Hour 2: Sam Morrill Misses Mitchell Robinson

Summary

The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

Episode: Hour 2: Sam Morrill Misses Mitchell Robinson
Release Date: January 16, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, recorded at the Elser Hotel in Downtown Miami, Dan Le Batard and co-host Stugotz dive deep into the current state of the New York Knicks, focusing particularly on Sam Morril's fervent support for Mitchell Robinson. The discussion weaves through player performances, team dynamics, and broader NBA playoff implications, all while maintaining the show's signature blend of sports analysis and pop culture commentary.

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Sam Morril’s Obsession with Mitchell Robinson

Sam Morril, a passionate Knicks enthusiast, becomes the focal point as the hosts dissect his intense focus on center Mitchell Robinson's role in the team's success. Mike Ryan initiates the conversation by highlighting Morril’s emotional investment:

Mike Ryan [03:00]: "Sam, you're unreasonable and emotional about your team, and I think that in part made you suffer in your battle against Desus."

Billy Corben echoes this sentiment, emphasizing Robinson's critical importance:

Billy Corben [03:37]: "I'm dying for Mitchell Robinson to come back. We need Mitch, man."

Greg Cody adds depth by questioning the broader fanbase's reliance on Robinson:

Greg Cody [04:17]: "Why do you guys delude yourselves into thinking things like that? Like people are going to go against their natural instincts."

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Knicks’ Team Dynamics and Player Performances

The hosts analyze the Knicks' current lineup, debating the effectiveness of key players and the overall team depth. Discussions revolve around Julius Randle, Josh Hart, and the bench strength:

Billy Corben [05:10]: "Josh Hart's one of my favorite Knicks ever. I love how he carries himself."

The conversation shifts to the implications of key players' performances on playoff chances:

Billy Corben [07:10]: "He is killing me with some of these Instagram posts. I just want him back. We need you."

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Comparisons with Other NBA Teams

Drawing comparisons with powerhouse teams, the hosts assess the Knicks' standing against the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, and Orlando Magic. They discuss the Celtics' dominance in the East and the unpredictability of teams like Orlando:

Billy Corben [07:37]: "Boston is the team to beat in the East. But Orlando scares me because they're so freaking physical."

Mike Ryan expresses frustration over the Knicks' inability to overcome Cleveland without Robinson:

Mike Ryan [08:27]: "You have Mitchell Robinson as the linchpin between championship and no championship."

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Controversial Moments and Banter

A humorous yet contentious moment arises when Mike Ryan mistakenly refers to a Venmo error, prompting a brief exchange about potential fines:

Mike Ryan [16:03]: "How dare they cut one of the great comics of our time. What is Netflix? Who's doing that?"

Chris Cody [16:53]: "You have to chant. I mean, here's another one they cut."

The hosts navigate this light-hearted controversy with playful ribbing, maintaining the show's lively atmosphere.

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Side Discussions and Pop Culture

Beyond basketball, the show touches on broader topics, including Sam Morril's experiences in comedy and Billy Corben's involvement in stand-up tours. They reflect on the intersection of sports and entertainment, highlighting how personal passions influence their perspectives on the game.

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Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, the hosts remain upbeat about the Knicks' potential improvements, emphasizing the importance of player health and strategic adjustments. They sign off with a toast to football, seamlessly blending sports enthusiasm with camaraderie.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Mike Ryan [03:00]: "Sam, you're unreasonable and emotional about your team..."
• Billy Corben [05:10]: "Josh Hart's one of my favorite Knicks ever."
• Billy Corben [07:37]: "Boston is the team to beat in the East."
• Mike Ryan [08:27]: "You have Mitchell Robinson as the linchpin..."
• Billy Corben [16:38]: "Jesus. He's a fellow Knicks fan."
• Dan Le Batard [12:17]: "It was one lucky peanut punch from Maxi..."

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Key Takeaways

• Mitchell Robinson's Impact: Central to the Knicks' playoff aspirations, with debates on his role and the team's reliance on his presence.
• Team Depth Concerns: Scrutiny of bench strength and player minutes, highlighting the necessity for strategic depth.
• Comparative Analysis: Evaluations of the Knicks against top Eastern Conference teams, underscoring their standing and challenges.
• Host Dynamics: Engaging banter and occasional controversies add a layer of entertainment to the analytical discussions.

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This episode offers a comprehensive look into the New York Knicks' current season, blending expert analysis with the hosts' unique comedic flair. Whether you're a die-hard Knicks fan or a casual sports enthusiast, Dan Le Batard and Stugotz provide insightful commentary that keeps listeners informed and entertained.

Transcript

[Dan Le Batard]

You're listening to giraffkings Network.

[Stugotz]

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[Sam Morril]

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[Stugotz]

This is the Dan Levatar show with the Stugats podcast.

[Mike Ryan]

Last year, for a period of weeks, during a really special time in Knicks basketball, we pitted Sam Morel, who is a child, about Knicks basketball. I don't think there's anything he cares more about in the world, no animals, no people than whether or not Mitchell Robinson is coming back. I don't. I'm pretty sure I have this right about him. We pitted him against Desus as Nick's correspondent throughout those playoffs the team got loud, the team got eliminated, the team got better. He got his heart broken because he fell in love with Hartenstein, who's now going to come back and break his heart as an Oklahoma City Thunder team that he cannot beat without Mitchell Robinson. His beloved Mitchell Robinson. Sam, you're unreasonable and emotional about your team, and I think that in part made you suffer in your battle against Desus, who also is passionate and cares, but a little less seriously than you do. He wants to be a big mouth about, I've got Carl Anthony Towns. He doesn't care so much about whether Mitchell Robinson is giving you guys the depth you need to knock off Boston.

[Billy Corben]

Well, it's just like you to pin two Knicks fans against each other. That's a classic Miami move. Dirt bag move. I got no problem with Jesus. He's a fellow Knicks fan. Yeah, of course. I'm dying for Mitchell Robinson to come back. We need Mitch, man. That. You see, the lack of depth campaign's been given us a ton of effort, but, you know, the bench is a little thin right now. We need. We need the help, man. And yes, Hardenstein broke my heart. He broke the whole city's heart. We miss him. But why are.

