the group’s love of polling listeners anchor the hour in the show’s signature blend of irreverence, sports insight, and pop culture riffs.

---

Main Topics and Key Moments

1. Adnan Sings with Michael Bublé: Opening Banter

• [02:11] Mike Ryan plays a clip of Adnan nervously singing on air with Michael Bublé, who appears a bit annoyed but ultimately compliments Adnan's effort.
  • Quote:
    • Dan: “Take that to my grave. Now I gotta admit, Adnan’s singing voice—that’s pretty great to hang with Bublé. I mean, not in the same category, but...well done, Adnan.” [02:24]
    • Adnan: “As soon as we were done, Bublé looked at me and kind of goes, ‘not bad.’ So, take that to the bank.” [02:51]
• The crew jokes about Adnan’s showman tendencies and the fleeting nature of “six or seven seconds” of being a great singer.

2. World Baseball Classic: Passion, Names, and National Pride

• [04:29] Dan and Adnan praise the wild fun and intensity of the WBC, particularly the performances from the Dominican Republic and Team Italy.
  • Quote:
    • Dan: “I’m watching the Dominican Republic last night and they are celebrating as if they’re curing cancer.” [04:36]
    • Adnan: “The reason I’m wearing a Team Canada hat for the first time—Canada advances out of the group stage, we’re in the quarterfinals against the big bad Americans for the first time in 20 years.” [04:54]
• They riff on memorable baseball names like “Stubby Clap” and the quirks of nationality in international tournaments:
  • Quote:
    • Mike Ryan: “I would have assumed that was a guy who took the train to games in the 1920s.” [05:42]
    • Adnan: “This is the wackiest tournament ever—Italy beats Japan and somehow makes it to the final, it’s incredible.” [06:39]

3. Exclusive or “Reheated Turd”? Adnan’s Storytelling Gets Mocked

• [08:24] Adnan shares a story about Mark DeRosa and Vinny Pasquantino—a tale the crew quickly accuse him of recycling:
  • Quote:
    • Stugotz: “You said it was an exclusive. I think it’s a reheated turd from Nothing Personal.” [08:24]
    • Mike Ryan: “You just sold me a bag of recycled shit is what you just did.” [08:28]
• Running joke: The “exclusive” has already aired elsewhere; polls are set to determine how offended listeners are by Adnan being a “turd reheater.” [09:15]
• Adnan gamely takes the ribbing as the crew hammers away at the “reheated turd” theme throughout the segment.

4. Hockey: Leafs Collapse and Adnan’s On-Air Flubs

• [09:26] Mike asks Adnan about the disastrous Toronto Maple Leafs season post-Marner trade.
  • Adnan predicts a front office overhaul and reflects on his own on-air mistakes:
    • Quote:
      • Adnan: “It will haunt me for days, Dan. You know what it’s like when you make a mistake... I felt like a Tim Kurkjian-type moment. ‘God, I’m an idiot. I’m a big dope.’” [11:10]
• The Sabres’ playoff run sparks discussion of Buffalo as “America’s team.”
  • Quote:
    • Adnan: “The Sabres is everyone’s team to cheer.” [12:40]

5. Medals for Adnan’s Loves: Kids, Tennis, Movies, or Baseball?

• [16:45] Stugotz asks Adnan to rank his passions (tennis, baseball, hockey, movies, and his kids) with Olympic medals.
  • Adnan humorously snubs his kids for the sake of movies—“Number one is indeed movies.” [18:00]

6. Oscars Preview: Upsets and Actor Narratives

• [18:00] Adnan previews Oscar drama, especially the Best Actor race between Timothée Chalamet and Michael B. Jordan, noting Chalamet’s unexpected fall from favorite status.
  • Quote:
    • Adnan: “Timothée Chalamet is self-immolating before our very eyes...” [18:18]
• Running gag: The crew repeatedly replays Adnan’s pronunciation flub of “perennial.” [19:10, 29:10]

7. Tarantino & Movie Controversy

• [21:09] Debate on Quentin Tarantino’s controversial use of the N-word and his relationship with Harvey Weinstein.
  • Quote:
    • Dan: “He also has an incredibly high opinion of himself...it is jarring how much he uses the N word.” [21:45]
    • Adnan: “I personally find it a little gratuitous at times, but he is a hell of a filmmaker and I have loved his movies.” [22:48]
• The group muses over Tarantino’s “esprit de corps” defense and how beloved directors sometimes escape full reckoning.

8. NBA and NFL Talk: Kawhi, MVPs & the Devalued Running Back

• [34:34] Discussion of Kawhi Leonard’s resurgent season and historical Clippers resurgence.
  • Quote:
    • Tony: “He’s literally having the best season of his career. Almost 15 years in...” [34:34]
• [37:58] Dan and crew pivot to the NFL, discussing the rapid devaluation of the running back position—even for recent Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker, who inked a relatively small contract.
  • Quote:
    • Dan: “The running back becoming disposable is something that’s happened over the last seven years.” [37:58]
  • They recall the days of hyping running backs like Gurley, Elliott, and Bell—regretted contracts, changing economics, and a consensus that pass rushers are (usually) more team-critical.

9. Miscellaneous Highlights and Classic Show Bits

• [15:29] Dan relates an “out-there” anecdote about dog masturbation lifted from a book about Rex Harrison, leading to classic deadpan confusion and awkwardness.
• [33:29] Funny poll questions:
  • “Can a bald guy be a ginger?”
  • “Is Bill Burr a ginger?”
• [44:19] Playful outro with a clip of John Schneider and Ken Walker, underlining the running themes of contract talk and NFL value shifts.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Adnan on performing with Bublé:

  • “As soon as we were done, Bublé looked at me and kind of goes, ‘not bad.’ So, take that to the bank.” [02:51]

• Stugotz on reheated stories:

  • “That story’s going nowhere for the second time I’ve heard it. How dare you say that’s an exclusive when it’s a reheated turd from Nothing Personal.” [08:44]

• Adnan on the Leafs:

  • “My prediction is Bruby’s out of a job. I think Treliving could join him. A complete overhaul this Leafs team...” [10:45]

• Adnan ranking his loves:

  • “Number one is indeed movies.” [18:00]

• Dan on Tarantino:

  • “He also has an incredibly high opinion of himself...it is jarring how much he uses the N word.” [21:45]

• Tony on Kawhi:

  • “He’s literally having the best season of his career. Almost 15 years into said career, right?” [34:34]

