Covino & Rich - Unimpressed with Game 7, Plum, Shaq & 'Skins

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Dan Patrick Show – Covino & Rich - Unimpressed with Game 7, Plum, Shaq & 'Skins

Release Date: June 24, 2025
Hosts: Covino, Rich, and Memphis Bleak
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network

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1. Introduction and Event Recap

The episode kicks off with Covino and Rich reflecting on their recent experience at a celebratory event in Las Vegas, marking the 20th anniversary of their show. They express gratitude towards their listeners and highlight the vibrant community they've built over the years. Covino humorously mentions their youthful beginnings, stating, “We started doing our show when we were 12” ([04:03]).

2. Analysis of OKC Thunder's Game 7 Victory

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Game 7 victory in the NBA Finals. Both hosts articulate their disappointment with the game’s perceived lack of excitement. Covino questions the overall enthusiasm, saying, “Maybe that's just the vibe of these young NBA players… very swaggy, very too cool for the room” ([09:25]).

Rich reinforces this sentiment by labeling the game as “boring,” emphasizing that despite reaching a pivotal Game 7, the Thunder's performance didn't meet the high-energy standards seen in previous championships ([08:30], [09:25]). They compare the mutual celebrations of the Dodgers, Panthers, and Eagles with the subdued reaction of the Thunder, suggesting a disconnect between the team’s dominance and the celebratory fervor displayed ([06:46]-[07:43]).

Notable Quotes:

• Covino: “The team with the best player usually pulls it off in a game seven. He showed he was the best and he brought it.” ([08:12])
• Rich: “It's just boring, that's all.” ([09:25])

3. Tyrese Halliburton's Impact and Injury

The hosts delve into Tyrese Halliburton’s crucial role in the Thunder’s success and his subsequent injury. Covino discusses how Halliburton’s calf strain during the Finals possibly dampened the game’s intensity ([08:30]-[09:23]). They speculate that his reduced performance may have contributed to the overall lackluster outcome ([09:23]-[09:49]).

4. Comparison with Other NBA Champions’ Celebrations

Covino and Rich draw parallels between the Thunder’s subdued celebrations and the exuberant celebrations of other NBA legends like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. They highlight how iconic moments typically involve dynamic expressions of joy, such as fist pumps and interactions with fans, which were notably absent in the Thunder’s victory ([08:12]-[08:30], [10:10]-[12:22]).

5. Listener Interactions and Perspectives

Listeners chime in with varying opinions. One listener from San Antonio praises the Finals as an exciting battle between two small-market teams, while another from St. Louis argues that the Finals were indeed thrilling, highlighting key moments from Game 1 and expressing disappointment over Halliburton’s injury ([27:37]-[29:26]).

6. Shaq Diesel Trivia Segment

In a lighthearted interlude, the hosts introduce the "Shaq Diesel Trivia" segment, engaging a caller named Troy in a quiz about basketball history. Troy successfully answers questions about the Seattle SuperSonics and NBA assists records, winning a Swiggy prize ([66:01]-[69:03]).

Notable Quote:

• Rich: “What was that once quoted saying about flopping? C, flopping is for suckers who listen to Celine Dion.” ([67:35]-[67:59])

7. Super Bowl Halftime Show Rumors

Shifting focus to the NFL, Covino and Rich discuss the tantalizing rumors surrounding Jay-Z headlining the next Super Bowl halftime show. They debate its potential impact, with Covino expressing skepticism about mixing Jay-Z’s New York-centric anthems with the Bay Area location, while Rich speculates on the inclusion of special guests enhancing the performance ([52:00]-[58:38]).

Notable Quotes:

• Covino: “I think it's weak.” ([53:01])
• Rich: “We're going to get a bunch of superstars on the same stage. So therefore it probably will be great.” ([53:29])

8. Critique of WNBA's Kelsey Plum

A significant segment is dedicated to reviewing Kelsey Plum’s interaction with an autograph seeker. The hosts critique Plum’s response, characterizing her as “low key weird” for dismissing the fan’s request ([43:35]-[45:31]). They explore the broader implications for the WNBA, suggesting that such interactions may hinder the league’s growth and fan engagement.

Notable Quotes:

• Memphis Bleak: “I think it's just another microcosm.” ([43:35])
• Covino: “She wasn’t being stalked. And you could also say there's a graceful way to back out of these situations.” ([44:36]-[45:31])

9. NFL Segment: Washington Commanders and Super Bowl Updates

The hosts transition to discussing the NFL, focusing on the Washington Commanders' potential uniform changes and the excitement surrounding the upcoming season. They speculate on the possibility of reviving traditional color schemes and the implications for team identity ([73:09]-[75:51]).

10. Global News Mention

Briefly, there is a mention of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran, highlighting it as major news despite the hosts’ primary focus on sports ([63:52]-[64:56]).

11. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Covino and Rich reiterate their appreciation for their listeners and tease upcoming segments, maintaining a balance between serious sports analysis and playful banter. They emphasize the importance of fan engagement and the challenges of maintaining excitement in professional sports ([77:37]-[78:59]).

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Key Themes and Insights:

• Perception of Dominance vs. Excitement: The Thunder’s championship win is dissected not just for the victory but for the lack of celebratory enthusiasm, raising questions about how team performance translates to fan engagement.

• Athlete Personalities Impact Fan Experience: The discussion underscores how the demeanor and interactions of star players like Halliburton and legends such as Tim Duncan shape the overall perception of a team's success.

• Gender Dynamics in Sports: The critique of Kelsey Plum touches on broader issues of how female athletes are perceived and the double standards they may face compared to their male counterparts.

• Super Bowl Halftime Evolution: The debate around Jay-Z’s potential halftime performance reflects ongoing conversations about the direction and cultural relevance of major sports entertainment events.

Useful for Non-Listeners:

For those who haven't tuned into the episode, this summary encapsulates the primary discussions revolving around recent sports events, particularly the NBA Finals, along with auxiliary topics like the Super Bowl halftime show and WNBA dynamics. Covino and Rich provide a blend of critical analysis and engaging commentary, enriched with listener interactions and interactive trivia segments, offering a comprehensive overview of the sports landscape as of mid-2025.

Transcript

[George M. Johnson]

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[Unknown]

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You need people being like, no, you're not. What?

[Memphis Bleak]

You tell us what to do.

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This regime is coming down on us, and I don't want to just survive. I want to thrive. Fighting work is where courage meets conversation. Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Dan Flores]

Why is a soap opera Western like Yellowstone so wildly successful? The American west with Dan Flores is the latest show from the Meat Eater Podcast Network. So join me starting Tuesday, May 6, where we'll delve into stories of the west and come to understand how how it helps inform the ways in which we experience the region today.

[Memphis Bleak]

Listen to the American west with Dan Flores on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Unknown]

I know a lot of cops and they get asked all the time, have you ever had to shoot your gun? Sometimes the answer is yes. But there's a company dedicated to a future where the answer will always be no. This is Absolute Season 1 Taser Incorporated.

[Memphis Bleak]

I get right back there and it's bad.

[Unknown]

Listen to Absolute Season 1 Taser incorporated on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[George M. Johnson]

I also want to address the Tonys. On a recent episode of Checking in with Michelle Williams, I open up about feeling snubbed by the Tony Awards. Do I? I was never mad. I was disappointed because I had high hopes to hear this and more on disappointment and Protecting youg Peace. Listen to Checking in with Michelle Williams from the Black Effect Podcast Network on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Memphis Bleak]

What up, y' all? This your main man, Memphis Bleak, right here, host of Rock Solid Podcast. June is Black Music Month, so what.

[George M. Johnson]

Better way to celebrate than listening to.

[Memphis Bleak]

My exclusive conversation with my bro, Ja Rule? The one they can't stop you or take away from you is knowledge. So whatever I went through while I was down in prison for two years through that process, learn, learn from. Check out this exclusive episode with Ja.

[George M. Johnson]

Rule on Rock Solid.

[Memphis Bleak]

Open your free iHeartRadio app search Rock Solid and listen now. Hey, thanks for listening to the Best of Cavino and Rich podcast. Be sure to catch us live every day from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific on Fox Sports Radio. Find your local station for Cavino and.

[Covino]

[e-mail] or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching FSR.

[Unknown]

Give me an honest opinion. Are you guys exhausted?

[Memphis Bleak]

I am exhausted. But you know what? I made the smart move of saying all I did today was Fox Sports Radio. We did not do our other podcast. We did not do any SiriusXM stuff. This was. This is it. I made a. I made the decision to make it a light day on purpose.

[Covino]

Yeah.

[Rich]

So that helps.

[Covino]

So feeling pretty good and excited to be here. Hope you had a great weekend and. And OKC Thunder sort of weekend.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah. But you know what?

[Unknown]

Not that weekend. We a K. You know, Danny, we're.

[Memphis Bleak]

Going to talk about that. And by the way, I was. Sam, that was your first like big Cavino enrich event that you have a good time because I feel like everyone was loving Iowa.

[Unknown]

Sam, I had a great time. I went with you guys to the Eugene, Oregon graduate hotels remote and that was like a little taste of it. And then this was like times 10. It was my first time in Vegas outside of driving through it in the middle, like in the middle of the night. I had a great time. I had a great time.

[Covino]

Carl.

[Unknown]

Carl's are awesome, man. What a community you guys have built.

[Covino]

Carl's, by the way, Covino and Rich.

[Memphis Bleak]

I should probably have Carl's.

[Unknown]

I thought you ate at Carl's Jr. All weekend.

Carl's in charge.

[Covino]

And by the way, yeah, the party wasn't at Carl's Jr. It was at Circa in Vegas and we were at Stadium Swim. And again, our Friday broadcast was live from there. So catch the podcast. But this is the last time we're going to say it because we celebrated 20 years of Covino and Rich. Why the last time? Because we're still the youngest in the game and I feel like that dates us a little bit. Remember we started doing our show when we were 12. So hey, if you were there, we, we thank you. If not, we'll see you next time because we always bring the party to you guys. And thank you, Fox Sports Radio Nation still recovering.

[Unknown]

It was a party.

[Covino]

It was a party indeed.

[Unknown]

Like, I was very impressed by this. I was very impressed.

[Covino]

Yeah, we went all out. It was a great.

[Memphis Bleak]

Honestly, I'm just so, like, humbled but also like pleased at the great people that our show brings together. Like, not, not many weirdos at all. No fights, no drama. Just a lot of people having fun.

[Covino]

And a good mix of our Old school listeners because we've been doing it for so long and a lot of the new friends we've met along the way from Fox Sports Radio. So you guys are always welcome to our events and again, we hope to bring the show to you. We like taking a show on the road too. So hey, coming soon. We got a party again. This isn't the last to rob by any means. This is the start.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yep.

[Covino]

So that being said, Sam brought the party, we brought the excitement. Danny G. Giving out prizes, dancing, having fun. I think we may have had more fun than the actual Thunder winning the NBA Finals.

