Podcast Summary: The Big Suey: When He Croaks (feat. David Samson) The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Release Date: August 14, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Big Suey, Dan Le Batard and Stugotz are joined by special guest David Samson to delve into a variety of hot topics spanning the worlds of mixed martial arts, Major League Baseball, NBA ownership dynamics, collegiate sports funding, and notable moments in sports history. The conversation is rich with insights, humor, and candid opinions, making it a must-listen for sports enthusiasts seeking in-depth analysis and behind-the-scenes perspectives.

UFC 319 and Live Event Hosting

The episode kicks off with an enthusiastic discussion about the upcoming UFC 319 event, featuring the highly anticipated matchup between Dricus du Plessis and Hamza Chimaya. Dan shares a personal note, mentioning his son's interest in attending the event:

Dan LeBatard [02:00]: "This was the one my son wanted to go."

Mike Ryan [02:06]: "Corey knows what's happening this weekend."

As the conversation unfolds, the hosts promote the "MMA Hangout" event at Dead Flamingo, a 90s-themed party adjacent to the fight venue. They extend an open invitation to listeners, highlighting the community atmosphere and live coverage of the fights:

Mike Ryan [02:21]: "We're going to be rocking all night. You can come chill with the boys."

Dan LeBatard [02:43]: "Uncle Tony, you're going to watch him that night."

This segment not only builds anticipation for UFC 319 but also emphasizes the show's commitment to fostering a tight-knit sports community.

Major League Baseball: Prospect Evaluations and the Marlins

Transitioning to baseball, David Samson provides a critical analysis of the Miami Marlins' recent trades and prospect evaluations. He references specific players like Kevin Moss and Hanley Ramirez, discussing their potential and the unpredictability of player development in MLB:

David Samson [04:02]: "Kevin Moss had 21 homers in like 60 some odd games and was out of the big leagues four years later."

Samson challenges the effectiveness of current scouting and prospect ranking systems, questioning the sustainability of team success based on young talent:

David Samson [07:00]: "You cannot think, Izzy, that he's the next Barry Bond. So all of a sudden, you got to start watching the team."

He also touches upon the complexities of prospect manipulation by teams, particularly highlighting the New York Yankees' strategy in inflating prospect rankings to facilitate trades:

David Samson [11:05]: "The Yankees change their prospect order... it's all made up all the time."

This segment underscores the often misunderstood and opaque nature of player evaluations and team strategies within baseball's front offices.

NBA Ownership and the Portland Trailblazers

The conversation shifts to NBA ownership dynamics, specifically focusing on the Portland Trailblazers and their potential relocation. David Samson explains the implications of Paul Allen's passing on the team’s future:

David Samson [12:36]: "The team was sold by Paul Allen's sister... and they’re being sold for the benefit of charity."

He delves into the broader landscape of NBA team relocations and the league's preferences for expansion over relocation, highlighting the financial and logistical challenges involved:

David Samson [12:35]: "The NBA does not want any relocation. They want expansion."

This discussion provides listeners with a deep dive into the business decisions and emotional ties that influence team locations and ownership transitions.

Collegiate Sports Funding and Alumni Donations

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to exploring the impact of major donations on collegiate sports programs. David Samson highlights Kansas University's receipt of a $300 million donation from alumnus David Booth, sparking a debate on the role of wealthy donors in shaping college athletics:

David Samson [21:21]: "The conferences now and the power of the team is just based on the power of the alumni and the willingness of an alum to become a huge, huge donor."

Samson critiques the NCAA's financial regulations and the potential for NCAA policies to be influenced or undermined by substantial philanthropic contributions:

David Samson [24:37]: "That's why you're gonna see a lot of disparate schools doing disparate things that some may say are nefarious."

Mike Ryan adds to the discourse by questioning the feasibility of NCAA's proposed financial caps, suggesting that strategic donations could circumvent these measures:

Mike Ryan [23:06]: "It's not happening now. You have someone overseeing this."

The conversation concludes with reflections on how large donations can significantly alter the competitive balance and financial health of collegiate sports programs, posing both opportunities and ethical dilemmas.