---

Timestamps of Important Segments

• Adnan’s Bublé Performance: [02:11–03:16]
• World Baseball Classic Discussion: [04:29–08:24]
• “Reheated Turd” Story Segment: [08:24–09:26, 19:41–20:31]
• Maple Leafs Collapse & Sabres Hope: [09:26–12:50]
• Adnan’s Self-Deprecating Flubs: [11:10–11:43, 19:14, 29:10]
• Olympic Medals for Adnan’s Loves: [16:45–18:04]
• Oscars Best Actor Drama: [18:00–19:10]
• Tarantino Critique: [21:09–23:58]
• NBA Kawhi/Clippers Talk: [34:34–36:56]
• NFL Running Back Value: [37:58–43:27]
• Funny Ginger Poll: [33:29–34:34]

---

Tone and Style

• Playful, fast-paced, and slathered in inside jokes.
• Spirited teasing of Adnan and each other; lots of quick pivots between sports, film, and random banter.
• Group polling and running gags (notably Adnan’s pronunciation and “reheated turds”) are signature touches.

---

For listeners new and old, this episode delivers the quintessential Le Batard blend: high-level sports insight, pop culture savvy, and relentless, good-natured ridicule—especially at Adnan Virk’s expense.

Transcript

[Mike]

Shot clocks, Big shots, upsets, aces TGL Playoffs are here. First Atlanta drives starts their repeat run

[Dan LeBatard]

against Los Angeles Golf Club. Then Rory's Boston Common Golf and Tigers

[Mike]

Jupiter Lynx face off in their playoff debuts. Who will advance?

[Dan LeBatard]

Keep up its playoffs.

[Mike]

Tune in Tuesday, March 17th at 6:30pm

[Dan LeBatard]

and 9pm only on ESPN and the ESPN app now at the Home Depot. Receive 12 months special financing and free basic installation on carpet projects with lifeproof Lifeproof with pet proof technology, home decorators collection and traffic. Master carpets bring a new look to your floors or give them a durable surface that stands up to life's tough messes. Get 12 months special financing on installed carpet projects right now at the Home Depot. Offer valid March 12 through March 29, 2026. Exclusions and additional charges may apply for licenses. See homedepot.com licensenumbers Spring is here, and

[Sponsor Voice]

there's a whole new way to chai at Starbucks that's made perfect for you. Choose your sweetness, dial it up or keep things light. Add a touch of pistachio, a hint of strawberry or Vanill, or make it a spring classic with lavender. Because this season there's endless ways to chai at Starbucks.

[Dan LeBatard]

This is the Dan Levatar show with the Stugats podcast.

[Producer or Guest]

This episode of the Dan LeBatard show is presented by Bombas. Bombas brings the comfort in all your everyday Go to socks, underwear, tees and more. Use code DAN for 20% off your first purchase. B O M B A S.com Dan

[Stugotz]

I swear by those and I would advise you to get Bombas in your life, especially if you have any issues with your feet being cold, because this is something that I have found very helpful. I see the smiling face of Adnan Virk. I am grateful that we gave him more than 11 days notice on appearing on today's show. He has been sending everyone who has access to computers him singing with Michael Buble.

[Mike Ryan]

So let's go ahead and play that to get him in the right mood here.

[Stugotz]

Before we start with Adnan Virk, let's play the sound of Adnan Virk singing on air in a way that seemed to annoy Michael Buble, who wanted him

[Mike Ryan]

to stop and he simply would not stop singing.

[Dan LeBatard]

Er, no, mine. Michael, is it really your birthday tomorrow? Call me yeah, you do it with me then call me irresponsible Call me oh undeniable I'm just movable too Happy birthday to you. Thank you Irresponsibly mad Take that to my grave Now I gotta admit, Adnan's singing voice that's pretty great to hang with Buble. I mean, not in the same category, but to not sound tone deaf around Michael Buble. Well done, Adnan. You're a good man. Tashay. As soon as we were done, Buble looked at me and kind of goes, not bad. So take that to the bank. Dan hung with Michael Buble, but you're right.

[Stugotz]

What would I do with that? At the bank,

[Tony]

Adnan gave me this. He said, you're staying with Michael Buble.

[Dan LeBatard]

Can you do something? Stack of dimes. But to Dan's point, anybody can be a great singer for six or seven seconds. You got to know when to cut it. After Bill Blay said Happy birthday to my colleague and friend Blake Baldwin, I kept going. I need a giant cane to pull me back enough for get out while you're ahead.

[Stugotz]

Where does that rank in terms of career highlights, where you have found yourself just baffled by where it is you've arrived.

[Dan LeBatard]

Yeah, it's a great question, Dan. It's one of those. I'm sure, as you know, in the moment you're just living it and then afterwards you're terrified and petrified by what just happened and shocked. I didn't pee my pants. So it still feels rather surreal. It's still sinking in. But I hope I need to follow up with this. Like, I need to somehow get a hold of Buble's manager. Backstage passes at the Garden. Like, we need to extend this relationship. This can't just be a one off. It's too special.

[Stugotz]

What are you stugot?

[Mike Ryan]

Like, you can't just have your one moment with somebody. You have to then marry them so that they can perpetuate giving you good feelings.

[Mike]

I got Adnan as a song and dance man. This guy wants a one man show so bad.

[Dan LeBatard]

Mike is right about that. When people say, oh, you can sing. No, I can't. I can just do that. To Mike's point, just the crooning. I mean, there's not much differentiation. There's just that one octave. I wish I could be a dance man, but a song man. Absolutely, Mike, you're right.

[Stugotz]

Why is the World Baseball Classic so much more fun than just baseball?

[Mike Ryan]

It's insane.

[Dan LeBatard]

Dan. I'm watching the Dominican Republic last night and they are celebrating as if they're curing cancer. Like, Juan Soto's home run is epic and Fernando Tatis had a bat flip for the ages. It was so incredible to watch that game last night. And it's riveting. And it's funny how this has grown and popular. You know this as well as I do. The Latin American countries have always gravitated to this tournament because it is truly an expression of the world's best. It's about patriotism and celebrating a great game. But now everybody else is in like before it was okay. Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, they love it now. No, the USA roster has skins in school and we'll get to USA's predicament. The reason I'm wearing a Team Canada hat for the first time. Canada advances out of the group stage. We're in the quarterfinals against the big bad Americans. First time in 20 years. How about Ernie Witt, the long suffering manager and yes, Canadian icon Stubby Clap who is the first base coach? It is riveting entertainment. I think Dan Quinas is because the guys care. If they're into it. It blows the doors off Cactus League or Grapefruit League or any league, quite frankly, because they're so passionate about it.