[Greg Cody]

Sam. Why did you guys ever think. I got a buddy of mine, he's a Grammy winning producer who's a huge Knick fan. Like, you look at me through and like, he was literally researching all the different ways that the Knicks can, quote, unquote, make it up to Hartenstein. And I'm like, you don't understand. He's gonna make a gajillion dollars. It's a no brainer. He's obviously gonna take the money. No, it's different. It's different. Like the power of friendship and all that stuff. And the first opportunity he had to take the money, he got the money. Why do you guys delude yourselves into thinking things like that? Like people are going to go against their natural instincts.

[Billy Corben]

First off, Grammy winning producer, but not naming names makes me think it's Diddy. I mean, I don't know. Could not be, but I mean, why would you not name him? Secondly, why do we dilute ourselves? Because it's part of being a fan. You know, the power of friendship thing. Look, it's ridiculous, but you can't deny the vibes were incredible last year. I think the vibes are in a slightly weird place right now, but they will make their way back. I think once Mitch comes back. Mitch is killing me with some of these Instagram posts. I just want him back. He Posts like a baby, you know, like the pickup trucks and the lip syncing music and his dogs and stuff. I'm like, just get back on the court, man. We need you.

[Greg Cody]

What did you think of Josh Hart? Multiple times last week. Talk about agendas, secret agendas, personal agendas.

[Billy Corben]

I love it. He's a leader. Josh Hart's one of my favorite Knicks ever. I love how he carries himself. You can't knock that guy's hustle, man. He's, he's, he is the heart and soul of the team. He's been. That guy played 49 minutes last night. He's the best. So I think what he was doing was calling out some guys quietly, but which guy? A little loudly.

[Greg Cody]

Which guys do you think he was talking about?

[Billy Corben]

I don't know. I, I would. My guess would be maybe OG because he's, that he's that big dog. He's getting the, the big money on the team. So when he said ego, maybe it's OG Maybe he's not playing hard enough offensively or defensively, maybe something like that.

[Greg Cody]

But too many shots I would like.

[Billy Corben]

OG to take to be involved in the offense more, but just, you know, with cuts and stuff like that. I think OG Is a great player and I don't know, maybe that's the way he's doing it. But last night, the fact that he said OG got us going. I think that's him saying, like, that's how they lead, you know, Brunson and harder ball busters. So I think that's their style of leadership. And, and I hope it works because OG we need OG we paid him the big bucks, so we're not going anywhere in the playoffs without him.

[Mike Ryan]

Sam, I will tell you the same thing that I told Jessica a few days ago. It came up earlier in the show. Mike did it again earlier in the show when he said something about Notre Dame didn't quit as analysis. Sam just gave me as analysis. The vibes will make their way back and it sucks as analysis. Like, if we're talking about how I assess Knicks basketball, Sam really knows basketball.

[Billy Corben]

Okay?

[Mike Ryan]

He does. But the vibe. Vibes will make their way back as analysis of how I'm going to be. Boston is shit.

[Dan Le Batard]

Wait, but Dan, like, saying someone doesn't quit is the perfect actual analysis of Josh Hart. That's like, he's not a more physically gifted player than a lot of the other NBA starters in the league, but he is literally someone who does not quit.

[Chris Cody]

His last name is Hart.

[Dan Le Batard]

Like, that's why he's Valuable to this Knicks team because he's doing everything.

[Mike Ryan]

But Sam loves those.

[Dan Le Batard]

He's. It's showing up on the stat sheet. It's not like quantifiable, but like he plays hard and tough.

[Mike Ryan]

Look, Sam is dry and made of sandpaper. He does not love Hart. He is an acerbic dark wit who is against Hart, actively against Hart, but when it comes to sports, oh, my God, his gritty Knicks. But what he needs is Karl Anthony Towns, right up until it's him and Brunson taking all the shots and Bridges is pouting and some other high money guys don't play it quite the way Hartenstein does. And then they lose to Boston because Boston's better both times against both teams.

[Billy Corben]

Yeah, I mean, I can't deny that Boston is the team to beat in the East. They're the best team right now. So they're in. Guys like Peyton Pritchard off the bench becoming like killers. They're tough as hell to beat. Even Philly, if they ever got healthy. They won't. But if they ever got healthy would scare me just because of their length. Like guys like Uber and, you know, Embiid and Maxi being healthy. But I don't think that's ever going to happen. Orlando scares me. Even if they got healthy because they're just so freaking physical. Orlando plays like the Knicks did last year. You know, like, Suggs is such a physical player. Bonchero is so skilled. Wagner is a hell of a player. They're surprising. I didn't think they'd be.

[Mike Ryan]

I can't believe you say Orlando before Cleveland. You just. You disrespect Cleveland just because of this Mitchell Robinson. Yeah, but so is Cleveland.

[Billy Corben]

Cleveland is. Cleveland is unbelievable right now. I, they. I think if we have Mitchell Robinson, we beat them. But without Mitchell, you go again.

[Mike Ryan]

That's infuriating. I want to fight him in the street. I want to drag him. I've been yelling at him. I've been yelling at him. I've been making fun of him. I say you walk like Joe Flacco runs. He's. He's an old stiff Knicks fan. No, this is infuriating to me. You're Mitchell, Rod. You have Mitchell Robinson as the linchpin between championship and no championship. You have him as the most important player in the league.

[Billy Corben]

No, I have him on the most important player on our team because his durability has been a problem. You know, I think some of this anger is misplaced from the Jimmy Butler fiasco.

[Sam Morril]

Dan, what are you talking about?

[Billy Corben]

I Mean, you should be upset. This is, this is a mess you're in. Is that. Who's 15? Is that Chalmers? I don't even know.

[Sam Morril]

It's my own personal life jersey.

[Billy Corben]

Thanks. Yeah, they brought it over for me.

[Mike Ryan]

Oh, my God.

[Greg Cody]

You had to give him the really, Really?

[Billy Corben]

I mean, Vice jerseys are back, Sam. I don't know if you know that.

