The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz: Episode Summary
Episode Title: The Big Suey: Is It Human With David Samson
Release Date: December 10, 2024
1. Rushing Touchdowns: Surprising Leaders
Timestamp: 04:30 - 08:45
In this segment, Dan LeBatard and Stugotz delve into an intriguing discussion about players who have amassed more or fewer rushing touchdowns than Josh Allen. The conversation highlights notable names and unexpected entries on the list.
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Dan LeBatard: "The list includes legends like O.J. Simpson and Herschel Walker. Every last one of them is surprising. No. Except LeGarrette Blount." [05:10]
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Stugotz: "LeGarrette Blount scored like 20 touchdowns one season. He did. So did Raheem Mostert, led the NFL in touchdowns. And McCaffrey is not that old." [07:20]
The hosts express surprise at seeing O.J. Simpson on the list, considering his career was cut short by injuries. They also discuss the impact injuries have had on players like Terrell Davis and Christian McCaffrey, affecting their touchdown totals compared to Josh Allen.
2. Yankees' Strategy and Juan Soto
Timestamp: 09:15 - 14:00
The conversation shifts to Major League Baseball, focusing on the New York Yankees' handling of star player Juan Soto. Greg Cody provides insights into the team's strategic decisions and future plans.
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Greg Cody: "When you do not get a player like Juan Soto, you have to start with a strategy... We will improve the team. We just don't know exactly what that is." [12:05]
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Dan LeBatard: "Teascar Hernandez is out there. Christian Walker and will the Yankees reallocate the money? That's what everyone wants to know." [13:30]
The discussion touches upon the Yankees' potential free-agent targets and whether they'll reallocate funds to strengthen other positions. The hosts also delve into Nick Turturro's opinions and his influence on the team's decisions, leading to a humorous exchange about Turturro's personal habits and consistency.
3. "Is It Human?" Game Segment with David Samson
Timestamp: 15:00 - 35:00
One of the episode's highlights is the interactive game segment titled "Is It Human?" featuring guest David Samson. Hosted by Greg Cody and later joined by Izzy Gutierrez, the segment poses a series of questions to David to determine his humanity, blending humor with insightful queries.
Notable Moments & Quotes:
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Greg Cody: "Absolutely not have her induced on an off day. Obviously. Judges. Yeah, not human." [17:45]
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Stugotz: "You've never felt love or felt loved? That can't be real." [23:30]
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David Samson: "I always say, 'Is it aisle for aisle or window for window?'" [29:10]
Throughout the segment, David's answers oscillate between logical and questionable, entertaining the hosts and listeners alike. The playful banter underscores the chemistry between the hosts and David, making the segment both engaging and humorous.
4. Baseball Hall of Fame Voting Controversy
Timestamp: 35:00 - 55:00
A heated debate unfolds surrounding the Baseball Hall of Fame voting process. Greg Cody passionately argues against the influence of the Classic ERA Committee, expressing frustration over recent inductions that he believes do not meet the traditional criteria.
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Greg Cody: "They're usurping and disrespecting the vote of the BBWA members... Dick Allen was on the ballot and got only 18.9%." [38:20]
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Stugotz: "The Classic ERA Committee has seven, eight members. With that few numbers, you're very susceptible to skullduggery." [42:15]
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Dan LeBatard: "You're more independent than Joe Torre." [48:05]
The discussion delves into Greg's personal experiences with his father, a Hall of Fame voter, highlighting the complexities and biases that can permeate the voting process. The hosts examine the balance between recognizing on-field achievements and addressing off-field controversies, such as steroid use, and how these factors influence Hall of Fame selections.
5. Ownership in College Football: The Future of NCAA Sports
Timestamp: 55:00 - 1:20:00
The conversation transitions to the evolving landscape of college football ownership. The hosts analyze Mark Lasry's comments on investing in college sports and the potential shift towards private ownership of football programs.
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Mark Lasry (Excerpt): "We're bidding on a couple teams... buying 51% of the team... sell 50% to get 50 million for university facilities." [1:05:30]
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Stugotz: "This could decentralize control from Power 5 schools, promoting more parity across the nation." [1:10:45]
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David Samson: "College football becoming transactional, more financial than ever. It's now about ownership and investment." [1:15:20]
The hosts debate the implications of such investments, considering the potential benefits of improved facilities and increased funding versus the risks of turning college sports into a purely profit-driven enterprise. They speculate on the future dynamics of college conferences and the possible end of the traditional NCAA structure, envisioning a more fragmented and independently managed college football ecosystem.
6. Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks
Timestamp: 1:20:00 - End
As the episode wraps up, Dan LeBatard and Stugotz reflect on the day's discussions, emphasizing the importance of understanding the intricate balance between athletics, business, and personal integrity in sports. They tease upcoming topics and encourage listeners to engage with the show’s future content.
Conclusion
This episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz offers a comprehensive exploration of current sports dynamics, blending analytical discussions with entertaining segments. From surprising statistics in the NFL to contentious debates in baseball hall selections and the transformative potential of private investments in college football, the hosts provide valuable insights and engaging conversations for sports enthusiasts.
Key Takeaways:
- Unexpected Leaders in Rushing Touchdowns: The comparison between Josh Allen and legendary players like O.J. Simpson and LeGarrette Blount sparks intriguing discussions on career longevity and injury impacts.
- Yankees' Strategic Moves: The Yankees' handling of Juan Soto reveals broader strategies in team management and player retention.
- Human vs. Robot: The playful yet revealing "Is It Human?" segment with David Samson adds a unique flavor to the show's format.
- Hall of Fame Voting Integrity: The debate over the Hall of Fame voting process underscores the tension between traditional voting bodies and influential committees.
- Future of College Football Ownership: Potential shifts towards private ownership in college football signal significant changes in NCAA's structure and the commercialization of college sports.
Listeners gain a multifaceted understanding of these topics, enhanced by the hosts' dynamic interactions and thought-provoking questions.