[Stugotz]

Put it on the poll, please. At Lebatard Show. Is Stubby Clap one of the great

[Mike Ryan]

baseball names you have ever heard in your life? Because I would have assumed that that was a guy who took the train to games in the 1920s. Old stubby cl a second job as a plumber and would show up, would throw the ball about 64 miles an hour and had an EFIS pitch. That stubby clap from the 1920s.

[Dan LeBatard]

Stubby clap could absolutely use some bomba socks. I think that is no doubt about it. We got a picture.

[Stugotz]

Everybody, everybody could use some bomber socks.

[Dan LeBatard]

All of Dean is getting bombed socks. Can we discuss Italy as well, Dan? I mean, has there ever been a better time to be an Italian of any sort of ancestry? How about noted Italian closer Greg Weisert that spelled W e I s S e R T. That's the guy who struck out. Aaron Judge as Italy wins eight to six. There was a non along the way. Who's Italian. Great. You could play for team Italy. They kept laughing. Lorenzen's like I'm playing against my home country. Michael Lorenzen's been the story of the World Baseball Classic. He's an American playing for Italy who shoved and threw four and two thirds. This is the wackiest tournament ever if Italy beats Japan and somehow makes it to the final.

[Stugotz]

Vinnie Pasquantino making the salad. He three times better.

[Mike Ryan]

The shine three times he make it the salad. The Pasquatch. What happened here? Let's play this sound here.

[Stugotz]

Pasquantino saving bailing out more than anybody in the world.

[Dan LeBatard]

Mark DeRosa, three espresso shots in how you feeling?

[Mike Ryan]

I'm caffeinated. I'm beamed up right now, so just. Yeah, we're in a good spot.

[Dan LeBatard]

So how many more boxes of those espresso pods are now on order?

[Mike Ryan]

As many as we need. As many as we need. We'll make it happen. So that was unbelievable, huh?

[Dan LeBatard]

You're welcome.

[Mike Ryan]

Usa. We were thinking of you guys over at your hotel. We were thinking of you guys. So I'm glad you guys could join

[Dan LeBatard]

us in the party. Just spiking at the five yard line. Dan, an exclusive just for you and your audience at last year's spring training camp. It's me and the aforementioned Mark DeRosa, MLB Network colleague and friend and the manager of Team USA. And we're talking to the Royals. Dero talked to Bobby Witt. I interviewed Vinnie Pascantino. At the interview, Pasquino walked over to D row and says, hey, I know I'm Italian, but I'm also American. You know, nudge, nudge, winch, wink. He walks away. And Dear looks at me. He's like, come on. Like, am I going to put Vinny Pascutino on Team USA? And now here's Vinny Pascutino with the first 300 home run game of his life. He was hitless in 12 at bats going in. He's beamed up and he's been the captain of this Italian team. I'm just in shock at what this team has done. It's a remarkable story and credit to Vinnie, who's one of the game's best personalities. The Pasquatch is bringing it.

[Stugotz]

You said it was an exclusive. I think it's a reheated turd from nothing personal.

[Mike Ryan]

I believe that that story is recycled and you said it was an exclusive. And you sold me a bag of recycled shit is what you just did.

[Dan LeBatard]

You leaned in immediately. So wait a tiff, perhaps. Pasquino Derosa, where's the story going?

[Mike Ryan]

Oh, nowhere is the answer.

[Stugotz]

That story.

[Mike Ryan]

Nowhere for the second time. That story's going nowhere for the second time I've heard it. How dare you say that's an exclusive when it's a reheated turd from nothing personal.

[Dan LeBatard]

I can't wait till Cody tweets this out and says, listen, personal, exclusive here.

[Mike Ryan]

Derosa, Pasquintino, you said it's an exclusive. You gave it to someone else earlier. How dare you? How dare. Don't shake your head at me. How dare, Dare you reheat that turd and try to pass it off as

[Dan LeBatard]

exclusive a full 27 hours ago?

[Mike Ryan]

Adnan, it's exclusive to this audience. Put it on the poll at Levitard show. Are you offended that Adnan is a turd reheater?

[Mike]

Adnan, Hockey question for you. You do a great job covering the sport. It's been a disastrous season for the Toronto Maple Leafs. They tried to culture change. They got rid of Marner and they find themselves having a worse season without any injuries than the Florida Panthers. Is everybody on this team going to be shipped out? What's going to happen with the Maple Leafs?

[Dan LeBatard]

Great question, Mike. Dead man walking. I love Craig Bruby, former flyer, great eighth ultimate Pelley, Mids second in majors. But he's done. He was brought in to bring in a culture of intensity and passion. Take this Leafs team which had been so great in the regular season and actually went in the playoffs. They came and make the playoffs and now they're hoping to bottom out the bottom five and just tank and somehow get a chance at Gavin McKenna, which ain't going to happen. So unfortunately Chief, as he's affectionately known, will be out of a job and Bradshaw living is in trouble. The GM of this team was thought listen, they had Brendan Shanahan for years, Kyle Dubas. That was the brain trust those guys made a perennial regular season powerhouse that couldn't win the big one. But now they've taken a big step back and to your point, the main defection was Mitch Marner, who's a sensational player. There's no question about 100 point guy selkie nominee not having a very good season with Vegas hasn't been exceptional. But you've got Auston Matthews, you've got William Nylander. Sure there's been some injuries, but nothing major of substance. You don't have any good great young core. Morgan Riley's been a terrible disappointment. Bocelli hasn't been great. Easton Cowan's expected to have some promise, was a healthy scratch for a handful of games. My prediction is Brubi's out of a job. I think Treliving could join him. A complete overhaul this Leafs team. Nine straight years of making the playoffs, Mike. But this is truly bottoming out for the team that has the deepest pockets of any in the sport.

[Stugotz]

Adnan Vir is an exceptional broadcaster, really, really clean at how do you feel and how much will you wear the way that you just said perennial.