Private Equity in Professional Sports

David Samson introduces the topic of private equity in professional sports, discussing its growing influence on team valuations and ownership structures. He illustrates this with examples from the NFL, NBA, and MLB:

David Samson [26:17]: "The NFL, the NBA, MLB now is working through that. How to get your valuations higher and higher means you have to take private equity money."

Samson emphasizes that while private equity presents financial opportunities, it also brings complexities and potential conflicts of interest within team management and league operations.

Jerry Jones's Battle with Cancer and Media Strategy

A poignant moment in the episode addresses Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, and his battle with stage-four cancer:

David Samson [27:23]: "I miss Uncle Spliffy. God, was he good and fun."

Mike Ryan [27:35]: "He survived it."

Samson critiques Jones’s media strategy for handling his cancer diagnosis, suggesting that a more transparent approach could have mitigated public relations challenges:

David Samson [28:27]: "It was surprising that he didn't talk about it because it's the perfect thing to talk about it."

This segment blends empathy with critical analysis of how high-profile figures manage personal health crises in the public eye.

Andre Dawson's Resignation from the Baseball Hall of Fame

In a surprising revelation, David Samson shares that former MLB player Andre Dawson has resigned from the Baseball Hall of Fame:

David Samson [34:43]: "He said that he has resigned from baseball's hall of Fame."

The hosts express confusion and concern over Dawson's decision, exploring the implications for his legacy and the Hall of Fame's induction processes:

Dan LeBatard [35:30]: "I don't think he's in charge of that. Once you're in the hall of Fame, you're in the Hall."

Samson explains Dawson's dissatisfaction with being inducted in an Expos uniform and his desire to have been honored as a Cub:

David Samson [36:05]: "He was only going to play for the Cubs or the Braves because he needed to play on grass."

This discussion highlights the complexities athletes face regarding their legacies and the recognition they receive from institutional bodies.

Documentary Series: Train Wrecked

Shifting gears, the hosts discuss the documentary series Train Wrecked, specifically its episodes on the "Balloon Boy" incident and the "Poop Cruise" scenario. Samson recounts the fascinating yet disturbing stories that illustrate the lengths individuals will go for fame:

David Samson [38:54]: "Train Wrecked Balloon Boy... it's pretty shocking... it's called Train Wrecked. And the episode of interest is called Balloon Boy. It's well worth watching."

This segment serves as a commentary on human behavior and the quest for notoriety, drawing parallels with sports personalities seeking media attention.

Audience Engagement and Promotions

Throughout the episode, Dan, Stugotz, and David intersperse their discussions with humorous exchanges, listener anecdotes, and promotions for various sponsors like Chewy, Miller Lite, Zyn, and DraftKings. These segments are seamlessly integrated into the conversation, maintaining an engaging and lively atmosphere without detracting from the main content.

Notable interaction example:

Dan LeBatard [43:14]: "You say you want to give it to cancer. That's the mistakes do."

David Samson [43:46]: "You've been giving it to cancer this whole time. That's why cancer's been winning the battle."

Conclusion

"The Big Suey: When He Croaks" episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz offers a comprehensive exploration of current sports issues, from the intricacies of player development in baseball to the financial maneuvers influencing collegiate and professional sports. David Samson's expertise and candid insights enrich the conversation, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the sports landscape. The episode balances serious analysis with lighthearted banter, making it both informative and entertaining for a diverse audience.

Notable Quotes:

• Dan LeBatard [02:00]: "This was the one my son wanted to go."
• David Samson [04:02]: "Kevin Moss had 21 homers in like 60 some odd games and was out of the big leagues four years later."
• David Samson [12:36]: "The team was sold by Paul Allen's sister... and they’re being sold for the benefit of charity."
• David Samson [21:21]: "The conferences now and the power of the team is just based on the power of the alumni and the willingness of an alum to become a huge, huge donor."
• David Samson [27:23]: "I miss Uncle Spliffy. God, was he good and fun."
• David Samson [34:43]: "He said that he has resigned from baseball's hall of Fame."

This detailed summary encapsulates the primary discussions and key moments from the episode, providing both a comprehensive overview and specific insights for listeners and non-listeners alike.