Loading summary
Dan LeBatard
There's a reason Chevy trucks are known for their dependability because they show up no matter the weather, push forward no matter the terrain and deliver. That's why Chevrolet has earned more dependability awards for trucks than any other brand in 2025, according to J.D. power. Because in every Chevy truck, like every Chevy driver, dependability comes standard. Visit Chevy.com to learn more. Chevrolet received the highest total number of awards among all the trucks in the J.D. power 2025 U.S. vehicle Dependability Study Awards based on 2022 models. Newer models may be shown. Visit jdpower.com awards for more details. Chevrolet Together, Let's Drive this episode is.
Amin Elhassan
Brought to you by State Farm. Listening to this podcast Smart move. Being financially savvy. Smart move. Another smart move having State Farm help you create a competitive price when you choose to bundle home and auto bundling. Just another way to save with a personal price plan like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Prices are based on rating plans that vary by state. Coverage options are selected by the customer. Availability, amount of discounts and savings and eligibility vary by state.
Chris Cote
This episode is brought to you by NBA on Prime this Tuesday at 8:30 Eastern, it's the Emirates NBA Cup Championship Game on Prime. This year's quest for the cup has been building to this the Championship game live from Las Vegas. Not a Prime member. Sign up for a 30 day free.
Amin Elhassan
Trial to get started today.
Chris Cote
The Emirates NBA Cup Championship game this Tuesday at 8:30 Eastern only on Prime. Restrictions apply. See Amazon.com amazonprime for details.
Mike Ryan
This is the Dan Levatar show with the Stugats podcast.
Take the guesswork out of buying soccer tickets with GameTime. Download the GameTime app and create an account and use Code dan to receive $20 off your first purchase terms. Apply. Again, create an account and redeem code dan for $20 off. Swipe tap Ticket. Go download the Game Time app today.
Dan LeBatard
All right guys, last night was another big night in the NBA. You had the Western Conference side of the NBA Cup. So we now know we got the Thunder, we got the Spurs. On the other side, we got the Knicks, we got the Magic. So the semifinals for the NBA cup is set. But guys, there is a lot more happening in the NBA. So let's get to everybody's favorite segment. You know about that.
Oh that's right Amin. Let's test your NBA knowledge here with another edition of you know about that.
Amin Elhassan
Uh huh.
Dan LeBatard
We'll start out with the Spurs. So the San Antonio spurs, they keep on winning. They took that ass last night against the Lakers. The spurs keep on winning, and they keep on winning without wembanyama. You know about that?
Amin Elhassan
I know all about that. Nine and three, I believe. Without wembanyama.
Dan LeBatard
Hashtag better without wembanyama.
Amin Elhassan
That's a question. That's a question. It's a dumb question, but. But it's a question because their record with him, 8 and 4. And towards the end of that 8 and 4, no one wanted to talk about it. But it's like the league started to adjust a little bit and figure out the whole wembanyama's amazing thing.
Dan LeBatard
Look at how I pitched.
Amin Elhassan
But yes, they have been incredible. Last night, you wouldn't even know they were missing their best player as they went out there, raced up and down the court past the Lakers. The crazy thing for me believe going into the game, Lakers were the favorites mid game when they were down like 15 points. You know what the the live betting lines was? Spurs minus three and a half. I jumped all over that. I was like, come on, man, you think the Lakers gonna come back and win this game or even make it close?
Dan LeBatard
Gave away a free money?
Amin Elhassan
Free money. I mean, when you speak like that, you sound ridiculous.
Roy
Who had a good game in that spurs game?
Amin Elhassan
You mean there should have been number one overall pick of the 2025 draft or 2024 draft? That's what I was thinking.
Dan LeBatard
I don't know about all that.
Roy
30, 10, and 6.
Amin Elhassan
Man, where is that guy, by the way? You know about that? What? Remember that?
Roy
Remember Stephon Castle?
Amin Elhassan
What happened to Kahl El Ware?
Mike Ryan
Where is he?
Amin Elhassan
Oh, man, things have changed. Khalil no, too much. You have to be way, way, way more ass. On with it. It to me again. Kalel no. Still too much emotion.
Mike Ryan
Really?
Amin Elhassan
Yep.
Mike Ryan
Kalel no.
Amin Elhassan
There we go. Better.
Chris Cote
That was better.
Amin Elhassan
All right, let me try it. Kal El no, I want to try.
Dan LeBatard
Kalel no.
Amin Elhassan
I think. I think Zaz wins.
Mike Ryan
Yeah.
Dan LeBatard
Yeah, yeah. That's good. That's good. All right. So speaking of it. So sounds like you know about that.
Amin Elhassan
I know all about that.
Dan LeBatard
Speaking of which, Kelaware, his production has been down for the most part since Tyler Herro has returned for the Miami Heat. You know about that?
Amin Elhassan
I know all about that. But you know what? There's a lot of things we can blame on Tyler Herro. You know what we can't blame on Tyler Hero. Kele Ware forgetting how to play defense. Kell El Ware being inconsistent. I think the Miami Heat and Air Exposure have been ready, clear and blunt with the young man. About what the expectations are. You meet those expectations, we won't only play you, we'll play you. At the ends of games. Like that Knick game about three weeks ago, it's like, hey, Keller Ware's in the game in the fourth quarter. You don't come consistently. Those opportunities go away like they did in Orlando a couple nights ago.
Dan LeBatard
Was SPO this tough on Hassan Whiteside in that regard in the beginning?
Mike Ryan
No, no.
Amin Elhassan
Hassan, no, no, no. I think I talked about this with Jeremy. I believe a lot of what's happening to Kellaware as far as how they are treating him is a direct reaction to, we're not gonna make the same mistake again and say, but he's great. Just let him play and he'll figure it out. Because he's around a bunch of guys who all kind of get it. They're definitely putting their foot down a lot harder than they did with Hasan Whiteside. Not saying that Khalil Ware is Hasan Whiteside or not even in personality or style of play or whatever, but they are not trying to make the same mistake twice. Just assuming someone's going to get it if you just continue to give them opportunity.
Dan LeBatard
Khalil, no.
Amin Elhassan
Again, too much. I think Zaz is still the clubhouse leader.
Dan LeBatard
All right, so it sounds like you know about that. All right. Ja Morant and the Grizzlies.
Amin Elhassan
Yeah.
Dan LeBatard
Reportedly they're trying to work things out. You know about that?
Amin Elhassan
Yeah, I read that. You know my favorite thing. You know, we talked about Ja Morant the other day and about how I said, look, if you factor someone in your future, you don't. You don't do that, like, change the system without consulting him or having buy in. And I guess because the Memphis people like. Cause I said Zach Edey, I didn't think Zach Eddy was a good prospect. They're very tuned in now to everything Memphis had. I say. So some guy said posted.
Dan LeBatard
Is that right?
Amin Elhassan
Yeah, they're very. Because you know how I know every fortnight when Zach Eddie has a good game? Oh, I thought you said he couldn't play on NBA level. Like, I get that. I'm like, you know how I know he's not killing it? Because you don't give me one of those every game. It's just every fortnite. But this guy sends me a screenshot of a press release, John morant, to purchase 250 tickets to. You know, I think I got sent it, too. Yeah, like, you know, the holidays or whatever. These kids that don't otherwise get to go to NBA games, which, by the way, shout out to you, Ja. That's a really cool thing you do. You know what else does that, like every player in the NBA around this time of year. And this guy, like, does this sound like someone who wants out of Memphis, you doofus? You think it's like, oh, oh, man, hold on. I hate it here. Not that much, though. Let me buy some tickets for the kids.
