The Dan Patrick Show (C&R) - "Should Judge Have Lied to Us?"

Date: March 17, 2026
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network
Hosts: Covino & Rich (C&R)

Episode Overview

In this lively episode, Covino and Rich dive into the controversy around Aaron Judge’s honest remarks about the World Baseball Classic (WBC) fan atmosphere being “bigger and better” than the MLB World Series. The discussion expands into the culture of sports honesty vs. 'necessary lies,' the evolution of baseball celebrations, and when it’s acceptable or expected for athletes (or anyone) to simply “lie to us.” The conversation, blending humor, pop culture, and sports debate, explores patriotism in sports, generational differences in celebrating achievements, and broader real-life scenarios where telling the truth—or not—matters.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Oscar Ratings vs. WBC Excitement

(03:24–07:19)

• The hosts compare the cultural gravity of the Oscars and the WBC, noting a massive increase in WBC ratings, though still not eclipsing the Oscars' 15–20 million viewer range.
  • Rich: “The WBC peaked at around 6-something million. Oscars, you know, 15 to 20 million easy.” (07:10)
• Covino argues that if you chose the Oscars over a tense USA-vs-DR baseball game, you’re “missing out” on true sports excitement.

2. The Bad Call in the WBC: Just Baseball

(07:19–08:34)

• US victory marred by a questionable umpire call; Covino emphasizes that such moments are part of the game's charm and frustration.
  • Covino: “That’s just baseball, and bad calls happen sometimes. … Did the USA win? Yes. Are they deserving? Yes.” (07:59)

3. Rooting for ‘Home’ vs. ‘Excitement’

(08:34–08:50)

• Rich confesses partial rooting interest in the DR due to superstar players, but Covino insists patriotism should trump temporary fandom for star rosters.
  • Covino: “It’s easier for me because I’m a Yankees fan and Judge is on the team… but I think patriotism trumps your love affair with Juan Soto.” (08:54)

4. Aaron Judge Speaks Out: Is the WBC Bigger Than the World Series?

(09:33–11:05; 15:16–18:14)

• The crux: Aaron Judge’s comments that “the WBC feels bigger and better than the World Series because of the fans.”
  • Judge (played clip): “The passion that these fans have representing their country, representing some of their favorite players—there’s nothing like it...it gives me chills.” (09:34)
  • Covino: “You expect Judge to lie in that moment? … Everything he said there was truthful.” (10:00)
• Rich and Covino debate whether public figures are expected to ‘lie to us’ (i.e., placate their home fans) instead of speaking with honest enthusiasm.
  • Rich: “Sometimes a good lie is necessary. If your kid is singing off tune—hey, buddy, you sound great.” (12:44)
  • References to Chris Rock: “Lie to me, Jerry. Lie to me.” (12:37; 13:16)

5. Should Star Athletes "Lie to Us"? (Comparing Judge vs. Bryce Harper)

(12:20–13:16; 18:15–19:01)

• Rich notes Bryce Harper’s “lie for my city” (e.g., “Nothing’s louder than Philadelphia”), drawing a contrast to Judge’s honest answer.
• The hosts question: Is it better to pander or to be radically honest?

6. The Rise of Celebration in Baseball – Changing the Culture

(11:26–12:14; 16:20–17:48)

• Noting MLB and FOX promoting “Celebrations are back,” Rich and Covino say baseball cannot push fans and players to be more passionate and then return to a staid MLB season.
  • Covino: “You can’t show us all this excitement and then dial it back...once it happens, it’s always there.” (12:07)
• Reflection on the aging “act like you’ve been there before” mentality; now, joy and celebration are contagious and necessary.
  • Covino: “It’s much cooler to act like you may never get to do that again.” (14:11)

7. When Is It Okay To Lie? (Sports & Life Parallels)

(19:01–21:08; 34:25–37:40; 49:54–50:12)

• The episode pivots: In what situations is lying acceptable in sports and in life?
• Examples:
  • Coaches and players always claim “next game is just another game,” which is rarely true.
  • False confidence for kids: “Hey, buddy, you sound great” or “You’re great at sports!” even if not.
  • Social politeness: “Oh, your baby’s so cute!” or affirming a spouse’s fashion choices.
  • Rich (on spouse questions): “If I say yes, does that mean we buy them and move on with our day? Then yes, I think you lie there.”
• Omitting vs. lying: Covino describes sidestepping awkward questions (“Did you ever have a threesome?”) by refusing to answer: “If I stay consistent, they’ll never know. I’m not talking about that.” (49:54)
• The only time Judge theoretically ‘should’ have lied? Arguably, for PR or to ‘protect’ Yankees fans’ feelings—though Covino stands firm: “Judge had no reason to lie.” (21:10)

