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Dan Le Batard
Close your eyes, exhale, Feel your body.
Chris Cote
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Tony Kaladiu
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Chris Cote
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Tony Kaladiu
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Greg Cody
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Tony Kaladiu
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Chris Cote
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Tony Kaladiu
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Tony Kaladiu
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Chris Cote
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Dan Le Batard
Let's drive.
Chris Cote
This is the Dan Levator show with the Stugats podcast.
Jeremy Tache
Welcome to another episode of Insights to Mediocrity. I'm Jeremy Tache here with our expert, our superstar, Tony Kaladiu.
Tony Kaladiu
Good to be here, Jeremy.
Jeremy Tache
What do you think about the salaries of today's NBA? Given the salary cap, the collective bargaining agreement, how do you feel about the way that salaries have exploded for the max player in the NBA?
Tony Kaladiu
I love it. Go get your money.
Greg Cody
Right?
Tony Kaladiu
Like when, when we were growing up, it felt like guys were making all these millions of dollars, but it didn't really feel like, oh, wow, it's, it's this level. But now you see the SGA's of the world, you see the Jason Tatums, the Jalen Browns of the world, where they're making 280 and some change, $300 million, and you're like, okay, perfect. Selfishly, it's like, hey, could I have hung around somewhere and Made a couple of scratch here and there. Like I felt like I should have and could have and possibly would have if it weren't for a couple injuries and a couple of politics. I think it was the politics more than anything then the injuries, of course, because I was also in this weird transition of time between I was a little too small and slow to be a big. And then I wasn't fast enough to be a guard.
Jeremy Tache
So I was Derek Williams, if you will, a tweener. A Michael Beasley of your day. That's what they say. You know, he was a bucket and 10 day Tony, he's a bucket. Thank you. Of course. Do you ever feel sorry for your opponent?
Tony Kaladiu
No. Because it's a mutual respect. They know what we're going into. We're gladiators. We're getting onto the, onto the floor. The times where I come home and my ankle hurts and my daughter's crying at three in the morning and I have to get up and change her diaper, my ankle's hurting. That's not something that I, that I get, you know, money for.
Jeremy Tache
It's a sacrifice people don't see behind the scenes. Right.
Tony Kaladiu
Thank you. So I'm going in with the appreciation and the gratitude of the man across from me, knowing that he's got work in the market tomorrow too. He's got to go home with a bad hamstring and then work an office job that he hates. So I put the respect on the game for my fellow man across from me saying, I know what you pay to be here. You know what I pay to be here. Let's have some fun. So I don't feel bad for my opponents ever. I, I respect my opponents.
Chris Cote
Too long. The Steelers have won eight plus games, 22 straight seasons. And I legitimately think that one of the amazing, most amazing stats in sports is that since the merger, the Steelers have had three coaches. Since 1969, the Pittsburgh Steelers have had three coaches. The Phoenix Suns have had that in the last 24 months. It's just nuts when you think of the consistency of that franchise. We were talking earlier, this is partly because the Browns and Bengals are so cheap that you've been able to play in a division where you're stable and nothing around you is stable, so you get to win it all the time. But are you guys numb to the fact that the Steelers in 50 years have had three coaches?
Mike Ryan
I, I suppose. I mean, it's not like they're, it's not like they're any kind of threat. They're not Going to do anything. Like they're probably going to win the division because they're one up with three to play. And they played the Ravens final game of the season, which will probably be for the division. Steelers already beat them earlier in the year. But no one's afraid of this Steeler team. I don't know. I kind of feel like I'm not.
Chris Cote
Wait a minute, though. Okay, if the standard is you win the championship or you're irrelevant. Yes. If second place is just the first loser. Yes. But, man, you are hardened and cynical. If I'm giving you 22 straight seasons of eight plus wins, and I just told you three coaches since 1969, that's crazy. Stability.
Dan Le Batard
Tomlin and Cower have never lost a home Monday night game.
Greg Cody
Yeah, no, that's the streak. That's crazy. 23 in a row. I think it is now.
Chris Cote
Mine wasn't. My three coaches since 1969 is not crazy. Yours is crazy.
Greg Cody
No, it's less surprising because we sort of knew that, you know, I mean, come on.
Mike Ryan
But when's the last time someone mentioned Chuck Noll?
Jeremy Tache
Yeah, that's. Tannehill's a receiver, but Dan.
Greg Cody
Chuck Noel. That's back in the Shula era.
Chris Cote
I mean, stay in front of the microphone.
Greg Cody
No, no, I'm right in front of the mic. But here's the point. The standard in Pittsburgh is so high that for the first time a couple of weeks ago, Tomlin is all of a sudden getting. Getting your. You're distracting me.
Chris Cote
I'm just trying to. Put the microphone closer to your mouth.
Greg Cody
Tomlin all of a sudden is getting hectored. People want his job, okay? And. And so he. It's been a minute since he's won a playoff game. Like he. He done.
Chris Cote
His Teflon is where the Dolphins haven't won1 since 2000.
Greg Cody
Give me all the Dolphins, all the.
Chris Cote
Coaches the Dolphins have had just since 2000. Please give me the names. And I'm just giving interims to the list of all the coaches.
Dan Le Batard
You do like, who does. Who didn't start the fire?
Mike Ryan
Dan Campbell, can. Cameron Saban, Adam Gay.
Chris Cote
You guys are awfully hard.
Mike Ryan
That's my.
Chris Cote
If you're not impressed by stability. Like the noise is so loud around all of the pressure in football for you to shrug your shoulders at. They always have winning seasons. As if it doesn't matter.
Greg Cody
Like it matters. But look where they're at right now. And Zaz is right. They're not a threat to win a series.
