Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Covino Was the Yankees! Episode Release Date: June 19, 2025
The Herd with Colin Cowherd presents a compelling episode titled Covino Was the Yankees!, hosted by Covino and Rich from Fox Sports Radio. This episode delves into major sports narratives, including the Florida Panthers' recent triumph, significant changes in the Lakers' ownership, the New York Yankees' perplexing scoring drought, and the intriguing concept of "rooting for failure" in sports. The hosts also explore drama in the WNBA and other noteworthy sports updates, providing insightful commentary and engaging discussions throughout.
I. Celebrating the Florida Panthers' Victory
Timestamp: [04:43] Covino and Rich kick off the episode by congratulating the Florida Panthers on their impressive performance:
Covino: “They win the series. The Stanley Cup Final 4 to 2, 5 to 1 game. Yep. Back to back and belly to belly. Congratulations to the Panthers.”
The hosts commend the Panthers for their remarkable achievement and highlight the excitement surrounding the upcoming NBA Finals.
II. Major Changes in Lakers Ownership
Timestamp: [05:21] The discussion shifts to a significant development in the NBA:
Covino: “The Guggenheim group, huh, gets ownership of the Lakers. But word is, Jeanie Buss keeps her role. So she's still involved.”
Covino and Rich analyze the implications of Mark Walter’s acquisition of a majority stake in the Lakers, valuing the franchise at $10 billion. They debate the potential impact on the team's future, comparing it to previous ownership changes like Mark Cuban’s tenure with the Dallas Mavericks.
III. New York Yankees' Scoring Drought
Timestamp: [07:19] A major focus of the episode is the New York Yankees' alarming inability to score runs:
Covino: “In 29 straight innings, three straight shutouts, they haven't scored a run. It's almost like, yo, what happened? Where's that chemistry?”
Despite a star-studded lineup featuring Aaron Judge, Gio Urshela, and Cody Bellinger, the Yankees have failed to produce a single run over an extended period. Covino attributes this slump to poor team chemistry and overcompensation by key players.
IV. Rooting for Failure: A Phenomenon in Sports
Timestamp: [08:42] Covino introduces the concept of "rooting for failure" among sports fans, exploring why audiences sometimes take pleasure in seeing traditionally successful teams or individuals struggle.
Mila: “Is it more fun to root for failure than success?”
Covino: “I'm the Yankee fan. The rest of the world loves to hate on the Yankees. ... You tune in to see how long this streak goes.”
The hosts provide various examples, including fighters like Floyd Mayweather and Jake Paul, NFL teams like the Chicago Lions, and historical instances such as Anthony Young’s losing streak. They discuss the emotional and psychological aspects that lead fans to support underperforming teams.
V. Listener Feedback on Rooting for Failure
Timestamp: [19:33] The episode features listener interactions, where fans share their perspectives on rooting for failure.
Rich: “I get joy out of watching the Clippers losing. ...”
Mila: “Greg hit us up in Pittsburgh. ...”
Covino: “So, you take great joy in watching blank or watching who fail. Let me know.”
Covino and Rich discuss the fine line between enjoying sports rivalry and crossing into malicious feelings towards opponents, emphasizing personal growth and the impact of sports on relationships.
VI. Drama in the WNBA: Caitlin Clark and Shohei Ohtani
Timestamp: [36:40] Transitioning to basketball, the hosts analyze recent on-court incidents involving WNBA star Caitlin Clark and MLB’s Shohei Ohtani.
Covino: “Caitlin Clark getting roughed up, poked in the eye, shoved to the ground.”
Mila: “Do other players need to keep their hands off of the precious stars or is it the complete opposite?”
They debate whether such drama enhances the leagues by increasing viewership or harms the integrity of the sport by promoting unnecessary violence and targeting superstars.
VII. Additional Sports Updates
Timestamp: [42:20] Covino and Rich provide brief updates on various sports events and news:
- NBA: Confirmation of Mark Walter’s majority ownership of the Lakers and its potential effects.
- College Baseball: Coastal Carolina's impressive 26-game winning streak.
- NFL: Ravens signing corner Jair Alexander to a one-year deal worth $4 million.
- College Football: Florida Panthers' Stanley Cup parade plans and updates on the College Football Playoff requirements.
VIII. Humorous Impressions and Light-Hearted Moments
Throughout the episode, Covino and Rich interject humor with celebrity impressions and playful banter, enhancing the show’s engaging and entertaining atmosphere.
Covino: “Blades of steel.”
Rich: “Double dribble.”
These moments provide a balanced mix of serious sports analysis and relatable, entertaining content for listeners.
IX. Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Timestamp: [52:35] As the episode wraps up, Covino and Rich reflect on whether the ongoing drama in leagues like the WNBA is beneficial or detrimental.
Mila: “Protecting the stars, I get it. But the drama's great. Caitlin Clark's fine. Even Shohei.”
Covino: “So if the drama's great, then it's a non-star. No, then they let these things sort of happen with reason.”
They conclude by reaffirming the importance of drama in maintaining fan engagement while acknowledging the need for sports organizations to protect their star athletes adequately.
Notable Quotes:
- Covino [08:13]: “None of these dudes are scoring. There's no small ball at all. They're swinging for the fences. They're swinging and missing. They're not getting killed, but they're not scoring runs is pathetic.”
- Mila [09:31]: “Is it more fun to root for failure than success?”
- Rich [17:18]: “Back in 2008, when the Lions were 0 and 15, were you tuning in to see if they were going to go, oh, and 16, which they did.”
Final Thoughts: This episode of Covino & Rich offers an in-depth exploration of current sports narratives, blending critical analysis with engaging conversations. Whether discussing the Yankees' struggles, ownership changes, or the intriguing psychology behind fans rooting for failure, Covino and Rich provide a comprehensive and entertaining overview of the sports landscape. Their ability to intertwine humor, listener feedback, and expert commentary makes this episode a must-listen for sports enthusiasts seeking both insight and entertainment.