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Dan Le Batard
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Stugotz
As a scientist, I can tell you that Sundays are only 24 hours long. But with NFL Sunday Ticket and YouTube TV, you get every game, every Sunday all in one place. That's upwards of 30 hours of NFL in one day. How can there be 30 hours in 24 hours, you ask? I have a theory. Magic New users get NFL Sunday Ticket for eight payments of $34.50 per month. Sign up at NFLSundayTicket.com local and national games on YouTube TV. NFL Sunday Ticket for out of market games excludes digital only games and commercial use terms and embargoes apply. Availability Var Race the rudders.
Tony
Raise the sails.
Stugotz
Race the sails.
Dan Le Batard
Captain, an unidentified ship is approaching.
Senator Mark Kelly
Over.
Stugotz
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Senator Mark Kelly
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Dan Le Batard
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Tony
This is the Dan Levatar show with the Stugats podcast.
Stugotz
It's a sad and scary time in America. You will forgive me for the gloom of what it is we're about to talk about. We will get back to the silliness of sports and other things in a second. Senator Mark Kelly. He's a former US Navy combat pilot. He's an astronaut. He's now the senator for Arizona. Thank you for joining us. Senator, what. What was your immediate reaction upon hearing the news yesterday that conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed in front of a crowd in Utah?
Senator Mark Kelly
Well, I was horrified, as I think most Americans were and should be. I mean, this political violence like this has no place in our society. And it really demonstrates kind of the worst of us. We've seen this kind of violence on both sides. We saw what happened to Melissa Hortman and a couple months ago when her husband in Minnesota killed what happened to my wife, Gabby Giffords, you know, shot in the head in 2011. So we see this over and over again. And, you know, to me Lately, I mean, the thing that, you know, immediately comes to mind is the horrible situation that his wife and kids and parents and siblings, you know, now find themselves in. You know, I've had, you know, sort of that experience. My wife in 2011, she survived. She's got, you know, serious and significant disability because of it. We shouldn't have, you know, this in our country happen over and over and over again.
Stugotz
How do we stop it?
Senator Mark Kelly
How do we stop it? I mean, I think that this is a, you know, combination of, you know, some factors I think that brought us here, you know, certainly, you know, on one side, it's just how we, how divided we've become politically. I also think, you know, that there is just easy access to firearms. We have a very high rate of gun violence in general. Over 100,000 people are shot and killed every year in our country. We are like no other developed country in the world when it comes to gun violence. So how do we stop it? I mean, we could strengthen our gun laws. We could also try to find opportunities to just bring us together. You know, I serve in the United States Senate as a Democrat, and, you know, I've got strong relationships with my Republican colleagues. I think the. I think the general public just thinks it's actually more, maybe more contentious and divisive than it actually is in Washington. The media, I'm not saying you guys, but the media often highlights the negativity. There are a lot of positive things, and there are times when we should work to bring this country together. I think this is one of those times.
Stugotz
That all sounds good, but it doesn't sound much like a solution. And I know we have these conversations every time, but it seems like we've lost our sense of humanity in this landscape. So I'm sure you noticed, right, that the conversation immediately goes to gun laws, and then politics just take a side and blame another side and the humanity gets lost in there somewhere.
Senator Mark Kelly
Well, I think it's fair to blame both sides. I mean, that, that is, you know, the reality of the situation we live in. And I also think it's shortsighted to ignore gun laws. You know, in our country. I mean, we've got, you know, weak gun laws, we have high rates of gun crime. Those things are clearly connected. You look around the country and states that have stronger laws have less gun violence. That's clear. I think at this moment, what we should be thinking about is Charlie Kirk's.
Tony
Family.
Senator Mark Kelly
And his wife, his children. He's got a three year old and a one year old that are Going to grow up without their dad. And that's just horrible. But if you want to get to. How do we prevent future acts like this? We have to find a way to unite this country. We've got to have leaders that are really willing to step out there and say, this isn't who we are and not vilify Democrats or Republicans. That does often happen, and I've seen it. I saw it in 2011 when Gabby got shot, and I see it over and over and over again. But I could tell you this. If we don't work to try to fix this, this could get a lot worse. I think we're at a moment in our country's history a lot like it was in the 1960s, how divided we were then. And you saw rising political assassinations, and this was a political assassination. I mean, we don't know the exact motivation of this person, and we don't know how he got the gun or who he was yet. I think we will find those things out, but I think it's clearly that.
Stugotz
This was political to that extent, though. The manhunt for his killer, for Charlie Kirk's killer, is still underway after two suspects were previously taken under custody and released. How does that happen? How is that possible?
Senator Mark Kelly
Well, you know, I'm the son of two cops. You know, these things are challenging. I've also lived through this with, you know, my wife, an investigation and, you know, her assailant or the guy that, you know, did this and killed six individuals, was apprehended at the scene. This is different. It's complicated. You know, the FBI and law enforcement took these two individuals into custody, questioned them, released them. I could see how that could happen. You know, when they have a suspect, they, you know, they should be taking those kind of steps. I don't give. I don't fault them, you know, in any way for that. You're going to see the full force of the FBI and federal law enforcement put on this, and I'm confident that we will apprehend this individual.
