The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 2: "ABS is Here, Darius Rucker"
Date: March 25, 2026
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts / Dan Patrick Podcast Network
Host: Dan Patrick
Special Guest: Darius Rucker
Episode Overview
This lively and wide-ranging episode of The Dan Patrick Show’s second hour covers a blend of topical sports debate, NCAA basketball coaching drama, and lighthearted banter about award snubs—culminating with an in-depth interview with musician and sports fan Darius Rucker. The crew leans into the show’s charm: sharp sports insight, camaraderie, and authentic, humorous storytelling.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Sports Emmy Snub & Dealing with Loss (03:34 – 04:07; 15:47 – 16:45)
- The crew jokingly laments not getting nominated for a Sports Emmy this year, keeping spirits high despite a six-year streak ending.
- Dan Patrick: “If you’re not nominated, you can’t lose again.” (03:34)
- They riff on dealing with disappointment and keeping perspective, interwoven with jokes about “loseritos” (burritos for losers, 39:02), and fans call in to offer support.
2. Tiger Woods & the Meaning of 'Competitive Golf' (04:07 – 08:00)
- The debate: Does Tiger Woods playing TGL (Tech-Driven Golf League) count as a return to “competitive golf?”
- Paulie Fusco: “It’s not competitive golf…that’s where you get with your buddies, have a few beers and you hit. You know, it’s like Top Golf.” (04:21)
- Dan Patrick: “When I see Tiger have to walk four days, now that’s competitive golf.” (05:24)
- They play a reflective quote from Tiger about his injuries/future. (06:39)
- Tiger Woods (clip): “This body doesn’t recover like it was when I was 24, 25. Doesn’t mean I’m not trying… That decision will have to come right down to the Friday before.” (06:39)
3. North Carolina Coaching Search After Hubert Davis Firing (08:00 – 14:40)
- Discusses Hubert Davis’ recent firing, potential candidates, and how boosters/collectives now play an outsized role.
- Paulie: “It’s not Dean Smith. It’s not Roy Williams. Everybody’s got money and not everybody is in love with Carolina blue.” (09:43)
- Inside info: Billy Donovan and Brad Stevens likely not in play; Tommy Lloyd, Josh Schertz, Todd Golden among real candidates. (08:59)
- Audience question: What about Michael Jordan’s engagement with UNC?
- Paulie: “I’d ask him, hey, can we use you as a closer...I can’t see Mike getting involved in the day to day.” (12:30)
- The crew muses that young recruits still want to wear Jordans, even if Jordan himself isn’t hands-on. (38:27)
4. Automated Balls and Strikes System (ABS) in Baseball (14:55 – 15:47)
- Major League Baseball introduces new player measurements tied to personalized strike zones.
- Paulie: “Baseball is saying, hey. With the introduction of the ABS system, using the player's height to determine the strike zone...it’s coming.” (15:47)
5. Listener Calls & Classic Danettes Banter (16:45 – 19:49; 44:45 – 51:44)
- Recap of an epic “AUAA” rec league basketball airball moment; self-deprecating stories about sports mistakes.
- Tyler: “That rule about airballs can just go back up as garbage. That’s the worst rule.” (19:08)
- Fans offer camaraderie, advice for Dan about his daughter’s wedding, and reminisce about dream cars.
- Rhonda in Texas: “Remember to smile. It’s been proven to curb the tears.” (45:55)
- Dylan in Orlando: “You guys...you have great chemistry. You’re kind to your fans. You aren’t falsely controversial.” (48:10)
- Debate over whether today’s players recognize Jordan compared to previous generations.
6. NBA Expansion Rumors (49:21 – 50:54)
- Reports of the NBA planning $7–10B expansions, with speculation about LeBron James’ possible involvement via Fenway Group.
Darius Rucker Segment
Interview starts at 25:12
Topics: Awards, Loyalty to Teams, Life in London, College Athletics, and More
A. Awards Disappointments & Perspective (25:12 – 28:03)
- Rucker jokes he woke up to BBC coverage of Dan Patrick’s Emmy snub, relates with his own Grammy and CMA stories.