[Dan LeBatard]

It will haunt me for days. It will help me for days. Dan, you know what it's like when you make a mistake. We're also neurotic in this business and as Mike just asked me, a hockey Question. Of course, my passion is also covering baseball. While on Amazon Prime, I called Nick Suzuki of the Montreal Canadiens. Kurt Suzuki, who is of course the manager of the L A Angels and a former catcher of summer, now with the Washington Nationals. And immediately the producer got my ear, said, nick, Nick, not Kurt. And I thought, God, I'm an idiot. I felt like a Tim Kirchen type moment. God, I'm an idiot. God, I'm a big dope.

[Zaslow]

Deflection from Mamba Mendality Adnan won the Stanley Cup. Playoff start. Buffalo's going to be America's team, right?

[Dan LeBatard]

Yeah. Size. It's a great story, man. In the Eastern Conference, there's one great team. There's the Tampa Bay Lightning. I hate to say it to the Panthers fans. I know you guys are. Carolina Hurricanes are a really good team. I don't think they're quite great. I think they're really good and they're one of those teams. Much like the Leafs for years. Terrific in the regular season, yet to ascend. The third best team is the Buffalo Sabres. This is the same Sabres team that went 14 years making the playoffs. 14 years counselor to invoke Robert De Niro's Max Cady in Scorsese's Cape Fear. 14 years counselor and now they're going nuts in Chipwatch Street. They can't get enough of these chicken wings. Tage Thompson's wearing a red hat like mine. Except it's not Team Canada, it's a maga hat when he's at the White House and T stops. And the Sabres right now are celebrating. This has been a team which is a juggernaut. That 87 win the other day against the Lightning was absolutely unbelievable. Their defensive core is remarkable. Rasmus, Dalian, Bo Byer, Michael Samuelson. Even if Colton Pareco turned down a trade to go to them. America's team without questions. As if you want an underdog that's been long suffering Bill still haven't won a Super Bowl. The Sabres is everyone's team to cheer.

[Sponsor Voice]

Love the night. Reach for Zinn After Dark, a limited cocktail inspired series for those who get up when the sun goes down. Try Zyn's Mojito Spiced Cider and Espresso Martini Nicotine pouches. Find them at select retailers available while supplies last. Zyn After Dark Bring on the night. This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical.

[Mike]

Quick break. To tell you about a special Miller time I had with my good buddy Mochetta. Mochetta texted me the other day. He said hey, what are you doing for the game? I said, I'm just on my couch right now doing nothing, enjoying it. He's like, hey, do you want some company? I said, from you Mochetta? Absolutely. Mochetta comes over to the house and I pull out the Miller Lite. Miller Light made that casual hang a memorable good Miller time with my good friend Mochetta because Miller Lite brought us together. We took that first sip after we toasted our beers and we knew we made the right call. We watched a game. All of a sudden we're standing up on our feet, big threes are being drained and white cans are being clanged. See, times like these. That's exactly why Miller Lite is my go to clean, refreshing, easy to drink, brewed for taste with simple ingredients. The original light beer since 1975 and it still hits different for yours truly and his good friend Mo Chedda. Cheers to legendary moments made with Miller Lite. Great taste. 96 calories. Go to millerlight.com dan to find delivery options near you or you can pick up some Miller Lite pretty much anywhere they sell beer. It's Miller time. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Co. Milwaukee, WI 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces.

[Tony]

This episode is sponsored by Better Help. March is one of those months where we talk about celebrating women. And it's very, very deserved. Because when you actually look around, a lot of women in our lives are carrying a ton. Work, family, relationships, expectations nobody notices or sees. I start thinking about the women around me. My wife, my mom, my sister, my friends, my co workers, people who somehow take care of everybody else while still trying to hold it together themselves. And it's a ton to carry. Therapy can be a place to put some of that weight down. It can help you figure out what's yours, what isn't, and how to set better boundaries so you're not running on empty all the time. BetterHelp works with fully licensed therapists in the US and they handle the matching process for you. You fill out a short questionnaire and if your therapist isn't the right fit, you can switch at any time. With more than 30,000 therapists and over 6 million people served, it's the world's largest online therapy platform with an average of 4.9 out of 5 session ratings. Your emotional well being matters. Find support and feel lighter in therapy. Sign up and get 10% off at betterhelp.com/DLB. That's BetterHelp H E L P.com/DLB Dan LeBatard.

[Dan LeBatard]

During one long evening at the Burtons, Robert sent their guest, Tennessee Williams and director Joseph Lozi, running for the door when, in Burton's words, she insulted. Rex is about Rex Harrison. Rex sexually, morally, physically lay on the floor in the bar and bark like a dog. Started to masturbate her basset hound. Oh, Jesus Christ.

[Zaslow]

What's happening?

[Dan LeBatard]

This is the book. And I'm like, how do I. You know? Because to Mike's point, he has to know I read the book. Well, okay, listen, I highlighted this part so you know that I read it. Stugats.

[Producer or Guest]

Have you ever met Mike before today? No. No.

[Dan LeBatard]

First meeting.

[Producer or Guest]

So your thing is, in the first

[Dan LeBatard]

five minutes, let's talk about dog masturbation and giraffe. Because I knew he would be able to relate to the subject matter. He would know what it's like because he's a guest on the show and the guy's trying to impress him because, okay, what's gonna go with. So I figured masturbating a basset hound was definitely something he could at least appreciate.

[Producer or Guest]

Weird assumption to make.

[Dan LeBatard]

Was he right or wrong?

[Producer or Guest]

I'm gonna say. I'm gonna say he was wrong.

[Dan LeBatard]

Oh, this is the Dan Levatar show with the st.

[Stugotz]

I've got four things here for you, Adnan. You give me a bronze, silver, and gold medalist of things you love the most from among these four things, which means you have to exclude one of these four things. Tennis, baseball, hockey, and movies. Are your choices there? And is there anything I'm missing that would make this even harder? Is there your kids? Let's throw your kids in there as well.

[Mike Ryan]

Your four kids, as well as their tennis movies. Your kids, kids, baseball and hockey. I'm hoping you do this correctly. Yes, I am hoping you do this correctly and you exclude your kids from your list. The bronze medalist on things that Adnan

[Stugotz]

loves the most from among tennis, movies, baseball, hockey, and his kids, bronze medalist.

[Dan LeBatard]

Okay, well, it's the only sport that I play. And, of course, you know, my adoration of Federer. So tennis has to be a bronze. I mean, I love tennis like no other. It's the one sport I've never been able to cover. Somehow, some way, tennis is the bronze,

[Stugotz]

the silver medalist is the national pastime.

