Hour 1 - Bananas, Bill, & Beasts

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Hour 1 - Bananas, Bill, & Beasts
Release Date: May 15, 2025
Host/Authors: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Description: The Herd with Colin Cowherd is a thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven journey through the top sports stories of the day.

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1. Introduction to the Episode

The episode kicks off with hosts Covino and Rich diving directly into current sports topics after brief mentions of their ongoing shows and promotions. They set the stage for an engaging discussion by highlighting the busy sports landscape, including NFL schedules, NBA playoffs, and exciting weekend action.

2. Savannah Bananas vs. Harlem Globetrotters: A Comparative Analysis

A significant portion of the episode centers around comparing the modern-day Savannah Bananas to the legendary Harlem Globetrotters.

• Historical Context:
  Covino reminisces about the Harlem Globetrotters' cultural impact, citing their cameo on classic shows like Gilligan's Island and Scooby-Doo. He notes, "Growing up, crossover episodes like that always stood out and always got extra airplay" ([04:02]).

• Savannah Bananas' Rise:
  The hosts discuss how the Savannah Bananas have skyrocketed in popularity through social media, selling out major stadiums and being hailed as today's Globetrotters. Covino states, “They are the modern day Globetrotters, no doubt. Are they as popular? I don't know about that yet... but they're definitely good looking, cool dudes” ([07:52]-[08:05]).

• Comparative Entertainment Value:
  Rich questions whether the Bananas' antics rival those of the Globetrotters, asking, “Are the Savannah Bananas coming up to the bat, coming up to the plate with a bat on fire, flipping before catching a fly ball?” ([06:11]). Covino agrees that while the Globetrotters set a high bar, the Bananas are pushing the envelope in modern entertainment.

• Fan Engagement and Legacy:
  The hosts highlight the Globetrotters' enduring legacy and their influence on pop culture, while acknowledging the Bananas' current momentum. Rich adds, “They're selling out stadiums” ([05:29]).

Notable Quote:

Rich: "They're selling out stadiums." ([05:29])

3. Anniversary of Globetrotters’ Gilligan's Island Episode

Today marks the anniversary of the Harlem Globetrotters' famous appearance on Gilligan's Island (aired May 15, 1981). Covino and Rich reflect on how such crossover episodes cemented the Globetrotters' place in mainstream entertainment.

• Cultural Impact:
  Covino muses, “It's kind of odd that Gilligan's island was still on in 81... but props to the bananas and maybe we'll get, you know, my theory” ([15:04]-[16:05]).

• Memorable Moments:
  They humorously discuss bizarre aspects of the episode, such as the presence of historical figures like Abe Lincoln and fictional characters like Obi-Wan Kenobi in the afterlife scenes.

Notable Quote:

Rich: “I always thought the professor, I'm like, come out, professor, we'll still love you.” ([16:31])

4. Current NBA Playoffs: Knicks vs. Celtics at Madison Square Garden

The hosts shift focus to the NBA playoffs, specifically the high-stakes Game 6 between the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden.

• Historical Significance:
  Covino emphasizes the magnitude of the event, stating, “If you sell out the Garden, you win at the Garden. Like you've done it, you've done something” ([18:26]).

• Team Performance and Odds:
  Rich analyzes betting odds, noting that the Oklahoma City Thunder are favorites to win the NBA title, while the Knicks have surged as potential dark horses.

• Fan Excitement:
  The conversation highlights the electrifying atmosphere expected at the Garden, comparing it to past events like the Ringling Brothers circus and major concerts.

Notable Quote:

Covino: “This is the biggest night at the Garden since the Ringling Brothers.” ([18:22])

5. Sports Weather and Updates with Dan Byer

Dan Byer provides a roundup of current sports events, including:

• PGA Championship:
  Cam Davis leads, with notable performances from Ryan Gerard and Scotty Scheffler.

• MLB and NHL Updates:
  Twins extend their winning streak, Hurricanes vs. Capitals, and other team performances are briefly covered.

• NFL News:
  Highlights Christian Barmore’s return to football and discussions on flag football's potential inclusion in the 2028 Olympics.

Notable Quote:

Dan Byer: "Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore has been cleared to resume football activities after missing most of 2024 because of blood clots." ([34:05])

6. Controversy Surrounding Bill Belichick

A heated segment explores rumors about Bill Belichick’s personal life and its potential impact on his coaching career.

• Rumored Romance:
  Speculation arises about Belichick’s alleged relationship with Jordan Hudson and the ensuing distractions it may cause within the New England Patriots organization.

• Clubhouse Culture:
  Rich references Julian Edelman’s comments on "no distractions" policy: “The number one thing we used to talk about all the time in New England was distractions...” ([30:46]).

• Listener Engagement:
  The hosts encourage listeners to weigh in on the rumors, considering statements from various sources like Julian Edelman and public figures such as Charles Barkley.

Notable Quote:

Covino: “So when you got Bill Belichick breaking his own rules, I want you to think, is there a risk of him not making it?” ([32:00])

7. Old School Section: Remembering Animal Actors in Sports Movies

Transitioning to their "Old School" segment, Covino and Rich reminisce about iconic animal characters in sports-related films and TV shows.

• Notable Mentions:

  • Mr. Ed: A classic talking horse beloved by parents.
  • Flipper: The friendly dolphin from the popular series.
  • Lassie: The loyal collie with adventures in various narratives.

• Memorable Moments:
  They humorously discuss the alligator from The Sandlot that bit Chubbs Peterson’s hand, blending nostalgia with playful banter.

Notable Quote:

Rich: “Our parents generation's all going to say, like, Mr. Ed.” ([41:08])

8. Bonus Content and Future Segments

Covino and Rich tease the upcoming "Over Promised" bonus podcast, which will delve deeper into selected topics with more visual content. They hint at interviewing Jesse Cole, the founder of the Savannah Bananas, and discuss plans to explore more on NFL schedules and boxing.

