Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 1: JUAN SLO-MO!

Release Date: May 20, 2025

1. Tribute to George Went from Cheers

The episode opens with a heartfelt tribute to George Went, a cherished TV legend from the iconic show Cheers, who passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 76. Hosts Steve Cavino and Rich Davis reflect on Went's legacy and his connection to Jason Sudeikis, emphasizing the impact of his loss on families and fans alike.

Steve Cavino (01:26):
"George Went is Jason Sudeikis' uncle. Thoughts going out to their families on a sad day."

2. The Juan Soto Hustle Controversy

The primary focus of the episode centers on Juan Soto, the highest-paid player in Major League Baseball, whose recent performances have sparked debate regarding his hustle and on-field demeanor. The hosts scrutinize Soto's actions, including delays in leaving the batter's box and perceived lack of effort, especially in the wake of his substantial $765 million contract.

Rich Davis (09:21):
"Juan Soto is giving us plenty of ammunition. The problem here is people are piling onto this juicy story."

Steve Cavino (26:00):
"8, 7, 7, 99 on Fox. What a selfish attitude for a superstar… he used to be a fun guy to watch."

Key Points Discussed:

• Performance Metrics: Despite decent slugging percentages, Soto's overall hustle and body language have drawn criticism.
• Contract Pressure: The massive salary places heightened expectations on Soto to perform consistently and lead by example.
• Comparative Analysis: The hosts compare Soto's situation to Francisco Lindor's initial struggles and subsequent resurgence, suggesting that Soto has the talent to overcome his current slump.

Rich Davis (10:16):
"Francisco Lindor had a slow start his first year too. Think of what happened with him."

Steve Cavino (13:22):
"It's the hustle. It's the intangibles that he should be leaning into."

3. Defending Juan Soto Amidst Criticism

While acknowledging the critiques, both hosts express support for Soto, arguing that the negative attention may be disproportionate given his talent and past performances. They highlight that Soto's issues are more about temporary frustration rather than a lack of effort or professionalism.

Rich Davis (19:21):
"There were two plays that are so terribly clear. He hit a hard shot… he jogged down to first when he should have been there."

Steve Cavino (22:04):
"He could easily squash some of the story by showing a simple hustle attitude adjustment."

Notable Quote: Rich Davis (21:35):
"Leave Soto alone. He'll be fine."

4. Reputation Changers: Brett Favre and Bill Belichick

The discussion shifts to the broader theme of reputation changers in the sports world, focusing on Brett Favre and Bill Belichick. The hosts delve into Favre's tarnished image following recent revelations about his off-field behavior, contrasting it with Belichick's evolving reputation amidst personal life rumors.

Rich Davis (38:00):
"Brett Favre went from a lovable quarterback to a piece of trash, especially after today."

Steve Cavino (32:31):
"Bill Belichick's image may have changed. He's no longer the same respected leader."

Key Points:

• Brett Favre: The hosts discuss Favre's involvement in public fraud cases and personal misconduct, highlighting how these actions have severely damaged his legacy.
• Bill Belichick: While not deemed as severely impacted as Favre, Belichick's reputation faces scrutiny due to personal life speculations, affecting public perception.

5. Sports News Highlights

Interspersed throughout the episode are updates on various sports topics, including:

• NBA and NFL Insights: Discussion on team performances, player acquisitions, and strategic moves.
• DraftKings Pick Six: The hosts share their prop bets for the evening games, highlighting players like Juan Soto, Aaron Judge, and Shohei Ohtani.

Rich Davis (22:12):
"DraftKings pick six. Let's hope Juan Soto and Aaron Judge hit home runs tonight."

Steve Cavino (37:19):
"Jesus Sanchez's walk-off two-run double for the Marlins continues their magic in Miami."

6. Viewer Interaction and Promotions

The hosts engage with their audience through trivia segments, prize giveaways, and promotional mentions, encouraging listeners to participate and stay connected via their podcast platforms.

Steve Cavino (24:30):
"Shaq Diesel trivia coming up. Your chance to win a Swiggy water bottle."

Rich Davis (34:39):
"Has anyone watched any episode of Bad Thoughts with Tom Segura? Let us know your thoughts!"

7. Closing Thoughts and Future Topics

As the episode wraps up, Steve and Rich tease upcoming discussions, including an in-depth look at Brett Favre's documentary and the continued saga of Juan Soto's performance. They also hint at exploring more image changers in sports and entertainment, promising engaging content for future episodes.

Steve Cavino (36:41):
"The Brett Favre documentary debuted today is titled 'The Fall of Favre.' We'll dive into that next."

Rich Davis (39:36):
"We'll talk about who has had their image change the most in sports and entertainment next. Stay tuned."

Notable Quotes Summary:

• Steve Cavino (01:26):
  "George Went is Jason Sudeikis' uncle. Thoughts going out to their families on a sad day."

• Rich Davis (09:21):
  "Juan Soto is giving us plenty of ammunition. The problem here is people are piling onto this juicy story."

• Rich Davis (21:35):
  "Leave Soto alone. He'll be fine."

• Rich Davis (38:00):
  "Brett Favre went from a lovable quarterback to a piece of trash, especially after today."

Conclusion

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Steve Cavino and Rich Davis deliver a robust discussion centered on Juan Soto's current performance woes and the broader implications of high-stakes contracts in professional sports. They navigate through personal tributes, critical analyses, and engaging sports news, offering listeners a comprehensive and entertaining journey through the top sports stories of the day.