[Chris Cody]

Big deal.

[Sam Morril]

Best uniform in sports.

[Chris Cody]

And we recognize.

[Billy Corben]

I hate to give Miami any credit, but the Vice jerseys are pretty tight. Ha ha. We did it.

[Dan Le Batard]

No, they are sick.

[Billy Corben]

I keep it real. I keep it real. But Jimmy Butler, that, that hurts, man. To lose him for maybe nothing.

[Chris Cody]

I was curious on, on your take about this, and my fear was that you just didn't think about us at all. So I'm glad that we occupy some real estate still, despite the last two seasons.

[Billy Corben]

Of course you do. Jimmy Butler has been a stud for you guys. So it must be so painful to have its ugly Kramer vs Kramer divorce. You know, at Riley, Pat Riley, Tim. He, him. You got to get him some other players. You can't carry that team to the finals on your back twice and get him nothing. I mean, look, you have other good players. Obviously, Bam and Hero are looking great, but like, for that, for the first run, that was Jimmy on, on his back. For the second run, it was kind of Jimmy on his back. So the fact that the Celtics get Holiday and Porzingis and Miami does nothing, you got this shrewd Pat Riley who's just sitting there and doing jack shit. Come on, Pat. Step up and do something for your team.

[Mike Ryan]

You hurt me. I don't have the strength.

[Chris Cody]

We got him. Kyle Lowry tired.

[Mike Ryan]

I don't want Kyle Lowry fight anymore about this. People don't want to hear any more about Jimmy Butler.

[Greg Cody]

Well, I'm curious because yesterday, Dan, I don't know if you know, the Knicks played a game and they had to go to overtime to beat a Sixers team that was missing a lot of good players. And I, I, I wonder. Sam, take us inside. You watching a game like that? Are you an eternal fountain of positivity? Like, come on, guys, we got this. Hey, the Sixers are tougher than you think. Or are you sitting there MF in your tv?

[Billy Corben]

I'm pissed. I. Watching that game was frustrating because, I mean, look, they don't. Sixers are without who? Embiid McCain? All these guys. Knicks were without Carl Anthony Towns and without Mitchell Robinson and without a lot of guy. We don't have to go into detail here, but the main point is that's why Philly scares me, because Maxi scares me. He. I think he is that much of a pest and nuisance and he is. He is a hell of a player. So, yeah, we're. We're thin right now. I don't like seeing Josh play 49 minutes. I don't like seeing all the. All of our starters play 40 plus minutes. I mean, it's. It's scary that Precious really had to bail us out there a couple times. But, yeah, I mean, we lost to the Pistons twice on our home court in the last month. Like, clearly there are problems that we need to address. We still have a better record than we did this time last year. So I am hopeful. But a lot of it is health. And, you know, Tibbs is not going to play these starters less than like 38 minutes a game.

[Dan Le Batard]

So it was one lucky peanut punch from Maxi, though. That game would have ended in regulation and the Sixers basically just gave up in overtime. So, I mean, you have nothing to be worried about.

[Billy Corben]

Well, it's easy to give up when your hometown is chanting mvp with Brunson at the free throw line.

[Greg Cody]

How did.

[Billy Corben]

Wait, hold on.

[Greg Cody]

How did you feel about Carl Anthony Towns wearing the Eagle shirt on the.

[Billy Corben]

I hated it. I thought it was disrespectful. I understand that Towns and Brunson are Eagles fans, but, like, you can't rock a Philly shirt in Philly when you play for the Knicks.

[Greg Cody]

That's what you get when you get Carl Anthony.

[Dan Le Batard]

Cold sweater, though. It's like the Kelly green one. Like, he looks cool in it. I'm sorry.

[Billy Corben]

Yeah, but after that New Yorker nowhere shirt he was rocking in the second half looked pretty good, too. He learned his lesson.

[Sam Morril]

Did he buy that at the team store at halftime? Because it sure looked like it.

[Billy Corben]

The team store in Philly, Maybe they are selling New York or nowhere stuff. The way they garden packing the Philly Wells Fargo arena with our fans.

[Mike Ryan]

Did you get really mad at him for that? Were you legitimate?

[Billy Corben]

I wasn't really mad, but I was like, you don't do that. Don't actually. Don't do that. We love cats. So come on.

[Greg Cody]

He was mad. That's a yes.

[Billy Corben]

I didn't love it. I mean, the Giants. That's how hard the Giants are to root for, though, right? Now, be honest. I mean, we are tough. We are tough to watch.

[Mike Ryan]

You're bought and paid for because the Knicks give you access. Now, as a celebrity fan, right? You will not say anything that lands wrong in that locker room among anybody, no matter what your opinions are. No matter how harsh your opinions are. Emotional about anything.

[Billy Corben]

No, I just said I didn't love it. I didn't love that he wore that.

[Stugotz]

Who?

[Mike Ryan]

Criticism from one of the most acerbic comic of our times. He did not love it. He roasted. 2024 was the best thing on Netflix on that 2024 rose. He's got an amazing tour in which he's inviting the wrath of the. Of the Swifties. He's a tastemaker. He's a rising comedian who's conquered the business already with his tour. And when he gets around the Knicks, he's totally soft.

[Dan Le Batard]

But it's a big week for Cats. Having the wrong fandom.

[Mike Ryan]

I don't get it.

[Stugotz]

That's fine.

[Billy Corben]

Stephen Wright, that was like a thinker. I don't know.

[Dan Le Batard]

People will get it and they'll really like that soft.

[Mike Ryan]

Sam, you're soft on your Knicks.

[Billy Corben]

I am.

[Chris Cody]

I mean, the owner has proven to hold a grudge against people that attend those games that have differing opinions.

[Greg Cody]

Dude, I confront. When Sam did the South Beat sessions here last year, I confronted him about it. I was like, how can you root for a team with an owner like that? And he gave me the most political answer.

[Mike Ryan]

Oh, yes, he's bought and paid for.

[Greg Cody]

I was like, oh, man, they got to you too.