Notable Quote:

Covino: “We should get Jesse Cole, the founder of the Savannah Bananas, on the show.” ([14:45])

9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with a final discussion on the pressures faced by high-profile coaches like Bill Belichick and the importance of maintaining focus amidst personal controversies. The hosts emphasize the enduring passion of sports fans and the ever-evolving landscape of sports entertainment.

Notable Quote:

Rich: “I wouldn't be shocked because Phil Belichick doesn't need it... he's a distraction.” ([33:09])

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Key Takeaways:

• Savannah Bananas are gaining traction as the modern equivalents of the Harlem Globetrotters, leveraging social media to enhance their popularity and fan engagement.
• The NBA Playoffs spotlight a crucial Game 6 between the Knicks and Celtics at MADison Square Garden, marking a significant event in the arena's storied history.
• Bill Belichick faces rumors that could potentially impact his long-standing coaching career, sparking debate about personal life influences on professional responsibilities.
• The Old School segment provides a nostalgic look back at beloved animal characters in sports media, connecting past and present sports entertainment.
• Upcoming segments promise deeper dives into sports topics, interviews with key figures, and interactive listener engagement.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

1. Rich: "They're selling out stadiums." ([05:29])
2. Rich: “I always thought the professor, I'm like, come out, professor, we'll still love you.” ([16:31])
3. Covino: “This is the biggest night at the Garden since the Ringling Brothers.” ([18:22])
4. Dan Byer: "Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore has been cleared to resume football activities after missing most of 2024 because of blood clots." ([34:05])
5. Covino: “So when you got Bill Belichick breaking his own rules, I want you to think, is there a risk of him not making it?” ([32:00])
6. Rich: “Our parents generation's all going to say, like, Mr. Ed.” ([41:08])
7. Covino: “We should get Jesse Cole, the founder of the Savannah Bananas, on the show.” ([14:45])
8. Rich: “I wouldn't be shocked because Phil Belichick doesn't need it... he's a distraction.” ([33:09])

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Conclusion: This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a comprehensive discussion on the intersection of sports entertainment and personal lives of high-profile figures. From the rise of innovative sports teams like the Savannah Bananas to the deep-seated rivalries in the NBA, Covino and Rich provide insightful commentary enriched with nostalgia and current events. Their engaging dialogue ensures listeners are both informed and entertained, making complex sports narratives accessible and relatable.

Transcript

[Danny G]

You're listening to an iHeart podcast.

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[Covino]

Hey, thanks for listening to the Covino Enrich podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday from 5 to 7 Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific on Fox Sports Radio.

[Rich]

Find your local station for Kavito and [e-mail] or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching FSR. All right, let's go.

[Covino]

Oh, yeah.

[Rich]

Throwback Thursday CNR on fsr. Gonna have a fun one today. I feel it in my fingers.

[Covino]

I feel it in my toes.

[Rich]

All right. Hey, a lot of NFL in your NFL schedules.

[Covino]

Lots of NFL like you said, NBA playoffs. Playoffs. Our pets heads are falling off. We got a subway series going down starting tomorrow. Super pumped about this week, this weekend action pack next weekend, Memorial Day weekend. Yeah, buddy. And of course, over promised brand new episode debuts today. That's our bonus pod. So lots going on in the world of sports and entertainment. We're going to throw it back on this Thursday old school when 50 hits. But first, we be rocking out.

[Rich]

Let's go. All right. Doing it live from the FOX Sports Radio studio. And after the show, Danny G. Does such a great job putting up the podcast. The best job, the best of. So if you need, you know, a little less time, you're at the gym and you know, he puts together like an hour best stuff, which is awesome. Search Cavino and Rich, wherever you get your Pods, rate it 5 stars, you might win a stainless steel swiggy.

[Covino]

So hope you had a great night. Hope you enjoyed your basketball, got a good game tonight. We'll be talking about it. But Rich, I know you wanted to start off with a goofy question.

[Rich]

I did.

[Covino]

But let me tell you what else is coming up today. There's so many rumors swirling around Bill Belichick. You know, we're going to reserve is it Cavino or Belichick for tomorrow when we fill in for Dan Patrick show.

[Rich]

Nice.

[Covino]

But we're definitely still talking about Bill Belichick. And the rumors are is this happening or not, because there's so many stories surrounding her.

[Rich]

Well, I always feel like he grunts. I just. Every time I think of Bill Bell.

[Covino]

Anything else? Yeah, very Frankenstein. Like, you know, is he gonna be coaching or what? Plus, game six at the Garden. Is this one of the biggest moments at the Garden in recent history?

[Rich]

Well, I think the answer is simple. We'll get to all that.

[Covino]

What's the atmosphere going to be like? We'll break it down, we'll explain. Like I said, we reminisce and we throw it back on Thursdays. Let's just say it involves animals today. Animals in entertainment.

[Rich]

It doesn't involve Tootsie Rolls. Yeah, I'm avoiding that news.

[Covino]

No Tootsie Rolls. In fact, I was going to eat one today and pass. No, thanks. No more Tootsie Rolls for this guy.

[Rich]

No Diddy. All right, I had a question for you based on today being the anniversary of something we all watch as a kid, like, a million times. You remember when you were a kid, somehow, some way, the same reruns always aired. Whether it was a rerun taping the Doobie Brothers or I'm sorry, Raj, I didn't know. It's on the Brady Bunch, Marcia breaking her nose or the Hawaii episode. Do, do, do. We always saw the same episodes. Do you guys remember on Gilligan's island, somehow, some way, the Harlem Globetrotters found their way onto the island?

[Covino]

I do.

[Danny G]

I never saw that one.

[Rich]

Even as a kid, I'm like, how did this even happen, by the way?

[Covino]

The Globetrotters from Harlem, by the way.

[Rich]

Yes.

[Covino]

Even found their way onto Scooby Doo.

[Rich]

They had a moment.

[Covino]

Yeah. Growing up, crossover episodes like that always stood out and always got extra airplay, by the way. You know why we did the research on this? I always thought it was a weird phenomenon. Like, hey, I never watched Seinfeld, but every time I sit down, it's the same episode. I think everybody feels that way, right? Like, I never watch X, Y or Z. I never watch Friends, but every time I put it on, it's the same one.