Dan LeBatard
Am I cynical when I say, let me know when the guy who buys it buys it in section 103 to.
Roy
Say, this is like $4 tickets. Spent 1,000 bucks on 250 tickets.
Amin Elhassan
It's Memphis, man. $4 tickets might be six.
Dan LeBatard
Yeah, you could be right. All right, so it sounds like you know about that. I mean, Austin Reeves last night.
Amin Elhassan
Oh, man.
Dan LeBatard
Was 6 for 16 in the NBA cup quarterfinal loss. And lest you say that that's an anomaly. That's after he went 3 for 16. The game before that. You know about those. Austin Reed struggles.
Amin Elhassan
I know all about that. I was talking to Tony about this before the show today, and you know what I said to Tony? I said, pumpkin time.
Dan LeBatard
Turn into a pumpkin.
Roy
No, I don't think so. I don't think so.
Amin Elhassan
I think he's got dead legs.
Roy
He's got tired legs. They lean on him a lot.
Dan LeBatard
You know about that dead leg throughout.
Roy
Luka and throughout the LeBron situation.
Amin Elhassan
No shit. You got dead legs. Everyone was. I remember Iverson talking about this years ago, and they were like, oh, Iverson shot 12 of 30. You know how hard it is to shoot 30 shots? 30 legitimate NBA shots. Not like just closing your eyes and just chucking it.
Dan LeBatard
12 of 30 is not terrible.
Roy
Where did Cade go?
Amin Elhassan
Oh, now that was ridiculous.
Mike Ryan
Like 56 shots.
Dan LeBatard
I think he was 16 for 47.
Amin Elhassan
That was ridiculous. That was ridiculous. No one should ever shoot that much.
Mike Ryan
I mean, it sounds like you can't spell Cinderella without the ar.
Dan LeBatard
This is young.
Amin Elhassan
Yeah, no, you're right, you're right. You know what it also sounds like? Ella, Ella, Ella. Eh, eh, eh. I don't know why I thought about that song, but Cinderella, Ella.
Dan LeBatard
So it sounds like you know about that.
Tony
14 of 45, by the way, was the Cade game 14 of 45.
Amin Elhassan
Ridiculous. I got a couple more things, though. But again, now, here's the other part. Is it dead legs? Has he hit the wall? Kind of like what rookies hit. Because they come in and you're like a top overall draft pick and you get all the shots, and then by game 30, you're like, I'm not used to playing like this. That might be the case. Might be the case that the league has scouted him, which is, I think, is more of it. Or.
Did LeBron ruin him?
I'm not saying it. I'm asking questions.
Roy
Subtraction by addition.
Amin Elhassan
I'm asking questions because when you have someone like Luka who uses a lot of possessions, there's only so much possessions left. So are you gonna give all of those awesome reasons as you were before, or does LeBron come in and say, give me my share?
Dan LeBatard
All right, so it sounds like you know about that. I got one more for you here, Amin. Celtics are at the Bucs tonight.
Mike Ryan
Yeah.
Dan LeBatard
You know about those Giannis trey rumors?
Amin Elhassan
Ah, man, I know all about those Giannis trey rumors. My favorite part is, I think Mark Stein announced it or reported it a couple days ago, that the Bucks are telling everybody he's not on the table, but everybody's like, we don't care. Here's a bunch of trade requests and demands and questions and all those things.
Dan LeBatard
What happens when you call up a team and they say, player like Giannis is not on the table? Does that because the team doesn't care? Do they, like, sneak in an email? Like, how does it happen?
Amin Elhassan
No, it's like you start. You talk to them about who do you like? Like, just like, oh, I'm not talking about Giannis. I'm just talking about in general. Like, you know, we're looking at our roster. We're looking at you. Like, who do you guys like on our roster? And then, like, you try to are gathering that intel in order to piece together once again. So, like, if I was talking about Kella Ware and Tyler Herro and the first round pick, you that would. Yeah. And they were like, for who? I'm like, well, what do you think on your roster is worth that big of a baggage?
Mike Ryan
So say it's the Miami Heat and they're going down the list. Tyler? Yes. Kel, no.
Amin Elhassan
Jake Fisher said, if you're the Miami Heat and you want to talk Giannis, that's because. Yes.
Dan LeBatard
And that right there is another edition of you know about that. Sounds like a meat knows about that.
Chris Cote
Folks, listen up. You know my holiday pattern by now. Every single year, I tell myself, listen, Chris, you're going to be thoughtful this year. You're going to get good gifts. You're not going to be lazy. You're not just going to get gift cards. And this year, guys, I have news. I pulled it off. No panic. No sad little card. You know what I gave I gave an aura frame. Like, why is it so hard to find a personal gift these days? It's for the people I'm closest to. My parents, my wife, my in laws, my kid. The most important people in my world. I have no idea what I'm supposed to get them as a gift. But one thing I know, people light up when they get photos. People love photos. So I loaded up my aura frame with all the moments I know they'll love. My daughter being adorable. Random selfies, group pictures where none of us are looking in the same direction. I kept adding them because aura lets you send unlimited photos and videos right from your phone anytime. And the best part? You can preload the thing before it even ships. So when it's open on Christmas morning, all the memories are already there. I'm telling you guys this is a great gift. And folks, for a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting auraframes.com to get 35 off or's best selling Carver mat frames named number one by Wirecutter by using promo code DLB. This deal is exclusive to listeners and frame sell out fast. Order yours now and get it in time for the holidays. Support the show by mentioning us at checkout. Terms and conditions apply.
Mike Ryan
Hey folks, it's Mike Ryan. Happy holidays to you and to our tremendous partners of almost 20 years. Miller Lite it's the 50th anniversary of Miller Lite. It makes the holidays special. It makes the football game special. It makes family gatherings and friendship time extra special. I make all those times Miller Time. And during the holidays, most of my favorite memories start the exact same way. I crack open a Miller Lite, take a look around at my friends and family and think, yeah, this was the right call. Whether it's a late night hang after a holiday party or standing around a fire pit with a family, Miller Lite just fits. It's a taste you know you can depend on. And it's brewed for flavor with simple ingredients like malted barley, rich balanced toffee notes and that iconic golden color. And at just 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces, it lets you enjoy the season without weighing you down. Miller Lite great taste. 96 calories. Go to millerlight.com dan to find delivery options near you. Or you can pick up some Miller Lite pretty much anywhere they sell beer. Tis Miller time. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Co. Milwaukee, Wisconsin 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces.
Tony
You ever find yourself late night scrolling Adding stuff to your cart you absolutely don't need. And then you see it. The beautiful, glowing purple shop pay button.
Mike Ryan
Boom.
Amin Elhassan
Checkout.