[Dan LeBatard]

It's baseball

[Stugotz]

and your gold medalist on

[Mike Ryan]

things that you love the most. Do it correctly here, Adnan. Do not choose your kids.

[Dan LeBatard]

Make sure you buy my book, Cinephile. Now. It's available wherever books are sold. Number one is indeed movies.

[Stugotz]

Cinephiles so he will be a part of what it is that we're doing this Sunday. The weirdness of Selection Sunday and the Oscars. I'm looking forward to that. What are you looking forward to finding out on Sunday?

[Dan LeBatard]

What I think is going to be great theater, Dan, is what's happening. Best actor. Timothy Chalamet is self immolating before our very eyes. I thought he was going to win the best actor Oscar. I thought he was deserving to be so. He's been a terrific young actor. Call me by your name. For the arthouse audiences. Dune and its sequel for the more populist audiences. He makes the Bob Dylan film a complete unknown, which I had some issues with, but I thought his performance was excellent. He makes Marty supreme exhilarating thrill ride, two and a half hours, the real auteur. And Josh Safdie. Everything is aligning. He wins the Golden Globe, then he goes out there and craps on ballet opera. Jessica Spatanna takes him to task and his star has fallen. Michael B. Jordan won at the actor awards and Chalamet didn't win at the BAFTAs. The British Oscars. So I am fascinated to see if indeed Timothy Chalamet has gone from being a front runner to an also ran. It would be an epic swan dive for a guy who wouldn't care for a movie like Black Swan, which is about ballet.

[Stugotz]

Let me hear Adnan trying to say perennial.

[Dan LeBatard]

Those guys made it perennial. Those guys made it perennial.

[Mike Ryan]

Oh, this is unfair.

[Dan LeBatard]

Those guys made it perennial. For perennial. Those guys made it perennial. Okay, again, Those guys made it perennial. They had swallowed a wafer royal.

[Mike Ryan]

I can't believe he gave us a recycled turd of a story.

[Stugotz]

A recycled poster.

[Mike Ryan]

It wasn't an exclusive. How can you say it was exclusive after he already said it 27 hours earlier? And I bet you said it before that. I'm guessing that. I'm guessing that thing was. I'm guessing it was reheated three times, four times. You just given leftovers all over two countries, Canada and the United States.

[Dan LeBatard]

People are going to be riveted. This story pass. Quintino de Rosa, Tiffany, question mark. Exclusive. I. When I heard you start talking now, I was like, oh, wow, how interesting there's gonna be another story from that interaction. Because surely he won't say the exact same thing. By the way, like word for word. I bet if we went and clipped it from nothing personal, I would bet word for word for sentence by sentence, it was exactly the same.

[Mike Ryan]

The way you told the story just tasted the same as the recycled Turd from the day before when it wasn't any fresher.

[Stugotz]

Disgusting. I'm disgusted by Adnan Vir. It will not keep me from inviting him to be a part of what it is that we are doing on Sunday. We have to give him more notice next year. Eleven days is not enough when you have four kids. That that's what he says. So

[Mike Ryan]

that is what you said. That was a private conversation.

[Dan LeBatard]

Now you're out in the website. Candid voicemail.

[Mike Ryan]

Don't recycle turds around here and I won't put your business in Daslow brought

[Stugotz]

up something yesterday from the Quentin Tarantino file. Quentin Tarantino continues to double down no matter where the criticism comes from. On. I'm allowed to use the N word. On. In my voice, in my movies, in my writing. I'm allowed to do this. And he will not back off from it. In fact, he aggressively comes after anyone who will criticize Chris and I'll put

[Tony]

that in the club.

[Stugotz]

Your thoughts are what On Quentin Tarantino? We love his movies. On him taking this criticism from. Is it Rosanna? Rosanna Arquette.

[Dan LeBatard]

I've always been a fan of his movies, Dan. There's no question about he's a supremely talented guy. He also has an incredibly high opinion of himself. And as you said, he pushes back in any sort of criticism. You know, when you watch his movies, it is jarring how much he uses the N word. I mean, there's certain movies, you go, this does feel gratuitous. I don't think that's an unfair criticism and I don't think present Arquette is unfair in criticizing it all these years later. Like, Tarantino's point is like, well, you took the check. I'm like, yeah, but that you can make decisions. And years back, be reflective and say, you know what, I had some issues with that. Or in retrospect, that wasn't a right decision. That's what life is, having regrets, living with those, etc. So I think Rosanna or Kat's perfectly intel to give her opinion. I guess QT is fine to lash back and say, well, you took the check. You have an issue with it. But it's definitely been a blemish to some of his films. And this is not the first we've heard that criticism. Spike Lee said this years ago, like, does this guy want to be black? Stop using the word all the time. But then you have Jamie Foxx's and Samuel L. Jackson, you know, notable black actors who defended Tarantino. His use of the word in that vein, you know, if you're making a film called Django Unchained, it's about slave owners, I'm allowed to use that word. I personally find it a little gratuitous at times, but he is a hell of a filmmaker and I have loved his movies. I have to admit that.

[Zaslow]

Why do you think it is? I mean, I love Quentin Tarantino's movies. They are my favorite. He's my favorite director. Pulp Fiction is my favorite movie. But, you know, you have that right there, the criticism about the N word. You also have what was likely a pretty close relationship to Harvey Weinstein. It does kind of feel like Quentin Tarantino skates a little bit.

[Dan LeBatard]

No, I completely agree, Zaz. The Weinstein one's a great point. I mean, when you look back at some of those movies of the 90s, and it's a personal decade for me, I loved a lot of those films. But there's no doubt that Weinstein's imprint was all over it. And specifically to Tarantino. You're absolutely right. Reservoir Dogs was born at Sundance, but once Miramax put that stamp on it, they gave it that push and that boost. And him and Harvey were thick as thieves at the palm door when at the Cannes film festival in 94. And Pulp Fiction 1, all those films always had the Weinstein imprint on how many other people will be supporting Jackie Brown, which is a film that I like but wasn't a commercial success. So Tarantino definitely gets a pass. Sometimes it happens for certain filmmakers. Maybe eventually people be more critical of his work. But again, I guess it's a weird ex. When your movies are so beloved, people are willing to give you a pass.

[Stugotz]

But you're right.

[Dan LeBatard]

Connection to Weinstein plus the N word. Not everything about QT is golden. And who knows? His career will be over soon anyways. He has said himself he wants to make one more movie. Apparently he's been writing a play that's going to be premiering in the West End in London. One more film in the tank for Kutty.

