Hour 1: Dominique Ruins The Interview (feat. Steve Williams)

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Episode: Hour 1: Dominique Ruins The Interview (feat. Steve Williams)
Release Date: March 31, 2025

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1. Introduction and Opening Banter (00:51 - 05:01)

The episode kicks off with Dan Le Batard and Stugotz engaging in their trademark dynamic banter, setting a lighthearted tone. Early discussions revolve around the nature of sports series, specifically a five-game series, emphasizing the importance of winning game one to maintain momentum. Stugotz introduces the concept of "show awards," hinting at competitive elements within the show's framework.

Notable Quote:

• Stugotz (02:21): "Game one. He's clutch."

2. Analyzing Recent Game Performance (05:01 - 16:27)

The conversation shifts to a recent game where Dominique Foxworth admits to blowing a lead due to turnovers and follow-up plays. The hosts discuss accountability in sports, highlighting the importance of taking responsibility for mistakes.

Notable Quotes:

• Dominique Foxworth (02:36): "I think we blew the lead with Dominic's follow ups to Lucy."
• Stugotz (02:42): "Somebody's gonna be prepared. And if you're not, call trouble."

The hosts delve into the performance of Andrew Hawkins, praising his accolades and discussing the significance of being listed in prestigious recognitions like the Athletic New York Times' "50 Under 40."

Notable Quotes:

• Stugotz (06:10): "Andrew Hawkins got all the damn awards."
• Mike Ryan (07:35): "I'm just honored to be listed with all the obstacles that I've had to go through to get to this point."

3. Maryland Sports and NCAA Critique (16:27 - 19:19)

A substantial portion of the episode focuses on Maryland's sports program, particularly the recent coaching change involving Kevin Willard moving to Villanova. The hosts critique the NCAA's evolving landscape, discussing the implications of revenue sharing and the shifting focus between basketball and football programs.

Notable Quotes:

• Dan Le Batard (11:03): "Are they going to choose football or basketball?"
• Stugotz (16:27): "Kevin Willard was not a crazy successful coach, but the opportunity came and he jumped ship."

Dominique Foxworth introduces a critical perspective on the NCAA, attributing changes in collegiate sports dynamics to underlying issues such as racism and financial disparities that affect player and coach decisions.

Notable Quotes:

• Dominique Foxworth (18:12): "It all goes back to racism."
• Mike Ryan (19:19): "We should be able to talk more about our biases in sports media."

4. Racism and Its Impact on Collegiate Sports (19:19 - 23:55)

The discussion intensifies as Dominique Foxworth and Mike Ryan explore how racism has historically influenced the opportunities and decisions within college sports. They reflect on the financial dynamics that constrain black athletes' choices, particularly in relation to NCAA policies.

Notable Quotes:

• Dominique Foxworth (18:35): "Once the black teenagers started making millions... Why? For more money."
• Mike Ryan (19:27): "Give him a look at reliever. That's what he wants."

5. Interview with Steve Williams: Insights from a Legendary Caddy (24:13 - 40:35)

Introduction (24:09 - 24:49) The segment transitions to an exclusive interview with Steve Williams, a legendary caddy renowned for his work with Tiger Woods. Steve is promoting his upcoming book, Together We Roar, which chronicles Tiger's remarkable 12-year, 13-major championship journey.

Steve's Background and Rugby Roots (25:12 - 26:15) Steve shares his early years as a fervent rugby player from New Zealand, detailing his transition from rugby to caddying in golf. His athletic background underscores his toughness and resilience, traits that served him well in the high-stakes world of professional golf.

Notable Quote:

• Steve Williams (25:23): "Rugby’s our national sport. Everyone when they're a kid wanting to be an All Black. I was no different."

Experiences Caddying for Tiger Woods (26:48 - 30:04) The conversation delves into Steve's experiences working with Tiger Woods, including their only heated exchange during the 2003 Masters at Augusta. Steve recounts how he confronted Tiger after a poor performance, which ultimately strengthened their professional relationship.

Notable Quotes:

• Steve Williams (32:02): "Tiger's an incredible competitor... he's just a phenomenal worker."
• Stugotz (29:52): "Could you whip Tiger's ass?"

Tiger Woods' Legacy and Future (30:04 - 37:00) Steve offers his perspective on Tiger's determination to win another major championship despite his age and recent injuries. He emphasizes Tiger's unwavering desire and work ethic, suggesting that Tiger won't retire until he no longer believes he can compete at the highest level.

Notable Quotes:

• Steve Williams (37:00): "Its his desire to be the best he could be and never had any distractions."
• Steve Williams (37:48): "Nothing changed his vision on trying to be the greatest player ever."

Golf Insights and Tips (39:12 - 40:35) Steve provides practical golfing advice, highlighting common mistakes amateur golfers make, such as slicing due to improper aim and follow-through. He underscores the complexity of the golf swing and the importance of individualized techniques.

Notable Quotes:

• Steve Williams (40:21): "The most common thing you see is a slice."
• Steve Williams (40:28): "You can't ever be afraid to be wrong."

6. Closing Remarks and Final Banter (40:35 - End)

As the interview concludes, the hosts reiterate their excitement for Steve's book release. The episode wraps up with typical humorous exchanges and a final promotional segment for Miller Lite, reinforcing the show's blend of sports commentary and entertainment.

Notable Quote:

• Dan Le Batard (37:00): "I want to know what you think of Bubba Watson saying that Scheffler in 2024 was better than in 2000."

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Key Takeaways:

• Accountability in Sports: The hosts emphasize the importance of taking responsibility for mistakes, both in game performance and broader sports management.

