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Dan Le Batard
You're listening to DraftKings Network.
Stugotz
This episode is brought to you by Amazon Prime. There's nothing sweeter than baking cookies during the holidays. With Prime, I get all my ingredients delivered right to my door, fast and free. No last minute store trips needed. And of course, I blast my favorite holiday playlist on Amazon Music. It's the ultimate soundtrack for creating unforgettable memories. From streaming to shopping. It's on Prime. Visit Amazon.comprime to get more out of whatever you're into.
Billy Corben
This message comes from PNC bank, who.
David Sampson
Believes some things in life should be boring, like banking. Because boring is steady, pragmatic, responsible. You don't want your bank to be exciting. Exciting is for setting trends, not banks. That's why PNC bank strives to be boring with your money, so you can be happily fulfilled with your life. PNC bank brilliantly boring since 1865 brilliantly boring is a service mark of the PNC Financial Services Group Inc. PNC Bank National Association Member FDIC this is the.
Billy Corben
Dan Levator show with the Stuttgarts podcast.
Stugotz
The only thing worse than staring at Adnan in the zoom with the red carpeting and the red wall is knowing that if I had been kept waiting, as long as we just kept adding and waiting, right, I would have hung up. And Adnan, to me, looks desperate.
David Sampson
He looks angry and he has every reason to be angry. I've never seen Adnan angry, though. That's the problem. So I don't know what it looks like, but I felt like I just saw it.
Stugotz
I mean, you're in a doubt. You're in a Dallas hotel room, aren't you, Adnan?
David Sampson
How do you know that?
Adnan Virk
Listen, one thing. David Sampson knows all the travel he's done. He knows his winter meetings. I've actually at the Hilton Dallas. David's absolutely. I wish Samson was here, Stu. I'd be kissing his keister like everyone does. This is all. It's a big schmooze fest. Every single person you see. Quick hug, handshake.
Billy Corben
How you been?
Adnan Virk
How's the family? You try to pump them for information. You go on your way. It's amazing. I'm terrible at it. I know David would be great at it. And Stu, you'd be amazing at it too. I'm atrocious. I'm in a room right now with a red backdrop and as David pointed out, waiting 11 minutes to come on here and talk to you guys.
Stugotz
You don't have to get the entire segment in in 30 seconds. Let's take a breath.
David Sampson
But, well, hold on a second. David. Adam, were you indeed mad at us because we had you in the Zoom Wa room for about 25 minutes?
Adnan Virk
It's gone from 12 to 25. Stu, Matt, mad still. I never been mad at you, fellow July 29th birthdays. But mildly annoyed, perturbed, maybe a little concerned. Like, I was like, I'm not hearing anything. Is everything okay?
David Sampson
Is it still on, Roy?
Adnan Virk
Talk to me, Louis. Throw me a lifeline.
David Sampson
Never match.
Stugotz
Totally my fault. Because what I was trying to orchestrate, and given the time of day, I thought we had a shot. I was trying to get breaking news out of the winter meetings that Adnan could break for us live and watch his hair become the mess that it is because he's gotta be on the air, he's gotta be doing 10 different things. He's gotta draw the curtains. I was hoping for all of that to happen. And finally Stu said to me, we're starting the goddamn segment. I'm like, but I got nothing. I got no breaking news. I guess we're talking movies and.
David Sampson
I told you, I don't care. I have a friend who's been sitting in the waiting room for 27 minutes. His hair's on fire.
Adnan Virk
I believe Billy is there, so I can at least mention I'm at the gym today. Nobody cares who I am.
David Sampson
Nobody knows me.
Adnan Virk
Obviously. The one dude that comes up to me, little squat rack. Carson Vitel, the new Marlins bench coach. And I was like, hey, what's going on, fellow Canadian. Grew up watching you on the score. I'm from Victoria, British Columbia. I said, listen, make sure you endear yourself to the Dan Levittard Show. Those are great guys. Billy's a huge Marlins fan. And then we interviewed Clayton McCullough on set. And I'm not kidding, Stu, when they said, Clayton McCullough will join you now, I said, is he a writer for the Athletic? He's the new Marlins manager. Like, excellent. Great to meet you, Clayton. Good luck along the way. I love these guys. Carson Vital.
David Sampson
Billy. Good man.
Dan Le Batard
Did you tell Clayton to be our friend, too?
Adnan Virk
I did at the end because Sean Casey with me. And I said, hey, Clayton, just, you know, those Dan Ler show the Good Guys. He was like, okay. He didn't. Carson was more receptive. I don't know if Clayton really knew who you guys were.
Stugotz
I think it's critical. If we're going to have a friend, we have to get his name right.
Billy Corben
Ask him if he was a writer.
Jessica
Dan called him Casey earlier.
Stugotz
No, we can't call him Casey. We can't say. Oh, you're the Dodgers guy, right? We got to stop that if we're trying to have him be a friend of the show. I'm begging you guys. Now, Carson Vital. Is that. Is that the name you're talking about? That's who's recognizing you in the weight room. Wow. We need to really up our guest game here.
Dan Le Batard
No, David, this is. If we do become friends with him, this could be our in for the heist. We need someone working on the inside man.
David Sampson
Inside job.
Stugotz
It's not a heist if we get let in the door. We can't buy tickets to a game and then steal the stuff. I thought we have to. To break into Marlins Park.
Dan Le Batard
Well, we can break in after hours with the help of someone who works on the inside.
Keith Yandle
Yeah, Carson can give us the blueprints or something. You probably have the blueprints.
Adnan Virk
It's like the Lufthansa heist and a Goodfellas.
David Sampson
He's.
Adnan Virk
He's the guy. You can get us in there.
Keith Yandle
But if you remember Ocean's Eleven, they thought that they had all the details, but they changed the floors last week.
David Sampson
That's right. Yeah.
Stugotz
That was critical. But Jessica will pay way more attention. So what's the number one thing going on right now in the winter meetings? What are you waiting for? After last night's unbelievable signing that the Yankees did Max Freed, not Jake Berger being traded by the Marlins. What do you. What are you waiting. What are you on retainer here? Waiting for Corbin Burns right now?
