Hour 2: Stan Van Gundy Is In-Studio

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz – Hour 2: Stan Van Gundy Is In-Studio

Release Date: November 26, 2024

In this engaging episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, hosted by Dan Le Batard and Stugotz from the Elser Hotel in Downtown Miami, the team dives deep into a range of topics encompassing sports analysis, pop culture, and personal anecdotes. The highlight of the episode is the in-studio appearance of former NBA coach Stan Van Gundy, adding a fresh perspective to the discussions. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key segments, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps.

---

1. Opening Banter and Comedic Fiction Ideas

The episode kicks off with a light-hearted discussion on the improbability of crafting comedic fiction centered around high-profile sports feuds.

• Dan Le Batard muses, “...what I would write is *Losing a *Rap Beef” (01:14), suggesting a humorous take on escalating conflicts within the music industry.

The team humorously contemplates legal entanglements as a plot device, highlighting the absurdity of lawsuits in celebrity disputes.

---

2. Against the Spread: Sports Betting Insights

Stugotz introduces the segment “Against the Spread,” where the hosts analyze upcoming sports events and betting spreads.

• Greg Cody discusses the Canucks' seven-game road-winning streak, confidently advising to back the team (04:01).

• Stugotz emphasizes his pick for the Dolphins, projecting their star quarterback's improved health as a game-changer (06:48, 06:52).

• Dan Le Batard interjects with humor, stating, “Stan Van Gundy is going to be here shortly... so stay around” (10:40), signaling the impending arrival of their special guest.

This segment provides listeners with insightful and sometimes cheeky predictions, adding a layer of excitement for sports bettors.

---

3. Bryson DeChambeau’s Backyard Hole-in-One Quest

Stugotz shares an amusing and ongoing saga involving golfer Bryson DeChambeau's attempts to achieve a hole-in-one from his driveway.

• Stugotz explains, “Bryson... is now blocking the hole with other balls” (08:33), highlighting the unforeseen complications of DeChambeau’s ambitious project.

• Chris Cote questions the legitimacy of such feats, asking, “Does that count?” (09:43), leading to a humorous debate about golf rules and execution.

This segment blends sports enthusiasm with light-hearted storytelling, captivating golf fans and casual listeners alike.

---

4. Stan Van Gundy Joins the Conversation

Former NBA coach Stan Van Gundy enters the studio, sparking a dynamic discussion on coaching philosophies and team management.

• Dan Le Batard seeks Van Gundy’s insights on the evolving NBA season, pondering the Cavaliers' potential to challenge the Celtics: “Do you believe... the Cavs can actually knock off the Celtics...” (25:33).

• Billy Corben offers a critical analysis of Joel Embiid’s injury struggles, stating, “...he's never healthy and that franchise has been built around him” (26:44).

• Van Gundy delves into the importance of player health and team dynamics, emphasizing realistic expectations and the challenges of contending in a competitive league.

The interaction provides listeners with expert opinions on current NBA standings, player performance, and strategic coaching decisions.

---

5. Debating Phil Jackson and Coaching Excellence

A heated debate unfolds regarding the legacy of legendary coach Phil Jackson and the elements contributing to championship successes.

• Dan Le Batard challenges the notion that Phil Jackson’s teams won solely due to his coaching, asserting, “The winning was not following him, I can assure you of that” (32:08).

• Billy Corben defends Jackson’s coaching prowess, emphasizing the necessity of great talent paired with effective coaching: “Great players are a necessity for winning championships” (33:08).

• Chris Cote questions the inevitability of Jackson’s success, remarking, “...someone was going to coach Michael Jordan... and it just so happened that it was Phil Jackson” (33:58).

This segment thoughtfully explores the synergy between coaching strategies and player talent in achieving sporting excellence.

---

6. LeBron James: A Benchmark of Longevity and Mastery

The hosts shift focus to LeBron James, marveling at his unprecedented career longevity and impact on the game.

• Dan Le Batard highlights LeBron’s exceptional performance at an advanced age: “We are living in a time of real sports mastery where... some of the best who have ever done it are doing it” (39:44).

• Billy Corben praises LeBron’s off-court consistency and lack of personal scandals, contrasting him with other athletes: “...we have nothing on him” (42:31).

• Mike Ryan concurs, noting, “...it’s crazy” how LeBron maintains his high level of play and public image.

The discussion underscores LeBron’s unique position in sports history, celebrating his achievements and enduring influence.

---

7. Reflections on Coaching Mistakes and Personal Growth

The conversation shifts to personal anecdotes about coaching mistakes and the emotional toll they take on individuals.

• Dan Le Batard recounts his own experience with a regrettable timeout call, questioning its long-term impact: “...the decision that you never make. I was telling them, I believe that the way that person cares about that sport, that decision will haunt him for the rest of his life” (37:08).

• Billy Corben empathizes, sharing how such moments linger in a coach’s memory: “...when you coach as many games as Eric's coached, you're going to have things like that... it's just inevitable” (38:44).

• Greg Cody and Stugotz engage in a lighthearted exchange, balancing the depth of the topic with humor.

This heartfelt segment offers a candid look into the psychological aspects of coaching, emphasizing resilience and learning from past mistakes.

---

8. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

As the episode nears its end, the hosts reflect on the depth of their discussions and the invaluable perspectives shared by Stan Van Gundy.

• Dan Le Batard expresses appreciation for the meaningful conversations, hinting at future discussions that blend sports analysis with personal insights: “We are living in a time of real sports mastery...” (39:44).

• Billy Corben reiterates the importance of experience and expertise in sports, subtly addressing broader societal issues: “...we don't care at all about experience, expertise, facts...” (43:37).

The episode concludes on a reflective note, leaving listeners with plenty to ponder about the intricate relationship between coaching, player performance, and the evolving landscape of sports.

---

Notable Quotes:

• Dan Le Batard (01:14): “...what I would write is Losing a Rap Beef.”

• Greg Cody (04:01): “The Canucks will continue their seven-game road-winning streak. Go with the Canucks.”

• Stugotz (06:48): “I like the Dolphins plus three and a half. Things need to be shown and I think things will be shown.”

• Dan Le Batard (25:33): “Do you believe... the Cavs can actually knock off the Celtics until six or seven games after it's happened.”

• Dan Le Batard (32:08): “The winning was not following [Phil Jackson], I can assure you of that.”

• Billy Corben (33:08): “Great players are a necessity for winning championships. Everyone knows this.”

• Dan Le Batard (39:44): “We are living in a time of real sports mastery where some of the best who have ever done it are doing it.”

---

This episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz masterfully blends humor, expert analysis, and heartfelt discussions, making it a must-listen for sports enthusiasts and casual fans alike. With Stan Van Gundy’s insightful contributions and the hosts’ dynamic interplay, listeners are treated to a comprehensive exploration of contemporary sports narratives.