Mike Ryan
They haven't been a threat for at.
Greg Cody
Least 10 years and they're recycling a 42 year old quarterback.
Dan Le Batard
Everyone in the AC, everyone in the AFC wants to play Pittsburgh in the playoffs.
Chris Cote
Yeah, that's right.
Greg Cody
Yes, I agree.
Jeremy Tache
Starting in 2000. Wonstad, Jim Bates, Nick Saban, Cam Cameron, Tony Sparano, Todd Bowles, Joe Philbin, Dan Campbell, Adam Gase, Brian Flores, Mike McDaniel.
Chris Cote
I do think that we're a bit unreasonable. If you're not impressed by what Mike Tomlin has done in Pittsburgh with an assortment of different pieces. Like it's not, it's not just getting to have Tom Brady the entire time. I mean, he had Roethlisberger, but it's not, it's not what Mahomes. I understand that Mahomes and Brady are the standard, but you're basically saying that Baltimore also hasn't done a lot of winning. Baltimore hasn't done a lot of winning of the championship, but represent one of the most stable franchises that I've seen across sports over the last 25 years.
Mike Ryan
I mean, they won the super bowl at least like 10 years ago ago, right? It's not that long ago.
Zaz
I think both these franchises have new coaches next season.
Mike Ryan
I, I agree.
Chris Cote
You think that John Harbaugh is going to be out in Baltimore?
Mike Ryan
I think there's a better chance Harbaugh's out than Tomlin.
Zaz
I hear things.
Dan Le Batard
They'll both. It'll both be mutual though. Like neither of them will be fired. It'll be. They've parted ways.
Chris Cote
You guys think John. I have not. Tomlin, I've heard Hot Seat about. I have not heard it about Harbaugh. Remember, if he goes to the pros.
Zaz
Do you remember before Lamar Jackson had started?
Chris Cote
What do you mean if he goes to the pros?
Greg Cody
If he goes to another team. I meant, in other words, he's not going. I don't think he's going to college football. I think he's.
Zaz
People forget, like the Ravens and John. John Harbaugh did part ways. It was announced that they were going to separate at the end of the season. And then Lamar Jackson started playing really well. It was. Look it up. It was understood.
Mike Ryan
I believe you.
Zaz
Yeah, it was a great Cody move. John Harbaugh and the Ravens were gonna part ways and then Lamar Jackson caught lightning in a bottle and they decided, hey, you know what, we'll run it back.
Chris Cote
I believe that Mike Ryan was just fully ignoring you that you said in the pros and nobody understood what you meant. And then you doubled down with if he doesn't go to college, which I don't think anybody's talking about John Harbaugh takes a job in the pros and Mike just ignored you. He ignored you the way you would.
Zaz
There's a lot of Michigan people suggesting, hey, hire John Harbaugh.
Greg Cody
The point is if John Harbaugh leaves Baltimore, there's a million other, not a million.
Mike Ryan
He'll be for the NFL.
Greg Cody
Yes, there's plenty of other job for him.
Dan Le Batard
Same as Tomlin.
Greg Cody
Same as Tomlin. Right. Those guys, if they decide to take.
Dan Le Batard
Jobs in the NFL, could get them.
Greg Cody
But I will say this about Tomlin. Let's not overestimate him. In almost 20 years in Pittsburgh, he's won one Super Bowl. You got to win more than one if you're going to rise to that level of elite all time coach.
Chris Cote
He's never had a losing season in Pittsburgh.
Greg Cody
Yeah, I get that.
Zaz
Cower only got one, right?
Tony Kaladiu
Yeah.
Chris Cote
Okay. For my birthday, do you have a back in my day?
Greg Cody
No. Hell no.
Zaz
Wow, that was blunt.
Mike Ryan
More blunt than usual.
Dan Le Batard
I mean, he's become defiant with this. Well, he's like he's dug his flag into I can't do him anymore and he's just not gonna.
Greg Cody
I mean, I'm trying to. That's in a nice way give you the idea that maybe that bit has been retired. But yet every Tuesday you bring it up again. So it's getting a little frustrating.
Zaz
A lot of nerve wracking change around the show. It'd be really nice to have that nostalgia trip of back in my day. Nice little thread. Legacy thread.
Greg Cody
Legacy thread.
Chris Cote
It is Tuesday. You didn't say it was retired. You just kept saying, well, it's not Tuesday. It's not Tuesday.
Greg Cody
Now that's a Tuesday. Yeah, that's a joke that it isn't Tuesday thing. It might. It may make a comeback. You don't know. That's the beauty of life. You don't know.
Mike Ryan
What time is 22:11.
Zaz
Take the guesswork out of buying NFL tickets with game time. Download the game time.
Chris Cote
Military time. 20 to 11 is 20 to 11.
Mike Ryan
20 to 11.
Chris Cote
Oh, 2211. I thought you were saying. I didn't think you were saying 10 11. I didn't realize that military time could get complicated. I thought you were saying that it was 20 minutes to 11. You were saying, Mike.
Zaz
I was saying if you want to watch one of these final games with Mike Tomlin, Steelers or John Harbaugh's Ravens, you might want to download the game time app because it takes a guesswork out of buying NFL tickets. Download that app, redeem Code Dan. After you create an account and you get $20 off your first purchase terms apply again. Create an account and redeem code Dan for $20 off. Download the Gametime app today.
Chris Cote
So you don't know 2211 is it? Is 10:11pm okay? Are you going to keep doing that though? Military time. I want to know if the audience is with me. On having heard. Everyone here had heard. Having my back, having my six. That's an expression all of you had heard before I was alone.
