The Dan Patrick Show: Covino & Rich – "U.S.A. Gets Off the Hook"

Date: March 13, 2026
Hosts: Steve Covino, Rich Davis, Danny G, Sam, Dan Byers
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network

Episode Overview

This episode centers on Team USA’s controversial progression in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) after an apparent managerial blunder by Mark DeRosa, and the subsequent debate among the hosts and listeners about American sports patriotism versus being swept up by the enthusiasm of international teams. The C&R crew also discuss accountability in sports when mistakes are covered up by teammates, highlight the infectious spirit of international teams, and ask listeners to share their own stories of "dodged bullets" in sports. A secondary discussion involves movie sequels they wish existed, set off by rumors of a "Days of Thunder" sequel.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mark DeRosa’s WBC Blunder and Team USA’s Fortunate Advancement

• Rich Davis opens the sports talk by dissecting USA Manager Mark DeRosa’s apparent mistake regarding tournament rules and his confusing public statements afterward ([04:25]).
  • Rich Davis: "I want to talk about a guy that's... he got away with one. And that is Mark DeRosa, manager of Team USA. His little boner he pulled the other day..." ([04:34])
• DeRosa first claimed he misspoke due to misunderstanding the rules but later doubled down, saying he was "overly confident" and "totally aware of the ramifications" ([05:06]).
  • Steve Covino: "He’s not backing down. There’s now a debate on social media…is he lying? Or is he just going to die with the lie?" ([05:29])
• Team Italy’s win against Mexico (9-1) is what allowed the US to advance, sparking a conversation on "getting off the hook" in sports ([07:16]).
• Discussion turns to the universal sports phenomenon of teammates covering for each other's mistakes—often making egregious gaffes forgettable should the team still succeed ([07:16]).

2. Sports Patriotism: Are You a Traitor for Rooting for Other Teams?

• Covino and Rich muse on the passion visible in international WBC teams (Italy, Dominican Republic, Japan, Puerto Rico), compared to a perceived lack of hunger from Team USA ([10:01]–[12:33]):
  • Steve Covino: "All of these teams pick a team, especially these Latin America teams, their excitement level…is next level…these dudes want it more." ([10:01])
• The tension of rooting for "your" MLB players, even if they’re playing for other countries in the WBC, and wrestling with split loyalties:
  • Steve Covino: "Are you a traitor? Do you have to be faithful? Because you’re watching a prize fight and you’re pulled in by the other guy’s hunger..." ([11:00])
  • Rich Davis: "To me, yo, I’m USA all day...However...these other teams seem to care more. They seem to be way more into it." ([13:35])
• Team USA's seeming lack of competitiveness turns off both hosts, leading them to wonder if it's okay to support the more spirited teams, even if that means betraying Team USA ([12:33]).
  • Rich Davis: "It’s like the girlfriend that’s not trying anymore...it’s like the lazy employee..." ([12:40])

3. The Value of Mistakes That Get Covered Up in Team Sports

• Covino and Rich enumerate situations where players blunder, but accountability is washed away by a teammate’s "save"—citing moments from NFL, MLB, etc. ([07:16], [34:18]):
  • Listener Larry: "When Jerome Bettis fumbled…Big Ben saved him. His whole career would have looked different..." ([34:18])
• Discussion covers the fleeting memory of such errors when fortune swings the other way—sometimes altering perception of a player’s legacy ([36:33]).
  • Steve Covino: "If a guy misses the game winning field goal but his team wins in overtime, he got away with it…that’s why we can’t think of these things easily—if a guy does get away with one, we forget the story." ([24:28])

4. Infectious International Spirit vs. American ‘Boredom’

• Rich and Covino reflect on the jubilant, flashy style of Latin American and Asian teams compared to Team USA’s approach ([09:58], [13:26], [15:10]).
  • Steve Covino: "They’re drinking espresso, having fun, playing tough...they seem well-rounded...the excitement level’s next level." ([09:58])
  • Rich Davis: "As a Mets fan…I know this shouldn’t count, but who’s on Team USA right now? Yankees, Phillies…teams I hate..." ([13:35])
  • Covino (on USA’s attitude): "We’ve become these villains who look a little entitled, like you don’t have to take these other teams serious..." ([12:48])

