Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Best of The Herd" (June 19, 2025)

Released by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, this episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" delves into some of the most pressing sports narratives of the day. Hosted by Colin Cowherd, alongside contributors Jason McIntyre and Christine Brennan, the episode offers in-depth discussions, critical analyses, and insightful commentary on various sports topics.

1. Lakers' Ownership Sale and Future Prospects

Christine Brennan kicks off the episode by addressing the recent sale of the Los Angeles Lakers. The team was sold for a staggering $10 billion, marking one of the most significant transactions in sports history. The new ownership group, led by Mark Walter, who already owns a stake in the Dodgers, is poised to bring a new era of management and investment to the franchise.

• Brennan remarks at [02:45]:
  "This is a great day to be a Laker fan. The group that bought the Lakers already owned a part of them...they are very shrewd LA residents."

• She emphasizes the contrast between the new owners and the longstanding Buss family:
  "The Lakers have been a mom and pop shop for years...But this is 2025 and it's pro sports. The organization needs more juice, more financing, more eyes, new eyes."

Brennan expresses optimism, highlighting the Dodgers' successful ownership as a benchmark, stating, "They spend more money than anyone. But they are very judicious. They rarely miss." This strategic approach is expected to translate into enhanced performance and stability for the Lakers.

2. Critique of NFL Quarterbacks' Off-Field Behavior

The conversation shifts to the responsibility of NFL quarterbacks and the impact of their off-field actions on their careers and team dynamics. Brennan criticizes recent incidents involving quarterbacks Shador Sanders, Baker Mayfield, and Deshaun Watson, questioning their maturity and leadership qualities.

• At [07:50], Brennan states:
  "Johnny Manziel...Deshaun Watson. Shador Sanders got caught speeding over 100 miles an hour. It's not a speeding ticket. It's multiple incidents in college."

She draws parallels with past quarterbacks, emphasizing the importance of accountability:

• Brennan asserts at [09:32]:
  "You have to have a meritocracy, not a barbecue. This is a great day...Don’t be afraid of something that's been in the building for years."

The discussion highlights how such behaviors can erode trust within a team and affect player evaluations, stressing that consistent professionalism is crucial for leadership roles on the field.

3. NBA Finals Update: Game 6 Highlights

Jason McIntyre provides a brief update on the NBA Finals, focusing on Tyrese Halliburton's injury status, which was uncertain ahead of Game 6.

• At [26:27], Halliburton comments on his availability:
  "I'm a competitor. I want to play. I'm going to do everything in my power to play."

Christine Brennan analyzes the implications of his potential absence, suggesting that the game might be slipping away for his team without his contribution.

4. WNBA's Physical Play and Caitlin Clark's Impact

A significant portion of the episode centers on the WNBA, particularly focusing on Caitlin Clark and her transformative impact on women's basketball. Brennan introduces her new book, "Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women's Sports," which explores Clark's role in elevating the WNBA's visibility and financial standing.

• At [37:18], Caitlin Clark shares:
  "Everybody knows that's how I play. Like I want the crowd behind me...that's what we try to give them every single night."

Brennan discusses recent incidents involving Clark, including a physical altercation during a WNBA game that sparked debates about player conduct and league policies.

• At [45:17], Brennan comments on race and player treatment:
  "You cannot take race out of this conversation, nor should we take race out of this conversation because there's so many elements of this story that do involve a 74% black league."

She criticizes the league's handling of the incident, advocating for appropriate disciplinary actions to maintain professionalism and set clear standards.

• At [51:05], Brennan advises on respect and treatment:
  "If you respect women, then let's treat them more like guys...Basketball is gonna fight, they're gonna flagrant, they're gonna technical, they're gonna swear, they're gonna be inappropriate. That's how this thing works."

The segment underscores Clark's pivotal role in driving WNBA attendance and viewership, citing data that shows significant drops in TV audiences when she is absent from games.

5. Dodgers vs. Padres Rivalry Intensifies

The episode also touches upon the escalating rivalry between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres. Brennan highlights a recent dramatic moment where Dodgers' Will Smith hit a walk-off home run, solidifying the team's dominance.

• At [30:55], Brennan recounts:
  "Will Smith pushes a fly ball right center field...a walk-off home run for Will Smith. The Dodgers win it the 9th, 4 to 3."

She emphasizes the talent pool and competitive spirit fueling the rivalry, noting the Dodgers' strategic moves to retain and acquire top players, thereby maintaining their competitive edge.

6. Promotion of Christine Brennan's New Book

Throughout the episode, Christine Brennan promotes her latest work, "Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women's Sports." She provides insights into the book's content, highlighting the cultural and economic challenges faced by the WNBA and how Clark's emergence is reshaping the landscape.

• At [44:39], Brennan explains:
  "Caitlin Clark is really the engine here, driving all of it...she is even more important to her sport than those guys were to theirs."

Brennan underscores the unprecedented nature of Clark's influence, comparing her impact to that of legendary athletes like Michael Jordan and Larry Bird in their respective sports.

Notable Quotes

• Christine Brennan at [02:45]:
  "This is a great day to be a Laker fan."

• Brennan at [07:50]:
  "Johnny Manziel...Deshaun Watson. Shador Sanders got caught speeding over 100 miles an hour."

• Caitlin Clark at [37:18]:
  "Everybody knows that's how I play. Like I want the crowd behind me..."

• Brennan at [45:17]:
  "You cannot take race out of this conversation..."

• Clark at [37:18]:
  "We're here for a show and like that's what I try to give them every single night."

Conclusion

In this "Best of The Herd" episode, Colin Cowherd and his co-hosts provide comprehensive coverage of major sports stories, blending analysis with passionate commentary. The discussions range from high-profile ownership changes and player conduct to pivotal moments in both men's and women's sports leagues. Christine Brennan's insights, especially regarding Caitlin Clark and the WNBA, offer a deeper understanding of the evolving dynamics in women's sports. This episode serves as a valuable resource for listeners seeking informed perspectives on current sports events.