Tony
Senator, I know you mentioned that we fear that it could get worse. I feel like we crossed that Rubicon already. Most politically motivated attacks, there's a disassociation between us and the act of violence. But the video and the person representing a movement has changed this. But also these things are typically messier. Multiple shots, a manifesto of some sort, a trace, a suspect. Eyes were usually further along on this. This seems like a professional hit. So I feel like we crossed that. This is the scary territory, I think, that you alluded to, sir.
Guest Analyst
Yeah.
Senator Mark Kelly
Well, and that's one of the reasons why, you know, folks in, like my position and House members and governors, you need to, you know, take a step back and see how, you know, what should we be doing at this point? You know, I'm trying to get out there and, you know, speak about this in, you know, what I think is a responsible way. You know, we're not, you know, pointing fingers here, but also recognizing that we have a problem. And, you know, the problem is politicization and, you know, just the kind of rhetoric, you know, that people use today. And I think it's, I think it's gotten worse over time. And I've seen this from both Democrats and Republicans. And, you know, we've got to figure out a way through this, but we also can't ignore it, you know, on this individual event. Yeah, I think the FBI is going to figure this out and none of these are exactly the same and they've got a hard job ahead of them. But I have confidence in the FBI and local law enforcement there that they will handle this appropriately.
Dan Le Batard
This episode is supported by FX's the Lowdown, starring Ethan Hawke. Allow us to introduce you to Lee Raybon, a quirky journalist slash rare bookstore owner slash unofficial truth seeker who's always on the tail of his latest conspiracy. This time, his most recent expose puts him head to head with a powerful family that rules Tulsa, meaning only one thing. He must be on to something big. FX is the lowdown. Premieres September 23rd on FX, stream on Hulu.
Producer/Co-host
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Dan Le Batard
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Stugotz
Trump addressed the news from the Oval Office. He expressed his admiration for Kirk while blaming the radical left. Political violence. How should people feel when we hear President Trump alluding to potentially going after organizations he views in opposition to him as a result of yesterday's murder?
Senator Mark Kelly
Not good. I don't think people should feel good about that. I think in our country's history, every president has looked at when things like this happen, they look at it as an opportunity to unite us, to bring us together, not divide us. I didn't agree with Charlie Kirk on most things, but I also recognize that he is a human being. He has a family. He has every right to be there on a college campus expressing his views. I defended the Constitution flying in combat in the first Gulf War. I would do it again to protect his right and people like him, but I didn't agree with him. But what I saw yesterday from the president, I hope I see something else today. This is the anniversary of 9 11. This is also an opportunity to try to find some common ground among all Americans and try to find a way to kind of push us together in our humanity, but to turn down the temperature. I didn't see that yesterday from him. I do understand that the President knew Charlie Kirk personally and was very fond of him. So I'll give him a little bit of a pass for yesterday. But what I would like to see is him really working towards uniting us as a country.
Stugotz
What kind of conversations have you had in the last 24 hours with your fellow senators and colleagues on both sides of the aisle?
Senator Mark Kelly
Well, you remember this happened late in the afternoon and I have communicated with both my Democratic and Republican colleagues about, you know, just how horrible this is, about how this, you know, this, this guy had a family and he was not much older than my eldest daughter. I have a 30 year old daughter, I have a four year old granddaughter. I mean, his kids were three and one. Just, I mean, forget about the politics for a second. I mean, this was a person who, you know, people loved him, you know, and I've got Republican colleagues that know this, that knew Charlie Kirk personally and I don't agree with Charlie Kirk's views, but I respect my colleagues and I'm friends with them and this was a friend friend of theirs and I get that. And this is a very challenging time for them. You know, I've been through this before, you know, with my wife Gabby being shot in the head and in the hospital for six months and then a recovery and being in the middle of this shitstorm that you find yourself in that his family has now found itself in through no fault of their own. And you know, I've got probably dozens of Republican colleagues who are friends of mine that were friends with Charlie Kerr and they're mourning this loss and I feel for them.
Stugotz
You believe in this country, you believe in this country's ideals. I imagine that you're a hopeful person. Have you felt as hopeless as you have over the last couple of years? The threats to our country from every side?
Senator Mark Kelly
Hey, I am never a hopeless person. Like I am an optimist, right? I look at the, you know, the strengths of our country are much more powerful than our shortcomings. And I think the future of our country is great. We are the most generous, innovative country in the world. And I think we have a bright future. I think we do go through historically, we've seen other times in our country's history where we've had, you know, very difficult and challenging times. And I do think we're going to get through this. I think we've got to all recognize that it's not going to be easy and we've got to work at it. But you know, for, for in my job, you know, I sit on the Armed services and the Intelligence Committee. I, you know, I see the threats out there to us as a nation. Not just internal, right? External threats all the time, every week, the challenges that we face from our adversaries. And I worry about it a lot, but I don't get to the point where it ever seems hopeless to me.
