Podcast Summary: The Dan Patrick Show – "Covino & Rich - Ozzy Held On, Players Hold Out"
Release Date: July 23, 2025
Hosts: Covino and Rich
Network: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network
1. Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne
The episode opens with Covino and Rich paying heartfelt tribute to the legendary rock icon Ozzy Osbourne, who recently passed away at the age of 76. They reflect on Ozzy’s profound impact on both the music industry and popular culture.
Covino expresses his deep sorrow, stating, “I am deeply, deeply saddened… Ozzy held on for this moment, wanted one last hurrah” (04:55). Rich draws a parallel to baseball legend Yogi Berra, emphasizing Ozzy’s larger-than-life persona: “Like Yogi Berra, their personality overshadowed their greatness” (06:22).
They highlight Ozzy’s monumental achievements, noting his impressive album sales—over 50 million solo and 70 million with Black Sabbath—and his role in shaping the metal genre. Covino adds, “We would not have the music we have today, which is synonymous with what you hear at the stadium, if it wasn't for Ozzy Osbourne” (07:14).
Rich underscores Ozzy’s dual legacy as both a musical pioneer and a beloved television personality through “The Osbournes,” which brought a different facet of his persona to mainstream audiences. Covino concludes the tribute by honoring Ozzy’s enduring legacy and the charitable success of his final concert.
2. Unhappy Athletes and Contract Holdouts
Transitioning from music, the hosts delve into the contentious topic of unhappy athletes, focusing on Terry McLaurin of the Washington Commanders. McLaurin is currently holding out at training camp, risking $50,000 a day for missing practices as he pushes to renegotiate his contract.
Rich poses the central question: “Do you understand both sides of this?” (09:56). Covino responds by acknowledging the complexity of contract negotiations, stating, “There's a business side to this that's equally, if not more important” (15:08).
They discuss how organizations often prioritize their financial interests over player satisfaction, leading to strained relationships. Covino likens the treatment of players like McLaurin to being disposable assets: “They throw him away like yesterday's doo doo diapers” (16:29). Rich adds frustration from the player's perspective, highlighting the difficulty players face when their contributions aren't matched by their compensation.
Covino further explains the necessity of agents in these negotiations, emphasizing that players shouldn’t have to handle these disputes personally: “That's the agent's job” (18:33). They also touch on the broader implications for team dynamics and fan perceptions, questioning the sustainability of such practices in professional sports.
3. Generational Expectations and Workplace Transparency
The conversation shifts to broader workplace dynamics, particularly focusing on Generation Z's demand for transparency. Rich cites a study indicating that Gen Z employees expect salary information to be disclosed upfront: “New employer. What's the starting salary... what's the price now” (29:04). Covino contrasts this with older generations' work ethic, advocating for traditional values like hard work and patience.
Covino shares his perspective, encouraging younger listeners to focus on their own performance rather than comparing salaries: “Work hard and the cream will rise to the top” (37:26). Rich counters with the importance of work smarter, not harder, suggesting a balanced approach to career advancement.
They also discuss the frustration that arises when employees become aware of significant pay disparities within an organization, leading to dissatisfaction and disengagement. Covino acknowledges that such transparency can alter workplace relationships but maintains that knowing one's worth is crucial for personal and professional growth.
4. Sports News Updates
The hosts provide a roundup of the latest sports news, including:
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Terry McLaurin's Holdout: Continued absence from training camp and ongoing contract negotiations.
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Trey Hendrickson’s Situation with the Bengals: Hendrickson, a dominant safety, faces a low offer from the team despite impressive stats, reflecting the harsh realities of NFL contract negotiations.
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Retirements and Transfers: Jimmy Graham announces his retirement from the NFL after 12 seasons, and Jamal, a three-time Pro Bowl safety, signs with the Raiders. Additionally, tight end Jimmy Graham’s retirement and Bradley Beal’s jersey number change to accommodate Chris Paul on the Clippers are highlighted.
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Derek Jeter and Yankees’ Old Timers Day: The Yankees are preparing to honor their 2000 team’s 25th anniversary, but Derek Jeter is notably absent from the festivities. Covino describes this as a misstep, indicating potential fallout or dissatisfaction from Jeter’s side.
5. Interactive Segment and Listener Engagement
Covino and Rich engage with listener feedback, encouraging calls and participation. They discuss the implications of athletes publicly expressing dissatisfaction with their contracts, emphasizing the evolving nature of athlete-team relationships and the increasing assertiveness of players in seeking fair compensation.
Covino shares a personal anecdote about salary transparency in broadcasting, revealing disparities within their own organization: “I just can't believe that” (28:30). This leads to a broader conversation about fairness and the importance of recognizing one’s value in the workplace.
6. Closing Thoughts and Final Tributes
In their closing remarks, Covino reiterates the importance of honoring legacy figures like Ozzy Osbourne and understanding the complexities faced by athletes in contract negotiations. They emphasize the need for balance between business decisions and personal well-being, encouraging listeners to reflect on the broader implications of these issues in both sports and everyday workplaces.
Rich concludes by stressing the importance of supporting players and recognizing their contributions beyond the business side, while Covino encourages maintaining traditional work ethics amidst changing generational expectations.
Notable Quotes:
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Covino: “I am deeply, deeply saddened… Ozzy held on for this moment, wanted one last hurrah.” (04:55)
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Rich: “Like Yogi Berra, their personality overshadowed their greatness.” (06:22)
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Rich: “Do you understand both sides of this?” (09:56)
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Covino: “They throw him away like yesterday's doo doo diapers.” (16:29)
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Rich: “New employer. What's the starting salary... what's the price now.” (29:04)
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Covino: “Work hard and the cream will rise to the top.” (37:26)
Conclusion
In this episode of The Dan Patrick Show, hosts Covino and Rich provide a comprehensive discussion that spans from honoring a music legend to delving into the intricate and often contentious world of professional sports contracts. Through engaging dialogue and insightful analysis, they shed light on the evolving dynamics between athletes and organizations, while also reflecting on broader generational shifts in workplace expectations. The episode serves as both a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne’s enduring legacy and a critical examination of the challenges faced by modern athletes navigating their careers.
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