• NCAA and Racial Dynamics: A critical examination of how racism and financial structures within the NCAA have shaped the decisions and opportunities for black athletes and coaches.

• Steve Williams' Insights: Through the interview, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics between a caddy and a top-tier athlete like Tiger Woods, highlighting the psychological and strategic elements essential for success in golf.

• Persistence and Work Ethic: Steve underscores the relentless drive and work ethic that propelled Tiger Woods to greatness, serving as a model for dedication in sports.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Stugotz (02:21): "Game one. He's clutch."
• Dominique Foxworth (02:36): "I think we blew the lead with Dominic's follow ups to Lucy."
• Stugotz (06:10): "Andrew Hawkins got all the damn awards."
• Dominique Foxworth (18:12): "It all goes back to racism."
• Steve Williams (25:23): "Rugby’s our national sport. Everyone when they're a kid wanting to be an All Black. I was no different."
• Steve Williams (37:00): "Its his desire to be the best he could be and never had any distractions."
• Steve Williams (40:21): "The most common thing you see is a slice."

---

This episode of "The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz" masterfully blends sports analysis, critical discussions on systemic issues, and engaging interviews, providing listeners with a comprehensive and insightful exploration of contemporary sports dynamics.

Transcript

[Dan Le Batard]

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[Dominique Foxworth]

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[Stugotz]

Anytime someone says Cuervo, I show up.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Well, I do know that to be true. But even during ad reads like Cuervo, I think you could lay out, especially for one of our great partners, Sweet, delicious Cuervo. Since then, Cuervo has stayed true to its roots. The same family, the same land, the same passion.

[Stugotz]

Cuervo.

[Dominique Foxworth]

So enjoy the tequila that started it all.

[Stugotz]

Cuervo.

[Dan Le Batard]

Cuervo.

[Dominique Foxworth]

The tequila that invented tequila. Proximo Cuervo.com, please drink responsibly.

[Stugotz]

Cuervo. This is the Dan Levatar show with the Stugats podcast.

[Dan Le Batard]

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

[Stugotz]

We back. So on the Dominique Foxworth Show, Charlie and I, after each show determine whether we won or lost. And sometimes later on in the day, immediately after the show, sometimes we're right. And then later on today we're like, hey, I think we took a loss. Or like, hey, keep the streak alive. I say that to say at the end of today's show, we're going to have show awards as we did last time I was here. But we also need to determine whether we won game one or not because we got a five game series. We got a five game series this week and we got to get out here with a dub. And I'm so, as I mentioned before, I'm so happy to have Hawk here. Game one. He's clutch.

[Dan Le Batard]

So does that mean if we win the first three games, we Just don't work Thursday, Friday.

[Stugotz]

Yeah. I mean, that's how series work, baby.

[Mike Ryan]

So a game that's the NFL season, basically.

[Dan Le Batard]

How are we doing today so far? We up.

[Stugotz]

I think we got a. We got a pretty good lead.

[Dan Le Batard]

It's a close ballgame.

[Dominique Foxworth]

I think we blew the lead with Dominic's follow ups to Lucy.

[Mike Ryan]

They weren't great.

[Dominique Foxworth]

No, we were. Third quarter, I had.

[Stugotz]

I had a couple of turnovers, baby at a hot start. Got full of myself. Had a couple of turnovers. Hand up. Another thing from the Dominique Fox show. Accountability plays as well. So went off you coach, you take responsibility.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Couple errors.

[Stugotz]

Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. We don't tell if it went off us. We just take responsibility if it did go off us.

[Dominique Foxworth]

I Is not the norm here.

[Stugotz]

No, no.

[Mike Ryan]

Losing ball.

[Stugotz]

Well, this losing ball this week is the norm. We're going to be accountable. Everybody's going to be prepared. And if you're not, call trouble Yesterday because he took responsibility. I mean, not in trouble, but he took responsibility. We had a ridiculous adventure to get here yesterday.

[Dan Le Batard]

It's a long day.

[Dominique Foxworth]

I'll be accountable. I didn't quite fully understand what Pablo was trying to tell me through Charlie.

[Dan Le Batard]

I had no clue.

[Dominique Foxworth]

But I did take the opportunity to find the funny out. So I was bad and good.

[Stugotz]

The one thing that I can always.

[Dan Le Batard]

Did you just take accountability for being good?

[Dominique Foxworth]

For being good.

[Mike Ryan]

Sometimes accountability is accountability, no matter what side of the fence it's on.

[Dominique Foxworth]

I thought, I thought I liked the.

[Mike Ryan]

Point out that I stepped up to the plate and I want to be the bigger person and let everyone know that that was the case.

[Dominique Foxworth]

If this was Whose Line is It Anyways? You would have been happy I'm on your team because I could have been like, what are you. Wait one more time. Slow that down. But nope, not me. Hand me out.

[Dan Le Batard]

Hand up. I rule.

[Stugotz]

I love the postgame press conference. That's like, hey, he threw me in the ball in the corner. I was trapped in a bad spot, but I got out of it. I would like to take responsibility for how bad a spot Pablo put me in before I made that shot. Anyway, I got another random question, guys. I'm walking in here and looking around and who the hell is that? Who, like Stugatz? That's not Stugotz.

[Mike Ryan]

Not with that clean line.

[Dominique Foxworth]

No, no, no. That was a day that for Halloween he dressed up like Dan.

[Stugotz]

I don't believe you. You know who I think that is? I think that's Leroy. You trying to tell me that. That nose is a white man's nose.

[Mike Ryan]

That's a good question.

[Stugotz]

That's Leroy. Yo, look at his traps. That's. Look at me, Leroy.