Stugotz
Let me ask it a different way then the amount of despair that you feel at the moment, the threat to democracy, our country and its ideals. You have felt that this way. The way that you have over the last five or six years. You've had things happen to you. You've seen everything that's happening. Is this time more perilous to you? Does it feel more perilous than previous times?
Senator Mark Kelly
I think this feels, you know, pretty awful. You know, it's a horrible thing that happened. And, you know, I see how some people could feel, you know, despair. I don't feel despair, you know, over, over this. I, you know, I'm certainly, you know, sad about it. What happened to him and his family and our political system. And this is, you know, this hurts and it's damaging, damaging to us as a country. I also think we can find our way out of it.
Tony
You mentioned that we shouldn't be finger pointing and we should be taking a step back. But your Republican colleagues have already pointed the finger at Democrats. Don't you find that kind of rhetoric irresponsible?
Senator Mark Kelly
Yeah, I mean, I think, you know, I think they're hurting, you know, right now. And in some cases, you know, this is a friend of theirs that lost his life. So I get that part of it. You know, people have been attacked politically, you know, on both sides. Melissa Hortman, state legislature legislator from Minnesota, is a Democrat. My wife was a Democrat. You know, Governor of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, Democrat. He tried to burn him up in his house and his family. Gretchen Whitmer in Michigan nearly kidnapped the President of the United States. You know, Republican president tried to kill him twice. You know, we see this, you know, this isn't unique to, you know, one party or the other. I mean, we see this cross the political spectrum. There are bad people out there, you know, that just want to, you know, wreak havoc and murder people. So I understand when things like this happen and people are very upset that they're going to say things. I get that. You know, give, give this a couple days, and I think people will, you know, calm down and we can really start thinking about some solutions.
Stugotz
Senator, I thank you for your time. This is obviously somber subject matter. I don't know how to transition from this into the other things that we do, so I'm hoping you can help me. Do you have a favorite football allegiance of some sort? Do you have a strong football opinion of some sort, something you can give me to somehow try and transition out of what it is that we're presently doing?
Tony
Maybe break.
Stugotz
Well, I could break or I could just include him in the, in the fun of sports, because everyone's a football fan.
Senator Mark Kelly
You're absolutely right. I am a football fan. I'll be, you know, watching. I got to travel tonight, but I'll be You know, watching the commanders playing the Packers. Prediction, Prediction. Commanders, absolutely.
Dan Le Batard
The plus three. Must have heard against his friend. I know that.
Senator Mark Kelly
I know that. I know the packers, you know, have quite the team, but, you know, I'm going with the commanders. Cardinals, obviously my allegiance. I think they, they've had a good start to the season. I'm optimistic. I also have to say, you know, just watching the, you know, Minnesota Bears game, not a big fan of Minnesota. I was really impressed with his quarterback, especially in that last quarter.
Stugotz
That's good. That's good stuff.
Senator Mark Kelly
That guy, that. I think that guy really has a future.
Stugotz
Thank you.
Tony
Tony doesn't believe in Kyler Murray.
Dan Le Batard
Senator, are you tired of Kyler Murray? I'm tired.
Stugotz
No, you can't be.
Senator Mark Kelly
I am not tired of him.
Dan Le Batard
What has he ever done?
Tony
Come on, you guys are standing playoff win. Come on.
Stugotz
He.
Senator Mark Kelly
We're gonna get it. It's gonna be this year.
Dan Le Batard
Okay?
Senator Mark Kelly
Kyler, I mean, just Kyler Murray is a very talented and he is hardworking. Talented and hardworking quarterback. And I, I think we're gonna win.
Dan Le Batard
A lot of playoff game, though.
Senator Mark Kelly
He's good.
Stugotz
Get out of here. Not you, Senator. I'm talking to Tony. Senator.
Dan Le Batard
So you are kicking him out?
Stugotz
Thank. Yes. Well, he's got other things to do. He's got other important things.
Senator Mark Kelly
I do.
Stugotz
Thank you, sir.
Producer/Co-host
All right.
Senator Mark Kelly
Thank you.
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Tony
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Stugotz
Tony has a great many football opinions that we have to get to that we have not been.
Tony
That was something it has never been hotter under my armpits Never been hotter.
Stugotz
I needed I needed a this tops.
Tony
Gainesville Week 1 last year. This is crazy.
Stugotz
Yes, that's always a good place to be hot under the armpits. Tony's top five is right around the corner here and we have other guests coming up later in the show and I'm sure we will be talking more about the Pablo Torre finds out 5am drop but can you please get me because I think I want to do this until the World Cup Chris Cody Every day I want to play a Ray Hudson sound every single day to celebrate the most iconic of South Florida strange sports broadcasters. So let's celebrate Ray Hudson by just.
