Transcript

Apple Watch Narrator (0:00)

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Dan Le Batard (0:48)

Zootopia 2 has come home to Disney. Let's go get ready for a new case.

Zootopia Voice 1 (0:53)

We're gonna crack this case and prove

Dave Damashek (0:54)

we're victorious partners of all time.

Zootopia Voice 1 (0:56)

New you are Gary Desnake and your last name Desnake.

Dan Le Batard (1:02)

Dream Team Hidden new habitats.

Dave Damashek (1:04)

Zootopia has a secret reptile population.

Babe Zaslow (1:08)

You can watch the record breaking phenomenon at home.

Dave Damashek (1:10)

You're clearly working at Zootopia 2.

Babe Zaslow (1:14)

Now available on Disney. Rated PG.

Don LeBatard (1:17)

This is the Dan Levatar show with the Stugats podcast.

DraftKings Advertiser (1:25)

This episode of the dan lebatard show is presented by draft kings.

Dave Damashek (1:39)

Oh my God.

Dan Le Batard (1:43)

DraftKings.

DraftKings Advertiser (1:44)

The crown is yours.

Babe Zaslow (1:47)

The record.

Summary

The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

Episode: Hour 1: Dave Almost Fought Wayne Gretzky
Date: April 10, 2026

Episode Overview

Broadcasting from the Elser Hotel in Downtown Miami, Dan Le Batard, Stugotz, Dave Damashek, Babe Zaslow, and the crew swap sharp, hilarious takes on sports, fandom, and pop culture. This episode’s focus ranges from Anthony Davis questioning his own NBA championship, to Dave Damashek’s legendary near-brawl with Wayne Gretzky, and a deep dive into what makes certain losing seasons more memorable for fans than actual championship runs. The discussion is injected with movie banter, reflections on sports culture, and memorable stories and arguments, all with the show’s trademark irreverence and warmth.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Anthony Davis Questions His Championship in the NBA Bubble

Dan Le Batard opens by discussing a revelation from Anthony Davis on Draymond Green’s podcast: Davis admits he questions the legitimacy of the Lakers’ 2020 bubble championship.
Anthony Davis (quoted):

“I know I’m a champion, but...I want the real experience, right? … I want to go on the road. ... Damn, did I win? Did I not win? Like, I know I’m listed as a champion, but...I want that opportunity again.” ([02:45])
The crew debates whether bubble championships carry an asterisk.
- Dave Damashek:
  
  “It counts for half. ...Let’s not jive ourselves... it is asterisk. It’s almost like a little World Baseball Classic kind of vibe.” ([04:27])
- Babe Zaslow disagrees, arguing that the bubble was more legitimate than seasons impacted by player absences and empty arenas.

2. Heat Roster Changes and South Florida Sports

Breaking news: Miami Heat waive Terry Rozier, tied to ongoing NBA investigations and performance concerns.

“Miami will open up a roster spot just in time to be the 10th seed and get bounced from the playoffs.” —Sports Analyst 1 ([05:32])

3. Dave Damashek’s Near-Fight with Wayne Gretzky

Dave Damashek describes a backstage confrontation with Wayne Gretzky at Jimmy Kimmel Live, stemming from Gretzky’s reluctance to openly praise Mario Lemieux as an equal:

“You know, I’m a Penguins fan. ... How come you didn’t mention Mario when Jimmy asked you?...” ([10:31])
Tensions escalate as Dave taunts Gretzky about not having his enforcer (Simenko) present:

“Hey, Wayne — Semenko’s not here for you tonight!” ([12:13])
The crew is both shocked and amused by Dave's bravado and the story's absurdity.
- Dan Le Batard:
  
  "That is an unbelievable ball story... you had a clear, contentious back and forth with Wayne Gretzky, and then you essentially threatened him as he’s walking away." ([16:17])
- Dave Damashek, defending himself:
  
  “There were no threats… but if we had to drop the gloves and go round and round, I was ready… maybe it'll be a slap fight, but it'll be one in honor of Mario Lemieux.” ([16:46])

4. The Joy of the Journey in Sports Fandom

Dave Damashek reflects on loving this Penguins season despite not expecting a championship:

“This is probably my favorite team of the millennium. ...This experience as a fan this year is, is going down as one of your all time favorites.” ([19:04])
The group discusses memorable years where beloved teams didn’t actually win a championship.
- Dan Le Batard:
  
  “As I've gotten older, I really do appreciate the journey more than I ever have. ...It's not just about the destination.” ([22:55])
- The 2023 Miami sports year is fondly recalled: Heat and Panthers made magical runs, Canes and FAU overachieved, but nobody won titles ([24:45]).