[Mike Ryan]

Stoo gods with those traps.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Look at me, Leroy. Well, this is from the coloring book. Do you think anyone was like, I don't know who this is. I'm just going to guess on the skin color.

[Stugotz]

I have no clue how you can argue that that is not a black man who played baseball in the 70s. Like, as clearly a man who played baseball in the 70s. Right.

[Mike Ryan]

Can we look up how many black guys in the m. Be in the 70s were named Leroy? Because I feel like there was a lot. I feel like the name Leroy was probably at its height in the 70s for black men in America.

[Stugotz]

The super athletes used to go to baseball and that thing. That kind of blows my mind to think about. We had this conversation before where there are lots of like, incredible, outstanding, amazing, ridiculous athletes in sports that we've never really seen before. There was a time when baseball was what football is. And all the super athletes like, you know what I want to do? I want to play baseball.

[Mike Ryan]

It was the thing, man. That's where the money was, though. You got to follow the money. Like, Jackie Robinson could have probably been a Hall of Fame football player. He was like the best. One of the best in the country. So on this side, it's like, that's crazy. You chose baseball, like, then. No, that made all the sense in the world.

[Stugotz]

Speaking of show awards, Andrew Hawkins got all the damn awards. This man is in all. On all the lists he was on. Was it the Athletic New York Times, 50 under 40?

[Mike Ryan]

Yep.

[Stugotz]

And today announced another award. Did they actually give you a trophy for the SBJ1?

[Mike Ryan]

I think there's a banquet that comes and you get it at the banquet.

[Stugotz]

Don't say I think when.

[Mike Ryan]

I don't. I don't know.

[Stugotz]

I don't try to fake humble me.

[Mike Ryan]

I promise I do.

[Stugotz]

I was. I didn't love how Mike just pat himself on the back. Now I do.

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah.

[Stugotz]

Because it's better. Just be real. Just be real.

[Dominique Foxworth]

End up. I've had a great year.

[Mike Ryan]

I don't. I don't want to get a look at me, Leroy.

[Dominique Foxworth]

That's on me.

[Mike Ryan]

So it's better for you. I just. I don't know. I'll figure it out. If it doesn't come, I'm going to make my own trophy.

[Stugotz]

There's no.

[Mike Ryan]

Is there something wrong with that? If there's no.

[Stugotz]

No, no, no, no. There's no Way out of the. Look at. Look at me, Leroy. Because you pretending like you got this great honor, and just like. I don't know. I get so many of them, I can't keep up.

[Mike Ryan]

I got banquets.

[Stugotz]

I got no banquets. Some of them. Some of them give me trophies, some of them don't. I'm just a man in this.

[Mike Ryan]

I am very honored to be mentioned with some incredible names. Name some of the names of the business world. I haven't actually. I have not seen the list.

[Stugotz]

Because you don't even care enough to.

[Mike Ryan]

Look at the list, my man.

[Stugotz]

Don't even look at the list.

[Mike Ryan]

I'm working. I am locked in. It came out today. I got a text while I'm on this show that I'm on the list. I have not seen. I have no idea who else is on the list.

[Stugotz]

That is so cool.

[Dominique Foxworth]

An honor to be nominated.

[Mike Ryan]

I'm just honored to be listed with all the obstacles that I've had to go through to get to this point. Mike, you understand?

[Dominique Foxworth]

I do.

[Mike Ryan]

At the buzzard at 39. Come on, man. I got.

[Dominique Foxworth]

And sometimes it's weird to be honored, right? Because, like, I actually put in all this sweat equity years ago, and now this tree is all bearing fruit at the same time. I come off way more impressive than I actually am right now in this.

[Mike Ryan]

So kudos to them for still seeing through that lens.

[Dan Le Batard]

Four seven, gang.

[Mike Ryan]

You too, Fourth century. Seven, gang. We doing it, baby.

[Stugotz]

So you're gonna have to give a speech. You say it's a banquet, so I don't know.

[Mike Ryan]

I have. Nick, I literally have no idea how this works.

[Stugotz]

I got a question. Are you the type of guy that prepares a speech but pretends like it's not prepared? Or are you type of guy who doesn't actually prepare a speech? Or are you a guy who pulls a paper out the pocket, unfold it.

[Dan Le Batard]

And hit him or the phone?

[Mike Ryan]

I'm a not prepare the speech. And then about 3, 40 minutes before I speak, it just comes to me.

[Stugotz]

Gotcha.

[Mike Ryan]

That's how I am.

[Dan Le Batard]

That's obnoxious.

[Mike Ryan]

No, it's not. It's how it. It's when I do my best work against the clock. I get some funny in there. I find the energy of the place feel okay. How. Make sure this is relatable. Get the people going a little bit quick, short and sweet and get out.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Total problem.

[Mike Ryan]

You're not a fan. All right, don't sit here. Don't give me the awkward silence, okay?

[Dominique Foxworth]

That's being a bad teammate.

[Mike Ryan]

What do you. This is. This is what you do. This is why you.

[Stugotz]

No, no, no. I'm pro. I think you're an amazing talent. I'm happy you're here.

[Dominique Foxworth]

He does so much.

[Stugotz]

He does.

[Dominique Foxworth]

He really does.

[Stugotz]

Not as much as you though. Mike.

[Dominique Foxworth]

No, he does. No, I mean if anybody. It's a 4, 7 game.

[Mike Ryan]

It's a 4, 7 Game. We're one in the same, me and Mike.

[Stugotz]

Apparently y'all do too much. That's why y'all in the 4, 7 game. I just shut your asses up, get there on time. Sit your goofy ass in the back seven for a second seven gang.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Only found one Leroy, first name Leroy.

[Stugotz]

Who'S played in the 70s.