[Stugotz]

Anyways, I'm allowed to use the N word.

[Mike Ryan]

No,

[Stugotz]

Put it on the poll, please. Are thieves really that thick? And look up for me, Jeremy, why the saying is thick as thieves. I think thieves shouldn't trust each other, whether when they get into business together. I don't understand quite that expression on thick as thieves.

[Zaslow]

I think because if you're working together as a thief, you have to really trust your thief partner.

[Stugotz]

Well, but I've always thought that thieves tend to not trust other thieves and also think that everyone else is a thief and know that thieves can't be trusted. Tarantino said this as well. There's supposed to be a esprit de corps between our.

[Dan LeBatard]

I love that. I did. That was my favorite part of the statement.

[Stugotz]

Did you finish the quote?

[Mike Ryan]

I just wanted to.

[Dan LeBatard]

I was so excited. The usage of esprit de corps was unbelievable because he wants to be a relatable guy and he throws no statement. It was so great. Go ahead. Esprit de corps.

[Mike Ryan]

How good is that? Who else is using that? That's why he gets a pass.

[Dan LeBatard]

Say whatever you like. If you use esprit de corps, you have my vote. I'm sorry. I'll shut up now. I'll see you Sunday.

[Mike Ryan]

Say something. I'm trying to give the audience the whole quote. I was so excited. The quote from Tarantino is quote. There's supposed to be esprit de corps between artistic colleagues.

[Stugotz]

But it would appear the objective was accomplished in response to Arquette, which totally

[Mike Ryan]

ignores what he did to Paul Dano. Like, he called Paul Dano a weak sister, weak sauce. He said he's the weakest male actor in sag. And. And now he's like, no, no, no. Spree de corps on me using the N word.

[Dan LeBatard]

Like, what spread of corps is such a great term. A feeling of pride, fellowship, and common loyalty shared by the members of a particular group. I mean, A plus usage of it. But you're right. Paul Dano, who is incredible in the Will Be Blood, which is a film that I adore. I think many of us do. And Tarantino, I remember on there's a commentary track, There Will Be Blood on the DVD in which he says his one issue with it. And this is before he really committed character assassination on Paul Dano. This was years ago. He said, listen, I adore the film, but I do think Daniel Day Lewis against Paul Dano is kind of like Ali Quarry, which is a great boxing reference for people of a certain vintage. It's a little dated.

[Mike Ryan]

It's super dated. It's so dated. Jerry Corey reference.

[Dan LeBatard]

Like, I burst out laughing. What he said. I go, that's pretty good. Ali Quarry. Take that to the bank again.

[Mike Ryan]

We're taking that to the bank.

[Tony]

I got a Ali Quarry.

[Mike Ryan]

I'm going to show up. Just to be clear. I'm going to a bank. What bank is this that I'm going to? I'm like, hey, I got Tarantino over here using the N word. And I've got. I've got Ali Quarry. And can I get. Please A roll of pennies?

[Dan LeBatard]

No.

[Mike Ryan]

They're going to say to me, get out of here, sir, you're a lunatic. And they're going to have security arrest me.

[Stugotz]

What on Sunday else do you want to see? You are very excited about the Oscars and I'm hoping that you join us wearing a tuxedo and applying the appropriate formality to what it is that we're attempting to do on Sunday.

[Dan LeBatard]

I'm thrilled to always be a part of the shenanigan, Dan. You know that I've seen all the nominees in 17 categories and I'm missing one nomination in a total of 19 categories. So to say I'm. I'm well versed in prep will be an understatement. But I'm glad you're asking if there's one award I could see and it's not going to happen. If there was one award, there's always one. I'm stumping for. It's Ethan Hawke for a film called Blue Moon. Ethan Hawke has been one of the best actors around for a long time. This is his first ever best actor Oscar nominations. He's been nominated twice for supporting actor, Boyhood and Training Day. He's been nominated twice before for original screenplay with Richard Linklater and Julie Delpy, probably Before midnight franchise. But his first ever best actor nomination. He's got a horrible comb over. He plays five foot two Lorenz Hart, who is a Broadway composer and the film is about his relationship and what happened with Rodgers and Hammerstein. It's a beautifully calibrated performance. He's incredible in it. He's not going to win. I think Michael B. Jordan will. But God, if Ethan Hawk wins best actor, you'll see a man leaping up and down out of his tuxedo.

[Stugotz]

I am looking forward to Sunday. Adnan, thank you for everything you do for us. And joining us on Sunday, Cinephile is the name of the podcast and the book. The podcast you can look at and you should at old episodes because he does a lot of stuff that is worth reviewing there. His expert knowledge of movies is second to none. Film he would call it because he's ostentatious. But it is second to none. And the book is called Cinephile as well. It is available wherever it is. You get your books.

[Dan LeBatard]

Do the best, Dan. Appreciate you guys. Always. Canada. Usa. Wbc. Let's go. Canada. Naylor brothers. Get it done.

[Tony]

Adnan, before you go, you said that he played 5 foot 2, Roger, whatever the guy's name was Lorenz Hart. Yeah, Lorenz Hart. How does that work? Does he just like kind of crouch a little bit? Does he like go on his knees and use shoes on his knees?

[Dan LeBatard]

Like, what do you.

[Tony]

Why'd you say that?

[Zaslow]

That.

[Dan LeBatard]

It's a great question, Tony. Because Ethan Hawk's been answering that. He said they dealt tunnels. Like the whole movie takes place in a bar, so they actually built tunnels. And then the tracking shots. Ethan Hawk would be much shorter than Bobby Cannavale, who is much taller than him in real life. He also time shrunk a little bit. He said, listen, if we can make Charlie Chaplin look taller, we can make me look smaller. Ethan Hawke's five foot ten in the movie's five foot two. Excellent question. He said, dilt tunnels. Get him. Those guys made it perennially old. No, no, no, no, no. Those guys made it perennial. Those guys made it perennial.

[Stugotz]

Thank you, Adnan.

[Mike Ryan]

We appreciate it.

[Zaslow]

Boys.

[Mike Ryan]

I enjoyed that awkward silence more than

[Stugotz]

John Schneider enjoyed the awkward silence around Ken.

[Mike]

We'll rally.

[Stugotz]

We'll rally.