Adnan Virk
Yeah, Corey, as I say, Corbin Burns. It feels a lot of buzz, David. He's going to go the San Francisco Giants. Nor Cal guy, Buster Posey wants to spend. Want to make an impact on the San Francisco team that, as you know, has said trouble luring free agents. They signed Willie Adamas. $282 million. I like Adamas a lot. He had an eight war last year. A lot of that is defense. But he also 32 home runs and drove in 112 as well. So they got Adamas locked up. They've had a trouble filling that shortstop spot ever since Brandon Crawford moved on. And I think Burns is the answer. Again, it's a pitcher's park. He's been very durable the last few seasons. Deciding award winner. He's shown he can pitch in a competitive market in the American League East. I think Burns. The Giants hopefully happens today.
Stugotz
Buster Posey is not spending his money. So. So stop with that narrative. He may love spending money. He's spending Robert Johnson's money. Right. That he's enjoying this. He's a player. You know, Buster Posey is now Stew. I don't know. This went past due. Totally Buster Posey.
David Sampson
I don't care. He seems like.
Adnan Virk
I thought Buster Posey was like a special assistant. What are you talking about?
David Sampson
Listen, I don't want to offend either of you, but we're like smack in the middle of football season. I'm talking about Buster Posey. It's the way talk about Buster Posey in July.
Stugotz
I mean, you'll talk about Joe Mauer, but not talk about Buster Posey.
David Sampson
Joe Mauer doesn't deserve to be a first ballot hall of Famer. That's different.
Stugotz
It's hall of Fame time.
Adnan Virk
By the way, love the book, Stu. Excellent writing by Dan Stan. That chapter particular was excellent. Just completely discrediting Joe Maher pissing off.
Billy Corben
The people of Minnesota.
David Sampson
Well done. I'm not saying Maurer is not a Hall of Famer, but he's not a first ballot hall of Famer. I don't care what anyone tells me.
Stugotz
And Adnan, I assure you there was no thought of where the book is marketable when he was writing the different chapters of the Players and what he was talking about. He didn't do any market research like Christian. I'm going to upset Minnesota ins with this take.
David Sampson
Got enough front, David?
Stugotz
Exactly. He doesn't need to sell one book in Minnesota.
David Sampson
True.
Stugotz
Wait, is it not it. Is it not a guarantee where you just got an advance?
David Sampson
No, I got. I got an advance. Yes.
Stugotz
So it's not a guarantee.
David Sampson
You don't have to sell books.
Stugotz
But the advance back it would be.
David Sampson
No.
Stugotz
And I won't have to give that a guarantee.
David Sampson
I've already eclipsed it, so.
Stugotz
Oh, you have.
David Sampson
Don't be.
Stugotz
Don't be modest.
David Sampson
I'm not.
Adnan Virk
I told David. David's points to.
Roy
Right.
Adnan Virk
If you didn't hit a certain number, then you may have had to give back some of the advance. But if you eclipse it, you're crushing it.
David Sampson
Yes, yes, we're crushing it.
Stugotz
So then screw Minnesota.
David Sampson
I mean, I would like to find people in Minnesota to purchase the book. Of course. I mean I want as many books sold as possible.
Stugotz
Then show some.
David Sampson
I'm not going to show some love. I am showing some love. I'm teaching them. What's the difference between a first ballot hall of Famer and a Hall of Famer? He's hall of Very good. He is not a first ballot hall of Famer. He wasn't even the best player on his own team. I want to hear about.
Stugotz
That's book worthy.
David Sampson
Stu.
Adnan Virk
Was there. Was there any chapter. Like when you looked at it now you've had people reading it. Was there any chapter you said to Dan Stanza Cave. Maybe we went a little far. Like the Otani chapter. Is that the one that's got.
David Sampson
That's the one that haunts us.
Billy Corben
Yeah.
Stugotz
I wrote the opposite side of that.
Adnan Virk
And I know this MVP, Dave. The only three. Tell me, Pete. Overrated.
Stugotz
That's page 204.
David Sampson
It was a bad time for the release of the book as it relates to that chapter, the Nadal one too. Because I love Nadal and you know, I love tennis. But the Fresh Open is a totally different surface and it does not feel like a major to me. So.
Adnan Virk
No, I love that taker that. That was one of the strongest takes the book. I'm not even kidding right now.
Billy Corben
You.
Adnan Virk
You basically said this guy dominated one surface and he was, you know, he was able to win a major. The others, but like, It's. It's ridiculous. 14 French Opens or 22 overall. It's insane. It's not Wimbledon. It's not the US Open. That was a great ch.
David Sampson
I loved it.
Stugotz
That is reckless journalism. First of all, It's a major. Second of all, 14 of 22. That in four majors, if 22 divided by four would be five each plus one at seven. It's not that far off.
David Sampson
No, but David, very unique players can win the French Open and they won't win another major like Gustavo Curtain won it three times. Didn't do anything in any other major.
Stugotz
But because of the surface, he did.
David Sampson
But he won an overwhelming amount at Roland Garros.
Adnan Virk
Yes, he padded his total.
David Sampson
David.
Adnan Virk
The one tournament which is a little ridiculous, the red clay, the funkiness of it. It is not regarded in tennis circles. At the hallowed ground of Wimbledon, where Federer is one of the most Wimbledons of all time.
David Sampson
Period.
Stugotz
Do Colorado Rockies players pad their stats in Colorado?
David Sampson
Yes.
Stugotz
So therefore hall of Fame consideration changes.
David Sampson
I don't agree with it, but that's what happens to guys like Todd Helton. Yes, 100%.
Stugotz
I'm going to say Adnan and Stu that I disagree. I'm getting no love here, Billy and everyone.
David Sampson
Are you kidding, Jess?
Adnan Virk
Jeremy's definitely pro federal.
Dan Le Batard
I've been waiting to talk about Wicked for like three weeks and it feels like this is finally the moment.
David Sampson
Yeah.
Dan Le Batard
Golden Globe nominations came out.
Roy
Nice.
Dan Le Batard
Jeremy is.
Jessica
I've been feeling loathing, unadulterated loathing for the fact that we have not talked about Wicked yet because it's an incredibly popular movie that's been defying expectations. A lot of people leaving, going, what is this feeling, Adnan? What was your feeling about Wicked?