Greg Cody
No, I hadn't heard it.
Chris Cote
Where is the Heisman Trophy now? Is it, where does the ceremony, where does it take place now?
Zaz
Lincoln Plaza or something like that. It's a very impressive looking soundstage with that huge Heisman Trophy there. Like it looks great on top.
Mike Ryan
Is that Radio City?
Zaz
I know you guys haven't watched it in 20 years, but it looks really impressive lately.
Dan Le Batard
Folks, listen up. You know my holiday pattern by now. Every single year I tell myself, listen, Chris, you're going to be thoughtful this year. You're going to get good gifts. You're not going to be lazy. You're not just going to get gift cards. And this year, guys, I have news. I pulled it off. No panic. No sad little card. You know what I gave? I gave an aura frame. Like, why is it so hard to find a personal gift these days? It's for the people I'm closest to. My parents, my wife, my in laws, my kid. The most important people in my world. I have no idea what I'm supposed to get them as a gift. But one thing I know, people light up when they get photos. People love photos. So I loaded up my aura frame with all the moments I know they'll love. My daughter being adorable. Random selfies, group pictures where none of us are looking in the same direction. I kept adding them because Aura lets you send unlimited photos and videos right from your phone anytime. And the best part, you can preload the thing before it even ships. So when it's open on Christmas morning, all the memories are already there. I'm telling you guys, this is a great gift. And folks, for a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting auraframes.com to get 35 off or's best selling Carver mat frames named number one by Wirecutter by using promo code DLB. This deal is exclusive to listeners and frames sell out fast. So order yours now and get it in time for the holidays. Support the show by mentioning us at checkout. Terms and conditions apply.
Zaz
It's the holiday season and the fiftieth anniversary of Miller Lite the holiday is all about spending time with friends and family. Why don't you sit back and toast a few Miller Lights? Make your holiday time tis Miller time. And with the 50th anniversary of Miller Lite, you get to remember and reflect on all the good times that you had with your trusty buddy by your side. Miller Lite brewed for flavor with simple ingredients like malted barley, rich balanced toffee notes and that iconic golden color. And at 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces, it lets you enjoy the season without weighing you down. The original light beer since 1975 and still hit indifferent 50 years later. The best holiday beers are the ones you don't expect. 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. Tis Miller time. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Co. Milwaukee, Wisconsin 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces.
Tony Kaladiu
Thursday Night Football's on and it's only on Prime Video. This week, the NFC west grabs the spotlight as the Los Angeles Rams visit the Seattle Seahawks.
Dan Le Batard
What a game.
Tony Kaladiu
Coverage begins at 7pm Eastern with football's best party, TNF. Tonight, it's the Rams and Seahawks Thursday at 7pm Eastern. And don't miss the Broncos and Chiefs on Christmas night. Only on Prime Video. Another massive game. Not a Prime member. Not a problem. Simply sign up for a 30 day free trial. Restrictions apply. Sign see Amazon.com Amazon prime for details.
Mike Ryan
Don LeBatard what do I got here?
Greg Cody
I got a Magnum condom. We won't get that out.
Chris Cote
That's shocking.
Zaz
Stugats.
Greg Cody
Here's a picture of Christopher when he was like three years old.
Chris Cote
Right next to the condom.
Greg Cody
Yeah.
Chris Cote
Never forget, this is the Dan Levatar.
Mike Ryan
Show with the stugats.
Chris Cote
Chris, can you get me the sound please from the Anthony Joshua Jake Paul press conference? Has Jake Paul been more respectful this time than he usually is in the talking and the sales on the way to the fight? Because this is by leaps and bounds. I mean, the There is a gulf of difference between everyone he's been fighting and the fight that he is now entering? Because Anthony Joshua is a legitimate heavyweight. He's at something close to his prime and they are talking up the fight to sell it. Because it's across the street this weekend. Correct. It's this weekend across the street here. And I'm surprised that this has gotten to the date where it is, they are indeed going to do this fight. It doesn't appear like there's going to be a cancellation. I'm really stunned that Jake Paul is fighting this human being because this is a legitimate heavyweight contender. Champion contender. Let me hear what the back and forth is here between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul. I've just seen in fights when I can see someone's, let's call it energy, frequency leaving their body, and that's what my goal is, to do the same to.
Tony Kaladiu
You have that instinct.
Chris Cote
You can see it when you're fighting. You can just see a small glimmer.
Zaz
Of someone that's just about to start fading.
Chris Cote
And then you just keep exploiting that, keep exploiting that, keep exploiting until some people give up, some people get knocked.
Zaz
Out, will figure out.
Chris Cote
But as I said, for me, it's not just going in there and being dominating physically. I want to break him down spiritually and mentally. That's some deep boxing. You just broke down.
Zaz
Yeah.
Greg Cody
Now, yeah.
Mike Ryan
It's funny because the pressure's on you. And like when I win the first round, in the second round, and I think it's going to be you that starts to crumble because all the pressure's on you. I'm fighting free the way there's no weight on my shoulder. I don't have to do anything. I don't have to prove anything. You have so much to prove. The whole boxing world's like, oh, here's two rounds, or AJ sucks. The pressure's on you, brother.
Chris Cote
You know what it is?
Mike Ryan
I'm free. Like, I, I already took over this whole game, did everything I want. I'm playing on house money. So I think it's going to be you that starts to be like, oh, one or one round, two round, three.
Chris Cote
Round, and then I live up to the expectation. That's not exactly Jake Paul trash talking.
Dan Le Batard
No, that's him kind of respecting him. And Jake Paul is right. But the part he's overlooking is how difficult it is to win those first and second rounds.
