Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: Hour 2 - Call Me Fat & Find Out
Release Date: February 26, 2025
Host/Authors: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Description: A thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven journey through the top sports stories of the day.
1. Introduction and Episode Theme
The episode kicks off with an energetic discussion centered around the provocative title, Call Me Fat & Find Out. Covino and Rich delve into the recent controversy surrounding NBA star Luka Doncic, who has been publicly criticized by his teammates for his physical condition. This sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of how such criticism impacts an athlete's performance and motivation.
2. Luka Doncic's Motivation and Performance
Covino and Rich dissect Luka Doncic's response to being labeled "fat" by his team, interpreting it as a catalyst for his enhanced performance. Rich emphasizes Luka's determination to prove his detractors wrong, stating:
"He's going to put on a show tonight. It's going to be his night for obvious reasons."
(Rich, 12:45)
They discuss Luka's previous performances, highlighting his 34-point game last Saturday and his season average of 28 points. Covino predicts:
"You said he had a Colin-like analogy. Yeah, like he's going to show why this is the most awful trade ever."
(Covino, 14:30)
The conversation moves to betting odds, where both predict Luka to exceed the over/under of 31.5 points, reinforcing their belief in his motivated performance fueled by personal challenges.
3. Betting Predictions and Game Insights
The hosts discuss various betting lines for the upcoming Lakers vs. Mavericks game. Rich shares his active bet:
"I have a +250 bet here. Luka 32 points or more, Lakers minus eight and a half in the game, and Lakers win the first half."
(Rich, 18:10)
They analyze Luka's potential impact on the game, considering the Lakers' defensive strategies and the Mavericks' current form. Both agree that Luka's motivation will likely translate into a standout performance, potentially securing another victory for the Mavericks.
4. Discussion on Underrated Players and LeBron James
Transitioning from Luka, Covino and Rich engage in a debate about underrated players in the NBA. A noteworthy segment includes a quote from rising star Wembanyama, who praises LeBron James as an underrated player despite his already legendary status:
"Underrated just means you're not rated right. I think LeBron's on the radio and I had people scratching their heads."
(Covino, 25:50)
Rich expands on this, discussing LeBron's longevity and consistent performance, arguing that even with numerous accolades, LeBron still doesn't receive the full recognition he deserves:
"LeBron James, he's not Michael Jordan, he's not Kobe, he's not even Magic or Bird. He's still underrated for what he's done for so long."
(Rich, 27:30)
5. Player Performance Highlights: JJ Redick and Austin Reaves
The conversation shifts to other key players contributing to the Lakers' success. Covino highlights JJ Redick's unexpected but significant impact:
"JJ Redick received a lot of criticism, but look at where they're at now. Third or fourth seed."
(Covino, 30:15)
Austin Reaves is also lauded for his versatile gameplay and unassuming demeanor, which Covino likens to the likes of Gennady Golovkin:
"Austin Reaves, undrafted in '21, now a key component defensively and offensively. His unassuming nature makes his performance even more impressive."
(Rich, 32:40)
6. Shaq Diesel Trivia Segment
In a lively interlude, Shaq Diesel hosts a basketball trivia segment, engaging listeners with questions about NBA legends. Contestants include Rich, Ken, and Danny G., who vie for the coveted CNR stainless steel swiggy. Highlights include:
-
Question: Which NBA legend averaged a double-double for 10 straight seasons in the 80s?
Answer: Larry Bird
(Ken and Rich compete, Rich answers correctly at 34 seconds) -
Quote from Rich upon Correct Answer:
"I thought maybe rebounds and points for Kareem, but Larry Bird it is."
(Rich, 35:20)
The segment adds an interactive and entertaining break, showcasing the hosts' camaraderie and sports knowledge.
7. O’Shea Jackson Jr.'s Starstruck Moment
Covino and Rich share a heartfelt story from O’Shea Jackson Jr., highlighting a moment of youthful admiration and the challenges of meeting a hero. O’Shea recounts his experience meeting Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson:
"I was starstruck beyond belief. I couldn't get any words out of my mouth as a kid."
(O’Shea Jackson Jr., 45:10)
Covino relates this to his own experience meeting Joe Montana, emphasizing the universal nature of idolizing and interacting with heroes. This segment underscores the emotional and personal aspects of sports fandom.
8. Sports Business and ESPN's Partnership Decline
The discussion takes a turn towards sports media business, particularly the fallout between ESPN and Major League Baseball. Covino expresses disappointment over the end of ESPN's partnership with baseball:
"After the 2025 season, ESPN and baseball no longer have a partnership. It's ridiculous, especially when baseball has been on the rise."
(Covino, 50:00)
They analyze the potential impacts on baseball viewership and discuss which networks might benefit from ESPN's exit. The hosts lament the loss of accessible baseball coverage, especially for long-time fans who grew up watching games on ESPN.
9. Closing Thoughts and Future Discussions
As the episode wraps up, Covino and Rich reflect on the day's discussions, reaffirming their excitement for the Lakers vs. Mavericks game and the ongoing narratives within the NBA. They tease upcoming topics, including further analysis of O’Shea Jackson Jr.'s experiences and more in-depth sports business insights.
"We'll talk about O’Shea Jackson Jr.'s story and how being starstruck affects athletes. Stay tuned."
(Rich, 55:30)
The hosts sign off with enthusiasm, encouraging listeners to engage with their content and stay tuned for future episodes.
Notable Quotes
-
Rich on Luka's Motivation:
"He's going to remind everybody that he's one of the greats and he's going to put on a show tonight."
(Rich, 13:15) -
Covino on LeBron's Underrated Status:
"LeBron James, he's not Michael Jordan, he's not Kobe, he's not even Magic or Bird. He's still underrated for what he's done for so long."
(Covino, 27:45) -
O’Shea Jackson Jr. on Meeting The Rock:
"I was starstruck beyond belief. I couldn't get any words out of my mouth as a kid."
(O’Shea Jackson Jr., 45:10)
Conclusion
Hour 2 - Call Me Fat & Find Out offers a comprehensive look into the motivations of athletes under scrutiny, the dynamics of player performance, and the intricate relationships within sports media. Covino and Rich provide insightful commentary, blending personal anecdotes with analytical discussions, making it a compelling listen for sports enthusiasts seeking depth and entertainment.
Note: This summary omits advertisements, promotional segments, and non-content sections to focus solely on the core discussions and insights presented during the episode.