Episode Summary: "Covino & Rich - Hey Ballers, Be Grateful"

Release Date: June 27, 2025 | Host/Authors: Steve Covino and Rich Davis | Platform: Fox Sports Radio

In this dynamic episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," hosts Steve Covino and Rich Davis engage in a deep dive into the recent NBA Draft, exploring player reactions, the importance of gratitude, and drawing parallels with other sports drafts. The conversation is further enriched by contributions from regulars Danny G, Sam, and Monsi Belanius, along with insights from listener calls.

1. Introduction to the Episode

The episode kicks off with the hosts setting the stage for a lively discussion. After bypassing initial advertisements and introductions, Steve Covino welcomes listeners to what he describes as "an experience" on Fox Sports Radio.

2. Reactions to the NBA Draft

a. Observing Player Reactions

Steve Covino initiates the primary discussion by addressing the overall lack of visible excitement from some players during the NBA Draft:

"First thing I notice, again, this seems to be a commonality in the NBA world. I felt like the excitement level wasn't that grand."
— Steve Covino [05:55]

Danny G echoes this sentiment, questioning the authenticity of the players' reactions:

"I didn't watch the NBA draft. I mean, Cooper Flag was going number one."
— Danny G [03:55]

b. The Importance of Gratitude

The conversation shifts to the theme of gratitude, emphasizing that being drafted into the NBA is a significant achievement deserving appreciation:

"They are one of the chosen ones... So there’s pros and cons, depending on how you look at it."
— Steve Covino [08:37]

Monsi Belanius adds a layer by highlighting the intertwining of physical and mental health, subtly connecting to the pressures athletes face:

"My goal is to really destigmatize mental health treatment and looking at it from a whole health perspective."
— Monsi Belanius [00:20]

3. Comparing NBA and NFL Draft Behaviors

The hosts draw comparisons between the NBA and NFL drafts, noting differences in public and personal reactions:

"During the NFL draft, there’s a big difference between getting drafted and finding out... Versus. I’m moving to Green Bay, Wisconsin."
— Danny G [10:02]

Steve Covino concurs, emphasizing that regardless of the league, gratitude should be paramount:

"They should be grateful. They should like it."
— Steve Covino [11:10]

4. Listener Insights and Social Media Influence

Listener calls introduce diverse perspectives, enriching the discussion:

• John from Portland observes that many players appear to have a "diva mentality" due to already securing NIL deals:

  "A lot of them kind of do come in with a little bit of diva mentality."
  — John [28:31]

• Jesse from Indiana shares his gratitude for his role in broadcasting, contrasting with some drafted players' lack of visible emotion:

  "I am so grateful every time I get to put a headset on and call a game."
  — Jesse [29:06]

5. Highlighting Emotional Expressions in Drafts

The hosts reflect on specific moments from the draft, celebrating genuine emotional displays:

"The Brooklyn Nets grabbed Danny Wolfe, and he and his family, especially his brother, were sobbing."
— Sam [33:46]

Steve Covino contrasts this with other less emotional reactions, questioning the authenticity of some players' responses:

"But you just went from probably middle class family or whatever to you're signing an eight-figure contract."
— Steve Covino [24:52]

6. Broader Sports Discussions

Beyond the draft, the episode touches on various sports topics:

• MLB Mid-Season Standings: Discussion about the tight standings of the Mets and Phillies.
• NFL Updates: News about Justin Tucker's suspension and the Buccaneers' contract extensions.
• Derek Jeter's Birthday: Nostalgic celebration of Jeter's legacy and impact on baseball.

7. Pop Culture and Sex Symbols

A lighter segment explores the concept of sex symbols in sports and pop culture, with humorous anecdotes:

"He was a stud. So based on that, he was a sex symbol for sports especially."
— Steve Covino [41:50]

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reiterate the importance of gratitude and authentic emotional expression for athletes entering the professional realm. They encourage listeners to appreciate the hard work and sacrifices that lead to such achievements.

Notable Quotes with Attribution

• Steve Covino [05:55]:
  "First thing I notice, again, this seems to be a commonality in the NBA world. I felt like the excitement level wasn't that grand."

• Danny G [03:55]:
  "I didn't watch the NBA draft. I mean, Cooper Flag was going number one."

• Steve Covino [08:37]:
  "They are one of the chosen ones... So there’s pros and cons, depending on how you look at it."

• John [28:31]:
  "A lot of them kind of do come in with a little bit of diva mentality."

• Jesse [29:06]:
  "I am so grateful every time I get to put a headset on and call a game."

• Sam [33:46]:
  "The Brooklyn Nets grabbed Danny Wolfe, and he and his family, especially his brother, were sobbing."

• Steve Covino [24:52]:
  "But you just went from probably middle class family or whatever to you're signing an eight-figure contract."

This episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" offers a multifaceted exploration of athlete reactions to the NBA Draft, emphasizing the virtues of gratitude and emotional authenticity. Through candid discussions and listener interactions, Covino and Davis provide valuable insights into the pressures and expectations faced by young sports professionals.