Summary of "The Dan Patrick Show" Episode: Hour 1 – Dodger/Cubs Open in Japan, West Virginia Governor Investigating the NCAA

Release Date: March 18, 2025
Host: Dan Patrick
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network

1. Dodgers and Cubs Open Their Season in Japan

Timestamp: 00:05 – 15:30

Dan Patrick kicks off the episode by discussing the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs initiating their baseball seasons with games in Japan. This strategy aims to expand their global reach and tap into the considerable Japanese fanbase.

• Dan Patrick: "The Dodgers have opened their season in Japan against the Cubs and it counts. So they're going to play a couple of games there and then they come back and then they resume spring training." [00:25]

He conveys his mixed feelings about the move, acknowledging its business merits while expressing a personal preference for traditional Opening Day festivities in the U.S.

• Dan Patrick: "I don't like it, but I understand it. It's business." [02:50]

The conversation delves into the logistical challenges of managing players from diverse backgrounds, especially those from Japan like Shohei Ohtani, emphasizing the Dodgers' commitment to growing their international market.

• Dan Patrick: "The Dodgers have done a wonderful job and Japan is a great market." [05:15]

Review of the Japan Series:

• Paulie: "The Dodgers won 4 to 1 over the Cubs. Ohtani, 2 for 5. Yamamoto, the Dodgers pitcher, one hitter, five innings." [10:45]

Patrick and his co-hosts assess the performance, noting the early success for the Dodgers and the potential implications for the teams' seasons.

2. NCAA Tournament Selection Controversy: West Virginia Governor Investigates

Timestamp: 15:31 – 45:20

The show shifts focus to the contentious NCAA Tournament selections, particularly highlighting North Carolina's inclusion and the ensuing controversy.

Governor Morrissey's Investigation:

• Dan Patrick: "Patrick Morrissey, he's the governor of West Virginia and he wants to investigate the North Carolina NCAA bid." [16:00]

Governor Morrissey expresses suspicions about potential corruption within the NCAA selection committee, alleging possible "backroom deals" or "bribes" that favor certain teams.

• Governor Morrissey: "I've asked Attorney General McCuskey to launch an investigation into the NCAA Tournament selection committee to determine if any backyard deals, back room deals, corruption, bribes, or any nefarious activity occurred during the selection process." [20:10]

Discussion Among Hosts:

The hosts debate the validity and implications of these allegations, questioning whether North Carolina's prominent name played a role in its selection over deserving teams like West Virginia.

• Co-host: "I don't think North Carolina as a name helped them get in." [30:25]

They explore the broader impact on other states and potential motivations behind such investigations, considering the competitive nature of NCAA selections.

• Dan Patrick: "How about Indiana's governor getting involved? Boise State governor? Get all the governors in here." [35:40]

Community and Fan Reactions:

Listeners are invited to ponder the fairness and transparency of NCAA selections, with hosts suggesting measures like televised selection processes to enhance accountability.

• Dan Patrick: "We want total transparency when you're voting on an MVP. We still don't know that one guy who didn't vote. Would you like that to be public?" [40:00]

The segment concludes with a reflection on the potential consequences for the NCAA's reputation and the integrity of college sports.

3. NFL Draft Speculations: Jackson Dart vs. Shador Sanders

Timestamp: 45:21 – 60:00

Transitioning to football, Dan Patrick and his team delve into the upcoming NFL Draft, focusing on quarterbacks Jackson Dart and Shador Sanders.

Player Profiles and Mock Drafts:

• Dan Patrick: "Who gets drafted first, Jackson Dart or Shador Sanders?" [46:00]

The discussion includes comparative analysis of both players' skills, athleticism, and potential fit within NFL teams.

• Co-host: "Jackson Dart is a good player. He really is. And he played for Lane Kiffin, you know, you played in the SEC." [50:15]

They assess Jackson Dart's performance trajectory and his prospects, debating whether his name alone provides an advantage.

• Dan Patrick: "If his name was Charles Troubles and not Jackson Dart, would you still be like, this is a guy we could build around? Probably not." [52:30]

Shador Sanders' Potential:

The conversation shifts to Shador Sanders, exploring his legacy and the pressure of living up to his father's reputation.

• Co-host: "Does his father being Deion Sanders make him the safest pick at quarterback because he's been groomed to be a star athlete since birth?" [55:00]

They discuss the balance between benefiting from a strong athletic lineage versus the challenges of carving out his own identity in professional sports.

Listener Engagement:

Listener polls reveal a slight preference for Shador Sanders over Jackson Dart, sparking further debate on the merits of both quarterbacks.

• Poll Result: "Shador's got 64% of that vote." [58:10]

Final Thoughts:

The segment wraps up with hosts emphasizing the unpredictability of drafts and the importance of evaluating players beyond their names and lineage.

• Dan Patrick: "I just want to know if you want to play football. That's it." [59:20]

Notable Quotes

• Dan Patrick: "I don't like it, but I understand it. It's business." [02:50]
• Governor Morrissey: "We need to get to the bottom of it." [21:05]
• Co-host: "They remind me a lot of Derek Carr. Well, why don't you just keep Derek Carr? What's better than one Derek Carr, two Derek Cars?" [55:35]
• Dan Patrick: "I just want to know if you want to play. That's it." [59:20]

Conclusion

In this episode, Dan Patrick navigates through significant sports topics, from international baseball strategies to the integrity of college sports and the nuances of NFL draft predictions. The discussions are enriched with insights from the hosts and highlight the complexities and passionate opinions that drive the world of sports.

For those who haven't listened to the episode, this summary provides a comprehensive overview of the key discussions and insights shared on "The Dan Patrick Show" during its first hour.