Transcript

[Dan Le Batard]

You're listening to Giraffe Kings Network.

[Stugatz]

This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical. If you're a smoker or dipper looking to make a change, you really only need one reason to do it. But with Zin nicotine pouches, you can find many. Zinn is America's number one nicotine pouch. It's made with only six simple ingredients. There are lots of options when it comes to nicotine satisfying action, but there's only one Zinn. Learn more about Zen and find your reason to make a change by Registering [e-mail] Want to shop Walmart?

[Greg Cody]

Black Friday deals first. Walmart plus members get early access to our hottest deals.

[Billy Corben]

Join now and get 50% off a.

[Greg Cody]

One year annual membership shop Black Friday deals first with Walmart Plus.

[Stugatz]

See [e-mail] this is the Dan Levator show with the St Guts podcast. This episode of the Dan Lebatard show with Stugatz is presented by Smirnoff. We do game days. Please drink responsibly. The Smirnoff Company, New York, New York.

[Dan Le Batard]

I'm going to say that Per Square Foot, if you are somebody anywhere who consumes pop culture and you want your Kendrick Lamar Drake information, this room right here, Per Square Foot is the last place in on earth that, that you would go to. But if I were an author like Greg Cody and Stu Gotz and I were writing comedic fiction like the Farrelly brothers or the Coen brothers, what I would write is Losing a Raft Rap beef.

[Greg Cody]

Fine pasta.

[Mike Ryan]

That is a fine. I'm going to pay it too.

[Stugatz]

Did someone misspeak?

[Chris Cote]

Yeah, I don't know.

[Mike Ryan]

It's a good question.

[Dan Le Batard]

You still don't know how to turn that off? And he doesn't have cash. He owns $6 now.

[Mike Ryan]

Put it on my tag.

[Dan Le Batard]

Greg. Greg.

[Mike Ryan]

I know, my bad. Yeah, I mean, we just in, in fairness to me, he just turned it on.

[Dan Le Batard]

You don't deserve fairness. Right?

[Mike Ryan]

Just came off a break. I was doing things. Whirling dervish. I'm doing things during the break.

[Dan Le Batard]

It's gonna happen again, Greg. It's, you know it's gonna happen again because you don't know how to turn your phone down or off. It's gonna happen again.

[Mike Ryan]

No, I just turned it off for sure, you know, but. But I happen to be very busy during that break. You know, there's a lot. I'm moving and shaking. You know, there's a lot of loose end. There's just stuff going on.

[Dan Le Batard]

Anyway, what I was Saying is if I was writing fiction on how to lose a rap beef, most obviously overtly, in some realm that's subjective. Once you've called in lawyers to sue your record company because you think that the numbers on the beef that that escalated to not like us, where he accuses you of pedophilia and harboring pedophiles and having them on the payroll and you go to your lawyers because you're saying those sales couldn't have been that good. You can't write something funnier than that for losing a rap beef.

[Chris Cote]

You could sue your publishers. I mean, little double dip, Spotify juices numbers. Huh?

[Dan Le Batard]

What, What a funny thing to have happen though, like how Kendrick Lamar has to find that hysterical, right? Not just parlaying that into the halftime super bowl show or the number one hit, but also to have Drake whimpering, I'm going to talk to my lawyers. You've sold too well. That's unbelievable.

[Chris Cote]

Once a beef. And again, we are not the people to ask, but once it escalates to attorneys, Dan, the beef is over. That's it. There is no more beef.

[Greg Cody]

I mean, I don't know who is advising him, who he considers counsel, but I mean, you cannot lose a beef more historically than he has and he's now inventing ways to lose it more.

[Dan Le Batard]

I couldn't have made that up. Like, honestly, if you're. That's something Adam McKay and Mike Sherwood write. Let's do against the Spread, please.

[Stugatz]

That's right. It's time for against the Spread. The Spread. And it's brought to you by our friends at DraftKings. Stay tuned because you're here. All about DraftKings and all it has to offer throughout the show. The crown is yours. Yes.

[Chris Cote]

Day two, now. I'll do it.

[Stugatz]

I think it's good.

[Mike Ryan]

They're good.

[Stugatz]

They're happy with it. Roy, what do you got?

[Greg Cody]

All right, we got Canucks, Bruins tonight. Despite winning back to back games under new coach Joe Sacco, the Bruins have failed to cover the puck line in nine straight games. And the Canucks on a seven game road winning streak. That streak will continue. Go with the Canucks, who are one and a half gold dogs today on the road against the. Jim Montgomery wasn't out of work long. He got hired right away by the St. Louis Blues. Real quick, how about that? I'm gonna go with. I've got a big ACC isn't that bad, SEC isn't that good agenda. We've got four interconference matchups between the ACC and SEC this weekend. The ACC Actually has a chance to be better than 500 against the SEC if things break their way. So I'm naturally going to the biggest spread of the weekend of these matchups. Look last year Georgia Tech. Georgia. That was a one score game. Not many people remember that. I think Georgia Tech's better than people think. I think Georgia's worse than people think. And that's a lot of points. 20 points for a team that's gonna try to keep possession and win within the margins. I'm gonna back the rambling wreck here. Plus 20 again the spread.

[Stugatz]

Billy. Bring us home. Some people are saying that this is a show me game. Some people are saying this is the biggest game of his career. Some people are saying things may happen. Not I though I'm gonna take things may happen.

[Dan Le Batard]

Billy is how you concluded that big dismount. Things may. Some people. Let me think about.

[Greg Cody]

You said that he's due for a concussion.

[Dan Le Batard]

It is a contract.

[Stugatz]

Never said that.

[Dan Le Batard]

Contract here with drive kings.

[Stugatz]

Yeah.

[Dan Le Batard]

Some people are saying things may happen. Is what you decided to sell this with.

[Stugatz]

We learned a lesson yesterday that you need to be careful with what you say and what other people are saying. So I was trying to be careful with this one.

[Chris Cote]

Let it be stated no one is on a better gambling band than Billy right now. He is as hot as hot could be. I think you were three and oh last night.

[Stugatz]

Last night. Bidley's big board bets brought to you by 33 and 16 on the season.

[Chris Cote]

Wow.

[Stugatz]

I mean but this doesn't count towards that.

[Chris Cote]

No.

[Stugatz]

This is an emotional bet, friends.

[Chris Cote]

I'll.

[Stugatz]

I'll admit that on the front end. I'm going to take the Dolphins plus three and a half.

[Chris Cote]

Wow.

[Stugatz]

Thursday against the Packers. I like it. Things need to be shown and I think things will be shown. Indeed.

