Podcast Summary: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz – Hour 2: Bad Rabbit
Release Date: July 21, 2025
Hosts: Dan Le Batard, Stugotz, Mike Ryan, Greg Cody, Billy Corben
1. Chris Paul’s Signing with the Los Angeles Clippers [01:07–03:47]
The episode kicks off with exciting NBA news, focusing on Chris Paul’s recent deal with the Los Angeles Clippers. Stugotz shares, “[Chris Paul] has signed a deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, the team he's probably most associated with, and that will be where he ends his career” (01:24). The hosts express optimism about the Clippers’ future, praising the organization’s recent moves and stability.
Mike Ryan poses a question to the group: “What is the better feel-good story? Chris Paul to the Clippers or Damian Lillard back to the Portland Trailblazers?” Greg Cody promptly responds, “Chris Paul,” highlighting the significance of Paul's influence and leadership within the team (01:47).
2. Wyndham Clark’s Ban from Oakmont Country Club [03:39–10:59]
The conversation shifts to a controversial topic involving professional golfer Wyndham Clark. The hosts discuss Oakmont Country Club’s decision to ban Clark following an incident during the US Open, where Clark allegedly destroyed the locker room. Stugotz remarks, “They’re gonna be prominent in that west” (01:38), indicating confidence in the Clippers under Paul’s leadership.
Mike Ryan delves deeper, questioning the severity of Clark’s actions and the club’s response: “What do you think about Oakmont, an exclusive country club banning a professional golfer who’s gonna want to play the US Open?” (05:26). The discussion highlights the imposed penalties on Clark, including financial restitution, charitable contributions, and mandatory counseling. Greg Cody expresses frustration over the requirements, stating, “You want me to tell you where I want you to go. Straight to hell” (07:38).
The hosts debate the appropriateness of such penalties, balancing accountability with understanding the pressures faced by professional athletes. Billy Corben adds, “Wyndham Clark should take the offensive here. He should say this is absurd” (07:09), advocating for Clark to challenge the ban.
3. Shark Incident and MRI Tragedy [14:06–25:48]
A. Woman Swallowed by a Shark [14:06–14:37]
Billy Corben shares a bizarre and tragic story about a woman who was reportedly swallowed whole by a 13-foot shark while swimming with friends. He notes, “The weirdest part about that story... Nobody screamed” (14:25), emphasizing the sudden and unnoticed nature of the incident. The hosts find humor in the situation, with Dan Le Batard quipping, “Every friend group has a Shelly...” (14:31).
B. Man's Tragic Death in an MRI [19:03–24:58]
Mike Ryan brings up a shocking story about a 61-year-old man who died while wearing a thick chain in an MRI machine. He reflects, “I had no idea that was a thing that could be possible” (20:12). The hosts express disbelief and concern over the safety protocols, questioning how such a tragedy could occur despite standard precautions like removing jewelry.
Stugotz contributes, “It sounds as if he might have brought on his own demise” (23:24), discussing the factors that might have led to the accident. The conversation underscores the importance of adhering to safety guidelines in medical settings to prevent such preventable tragedies.
4. Combat Sports Analysis: Boxing and MMA [25:48–41:27]
A. Manny Pacquiao vs. Jake Paul [25:48–33:44]
The discussion intensifies with an analysis of Manny Pacquiao’s recent fight against YouTube star-turned-boxer Jake Paul. Mike Ryan expresses disappointment, noting, “I was really rooting for Pacquiao... he just got” (25:52), alluding to Pacquiao’s loss. The hosts debate whether Pacquiao’s age played a significant role, with Greg Cody likening Pacquiao’s situation to Jake Paul’s, stating, “In terms of boxing? It’s no different than trotting Jake Paul out there for a fight just on different age” (37:10).
Stugotz emphasizes Pacquiao’s legacy, “He should be a bigger star” (35:56), while Billy Corben argues that Jake Paul’s career might not end with a loss: “Everybody’s going to be rooting against him. If Joshua wins... the best out of three” (30:09). The hosts explore the potential future matchups and the implications for both fighters’ careers.
B. Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul [26:07–33:44]
The conversation shifts to Anthony Joshua’s potential fight with Jake Paul. Mike Ryan questions the viability of such a match, “He’s a legitimate heavyweight... He is a good name, but...” (28:27). Stugotz counters by acknowledging Joshua’s status in boxing: “He’s God bona fides” (31:28), while Greg Cody debates the strategic value, highlighting Joshua’s dominance and skill set compared to Paul’s.
Billy Corben adds optimism, suggesting that even a loss for Paul could lead to lucrative rematches, “He gets a little credit for fighting a real opponent” (33:44). The hosts ponder whether this fight would mark the end of Paul’s “money train” or pave the way for future high-profile bouts.
C. Oleksandr Usyk’s Ascendancy [33:44–35:56]
The hosts laud Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk, arguing that he deserves more recognition and should be a prominent figure in heavyweight boxing. Stugotz asserts, “He should be in that conversation” (34:36), while Greg Cody praises Usyk’s consistent performance against elite fighters: “Last six fights. Anthony Joshua twice. Dubois twice. Tyson Fury twice” (35:56). Mike Ryan concurs, highlighting Usyk’s credentials and the need for broader acknowledgment within the boxing community.
D. Dustin Poirier’s Retirement and MMA Insights [35:56–41:27]
Transitioning to MMA, Billy Corben shares insights on Dustin Poirier’s retirement, lauding his contributions to the sport and his impressive fight history. He remarks, “He fought the best of the best in his generation” (40:54). The hosts reflect on Poirier’s legacy, discussing his fights against top-tier opponents like Max Holloway and Conor McGregor.
Greg Cody emphasizes Poirier’s impact, stating, “He’s a guy that is community-driven, family-driven, great fighter” (40:50), while Mike Ryan notes the parallels between boxing and MMA in terms of fighter careers and public perception. The conversation underscores the importance of fighters' reputations and the business side of combat sports.
5. Concluding Remarks and Light-hearted Banter [41:27–End]
As the episode wraps up, the hosts engage in light-hearted banter, reflecting on the day’s discussions. Dan Le Batard humorously compares reconstructing the studio to building with IKEA furniture, eliciting laughs from the team. The camaraderie among the hosts highlights the entertaining dynamic that fans appreciate.
Stugotz and Billy Corben tease upcoming segments and personal anecdotes, maintaining the show’s engaging and relatable atmosphere. The episode concludes with playful interactions, leaving listeners entertained and informed.
Notable Quotes:
- Stugotz: “That was indeed a real tweet from October 8, 2013.” (02:15)
- Mike Ryan: “Have you ever guys thought... what would it look like if you put my house there?” (17:13)
- Greg Cody: “This is a great quote. Tyson Fury says Jake Paul is gonna knock out Anthony Joshua.” (31:01)
- Billy Corben: “Yeah, he does. That’s a rough looking bump... working really, really hard in the ring.” (36:28)
Conclusion
In this episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, the hosts delve into a mix of sports controversies, from Chris Paul’s Clippers signing to Wyndham Clark’s ban from Oakmont Country Club. They explore intriguing and tragic stories outside the sports realm, such as a shark attack and a fatal MRI incident. The bulk of the conversation centers on combat sports, offering in-depth analysis of Manny Pacquiao’s fight against Jake Paul, the potential showdown between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul, and spotlighting Oleksandr Usyk’s rising prominence in boxing. The episode concludes with discussions on MMA legends like Dustin Poirier, blending insightful sports commentary with the hosts' signature humor and camaraderie.