Tony
Having his love giving tasks on a.
Stugotz
Yeah well I like yes I like producers to produce no no this one.
Tony
This one's the seeds of resentment a little resentment. Hey day 17 of the Ray Hudson tribute to World Cup 2020 the world.
Stugotz
Went let's go it made Chris Sims his career start on this show because he was able to do it every day. Take credit for left go to 90 days. That was a uh let's let's put.
Tony
Come on Magisterial me Dan's favorite colors.
Producer/Co-host
Was a good bit. Yeah it was that one.
Tony
Don't forget Rick Springfield name your second one just not your first play.
Stugotz
Do you Is he still holding do we still have changed Studios.
Tony
And he finally dropped off. He looks great, though.
Stugotz
Play the Ray Hudson sound, please.
Dan Le Batard
This one drops in.
Tony
Astonishing. This is not just a dream. It's a wet dream of orgasmic proportions. And this one deludes everybody. It seduces everybody in Real Madrid's fan club, that's for sure. The wonder strike from Cristiano. This has got more curves to it than Jessica Rabbit on steroids.
Guest Analyst
Take it easy, man.
Stugotz
Just one. Every day until the World Cup. Got it.
Dan Le Batard
It's got more. What than Jessica Rabbit?
Stugotz
20, 26, I think. Steroids, Curves, Curves. I think that's what he said, right?
Tony
I think she was very curvy.
Stugotz
And he. He can do that because it's a cartoon.
Tony
It seduces everybody in Real Madrid's fan club, that's for sure. The wonder strike from Cristiano. This has got more Curve Stewart than Jessica Rabbit on steroids. So only 185 more shows to the World Cup. I'm excluding weekends and holidays, folks. 185 more Ray Hudson clips.
Stugotz
We can. For 50 years of broadcasting. I bet you we can find it. I bet 40 years of broadcasting, Chris better find.
Producer/Co-host
I mean, there's one goal every five games, so I don't know.
Stugotz
But they're playing all over the world, right? And they're more than five games. You're right.
Tony
A career that spans across the decades, Dan.
Stugotz
That's correct. So we'll do that every day until the World cup to get you ready for the World Cup. And we've got commanders and packers tonight. And it is a good game.
Tony
Oh, dude. This is a possible NFC playoff preview.
Senator Mark Kelly
Yes, sir.
Tony
NFC championship game, perhaps.
Stugotz
So Tony's got a top five of football observations to get to. Let's do it. Do we have the music? Do we have everything ready that is required so that Tony can fly.
Dan Le Batard
All right, everybody. Tony's top five, Week one. The great return. Feels good to hear that music in its proper context. Hey, we're gonna start. No olae, Dan. Just straight five.
Stugotz
Wow.
Dan Le Batard
In week one, there was a lot of observations, but I had to put them all down into five. As the weeks go on, I'll have more and more, as is custom.
Stugotz
Don't threaten us.
Dan Le Batard
Number five, Geno can still sling the pill. Did you see him on the first couple of drives against New England Patriots? Absolute lasers across the field.
Stugotz
Mina was saying, Mina. Mina, who I trust on this sort of stuff. Mina was saying before that game, that Raiders offense is going to be better than people think.
Dan Le Batard
Fun offense. Chip Kelly at the helm. Ashton Genti, you got Pieces. Brock Bowers. Gino slinging the pill.
Guest Analyst
Brock Bowers playing this. Sorry, Mike. Is he playing this weekend? Yeah, he's all right.
Tony
Half the games at a dome. Do yourself a favor. Check out Geno Smith's dome stats.
Dan Le Batard
Incredible. Probably.
Tony
Oh, dude, he's like two times a quarterback. He's incredible. The Raiders are going to be in this conversation. Mark my words.
Stugotz
Wait a minute.
Tony
Playoff conversation.
Stugotz
Wait a minute.
Tony
They might be for real.
Stugotz
What?
Senator Mark Kelly
What?
Stugotz
Are the Raiders for real? No, not might be for real. We've been asking that one for 25 years. Not. We've asked Rick Springfield that. No, are they for real? Are you willing to say. Are you willing to say. September 11, Wednesday, 2020, 25, after 25 years? We have an answer to the question. And the answer is yes. Are the Raiders for real?
Tony
I need to see the Monday nighter. I mean a Monday nighter that I think they win.
Producer/Co-host
But then they have the commies the week after that. Followed by the Bears, which we don't know about the Bears yet. Colts. Colts is pretty good at Colts. Undefeated at home. The Colts right now. Right now they're one like as we project. Well, we have to see Monday night. Monday night.
Tony
I think that's a win.
Producer/Co-host
Okay, wait, you think what's a win?
Tony
No, no, no. That's. That makes them 2 0.
Producer/Co-host
That's 2 and O if they win. But then they have the commanders. All right, Bears versus. They're hosting the Bears.
Tony
That's a dome.
Producer/Co-host
Dome field advantage.
