Podcast Summary: The Big Suey: 7 vs. 70 (feat. Mike Florio) The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Release Date: June 30, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Dan LeBatard Show with Stugotz, hosts Dan LeBatard and Stugotz delve into a mix of sports controversies, lighthearted family competitions, and an in-depth discussion with NFL analyst Mike Florio. The episode seamlessly blends humor with serious analysis, offering listeners a comprehensive look at current sports narratives.

NHL Executive of the Year Award Controversy

Timestamps: [05:03] – [11:17]

The episode kicks off with a heated debate surrounding the recent selection of the NHL Executive of the Year. Dan raises questions about the legitimacy of the award's outcome, particularly focusing on Bill Zito's omission despite his significant contributions to his team.

Key Points:

• Voting Process Concerns: The award is decided by a 42-member panel comprising 32 General Managers (GMs), five NHL executives, and five media members. Dan and co-hosts express skepticism about the fairness and transparency of this selection process.

• Masai Ujiri's Dismissal: Dan highlights the surprising firing of Masai Ujiri from the Raptors despite his successful track record, questioning the criteria used for executive evaluations.

Notable Quotes:

• Dan LeBatard [05:21]: "There was a time Ujiri could have had just about any architectural plan he wanted because he was such a hot executive. Now he's fired. What did he buy himself with that championship?"

• Billy Corben [10:14]: "It's a small voting panel. Fishy is that it's very apparent that Bill Zito should have won the award."

Greg Cody's 7 vs. 70 Competition

Timestamps: [11:17] – [17:53]

Transitioning from serious discussions, the show introduces a humorous segment featuring Greg Cody and his son Chris in their unique "7 vs. 70" competition. The segment showcases father-son dynamics as they engage in various playful challenges.

Key Points:

• Experimental Podcast: Chris explains that this is an experimental segment aimed at exploring uncharted territories in sports media.

• Competition Highlights: The hosts humorously critique Greg's attempts in activities like rock climbing, egg-and-spoon races, and walking, emphasizing the generational gap between Greg and his 7-year-old competitor.

Notable Quotes:

• Jon Weiner [12:06]: "I have been in that pool. That's the shallow end. At the end, Greg is simply walking."

• Billy Corben [16:52]: "I think it's a very fair question... if she can't climb a rock wall faster than pop, it's not a rock wall."

NFL Collusion Story with Mike Florio

Timestamps: [24:29] – [43:28]

The heart of the episode features an in-depth conversation with Mike Florio, a renowned NFL analyst with a legal background. The discussion centers on a significant NFL collusion case uncovered by Pablo Torre, exploring its implications and the apparent lack of media coverage.

Key Points:

• Background of the Case: Florio recounts how he and Pablo Torre investigated a collusion grievance filed by the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) concerning fully guaranteed contracts for certain quarterbacks.

• Arbitrator's Ruling: Despite substantial evidence suggesting collusion among NFL owners to suppress guaranteed contracts, the arbitrator ruled in favor of the NFL, a decision Florio and Torre find controversial and unjust.

• Lack of Media Attention: Despite the gravity of the findings, the story has not gained widespread media traction. Florio criticizes the NFL and the NFLPA for suppressing the narrative and highlights the challenges in bringing such issues to light.

• Damning Evidence: Florio details specific pieces of evidence from the arbitrator's report that indicate deliberate collusion among NFL owners, including communications between team executives that resemble collusive behavior in other industries.

• Call to Action: Florio urges journalists and NFL insiders to continue scrutinizing the case, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability within the league.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Florio [25:09]: "The NFL was caught with its hand in the collusion cookie jar... they were caught red-handed telling teams to collude."

• Jon Weiner [33:09]: "This is what I'm gonna do with Florio. Now, I'm gonna give you a second here to gather your thoughts on this."

• Mike Florio [33:53]: "We've developed a friendly competition. Let's see who gets it first. He got it. And it was amazing because at the end of the day, the NFL was caught with its hand in the collusion cookie jar."

Top Three Damning Details from the Arbitrator's Report:

1. Footnote 25 - JC Treader's Whistleblowing:

   • Mike Florio [34:22]: "Footnote 25 shows that JC Treader had reason to keep this thing quiet... to protect his aspirations to become the NFLPA executive director."

2. Greg Penner's Coordination:

   • Mike Florio [35:35]: "Greg Penner, the former Walmart CEO running the Broncos, was informing other owners about the Russell Wilson deal, indicating coordination between competing businesses."

3. Spanos and Bidwell's Exchange:

   • Mike Florio [37:39]: "The exchange between Chargers owner Dean Spanos and Cardinals owner Michael Bidwell shows direct coordination and collusion to suppress fully guaranteed contracts."

Conclusion

The episode adeptly balances serious investigative discussions with lighthearted segments, offering listeners both depth and entertainment. The conversation with Mike Florio serves as a critical examination of NFL practices, urging both the media and the public to seek greater transparency and accountability within professional sports leagues.

Notable Moments & Quotes:

• Dan LeBatard [09:11]: "I don't get that move at all. There has to be more to it than just on-ice success. I don't get it."

• Mike Florio [40:24]: "Anybody who covers the various teams that are implicated in this... should all be on it. They won't be."

• Dan LeBatard [43:23]: "Everybody wants Tomlin to be on the hot seat except Art Rooney. They're never going to fire Mike Tomlin."

This episode underscores the show's commitment to uncovering beneath-the-surface sports issues while maintaining its signature humor and camaraderie. Whether you're a die-hard sports fan or a casual listener, The Dan LeBatard Show with Stugotz offers a nuanced and entertaining perspective on the ever-evolving world of sports.