[Mike Ryan]

No, he just wants to be. He gets courtside. I mean, yeah, you would sell your soul for court.

[Billy Corben]

I love this front office.

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah.

[Billy Corben]

Damn it.

[Mike Ryan]

There it is.

[Billy Corben]

In. In 2025, the Knicks are going to make America great again.

[Mike Ryan]

Okay, there it is. He's been bought. Can you give me what it is that you think is the best material that can be done around the Diddy stuff? Like it is a. A playground that a lot of comics are danc.

[Billy Corben]

I had one that. That got cut from the Diddy thing that I was mad. They cut in that Netflix thing that I wrote like the day before where I said, of course Diddy couldn't commit sexual assault without having featured artists join in. Like, like, we know he couldn't put out a hit song without a more talented performer. I guess his dick doesn't work. Unless Jay Z carried that as well.

[Mike Ryan]

And it got cut. Why did it get. What else got cut? It looked. There were times I saw you behind Jeffrey Ross. You looked really miserable. You looked unhappy.

[Billy Corben]

Oh, yeah. It was like a four hour shoot, Dan. It was brutal. It was. It was a tough. It was like a 250 seat la. 250 seats. And they gave them all to like industry people who don't laugh. So we were miserable, and it was like a four hour shoot. And I was proud that Mark and I did not flub any of our lines. We didn't have to do pickups, but there were comics who flubbed lines and were doing pickups, so I had to watch them retell. It was. It was a lot. It was. Yeah. They cut a line. I did a line on Jeff Ross having cancer. They cut where I said, jeff, you actually look like a lump. And like. And like a lump, women are terrified to find you in their shower. I thought that was a pretty good one. They cut some good ones. I don't remember. I could look.

[Mike Ryan]

No, we're gonna get that. We're gonna get the material. He's got it on his phone there. How dare they cut one of the great comics of our time. What is Netflix? Who's doing that? Who's making these decisions?

[Billy Corben]

I don't know. I want to say they're time cuts, but it's Netflix, so they must have just not liked it.

[Chris Cody]

Dan, I believe we have a Venmo fine bucket situation here. I think you said desus when you meant marrow.

[Billy Corben]

Holy shit, you're racist, dude. So many levels and you were racist, man.

[Chris Cody]

What's a fine for that?

[Billy Corben]

You have to chart. I mean, here's another one they cut. Norman had this line they cut that I loved, where Jeff Ross is in a tux and Mark said, you look like the guy who hands out the baby oil at a Diddy party. I love that one. I don't know why they cut that.

[Mike Ryan]

The world is pretty clear that you.

[Chris Cody]

Did it twice, Dan. So that's two of the same fine.

[Mike Ryan]

I'm mortified. We'll get back to that in a second because I don't know what the fine for racism should be. Because I deserve it.

[Sam Morril]

We'll add that to the list.

[Chris Cody]

Oh, one's Dominican. Let's ease up.

[Mike Ryan]

I deserve whatever the fine is. You're going to have to tell me at the Venmo Fine bucket. You're going to have to help me do this, but you have a lot.

[Billy Corben]

Of learning to do, Dan.

[Mike Ryan]

Thank you, Sam. I appreciate you catching me when I was vulnerable by simply shouting into the zoom sky. That's racist. And yes, that's obviously why I'm mortified.

[Billy Corben]

I have the audio.

[Sam Morril]

Now let's confirm that this is the.

[Billy Corben]

Mistake that you made.

[Mike Ryan]

We pitted him against Desus.

[Jessica]

Yep.

[Mike Ryan]

Confirm. You see me. You see me. Pause there, too, because I saw it coming. We pitted him against Desus.

[Sam Morril]

The there yeah, brutal.

[Stugotz]

Just trying to find which one.

[Mike Ryan]

Brutal. Yep. Yep, that's what happened. You can hear it right there. Thanks to Sam for catching me gracefully as he does.

[Dan Le Batard]

Let's talk about something slightly less controversial. Sam, what's the deal with congestion pricing in New York City?

[Billy Corben]

I don't know, man. I will say, though, it seems less crowded here. It is kind of nice. It's messed up to do to the outer borough people. I do think it's messed up, but also, like, this city isn't made for driving cars. That's the other thing. It's like a walking, public transit city.

[Mike Ryan]

You're perpetually, I would assume, looking for content. The world seems pretty bleak right now. Is there stuff in the news that you're finding particularly funny? Because I imagine wherever it is that you're working on projects and stuff, you're also noticing, like, real life is spilling through your windows in a way that daily a little bit crazier than it's ever been or felt a little crazier politically and otherwise than it's ever been.

[Billy Corben]

Well, how could you not. How could you not have a strong reaction to the Luigi thing? That was the craziest thing. I mean, that was. I mean, we all kind of got it. That's what was so crazy about it, is that he murdered a person in cold blood. And we're like, yeah, I get it. I mean, one thing that bugged me about it was how they. How the news handled it, where they were like, he was a father, the guy they killed. And I was like, that doesn't do anything for me. You know? Like, if he was single, I wouldn't have been like, well, luckily, he had nothing. That just bugged me. And. And then it also just bugged me, like. I don't know. He just. I even. I had a joke go viral a while back about not having kids, and every comment was like, enjoy dying alone. Which is a strange thing to say. It's like a. Not a very nice thing to say. It was a pretty inoffensive joke. But, like, that guy had kids. He died alone. You know, like, you don't know how you're gonna die. I guess Luigi was there. He wasn't holding his hand. You know, that was a crazy story.

[Mike Ryan]

That story's crazy. And the other one I've heard Bill Burr being very strong on, because it's interesting to watch him wade into some of these waters because there's such a desperation, because people know these healthcare companies are the crime families that aren't gonna give you. And now we can all go to the Internet and say those fires are the fault of the governor, cuz every damn thing is political. Now your thoughts between both that, the insurance companies and what's happening in California where a lot of people are very comfortable telling people how they should be managing hurricane fire.