[Rich]

What are the chances I've seen this King of Queens episode?

[Covino]

You know, the reason is these are the episodes that tested the highest. The most popular episodes, the highest rated ones. So they air them more often. And that's why you tend to see them. It's not some weird coincidence that only happens to you. But I've always felt that way, Rich. Like, I rarely watch Saved by the Bell, but every time I sit down, there's a stupid duck covered in Oil or something. You know, I've seen this one.

[Rich]

I'm so excited.

[Covino]

I've seen this one.

[Rich]

So I bring this up because that very popular Harlem Globetrotters episode of Gilligan's Islands first air today in 1981. And my dumb question is, we all grew up loving the Harlem Globetrotters. I remember seeing them at Nassau Coliseum like your family would go have. The Savannah bananas in 2025 equaled the popularity of the height of the Harlem Globetrotters yet.

[Covino]

Oh, oh, okay. Well, hold on.

[Rich]

They're selling out stadiums.

[Covino]

I was going to say they just recently sold out another stadium. It was Fenway for a minute. Right now it's something else. Something in the news recently about, can you believe they sold out something else? What they've done is insane. Their popularity again just grew, exploded through social media. It got to the point where you were seeing these things and you're like, what is going on? And then now your wife and girlfriend are like, I love the Savannah Bananas. Everybody wants to see them. They are the modern day Globetrotters, no doubt. Are they as popular? I don't know about that yet. I'm saying the wake when I see them at Gilligan's island, then I'll say, yeah.

[Rich]

When you would see Curtly Neal putting the ball behind his back or throwing confetti out of a bucket, we are we glamorizing that. Are the Savannah Bananas coming up to the bat, coming up to the plate with a bat on fire, flipping before catching a fly ball? Are they doing as much or more than the Globetrotters involvement?

[Covino]

I don't know, but I don't want to downplay how great the Globetrotters were either. I never got a chance to see him, but I did get. Look, we grew up working in radio, right? And one time I had, like, giveaways to see the Harlem Globetrotters, and I was like, I gave them to my family and they went.

[Rich]

They.

[Covino]

I was supposed to give them the listeners or whatever. I'm like, yeah, sure.

[Rich]

Hey, mom and dad, you listen. Here you go.

[Covino]

Here you go. My parents. Listen, take the kids. I had little siblings. They all went. They still talk about, like, what an amazing time they had at the Garden. And of course, the Globetrotters only lost, like, one game ever, right? To the Generals or whatever.

[Rich]

Is that the. That's the rumor, right? Like, they lost once?

[Covino]

Yeah, I think they've lost one time. But I don't want to downplay how big and great they were with fan involvement and pop culture and how everybody, for Decades always debated could they be or compete with an NBA team. I don't know if anyone's really saying that about the Savannah Bananas at this point, but as far as entertainment and as far as where they are now, they are easily the modern day Globetrotters. More popular now than the Globetrotters. Without a doubt. And we've. We've hung out with the Globetrotters in recent history. In the past five years or so. When we were. They're still doing it. Yeah.

[Rich]

When we were espn, we did a bit with the Harlem Globetrotters where they taught us how to do some moves. And you can probably find the video if you search hard enough on social media. But we got to hang with the modern day current Globetrotters.

[Covino]

Yeah. And it's still an honor. It's still difficult to make that squad. They added the first female to the squad in recent history. So there's still a market for the Globetrotters, but the Savannah Bananas definitely have taken it next level.

[Rich]

I, you know, I got asked the question Danny G. I was Sam, Dan Byer, have in your mind, have the Savannah Bananas leapfrog the Harlem Globetrotters as the number one sports show as far as like a game. Like a game of. That's a show of sorts. Gimmick and not.

[Dan Byer]

No. I think you'd be. Have to be a prisoner of the moment to do it.

[Covino]

Yeah.

[Dan Byer]

Globetrotter history is still.

[Rich]

Yeah.

[Dan Byer]

Yeah. Worldwide.

[Danny G]

Could the Globetrotters sell out an NFL stadium right now, though?

[Rich]

I just feel like, yeah, I don't want to live in the moment. I know that's. That's a thing we do a lot in the world of sports. Like we'll see someone, you know, have an amazing performance, be a greatest ever.

[Covino]

Yeah. But DB also said something. I'm glad, Dan, because I would have forgot. Honestly, it was on the tip my tongue before Worldwide. I think that is the difference. And I think that the Globetrotters were around in a time where they were a traveling spectacle and people love them. Worldwide pop culture relevance to the point where you said they were on Gilligan's Island. Scooby Doo and Scooby Doo and everybody, hey, everybody tried to spin that ball. NBA players try to do that because they saw the Globetrotters do it. We all did. We did that whistle because the Globetrotters did. So like I said before, I don't want to downplay their importance by lifting the Savannah Bananas past them, but they are the current day team and they've got that momentum. No doubt.

[Danny G]

When you guys Interviewed them, Rich, did they teach you how to spin the ball in your big head?

[Rich]

They did. They did.

[Covino]

You know what spun Rich's head?

[Rich]

Believe it or not, Kavino has a skill of spinning a basketball.

[Covino]

We.

[Rich]

I just remember hanging out with the Globetrotters and thinking like, yeah, this is a Globetrotters. It is a big deal.

[Covino]

It is a big deal. And they have legacy. Yeah. And I agree with DB in the sense that I don't think the Savannah Bananas are worldwide recognizable yet where the Globetrotters were.

[Rich]

If I asked you, if I asked.

[Covino]

You here in America and right. Right now, man, they are killing it. And, and good for them. It's a lot of fun. A lot of fun for the family. And they've done a great job marketing themselves on social media. It's incredible.

[Rich]

Ask yourself this. If we were doing a contest here on Fox Sports Radio, or forget that even the workers here, if you found out we got some tickets to give away, do you think the demand on the phone lines and we said, hey, we're going to play a game and we're giving away. If the prize was Globetrotter tickets at Crypto or the Savannah. The Savannah Bananas are playing at Dodger Stadium. What do you think would be like, oh, man, I gotta go again.