Tony
Done. You didn't even have to get up and find your wallet. That, my friends, is Shopify magic. That little purple button means that store is powered by Shopify, which doesn't just make it easy to buy, but ridiculously easy to start and run your own business, too. Whether you're a giant like Mattel or Gymshark or just launching something weird from your garage or like Greg Cody's garage, Shopify has your back. Let's be real. If we can run a show with this much chaos, you can run a business with Shopify. With hundreds of beautiful templates. Tools for payments, inventory analytics, marketing. It's all in one place. And yes, that purple button. It's why Shopify has the best converting checkout on the planet. Shopify. It's how real businesses get built. If you want to see less carts being abandoned, it's time for you to head over to Shopify. Sign up for your $1 per month trial and start selling today at shopify.com batard go to shopify.com batard shopify.com batard.
Mike Ryan
Don LeBatard Amino Hasson Stugats the amino acid.
Dan LeBatard
This is the Don Levatar show with the stugats.
Amin Elhassan
I know about that. And I know about something else. You know, we have that segment that we ended with Dan talking about the Thunder, and Dan was like, whoa, you don't have interesting stories.
Dan LeBatard
I think Dan's way off base on that.
Amin Elhassan
No, I figured it out. I figured out why the Oklahoma City Thunder are not a media darling. Right? Why so many pundits complain about them being boring and all that and not having enough. Right.
Roy
Free throw merchant for sga.
Amin Elhassan
I'm going tell you exactly why. Because the Oklahoma City Thunder have made lives miserable and jobs way more difficult for in reverse order. You know what? Can we do a top five? Give me some fanfare. I'm gonna give you the top five people that the Oklahoma City Thunder have made their jobs more miserable for. Right? Number five, opposing GMs.
Do you know how hard it is to try to concoct a deal that is going to significantly improve your chances against this machine? I mean, it's not like the usual, hey, can we get an extra score here? Hey, we need some depth. It's like, oh, my God, I need to go get Giannis. My. My job's a lot harder.
Dan LeBatard
Well, and it probably also makes your job a lot harder. Where if You're a Western Conference team and you want to trade for Giannis. Giannis probably go, look, I'd be like, nah, I'm good in the East.
Amin Elhassan
Yeah.
Roy
Plus your owners, they're like, hey, why don't you do what he does? And you're like, I can't do that.
Amin Elhassan
Yeah, why don't we just have a 17 guys that all defend and shoot threes?
Mike Ryan
Number four. Joe, come on.
Roy
I mean, seriously, I can't.
Mike Ryan
Okay?
Amin Elhassan
I can't do that.
Mike Ryan
Isaiah. Joe, why can we do.
Roy
Is that ice cream?
Amin Elhassan
Kal.
Mike Ryan
No.
Amin Elhassan
Number four, opposing coaches.
We've got to come up with something that's going to stop the. That we're. We got to come up with a scheme that's going to address that.
Dan LeBatard
Is it a pain in the ass for the video guys, or is their job a pain in the ass no matter what?
Amin Elhassan
Number three, the video guys.
Coaches, they just get to sit there and watch what's been curated. Someone had to sit there and do the curating. What do you leave in? What do you. What do you. What do you take out? What do you get yelled about for leaving in? What do you get yelled about for? They get taken out. Oh, it's. I feel bad for the video guys. Number two, the players.
As I said earlier, it looks like AU basketball, where you're playing one team that has all D1 commits and one team that's, like, organized by their church, except every NBA player was on the good team. They were always on the good side of this.
Roy
They were the best player on that good team.
Amin Elhassan
Right? And so this is such a foreign feeling. It's like, oh, I remember seeing this, but from the other side. And now it's happening to me, but instead it's happening on national TV with 20,000 people in the arena. That's tough. Number one, the media.
Mike Ryan
I can already tell by the last segment.
Dan LeBatard
Hard to get a direct flight into Oklahoma City.
Amin Elhassan
No, not even that.
Mike Ryan
I'll tell you what, I didn't even consider that part. Yeah, that part stinks.
Amin Elhassan
I mean, it does stink.
Dan LeBatard
Gotta go through Houston.
Mike Ryan
And the hotel is haunted.
Dan LeBatard
Imagine doing make me say that. Hotel. Make me.
Amin Elhassan
Dude, already did it.
Roy
Best episode of ptfo, by the way.
Amin Elhassan
Won an award for it.
Dan LeBatard
I would never stay there.
Roy
What are you, a scaredy cat, sucker?
Dan LeBatard
Yo, you can call me.
Roy
Are you a scaredy cat?
Dan LeBatard
I would never stay there.
Roy
Are you a scaredy?
Dan LeBatard
Why would I stay in a place that's haunted?
Roy
Yes or no.
Dan LeBatard
Versus a place that's not haunted? Are you a scaredy Cat doesn't have to be with a scaredy cat.
Tony
That guy's a scaredy cat.
Dan LeBatard
Why would I stay at a place that's haunted?
Mike Ryan
Meow.
Tony
It's a scaredy cat over there. I know a scaredy cat when I see one.
Roy
Big ass head, too.
Dan LeBatard
Yo, stop saying I got a big old head.
Amin Elhassan
The media.
Their jobs are way more miserable because the Oklahoma City Thunder do not afford them the shortcuts that make their lives and their jobs easier.
Dan LeBatard
Like what?
Amin Elhassan
Like if she, Gilgis Alexander was arrested for speeding, we get to talk about, is she Gilgeous Alexander, a distraction? I don't have to watch a single Thunder game in order to talk about things like that. If Chet Holmgren was like, I wish I had more shots. Oh, I don't need to watch another Thunder game. I could just say, is this going to be the thing that hurts them in the playoffs?
Dan LeBatard
Yeah. They don't have any dudes who do anything that you can question?
Amin Elhassan
No, it's not even dudes you can question. It's. They don't give us any easy storylines to obscure the fact that I'm not watching your games. And when you talk about sports media pundits, especially if you're a general sports show, you only have enough bandwidth for a couple of things. You're not actually watching all these games. That's why I'm like, people are. Oh, I can't believe Steven Ernest said. I'm like, do you really think he watched every baseball game, then every NBA game, then every football game and came in here? I was like, okay, I have notes on all of them. No, you pick and choose what you got and what you can't. I'll be honest with you. I haven't watched a hockey game in about four years.
Mike Ryan
Hey, man, I haven't.
Amin Elhassan
That's not a knock on hockey. It's just to say that when I talk about hockey, I'm bullshitting.
Dan LeBatard
You didn't watch game 7 of the 24 cup final?
Amin Elhassan
I was asleep. What?
Roy
How about the Utah Mammoths?
Mike Ryan
We're in a Black Panther's chat.
Amin Elhassan
Oh, man, I love that jacket, though. And I love that chat. But my point is what the Thunder don't do. So, like, let's take the Panthers, right? Oh, I got the whole. They got the guy from Boston that everybody hates. Do you hate him now? Do you love him now?
Mike Ryan
What's his name?
Amin Elhassan
Oh, he's the him I know. Bo Bichette, right?
Mike Ryan
No, he plays baseball.
Tony
I mean, totally. Right here, though, like the. There's nothing that People in sports media love more than not having to watch sports, and that's why they love the college football playoffs.
Dan LeBatard
Stay up late.
Chris Cote
That's why.
Tony
It's why the College Football Playoff is so likable amongst media types.
Mike Ryan
Why?
Tony
Because all you really have to do is sort of tangentially pay attention to what the narratives are that are established week to week, then look at the results on a box score the week before you. You don't have to watch a single college football game and you could have a very strong opinion. Just look at me. I didn't watch a BYU or a James Madison game all year until BYU beat ucf.