[Memphis Bleak]

I'll be honest, us meeting and greeting and having fun and hanging with all the supporters of our show. Way more fun than the celebration yesterday. The Oklahoma City Thunder couldn't even open champagne bottles.

[Covino]

Or I'm just throwing it out there for speculation. Like there is a sense today of maybe relief, right? Like, man, that was crazy just got in yesterday. There's relief in the air today. Maybe a sense of relief like I am seeing Caruso celebrating. Lots of hugs. Maybe after a long season like that.

[Memphis Bleak]

It's the weakest thing I've ever seen. In fact, I saw the perfect compilation and play along with me only because sure, I saw someone isolate the winning moments of all four major sports over the last year.

[Covino]

Oh, so all four major sports including.

[Memphis Bleak]

Hot dog eating or no, Joey Chestnut.

[Unknown]

Not included because including the Panthers recent celebration.

[Memphis Bleak]

But man, I should have included the fifth Joey Chestnut in a week from now will be taking the stage again. But take a listen. We'll start with the World Series and and just listen to not only the excitement, but I'm going to let you know by watching the teams are all jumping on each other, having fun.

[Unknown]

Start the party.

[Memphis Bleak]

Los Angeles, you Dodgers have won the World Series. Wow. So Dodgers win the World Series. Everyone's piling on for the second time. The Vince Lombardi trophy is headed to Philadelphia. Eagles fly in. Super Bowl 59. They going nuts. The Panthers begin to celebrate.

[Covino]

Panthers fans going wild. Perfection.

[Memphis Bleak]

Unbelievable, right? And then the Florida Panthers win their second consecutive st. Yeah.

[Unknown]

The first time the NBA champion resides at Oklahoma City.

[Memphis Bleak]

And storybook season is complete. They just honestly are shaking each other's hands.

[Covino]

There's no excitement from the team. Of course the fans are pumped. It's their first ever championship as an organization.

[Memphis Bleak]

Bro, I've seen you get more excited playing basketball.

[Covino]

24 Hour Fitness, but it was your standard bro hug. Bring it in again. A few players look pretty pumped about it because I'm seeing the highlights as we speak, but for the most part, it was your standard. Bring it in, hug it out, shake hands and maybe they're just too cool for the room. Maybe they're exhausted, maybe it's relief, maybe it's just not as exciting as the other championships.

[Memphis Bleak]

But you remember other NBA champions pumping their fists.

[Covino]

I do.

[Memphis Bleak]

You remember the celebrations of guys like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan holding up the trophy, going nuts, pumping the fist to the crowd, going crazy. Just the most lackluster S I've ever seen in my life. Oklahoma City, Son of the Thunder just proved why. We all along were like, this is the weakest ass team to win a championship.

[Covino]

He said. From the start, the biggest criticism was lack of star power. Right. But we did get to a Game seven. We did have drama. We did see Halliburton come out strong, scored nine points, played seven minutes, seven strong minutes and went down. That really maybe set the tone of the disappointment in the game or the vibe of the game. Because when you want to be the best, you got to beat the best. Did they really beat Indiana's best? But again, that's just part of the game. I'm not taking anything away, mind you, for OKC's victory here. That's just how it panned out. That's how it played out. Halliburton pushed himself. The injuries probably connected to the right calf strain that he dealt with. I don't know. I'm no physical therapist. I can only assume that's part of it. So I'm not trying to take away from their victory, but maybe that was sort of disappointing for everybody.

[Memphis Bleak]

No, it was just boring, that's all. I mean, that's boring.

[Covino]

I'm giving you reasons. You, you're. What's your assessment? Boring. That's it?

[Memphis Bleak]

No, because I, I have a backup. I wrote down my notes here.

[Covino]

Okay, great. But again, it was a Game seven. It didn't pan out as close as it could have been. Would the Pacers have won? We'll never know. If Halliburton would have kept up that pace, it would have been a lot closer, that's for sure.

[Unknown]

For the gamblers, I think they would have at least covered that eight and a half.

[Covino]

But what I'm not.

[Unknown]

They almost. They had a chance to get within nine there with three minutes left.

[Covino]

Yeah. What I'm not debating though is what our eyes all saw, you know, that ho hum sort of. Maybe that's just the vibe of these young NBA players in a lot of ways, like, you know, very swaggy, very too cool. For the room, dude.

[Memphis Bleak]

So, weakest thing I've ever seen. Listen, let's think of the most exciting moments of this NBA season. Let's go back. All right. Let's go back for a second.

[Covino]

Take me back.

[Memphis Bleak]

Take me back. I know you're a big Frank Stallone fan.

[Covino]

Take me back. Take me back.

[Memphis Bleak]

I'm going to take you back to one of the last times we were in Vegas before our big party. We were there for a big fight weekend and all the rumblings on the casino floor. Luka. Luka Luca. Lakers. Luka gets traded to the Lakers. Big moment. Dallas then ends up getting the number one pick in the NBA draft. Big moment. The Knicks beating the Celtics. Big moment. Halliburton doing the choke. The Reggie Miller to the Knicks. Big moment. Halliburton's dad. Big moment.

[Covino]

Halliburton's dad on the court in Giannis's face was a pretty big moment. That goes to show you where the excitement level was, though.

[Memphis Bleak]

I'm just thinking, oh, wait, speaking of.

[Covino]

Excitement level, I don't want to take it from your little notes that you made.

[Memphis Bleak]

Please keep adding.

[Covino]

But that whole Nick series was pretty exciting. The run that they had, all the celebrity fans that were there, all the old school Knicks that came to represent, there was a lot of excitement in that series and their run, the excitement.

[Memphis Bleak]

That the Minnesota Timberwolves and Anthony Edwards brought, exciting. Seeing the veterans like LeBron and Steph Curry fall in the playoffs. Steph got hurt. I haven't named one thing about the team that won it all because they're boring as could be.

[Covino]

And I mean, I'll name this. SGA goes down in elite company as an mvp. A Finals mvp. They actually won. Not just won, their first ever as an organization. He scored 29 points in the final. It came down to what people often say. The team with the best player usually pulls it off in a game seven. He showed he was the best and he brought it. So you could say, I didn't like the excitement level, or you could say, man, how impressive was their title run? Maybe they just made it look easy. Dude, they were the best team all season. I'm just giving you the maybes. I'm with you. I saw what I saw and you.

[Memphis Bleak]

Saw from my eyes.

[Covino]

But you're also not an OKC fan. It might be OKC fans or real pure basketball fans listening right now that are like, you're crazy, dude. That was an elite team and they played like it.

[Memphis Bleak]

Listen, I've never claimed to be a big NBA guy. So you could possibly put me in that category of the casual fan of the NBA that really likes excitement. And I want to see some drama, some fun. And you know what? Of course there's going to be other shows and people that are like, well, you just don't love the NBA then, because this is greatness was demonstrated.

[Covino]

Right.

[Memphis Bleak]

Well, guess what then, daddy side then I feel like I represent more people because the rating stunk, the final stunk, it stinks. Stank stunk.

[Covino]

Well, and again, I was glued in. We were fresh from Vegas. I get get in just in time to watch the game. Halliburton goes down. It wasn't as exciting after that because you knew you weren't getting the full battle that you were signed up for and you sat down to watch.

[Memphis Bleak]

Last night I was at my daughter's dance recital. The dad next to me was watching on his phone and I was peeking over his shoulder. We had this little thing going on, like, yo, I won't, you know, like, keep it low. Keep the, the, the brightness down. I got you. Halfway through the second half, he's like, yeah, I'd rather watch these little kids dance. He turned it off. And I'm like, I'm with you. Turned it off.

[Covino]

All right.

[Memphis Bleak]

So he rather watch 8 year olds tap dance.

[Covino]

I mean, Danny G, I know straight up agrees with Rich too, but it probably has to do with the fact that Halliburton went down, man. Yeah, it wasn't the same game after that.

[Unknown]

It would have been a very close ending in my opinion in the second half had Halliburton still been on the court.

[Covino]

And he has proven that he's a big moment guy. We all thought that. You're like, oh man, there goes a possible big moment close, maybe finish, maybe something dramatic in the thunder still might.

[Unknown]

Have went on their run in the third quarter the way they did. But we've seen Halliburton lead big charges back and come back. So I think they would have at least gotten back in within five points or something.

[Memphis Bleak]

I mean, they're super young team. Congrats to them. I just feel like the lack of excitement and I'm sure again, Dan Byer, I'm sure Doug and other people on this network that care a lot more about the NBA than I do will probably. This is a demonstration of greatness. I couldn't care less.

[Unknown]

Would it have been better if the Pacers broke out in dance to Bruno Mars like the Savannah Bananas in the second half? Is that what you're looking for?

[Memphis Bleak]

Dude, if they wheeled out if they wheeled out Halliburton. And it was like, Daniel LaRuss is going to fight. Like, if there was a moment, but it was like, star player goes down. Even when they won again, that. That comparison nailed it for me because I was trying to, in my mind, figure out what am I missing, why it didn't connect. And then I saw that clip that someone put together on social media of the four major champions. Dodgers, Florida Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles, and now okc. The last four major titles. And to see the teammates jumping on each other in jubilee. Enjoy. And then you see, like, SGA giving, like, bro hugs and handshakes like I do after I win a Tuesday night softball game.

[Unknown]

I did like, though, how Hardenstein's little infant baby had its head bobbing in the. In the celebration.

[Memphis Bleak]

How to cradle a child.

[Covino]

Yeah. Mind this fontanelle.

[Rich]

What's wrong with you?

[Memphis Bleak]

Mind the fontanelle.

[Covino]

Thank you.

[Rich]

That kid.

[Unknown]

That kid would have slept in a burlap sack over his shoulder. Like, it's so funny. Like a child that age can sleep while it's deafening noise. And then when you're also sleeping because.

[Memphis Bleak]

He watched Game 7, guy was ragged on his baby.

[Covino]

No, seriously, look, Rich does make a solid point, because even if you have no team in the game, right? We all tune in to watch the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat, as we used to say, right?

[Memphis Bleak]

You told me it was a Game 7 of the WNBA. I would even watch.

[Covino]

There was really no excitement, no excitement that we were able to see at the end of the game. You know, if you. If you change the music and put it to different, it looks like they lost. If you change the crowd noise and you just watch them, you could have said they lost.

[Memphis Bleak]

You ever see someone take, like, Dumb and Dumber or a comedy and make a movie trailer like, it's a horror?

[Covino]

Yes. Yeah. Yeah. If you put different music behind that and you take away the crowd noise, their excitement really wasn't that visible or noticeable. And as a casual fan, and that's who tunes into game sevens for the most part, of course, the pure fans are always going to be there. But I'm saying the majority of the fans that watch the championship, they're watching, and it was kind of boring. I don't think the fans there were any less excited. I'm not trying to take away from their celebration. I'm not trying to take away from the history that they made. We're just trying to say that Rich is making a point. We all felt a little disconnected from the Excitement, level of what was going on. That's all.