[Dominique Foxworth]

His name is Leroy Stanton.

[Stugotz]

He was a.

[Dominique Foxworth]

He was a Met a California angel and a Seattle Mariner.

[Stugotz]

Does he have a beard and look just like that guy on the ring?

[Dominique Foxworth]

No beard. What about the 80s?

[Stugotz]

I didn't see any from the 80s.

[Mike Ryan]

So it's. It's the leading decade for Leroy's. Like I said.

[Stugotz]

Yeah.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Most likely there will be Negro league players named Leroy.

[Mike Ryan]

I got a lot of negro league players.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Was there any white Leroy's maybe that had last names?

[Stugotz]

Probably Leroy.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Probably. I'll look that up. That would probably be Leroy.

[Stugotz]

Yeah, Leroy.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Yeah. There's a country singer named Leroy Van Dyke.

[Mike Ryan]

Oh, did he do the voiceover? No. Self shout out. Maybe that's why that pain came from. He knows what he's been through.

[Dominique Foxworth]

A lot of famous Leroy's on this website.

[Dan Le Batard]

Wow.

[Stugotz]

I was in the break. I was in the container and there was a fiery conversation. You guys mocked me earlier because I said that we got some hot Maryland talk coming and you mocked me. But guess what? I walked into. Into the shipping container, you guys. Charlie. And specifically having a fiery conversation about Maryland. So let's do it.

[Dan Le Batard]

I actually think this topic is fascinating. We were talking about the nil stuff and how there are changes to the where where the payments are coming from and how it's going to be a rev chair system. And this is a big story for you guys because Kevin Willard, the coach who just led Maryland to one of the strangest sweet sixteen runs imaginable because they had the buzzer beater from Derrick Queen, the Crab five. They were this fun team. He was out. He was out like a week and a half before that. He started travel.

[Stugotz]

Yep. Yeah, hater.

[Dominique Foxworth]

It was a travel.

[Stugotz]

He didn't call it.

[Dominique Foxworth]

I'm at that age now where I can't watch any basketball games. I'm like to Travel.

[Stugotz]

It wasn't a travel. It was a travel. It was beautiful.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Carry to travel.

[Stugotz]

That's a. It's a terrible age.

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah, it's a bad age. It doesn't feel good.

[Stugotz]

When we get to the Ted McMillan conversation, I think I'm going to join you at that terrible age. But anyway, Charlie, tell me why my school is bad.

[Dan Le Batard]

Your coach was publicly flirting with Villanova, has now taken the job to be the Villanova.

[Stugotz]

So he's not my coach.

[Dan Le Batard]

No longer your coach. Your former coach had taken the job at Villanova. Just because Maryland is a Big Ten school. Villanova's in the Big East. Villanova is not going to spend NL money on football. There will be a higher percentage of their revenue share that goes to the basketball program, which sets up a really interesting thing of what's going to happen with this acc. With these ACC schools, are they going to choose football or basketball? Are they going to be trying to get poached by the SEC or other conferences or the Big Ten? And Maryland's in a funny spot with this because this is a basketball school that is trying to now masquerade as a football school.

[Stugotz]

Wow. They're not trying to mask. So the thing is in the stories pointed out that Maryland spends the second most money of anybody in the Big Ten in top 10 in the country on basketball. So the idea that Willard was arguing that Maryland was shortchanging him, I think that if anyone had an argument that it was getting shortchanged, it'd be the football team. Right?

[Dominique Foxworth]

I think you're on it. Dominique. I don't understand this. And plus there's more rev to share inside the Big Ten. They got that big time football money coming into there. So it's very curious. I'm sure he was made a ton of promises. And Villanova's won national championships more recently certainly than Maryland. And that's what they have going on for them, that that school is synonymous with its men's basketball program. So I, I understand why he might get more commitments from that. There's also a little bit of an element to like, let me reset that clock. And in this whole new age of college basketball, I'd rather be starting fresh at Villanova and have that job security now that I just raise expectations here. But coaches like to do this thing where they complain about the resources and the resources are so ambiguous because they're kind of like closely guarded state secrets that you can just kind of conveniently use this as an excuse. No one really checks you on that like Jim Larenaga.

[Stugotz]

There we go. I got it. I was confused why Mike Ryan was so into this manly.

[Dominique Foxworth]

We did some of it on Friday.

[Mike Ryan]

But we just let this conversation.

[Dominique Foxworth]

We did this on Friday, but we let Jim Larenaga and Leonard Hamilton like join us in our content making and we just like, yeah, no nil portal. Like, we hear you. That must be difficult for someone of your age. And then no one realizes, like, he didn't lose anybody until they started sucking. Like, we had the most talented team ever after we went to the final four. Yeah, yeah. We lost two guys to the NBA that weren't first round picks and we replaced them with Matt Cleveland, a guy from FSU that coach Laraniga really wanted and a first round draft pick that's one of the better rookies in the NBA right now. Keyshawn George. That was the most talented Miami team ever and they fell on their face. And then the following year we got him a top three recruit in the nation and he quit midway through the year.

[Dan Le Batard]

Hand up. I shouldn't have brought up this topic to talk about Miami basketball.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Yeah, well, this is why my Uber rating is low.

[Mike Ryan]

He's like, and yeah, this right here. But we gave him a top recruitment. Recruitment.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Tony Bennett did the same thing and it's like, oh, well, you're just quitting. You're quitting.

[Mike Ryan]

That's not accountability.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Because the game's changing and you're just like, it's a mess. What you're saying is, no, I can't, I can't acclimate. I have a limited skill set.

[Dan Le Batard]

I'll get us back to Maryland. I have a stat of the day.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Start of the day, start of the.

