The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 3: “Forgettable Champs, Rob Manfred”
Date: April 8, 2026
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network
Episode Overview
In this episode, Dan Patrick and the Danettes discuss the quirks and controversies of late-season NBA basketball, the evolution of “forgettable” college basketball champions, and the significance (or lack thereof) of players attending the NFL Draft. The highlight is a candid interview with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, who addresses recent MLB changes, fan feedback, and the future of the World Baseball Classic. The episode is sprinkled with trademark humor, listener calls, and tributes to departing producer Seaton.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
NBA’s Late-Season Drama: Tanking, Playing, and Pointless Games
- Dan opens with questions surrounding the legitimacy of recent NBA games, notably criticizing how some teams appear to be tanking or not playing to win at the end of the regular season, despite the "play-in" tournament meant to curb such behavior.
- Discussion of the Golden State Warriors vs. Sacramento Kings game, expressing confusion at unconventional tactics late in the game (03:21), with Draymond Green’s quote highlighted.
- The Milwaukee Bucks’ situation with Giannis Antetokounmpo is presented as a case study in rebuilding versus competing, with Dan doubting how much teams can truly get in a star’s trade (04:42).
- Rundown of recent box scores shows a proliferation of high-scoring games and odd underdog spreads, reinforcing suspicions of tanking: “45 teams this year scored 130 points and lost a game in the NBA.” (06:58)
NFL Draft Attendance & Changing Player Traditions
- Poll question: Should the likely #1 NFL draft pick attend in person or stay home with family? Results are almost evenly split, signaling a shift in player priorities (07:54).
- The team debates Fernando Mendoza’s decision to skip the draft; mixed feelings emerge about personal vs. public milestones.
- Seaton notes, “It does feel like we're living more in an era of players taking control over the things they can control.” (09:10)
- Marvin: “All of this pomp and circumstance is just not my thing. I'm just ready to get the games going.” (10:00)
- The impracticality of mandating attendance at the draft is highlighted humorously, with Todd noting the pitfalls of players misjudging their draft slots. (10:19)
The Era of Forgettable College Basketball Champions
- Prompted by a Michigan fan’s comment, Dan and the crew reflect on why so many recent NCAA champs lack enduring fame:
- Dan: “This is the era that we're in where these players come together for, you know, one year and then they're gone.” (12:34)
- Arguments are made that only repeat champions like UConn or Florida gain lasting recognition, while others fade from memory—even their best players.
- They recall past teams loaded with memorable names (e.g. 2001 Duke) and debate which recent champions, if any, had star power that lives on. (13:27–14:29)
Listener Calls and Show Banter
- Listeners call in with creative team name ideas, heartfelt tributes to Seaton, and sports hypotheticals.
- Light-hearted segments include "Know Your Grizzlies" (stumping the panel with obscure NBA names) and jokes about double corduroy outfits ("Mordoroy") (16:40).
- Multiple callers express sadness at Seaton’s impending departure, with one choking up live on air (17:30).
Interview with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred (22:52–36:30)
[Main segment begins at 22:52]
Opening Thoughts
- Dan asks about morale in MLB, to which Manfred responds, “Morale is very high here at MLB. Off to a great start.” (23:05)
Handling On-Field Incidents
- Manfred says he rarely intervenes personally in on-field incidents unless it’s a player-fan altercation (23:45).
Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) System
- Reaction to the "challenge" system has been “overwhelmingly positive”—fans enjoy watching challenges in real-time on Jumbotrons (24:08).
- Dan wonders if umpires are being undermined; Manfred insists umpires’ performance (94% accuracy) is “astounding,” and most challenges are on extremely close calls (25:01).
- No move toward "full time" robo-umps yet; too early to change from the current system (25:52).
Fan Feedback and Rule Changes
- Fan polling heavily influences MLB changes; the runner on second base in extra innings is the most divisive rule—“the most controversial among our fans” (27:16).
- Dan: “I hate it.” (27:30)
- Manfred defends it as a health/safety issue and notes it won’t be used in playoff games (27:38).
- He indicates this rule is “here to stay” (28:25).
Stadium Issues & Labor Talks
- Manfred briefly discusses stadium requirements and local decisions about design/roofs (29:07).
- On impending labor negotiations: “We're going to provide them a great 2026 season. And while they're watching...we're going to be working hard to get a labor deal done.” (30:10)
- Dan presses on labor issues; Manfred offers little detail and jokes: “Listen to your own introduction. There's nothing good about this conversation.” (30:43)
Learning from Other Sports
- Manfred pays particular attention to football and basketball, citing instant replay in NBA as something MLB watches to avoid slowing the game (30:54).
ABS, Game Speed, and “Robot Ump” Perceptions
- Every review adds approx. 90 seconds; Manfred is “prepared to pay” that price (31:57).
- He insists “robot ump” is a misnomer—the system is tech assisting a live ump (32:28).
WBC (World Baseball Classic) Frequency & Momentum (33:37)
- Dan argues for more frequent WBC tournaments to maintain excitement.
- Manfred is open to a regular schedule, noting its rising importance to broadcast partners (33:47).
Commissioner’s Personal Touch
- Manfred, when asked what he’d take from his office on his last day as commissioner, chooses a drawing of Mickey Mantle, tying back to his childhood fandom—“I'm taking that Mickey Mantle drawing with me no matter what.” (35:45)
Memorable Quotes
- Dan Patrick: “These teams don’t care about the play-in...like you want to stay away from the hot stove. No, no, no, we don’t want to mess with any of those pesky W’s.” (03:54)
- Rob Manfred: “Our umpires want the game to be as good as possible, and I think they see [ABS] as an improvement in the game.” (25:01)
- Rob Manfred: “The challenge system was the one that our fans overwhelmingly favored.” (26:41)
- Dan Patrick: “I'm the, you know, ‘get off my lawn’ guy that it's just, it's still a weird visual where you go to the 10th inning and you see some guy at second base.” (28:08)
- Rob Manfred: “[ABS] is a system that assists a live person in doing his job better...the moniker of ‘robot’ is a negative thing.” (32:28)
- Listener to Seaton: “You really brought so much of the show. So happy for you and your family as you continue to grow.” (17:37)
- Rob Manfred (on what he’d take from MLB office): “A drawing of Mickey Mantle...I'm taking that Mickey Mantle drawing with me no matter what.” (35:45)
Notable Timed Segments
- NBA Tanking/End of Regular Season Issues: 02:03–07:04
- NFL Draft Attendance Debate: 07:42–10:19
- Forgettable College Basketball Champs: 12:31–15:28
- Listener Tributes/Banter: 16:31–18:50
- Rob Manfred Interview: 22:52–36:30
- ABS System Discussion: 24:08–26:18
- Extra-Innings Rule: 27:08–28:36
- Labor Issues: 29:54–30:50
- WBC Plans: 33:37–34:51
- Listener Calls/Masters Caddy Hypothetical: 42:04–46:29
- Sports History segment: 46:30–47:22
Episode Tone & Final Thoughts
Dan Patrick’s irreverence and warmth permeate the show, from playful debate to heartfelt goodbyes for Seaton. The Rob Manfred interview is forthright, with Manfred simultaneously defending MLB’s evolution and admitting where tradition and innovation clash. Listeners get a candid behind-the-scenes glimpse at how leagues juggle fan sentiment, technology, and the future.
Useful for listeners who want:
- Insight into modern sports controversies (NBA tanking, MLB rule changes)
- An understanding of how tradition and change interact in sports
- Candid commissioner perspective on the state of baseball
- The show’s signature blend of humor, nostalgia, and real-time sports culture commentary