[Producer or Guest]

Folks, listen up. Quick break in the action. Are you counting down the days until payday? Instacash from Moneyline can help you access up to $500 of your hard earned pay early. There's no interest, no credit check and no monthly fees, so you can manage those in between expenses with less stress. Download the MoneyLion app and link your qualifying bank account to see what you qualify for. Moneylion make money easy. Instacash is subject to terms and eligibility requirements. Expedited delivery requires a turbo fee.

[Tony]

See moneylion.com DraftKings Sportsbook the number one sportsbook for live betting is built for March. The tournament is unpredictable, but the rewards are guaranteed, baby. And DraftKings is delivering some of the most generous rewards in the in the market. New to DraftKings bet just five bucks and get 200 bucks in bonus bets instantly. Download the DraftKings sportsbook app and use code DAN. That's code DAN to turn five bucks into 200 bucks in bonus bets instantly in partnership with DraftKings. The crown is yours.

[Dan LeBatard]

Gambling problem. Call 1-800- GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-STET. New York, call 877-8-HOPE and WHY or text HOPE and WHY. Connecticut, call 888-78-9-7777 or visit ccpg.org on behalf of Boothill Casino in Kansas. Wager tax pass through. May apply in Illinois, 21 and over in most states. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bonus seven days after issuance. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see sportsbook.draftkings.com promos Limited time offer your

[Producer or Guest]

little one grew 3 inches overnight.

[Dan LeBatard]

Adorable.

[Producer or Guest]

Also expensive. Sell their pint sized pieces on Depop and list them in minutes with no selling fees because somewhere a dad refuses to pay full price for the clothes his kids will outgrow tomorrow and he's ready to buy your son's entire wardrobe right now. Consider your future growth Bird budget secured. Start selling on Depop where taste recognizes taste. Payment processing fees and boosting fees still apply. See website for details.

[Stugotz]

Don LeBatard what is the worst part of the life Stuff?

[Producer or Guest]

The worst part of the life of what?

[Dan LeBatard]

This is the Dan Levatar show with the Stugach.

[Stugotz]

I've been wanting to ask Chris Cody a question for three days to stump him because he's been on vacation and I don't think he's considered at any point what I'm about to ask him.

[Mike]

You're not gonna believe what Bam Adebayo did.

[Dan LeBatard]

Can your dad tell you what Bam Adebayo did?

[Mike]

You like one of the least likely players ever.

[Stugotz]

Chris Cody is somebody who has become right around here and very recently our OG Original ginger. On deciding whether others are allowed to be gingers or not because he did not allow Sam Darnold to be a ginger even after he won the Super Bowl. So my question to you is this, Bill Burr, is he a ginger?

[Producer or Guest]

I can't picture him with a full head of hair, but for me he's always fit the mold.

[Stugotz]

Well, he's bald now though. And so you were saying that the Sam Darnold beard made him a fake ginger, even though it is a full and resplendent red beard.

[Producer or Guest]

And I may if Sam Darnold was bald outside of his beard, maybe I would have thought he was a ginger. But for me, it's just a yes or no. It's one of those, like porn. I've said this before. Bill Burr. Yes. Full ginger. That's it.

[Stugotz]

Okay, I'm surprised by that because I'm guessing many people don't even know, right. That Bill Burr. Because he's. I think of Bill Burr as almost famously bald.

[Producer or Guest]

Got the freckles on the forehead. That's always big.

[Stugotz]

Put it on the poll at Lebatard Show. Can a bald guy be a ginger? Yes or no? And is Bill Burr a ginger? Yes or no. Last night, the Clippers won by a lot and are now over 500. They're the first team ever, I believe, to go from 15 games under.500 in an NBA season to over 500. And many of you have said around here that Kawhi Leonard is having his best season, which is a shocking thing to hear, but he scored 45 last night and he's putting up efficiency numbers that look like Steph Curry when he won the MVP in 2015. What Kawhi Leonard is doing without his two running mates who they traded at the deadline is crazy.

[Tony]

He's literally having the best season of his career. Almost 15 years into said career, right? Like you look at the way that people age and it's like the jumper's gone, you're not good on defense, you have no sideways mobility and it's like he's got all of those things and we thought he had no knees and like now he's just back and playing Michael Jordan basketball. It's insane.

[Zaslow]

Remember he said at like the first game availability after they traded away Harden and Zubots. Like he literally said, you know, as far as them being a contest, ship has sailed. You know, they're, they're playing great now.

[Stugotz]

He is over 25 points per game. He is over 50% from the field, he's over 90% from the free throw line and he's got more than two steals a game. And only, only Steph Curry in NBA history has done that. And it was when he was unanimously the MVP of the league. And I will say it again, I don't think it's happened before in the history of the sport where in a regular season an NBA team is 15 games under.500 and then it stops being under.500 and stops being under 500 after they traded his second and third best player.

[Tony]

And that's why basketball is such a, in such a cool space because you have Kawhi, who's having the best career, best season of his career. You have Jokic, who's having the best season of his career, averaging a triple double, leading the NBA in assists and rebounds as a 7 foot 2 guy. And then they're not even close to winning the MVP because SGA is going to win the MVP for what he's done.

[Mike]

Kawhi's had an unbelievable season worthy of MVP consideration. I'm going to take it to a Miami Hurricane here. Jordan Miller is really important to this team. There is a direct correlation with him being on the floor more and them playing better. He's doing exactly what he did for the Miami Hurricanes, which is be an unsung hero like the fourth guy you might talk about. But he's a versatile defender. You'll never catch him flat footed on a switch. He can guard basically one through, he can guard one through five. Like he can put an elbow like one through four and a half, but he is a really important player for what they do.

[Stugotz]

Is SGA going to qualify? Is he going to have enough games to qualify for the mvp?

[Zaslow]

For sure, yeah. He's got I think like eight games to score.

[Tony]

Two handful of games. Yeah.

[Zaslow]

Yeah.

[Tony]

Jokic is the one that's in trouble. I think he has one more game. If he misses anything and he's completely out.

[Zaslow]

It's why SGA is such a huge favorite to win the award.

