Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Hour 1 - Ace Bailey is Making Bad Decisions
Release Date: June 27, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosts Colin Cowherd and Jason McIntyre delve into a variety of pressing sports topics. The primary focus revolves around the recent developments concerning Ace Bailey, a young NBA prospect who appears to be making questionable decisions in his early career. Additionally, the discussion touches upon broader themes such as the importance of support systems for young athletes, the role of agents in professional sports, and insights into current trends in the NBA and NFL.

Support Systems in Sports

[07:23] Colin Cowherd:
Colin opens the discussion by emphasizing the critical role that support systems—particularly strong parental and coaching influences—play in the development of young athletes. He reflects on his own upbringing, highlighting how surrogate parents and dedicated coaches provided stability and guidance during formative years.

Key Quote:
"Support systems are really important for all of us. You had very strong parents, which I think is a great advantage in life, right?"
— Colin Cowherd [07:23]

Ace Bailey's Career and Decisions

The conversation shifts to Ace Bailey, a highly touted NBA prospect whose recent decisions have sparked concern among sports analysts. Colin criticizes Bailey's choice of representation and the subsequent impact on his draft stock.

Key Points:

• Agent Controversy: Ace Bailey is represented by Omar Cooper, who is not a certified NBA agent and has a history of legal issues. Colin questions the competency of Cooper compared to renowned agents like Rich Paul.

  Quote:
  "This is Omar Cooper. Legal issues in the past. Not certified agent by the NBA. One NBA client, Ace Bailey. This is not the agent you pick."
  — Colin Cowherd [07:50]

• Draft Implications: Bailey's association with a questionable agent led to his draft position dropping from a projected third pick to the fifth, costing him a $9 million difference in potential earnings.

  Quote:
  "He's already cost himself $9 million, dropping from third, where he should have gone to fifth."
  — Colin Cowherd [08:10]

• Lack of Adult Guidance: Colin laments the absence of effective adult mentorship for young athletes like Bailey, emphasizing the need for experienced guidance to navigate career decisions.

  Quote:
  "Where are the adults to help this kid? He's getting horrible advice."
  — Colin Cowherd [08:30]

The Role of Agents in Professional Sports

Colin discusses the significant impact that agents have on the careers of young athletes, stressing the importance of choosing reputable representation.

Key Points:

• Comparative Analysis: He contrasts Omar Cooper with Rich Paul, highlighting Paul’s track record of successful client management and willingness to part ways with clients who do not adhere to sound advice.

  Quote:
  "Rich Paul's a very, very good agent. Excellent agent. This kid needed Rich Paul."
  — Colin Cowherd [08:50]

• Industry Standards: Colin underscores the variability in agent competency across industries, but points out that in sports, particularly the NBA, the quality of an agent can make or break a player's career trajectory.

  Quote:
  "Quality of agents matter. I've had four. Trust me."
  — Colin Cowherd [09:10]

NBA and MLB All-Star Selections

Shifting focus, the hosts discuss the recent All-Star selections in the NBA and MLB, highlighting discrepancies and fan reactions.

Key Points:

• Giannis and the Bucks: The conversation touches on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s potential moves and his observations on the Milwaukee Bucks’ draft and free agency strategies.

  Quote:
  "Giannis was closely observing how the Bucs handled the draft and their free agency moves while he decides his NBA future."
  — Jason McIntyre [23:38]

• All-Star Game Dynamics: Colin comments on the dominance of certain teams, like the Dodgers in baseball, and the fan complaints surrounding the NBA playoffs and All-Star selections.

  Quote:
  "The Dodgers dominating baseball because it is an All Star team. It is, literally."
  — Colin Cowherd [10:15]

Coaching and Team Strategies in the NFL

The discussion broadens to include insights into NFL coaching strategies, disciplinary cultures, and player performances.

Key Points:

• Mike Tomlin’s Coaching Style: Colin analyzes Pittsburgh Steelers’ coach Mike Tomlin, commending his motivational skills while critiquing his lax disciplinary measures that may hinder playoff success.

  Quote:
  "Mike Tomlin's a tremendous motivator. He is great at the podium."
  — Colin Cowherd [15:30]

• Defensive Players Analysis: The hosts evaluate notable defensive players like Jared Verse and Micah Parsons, debating their impact and longevity in the league.

  Quote:
  "Jared Verse as a rookie was a bullying Pro Bowl left tackle looking to transform your business through better HR and payroll."
  — Colin Cowherd [51:37]

Austin Reaves and Contract Negotiations

Colin delves into the complexities of contract negotiations using Austin Reaves as a case study, emphasizing the importance of proactive management to avoid unfavorable deals.

Key Points:

• Contract Stalemate: Reaves turned down a $22 million deal from the Lakers, aiming instead for a significantly higher offer in the open market or a future extension.

  Quote:
  "He turned it down because he wants to go to either the open market, where he would get on the open market, $183 million, which is about $44-45 million annually."
  — Colin Cowherd [14:09]

• Avoiding Financial Pitfalls: The discussion underscores the necessity for teams to anticipate and address contract negotiations well in advance to prevent being overpaying for player contracts.

  Quote:
  "You've got to get ahead of this thing, otherwise you're going to turn into Dak and be trapped."
  — Colin Cowherd [14:30]

Concluding Remarks

In wrapping up the episode, Colin and Jason summarize the critical need for effective support systems and managerial foresight in fostering the careers of young athletes. They reiterate the significant impact that responsible decision-making and reputable representation have on the long-term success of professional sports figures.

Key Quote:
"You're looking at Austin Reaves. And he goes, I want to go to the market, or in one year, I want the Lakers to have to pay me $49 million. So this is what, this is what I've talked about with Austin Reaves. You've got to move Austin Reeves, fall in like with players, fall in love with your kids."
— Colin Cowherd [33:03]

Notable Highlights and Timestamps

• Support Systems Importance:
  "Support systems are really important for all of us." — Colin Cowherd [07:23]

• Ace Bailey’s Agent Issues:
  "This is Omar Cooper. Legal issues in the past. Not certified agent by the NBA." — Colin Cowherd [07:50]

• Impact on Draft Position:
  "He's already cost himself $9 million, dropping from third, where he should have gone to fifth." — Colin Cowherd [08:10]

• Role of Reputable Agents:
  "Rich Paul's a very, very good agent. Excellent agent." — Colin Cowherd [08:50]

• Giannis and the Bucks:
  "Giannis was closely observing how the Bucs handled the draft and their free agency moves while he decides his NBA future." — Jason McIntyre [23:38]

• Contract Negotiations Case Study:
  "He turned it down because he wants to go to either the open market, where he would get... $183 million." — Colin Cowherd [14:09]

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd provides an insightful examination of the challenges young athletes face when making pivotal career decisions. Through the lens of Ace Bailey's experiences, Colin and Jason highlight the indispensable role of support systems and the profound influence of effective representation. The discussion serves as a compelling reminder of the complexities inherent in professional sports management and the long-term implications of early career choices.