The Dan Patrick Show: Hour 2 – Selling Books, Kelce’s Post Career & Sports Gambling

Release Date: July 4, 2025
Host: Dan Patrick (with LaVar Arrington and Jonas Knox filling in)
Network: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network
Description: In this episode, Dan Patrick delves into the intricacies of selling books within the sports industry, explores Travis Kelce’s potential post-football career, and tackles the pressing issue of sports gambling and its impact on game integrity.

1. DeMora Smith’s Book “Turf Wars”

Discussion Points:

• Introduction to the Book: Dan Patrick introduces "Turf Wars: Battle of the List", authored by DeMora Smith, the former Executive Director of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). The book, set to release in August 2025, sheds light on internal conflicts and alleged collusion within the NFLPA.

• Critical Reception: Mila Kunis expresses skepticism about the book’s promotional tactics, suggesting that revealing internal failures might tarnish DeMora Smith’s reputation rather than bolster his standing.

• Internal Conflicts: The conversation highlights Smith’s strained relationships within the NFLPA, citing specific incidents and quotes from the book that depict a lack of unity and effective leadership.

Notable Quotes:

• Dan Patrick [07:17]:
  "DeMora Smith has a new book out called 'Turf Wars,' and there are a couple of interesting little tidbits from this book that have already been released."

• Mila Kunis [09:01]:
  "It's crazy. And as you're leading the players, yes, it's crazy."

• Dan Patrick [14:05]:
  "From DeMora Smith's book, 'Turf Wars,' which Savar would like to have edited. I failed the players."

• Mila Kunis [12:53]:
  "Come on, Demorce, you do know you are a black man, right? You can't just be throwing stuff loosely out there like that."

Insights:

• The hosts critically analyze the effectiveness of DeMora Smith’s leadership within the NFLPA, pointing out discrepancies between the association’s promises and actual outcomes for players.
• The discussion underscores the importance of cohesive leadership in player associations and the detrimental effects of internal discord on collective bargaining and player advocacy.

2. Travis Kelce’s Potential Broadcasting Career

Discussion Points:

• Career Transition: Dan Patrick discusses Travis Kelce’s contemplation of retiring from professional football and exploring opportunities in broadcasting.

• Marketability and Personality: The conversation emphasizes Kelce’s strong personal brand and likable personality as key factors that could make him a successful broadcaster.

• Comparison with Industry Trends: Mila Kunis draws parallels between Kelce and other successful athlete-turned-broadcasters, highlighting the advantages of transitioning into media roles while still actively playing.

Notable Quotes:

• Dan Patrick [31:02]:
  "Travis Kelce, he's got at least a year left. Who knows, maybe he'll call it a career after this."

• Mila Kunis [35:04]:
  "You all have an opportunity to impact somebody's life with the way we are as a person."

• Dan Patrick [39:25]:
  "There was some talk that they've got this tight end you’ve put together, and it tracks."

Insights:

• Kelce’s charisma and established fan base position him well for a seamless transition into broadcasting, potentially filling a niche that isn’t currently saturated.
• The hosts suggest that leveraging personal interactions and maintaining a strong personal brand are crucial for athletes considering media careers.

3. Sports Gambling and Its Implications

Discussion Points:

• Luis Ortiz’s Betting Investigation: The episode delves into the case of Luis Ortiz, a pitcher currently under investigation by Major League Baseball for suspicious betting activity related to his first pitches in specific games.

• Rise of Micro-Betting: The discussion highlights the emergence of micro-betting, where fans place wagers on individual plays or pitches, raising concerns about the integrity of the game.

• Potential Consequences: The hosts debate the severity of such actions and the measures being taken to prevent gambling from undermining sports integrity.

Notable Quotes:

• Dan Patrick [52:36]:
  "According to sources who reviewed referenced actions on Ortiz's first pitches... the alert flagged this betting integrity firm to be like, somebody needs to look at that guy."

• Mila Kunis [53:22]:
  "Why can't it become a non-story based upon this one thought process of athletes actually not doing it?"

• Dan Patrick [53:45]:
  "If you get caught gambling, God bless."

Insights:

• The integration of micro-betting into sports has introduced new challenges in maintaining fair play and preventing corruption.
• There is a growing need for robust monitoring systems and stricter regulations to address the vulnerabilities posed by increased gambling options.

Conclusion

In this episode of The Dan Patrick Show, the hosts provide a comprehensive exploration of critical issues intersecting sports and entertainment. They offer a nuanced critique of leadership within the NFLPA through the lens of DeMora Smith’s forthcoming book, "Turf Wars." Additionally, they highlight the promising career trajectory of Travis Kelce as he considers transitioning into broadcasting, underscoring the value of personal branding and media presence for athletes. Finally, the discussion on sports gambling, exemplified by Luis Ortiz’s case, raises important concerns about the integrity of professional sports in the era of pervasive betting options.

The episode is marked by insightful analysis, candid opinions, and notable quotes that enrich the conversation, making it a valuable listen for those interested in the multifaceted dynamics of modern sports.

Note: This summary is based solely on the provided transcript excerpt. For a complete and accurate overview, listening to the full episode is recommended.