The Dan Patrick Show (C&R) – Episode Summary

Episode Title: C&R - Giannis Out Loud, Big Papi Trivia!
Date: April 7, 2026
Hosts: Covino & Rich (C&R), with special guests & contributors
Network: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network

Episode Overview

This lively episode of The Dan Patrick Show, hosted by Covino & Rich, serves up a blend of sports talk, pop culture musings, and signature humor. Major themes include the resurgence of baseball's popularity, diversity in sports, Giannis Antetokounmpo's public criticism of his NBA team (the Milwaukee Bucks), and the debut of “Big Papi Baseball Trivia.” The show embodies a conversational and unserious tone, packed with anecdotes, real-life scenarios, and camaraderie among the hosts and contributors.

Main Themes & Discussion Points

1. March Madness & the Emotional Power of Montages

[03:16 – 04:55]

• The culmination of March Madness is discussed, focusing on "One Shining Moment," the iconic end-of-tournament montage.
• The hosts reflect humorously on getting emotional over sports montages, even for teams or people they're not closely connected with.
• Montage moments from weddings and sports are likened for their nostalgic trigger.

Memorable Quote:
"Rich, for whatever reason, he's not a big college basketball guy. But when you see everybody celebrating their victory and the One Shining Moment plays... if you could time out that one little crocodile tear right as when they hit that note."
— Covino [03:28]

2. Baseball’s Ascendancy & the NBA’s Slip

[05:53 – 10:33]

• Baseball is described as newly securing its position as America’s #2 sport behind the NFL.
• Factors for MLB’s resurgence: rule changes (pitch clock), charismatic stars (Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge), World Baseball Classic momentum, and a “perfect storm” of changes.
• The black athlete pipeline to MLB has diminished, but there’s optimism about a comeback if baseball's mainstream appeal continues to grow.
• The hosts reminisce about an earlier era with more notable Black MLB players, expressing hope for a new diverse generation.

Memorable Quote:
“It wasn't just the one thing... Baseball is now beating NBA. NBA load management, people don't like the attitudes of the NBA, mixed with baseball making all these fun changes... It's a mixture of factors.”
— Covino [06:09]

3. Diversity & Representation in Sports

[07:15 – 09:14]

• Rich and Covino discuss the distinctive diversity of Baseball compared to other U.S. sports, referencing the variety of backgrounds represented on MLB rosters.
• Representation and inclusive role models are praised as motivational for the next generation.

Memorable Quote:
"Representation matters... you got Dominican guys, like I said, white dudes, Asian guys, Black guys... just great athletes from all backgrounds."
— Rich Davis [09:02]

4. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Public Critique: ‘Things You Don’t Say Out Loud’

[11:32 – 24:06]

• Giannis publicly criticizes the Bucks for not letting him play, claiming, “I want to f***ing play,” leading to an NBA investigation.
• Discussion expands to workplace etiquette: what should and shouldn’t be said publicly about employers or colleagues.
• The hosts and contributors riff on similar “unspoken rules” in everyday life — e.g., never comment on someone’s salary, someone's child, or a potential pregnancy without confirmation.

Key Quotes:
"Giannis sort of called out his own team... Isn't that something you keep to yourself or keep inside the locker room?"
— Covino [12:21]

“This is under that category. And I think that's a fun angle here. Like, what are those things that... I shouldn't have said that out loud..."
— Rich Davis [15:54]

“There's things you shouldn't say out loud.”
— Rich Davis [19:19]

Notable “Things You Shouldn’t Say Out Loud” Moments

• Marriage & Money: A parent at a kids' game says, "Well, if my husband made more money..." in front of everyone, an example of public emasculation.
  • [16:48]
• Ugly Babies: How to respond diplomatically to unattractive baby photos.
• Family Gatherings: Rich’s dad once blurted out, “You guys are all terribly boring. I gotta leave.”
• Blunt Party Reviews: Telling a host directly, “This party stinks.”
• Pregnancy Mistake: A colleague congratulates a woman for "being pregnant" who was, in fact, not. (“No, I just got fat.”) [22:02]

Quote Compilation:
"You may think it, but you don't say it."
— Covino [16:34]

5. Athlete Power & Leverage in Sports Today

[22:41 – 24:06]

• Increased control for athletes (especially stars) in negotiating their careers, compared to previous generations.
• Players like Giannis can leverage public statements to force organizational moves.
• Lesser players don’t have that same privilege — using the “hot girl theory” as an analogy for leeway given to stars.