[Dan Le Batard]

Tyreek Hill has gone to the Internet and asked where are all the Internet cops now? Where are you now? As all the charges get dropped and everybody and the police officers. I'm sorry, not the charges. The police officer didn't show up to court in order to do whatever it is needs to be done in order to follow anything.

[Greg Cody]

Internet cops were the actual cops.

[Dan Le Batard]

Tyreek Hill. We didn't make a big deal about all of that when they were losing. And now they've won three games in a row. And Tyreek Hill has his quarterback back. Back. And now he is on the Internet saying taunting the Internet. Where are all the Internet cops? Tyreek Hill was enjoying all of that stardom he was getting. It doesn't often go to the People who aren't the quarterbacks, man, these Kelseys are unusual. So Tyreek Hill left Kansas City and got all the fame away from Mahomes. And Kelsey got to enjoy it, but also got to enjoy being at the top of the sport where it felt like everybody was talking about that team all the time. You go on a month long losing streak in that sport, people forget about you. Man.

[Chris Cote]

It happens fast, especially when your starting quarterback is injured and you're not doing anything.

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah, no, he's right. He might not even get a thousand yards receiving, which in the 1817 game. NFL is tough.

[Greg Cody]

You don't have to be on bad form or anything. All you need is a bye week and Stugotts forgets that you're MVP like you did with Josh Allen.

[Dan Le Batard]

We're going to go to the bucket of death here in a second. But Billy, why don't you give us an update on your Bryson watch. You ended the show yesterday a bit obsessed by everything that you were watching. Bryson DeChambeau hit the ball over his house trying to get a hole in one behind his house. What's the latest update?

[Stugatz]

So Yesterday was day 14 on Bryson Watch. Today is day 15. I mean I. Spoiler alert if you don't want to hear what? Well, I guess I told you it's day 15. So you know he didn't do it yesterday. But we've run into an interesting conundrum with Bryson here. He has people who are copycatting him and those people are hitting the ball over their house and making it in the hole in their backyard. So they are now have been rid of this purgatory that Bryson has put himself in. Also I found out there's a certain golf simulator that if you own you now have the ability to hit the ball over Bryson's house in said golf simulator. Like it's become a hole. This is really catching on. Now here's the conundrum that Bryson is in Bryson, because he's hitting so many balls, he's now blocking the hole with other balls. So when he's hitting the ball over his house, he's having them bump into other balls which are preventing the ball from going into the hole. So it's going to be interesting to see how this plays out because he's going to have to get it done. My prediction is if he gets it done, he's going to have to get it done early in a day because he, he's putting them so close to the cup that he's bounced them off of other balls which May have been preventing it from actually ever ending for him.

[Chris Cote]

Now, if he hits a ball and that ball is close to the cup and that ball goes into the cup, but he's already hit that ball, so he's got one close a scattered green.

[Stugatz]

Good question.

[Chris Cote]

Does that count?

[Greg Cody]

Couldn't you clear the course?

[Dan Le Batard]

Is someone going to.

[Chris Cote]

Well, he should clear the, he should clear the green, but apparently he's not doing that.

[Stugatz]

It's going to be interesting today to see how we adjust to yesterday's developments of bouncing balls off of each other because you should be able to clear the green, I would think, for the pass. But also, like, and I'm not no golf aficionado. I mean, I do watch Bryson Hippolytes over his house on TikTok. So I know a lot about golf. This is what I think occurs. I think if you hit a golf ball, like if I'm golfing with Stu Got Stugotts puts the ball within two feet of the cup. I then hit and it goes in. It's a hole in one for Stu Gods. Because he didn't take a second stroke. Not sure how that would actually work.

[Greg Cody]

Personal record book.

[Chris Cote]

I mean, I'm taking the, I'm taking that putt anyway. It's, it doesn't matter, right? I'm just picking up the ball. I'm not putting that out. It's two feet away. You're my friend. You give it to me.

[Greg Cody]

It's a big hole in your logic.

[Stugatz]

No, but I'm saying he wins already.

[Greg Cody]

Claiming it was a hole in one.

[Stugatz]

I'm pretty sure if your ball gets hit and then goes in, you don't have a stroke. So it still counts as a hole in one.

[Dan Le Batard]

Stan Van Gundy is going to be here shortly, joining us in studio. Going to leave the Grim Reaper. I want you to stay around so that Stan Van Gundy also has to participate in a delayed bucket of death as we go around the room here. You all right, Greg? Take it easy here. Let's take it easy.

[Chris Cote]

It's the reaper.

[Greg Cody]

I mean, you were trying, like, how is this thing always here when I'm here? Also, I was indignant. I fully guaranteed the Texans winning that game.

[Chris Cote]

Did you?

[Greg Cody]

Fully guaranteed.

[Chris Cote]

I'm concerned about Greg right now. So let's, let's take a second here. You predicted the Texans would win that game.

[Greg Cody]

Well, I was very cocky when I pulled the Texans helmet out. I was like, well, at least I don't have to worry about it this week. And I even laughed at Roy.

[Dan Le Batard]

I tried to warn you, I did sport nothing good in that gimmick I.

[Chris Cote]

Have pulled from that bucket twice this season. Why are we doing it today?

[Dan Le Batard]

Because you're here.

[Billy Corben]

Let's go around the room.

[Greg Cody]

Twice that many?

[Dan Le Batard]

Yes. He's avoided it all season because we've done it later in the week. Let's go ahead and have the reaper wander around here and we'll also do it with Stan. Let's get this reaper out of the way. All of us hate this. Let's do this as quickly as possible, please.

[Greg Cody]

I think the reaper was told to leave. And now. Okay, so here we go, Reaper.

[Chris Cote]

We're.

[Greg Cody]

We're back on.

[Dan Le Batard]

I'm sorry, Reaper, I don't mean to boss you around. Stan Van Gundy is here. He'll be in with us shortly.

[Stugatz]

Reminder. This is one of two weeks where there are no buys because of Thanksgiving. No bye weeks.

[Chris Cote]

That's right.

[Dan Le Batard]

We gorge on football in a couple of days. This is the biggest mail it in week that there is in the entire year for work people. Right? This is the entire.

[Greg Cody]

Every day.

[Chris Cote]

Yeah.

[Greg Cody]

All right. I got the Seahawks against the Jets. The jets are two and a half point dog at home. Jets off a bye. Whole world falling apart for the Jets.

[Chris Cote]

Yep.

[Dan Le Batard]

Seahawks a 2 1/2 point favorite at the Jets.

[Greg Cody]

I'm gonna throw this one back. I don't want any part of that game.

[Chris Cote]

Wow, Mike.

[Greg Cody]

The bye week scaring me. And that bye week went so for the Jets. All right. The Buccaneers.

[Chris Cote]

Oh, wow. I like it.

[Stugatz]

Baker at Panthers.

[Greg Cody]

We'll take it.

