Hour 1: An Extra Minute With John Fanta

Summary

The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz Episode: Hour 1: An Extra Minute With John Fanta Release Date: April 2, 2025

In this engaging episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, hosts Dan Le Batard and Stugotz delve deep into the current landscape of college basketball with special guest John Fanta, a passionate Cleveland Browns fan and basketball enthusiast. Recorded from the Elser Hotel in Downtown Miami, the discussion spans various facets of the sport, including the highly anticipated Final Four, bracket predictions, the evolving dynamics of coaching, and the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations on collegiate athletics.

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1. Final Four Analysis and Team Performance

Timestamp: 01:00 – 04:50

The conversation kicks off with a comprehensive analysis of the Final Four lineup, highlighting the unprecedented occurrence of all one-seeds reaching this stage for the second time since 2008. John Fanta emphasizes the historical significance of this alignment:

"These four teams have a higher efficiency rating than 21 of the last 22 national champions." (03:19)

He underscores the excitement surrounding matchups like Duke vs. Houston, where Duke boasts the most efficient offense, and Houston leads defensively. Fanta also touches upon Auburn's season-long dominance and their intriguing matchup against Florida, recalling their previous encounter at Neville Arena.

Key Points:

• All one-seeds in the Final Four signify high-caliber performances.
• Anticipated clash between top offensive and defensive teams.
• Auburn's consistent top-tier performance despite setbacks.

2. Bracket Predictions and the Cinderella Narrative

Timestamp: 05:07 – 13:06

Transitioning to bracketology, John Fanta shares his bracket picks, securing three of the Final Four teams. He reflects on the diminishing presence of Cinderella teams, attributing this trend to the sheer talent and strategic coaching of the current top-seeded teams:

"While college sports is nuts and college basketball's wild, it's basketball, guys. This is not like football in the trenches..." (04:50)

Fanta nostalgically recalls past Cinderella runs, such as Florida Atlantic's surprising tournament success, and speculates on a resurgence in 2026. He critiques the lack of unpredictability in this year's tournament, suggesting that high-seed teams will dominate.

Key Points:

• John Fanta predicted a Final Four with mostly one-seeds.
• Diminishing opportunities for lower-seeded Cinderella teams.
• Hope for future unpredictability in subsequent tournaments.

3. The Evolution of College Basketball Coaching

Timestamp: 06:57 – 09:14

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the shifting paradigms in college basketball coaching. John Fanta compares seasoned coaches like Tom Izzo, Ripertino, and Kelvin Sampson with younger counterparts such as Todd Golden and John Shire. He praises the adaptability and cultural leadership of the older generation:

"Kelvin Sampson ... can say things and do things with his players that I don't know if coaches under 40 can." (06:57)

Fanta highlights how veteran coaches effectively manage team dynamics, foster resilience, and maintain strong relationships with players, setting them apart from newer coaches who may struggle to connect on the same level.

Key Points:

• Veteran coaches possess unique leadership qualities.
• Younger coaches face challenges in adapting to modern player dynamics.
• Importance of cultural and interpersonal skills in coaching success.

4. Impact of NIL and Conference Dynamics

Timestamp: 11:39 – 13:06

The conversation shifts to the broader implications of NIL regulations and revenue sharing plans on college basketball conferences. John Fanta discusses how the Big East is poised to ascend as a basketball powerhouse due to its focused investment in the sport, free from the financial burdens of supporting football programs:

"The Big East is set for success ... it values basketball." (12:06)

He contrasts this with concerns from coaches in the SEC, ACC, and Big Ten about the strategic advantages the Big East will gain. Fanta argues that the Big East's prioritization of basketball aligns with NIL's intent to empower athletes and enhance competition quality.

Key Points:

• Big East leveraging NIL and revenue sharing to bolster basketball programs.
• Potential rise of the Big East as a dominant basketball conference.
• SEC, ACC, and Big Ten expressing apprehension over shifting dynamics.

5. Notable Quotes and Insights

Throughout the episode, several memorable quotes encapsulate the hosts' and guest's perspectives:

• John Fanta on Final Four teams:

  "These four teams have a higher efficiency rating than 21 of the last 22 national champions." (03:19)

• Discussion on coaching adaptability:

  "Bruce Pearl ... has adapted and he's so open to doing media. He's willing to talk to people." (06:57)

• Impact of NIL on conference strength:

  "The Big east is set for success ... it values basketball." (12:06)

6. Additional Banter and Light-Hearted Moments

Beyond the in-depth analysis, the episode features light-hearted interactions and humor, particularly surrounding the concept of fans adopting a "three-point stance" during games. The hosts and John Fanta engage in playful banter about this quirky fan behavior, adding a relatable and entertaining layer to the discussion.

Key Points:

• Three-point stance as a humorous ritual among fans.
• Hosts share personal anecdotes and humorous takes on fan culture.

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Conclusion

This episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz offers a rich blend of expert analysis, insightful commentary, and entertaining banter. John Fanta provides a nuanced perspective on the current state and future trajectory of college basketball, emphasizing the dominance of top-seeded teams, the enduring impact of veteran coaches, and the transformative effects of NIL on conference dynamics. For sports enthusiasts seeking a deep dive into college basketball's evolving landscape, this episode serves as a valuable and engaging resource.

Transcript

[Dan Le Batard]

Now's a good time to remember where tequila's story truly began. In 1795, Cuervo invented tequila.

[Stugotz]

Cuervo.

[Dan Le Batard]

What are you doing here?

[Stugotz]

Cuervo? Anytime someone says Cuervo, I show up.

[Dan Le Batard]

Well, I do know that to be true. But even during ad reads like Cuervo, I think he could lay out, especially for one of our great partners.

