Summary of "The Dan Patrick Show" - Hour 2: Sports Investigative Journalism with Ross Tucker
Release Date: August 7, 2025
Host: Dan Patrick
Guest: Ross Tucker, Host of the Ross Tucker Football Podcast, CBS Sports, and Westwood One

1. Introduction to Investigative Journalism in Sports (00:25:49)

Dan Patrick welcomes Ross Tucker to discuss the role of investigative journalism in the realm of sports. The conversation sets the stage for a deep dive into how investigative reporting has shaped public perception and the integrity of various sports over the years.

2. Performance-Enhancing Drugs: Historical Perspective (00:26:15)

Ross Tucker reflects on the steroid era, particularly highlighting the BALCO scandal and its pervasive impact on baseball:

“The whole BALCO thing, the whole steroid era covering that, the... it was every day you woke up and were like, what's going to happen today? What's next?” ([00:27:00])

He discusses how the constant uncovering of PED use kept investigative journalism at the forefront, transforming stories into daily narratives that captivated the public.

3. Legacy of PED-Impacted Athletes and Hall of Fame Considerations (00:29:30)

The discussion shifts to specific athletes like Rafael Palmeiro, Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, and Lance Armstrong. Ross questions whether these athletes would still regard their PED use as worth it, considering both the financial gains and the subsequent public shame:

“Was it worth the public shame to go in front of Congress?” ([00:30:10])

Ross emphasizes the dichotomy between their on-field achievements and off-field controversies, pondering their Hall of Fame prospects.

4. Shohei Ohtani and the Modern Dual-Threat Athlete (00:32:20)

Ross draws parallels between historical PED controversies and modern-day athletes like Shohei Ohtani:

“Shohei Ohtani is like, I can go out the mound. I can go to the plate as well in the same game.” ([00:33:00])

He marvels at Ohtani's ability to excel both as a pitcher and a hitter, dubbing him a “unicorn” in baseball and comparing his feats to legends like Babe Ruth.

5. The Rise of Two-Way Players: Travis Hunter's Case (00:35:45)

Transitioning to football, Ross discusses Travis Hunter's role as a two-way player for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He debates the sustainability and strategic advantages of utilizing players in dual positions:

“I think you'd have to have the talent to do it and you have to have a coach or a manager who is willing to let you do that.” ([00:36:30])

Ross speculates on the future of such roles in the NFL, contemplating if Ohtani's success could inspire more flexibility in player positions.

6. Preseason Football Strategies and Player Development (00:27:38)

Dan and Ross delve into preseason football dynamics, highlighting how teams use these games to evaluate and develop players:

“Some teams just want to put certain players in specific situations and see how they react.” ([00:28:15])

Ross underscores the importance of individual player performances during the preseason, especially for young quarterbacks, and cautions against overinterpreting these games.

7. The Controversy Surrounding Smelling Salts in the NFL (00:29:52)

The conversation takes a personal turn as Ross shares his negative experience with smelling salts:

“The first time someone gave it to me in the NFL... I cried.” ([00:30:10])

He criticizes the NFL's decision to discontinue providing smelling salts, questioning the rationale behind allowing players to bring their own despite potential health concerns.

8. Personal Anecdotes: The Use of Tortol and Training Camp Fights (00:32:43)

Ross recounts his use of Tortol (an anti-inflammatory) during his NFL career to maximize performance:

“After that game, anytime I was starting, I pretty much got a Tortol shot.” ([00:34:01])

He also shares memorable experiences from training camps, including fights and the resulting impact on team dynamics and personal reputation.

9. Handling Professional Setbacks and Personal Resilience (00:37:00)

Ross opens up about the emotional toll of being cut from NFL teams and the struggle to maintain personal identity beyond being perceived solely as an athlete:

“Picture for 15 years, your life... and now you're the zero. It's not easy.” ([00:38:00])

He emphasizes the importance of gratitude and focusing on positive aspects to overcome career setbacks.

10. Listener Interactions and Final Thoughts (00:40:36)

The hour concludes with Dan and Ross addressing listener calls, discussing topics ranging from coaching strategies to humorous provocations about sports rivalries. Ross offers final insights on maintaining mental toughness and the value of focusing on positive experiences in sports journalism.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ross Tucker on BALCO and the Steroid Era:
  “...it was every day you woke up and were like, what's going to happen today? What's next?" ([00:27:00])

• On Public Shame vs. Financial Gain:
  “Was it worth the public shame to go in front of Congress?" ([00:30:10])

• Admiration for Shohei Ohtani:
  “Shohei Ohtani is like, I can go out the mound. I can go to the plate as well in the same game.” ([00:33:00])

• On Two-Way Players:
  “I think you'd have to have the talent to do it and you have to have a coach or a manager who is willing to let you do that.” ([00:36:30])

• Experience with Smelling Salts:
  “The first time someone gave it to me in the NFL... I cried.” ([00:30:10])

• Handling Being Cut from the NFL:
  “Picture for 15 years, your life... and now you're the zero. It's not easy.” ([00:38:00])

Conclusion

In this episode, Dan Patrick and Ross Tucker engage in a comprehensive discussion on the intersection of investigative journalism and sports, exploring the historical and contemporary issues surrounding performance-enhancing drugs, the emergence of dual-threat athletes like Shohei Ohtani and Travis Hunter, and the personal challenges faced by professional athletes. Through candid anecdotes and insightful analysis, the conversation sheds light on the complexities of maintaining integrity and resilience in the high-stakes world of sports.