Podcast Summary: The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 1: Dan Responds to Don Van Natta

Release Date: August 7, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Dan Patrick Show, host Dan Patrick delves into a contentious discussion surrounding ESPN's recent 10% stake acquisition in the network's partnership with the NFL. The spotlight is cast on the integrity of sports journalism, particularly focusing on ESPN senior writer Don Van Natta and his investigative reporting on the NFL Players Association (NFLPA).

Main Discussion: ESPN's Conflict of Interest with the NFL

Devin’s Concerns on Journalistic Integrity

At [02:44], Devin initiates the conversation by addressing the potential conflict of interest arising from ESPN's financial ties with the NFL. He expresses skepticism about the impartiality of ESPN’s coverage, especially in light of their business relationship with the league.

Devin: "There is a conflict of interest. I think we can all agree to that." ([14:27])

He further elaborates on the evolution of ESPN's journalistic standards, lamenting the decline in investigative reporting.

Dan’s Perspective and Support for Devin

Dan Patrick supports Devin’s viewpoint, emphasizing the importance of unbiased journalism in sports media. He highlights the shift from content-driven reporting to analytics-based programming, which often sidelines in-depth investigative stories.

Dan Patrick: "It's about today and tomorrow and the next day. Covering the NFL Players Association is a whole lot different than covering the NFL." ([22:34])

Don Van Natta’s Reaction and the Personal Stakes

The discussion intensifies when Devin brings up Don Van Natta's dissatisfaction with his (Devin’s) approach to ESPN articles. Devin recounts how Van Natta felt personally affronted by Devin’s comments on not reading his work, sparking a debate about professional respect and journalistic duty.

Devin: "Don was doing an expose on the NFL Players Association and by all accounts did a great job. Now, I did know that Mike Florio and Pablo Torre were doing things and they added to the story..." ([25:15])

Van Natta's criticism leads Devin to reflect on the challenges of maintaining journalistic integrity in a commercially driven media landscape.

Devin: "Because I ask good questions. I ask the right questions. I ask questions that can be uncomfortable." ([25:44])

Perception vs. Reality in Media Reporting

A pivotal moment occurs when Devin underscores the difference between covering the NFLPA and the NFL itself, arguing that the former requires a more nuanced and unbiased approach.

Devin: "There is a perception of, and it's been there before now it's not perceived. Now you're in business with the NFL. That was the point I was trying to make because I offhandedly said, I don't know if they did a deep dive on the NFL Players Association." ([28:03])

Dan and Devin discuss the broader implications of ESPN's restructuring deal, which includes a partnership stake with CBS, exacerbating concerns about media impartiality.

Dan Patrick: "There's a Wall Street Journal piece that came out this morning that as part of this new restructuring deal with the NFL Network, the NFL is also going to have a 10% partnership stake with CBS." ([33:27])

Smelling Salts Controversy in the NFL

Discussion on NFL's Ban

Shifting gears, the show tackles the recent NFL decision to ban the use of smelling salts on sidelines, a move influenced by a Federal Drug Administration (FDA) report citing potential health risks.

Dan Patrick: "Lot of people are speculating that the FDA caused this. The FDA did a report just about a year ago that said different types of these inhaling ammonia products can lead to coughing, airway restriction, eye and nose irritation, and long term effects on your breathing, seizures, migraine, et cetera." ([07:46])

Fan and Player Reactions

Devin and the hosts discuss the prevalence of smelling salts among players and question the accessibility and safety of these substances, especially concerning younger athletes.

Devin: "Weightlifters use these before a big lift. They'll take a hit and then all of a sudden it's like." ([06:24])

Regulatory Implications

The conversation highlights the NFL's intention to mitigate liability by restricting controlled substances like smelling salts, thereby ensuring player safety.

Devin: "It feels like the NFL is saying we want to remove any liability here. If you want to take it, you bring your own." ([06:57])

Preseason Football Updates: Shador Sanders Situation

Mary Kay Cabot’s Insights

Mary Kay Cabot from 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland provides an update on Shador Sanders, the Cleveland Browns' quarterback, emphasizing the team's strategy to support his transition into the NFL.

Maria Hinojosa: "They are doing the right way with him and making sure that he is successful as he comes up the learning curve." ([22:06])

Team Support and Public Perception

The discussion underscores the Browns' commitment to Sanders, countering the narrative that the team is setting him up for failure by giving him more playing opportunities against strong teams like Carolina.

Devin: "It's the opportunity you want. Not, hey, you got to ease him into this. Shador Sanders comes in full of confidence, ready to go." ([22:26])

Listener Calls and Interactions

Debate on Journalistic Integrity

Listeners express varied opinions on Devin and Dan's critique of ESPN, with some defending the necessity of investigative journalism and others questioning the feasibility of maintaining unbiased reporting amidst commercial pressures.

Listener (Noah): "I just don't understand. I think it sort of reinforces the point that you may have overlooked it because it's not getting the attention it deserves." ([32:11])

Audience Engagement

The hosts interact with listeners, addressing concerns and highlighting the importance of independent journalism in today's media environment.

Conclusion

In this episode, The Dan Patrick Show navigates the intricate dynamics between sports journalism and commercial interests. Through candid discussions and listener interactions, Dan Patrick and his co-hosts shed light on the challenges of maintaining journalistic integrity in an industry heavily influenced by corporate partnerships. The episode not only critiques ESPN's evolving role but also champions the necessity for unbiased reporting to uphold the credibility and depth of sports journalism.

Notable Quotes

• Devin on Conflict of Interest: "There is a conflict of interest. I think we can all agree to that." ([14:27])

• Dan on Covering the NFLPA vs. NFL: "Covering the NFL Players Association is a whole lot different than covering the NFL." ([22:34])

• Devin on Asking Good Questions: "I ask questions that can be uncomfortable." ([25:44])

• Dan on ESPN's Restructuring: "There's a Wall Street Journal piece that came out this morning that as part of this new restructuring deal with the NFL Network, the NFL is also going to have a 10% partnership stake with CBS." ([33:27])

• Dan on Smelling Salts: "Lot of people are speculating that the FDA caused this... different types of these inhaling ammonia products can lead to coughing, airway restriction, eye and nose irritation..." ([07:46])

• Maria on Shador Sanders: "They are doing the right way with him and making sure that he is successful as he comes up the learning curve." ([22:06])

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing a clear understanding for listeners who haven't tuned in. The inclusion of notable quotes with timestamps enhances the depth and authenticity of the summary.