Podcast Summary: The Big Suey: Don Van Natta Jr. & Boban Marjanović (feat. Well... Both of Those Guys) The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Release Date: July 24, 2025

1. Introduction and Overview

In this episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, hosts Dan Le Batard and Stugotz delve deep into significant sports and cultural topics, featuring two prominent guests: Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Don Van Natta Jr. and NBA star Boban Marjanović. The episode skillfully balances serious investigative discourse with light-hearted banter, offering listeners a comprehensive look into ongoing issues within sports unions and the multifaceted career of Boban Marjanović.

2. Investigative Reporting on NFLPA and MLBPA with Don Van Natta Jr.

a. Unveiling the Union Crisis (01:01 - 05:04)
Don Van Natta Jr., a senior writer for ESPN, joins the show to discuss his extensive investigation into the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) and Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA). Van Natta reveals that both unions are under federal criminal investigation due to financial irregularities linked to Team Partners, a company co-founded by the two unions alongside Redbird Capital.

Don Van Natta Jr. (02:00):
"There's a federal criminal investigation going on in Brooklyn looking very closely at the NFLPA and the MLBPA."

He highlights a pivotal moment when Pablo Torre's 61-page collusion ruling intensified the scrutiny on union activities, particularly spotlighting the resignation of Lloyd Howell, the then-head of the NFLPA, amidst revelations of unauthorized expenditures.

b. The Lloyd Howell Scandal (05:04 - 11:10)
Van Natta provides an in-depth analysis of how Lloyd Howell conducted a secretive election process to secure his position within the union, largely unbeknownst to the players and even some within the union's leadership. He details Howell's questionable past, including his tenure as CFO at Booz Allen, where he was implicated in a significant fraud case involving overbilling of the federal government.

Don Van Natta Jr. (08:00):
"It's how he picked up a $700 receipt costing him his $3.4 million-a-year job."

The conversation underscores Howell's misuse of union funds, notably charging a $700 car service fee to the NFLPA for a trip to Tootsie's Cabaret, a notorious Miami strip club. This excessive expenditure, especially on a school night, ultimately led to Howell's resignation.

Don Van Natta Jr. (07:25):
"He went straight from the airport to Tootsie's Cabaret, and that was the last straw for Lloyd Howell."

c. Impact on the Union and Future Leadership (11:10 - 13:19)
Van Natta discusses the profound crisis plaguing the union, labeling it the worst in its 68-year history. He emphasizes the growing frustration and desire for change among the players, who have long felt disconnected and mistrustful of their leadership. The search for a new executive director is critical, with Van Natta stressing the importance of selecting a leader capable of standing up to NFL owners in upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).

Don Van Natta Jr. (12:39):
"They have to find a permanent executive director, which they will likely do after the Super Bowl. And that choice is really, really important."

3. Light-Hearted Banter and Humorous Interlude

Amidst the serious discussions, the hosts and Van Natta engage in playful teasing, particularly targeting Van Natta's teeth. This segment showcases the hosts' camaraderie and ability to balance intense topics with humor.

Stugotz (07:32):
"I can tell that our entire show wants to be friends with you and wants to talk to you for hours, but he has to go."

Mike Ryan (15:30):
"Can we agree that if you're at the strip club from 10 pm until 6 am and you're an adult, you're a loser. I mean, like just."

4. Discussion on Don Van Natta Jr.'s Upcoming Book on Jerry Jones (10:21 - 14:55)

The conversation shifts to Don Van Natta Jr.'s forthcoming book, The Star, which focuses on the life and legacy of Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys. Van Natta draws parallels between his investigative work and the upcoming Netflix series on Jerry Jones and the Cowboys, emphasizing the cultural impact Jones has had on and off the field.

Dan Le Batard (10:21):
"I wanted to have Don on also to talk about his upcoming book, the Star. It's going to focus on the life and legacy of Jerry Jones."

Van Natta critiques Jerry Jones's negotiation tactics, suggesting that Jones often prioritizes media dominance over financial prudence, particularly regarding player contracts.

Don Van Natta Jr. (14:55):
"Jerry doesn't mind paying a few extra million dollars to these guys as long as he can dominate the conversation."

5. Special Feature: Boban Marjanović on Acting and Hollywood Ventures (15:30 - 41:22)

a. From the Court to the Screen (19:35 - 25:50)
Boban Marjanović, the Serbian NBA star known for his towering presence, shares insights into his burgeoning acting career. He discusses his role in the John Wick series, detailing the rigorous training regimen he underwent to perform his stunts convincingly alongside Keanu Reeves.

Boban Marjanović (24:32):
"It's like practicing for the basketball game. They work with you, make the best out of you."

He also talks about his participation in the upcoming Happy Gilmore 2 on Netflix, expressing excitement about reprising a beloved character from the original film.

Boban Marjanović (30:43):
"I hope to watch this movie with my friends and family, but my wife and my kids are in Puerto Rico right now."

b. Balancing NBA and Acting (34:09 - 39:24)
Marjanović reflects on the challenges of balancing his NBA career with acting commitments. He humorously addresses the logistical difficulties posed by his size, such as finding appropriately sized cars and hotel accommodations.

Boban Marjanović (39:00):
"Cars cannot fit. Like, this is like so much. So much like not too much cars."

He remains passionate about both basketball and acting, highlighting his admiration for role models like Shaquille O'Neal and his aspirations to excel in both fields.

Boban Marjanović (28:28):
"Shaquille O'Neal is my role model. He makes gold, and this is the goal for me too."

c. Humorous Interactions and Fan Engagement (41:07 - 41:22)
The episode concludes with light-hearted interactions between Boban and the hosts, including playful gestures and friendly exchanges, reinforcing the warm and engaging atmosphere of the show.

Dan Le Batard (40:59):
"Big heart. Like this."

Stugotz (41:07):
"He told me. Good job."

6. Conclusion

This episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz masterfully intertwines serious investigative journalism with entertaining conversations, providing listeners with both informative content and engaging personalities. Don Van Natta Jr.'s revelations about the NFLPA and MLBPA present a critical look into the governance of major sports unions, while Boban Marjanović's foray into acting adds a dynamic and humorous dimension to the discussion. The hosts' adept moderation ensures a balanced and comprehensive narrative, making this episode a must-listen for sports enthusiasts and casual fans alike.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Don Van Natta Jr. (02:00):
  "There's a federal criminal investigation going on in Brooklyn looking very closely at the NFLPA and the MLBPA."

• Don Van Natta Jr. (07:25):
  "He went straight from the airport to Tootsie's Cabaret, and that was the last straw for Lloyd Howell."

• Don Van Natta Jr. (12:39):
  "They have to find a permanent executive director, which they will likely do after the Super Bowl. And that choice is really, really important."

• Boban Marjanović (24:32):
  "It's like practicing for the basketball game. They work with you, make the best out of you."

• Boban Marjanović (28:28):
  "Shaquille O'Neal is my role model. He makes gold, and this is the goal for me too."

• Boban Marjanović (39:00):
  "Cars cannot fit. Like, this is like so much. So much like not too much cars."

Final Thoughts:

The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz continues to excel in delivering a blend of deep investigative topics and entertaining guest interactions. This particular episode not only sheds light on the intricate challenges within sports unions but also celebrates the diverse talents of its guests, making it a standout installment in the series.