[Stugotz]

Sweet, delicious Cuervo.

[Dan Le Batard]

Since then, Cuervo has stayed true to its roots. The same family, the same land, the same passion.

[Stugotz]

Cuervo.

[Dan Le Batard]

So enjoy the tequila that started it all.

[Stugotz]

Cuervo. Cuervo.

[Dan Le Batard]

The tequila that invented tequila. Proximo. Cuervo.com Please drink responsibly.

[Stugotz]

Cuervo.

[Chris Cote]

This is the Don Levatar show with the Stugats podcast.

[Billy Gil]

This episode of the Dan Lebatard show with Stugatz is presented by DraftKings. DraftKings, the Crown is yours.

[Stugotz]

All right, time for some tourney talk. We're bringing in college football experts. College football, or excuse me, college.

[Jessica]

Get your mind out the gridiron.

[Stugotz]

My bad. It's hard. Well, I mean, hard wood. John Fanta is also a football enthusiast, but we have him here to talk about basketball. He is. He might be interesting to talk to you about the proposal that I just made to David Sampson because, Jon, welcome to the show. You're a Browns fan, right?

[Billy Gil]

Sir.

[John Fanta]

Come on now. Cleveland Browns fan guy. Come on now. I'm waiting on my next quarterback here. I got the number two pick in the draft. Now, I, I, I, I don't know what we're going to do. I don't think Cam Ward's not going to be on the table for me, but hope springs eternal.

[Stugotz]

Do you want. Are you one who wants your door or would you rather go ahead and get a D? Abdul Carter or I guess or Travis Hunter is a possibility there also.

[John Fanta]

So you know what, guys? My, my belief system is always this. If you, if you don't have it right at QB1, what does it really matter? But by the same token, at the number two pick, to me, Abdul Carter is such an overwhelmingly talented player that it's hard for me to pass him by when at number two. There are real questions then about the value of Chadur in that slot in the draft. If they go and get him, I'm good with it, guys, because I got to get that position right. And let's face it, I'm not saying that he is just. But a year ago, we didn't have Jaden Daniels doing what he's doing.

[Stugotz]

Yeah.

[John Fanta]

And you can go Right down line of other cases in the International Football League. So I. I'm good with either route. I really am.

[Stugotz]

All right. Speaking of overwhelmingly talented right now we got all one seeds, all chalk in the final four. And it's like, it's not just that they're one seeds. I think they're four of the best. Excuse me, four of the top 10k palm teams ever in these Final Fours. Like, how excited are we? Are you one of these guys who wishes we had one Cinderella in here, or are you super about the overwhelming amount of talent and great coaching that we have in this year's tournament?

[John Fanta]

You know what, Dominic? My thing is, when I look at this lineup of teams, this is historic because the last time that we had it happen was 2008, and that's the only other time it's occurred.

[Stugotz]

Right.

[John Fanta]

That being Memphis, Carolina, UCLA and Kansas. Think about this. These four teams have a higher efficiency rating than 21 of the last 22 national champions. So I want to see the clash of the Titans. I want to see the best teams play each other. And it's going to be fascinating to see this weekend in San Antonio, where you have Duke, the most efficient offensive team in the country, against Houston, the best defensive team in the country, where you have Auburn in Florida. And for the better part of the year, Auburn was the number one team in the country. They've been the number one the most weeks. But they lost the last time they met Florida, the only time they've met Florida this year. And it came at home inside Neville Arena. So there's a bunch of storylines. I truly believe this. We had it so good in the Cinderella column the last couple of years. And while college sports is nuts and college basketball's wild, it's basketball, guys. This is not like football in the trenches where. Where the comparable to a Cinderella meets the heavyweight and gets blasted at the line of scrimmage. And it's not a game. I think that Cinderella's carriage just stopped at the BP or the Shell. They're. They're getting the gas tank up and in 2026, we're going to see that carriage run right back through. I do believe that. But let's not deny that sometimes when Cinderella has made it this deep in the dance, at some point they even turn back into a pumpkin in the tournament. These four teams make for quite the weekend in San.

[Billy Gil]

This toasted bracket update is sponsored by Jimmy John's. They're finally here and they're hot. Try the new toasted sandwiches at Jimmy John's. Order one today.

[Jessica]

Nobody calls it San.

[Stugotz]

They do now. We just kicked it off. They call it San right now. Do you do a bracket?

[John Fanta]

Do I do a bracket?

[Stugotz]

Yeah. What do you mean? I didn't know. I didn't know if he did one.

[John Fanta]

Does Mari read paternity test results?

[Stugotz]

Oh, you're speaking my language. I love Maury.

[John Fanta]

Do cows get milked? I mean, come on now.

[Stugotz]

How did you do this year? I guess that's more a better question. How did your bracket turn out this year?

[John Fanta]

Well, I had three of the Final Four. I wasn't going to go chalk, chalk, chalk, chalk. You know, I thought. I did think it was funny that the people who did and everybody ripped them on slices. Look, you can't just go all chalk. But I did think that the top of the country was overwhelmingly good. I thought Michigan State could end up making the magic happen. And izzo, in his 30th year to get there. I did okay. I thought UC San Diego was going to make a run in this tournament. They, you know, I talk with Dusty May about this. He's the head coach of Michigan, and he's like, when people say that, that the Cinderella thing is dead, he's like, you see, San Diego was a possession away from beating us, right? He's like, it's basketball, man. Like, I've been on the other side of that at Florida Atlantic when we made the improbable run. You just. You just simply never know what can happen in this thing. And that's why, like, think about this, fellas. Shouldn't Texas Tech be in the Final Four? They were up by nine with, with 2:51 to go in the game. Up by nine with 2:51. You're wondering how the hell they lose that.

