The Dan Patrick Show (Covino & Rich)

Episode: C&R - CP3 Done Dirty or a Distraction?

Date: December 4, 2025
Hosts: Covino & Rich

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on the recent, abrupt departure of NBA veteran Chris Paul (CP3) from the Los Angeles Clippers. Covino & Rich debate whether CP3 was "done dirty" or if his own actions and attitude led to his unceremonious exit. The hosts dissect the situation with humor and personal anecdotes, connecting CP3’s fate to stories from sports, pop culture, and even their own lives. Listener calls provide additional opinions, making for a lively discussion about aging stars, legacy, and workplace dynamics.

Major Discussion Points & Insights

1. Celebrations, Setting the Scene, & Show Energy

• The episode opens with banter about Ozzy Osbourne’s birthday and ties in with the hosts’ personal lives (04:43).
• Nostalgia hits as they reference Jersey Shore and Sesame Street, highlighting the show’s lighthearted, engaging energy (03:23–04:21).

2. Was Chris Paul “Done Dirty” by the Clippers?

• The main segment examines CP3 being abruptly sent home by the Clippers during the season—midway through what was supposed to be a farewell tour (04:46–12:31).
• The hosts debate:
  • Did management mistreat a future Hall-of-Famer?
  • Or did Chris Paul’s unproductive play and reportedly abrasive attitude justify the move?
• QUOTE:
  • Covino: “He already announced that he’s going. It’s a bad look. In the middle of the night, he throws up the peace signs and he says, 'I got sent home today.' That’s the weakest it gets.” (07:00)

3. Insider Update & Team Dynamics

• Danny G reads from Shams’ report: “Chris Paul and his leadership style clashed with the Clippers. Sources tell ESPN Paul has been vocal in holding management, coaches and players accountable, which the team felt became disruptive. Specifically, Ty Lu was not on speaking terms with Chris Paul for several weeks.” (06:42)
• Host reactions underline how off-court tension can overwhelm on-court legacy.
• The metaphor of "when the talent drops, tolerance drops" is explored via comparisons to aging models, musicians, and athletes (07:26–09:15).
• Rich: “You can’t expect the same treatment when you’re not what you were.” (07:47)

4. Fairness, Legacy, and Exit Strategies for Aging Stars

• Discussion of other athletes’ career endings:
  • A-Rod being forced out just shy of 700 home runs.
  • Musicians losing their “rider” privileges as their audience wanes.
• The show notes that not every legend gets a Derek Jeter-style farewell tour.
• Covino: “Not every legendary career ends with a farewell tour.” (24:48)
• Rich: “The league may owe him something… but the Clippers don’t really owe him anything. And if he’s rubbing them the wrong way—arriva dirche, baby.” (34:36)

5. Listener Calls & Feedback

• [31:35]–[34:47]
  • Virginia James argues CP3 was treated unfairly, acknowledging his reputation but emphasizing that leadership is often misunderstood and uncomfortable.
  • Kyle in Vegas says CP3 is a diva, not a champion, and should have recognized it was time to retire: “I don’t like when people get mixed up with competitiveness, with diva-ness. If you’re a diva, you’re a diva. And that’s exactly what he is.” (33:30)
  • The commonality: It’s tough for greats to know when it’s over.

6. Comparisons to Broader Life & Work

• The hosts share personal stories about being “sent home” or forced out (13:12–14:32).
• DB provides a workplace analogy, having been a negative force at a previous radio job: “I realized I was affecting everybody around me. So if you’re the Clippers, the last thing you want is your 20-year veteran point guard, who’s on the team for a victory tour, to ruin what’s already a bad season.” (17:37)
• The idea: Sometimes, the problem is “you”—the common denominator.

7. State of the Clippers & Organizational Perspective

• Clippers’ failing season, Kawhi drama, and the notion that CP3 was brought in to “cover the stink” (20:42).
• Danny G: “No more Kawhi Leonard in the collage of different stars… so right away, they were trying to kind of distance themselves from that drama. So that was a little bit of cologne there.” (21:31)
• What now? Should another team sign Chris Paul for symbolic reasons?

8. Endings in Sports: Not Always Poetic

• Many legendary careers end abruptly, without glory:
  • Mike Tyson’s last fight, Joey Votto’s ejection, A-Rod’s sudden exit—"Not everybody gets the happy ending in life." (46:13)

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• CP3’s Instagram "Peace Out":
  Covino: “He throws up the peace signs and he says, ‘I got sent home today.’ That’s the weakest it gets.” (07:00)

• On Aging Out:
  Rich: “You can’t expect the same treatment when you’re not what you were.” (07:47)

• Team Attitude:
  DB: “When you have me tendencies and you’re that sort of player … the losing compounds things.” (48:47)

• Reflection & Legacy:
  Covino: “Not every legendary career ends with a farewell tour.” (24:48)
  “Not everybody gets the happy ending in life. Not everybody gets the send-off. Not everybody gets the farewell tour they thought of.” (46:13)

• Callers' Contrasts:
  Virginia James (Listener): “Sometimes leadership is not a comfortable role. So I think he sort of got a raw deal there.” (31:55)
  Kyle in Vegas (Listener): “If you’re a diva, you’re a diva. And that’s exactly what [CP3] is… Sit at the end of the bench.” (33:30)

Other Memorable Segments

• Comparing CP3's situation to A-Rod’s abrupt finish:
  “All Yankee fans want to see him get 700. And they’re like, yeah, peace out, A Rod. We’ve had enough of you. Later.” (09:44)
• Personal stories about being “sent home” in life—humorous and self-deprecating.
• Playful exploration of how to end a corporate or sports career “kindly”—rare in sports (24:31).

Conclusion & Flow

The episode navigates the complex intersection of legacy, ego, and organizational loyalty in sports through the prism of Chris Paul’s abrupt dismissal. With characteristic humor and relatable analogies, Covino & Rich make strong points about acceptance, maturity, and the reality that not every legend gets a storybook ending. Listener calls underline how perspectives vary, but most agree: CP3’s case is a mix of both being “done dirty” and reaping the consequences of a diva reputation.

Key Timestamps

• 04:46 — Main CP3 discussion starts
• 06:42 — Danny G reads latest Shams’ update
• 07:47 — On losing tolerance as skill fades
• 09:44 — A-Rod comparison
• 13:12 — “Sent home” life stories
• 17:37 — DB’s workplace analogy
• 20:42 — Clippers’ real motivation for CP3
• 21:31 — Clippers’ branding shift
• 24:48 — Farewell tours & endings
• 31:35–34:47 — Listener calls
• 46:13 — On legends not always getting the happy ending

For anyone who hasn’t listened, this episode provides an entertaining, thought-provoking look at CP3’s status in the league, the realities of aging in sports, and how “send-offs” are rarely as graceful as we hope—anchored by plenty of real talk and laughter.