[Covino]

It's like comparing an old act versus a new act. The new act's gonna wanna. Is gonna be more popular at the moment.

[Rich]

Yeah.

[Covino]

You know, who do you love? Pink Pony Club. What's her name?

[Rich]

I don't love her, but yeah, Chaperone. I don't love her, but go on.

[Covino]

More people would want to see Chapel Ron than Madonna, but Madonna is a million times bigger than Chapel Roan. Right. Chapel Ronge is hot right now though.

[Rich]

She's hot to go.

[Covino]

She's hot.

[Rich]

She'S hot to try.

[Covino]

So yeah, I think they're both incredible. And the reason we're bringing this up, by the way, is today's the anniversary of that episode.

[Rich]

Don't ask me why. I saw it on social media and I just remembered sitting in my grandparents living room with their big ass TV set that was a piece of furniture. And I feel like I always saw that episode of the Globetrotters hanging on Gilligan's Island. And the first airing was on this day and in 1981. And it got me thinking, when we were kids, the Globetrotters, between that and Scooby Doo, they were very mainstream popular. And I feel like the Savannah Bananas right now are having a moment.

[Covino]

And by the way, hold on, hold up. We all remember A special Saturday Sunday afternoon special broadcast on the weekends of when the Globetrotters aired. It was like a big deal. Like, oh, the Globetrotters are on tv. I haven't seen that with the Savannah Bananas yet.

[Rich]

Yeah.

[Dan Byer]

There's also a point in. In my life, and I don't want to speak for you guys, but where I thought the Globetrotter Trotters would just destroy the Celtics or Lakers. Like. Like, I felt like they were so. I didn't understand the concept of what they were and who they were, but there was no way that Magic Johnson or Larry Bird would be able.

[Rich]

I mean, in my mind, I was like, Magic Johnson. How about Curly Neal?

[Dan Byer]

Exactly.

[Covino]

Who we interviewed. Honestly, it was an honor.

[Dan Byer]

Yeah, for sure.

[Covino]

Absolutely. But they're on their way, Rich. They're really on their way. And they're selling out. Like Danny G Said, football stadiums now, which is incredible.

[Rich]

Now do you think the Savannah Bananas.

[Covino]

It went from these dudes doing choreography on social media to now selling out football stadiums.

[Rich]

The Savannah Bananas skill level, would you equate it to solid minor league ball players that could do a backflip on a routine fly ball and then catch the ball? Or like, you ever see some of these infielders? They'll hit the ball against the ground, pop it up barehanded like it's a skill, man.

[Covino]

It requires a little more than that. They have to be personable and have a gimmick, and they have to be kind of handsome. They're. They're definitely good looking, cool dudes. My girlfriend let me know about it. She's like, they're kind of hot. Well, so now you're a banana.

[Rich]

Kavito says, girlfriend's search history. And it was said of bananas onlyfans.

[Dan Byer]

I don't mean to put you guys on the spot, but I don't know if you know the answer offhand. Like, how. How hard do they throw? I mean, like, it's. It can't be 50, but I don't expect it to be.

[Covino]

Are they wearing stilts or not wearing. I think that's. That should be part of the question here.

[Rich]

You know, Dan, my guess is in the 80s to 90. I don't think they're these. We're not. This is not a middle. Infielders pitching the ninth inning in a blowout.

[Dan Byer]

I think they're.

[Rich]

They're throwing some heat, but nobody's throwing 98.

[Dan Byer]

You know, nobody's coming in and blowing the doors off. Anybody at 102? I don't think that's happening.

[Rich]

Hold On I'm going to look it up. That's ChatGPT Kavino. How fast did the Savannah Bananas pitch? I'm sure we'll find out. How fast do the Savannah Bananas pitch a baseball?

[Dan Byer]

And again, this should have been me searching it and saying, guys, do you.

[Rich]

Know the Savannah Bananas have pitchers that throw in the high 80s to low 90s, typically with some for the hell of it, are hitting 99 like on, you know, but when they're doing like, let me flip the ball in the air, grab it and throw it, they're still throwing high 80s, low 90s, which as we've talked about when we were kids, that was. That was your. That was heat.

[Dan Byer]

You know that AI, was that AI on there saying that? Yeah, because AI last week did say a metal band open for Nate Bargazzi in Green Bay. We had that with Iowa Sam. But I don't want to say it's completely trustable, but be careful with those searches.

[Covino]

Yes, I believe in. You know, we should do Rich. Yeah. We have a bonus podcast called Over Promise. We should get Jesse Cole, the founder of the Savannah Bananas, on the show. He has a crazy story because he put everything into it and he believed.

[Rich]

In it from day one. Which if you have seen clips of him, I would love to see.

[Covino]

I think fans first entertainment. We should get him on Over Promised.

[Rich]

Not a bad idea, buddy boy.

[Covino]

All right.

[Rich]

But I figured I just start with that. Only because as I'm going through our notes for today's show, of course there's plenty of other fun things to get to, but I just thought Savannah Bananas are doing every day. Danny, you see some special thing, like they sold out.

[Danny G]

Oh, they were in the news this past weekend because of that backflip catch.

[Covino]

Yeah. Insane.

[Danny G]

Yeah, it was awesome.

[Covino]

It's really great. We're happy for them. They're really doing something cool. A modern day Globetrotters. Even though the Globetrotters still do their thing, they're making baseball fun and exciting for kids. It does open up a new world and possibility for kids.

[Rich]

And is it the fun of it if a ball goes in the stands?

[Covino]

Yeah.

[Rich]

If the fan catches it, it's an out. Like they have taken fun liberties, which I think is great.

[Covino]

But I have two last points. You brought up the Globetrotters anniversary today. It's kind of odd that Gilligan's island was still on in 81 because that show started, what, in the late 60s, early 70s. So that was this very special, like.

[Rich]

A special one off, like a one.

[Covino]

Off movie episode thing. And did it ever dawn on us that they were all trapped there on the island, yet the Globetrotters were there and left somehow? Did that ever dawn on us?

