Hour 2 - Culture Shifters

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2: Culture Shifters Release Date: February 6, 2025

The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, is renowned for its incisive discussions on the latest sports stories. In the February 6, 2025 episode titled "Hour 2: Culture Shifters," hosts Covino and Rich take the reins as they delve deep into the concept of culture shifters within the sports world, punctuated by engaging listener interactions and current event analyses.

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1. Filling in for Colin Cowherd (00:00 - 01:56)

Covino and Rich open the episode by explaining that they have stepped in for Colin Cowherd, who is attending Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans. They highlight recent guests, including Puka Nakua, Fred Warner, Vince Wilfork, Paige Spiranic, Kurt Shilling, and Malcolm Butler. Covino mentions:

"We had Paige Spiranic stop by. Pro golfer turned influencer." [01:44]

They also discuss their social media presence and encourage listeners to rate, review, and follow their podcast for updates and additional content.

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2. Exploring Culture Shifters in Sports (02:16 - 16:55)

The core of the episode revolves around identifying and discussing key figures who have significantly altered the cultures of their respective sports teams or organizations.

Key Figures Discussed:

• John Madden (00:22 - 06:12): Celebrating his 1969 takeover of the Oakland Raiders, Covino credits Madden with transforming the team's culture.

  "John Madden was that guy." [13:54]

• Joe Torre (02:47 - 03:12): Mentioned by Rich as another seminal culture shifter.

• Bill Walsh and the 49ers (03:22 - 03:30): Rich cites Walsh's introduction of the West Coast Offense as pivotal in elevating the 49ers to new heights.

  "When Bill Walsh took over the 49ers... they took the 49ers to new heights." [03:22]

• Pat Riley and Eric Spoelstra (03:51 - 04:05): Highlighted for their contributions to the Miami Heat's sustained success.

  "Pat Riley, Spoelstra, that's a culture shifter." [04:05]

• Pete Carroll (04:15 - 04:44): Discussed as a potential current culture shifter in the NFL.

  "I think Pete Carroll is a culture shifter." [04:15]

• Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers (04:54 - 05:24): Rich credits Harbaugh with giving the Chargers a playoff appearance and instilling a new identity.

  "Putting Jim Harbaugh at the helm made the playoffs." [05:24]

Listener Contributions:

• Kenneth from Miami (06:25 - 06:38): Suggests the New Orleans Saints as a culture-changed team through the acquisition of Drew Brees and Sean Payton.

  "They traded for Drew Brees and Sean Payton. That was a culture changer." [06:38]

• Cliff from Kentucky (14:50 - 15:31): Adds Tony La Russa and Andy Reid to the list of influential culture shifters.

  "Tony La Russa... Andy Reid winning as coach." [15:11]

• Spot (07:17 - 14:07): Offers insights on various coaches and their impact, including references to fictional coaches for illustrative purposes.

Discussion Highlights:

Covino and Rich explore how leadership changes can redefine team identities, citing both successful and struggling examples. They emphasize the importance of aligning leadership styles with team dynamics and player mindsets.

"It has to be the right mix of leader and players. It just has to be." [10:07]

Covino muses on the challenges of instilling a new culture, especially with younger athletes:

"You need that right leader to really work. Different locker rooms, different mindsets, different generations of people." [09:19]

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3. Super Bowl Highlights and Controversies (16:55 - 23:16)

The hosts transition to discussing the upcoming Super Bowl, focusing on notable attendees and halftime show controversies.

Key Topics:

• President Trump's Attendance (20:09 - 22:18):

  • Mahomes and Kelsey Bravac express excitement about playing in front of a sitting president.

    Mahomes: "It's always cool to be able to play in front of a sitting president..." [20:09]

    Kelsey: "It's a great honor no matter who the president is." [22:02]

  • Covino reflects on the significance beyond political affiliations:

    "It's an honor, even if you don't like the guy." [22:10]

• Halftime Show Controversy: Kendrick Lamar and Drake Lawsuit (23:05 - 25:16):

  • Marcus introduces the issue where Kendrick Lamar's song, "Not Like Us," is under scrutiny due to alleged defamatory lyrics about Drake.

    "The Drake diss track 'Not Like Us' is currently part of a defamation lawsuit by Drake against Kendrick Lamar." [23:16]

  • Debates ensue over whether the controversial lyrics will be censored or altered for the halftime performance.