[Billy Corben]

Well, that's, it's new to me. Usually people on Twitter have a lot of humility and they don't weigh in on stuff like this. So it's weird that this is the one they pick. But no, every time this is what happens. I mean, yeah, everyone thinks they're an expert. Everyone is a Monday morning quarterback on a disaster where they're like, this is what you should have done. And look, one of the weird things is I'm in a viral clip I didn't even know I was in. Apparently Joe Rogan is predicting. He's like, this is what's going to happen is what a fireman said. There's going to be a big fire and they're not going to be able to stop and it's going to take out a huge part of Los Angeles. And it's this viral clip. And at the end it just cuts to me being like, shit, I guess I'm just in it. I guess I'm just, I was on that episode, I guess. And then the best part is Barry Weiss was on Fox News being like, Joe Rogan was talking to a fire expert and I'm like, me, that was me on that show.

[Mike Ryan]

Well, how, how do you navigate some of this stuff? Because I don't know where it is you fit with all of, you know, it's small world comedy. And Jez Dieselnick will go after Hinchcliffe and you know, they'll be the popular comedians and they'll be the comedians that make their way in and out of Rogan's world. While Rogan is now a political figure more than a comedian, a podcaster more than a comedian. And may for all I know move to Austin because he thought that that's what part of what California and taxes and Newsom he wanted to get away from. How do you fit into that world in and among Rogan, where I'm assuming many of your political viewpoints, I'm assuming this, I don't know, it are vast, vastly different than his.

[Billy Corben]

Well, you know, we live in a country where people have vastly different viewpoints. And I think when you just write people off based on their viewpoints, it's. You're not gonna get anywhere in your life. I mean, I think there's A lot of comics who now, their whole act is like, if you're not with me, then you. And to me, that's not comedy. You know, I always love guys like Conan who, like, you know, you kind of leak as a comedian so people know who you are. But I think when all of your political views are known to the public as a comedian and everywhere you stand is obvious to the audience, then the show becomes predictable and boring. I think that's, you know, if you look at, like, Chappelle's earlier stuff, like, he really. You don't know what he's going to say, you know, and I kind of like that. So I think that us, everyone leading with politics and everyone saying, like, that's in their bio now, it's. It's just. It's a. I'll go to small towns sometimes and you could tell, like, they don't. They. It's like, it's considered rude to talk about politics, you know, and I. There's a part of that that I kind of miss. I think it's not making us more united as a country. And, you know, I think people are going to vote who they're going to vote for, and it's unfortunate. Am I a Donald Trump fan? No. But over half the country voted for him, so I'm not going to write off that whole part of the country. I don't think that's something that's constructive, and I don't think that's a smart move for an entertainer when you're trying to.

[Mike Ryan]

It's bad for business, but it's also bad for business.

[Billy Corben]

I'm not going to say it's bad for business. It's bad for your comedy. When you start leading with your political opinions, you just become kind of boring and political and. And, dare I say, pandering. I mean, I've seen people in New York do this shit where they're like, I think gay marriage should be. Should be legal. And people. I'm like, you're clapping for that. That's the most obvious fucking take ever. Like, yes, it should be. So I think pay the whales. Meanwhile, I see people do edgelord shit in Texas sometimes. I'll see them go up and, like, you know, calling people gay is not a punchline, you know, so I've seen both sides of it, and it's like, there are people on both sides who annoy the shit out of me comedically. And I try to remind myself, like, am I being funny? Is this funny? That's kind of the main goal as opposed to Am I reaching these people? Those people, Sooner or later, if they just like me for one joke I do, they'll see who I am and they'll either stick around because they like the jokes or they won't.

[Sam Morril]

You know, Republicans laugh too.

[Mike Ryan]

The Errors Tour. It's a new standup tour currently on sale samarrill.com for show dates and tickets.

[Greg Cody]

I got one question for Sam. Sam, you often will do local morning TV to promote and sell.

[Mike Ryan]

It's the great. He can't do it anymore. It's been ruined. He's Ali G. He can't do that material anymore.

[Billy Corben]

He might have a couple in the can come.

[Mike Ryan]

It's the greatest joke being told right now on morning television.

[Greg Cody]

What's your favorite one that you did like that you could not believe you got this one off?

[Billy Corben]

Baltimore was pretty good because it just kept getting worse and worse. And then I like Columbus was good because the guy just. I did one in Columbus, Ohio and the guy just like, he spiraled. He just like lost his mind where I just kept bringing up, they have a human trafficking problem. And he just got really annoyed. And by the end they kicked me off the segment, he was like. He was still angry afterwards. And he was like, I don't get what he was doing. I don't get it. I know he thinks he's edgy or something, but like, that was to me pretty funny.

[Mike Ryan]

Well, I mean, the reason I think it's brilliant is because you're going in and all you're doing is merely not respecting the concept that morning television is sacred. Like you're just purposely making it awkward for TV people who don't know how to react to someone not playing nice.

[Billy Corben]

Yeah, it's just I'm just me going on there and playing nice would be so freaking boring. It would make no sense. I've had to do it before. I went on New York one once and it was pre taped. So I was like, I guess I gotta behave. And then I left. And the woman was like, we thought he would be an asshole. Like, that's why we booked him. So it's weird that some people want it.

[Mike Ryan]

I guess it's dirty, it's awkward. It's all the things you are. Thank you, Sam. It's nice seeing you again. It's always nice seeing you.

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[Jessica]

Billy.

[Stugotz]

Yes.

[Jessica]

You know what we've been talking about all season long?

[Stugotz]

Smeared off. Yeah.

[Jessica]

How'd you guess?

[Billy Corben]

I'm a good guesser.

[Jessica]

You are. They are the official sponsor of the Dan Le Batard show with Stugat. So you already know that it's an official vodka partner of the NFL. And Super Bowl 59. We're gonna be there.

[Stugotz]

Oh, yes. I can't believe we're by 59 already.

[Jessica]

Yeah.

[Stugotz]

Time flies.

[Jessica]

It does.

[Mike Ryan]

Yes.

[Stugotz]

We're old.

[Billy Corben]

I'm old.

[Stugotz]

Hey, you know what, you guys, I was thinking.

[Jessica]

Yes?