[Stugotz]

Day it is the start of the day Start of the day, Start of the day it is the start of.

[Dominique Foxworth]

The day Start of the day, Start.

[Dan Le Batard]

Of the day it is the start.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Of the day Start of the day.

[Stugotz]

Start of the day it is the.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Start of the day.

[Mike Ryan]

Way too long.

[Stugotz]

That's the short version.

[Dan Le Batard]

Let me remind people that stat of the day is brought to you by Evan Williams Bourbon game day's number one. Poor Evan Williams. Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey Bardstown, Kentucky 43 to 45% alcohol by volume. Enjoy responsibly. 21 plus we're talking about Kevin Willard, former Maryland coach, just headed off to Villanova. This marks the first time that a Maryland head basketball coach has left for another school. Every other time in the program's 102 year history, their coach has either been fired or retired.

[Stugotz]

Oh, good stat. So did we fire Bear Bryant no, no, no, no. I mean, we had to, right? Oh, I think we did.

[Dan Le Batard]

Basketball. I think they're talking about.

[Stugotz]

Oh, oh. So it's not. It's not all sports.

[Dan Le Batard]

No, just basketball. This program. Odd program.

[Steve Williams]

Yeah.

[Stugotz]

Gary was better for it is a great program. Especially the leadership there at the program is fantastic, man.

[Mike Ryan]

Okay. I just think whatever they're doing with Rev Share, it's in good hands. So if they've. If they've made and I think it's probably more team, they knew that this guy can't hang. Let's go get better, right? You know, no bias there. Just up, straight, down the middle is how I shoot it. Tie end up on those lists.

[Stugotz]

Just so you guys know, the Kevin Wheeler stuff is interesting because he was not a crazy successful coach, but the opportunity came and he jumped ship. So I'm never going to begrudge anybody for moving on to a different opportunity or to what they believe is a better opportunity. But it was weird the way that he did it, I thought, because. So first he's doing press conferences where he's leaking that the AD is going to leave. And he's kind of also taking shots at the. At the institution for not paying for him and his team to stay in New York and celebrate Christmas together. And he's arguing that the Rev share is not favorable when it actually appears the reporting suggests that the Rev share is favorable for him. Then he skips a sweet sixteen dinner with his team where he's supposed to go celebrate with them while they're on a run to sweet 16, obviously, because he had some understanding with Villanova just as a weird way to go about things. But I guess at a certain point, I more than anyone else should understand and know that college football or college sports is gross and getting grosser. And all the standards that we used to pretend to hold ourselves to, we don't even, like, pretend anymore. It is just scary for the future.

[Dan Le Batard]

It's always been gross, though.

[Dominique Foxworth]

When did it, like, get gross?

[Stugotz]

I think. I think we move the veil, I guess, which I guess is better. We can see the gross.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Kind of think that people started feeling outwardly that this is gross when the players got to do what the coaches got to do the entire time. And then it kind of held up a different line. And then the coaches were like, hey, that's unfair. That's not cool that they can do that. We're supposed to be the only ones that get away with that.

[Stugotz]

So how does that relate to Miami?

[Dominique Foxworth]

I mean, it can if you want to read into it. Why did you ask him that?

[Mike Ryan]

Why would you ask that question to my 4.7 ganger?

[Dominique Foxworth]

I would say that racism. I would say it all tastes. It all goes back to racism. Because once the black teenagers started making millions of dollars and being able to say, hey, no, I want to go to your school. No, I actually want to go to this other school. Why? For more money. Wait, you can't do that. We can do that. You can't do that. You're a black teenager. And I think that that's where it actually changed, if we're getting down to the nitty gritty.

[Mike Ryan]

Are you talking about the music group Young Black Teenagers, or is that.

[Dominique Foxworth]

That was actually mostly white kids. Wasn't DJ Scribble?

[Mike Ryan]

I think they were all white kids.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Yeah, yeah.

[Mike Ryan]

From the MTV Raps trading card I found at my mom's house.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Tap the bottle, twist the cap there. That's where Scribble was from.

[Mike Ryan]

So I am very biased on the Maryland sports. Obviously, Nick is biased. He's the most biased on this topic. But my cousin is the executive director of Rev Share and general manager of Maryland athletics.

[Stugotz]

Did he get on the 40 under 50 under 40 list?

[Mike Ryan]

He's over 40, is an older cousin. Is an older cousin. But I am. I just. I got to be honest and say I'm completely biased. I have no idea what the situation is going on there, but I'm in support of whatever he is doing, and I feel like we should be able to talk more about our biases in sports media.

[Stugotz]

Yeah, we all have biases. We should be clear and outspoken about those biases.

[Dominique Foxworth]

But am I the only one that's pointed out the racism, though?

[Mike Ryan]

Yes.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Really?

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah. Yeah. Give him a look at reliever. That's what he wants. I like how you play your audience, too. I didn't feed into it because I'm like, all right, I like what you're doing. 4.7.

[Stugotz]

I get it.

[Mike Ryan]

You know how to read the room.

[Stugotz]

He's. He's a Lou. He's a Louie.

[Mike Ryan]

But he's also biased. But he's talking about racist.

[Dominique Foxworth]

No, no, no, no, I'm not. I'm biased against the ncaa. Like, no doubt, no doubt. I've been very public, but I've always been anti NCAA because of my very valid persecution complex.

[Dan Le Batard]

Okay, there's. There's where it comes.

[Stugotz]

All right, guys, we're going to take a break, but before we do, Andrew is your cousin's. Does your cousin's name start with an A?