[Memphis Bleak]

Know what it's like.

[Covino]

Lackluster or relief is the way I give.

[Memphis Bleak]

Ever give a woman or your kid or someone a gift and you think they're going to love it?

[Rich]

Yes.

[Memphis Bleak]

And you're waiting for the reaction.

[Covino]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Memphis Bleak]

And they opened the gift like, yeah, thanks. Like, thanks.

[Covino]

So do you think that maybe it was relief for them or just lackluster celebration? I thought SGA handled the moment like a pro, to be honest. I loved everything he said. He didn't show a lot of excitement, but I loved his speech at the end. I loved how he included the city and his teammates on everything he accomplished. I like how he shared the mvp. I did. I thought. I thought he nailed everything. He's maybe just not connecting the way maybe other superstars connected for you. I don't know.

[Memphis Bleak]

I'll tell you the shame on me. And I'm. Know what I'm guilty of? I'm guilty of expecting elite athletes to have personalities, and that doesn't always go hand in hand. You can't expect the star player in any sport to also have the personality.

[Covino]

They're also young guys. Second youngest team in NBA history to win a championship. But maybe, you know, again, maybe it's more relief than anything. Like, shock. Like, we did it. Oh, my God. And everyone has a different perspective. Anthony Crusoe was saying, hey, hey, now. And Danny G. Said it was tongue in cheek. But now no one could say he didn't actually win a real one. Yeah. You know, the bubble one he won, and now he won this one in impressive fashion.

[Memphis Bleak]

Well, let's stop talking about. Maybe it's relief. Let's stop talking about the fact. I don't want to fall asleep talking about the fact.

[Unknown]

Can I just say, I think SGA and Tyrese have both have great personalities themselves. They're just different. SGA seems a little bit more serious. He's like, a little bit more. Talks like a leader. Tyrese is like that, too.

[Memphis Bleak]

You don't have to be nice. That's boring as hell.

[Covino]

It's called speculation.

[Unknown]

I think they have, like. They show. They say things that I think are. At least keep my attention a little bit. And then Tyrese, I think, is like a. I call him a classy trash talker. Like, he's. He's actually a really great interview if you listen to him. Like, he. He.

[Covino]

He's.

[Unknown]

For an NBA player that age. They're both, what, around 26, 27?

[Covino]

Yeah. They're young dudes.

[Unknown]

And for for guys that age in the NBA, they actually are give pretty good responses.

You speak so well.

[Covino]

You know where.

[Memphis Bleak]

I think no one on that team will ever do a podcast. I promise you that.

[Covino]

I think the NBA could have did a better job of building or creating that rivalry between Halliburton and sga, even though there seems to be none there. Like, at least give us the illusion that they're going head to head and they don't like each other. I feel like they dropped the ball on that. Like, you know, everybody wants to win the final here, but, like, give me some heated sort of rivalry between those two. And there was none.

[Unknown]

There was none. I mean, sorry, Dan. I know Dallas and choices.

Sometimes that's tricky, though, because if you overdo it and nobody believes it, then it seems really. I just. Guys, honestly, I think it comes down to, like, they don't have it. Like, really, like, as much as you want to try and make them have it, they don't. And it's not their fault. And it's why, like, I think Anthony Edwards has it. Like, as a star player, like, if there's. We talk about face of the league stuff, he's in Minnesota. And I felt like there's a different feel with it. Like, for as great as SGA is and as great as Halliburton is, and all the talk about Halliburton, that and his great play rose him to this level. Like, I don't think that SGA has it. He may become a great, great player, but he just doesn't have.

[Covino]

Well, you know what? That's very dangerous. And here's why. Because Rich is onto something.

[Memphis Bleak]

He's the ultimate warrior.

[Covino]

No, no, no. You know who he is, Everyone. No, he's a Klitschko. Because Klitschko, he was so dominant.

[Unknown]

Sure.

[Covino]

And so great, and no one could beat him. It sort of ruined boxing for 10 years because he was just a boring face for the sport. Right. So if they go on a magnificent run and they're such a young team, if they don't find some personality, it's going to be boring for the NBA.

[Unknown]

And I know I'm going to get the what Family Guy meme where it's like, this dog has it because he was wearing, like, fancy sunglasses.

[Memphis Bleak]

But it's true.

[Covino]

There is.

[Unknown]

There is something about it. You either you have it or you don't, and you can go any sport and do that.

[Memphis Bleak]

I have two analogies, and Camino's boxing. One was so on point. It really was. But back in the Day when we were kids, do you Remember when Vince McMahon sort of bet on the Ultimate Warrior to take over Hogan as like the Face? And then within like six months, they realized like, yeah, the kids don't really give a crap about the Ultimate Warrior the way we thought they had a pivot, give Hulk Hogan the belt back and then change all storyline because no one cared enough about the Ultimate Warrior.

[Covino]

And to bring it back to no one cares.

[Memphis Bleak]

Boxing, Klitschko's.

[Covino]

Why did people start caring about boxing even just a little bit? Because Tyson Fury was a superstar personality. Yeah, for the league's sake, you got to have some game, but you also have to have it. But it doesn't mean they're not going to continue this run.

[Memphis Bleak]

Right. It's not to take away the greatness of other people. I'll give you an analogy that's fresh in our minds. Camino and I had a really an amazing weekend meeting. You know, hundreds and hundreds of hundreds of listeners that came to see us in Vegas. It was the most humbling, beautiful thing. And Covino and I afterwards will be like, yo, you meet that guy? Because there's some people that somehow stand out in a crowd. Danny, I'm sure you met people, you're like, yo, that guy's a wild dude. Or, you know, that woman was so sweet. Like, yeah, it's like casting for a reality show. Why do you think these same knuckle. What do you think this same Johnny Bananas type show up on every show, they stand out. And there's nothing about some people. Oklahoma City Thunder that stands out. Yeah, maybe.

[Covino]

Maybe they get a wild card on their team just to give you some personality next year. You know, maybe they need that. Just some crazy guy, lots of tattoos and a mohawk, like some weird guy. Just dude that plays Birdman back. That's exactly what I was thinking, Danny.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah.

[Covino]

Yeah, they need something like that to give it some extra flair. All right, so your thoughts? Maybe. Maybe we're alone here.

[Unknown]

No, I thought it was awesome. I don't think that our show is off on this because they just announced the OKC Thunder championship parade is going to be on Tuesday. And the route leads to the Ronald J. Noric Downtown Library. It's kind of weird, really.

[Memphis Bleak]

I'm going to go. I'd rather go take out a book.

[Unknown]

And just so you guys with the ratings, the overall series was down from a year ago, overall. But Last night's Game 7 did have over 16 million viewers, which is the most viewed of any NBA Finals game in the last six Years.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's awesome.

[Covino]

That is great to know. Thank you, Dan Byer. I'm just throwing this out there for, again, conversation sake. I agree with Rich. We also, we saw feel, felt lackluster. But maybe like the young cats are vibing with it the way we are, not because we have a different expectation. Right. We've seen Jordan pumping his fist and jumping in the air. We've seen all these moments. We have all these highlights in our mind. Maybe young, younger kids see it and that's their generation and they're pumped about it in a different way.

[Unknown]

Was the Celtics celebration boring? That was last year.

[Covino]

Tatum's speech was kind of lame.

[Unknown]

We criticized it because he, he.

He got lost from everybody and yeah.

[Covino]

He had little pieces of.

[Unknown]

Wasn't it like three different players speeches.

In one was five, I think.

[Covino]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Unknown]

And it was also like the posing, like he tried to do the. The Kobe and the jacket, like hugging the trophy.

[Covino]

Yeah. We said it was corny.

[Unknown]

Yes.

He used Chad GPT for speech.

[Covino]

Maybe we're just. Oh, I, you know, that's. And that's part of what we do, but that's what our eyes see and that's what you get here on the show. Thank you guys for hanging out with us. Hope you had a nice weekend.

[Memphis Bleak]

By the way, what an amazing weekend. Again, gotta thank everyone that came out to support us in Vegas. Danny G, any quick observation before we get to the game? Seven phone calls. Everyone wants to talk about last night. Yeah. I feel like you met so many people. Everyone wanted a little selfie with Danny.

[Unknown]

G. I had a worker's permit to join my first radio station when I was 15 years old. So I've been in radio for a long time.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

That's the wildest listener driven event I've ever attended.

[Covino]

Oh, it's great. So special. And, hey, we told you guys to come. Let's just say you missed our very own Monsieur and La Reina at the pool party. Ok. Because they brought the fun, too.

[Unknown]

They were the unofficial Covino and Rich ring girls.

[Covino]

Oh, it was awesome.

[Memphis Bleak]

It was very.

[Unknown]

Yeah.

[Memphis Bleak]

And by the way, I was. Sam, you were exactly who we wanted you to be because someone said it. Someone, one of our listeners said, you know what we love about Iowa, Sam? He's authentic.

[Covino]

I said it.

[Memphis Bleak]

You didn't say that.

[Covino]

Right. You guys face.

[Unknown]

You guys came up to me at the Legacy Lounge, the rooftop lounge there at the Circa. And you did say that. I said it was very, very touching.

[Covino]

And Rich was there, like, you know, you're right. But you were so.

[Memphis Bleak]

No. Someone said that to you?

[Unknown]

No. And Wes.

[Memphis Bleak]

Someone hand me something to smoke with.

[Unknown]

Wes in Vegas and his lovely little bit.

Yeah. Awesome. He said I was Sam is who spot was 15 years ago, by the way.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah. And that.

[Unknown]

I'll take this compliment absolutely. Spot. The kind of. Would you guys agree? Kind of the wizard of Oz of all this. Putting. Helping put it.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

I'm gonna give Spot a big old round of applause because he did a great job. This is a lot of planning.

[Memphis Bleak]

A lot of planning.

[Covino]

Our video producer here on Fox Sports Radio, all of our videos at Covino Enrich. He's still recovering.

[Unknown]

I need an iron lung right now. Just like sleeping for 36 hours.

[Memphis Bleak]

Still picking up stuff in Vegas. Like, literally everything we left behind. But let's get to the phone calls. But I was. Sam showed up in a Wayne's World hat and like an extra tight Iowa T shirt that was yellow. And everyone's like, who is this guy? He's so authentic. There's the perfect word.

[Unknown]

I appreciate that.

[Memphis Bleak]

I wanted to come up with that. All right, Tony, in Oregon, your thoughts on game seven? Are we just, Are we being too hard on the Thunder? Because I thought it was boring as could be. It was definitely boring.

[Unknown]

I was pulling for the Pacers, obviously was devastated when Halberton went out. I think, I think you're seeing the lackluster euphoricness from Oklahoma City players and.