- Rucker: “At the Grammys, I’m 100%. Every time I’ve been nominated, I’ve won…three and zero.” (26:40; 26:57)
- “There’s been songs I thought I should have gotten nominated for and didn’t, and it sucks.” (27:48)
- Dan: “I feel like we’re the Miami Dolphins of Emmys. The Emmys make me cry.” (27:57)
- Rucker: “Except the Dolphins won in ’72.”
B. Unwavering Sports Loyalty (28:03 – 29:07)
- “Never thought of leaving” the Dolphins, even through 1–15 seasons.
- Names daughter after Dan Marino.
C. Life & Fame in London (29:07 – 29:29)
- Recognized occasionally, less than in the US.
- Loves the “space” and musical successes there.
D. Show Bets & On-Stage Embarrassment (29:30 – 30:53)
- Recalling a bet where Danette Todd had to sing at Rucker’s concert—“Not funny to the audience,” but Rucker gives credit: “He can really sing. Not that night.” (30:14; 30:23)
E. News: Ownership in NASCAR (31:15 – 31:56)
- Announces becoming an investor/owner with NASCAR’s Legacy Motor Club.
- Rucker: “I’m one of the investors and one of the owners of Legacy Motor Club…This is pretty cool for me.” (31:24)
- Jokes about “starting a new club” of African American NASCAR owners with Michael Jordan.
F. Support for South Carolina (32:07 – 33:14)
- Gets asked for input by the school; helps their NIL collective by performing live.
G. Sports Woes – Brackets, Gambling Failures (33:27 – 34:39)
- Rucker laments being in last place in his NCAA bracket among friends.
- “I’m going to start a website. It’s gonna be the bets I make…and you should go against me.” (34:21)
H. Fan Priorities & Fandom (34:46 – 35:06)
- Prefers a Dolphins Super Bowl over a Reds World Series; gushes over Barry Larkin and the early-90s Reds.
I. Dan & Darius Rekindle Their Friendship (35:23 – 36:13)
- Gentle jokes about aging, past fashion choices, and hairlines round out the segment.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Paulie (on Tiger Woods and TGL): “When I see Tiger walking at Augusta, he’s back at competitive golf. Not something on TGL last night.” (07:28)
- Dan (on measurement for ABS): “No shoes, no hat, knees exposed, heels together, back against the wall, no slouching…measuring for strike zones.” (14:55)
- Caller Rhonda: “On behalf of the global fan base…may we present you all with the global fan base appreciation nominee history because we appreciate all you do.” (45:55)
- Darius Rucker (on performing bets at concerts): “The band didn’t even tell me…It was awesome.” (29:52)
- Darius Rucker (on never quitting the Dolphins): “Never. Not once. Never in 1–13 season gutted me. 1–15 season gutted me. But never.” (28:32)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 03:34: Dan Patrick on award snubs and team morale
- 04:07: Poll question: TGL vs LIV, What counts as “competitive golf”?
- 06:39: Tiger Woods on injuries & hopes for playing again
- 08:00: North Carolina head coach odds and rumors, Michael Jordan’s campus involvement
- 14:55: MLB Automated Balls and Strikes and new strike zone measurements
- 16:45: Call-in segment: Memorable airball basketball story
- 25:12: Darius Rucker joins (award losses, sports fandom, Nascar investment, college athletics)
- 33:27: Darius discusses bracket/gambling failures
- 34:46: Rucker on team loyalty & Reds vs Dolphins priority
- 39:02: Crew discusses ordering “loseritos” to cheer up after Emmy snub
- 44:45: Listener questions: wedding advice, best sports cars, appreciation for the show
- 49:21: NBA expansion talk, LeBron and Fenway speculation
Tone and Style
The show is conversational, irreverent, quick-witted, and authentic, with camaraderie that blends inside jokes and accessible sports analysis. Both Dan and his Danettes riff with guests and callers, balancing deep sports knowledge with self-deprecating humor and heartfelt fan interaction.
This episode weaves together current sports news, cultural commentary, and personal stories, crowned by an extended conversation with Darius Rucker—a sports superfan, musical star, and now, NASCAR part-owner. Whether you crave insider college basketball perspectives or just want to laugh about regrettable hairlines and “loseritos,” this hour delivers the full Dan Patrick Show experience.