Podcast Summary: C&R - Smack Talk Gone Wrong

Release Date: July 1, 2025
Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Host/Authors: Covino and Rich (Fox Sports Radio)

1. Geno Smith and Aaron Rodgers: Tensions on the Field

Covino and Rich delve into the evolving relationship between NFL quarterbacks Geno Smith and Aaron Rodgers. The discussion centers around a recent incident where David Bakhtiari, an offensive lineman, felt slighted by a tweet implying he wasn't invited to Rodgers' wedding.

• Covino highlights the sacred bond between a center and a quarterback, emphasizing the rarity of such close-knit relationships in modern football.
  "The relationship between a center and a quarterback is kind of sacred anyway. [...] Aaron Rodgers has dealt with a lot of other linemen since that guy." [02:24]

• Rich reflects on the intimacy shared between players, questioning whether the perceived slight is a deeper diss or merely a misunderstanding.
  "It's a relationship like none other. [...] He's protecting Aaron Rodgers. I don't know." [02:45]

2. Bakhtiari Wedding Snub: Contextualizing the Controversy

The hosts explore whether Bakhtiari's tweet was a genuine insult or a playful jab, discussing the nuances of public statements among athletes.

• Covino points out the possibility that Bakhtiari might have been "busting chops" without severe intentions.
  "But for all we know, he's busting chops, right? We don't know." [06:35]

• Tim Buyer, a caller, adds that Bakhtiari's actions might reflect broader issues within Rodgers' personal relationships, referencing a book by Ian O'Connor.
  "David Bakhtiari knows what flack Aaron Rodgers gets for his relationships, or lack thereof." [06:02]

3. Catal Marte Fan Incident: The Fallout of a 'Yo Mama' Joke

A significant portion of the episode discusses a viral incident where a fan made an inappropriate 'yo mama' joke to MLB player Catal Marte, leading to severe repercussions.

• Rich narrates the event, explaining that the fan's joke was made without knowledge of Marte's recent loss—a tragic accident involving Marte's mother.
  "He just did it on the highest of levels possible [...]. He said it was just a regular... he said it was a yo mama joke without having your mom last night." [25:32]

• Caller Tim Buyer criticizes the lifetime ban imposed on the fan, arguing that the punishment doesn't fit the crime given the unintentional nature of the comment.
  "I don't think the punishment fits the crime. [...] He's not the innocent one here. He's not the victim in all of this." [26:27]

• Covino and Rich debate the appropriateness of the ban, with Covino suggesting it might have been an overreaction, while recognizing the need for consequences.
  "Does the punishment and the amount of attention that the story got, does it match the actual crime?" [10:55]

4. Fan-Athlete Dynamics: Power and Responsibility

Building on the Marte incident, the hosts discuss the broader implications of fan interactions with athletes, emphasizing the power dynamics and emotional impact involved.

• Rich introduces the concept of the "Covino and Rich golden rule," advocating for empathy and personal accountability before defending others in controversial situations. "The Covino and Rich golden rule is when someone, athlete, celebrity, musician, someone gets in trouble and your instinct is like, well, should I defend them? Ask yourself, would I do that?" [16:42]

• Caller Tim Buyer shares insights on the permanence of actions in the digital age, noting how similar incidents can have lasting effects on both fans and athletes.
  "I believe it did for everything that, like, went down. So excuse me if I feel sorry. I don't feel sorry for the fan." [11:34]

5. Steve Cohen and the Mets: Ownership Engagement Amidst Struggles

In a shift from player and fan interactions, Covino and Rich commend Mets owner Steve Cohen for his transparent and relatable communication regarding the team's underperformance.

• Rich praises Cohen's directness, citing a recent tweet where Cohen expressed frustration with the Mets' performance while maintaining optimism.
  "Steve Cohen wrote, 'Tough stretch. No sugarcoating it. I didn't see this coming. I'm as frustrated as everybody else. We will get through this period.'" [43:06]

• Covino echoes the sentiment, highlighting Cohen's investment in the team and his proactive approach to leadership.
  "He shows he cares and he's aware, and I think you like that." [44:50]

• The hosts contrast Cohen's engagement with past owners like the Wilpons, suggesting that Cohen's approach fosters greater fan loyalty and accountability.
  "Fans love him. The Wilpon stunk. Steve Cohen rules." [43:22]

6. Rapid-Fire Segment: Last One Standing

Towards the end of the podcast, Covino and Rich engage in a spirited rapid-fire trivia game titled "Last One Standing," challenging callers on sports-related questions. This segment underscores their deep sports knowledge and adds a competitive flair to the show.

• Notable moments include discussions on NFL team travel statistics and MLB All-Star voting leaders, showcasing the hosts' expertise and quick thinking under pressure.

7. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Broadcasts

The episode concludes with mentions of upcoming broadcasts, including coverage of the MLB All-Star Week and the HBCU Swingman Classic in Atlanta, anticipated to make history for HBCU athletes.

• Covino and Rich express excitement for their live coverage of the All-Star events, encouraging listeners to tune in and support the events.
  "We're going to be broadcasting live from the MLB All Star Game. We're super pumped about it." [42:04]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Covino: "The relationship between a center and a quarterback is kind of sacred anyway." [02:24]

• Tim Buyer: "David Bakhtiari knows what flack Aaron Rodgers gets for his relationships, or lack thereof." [06:02]

• Rich: "The Covino and Rich golden rule is when someone... gets in trouble and your instinct is like, well, should I defend them? Ask yourself, would I do that?" [16:42]

• Steve Cohen Tweet: "Tough stretch. No sugarcoating it. I didn't see this coming. I'm as frustrated as everybody else. We will get through this period." [43:06]

Concluding Thoughts

In "C&R - Smack Talk Gone Wrong," Covino and Rich navigate complex interactions between athletes and fans, emphasizing the importance of context and empathy. They critically assess the repercussions of seemingly trivial actions, advocate for personal accountability, and commend ownership figures like Steve Cohen for fostering transparency and accountability within their teams. The episode effectively blends analysis with engaging dialogue, providing insightful perspectives on current sports narratives.