Amin Elhassan
Mike, you give passionate, detailed, exquisitely crafted responses all season long about Notre Dame versus Miami. But honestly, your strongest argument, which is the head to head. You could have not watched a single second true of Notre Dame football and came up with that.
Mike Ryan
It was very clear that a lot of people were not watching a single second from the analysis because, well, I mean, Notre Dame's playing the better football right now. We don't get anything for the last month of football that we played. ESPN daytime program is programming is especially bad when it comes to college football. I was watching a Stephen a video in which he had no idea Virginia could have been an automatic qualifier for by winning the ACC championship. They just, they. That's why the SEC narrative is so annoying, because they established it 20 years ago and they don't have to go back from that when the game has changed. If you watch the games, you know how bad the quarterback play is inside the SEC conference. You know that it is basically a shell in terms of dominance. Look at the Lions. They're telling you the story.
Amin Elhassan
So basically what the Thunder do is they remove the easiest crutch in the game, which is. I can talk about all of these things. It's gonna make me sound knowledgeable and up to date on it without ever having to watch any of their games or watch enough of their games. I was, I was watching that game last night and my buddy texted me, like, how are you still watching this game? I said, well, for one, it's the only game on.
Mike Ryan
I got nothing else.
Amin Elhassan
Got nothing else. But for two, it's like, call me crazy, their blowouts are more fun than everybody else's blowouts. I watch blowout games. Like, this is just bad basketball. These guys. Do you see they were up like 50 and Caruso is still trying to like sneak steals in the, in the front, in the back court and all that.
Tony
Do you think some of the energy that they play with is because they know eventually they're going to have to move on from some guys. So the guys who were like, 11th, 12th, and 13th on the roster are like, all right, but if I play my ass off, even when we're up 50, I'm going to be that next guy, because this is going to be a dynasty for however many years. So if I can just be the sixth, seventh, eighth guy on this team, I'll eventually get paid by somebody else. It's almost like when major league teams have incredible minor league systems, and it's like certain guys come up and they know they're not even really coming up to be a part of that future of that major league team. They're just going to get shipped out somewhere else. Also, like, that effort that you see from this team, it's crazy. You don't see anything like that in. In basketball anywhere else.
Amin Elhassan
Well, I mean, look like AJ Mitchell is a great example of that. Last year, Big barely sniffed the court, and now that dude's balling. Balling out of control. Last night, this dude, I'm not ashamed to say it, didn't know this dude. I'm like, who's Young? They're like, young Blood with the shot. I'm like, who is Young Blood? Like, why they call him Young Blood?
Roy
Like, hey, Young Blood Uncs on the broadcast.
Amin Elhassan
Yeah, Young Blood, go. I'm like, okay, so he's a young guy. I'm like, oh, no, his name is Young Blood. Oh, but. But the. The reality is, Jeremy, it's because they have a culture that we play hard every single possession.
Tony
I know about that culture.
Amin Elhassan
Well, some people don't.
Tony
Well, I mean, look at the way we break down the Miami Heat gear. Talk about not watching sports.
Mike Ryan
Sure, but we've been right for three years.
Tony
Have you watched other game?
Mike Ryan
Have I been wrong?
Amin Elhassan
Hold on, hold on. There's some people in on that roster who don't know about that culture.
Tony
Well, that's right.
Amin Elhassan
And that's why Khalil, no, I was going to set you up. That's why he says, can I play Coach Kalel?
Mike Ryan
No.
Amin Elhassan
So they gotta hit him with that.
Roy
Holidays, fun holidays. As a dad, Tough. Travel gifts, matching pajamas. Don't get me started on matching pajamas. It's hot in Miami. My wife says, why don't you want to do this with us? My daughter's crying anyways. School, parties, hosting a family. Next thing I know, I basically put Christmas on my credit card and have no idea what I spent. Where? If you want to keep your finances under control this holiday season, you need to be using Monarch, rated Wall Street Journal's Best Budgeting App at 25. Monarch's the All in one personal finance tool that brings your entire financial life together in one clean interface on your laptop or on your phone. Right now, just for our listeners, monarch is offering 50% off your first year. A massive deal. Monarch showed me how fast the holiday budget was disappearing flights, gifts, late night online shopping and helped me pump the brakes before the bill hit. Now my wife and I do quick money check ins, look at our holiday spending category and actually enjoy the holidays without starting January and the New Year in panic. Don't let financial opportunity slip through the cracks. Use code dan@monimalmoney.com in your browser for half off your first year. That's 50% off your first year@monimalmoney.com with code DAN. And don't give me those matching pajamas.
Amin Elhassan
I swear.
Mike Ryan
When I think about the holidays, I think about the little moments with my dog Roma, the ones that make the season feel special. Put a little elf ears on her. You know the deal. Take some selfies. Post it for people that probably seen it too much. I love my dog. That's what I'm trying to get at. That's why I'm joining Chewy Claws, who's out here making pet's wishes come true. From November 4th through December 24th, you can share your pet's wish@chewy.com chewyclaus. It might come true, and it helps others, too. Every wish triggers a donation of five meals to shelters and rescues across the country. And if you share your pet's wish through the Chewy app, they'll double that donation. That's 10 meals for pets in need just for participating. I've been using Chewy for years. Legitimately. They've made my life easier for me and my dog, Roma. Food, toys, meds. All of it shows up fast. No stress, and being part of something like Chewy Claws, where a small thing like a wish can make a real impact. That's the kind of stuff I care about. Every pet deserves a wish come true. Send your pet's wish to chewy.com chewyclaus it might become a reality. Plus, your wish means Chewy will donate five meals to pets in need.
Roy
One touchdown can change everything. The crowd, the momentum, the entire game. It never gets old. Feel the same rush with DraftKings Sportsbook, an official sports betting partner of the NFL and Missouri Listeners, listen up. The show me State Baby DraftKings sportsbook is now live in the Show Me state. New customers download the DraftKings sportsbook app and use code DAN. That's code DAN. DAN. Bet just five bucks and get 200 bucks in bonus bets. If your bet wins in partnership with DraftKings, the Crown is yours.
Chris Cote
Gambling problem. Call 1-800-GAMBLER in New York. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text hopeny467-369 in Connecticut. Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org Please play responsibly on behalf of Boot Hill Casino and Resort in Kansas. Pass through of per wager. Tax may apply in Illinois 21 and over. Age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void. In Ontario, restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive bonus bets which expire in seven days minimum. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG CO Audio limited Time offer.
Dan LeBatard
Don Libertard I've never stepped foot on that campus.
Amin Elhassan
I.
Dan LeBatard
If you told me right now your life depends on it. Go to Santa Fe University and just, just take a picture.
Mike Ryan
Stugats.
Dan LeBatard
I would die. I don't know where it is. This is the Dan Levatar show with the stug.
Week 15 of the NFL begins tonight.
Amin Elhassan
You got things I don't watch.
Dan LeBatard
Falcons.
Roy
Hey, Thursday night football.
Mike Ryan
Buccaneers, Creamsicles.
Dan LeBatard
Now we're not doing big game and not big game right now. So no spoilers there.
Amin Elhassan
I'm going to just say this right now. I do watch NFL football. You know what I don't watch? I will refuse, refuse to watch Thursday night Football.
Roy
Not some good games as of recent games.