[Stugotz]

Since football season's winding down, super bowl is coming up. Super Bowl 59. We've been celebrating football all year. I have an idea.

[Jessica]

What?

[Stugotz]

Let's do a toast.

[Jessica]

Okay.

[Mike Ryan]

Oh, wow.

[Stugotz]

To football.

[Jessica]

Really?

[Stugotz]

Yeah. Me and you. Let's toast football.

[Jessica]

So, just a toast. So we're raising our glasses of Smirno Faki.

[Stugotz]

Glasses up. Yeah. All right.

[Jessica]

And we are toasting to football.

[Stugotz]

To football.

[Jessica]

To football, everyone. What we love about Smirnoff is that you can get the world's number one vodka without breaking the bank. This feeling is what the good folks over at Smirnoff call. Billy, you want to take a stab at this?

[Stugotz]

Yes. Smirnoff Strawdinary.

[Billy Corben]

Nailed it.

[Stugotz]

I told you I'm a good guesser.

[Jessica]

And right now, Smirnoff has partnered with Complex, letting fans get their hands on some amazing items handpicked by celebrities including NFL legend and super bowl champion Vernon Davis, for the unbelievable price of $12.99. Just like a bottle of Smirnoff. So head on over to smirnoffdrops.com to check out upcoming drops. And check out. Oh, Billy. You want to take a guess again?

[Stugotz]

These Smirnoff Strawdinary items. Oh, look at us. What's the website?

[Jessica]

It is smirnoffdrop.com. smirnoff. We do game days. Please drink responsibly. Smirnoff number 21 vodka distilled from grain, 40% alcohol by volume. The Smirnoff Company, New York, New York. Pricing is at the sole discretion of the retailer and may vary by state. Please do not share with anyone under legal drinking age.

[Allstate]

This episode is brought to you by Allstate. Some people just know they could save hundreds on car insurance by checking Allstate First. Like, you know, to check the date of the big game first before you accidentally buy tickets on your 20th wedding anniversary and have to spend the next 20 years of your marriage making up for it. Yeah, checking first is smart. So check Allstate first for a quote that could save you hundreds. You're in good hands with Allstate Savings. Vary terms apply. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates, Northbrook, Illinois.

[Mike Ryan]

Don LeBatard.

[Billy Corben]

I'm just here to say one thing. The Knicks are back. Stugats. Tyree Salibraton, six points. Fraud. Everybody was like, yo, he's better than Jalen Brunson. He's better than the Knicks.

[Greg Cody]

That attracted him.

[Billy Corben]

Fraud.

[Stugotz]

This is the Dan Levatar show with the stugats.

[Mike Ryan]

We're gonna get louder as we get to Knicks playoff basketball, and we're gonna be that.

[Chris Cody]

That show again.

[Mike Ryan]

Well, Cleveland, I don't know. You want to do it about Cleveland? You want to be a show that rides for Cleveland?

[Chris Cody]

I mean, depends on how the draft shakes out. Did I say that?

[Greg Cody]

Mike is in a very sensitive time in his life right now. I don't think we're giving him enough grace that, you know, sometimes the flicker of the chance is so much worse than having no hope at all. Right. Like, you would have been a lot happier had this never been a possibility.

[Mike Ryan]

Cam Ward to the Browns.

[Greg Cody]

Yes.

[Dan Le Batard]

And they just hired Tommy Reese. So now I'm in a pickle.

[Jessica]

Wow.

[Chris Cody]

Yeah, it's. Oh, by the way, did you guys read that New York Times article on Deshaun Watson?

[Dan Le Batard]

Yeah.

[Chris Cody]

It's somehow worse than you could ever imagine. I'm not talking about the allegations that that's terrible, and it is worse than you can imagine, but I'm talking about, like, the field of play in the situation. Like, they got, like, unnamed, presumably offensive linemen, people familiar with their scheme on that team to say, like, yeah, the protection looked bad because guy was supposed to drop back eight yards. He was only dropping back six. And he just never corrected this. There were all sorts of people, like, why aren't we just keep Joe Flacco around? It's not a threat to him. Keep Joe Flacco around to teach him the offense. He does not know this offense. They. They jettison all these good coaches to continue. They bring in KE Dorsey because of his resume working with mobile quarterbacks. The guy doesn't run anymore like it's a fricking night. It is quite simply the worst transaction of all time in sports.

[Dan Le Batard]

It's crazy. This is from the I think from the same article. His EPA per draw pack with the Browns was minus 0.19 according to True Media, which ranks 197th out of 201 NFL quarterbacks since 2000, minimum of 15 starts. The only quarterbacks who were worse Zach Wilson, John Skelton, Blaine Gabbard, jamarcus Russell.

[Chris Cody]

That's a murderer's row right there.

[Dan Le Batard]

He's the only name on that list who wasn't on a rookie.

[Mike Ryan]

Well, this is what I would say of this because you guys probably felt me getting a bit obsessed with this last week, right? Because in some ways this is more interesting to me than even the Aaron Rodgers disintegration on where body and mind meet on stuff and somebody just implodes. Aaron Rodgers, whatever you think of him now, did that difficult thing better than anyone I've ever seen do it. And then whatever happened, happened. I don't even know how to explain what happened. And he becomes something far different at the end, in his late 30s than this story, which I don't believe has any precedent in the history of American sport. A dysfunctional organization that finally arrives at the desperation of expectations. Berries and torches. Baker Mayfield, who's trying to play through 17 injuries just to drag, drag Odell, Beckham and Landry to 9 and 9 and 7, see if they get the season of Great Expectations. Then their owner comes in. He's a tycoon. We give too much emphasis to power and rich people. He knows how to lead. He's got some secrets. He's got a history that's all sorts of foul. He asks a man on the street who he should draft and hey, cornerback's tough to play. Johnny Manziel. You cannot play it. The expectations of Browns football make it so. They offer guaranteed money to something that is quite fundamentally selling the soul of a region in the name of football. Hey, we've got this alleged molester and terrible person. Let's give him everything. Let's fight over the right because we all agree. Well, it might be immoral, but he's a top five quarterback and those are hard to get. He made the Texans madder then more than they ever have because they almost beat the Chiefs, they were up 24 nothing in that game. That's the best anyone's ever played for the Texans. It's the only time we thought a Texans team's getting out of the wild card round. DeSean Watson was the quarterback. All of that short circuited, and I don't know how to tie how much of it I can to everything that happened with him off the field, that made him somebody that an organization tried to work with, and they were dealing with someone physically broken and mentally broken.