[Stugotz]

The. The four teams that are here, and I alluded to the coaches earlier, two of them are 65 or over, then the other two are 40 and under. With the changing, like, dynamics in college sports, I think if you would have asked me, I would have said, you know what? Only young coaches from here on out, because of how this has all changed. Like, what am I to make of the idea that Pearl and Sampson are in here with golden and Shire?

[John Fanta]

Couple of guys who are willing to adapt and accept the fact that their team's on the clock from 2 to 5 every day, and the other 21 hours of the day they're not. Because that's our world now. It just is. It's different. Different time, different place. And I think for like a guy like Bruce Pearl, he figured out you know what? My football program's one of the best things I got going. We're going to make money off that. We're going to have cash. I'm going to do my very best to energize the sport of basketball. We're in this climate right now where some of these basketball coaches, some of these football coaches like to get in some sort of a match where. Who's better? Who's this? Who's that? I think Bruce has done a brilliant job of kind of just making it. Making it a celebration of Auburn sports. And he has adapted and he's so open to doing media. He's willing to talk to people. His kids want to play for him. There's an energy around that. As for Kelvin Sampson, guys, I got to tell you, I. I'm amazed by the building job he has done, and I don't think anybody could have predicted this. The last five years, they owned 15 NCAA tournament wins. That's two more than anybody else. They're staggeringly strong. I mean, that multiple final four trips, two final fours, four sweet 16s, three elite eights. This is at Houston. And they move into the Big 12. They only take one loss, the entire Big 12. What do I credit for that? Kelvin, being an older coach, can say things and do things with his players that I don't know if coaches under 40 can. Can do, because I don't think it resonates and I don't think it comes through the way. It's a different generation. But it is interesting in college basketball where a Tom Izzo, a Ripertino, a Kelvin Sampson can do and say things that maybe the Todd Golden. Right, can't, or John Shire aren't. Aren't saying in their practices. But also, there are many coaches who have quit because I think they thought that message would get lost in today's times. And really, the older generation, still, certain guys are still able to do it. So it is a fascinating dichotomy. But I do think, fellas, we're in a world where we're going to continue to see the younger coaches step up and thrive because they want to be in this pro model, relate to the kids model.

[Jessica]

John, that's really fascinating because as you mentioned toward the end of your answer there, most older generation guys say, I can't coach them. I can't talk to these kids. I mean, I've talked to coaches and even NBA veteran players that say, man, I mean, if you talk to them the way you used to talk to us, you lose the kid forever. So what is it about Kelvin Sampson, about coach Izzo, about coach Pearl, that they're still able to keep that old school style about them?

[John Fanta]

They recruit the families. They recruit the families, they tell the parents, here's what you're in for.

[Stugotz]

I gotta. I know, I got. I know you got a hard out, so lightning round coming up real quick. Okay, you ready?

[John Fanta]

Great question though. It's a great question. Yeah. And I can give you an extra. I'll add an extra minute because you two have been fantastic.

[Stugotz]

Okay.

[Jessica]

Okay.

[Stugotz]

Appreciate we got extra minute, guys.

[Billy Gil]

Don't waste it.

[John Fanta]

Go.

[Stugotz]

All right, here we go. So who is the team? If you're parachuting into this tournament and you're watching the final four, who is the fan favorite? Who should we be rooting for and why? Is it Kelvin Sampson?

[John Fanta]

It's Kelvin Sampson because he's never won, he's never won a national championship. I think when you haven't won a title, we're in this world, we're like, you have to back up your success with a ring. And it's like, well, it's six one game tournaments, not one six game. You got to win six games in a row. He's preached his culture of toughness. People have given him flack at times for being limited offensively. It'd be an amazing story. I think it's his best chance to get that elusive title.

[Stugotz]

What am I to make of this new tournament? The crown, like there's a whole nother basketball tournament crown is yours. Is there something, is that something that college basketball appreciates and is trying to. Is appreciates and respects already?

[John Fanta]

Well, I think that it's an interesting tournament because it's coming during a week when a lot of people are still starving for basketball and they're also starving to, you know, to, to get in on the action, if you will watch these games and checks. Exactly, exactly. So I think for. In that respect, it's. It's got some upside there. You know, you get a game like Villanova, UFC is a, is a quarterfinal game in this tournament. Just going to be real with you guys. That's better than any game that we've had in the NIT from, from the brand perspective. So I think for them between the games, between some of the star players, they're giving out nil money. I think that NIL is only going to rise up, which is everything in college hoops. I think it's going to have staying power. And it's in Vegas.

[Stugotz]

The broader than the tournament. We know about the NIL and The, the revenue sharing plan coming forward. The most recent articles that I've read suggest that the Big east is going to become a basketball power because of the disproportionate amount of money that they'll be able to spend on their basketball programs because they don't have to support football program. Is that something we should expect? So should next year's final Four and the final Four after that be all Big east teams or is there something else coming down the pike?

[John Fanta]

Yeah, that. That's crazy. That's crazy. Talking to me. It's SEC, ACC and Big Ten coaches expressing. And Big 12 coaches expressing this heavy concern because Big east programs are going to be able to dedicate more money from rev sharing. Okay, I'm sorry. When. So SEC coaches have never made under the table deals.

[Stugotz]

Yeah.

[John Fanta]

Never pay cash.

[Stugotz]

Come on, let's get.