Memorable Quote:
“Giannis is just proving that in a world where players... have more power than they ever had before, they're no longer at the mercy of like, oh my God, thank you so much for the opportunity...”
— Rich Davis [22:53]

Special Segment: “Big Papi Baseball Trivia”

[31:19 – 37:01]

• Debut of a new trivia game celebrating MLB and featuring a Big Papi (David Ortiz) impression.
• Contestants: Rich Davis, Montsy Bolaños, and caller Mike from Boise.
• Trivia questions range from baseball history to quotes about being humble.
• Notable banter and playful shade thrown via the Big Papi character.

Quote:
"This is how we say in the Dominican Republic: we play today, we win today. That's it. That's it."
— Covino as “Big Papi” [33:54]

• Mike wins the contest, becoming a fan favorite (“you my dog!”), and secures a prize pack.

MLB Season Early-Check & Analytical vs. Gut Management Decisions

[37:44 – 40:08]

• Covino reflects on coaching decisions in MLB — analytics versus gut instinct (example: Yankees lineup management).
• Current MLB standings after ~10 games: Dodgers, Brewers, and Yankees leading; Red Sox struggling at 2–7.
• Excitement about young teams like the Pirates.

Updates & News

[40:08 – 41:57]

• MLB: Tampa Bay Rays’ return, Mets injury updates, Blue Jays injury news.
• College Hoops: UConn vs. Michigan title game, Michael Malone hired by UNC, $17,000 ticket to championship mentioned.
• NFL: Giants’ Dexter Lawrence requests trade, Bears’ potential move to Indiana, and CBA negotiations.

Closing Anecdote: The Million Dollar Man and Full-Circle Sports Stories

[48:40 – 51:13]

• Rich shares a feel-good story about Ted DiBiase (WWE’s Million Dollar Man) running into a grown-up version of a kid he once humiliated on TV, now a manager and college basketball scholarship athlete.
• Reflection on professional wrestling staying in character in the media.

Quote:
"So what's the chance of Ted DiBiase, the Million Dollar man, bumping into that kid... who he kicked the basketball away from, [who] went to college on a basketball scholarship."
— Rich Davis [50:12]

Notable Quotes Roundup & Timestamps

• "Baseball is now beating NBA...It's a mixture of factors." — Covino [06:09]
• “Representation matters.” — Rich Davis [09:02]
• "Giannis sort of called out his own team. Isn't that something you keep to yourself?" — Covino [12:21]
• "There's things you shouldn't say out loud.” — Rich Davis [19:19]
• "You may think it, but you don't say it." — Covino [16:34]
• "We play today, we win today. That's it." — Covino as “Big Papi” [33:54]
• "Giannis is just proving that in a world where players... have more power than they ever had before..." — Rich Davis [22:53]

Episode Flow & Tone

The episode mixes sports analysis and cultural commentary with light-hearted stories and real-life examples. While moving between serious discussion (athlete power, diversity in sports) and humor (trivia segments, personal blunders), the show maintains an accessible blend for casual and dedicated sports fans alike. The playful ribbing, impersonations, and trivia game impart a sense of camaraderie and unpredictability.

For Listeners: Key Takeaways

• Baseball is back: MLB is gaining viewership and cultural relevance over the NBA, fueled by innovative changes and international/inclusive appeal.
• Player empowerment: Modern athletes can use their platform to shift their careers, but superstar status is necessary to take big risks.
• Say it or keep it quiet? From family awkwardness to sports locker rooms, some things are still better left unsaid—unless you’re angling for a trade.
• Baseball Trivia Fun: Big Papi-themed trivia is a hit, suggesting more games and celebrity spoofs are to come.
• Sports = Storytelling: Even side stories (like the DiBiase anecdote) reinforce how sports moments echo across lives and years.