Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode Title: 3 & Out - Why Shouder Sanders WON'T Work in Cleveland, NFL and PGA Tour Connection, Lakers Sell for $10 Billion
Release Date: June 20, 2025
Host: John Middlecoff
Produced By: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

1. Introduction and Overview

Timestamp: [02:14]

John Middlecoff opens the episode with a warm greeting, emphasizing the dynamic nature of the sports world. He outlines the primary topics for discussion:

• Shouder Sanders' Suitability in Cleveland
• The Emerging Connection Between the NFL and PGA Tour
• The Lakers' Valuation Surge to $10 Billion

Additionally, John touches on broader themes such as sports valuations, management efficacy, and the impact of ownership on team performance.

2. Shouder Sanders and the Cleveland Browns

Timestamp: [02:14 - 09:45]

Discussion Points:

• Incident Overview: Shouder Sanders was recently pulled over for speeding at 100 mph, leading to widespread criticism.
• Ownership Challenges: John argues that the primary issue with Sanders in Cleveland isn't his playing ability but the interference from the team's ownership, particularly Jimmy Haslam.

Key Insights:

• Ownership Interference: John states, "I think Jimmy Haslam gets in the way of progress," highlighting Haslam's tendency to override decisions made by the GM and coaching staff.
• Management's Role: He emphasizes that effective management is crucial, stating, "Hire the right GM and coach and you'll win."

Notable Quote:

“I do think he's going to be a good quarterback for the Browns? I don't because most people are not.” – John Middlecoff [04:30]

Analysis: John believes that despite Shouder Sanders' potential, the Cleveland Browns' ownership style under Haslam disrupts team cohesion and decision-making, making it an unsuitable environment for Sanders to thrive.

3. NFL and PGA Tour: A Strategic Connection

Timestamp: [09:45 - 18:05]

Discussion Points:

• Brian Rolapp's Move: Brian Rolapp, a key figure in NFL media rights, has been appointed as CEO of the PGA Tour.
• Potential Implications: John speculates that Rolapp's success with the PGA Tour could position him as a future commissioner of the NFL.

Key Insights:

• Career Trajectory: Rolapp's ambition and strategic moves within the sports industry suggest he aims for higher executive roles.
• NFL Commissioner's Future: John posits, “he’s going to be the next commissioner of the NFL,” indicating Rolapp's potential influence and leadership capabilities.

Notable Quote:

“Brian Rolap knows this. If you want to get a girl to like, you bring another girl around. She'll show more interest, I promise.” – John Middlecoff [12:10]

Analysis: The appointment of Brian Rolapp signifies a strategic intertwining of the NFL and PGA Tour, potentially fostering collaborative growth and innovative media strategies. John's perspective underscores the significance of executive leadership in shaping the future of major sports leagues.

4. The Lakers' Valuation and Ownership Dynamics

Timestamp: [18:05 - 39:19]

Discussion Points:

• Franchise Valuation: The Lakers have been valued at approximately $10 billion, making them one of the most expensive sports franchises globally.
• Comparative Analysis: John compares the Lakers to other elite franchises like the Dodgers, Yankees, and several NFL teams, discussing revenue generation and ownership influence.

Key Insights:

• Revenue Streams: The Lakers' substantial revenue from media deals and merchandise contributes to their high valuation. John notes, “the Lakers ... made more than the Grizzlies did in a year on their television deal.”
• Ownership Impact: Effective management, akin to what has been seen with teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Seattle Seahawks, is essential for sustained success and high valuations.

Notable Quote:

“Hire the right GM and coach and you'll win. Other than that, I do want to get out of here on this Fugazi Friday...” – John Middlecoff [30:50]

Analysis: John emphasizes that financial investment alone doesn't guarantee success. Effective management and strategic decision-making are paramount. The Lakers' elevated valuation is a testament to their successful business and sports strategies, despite the complexities surrounding ownership.

5. Fugazi Friday: Personal Reflections and Broader Insights

Timestamp: [39:19 - 40:50]

Discussion Points:

• Adrenaline Junkies: John shares personal anecdotes about not relating to adrenaline-fueled activities, contrasting his preferences with those who seek extreme thrills.
• Documentary Review: He discusses a Netflix documentary about the Titanic submarine expedition, expressing skepticism about the motivations behind such high-risk ventures.

Key Insights:

• Risk and Motivation: John critiques the motivations of wealthy individuals engaging in dangerous pursuits for fame and legacy.
• Personal Preferences: Emphasizes the importance of personal safety and rational decision-making over thrill-seeking behaviors.

Notable Quote:

“I do not get the need to do this stuff, especially with technology. Like, can't you just YouTube it.” – John Middlecoff [37:00]

Analysis: This segment provides a personal touch to the episode, highlighting John's grounded perspective and his preference for safer, more controlled environments over high-risk activities. It serves as a contrast to the high-stakes discussions of sports management and franchise valuations.

6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: [40:50 - End]

John wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of strategic leadership in sports franchises and the interconnectedness of different sports leagues through key executive roles. He underscores that while financial prowess is crucial, it is the combination of effective management, strategic decision-making, and leadership that truly drives success and increases franchise valuations.

Additional Highlights:

• Management Success Stories: John references successful executives like Andrew Friedman (Dodgers) and Theo Epstein (Cubs and Red Sox) to illustrate the impact of executive decisions on team success.
• Comparative Franchise Analysis: Detailed comparisons between various sports franchises highlight how different management styles and ownership structures contribute to their respective successes or struggles.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• On Ownership Interference:

  “Anytime you're the boss, whether it's you're the dad in a home... it's just a bizarre place.” – John Middlecoff [06:50]

• On Modern Driving Speeds:

  “I think most people listening to this, if you're of a certain age, you couldn't dream of going 100 miles an hour in 90% of the cars.” – John Middlecoff [07:30]

• On Executive Ambition:

  “Brian Rolap,... he's going to be the next commissioner of the NFL because he's not a golf guy.” – John Middlecoff [14:45]

Conclusion

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, John Middlecoff provides an in-depth analysis of pivotal issues in the sports world, focusing on the interplay between management decisions, ownership influence, and franchise valuations. Through a blend of personal insights and industry observations, John elucidates the multifaceted nature of sports management and its profound impact on team success and financial growth.

For listeners interested in the nuanced dynamics of sports management and the business side of major sports leagues, this episode offers valuable perspectives and thought-provoking discussions.

Note: This summary excludes all advertisements, promotional segments, and non-content sections to focus solely on the substantive discussions of the podcast episode.