    "There are two sensors in place plus a five-second delay." [24:46]

  • Covino and Rich discuss the implications, with Rich emphasizing the severity of the accusation:

    "Calling someone a pedophile is a pretty serious accusation." [24:33]

  • Spot underscores the anthem status of the song despite the controversy:

    "That song is not going anywhere." [25:02]

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4. Offbeat News and Listener Stories (23:16 - 36:55)

The episode transitions into discussing various offbeat and current news stories, enriched by listener calls and host banter.

Key Stories:

• Marcus Jordan’s DUI Arrest (25:17 - 26:54):

  • Marcus narrates the incident involving Michael Jordan's son, Marcus Jordan, who was arrested for DUI after driving into train tracks and exhibiting erratic behavior.

    "He was demanding that they play Mariah Carey up in the V." [25:44]

  • Covino comments on the embarrassment due to Marcus's high-profile family name:

    "I think it's major, unfortunately, because of his name, his father's name." [26:36]

  • Rich adds humor to the situation, likening Marcus’s behavior to a character from The Office.

    "It's like Michael Scott in The Office when he drove into a river." [25:48]

• Mavericks’ Trade and Refund Offers (26:55 - 28:54):

  • Discussion centers around the Dallas Mavericks offering refunds to season ticket holders following a surprising trade.

    "Fans who purchased ticket blocks... have reportedly been contacted by the Mavericks organization with an offer to refund their money." [27:12]

  • Covino criticizes the move as an appeasement tactic:

    "It's just a way of putting the fire out... super weak that they'd even have to explain this." [28:24]

  • Rich labels the Mavericks' approach as “crybaby behavior”:

    "It's a crybaby move." [28:28]

• J.D. Martinez’s Transition to Pickleball (28:54 - 35:59):

  • Covino and Rich discuss J.D. Martinez’s signing with the pickleball league Joola, pondering the trend of athletes finding new competitive arenas post-retirement.

    "J.D. Martinez... signed a professional contract with a pickleball company or league called Joola." [34:09]

  • They debate the viability and appeal of pickleball as an alternative sport for retired athletes, highlighting its growing popularity.

    "Pickleball seems like a perfect in between. When I go to Texas... I'll go to the gym." [35:02]

  • Covino connects this trend to maintaining competitive drive post-sports career:

    "If there's contracts to be had and money to be made... they still have that competitive juice." [35:48]

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5. Closing Remarks and Teasers (36:55 - End)

As the episode wraps up, Covino and Rich tease upcoming segments and encourage listener engagement.

• Final Stories:

  • Brief mentions of upcoming stories and guests, including J.D. Martinez's activities post-baseball.

  • Covino reflects on the transient nature of sports careers, likening them to child stars.

    "It's almost like if you're a child actor... you're no longer an NFL player." [33:50]

• Upcoming Content:

  • Hosts hint at exploring more about former athletes' ventures into new fields and sports ecosystems.

  • Announcement of joining pickleball evenings in New Orleans and encouraging listeners to tune in for future stories.

• Sign-Off:

  "Until then, at Covino and Rich, a lot of fun clips from today's show. Having great times here in New Orleans. Until then. Ariba di, baby." [37:17]

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Covino on Leadership and Culture:

  "You need that right leader to really work. Different locker rooms, different mindsets, different generations of people." [09:19]

• Rich on John Madden:

  "He changed the culture." [13:54]

• Kelsey Bravac on Super Bowl Significance:

  "It's a great honor no matter who the president is." [22:02]

• Marcus on J.D. Martinez:

  "J.D. Martinez... signed a professional contract with a pickleball company or league called Joola." [34:09]

• Covino on Mavericks' Refund Strategy:

  "It's just a way of putting the fire out... super weak that they'd even have to explain this." [28:24]

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Conclusion

In "Hour 2: Culture Shifters," Covino and Rich provide a comprehensive exploration of how pivotal figures reshape sports cultures, enriched by listener insights and timely discussions on major sports events and controversies. From legendary coaches like John Madden and Pat Riley to contemporary shifts influenced by leadership changes and athlete transitions, the episode offers listeners a nuanced understanding of the dynamics that drive success and transformation in the sports industry.

Transcript

[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 Covino and [e-mail] or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching FSR. Oh yeah, super weak.

[Covino]

Nothing super weak about it. But we are doing midweek major this hour. The biggest stories in the world of sports and pop culture. Are they midweek or major broadcasting? Live from row at Super Bowl 59 in Nolens. Half our crew back at the TireRack.com studio. TireRack.com will help you get there. An unmatched selection fast. Free shipping, free road hazard protection, over 10,000 recommended installers. Tirerack.com the way tire buying should be.