Mike Ryan
I understand having that as like a fundamental principle over the last decade plus, but the games on Thursday night, Amazon's done a good job with their league partnership to make sure these games are good. Now maybe Falcons, Buccaneers does not tickle your fancy, but it is a pretty big game for the Tampa Bay.
Amin Elhassan
Okay, all right, you got me. I'll watch.
Tony
I hate that, though. I miss when it was Blake Bortles against Marcus Mariota and terrible uniforms when it was the Jags and the Titans. Like that's what Thursday Night Football should be.
Dan LeBatard
All right, so week 15 gets going tonight, which means we bring out the Dentek Bucket.
Amin Elhassan
I don't think I could do this.
Mike Ryan
Why don't you want to do it?
Amin Elhassan
Because I'm gonna start gagging and coughing all over. This is not mine.
Mike Ryan
The bucket is presented by Dentek ultimate fantasy football punishment. The next big fantasy football punishment is almost here. Watch for the reveal@dentek.com. i got the Washington commanders. So they're at the Giants. Jaden Daniels is not playing. The Giants are favored by two and a half points.
Tony
Yeah, I'm here.
Dan LeBatard
You're keep putting it back.
Mike Ryan
I know I said something about Marcus Merrill, but I don't know the Rams. That has to be good, right?
Dan LeBatard
Rams are hosting the Lions.
Mike Ryan
Oh, shit.
Dan LeBatard
The Rams are a six and a half point favorite.
Amin Elhassan
I'll take it.
Roy
Big game.
Mike Ryan
Two quarterbacks. Like a trench.
Roy
Double revenge game.
Mike Ryan
Double revenge game.
Amin Elhassan
Yeah.
Dan LeBatard
Double revenge game.
Mike Ryan
There we go. I've had a good year at the Bucket, and every time I say that, I end up losing. Cincinnati, Cincinnati, missing Baltimore.
Dan LeBatard
There are two and a half bustling games.
Amin Elhassan
Home dog.
Dan LeBatard
Why are they a dog?
Mike Ryan
Man, this one's tough.
Amin Elhassan
I like the wrangles. I would keep that.
Mike Ryan
Yeah, those wrangles are good.
Dan LeBatard
The Ravens really suck.
Mike Ryan
Wow, I regret that.
Roy
Live home dog.
Amin Elhassan
The G man.
Mike Ryan
Okay, slight upgrade.
Amin Elhassan
Jesus Christ.
Mike Ryan
I don't know if that's an upgrade.
Roy
I'd rather have Joe Burrow.
Mike Ryan
Let's see here.
Amin Elhassan
Got a dart in your neck? What?
Dan LeBatard
The Las Vegas Raider.
Amin Elhassan
And put it back.
Dan LeBatard
You don't even want to see that. They're at the Eagles and they're an 11 and a half point dog.
Mike Ryan
Right. Game.
Amin Elhassan
Yeah.
Mike Ryan
One o' clock start.
Amin Elhassan
Yeah.
Dan LeBatard
They need to take a look at.
Roy
That game from a Eagles are sliding FBI perspective. Perspective from Pete Carroll kicking a field.
Mike Ryan
Goal to the black door. It does seem like a pretty hopeless game for them.
Amin Elhassan
Damn.
Roy
Talk about hopeless. I got the Browns.
Mike Ryan
Hey, Shador at the Bears. Negative 20 degrees.
Dan LeBatard
Good for you.
Roy
Oh, good for me, you scaredy cat.
Dan LeBatard
Backs against the wall.
Mike Ryan
I think I would have rather had the Bengals. Yeah, me too. I got the.
Farm bucket. All right, so zero dollars an automatic. Dust. Nope.
Dan LeBatard
What?
Mike Ryan
No. What?
Roy
You can't put that.
Mike Ryan
You can't put the flat bucket back. You can't put the flat bucket back.
Dan LeBatard
You have to take a photo from it.
Amin Elhassan
You're a thousand years.
Dan LeBatard
You don't know that.
Mike Ryan
That's never been a rule.
Amin Elhassan
What?
Mike Ryan
What are you talking about?
Roy
Are you high?
Mike Ryan
No.
Amin Elhassan
You can't triple step a double step. You can't triple step a double step.
Dan LeBatard
Worst day at work.
Mike Ryan
Also, I'll just give an update while everybody's walking into the other room.
Dan LeBatard
So I owe one punishment.
Mike Ryan
Roy is now gonna owe a punishment. Yeah. Tony owes three punishments.
Roy
What?
Mike Ryan
Juju owes a punishment.
Dan LeBatard
Chris owes four punishments. Dan. Ow's a punishment? Chris shows four punishments.
Amin Elhassan
Zaslow is a punishment.
Dan LeBatard
And that's it.
Mike Ryan
Yeah, See you used to be able to put that one back, but someone got rid of the automatic black helmet of death, so now that one's basically it. Did anyone tell anyone to stop that? Hey, look, you actually might have an argument.
Dan LeBatard
You're rummaging. How do you. Who cares if you're new, There are.
Mike Ryan
No arguments to be had.
Amin Elhassan
You done this has them. World ticket up of the well, then.
Mike Ryan
You can foul me. How about that? All right.
Amin Elhassan
Who you got?
Mike Ryan
Meme foul.
Amin Elhassan
You turn on your Steelers Monday night.
Dan LeBatard
Oh, Steelers gets a Dolphin army.
Mike Ryan
Dolphins 3 1/2 point favorite.
Dan LeBatard
You should keep it.
Amin Elhassan
Dolphins on the heater.
Roy
Amin has these visions.
Dan LeBatard
Good for you.
Mike Ryan
No blue. You got buffalo circles the wagons.
Amin Elhassan
Oh, my God.
Tony
Green is indeed 40 this season.
Mike Ryan
Minus one and a half points favorite against Drake May.
Amin Elhassan
Oh, man.
Mike Ryan
In Foxborough.
Dan LeBatard
That's an L. Man.
Mike Ryan
I think you should have kept the. You should have kept the Steelers.
Amin Elhassan
Huh?
Mike Ryan
Dominique says they're gonna win the afc.
Dan LeBatard
I have the Cowboys. They are hosting Minnesota on Sunday night football.
Mike Ryan
Minnesota.
Dan LeBatard
You know, I'm gonna keep that.
There we go. Thanks again to dentek.
Mike Ryan
All right.
Dan LeBatard
There we have it. I feel good about my brother.
Mike Ryan
Check yourself.
Guest
Hang on.
Dan LeBatard
Bullshit, man.
Mike Ryan
You want to swap this? Maybe Roy has an argument. But you know what? Mob mentality rules. Sorry, Roy. You're stuck with that.
Dan LeBatard
Mike, can you explain something to me?
Mike Ryan
The battle court rules. Yes. Both serves must be between the four and seven. You're allowed one fault. Those are the battle court rules. If your second serve does not land between the four and seven, that's points to the other team. There are three sets in a match. First team to six points in a given set wins that set.
Dan LeBatard
Do you. Do you wager on the clones?
Mike Ryan
Whoa, whoa.
Roy
What are you doing?
Dan LeBatard
Yo, what are you doing?
Roy
He's an owner.
Amin Elhassan
He's an owner.
Roy
You have to.
Mike Ryan
I respect that.
Roy
You don't have to answer that.