[Chris Cody]

Yeah, I. I don't think it's without precedent. Okay. Because keep in mind, there was a physical aspect to Deshaun Watson I think everyone can kind of understand. Like, being away from the game throws off your timing. Being at the center of a horrible controversy that probably has an effect on someone, too, and how they approach the game. But I kind of liken it a little bit to RG3. There are reasons why RG3 ceased being that, and he was probably that initially because of the coaching staff he was around. So I think we should probably credit the Texans and Bill O'Brien for what they were able to do with Deshaun Watson. I think we should look at the injuries. I don't think we should discount the mental toll that all that went around him. But it's not. There are quarterbacks that burst on the scene in that league and do fizzle out. So it's not without precedent. It's just everyone was pretty certain this guy was a surefire lock elite.

[Greg Cody]

Well, it's that, but also, like, fizzle out is one thing. Blaine Gabbard, Jamarcus Russell, Don Skelton be.

[Chris Cody]

Worst in the sport.

[Greg Cody]

Like, that's in this draft.

[Dan Le Batard]

And making the most guaranteed money ever.

[Chris Cody]

In this Times article. Like, it's fodder. I think it's athletic. I saw the Times. Well, the New York Times.

[Mike Ryan]

Kind of the same.

[Greg Cody]

It's all the same.

[Chris Cody]

Yeah, well, just if people are looking.

[Greg Cody]

For it, they can find it on New York Times.

[Chris Cody]

I read it on the New York Times. But in that article, like, we all know the checkered history of Cleveland Browns quarterbacks.

[Dan Le Batard]

Fuck myself. Sorry.

[Chris Cody]

They're all bad. They're all bad. And he's, like, the worst. Like, the only person with, like, comparable numbers is, like, Charlie Fry.

[Mike Ryan]

This is the part, though, Mike. This is where I say RG3. Get out of here. First of all, that was physical. And the decline can be assigned whatever it's declined to. In his prime, a player in his 20s went from being a top five quarterback, and it's not just his body to can't play the sport anymore.

[Chris Cody]

I actually think the RG3 thing is actually kind of on the nose, too. Because keep in mind what RG3 did. He. He looked at one of the greatest staffs ever assembled. When you look at the coaches that came from that and said. And went to a whiteboard and started telling all those coaches, you're not coaching me. Right. This is what we're going to do. We are changing the way that I play. And he's looking at Sean McVay, Kyle Shanahan and Mike Shanahan, among others, telling them that. And that's essentially what this article gets into, is what they kind of did. Deshaun Watson wasn't comfortable doing the same stuff that he was doing in Houston. So. So I think that there's a lot of ego in play and it is pretty similar to the RG3 thing.

[Sam Morril]

Did you just call your own comparison, the RG3 one, a good one?

[Chris Cody]

Yeah.

[Mike Ryan]

You said you were on the nose.

[Chris Cody]

Yeah. No, that's why I'm defending the marriage.

[Sam Morril]

Like a minute later you're like, I think that's on the nose.

[Greg Cody]

I also am.

[Dan Le Batard]

And I think that would be fire.

[Greg Cody]

I'm tickled by the idea.

[Chris Cody]

Well, we've done like two years worth of shows saying that we've never seen anything like this. And I. No, we might have.

[Greg Cody]

You know what?

[Sam Morril]

Pat yourself on the back.

[Billy Corben]

That's a good.

[Greg Cody]

Mike. It was a good one. But I'm tickled by the idea that you said RG3 stood before the greatest staff perhaps ever assembled. Sean McVay and Shanahan and the other Shanahan and somewhere Jay Gruden's like. And Jay Gruden.

[Billy Corben]

And Jay Gruden.

[Mike Ryan]

Say it.

[Greg Cody]

Say it.

[Billy Corben]

God damn it, say it.

[Mike Ryan]

The many interesting things about this are that it is a disaster of a guaranteed contract, one of the worst transactions in sports, and it might result in gay war and. Yeah. And was just total soul selling that ends up like contaminating an organization that was already contaminated from the inside. I want to get back to whether or not anybody is rooting outside of Ohio State and Notre Dame for anything other than both Ohio State and Notre Dame losing that game.

[Chris Cody]

Well, a lot of people are rooting to see a big game. And I've seen on the Internet the get in price being crazy expensive. We're talking about thousands and thousands of dollars. You might have missed your first opportunity to hit the primary market, and now you turn to the secondary market and you're Worried because there's all sorts of fees and surprises.

[Billy Corben]

I hate the fees.

[Chris Cody]

It's terrible. Guys, I'm a veteran of the secondary market. It has been a nightmare for me until game time came along. And game time came along. Man, they made everything so easy. I got panoramic seat views, all my Four nations tickets. I'm going to the Four Nations. That's in Montreal. I've never been to this arena. What am I doing? They don't even really speak English all that much over there. How do I do this? Gametime had me because with the panoramic CPUs, the all in pricing, no surprises. So do yourself a favor. Do what I do. I live it. This is not. This is not bit. This is not schtick. I've sampled it all. Game time is the best. Download the GameTime app, create an account and use code Dan. Because if you haven't, you get a wonderful gift. $20 off your first purchase terms apply. Chris, Cody, what time is it?

[Greg Cody]

The time code Dan. How do you spell that, Dan?

[Mike Ryan]

Not what I asked.

[Dan Le Batard]

I mean, I don't care what people are rooting for, but hey, you have the floor, Dan. Two minutes left in the show that I'm on. I'm not here on Friday, tomorrow. What do you want to know about Notre Dame before Monday night?

[Greg Cody]

She's being football fan martyr right now.