The fan base, for that matter, because.

You know, they just, they just don't know. Like, they haven't, they haven't went through the trials and tribulations of a lot of other teams with failure. You got to have failure to appreciate. And I think that's what everybody sensed in that win last night.

[Covino]

I mean, that's a really great point. It really is. I love what you're thinking, but are we really mad at a team for being that good?

[Memphis Bleak]

No, I just think about that. Yeah, I just, I don't know.

[Covino]

It's just safe to say that the steam came out of everybody when Halliburton went down. It was way less exciting right after.

[Memphis Bleak]

That in San Antonio. What's up, San Antonio?

[Unknown]

What's up, guys?

[Rich]

Hey, buddy.

[Unknown]

I love your show, but I, I, I could not disagree more.

[Memphis Bleak]

Oh, perfect. Let's hear it.

[Unknown]

That was, I think that was a great finals. I think it was two small market teams that battled. It went seven games. I thought it was awesome. And I, you know, I, I coach basketball. I coach my sons in aau. And we, man, when we beat teams that we had no business beating. It's the greatest feeling in the world. And just real quick. Yeah, props to Danny G. I called in maybe a couple of months ago, I don't know, and I got a swiggy and it took a while to get to me. And Danny G. Sent me two extra koozies. And I just wanted to say thank you.

[Memphis Bleak]

And Rich, listen, I'm not back. I'm not double talking Davis here, but I didn't say the. The, the finals was bad. I think there's just a lack of excitement. Meaning I. I started this conversation by saying, when you compared the last four major champions, they're jumping on each other. Everyone's going nuts. I feel like they were handshaking like you do after a wreck game at the wire at the Wild.

[Rich]

What happened?

[Covino]

I mean, it's exactly what you saw.

[Unknown]

There was some good basketball. I think people have already forgotten game one, where the Thunder had the lead the entire game except for what point three seconds.

[Covino]

And that was a great.

[Unknown]

We did see some great basketball throughout. But we also saw, unfortunately, the first injury that happened to Halliburton. And then how things came about yesterday, let's say.

[Covino]

How do you think there's anything to be said about game one feeling like forever ago, though?

[Unknown]

Yeah, I'm sure we'll talk about that later in the show.

[Covino]

Maybe it's the fact that they dragged it on so long and then it came down to that game and you're.

[Memphis Bleak]

Like, let's say hi to Jimbo. What's up, Jim? In St. Louis.

[Unknown]

Hey, guys.

[Memphis Bleak]

What's up, man?

[Unknown]

Great show.

[Memphis Bleak]

Thank you, man.

[Covino]

Thank you, buddy.

[Unknown]

You don't have to expect them to have it. I mean, most professional athletes don't have it.

[Covino]

That is true.

[Memphis Bleak]

Which, which is why the legends stand out. You're right. The spurs is a great example. We just got a call from Rich in San Antonio. Some argued that when the Admirable. When the Admiral left and no more David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Genobli, Tony Parker weren't the most exciting champions. And they were fundamentally sound. And they had Popovich. I don't.

[Unknown]

That he was calling San Antonio, by the way.

[Covino]

That's why when we talk about the Goats, Tim Duncan's often left out of the conversation. It's not that he wasn't a great player. It's that he didn't have it. Tim Duncan wasn't against. Duncan was a great dude. He's a great leader, great player, but sort of a boring. Watch fundamentals. You know, we're hating on all the Wrong things. It was a boring celebration. That's really what it comes down to.

[Memphis Bleak]

Cove. It's interesting you would say Tim Duncan, because didn't we the other day joke about how he was one Ray Allen three pointer away from being six and oh, in the finals?

[Covino]

Yes.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yet he's still not talked about enough.

[Covino]

Not enough.

[Memphis Bleak]

All right, Odessa, let's go to Dwayne. What's up, Dwayne?

[Unknown]

Hey, guys. Had a great time in Las Vegas. It was just. It was a great party. Really appreciate it.

[Covino]

Thank you.

[Unknown]

Really good people. King Carlos and Johnny Go, or Johnny Joe from San Juan Capitrano. It was just really good event, so. But one of the things I wanted to mention is that sometimes these teams, they kind of take on the image of their fan base. I grew up in Mid America, big Twins fan. You know, they won two World Series, and those were great moments for a lot of people that live on the East Coast, West Coast. That happens, like, every other year. And when you're a small market team, you really appreciate it. So once again, great time in Vegas. Really enjoyed it. Thanks a lot.

[Covino]

Hey, no problem, Dwayne.

[Unknown]

That was Big Mike snoring next to him.

[Covino]

The hell was that?

[Unknown]

I thought Dwayne was at a motorcycle rally or something.

Yeah, yeah. Because Big Mike's not here. He's missing. Spotty's missing.

He's resting today, people. Micah resting.

[Memphis Bleak]

Let's go to Ian in la. What's up, Ian? Last one.

[Rich]

What up?

[Unknown]

How's it going, guys?

[Memphis Bleak]

What's up?

[Unknown]

Hey. So I think the problem with today's NBA is there's no real storyline. You know, there's a lot of great players, great teams, and if you're a big basketball fan, what you're seeing is what you hoped for. Nobody's dominant, but it lacks a storyline. So if you're a casual user, you don't care.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, that's true. And you know what? Then I'm guilty because I'm more casual than Die Hard, so.

[Covino]

Hey, Rich, do you think maybe it has to do with the fact that we're still recovering from Vegas and. Thanks for the call, man. And there's a sense of relief in our minds a little bit, too, because there's a lot of hate toward basketball, period. Because I know you want to talk about how much you hate the wnba. And I also know. And I had the same feeling about the whole Kevin Durant move over the weekend. He. He had made it very clear. I mean, he's gotten to the point where he can call the shots. 19 years in the league, MVP superstar champion Kevin Durant says, I'll play for the Lakers, the Spurs, or the Rockets. And I feel like even the move to the Rockets is so boring to me, dude. Like, that was the last team I wanted to hear him play for. I'm like, ah, that's no fun as a broadcaster, dude. As a broadcast, I guess I'm a professional broadcaster. Right. Houston, you say, oh, as a broadcaster, as a. As a sports fan, I'm like, houston, boo. Be sure to drink your Ovaltine. I thought that was the weakest announcement. I really did. Like, any other team would have been cooler to me than that. And that's no knock on Houston. It just didn't feel fun or exciting to me. I was like, all right. So I don't know if that's just the mood we're in. You ever watch a movie and it sort of stinks, but then you watch it again, you're like, maybe I was just in a bad mood. Yeah, maybe there's something to that. But again, lack of celebration for sure. But congratulations to okc. Extremely dominant. And now we'll get to more phone calls, but we turn it over to our guy, Dan Byer, db.

[Unknown]

Oh, the whole Durant thing, it went off on it yesterday during my Sunday show with Mike Harmon. It's on social media. They tried to plan it like this was this organic experience that he was on stage at Fanatics Fest.

[Covino]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

When all of a sudden he got traded.

[George M. Johnson]

Wow.

[Unknown]

While he was on stage, this happened ahead of Game 7 of the NBA Finals to completely steal, no pun intended, the thunder of that Game seven.

[Memphis Bleak]

Wow.

[Unknown]

Yes. It was so contrived and so awful and so ridiculous. So those are other reasons why I hated the Durant trade yesterday. I digress. The Pacers are falling a game short of winning that NBA championship. And now today they found out that they're likely to not have Tyrese Halliburton for all of next season did rupture that Achilles tendon and his right leg. Scheduled for surgery today.

[Dan Flores]

The American west with Dan Flores is the latest show from the Meat Eater Podcast Network. Hosted by me, writer and historian Dan Flores and brought to you by Velvet Buck, this podcast looks at a West available nowhere else. Each episode I'll be diving into some of the lesser known histories. I'll then be joined in conversation by guests such as Western historian Dr. Randall Williams and best selling author and meat eater founder, Stephen Rinella.

[Rich]

I'll correct my kids now and then.

[Covino]

Where they'll say, when cave people were here and I'll say it seems like the Ice Age people that were here didn't have a real affinity for caves.

[Dan Flores]

So join me starting Tuesday, May 6, where we'll delve into stories of the west and come to understand how it helps inform the ways in which we experience the region today.

[Memphis Bleak]

Listen to the American west with Dan Flores on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Unknown]

I know a lot of cops and they get asked all the time, have you ever had to shoot your gun? Sometimes the answer is yes. But there's a company dedicated to a future where the answer will always be no.

Across the country, cops called this Taser the Revolution.

But not everyone was convinced it was that simple.

[Dan Flores]

Cops believed everything that Taser told them.

[Unknown]

From Lava for Good and the team that brought you Bone Valley comes a story about what happened when a multi billion dollar company dedicated itself to one visionary mission. This is Absolute Season 1 Taser Incorporated.

I get right back there and it's bad.

It's really, really, really bad.

Listen to new episodes of Absolute Season 1 Taser Incorporated on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Binge episodes 1, 2 and 3 on May 21 and episodes 4, 5 and 6 on June 4 ad free at Lava for Good. Plus on Apple Podcasts.

[George M. Johnson]

The OGs of uncensored motherhood are back and badder than ever. I'm Erica. And I'm Mila and we're the hosts of the Good Moms Bad Choices podcast brought to you by the Black Effect Podcast Network every Wednesday. Historically, men talk too much and women have quietly listened. And all that stops here. If you like witty women, then this is your tribe with guests like Corinne Style. Stefan's I've never seen so many women protect predatory men. And then me too happened and then everybody else want to get pissed off because the white said it was okay. Problem. My oldest daughter, her first day in ninth grade and I called to ask.

[Memphis Bleak]

How I was doing. She was like, oh dad, all they.

[George M. Johnson]

Were doing was talking about your thing in class. I ruined my baby's first day of high school. And Slumflower. What turns me on is when a man sends me money. Like I feel the moisture between my legs when a man sends me money and I'm like, oh my God, it's go time. You actually sent it. Listen to the Good Moms Bad Choices podcast every Wednesday on the Black Effect podcast network, the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you go to find your podcast. This Pride Month. We are not just celebrating, we're fighting back. I'm George M. Johnson, and my book All Boys Aren't Blue was just named the most banned book in America. If the culture wars have taught me anything, it's that pride is protest. And on my podcast, Fighting Words, we talk to people who use their voices to resist, disrupt, and make our community stronger.

[Memphis Bleak]

This year, we are showing up and showing out. You need people being like, no, you're.

[Unknown]

Not going to tell us what to do.

[George M. Johnson]

This regime is coming down on us, and I don't want to just survive. I want to thrive. You'll hear from trailblazers like Bob the Drag Queen to freedom Angelica Ross.

[Memphis Bleak]

We ready to fight? I'm ready to fight.

[George M. Johnson]

And Gabrielle Union.

[Memphis Bleak]

Hi, George.