Tony
What's next after that?
Producer/Co-host
After that you go to Indy, where again the Colts are juggernaut undefeated. After that, then they have Cam Ward, who's probably gonna be settling in. Cameron Ward, I should say gonna be settling in. Then at the Chiefs.
Tony
We don't know though.
Dan Le Batard
We don't know though.
Producer/Co-host
Any guess. And you have been predicting that Tyree Kill will be there at that point in time. So it could be a new look.
Stugotz
I think you're undermining Tony's star segment.
Dan Le Batard
No, no, no, no.
Producer/Co-host
He likes.
Dan Le Batard
No, no, I'm in on this. Yeah, we still have another 12 games.
Stugotz
I think he's doing the SK.
Producer/Co-host
Then there's the buy to reset. Okay, you reset at the buy.
Dan Le Batard
Ashton Densy gets hot.
Producer/Co-host
After the buy, the Jags come into town.
Dan Le Batard
Tough game.
Producer/Co-host
Come on.
Dan Le Batard
Tough game.
Guest Analyst
I don't think it's. Tough game.
Producer/Co-host
Tough game.
Dan Le Batard
Tough game.
Guest Analyst
I suck.
Producer/Co-host
I could get flexed at Broncos. Tough game, that one. And it's a Thursday nighter.
Dan Le Batard
Good Thursday night games.
Guest Analyst
I can't believe how good these Thursday Night games are.
Producer/Co-host
It's crazy. Crazy.
Guest Analyst
It's crazy.
Stugotz
Number four.
Producer/Co-host
Number four.
Dan Le Batard
Funny enough, are the Chargers for real?
Tony
We're going to have a.
Producer/Co-host
Are you for real?
Dan Le Batard
Off in the AFC West?
Producer/Co-host
I mean, the Chargers are what, one and, oh, right now, I mean, spank the Chiefs, post the Raiders, then the Broncos come to town.
Dan Le Batard
Tough games in the AFC West.
Producer/Co-host
I mean, that's one of those that you just don't know. Then they fly across the country to the Giants.
Stugotz
Put it on the pole, please. That LeBatard show. More for real. Raiders or Chargers?
Dan Le Batard
And Justin Herbert looked amazing in Brazil.
Stugotz
I believe the Chargers are for real, but I think everyone thinks that, right.
Producer/Co-host
Five, they host the Commanders. That's a test. And then the Dolphins, who at that.
Stugotz
Point, most people listening to this think the Chargers are good. Yes.
Guest Analyst
What if I told you, according to DraftKings, Chargers, even with the Chiefs, to win the AC West.
Dan Le Batard
I'm telling you what can I get.
Guest Analyst
The Raiders at plus 190 for the Chargers? Raiders, they're. They're fourth plus 1,000.
Tony
That's a flyer. Throw a little something on that.
Stugotz
You're saying they're for real? If you're taking a flyer.
Tony
You're saying they went on Monday night.
Stugotz
Well, then they're for real.
Tony
Then they are.
Stugotz
Then wait a minute. You said Monday night.
Tony
Yeah, but we gotta wait until they do it.
Stugotz
No, but you said they think they went there.
Tony
I think right now that just one man's opinion.
Stugotz
Right, but prove to me that they're more. I've not heard that they're for real for 25 years. Around here, nobody knows. It's a mystery.
Tony
I like the quarterback.
Stugotz
You're saying they're for real.
Tony
He's good in adults.
Stugotz
You're saying they're for real?
Tony
They have weapons.
Guest Analyst
Do you know about the weapons?
Tony
I found out why they left at 2:17am why was it. Dude. Okay, so witchcraft.
Dan Le Batard
Number three.
Senator Mark Kelly
There's a witch.
Producer/Co-host
A witch.
Tony
That's it. No more spoilers. No, no more spoilers.
Guest Analyst
Yeah, it's streaming now. You can watch it at home if you'd like. You got those streaming services.
Producer/Co-host
Which one?
Dan Le Batard
Figure it out.
Producer/Co-host
I'll talk to you after.
Dan Le Batard
Number three. J.J. mcCarthy showed me some major cojones on Monday night. You throw the pick six, you come back, you do what he did on the road as a rookie. Because he didn't play last year. He's a rookie to me. He should win Rookie of the year. If he plays well.
Guest Analyst
By the way, he's not a rookie.
Dan Le Batard
He's a rookie didn't take a snap. He's a rookie to me.
Guest Analyst
Got paid.
Dan Le Batard
He goes in and does what he did in the fourth quarter. Major Cohen is. Damn.
Stugotz
Put it on the poll, please. Juju. Did the senator know J.J. mcCarthy's name?
Dan Le Batard
He didn't. And that's why I can't take his Kyler Murray take seriously.
Tony
Whoa, that was so weird. And you reminded me of that and my armpits got hot again. Are you married tonight? Have we learned from the Josh Allen thing? Dan, I feel like you were trying this Tuesday morning. You. You were like. Well, let me just stop short of actually heaping praise on the young man. He showed us something. I'm willing to admit that I was wrong about JJ McCarthy because I'm brave and I like admitting I'm wrong. You need to be prepared to do the same.