[Mike Ryan]

This is going to be. This is going to be even worse. All right, real quick. This is a real quick story. My cousin's name is G. Roy. Okay? But he's a junior.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Huh?

[Mike Ryan]

Okay. His name is G. Roy. He's a junior. G. Roy junior. His father, who is G. Ray, has a twin brother. Guess what? His twin brother's name is Leroy.

[Dan Le Batard]

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[Dominique Foxworth]

Today, weather is starting to warm up. Regular season starting to wind down. Games of consequence in SP 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 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.

[Dan Le Batard]

Hey, friends, it's Jerbear here and I'm here to tell you all about Boost Mobile, which is now a legit nationwide 5G network. So I must take a break from the jokes here for a second and put on my serious voice because I would never, ever joke about a 5G.

[Stugotz]

Network that has invested billions building 5G.

[Dan Le Batard]

Towers across the country.

[Stugotz]

Not even once. Not even if Mr. Boost Mobile himself asked me to. There is nothing funny about it.

[Dan Le Batard]

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.

[Stugotz]

Store location to learn more.

[Dan Le Batard]

The Boost Mobile network, together with our roaming partners, covers 99% of the US population.

[Stugotz]

5G speeds not available in all areas. Devon White. Glen Allen Hill. Pat Tabler. Benito Santiago.

[Dan Le Batard]

Tim Tuffle.

[Dominique Foxworth]

Gary Pettis.

[Dan Le Batard]

Bruce Hearst. Craig Lefferts.

[Mike Ryan]

Jim deshayes.

[Stugotz]

Doug Brocale. We back and we are joined by an incredible guest, a legend, the legendary caddy Steve Williams, where he's here to promote his book. Together we roar alongside Tiger for his epic 12 year 13 major run. It comes out on April 1st. Buy it a gift for somebody coming up for whatever holiday you want. Steve, thank you so much for joining us, man. I'm excited to have you're a legend.

[Steve Williams]

Well, thanks very much. It's nice to be on your show, guys.

[Stugotz]

All right, so I want to start with, we're going to get to all the great golf stories that I'm sure you're in your book. You're not going to give away all the best ones, so people have to buy it. But I had a random question as I was thinking, normally people who are who work in sports are great athletes themselves. Also, did you grow up playing a sport other than golf?

[Steve Williams]

Yeah, I was a fanatical rugby player. I'm from New Zealand and rugby's our national sport. Everyone when they're a kid growing up here wants to be an all black. And I was no different to that.

[Stugotz]

Yeah, me too. When I was growing up, all I wanted to be was black too. Stevie, so you are obviously phenomenally tough guy. Any injuries from your rugby career or gruesome hits?

[Steve Williams]

No, no, no, no. Not, not. I think I might have lost a couple of teeth before it was mandatory to wear a mouth guard. But no, nothing too serious. I. I played rugby through my early college days and then obviously started Catting at a young age. But, yeah, rugby's a, you know, a big game here in New Zealand. It's. I'm not sure if you know much about it, but.

[Stugotz]

Oh, yeah, we're well aware of rugby being a popular game in New Zealand. We steal some of your rugby athletes occasionally to come play our American football on occasion. And I've played rugby with some friends. It's a very violent game, but it's also very fun, and it's pretty straightforward.

[Mike Ryan]

Pure football.

[Stugotz]

It is pure.

[Mike Ryan]

Basically, it's like a pure version of American football is rugby.

[Stugotz]

Agreed. So, all right, the book. What in the book. Why you look at me like that?

[Mike Ryan]

You're talking. I gotta.

[Dan Le Batard]

No, because I.

[Stugotz]

You said it's pure football. I was like, oh, Hawk about to go somewhere with this. Then he just looked back at me.

[Mike Ryan]

No, no, no. I'm just a big rugby fan.

[Stugotz]

All right. Who in the tour right now could you beat? Don't get scared. I know you watch golf and you look up and you're like, hey, I could beat some of these dudes. Name them. Name some names, Steve.

[Steve Williams]

Nah. How do you mean you can beat some of these dudes?

[Stugotz]

Oh, I mean, in golf, like. Yeah, you. You. It's somebody on the top you could beat.

[Steve Williams]

Oh, look, I mean, anybody that's good enough to get. Get their PGA tour guard and play on any kind of professional circuit, there's. For every player that's out there playing, trying to make a living at golf, these hundreds of other players that don't make it. It's a very competitive game, and to be at an elite level in golf, it's. I don't think the average person would realize how much a player puts in and how much time goes into making it on the turrets. Let me refresh.

[Stugotz]

A very tough rugby man. And what you wanted me to ask is, who on the tour ask. Could you beat? You could beat one of them up, right? You, somebody name one of them that you want to square up with, and you could catch them because you're tougher than. Than a golfer, right? You're tougher than all the golfers.

[Steve Williams]

Oh, look, I guess. I guess me and Phil Mickelson could probably square off one day.

[Mike Ryan]

I like that. Great answer.

[Stugotz]

Yeah. Yeah. I remember you called Phil a prick. You want to see him in the streets? We can. We'd arrange this. We can get a little. A little Netflix pay per view. Let's get this money, Steve. Let's get this money.

[Mike Ryan]

Book sales through the roof.

[Stugotz]

Oh, yeah, the book sales are definitely through the roof.

[Mike Ryan]

Come on.

[Stugotz]

So Tigers most recent injury. I'm sure that all of us, like we have accepted that Tiger is well past his prime. The recent injuries are concerning. What are the chances that we can see some. Another great run from Tiger. Obviously not in the extended run, but another good tournament, another good major. Anything from Tiger. What do you think?