[Stugatz]

Six point favorites.

[Chris Cote]

Upgrade.

[Dan Le Batard]

Okay, so that's the analysis right there.

[Stugatz]

Yes.

[Chris Cote]

Baker, upgrade.

[Dan Le Batard]

He's got the goods. One of the great arguments that Mike Ryan ever had with Stan Van Gundy.

[Chris Cote]

He was right.

[Dan Le Batard]

Billy, what do you got?

[Stugatz]

I have a conundrum. I have the Packers.

[Chris Cote]

Oh, wow.

[Stugatz]

Wow.

[Chris Cote]

It's a win. Win though, Billy.

[Greg Cody]

The script writers.

[Dan Le Batard]

The packers are a 3 1/2 point.

[Stugatz]

Favor and I just picked the Dolphins.

[Chris Cote]

Dolphins hate you.

[Dan Le Batard]

Dolphin fans are mad at you this week because that thing that voice said.

[Greg Cody]

Nice, nice hedge.

[Stugatz]

I'm putting it in. I can't.

[Chris Cote]

Wow, they're getting mad.

[Stugatz]

The Dolphins are going to win and Tua's going to come out of that game more healthy than he's ever been. It's crazy.

[Dan Le Batard]

So he's putting it.

[Stugatz]

I talked the Raiders. This was a bad move.

[Chris Cote]

Wow.

[Stugatz]

13 point underdog.

[Chris Cote]

Oh my God. Ouch.

[Stugatz]

Anyone else love the Raiders there? Plus 15.

[Dan Le Batard]

The Raiders beat them last.

[Stugatz]

I just have to. I just have to get within the spread, right?

[Chris Cote]

No.

[Stugatz]

Oh, did we change the rules this year?

[Dan Le Batard]

No. What'd you get, Roy?

[Greg Cody]

I got the New York Giants.

[Chris Cote]

Throw it back.

[Stugatz]

Plus four. Benito looked good. Thanksgiving Day at Cowboys. Plus four.

[Chris Cote]

Physically.

[Greg Cody]

Physically. He's a very handsome man. I got the Cincinnati Bengals, now three.

[Stugatz]

Point favorite at home against the Steelers.

[Greg Cody]

All right, thank you.

[Chris Cote]

Three point favorite, favorite. Wow.

[Greg Cody]

Oh, really?

[Chris Cote]

Yeah.

[Greg Cody]

Oh, no. Still is my win, this one.

[Dan Le Batard]

Stan Van Gundy waiting with this nonsense. This thing needs to move fast.

[Stugatz]

I got the Bears, right? The Bears are a big underdog against the Lions. I'm gonna put that back. And I am keep the Giants.

[Dan Le Batard]

Look at Stan Van. He's an adult. He's an adult human being. He's looking at this. This. He's got important places to be. He's got things to do.

[Stugatz]

If you remember, Stagat said the Lions have to lose soon, so.

[Chris Cote]

Yeah, they need a loss. The Bengals. That's a weird spread minus against the Steelers, huh?

[Greg Cody]

They need it. I mean, the Steelers.

[Chris Cote]

I guess Steelers need it too.

[Dan Le Batard]

Why is that weird? What's weird about that?

[Chris Cote]

I mean, The Bengals are below.500.

[Dan Le Batard]

Steelers one of the best team in the league. Everyone believes the Bengals are actually as good as the Steelers. Everyone thinks that? No, not everyone.

[Greg Cody]

It's a good line.

[Chris Cote]

Yeah, you say so.

[Dan Le Batard]

Division game.

[Greg Cody]

It's a division road game.

[Chris Cote]

Rummaging. Just pick the name. I love a good rummage.

[Dan Le Batard]

Stan. That's what he's doing. He's keeping you waiting. Every second he rummages keeps Stan out there not talking to us.

[Chris Cote]

Bryce Young. I'm dumped in Carolina.

[Dan Le Batard]

We're gonna do this for 24 minutes while Stan watches this. Just waiting. That's how we're gonna do this.

[Chris Cote]

Throwback. I don't want KY rubbish for a minute.

[Mike Ryan]

Why you stand on the.

[Dan Le Batard]

Well, he's supposed he should be in here, but there's no seat for him in here.

[Mike Ryan]

Tell, come take my seat.

[Dan Le Batard]

You stay here.

[Greg Cody]

I know what you're trying to do. You're not fooling anybody.

[Dan Le Batard]

Yeah, you're not tricking anybody.

[Chris Cote]

I got the Carolina Panthers again.

[Billy Corben]

Oh, no, that's impossible.

[Chris Cote]

There's nothing but Carolina Panther helmets in there.

[Dan Le Batard]

I got the Lion.

[Stugatz]

All right.

[Mike Ryan]

Over to my dad.

[Stugatz]

He's keeping it re.

[Dan Le Batard]

Go ahead, Cody.

[Mike Ryan]

Look at this guy. What a pick. The head of the show gets the line.

[Dan Le Batard]

10 point favorite. I haven't lost this year. I've done it every week and haven't lost.

[Mike Ryan]

Dressed up for fun.

[Chris Cote]

Yeah.

[Mike Ryan]

Eagles.

[Dan Le Batard]

Yeah, Eagles are at the Ravens.

[Greg Cody]

Plus 3.0.

[Chris Cote]

I'll give you Carolina.

[Mike Ryan]

I want a new one. Really?

[Stugatz]

Wow.

[Dan Le Batard]

All right.

[Stugatz]

Okay. He's a Lobo. That's why the Lobo mvs.

[Chris Cote]

Yeah. You'll take it. You're keeping it. That's fine.

[Dan Le Batard]

Seahawks.

[Stugatz]

They're at the jets. Two and a half points. Oh, yeah.

[Chris Cote]

Geno Smith revenge game. Yeah.

[Dan Le Batard]

Mike threw that back. Stan Van Gundy next.

[Greg Cody]

Howdy, folks. It's Mike making this podcast. Time. Miller Time. That's right. Miller Life makes all the great times even better. Why? Dependability for one great taste. Less filling. You know exactly what you get. Everybody's gonna be happy because they're gonna be drinking on a beer that tastes like beer. Can you imagine it? A taste that you know that you can depend on. No games, no gimmicks. Just great beer for people who like beer. And that is immense. Come this holiday season, say you're hosting or you're going over to a holiday party. What do you bring with you? A 12 pack of the Miller Lights. Beautiful color, wonderful white cans, this incredible flavor that you know only Miller Light can deliver you. And at just 96 calories and 3.2 grams of carbs per 12 ounces. Miller time is always a good time. Making memories at your year end gatherings taste like Miller time. 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 tastes like Miller Time. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Co. Milwaukee, Wisconsin 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces. Fewer calories and carbs than premium regular beer.