[John Fanta]

The Big east is set for success, but it's all. The Big east has always had a spot on the table, right? Like it's, it's. But whether, whether they have come on three, four final. That's not going to happen. To that degree. The conference is, is in a good place because it values basketball. And in college basketball it's going to continue. They got big personalities, big time coaches with Patino, with Hurley and so on. That's what keeps the league going. On top of its prioritizing of hoops, the sec, the Big Ten, these other leagues, the concept, the idea, the thing put in the press that they're not going to have dollars. Get the hell out of here.

[Stugotz]

Let's go. Way to go. John Fanta. Awesome appearance. Thank you so much, man. John Fanta did it. He's the man. Our first successful interview. Thanks to a great John Fanta enemy.

[John Fanta]

Thank you guys. Thanks for noting me.

[Billy Gil]

Started with a bark, ended with a bark.

[Stugotz]

That's a great man.

[Jessica]

He should have been here. Hawk should have been here.

[Stugotz]

Why? Oh, yeah, Browns guy. Yeah, absolutely. I want to commend you all. No one referenced soda in that entire interview. Thank you so much. Good job, guys.

[Dominique Foxworth]

We were just doing it before we. He's got to be a Fanta drinker.

[Stugotz]

Right?

[Jessica]

But I mean, you gotta like Fanta, right?

[Stugotz]

But isn't it also like, don't you think that he gets that the hackiest question? Probably so. That's why I'm proud of you guys.

[Dominique Foxworth]

That's what we would have done if Dan were here.

[Jessica]

Do you want to do damn impressions how he would have asked that question, Dan?

[Charlie]

Charlie's like, I can't do it on command.

[Stugotz]

No I. Dan. New respect for Dan. We all love and appreciate Dan. We are here. No Brent Williams. There we go. Billy, we got an update on the search for. For Jason Mason.

[Chris Cote]

Yeah, Jason Mason has been contacted.

[Stugotz]

Oh, yeah.

[Chris Cote]

So we're waiting more.

[Stugotz]

Hold on.

[Jessica]

Time out. You guys looked at a picture of Taylor that's like five or six years. How many years old? Saw someone in the background and said, get me. Not even in focus. His whole face isn't in the picture. How do you guys know who he is?

[Stugotz]

No.

[Billy Gil]

Well, we were making fun. Well, Dominique was making fun of.

[Stugotz]

I was not making fun of Jason Mason. I was making fun of Taylor.

[Jessica]

I mean, well, use Jason Mason as a means to make fun of Taylor.

[Stugotz]

I mean, I was a little confused why he needed to have glasses while he was running.

[Jessica]

That's a good point, man.

[Stugotz]

Just like I would assume that you want to drop all the way that you can. And, like, I know that maybe you can't read small things, but you can see.

[Jessica]

You know why? Because he's not a nerd like y'all. He's looking in the stands like, okay, that one over there.

[Stugotz]

All right.

[Jessica]

Okay, second row. I see you over here. Go ahead, buddy.

[Stugotz]

Jason Mason.

[Jessica]

Why does he have his first name? I appear courtesy of myself.

[Billy Gil]

Jason, you're doing all the jokes we did yesterday.

[Stugotz]

It's good humor, I think it's just. Yeah, he plays for George Mason.

[Jessica]

He looks like George.

[Stugotz]

Where's the George play track?

[Chris Cote]

Well, that's a good question. It just says Mason and the way that it's moved.

[Jessica]

Gotcha. Also, he looks exhausted. Taylor looks like he's just out here warming up. Well, Jason looks exhausted. Is his name Jason, by the way?

[Charlie]

I keep.

[Stugotz]

Yeah, his name is Jason Mason. Yeah, his name's not Jason. You said you contacted him. What's his name? Billy, do you know?

[Chris Cote]

He has been contacted. Hold on a second. I'll get it for you right now.

[Billy Gil]

Anthony Williams.

[Stugotz]

There you go. Anthony Williams.

[Jessica]

You. No, you're just making that name up.

[Billy Gil]

No, that's his name.

[Charlie]

Tony Will.

[Stugotz]

Tony. Buddy. You got here with a buddy. Tony Will. Buddy.

[Jessica]

Well, what would his hockey name be? Wilsey.

[Billy Gil]

So we've contacted him. I'm not sure if he's joining us, but maybe next hour.

[Chris Cote]

Negotiations. Yeah, we're ongoing trying to figure it out. We're also getting the bottom of that race, also, so that that photo might tell a different story than the results of that race.

[Stugotz]

Hell of a tease. The.

[Jessica]

Wait a second.

[Chris Cote]

It does. Taylor lost the race. And confirmed in that race, Taylor was on The North Carolina C team.

[Dan Le Batard]

What?

[Stugotz]

Taylor.

[Chris Cote]

But in Taylor's defense, North Carolina's C team did have a better time in the race than North Carolina B team.

[Stugotz]

Where's. Where was the A.

[Chris Cote]

However, they did lose.

[Stugotz]

Where was the A team on all this?

[Chris Cote]

The A team wasn't even on the shoes so far.

[Jessica]

Was Taylor scholarship. I know he walked on for football. Did he walk on for track as well?

[Chris Cote]

Yes. And he also walked off the team the next year because he didn't like the coach.

[Jessica]

Jesus.

[Chris Cote]

Who we found out was my coach when I did track at fiu. Oh, yes.

[Stugotz]

No.

[Jessica]

You guys, you're messing with me.

[Chris Cote]

No, we found that out on Mystery Crate.

[Billy Gil]

Did you like them?

[Chris Cote]

Yeah, I like it. It's fine.

[Stugotz]

Yeah, you're a good athlete. So I. Coaches tend to like good athletes. That tends to be the case.

[John Fanta]

I don't.

[Chris Cote]

I liked him. I didn't say he liked me.