[Steve Williams]

Yeah, that's a great question. I mean, my personal belief is that, you know, he won't give up the dream of trying to win another major championship until the time comes when he knows it's. It's not a possibility. So for him, in order for him to play in a major championship and be competitive, he needs to have his body in his, you know, allow his body to be healed and to the point where he can practice so that when he stands on the first tee of a major champion championship, he knows he's fully fit and he can play 72 holes without. Without any ailment and then he can compete. So Tiger's an incredible competitor and you know, he, I think he, he's proud of the. Of all the records he's got and I think he's. One record he'd like to add is winning a major championship at 50 years and older. Phil Mickelson's proven that you can do that. And there's been another number of other players of one major life in their career. So, you know, Tigers, I don't think he's given up the dream of doing that and you know, until such point where he. That dreams gone, where he believes he can't compete and win a major championship, I think he'll try and keep playing. So hopefully we haven't seen the last of Tiger. I mean, it would be a phenomenal story if he come back and get himself ready where he could play in a major champion not only play, but, you know, give it a chance to win.

[Stugotz]

No, at one point you and Tiger were not. Didn't have the greatest relationship. It sounds as if you guys, you feel better about that. But the real question is, could you whip Tiger's ass?

[Steve Williams]

At one point when I went to work with Tiger, I considered myself to be reasonably fit. And he gave me a whole different perspective for what being fit was.

[Stugotz]

So, yeah, I got it.

[Steve Williams]

Yeah, he put me through some rigorous workouts and you know, sometimes I had to say, look, I'm done now, Tiger. I'll meet you in the car when you're finished. He's pretty strong, dude.

[Stugotz]

Together we roar. You guys need to buy it, order it. It comes out on April 1, 2025 alongside Tiger. His epic 12 year, 13 majors run, Steve, or excuse me, Chris. What you got?

[Dominique Foxworth]

Steve?

[Dan Le Batard]

Do you find yourself caddying off the course where you're like, a friend is walking down a hill and you're like, this hill breaks a little to the right and there's like a little bump there that you got to avoid?

[Steve Williams]

Look, when you've caddied for as long as I've caddied, I guess it's just kind of ingrained into you. Basically. I started as a, as a kid at my local golf course here in New Zealand, sort years old, catting every single weekend, 36 holes a day, to the point where, and then I caved for 40 plus years on the tour. So there's something that you'll always be inclined to view things from a caddy's perspective, you know, not from a player's perspective.

[Dan Le Batard]

I guess you're like in an Uber and you're like, you should have made a left there. I think that that lane's a little better than this one. What are you doing in the middle lane here?

[Steve Williams]

Yeah, possibly. Yeah.

[Stugotz]

Do you, is it possible that you could look up your Uber rating? Is that too much to ask? Is that too difficult? We had to go through all of our people in our room today to see who had the best Uber rating. Is that something that you think you could manage?

[Steve Williams]

Well, I, I think you'd have to fair to say it's a zero because I've never used an Uber, so.

[Mike Ryan]

That is private car.

[Stugotz]

Yeah, Big money. I ain't messing with no Ubers. I got a personal driver. I see you, Steve.

[Steve Williams]

I, I, I drive myself everywhere from. So no, haven't, haven't had the pleasure of having to use an Uber yet. And if I, and if I have used one, my wife would have booked it for me because I'm, I'm not, I don't, I don't carry apps on my phone, so I'm a bit old school.

[Dan Le Batard]

Steve, where would most likely a heated interaction between you and caddy, you and Tiger, at the peak of you working with him, like your heated exchange, where would that take place?

[Steve Williams]

Well, we only really had one heated exchange, and it was at Augusta in 2003. Tiger got to the third hold Augusta. The team was positioned at the front of the team, which made, made it possible where you could drive the green. And I'd been out in the course earlier that morning and told him on the practice fairway that moved the tee up on the third hole. So sometimes the third hole was an iron off the tee to keep it short of the bunkers. And sometimes you hit a driver to get over the bunkers, depending on where the wind is and where the hole location is. But on this particular day, the tee was moved up so the bunkers were in play. There's no doubt in my mind it was a driver. He didn't like the play. I couldn't see why he didn't like the play. I talked him into it. He had had an absolute shot and fanned it way out to the right and eventually made a bogey on a hole that, you know, you should make three, four of the worst and possibly, you know, stop the momentum that he had after starting with four, four and, you know, didn't do any good in the tournament in the end. And he carried on like an absolute pork chop for the next few holes and, you know, like a little sab, SA baby, whatever. And then on the night, on the ninth hole, I just actually let it rip. It's the first time I've done that since I started with him. Just gave him an absolute mouthful and bollocking about his behavior and way he was carrying on and that, and that was all good. And then, yeah, when we completed the round, he said, hey, thanks very much for the pep talk up nine and everything. So, yeah, but like, we got on like a house on fire when I was working from him. I think that was the only time that we ever had any kind of, you know, really heated argument. It was unfortunate. It was during the round of a major championship. But when I came up the 18th hole, I thought, well, this might be the last time going to Tiger. He either liked it or what I said, or he absolutely hated what I said said. So, you know, he was very good about it. So we laughed about that for a little bit.

[Stugotz]

Yeah. What do you think is the best quality that you bring or most value that you brought as a caddy? Was it the, the psychological part of it or was it just the clubs or. I guess I should just let you answer.

[Steve Williams]

Just basically not afraid to voice your opinion, you know, straight up sort of bloke and, you know, when, when, when there's something a lot on the line, not, not, not scared to voice your opinion and, you know, try and sway a player your way or, you know, whatever it might, you know, I think you'll find the common trait amongst all the best case, the guys that are prepared to stand up and not be afraid to be wrong. Obviously, when it comes down to the crutch of major championships and golf Tournaments and that, and there's a lot on the line. It's very easy just to be what we call a yes man and just agree with the player, because some K's, you know, are afraid to be wrong. But you can't ever be afraid to be wrong. If you can speak up and voice your opinion, you know you're going to be successful.