[George M. Johnson]

And storytellers with wisdom to spare. Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Covino]

Tyrack Play of the day no Tyrese Halliburton. It got pouring right after that for Indiana, and the Thunder pulled away in the third quarter to win it all.

[Memphis Bleak]

Thunder fans feel this moment.

[Covino]

The uncommon young team proves to be unstoppable.

[Memphis Bleak]

It's over at PACOM center final in game seven. The Thunder 103, the Pacers 91. A dream realized. The storybook season is complete. The final chapter reads the Oklahoma City thunder of the 2025 NBA champions. I mean, great call. They just ended up fist bumping while he's saying all that greatness. Boring. WWLS Thunder Radio Network. And that was our tyrant play of the day.

[Covino]

Tire rack. I want to make it clear, too. No one calls me Steve Big Dumper Covino because I have a big dumper. It's because I just like a big dumper. I just want to make that clear.

[Memphis Bleak]

Oh, yeah, but by the way, so plenty of cheeks at a stadium swim. It sure did.

[Covino]

And props to Cal Raleigh Big Dumper. I heard a story today where he's okay with the nickname, but his mom's not a big fan of it, which is so funny to me. He's got 31 bombs, man. It's insane.

[Memphis Bleak]

The Big Dumper.

[Covino]

Yeah, the Big Dumper.

[Unknown]

Do you think he'll sign his baseball cards like that?

[Covino]

I don't know. Yeah, I would if I were him. But again, the other nickname in the news today is Dicky Lovelady, Mets reliever. So instead of Richard Lovelady, he's now Dicky Lovelady.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yes. Before we get to some WNBA annoyance, I'll explain why I'm angry at something we're Going to talk some NFL. We might know our super bowl halftime show for next year. At least they're hinting at it. But if you got kids. I saw. This is interesting, Danny G. You got, like, college kids and. And a baby.

[Unknown]

I have eight kids, all different age ranges.

[Memphis Bleak]

They do age. They do range in age, apparently. There's a couple new things that kids are saying this summer, like all the skibidi riz and all that stuff. That's old news. There's a couple new ones. Can I throw them at you? Tell me if you've heard these.

[Unknown]

Let's hear them.

[Memphis Bleak]

In the summer, kids are all talk about the uv. Like, they actually check on their phone.

[Unknown]

Oh, our daughter does this every day.

UV to see, like, someone referred to as the uv. They're like, yeah, just look late in day and low uv.

[Memphis Bleak]

Like they're worried about the UV to get tan and stuff. Right?

[Covino]

So funny, man. It's a big deal. My daughter talks about it.

[Unknown]

My daughter uv. My daughter thinks that it's cool to get tanned on the days where the UV is bad. Had to explain to her, like, no, no, genius. It's the opposite.

[Covino]

It's a thing. Kids are way into politics and UV.

[Memphis Bleak]

I'm like. I'm fascinated. Like, they're UVs. They're looking at the UV.

[Covino]

Two things I didn't give a diddly squat about when I was a teenager. Politics and uv.

[Memphis Bleak]

Apparently, the term I'm crashing out, that doesn't mean, like, you're tired. Like, you'd say, I'm crashing. Like I'm, you know, I had a long weekend in Vegas. I'm gonna crash. They're crashing out.

[Covino]

Like.

[Memphis Bleak]

Like anxiety. And everything's got the best of them. Like, they're like. They're freaking out. They're crashing out. And the other one, have you heard? It's a. It's like an acronym that they text each other. So if you see your kid, Texas Sabao, S, Y, B, A, U. Do this, you know this one? It's shut your ass up. That's the new one. So if you see your kid put out Sabao. That's. That's the new acronym that every young kid's using. Cool.

[Covino]

Cavino. On the Sabal Show.

[Unknown]

Sabal. While they're listening to Shabuzi.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah.

[Covino]

Can I just hit you with a Sabal?

[Memphis Bleak]

I was gonna say every Oklahoma City Thunder fans telling me right now. Sabal.

[Covino]

Yeah, exactly.

[Rich]

Exactly.

[Memphis Bleak]

Shut y' all up. All right, real quick, wnba, this rubbed me in such a weird way because, listen, I root for women's sports to get to the next level. I do.

[Covino]

I mean, you know how you preface this? Rich youh got to say I'm a girl, dad.

[Memphis Bleak]

No, I don't want to do that. It's like someone.

[Covino]

No, that's how you do it.

[Memphis Bleak]

Because it's like someone racist saying just have friends of color.

[Covino]

No, I'm not saying no, I'm a girl, dad.

[Memphis Bleak]

I'm a girl, dad, everyone.

[Covino]

But there's.

[Memphis Bleak]

There's a problem with the wnba, and I'll explain what that is coming up next. And it has to do with Kelsey Plum, who I'm sure is lovely, but she did something that rubbed me a weird way. I'll get to that.

[Covino]

We'll get to Shaq Diesel trivia.

[Memphis Bleak]

Some Shaq Diesel and the NFL creeping back into our lives. Can't wait to start talking more and more. Football. The WNBA I've never seen. But then again, maybe I've had some dumb friends in my life. I'm trying to think if I've ever seen someone or something get in their own way more than the wnba. Like someone, man or woman, being given an opportunity. You keep getting in your way. I think we've all worked with someone like that. Like the. The boss likes it. Your path is great.

[Unknown]

And they f up like tripping on their own shoelaces.

[Memphis Bleak]

I feel like the wnba, someone needs to tie their shoes because they keep tripping over their own feet. Whether it's, you know, not embracing Caitlin Clark, making it seem like the fighting on the court isn't secretly a good thing. Pushing aside rivalries, making things about race when they shouldn't be about race. It should be about the starting with.

[Covino]

All the money stuff and, you know.

[Memphis Bleak]

Making silly arguments as to why the money should be more. Everything about the WNBA is getting in its own way. And I just saw one other clip to explain why I feel this way. Kelsey Plumb, super talented athlete, one of the faces of the league. Attractive, cool. Everyone likes Kelsey Plum. She's greeted by people wanting her autograph. Take a listen. The bus was right here. Don't y' all find that kind of weird? Low key. Like, low key? Come on. Oh, a little, but okay.

[Covino]

I'm really turned off right now. I'm just a fan, though.

[Memphis Bleak]

I know.

[Covino]

I appreciate that.

[Memphis Bleak]

Can you sign one?

[Covino]

You put my name on it, I'll sign one.

[Unknown]

Okay.

[Memphis Bleak]

Can I get you on that one? Keep going with this. You appreciate that.

[Covino]

Did she pull? It's not even clocking to you, by the way.

[Unknown]

He's Holding a plastic sheet of her.

[Covino]

Basketball cards, and I'm standing on business.

[Memphis Bleak]

She's. She's calling him low key weird and saying that he's creepy for wanting an autograph.

[Covino]

I think she's high key, misreading the situation. What's the big deal? You have fans. That comes with the territory. She wasn't being stalked.

[Memphis Bleak]

In a weird way, I. I think it's wild to think that if someone was seeking out autographs and pictures of a WNBA star, isn't that just showing that, oh, wow, maybe the WNBA is headed in the right direction that people care to make this.

[Covino]

I highly doubt it's her first autograph, bro.

[Memphis Bleak]

I think autograph seekers are honestly some of the lamest losers on planet Earth. If you're a grown man seeking autographs outside a hotel, outside of tour bus, outside a players bus. Adults that want autographs are weenies to the highest degree. But the fact that she.

[Covino]

Well, selfies have replaced the autograph, but in this case, they wanted it signed.

[Memphis Bleak]

But the simple fact that she is in a position where people want this stuff from her, she should almost embrace.

[Covino]

I just think maybe, hey, look, there's two ways to look at it. We could never know what celebrity superstars and athletes go through. Right. We saw, and I quoted the famous Justin Bieber thing recently. But let's be real. She's not Justin Bieber, dude. Right. She's not dealing with that kind of paparazzi and celebrity. And you could also say there's a graceful way to back out of these situations. Right. Like, making that guy feel like he was weird is also not the best way possible.

[Memphis Bleak]

I think they're all.

[Covino]

I think it sounded a little rude.

[Memphis Bleak]

I think it's all weirdo behavior.

[Covino]

But, I mean, I don't think you're necessarily a weirdo for wanting an autograph. Maybe it was for a kid. I don't know. I don't know the backstory here.

[Memphis Bleak]

Our buddy Michael Yeoh hit us up and he's like, they do that with, with comedians, with acts in Vegas. Like, he's like, they'll come up to you, be like, sign all this stuff just because they want to resell it and they're trying to make a buck. And again, I think it's like, it's like paparazzi and those type of people. I think is gross.

[Covino]

I don't like that. That's why we were discussing before the show. Aaron, Judge's rule.

[Unknown]

Yeah. When he was here in Southern California last year for the World Series, he told one of Ben Maller's listeners who asked for an autograph at the hotel. He's like, nope, sorry, I only autograph for kids.

[Covino]

But isn't that a more polished, PR friendly way of saying, nothing against you, dude. I know you're going to go and take this and sell it.

[Unknown]

The problem with that is that these people who resell the autographs, they get kids to do their dirty work for them. They'll hire kids to go get those autographs.

[Covino]

That is true. Yeah.

[Memphis Bleak]

There's always a scam.

[Unknown]

And by the way, there's a follow up on this Kelsey Plum thing. In that video, one of the guys standing there wanting an autograph they found out from researching is one of those guys who resells these autographs. But regardless, people are still saying, hey, it doesn't matter. Just go ahead and sign it. You're making money off of a kid's game. These guys want autographs. Just do the signature really quick and move on. That's at least most of the fans thoughts in the comments.

And that means that your, your autograph and your signed memorabilia is worth something. If one of those weird dudes is hanging around trying to get your autograph to resell, it means it actually has some value.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's my point is I'm. I never in a million years think being one of those autograph seekers is cool. I'm just saying that wnba, now stop getting in your own way. There's signs that people care and you're still like doing. You're stepping on your own feet.

[Unknown]

You're not used to it, man.

[Covino]

You lean into that. You know as much as you can for the good press, not the bad press. Because this is why we're all speculating today. Like, yeah, she was kind of mean about that.

[Unknown]

How many years, though, did we hear that they wanted to be treated like one of the major sports, that they wanted that same respect and. And Iowa Sam is right when he says they're not used to it. You better get used to it because of all these eyeballs that, you know who from the Fever has put on your game right now.

[Covino]

Are we looking at it in a sexist way, though? You know how women say, you know, if women shows confidence, it's just misinterpreted as we're being a b. If a male athlete did this, would we have been like, yeah, good for that guy. Tell him to beat it. Now that she's doing it, we're like, look at the attitude that she has.

[Memphis Bleak]

Because Bieber recently went off of the paparazzi and People, I think were like.

[Covino]

Yeah, but let's say you were a C level NBA guy and we, you know.