[Rich]

There was always some, like, odd way how the person got off and they didn't.

[Covino]

Yeah.

[Rich]

So I don't know.

[Covino]

So. But anyway, props to the bananas and maybe we'll get, you know, my theory.

[Rich]

About, you know my theory about the Professor. Right.

[Covino]

I mean, I think that he was the.

[Rich]

He was the first closeted gay man on television because Marianne and Ginger, all they talked about how much they love the professor, and he was still had no interest. He just want to fix his coconut radio. And he had. His pants and shirt were always so pressed nicely.

[Covino]

Were Bert Ernie around before that?

[Rich]

That's a good point.

[Covino]

I don't know. We got to figure that out.

[Rich]

But I always thought the professor, I'm like, come out, professor, we'll still love you. But yeah.

[Covino]

And he was extra handsome and very like, put together. Put together.

[Rich]

Stranded on an island. And he looked at handsome.

[Covino]

So that being said, rich, let's get into some real basketball. Some real basketball again. I hope you had a Celtics sort of night, man. They're playing with some heart.

[Danny G]

Called it. We said hearts of a champion yesterday.

[Covino]

Hearts of a champion shine through. Kind of cool to see there's still a team to be reckoned with.

[Rich]

But, you know, I want to bop you in the nose because I missed my DraftKings pick six because you were like, brunson over, bro. And I was. And I was like, I don't know. I think he's going to have an off night. And you convinced me.

[Covino]

I'm just saying, big play. Hey, Jimmy Butler didn't step up either. And I said he would, you know, he was nowhere to be found. What do you have? 17 points last night. So we said yesterday and DB sort of backed it up. Big players like that play big and big games. You count on them or hope they do. That wasn't the case for everybody, but the Celtics reaped the benefits. Now the Knicks are up three, two.

[Rich]

Now game six happens at the Mecca, Madison Square Garden.

[Covino]

Mecca like a high mecha heiney ho on Saturday.

[Rich]

Mecca like a high make a hiney ho Saturday night, Madison Square Garden. Cheapest ticket right now. Eight Honda. Which is understandable. I'm sorry, Friday night.

[Covino]

Not Saturday night.

[Rich]

Friday night. Tomorrow night, Knicks hosting the Celtics.

[Covino]

The biggest night at the Garden since Gunther Gable Williams and brother Ringling Brothers.

[Danny G]

Since we were hyping it up on Saturday for Saturday's game.

[Covino]

But since I saw the Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus at the garden back in 89.

[Rich]

Was it the year they stapled the horn on a horse and said they have a unicorn?

[Covino]

Since the circus came with the unicorn.

[Rich]

Seriously, I actually thought about it. And the Knicks haven't won an NBA title since 1973. So you're looking at 52 years. The Rangers won in 1994 and before that, as you remember, the New York chant used to go 1940.

[Covino]

Yeah. So no, this is the biggest night at the Garden since the Dice man sold it out.

[Rich]

This is the biggest since Billy Joel ended his residency. Like the Garden's been real. The Garden's been waiting for a game like this.

[Covino]

You know, what's wild is growing up. You know, we're from New Jersey, New York, but I parked right there by the Garden every day when I was working in Manhattan for 15 plus years. And you see the marquee, world's most famous arena. And you really buy into that. You really believe that. In my opinion, it is right. If you sell out the Garden, you win at the Garden. Like you've done it, you've done something. And it's about time something big happens there in the world of sport, in basketball especially.

[Rich]

Think about it. When they talk about the world's most famous arena. Damn buyer. Back in the day, that included boxing and when the Knicks and other teams were better. So would you agree that it's been.

[Dan Byer]

Decades in terms of the status of the arena, Are we talking about games? Because that was the point that I wanted to bring up with you guys.

[Rich]

In terms of arena, Always awesome. In terms of games being played there, I think it's been decades since there's a game of this level of significance.

[Dan Byer]

I would say it's been a week. I mean, like, like, honestly, like the game three that they had up to. Oh, you guys were talking about the ticket prices for like how crazy and how difficult it was to get a ticket. The Knicks lost at home to the Pacers last year in a game seven in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

[Rich]

That's true.

[Dan Byer]

So it's not even a game seven. What I do think is interesting and why I would buy into what you guys are saying is last year they probably lose to the Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals. This is knocking off the Celtics with a legitimate chance of making it to the NBA.

[Rich]

And currently, according to DraftKings and BET, MGM and everything, the Oklahoma City Thunder are odds on favorites, I think, minus 1:40 to win the NBA title. After that, there's a big Drop off and it's plus 600 Knicks and T wolves. So right now, Vegas is saying, hey, OKC wins his home. But out of the Eastern Conference, as of this moment, the Knicks have a chance to be that team for the first time since the 90s, for the first time since they lost to the Rockets and the Mag. The Spurs. And when they were, you know, O.J. was doing car chases.

[Covino]

I thought of two big moments. I already mentioned one, but again, Lynn Sanity at the Garden was wild. That was a hot ticket in New York. Lynn Sanity. Two weeks of insanity. And it was an electric moment for anyone in that area. Anyone inside the Garden. Yeah, and we were at one of them. Carmelo Anthony's debut was pretty big.

[Rich]

That was big.

[Covino]

That was big. Because, yo, Carmel, you thought that it was going to be, you know, a franchise changing moment. And we were there and it was electric. So that was a big moment.

[Danny G]

How about 25 years ago when you two, you've told the story before how you were at the Garden for the Diddy Bad Boy Freak off concert.

[Rich]

Stop it, stop it, stop it.

[Covino]

Yeah, Rich was front row. Yeah, Rich was front row. They called him Oil boy.

[Rich]

I remember they called you Tootsie Roll Boy. Rich, didn't you have to wear a raincoat in the front row, Yo?

[Covino]

No, that for that and Gallagher, which was really weird.

[Rich]

Jeez, guys, man.

[Covino]

So, yeah, if you're going to call yourself the world's most famous arena and you really buy into that hype, you got to start delivering and bringing some action and excitement. Aside from concert performances and comedy shows and hockey, I think of the Knicks.