8. Generational & International Differences in Celebration

(16:20–17:48; 21:37–22:26)

• Latin American and other international fans “bring World Cup energy” to stadiums, energizing WBC crowds more than most MLB games.
  • Covino: “We’re seeing a World Cup atmosphere in American baseball…never seen that level of excitement before.” (14:11)
• “Banana Ball” (Savannah Bananas) referenced as another example of modern, fun fan engagement.

9. Listener Interaction & Fun Moments

(19:26–24:42)

• Callers raise classic situations where little “white lies” are expected—supporting kids’ self-esteem, avoiding marital squabbles, or simply polite social fibs.
• A comedic tangent: “When is it okay to lie? To prank your buddy, obviously!” (e.g., telling someone there’s a little person inside a RedBox machine.)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Aaron Judge (clip at 09:34):

  “The passion that these fans have representing their country, representing some of their favorite players—there’s nothing like it... it gives me chills.”

• Covino (10:00):

  “If you can’t see the difference and understand what Judge is talking about, then you and I are not the same cat.”

• Rich (12:44):

  “Sometimes a good lie is necessary. If your kid’s singing and they’re terribly off tune, ‘Hey, buddy, you sound great.’”

• Covino (13:16):

  “Yeah, he’s also lying and everyone can see through it. Lie to me, Jerry. Lie to me.”

• Covino (14:11):

  “It’s much cooler to act like you may never get to do that again. And other nations are playing with a different mindset...we’re seeing a different level of celebration.”

• Caller Mikey (19:26):

  “When your ex-team is about to take your team on, press runs to you: ‘You got extra juice for this game, right?’—‘Oh, just another game.’ Get the F out of here. Just another game.”

• Covino (21:10):

  “There are times to lie. I just think that Aaron Judge had no room or reason to lie. In this case the fans, their passion is—what he’s talking about is bigger and better than in the World Series.”

• Covino (34:09):

  “Let’s say your kid shows no promise, zero promise in the world of athletics…he comes to you: ‘Dad, I don’t think I got what it takes.’ … What do you do in that moment as a parent?”

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment/Context | |------------|------------------------------------------------------------| | 03:24–07:19| Oscars vs. WBC ratings and culture | | 07:19–08:34| WBC ending on bad call—“That’s baseball.” | | 08:34–11:05| National allegiance vs. rooting for star players | | 09:34 | Aaron Judge “bigger and better” clip and reaction | | 12:20–13:16| Should athletes 'lie' for the home crowd? | | 14:11 | Changing sports celebration culture | | 16:20–17:48| “Act like you’ve been there before” vs. passion | | 19:01–21:08| When is it okay to lie? (kids, sports, life) | | 34:25–37:40| Parental honesty: Encouragement vs. tough truths | | 49:54–50:12| Omitting truth: Dodging awkward relationship questions | | 21:37–22:26| MLB embracing celebration; “Celebrations are back” promo |

Structure and Tone

• Language & Tone: Conversational, irreverent, but insightful. The hosts blend sharp sports opinions with comedic takes and pop culture references, aiming for accessibility and energetic banter typical of sports radio–meets–morning drive.
• Flow: The discussion weaves through serious baseball talk, deeper ethics of honesty in sports and life, cultural observation, and rapid-fire personal anecdotes, creating a relatable and engaging episode.

Summary Takeaways

• Aaron Judge's honesty about the WBC atmosphere reflects a wider shift in sports toward authentic celebration and emotional investment, mirroring international and generational trends.
• The expectation for athletes—or anyone—in the public eye to “lie” for the comfort of fans is fading, though there are still social contexts where a “good lie” is expected or even necessary.
• Baseball—and sports at large—can’t go backwards from this new wave of passion: “Once you show fans that excitement, you can’t dial it back.”
• The lines between sporting pride, personal/professional honesty, and social courtesy are blurred—and that’s where the most interesting conversations happen.

For listeners new or returning, this episode captures the soul of modern sports radio—lively, honest debate interspersed with humor, cultural context, and real-life application. Whether you agree with Judge or think he should’ve ‘lied for the pinstripes,’ the conversation is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.