Podcast Summary: "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" - Episode: Hour 1 - Rigging the NBA System

Release Date: May 14, 2025
Host/Author: 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. In this episode, the hosts delve deep into the controversial topic of alleged rigging within the NBA draft system.

1. Introduction

The episode kicks off with the hosts, Covino and Rich, engaging in their usual banter, setting the stage for a lively discussion. While initial segments touch on lighthearted topics like Shaq Diesel trivia and humorous theories about Barry Bonds, the conversation swiftly shifts to more serious matters concerning the NBA.

2. Main Topic: Allegations of Rigging the NBA Draft Lottery

a. Unprecedented Lottery Results

At around [06:03], Covino introduces the contentious claim that the recent NBA draft lottery results, where the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs secured the first and second picks respectively, might have been rigged. This outcome was deemed highly improbable, with Covino highlighting the "1.8% chance" of such an event occurring naturally.

• Covino [06:03]: "Everyone's saying rig today because there was a 1% chance of this happening."

Rich echoes this sentiment, comparing the odds to "getting struck by lightning" or "bitten by a shark," emphasizing the rarity of the event ([07:01]).

b. Examination of Possible Rigging Methods

The hosts explore various theories on how the NBA could manipulate the draft results:

• Sticky Balls Theory: Initially referred to as the "hot balls scandal," it was later clarified as the "sticky balls" theory ([29:22]). This involves altering the physical properties of the balls used in the lottery to favor certain outcomes.

  • Dan Beyer [29:15]: "There was also only seven teams in the lottery at one point. Now there's 14. So like, you didn't have as many teams in the league at that time."

• Weighted Balls or Magnets: Covino humorously suggests the use of magnets to influence the ball selection ([20:10]).

  • Rich [20:13]: "Personally, I think it's magnets."

The conversation references historical instances, such as the 1985 Knicks Patrick Ewing draft, where envelopes were allegedly manipulated to favor certain teams ([10:31]).

• Rich [10:00]: "Dude, it was in there with your otter pops and freezing freakies..."

c. Social Media and Public Speculation

Rich brings up the role of social media in amplifying conspiracy theories, making it easier for the public to speculate and believe in rigged systems without substantial evidence ([14:24]).

• Covino [23:40]: "Everything points into the direction of man that is fixed. And even me, I don't want to believe it."

d. Counterarguments and Skepticism

While Covino and Rich entertain the possibility of rigging, they also acknowledge the skepticism surrounding these theories. Danny G adds nuance by suggesting that while rigging is possible, it might simply be a case of the Mavericks being exceptionally lucky ([12:15]).

• Covino [12:15]: "That's what I like to believe."
• Rich [12:18]: "Bitten by a shark. It happened to people."

3. Side Discussions

a. NBA Playoff Injuries

The conversation shifts to recent injuries in the NBA playoffs, notably Jason Tatum's torn Achilles tendon and Oswaldo Cabrera's left ankle fracture ([02:07]).

• Covino [02:14]: "Just a Gruesome gruesome, night of injury."

They express sympathy for both the players and their respective fanbases, acknowledging the emotional toll such injuries take on teams vying for championships.

b. MLB News: Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson

Later in the episode, Dan Beyer provides an update on Major League Baseball, announcing that Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson are no longer on the permanently ineligible list, making them eligible for induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame ([32:14]).

• Dan Beyer [32:14]: "Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred said... they are now eligible to be enshrined in Cooperstown."

4. Listener Interactions and Conspiracy Theories

The hosts engage with listener calls, discussing various conspiracy theories beyond the NBA draft, including the NFL being rigged and historical events like 9/11. They draw parallels between sports conspiracies and broader societal conspiracy theories.

• Charles [38:18]: "It's gotta be. I mean, with the odds, the odds of like didn't getting both."
• Rich [38:34]: "You take a guy like Cooper Flag and you put him on a team with Kyrie and AD Both healthy..."

5. Upcoming Sports Events and News

Towards the end of the episode, the hosts briefly touch upon upcoming sports events, including NBA game schedules and the PGA Championship, ensuring listeners are informed about future happenings.

• Dan Beyer [34:28]: "They'll be playing in Ireland and then in London. Now this is the first time to do it in two international countries."

6. Conclusion and Teasers for Next Episode

The episode wraps up with teasers about future discussions, including Shaq Diesel trivia and deeper dives into Pete Rose’s legacy within MLB. The hosts maintain an engaging and conversational tone, encouraging listeners to continue tuning in for more insights and debates.

Notable Quotes

• Covino [06:03]: "Everyone's saying rig today because there was a 1% chance of this happening."
• Rich [07:01]: "It's like getting struck by lightning. It happens."
• Danny G [12:36]: "The winning combination of ping pong balls that earned Dallas the number one pick. 10, 14, 11 and 7."
• Dan Beyer [32:14]: "If they were to go into the hall, they would need 12 out of 16 votes from that Classic Baseball Era committee."

Key Takeaways

• Alleged Rigging: The episode centers on the controversial belief that the NBA draft lottery may have been manipulated to favor the Mavericks and Spurs, citing extremely low odds as evidence.

• Conspiracy Theories: The discussion expands beyond the NBA, exploring how social media fuels various sports-related and general conspiracy theories.

• Economic and Business Perspectives: Hosts consider the business incentives behind potential rigging, suggesting that outcomes benefiting the league could drive such actions.

• Skepticism vs. Belief: While entertaining conspiracy theories, the hosts balance their discussions with skepticism, recognizing the lack of concrete evidence.

• Engaging Format: The episode effectively intertwines serious debate with lighter segments and listener interactions, maintaining an engaging and dynamic flow.

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd provides an in-depth exploration of the contentious issue of potential rigging within the NBA draft system, supplemented by broader discussions on sports conspiracies and their impact on fan perceptions. The hosts present multiple viewpoints, encourage critical thinking, and foster an interactive environment for listeners to engage with current sports debates.