Podcast Summary: The Big Suey: Whomst Is This Guy?

Episode Details:

• Title: The Big Suey: Whomst Is This Guy?
• Hosts: Dan LeBatard, Stugotz, Chris Cody, Jeremy, Amin Elhassan
• Release Date: June 26, 2025
• Platform: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

1. Introduction to the Episode

The episode begins with the hosts engaging in their signature comedic banter and brief ad reads, setting a lively and informal tone for the discussion ahead. They transition smoothly into the main topics, focusing primarily on the NBA draft, media coverage, and the dynamics of sports journalism.

2. NBA Draft and the Brooklyn Nets' Strategy

The primary focus of the episode revolves around the Brooklyn Nets' unconventional draft strategy in Brooklyn, where they predominantly selected guards. This approach has sparked considerable debate among fans and analysts alike.

• Critique of Drafting Guards:

  Amin Elhassan initiates the discussion by referencing Brian Windhorst's report on Nets executives and agents mocking the team's first-round picks, emphasizing their guard-heavy selections. He questions the rationale behind prioritizing guards when, according to some experts like Dugatz, NFL teams should consistently draft quarterbacks.

  Amin Elhassan (04:27):
  "They got nine guards and a big who plays like a guard. And it's like what are we doing?"

• Accountability and Media Reaction:

  Stugotz expresses frustration with the media frenzy surrounding the draft picks, highlighting the lack of accountability within the industry. He points out that the Nets and Pelicans may prove the critics wrong over time, defying the immediate negative projections.

  Stugotz (02:35):
  "It's one of the reasons that this thing is such a wonderful feeding frenzy for the media. It's got no accountability in it."

• Unplanned Draft Strategies:

  Chris Cody counters by suggesting that the Nets' strategy might be experimental, acknowledging that not all drafted players may join the team. He introduces Danny Wolfe from Michigan as a positive example, indicating that the Nets might be testing the waters to see which players fit best.

  Chris Cody (02:35):
  "They also got Danny Wolfe from Michigan, who I really like. I think they've got room to throw shit at the wall and see what sticks."

3. International Players in the NBA Draft

The conversation shifts to the increasing presence of international players, particularly from Canada and France, in the NBA draft. The hosts express concerns about the potential dominance of these players and the implications for the league.

• Concerns About Overrepresentation:

  Amin Elhassan raises the issue of too many French players being drafted, questioning the strategic choices behind these selections.

  Amin Elhassan (05:34):
  "Too many French guys in the NBA draft the last couple years. What are we doing?"

• Challenges Faced by International Players:

  The hosts discuss the logistical and cultural challenges that American players face when drafted to Canadian teams, such as high taxes, unfamiliarity with the metric system, and the complexities of international travel for family visits.

  Chris Cody (18:10):
  "They're higher than even New York or California. Number two, the number of logistics coming in and out of the country."

• Impact on Team Dynamics:

  Stugotz speculates on the emotional and psychological stress these international players might experience, potentially affecting their performance and integration into their new teams.

  Stugotz (19:44):
  "It could just be because the last few hours have been a little stressful."

4. Media Figures and Sports Journalism

A significant portion of the episode delves into the realm of sports journalism, focusing on the reputations and reporting styles of media personalities like Pablo Torre and Doug Gottlieb.

• Pablo Torre's Reporting:

  The hosts critically analyze Pablo Torre's investigative reporting, particularly his exposes on NFL executives and agents. They commend his thoroughness but also discuss the backlash he faces from segments of the audience who may perceive his reporting as exhausting or elitist.

  Stugotz (25:27):
  "Everyone here sides with Doug Gottlieb over Pablo Torre. Is that something that just happened?"

  Dan LeBatard (32:03):
  "What Pablo Torre is doing is extraordinarily difficult. He's at a trough where all news gatherers are and he's consistently finding things, reporting them, vetting them..."

• Doug Gottlieb vs. Pablo Torre:

  The conversation contrasts Doug Gottlieb's more opinionated style with Pablo Torre's investigative approach. While Gottlieb is acknowledged for his ability to garner ratings through strong opinions, Torre is praised for his dedication to uncovering truths, despite receiving criticism for his methods.

  Chris Cody (28:05):
  "What Pablo does... he's finding out things that other people aren't finding out. It's a valuable service and I don't believe it's the message that people are objecting to."

• Challenges of Maintaining Journalistic Integrity:

  Stugotz laments the current state of sports journalism, where likability often trumps factual reporting. He emphasizes the importance of integrity and accountability in journalism, warning against the allure of sensationalism for higher ratings.

  Stugotz (28:05):
  "But he's also getting some blowback. And I think it's because it's Pablo Torre. I think if it was somebody else reporting this, it wouldn't be received the same way."

5. Balancing Likability and Opinion in Sports Media

The hosts explore the delicate balance between being a likable media personality and maintaining strong, sometimes controversial, opinions. They discuss how figures like Dan Patrick manage to stay relatable while offering insightful commentary.

• Dan Patrick as a Benchmark:

  Amin Elhassan highlights Dan Patrick's successful blend of likability and sports reporting, noting that Patrick avoids the pitfalls of appearing as a "know-it-all" while still providing valuable content.

  Amin Elhassan (37:23):
  "When you talk about likability sports opinion giver, I think automatically of Dan Patrick, right? He's lived so many lives of ESPN anchor, SportsCenter, biggest, you know, show."

• Challenges for Opinionated Hosts:

  Stugotz reflects on his own struggles with maintaining likability while expressing strong opinions, contrasting his approach with more neutral figures like Tim Kirkhin.

  Stugotz (32:06):
  "I have a disdain or finds rich eyes in something he's not."

  Chris Cody (33:44):
  "Stephen A. Smith's judgment of people has gotten more performative and more wrestling than it's ever been. At least in part because it's obviously rewarded."

• Impact of Strong Opinions on Audience Engagement:

  The discussion underscores how strong opinions can both attract and alienate listeners, depending on the delivery and the existing biases of the audience.

  Chris Cody (36:34):
  "If you're talking about Shannon Sharpe, my thought is he goes away. If he goes away and he's successful, they'll bring him back in."

6. Anecdotes and Humorous Interludes

Throughout the episode, the hosts intersperse their discussions with humorous anecdotes and light-hearted banter, enhancing the overall engaging atmosphere.

• Malika Andrews' Mispronunciation:

  Stugotz shares a humorous moment where Malika Andrews mispronounces "Cedric Coward" as "Colin Cowherd," leading to playful teasing among the hosts.

  Stugotz (14:02):
  "Let’s play Malika Andrews making a mistake that I could very easily make... Colin Coward comes out of nowhere."

• Imagined Scenarios:

  The hosts engage in playful hypotheticals, such as imagining a makeover for Pablo Torre to make him more relatable, blending humor with their critique of media figures.

  Chris Cody (29:52):
  "Pablo Torre makeover right now. He's detached, he's unrelatable to the common man."

• Emotional Reactions and Relatability:

  Stugotz and Jeremy discuss the concept of "ugly crying," adding a personal and relatable touch to the conversation.

  Stugotz (12:19):
  "He looks like he ate a lemon while cutting onions at the same time."

7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode winds down, the hosts reiterate their appreciation for in-depth journalism and express concern over the diminishing respect for journalistic integrity in sports media. They advocate for valuing thorough and honest reporting over sensationalism and fleeting popularity.

• Advocacy for Quality Journalism:

  Stugotz emphasizes the importance of genuine reporting and the challenges journalists like Pablo Torre face in maintaining credibility amidst widespread skepticism.

  Stugotz (30:25):
  "The work ought to be able to speak for itself. And what I'm telling you is if the NFLPA and the NFL doesn't want you to see it... it's a valuable service and I don't believe it's the message that people are objecting to."

• Encouragement for Listener Engagement:

  The hosts encourage listeners to support quality journalism and remain informed about the complexities of sports management and reporting.

Notable Quotes:

• Stugotz (02:35):
  "It's got no accountability in it."

• Amin Elhassan (05:34):
  "Too many French guys in the NBA draft the last couple years. What are we doing?"

• Stugotz (25:27):
  "Everyone here sides with Doug Gottlieb over Pablo Torre. Is that something that just happened?"

• Amin Elhassan (37:23):
  "He's just a very likable guy. I don't really think a lot of people say I don't really like Dan Patrick."

• Stugotz (30:25):
  "The work ought to be able to speak for itself."

Conclusion

"The Big Suey: Whomst Is This Guy?" offers a deep dive into the intricacies of the NBA draft, the strategic missteps of teams like the Brooklyn Nets, and the evolving landscape of sports journalism. Through engaging discussions, insightful critiques, and moments of levity, the hosts provide listeners with a comprehensive analysis of current sports dynamics, urging a reevaluation of both team strategies and media practices in the sports world.