Podcast Summary: Covino & Rich - Ohtani's Magical Return The Herd with Colin Cowherd | iHeartPodcasts and The Volume | Released: June 17, 2025
Introduction
In this engaging episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," hosts Covino and Rich Davis navigate through some of the most riveting sports narratives of the day. The conversation weaves through the highly anticipated return of Shohei Ohtani, the dynamics of the NBA Finals, Giancarlo Stanton's comeback with the Yankees, and Joey Chestnut's return to competitive hot dog eating. Additionally, the hosts delve into Troy Aikman's critical views on NFL officiating in the era of sports gambling, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of current sports hotspots.
Shohei Ohtani's Triumphant Return
The centerpiece of the episode is Shohei Ohtani's much-anticipated return to pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Covino underscores the monumental nature of this event:
Covino (08:14): "It's Shohei's return. It's his first pitching appearance since August 23, 2023. Please don't get hurt. Please don't get hurt. And that's the risk you're taking. But life's a risk."
Rich Davis and Covino express immense excitement over Ohtani's dual-threat capabilities as both a pitcher and hitter, questioning whether his return might overshadow other major sports events:
Covino (11:07): "We are way more excited to see Shohei take the mound tonight."
They predict that Ohtani's performance will be a focal point across social media and sports news, emphasizing his global superstar status and the significant impact he has on baseball's popularity.
NBA Finals Game 5: Dimming the Spotlight?
The hosts examine whether the NBA Finals Game 5 will maintain its usual prominence or be eclipsed by Ohtani's return:
Danny G (03:48): "Is Shohei's return trumping the NBA Finals Game 5? I think it might be."
Covino concurs, suggesting that while the NBA Finals are inherently significant, Ohtani's return could command more attention due to his unique position in baseball.
Covino (16:05): "He won with the Dodgers. He played his ass off last year, but we never seen him on the mound as a Dodger yet."
Giancarlo Stanton's Comeback with the Yankees
The conversation briefly touches upon Giancarlo Stanton's return to the Yankees after overcoming elbow injuries, highlighting the optimism surrounding his rejoining the lineup:
Covino (09:25): "People are also supposed to be excited that Giancarlo Stanton is coming back after all the elbow problems."
However, the discussion acknowledges that without the magnetic presence of Ohtani, other events like Stanton's return may not generate as much excitement.
Joey Chestnut's Return to Competitive Eating
Joey Chestnut's decision to return to the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest is another major topic. Covino expresses his enthusiasm, considering Chestnut's participation as essential to the event's success:
Covino (04:14): "You have Joey Chestnut to complete the festivities."
The hosts anticipate that Chestnut's comeback will draw significant attention and plan to explore this further when Chestnut joins the show as a guest.
Troy Aikman's Critique of NFL Officiating and Gambling Influence
A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman's concerns regarding NFL officiating amidst the rise of sports gambling:
Covino (25:24): "Legendary Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman says the NFL owes it to the fans who gamble on football to make sure the refs make the right calls."
Covino and Danny G agree with Aikman's perspective, stressing the importance of accurate refereeing to maintain the integrity of the game, especially with the financial implications tied to gambling:
Covino (30:03): "If you're relying on the fans to support these sponsors, and the sponsors are gambling websites, which has been a major source of income for so many sports talk radio shows and leagues, then you got to get it right for the fans."
They critique the NFL's previous handling of controversial calls and advocate for the integration of advanced technology to aid referees in making precise decisions, thereby safeguarding the interests of fans and maintaining fair play.
Gage Wood's Historic Performance in the College World Series
Rich Davis highlights Gage Wood's exceptional achievement in the College World Series, marking him as a standout athlete:
Rich Davis (32:37): "Gage Wood with the 19 strikeout no hitter as the Razorbacks top Murray State and eliminate the Racers from the men's College World Series."
Covino underscores the significance of Wood's performance, noting it as a historic moment in college baseball.
Aaron Judge's Soaring Popularity
The discussion shifts to Aaron Judge's impressive popularity, noting his status as the leading vote-getter for the upcoming All-Star game:
Rich Davis (33:02): "Aaron Judge leading all voters with more than 1.5 million votes in the American League."
Covino praises Judge's outstanding season and his ability to captivate fans, further cementing his status as a baseball icon.
Conclusion and Teasers
As the episode nears its end, Covino and Rich Davis tease an upcoming interview with Joey Chestnut, promising listeners exclusive insights into his return and future endeavors:
Covino (36:04): "We’re going to welcome the guy who makes his triumphant return. Not Shohei Ohtani, not Giancarlo Stanton. Joey Chestnut, the Goat superstar, the Goat."
They reiterate the overarching theme of the episode: Shohei Ohtani's return is the defining sports story of the season, overshadowing other significant events and shaping the sports landscape.
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, providing listeners with a detailed overview of the dynamic discussions and key insights shared by Covino and Rich Davis.