[Stugotz]

Right. I think that's. Normally what happens is with coaches. You're a good athlete, they treat you well. You like them, they like you. That's always been my experience. I never really had a coach I didn't like. Met a lot of guys who work at football Foot Locker who said that their coaches were assholes. Happens all the time, man.

[Jessica]

If it wasn't for that coach hating on me, man.

[Stugotz]

Yeah, bro. You know. You know who coaches don't hate? The dudes who make their job a lot easier.

[Chris Cote]

Well, I did. I didn't do that because I had a situation in track where I sprained one ankle, like, really bad. And then I was in the, like, I was in the training room, like, basically all the time. And I was like. Would just go in, do the treatment, be in the training room forever. And I thought that's all I had to do because I couldn't walk, couldn't do anything. And then he was mad at me. He's like, we still should have been coming to practice. I'm like, what am I going to do? I can't pole vault with a sprained ankle and like a brace on like. So then I came back. Swear to God. Came back, first day back, go up, come down. Sprained the opposite ankle first day back in practice. So I'm telling you, I don't think he liked me at all because the first sprained ankle, pick up basketball.

[Stugotz]

Oh, yeah.

[Chris Cote]

And he told me, he's like, if you. If you were not a walk on, you would not be on this team right now. I go to if you're a scholarship guy and you were playing basketball and Sprained your ankle, you would have gone. I was like, okay, coach, I fight you.

[Stugotz]

The funny thing is, like, we did it all the time. Like we played basketball in college all the time. The coaches didn't mind. They didn't hate it. They appreciated it.

[Jessica]

I hated it.

[Stugotz]

Yeah.

[Jessica]

Playing against the football players. Oh, it's weird.

[Stugotz]

We would play some. Some. A version of basketball. It was physical.

[John Fanta]

No fouls.

[Jessica]

Oh, no.

[Charlie]

No jump shots.

[Stugotz]

Oh, yeah.

[Chris Cote]

Why do you think slam ball? Never caught a lot of dunks though? Like, slam ball was like everyone's dream as a child. Like trampoline basketball.

[Stugotz]

Like some serious injuries in slam ruled.

[Charlie]

It was jacked up.

[Stugotz]

I feel like that might have really serious.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Are those trampoline parks, like, yeah, People are just tearing ligaments left and right.

[Billy Gil]

Yeah, knock on wood. I've taken my daughter to those trampoline parks. Never seen an ambulance. And there's always hundreds ambulance.

[Chris Cote]

I would just put them straight in the hearse.

[Billy Gil]

I would think once a day someone's tearing something and there's an ambulance.

[Stugotz]

Now they just so they. They have it happen so often that they got a well oiled machine to get them. They get them into the back room, they bring out the blue tent. Before you can see it, they just tent the kid.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Are you calling an ambulance? If you just like spraying your meniscus, like, you're probably going home and you're like, oh, that doesn't feel good. And then you're going to the doctor.

[Billy Gil]

And for that lawsuit, though, I'm trying to sue.

[Stugotz]

I feel like, Chris, you're the type to get on there.

[Billy Gil]

I need an ambulance. I can't move.

[Stugotz]

No, not you need an ambulance, but you're the type because I've been to those. My kids are probably just leaving that range. My youngest kid just leaves in the range where I have to go to those type of parks. Never once stepped foot on there.

[Billy Gil]

Same. I don't actually jump. I just watch.

[Dan Le Batard]

They.

[Dominique Foxworth]

That's a place where you're signing waivers though, right, Chris?

[Chris Cote]

Oh, yeah.

[Dominique Foxworth]

You're not suing.

[Billy Gil]

There's a whole line for the waiver part before you get to the pay part. You sign this waiver and then you can go pay.

[Stugotz]

You could do it ahead of time. And if you do it ahead of time, when you get there, they make you physically sign it also. So, like you can go through an electronic waiver process. And I was like, yeah, we're gonna breeze right through it. Then I get there and they're like, you did an electronic waiver. We see now Fill it out with ink.

[Jessica]

Oh, they make you do it twice.

[Stugotz]

Oh, hell yeah. They playing. You're not gonna get no suing.

[Jessica]

That place is. I'm gonna tell you right now, that's not fun. Like it. The trampoline park.

[Billy Gil]

Kids love it.

[Jessica]

Obviously kids love it because they don't.

[Stugotz]

What kid?

[Jessica]

They have 6 ACLs.

[Billy Gil]

Kids thing is fun for adults.

[Stugotz]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Jessica]

Oh, come on now.

[Stugotz]

Chuck E. Cheese, American Ninja Warrior.

[Jessica]

Is that for kids?

[Billy Gil]

I do like doing papa shot of Chuck E. Cheese. If there's. I do like an arcade. Cause I can do. Let me get the card for a second.

[Jessica]

Yeah, yeah, dude, man.

[Stugotz]

Like they do. So the gymnastics. Dominique Dawes has gymnastics gyms in the Maryland area. And they also. They're gymnastics half ninja course. So like the kids. My youngest daughter loves ninja courses. Kids do love ninja courses.

[Jessica]

Is it swiveling with this like cold water underneath?

[Stugotz]

I don't think they have swiveling cold water things. They do have basketball hoops though. Corner three off.

[Jessica]

You know. You know they don't shoot too much at the trampoline parks, you know, Right. There's a trampoline there for a reason.

[Billy Gil]

At the trampoline park. I take my daughter to. They have like an American Gladiator thing where you walk out on like the thing and you have like the. You're battling with someone, some aggressive. That's always where I'm at. Just watching those, watching those kids. The parents are getting mad at other parents.

[Jerbear]

Kids like.

[Stugotz]

He's hitting.

[Billy Gil]

You're supposed to push.