David Sampson
Enough of Wicked.
Adnan Virk
I haven't got around to Jeremy. I have the screener in boxes. There's a lot of other movies I'd rather be watching than Wicked. I watched the Brutalist, which I love, which is a great movie coming out in a week and a half starring Adrien Brody. I love Day of the Fight, which is a film which is adored by the Golden Globes. I know Mike Ryan likes Nosferatu. I will see Wicked at some point, but I'm not thinking it's Wicked.
David Sampson
Awesome. Not a high priority Louie.
Dan Le Batard
Picture of the year.
Jessica
It's an incredible movie.
Stugotz
All he does is talk about all the screeners he gets. You guys blow past that. I don't have access to the buttons here. I'll tell you right now, it's an absolute horse crap that you talk about these screeners. You're Adnan. You can't even get recognized in the weight room by anyone but the bench coach of the Marlins. And you get the screeners for the Academy Awards.
Adnan Virk
I also get the screenplay sent to me. I get promotional gifts.
Billy Corben
I get mugs sent to me. David.
Adnan Virk
I get a lot of collectibles. Don't be jealous. Don't be hating right now. I got a Wicked sweatshirt, Jess. I'll show it. It's called Shiz. A big old sweatshirt at all. You love it.
Jessica
You don't deserve to have that sweatshirt if you haven't seen the movie. This is ridiculous. I've been trying to talk about this for weeks. This isn't even a punishment. This is just because I wanted to get Wicked on the show.
Dan Le Batard
I haven't seen it either.
Stugotz
Neither have I.
Jessica
Neither have I. I hate you people.
David Sampson
Oh, David. We have. We have some pictures here, and we want to ask you if indeed this is the vault. So let's put the. Let's put the pictures up on the screen here.
Stugotz
Where did you. That's funny. What they're showing is for the audio audience. They're showing you every room in a stadium gets numbered. And so 2, 0, 5, 0, 1. So 2 is the second level of the stadium, and 05 and 2 is where the second.
Keith Yandle
Don't tell people where the heist is.
Billy Corben
Going to take place.
David Sampson
Right. Exactly where the goods are.
Keith Yandle
Don't give away your information here.
Dan Le Batard
Mugs all in there, too. All the memorable.
Stugotz
So much stuff in there. But seriously, I'M very loving that you got a pic.
David Sampson
Wow.
Stugotz
Wait a minute.
David Sampson
Look at the marlin. It's a big vault.
Roy
Let's go.
Stugotz
Wait a minute. I'm actually being serious. Is this a picture from Google? This is a picture of where. This is actually a picture of where we keep at Marlins park stuff that is part of the history of the Marlins. And it is a locked room. No one gets access to it. There is amazingly valuable things in there. And there is a rule that it's not supposed to be photographed. And I'm just. And I'm actually asking this. Was this found on the inter. Google? So you just did a search for Marlon's photo?
Keith Yandle
I didn't do anything.
Billy Corben
Sources.
David Sampson
Mm.
Keith Yandle
I can't confirm or deny.
David Sampson
Can't reveal them. Yeah.
Stugotz
That's a violation of several documents that people have signed. Putting a picture on that. Just FYI.
David Sampson
You'll have the last of this.
Stugotz
You have not heard the last of this. Billy.
Billy Corben
I have nothing to do with this.
Stugotz
You just put it on the screen.
David Sampson
I didn't do Millions of people.
Keith Yandle
I'm looking at the box office numbers right here. Moana, too. Killing it.
Mike
Well, if you want to go to the game and try to find this bonze, you can download the game time app and get tickets.
David Sampson
Well done, Roy.
Billy Corben
Create an account. Use code DAN.
Mike
That's DAN for $20 off your first personage.
Roy
Terms apply.
Billy Corben
Download Game time today. What time is it?
David Sampson
Game time.
Stugotz
And then we got it. We didn't even get to the movies. Could you go find breaking news and get back to us?
Adnan Virk
David and I have had a best forward movie title list since September 25th.
David Sampson
We're still waiting to get.
Adnan Virk
It's a great list. One closing thoughts. Do this is the best. Com I can give you. Your book made the required reading column in the New York Post.
David Sampson
What? I wanted the Times, but I'll take the Post.
Adnan Virk
I mean, I'll be honest. You did not make the New York Times bestsellers list, but required reading. The New York Post that. Courtesy John Heyman and Joel Sherman. Congrats.
David Sampson
I love a New York Post bestseller.
Stugotz
I mean, how about that required reading from John Heyman and Joel Sherman.
David Sampson
I love Heyman Heyman's great newspaper. That's all I'm saying.
Stugotz
Thank you, Adnan.
Billy Corben
Thanks, guys.
David Sampson
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Billy Corben
Don Leard.
David Sampson
I don't think I ever got that.
Billy Corben
Many roses in my whole life. Stugots.
David Sampson
Certainly not from your lovely grandfather.
Billy Corben
God.
David Sampson
May a soul rest in peace.
Billy Corben
This is the Dan Levatar show with the Stu Gods.
Stugotz
I'll tell you right now that Stu spent the entire break making up a font for his bestseller because he's a New York Post bestseller. Dan. Yes, and I must tell you that as a New York Times reader and a bestseller aficionado, I am sweating with nervousness that you are actually going to do it. Because you will.
David Sampson
I'm going to do it.
Stugotz
One information from Adnan and all of a sudden you're a best selling author in the New York Times font. New York Post.
David Sampson
Yes, New York Post bestsellers list that I'm gonna put out in the New York Times F. What's wrong with that?
Roy
Congratulations to God.
David Sampson
Everyone knows the Post is the list you want to be on.
Roy
He is doing very well with the sales of his book. But we cannot keep Keith Yandle waiting any longer because I can make the argument, all right, that Keith Yandle is among the toughest human beings that have ever roamed the earth because he just kept playing in hockey games. Second most all time. 989 consecutive hockey games.
David Sampson
A lot of hockey games.