[Stugotz]

Also with Jokic, he hasn't quite been the same since his knee injury. There is some stuff happening there where his range from distance has been less good. And look, we're grading on a curve, right? And it's a curve that has very little precedent in the history of the league. When you say Jokic is playing less well, but he has been less efficient since the knee injury. I wanted to circle back around on something that we were talking about and we just sort of glossed over and I understand why we glossed over it, but I want to, I want to bring it back up. Kenneth Walker was the Super Bowl MVP and you guys are shrugging at him getting a three year, $45 million contract. That is what Bradley Chubb got. And you're shrugging and saying, yeah, Dan, that's what's happened to the running back position and it has in terms of value. But man, that was quick. It happened pretty quick. It's over the last five years where we've decided Super Bowl MVP at running back who is somebod buddy who gets more than 10 yards of carry. The running back becoming disposable is something that's happened over the last seven years. I'm going to say, are we back

[Producer or Guest]

on of like an upswing?

[Mike]

Yeah.

[Producer or Guest]

Salaries. I feel like they went down and now they're almost.

[Mike]

Yeah, maybe it's felt like a, like a quick thing for you, but I think it's been like 15 years where the league's been like, we can get other people to do this. It feels like Walker's actually getting more money nowadays than he would have maybe just four years ago.

[Tony]

100%. And James Cook signed for a similar deal. 4 for 48. So it was like that's kind of what the range is for a top tier running back these days.

[Zaslow]

I mean, I, I get what you're saying. He was Super Bowl MVP, but it's been like four years. He's had 2,000 yard seasons and the high was in his rookie year where he had 10, 50, you know, like

[Dan LeBatard]

he, I don't know.

[Tony]

He's battled injuries too on top of that.

[Mike]

Yeah, and they've, they've had.

[Zaslow]

But like this year he played all 17 games. He had 10, 27 yards rushing. Like this isn't Walter Payton.

[Mike]

He wasn't even like considered the starter at, at the start of the season. He was not getting starters reps at the start of the season. They, they favored other guys on their roster.

[Tony]

Charbonnet was a guy that they loved and then he tore his ACL. But Charbonnet and him were splitting time basically 1a, 1b for the last couple of years. So when you look at a thousand yards here, if he had 1100 yards a year prior, it's like he's splitting time anyway.

[Zaslow]

Yeah, I, this isn't a big thing to me. Like this is not someone that I to want that I would have broken the bank to keep if I were Seattle. I'd imagine Seattle didn't even give this much thought. You know, they'll go with Charbonnet next year and they'll draft a running back in the fourth or fifth round.

[Mike]

From the video that we saw from the parade, I'd agree they didn't give him much thought.

[Zaslow]

Well, that is the evidence I'm using in my favor.

[Stugotz]

The point that I made earlier though, about the alterations in worth Jalen Phillips older than Kenneth Walker. Walker body more broken than Kenneth Walker. Getting more than $100 million from Carolina, again, older than Kenneth Walker. And you guys are saying, eh, big deal. Four years in the league and seeing

[Producer or Guest]

Jalen Phillips got 100 million 20. That one I missed.

[Dan LeBatard]

That's insane. He's broken.

[Mike]

They got Devin Lloyd too.

[Dan LeBatard]

Holy.

[Mike]

Although Zaz says you know him, not a big move.

[Zaslow]

I don't know if

[Stugotz]

Jalen Phillips with his body in that condition at 26, being older than Kenneth Walker and getting three times the contract that the Super Bowl MVP was. I understand that you guys are now immune to how much the running back position has been devalued. I'm making my assessments on Kenneth Walker not as the super bowl mvp. It's how good he was at Mike Michigan State. He got Mel Tucker more millions than he just got from Kansas City because Michigan State was carried by Kenneth Walker and his rugged running style. And I'm still a little startled by how quickly we make these guys disposable. And I tell you this as someone who was wrong for several years on highly questionable because I was willing to, willing to pay Todd Gurley. I was willing to Pay Ezekiel Elliott. I was pilling. I was willing to pay Dalvin Cook. I got left behind by how that sport changed all of its salaries. I was making bad arguments on behalf of running backs. While the league totally adjusted how we pay the running backs.

[Mike]

Who can forget the A blocks of demarco Murray, Pour one out.

[Stugotz]

How much time did we spend talking about Le'Veon Bell? How much time did I spend talking about you gotta pay?

[Mike Ryan]

Le'Veon Bell sat for like 15 games.

[Zaslow]

He was pretty all season.

[Mike]

Yeah. But almost every example that Dan brought up was immediate regret. Which is why the market has been what it is for that position for most of this century.

[Zaslow]

But the money with a player like Kenneth Walker compared to the money that Jalen Phillips got got, the reward is so much greater than the risk from that position to the other. Like if you have an incredible pass rusher, incredible pass rusher is more valuable than incredible running back.

[Mike]

It's why there's a school of thought that positionally there needs to be something collectively bargained for running backs. Actually, Kenneth Walker in his fourth year, being able to get to that next contract, that is a. That is a job extremely well done. Running backs don't often get that opportunity to cash in for a second contract. Look at what happened to Isaiah Pacheco and his running style. You look, it took a toll on his body and Kansas City moved on from him and got the next durable back.

[Stugotz]

Zaslow. This is what I would say, though in disagreement to how it is that you just frame that because you're generally right on pass rusher. But Kansas City's defense is going to be good no matter what because of how they do things. I think that's an extraordinary signing for just that team. Team, just that team saying, you know what we're going to do, Mahomes? We're going to actually get you a running back who does break 10 yard runs. You haven't had one of those the last couple of years. We're going to make all of this easier by getting you a running back. I think that particular team needs pass rush less than it needs what they're presently getting. They getting that at 45 million to me is more value than Carolina getting Jalen Phillips for 120 million. And I will say it again, again, Kenneth Walker's younger than Jalen Phillips.

[Tony]

You would argue that Derrick Henry, probably the best running back of this generation. His best contract was 4 for 50. So. So Kenny Walker's is better from an average annual perspective.

[Mike]

And he's one of the outliers, as he's always been his entire career. Just nuts. What he's done, both on the field and in his bank account, where paying the man actually worked out for you.

[Zaslow]

You're also judging it with context. Like, if you just look at it in a vacuum, what I'm saying makes more sense. But in the context where it's like, on that team, he's worth that. Yeah, of course that makes sense.

[Stugotz]

They've also had a young defense, and their defensive coordinator, Spagnolo, does things. Spagnolo does things with them that very few D coordinators are able to do. Let's just play again. The awkwardness, though, between John Snyder and Kenny Walker and, as I like to call him, just Stugach, Ken Walker being the mvp.

[Dan LeBatard]

Let's go. He tried negotiating with me five minutes ago. It was really weird. Anyway,