[Rich]

What about, we just took your daughter to see Frozen on Ice. Was that not a no?

[Covino]

It doesn't count. Like I said, the circus doesn't count. The Knicks winning game six at home in the Garden. Boom. Puts it right there again. I love it. I think it's so exciting. And honestly. And Dan Byer said, because we did talk about it last week, man, the Garden's going to be rocking. No, this is it. You get the chance to win at home. You have Timothy Shamalama Ding Dong there. You're going have Spike Lee. You're going to have superstars there cheering, storming the field. They're going to be super pumped about this one.

[Dan Byer]

I also think in a way it's big because they aren't playing with a safety net. And I know that it may seem like a Game 7 is a safety net, but in Game 3, they didn't really have. If they lost the game, guess what? They have another game for, you know, two nights later. This is now you've dropped the two games in. The Celtics are maybe finding momentum without Jason Tatum and going back to Boston. That would be a different like there's, there's something on the line for New York to lose, which could make game six tomorrow that much bigger.

[Covino]

Two more, two more reasons, Dan. Completely agree. But again, defending champions, you want to knock them off. And they're not just any defending champions, they're the Boston Celtics. The New York Boston rivalry is deep and that just adds more fuel and more fire, more excitement for game six. So even if you're the most casual fan, there's so much reason to watch.

[Rich]

No doubt. All right, well, listen, coming up, we'll talk a little more NBA, but yesterday the schedule release. Now we're going to go over a bunch of this on over promised our bonus pod later today because our bonus pod is a video show and we've come up with our top five. But we'll touch on that a little bit. Plus, we're going to go old school today. The passing of a famous animal in a sports movie has spurred a really interesting conversation. We'll get to all that coming up right here. Kavino and Richard.

[Covino]

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[Rich]

Visit ExpressPros.com as always, Express never charges job seekers a fee. Express knows when companies are hiring, offers benefits with competitive pay, and in just one interview, they're prepared to present you multiple companies that fit your needs. So go to expresspros.com to get started, find the nearest location and discover for yourself what it's like to have support in your job search.

[Covino]

You could also start your job search through the Express Jobs app. Download it today to search jobs. Apply and contact your local Express team. So let ExpressPros.com start your job search today. Yeah, man, I love Thursdays, especially when you got a good game tonight.

[Danny G]

MSG bad boy concert you guys were at.

[Covino]

Oh yeah, this is the concert. Live audio from the concert. We were at the Garden, man. It's the freak off rage of 2025. These stories are getting wild and it's.

[Rich]

You know, to the point where Diddy to the list of artists you may Never hear again. Like, R. Kelly was pulled from so many places. Did he?

[Covino]

Yeah, I think he did. I mean, that's what they're saying right now. Is Cavino and Rich live from the Fox Sports Radio studio. For over 40 years, Tire Rack. Tire rack has been helping customers find the right tires for how, what and where they drive ship fast and free. Backed by the free road hazard protection with convenient installation options like mobile tire installation. Tire rack.com like tire buying should be. All right now, Rich in less than 20 minutes. Old school in 50 hits. That's why I love throwing it back on a Thursday and reminiscing. Start thinking about animals in your favorite movies.

[Rich]

It's a dumb question, but it'll all make sense.

[Covino]

Plus, I promise, whatever we don't get to today is on over Promised. Like, I know we're talking the NFL schedules, right? But we're really going to dive into the best ones on over promised. Episode 92 premieres right after this show on Fox Sports Radio's YouTube page. Even talk some boxing, maybe. All right, so join us live.

[Rich]

I gotta ask. Yeah, we're gonna talk about this. Like I said, on over Promise because it's very visual and that's our video podcast.

[Covino]

Yes.

[Rich]

I love it. And Camino can't even fake it. He's like, yeah, the schedule. I think these videos are great. Danny, you were showing me the Raiders one.

[Covino]

I'm not downplaying the significance of the actual schedule for. For me to get excited about these goofy videos. Yeah, that's not happening.

[Rich]

Well, guess what? I'll give you a couple that we're gonna highlight on over promised. Did you see the Titans did schedule Rizzy like a goof off of a drug ad. The Charger. The Chargers did Minecraft. The Falcons did Mario Kart. I think they're creative. Did you see the Giants did a reality show where they casted people from each city?

[Covino]

So tuned out, like 30 seconds into these things.

[Danny G]

The Raiders had Penn and Teller looking for the Chiefs mysterious flags.

[Rich]

You know, Portnoy was part of the Patriots one, so I more like Bora Phil. I think they're fascinating. So you know what? Today on over Promise we'll go over the best and worst ones and of course we'll talk some fights. But right now, Bill Belichick and Jordan sand, they can't seem to stay out of the news.

[Covino]

Oh, my goodness. I bet you every Belichick five minutes there's a new spin, new story. And I gotta preface this by saying alleged, right? Because Pablo Torre must have some Weird inside scoop because every story that comes out about them is some Pablo Tory related. He's got the scoop on what's called going on, but then it's not true, right? Like, he came out, he's like, yeah, I heard she's banned from unc. And Bill Belgick's like, she's not banned from usa. Not sure. Not happening.

[Danny G]

But did they all react to his report? Because the timeline is a little iffy, right?

[Covino]

But every day and every minute of the day, there's a new story and there's another rumor out there. So I'm saying alleged, but based on the rumor, I do have an actual question to the Fox Sports Radio Nation. Let's go over some of the stories that we're hearing, though.

[Rich]

After you came in, after you watch all the scheduled releases, after I watch, I'm gonna make you watch all 32 of them.

[Covino]

Oh, do I have to?

[Rich]

Five hours.

[Covino]

Jordan Hudson competed in Miss Maine. She came in third, and there was a lot of speculation that the media has been unfair to her and that's why she didn't place.

[Rich]

Well, she placed third. She placed third, but only accept. He only accepts first place. He yelled at her.

