The Dan Patrick Show – Covino & Rich: “Miracle UCONN Shot, Bichette in the Bud”
Date: March 31, 2026
Podcast: The Dan Patrick Show (iHeartPodcasts & Dan Patrick Podcast Network)
Hosts: Steve Covino, Rich Davis, Danny G (Super Producer), Dan Beyer
Episode Overview
This episode dives into a lively Monday recap of the sports weekend, mixing humor and hot takes on the NCAA Tournament “miracle” UCONN shot, early-season MLB drama (especially the Mets’ new star Bo Bichette’s rough start), the pros and cons of MLB’s new ABS (automated ball-strike) challenge system, and the art of taking “steam” out of criticism. The Covino & Rich dynamic brings fun banter, playful arguments about fandom honesty, and wide-ranging opinions about athlete and fan conduct.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Did You See It Live? "Faking the Funk" in Sports Fandom
- Rich and Covino debate whether you should pretend you saw a big sports moment live if you didn't. Rich admits he's tempted to “go along” if he missed the moment but wonders about honesty with friends and at work.
- Covino's take: Always be honest—lying only exposes you later.
- Quote: "I don't think you ever lie. You see the highlights, you see when you see it. I don't think you lie because you expose yourself when you lie." (04:47)
- Danny G jumps in with an anecdote about leaving the Home Run Derby early, emphasizing honesty with the audience.
Memorable Moment:
Rich: "It's Monday. I didn't want to headbutt you until at least Thursday." (06:20)
2. UCONN’s Miracle Shot Over Duke ("Tire Rack Play of the Day")
- The show relives UCONN's stunning March Madness buzzer-beater vs. Duke.
- Special attention goes to Braylon Mullins—a 19-year-old hitting a logo three to seal the upset.
- Quote: "He hit the long three pointer from the logo with 3/10 of a second left to go. I don't believe it. UConn has taken the lead." (49:38)
Timestamps:
- Initial UConn discussion: (03:14–04:15)
- Play of the Day: (49:17–50:18)
3. MLB’s Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) System and Challenges
- The hosts dive deep into the ABS challenge system, describing its effect on the game, new “game show” feel, controversial calls, and how umpires (and fans) are reacting.
- Rich reveals a new layer: broadcasters have access to ABS data and can check calls even if teams don’t challenge.
- Danny G and Dan Beyer offer insights into call consistency and how technology exposes erratic umpiring.
- Quote (Dan Beyer): "Thank goodness they have this. Because if you are a hitter... that was the issue I saw... Buckner's strike zone was like this." (18:26)
Notable Notes:
- ABS challenges happen about four times a game—not overwhelming, but “fun.”
- Debate: Should umps embrace ABS or risk obsolescence? Covino compares their situation to supermarket self-checkouts—don’t fight the future, work with it.
- Quote: "If the umpire looks frustrated with it, it's just going to make them more obsolete, faster and sooner than later." (15:00)
4. Bichette in the ‘Bud’ – How to Handle Booing and Criticism
- Discussion centers on Bo Bichette’s rough Mets debut (1-for-11, 7 strikeouts, booed at Citi Field).
- Bichette’s “masterclass” in addressing the media: He admits he was terrible, even jokes that fans took too long to boo him.
- Quote (Bichette): "If anything, I thought it took too long... I thought my at-bats were terrible too." (22:22)
- Covino & Rich relate this to the “nip it in the bud” philosophy—take the sting out of criticism by owning it before others can attack.
- Quote: "I believe in getting ahead of it. I believe in being honest about it. Because when you do those things, that's where you lose all the steam." (22:56)
5. Changing Baseball Traditions: Intros, Bat Flips, and Theatrics
- Debate erupts over best MLB entrance songs (Mariano Rivera/Enter Sandman, Mason Miller/Korn, Edwin Diaz live trumpets) and whether showy entrances work.
- New “bat flip” isn’t a bat flip but players showing up umps by confidently heading to first base before ABS challenge results.
- Quote: "There's a new bat flip in town... this is showing up the umpires." (19:31)
6. Low-Budget Sports Moments
- The crew roasts the Duke medical staff for using a soda can as an ice pack on camera during the UCONN game.
- Covino goes full rant: "Now he probably has eye infection because you know how dirty those cans are? Dirtier than the ones you were sticking your nose between super bowl weekend, Rich...” (52:40)
7. Philosophy of Accountability Across Life
- Covino relates the “nip it in the bud/accountability” lesson to work, relationships, and even radio air checks.
- Quote: "I think accountability goes a long way and owning it... that's how you handle all situations where you're getting criticism in life." (37:00)
Memorable Quotes & Moments
- Steve Covino (on Bichette): "Yeah, in other words, Bo Bichette said, man, I'd be booing myself, too. I'm surprised it didn't happen sooner." (23:52)
- Rich Davis (on modern names): "Mike’s might as well be Ebenezer and George... It’s so weak when your name becomes an old guy name." (33:36)
- Danny G (on honesty): "...we got to be honest. Faking the funk, I don't believe in that." (06:43)
- On technology in sports: "It's going to keep the umps honest. It's going to keep them locked in. And... they have to roll with it because they have to eliminate the feeling of embarrassment." (18:52)
Important Segments & Timestamps
- 3:10–9:00: Weekend wrap; honesty about watching big sports moments live; the UCONN shot
- 12:15–15:46: Mason Miller’s entrance vs. Edwin Diaz; Mariano Rivera’s legacy
- 15:00–19:45: ABS system, umpires’ reactions, broadcast “inside track,” philosophy of embracing technology
- 21:53–24:12: Bo Bichette on being booed in New York; lessons in handling criticism (“nip it in the bud”)
- 32:30–34:15: Recapping UCONN’s big comeback win over Duke and quirks of college basketball
- 37:00–38:07: Translating accountability to the workplace and life
- 51:02–52:40: “Low budget” sports moments — Duke medical staff/Dr. Pepper can as ice pack
Conclusion
The episode blends sports analysis, relatable humor, and practical life lessons. From fan etiquette and athlete psychology to technology’s impact on sports and mastering media narratives, Covino & Rich serve up energetic, unapologetic opinions and banter. Notable themes: honesty about fandom, embracing inevitable changes, and a little razzing of anyone who takes themselves (or their job) too seriously.
For First-Time Listeners
- Expect fast-paced back-and-forth, playful arguments, and deep-dive debates on all things sports and pop culture, with “real talk” about both athletes and fans.
- Timestamps guide you to key conversations: UCONN’s shot, ABS drama, Bichette’s booing, and sports “life hacks” on how to deal with criticism.