[Stugotz]

Name them who are yes men. Call them out.

[Steve Williams]

You don't call out your work mates, that's for sure.

[Mike Ryan]

But that's news.

[Stugotz]

Whoa. We call them out around here. Hey, Stevie, I stumbled over a question. I guarantee, when we let you go, all my workmates, we are going to get along like a house on fire in this mother. Anyway. Chris, what'd you have?

[Dan Le Batard]

I want to know what you think of Bubba Watson saying that Scheffler in 2024 was better than in 2000.

[Steve Williams]

Well, I mean, I think that's a staggering statement to make. I mean, look, if a player won three major championships and no other tournaments, and a player won one major championship and 20 tournaments, the guy that's won three major championships gets a nod in everybody's book. So I don't know what he was basing that on, but, you know, I guess it's above a comment. Some guys looking for some attention. I think that's probably what he was doing here. You know, like, Bubba's fallen off the radar and he's probably looking for a bit of attention here. But look, you know, like, like Scotty Schiffer had an incredible year in 2024, played unbelievable golf, you know, and somewhat similar to some of the years that Tiger put together. But arguably, you can't bet against a guy that won three major championships in one year. And, and, and also in the fashion that he did it. If you look open at pebble beach and the Open Championship at St. Andrews, not only were they with victories, one was by 15 shots and one was by seven shots. So they were memorable tournaments with breaking scoring records in both of them. So, yeah, I'm not sure whether bubba was confusing. 2000, maybe another year.

[Stugotz]

What do you think about the TGL? The. Which TGL have you been watching at all? The.

[Steve Williams]

The down here in New Zealand. There's no way to watch that. So I haven't seen any of it. I can't. I can't ask that question. I haven't followed any of it.

[Dan Le Batard]

So, yeah, if you had to pick one thing that made Tiger so much more dominant than the next guy, his hands, his mental toughness, what would you say made Tiger so Much better than everybody else in his prime.

[Steve Williams]

Oh look, I think it's just his desire. I mean his desire to be the best that he could be and, and you know, be the greatest player. A lot of people grow up when they, when they're youngsters and they want to be the best player in the world and they're going to put a lot of effort in but when you actually get onto the tour and that realize what it takes to be the best player that can sway your vision on how you're thinking about that. But just as continual desire when pro athletes, as we all know and everyone's aware, they make a lot of money and sometimes when they, they give a lot of.

[Stugotz]

Oh, sorry, I hit a button by mistake. Steve.

[Dominique Foxworth]

We'll talk about this after being in the microphone. House on fire.

[Stugotz]

Yeah, they're gonna call me out afterwards and try to move the microphone. Slap the butt. I'm sorry, Steve. I ruined this interview.

[Dominique Foxworth]

That was terrible.

[Mike Ryan]

That was horrible. Steve, please continue.

[Stugotz]

That was really bad, Steve. I'm sorry.

[Dominique Foxworth]

You chunked it.

[Steve Williams]

I think, I think what happens in golf, it's a lot of players that have, you know, a huge amount of talent and when they get a huge amount of success become. There's a lot of wealth comes around that and when you get a lot of wealth it becomes a lot of to that come around and whether it be a fishing boat, a private plane, fast cars, whatever it might be and sometimes I think some of the guys that are capable of playing at the same level that Tiger did, they just take their foot off the gas a little bit because the niceties that come with with your success take away some of the opportunity to practice as hard because you've got other things to other toys to play with and so forth. But yeah, Tigers just as just his desire and work ethic to continue to be the best player that he could be and never had any distract actions that it took away from trying to be this, you know, he's just a phenomenal worker and continued to work hard throughout his career to be the best player he could. And despite his all his success and fame and wealth and that nothing changed his vision on trying to be the greatest player that's ever played the game.

[Stugotz]

All right, I'm ordering my book now as not only because I want to order it and can't wait to read it, but because I would like to apologize for messing up the interview with a button press. Together we roar alongside Tiger for his epic 12 year run. Available April 1st. What you got, Chris?

[Dan Le Batard]

What's the golf tip that you hear on the range where, you know somebody's faking it and, you know, this person has no idea what they're actually talking about. And is it when someone says, oh, you lifted your head?

[Steve Williams]

Yeah, well, I mean, if you're talking about going to the driving range with your mates and that. That. That is certainly a common thing to hear. Oh, you lifted your head. But, oh, look, you know, there's. There's so many moving parts to a golf swing in that, and there's so many. Everybody's different than that, and everybody swings the club differently. And there's so many. Everybody has all different faults in that. But, you know, your common player that plays golf, your average player that plays golf and doesn't play very often, the biggest mistake they make is they. They aim to the right and they come over the ball, which means, you know, because they're aiming right and they're trying to hit it bit left of where they're aiming at, that what they do, they come over it and they slice it. So, you know, you. You guys probably play golf and you understand what a slice is, and, you know, your common golfer that doesn't play a lot slices the ball, and, you know, that's probably the most common thing. You see.

[Stugotz]

Chris is just trying to get his golf game better. So. Anyway, thanks a lot, Steve. Make sure everyone orders the book coming on April 1st. Together, we roar. All right, man. Appreciate you.

[Steve Williams]

Yeah. Good to be on your show, guys. Enjoy the rest of the day.

[Stugotz]

Thank you.

[Mike Ryan]

Thank you, Steve.

[Dominique Foxworth]

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.