5. Listener Segment: Are You a ‘Traitor’ If...

• Callers weigh in with their own stories of sports "dodged bullets," and split/layered loyalties during international play:
  • Caller George: References personal struggle watching Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh hero) defeat the US in Olympics hockey ([37:35]).
  • Danny G: Stresses national loyalty: "With something like this, you need to draw national lines." ([20:05])
  • Steve Covino: "Patriotism takes precedence. I really, really agree with that." ([20:08])

6. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Lies, lies, lies. Just like Mark DeRosa knew what was going on. He didn’t misspeak." – Covino ([06:01])
• "It’s like the girlfriend that’s not trying anymore in the bedroom. It’s like the lazy employee..." – Rich ([12:40])
• "Caught in the teeth like Bruce Leroy…or dodging bullets like the Matrix, because Derosa got away with one." – Covino ([08:22])
• Vinnie Pasquantino, Team Italy star:
  • After hitting three HRs: "I'm caffeinated. I'm beamed up right now, so just...yeah, we're in a good spot...USA, we were thinking about you. You're welcome." ([23:44])
  • Covino: "He's really saying there: Why don't you guys step it up?" ([24:05])
• "I think if I could change and you could change, we all could change." – Rich, quoting Rocky IV ([18:18])
• "We need to have more fun as a nation. We need some mango. We need some party vibes." – Covino ([20:43])

7. Bonus Topics: Movie Sequels That Should Exist

• Prompted by rumors of a "Days of Thunder" sequel, the crew and listeners brainstorm sequels they wish had happened ([44:01]):
  • Danny G: Laments late actor Robert Duvall’s absence for future sequel ([45:28])
  • Rich Davis: Positively references "Coming 2 America" as a worthwhile late sequel, and teases his own script idea ([46:34])

Timestamps for Notable Segments

• Team USA gets ‘off the hook’ / DeRosa controversy: [04:25]–[08:42]
• Patriotism vs. excitement abroad—rooting for other countries: [09:58]–[15:10]
• Listener calls about sports accountability/blunders: [34:06]–[37:35]
• Vinnie Pasquantino & Italian team energy: [23:39]–[24:28]
• Discussion of movie sequels / Days of Thunder sequel rumor: [44:01]–[46:36]

Summary Table: Old School ‘Dodged Bullets’ in Sports (Listener Calls)

| Time | Example | Description | |---------|---------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------| | 34:18 | Jerome Bettis fumble (Super Bowl run) | Saved by Big Ben, career narrative spared | | 36:05 | Seahawks' Reek Woollen penalty | Stays under radar despite costly mistake | | 37:35 | Sidney Crosby’s Olympic goal | Team loyalty vs. favorite NHL player | | 38:19 | Bill Buckner error (1986 World Series)| Red Sox’ lost opportunity for redemption |

Tone & Language

The hosts keep a lively, irreverent, and humorous tone throughout, riffing on pop culture (“Rocky IV,” “The Matrix,” etc.), using comic analogies (“girlfriend not trying anymore in the bedroom”), and peppering their passionate takes with both sports knowledge and playful banter. They regularly interact with listeners, produce inside jokes referencing the show, and maintain a friendly, conversational style.

Conclusion

This episode is an engaging blend of sharp sports commentary, nostalgia, and humor. The main highlights revolve around sports accountability when mistakes get ‘covered up,’ the enthusiasm and spirit vibrant in the international WBC teams (and the awkward complacency of Team USA), and the ever-relevant debate of rooting interest in international contests. The show invites listeners to reflect on identity and sports loyalty, ultimately advocating for more fun in both American sports and life.

Full episode best quotes:

• Covino ([06:01]): "Lies. Lies, lies, lies. Just like Mark DeRosa knew what was going on. He didn’t misspeak."
• Rich ([12:40]): "It’s like the girlfriend that’s not trying anymore in the bedroom. It’s like the lazy employee at the office."
• Pasquantino ([23:44]): "I'm caffeinated. I'm beamed up right now... USA, we were thinking about you. You're welcome."
• Rich ([18:18]): "I think if I could change and you could change, we all could change."
• Covino ([20:43]): "We need to have more fun as a nation. We need some mango. We need some party vibes."

For additional segments (show and tell, SGA day, call-outs to YouTube channel, etc.), see timestamps [25:28+] and [30:12+].