5. Movie Walkouts and Audience Behavior

The hosts reflect on movies so bad they walked out, and the social dynamics of doing so.
- Dan Le Batard:
  
  “I walked out of the movie Spawn when I was a teenager.” ([27:35])
- Discussion: Is wanting your money back for a bad movie fair? Does standing ovation at films genuinely honor the subject, or is it “about the person doing it”?
  - Dave Damashek:
    
    “I am resentful of people who get up and do standing ovations. ...It’s about the person who starts, not the person they’re allegedly honoring.” ([32:14])
- Oddest dedicated viewer:
  - Dave Damashek shares he stayed through an Indiana Jones film even after learning of his father’s passing, for his children’s sake. ([33:18])

6. Audience Reaction Culture

Clapping at movies, standing ovations at Cannes, and audience psychology are lampooned.
- Dan Le Batard:
  
  “I don't remember ever clapping at the end of a movie. ... Why would I clap? Who am I clapping for?” ([35:35])
- Cannes lengthy ovations are ridiculed:
  - Dan Le Batard:
    
    “Who has time to clap for 20 straight minutes?” ([36:35])
  - Dave Damashek:
    
    “It’s about them, isn’t it? It’s not about the recipient of the applause. It’s about the person doing it...” ([36:39])

7. NBA Roundup and Knicks/Celtics Debate

The Celtics’ status as favorites is debated; Dan argues Knicks can upset them if Tatum isn’t back at full strength.
- Dan Le Batard:
  
  “It feels like people are crowning the Celtics just because Jason Tatum's back... If Jason Tatum is not the Jason Tatum pre-injury, the Celtics aren’t winning.” ([38:44])

8. Knickerbockers Etymology

Playful exploration: What exactly is a “Knickerbocker”? Is “Knicks” short for pants?
- Dave Damashek:
  
  “A Knickerbocker is a fancy man from another century... It’s a cosmopolitan fancy man Knickerbocker. And it's just right out there in the open and we never talk about that.” ([42:24])
Pop culture tangent about the short-lived Clive Owen series “The Knick.”

Memorable Quotes & Moments

Anthony Davis’ honesty about the bubble title ([02:45])
Dave Damashek recounts challenging Wayne Gretzky:

“If Wayne Gretzky gave me a licking, so be it. ... I would probably kick the ass of the alleged greatest hockey player of all time.” ([12:32]–[13:05])
On the value of the journey in sports:

“You must make ... the best thing you can do is ... become ... a journey over destination guy with your sports teams. It is the greatest virtue of sports...” —Dave Damashek ([25:05])
On movie clapping and ovations:

“Who has time to clap for 20 straight minutes?” —Dan Le Batard ([36:35])
On the Knicks:

"A Knickerbocker is a fancy man from another century..." —Dave Damashek ([42:24])

Highlight Timestamps

Anthony Davis on bubble championship: [02:45]
Breaking Heat news: [05:32]
Damashek’s Gretzky confrontation story: [10:31]–[13:05]
Joy of journey in fandom discussion: [18:03]–[25:05]
Dan walks out of ‘Spawn’: [27:35]
Standing ovation cynicism: [32:14]–[36:39]
Debate: Celtics vs. Knicks: [38:44]
Knickerbocker meaning: [42:24]

Tone & Style

The conversation is playful, candid, and full of the show’s trademark humor, with stories told in the native, irreverent, quick-bantering style of the hosts. There’s a warmth throughout—about family, sports, and shared memories—but also plenty of sharp, self-aware sarcasm.

For New Listeners

This episode serves as a classic example of why The Dan Le Batard Show is beloved: It’s about more than wins and losses, as the hosts mine the heart and humor from both the biggest sports headlines and the quirkiest personal stories, all while poking fun at the rituals and quirks of fandom and entertainment.