[Unknown]

No, no, no. We gave LeBron a hard time at the Olympics when he pulled one of these moves on that kid, remember?

[Covino]

But don't you think some women may spin it that way? If it was a guy, we'd be giving him a high five for telling him to beat it. But because it's a woman, I guarantee you we'll hear that. I guarantee we'll hear that from somebody. But because the woman. Oh, she. She's got an attitude problem because she told him that he's being weird.

[Memphis Bleak]

You know what? I think we could end it there. I just thought it was. I thought it was just another. A little microcosm. Another.

[Covino]

Can I hear it one more time, though, just to really, like, dissect it. So again, this is Kelsey Plum, WNBA star, telling some guy that she's low key. Yeah, she plays for the LA Sparks, telling his autograph seeker that he's low key being kind of weird.

[Memphis Bleak]

The bus was right here. Don't y' all find that kind of weird? Low key?

[Covino]

Like, low key.

[Memphis Bleak]

Come on. Oh, a little bit of.

[Rich]

Ah.

[George M. Johnson]

Okay.

[Covino]

I'm really turned off right now. I'm just a fan, though.

[Memphis Bleak]

I know.

[Covino]

I appreciate that.

[Memphis Bleak]

You sign one, you put my name.

[Covino]

On it, I'll sign one.

[Memphis Bleak]

If I get you on that one.

[Covino]

I'm a little turned off right now. I'm really turned off.

[Memphis Bleak]

Really saying, all right, is he ugly?

[Covino]

Maybe there's a nicer way to say it, right? Especially when you're looking for good press. Lean into the fun side of the wnba. You're trying to sell a league here. I get what Rich is saying. Your thoughts? 87799 on Fox.

[Memphis Bleak]

Just don't get in your own way, that's all. I feel like everything the. The WNBA has had an opportunity to do that. Just feel like there must be someone of power thinking, like, why do we keep stepping again on our own shoelaces and tripping? Like, just being even. Be nice to losers. Honestly, Danny, isn't that sort of, you know, be nice to losers as part of the equation? When you're a celebrity or someone of note, you don't think LeBron James and Nice to losers. It's in the handbook, I think.

[Unknown]

Well, you. You have to have a lot of patience. I. One thing I said in the pre show meeting, there's some pro athletes who could never do what you guys just did this past weekend, which was mingle with hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of people that love what you do for a living. And you guys not only have patience and enjoy doing it, but, I mean, you're having these many conversations with all these different people. We've seen athletes who won't bother to spend any time, even a little bit of time with one fan.

[Memphis Bleak]

I think if you want to be anyone of note in the handbook, there's got to be a chapter. It's like, be nice to losers.

[Covino]

A little gracious at the same time.

[Memphis Bleak]

Imagine your Shohei Ohtani or your Aaron Judge or your. Your Joe Burrow, your. Your Patrick Mahomes, your Travis Kelsey. You. You gotta be nice to the fans.

[Covino]

Perhaps even if they're like weird fans. This dude before and knows what the scammer is. I mean, you gotta keep that in the conversation too, to be fair. So your thoughts. 87799 on Fox. And keep that number in your phone because we're gonna be playing some Shaq Diesel trivia too, and we need contestants for that.

[Memphis Bleak]

All right, so if you want in 87799 on Fox, we're gonna do that.

[Unknown]

That's the last time Shaq is gonna be with us for the. Until next.

[Memphis Bleak]

So I hope Shaq's ready. Something I want to throw out there as well. We're talking about the wnba, a league that needs no help. The NFL. The NFL. Now that the NBA and the NHL are done. Unless you're a super big baseball fan like we are, I feel like everyone immediately right now, your attention goes right to, all right, when's football starting? You're probably planning out your Fourth of July plans. And the minute the Fourth of July is over, it's sort of like a countdown to the NFL. Because after the fourth of July, it's like T minus a month. And here we are. And they've already hinted at who the super bowl halftime show could be and what's cool about it. I don't think anyone would argue this, but he's the guy that. Isn't he in charge of picking?

[Covino]

Yes, he is the act. Yeah. Jay Z.

[Memphis Bleak]

What do you think about Jay Z if he did the super bowl halftime show?

[Covino]

I think it's weak.

[Memphis Bleak]

It's in the Bay Area, right? The super bowl makes his way back.

[Unknown]

To the Santa Clara.

[Memphis Bleak]

Santa Clara.

[Unknown]

I'm just hating the headline. Says Internet in a frenzy over rumors of Jay z possibly headlining 2026.

[Covino]

I mean, I like Jay Z for sure.

[Memphis Bleak]

I like a lot of.

[Covino]

I mean, who doesn't like Jay Z? Of course I like Jay Z. I think what Makes it a fun halftime show, though, is he'd be filling the stage up with a ton of special guests, for sure.

[Unknown]

Including his wife.

[Covino]

Including his wife. So we're going to get a bunch of superstars on the same stage. So therefore it probably will be great. But my first initial reaction is, ah, man, all right. But again, maybe, again, maybe it's Monday vibes.

[Unknown]

As a hip hop, big hip hop follower and fan, obviously I'm not a follower anymore because I love old school hip hop, so classic hip hop. I'll say that we've seen enough hip hop. And I love Kendrick Lamar. He's great. And we argued about that last year when it was announced he was going to headline the super bowl at halftime. It should have been a rock, or it should be. If they haven't decided all the way yet, it should be a rock act this year. That's what I would do. And I'm a hip hop guy. And I'll still say, let's spread the wealth around and go to another format and then do Jay Z the following year.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, I think it really is a matter of rotating musical taste. Right.

[Covino]

And my first thought was, like, what are Jay Z's anthems? And then New York is the one. New York State of Mind is the one that comes to mind for me. Empire State of Mind. And that doesn't translate in California. And Alicia Keys did her stuff recently.

[Unknown]

If there's one year Metallica makes the most sense, it is 2026.

[Memphis Bleak]

They're from the area. Or you could say Green Day.

[Unknown]

You could say, let's not say Green Day.

[Memphis Bleak]

You could say, I could totally be down with green.

[Covino]

We've been saying Metallica for years and they're currently on tour with Pantera. They have, you know, some new music out. I, I think it would have been great to have rock and, you know, I'm not a big country fan or some very popular rockin country collaboration.

[Memphis Bleak]

I mean, if they have Metallica come out and then all of a sudden some younger crossover country guys, like a jelly roll or someone come out, like.

[Covino]

There'S one of those hardy guys.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, we, we've, we've talked about what the possibilities could be. Just the fact that Jay Z was hinted. It's worth a quick conversation because as much as we all love Jay Z, I don't think anyone's going to say no to Jay Z. I just don't. I mean, the Super Bowl's not going back to New York, so keep that in mind. You're never going to see a Super bowl in New York again. But I just don't know if the Bay Area makes sense.

[Covino]

By the way, big pimping nyc, what does that have to do with diddly squat for the Super Bowl?

[Unknown]

They've never, They've never decided to go with local flavor. I know face of it, the. The Dallas is. The Dallas one is the one that sticks out for me. I guess Houston could have been for the. For the same reason, but I think so many people wanted a country artist for that super bowl in Dallas. They just felt that it was. That was the way to go. And. And that was Black Eyed Peas.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah. And then, you know, last year, as much as people did love or hate Kendrick Lamar, the most watched one ever, that was the one when everyone said New Orleans. Like Lil Wayne, come on. Like it makes sense. So you're right. Logic of Metallica makes sense. But has it ever made sense before?

[Unknown]

Don't forget, at Sofi they did have the local. You know, they had their doctor.

That's true. I think that's a good point.

You know, Eminem came in, but he's from obviously Detroit.

Ever since the NFL and Roc Nation had an agreement, it's all been hip hop or R and B artists. Basically. That's what it's. That's what it's been.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

So.

[Covino]

But you thought the streak would end soon, especially with the criticism from last year too. Because again, not questioning the star power of a Kendrick Lamar, we were questioning the catalog for super bowl halftime meaning anthems, you know, that. That a lot of people would know.

[Unknown]

So they're going for DiMaggio. They're going for 56 straight.

[Covino]

That's pretty. But it's pretty obvious too, right? So that's how I feel. Am I a big Jay Z fan? Yes, I am, but I'm with Danny G. Why do you.

[Memphis Bleak]

Why do you have Huey Lewis written down in your notes?

[Covino]

Huey Lewis. Oh, here's some Bay Area. But you know what? If you want to throw a Huey Lewis, it would be like a best of the 80s.

[Unknown]

Yeah. 80s medley.

[Covino]

An 80s medley. You bring some other class people out there. It takes superstars journey.

[Unknown]

That would be too much. Like you could never get all the greatest 80s acts into one show.

[Covino]

No, but you get a few of.

[Unknown]

Them because half of them are dead too.

[Covino]

The rumor is Jay Z.

[Memphis Bleak]

What is your first reaction?

[Unknown]

We can do a hologram surprise. That was Mick James hologram.

[Covino]

The dove climbing account. Is that right?

[Unknown]

Yeah, not. And not just him. It's. It's on several websites, but it's. Everybody is saying rumor because nobody knows this for sure right now. It's just what people are saying.

[Covino]

If you told me it was a Jay Z and Metallica thing, that'd be super dope. Does it have to be rock? Does it have to be country? No, but it's cool to spread the love a little bit.

[Memphis Bleak]

You're rock guy.

[Covino]

I am.

[Memphis Bleak]

Has Metallica professionally had any, like even interaction with Jay Z, you think or no?

[Covino]

I have no idea.

[Memphis Bleak]

You never you.

[Covino]

But I'll DM James Hetfield right now.

[Memphis Bleak]

You do that and we'll get someone to play Shaq Diesel trivia. We'll do that next at 876 on Fox. We only have a few swiggies.

[Unknown]

I was just going to say we are down to the nitty gritty. There's like 10 swiggies, so there's no charity.

[Covino]

Swiggy, you got to win.

[Unknown]

You got to win. But it's multiple choice, so your chances are good.

[Memphis Bleak]

All right, well, let's do that and we'll try to give away a swiggy if you guys win the number again, 87799 on Fox. Some NBA trivia. We'll put a little, a little bow on this NBA season. We'll officially move on to the NFL. That's all coming up.

[Dan Flores]

The American west with Dan Flores is the latest show from the Meat Eater Podcast network. Hosted by me, writer and historian Dan Flores and brought to you by Velvet Buck, this podcast looks at a West available nowhere else. Each episode I'll be diving into some of the lesser known histories of the West. I'll then be joined in conversation by guests such as Western historian Dr. Randall Williams and best selling author and Meat Eater founder Stephen Rinella.

[Covino]

I'll correct my kids now and then where they'll say when cave people were here. And I'll say, it seems like the ice age people that were here didn't have a real affinity for caves.

[Dan Flores]

So join me starting Tuesday, May 6, where we'll delve into stories of the west and come to understand how it helps inform the ways in which we experience the region today.

