Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 1: "Garrett, Paid to Be a Leader?"

Release Date: May 28, 2025

Introduction

In the inaugural hour of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," hosted by Covino and Rich Bolanos from Fox Sports Radio, listeners are treated to an engaging discussion centered around pivotal sports narratives of the day. The episode delves into the recent NBA playoffs, examining the implications of smaller market teams' performances on league ratings, and transitions into a heated debate on NFL star Myles Garrett's commitment to his team.

I. Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks: Playoff Showdown

Timestamp: [01:18] – [09:44]

The episode kicks off with a deep dive into the NBA playoffs, specifically highlighting the Indiana Pacers' decisive victory over the New York Knicks. Monty Bolanos remarks, "You prevented the Knicks from having a breath of hope because they thought Knicks win last night, you got a series and you're going back to the Garden" ([02:31]). This win not only halts the Knicks' postseason aspirations but also sparks a conversation about the Pacers' impact on NBA ratings.

Covino counters, "For basketball to have some of these smaller market teams competing on this level... but yeah, for ratings purposes, not so great" ([02:44]). The discussion pivots to the notion that while competitive balance is beneficial for the sport's integrity, it poses challenges for television ratings, as smaller market teams typically draw fewer viewers.

Key Points:

• Competitive Balance vs. Ratings: The presence of smaller market teams like the Pacers adds depth to the competition but may underperform in viewership metrics.
• Historical Ratings Context: Monty references past NBA Finals ratings, noting that matchups involving teams like the Spurs and Bucks had some of the lowest ratings in the 21st century ([06:06]).

II. The NBA Finals: Small Market Teams and Viewer Engagement

Timestamp: [09:44] – [17:00]

The conversation evolves into speculating whether the NBA Finals will feature smaller market teams such as the Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC) and the Indiana Pacers. Covino draws a parallel to Major League Baseball's World Series matchups like the Yankees vs. Dodgers, stating, "But then the ratings show that people tune in. The casual fans are watching and everybody's excited" ([04:57]). However, he also acknowledges that the perceived excitement may not align with actual viewer enthusiasm, highlighting a disconnect between ratings numbers and fan sentiment.

Monty Bolanos emphasizes the potential for intriguing narratives, suggesting that even if the Finals lack traditional star power, the passion and competitiveness of smaller teams could captivate audiences ([05:38]).

Notable Quotes:

• Covino: "We tune in to watch the unimaginable, unexpected, the miracles." ([12:46])
• Monty: "If the Knicks win tomorrow night... extend the life of the Series, I guess there's something fun about." ([13:29])

Key Points:

• Viewer Interest: Smaller market Finals could either struggle with ratings or succeed by presenting fresh and unpredictable storylines.
• Casual Fans vs. Die-hard Enthusiasts: While ratings might dip, dedicated fans could remain engaged through the novelty of underdog stories.

III. Myles Garrett's Absence from Voluntary Practice: Leadership Under Scrutiny

Timestamp: [25:14] – [40:31]

Transitioning from basketball to football, Covino and Monty Bolanos engage in a spirited debate about Cleveland Browns' defensive star Myles Garrett reportedly missing a voluntary practice. Monty criticizes Garrett's absence, questioning his commitment: "You're trying to justify like, I choose life. No, you're choosing to be a jerk." ([29:59]).

Covino echoes similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of leadership and presence in team dynamics. He shares a personal anecdote from childhood sports, illustrating how a teammate's absence can undermine team chemistry: "None of the little kids liked him... it ruined the team chemistry." ([32:13]).

Monty argues in favor of work-life balance, suggesting that Garrett's personal commitments, such as attending an anime award show with his girlfriend, showcase a healthy detachment from the often all-consuming nature of professional sports: "Life takes precedence." ([36:52]).

Notable Quotes:

• Monty: "He has to play like that again and again to beat the Knicks. If he does, that's how legends are made." ([14:55])
• Covino: "He used to be here all the time. And it's not... Not a good look when you are being paid what you're being paid." ([35:50])

Key Points:

• Leadership Responsibility: The expectation that star players should attend all team activities to foster unity and lead by example.
• Work-Life Balance Debate: Balancing personal life with professional obligations, especially for high-earning athletes.
• Perception vs. Reality: How Garrett's absence is perceived by fans and its actual impact on team performance and chemistry.

IV. Audience Interaction and Closing Remarks

Timestamp: [40:31] – [52:39]

Throughout the episode, Covino and Monty Bolanos frequently invite audience participation, encouraging listeners to call in and share their perspectives on the discussed topics. The debate surrounding Myles Garrett's commitment intensifies, with both hosts presenting passionate arguments reflecting broader conversations in the sports community about athlete responsibility and personal freedom.

In the closing segments, the hosts touch upon lighter topics, including tributes to cultural icons and humorous anecdotes, maintaining an engaging and relatable tone for their audience.

Notable Quotes:

• Covino: "If Miles Garrett this is a matter of, like, how does it look, in your opinion, when superstars on the team, leaders on the team, don't show up to these voluntary practices?" ([39:43])
• Monty: "Don't call it voluntary then." ([32:13])

Conclusion

Hour 1 of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" effectively blends in-depth sports analysis with dynamic host interactions, offering listeners a comprehensive look at current sports issues. From the strategic implications of smaller market teams in the NBA playoffs to the intricate debate over athlete leadership and commitment in the NFL, Covino and Monty Bolanos establish a foundation for future episodes that promise to continue exploring the most compelling sports stories of the day.

Engaging Elements:

• Notable Quotes: The inclusion of direct quotes from hosts provides authenticity and captures the essence of their viewpoints.
• Timestamped Highlights: Specific moments are highlighted with timestamps, allowing listeners to reference key discussions easily.
• Balanced Perspectives: The hosts present contrasting opinions, fostering a well-rounded discussion that encourages listener reflection.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

1. Monty Bolanos on Pacers' Victory:

   • "You prevented the Knicks from having a breath of hope because they thought Knicks win last night..." ([02:31])

2. Covino on Competitive Balance:

   • "For basketball to have some of these smaller market teams competing on this level... for ratings purposes, not so great." ([02:44])

3. Covino on Viewer Engagement:

   • "We tune in to watch the unimaginable, unexpected, the miracles." ([12:46])

4. Monty Bolanos on Team Chemistry:

   • "Don't call it voluntary then." ([32:13])

5. Covino on Athlete Commitment:

   • "He used to be here all the time. And it's not... Not a good look when you are being paid what you're being paid." ([35:50])

Takeaways:

• The performance of smaller market teams like the Indiana Pacers in high-stakes NBA playoffs can have complex implications for league-wide ratings, balancing competitive fairness with television viewership metrics.

• The looming possibility of NBA Finals featuring underdog teams presents both challenges and opportunities in maintaining viewer interest, highlighting the ongoing tension between sports integrity and commercial success.

• The debate surrounding Myles Garrett's attendance at voluntary practices underscores broader themes of leadership responsibility, work-life balance, and the evolving expectations placed on professional athletes.

Listeners who missed this episode can tune in to catch up on the lively discussions and stay informed on the latest sports news and debates.