[Stugatz]

It's the most wonderful time of the year. Holidays on the house at DraftKings Casino with this season's offering, you'll unwrap everything on your list. Exclusive games, huge jackpots and exciting rewards. We're offering a warm welcome to new players with $100 instantly in casino credits with just a $10 wager. Plus, everyone can get in on the action with a holiday reward every week. So sign up with code DLS because the holiday cheer is here only on DraftKings. Casino gambling problem call 1-800- gambler in Connecticut. Help is available for problems gambling. Call 888-78-97777 or visit ccpg.org Please play responsibly. 21 plus physically present in Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, Pen, West Virginia only. Void in Ontario eligibility restrictions apply. New customers only opt in Required casino credits are non withdrawable and expire in 168hours. [e-mail] promos.

[Greg Cody]

All a season is here, guys. Are you going to get a lot of shopping done this week? And Black Friday is coming up that.

[Stugatz]

You need to score some deals. How about you pick up some touchdowns? They're on sale all week at DraftKings Sportsbook. DraftKings has door buster profit boosts and bet one get one promotions on all.

[Greg Cody]

Types of touchdown bets.

[Stugatz]

Grab some TDs with DraftKings Sportsbook. They're on sale from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday. Download the DraftKings sportsbook app and use code Dan to opt in.

[Greg Cody]

That's Code Dan.

[Stugatz]

Dan only at DraftKings sportsbook. The crown is yours. Gambling problem. Call 1-800- gambler in New York. Call 877-8-Hopeny or text hopeny 467-369 in Connecticut. Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org Police play responsibly on behalf of Hill Casino in resort in Kansas. 21 and over. Age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Boyd in Ontario. One bonus bet per customer base on amount of initial touchdown bet and expires 168 hours after issuance. One single use boost per customer. That only applies to winnings. See sportsbook.draftkings.com promos for additional terms and responsible gaming resources.

[Dan Le Batard]

Don Le. You don't remember the idea for.

[Stugatz]

I was probably like, that kind of thing.

[Dan Le Batard]

Something. Okay.

[Mike Ryan]

No, the home run call was that kind of swing. That kind of thing.

[Dan Le Batard]

Stugats.

[Stugatz]

It's a good call.

[Mike Ryan]

Thank you. And plus, it doesn't matter who's hitting it. Like, you're not tailoring it to a particular name. You know, all that jazz. You know, you don't gotta do that.

[Stugatz]

You just.

[Mike Ryan]

Oh, that would be a great call up and swing. That kind of thing.

[Stugatz]

This is the Dan Levatar show with the Stugats.

[Dan Le Batard]

Stugatz doesn't often give up his chair. What's Stugotts doing back there hiding there? Only royalty gets to sit in the Stugots chair on his big day selling his book.

[Chris Cote]

Well, Royalty is here. Dan. It's Dan Van Gundy. I mean, come on.

[Dan Le Batard]

All right, so Stan is here. Did you. What did you contribute to the book? Would you read us a live audio passage on whatever it is you. What was your experience with the Stugott's personal record?

[Billy Corben]

I just remember being interviewed for it, but I don't know where it is in the book, so I can't. I just saw the book, so I haven't had time. But I will say this, Daniel, like, I followed Pat Riley as the coach of the Heat, and that wasn't nearly as much pressure as sitting in Stugots seat right now.

[Dan Le Batard]

Yes. I mean, big shoes to fill right there. Can we find for Stan, wherever it is, his passages to see if we could get a live audio rendition here of Stan Van Gundy. Do you remember what you allegedly wrote? Because it doesn't sound like you wrote for it either. It sounds like you were interviewed for something that was written for this book, which doesn't qualify as authorship. Exactly.

[Billy Corben]

No, exactly. And Stu Gotz was, you know, clearly wrote every word in the book. But he did have people conducting interviews for him then he incorporated everything. So I'm sure he knows exactly where it is.

[Chris Cote]

No, I don't. Stanzik would know, though. I mean, so we can call him and find out.

[Dan Le Batard]

This really is the unbelievable. Greg, are you not offended as an author that he's getting away with a book that he hasn't actually written, that he's just given others to write?

[Billy Corben]

Well, wait a minute. I think. Let's go one step further. I'm not even sure he's ready.

[Dan Le Batard]

He hasn't.

[Chris Cote]

I was forced to read it. Stan. Audiobook.

[Dan Le Batard]

Yeah, right. But we don't have proof that he's completed that assignment. He says he completed the audiobook assignment, but none of us know he said.

[Mike Ryan]

It, but hasn't read it.

[Dan Le Batard]

I was talking with Stan before he came on the air, and I don't want to betray any confidences here. I am just interested in everything that's happened with Inside the NBA, the greatest studio show any of us have ever seen in sports. Enduring. Because I don't know if I have the business of this right, but it seems to me and all of the machinations around that show that that would have been the hottest free agent property possible if they had gone out on the market, as I would have imagined that Charles Barkley would have liked to have done. Because I don't think Charles Barkley wanted to have anything to do with ESPN from talking to him personally. So the idea that they now get to produce a thing that ESPN has to air but don't govern it, that was going to be you once upon a time on one of these halftime studio shows, but it got nuked by David Stern did.

[Billy Corben]

Yeah, David and I were close friends, and, yeah, he didn't think I belonged on there. But, you know, with the. With the inside thing, I mean, number one, Charles was under contract, so they decided to hang on to him, which was A great decision. It is the best show going. And I'm really happy for the people at TNT because obviously that's a great show and they retain, you know, the right to do the show their way. But on top of that, a lot of people at TNT keep their jobs. So it was great news for the people at our network.

[Dan Le Batard]

I'm pretty sure that Ernie Johnson, if you heard him on South Peace Sessions and the brotherhood that those people have, like, I'm just guessing that Charles is staying there and keeping things as is just because he's so close to Ernie and doesn't want to do it with anybody else. And Ernie, weirdly, I would say. Well, maybe not weirdly. I don't know what the family situation there is in terms of how many years he's been working with all of these people he really cares about. But it feels to me like they stayed exactly put and the whole thing stayed together, and it stayed together around Ernie more than Charles.

[Billy Corben]

Yeah, that I don't know. But certainly that group is very, very close. Love working together, care a lot about each other. And the show has just been immensely successful. And as you know, I think everybody was very concerned about what would happen to that show in this new broadcast deal with the NBA.

[Mike Ryan]

This is a different subject, Sam, but I have three words for you, and I want your reaction. Dwyane Wade's statue. Go.

[Billy Corben]

You know, like, to me, I sort of. I listened to what Dwayne said, and I like the fact that he really focused on the honor of having a statue there and not on, you know, is it the greatest likeness or anything else. I think he really took it as an honor and didn't want anything to take away from that honor. And so I have refrained from laughing about it, commenting on it, because there it is. Yeah.