[Stugotz]

I got, I got you over there with taking bets. Yep, here you got it. You're like, hey, who's got a red?

[Billy Gil]

Sir, I put your odds on every. Every matchup for sure.

[Stugotz]

Red shirts being on a three game run. Who's next going to take blue shirt going to take on red shirt. What you got on that? You're just a numbers runner.

[Jessica]

It's like just chicken fighting.

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[Dan Le Batard]

Weather is starting to warm up. Regular season starting to wind down. Games of consequence in sports starting to ramp up. I know what you're gonna need by your side. It's by my side already. Miller Lite. Yeah, that's right. I'm making my springtime a Miller Time. I'm making my sports time. Miller Time. Going to a car race. Miller Time. Gonna see some tennis. Miller Time. Gonna chill in the backyard with some friends and make some memories. Miller Time. I love Miller Lite because it's got taste that I know I can depend on. No games, no gimmicks. It's that simple, folks. It's just a great beer for people who like beer. Miller Lite is brewed for taste. It hits different than the other light beers. It's got simple ingredients and at just 96 calories, 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces. Miller time is always a good time. The original light beer since 1975 and still the very best one. 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. Tastes like Miller Time. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Co. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 96 calories, 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces.

[Jerbear]

Hey, friends, it's Jerbear here and I'm.

[Stugotz]

Here to tell you all about Boost.

[Jerbear]

Mobile, which is now a legit nationwide 5G network. So I must take a break from.

[Billy Gil]

The jokes here for a second and.

[Jerbear]

Put on my serious voice. Because I would never, ever joke about a 5G network that has invested billions building 5G towers across the country. Not even once. Not even if Mr. Boost Mobile himself asked me to. There is nothing funny about it. Boost Mobile is now a legit nationwide 5G network and also provides coverage across 99% of America. Seriously? Visit boostmobile.com or your nearest Boost Mobile store location to learn more. The Boost Mobile network, together with our roaming partners, covers 99% of the US population. 5G speeds not available in all areas.

[Dan Le Batard]

Don Lebatard, you're getting started on the Breakfast Flan.

[Jessica]

Oh, man. I've been singing a song to myself all morning long. Breakfast flan stew.

[Stugotz]

Gots.

[Jessica]

Have you never heard the breakfast Flan song?

[Dan Le Batard]

Hit me with it.

[Jessica]

Okay? I wish I Had some breakfast fun. Breakfast fun. Where can I find a breakfast like that?

[Chris Cote]

This is the Dan Levatar show with the stugats.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Can I say something about our last interview that I've been thinking about for 10 minutes now?

[Billy Gil]

He's a red Fanta guy.

[Dominique Foxworth]

I don't like when adult sports fans bark.

[Jessica]

What?

[Billy Gil]

What's the setting that it's appropriate?

[Stugotz]

What?

[Dominique Foxworth]

I just.

[Jessica]

Oh, if you're talking to Willow, it's okay. But I don't bark at her. Yes, you do.

[Chris Cote]

What age is barking? No longer.

[Dominique Foxworth]

You have me sitting there with my.

[Jessica]

Dog like, woof, woof, woof, woof, woof, woof. And Willow goes like this. Oh, you've been talking all day. I'm like, what's she talking about?

[Chris Cote]

Is there, like, an age where barking is no longer, like, appropriate?

[Dominique Foxworth]

I mean, if kids do it, I'm not gonna be like, oh, like, yes. Well, I don't like kids, so maybe I would. And then in reality, though, maybe 18. Maybe we'll just say the cough is college age.

[Stugotz]

I don't know.

[Dominique Foxworth]

It's like Georgia games, Browns games. Like, those are the places where you get barked at the most.

[Billy Gil]

And they gotta throw the fist pump, too with it.

[Stugotz]

Our city will hold.

[Dominique Foxworth]

And they do it because they know it's annoying. It's. This isn't like a support surprise to anyone.

[Jessica]

I hate sometimes when that happens, man. You're waiting for that window, like, just go. Just give me a second. Just give me a second.

[Billy Gil]

I'm going to jump in and say, what am I sitting on Hall?

[Stugotz]

Like, I didn't realize.

[Jessica]

I didn't. The whole setup, man.

[Stugotz]

My apologies. Let's pretend like I didn't see a hall.

[Jessica]

I'll do it again.

[Billy Gil]

Can you do my part or you.

[Chris Cote]

I'll start again. What's the age, like, the cutoff for, like, barking?

[Dominique Foxworth]

I think if kids nailed it.

[Stugotz]

Charlie and I have been work friends for a long time, and I think in the last year or so, we've probably become, like, real friends. Oh, wow. Last year.

[Jessica]

Damn.

[Stugotz]

Yeah. Yeah. No, I. I'm gonna try and be. I'm gonna explain it to you. No, I think that the friend progression. So there is a level of friend that when you know all the embarrassing stuff. That's what I'm talking about. Like, I think that a lot of people, you consider your friend, but you don't. You're not really friends until you start to meet their friends and you start to find out things. So when Jessica was talking about fans barking, all I could think about Was Charlie's friend who. And this is not a friend from last night. This is a different friend. This is a different friend who says or not says.

[Jessica]

Who?

[Stugotz]

On third downs. He's a commander's fan. And on every third down squeals. He. He gets to the three point stance and says, let's heat him up. Yep.

[Charlie]

Three point stance. Guy at a bar. Let's losing to the Eagles by 50 at a bar.

[Jessica]

What's he say?

[Stugotz]

Heat them up. You got blitz in the blitz. That just means like, get some pressure. Heat them up. We got to heat them up into.

[Dominique Foxworth]

A stance at a bar.

