The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz Episode: Postgame Show: BREAKING NEWS (feat. JuJu Gotti)
Release Date: April 14, 2025

Introduction and Hosts' Banter

In this episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, hosts Dan Le Batard, Tony Franklin, and guest JuJu Gotti engage in their signature blend of sports commentary, humor, and camaraderie from the Elser Hotel in Downtown Miami. The episode kicks off with light-hearted banter about JuJu's physique, setting a relaxed and engaging tone for the discussions to follow.

NBA Updates

Mike Budenholzer Fired from Phoenix Suns

At [03:10], Tony breaks the news that Mike Budenholzer has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the Phoenix Suns. JuJu weighs in, expressing that the Suns were one of the most disappointing teams despite their star-studded roster, including Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant (KD). He remarks, "The writing was on the Wild all year... KD can't even make the playoffs." This sentiment is echoed by Dan, who delves into the potential conspiracy theories surrounding a controversial game-winning shot by Buddy Hill, questioning whether strategic decisions were made to manipulate playoff outcomes.

Buddy Hill's Controversial Shot

Dan discusses a specific play where Steve Kerr allegedly instructed Buddy Hill to pass the ball to another player, sparking theories about intentional game outcome manipulation. He states, "I'm just going to make such a dumb decision that I make everyone think it's conspiracy because they don't understand why." JuJu counters by highlighting Kawhi Leonard's impact, suggesting that a healthy Kawhi could pose significant challenges in the playoffs.

WNBA Draft and Contracts

Paige's Three-Year Deal with the Unrivaled League

Juju brings attention to a significant development in the WNBA, revealing that Paige has signed a three-year deal with the Unrivaled League. At [05:34], he emphasizes the magnitude of this move: "It would be in her first year 10 game salary with the unrivaled league will be more than her entire four year WNBA contract. That is banana clips if you ask me." This revelation sparks a discussion about the financial disparities and contractual opportunities within women's basketball.

Legendary Sports Moments

Michael Jordan's "Smitty"

The hosts reminisce about iconic basketball moves, focusing on Michael Jordan's legendary "Smitty." JuJu recounts the move at [01:45]: "Famously, Michael Jordan did the smitty around John Stockton and Charles Oakley and dunk Patrick Young one of his best highlights." Tony adds, "Only Michael can do that. Meanwhile, it's patterned and named after Steve Smith," underscoring the unique flair Jordan brought to the game.

Additionally, Jeremy Tache points out Duncan Robinson's rendition of the "Smitty" against Victor Wembanyama, adding another layer to the discussion about signature moves in basketball.

Audience Polls and Interactions

The show features interactive polls sourced from their Instagram Stories, engaging the audience in light-hearted debates:

• Simpsons vs. South Park: At [09:19], JuJu shares poll results with "58% of the audience says the Simpsons over South Park." The hosts discuss the cultural impact and popularity of both animated series, highlighting the strong preference for The Simpsons among listeners.

• Scratch-Off Lottery Cards: Polls reveal that "82% of the audience says a coin" is the preferred tool for scratching off lottery tickets, with the majority favoring scratching at home rather than in stores.

• Cashier Demographics: A humorous poll questions whether cashiers are always old. "54% of the audience says, no, the cashier is not always old," reflecting diverse cashier ages across different regions.

These segments not only provide entertainment but also foster a sense of community among listeners.

Tributes and Somber Moments

The hosts take a moment to pay respects:

• Kyron Lacy: JuJu extends prayers to the family of Kyron Lacy, a notable player for the NC Football LSU Tigers, acknowledging the importance of supporting friends and loved ones during tough times. "Just remember to check on your friends because I'm sure that family right now is having a rough couple of days," JuJu emphasizes.

• Savannah Bananas: At [09:19], JuJu congratulates the Savannah Bananas on their feature in 60 Minutes, highlighting their unique approach to baseball.

Host Interactions and Humor

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in playful wagers and humorous exchanges:

• Sports Wager: JuJu challenges Tony and Dan to a bet regarding Malik Beasley and Peyton Pritchard's performances, promising to jog if either player wins their respective honors.

• Stugotz's Pronunciation: Dan jokes about Stugotz's pronunciation of "McLeroy," setting an over-under bet at [05:13]: "What's the over under on number of times that Stugotz does that? Four and a half."

• Random Email Story: Dan shares an amusing anecdote about receiving a random email from a listener named Ted Howe, who references a longstanding baseball record. The hosts humorously discuss the improbability of breaking Johnny Vandermeer's 1938 record of two consecutive no-hitters. Dan remarks, "Good luck with that, Ted."

These light-hearted moments underscore the hosts' chemistry and ability to blend sports analysis with entertaining dialogue.

Closing Remarks

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts briefly mention the firing of Mike Budenholzer from the Phoenix Suns, reiterating the day's breaking news and setting the stage for future discussions.

Notable Quotes:

• "The writing was on the Wild all year. Of course they were one of the most disappointing teams in the league this year with that all-star cast. Bradley Beal, Devin Booker. KD can't even make the playoffs."
  — Juju Gotti [03:19]

• "It would be in her first year 10 game salary with the unrivaled league will be more than her entire four year WNBA contract. That is banana clips if you ask me."
  — Juju Gotti [05:48]

• "Only Michael can do that. Meanwhile, it's patterned and named After Steve Smith."
  — Tony Franklin [02:14]

• "Good luck with that, Ted."
  — Dan Le Batard [09:03]

This episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz effectively blends in-depth sports analysis with engaging conversations and interactive segments, providing listeners with a comprehensive and entertaining postgame discussion.