[Rich]

And if you missed any of the show today, we're doing the show now. We filled in for Colin earlier for three hours so lots of Cavito and Rich to catch up on. You can find it anywhere you get your pods. Just rate, Review Follow rated 5 stars. We'd appreciate that, thanks. Just search Coveeno and Rich and you'll be on your way. And Danny G. Does the great best of. So if you want a little quick listen, maybe you're at the gym pop in the airpod. Do you think?

[Covino]

Thank you guys for hanging out with us. Now Rich already said it, but we filled in for Colin on the herd because he's making his way out here to New Orleans. So we filled in earlier. We caught up with Puka Nakua, Fred Warner and Vince Wilfork. A lot of the highlights are on fox Sports Radio's YouTube page and Ovino and Rich Oxsports Radio on social media. But check the podcast search Covino and Rich. And yesterday I don't know if you missed it, but on our show we had Paige Sporanic stop by. Pro golfer turned influencer. Oh yeah, and I think Rich said so.

[Danny G]

Hot.

[Covino]

Who want to touch the hiney? I think you.

[Rich]

I think you said that. No, as, as.

[Covino]

Oh no, you said that about Kurt Shilling. That's right. That's funny cuz Kurt Shilling was also on the show. And if you missed it, catch it on the podcast.

[Rich]

By the way, Spot, I'll give him props. Our video guy Spot posted a picture of me yesterday. Yeah, I'm looking at Paige Spiranac.

[Covino]

Yeah, sure you were.

[Rich]

And he labeled it a test in eye control because I was so just looking at her eyes. I was looking. I was. But not easy not easy.

[Spot]

And not the best picture of you yesterday. The best photo of you yesterday just got posted to Twitter.

[Rich]

That's hilarious.

[Spot]

Yeah. Our boss approved this because I didn't want to embarrass anybody. But Scott, our boss, is a great sport about it.

[Covino]

Oh, he's the best. And I'm not kissing ass, but that's rich. Our boss sharing food yesterday, and we were trying to figure out, is that lame or awesome? Because you get a little bit of everything. But then you cause this whole scene where everybody's looking at you like, are these guys sharing plates? What's going on?

[Rich]

I think it's a legit move. I think before we get back into the John Madden thought, boom. I would love the feedback. Can you split a meal with a friend? And the answer is yes, I guess. All right, so John Madden, 1969, takes over the Oakland Raiders, changes the culture. You said Joe Torrey, New York Yankees. Oh.

[Covino]

Because it's a legitimate answer for sure. And I'm just getting it out of the way, getting the ball rolling. I'm not like you stealing everybody's answer. I'm just giving you mine. That immediately comes to mind.

[Rich]

I got one. I mean, this. There's more recent ones, but if you're going to use your team, I'll use mine. When Bill Walsh took over the Niners.

[Covino]

You don't have to do that.

[Rich]

When Bill Walsh took over the 49ers, West coast offense changed the culture change, took the 49ers to new heights. There's guys that do this in every sport. You know, I like to say that the Miami Heat, thanks to Pat Riley's leadership, and then Eric Spoelstra, that team, you know, they. Spoltra came up the ranks there. And under the tutelage of Pat Riley.

[Covino]

Yeah. What was his story? He would, like, pull video, right? Wasn't he like, the video guy?

[Spot]

Yeah, he was one of the video directors.

[Covino]

But that's an insane story. But you know what?

[Rich]

When you realize how Pat Riley came up the ranks, you know, started from the bottom, now he's here, he's.

[Covino]

He's living the life of Riley now.

[Rich]

So I think Pat Riley, Spoelstra, that's a culture shifter. And in the NFL, Danny, you better cross your fingers, because I think Pete Carroll is a culture shifter.

[Spot]

Yeah. Can Pete Carroll do what years ago, Jon Gruden did? Yeah, because remember, the Raiders were struggling big time. I was a season ticket holder at the time. And they were going through coaches like the way Covino goes through Choney's that's right back enough for Vegas and then New Orleans.

[Covino]

Yeah, exactly.

[Spot]

And I had to sit there and watch really bad teams. Suddenly Gruden comes in, they sign Rich Gannon, the two of them together turn the whole thing around and go to a Super Bowl.

[Rich]

No doubt. Hey, your feedback, your phone calls. 87799 on Fox. And before we go to the phones, any others that you want to throw out there? You want to steal some answers?