[Dan Le Batard]

You can't look at it and knock on it. No, but I'm sorry, you can't even look it in the face.

[Billy Corben]

No, I'm not. I cannot. But. But I'm not going to laugh because Dwayne Wade made my entire career.

[Dan Le Batard]

So I heard it in your answer. I heard it was such a gentle answer. Everybody on the Internet was laughing at that statue. And here you are still carrying water for Dwayne Wade.

[Billy Corben]

And now listen. I mean, the guy made my entire career. I mean, I go home to my house every night and open the door. Nice house, say, thank you, Dwayne Wade.

[Stugatz]

It's a big door.

[Dan Le Batard]

It's a big door of a big house. Because Dwayne Wade paid for a lot.

[Mike Ryan]

Of economies Stan, you should commission a better looking statue because he made your career.

[Billy Corben]

Yeah, I, first of all, it would be a lot worse if I tried that.

[Dan Le Batard]

Greg Cody bringing his A game for the last 90 minutes after Chris and I gave him the motivational speech.

[Chris Cote]

Keep it moving.

[Dan Le Batard]

Dan, what is, what have you found surprising about the early part of the NBA season? Do you believe. I don't believe anybody will believe that the Cavs can actually knock off the Celtics until six or seven games after it's happened.

[Billy Corben]

Yeah, no, I agree with that. I think the Celtics are still the team to beat, not only in the east but in the league. I just don't think anybody's as good as they are. I mean, you got to remember, I mean they were 143 before Porzingis came back last night. Height, you know, and he's a huge piece for them, so fully healthy. I don't think there's any doubt they're the best. A lot has surprised me though. I've been really surprised by Golden State. Golden State and Cleveland. Probably the two most pleasant surprises I thought Golden State ceiling would be to get the 9th or 10th spot and be in the play in. And they have looked outstanding on both ends of the court. I mean they're, they're a top 10 offensive and defensive team after losing Klay Thompson and you know, they've just played great basketball.

[Chris Cote]

Stan, what do you make of what's going on in Philadelphia with Joel Embiid? What do you make of that entire situation?

[Billy Corben]

Well, I mean, I just think the guy's hurt. Look, I mean his, his body clearly struggles to keep up with the demands of playing 82 game NBA seasons. And I think it's unfortunate because at his best he's the most physically imposing player in the NBA and the guy that you really can't do anything with one on one. But he's just never healthy and that franchise has been built around him and they haven't been able to get past the second round of the playoffs. And now they go out and bring in Paul George and there's all this optimism. But Paul George is another guy who's hurt all the time. And so, so, you know, one of the things I've said many times is, you know, when guys, when you go out and sign guys who are, or extend guys who are always hurt and then they get hurt, that's not bad luck. That's not, you can't look, ah, we're having such bad luck. No, no, you're getting exactly what you should have expected when you put that Roster together. What you're hoping for is that you get something out of the ordinary and those guys stay healthy. And if they were all healthy, those two guys and Maxi, then they'd have a chance to contend in the East. And it's still early. Maybe they'll get to that point. We'll see.

[Dan Le Batard]

You have them overcoming what it is that they presently have to overcome. 10 games under.500 or whatever it was the last time I looked with no end in sight to how much time these guys are going to have to miss.

[Billy Corben]

Well, that's the problem. How much time are they going to miss? The good thing in the east is Milwaukee is sitting a game below.500 at 8 and 9, and they're in the sixth spot in the east, which is a guaranteed playoff spot. So, you know, you don't have a ton of ground to make up to get back. It's just a matter of how much time they're going to have together. Look, talent wise, they're good. I mean, I really thought they and New York were the two teams that had rosters that could best challenge Boston. I didn't see this coming out of Cleveland. I thought they'd be good. Orlando's good. Miami and Milwaukee will be teams that nobody wants to play in the first round of the playoffs. But I thought the only teams that could contend with Boston were New York and Philly. And all of a sudden New York doesn't guard anybody and Philly doesn't have anybody healthy.

[Dan Le Batard]

Do you understand why Milwaukee stinks?

[Billy Corben]

Well, they looked early in the year, I thought they looked really old and slow, older than they actually are and slow. But they don't have Middleton and that's a key piece. He was fantastic in the playoffs last year in that series against Indiana. They get him at full strength, but again, he's played 88 games in the last two years, so him being hurt is not a big rarity. But if they get him back with Lillard and Giannis, then they've got a. They've got a chance to be really, really good. They put shooting around those guys and you would think Lillard's going to play better than he is right now. I mean, he's at A career low 32% from 3.

[Dan Le Batard]

Why would you think he's played. He's going to play better? Well, it's been a. It's a pretty good sample and he wasn't in shape last season and he was allegedly in shape this season. It has fit the way. I don't know, like, I thought those were Two perfect pieces to have near each other. But his efficiencies haven't been efficient.

[Billy Corben]

No. Yeah, but last year he wasn't efficient either. But he was at 35% from 3 on high volume. I don't think he's going to stay at 32. I don't know if he'll be up around 40%, but he's going to be better. They're starting to get into more two man game stuff with he and Giannis. Why they haven't done more of that early in the year. I'm not really sure I'll be interested to see tonight if they get to more of it because it seems to me over the last three or four games when I've seen it, when they get to that action, it's pretty darn hard to guard.

[Dan Le Batard]

Guys, we need to make him laugh. This has been too serious so far. I'm sorry that I was distracted. I was looking at chapter 32, Zen and the Art of Superstar Reliance here I was finally told, not by Stugatz, he didn't know what chapter it was.

[Chris Cote]

That's my favorite one.

[Dan Le Batard]

What do you mean they had to look it up for me. I'm asking in the back room, what is the chapter stands in? Stu Gods has no idea what you've written about.

[Stugatz]

We had to text Stanzik.

[Chris Cote]

I haven't gotten that far in the audiobook.

[Dan Le Batard]

It's chapter 32. Who wrote this?

[Greg Cody]

Dude, he said, without irony. How does Stan not know what he wrote for my book?

[Chris Cote]

I mean, I'm a bit insulted you.

[Billy Corben]

Don'T know what you wrote in your book. Why would you be offended that I don't?

[Chris Cote]

I'm allowed to. You're Stan, I'm Stugatz.

[Dan Le Batard]

I mean, I. I just don't understand what I'm reading here. When I read chapter 32 and I'm told this is the Stan chapter. Is this first paragraph Stan or Stu got like, what? What is this you using supporting?

[Chris Cote]

Dan is writing a rebuttal to my opinion that, you know, Phil, Steve Kerr and Phil Jackson are overrated coaches. That's all.