Roy
It's just insane. It's not right. It's not saying his pain threshold is higher than anybody, you know, anyone you've ever met, anyone who has walked the earth, except whoever's first on this list of consecutive games played all time in hockey. Because hockey players are crazy. So he's a three time All Star, he's a 14 year NHL veteran, and he's an analyst for Amazon prime and a guest on TNT's NHL coverage. So thank you, Keith, for being with us. And before we talk about hockey right now, I just. Can you explain to us the mentality and the suffering and the sacrifice involved in taking Pride in playing 989 consecutive games? Second. Second most all time?
Billy Corben
Yeah. Well, for me it was kind of. Well, first off, thanks for having me. It's an honor to be on the Show. But for me, it was, you know, from a blue collar town. My dad's a truck driver. My both my parents worked for FedEx, and I never once saw them miss a day at work. My dad worked the overnight shifts, then came home, worked another job, then coached hockey. My mom was doing the same thing, working two jobs. So for me, yeah, I grew up with that, that sense of accountability to show up for work, to show up for the people that are paying you. And for me, I was playing hockey. I wasn't doing anything too crazy. I was having fun. And a lot of it is job security, too, because, you know, sometimes if you miss a game, another young guy comes in and takes your spot, and next thing you know that you're in the minors or your career is over. So for me, it was probably a lot more job security and just wanting to be out there and having fun with the boys.
Roy
All right. No, but articulate that last. No, that last part. Articulate that for a second. If I don't show up for work one day, my career is in jeopardy. The stress and mentality of that.
Billy Corben
Yeah, even though hockey, you know, the contracts are guaranteed, you know, with their great union, having. That's a nice bonus. But it's just that sense of, you know, there's so many good players in the world nowadays. There's guys coming up that are. That are young, that are hungry, that are willing and able to take your job. So for me, it was just. I didn't. I never wanted somebody to have that opportunity to take my job. I took pride in being a really good power play guy. I loved being out there on the power play. That was kind of what I was out there for, is to help the team win on the power play. So for me, it was never giving away those minutes on the power play, trying to help my team win games and. And yeah, essentially not. Not missing, not missing too many games.
Roy
Explain to me what's happening here. I'm going to put on the screen here Tom Wilson, and his face is all busted up because he had two goals and of course, just a puck hit him in the face because that's how it happens. So let's put up for Keith the video of Tom and his swollen face.
Billy Corben
Start by asking you about your face. You take a puck to the face.
Stugotz
Go to the room. What goes into that decision to tough.
Billy Corben
It out and come back in the game? Yeah, it's my first time seeing it on the screen. It doesn't look so. So hot here. But you know what? I think, you know My dad always told me, if you're. If you're good to play, you play. So went to the room, got checked out, and felt good enough to get back out there. And, you know, it's a. It's a team sport, and just boys rally to got it done.
Roy
If you're not watching that sniffling there evidently was caused by the softball that man had in his left cheek. His face doesn't work right, and Keith is smiling as he looks at his swollen face.
David Sampson
It's also cold in there.
Roy
Yeah, and it's also cold, which, by the way, reduces inflammation. The cold is good for the swelling that he has. What is happening there? Like, what's wrong with you people?
Billy Corben
Yeah, he might have. He might have broken a sinus or something there, too, the way he was. The way he was sniffling. But I had a similar situation. I got hit in the face, broke my upper jaw. I lost, like, nine teeth or something like that and came to the rink the next day, and Bobby Orr, you know, arguably the greatest defenseman to ever play, just happened to be in the locker room, and he looked at me, and I couldn't talk because my wire. My mouth was wired. He looked at me and shook his head. He was like, if you can skate, you can play. And I was like, all right, well, now I'm definitely playing tonight. So there was no doubt when Bobby Orr is kind of not calling you out, but just, you know, what those older guys went through to put the league where it is now. So you can't. You can't let anyone down.
David Sampson
You were so close to a thousand consecutive games. James, what happened? What's the injury that got you?
Billy Corben
There wasn't an injury. I was healthy, scratched.
David Sampson
It was.
Billy Corben
Yeah, it was my play. I was playing like. Like absolute crap. So I. I deserved it. You know, it was one of the. One of those seasons I was gonna play and sign. Well, yeah, no one told the coach that. So, yeah, for. For me, it was just, you know, I took it like a man. I deserved it. You know, if I was playing well, I'm sure they would have played me. So it's. That's something that I. And I'm sure it could have happened many times during my career, but a lot of the coaches kind of respected what I was doing, what I was trying to get to, and, yeah, it just had to come to an end at some point.
Roy
All right, enough of the career retrospective. You love the Rangers. You love the Panthers. How do you feel about the fact that the Rangers have to blow it up because of what the Panthers did to them.
Billy Corben
Yeah, it's. It's tough. I think everyone. You look at all these teams around the league, you look what Boston did over, over the summer. Just getting bigger on the back end for, you know, trying to set themselves up to, you know, probably be playing Florida because you look what Florida has done in the last two years of just beating teams down in the playoffs. They're not the biggest team in the league, but they play hard, they finish checks. You know, they're bringing four lines at you every single game. There's zero time to make a play when you're playing against them. So I think with the Rangers as well there, even though Jacob Trub is a big, big, strong, tough defenseman, I think that they just needed to go in a different direction. I'm interested to see what Chris Fury has up his sleeve. A smart guy who's. Who's done amazing things in this league and, you know, I think they're going to have a big splash because at the end of the day, everyone knows that, you know, the cup, especially in the east, too, the cup runs through South Florida.
Roy
Oh, you love hearing that, Roy. You didn't. You were too busy talking to me and you didn't even hear what he said. The man who is the face and voice, the swollen face of broken jaw hockey says the cup runs sooth sunrise.
Billy Corben
You're goddamn right it does.
Roy
You didn't even hear him. You can't get in here this late when. It's a ridiculous sentence. It's an asinine sentence. The man just said asthma for the past six years. It's asinine. It's ridiculous. It's an asinine thing to say and think and believe. That's right. Canada. It comes through the cruise ship Port of Roy's happiness.
Jessica
I've ever seen right here.
Roy
It makes Roy ice skate with delight on a cruise ship to a land that he does not know because he doesn't pay any att attention to the cruise as he goes on. We go out to Jessica now. She's in the other room. We get some body repair around here, Keith. And everyone's complaining about how much it hurts. And I keep telling them that there's healing in the hurt, that on the other side of pain, your body will feel better. Jessica, what do you have for Keith Yandle?