[Memphis Bleak]

Listen to the American west with Dan Flores on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Unknown]

I know a lot of cops and they get asked all the time, have you ever had to shoot your gun? Sometimes the answer is yes. But there's a company dedicated to a future where the answer will always be no.

Across the country, cops called this taser the revolution.

But not everyone was convinced it was that simple.

[Dan Flores]

Cops believed everything that Taser told them.

[Unknown]

From Lava For Good and the team that brought you Bone Valley comes a story about what happened when a multi billion dollar company dedicated itself to one visionary mission. This is Absolute Season one, Taser Incorporated.

I get right back there and it's bad.

It's really, really, really bad.

Listen to new episodes of Absolute Season 1, Taser Incorporated on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Binge episodes 1, 2 and 3 on May 21 and episodes 4, 5 and 6 on June 4 ad free at Lava for Good. Plus on Apple Podcasts.

[George M. Johnson]

The OGs of uncensored motherhood are back and badder than ever. I'm Erica. And I'm Mila, and we're the hosts of the Good Mom's Bad Choices podcast, brought to you by the Black Effect Podcast Network every Wednesday. Historically, men talk too much and women have quietly listened. And all that stops here. If you like witty women, then this is your tribe with guests like Corinne Stefans. I've never seen so many women women protect predatory men. And then me too happened and then everybody else wanted to get pissed off because the white said it was okay. Problem. My oldest daughter, her first day in ninth grade and I called to ask.

[Unknown]

How I was doing.

[Memphis Bleak]

She was like, oh, dad, all they.

[George M. Johnson]

Were doing was talking about your thing in class. I ruined my baby's first day of high school. And Slumflower. What turns me on is when a man sends me money. Like, I feel the moisture between my legs when a man sends me money, I'm like, oh my God, it's go time. You actually sent it. Listen to the Good Moms Bad Choices podcast every Wednesday on the Black Effect podcast network, the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast, or wherever you go to find your podcast. This Pride month, we are not just celebrating, we're fighting back. I'm George M. Johnson, and my book All Boys Aren't Blue was just named the most banned book in America. If the culture wars have taught me anything, it's that pride is protest. And on my podcast, Fighting Words, we talk to people who use their voices to resist, disrupt, and make our community stronger.

[Memphis Bleak]

This year, we are showing up and showing out. You need people being like, no, you're.

[Unknown]

Not going to tell us what to do.

[George M. Johnson]

This regime is coming down on us and I don't want to just survive. I want to thrive. You're hear from trailblazers like Bob the Drag Queen to freedom Angelica Ross. We ready to fight?

[Memphis Bleak]

I'm ready to fight.

[George M. Johnson]

And Gabrielle Union.

[Memphis Bleak]

Hi, George.

[George M. Johnson]

And storytellers with wisdom to spare, listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Covino]

I do want to make it clear that we were not hating on Jay Z by any means. We're from the East Coast.

[Memphis Bleak]

I'm from New York.

[Covino]

Not that I need to justify, but I, like, liked Jay Z when he was jazz's backup rapper, Hype guy. I used to like Hawaiian Sophie, Jazz with Jay Z. Like, a young baby boy, Jay Z. So I've followed his whole career and I. I admire the guy and I have all his albums, but it's like, really Jay Z now? Like, can we have someone else and mix it up a little bit?

[Unknown]

You also love Fat Joe, though, so.

[Covino]

Nah, bro. Especially now with the news I'm hearing. Whoa. Those other rumors.

[Rich]

I'm here.

[Memphis Bleak]

Hey, we're going to play Shaq Diesel trivia in a second. I did want to say, I know you come to us for, you know, light sports, talking about the rim stuff and butt cheeks and all the stuff that you think. Big Dumpers. Big Dumpers and athletes who are nicknamed Big Dumper.

[Covino]

Yeah, I'm talking Cal, Raleigh, more bumps.

[Memphis Bleak]

But there is major news in the world that is worthy just to mention. I mean, you don't come here for politics, but Israel and Iran have agreed on a complete and total ceasefire, which is huge news in the world.

[Covino]

So it's not true. You just spread it all over the.

[Memphis Bleak]

Place on Fox News. It's on cnn. It's everywhere. Ceasefire.

[Unknown]

That's great news.

[Memphis Bleak]

Between that is good news. Iran and Israel. So Iran. I keep saying Iran because when I was a kid, the iron cheek was from Iran.

[Unknown]

Iran and Iran.

[Covino]

You're just a big flock of seagulls Rich loves. That's why Rich has that Flock of Seagulls haircut.

[Memphis Bleak]

It's funny. All right. But hey, big news. But, hey, let's get to something lighter. It's time for Shaq Diesel trivia. Let's go.

[Unknown]

Whenever we say not to name drop, that means we're about to name drop.

[Memphis Bleak]

I'll name drop.

[Covino]

Oh, my goodness.

[Unknown]

Not only are CNR friends with Tyson and Mahomes.

[Covino]

Hey, man.

[Unknown]

They're also buddies with the big Aristotle.

[Rich]

What's up? It's Big Shack Diesel, AKA Shaq Fu, AKA Shaq Daddy, AKA the Big Aristotle. Guess what? It's time to win some C prizes.

[Unknown]

Time for some basketball trivia.

[Rich]

Basketball trivia.

[Unknown]

What he said.

[Rich]

I used to break bad boys. Now I'm breaking records for FSL Radio.

[Covino]

Shaq Diesel basketball trivia.

[Unknown]

All right, FSR security walking broke Shaq Fu into the main studio.

[Rich]

Almost going to have to break some noses.

[Unknown]

You look. You look nice and tan.

[Rich]

Thank you. Just came back from Bahamas. You know, I think it clicks by the case.

[Memphis Bleak]

I have to say, maybe you had the right idea by being in the ocean. Because I don't know if you heard earlier. I wasn't that impressed with the Talking.

[Rich]

A lot of smack about basketball. First you hate the NBA, now you hate wnba.

[Memphis Bleak]

I don't hate anything, bro. How rude.

[Rich]

Talking all this smack. Congratulations, sga. He's another company. Now he's a shot company.

[Unknown]

Even though you couldn't get them for your shoe company.

[Rich]

I couldn't get them for my shoe company. Reebok, baby. Reebok.

[Unknown]

All right, your final time here until next NBA season, let's meet the contestants. 11 time winner, Rich Davis. Right over there.

[Memphis Bleak]

Here we go.

[Unknown]

Leader in the clubhouse, 14 time winner, Dan Beyer.

Hello.

All right, DB I'll use you for this. Would you love to travel to beautiful Fort Wayne, Indiana? Las Vegas, Nevada, Bridgeport, Ohio, El Dorado, California for the 805 area code, Fillmore, California.

No offense to California, but I feel that Indiana's feeling the tough loss last night. So let's go to Fort Wayne.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, good choice.

[Unknown]

That's Troy.

[Memphis Bleak]

Troy, how's it going?

[Rich]

Hey, Troy, how about I play super bowl halftime? Foo Snickens, Shaq Fu. Tj. Shaq. Shaq Diesel.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, I don't know.

[Unknown]

And Troy, you're having a little bit of a hangover after that Game seven?

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, I don't want to talk about it. All right, well, hopefully you win here.

[Unknown]

Yes. Here are the rules for Shaq Diesel Trivia. The first contestant with two correct answers is the champ. If there's a tie, we have a tiebreaker question. Your name is your buzzer, but you do have to wait until all three possible answers are read. If there's two wrong answers in a row, we move on to the next question. Are you ready? Let's get it on. Here's round one.

[Rich]

Fresh from Bahamas. Big Aristotle. Let's go. Before winning one game one last night, OKC Thunder were the SuperSonics and Seattle won one title. In what year was it A 75, B, 1979 or C 1982?

[Unknown]

Dan Byer.

It was B. 1979.

Yes, sir.

[Rich]

Dennis Johnson was named Finals. Every peep of Seattle.

[Unknown]

Yeah, DJ was a Supersonic back then. All right, so DB on the board so far as we move to round two.

[Rich]

Round two what was that once quoted saying about flopping? A, stand up and take your medicine like a man. B, after I saw an opponent flop, I'd give them a real reason to hit the floor. Or C, flopping is for suckers who listen to Celine Dion.

[Covino]

Rich.

[Unknown]

Rich.

[Memphis Bleak]

Flopping is for suckers who likes to lean. D.N.

[Rich]

No, that's you, sucker.

[Unknown]

Troy, is your buzzer working?

[Memphis Bleak]

No. Troy, I'm giving you a chance. Troy. Jesus.

[Unknown]

Troy said A. And he's right for the still.

[Rich]

And take your medicine like a man. Like Shaq Diesel, the man.

[Unknown]

DV and Troy both on the board.

Why'd Celine Dion have to catch us stray there, right?

Yeah.

[Rich]

Who listens to that garbage?

[Memphis Bleak]

My heart will go off.

[Rich]

You probably want to see his halftime.

[Unknown]

All right, round three. I would.

[Dan Flores]

I would.

[Unknown]

Shaq. Yes. That would be great.

[Rich]

You and Sam. That's it. All right, round three. Which player has the most career assists in NBA history? A, Jason Kidd, B, John Stockton. Or C, Chris Paul?

[Unknown]

Troy.

Troy for the win.

John Stockton.

[George M. Johnson]

Boom.

[Rich]

And Fort Wayne, 806 assists. Paul is second. Kid is third on the list. Congratulations.

[Unknown]

Thank you.

[Covino]

Thank you.

[Rich]

By the way, can you show a little more excitement than OKC did last night, please?

[Unknown]

Well, hopefully that lifts your spirits after the Pacers couldn't get it done there in Game seven. Troy, congrats. We're going to mail out a CNR Swiggy to you.

[Memphis Bleak]

Hey, thank you.

[Rich]

Thank you. Can I just say, the movie, Troy, Very underrated movie, Troy. I'm gonna go home. Watch it right now.

[Unknown]

He can use the Swiggy to drink his own tears.

[Rich]

You ever see Brad Pitt and Troy? You ever see that?

[Memphis Bleak]

He looks pretty ripped in that movie.

[Rich]

Rip. I'm gonna go watch it.

[Unknown]

Thank you, Shaq. What a great, great basketball season.

[Rich]

Good to be back. I had fun in Bahamas. Always have fun here, here. By the way, I love that Cavino guy. He's my favorite. See you next season.

[Unknown]

Yeah, we'll see you next season, guys.

[Rich]

Fooshnikins.

[Unknown]

Faux Life.

[Rich]

I agree.

[Covino]

Should play super bowl halftime.

[Memphis Bleak]

That'd be huge.

[Rich]

That'd be great.

[Memphis Bleak]

That'd be what everyone needs. Check. I mean, Kavino. Let's. You know what? We're gonna get into some NFL. A random NFL story about the commanders.