[Covino]

But then Jordan Hudson recently had to apologize to her cheer teammates for the Bill Belichick romance hoopla. Like all her friends and all the pageant people and all the cheer people, she's apologizing because it's a big time distraction. Sorry, guys.

[Rich]

You know, ridiculous. That sounds. Bill Belichick's girlfriend had to apologize to her cheerleading friends. Like, what?

[Covino]

Then Bill Belichick went public recently on an interview. She's not gonna be involved with anything to do with UNC because they were questioning her involvement. Then he had to be out there talking about, no, there's no involvement. Then today I saw another report. Now, again, this is. This is social media, so you don't know what to believe. But I am basing a question on this rumor. Red Zone Rush via Pablo Tory. Reports from the University of North Carolina say things have gotten so messy between Belichick and Jordan Hudson and UNC that there's an absolutely real chance that Belichick is not the Tar Heels head coach by week one. Now, I'm not saying that's true. I want to make that clear. But what I am saying is, based on all these rumors and based on some of the true stories that Bill addressed himself, she's not involved, blah, blah, blah.

[Rich]

Right.

[Covino]

Do you think there is a slight chance that it could not happen? Here's another reason why I asked That I saw a clip of Julian Edelman, dude, Julian Edelman, former teammate who learned under the great Bill Belichick, saying that one of Bill Belichick's biggest rules in the clubhouse, in the field house, in the locker room, in the organization, was no distractions. Whatever you got going on, you don't bring it here. So when you got Bill Belichick breaking his own rules, I want you to think, is there a risk of him not making it? Take a listen to Julian Edelman.

[Julian Edelman]

The number one thing we used to talk about all the time in New England was distractions. Let's not make distractions. The game's already. As hard as it is, regardless of what her role is. Jordan, now that it's gained and it's snowballed to what it's become right now, where we're talking about it three weeks later, it's becoming a distraction. So that's what. I'm sure that's what we all think right now. This is becoming a distraction. We gotta. We gotta practice what we preach here.

[Covino]

That's Julian Edelman. You think he wants to call out his dude, that's from the Herd last week, Julian Edelman talking about Bill Belichick. That's absurd. You got Dave Portnoy, who's the biggest Patriots Belichick cheerleader, saying, I don't know, it's a little awkward. You got Charles Barkley saying, I'm going to reach out to Bill. So when you got all these rumors, and again, not all of them are true, right? But I think Pablo Torre's leaking stuff. He's hearing stuff. Some of it's not true, some of it is. But regardless, it is a distraction.

[Rich]

No, Rich, I have some speculation that I've heard no one else say, it only could have been formed in my mondo cabeza.

[Covino]

I mean, you do have a mondo cabeza.

[Rich]

I've heard no one say this. So this is an exclusive on Kavino and Rich and Fox Sports Radio.

[Danny G]

Hang on. Let me tweet out the size of your head right now.

[Covino]

Oh, it's giant.

[Rich]

It's like, you know what?

[Covino]

One size fits most? If you look real close, it says, except for Rich Davis.

[Rich]

So first of all, there might come a point which is not worth it. Bill Belichick, in the past, remember he was going to be the jets coach. That never happened. So it's not. It wouldn't be unprecedented for him to accept a job and never coach a game. That's number one. I don't want to give away a secret, but I Used to know a guy that would try to make dinner reservations at hot restaurants. And know what he would say. Hey, do you have a dinner reservation for, let's say, Howard Stern or Dan Patrick? And the restaurant would be like, oh, absolutely, 6pm Work. Oh, man. Howard Stern or Dan Patrick or Stephen A's coming. And then right before that day, they're like, that reservation's still good, right? Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Just so you know, like, you know, Howard or D.P. they're like 50, 50 now. They were never going. They just wanted that reservation. What if Bill Belichick's like, I'm gonna get my son a herd coaching job?

[Covino]

Oh, that's a good one.

[Rich]

He accepts it, right? And then this all becomes a major distraction. Him hooking up with some hot, young 20 something. And it's like, I just. It's not worth it. At this step of my career, I'm a distraction. Know who's going to take over my son?

[Covino]

Well, that's a major conspiracy. But, Rich, the one thing I do believe in, that story.

[Rich]

What did they say in Acentora? How do you like that?

[Covino]

Is anytime something becomes too big of a distraction, right? You see some guy take this noble approach of, you know, I'm forced to step down now because I'm not going to be that guy. So if that were to happen, I do believe your theory of that's what would happen.

[Rich]

But I wouldn't be shocked because Phil Belichick doesn't need it. It was more of a, like, you know, the guy still wants to coach. But if it becomes a distraction at this level, maybe the university, which doesn't have a football program that's legendary, would want this. I don't know. But remember what I said. Dan Patrick, Howard Stern. Need a dinner reservation. Dip out last minute. All right, let's go to Dan Patrick. Let's go to Dan Patrick. Let's go to Dan Buyer for an update.

[Dan Byer]

What's up, DB Yeah, that has been put out there. It wouldn't like. It doesn't. It's not from Mars by any means, so there's definitely thoughts behind it. Speaking of North Carolina, guys, that's where the PGA Championship is in Charlotte, North Carolina. Quail Hollow, first round play starting to wind down. Cam Davis of Australia is your leader at six under par. One shot better than Ryan Gerard, a North Carolina native. He's at 5 under 66. Scotty Scheffler, 2 under par today, 69. Rory McElroy, 3 over 74, and is currently nine shots back of the lead. Couple of other names on the course you may be familiar with. Colin Morikawa, two under par through 15, Ludwig Oberg is two under par through 14, while Bryson DeChambeau, one over par through 13 holes and Justin Thomas plus two through 15. Jordan Spieth, three over par through 14 holes. Thunder and Nuggets game six tonight, 8:30 Eastern Time. Thunder up three two in the series. Denver hosts it this evening. Host game six Braves beat the Nationals five two twins have won 11 straight. They blanked the Orioles for nothing while the Reds were 71 winners against the White Sox in the ninth inning. Tampa Bay trying to close out the Jays in Toronto 8 to 3. Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore has been cleared to resume football activities after missing most of 2024 because of blood clots. And NFL owners will vote next week on whether to allow their players to compete in flag football in the 2028 Summer Olympics. On the ice Hurricanes and Capitals game five tonight, seven Eastern Stars and Jets in Winnipeg, 9:30 Eastern in their game five. Guys.