Zaz
He sounded like Pat Narduzzi before Notre Dame. I'm going to go ahead and lay some more on Anthony.
Chris Cote
I mean, how big a favorite is he? What is the, what are the betting odds on this fight? Because I, when I tell you that I'm legitimately stunned that all of this is happening, I just thought it was going to be circus, sideshow and novelty and freak fights the rest of the way. This started with him fighting Nate Robinson, didn't it? Isn't that where it started with him fighting a 5, 9 basketball player.
Dan Le Batard
According to DraftKings. Joshua minus 1200. Jake Paul plus 700.
Chris Cote
If he were to beat Anthony Joshua, I'd put it with the biggest upsets all time in sports. All time. I don't think that the people who have been following Jake Paul's career really have paid attention or know.
Tony Kaladiu
The.
Chris Cote
The mechanics of boxing, how lame all of his opponents have been compared to this opponent. I believe those numbers are too small. I believe even while saying that a heavyweight of any kind always has a puncher's chance, I believe those odds should be three and four times as large as they are. I don't understand. It must be people thinking that the thing is rigged. Like, because anyone who knows anything about boxing would tell you that this is not a fight that Jake Paul has any kind of chance of winning. That Jake PA comparatively as an amateur and is an amateur with far less punching power.
Dan Le Batard
And I think this is kind of what Ariel alluded to a couple weeks ago. Like, if Jake Paul competes, everyone's just going to think it's fixed, right? Like, can Jake Paul leave this fight? And people legitimately think it's legit.
Mike Ryan
I really don't understand the fixing accusations.
Greg Cody
Of just not boxing. It's not. People go to prison.
Dan Le Batard
But people said that, like with Mike Tyson, that Mike Tyson fight, like, he could have knocked him out, but he chose not to.
Mike Ryan
People would go to prison. So everyone, they're just making a pact where our.
Jeremy Tache
Shh.
Mike Ryan
We say anything, it'll be our secret.
Dan Le Batard
I'm with you. It's. They probably aren't doing that, but a lot of the Internet thinks if Jake Paul does anything but get knocked out here, the Internet narrative is going to be the fixes in.
Mike Ryan
I don't think anyone's risking going to federal prison.
Chris Cote
When you watch the Conor McGregor Floyd Mayweather fight, it's one of the biggest pay per views that there's been in boxing over the last 25 years. Could you tell that Mayweather was carrying McGregor around? You will know whether or not any of this is legitimate or whether there have been whispered agreement in the first couple of rounds. If Joshua's afraid of him, if he's not charging, if he's not throwing punches because he's so much bigger, stronger, and has such an incredible reach advantage over Jake Paul.
Mike Ryan
There's a difference, though, between Floyd Mayweather deciding, okay, I'm gonna carry Conor McGregor and people getting together before a fight and deciding the way shit's gonna go down.
Chris Cote
Okay, but we had One of the biggest pay per views ever was a sham because Mayweather was indeed carrying McGregor around was just. He's a defensive fighter. This is different. Right, Because Joshua's a. Joshua is an attacker. Joshua can also have a reach advantage over everyone he's fighting against and. And keep them at bay. But there will be no. There will be no absence of punches thrown by Joshua unless there's an agreement.
Zaz
You're also acting like there's just two bets to make in a boxing match. Several different ways to rig it.
Dan Le Batard
We have total rounds. Over two and a half is minus 135. Under two and a half plus 100. I don't hate under little plus juice.
Chris Cote
People will be tuning in to watch him be knocked out, right?
Greg Cody
Yes, I hope so.
Chris Cote
That is. But that's that Floyd Mayweather made great money for a very long time and is one of the great marketers of all time because people would tune in to watch him get knocked out and then nobody knocked him out. Like the way that he fought might have been aesthetically boring to some of you, but it is the point of fighting. Don't get hit and don't get hit. And that, that is what Floyd Mayweather mastered. He mastered the not getting hit part.
Greg Cody
Well. Jake Paul has mastered the idea of developing this unlikable Persona. At least that's the way I interpret it. And so I, I would pay big pay per view money to watch Jake Paul get his. Come on, big money. What's a pay per view now?
Dan Le Batard
Say that.
Mike Ryan
90 bucks.
Dan Le Batard
Say that. While I guarantee you won't watch it.
Greg Cody
I might, I might. When is it?
Dan Le Batard
Friday.
Greg Cody
I'm there.
Chris Cote
I hear chicken.
Greg Cody
No, I'm not.
Dan Le Batard
Let's get him. We'll get you a credential. Should we get him?
Greg Cody
A cred was literally there.
Chris Cote
You get lost on the way to the studio. You know, Bring some time. You can't be a chicken if everyone else is a chicken. That's not the way any of that works.
Greg Cody
I love being a chicken. No, in this, in my view, everybody hates Jake Paul and wants him to lose.
Mike Ryan
I'm rooting for him. No, I'm.
Dan Le Batard
Yeah, I wouldn't mind seeing the upset. I don't hate Jake Paul. I don't like him. But I. I wouldn't say maybe.
Greg Cody
I'm alone. I'm alone on a lot of things currently.
Dan Le Batard
Name them.
Greg Cody
You're lonely, Tua. And this.
Chris Cote
Where is Tony setting up for his. Tony's top five. Do we know the whereabouts of Tony? I want to get to some sound here. That we have of Josh Hart before we go to Tony of Josh Hart and a reporter teaming up on Jalen Brunson. The Knicks play for their, their first championship here tonight against the Spurs. I mean, I mean got it right when he said that OKC would not win the in season tournament. You've got San Antonio playing the Knicks and I believe over the last 25 years or so the Knicks have over celebrated winning a single game in the playoffs, winning a single round in the playoffs. This will be a point of pride for the New York Knicks to be able to beat San Antonio.
