Podcast Summary: "Covino & Rich - Face of the Association, in the Water"
Title: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: Covino & Rich - Face of the Association, in the Water
Release Date: June 10, 2025
Host/Hosts: Steve Covino and Rich Davis
Description: "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" is a thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven journey through the top sports stories of the day. In this episode, hosts Steve Covino and Rich Davis delve into the dynamics of the NBA Finals, discuss the intriguing absence of Shaquille O'Neal from the festivities, explore the balance between passion and work, and touch upon broader themes of missing out on significant events.
1. Introduction and Setting the Stage (03:01 - 04:24)
The episode kicks off with a warm welcome from Steve Covino, who expresses hope that listeners had a pleasant weekend, despite the turmoil in Oklahoma City (OKC) related to UFC fighters and protests in Los Angeles. He sets an energetic tone by mentioning upcoming guests and topics, including "Iron Mike trivia" and stories about athletes like Cam Scatterboo.
Notable Quote:
- Steve Covino (03:07): "Live from the mean streets of LA. Ooh. It's Covino and Rich and we have an action-packed show today."
2. NBA Finals: OKC vs. Indiana Pacers (03:39 - 05:43)
The primary focus of the discussion centers around the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC) and the Indiana Pacers, currently tied at one game each. Covino and Davis analyze the performances, with OKC showing dominance in game two, raising hopes of a potential sweep. However, the uncertainty remains as the series is still in its early stages.
Notable Quotes:
- Rich Davis (05:43): "How was your weekend? I was on the East Coast. It's good to be back in LA, even though it was a crazy weekend."
- Steve Covino (05:43): "OKC played like OKC. SGA played like SGA. The Thunder dominated the second game. It's all tied at one."
3. Shaquille O'Neal's Absence from the Finals (06:56 - 15:17)
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Shaquille O'Neal (Shaq) not watching the NBA Finals. The hosts express surprise and disappointment, given Shaq's iconic status and his role as an NBA ambassador. They ponder the implications of his absence on fan engagement and the league's promotional efforts.
Key Points:
- Shaq's Vacation: Shaq stated he's in the Bahamas, "in the ocean," instead of watching the Finals.
- Work vs. Passion: The hosts debate whether watching the game feels like work for someone like Shaq, who has dedicated his life to basketball.
- Impact on Fans: They question how Shaq's lack of participation affects fans' enthusiasm and viewership.
Notable Quotes:
- Steve Covino (07:18): "What if I were to tell you that Shaquille O'Neal, one of your heroes, a guy that gets paid a lot of money to represent the NBA and analyze the NBA and sort of still be one of the faces of the NBA? What if I told you that you're watching the finals, but he's not?"
- Rich Davis (08:36): "Shaquille O'Neal said that I'm going to be in the Bahamas. I'm not watching."
- Steve Covino (12:36): "So you have to imagine, no one loves basketball more than Shaq. But watching the game, calling a game, analyzing the game, having to formulate an opinion on the game, that begins to feel like work."
4. Comparing Shaq and Derek Jeter (15:10 - 17:46)
Covino draws parallels between Shaq's relationship with basketball and Derek Jeter's bond with baseball. While Jeter continued to immerse himself in baseball even after retirement, retaining a student-like obsession with the game, Shaq seems to seek occasional breaks, highlighting the fine line between passion and professional obligation.
Notable Quotes:
- Steve Covino (16:53): "I felt this way about Derek Jeter. As much as I admired him and still do, one of my heroes, they always said the biggest disconnect between Jeter and A Rod is that Jeter tuned out of baseball when baseball wasn't on."
- Rich Davis (17:05): "Guy, A Rod's probably still working on his swing, right?"
5. Balancing Life and Professional Commitments (17:54 - 22:37)
The discussion shifts to the challenges of balancing personal life with professional responsibilities. Covino shares his experience transitioning from live rock radio promotions to his current role, emphasizing how what once was exhilarating became monotonous. The conversation underscores the universal struggle of maintaining passion without burnout.
Key Points:
- Radio Promotions Burnout: Covino explains how consistent involvement in radio promotions transitioned from fun to feeling like monotonous work.
- Parental Responsibilities: Both hosts touch upon the challenges of parenting, especially with teenagers, and how personal life can sometimes require stepping away from intense professional or passion-driven activities.
Notable Quotes:
- Steve Covino (19:16): "What was once fun felt like work, even though I loved it."
- Rich Davis (22:05): "He said he's at the dad stage of life now, where hanging out with his kid is by appointment and he gets really stoked when she's like, 'Dad, you wanted me for coffee.'"
6. Stanley Cup Finals Update (39:10 - 40:43)
Danny G provides an update on the Stanley Cup Finals, highlighting the ongoing series between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers. The series is tied, and current game performances are discussed, including player injuries and team management changes across various sports leagues.
Notable Quotes:
- Danny G (39:10): "Was that a... NHL, Stanley Cup Finals? Yeah, that's the topic."
- Rich Davis (40:43): "Game one, overtime, Edmonton wins. Game two, overtime, Florida wins. If they do another overtime, that would be unprecedented."
7. Upcoming Stories: Cam Scatterboo and J.J. McCarthy (42:24 - 50:43)
Covino and Davis tease upcoming segments focusing on Cam Scatterboo, a rookie running back with a humorous anecdote, and J.J. McCarthy, another young NFL player. These stories are set to explore themes of awareness, being in one's own bubble, and missing out on significant moments due to intense focus on specific areas.
Notable Quotes:
- Rich Davis (50:43): "What do they have in common with my dumbass who didn't know what was going on in my own city all weekend?"
8. Listener Engagement and Calls (32:05 - 38:40)
The hosts interact with listeners, discussing predictions for the NBA Finals and the Stanley Cup. They engage in light-hearted banter, sharing their initial instincts versus emerging outcomes in the sports world. The conversation also touches upon listener experiences and personal anecdotes related to sports fandom.
Notable Quotes:
- Steve Covino (32:05): "Let's say hi to Paul in Rhode Island. Paul, what's up, man?"
- Rich Davis (33:25): "I think Edmonton is going to take this."
9. Reflections on Missing Out and Staying Informed (34:28 - 37:05)
The discussion broadens to the importance of staying informed about current events, especially for those deeply entrenched in their professional or personal pursuits. Davis and Covino reflect on how isolation within one's "bubble" can lead to missing out on significant happenings, drawing parallels with their personal experiences.
Notable Quotes:
- Rich Davis (34:28): "It's about missing something along the way or just being so in your zone."
- Steve Covino (35:05): "Maybe you're so committed and dedicated to what you do, you don't see anything else."
10. Conclusion and Final Thoughts (47:14 - 53:26)
As the episode nears its end, the hosts recap the night's discussions, reiterating the impact of Shaq's absence on the NBA Finals and the broader implications for sports broadcasting. They preview upcoming segments and express gratitude to their listeners, while also touching upon recent sports highlights and industry updates.
Notable Quotes:
- Steve Covino (47:14): "The finals move to Indy on Wednesday. Now we gotta wait till Wednesday. That is a bummer, man."
- Rich Davis (52:52): "Jay Z crossing his fingers that OKC keeps rolling. He's got Thunder and five for a million dollars pays out. I think 2.5 mil."
Conclusion:
In this episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," hosts Steve Covino and Rich Davis navigate through the riveting developments of the NBA Finals, the intriguing absence of a basketball legend like Shaquille O'Neal, and the universal challenges of balancing passion with professional obligations. Through engaging discussions, personal anecdotes, and thought-provoking insights, the duo offers listeners a comprehensive look into the ever-evolving landscape of sports and the human stories intertwined within.