[Unknown]

Hey, hey, hey, guys, check it out. So on Father's Day, I was actually flying out to Vegas, and right behind me was DeAndre Hopkins. And, you know, I was like, d, hop, Best hands in the league. And, you know, he gave me a fist bump. Didn't fanboy him. And, you know, I. I like that interaction because I feel like as a grown up, we should approach, you know, athletes in a different way because the way that they look at it, they, you know, they do the sport for the generations to come and for, you know, for us as adults, we have to, you know, kind of respect that boundary. And can I just quick, quickly add that I'm sad that I missed you guys by a day, But I will say that me and my fiance, we took an Uber to circa. I went by the poolside just to kind of just feel the energy, as if I was going to be there. And, man, it seemed like you guys had a great time.

[Memphis Bleak]

Dude, it was the best time. And, you know, we'll catch. We'll catch you next time, Andy. I'll say this.

[Covino]

Thank you, Andy.

[Memphis Bleak]

What you did was Hopkins perfect. Yeah, you nailed that interaction. He Yo, D hop, Best hands in the league. Give him a fist bump called a day. You had your moment. You didn't annoy him. You made him feel cool. You probably made him chuckle. Nice.

[Unknown]

How about Daniel tweeting in and reminding all of us that you're also the same person who snuck blurry pictures of Angelina Jolie?

[Memphis Bleak]

I mean, that is true. But you know what? The interaction we had, it was funny. Our buddy Mark, because people kept, like, hovering near the table because Angelina Jolie was the next table. Our buddy Marcos here I thought I looked good tonight, and everyone was looking at me, but it's you. And she laughed and I was like, dude, you nailed that quick interaction. It's a matter of not bothering a celebrity.

[Covino]

Rapidly thought about that line for a good 20 minutes before he delivered it.

[Memphis Bleak]

It was a good one, though. You know what, cove? Before. Before we get to this commander's quick story. It's a real damn shame that Jalen Hurts isn't Canadian because I just saw a wild stat. Every other championship MVP this year has been Canadian, NBA, NHL, and Major League Baseball. Freddie Freeman, Canadian.

[Covino]

What?

[Unknown]

I thought he was from California.

[Memphis Bleak]

Canadian Freeman. And are you sure about that? Sam Bennett Canady isn't Freddie Freeman. I saw this meme, and everyone's double checking it.

[Covino]

I mean, Sam, if it's not a meme, it has to be true.

[Memphis Bleak]

Hold on now. When he got me isn't Freddie Freeman.

[Covino]

This thing is fake memes.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, Canadian American, first baseman.

[Unknown]

It said he was born in Fountain Valley, California. Oh, yeah, it does say. It does say Canadian American. I don't. I don't know.

[Covino]

Maybe he identifies as Canadian. He's probably a Canadian citizen. He Was maybe born here.

[Unknown]

When he came from the Braves to the Dodgers, everyone was like, yeah, he's coming home, you know, SoCal. So I, I didn't know about the Canadian thing, but. But hey, if you saw it on.

[Memphis Bleak]

A meme, both his, both his parents moved here, so he's a dual citizen. So he's Canadian.

[Unknown]

He's inherited the citizenship.

[Memphis Bleak]

So Jalen Hurts, the only championship MVP that's not Canadian this year. So what's up, Canada? A thank you for cheesies, Jim Carrey and all the rest.

[Covino]

Jalen hurts. Loves Canada Dry, though.

[Memphis Bleak]

So is that perfect?

[Covino]

It's his favorite ginger ale.

[Memphis Bleak]

Staying in that division, staying in the NFC east, which, by the way, should be really fun this year because I'm not saying the Giants are competitive, but they got better. Right? And we'll see what Russ does and the excitement of Jackson Dart and if he'll get any playing time.

[Covino]

Hold on, dude, I'm still taking off my NBA hat. You're already on the NFL. Yeah, I'm not ready for all this.

[Memphis Bleak]

Giants just by nature get more exciting.

[Covino]

Sure.

[Memphis Bleak]

Washington will they bring that same, you know, energy. They made it to the NFC championship game last year.

[Unknown]

Electric Daniels is legit leader going on.

[Covino]

No doubt.

[Memphis Bleak]

Like I just said, Jalen hurts. You're defending super bowl champions and then you got the Cowboys, who every year, did they get it right? Have they figured it out? The, you know, the team with such a storied history has the longest streak not making to the NFC championship game. So. So the NFC east is already electric now. They're not changing the name back. We're not going to become the Redskins again. But a lot of fans, while they have embraced the Commanders because the, the play on the field speaks for itself. Like I said, Jaden Daniels electric. It's a fun one.

[Covino]

Yeah.

[Memphis Bleak]

There's speculation that the Washington commanders could bring back the old Redskins uniform. Uniform minus only the Redskin. Meaning somehow find something close enough to put on the helmet, but bring back the old Washington Redskins uniforms.

[Covino]

What does that mean?

[Memphis Bleak]

Meaning the exact color scheme, the exact pin.

[Covino]

I mean, they could have done that anyway.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, but they, they pivoted away from that and they're saying maybe you're still the Commanders, but you do everything and give it the same look, color scheme, everything.

[Unknown]

It'll look like the Redskins old uniform, minus the feathers, but maybe just on.

[Memphis Bleak]

The helmet like a C with. You're not going to have the. Maybe the feathers. I don't know. To pay tribute. I don't know.

[Unknown]

I mean, that would be cool, but I don't think they're going to do that.

[Memphis Bleak]

But the Washington Commanders, coming off of the big success of last year, when.

[Unknown]

We were kids, and if you grew up in the 80s, didn't you think that was one of the sweeter uniforms?

[Covino]

Without a doubt. Dude. I had the jersey just because there was something like.

[Memphis Bleak]

Honestly, on paper you'd be like. Like really, like maroon and like yellowish gold. Like, I don't know, it. It doesn't sound like it would look.

[Covino]

Cool, but I always.

[Unknown]

It always popped on the field.

[Covino]

And they were.

[Memphis Bleak]

You know what helped, too, when we were kids in the 80s and 90s, they were good.

[Covino]

Yeah, for sure.

[Memphis Bleak]

So, yeah, just a little for people that care about the uniform game. Some people don't give.

[Covino]

I was like a little John Riggins, dude. She saw me in my sweet jersey.

[Memphis Bleak]

People don't give a crap at all. But you, yeah, you and.

[Covino]

Yeah, dude, you don't even know, you.

[Memphis Bleak]

Know what the John Riggins is. There's a John Riggins movie.

[Covino]

Oh, you're gonna tell them?

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah.

[Covino]

This is a private moment. You're gonna just expose it like that? Wow. It's one thing for you and I to know. He's about to tell the nation.

[Unknown]

Attention all affiliates.

[Covino]

We saw John Riggins in the bathroom one time.

[Memphis Bleak]

75 years old, John Riggins?

[Rich]

Yeah.

[Memphis Bleak]

Still kicking, still doing his thing. He used to work for one of the NFL channels at Sirius xm.

[Covino]

He was a nice guy.

[Unknown]

Wait, so you saw John Riggins in the bathroom? Yeah, next to a urinal.

[Memphis Bleak]

So we.

[Unknown]

Why were you looking at his watch?

[Memphis Bleak]

So. So John Riggins. We'd see this guy every day in the hallway, and we used to call it the Riggins because he would. You know, old running backs and fullbacks, they're hobbling a little bit, right? I mean, think of the wear and tear a guy like Riggins put on his body, Right?

[Covino]

Yeah. A lot of moaning and groaning as he buckled his belt.

[Memphis Bleak]

And I'll tell you, he was always so kind to everyone there.

[Covino]

Hey, good to see you guys.

[Memphis Bleak]

This is all just kindness. But he goes up to the urinal and picture this. You do your straddle a little bit, unbuckles his pants.

[Covino]

Your feet got to be parallel to your. To the shoulders.

[Memphis Bleak]

You know, one forearm against the wall and then the other forearm against the wall and just leans his.

[Covino]

Oh, so no hands.

[Memphis Bleak]

No hands on the Riggins. On the Jimmy. No hand on the Jimmy Johnson. And I remember being like, I like.

[Unknown]

How you stayed in the same division.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah. So so we.

[Covino]

So hands, elbows on the wall. Basically because he's so tired.

[Memphis Bleak]

We would always joke that if you were drunk, high or tired and you just went to the bathroom or you.

[Unknown]

Put your arm up, like your forearm.

[Memphis Bleak]

Like both forearms against the wall in front of the urinal. No hands. And that's the Riggins.

[Unknown]

Just a lot of riggings going on in Vegas this past weekend.

[Covino]

Yeah, it's like I could barely stand sort of thing.

[George M. Johnson]

This Pride Month, we are not just celebrating, we're fighting back. I'm George M. Johnson, author of the most banned book in America, America. On my podcast, Fighting Words, I sit down with voices that spark resistance and inspire change.

[Unknown]

This year, we are showing up and showing up.

[Memphis Bleak]

You need people being like, no, you're not. What? You tell us what to do.

[George M. Johnson]

This regime is coming down on us, and I don't want to just survive. I want to thrive. Fighting Words is where courage meets conversation. Listen on iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.

[Memphis Bleak]

Podcast.

[Dan Flores]

Why is a soap opera western like Yellowstone so wildly successful? The American west with Dan Flores is the latest show from the Meat Eater Podcast Network. So join me starting Tuesday, May 6, where we'll delve into stories of the west and come to understand how it helps inform the ways in which we experience the region today.

[Memphis Bleak]

Listen to the American west with Dan Flores on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Unknown]

I know a lot of cops. They get asked all the time, have you ever had to shoot your gun? Sometimes the answer is yes. But there's a company dedicated to a future where the answer will always be no. This is Absolute Season one, Taser Incorporated.

I get right back there.

[George M. Johnson]

And.

[Unknown]

And it's bad.

Listen to Absolute Season 1, Taser Incorporated on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[George M. Johnson]

I also wanna address the Tonys. On a recent episode of Checking in with Michelle Williams, I open up about feeling snubbed by the Tony Awards. Do I? I was never mad. I was disappointed because. Because I had high hopes to hear this and more on disappointment and protecting your peace. Listen to Checking in with Michelle Williams from the Black Effect Podcast Network on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Memphis Bleak]

What up, y' all? This your main man, Memphis Bleak, right here, Host the rock solid podcast. June is Black Music Month. So what better way to celebrate than listening to my exclusive conversation with my brother, Ja Rule? The one thing they can't stop you or take away from you is knowledge. So whatever I went through while I was down in prison for two years through that process, learn, learn from Check out this exclusive episode with Ja Rule on Rock Solid.

[George M. Johnson]

Open your free iHeartRadio app.

[Memphis Bleak]

Search Rock Solid and listen now.

[George M. Johnson]

This is an iHeart podcast.