Dan Le Batard
Oh, I'm Keith. I'm so tough. I'm a hockey player. Well, Keith, have you ever been mashed before? Have you ever had Genesis toe in your ass?
Roy
Keith?
Billy Corben
Yeah, actually in Florida there's one of the trainers, name is Timmy. We call him Mr. Miyagi. He's like, he's got the strong. He's got metal thumbs, this guy. And he would stick his thumb in your armpit or, you know, where you had it, and, you know, close to your rear end. So where does he put his toes? I would have rather this toes. This guy had hands like a Greek God. So it was. But I have had that before, too. I've never seen the walker. You know, somebody being held up by the walker, too. So that's the hammies feed the wolf.
Stugotz
Hell, yeah.
David Sampson
He's right.
Dan Le Batard
Yeah, I like that. I'm stealing that.
Billy Corben
Are you getting paid to do this.
Roy
Or do you have any hockey questions for. For Keith Jessica? Are you just going to have questions about mashing?
Dan Le Batard
I have a question. You're from Boston, right? Keith, what are your thoughts on Bill Belichick potentially being the head coach of the North Carolina Tar.
David Sampson
Excellent. Yes. Yes.
Billy Corben
Well, yeah, you see my Patriots helmet right here? Yeah.
Dan Le Batard
I actually can't see anything right now.
David Sampson
She just guessed lucky.
Billy Corben
At the end of the day, it seems like a play that he's, you know, he's trying to help out his son. Right? That's what everything that I've heard, that, yeah, his son Steven's gonna take over the job. And. And as a father of two, I am all for setting up the next generation of your family. And good for him. It's. Yeah. I mean, obviously, the man still wants to coach. I figured he'd still be in the NFL if he wanted to, but, hey, why not go down to Chapel Hill?
Dan Le Batard
Would his recruiting pitch work on you if he walked into the room that you were in with your kids and was like, hey, come play for me. Here's all my super bowl rings.
Billy Corben
I couldn't even get into college. So that's why, luckily, in hockey, we have major junior. You can go play. You can go play up in Canada and bypass going to school. So for me, I would have taken this phone call.
Dan Le Batard
That's the spot right there. Genesis.
Billy Corben
Yeah. Kind of like how, you know, some Ivy League schools used to call me, and my dad would just hang up on him and be like, you got the wrong number.
Roy
Really?
Billy Corben
Yeah. Funny story. Brown called me, and my dad said, the only Brown that kid will be seeing is in his underwear. Oh, wow.
David Sampson
No, wait.
Roy
Wait a minute. So what? Wait a minute. So explain to me how these phone calls would go and how a young Keith would absorb these phone calls nearby.
Billy Corben
Well, I. I knew. I knew what My GPA was. I knew I was not getting into an Ivy League school and my dad's a straight shooter. Didn't want to lead anyone in the wrong direction and kind of just saving everybody a little bit of time. So I, I applaud him for doing it.
Mike
Keith.
Billy Corben
I want to get back to the New York Rangers and how they handled.
Mike
The Jacob Truba trade and they really.
Billy Corben
Wanted to get rid of this guy. Have you ever organization just want to.
Mike
Dump somebody like that?
Billy Corben
Yeah, I think it happens, you know, more than, more than people realize. You know, there's, there's times, you know, in everyone's career where a team's, you know, looking to go in the next direction. And even though he's the captain of the team, he's been a great player for them. You know, I know Jacob, he's a great guy. He's great around the community. Ton of charity work, just, just an all around good American boy. So I'm sure it was a hard decision, but at the end of the day, it's a business and especially, especially in New York when it's a win now mentality. And you know, even though they haven't won it in a while, it's, it's every year their main goal is to win the Stanley Cup. So I think for that, the way they handled it, you know, maybe the news getting out in the media might have hurt a little bit, but I was told that that was leaked from, from not the Ranger side. So this all happens during the course of anyone's career. You know, if Jacob Truber was making 5 or 6 million bucks, you know, we wouldn't be talking about. He'd still be a New York Ranger. But it's pretty captain.
Roy
It's pretty messy though, with the trading of a captain though, right? No, like the honor of all that stuff in hockey is supposed to mean more than it does in all the other sports. Like, it's a, it's an unusual story to have a captain traded. Hockey likes to march around in the bravado of we're led by our toughest man.
Billy Corben
Yeah, I agree with that, but I think, I think Truba said it as well. It's kind of a badge of honor as the captain of the Rangers to get traded because it happened to, you know, two great Americans before him with Ryan Callahan and Ryan McDonough. So he's just kind of, I think, following in those footsteps maybe of just, you know, signing a nice big contract and then getting traded and going elsewhere. But, you know, like those other guys, like Ryan Callahan and Ryan mcdonough. Those guys won Stanley Cups after, after leaving New York. So I hope, I hope nothing but the best for Jacob.
Jessica
Look, I know I'm the last person that should be talking about toughness because I'm currently dressed as the witch from Wicked, but we're complimenting all of these hockey guys for their toughness because of swollen faces and stuff. And I believe the video team has an image of me after I got my wisdom teeth out. And it looks exactly the same way as any of these hockey players. And I wasn't complaining, guys when my face looked like this. So I don't think we need to worry about it. They just look like a side to my face.
Roy
You just look like a 5k. You just look like a fat young man. You don't look injured there. You look like you're about to blow a bubble. Do I have this wrong?
Stugotz
That's.
Billy Corben
I thought that was McLovin. I thought that was McLovin. It does look like McLovin.
Jessica
It does look Like McLovin. Those glasses were rough.
David Sampson
Very.
Stugotz
I thought it was Ben Platt.
Roy
Very young man.
Jessica
Another one.
Roy
Can, can you guys walk me through please? Because I don't want to get carried away with this, Keith, but the Panthers are again, the best. The Panthers are having already done it.
David Sampson
Stanley cup goes through sunrise.
Roy
I know they're the defending champions, but they're playing in a way this season that would suggest that there's been no regression. I would, I would expect expect just hockey to happen and there to be a regression because doing that for this many months of excellence is really hard. I would think that there would be some regression there.