Stugotz
I just am hesitant to think that J.J. mcCarthy will be able to put up better stats this year than Sam Darnold did with that team next year. I don't ever expect that from a quarterback who's just starting his career. And I didn't expect it from JJ McCarthy through the first three quarters of that game when it didn't look like he was going to do anything.
Dan Le Batard
But then he showed you what he.
Producer/Co-host
Had and you expected it from Sam Darnold.
Stugotz
No, I did not expect it from Sam Darnold. All I'm saying is that it's not reasonable to assume that a quarterback this early in his career will put up better numbers than Sam Darnold did. You guys are getting tricked by the fact that it's Sam Darnold. You're like, why can't he be better than Sam Darnold? I'm saying the numbers put up by Sam Darnold last year were numbers that made me feel like that wasn't Sam.
Tony
Darnold how many times?
Producer/Co-host
Which is why they could be.
Tony
JP says Kevin o' Connell have to show you who he is more. So the answer is yes. You're going to be indignant and stubborn the rest of your life.
Producer/Co-host
Sunday night, he's got a shot against the Falcons and then a big one against the Bengals.
Stugotz
Wow.
Tony
Is this a road game?
Producer/Co-host
No, it's a home game.
Tony
Oh, wow. That's a good sweet spot. What do they. Who do they have after that?
Producer/Co-host
Then the Steelers come to town. Oh, and then the Browns. Wow, they have a nice little stretch here. They have Falcons, Bengals, Steelers, Browns, Eagles, all at home before they hit the road. And a buy in the the middle of that before they hit the road. October 23rd against 23rd. The charger. Wow. J.J. mcCarthy.
Tony
Herbert.
Producer/Co-host
Full circle.
Guest Analyst
Tell you what, if we're going to keep track of Sam Darnold, JJ McCarthy last year, after one week, Sam Darnold. 18 for. Nope. Excuse me. I was looking at January. I did that backwards.
Producer/Co-host
That's fine. Just give us that one.
Guest Analyst
19 for 24, 208 yards, two touchdowns, interception.
Dan Le Batard
But what happened?
Stugotz
What do you mean?
Dan Le Batard
What happened? In that game.
Guest Analyst
They won the game.
Dan Le Batard
Against who?
Guest Analyst
Giants.
Producer/Co-host
What was the follow up for?
Stugotz
He thought he was gonna prove a point?
Tony
No, because I used to question it.
Stugotz
Came with a useless answer. And then he was stumped.
Dan Le Batard
I remember them beating the 49ers in a big game, but I think that was week two.
Guest Analyst
That was week two.
Dan Le Batard
That was right there. Dano.
Guest Analyst
Yeah, but changing McCarthy's numbers bigger after one week.
Dan Le Batard
That's it. And Dan, did he showed you what he had? Did you see his cojones? Yes or no?
Producer/Co-host
What was that 18 for 40 you were going to give us?
Guest Analyst
That was the playoff game. That was a bad job.
Producer/Co-host
18 for 40. Something's bad.
Guest Analyst
@ least upside down.
Tony
At least someone in that studio can admit when they're wrong. I like it.
Producer/Co-host
Ray Hudson, call it a day tomorrow.
Dan Le Batard
Yeah. Number two. Packers seem to be a unit.
Tony
That's what I like about you. You say things that no one else is saying.
Dan Le Batard
They seem to be a unit.
Stugotz
As a number two, though, when you have all week to prepare something as a thought and you're number two, the thing is to be a unit.
Dan Le Batard
But here's the thing. Everybody's talking about how they are a unit. Right? I'm saying that they seem to be a unit.
Tony
Oh, so this is like. Actually, this is like. Not so fast, my friend.
Dan Le Batard
Not so fast, my friend. I'm hesitant to call them a unit after tonight.
Producer/Co-host
Maybe.
Dan Le Batard
Maybe.
Producer/Co-host
I mean, tonight's the night. The comments.
Dan Le Batard
Tonight. Tonight is the night.
Tony
Who's who.
Producer/Co-host
So early.
Senator Mark Kelly
Ooh.
Dan Le Batard
But it is.
Producer/Co-host
It feels like it could be a measure. Love.
Tony
And I know about two of the quarterbacks. One of these teams is a contender and the other one's a pretty pretender.
Dan Le Batard
Wow.
Tony
And we find out tonight which is which.
Dan Le Batard
Separate contender. Pretender. Early the week.
Stugotz
Making in week two. You're sniffing a who's who game.
Producer/Co-host
No, we sussed it out to be one of them.
Tony
Sniffing around.
Stugotz
I heard who's who.
Tony
No, no, no. Contenders and pretenders.
Stugotz
You started. No, that's where you ended up. You started by sniffing who's who.
Tony
I can't work things out with my fellow.