[Chris Cody]

That's so brave of you, dan. You owe $2. We tracked down the fine mistake. I think that's the right thing.

[Sam Morril]

You did it twice, by the way.

[Chris Cody]

You did it twice.

[Mike Ryan]

That's not a $2. Racism is not a $2.

[Chris Cody]

Well, it wasn't racism. Don't. Do not call yourself a racist.

[Greg Cody]

You made a mistake, right?

[Chris Cody]

It's like I confuse Abbott with Costello.

[Sam Morril]

Let's make sure he did it twice, though. Here's the first one.

[Mike Ryan]

We pitted him against Desus.

[Sam Morril]

And here's the second one, made you.

[Mike Ryan]

Suffer in your battle against Desus.

[Chris Cody]

Good Lord, don't repeat the mistakes of Greg, Cody and Lucy. You pay this fine on Venmo.

[Greg Cody]

Just pay it. Just open the app.

[Dan Le Batard]

It'll be interesting to see what they do with Jeremiah Smith if they continue to try to play man or single.

[Chris Cody]

High Texas, like triple bracket coverage.

[Dan Le Batard]

Jeremiah Smith, I think they just regular bracketed him. There was a misleading photo that went viral that was like, oh, my God, there's three defenders on him. But there was another guy out of frame.

[Greg Cody]

So look at all these brackets and they're like, no, that bracket belongs to another guy.

[Chris Cody]

It was actually five people covering It.

[Dan Le Batard]

I wish Benjamin Morrison was back, though. Sucks that he got hurt.

[Chris Cody]

Which one's that one?

[Dan Le Batard]

He's going to be probably a first round pick cornerback.

[Billy Corben]

Really, really good player.

[Chris Cody]

You guys do corners well over there. Marcus Freeman.

[Dan Le Batard]

Credit to Marcus Freeman. Leonard Moore, freshman player of the year, going to be starting in the national championship game.

[Greg Cody]

Now, you guys the other day on the show talked about, hey, playoff teams in the NFL should be able to bring back somebody for the big game, right? Who would you bring back for Notre Dame?

[Dan Le Batard]

Benjamin Morrison. A player that's on the team that hurt his hip in like the middle of the season. But also, you know, I can't think of another cornerback.

[Mike Ryan]

Jerome Bettis.

[Sam Morril]

Julian.

[Dan Le Batard]

I know because, I mean, I guess Jeremiah loved to be fully healthy.

[Sam Morril]

Oh, Rudy.

[Dan Le Batard]

Just for vibes, I don't think they need Bettis.

[Mike Ryan]

The back room beat Ohio State.

[Dan Le Batard]

You gotta say, like, Julian Love, but like he's playing safety now. Safeties are really good.

[Greg Cody]

Rudy.

[Dan Le Batard]

You need a big beefy lineman.

[Billy Corben]

Rudy.

[Jessica]

Billy.

[Stugotz]

Yes.

[Jessica]

You know what we've been talking about all season long?

[Stugotz]

Smirnoff.

[Billy Corben]

Yeah.

[Jessica]

How'd you get.

[Stugotz]

I knew it. I'm a good guesser.

[Jessica]

You are. They are the official sponsor of the Dan Lepentard show with Stugot. So you already know that. It's an official vodka partner of the NFL. And Super Bowl 59. We're going to be there.

[Stugotz]

Oh, yes. I can't believe we're by 59 already. Yeah, time flies.

[Jessica]

It does.

[Billy Corben]

Yes.

[Stugotz]

We're old.

[Billy Corben]

I'm old.

[Stugotz]

Hey, you know what, you guys, I was thinking.

[Jessica]

Yes.

[Stugotz]

Since football season's winding down, super bowl is coming up. Super Bowl 59. We've been celebrating football all year. I have an idea.

[Jessica]

What?

[Stugotz]

Let's do a toast.

[Jessica]

Okay.

[Stugotz]

Oh, wow. To football.

[Jessica]

Really?

[Stugotz]

Yeah. Me and you. Let's toast football.

[Jessica]

So, just a toast. So we're raising our glasses of Smirnoff vodka.

[Stugotz]

Glasses up. Yeah. All right.

[Jessica]

And we are toasting.

[Mike Ryan]

To football.

[Stugotz]

To football.

[Jessica]

To football, everyone. What we love about Smirnoff is that you can get the world's number one vodka without breaking the bank. This feeling is what the good folks over at Smirnoff call.

[Billy Corben]

Billy.

[Jessica]

You want to take a stab at this?

[Stugotz]

Yes. Smirnoff Strawdinary.

[Billy Corben]

Nailed it.

[Stugotz]

I told you I'm a good guesser.

[Jessica]

And right now, Smirnoff has partnered with Complex, letting fans get their hands on some amazing items handpicked by celebrities including NFL legend and super bowl champion Vernon Davis, for the unbelievable price of $12.99. Just like a bottle of Smirnoff. So head on over to smirnoffdrops.com to check out upcoming drops. And check out. Oh, Billy, you want to take a guess again?

[Stugotz]

These Smirnoff strawdinary items. Oh, look at us. What's the website?

[Jessica]

It is smirnoffdrop.com Smirnoff we do game days. Please drink responsibly. Smirnoff Number 21 vodka distilled from grain, 40% alcohol by volume. The Smirnoff Company, New York, NY. Pricing is at the sole discretion of the retailer and may vary by state. Please do not share with anyone under legal drinking age. All set for your flight?

[Mike Ryan]

Yep. I've got everything I need. Eye mask, neck pillow, T Mobile, headphones.

[Billy Corben]

Wait.

[Mike Ryan]

T Mobile? You bet. Free in flight. Wi Fi. 15 off all Hilton brands. I never go anywhere without T Mobile. Same goes for my water bottle, chewing gum, nail clippers.

[Billy Corben]

I'm gonna leave you to it.

[Jessica]

Find out how you can experience travel better@t mobile.com Travel qualifying plan required.

[Billy Corben]

Wi Fi were available on select US airlines.

[Sam Morril]

Deposit and Hilton honors membership required for 15.

[Mike Ryan]

Discount terms and conditions apply.