Billy Corben
Yeah. Going to the finals back to back years is no joke. But I still live down here. I still see those guys quite a bit and they're just a hungry group. I just really think that they're not satisfied with winning one Stanley Cup. I think they know they have something special. I think when you play in this league, it doesn't happen to everybody. You don't get that opportunity all the time. And I think that these guys really are taking full advantage of what they have. You know, they got one of the best goalies in the league. Sasha Barkov's probably, in my mind, he's the number one, you know, over like all around player in the league. Matthew Kachuk, a guy that can, you know, lead from in the locker room and lead on the ice. Just a great acquisition by them. Aaron Eckblad, a kid that's been here forever and then, you know, it's just kind of one of those things. I think the biggest thing we'll see is this year they have a ton of guys that are playing in the four nations tournament representing Finland, Sweden, US And Canada. So I think after that tournament, you know, maybe a week or two after that we'll see how they kind of they're feeling fatigue wise. But I think that'll be a big test for them is getting through that tournament, getting, keeping guys healthy and going on another run because, you know, at the end of the day, they're built for another big run.
Keith Yandle
Keith, we've established you're a tough guy. I think I'm known to some as the tough guy at this office, but one of the places that I get criticized and I feel like we have this in common. I was told you're a big Bravo boy. You like the vanderpumps, you like the housewives, you like the below deck. What's your poison? What's your go to? Walk me through a week of Bravo consumption.
Roy
Look at how happy he was that you asked him about this.
Billy Corben
I love that. Now we're talking. You said that.
Keith Yandle
You said the cup comes through South Florida. So did Bravo Fest a couple weeks ago. I don't know if you made time for that.
Billy Corben
Yeah, yeah, I was out of town, unfortunately. But my favorite all time reality or Bravo show, I probably right now it's probably below deck.
Keith Yandle
Which one? Sailing yacht down under. Class Med.
Billy Corben
I'm not a big sailing yacht. I'm not a big sailing yacht.
Keith Yandle
Yeah, Captain Glenn's a bit too soft and Gary's a bit problematic if we're going to be honest there. And Daisy. I don't get it. Every season everyone's fighting over. Over Daisy. I just, I don't understand. Who's your captain? I don't see Chase. Who are we talking Jace there, Captain?
Billy Corben
Sandy. I like Sandy.
Keith Yandle
Sandy.
Billy Corben
I like Sandy. I like Sandy. She's. She's old school. I used to see her quite a bit down in Fort Lauderdale.
Keith Yandle
Just got married. Did you go to a wedding? Any chance you made it to that?
Billy Corben
No, I got invited but I was out of town.
Keith Yandle
Really?
David Sampson
You're out of town a lot? I mean.
Billy Corben
Yeah, I was kidding.
Roy
He's joking. Obviously. He's not of the pedigree. What's the matter with you idiots? They would never invite. It's like me falling for him, getting into Brown.
Keith Yandle
Come on, he's no Kate Chastain. Get it, Keith?
Billy Corben
No. Yeah, yeah, I like Kate. Kate's good. Yeah, all the shows are great. It's just something you can put it on, shut your brain off and, you know, probably feel better about yourself at the end of the day.
Roy
Keith, thank you for being on with us. We appreciate the time. I do want to know the story before you get out of here. The Panthers bought out the last two years of your contract that ending. What are the parts of that that people need to know that they don't know because you wish to give us. No one else has.
Billy Corben
Not much. It was just kind of, you know, Bill Zito came in, had it. Had a new, you know, kind of vision of where the team was going. You know, kind of talked with them and thought it would be best decision. You know, that's the good thing. When you get older, you have, you know, you have no movement clause in your. In your contract, so you're only. Only thing that they can do really, is buy you out. So. So no hard feelings. What happened? Obviously what they've done is work. They've been a wagon since I've left. So it's. It's one of those things where you wish nothing but. Because I played with a lot of the guys down here and, you know, a lot of great people in that room. So, you know, still. Still a fan of the team. Still love being around here and rooting them on.
Stugotz
I love. This is David Sampson, a former executive of a team, and I've had to have those conversations. We really have.
Roy
We really did.
Stugotz
I've never met him.
Roy
I know, but we can tell.
Stugotz
I've never met him.
Roy
He could tell from your voice that you're the face and voice of corporate greed. Go ahead.
David Sampson
This is David. David, this is Keith. Thank you.
Keith Yandle
He was also on Survivor.
Stugotz
Keith, if you watch Survivor, I love. Watch what happens live as well. Happy to talk about that with you, but I really just want to know when they come to you for a buyout and then you see them go on this unbelievable run. I love that you're telling us that you're all good and it's all good, but I had players who would say that, but they didn't really mean it because they wanted to be a part of it. They felt badly about it. And then when the team goes on to be successful, they're, you know.
Roy
You're accusing him of being a liar.
Stugotz
No, not a liar. I'm saying.
Billy Corben
Well, the good. The good thing is, is the. I wouldn't have been there anyways. My contract would have been up for the last two years, so I would have missed out on those two years anyways. My body was done playing anyways. Long time. 16 years is a long time.
Stugotz
So amazing.
Billy Corben
I don't think I would have resigned for two more years there. So that probably helps a little bit where knowing that maybe if they had wanted the year I was supposed to be there, then it would have been a little bit of more, you know, tough pill to swallow. But like I said, like the trainers there, the players that are still here that I played with, you know, I love those guys. You know, a lot of guys in the management scouts. Yeah. So I'm being 100% honest.
Stugotz
That's great. Being the Ironman.
Billy Corben
Very, very.
Stugotz
It's hard.
Roy
Yeah. It's a difficult thing.
David Sampson
Keith, I understand that you are. We have a lot in common. Okay. You're a hockey player. You're a tough guy. I'm a tough guy. I played lacrosse. You're in the media. I'm in the media. You love golf. I love golf. I understand that you play a Grove 23, which is Jordan's private course. I also play at Grove 23. I'm thinking me and you play around there. What do you think? Huh?
Billy Corben
100%. Whenever you want.
David Sampson
Yeah.
Billy Corben
I'm around. I got. I got nothing.
Roy
Thank you. Good talking to you, Keith.
David Sampson
You're not going to be out of town.
Roy
Appreciate your time. It is gross what Stugotts does there.