[Charlie]

Hand in the dirt.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Stop it.

[Stugotz]

So. So it rules. Jessica. This is why. This is why I said it's only been the last year or so that I feel like Charlie and I are at a level of friendship where I really know Charlie because I would never introduce anyone to my three point. I have friends who do very embarrassing things. Three point stance at a bar. Every third down yells, let's heat him up.

[Jessica]

So this is how I'm gonna figure out what this level of equality in this friendship is. Charlie, have you met any of his friends?

[Charlie]

I am his friend.

[Stugotz]

There it is. I mean, you met Kevin. Kevin came to the show a couple times and Daquel. Oh, yeah, yeah. You met Duquel a bunch of times. So yeah. He hasn't met any of my embarrassing friends.

[Jessica]

That's what I was asking for. I wasn't asking for the regular folks.

[Stugotz]

Yeah, I don't. I'm trying to think who would embarrass me.

[Jessica]

Go ahead.

[Charlie]

I'm not embarrassed by my three point stance.

[Stugotz]

Yeah, he's not embarrassed.

[Dominique Foxworth]

This is why there's a male loneliness epidemic.

[Jessica]

This is why there's only friends I.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Can get doing three point stances at the bar.

[Stugotz]

Let's heat them up. It's third down. We gotta get a stop.

[Charlie]

Was. It was real tough in that NFC championship game against the Eagles. He continued to get into the three point stance. One sack fumble away.

[Dominique Foxworth]

His hand is on the floor.

[Billy Gil]

That's what I'm imagining. Is it on the bar? Is it on the.

[Charlie]

No, no.

[Jessica]

Three point stance. The floor.

[Dominique Foxworth]

The floor. He's doing it on the floor. Yes.

[Stugotz]

Like so when it was tush push time, did he get in a four point stance? Because you know, you gotta get four point stance for tush push.

[Charlie]

Three point only. He's an edge guy.

[Stugotz]

He's an edge guy. He's a pass rusher. Only on third down. Passing situations.

[Dominique Foxworth]

If I'm you, I'm calling off sides. Every single time.

[Charlie]

That's actually a great idea. I wonder how he would have reacted to that. Not well, but you gotta.

[Jessica]

You can't announce it. You gotta just show up with a flag, throw the flag right in front of him, right there and then. And then turn to an imaginary camera and be like, free play offsides. Oh, okay.

[Charlie]

His. His wife was very pregnant.

[Stugotz]

Free play, free play. His wife. His pregnant wife was there while going on.

[Charlie]

She was delighted that he was at the bar in a three point stance with me instead of at home with.

[Stugotz]

With her.

[Chris Cote]

Because Wade do that at home.

[Stugotz]

Hold on, hold on. I'm sorry. I think I failed to explain this. Every single Commander's game.

[Charlie]

Unclear. I can't confirm or deny that.

[Billy Gil]

You guys have only seen. Of course he does it.

[Stugotz]

Exactly.

[Billy Gil]

Doing it at a bar.

[Stugotz]

This. You think that the man who does a three point stance and yells, let's heat him up in a bar is at home sitting with his leg. I sure hope our boys are victorious on this very important, pivotal third down.

[John Fanta]

No, there's a.

[Stugotz]

Let's heat them up.

[Chris Cote]

There's a certain part of that that's for attention, right. That you would do at a bar that, like, at home. Why would you do.

[Billy Gil]

He's a showman.

[Jessica]

Also, I thought it was something repressed, right? Like at home. Don't you dare do that shit in here.

[Dominique Foxworth]

I was actually interpreting this differently. I thought this was like a good luck thing. Like, he's like, this is what I have to do now.

[Jessica]

That's how I took third down all along. As. This man's a lunatic.

[Stugotz]

No, I think he believes the team needs him. It's one of those. It's kind of a superstition, but it's like, exactly. I gotta. I gotta get down his three point stance. I actually just think, like.

[Charlie]

I just think he loves ball. I'm not a big kid. I don't think there's anything deep.

[Billy Gil]

I do a less extreme ver. Like, I'll stand up on a big third down on my couch where you just like, I'm excited. Like, all right, come on, we need this. This right here standing's weird, but I'm not like, getting in a post.

[Chris Cote]

The antsy hands is a little weird.

[Jessica]

But the antsy hands. Show me the antsy hands.

[Billy Gil]

That's just. You just get up.

[Dominique Foxworth]

You're like, chris, getting up and standing up is not the same as getting.

[John Fanta]

Into a three point squat.

[Billy Gil]

I'm saying I.

[Chris Cote]

What's your friend. Do you like a pediatrician or something?

[Charlie]

Yeah, Private equity people's money.

[Jessica]

Billions of dollars. Eat them up.

[Stugotz]

Just eat them up. I went to a game last season, I got invited to the game and the third down thing made me think about it and was invited to this. And a guy warned us before the game started. Look at me, Louis. Before the game started, he was like, he told the whole room, I just want you guys to know I'm a third down noisemaker. It's a classification that I never heard of and I didn't know you needed.

[Jessica]

Now that I feel like in light of three point stance guy that has a wide lane to be. Because third down noise guy might be, oh, it's third down. And on the jumbotron they say make noise and we go, oh, that might be third down noise or you might get into a three point stance.

[Stugotz]

I didn't think it was the justification or clarification that you had to make until third downs hit.

[Jessica]

And then what happened?

[Stugotz]

And then he went nuts. And it was like a box where all the people were invited. And you know, there are certain boxes that are a little bit quieter. It's like no one in here is like a super fan.

[Jessica]

These are people, people like a tons of industry.