[Covino]

Back to you DB.

[Rich]

Two things Dan said during his update that struck me.

[Covino]

Number one, twins 11 in a row.

[Rich]

You're 13 and 20 and you're like, man, this season sucks. And now you're 24 and 20. Like what a turnaround. And I know game six is in Denver. You ever think of the Denver wins OKC? Winning a Game 7 at home would even boost their morale even more. Like just to prove that we we went seven games. I know they're going to try to win Game 6, obviously, but I think a Game 7 in OKC is such a great test against Jokic at home. A Game seven.

[Covino]

As a guy with no horse in the race, that's what you want to see, a Game seven. No doubt. But I don't think the Thunder want to take any chances.

[Rich]

No doubt, no doubt. Hey listen, we're going to go old school in 50 hits in a few minutes, so hang tight. More Covino and Rich, but your thoughts.

[Covino]

On this Bill Belichick stuff?

[Rich]

I think, I think I want to hear your thoughts. Let's go. More next. Yep.

[Covino]

Covino and Rich, the world famous the Greatest CNR show on FSR Live from the Fox Sports Radio studio. And now Sam, are you ready? It's time for our tire act play of the day. Last night the Timberwolves took care of business.

[Rich]

The horn sounds here at Target center and the Wolves have captured game five 121 to after closing out the Lakers in five games, the Wolves do the exact same to the Golden State Warriors. And for the second straight season, Minnesota is headed to the Western Conference finals. It seemed inevitable. The warriors just couldn't overcome Steph's injury. Minnesota advances to the Western Conference finals courtesy of KFAN 100.3 T Wolves Radio Network. And that is our tire rack play of the day.

[Covino]

For over 40 years, Tire Rack has been helping customers find the right tires for how, what and where they drive ship fast and free. Backed by free road hazard protection with convenient installation options like mobile tire installation, tire rack.com a tire buying should be. Now, we got to get in some old school action, but let's wrap up this Bill Belichick conversation and these phone calls. 877-99-NOX. Let's make it snappy. We got Doug in Maryland. Do you think there's a chance of Bill Belichick stepping down because he is going against his own principles, which is no distractions. He's the biggest dist.

[Doug]

No, I don't think he's going to step down and I don't think he should. Guys, I'm not a, I'm not a Patriots fan. I'm not a North Carolina fan, but I'm going to tell you what, I think everybody's taking this a little too far. And, and trust me. And the very first thing he's going to tell his players is don't allow this. You know, I don't want you guys be watching all of the media coverage on this. Don't allow it to be. He'll let his players know at North Carolina not to allow it to be a distraction.

[Covino]

And I don't, I don't think that sounds fair to the players. I don't.

[Rich]

Yeah, but they're getting attention. They never got in this program ever.

[Covino]

That's true. And you know what? I'll say this, Doug, and thanks for the call, man. Sorry to rush. You call anytime. We appreciate it. What takes this all away and throws it all out the window, all these Jordan rumors and all this. She's involved. She's not involved. Is winning. Right? But if he doesn't win, it all comes back to that. So more pressure on winning. I don't know.

[Rich]

I don't think there's an expectation to win right away. I mean, that program hasn't done anything.

[Covino]

Anytime they don't, you know, tomorrow it comes back to what Julian Edelman said right there. He's going against his number one principle, which is no distractions. He's the biggest distraction. So think about it.

[Rich]

Would you be shocked if it was a one and done?

[Covino]

No.

[Rich]

That might be the most logical answer. A one and done.

[Covino]

Not at all.

[Rich]

All right. But you know what we got to do now? It's time for when old school hits 50. Let's go.

[Covino]

There's a search.

[Rich]

Yeah. What we gonna do right here is.

[Covino]

Go back into time.

[Rich]

Throwing it back for a Thursday.

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[Rich]

Yeah.

[Covino]

So we throw it back every Thursday. We get you involved. B. Dialing 87799 on Fox. We lost a big superstar this week. Maybe one of the most famous animal actors of all time. Time Morris the alligator. Who's that?

[Lowe's Ad]

Alligator bit my hand.

[Rich]

Oh, my God. The alligator that bit Chubbs Peterson's handoff. People thought he was left off the PGA Tour because he was a black man. No. Damn alligator bit his hand off.

[Lowe's Ad]

Damn alligator.

[Rich]

Damn alligator.

[Covino]

They were all there in heaven right at the end of the movie. But now he's in that.

[Rich]

Who's in that scene? See if you remember in the clouds.

[Covino]

Chubbs Peterson.

[Rich]

Yeah.

[Covino]

It was the crocodile.

[Rich]

The alligator.

[Covino]

The alligator. And it was Obi Wan Kenobi, a former president. Oh, Abe Lincoln.

[Rich]

It was Abe Lincoln.

[Covino]

That's right. Why is Abe Lincoln up there?

[Rich]

That's right.

[Covino]

I knew it was someone weird like that. It wasn't Obi Wan Kenobi.

[Rich]

And Chubb's got his hand back, by the way.

[Covino]

Based on that.

[Rich]

Look happy.

[Covino]

What other animal legends do you think of when it comes to film and TV animal superstars? I know Rich's number one answer. He doesn't even know his number one answer. I know Rich's number one answer without even really? Yeah.

[Rich]

I feel like our parents generation's all going to say, like, Mr. Ed.

[Covino]

Everyone.

[Rich]

Parents love Mr. Take Mr. Ed off the board.

[Danny G]

Our parents loved Flipper.

[Rich]

Dude.

[Covino]

Our parents love flipper Mr. Ed. Hey, you know what? And Lassie. That's the trifecta for your mom.

[Rich]

Yeah. So we'll come up with our own list next. Right here. Covino and Rich. Hang tight.

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[Danny G]

Lowe's.

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[Danny G]

You're listening to an I Heart podcast.