Mike Ryan
I respect the fact that I'm an owner. Although the league does encourage it.
Dan LeBatard
Okay, see, that's the point.
Mike Ryan
Draftkings a proud partner of battlecore.
Dan LeBatard
How does that work? Because, you know, if you were an owner in the NFL, like if Jerry Jones was betting on the Cowboys, that would be very frowned upon.
Mike Ryan
It would be.
Dan LeBatard
But this is high lie. This is like you're allowed to do that?
Mike Ryan
I technically am, but I choose not to sometimes, or at least as far as the listener knows.
Dan LeBatard
Has anyone ever accused you of like when you know the clones when you're about to serve as a ball says it ain't like. Is it you Know, I don't do.
Mike Ryan
Any of that funny business. You know what that is? As it's fine business. That's the bullshit. And I don't do the bullshit.
Roy
Suck a shit.
Dan LeBatard
Because sometimes ball says an 8. Like I know how are you going.
Mike Ryan
To be locked in. This is a game that you can watch on YouTube, the ESPN app.
Dan LeBatard
Is that right? Yes, I'm on ESPN. Well, I'm on ESPN tonight and tomorrow night. But I'm on tomorrow night.
Mike Ryan
Open up your ESPN app. Live sports going on right now. You'll see that iconic cyclone logo against a little Tasmanian devil holding a cesta. You click on that. First Toss is at 7pm The Devil's going for their first ever Battlecore championship. We're going for our second. We were the first ever battlecore champion.
Dan LeBatard
Should I mention it on ESPN while watching it?
Mike Ryan
Yes. It's corporate synergy. I need your support.
Dan LeBatard
All right, maybe I will. All right, I got you.
Mike Ryan
I need your support.
Dan LeBatard
Yeah, I can't go. So I got you.
Mike Ryan
Tomorrow. I want a championship celebration so bad. I need your support.
Amin Elhassan
Will we have a parade?
Tony
Yeah, I was just going to ask the same thing. I would love to have a parade.
Mike Ryan
There will certainly be a celebration. A genuine, real celebration. I'm going to drink out of that cup if we win it.
Dan LeBatard
Speaking of parades, is Inter Miami doing a parade?
Mike Ryan
Right? Shouldn't they?
Dan LeBatard
Well, I don't know that they should.
Mike Ryan
Because you don't think anybody's going to show up to a parade. Like, forget Interim Miami. There is a messy parade outside, see?
Dan LeBatard
Well, where would they do it?
Amin Elhassan
No, no, that's not the question. You said, will people show up to a messy parade? Yes, they will. Will Messi show up to a messy parade?
Mike Ryan
That's the question. That's probably the thing.
Dan LeBatard
But the parade doesn't.
Tony
It would get pretty messy.
Dan LeBatard
But the parade would have to be in Miami. They don't play in Miami.
Mike Ryan
So they will next year, right?
Amin Elhassan
Would the parade be by the airport.
Mike Ryan
The construction zone around, coming along?
Guest
Yeah.
Mike Ryan
Why haven't we heard if there's going to be a parade?
Amin Elhassan
Terminal D, right down the Conc.
Mike Ryan
Doral.
Amin Elhassan
That way people can fly out immediately afterwards.
Mike Ryan
Talk about a place would be slammed. You do it in downtown Doral. Overrun the city place.
Amin Elhassan
Can we do it in Kendall?
Mike Ryan
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Roy
By ksp.
Mike Ryan
Yeah, yeah, by ksp. Beckham went to KSP one time and it was a circus.
Amin Elhassan
I'm going to tell you what. We do that this. Listen to me. Inter Miami, you do that parade down Kendall and it Ends at the Flanagans there.
Roy
Right. Right next to ksp.
Mike Ryan
I will category.
Amin Elhassan
I will zipline my way down right from the top of the.
Dan LeBatard
Elsa, can you explain something to me? So, Mike. Nope. I. I understand Kendall. Even though you understand Kendall? Yeah.
Amin Elhassan
I don't think you do.
Dan LeBatard
Dude, I'm older than you. I understand Kendall much better than you do.
Chris Cote
Anyway.
Dan LeBatard
Anyway. Anyway.
Amin Elhassan
Exactly.
Dan LeBatard
So Mike was telling me this morning before the show started about, you know, Matthew Tkachuk and his brother Brady Tkachuk. They. They do a podcast now which is making some headlines, by the way.
Amin Elhassan
What's it called? Brothers?
Dan LeBatard
The Chucks. Oh, I don't know. I don't know what it's called. Wingman.
Amin Elhassan
Real or fake?
Dan LeBatard
It's called Wingman. But Mike, you're.
Amin Elhassan
Mike.
Dan LeBatard
What were you telling me about this morning? You were asking me if I know about popping them Zins. That's. That's the most recent viral clip from the wingman pod with Mike with Matthew and Brady Tkachuk.
Mike Ryan
So you don't know about nicotine?
Dan LeBatard
I don't know what that means.
Mike Ryan
Nicotine pouches. It gives you the buzz of a cigarette without inhaling the cigarette smoke.
Tony
This an ad?
Amin Elhassan
Hold on. Is anyone here surprised that Zaz doesn't know about Zins? Doesn't he look like a Zinn like demographic?
Roy
I don't think so.
Mike Ryan
Let me tell you, he's a guy that gets a tummy ache by him proud sponsor. So, okay, Zins, you can get a little rush. It's like basically like a little nicotine jolt gives you. If you do too much, you can get the Zin spins. Don't get the Zinn spins. But Matthew Chuck explained. Now, hockey players happen to know. You don't have to do the image.
Dan LeBatard
They.
Mike Ryan
They are. They are big nicotine pouch fans, even.
Dan LeBatard
Though they don't smoke cigs.
Mike Ryan
Dude, I heard an insane story in Tahoe. There was a caddy. I'm not gonna reveal which player, but he had the.
Dan LeBatard
What did he rhyme with?
Mike Ryan
I'm not doing that. But there was this dude brought stuff over from Sweden that was basically the. Yeah.
Dan LeBatard
What does her stuff rhyme with?
Mike Ryan
Sweet. Sweden is a. Essentially, I think eliminated smoking because of how potent their pouches are over there.
Amin Elhassan
Really?
Mike Ryan
And I overheard a story about how certain hockey players in the NHL put these pouches in between their toes. There is a huge Zyn community in the NHL and Matthew Tkachuk, who once did give me a Zin at a Miami Hurricanes tailgate. True story. You're not going to turn down a Zinn from Matthew Kacha.
Amin Elhassan
From between his toes?
Mike Ryan
No, not from between his toes.
Roy
No, a fresh one out the pack.
Dan LeBatard
And how do you take a Zinn?
Mike Ryan
Put it in. You know, sound like a narc right now. I don't like the way you're doing this, sucker.
Roy
What are you. Yeah, for real.
Mike Ryan
Upper decky. Come on, what are you doing?
Roy
You never heard of a Zin before? You never seen him?
Amin Elhassan
No.
Mike Ryan
You're not gonna. If Matthew Tkachuk offers you a Zinn, you're not gonna say no. So Matthew Tkachuk is talking about Zinning during a game, and he gave this story on wingmen.