[Stugotz]

A company owned the box and they brought people just as like a reward. So in this box everyone's just like, okay, cool. This is nice. It's nice. And he is going ape.

[Jessica]

Give me, I need it.

[Stugotz]

Just let's go, let's go.

[Billy Gil]

Make some noise.

[Jessica]

Let's go.

[Stugotz]

Like good.

[Billy Gil]

I've been that guy before.

[Jessica]

Are you the guy that implores the.

[Billy Gil]

People around Stands on third down. You stand up.

[Jessica]

Come on guys, let's go.

[Billy Gil]

Let's go.

[Dan Le Batard]

Go.

[Billy Gil]

Let's go, let's go.

[John Fanta]

Big right here, big one right here.

[Billy Gil]

You just want to kind of inspire other people around you.

[Charlie]

You don't think the three point stance is inspiring?

[Billy Gil]

No, it is like at a bar. It's just a lot like the hand down on the gross bar floor. It's a. He's trying Charlie.

[Jessica]

Does he do it at games? Has he ever been to a game?

[Charlie]

I. I can't confirm. He's season ticket guy.

[Stugotz]

So.

[Jessica]

So he does it at games?

[Charlie]

I don't know. I don't know if there's spaces there.

[Jessica]

I feel like that's a question that could be answered pretty quickly.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Can you sort of do it for us? Because how is he sort of down but. But still can see the high up TVs at the bar. Like how is he able to focus?

[Charlie]

His hips are open.

[Jessica]

Ah, good athlete. So that's how's his butt?

[Charlie]

Oh, strong.

[Stugotz]

Great glutes. Great glutes.

[Jessica]

Okay.

[Stugotz]

I don't think that you can get into three point stance at the bar. I just couldn't do it. I appreciate those guys who bring that energy.

[Jessica]

I don't.

[Stugotz]

It makes it more fun. You don't.

[Jessica]

Ah, man, I don't need that, man.

[Stugotz]

You don't.

[Jessica]

I'm. I'm the. You know what? I'm the guy first of all in the bar for sure. Because nine times out of 10 I don't know that there's. This is the packers bar or whatever. So I'm just coming in like, hey man, let me get a. And then some guys in the three point stand saying, Jesus Christ, man, come on, relax. You know what I am? I'm the asshole says, they can't hear you. You know, that guy's a dick. That guy's a dick. But that's who I am. And it's not because I think they can't hear. It's because I know it's going to piss them off.

[Stugotz]

Okay, so two point stance, two feet on the ground. Three point stance, one hand on the ground. Four point.

[Jessica]

Two hands, two feet.

[Stugotz]

What is the number that goes when you're just on your back on in the. In the bar.

[Jessica]

Touchdown.

[Stugotz]

No, no one knows. Just wondering. Just wondering. Just imagining that I'm at a bar. Some people, 2.6. Some points, 3 point stats and some. There's a couple guys who drink enough that just pass out.

[Billy Gil]

The three point stance does stand out more because if I was doing like center middle linebacker stance, it's just kind of like, you know, like squatting with your hands.

[Stugotz]

A DB stance is. Is just.

[Charlie]

You're kind of like, you know what.

[Stugotz]

What number is the stance where you have two feet in your face on the ground?

[Jessica]

Is that the Foxworth stance?

[Stugotz]

It's definitely not the fox first thing.

[Jessica]

What's that?

[Stugotz]

What?

[Jessica]

That is a picture. I can't remember who was. They're running off for a time. It was a tough. And you're just kind of on the ground.

[Charlie]

Michael Turner.

[Stugotz]

Oh, Michael Turner. Yeah, Turner the Burner Charlie was the producer of Highly Questionable who used to pull up that picture all the time to try to embarrass me because I missed the tackle. I missed one tackle my whole career. It's okay.

[Jessica]

They caught it on film though.

[Charlie]

You don't sound mad at all.

[Jessica]

Is that how that works?

[Stugotz]

I'm not mad. I love it. I love you guys. I love three voice that sky.

[Jessica]

I don't come on, man. What are we doing? This is why he does it. Because he's got friends like Charlie. Yeah, man. That's cool.

[Stugotz]

I think it's pretty cool.

[Jessica]

Come on, man.

[Stugotz]

I would never be that guy.

[Jessica]

We just made 10 minutes.

[Charlie]

I guarantee you he hates tanking. I mean, I think I like him.

[Dominique Foxworth]

More than guy who barks, but.

[Jessica]

No, I'll take Barker any day.

[Stugotz]

I think they're the same.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Oh, really?

[Jessica]

Any day? Well, okay. Any guy.

[Billy Gil]

Definitely the same guy.

[Stugotz]

Yeah, they're the same guy. I mean, they're the same guy. Just Charlie's friend happened to be a fan of a team.

[Charlie]

Do you think if Dan was here for the John Fanta interview after you asked about the bracket, he would have been like John Fanta, a fan, too?

[Dan Le Batard]

Weather is starting to warm up. Regular season starting to wind down. Games of consequence in sports starting to ramp up. I know what you're gonna need by your side. It's by my side already. Miller Lite. Yeah, that's right. I'm making my springtime a Miller Time. I'm making my sports time. Miller Time. Going to a car race. Miller Time. Gonna see some tennis Miller Time. Gonna chill in the backyard with some friends and make some memories. Miller Time. I love Miller Lite because it's got taste that I know I can depend on. No games, no gimmicks. It's that simple, folks. It's just a great beer. For people who like beer, Miller Lite is brewed for taste. It hits different than the other Lite beers. It's got simple ingredients, and at just 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces, Miller Time is always a good time. The original light beer since 1975 and still the very best one. 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 Tastes like Miller Time. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Co. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 96 calories, 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces.