Summary of "Hour 1: The Donald Trump Interviews (Part 3)" on The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

Release Date: July 4, 2025

Introduction to the Segment

The episode delves into an extended interview with former President Donald Trump, revisiting conversations that planted the early seeds of his presidential campaign ethos. Hosted by Dan LeBatard and Stu Gotz, the discussion navigates through Trump's views on the NFL, his personal philosophies, and light-hearted anecdotes about golf.

Trump’s NFL Engagement and the Buffalo Bills Bid

[07:19] Cuervo introduces Donald Trump as a returning guest, reminiscing about Trump's previous interest in purchasing the Buffalo Bills.

• Trump on Not Buying the Bills:
  • [07:29] Dan LeBatard explains his bid for the Bills: "I put in a bid... the NFL released it. It was a billion dollars... someone else paid a lot more."
  • Importance of keeping the Bills in Buffalo was emphasized as a primary motivation for the bid.

Relationship with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell

[08:01] The conversation shifts to the NFL's internal controversies and Trump's hypothetical role as an owner.

• Trump on Roger Goodell:

  • [08:10] Trump praises Goodell, stating, "I like Roger. Roger's a person that I like a lot. He's a friend of mine."
  • Discusses the state of the game: "You got to stop with the flags. It's horrible what's going on."

• Issues Highlighted:

  • Excessive flagging and stricter tackle rules affecting the game's integrity.
  • Comparison to legendary players: "Ray Nitschke and Dick Butkus wouldn't be allowed to play football nowadays."

• [09:29] Cuervo probes further into Trump's stance on controversial players like Adrian Peterson and Greg Hardy.

  • Trump’s Response:
    • Advocates for evaluating cases individually.
    • References personal interactions with Adrian Peterson: "He's a great player. He was a nice guy."
    • Touches on societal norms and disciplinary actions within the NFL.

Philosophies on Tipping and Personal Conduct

[12:36] The discussion briefly veers into personal philosophies, particularly tipping.

• Trump on Tipping:
  • [12:44] Dan LeBatard shares his own tipping habits: "I tend to tip ridiculously because I don't want to read any stories that Donald Trump was cheap."
  • Emphasizes generosity: "I like helping people out."

Golf Anecdotes and Business Deals

[13:10] The conversation lightens with stories about golf, highlighting Trump's networking and business strategies.

• Golf Partnerships:

  • [13:13] Dan LeBatard mentions playing golf with Michael Jordan: "He's a great guy."
  • [14:31] Discusses high-stakes golf games leading to significant business deals, such as the acquisition of Trump Tower and Turnberry in Scotland.

• Notable Quotes:

  • [14:31] "I've made many great deals on the golf course."
  • Advocates for teaching golf in business schools due to its role in facilitating deals: "You should teach golf at the school."

Controversial Questions and Banter

[15:28] Cuervo challenges Trump with direct questions, leading to playful banter.

• Battling on the Golf Course:

  • [16:16] Cuervo asks about Lawrence Taylor allegedly cheating on the golf course.
  • [16:57] Trump responds by defending Taylor: "I never saw Lawrence cheat."

• Feuds and Friendships:

  • [17:50] When asked about personal feuds, Dan LeBatard humorously notes, "I get along with a lot of people," downplaying any significant conflicts.

Impact on the NFL’s Future

[11:55] Trump discusses potential threats to the NFL's stability.

• Sponsorship and Ratings:

  • [11:55] Trump warns that declining ratings and sponsors leaving could destabilize the NFL: "If you have big league sponsorship dropping out, then you've got a problem in the NFL."

• Current NFL Issues:

  • Highlights ongoing societal and structural issues within the league that could affect its future profitability and popularity.

Closing Remarks

The interview concludes with humorous exchanges and light-hearted questions, maintaining an engaging and personable atmosphere despite tackling serious topics. Trump and the hosts reflect on the dynamics of their conversation, hinting at future discussions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dan LeBatard on NFL Bid:

  • [07:29] "I decided not to up my bid. It was very important to me that the Bills stay in Buffalo."

• Trump on Roger Goodell:

  • [08:10] "I like Roger. Roger's a person that I like a lot. He's a friend of mine."

• Dan LeBatard on Tipping:

  • [12:44] "I tend to tip ridiculously because I don't want to read any stories that Donald Trump was cheap."

• Trump on Golf and Business:

  • [14:31] "I've made many great deals on the golf course."

• Trump on NFL Challenges:

  • [11:55] "If you have big league sponsorship dropping out, then you've got a problem in the NFL."

Conclusion

This episode provides an insightful look into Donald Trump's perspectives on professional sports management, particularly the NFL, while interweaving personal anecdotes that highlight his networking prowess through golf. The hosts skillfully balance serious discussions with humor, making the conversation both informative and entertaining for listeners.