Stugotz
Not a. You got to be respectful of the cathedral of who's who's game. That's not.
Tony
We were. We were. You're judging spitballs and that's not what you do.
Dan Le Batard
You don't even want us to ask the question.
Stugotz
Yeah, if you're going to sniff around who's who. Cuz you volunteered and I wasn't ready for who's who. That's a December. That's a December conversation.
Dan Le Batard
Agreed.
Tony
It's a little bit later that you.
Producer/Co-host
Got to start the conversation forced him to fly across the country and he was already across the country. Hey, it's a classic mix.
Tony
You stay over there team.
Stugotz
You guys don't mix it up.
Tony
I'm gonna separate you guys.
Dan Le Batard
Point is, Wong, they seem to be. They seem to be a unit, but I want to see how that offense gets together because their offense, even though they have a good quarterback, a lot of B pieces. Right. They don't really have an A piece on offense outside of quarterback.
Stugotz
They seem to be a unit. I feel like you change your opinion of this during the segment because we can workshop things.
Tony
I'm giving the tape things out.
Producer/Co-host
Colts, Broncos, could that be a contender?
Tony
What's after that? What's happening?
Producer/Co-host
That's this week. Colts, Broncos.
Tony
Well, it's after that for the Broncos.
Producer/Co-host
Let's see. Give me a moment.
Tony
Yeah, pull them up.
Stugotz
Tony, give us the rest while number one.
Dan Le Batard
Did you hear that?
Producer/Co-host
Daniel at Chargers.
Stugotz
Oh, my God.
Producer/Co-host
I mean, the Chargers are in the.
Stugotz
Mix table like Brian Kelly. I heard it.
Dan Le Batard
Oh, you heard that, right? You know what that sound was? That was your hand. That was the. That was the super bowl window closing for the Lions and 49ers.
Senator Mark Kelly
Oh, what?
Dan Le Batard
It's over. It's over for both.
Stugotz
The 49ers have the easiest schedule.
Dan Le Batard
I know Dan and I wrote something on my sub stack saying about how Brock Purdy could be the.
Tony
Hold on, hold on. Dude.
Dan Le Batard
What?
Stugotz
Can we.
Tony
And like, we want to talk these things out, right?
Senator Mark Kelly
Agreed.
Tony
Okay. The Niners do this thing where they get hurt in the beginning, but everybody's hurt and then they get healthy at the right time of the year.
Dan Le Batard
Sure.
Tony
You got to forecast that.
Dan Le Batard
Here's the thing. The soft tissue injury with George Kittle scares me because the hamstring is like off the bone.
Tony
What about the Jennings shoulder? There's a lot shoulder.
Dan Le Batard
They said he's good, though. And Brock Purdy Turf toe and shoulder. But he's going to be out the next four weeks. I don't want to Put him on an ir so there's a lot happening. But CMC playing well. Ricky Pearsall, by the way, back, there's something there.
Stugotz
Mike Ryan mentioned that I like giving tasks and assignments. So I want to get you guys to do some math for me here on something because we're your math friends now. You can be my math friends. You can apply for the position here by helping me do some math. Because I was talking about the Ravens yesterday and I was saying turn this music down, please. I. I was talking because it's. It. It's over. That's his. That's his.
Dan Le Batard
We were still talking. We're still.
Stugotz
No.
Producer/Co-host
Yeah.
Tony
He still got the Lions. You agree with me.
Dan Le Batard
The lines though.
Tony
He didn't even feel like that window. That was like an open and shut like window.
Dan Le Batard
He didn't even say anything about the lines. He knows it.
Producer/Co-host
I have the Lions schedule here if you want it.
Tony
I like to see this.
Dan Le Batard
There's a big issue.
Stugotz
I don't.
Producer/Co-host
Tough road. A hoe for the Lions.
Stugotz
Let's save that for later when we're off air and no longer doing a show. And you can say everything you want.
Producer/Co-host
About the schedule of the Ravens, Browns, Bengals, Chiefs.
Tony
I mean they got the Bears this week and you got to. They know how to stop Ben Johnson. They saw it every day in practice.
Guest Analyst
According to DraftKings, the Lions now are third shortest odds in the division to win. Third plus 450 their schedules behind the Vikings this season.
Stugotz
The point that I was making about the Ravens yesterday, that I want to cross over to today because there are only two good teams in the league that suffer from this particular affliction. The San Francisco 49ers. And Shanahan is viewed as somebody who blows leads late. But the number that I wanted to give you on Harbaugh that I didn't give you yesterday when I said that they've blown nine games with a 90% plus win probability is that they have blown 17 second half double digits digit leads under Harbaugh. And if I do the math on this math, friends, if I just made all of those wins, would they suddenly have a better winning percentage over the. Over that stretch than the. The best teams in the league? Would they have a better winning percentage than Kansas City? Would they have a better winning percentage than the Patriots at their very best if I Gave Harbaugh All 17 of those victories that he has a double digit lead in?