Dan Le Batard
This is a funny clip from a press conference a couple days ago. This is a reporter asking Josh Hart about how unathletic and short Jalen Brunson is. Right in front of Jalen Brunson.
Chris Cote
Ask you this because I think you would answer honestly when you factor in his, his height and not the most athletic. Jesus, you've said it.
Mike Ryan
You've said you've said it.
Chris Cote
You didn't have to say it though. How many guys in the NBA do you think score the basketball better than he does? Probably not many.
Zaz
You know, he's barely six foot guard.
Chris Cote
This is your fault. Not physically impressive, not athletic, but he's able to manipulate, you know, defense obviously big head. So he has a big brain. He's able to, you know, figure out those angles and find themselves in positions to be successful. So you know, inch for inch I.
Zaz
Think is probably the best, best one.
Chris Cote
Those are legitimate friends. And you could see in the clip at the end that they're both holding their faces hidden behind their hands to keep from laughing because Jalen Brunson the entire time sat there. You could on his face. I'm sitting right here. You're talking about me as if I'm not right here. I'm sitting right next to you.
Tony Kaladiu
Holidays, Fun holidays. As a dad, tough travel gifts, matching pajamas. Don't get me started on matching pajamas. It's hot in Miami. My wife says, why don't you want.
Greg Cody
To do this with us?
Tony Kaladiu
My daughter's crying Anyways. School, parties, hosting a family. Next thing I know I basically put Christmas on my credit card and have no idea what I spent where. If you want to keep your finances under control this holiday season, you need to be using Monarch, rated Wall Street Journal's best budgeting app. At 25, Monarch's the All in one personal finance tool that brings your entire financial life together in one clean interface on your laptop or on your phone. Right now, just for our listeners, monarch is offering 50% off your first year, a massive deal. Monarch showed me how fast the holiday budget was disappearing. Flights, gifts, late night online shopping and help me pump the brakes before the bill hit. Now my wife and I do quick money check ins, look at our holiday spending category and actually enjoy the holidays without starting January and the new year in panic. Don't let financial opportunity slip through the cracks. Use code dan@monimalmoney.com in your browser for half off your first year. That's 50% off your first year@monimalmoney.com with code DAN. And don't give me those matching pajamas, I swear. Alright, so apparently everyone is launching their own AI agents now. You get an agent. No, you get an agent. They're automating tasks, running workflows, making decisions and occasionally absolutely wrecking your day. You know what I'm talking about. An agent deletes the wrong files, changes something you've never approved or just goes completely off script like it's trying to improvise its way out of a paper bag and suddenly you're the one stuck trying to figure out what went wrong. Unless you're using Rubric Agent Cloud. Because here's the thing. AI is moving fast. Like really fast. Rubrik Agent Cloud is the only platform that lets you monitor, govern and rewind AI agent actions. One platform that lets you unleash more agents faster without fear that they're going to burn the place down. You get full visibility into what your agents are doing. You can enforce guardrails, you can actually quantify the risk. And if something breaks, you just rewind it like an undo button but for AI. And that rewind happens in minutes, not hours or days. And if your business relies on AI agents, you need the ability to monitor, govern and rewind their actions. And right now, Levitard show listeners get exclusive early access to Rubrik Agent cloud. Head to rubrik.com that's R U B R I K.com rubric.com hey guys, Tony here. Tonight at 8:30 Eastern it's the Emirates NBA Cup Championship game on Prime. This year's quest for the cup has delivered incredible moments and jaw dropping highlights and they've all been building towards this. The final two teams. The Emirates NBA Cup Championship Live from Las Vegas. Tuesday night at 8:30 Eastern on Prime. And if you're not a Prime member, that's not a problem. Sign up today for a 30 day free trial to get started. The Emirates NBA Cup Championship game tonight at 8:30 Eastern only on Prime. Restrictions apply. See Amazon.com Amazon prime for details.
Chris Cote
Don Lebatard is there. Back in My Day.
Greg Cody
There is, actually.
Chris Cote
What?
Zaz
Were you not going to tell anyone? Wait a minute, you guys. Guys, it's a Tuesday. Stugats.
Chris Cote
Here's your guy, Greg Cody with Back in My Day.
Greg Cody
Okay, here it is. Sorry. Adultery.
Zaz
Waiting for this one.
Mike Ryan
This is the Dan Levatar show with the Stugats.
Chris Cote
The Knicks have their most beloved team since when? Because they didn't. They didn't love the Carmelo Anthony teams like this. This is a team. The number of people I've heard say, with Knicks fandom, that they don't want to trade for Giannis because they've fallen in love with the team, and they want. They want this team to win the championship when this team can't win the championship.
Mike Ryan
Yeah, I think probably the last team that went to the finals in 90, you know, Sprewell, Marcus Camby, Larry Johnson, they definitely love.
Chris Cote
But wait a minute. Okay, look. Look at what you said. Look at the names you just said. They may have loved that team. Nobody else loved that team. Latrell Sprewell and Larry Johnson. This team, a lot of people love because their best player is also the smallest player on the court every time he steps out there.
Jeremy Tache
Yeah, they have a really lovable group. I mean, Zaz, you're talking about a time before the Dolphins won their last playoff game. That's how far back you have to go for a lovable Knicks team. But, Dan, I think you're right. Like those Knicks fans. Management should follow them. They should not offer anything for Giannis. Definitely make it good.
Chris Cote
That's Chris just cutting you off. Jeremy. He didn't want to listen anymore.
Zaz
You could have played.
Jeremy Tache
Stop talking.
Dan Le Batard
I thought he was wrapping up.
Jeremy Tache
You always think I'm.
Dan Le Batard
I didn't mean that one. Mean, honestly, usually this time.
Chris Cote
Where is Tony? Where can we find Tony? I need video of Tony. Somebody show me video, please, of Tony so I'm not just. Just listening to him. Oh, look at that. Oh, my God, the country at large is so jealous. Look at that. It's winter in South Florida. Tony's on the water, and it's 74 degrees, not a green screen. That is a real green, lovely water. I'm assuming there's not a sewage alert like there usually is around this time.
Tony Kaladiu
No sewage alert, Dano. The water I would actually characterize as emerald. I wouldn't say green. I would say emerald. A beautiful emerald water. We've got, obviously, the causeway going over here. We're actually on the bridge that goes to the port where you leave for the cruises, we've got Bayside and the pier over here with boats and stuff. So, yeah, this is not a green screen. This is the real deal. And if you want me to be really honest, guys, and this is just between me and you, and maybe you guys feel it too. It's kind of cold here in Miami today. It may be like 69, 70, 71, but there is a breeze. So I am a little bit cold because I can feel it. So I don't know if you guys feel it from over there, but I feel a little cold here.
Chris Cote
Yeah, it's just like in Chicago off of. Off of the lake there where it's minus 20 degrees. Yeah, just like that. Do you have any Olis on your NFL weekend observation?
Dan Le Batard
First, Dan, let me jump in and tell you. Tony's top five is presented by Smirnoff, the official vodka sponsor of the National Football League. Smirnoff. Please drink responsibly. The Smirnoff Company, New York, New York. Vodka. 40% alcohol by volume.
Chris Cote
Let's go, Tony. What do you got?
Tony Kaladiu
Couple Olis will start first. 49ers.
Dan Le Batard
Frisky.
Chris Cote
Question mark, 49ers, anybody?
Tony Kaladiu
Can I sell you on the 49ers?
Chris Cote
Please, somebody. Aren't they always frisky? Nobody's talking about the 49ers. Nobody.
Tony Kaladiu
Nobody's talking about them. Just keep an eye on them. All right. Another Oli here. Have you seen Trey McBride's stats this season without Kyler Murray? Yeah, on Sunday he had 12 catches for 134 yards and two touchdowns, giving him 105 catches for the season, 1071 yards and 10 touchdowns. He's the first tight end in NFL history with 100 plus catches, a thousand plus yards, and 10 plus touchdowns through 14 games. How many games has Kyler Murray played this year? Not that many. I'm just gonna keep it real. All right. And just gonna leave this one here. Duval county, stand up, 10 and 4. The Jags are alive, cats. Baby.
Chris Cote
Was that number five or was that an Oli?
Tony Kaladiu
No, that's number five. That's number five. Duval county, stand up, 10 and 4. Keep an eye on them, baby. We are rolling. 904. Stand up, number 4. The bill said. Not so fast, my friend. The pit. The pat stop. They had it in the bag, okay? They thought it was over. Then the unicorn. What do you call them, Dan? A unicorn? A centaur of some sort. What is Josh Allen? What do you call him?
Chris Cote
Yeah, he's a centaur. He's got. He's got the body of a centaur of a horse and the upper body of Josh Allen.
Tony Kaladiu
Right, exactly. So he said, not so fast, my friends. We'll keep the division over on this side in western New York. Number three. I want you guys to put a pin in this matchup for a potential Super Bowl. Rams. Broncos. Just put, put a little pin in that. We'll go to it later on the season. I like those two teams to come out of their respective conferences. Put a pin in that.
Chris Cote
Is that a good Super Bowl? Do you guys want to see the Broncos in the Super Bowl? Does anybody want to see Bo Nix in the Super Bowl?
Zaz
You hate on Bo Nix. I mean, he played with really well against the Packers. A lot of touchdowns. They're beating good teams. I understand why, because he's looked really bad at times. But you are not high on them.
Chris Cote
I asked you a question though. Do you guys want to see Denver in the Super Bowl?
Zaz
No, I want to see the Bills. Yeah, it's the only team.
Greg Cody
I want to see the centaur, Josh Allen.
Dan Le Batard
I'd rather see the Chargers.
Greg Cody
Half horse, half man.
Jeremy Tache
If the Broncos win out, Bonix will have the most wins for a quarterback through their first two seasons ever.
Tony Kaladiu
Ever.
Jeremy Tache
He's presently tied with Big Ben, Andrew Luck and Dak.
Chris Cote
I saw Sam Darnold win 14 games for Minnesota.
Jeremy Tache
He's gonna win a lot of games for Seattle too. And you like them to potentially go to the Super Bowl.
Chris Cote
Go ahead, Tone.
Tony Kaladiu
Number two, Philip Rivers turning back the clock on his five year NFL healthcare benefits. Turning back the clock would have been 300 yards and a couple scores. This is turning back the clock on his five year NFL health care benefits.
Chris Cote
Got a lot of kids.
Tony Kaladiu
We're on to you for a little bit.
Chris Cote
Yeah. Number one.
Tony Kaladiu
Number one, Dan. In the biggest news of the NFL weekend and basically the NFL season, Patrick Mahomes tears his acl. All right, Dylan Raiola. I'm sorry, buddy. You know what you got to do. That's the brakes, buddy.
Chris Cote
What is he gonna want to be?
Tony Kaladiu
He's gotta cosplay as Patrick Mahomes. You gotta tear your acl. Nothing I can do about it. You gotta do it.
Chris Cote
Sorry, Tony. Thank you. It looks lovely out there. I'm sure that everyone that's watching this outside of Florida is jealous of what it is that you have surrounding you there. Thank you, sir.
Tony Kaladiu
Gotta put on a hoodie out here.
Chris Cote
Yeah. Little nippy.
Mike Ryan
Nipply.
Chris Cote
We didn't talk at all about the Micah Parsons injury yesterday because it was the second of the most important Injuries that happened over the weekend, obviously all things Mahomes engulf everything there. But the packers are super fraughty this year. Like, they seem like they're close, but they don't have the skill, position, help that Jordan Love needs. And Micah Parsons was a piece that was brought in in order to win them the championship this year. It was a piece away. And they are not the same defense, same team or same pass rush, obviously. I guess. I guess it's an obvious thing to say because I felt like you were laughing that Tony's top five has a lot of obvious stuff in it. That's kind of the bit. But Micah Parsons. It goes without saying. Micah Parsons is obviously important to their pass rush, but numerically and empirically, they become a very pedestrian pass rush when it's not him doing the pass rush.
Greg Cody
Absolutely. And everybody's talking about New England, Buffalo. But for me, Green Bay and Denver was the sneaky game of the week because those are two teams that a lot is expected from. But they both have question marks and Denver winning that game was indicative of that. Without Micah Parsons, their defense is not ordinary, but much less good. And I don't think Green Bay is a team you think about anymore for the, for the Super Bowl.
Mike Ryan
I feel like Detroit is so much better than Green Bay.
Greg Cody
I think so.
Mike Ryan
They're two games behind them. Like they're really long shot to catch him. I feel like they're so much better than the backers.
Chris Cote
They've been really hurt though. Their secondary, Detroit secondary can be scored on because of how hurt they are in the secondary. I find some of the analysis around football a bit frustrating for a couple of reasons. One, the schedule is not often taken into account when doing measurements on how good or how bad someone is. But also, whatever your assessments were in week four are rendered moot by week 13 just because there are so many people who are damaged. Like, it's just. It's. It's damn near impossible for anybody to go through a season and be healthy. And when you look at what happened to the Detroit Lions in some of their games this year where they play poorly, they're really beat up. Like their offensive line and their secondaries are hurt in a way that they're playing random people out there, people who. Who shouldn't be on a football field.
Zaz
As someone that just likes watching the NFL don't have a team, I was so looking forward to the NFC playoffs in particular. Micah Parsons is super fun to watch. I love the way that Green Bay uses him. He's moved all across the line, he was an all in move and it was an all in move that was paying dividends. You looked at Green Bay, it was Toyota Thon. And you had their guys coming back, Jade Reed and Christian Watson. They were starting to look a certain way. And that kind of. It feels like it nukes their championship odds and makes some of those games a little less interesting.
Chris Cote
Okay, you saw the game last night. Okay. You saw what limited quarterbacks were doing in terms of accentuating tight ends. Aaron Rodgers was throwing to three of them. You just mentioned Trey McBride as well. The best help that Jordan Love had was Tucker Craft. That was. And after that it would have been Josh Jacobs.
Zaz
When these people like ascending, but their two top targets were injured, Watson and Reed.
Chris Cote
When these people end up getting hurt and Watson wasn't that. Watson's coming back, but Watson's like a third receiver. You can't.
Zaz
Watson came back, looked great from that knee injury, avoided a major injury. I know he went down, but he seems to be good to go this week.
Chris Cote
You can't keep having these kinds of people injured. When Greg Cody corrected himself and said they're not an ordinary defense without Micah Parsons. Yeah, they are. They're an ordinary defense that no one actually fears because they can't get the pass rush with Mike without Micah Parsons that they can with Micah Parsons. They traded for him as a last piece on we're going to win the super bowl. And what can you do about Jacobs and Tucker Kraft being out? It's going to limit your offense in a way that makes you lose to Carolina and Cleveland because. Because you've got a great quarterback. We know that that's a great quarterback. But you can't keep. You can't keep having guys hurt that and not see the quarterback play slip.
Greg Cody
I would argue that even without Micah Parsons, Green Bay is a better defense than, for example, Detroit. That's all.
Chris Cote
I mean, healthy Detroit. Like, I maybe I just know that when we were early in the season and everyone was healthy, Detroit's the only team I've seen that could combat what Philadelphia was doing on the line of scrimmage, both offensive line and defensive line.
Mike Ryan
Like, I know it looks like Kansas City is. Kansas City's missing the playoffs. Baltimore might miss the playoffs. To me, the one team. It's going to be annoying that would miss the playoffs that I would have wanted to see is Detroit.
Dan Le Batard
Like, that's.
Mike Ryan
That that's the most interesting team to me, each of these seeds. I like Detroit being in the playoffs.
Zaz
I get the storyline.
Dan Le Batard
Yeah.
Mike Ryan
Like their Story I.
Zaz
You didn't want to see Mahomes try to do it on the road.
Mike Ryan
No, I don't care.
Zaz
No, it's like it's an unfulfilling way for that whole thing to end. I'd like to have seen Josh Allen try to smite them. I'd like to see a team take them out, a division team. And this is not satisfying when I.
Chris Cote
Give you guys these numbers. Heading into week 15, 320 players have suffered injuries severe enough to cost them multiple games. That means that the average football team. You guys tell me as I put this in front of you, okay, what your assessments would be. Week 4 versus Week 14. The average football team. Team is losing 10 players, 10 players to severe injuries. That's just your average football team. If I had to guess, Detroit's got more of that. Because the drop off from Detroit, you could say, if you want to say it's Ben Johnson, I won't argue with you that much. But their secondary is ravaged. It's a. They've got a bunch of people out there playing when they're on their third or fourth guy in the secondary and you're like, that's not a person who should be on an NFL field.
