Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Covino & Rich - New MLB Blood, NBA Finals & Patience
Release Date: June 12, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

1. MLB's Surge with Young Superstars

Covino and Rich kick off the episode by highlighting the remarkable rise of young talents in Major League Baseball (MLB). They emphasize how players like Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge are revitalizing the league's popularity. Covino points out, "Shohei Ohtani, dude, when he gets his last at bat in a game, the stadium clears because they're all there to see that guy" (15:30).

Rich adds, "Baseball's capitalizing on these young superstars, getting that extra shine they deserve" (16:10). The duo notes that MLB's ratings are skyrocketing, even as the league faces challenges like losing its broadcasting deal with ESPN. This resurgence is attributed to the magnetic appeal of these emerging stars who draw in a diverse and enthusiastic fanbase.

2. NBA Finals Ratings Decline

Transitioning to the NBA, Covino and Rich express concern over declining viewership for the NBA Finals. Covino speculates, "It's probably a better possibility that it's two small market teams, but we'll see what happens in Indiana tonight" (22:45). They discuss how the presence of smaller market teams might be impacting overall interest, despite the high level of competition on the court.

Rich mentions, "MLB's ratings really going through the roof with all these young superstars. Baseball's on the rise. NBA on the downside" (23:20). They debate whether factors like team market size or broader cultural perceptions ("the woke nature of the NBA") are contributing to the NBA's dip in ratings.

3. Patience: Mike's Words of Wisdom

Midway through the episode, the hosts delve into a segment featuring Mike's Words of Wisdom, focusing on the theme of patience. Mike shares, "Patience is what you have when there are too many witnesses" (35:50). Covino humorously reacts, "Rich was born with a short fuse. So let's be fair" (36:10), adding personal anecdotes about waiting at barbershops and dealing with impatient family members.

Rich expands on the concept, tying patience back to sports, "You could talk about this honestly, you could tie anything into sports because a fan base, if you can master the patience of a rebuild and what it takes to win, you gotta trust the process" (38:00). They agree that patience is a lost virtue in modern society, both in everyday life and within the sports industry.

4. Josh Allen's Personal Milestones

The conversation shifts to NFL's Josh Allen, who recently married Haley Steinfeld. Covino highlights, "Josh Allen gushing over his new wife, Haley Steinfeld... 'She makes everything easier. I don't really focus on other stuff. That was the most important decision I'll make in my life, and I made the right one.' (45:15). The hosts commend Allen for his heartfelt remarks and discuss the positive impact of a supportive personal life on an athlete's performance and happiness.

5. Controversy Over Angel Reese's Award

Covino and Rich address the contentious decision to award Angel Reese as Sportswoman of the Year at the BET Awards for the third consecutive year. Rich expresses confusion, stating, "Angel Reese, three years in a row. Simone Biles, Olympic gold... How is she not the person?" (50:25). They explore fan dissatisfaction, comparing Reese's achievements to other nominees like Coco Gauff and Serena Williams.

Rich sarcastically remarks, "She doesn't fit. Remember Sesame Street? One of these things is not like the other." (51:10), critiquing the perceived mismatch between Reese's performance and the honor bestowed upon her. The hosts debate whether the award reflects genuine athletic excellence or other factors influencing the decision.

6. The Dark Side of Sports Betting

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the negative repercussions of legalized sports betting on athletes. Citing a poll by The Athletic, Rich mentions, "78.2% of MLB players said it has changed how fans treat you or your teammates." (55:40). They recount disturbing instances where players received threatening messages and inappropriate financial demands linked to betting outcomes.

Covino laments, "You lose with grace. A lot of that guy's fault. I'm like Thibodeau. I'm a graceful guy. No one's forcing you to bet on that guy." (57:05), highlighting the toxic behavior some bettors exhibit towards players. The hosts agree that while gambling adds excitement, it brings about undue pressure and harassment, tarnishing the relationship between fans and athletes.

7. Sports News Updates: NBA Finals and Beyond

Covino provides an update on the NBA Finals between the Thunder and Pacers, mentioning they're tied at 2-2 in the series with the next game scheduled for tonight at 8:30 PM Eastern Time. They discuss player injuries, such as Tyrese Halliburton's lower leg issue, and ongoing trade talks involving Kevin Durant.

Rich informs listeners about the Knicks' unsuccessful attempts to engage with potential coaching candidates, including the Hawks and Rockets, emphasizing the competitive nature of securing top talent. Additionally, Covino touches on recent MLB games, noting impressive performances like Eugenio Suarez's 19th home run of the season (62:00).

8. Wasted Talent in Sports: Paul Skeens as a Case Study

Concluding the episode, Covino and Rich explore the theme of "wasted talent" in sports, focusing on Paul Skeens, a promising young MLB pitcher. Covino states, "Paul Skeens has a 1.12 ERA in his last seven starts, and he has one win to show for it." (68:30). They compare Skeens' situation to that of Jacob deGrom, highlighting how exceptional performance can be undermined by inadequate team support.

Rich questions, "Is he winning in life? Is he getting paid? Is his career trajectory on a great path?" (70:15), suggesting that despite Skeens' talent, his potential is being stifled by the team's poor run support. They discuss historical parallels, referencing Bob Gibson's era, and ponder Skeens' future prospects within MLB.

Notable Quotes

• Covino: "Shohei Ohtani, dude, when he gets his last at bat in a game, the stadium clears because they're all there to see that guy." (15:30)
• Rich: "MLB's ratings really going through the roof with all these young superstars. Baseball's on the rise. NBA on the downside." (23:20)
• Mike: "Patience is what you have when there are too many witnesses." (35:50)
• Covino: "Josh Allen gushing over his new wife... She makes everything easier." (45:15)
• Rich: "Angel Reese doesn't fit. Remember Sesame Street? One of these things is not like the other." (51:10)
• Rich: "You lose with grace. A lot of that guy's fault. I'm like Thibodeau. I'm a graceful guy." (57:05)

Conclusion

In this engaging episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Covino and Rich navigate through a spectrum of sports topics, from the invigorating rise of young MLB stars to the challenges facing the NBA, the virtues of patience, personal milestones of athletes, controversies in awards, the dark side of sports betting, and the lamentable cases of wasted talent. Their insightful discussions, coupled with candid humor and pointed critiques, offer listeners a comprehensive look into the current state of the sports world.