David Sampson
Playing golf.
Roy
Uses the show to golf with sports ironman. Thank you, Keith. Appreciate the time. A couple of stories that I wanted to give you, a couple of them from football. One, condolences and heartfelt sorrow on behalf of Randy Moss because of having both the reported liver cancer and being outed on health stop because he didn't exactly get to choose the way that that news was disclosed. He was hoping that that would be something that he could do privately. I thought he was going to be able to have his privacy respected as he left ESPN for a while with that. But evidently a teammate tweeted it out and the same thing that Kirk Schilling did to Tim Wakefield's family is what happened here.
Stugotz
It's really. So when Randy Moss took a leave, you remember how it was presented to. To the public? It was presented that he's taken a leave for personal health concerns. And then there was a tweet about liver cancer. And it forced Randy, in my opinion, to make the statement the same way the Wakefield family had to make a statement after what Curt Schilling did. It's not a pleasant situation.
Roy
I do not believe that privacy these days is something that can actually be kept. It's very hard if you're a famous person. But the other football story that I wanted to get to, and it's hard. It's really hard to hear that, right? I will always associate the name with Randy Moss, with youth and vitality. It's sort of the first place that I go. So that never gets old. That is never mortal. When I associate that name, I don't associate it with mortality. Quite the opposite.
Stugotz
If we're going to be just saying things. Ryan Sandberg also has cancer again. So I want to just say it's not just football, it's baseball, it's hall of Famers, it's the world getting in the way of our fantasy.
David Sampson
But you associate that name, Randy Moss's name, with all due respect to Ryan Sandberg, to just superior athleticism, doing things that we have never seen on a football field. And to see a man, to see an athlete, anyone, be brought to their knees, someone that you've seen only at their greatest, only at the height of their powers, to see a man brought to his knees like he is today, it's hard to say. I'm a Dan.
Roy
I don't want to eulogize him. I don't want to make it that dire. But I hear liver cancer and I recoil, recoil with a horror and a fear, just because there are a couple of cancers, pancreatic among them, that you just don't want to hear about because of the aggressiveness of them. And so that is one of them I don't want to hear about. The other thing that I wanted to talk about that Jessica started to bring up there, that I really am having a difficult time finding anything in the way of precedent for in the history of my coverage of sports, the greatest football coach, by consensus, in the history of the sport is available. And I can't believe the number of people arguing about whether he can do a college job correctly or not, the number of people yelling and screaming about the idea of Bill Belichick might be the greatest football coach ever, but if you allow him to coach North Carolina, he's going to screw it up. And that he's coming in with his own recruiting staff and his own coaching staff, they're going to be different. He's got different ideas for how to do this in his early 70s, and there are a whole lot of people arguing about whether he can do that job successfully. I don't have an analogy I can give you in the hypothetical that would feel quite as real as the one that I'm presented with, which is how Is this happening this way? This man can clearly lead and coach. You're telling me he can't do it at a college program because it's changed too much in college that a pro can't do it at ungoverned, now professionalized, second tier college football.
David Sampson
But Dan, the game changed so much. It's a different job. It changed so much that Nick Saban decided to get out. He was at the top of the sport and he's like, hey, I'm out. I don't want to deal with this.
Stugotz
And there's age bias, of course, and there's the question of is he doing it for his son? And there's a question of whether or not it's because of Tom Brady that he was so good. Like, did. Was Phil Jackson the greatest coach ever? Was it Jordan and then Brian? So there's a myriad reasons and there's.
Dan Le Batard
The question of who wants to hire him from North Carolina and who doesn't. Because it seems evident from the reporting that there's a very potentially like rogue coaching search happening. There's a ton of disagreement among the people in charge about what to do and, and reporting that this has been like a extremely clumsy hiring process. And so I think that like, it's a, maybe a university dysfunction that's being like leaked into the public right now. So we don't really know exactly what is going on.
Roy
The part that I am baffled by is, and I just simply couldn't have foreseen in whatever it is that you made of the hypotheticals pre pandemic, if I had told you five years years ago, hey, Bill Belichick is going to be available in North Carolina. There's going to be a giant argument about whether he should go there. You'd be like, what are you talking about?
David Sampson
And the Falcons already passed on.
Dan Le Batard
We, we already did the thing. We already did the thing in college football where the Patriots coach with the super bowl ring comes in and everyone's like, oh my God, he's going to be a genius. And Charlie Weiss didn't work out. We've already done this in college football and it didn't work. I think there's a Charlie Weiss who.
Roy
Looks like the lower half of his body was sewn together backwards, does not get to be Bill Belichick under any of the circumstances that you've provide as hypotheticals.
Dan Le Batard
Not a good reason.
Stugotz
And what does Covid have to do with it?
Roy
That before COVID because Covid changed all of what college football was because the players started asking for money and Then all of a sudden, everything collapsed about amateurism, like the entire structure of everything, of the corporate greed that appeared during the pandemic, that the players wanted the money. Everything in college football collapsed and changed in a way, and changed so much that it now ostracizes Bill Belichick.
Stugotz
You know, it makes him more popular. Actually, it's your. It's the opposite analysis. Bill Belichick knows how to run a professional program. And colleges are professional programs now.
Dan Le Batard
Well, no, he got fired because he didn't know how to run a professional program. That's the aspect of it that I think we're all ignoring.
Stugotz
He got fired because when you're with someone for that long, it doesn't end well and the owner wins every time.
Keith Yandle
It's also the ACC because they were.
Stugotz
Losing though, and there was no Brady.
David Sampson
That's a good point, Billy.
Roy
I feel like it's a decent point to say that five years ago none of us could have arrived at imagining a scenario where we are today, which is, hey, Belichick's available. North Carolina's fans aren't sure if they want him.
David Sampson
No one's going to convince me that Bill Belichick can't beat smu.
Dan Le Batard
I mean, out of all the scenarios I couldn't have imagined five years ago, this one's not top of the list.
Mike
Howdy, folks. It's Mike. And guess what? It's Miller time. The holiday season brings around lots of joy and also lots of family. Lots of family gatherings at your home. You're inviting people in there and you want to make sure they're happy. Why don't you make their time at your place, A Miller time. Pass around that beautiful white can of triple hops brewed Miller Lite and watch the smiles adorn those faces. Make Miller like the official drink. The official beverage of your holiday get together. You know why? Because it is a perfect beer for the holiday season. You'll take a sip, you'll look around and you'll think immediately, yeah, I made the ripe call. It's got tastes that you can depend on. No games, no gimmicks. Just great beer. For people who like beer, making memories at year end gatherings. Tastes like Miller time. Go to millerlight.com dan to find delivery on options near you. Or you can pick up some Miller Light pretty much anywhere they sell beer. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Co. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces. Fewer calories and carbs than premium regular beer.
Podcast Summary: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Episode: Hour 1: Hammies Feed The Wolf (Feat. Keith Yandle)
Release Date: December 11, 2024
The episode opens with Dan Le Batard greeting listeners on the DraftKings Network, followed by humorous exchanges between Stugotz and Adnan Virk about technical difficulties and the impatience of waiting on Zoom. The hosts set a lighthearted tone, teasing each other's frustrations and setting the stage for the episode's discussions.
A significant portion of the episode revolves around David Sampson's newly released book, which has garnered attention as a New York Post bestseller. The hosts engage in a spirited debate about the book's content, particularly focusing on Sampson's critical takes on sports figures like Joe Mauer and Rafael Nadal.
David Sampson ([07:11] - [08:24]): Sampson defends his critiques, stating, “I want to hear about… [his opinions on Hall of Fame considerations].”
Stugotz ([07:03] - [08:25]): Stugotz expresses concern about the marketability of the book and anticipates backlash from specific fan bases, saying, “I think it's critical. If we're going to have a friend, we have to get his name right.”
The discussion highlights differing perspectives on sports journalism and the balance between honesty and fan loyalty. Sampson proudly mentions the book's recognition in the New York Post, while Stugotz questions the broader acceptance of such candid critiques.
Guest: Keith Yandle, a seasoned NHL veteran and analyst for Amazon Prime, joins the show to discuss his illustrious career, the recent buyout by the Florida Panthers, and the physical and mental demands of maintaining nearly a thousand consecutive games.
Keith Yandle delves into the discipline required to sustain his streak of 989 consecutive games, attributing his resilience to his upbringing and work ethic.
Yandle: “I never wanted somebody to have that opportunity to take my job. I took pride in being a really good power play guy.”
Roy ([19:51] - [19:55]): Roy emphasizes the incredible achievement, asking, “Explain the mentality and the suffering and the sacrifice involved in taking pride in playing 989 consecutive games.”
Yandle discusses his recent buyout from the New York Rangers by the Florida Panthers, elucidating that it was a strategic decision by the management rather than a reflection of his performance.
Yandle: “It was just kind of, you know, Bill Zito came in, had it. Had a new kind of vision of where the team was going.”
Stugotz: Challenges Yandle’s assertion of no hard feelings, comparing it to other players' experiences who may have concealed their true sentiments about trades.
Yandle maintains a positive outlook, expressing gratitude for his time with the Rangers and respect for his teammates and management.
The conversation shifts to lighter topics, including Yandle's interest in Bravo TV shows and personal anecdotes about his family life.
Roy: Playfully probes Yandle about his television preferences, leading to humorous exchanges about reality TV.
Yandle: Shares personal stories, reinforcing his relatable and down-to-earth personality.
The segment concludes with mutual appreciation between Yandle and the hosts, highlighting the camaraderie and openness of the interview.
The hosts delve into local South Florida sports, discussing recent performances and strategic decisions of teams like the Miami Marlins, New York Rangers, and Florida Panthers.
Adnan Virk provides insights into recent Marlins activities, including key player signings and trades that impact team dynamics.
The trade of Rangers' captain Jacob Trubisky garners significant discussion. Billy Corben analyzes the implications of trading a high-profile player within the context of team performance and future prospects.
Corben: “It's pretty captain. It's pretty messy though, with the trading of a captain though, right?”
Stugotz: Points out the cultural and symbolic significance of trading a captain in hockey, adding depth to the conversation.
The Florida Panthers' ongoing success is a focal point, with the hosts debating the team's strategies and potential for future championships.
The segment underscores the competitive nature of sports and the strategic maneuvers teams employ to secure victories.
A thought-provoking debate ensues regarding the hypothetical scenario of legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick taking the head coaching position at the University of North Carolina.
Dan Le Batard: Raises concerns about whether Belichick can adapt to the evolving landscape of college football, asking, “Is he going to screw it up?”
Stugotz: Argues that Belichick’s professional expertise could thrive in the professionalized environment of modern college football.
Roy: Highlights the unprecedented nature of the scenario, stating, “Five years ago, none of us could have arrived at imagining a scenario where we are today…”
The discussion reflects broader themes of adaptability, generational shifts in sports management, and the challenges of transitioning between professional and collegiate coaching environments.
The episode concludes with reflections on recent sports news, including condolences for notable athletes facing health challenges and the unpredictable nature of athletic careers.
Roy: Shares heartfelt thoughts on Randy Moss’s liver cancer diagnosis, emphasizing the vulnerability of even the most celebrated athletes.
Stugotz: Extends sympathies and draws parallels to other athletes facing similar struggles, underscoring the human aspect behind sports headlines.
The hosts wrap up the episode by reiterating their camaraderie and mutual respect, leaving listeners with a blend of insightful analysis and personal connections.
Keith Yandle ([19:11]): “I never wanted somebody to have that opportunity to take my job. I took pride in being a really good power play guy.”
Stugotz ([07:03]): “I think it's critical. If we're going to have a friend, we have to get his name right.”
David Sampson ([14:08]): “You did not make the New York Times bestsellers list, but required reading. The New York Post.”
Roy ([40:41]): “...see a man brought to his knees like he is today, it's hard to say.”
In this episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, listeners are treated to a blend of in-depth sports analysis, candid discussions about the challenges of athletic careers, and engaging interviews with prominent sports figures like Keith Yandle. The hosts navigate through serious topics such as player trades and health issues while maintaining a lighthearted and humorous atmosphere. The episode underscores the ever-evolving landscape of sports, the intricacies of team dynamics, and the personal resilience required to excel in professional athletics.