Guest Analyst
Yes.
Stugotz
You think they'd be the best team in the sport very obviously if they. If I just made all of their double digit leads, wins, none of the collapses, losses.
Guest Analyst
Yeah, I feel like we could do that because okay, are we giving the other good teams at blue games? Are we gonna give them their games too? We could do that. But they, they like the Chiefs certainly haven't blown the amount of games that you're describing to me right now that the Ravens have.
Producer/Co-host
So the answer yes, carry the four is like 8.75.
Tony
We got we were looking at the lion schedule.
Stugotz
Games.
Producer/Co-host
I don't think Tony was tough enough on them. They may miss the playoffs this year.
Dan Le Batard
The Lions windows closed.
Tony
I told do you tear it down or do you say like you know.
Dan Le Batard
We went through $260 million.
Guest Analyst
Better question fire Dan Campbell.
Dan Le Batard
No.
Tony
So many people want to fire.
Producer/Co-host
If you're Dane Campbell though, you listen to offers because you look at what's going on here, you say I lost my coordinators. I don't know about this situation. Maybe I leave before they figure out I'm the problem.
Guest Analyst
Get out while you can, huh?
Producer/Co-host
Potentially. I mean, remember he had that Texas A and M flirtation not too long ago. He could have come in for a king's ransom, but he decided not to, wanted to stay put there in Detroit.
Stugotz
Tony mentioned windows closing and there was a very small window where Chris Cody was going to make this joke and it closed. So that window is now reopened and we should have done it about 40 minutes ago, but because the window closed, we're just going to do the joke now.
Tony
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Senator Mark Kelly
Hey, Billy Gill.
Producer/Co-host
Hey.
Senator Mark Kelly
Hey, Billy.
Tony
As a proud member of your inner circle, remember when we were hanging out last weekend?
Producer/Co-host
Oh, yeah. Fishtail palms.
Tony
Fishtail palms. Great memories we made. Kids playing in the pool. And in our hands, a nice ice cold pan of Miller. It was so hot out.
Producer/Co-host
I know, but it was so cold in my hand.
Tony
We took that first sip. It was cold, crisp. It was refreshing. Oh, man. There is nothing like cracking open a Miller Light with your crew and your inner circle bones.
Producer/Co-host
Hell yeah, we fist bumped.
Tony
Whether it's we. We actually really did. Whether it's that touchdown make a sound.
Producer/Co-host
But I just thought bam.
Stugotz
Boom.
Tony
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Senator Mark Kelly
Billy.
Producer/Co-host
What?
Tony
It's just 96 calories. What? 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces. The original light beer since 1975 and still hitting different five decades later. 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. It's Miller time. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Co. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces.
Episode: Hour 1: Tony's Top 5 Returns (feat. Mark Kelly)
Date: September 11, 2025
This episode opens with a heavy national moment: the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and features a thoughtful, urgent conversation with Senator Mark Kelly about political violence, national unity, and the state of American democracy. The show then builds into its usual energetic sports banter, including football talk, Tony’s much-anticipated “Top 5 Returns,” and the signature rapid-fire, irreverent commentary the show is known for.
(01:34 – 19:15)
Reaction to the Shooting of Charlie Kirk
Why Is This Happening & What Can Be Done?
The Investigation and Law Enforcement’s Role
Is This a “Professional Hit”?
Presidential Response & Responsibility
Bipartisan Mourning and Reflection
Hope vs. Despair in the American Experiment
Finger Pointing and Rhetoric
(19:15 – 26:42)
The mood shifts as Stugotz asks Senator Kelly to facilitate a transition to sports, specifically football allegiances and predictions.
Dan & Tony riff on the oddities of sports fandom and begin previewing upcoming football topics.
(26:42 – 39:14)
Geno Smith’s Hot Start (27:00)
Chargers Hype (29:45)
J.J. McCarthy’s Grit (31:33)
Packers as a “Unit” (34:51)
Closing Windows for Lions & 49ers (37:22)
Senator Mark Kelly on Political Violence:
“If we don’t work to try to fix this, this could get a lot worse. I think we’re at a moment in our country’s history a lot like it was in the 1960s…” (05:33)
Ray Hudson Sound Clip Tribute:
“This is not just a dream. It’s a wet dream of orgasmic proportions...” (Ray Hudson via Dan, 24:49)
Tony Reviving the “Are They For Real?” Question About the Raiders:
“We’ve been asking that one for 25 years. Not. We’ve asked Rick Springfield that. No, are they for real?” (Stugotz, 27:48)
Dan on Optimism:
“The strengths of our country are much more powerful than our shortcomings...” (Senator Mark Kelly, 15:27)
This episode deftly balances national gravity with the lightness of sports talk radio. Senator Mark Kelly provides sobering, firsthand insight into the costs of political violence and the constant challenge of fostering civility and unity, while the crew—true to form—restore balance through laughs, friction, and football obsession.
Further Listening: