The Dan Patrick Show – Episode: 250120 DP Show Hour 3 2Pros
Release Date: February 20, 2025
Host/Authors: LaVar Arrington, Brady Quinn, Jonas Knox (In Place of Dan Patrick)
Network: Fox Sports Radio

1. NBA Update: Bobby Portis’ 25-Game Suspension for Tramadol

Timestamp: [03:47] – [09:21]

The show kicks off with a significant update on NBA player Bobby Portis, who has been suspended for 25 games after testing positive for "traumatol," a mispronunciation of the pain medication tramadol.

Discussion Highlights:

• Misunderstanding of Medication:

  • LaVar Arrington raises questions about the nature of Portis’ suspension, initially conflating tramadol with performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).
    • Arrington: "He got suspended for... It's a type of steroid." [05:08]
  • Brady Quinn clarifies the confusion, emphasizing that tramadol is a painkiller, not a PED.
    • Quinn: "There's a difference between narcotics and performance enhancing drugs." [07:13]

• Nature of the Violation:

  • It was revealed that Portis unintentionally took tramadol, believing it was toradol, provided by his assistant.
    • Arrington: "He's got a legitimate gripe there." [05:37]
  • The hosts discuss the implications of such a mistake, highlighting the responsibilities athletes have regarding their medication intake.
    • Quinn: "You shouldn't necessarily always put it on them. You're responsible for what you put in your body." [06:29]

• Impact on Portis and NBA Policies:

  • The suspension sparks a debate on NBA’s drug policies and the distinction between PEDs and narcotics.
    • Arrington: "I think this is a wonderful thing for the NBA." [07:57]
    • Quinn: "Steroids and narcotics are not the same thing." [07:31]

• Conclusion:

  • The co-hosts agree that while Portis’ mistake is regrettable, it underscores the importance of athletes being vigilant about their medication.
    • Quinn: "Most of them haven't tested positive for a long time, so this explanation makes sense." [06:11]

2. NFL Update: Matthew Stafford’s Potential Trade from LA Rams

Timestamp: [14:29] – [22:03]

A substantial portion of the episode delves into the speculation surrounding Matthew Stafford’s future with the Los Angeles Rams. The discussion centers on whether the Rams should retain Stafford or consider trading him, analyzing the financial and strategic implications.

Discussion Highlights:

• Trade Speculation and Financial Considerations:

  • LaVar Arrington cites reports that multiple NFL teams have expressed interest in Stafford, with a first-round pick likely being the Rams' asking price.
    • Arrington: "Matthew Stafford’s preference would be to stay in LA... He carries a $49 million cap hit if he's released." [16:46]
  • Brady Quinn compares Stafford’s situation to other veterans like Tom Brady and Drew Brees, discussing the challenges of securing high-value contracts towards the end of a player’s career.
    • Quinn: "That's why if you're any one of these quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers, Matt Stafford... there's a component of this that is financial." [17:30]

• Market Dynamics and Team Strategy:

  • The hosts debate whether the Rams can afford to keep Stafford given his cap hit and whether acquiring a veteran quarterback like Aaron Rodgers would make strategic sense.
    • Quinn: "There's nothing out there waiting for them that they're going to make that much money." [17:00]
    • Arrington: "Patrick Mahomes senior is supposedly going to be paid $85,000 in base pay to fight John Rocker. Is that enough?" [51:34]

• Replacement and Team Performance:

  • Concerns are raised about the Rams’ ability to replace Stafford if they decide to let him go, citing the lack of comparable talent currently available.
    • Arrington: "You don’t have a replacement for him." [20:46]
    • Quinn: "Darnold could be one. He literally just came from that same system in Minnesota." [21:07]

• Potential Outcomes and Recommendations:

  • The co-hosts discuss the possibility of extending Stafford's contract short-term versus trading him, weighing the benefits of stability against financial flexibility.
    • Quinn: "There's a huge need for teams... why not spend the money then on a veteran guy like that." [18:07]
    • Arrington: "He was willing to play for less with the Jets... why wouldn’t the Rams hold on to him if he's that valuable out there?" [21:28]

3. NFL Draft Discussion: Shador Sanders’ Decision Not to Attend the Draft

Timestamp: [27:17] – [42:20]

The conversation shifts to the upcoming NFL Draft, focusing on Shador Sanders’ choice to abstain from attending, opting instead for a more personal and financially considerate approach.

Discussion Highlights:

• Shador Sanders’ Choice:

  • Shador Sanders explains his decision to potentially skip attending the draft in Green Bay, highlighting his desire to prioritize spending time with family and friends over the high costs associated with attending the event.
    • Shador Sanders: "...I want to spend those moments with my people... it's gonna be so expensive." [28:19] – [29:00]

• Implications for the NFL Draft:

  • The hosts analyze how Sanders’ decision reflects a broader trend among athletes prioritizing personal comfort and financial prudence over traditional draft experiences.
    • Quinn: "If the draft was in another city where they go, I don't know, maybe, maybe not." [29:27]
  • The discussion touches on how the NFL might need to adapt its draft processes to accommodate players' preferences.
    • Quinn: "The NFL brings me in... I said, look, if you guys aren't paying guys to be here... there's going to come a time when these guys can make more money staying at home." [29:36]

• Community and Branding:

  • Emphasis is placed on how athletes can use the draft as a platform to promote causes they are passionate about, rather than solely participating for exposure.
    • Edwards: "I would use this as a platform and the opportunity to shine light on something that I'm truly passionate about." [35:09]
    • Arrington: "They come out there... to bring that value." [39:42]

• Future of Draft Attendance:

  • The hosts speculate on potential changes to draft locations and formats, considering the evolving priorities of modern athletes.
    • Quinn: "But there's something about having the Pro Bowl in Hawaii that made it special." [36:22]
    • Arrington: "The draft has now turned into the consolation prize for a city that can't get a Super Bowl." [38:47]

4. Closing Segment: Lee’s Leftovers and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: [47:41] – [52:05]

In the final portion of the episode, the hosts engage in a lighter segment known as "Lee’s Leftovers," where they discuss miscellaneous topics, including a tragic Delta flight crash and a humorous take on a potential fight between Patrick Mahomes and John Rocker.

Discussion Highlights:

• Delta Flight Crash in Toronto:

  • The hosts cover the news of a Delta flight crash involving a Minnesota flight in Toronto, discussing the compensation offered and the potential for lawsuits.
    • Arrington: "Delta is offering $30,000 to each passenger... Is that enough money?" [49:01] – [49:20]
    • Quinn: "They’re gonna have PTSD from it, too." [49:52]

• Patrick Mahomes vs. John Rocker Fight Speculation:

  • A humorous debate ensues over whether Patrick Mahomes should fight John Rocker, questioning if Mahomes’ proposed base pay of $85,000 is sufficient.
    • Announcer: "Patrick Mahomes is supposedly going to be paid $85,000 in base pay to fight John Rocker. Is that enough?" [51:26] – [51:34]
    • Arrington: "I'm gonna take Mahomes." [51:54]

• Final Remarks and Upcoming Segments:

  • The hosts wrap up the show by teasing upcoming segments and encouraging listeners to engage with their content.
    • Arrington: "We are going to have something we do... Lee’s Leftovers." [27:23]
    • Quinn: "Fox Sports Radio has the best sports talk lineup in the nation." [42:20]

Notable Quotes

• LaVar Arrington:

  • "He's got a legitimate gripe there." [05:37]
  • "Matthew Stafford’s preference would be to stay in LA... He carries a $49 million cap hit if he's released." [16:46]

• Brady Quinn:

  • "There's a difference between narcotics and performance enhancing drugs." [07:13]
  • "Most of them haven't tested positive for a long time, so this explanation makes sense." [06:11]

• Shador Sanders:

  • "...I want to spend those moments with my people... it's gonna be so expensive." [28:19]

• Trevon Edwards:

  • "I would use this as a platform and the opportunity to shine light on something that I'm truly passionate about." [35:09]

Conclusion

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show, hosted by LaVar Arrington, Brady Quinn, and Jonas Knox, provided in-depth discussions on significant topics in the sports world, including Bobby Portis' suspension for tramadol use, the financial and strategic considerations surrounding Matthew Stafford's potential trade from the LA Rams, and the evolving priorities of NFL players like Shador Sanders in attending the draft. The hosts balanced serious analysis with light-hearted banter, offering listeners both insights and entertainment.