[Dan Le Batard]

So his first paragraph is the fact that anyone considered Phil Jackson the greatest NBA coach of all time is laughable. It is laughable, I tell you. Phil Jackson, coach Michael Jordan, Scottie Pitt and Horace Grant and then Dennis Rodman. Eight titles later he goes to LA and coaches Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal and racks up five more. The winning was not following him, I can assure you of that. He was following the winning.

[Stugatz]

I don't Think that was Stan?

[Billy Corben]

That was not me. No, that was his rebuttal to that. Yes. That was not me for sure.

[Chris Cote]

I was shocked when I read it.

[Dan Le Batard]

I mean, what is. Where is 197?

[Stugatz]

197, okay.

[Dan Le Batard]

That would be a good thing to know. 197 is the rebuttal from Stan. Would you care to read any of this, Stan? Oh, here it is. Stan van Gundy, a 13 year NBA head coach who led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals in 2009. He is 30th all time and wins by an NBA head coach. His career winning percentage is 15th, which puts him ahead of Brad Stevens, Don Nelson, Larry Brown, Mike D'Antoni and Red Holtzman. Congratulations. How about that? Some credentials there. You want to read here?

[Chris Cote]

You're welcome.

[Dan Le Batard]

Your rebuttal there, Stan. A little piece of it for the audio version of the book that we are selling today. Trying to make a New York Times bestseller.

[Billy Corben]

Okay. I have heard this argument for years that ex coach only wins because he or she has great talent. My first thought is well, duh, no coach wins without great talent. I understand that. Phil Jackson had Jordan and Pippen and O'Neal and Bryant. Name me the championship team that didn't have great talent. Popovich had Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. The Heat won back to back titles with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. The 80s Lakers won with Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Magic Johnson and James Worthy. The 80s Celtics won with Larry Bird, Kevin McAle and Robert Parrish. Red Arbeck was probably the first NBA coach to gain acclaim. And besides Bill Russell and Bob Cousy, he had several other hall of Famers. Great players are a necessity for winning championships. Everyone knows this. Even Stu Gotts.

[Dan Le Batard]

That's not a rebuttal, that's an agreement with Stu Gotz. I thought this was supposed to be.

[Billy Corben]

No, no, no. Stu Gotz said that these guys weren't great coaches.

[Greg Cody]

Yes.

[Billy Corben]

I mean listen, you don't win without great talent. But that doesn't negate the fact that these guys have been successful coaches. Because some people don't win with great talent.

[Chris Cote]

I'm just saying with Phil, Stan, eventually someone was going to coach Michael Jordan, the greatest player that's ever lived to six consecutive NBA titles. And it just so happened that it was Phil Jackson.

[Billy Corben]

Yeah, I thought Phil was a hell of a coach. I don't know from, from years being on the other bench and stuff. Yes, he had great talent and certainly I think this is true. Probably in every sport, the players scare you more than the opposing coaches. I mean, it was Jordan that you were worried about. But I thought Phil was a great coach. His teams were prepared. Game plans were great. They were sounding.

[Dan Le Batard]

You only get that here. Phil Jackson was a great coach. You only get that here on Tuesday.

[Billy Corben]

Well, you only. You need my expertise for that controversial opinion. Well, I can't. Well, it is with Stu Gotz.

[Mike Ryan]

That's fair. But, Stan, when you say some guys have great talent but don't win, do you have any coach in mind in particular?

[Dan Le Batard]

Please name them. Stan would never do that. He represents the code of coach.

[Billy Corben]

No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

[Dan Le Batard]

I would say because it's happening with Doc Rivers right now and you didn't do it when I asked you.

[Billy Corben]

I thought that, Quite honestly, in 2005, I thought we should have won it here in Miami himself.

[Chris Cote]

Nice.

[Greg Cody]

Yeah, but Dwayne got hurt.

[Billy Corben]

I. I'm just saying I thought we had the. I thought we had the best team in the league and should have won it in 2005. And I. I don't know that we should have won it in Orlando in 2009, but we were certainly good enough to win it in 2009.

[Greg Cody]

Can you reveal exactly how hurt Dwayne was there? He was taking shots before, like he had a. An injury that would make it very difficult for him to play the type of game that he was playing at that time.

[Billy Corben]

Listen, I don't. All I ever did as coaches, if they set a guy could play, that was it. He was playing. And, you know, I. I'd take Dwyane Wade at 50% over most guys at. You're going to keep putting that statue.

[Dan Le Batard]

Well, that's the. That's the face that he made when he hurt himself. Look, he's screaming. He's clearly screaming there because he's hurt his leg.

[Greg Cody]

It's been 20 years. You can use injury as an excuse.

[Dan Le Batard]

I hated playing for Stan Van Gundy so much. He was always screaming at me. It was a pain and a suffering. I just made him and his brother.

[Billy Corben]

Oh, boy.

[Dan Le Batard]

I know you had nothing to do with your brother. I don't know why I gave him that.

[Greg Cody]

How long has to pass before you're allowed to use injury as an excuse?

[Dan Le Batard]

I.

[Billy Corben]

You know what? I. We still should have won that. We should have won game seven Here I thought we were the best team in the league. That's.

[Stugatz]

You know, you had enough classic Heat culture.

[Mike Ryan]

When I asked you that question, I wasn't setting you up.

[Chris Cote]

I Didn't.

[Billy Corben]

But that's the. You know, that's the one, actually, I have in mind.

[Dan Le Batard]

I was going to text you recently, and I didn't know what the response would be to it because I was arguing with Dugouts and a bunch of others here. Billy included that. The way that that game ended against Eric Spoelstra, against the Pistons, where he made the timeout call, the mistake that you never make. I was telling them, I believe that the way that person cares about that sport, that that decision will haunt him for the rest of his life. Where it's going to be something that he remembers when he is 90 years old because of how that person cares. Billy did not agree with me. He's like, it's game 11 of the regular season. What's the context? Context? What are my falsehood? No, what are my faults?

[Stugatz]

We said he'll remember it. It will not haunt him. He's won multiple NBA titles. It might bother him. He won't forget it, but he should get over it. It's a regular season game in what will be a long season. I feel like the debate was, will he tell his grandkids about it when he's rocking with. No. If Dan is interviewing him on his.

[Dan Le Batard]

Deathbed, I'm going from my deathbed to his deathbed. I'm like, Eric, you still remember that one, right? And he's like, oh, yeah, Dan, that one really hurt.

[Billy Corben]

Hey, listen, I know Eric well enough, and I think most coaches are the same. You. You remember the failures far more than you remember the successes. And so I would say that one will haunt him. Yeah, he's still got the championships and four other trips to the finals and all of that. And I. Hopefully he knows how much he's accomplished in the league and has some pride in it, but, yeah, that one's not going away. You know, that's just who he is and who most coaches are. He will remember. I will say, yes, the word haunt is probably accurate.

