The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz – Hour 2: Jonathan Yaslow & Jeremy Forplé

Release Date: March 20, 2025

In this engaging episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, hosts Dan LeBatard, Stugotz, and guests Jonathan Zaslow and Jeremy Forplé delve into a variety of topics spanning sports, pop culture, and beyond. Hosted from the Elser Hotel in Downtown Miami, the conversation is both lively and insightful, offering listeners a comprehensive look into current events and personal anecdotes. Below is a detailed summary of the episode's key discussions, complete with notable quotes and timestamps.

1. Introduction and Polls

Jonathan Zaslow kicks off the episode by introducing a couple of interactive polls to engage the audience.

• Jai Alai Awareness: Zaslow asks, “Do you know what jai alai is at Lebatard Show?” ([01:15]).

• Endangerment of Sports Anchors: He follows up with, “Is the sports anchor endangered, yes or no?” ([01:15]).

These polls set the stage for the evening's discussions, touching on both niche sports and the evolving landscape of sports journalism.

2. Jonathan Zaslow’s Role at ESPN

The conversation shifts to Jonathan Zaslow’s position at ESPN, highlighting his creation of "ESPN on ESPN Crime" amidst workplace tensions.

• Zaslow remarks, “I'm creating ESPN on ESPN Crime because a coworker is mad at Jonathan.” ([01:15]).

Mike Ryan Ruiz questions the classification of picks as "celebrity picks," leading to a playful debate about expertise versus celebrity status in sports commentary.

• Ruiz asserts, “These are just expert picks. They're not celebrity picks.” ([02:22]).

The hosts navigate workplace dynamics and perceptions of credibility, emphasizing the importance of expertise in sports analysis.

3. Critique of the TV Show "White Lotus"

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to dissecting the latest season of "White Lotus."

• Mike Ryan Ruiz shares his frustration: “I watch every single week, and nothing happens. Nothing happens every single week.” ([07:07]).

• Zaslow reacts strongly to a controversial plot point: “Brothers kissing on the lips in a way that's not French kissing made me recoil.” ([08:27]).

The hosts debate the show's pacing and narrative choices, with Zaslow expressing discomfort over certain character dynamics. They discuss spoiler alerts and the impact of shocking twists on audience reception.

4. The Rise and Longevity of Comedian Shane Gillis

Jonathan Zaslow brings attention to comedian Shane Gillis, questioning his potential longevity in the comedy world.

• Zaslow asks, “Is Shane Gillis gonna go down with Richard Pryor and all of these all-time greats?” ([12:10]).

Tony emphasizes the need for sustained performance: “He needs the longevity of what Richard Pryor would do, what Eddie Murphy would do.” ([15:08]).

The discussion explores what it takes for a comedian to achieve lasting success, comparing Gillis’s rapid rise to legends like Pryor and Murphy.

5. Elon Musk’s Popularity and Business Moves

The hosts transition to a critical analysis of Elon Musk, examining his public perception and business strategies.

• Zaslow questions Musk’s likability: “It seems like Elon Musk isn't polling well with anybody because it's almost impossible to be likable when you're that rich.” ([16:32]).

• Ruiz adds, “Why do you want to change everything about this country when it kind of worked out?” ([16:53]).

They discuss Musk's ventures, including his acquisition of Twitter, and the backlash resulting from his business decisions. The conversation touches on the complexities of wealth and public image, particularly for high-profile billionaires.

6. Battle Court: Reviving Jai Alai in Miami

A dedicated segment explores Battle Court, a unique take on the traditional sport of jai alai, highlighting its revival efforts in Miami.

• Tony introduces the significance: “A big piece of Miami history is highlight and understanding what that means in its context of the sport and what it means to Miami and the Hispanic culture.” ([24:44]).

• Jon Weiner explains the sport's nuances: “Battle Court is a very unique version of the sport that is played nowhere else.” ([25:25]).

The hosts discuss the challenges of making jai alai accessible to new players and the cultural importance of preserving traditional sports. They emphasize the passion and dedication of those involved in keeping Battle Court vibrant in the Miami sports scene.

7. Boston Celtics’ Record-Breaking Sale

The conversation shifts to The Boston Celtics and their unprecedented franchise sale.

• Zaslow remarks on the financial milestone: “The Boston Celtics have sold for a record amount of money for a North American franchise.” ([33:05]).

• Ruiz humorously suggests, “I hope the new owner relocates them. F them to Seattle or something.” ([33:33]).

The hosts analyze the implications of such a significant sale, speculating on potential relocations and the impact on the team's legacy. They compare the Celtics' sale to other major sports franchise transactions, highlighting its uniqueness in the sports business landscape.

8. Recap on Mookie Betts Trade

A retrospective look at the infamous Mookie Betts trade between the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers unfolds.

• Dan LeBatard summarizes the trade: “On February 10, 2020, the Red Sox traded Mookie Betts and David Price to the Dodgers for Alex Verdugo, Jeter Downs, and Connor Wong.” ([38:27]).

• Zaslow criticizes the decision: “That's one of the most overwhelmingly terrible trades I can think of maybe in baseball history.” ([39:36]).

The discussion underscores the long-term ramifications of trading a star player like Betts, evaluating the Dodgers' success post-trade and the Red Sox's strategy. They debate the financial and competitive outcomes, reinforcing the trade as a pivotal moment in baseball history.

9. Final Thoughts and Highlights

In the concluding segments, the hosts promote upcoming events and reflect on the topics discussed.

• Jon Weiner invites listeners to attend a Cyclones game: “Fridays are open to the public. It is free to attend.” ([23:56]).

• Tony wraps up with a love letter to Miami, celebrating the city's sports culture: “This is part of the Tony tonight series where we uncover... places that we go.” ([24:24]).

The episode closes with a blend of promotion for future events and a recap of the night's vibrant discussions, leaving listeners informed and entertained.

Notable Quotes:

• “I watch every single week, and nothing happens.” – Mike Ryan Ruiz ([07:07])

• “Brothers kissing on the lips in a way that's not French kissing made me recoil.” – Jonathan Zaslow ([08:27])

• “Shane Gillis gonna go down with Richard Pryor and all of these all-time greats?” – Jonathan Zaslow ([12:10])

• “It seems like Elon Musk isn't polling well with anybody because it's almost impossible to be likable when you're that rich.” – Jonathan Zaslow ([16:32])

• “That's one of the most overwhelmingly terrible trades I can think of maybe in baseball history.” – Jonathan Zaslow ([39:36])

This episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz offers a rich tapestry of discussions, blending critical analysis with personal insights. From the intricacies of traditional sports to the dynamics of modern pop culture, the hosts and guests provide a multifaceted perspective that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or a pop culture aficionado, this episode delivers content that is both comprehensive and engaging.