Guest
I've only done this like a few times in my career, but say I get like a 10 minute. Did this in the finals against Vegas. Did it like a few years ago. I like chirping the ref or somebody. I get a 10. Whatever the case is, I've matured. Don't worry, I'll always put a couple in my pants and break into the box. Just get me through the 10 minutes. I know you've done the exact same too.
Mike Ryan
Oh, man, that's all time.
Guest
I've actually got a great story about. About the Zen thing last year. We're playing Pittsburgh. I'm playing like, probably been playing terrible for a few games, and I get a 10 minute. It was like a minute left in the second, so I'm like. I have to sit in the box for nine minutes, start of the third. So I bring over a few zeds. And this is like my first time.
Mike Ryan
Doing it in a while.
Guest
And I actually caugh, like a nice hum from it. Like a dead serious, like a nice one. I come out of the box like, whoa. And then we get a power play right out. I'm like, I'm staying for the two minutes on this one on the bench. And I go out there. I stayed for the first minute. My unit changes. I stay out there. I'm off the side. I'm like, I suck. Swaggy toe drag, shoots it, misses the net by like 5ft. It's off my inside of the knee and goes in for attacking. The Boquist brothers came because that's why I bummed the Zen off of. They thought it was the greatest. They're like, that is the luck that we need. They're like, there's no way.
Dan LeBatard
What a guy. Our entire franchise turned around because of him.
Mike Ryan
A slump bustings in.
Amin Elhassan
So what. What does putting it between the toes do?
Mike Ryan
Your pores absorb it there are there. This was. I was shocked to Hear that story?
Tony
It's like how Lennon used to do heroin between his toes.
Dan LeBatard
Oh, don't talk about.
Amin Elhassan
They're injecting that.
Mike Ryan
Yeah.
Tony
Yeah, but it's more potent there.
Mike Ryan
Yeah. This gets absorbed by the pores between your toes. Hockey pores. Have you ever smelled a Hockey State skate, Roy?
Guest
You have? It's not.
Mike Ryan
It's not. It's not good. Very humid.
Tony
It's one of the worst smells in sports. It may be the worst smell.
Mike Ryan
A lot of sweating.
Amin Elhassan
So in our arena, when I used to wear the sun.
Dan LeBatard
Have you ever been in a hockey dressing room post game?
Amin Elhassan
Yeah, because in our arena in Phoenix, we used to have the. Our minor league hockey team was the Roadrunners and used to play in there. And so their locker room was like one of the locker rooms, and sometimes you got to go in there to get some stuff, and it's.
Dan LeBatard
It's the most foul smell. I like it.
Tony
It.
Amin Elhassan
I can't say what it smells like. It's. Yeah, it's bad.
Roy
Family show.
Amin Elhassan
Yeah, Family show. Exactly.
Dan LeBatard
I gave you guys an update here. Most recent update on what's going on with Shroom Moore. Yeah. Dan Wetzel tweeted this out. The Washtenaw County Prosecutor's office tells ESPN no decision on charging Sean Moore is expected today. The former mission coach remains in custody. Quote, the matter involving Mr. Moore remains under active investigation by law enforcement. As a result, we do not expect charging decisions or an arraignment today. Mr. Moore remains in custody at the Washtenaw County Jail.
Amin Elhassan
So in the movies, this is the part where you're in the interrogation room, you know, and they're talking all this stuff. Talking like, you're gonna charge me, copper, Then let me go.
Mike Ryan
Yeah. This is a detainment.
Dan LeBatard
This would mean, like, it's a for his own good kind of detainment.
Mike Ryan
You could read between that line. Certainly. I know.
Dan LeBatard
Otherwise, how could they keep. Keep them if they have the rest of them?
Mike Ryan
There's a lot of Internet rumor and innuendo. There is an investigation pending. I don't know exactly the rules, so I don't want to get out of. Ahead of my skates here on. On how long they can hold them. I'm with you, Amin as a fellow cinephile. Hey, are you gonna charge me with anything here?
Amin Elhassan
Am I under arrest?
Mike Ryan
Yeah. I think you can deduce several theories as to why he is in custody right now and not yet presently charged as an investigation is still ongoing.
Amin Elhassan
What's your favorite derogatory, kind of sarcastic term to Call a cop. I think Kojak might be mine. Call a guy. Kojak.
Mike Ryan
I don't like this game. It's a dangerous game.
Amin Elhassan
Why?
Mike Ryan
I bought the blue.
Yeah, that's right.
Dan LeBatard
So I don't know if you saw this or. Or if you heard me talk about this last week. I mean, I didn't, but I felt a little bit better when I saw this. And I'm clearly not the only one who's experienced something like this. So I sent Mike Ryan this tweet yesterday from. From this senator. All right? This senator tweet.
Amin Elhassan
Ottawa senator.
Dan LeBatard
This guy is called Freddy Kajak. This guy is called Ruben Gallego. All right?
Amin Elhassan
From. From Arizona.
Dan LeBatard
Oh, yeah, that's right.
Amin Elhassan
That's my guy.
Dan LeBatard
So funny. Quintessential.
Roy
Say the last name.
Tony
You're Gallego.
Dan LeBatard
Gallego.
Mike Ryan
Raddock. Bonk was right there for you, Roy. Yes.
Dan LeBatard
So you like him? That's your boy, then.
Amin Elhassan
I mean, I live in Arizona.
Mike Ryan
All right, well, Ron Tugnut. Top shelf name.
Dan LeBatard
So last week, I. I went to buy a plane ticket on JetBlue, and I was. You know, I saw the one price. It was a really good price, and so then I put in for two people, and it was a huge price.
Amin Elhassan
I just want to be clear. Was it a plane ticket where you get on a plane?
Dan LeBatard
Yes.
Amin Elhassan
You get on a bus?
Dan LeBatard
Yes. I'm never going to let that happen again. All right? And by the way, I expose that situation. Everybody's on to American Airlines now because of that. You're welcome. Nonetheless. So the price was, like, huge for two people. So I'm like, okay, let me get out of this. I'm gonna buy them one at a time. Next. The price for one, so much better. I'll just buy each of them separately. So I buy the one for myself, and then I go to buy the one for my wife, and it's that huge price. Like, whoa, what just happened here? So right now, I'm the only one who's coming home from Vegas on that trip. I don't have the ticket for my wife. And so this senator, he tweeted out. You ever noticed the price of a flight suddenly jump right after you search it twice? Or how your grocery app mysteriously charges you more than your neighbor for the same produce? That's not just bad luck. It's surveillance pricing. Today I introduced a bill to make it illegal. No company should be able to use your personal data to charge you more. I'm like, I think this is what happened to me.
Mike Ryan
It is.
Dan LeBatard
And then Mike said that that happened to him, too.
Mike Ryan
Yeah, Trying to get to college station. Had plans for a trip. Had. Okay, this. I'm gonna have an early flight back. Let me spring for the first class tickets here. Something about my travel plans change. Try to get an earlier flight, go back. No more first class. That's now the main cabin price.
Amin Elhassan
Yeah, man.
Mike Ryan
Matter of seconds. I literally toggled back.
Roy
You guys want me to put you on game? Yeah, It's a little something I like to call vpn. So you put in a vpn, you get to be in a certain place. You can pick any place you really want. Right. And you're. Oh, I'm in New York. I'm in Houston. I'm in here, I'm in Bangladesh. It doesn't really matter where I am, but I can search certain things, get the, you know, not have the data be sent back that, oh, this exact IP address is looking for this certain thing three or four or five different times. If you're looking for tickets, if you're looking for hotels, rental cars, whatever is that you get dynamic priced out of little vpn.
Dan LeBatard
Does that VPN also help me get access to, like, the good sites? Yeah, that you can't get any more.
Roy
Ask me.
Dan LeBatard
Yeah, you know. You know about them good sites, right?
Amin Elhassan
Man, I found a new. I'm not gonna talk. I found a site that's a game changer.
Roy
You have a game changer?
Amin Elhassan
A game. If you like to read. I like to read.
Mike Ryan
I like to talk about.
Amin Elhassan
I like, well, news. Like news reporting, especially sports.
Mike Ryan
You got a different kink, my friend. Let me hear it.
Amin Elhassan
Well, I mean, I don't know if I should be talking about it, man. I don't know if I should.
Dan LeBatard
Well, I need to hear it now.
Amin Elhassan
I don't know if I should be talking about it.
Roy
Are you talking about the good sites?
Amin Elhassan
I'm talking. Yeah, I'm. No, no, the other sides.
Roy
No, he's talking about the good sites.
Dan LeBatard
You know about them good sites.
Amin Elhassan
Look, hey, let me tell you something right now.
Roy
You said you had a game changer.
Amin Elhassan
I got a game changer for that one, too. Not a vpn. I have an actual site that for whatever reason has circumvented the Florida laws.
Dan LeBatard
Ooh, yeah, you'll give me an eye off air.
Amin Elhassan
Can I do it on air?
Roy
I don't know.
Amin Elhassan
I don't know. Right? No, it's your.
Roy
It's your thing.
Mike Ryan
I have to bleep this.
Amin Elhassan
I worry about if I put it.
Mike Ryan
Out there, if you get caught, if.
Amin Elhassan
You'Re the guy I'm not even gonna get.
Mike Ryan
No, they get caught.
Amin Elhassan
They get caught because of you. I remember when Clear. Nobody knew about clear. Dog. I was doing cartwheels through the airport when nobody knew about clear. Because back in the day, this is how I know if you were a day one clear. Like, I was back in the day when you went through Clear. They wouldn't just go, you know, cut you in line to verify. They would then escort you walking to.
Roy
The front of the tsa.
Mike Ryan
Agent of the tsa.
Amin Elhassan
One of the conveyor belt. Everybody else like, why don't you guys? Because I paid for it. That's why. They would land you right there.
Roy
Like, is that guy famous? What is he doing?
Amin Elhassan
Exactly. And then you walk right through, and.
Roy
I think that's Amino Hassan.
Amin Elhassan
And then at some point, I think it might have been my fault, but I don't know. It's clear. It's really great. And next thing I knew, it's like, no, all we do is cut you in the line right here, which, if you have priority, like, at an American Airlines hub, you already have a line that's shorter than the other one. So the clear doesn't really do you any favors. I'm not gonna make the same mistake twice. I will not say the name of the site.
Mike Ryan
Just to be clear. You're talking about porn, right?
Amin Elhassan
Man, this show really needs a female voice.
Episode: Hour 2 – The Secret Behind Sports Media
Date: December 11, 2025
Hosts: Dan Le Batard, Stugotz, Amin Elhassan, Mike Ryan, Roy, Tony, Chris Cote
Location: Elser Hotel, Downtown Miami
This hour dives into the complexities and contradictions of modern sports media, with a particular focus on NBA narratives, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s “boring” reputation, the shortcuts taken by pundits, and some inside-baseball on sports coverage. There’s the usual Miami-centric banter, irreverent humor, and a mix of pop culture, gambling, and NFL talk, all delivered in the show’s signature tone.
The group recaps the NBA Cup semifinals, discussing the Spurs’ surprising success without Victor Wembanyama and debating narratives around "better without their star."
Khalil Ware’s inconsistent performance is debated, with comparisons to how the Heat once handled Hassan Whiteside.
They touch on Ja Morant and Memphis, highlighting how off-court gestures (like charity ticket giveaways) are spun against rumors and trade speculation.
Amin presents a “Top Five” list of who suffers most from the Oklahoma City Thunder’s current dominance and discipline:
Amin: “They don't give us any easy storylines to obscure the fact that I'm not watching your games.” (20:01)
Amin: “When you talk about sports media pundits, especially if you’re a general sports show, you only have enough bandwidth for a couple of things. … I haven’t watched a hockey game in about four years.” (20:41)
Tony and Mike note that this is why college football (with established, easy narratives) is so media-friendly—pundits can feign expertise without watching.
The Thunder’s culture of effort is contrasted with other teams. The crew discusses how being on the bubble in OKC is a motivator for fringe players—and how this relentless identity has “broken” the traditional way teams are covered.
This spills into a debate about the Miami Heat and the loaded meaning of “Heat Culture”—and playful ribbing about who on Miami’s roster really knows about it.
Matthew Tkachuk (quoted on podcast, read by Mike): "I'll always put a couple in my pants and bring it to the box. Just get me through the ten minutes. … I actually caught, like, a nice hum from it. … And then we get a power play, right out. I'm like, I'm staying for the two minutes on this one on the bench…” (40:18–41:33)
A discussion follows about the use (and weird rumors) of athletes using nicotine pouches between their toes for a more potent effect, and an aside about the foulest-smelling locker rooms.
Dan rants about dynamic pricing—flight costs rising after repeated searches—and VPNs as a workaround.
The crew jokes about tools for bypassing site restrictions, with tangents into news and sports media “game changers” (the “good sites”), but delicately avoid naming specific controversial sites on air.
Amin (on sports punditry):
"When you talk about sports media pundits … you only have enough bandwidth for a couple of things. You’re not actually watching all these games." (20:01)
Dan (on stories about Oklahoma City):
"They don’t have any dudes who do anything that you can question?" (19:59)
Amin (on being honest about coverage):
"I'll be honest with you. I haven't watched a hockey game in about four years." (20:41)
Tony (on why CFP is easy media fodder):
"It's why the College Football Playoff is so likable amongst media types ... all you really have to do is sort of tangentially pay attention to what the narratives are." (21:26)
Mike Ryan (on the 'Zyn' phenomenon): "There is a huge Zyn community in the NHL, and Matthew Tkachuk, who once did give me a Zyn at a Miami Hurricanes tailgate. True story. You’re not gonna turn down a Zyn from Matthew Kachuk." (39:35)
Matthew Tkachuk (via podcast audio): "I’ll always put a couple in my pants and bring it to the box. … I actually caught, like, a nice hum from it... That is the luck that we need. ... There’s no way.” (40:18–41:33)
Amin (on sharing insider shortcuts): "I'm not gonna make the same mistake twice. I will not say the name of the site." (48:36)
The hour is classic “Le Batard Show”—irreverent, insightful, and briskly paced; heavily self-aware and inside-jokey, but full of real analysis, criticisms of industry laziness, and moments of genuine sports nerdiness. The show’s blend of goofing off, media critique, and veiled Miami in-jokes makes it accessible yet deeply referential for loyal listeners.
For those who missed it: This episode is a fast, funny, and occasionally sharp look at the realities behind TV sports commentary, why certain teams remain underdiscussed, and how fans (and media) can fall into shortcuts or groupthink—all while never missing a chance for a Miami random tangent or a spicy inside joke.