[Dan Le Batard]

Do you reach out to him in that situation or, you know, better?

[Billy Corben]

I know I did reach out to him. I could see the. I could see the pain. I could see the pain in him at his press conference, you know, and I felt for. I actually did the same thing in a college game. But I was. You know, that's why these guys who get their first head coaching jobs in the NBA amaze me, because I was able to make those mistakes. I made that mistake at Castleton State College in Vermont.

[Dan Le Batard]

Still haunts you.

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah, I remember.

[Billy Corben]

That still haunts me. No one Remembers it, but it still haunts me. And so. But I've been there. And when he did it, and I watched that press conference, man, I could tell he was in. In pain.

[Dan Le Batard]

What, do you text?

[Billy Corben]

No, I just text. I saw your press conference. I feel for you. That's all I. That's all I.

[Stugatz]

What, is he hard it?

[Billy Corben]

No, he responded to it.

[Dan Le Batard]

But a. That suggests that you and he are real and genuine friends. Because he doesn't want to hear from anybody after that. Like, he wants to sink into a hole.

[Billy Corben]

Yeah, listen. I mean, we all would at that point, but it's just. Listen, when you coach as many games as Eric's coached, you're going to have things like that. Maybe not exactly that, but you're going to have things like that that you would love to have back that are embarrassing, humbling, whatever you want to call it. It's just inevitable. When you've coached as many games as.

[Dan Le Batard]

He, you have a good sense of history and perspective. Can you please. I know it's been 20 years, and perhaps people are numb to the greatness, but we are living in a time of real sports mastery where some of the best who have ever done it are doing it. I was mentioning Sh Otani yesterday, but LeBron James at his age playing this way. Stan, please put it in some sort of context to me, because I've never seen a human being this age be able to do that in basketball.

[Billy Corben]

And we never will again. I mean, it's just what he's done is incredible. The closest thing we had to it, I guess, was Kareem playing into his 40s. But it was a different time and he was at a different position, and he wasn't dominating at the end of his career. He was still good, but he wasn't dominating. We've never seen anything like LeBron. He's just. I think still, though, the most amazing thing, Dan, you and I have talked about it, the most amazing thing to me is he's had this career that is unsurpassed in the NBA. He's been in the limelight since he was in the eighth grade. And what's the dirt you have on this guy? Where's the stain on his reputation? People go back to. To the decision when he came to Miami, where he simply decided to leave one city and come to another. And then they'll talk about. He bumped into Eric Spoelstra coming off at a timeout. That's what you've got for a guy who's been in the national spotlight for how Many years. I mean, 30 years, 25 years. It's crazy.

[Dan Le Batard]

Well, he has been weaponized by the right on some stuff where they will point out that he was weak on China and whatnot. But I don't even know if I want to open the door to UN Politics right now.

[Billy Corben]

No, but those are political opinions. But I'm talking about, like, you know, we don't have DUIs. We don't have him getting in a fight. We don't have him abusing women. We don't have any of those things that we've seen news of, of others. There's just none of this stuff going on. He stayed married this whole time. He's got, you know, kids that are all doing well. I mean, it's just. Just that to me, with what's out there for him and that everyone now, you know, he came of age when everyone's a reporter, everyone, and we got nothing on him.

[Dan Le Batard]

That, to me is amazing. Else, the rules changing on Tiger woods got him right? The rules changing, the stuff we covered, it sank Tiger Woods. What he's saying is true, that it's hard to fathom, but the idea, the degree of difficulty on what he's done off the court rivals what he's done on it.

[Mike Ryan]

It does. And when you go to J.J. barea as the biggest negative to say about LeBron, that's pretty extreme.

[Dan Le Batard]

And a TV show. A TV show and J.J. barea are the big ones. I don't want to open the door to you on Trump, do I?

[Billy Corben]

Listen, I mean, it's just the thing that. The only thing I'll say is, is I think what bothers me the most is that we have just gotten to the point where we don't care at all about experience, expertise, facts, things like that. I mean, you know, Pete Hegseth as the Secretary of Defense, and they back it up by saying, well, he served two tours, you know, in Afghanistan and Iraq. And. And, you know, I went to college, too, and I doubt that I'm going to be the next president of Harvard or Yale. You know, I mean, it's the biggest bureaucracy in the world, the Pentagon. And we're going to put a talk show host, we're going to put you in charge. Basically, Pete Hegseth really doesn't have any more experience than you do.

[Mike Ryan]

Congrats.

[Billy Corben]

I mean, you know, and then we're going to have like. And then the scary one, you know, we're going to have Bobby Jr there. We. People forget vaccines eradicated. You know, that's what history does none of us grew up with polio, measles, the mumps. You know why? Because it was eradicated by vaccines. Now if we have an anti vaccine guy, what are we going to do? Bring all this stuff. This stuff is scary. It's not inconsequential and it's sad in my mind that and we could go down his whole list of people but those are the. To me that. That really make things scary.

[Greg Cody]

Who opened this door?

[Chris Cote]

Yeah. Left it open. Jeez.

[Dan Le Batard]

I didn't want to open the door. I'm glad I didn't. I'm just glad I.

[Greg Cody]

You should have pushed back on your as qualified, Stan.

[Stugatz]

I'm not gonna open this as I open the door.

[Greg Cody]

At least went to good.

[Mike Ryan]

You didn't.

[Billy Corben]

I was gonna say I think he did open the door. I don't think I just like barged in. I didn't break down the door.

[Chris Cote]

He held the door open.

[Billy Corben]

Yes.

[Greg Cody]

I'm not gonna open that door for you. And then like, I really don't.

[Dan Le Batard]

I wouldn't open that door. There's no reason to have politics with sports.

[Chris Cote]

We unlocked it.

[Dan Le Batard]

Shut up and dribble.

[Greg Cody]

Howdy, folks. It's Mike making this podcast. Time. Miller Time. That's right. Miller Light makes all the great times even better. Why? Dependability for one great taste. Less filling. You know exactly what you get. Everybody's gonna be happy because they're gonna be drinking on a beer that tastes like beer. Can you imagine a taste that you know, that you can depend on? No games, no gimmicks. Just great beer for people who like beer. And that is immense. Come this holiday season, say you're hosting or you're going over to a holiday party. What do you bring with you? A 12 pack of the Miller Lights. Beautiful color, wonderful white cans. This incredible flavor that you know only Miller Light can deliver you. And at just 96 calories and 3.2 grams of carbs per 12 ounces, miller time is always a good time. Making memories at your year end gatherings. Tastes like Miller time. Go to millerlite.com dan to find delivery options near you. Or you can pick up some Miller Lite pretty much anywhere they sell beer. Tastes like Miller Time. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Co. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces. Fewer calories and carbs than premium regular beer.