Zaz
Not just that. The drop off with laporta and Ross Dwelly is cavernous.
Chris Cote
What do you guys do with the analysis? Not mattering at all. When you're making the analysis. Assuming a team is healthy and then it's unhealthy, and we're not factoring in the unhealthy on Dan Campbell. What we're doing is, oh, look at Ben Johnson. Chicago's winning because they got 29 takeaways. They've got 29 takeaways, which I will continue to say is not recreatable. And the reason I say it's not recreatable. Go look at what Denver did last year with turnovers, how good they were at turnovers and how bad they are this year. Even though they've got pass rush, they've got the best pass rush in the league. And they're still. They're not good somehow at turnovers this year as they were last year.
Jeremy Tache
But they're better. Like their defense is better even without forcing those turnovers because they can stifle an offense in a way that they don't need those turnovers. They can win the turnover battle because Bo Nix is not turning over the ball. He's in terms of yards per attempt. I mean, not near the, the, the top echelon in terms of starters. He's only at six and a half yards per attempt. But that's because Sean Payton has designed this offense to prevent turnovers because their defense can get after the quarterback in a way that's insane. Next Gen Stats had it. Broncos pressure Jordan Love on 52.2% of his drop backs in Week 15, the highest pressure rate he's ever faced in any game of his career. They have a 40.5 pressure rate this season.
Dan Le Batard
That's crazy.
Zaz
That's historically, I understand why people doubt Bo Nix. I've seen it. There are games like the Raider game where you're like, does this guy suck? But then you look at what he's done over the last two years and that would be somebody that we'd literally be catching our breath in terms of what an incredible start to a career. If you look at his numbers outside of yards per attempt, which isn't that far off by the way. He's got Mahomes numbers and yet everyone is doubting this guy.
Greg Cody
I think part of that though is what Jeremy said. The defense is so good. If you told me it was going to be a Denver, Seattle Super Bowl, TV might hate that. America might hate that. It would be a great super bowl because those two defenses are elite. A lot of great defense in the NFL this season which, which never gets enough attention because it's all about the quarterback.
Dan Le Batard
But.
Greg Cody
But great. Can you imagine a Denver Seattle?
Chris Cote
I don't want. I don't want to imagine.
Greg Cody
I do. I think it would be a great Super Bowl.
Jeremy Tache
Going to be a great challenge to those defensive backs in Seattle because even with that yards per attempt being low, most touchdowns on 20 plus yard throws since 2024, it's Bo Nicks with 18 of them. I don't know why we're not complimenting this guy more.
Zaz
He's a winner.
Chris Cote
He could throw the ball. He could run.
Dan Le Batard
He's all the things Dan says.
Jeremy Tache
Drake May is awesome.
Dan Le Batard
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Episode: Hour 1: Twenty To Eleven
Date: December 16, 2025
Location: Elser Hotel, Downtown Miami
This episode is a blend of classic Le Batard roundtable banter and in-depth discussion, combining sharp (and often ridiculous) sports insights with pop-culture detours and comedic asides. The group dives into topics including escalating NBA salaries, rare franchise stability in the NFL (with a focus on the Steelers and Ravens), anticipation and skepticism around the Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul fight, Knicks fandom, and the impact of injuries on NFL teams as the playoffs approach—all delivered with the show’s trademark irreverence and chemistry.
[01:45–03:46]
“We’re gladiators…My ankle’s hurting. That’s not something I get money for…Let’s have some fun. So I don't feel bad for my opponents ever. I respect my opponents.” ([03:03–03:46])
[03:46–10:01]
“If the standard is you win the championship or you're irrelevant, man, you are hardened and cynical.” — Chris Cote ([04:56])
“In almost 20 years in Pittsburgh, he’s won one Super Bowl. You gotta win more than one if you’re going to rise to that level of elite all time coach.” ([09:42])
Notable Exchange:
“No. Hell no.” — Greg Cody ([10:04])
[15:35–23:10]
“For me, it’s not just going in there and being dominating physically. I want to break him down spiritually and mentally.” — Anthony Joshua ([17:02]) “That’s not exactly Jake Paul trash talking.” — Chris Cote ([17:50])
“If [Jake Paul] were to beat Anthony Joshua, I’d put it with the biggest upsets all time in sports.” ([18:37])
“People would go to prison [for fixing].” — Mike Ryan ([19:44]) “If Jake Paul does anything but get knocked out here, the Internet narrative is going to be the fix is in.” — Dan Le Batard ([20:00])
"I would pay big pay per view money to watch Jake Paul get his. Come on, big money...Wait, when is it?" ([22:10; 22:34])
[24:05–30:05]
Reporter asks about Jalen Brunson: “When you factor in his height and not the most athletic—” Josh Hart interrupts: “Jesus, you’ve said it.” ([24:15–24:25])
[31:43–35:49]
(Set live from emerald Miami waters, with Miami weather banter)
Spirited Side Commentary:
[35:53–44:49]
This episode channels a classic "Sports Bar With Friends" vibe—irreverent, good-natured, but full of genuine insight and inside jokes, often poking fun at their own bits and each other. There’s a real appreciation for both the mundane (Miami “cold” snaps, the quirks of press conferences) and the momentous (franchise legacies, title windows slamming shut due to injuries, and the theater of fight promotion).
If you’re missing the episode, you’ll come away with a sense of the shifting sands of pro sports—how money, injury, and culture shape what’s possible, and how, in the LBSW universe, everything is up for debate, ribbing, and gleeful over-analysis.