Podcast Summary: Postgame Show: The Teddy Bears (feat. JuJu Gotti)
Podcast: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Date: February 23, 2026
Setting: Elser Hotel, Downtown Miami
Featured: Dan Le Batard (not present in transcript), Stugotz (not prominent this segment), JuJu Gotti, Mike Ryan, Dave
Main Theme
This episode takes on the playful, opinionated spirit of the show’s “Postgame” tradition—blending irreverent banter on sports, inside jokes among the crew, and JuJu Gotti’s unique takes on everything from college basketball economics to the strange custom of awarding teddy bears at international hockey tournaments. The discussion is freewheeling, with the team riffing on Atlanta fast food joints, their dream “statue” lineup for the show, and quirky sports injuries.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Whose Jersey Is That? (00:32–01:19)
- The crew riffs on NBA jerseys, debating whether someone is wearing a Rajon Rondo or Derrick White Celtics jersey.
- Insight: Discussion playfully highlights how team jerseys and sponsorships change, and people sometimes customize or misattribute what’s being worn.
“Rondo was nine, though, too...but he didn’t wear that jersey with that sponsor.”
—Dave (00:47)
JuJu’s World, Black History Month & Sports Brotherhood (01:29–01:51)
- JuJu Gotti expresses gratitude and pride in celebrating Black History Month and being on the show.
- Tone Set: Heartfelt and upbeat.
“My world is amazing, man, being alive during Black History Month...talking sports, man. It's amazing to be JuJu these days.”
—JuJu Gotti (01:33)
Stat of the Day: College Athlete NIL Earnings (02:35–03:34)
- JuJu presents an eye-popping stat: Kentucky's Jaden Quinton was reportedly paid nearly $2 million, yet played only 66 minutes—over $30,000 per minute.
- Insight: Emphasizes the wild west of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals in college sports.
“That's roughly 30,000 per minute or 505 bucks per second. Get your money, young man.”
—JuJu Gotti (03:08)
Atlanta’s Varsity Food Review & Germaphobe Confessions (03:42–04:58)
- JuJu recalls trips to the famous Varsity fast food spot in Atlanta.
- Mike marvels that JuJu, a self-confessed “super germaphobe,” even entered the establishment.
- Both agree the Varsity gets a “thumbs up” for heritage, but for burgers, you should seek something better.
“I used to live right there for so many years, man. But, yeah, salute to the Varsity. That would have been crazy if Trump went to the Varsity. The city would have been messed up for years after that.”
—JuJu Gotti (04:32)
Joker of the Day: Poker Player Tears ACL Celebrating (05:01–05:40)
- JuJu spotlights a poker champion who tore an ACL celebrating his win—a comedic moment likened to football kicker Martin Gramatica’s infamous celebration injury.
“Did you guys see the poker player who tore his ACL after winning the damn championship?”
—JuJu Gotti (05:15)
The Teddy Bears at Olympic Hockey (05:40–07:19)
- The crew marvels at the odd custom of Olympic silver medalists (Canada hockey) being handed teddy bears alongside their medals.
- They joke about how awkward this must be for defeated athletes.
- Notable Analogy: Mike compares it to Eddie Murphy’s routine on Mike Tyson knocking you out, then kissing you—a humiliation topper.
“The looks that McKinnon and Marchand gave to the teddy bear...was just the greatest. You lost, now be shamed.”
—Dave (06:48)
“Take this whether you want it or not. 'Cause if you throw it down now, you’re gonna be a villain forever.”
—Dave (07:13)
Le Batard Show Statues Dream Team (07:19–09:11)
- The group imagines which crew members—or legendary guests—would be immortalized in statue form outside their studio (beside Dan and the main crew).
- Contenders: Ron McGill (wildlife contributor), Tim Kurkjian, Mina Kimes, Greg Cote, and, in jest, JuJu himself.
- The conversation highlights the show’s blend of sincerity and self-deprecation.
“If the Le Batard Show had statues outside, not minus Dan and the main crew, who would get a statue? I like to start the bidding off at Ron McGill.”
—JuJu Gotti (07:19)
“I'm gonna tell you what I am. I'm Udonis Haslem. Maybe I get a jersey retired because I've been around long enough...but that statue? Nah.”
—Mike Ryan (09:05)
Listener Polls & Show Plugs (10:11–11:12)
- JuJu and the team rapid-fire through fun audience poll results:
- “Is there always an Albert calling the game?” 90% yes.
- “Should they be giving away medals for a sport you just decided to play a few weeks ago?” 54% no.
- Promote DLS Hoops (basketball content), “Football America,” and other related podcasts.
Memorable Quotes & Moments
- On NIL Deals:
“Get your money, young man.” — JuJu Gotti (03:08) - On Awkward Olympic Consolation Prizes:
“You lost, now be shamed.” — Dave (06:48) - On Who Should Get a Statue:
“I like to start the bidding off at Ron McGill.” — JuJu Gotti (07:19) - About Self-Recognition:
“I'm Udonis Haslem. Maybe I get a jersey retired..." — Mike Ryan (09:05) - On JuJu’s Cleanliness:
“Juju is like...a super germaphobe. The fact that you have set foot in the Varsity...shocks me.” — Mike Ryan (04:13)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Jersey Debate: 00:32–01:19
- JuJu's Black History Month Reflection: 01:33–01:51
- Stat of the Day (NIL Earnings): 02:35–03:34
- Varsity Fast Food Adventures: 03:42–04:58
- Joker of the Day (Poker ACL): 05:01–05:40
- Teddy Bears at the Olympics: 05:40–07:19
- Statue Lineup Debate: 07:19–09:11
- Audience Polls & Show Plugs: 10:11–11:12
Tone & Flow
The episode is classic “Le Batard Show” — playful, tangential, loaded with inside jokes and self-referential humor. JuJu’s warmth and wit spur engaging sidebars, while Mike and Dave keep things off-kilter. The banter is affectionate and irreverent, giving listeners a sense of being in the room with a group of old friends riffing on sports and the culture around it.
For newcomers, this episode encapsulates the unique Le Batard Show energy: sharp observations, absurd hypotheticals, and relentless, joyous riffing about the ridiculousness of sports culture and their own beloved crew.