[Covino]

Steal some answers.

[Rich]

I mean this, see, this is an obvious one. I don't want, I don't want to give you the old open court layup on sport football. How about the easy touchdown Harbaugh. The Chargers, the Chargers have like no identity. And just by putting Jim Harbaugh at the helm, made the playoffs. Yeah, they didn't win in the playoffs. You know, Herbert had one of his worst games ever, but just the simple, like, oh, wow. Like people look at them different now.

[Covino]

I think that's a great example. But there's always that, oh, wait, I think that might be happening. Like I thought that was happening with Antonio Pierce for a second with Danny G's team. And then reality kicks in and you're like, yeah, nah, it was a bit of a shake up, but didn't turn out. You know, Dan Campbell might be that guy because I thought he was like one of those guys that brought his rah, rah, tough guy attitude and changed the culture for the Detroit Lions. But, you know, it's not necessarily, it's not failing, but it's not panning out either the way they wanted.

[Rich]

152 short short of a Super Bowl. Yes, but a team that had no playoff history.

[Covino]

But I think he gave them that, that identity and it's, it's working. It's just not all the way there yet. So, you know, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. What comes to mind for you guys again? The anniversary this week of John Madden with the Raiders.

[Rich]

His first coaching debut coaching gig.

[Covino]

Yep.

[Spot]

And by the way, really quick, I should add, I realized Gannon and Gruden didn't get to go to the super bowl together. Thanks, Al Davis for that one. All right, let's go to the studio lines. Kenneth in Miami. What's up?

[Rich]

Yo, what's up, man?

[Kenneth]

Oh, real quick. My point is with Madden, but I.

[Rich]

Just wanted to say, what about the New Orleans Saints? They stunk for so long and then.

[Kenneth]

They traded for Drew Brees and Sean Payton. That was a culture changer.

[Rich]

No doubt. You know, we're down here in New Orleans and you know you walk down the block and you're still seeing Drew Brees jerseys. There's our guy. Stephen A. What's up, man?

[Covino]

Hey, Stephen, Our next president. Yeah, buddy. There he is. I got him to laugh, too.

[Rich]

That's funny. What was your other one, bro?

[Covino]

I think that was a good one because a lot of times with new, it doesn't even have to be coaching, but management, you see, they bring their own guys in and that's a total culture shift. Culture shock, right? They bring their own guys and a lot of times it works. Sometimes it doesn't. Doesn't always work.

[Spot]

All right, let's go to Josh in Ohio.

[Covino]

Hey, Josh.

[Rich]

Kavino and Rich live in New Orleans. What's up, buddy?

[Kenneth]

Hey, what's up, guys? Hope you're having some safe fun in Vegas. Don't let Vegas chew you up, okay?

[Rich]

Vegas.

[Covino]

Vegas. We left Vegas. We're in New Orleans.

[Rich]

Vegas already chewed me up.

[Kenneth]

My bad.

[Rich]

Get it? Letting nobody chew me up.

[Kenneth]

Before I give you my coach, I just want to say the three main leagues, baseball, basketball, football, two of them have silhouettes as the logo. Can we give John Madden his flowers and make the silhouette of his head the NFL log, please? Can you guys talk to somebody out there?

[Spot]

That would be awesome.

[Rich]

The NHL and the NFL have like a shield, you know, I agree.

[Covino]

What the.

[Rich]

Madden being carried off the field. That's a silhouette you could see.

[Covino]

Yeah, you know, we talked about that on Over Promised. That's our bonus pod. If you check it on fox Sports Radio's YouTube page, over promised. Like, does it need a revamp? That's actually a great idea.

[Rich]

All right, what's your. What's your example, buddy?

[Kenneth]

So my coach, I didn't get to see Madden coach, but I grew up watching this man. He changed the league with the triangle offense. What about Phil J.

[Rich]

No doubt. No diggity.

[Covino]

No, that's. That's a great one for sure.

[Rich]

Phil Jackson and everywhere he went, just was a winner. You could say, like the luckiest guy, but also a talented guy.

[Spot]

There's that famous John Madden silhouette, by the way. I called it up on my phone.

[Covino]

Oh, yeah?

[Rich]

Oh, yeah. Not even the one of him getting carried off. This, the, the, the profile of him with the headset on, it's like his.

[Covino]

Alfred Hitchcock profile or something, you know? And, and by the way, these culture changers, these culture shifts, they happen on every level. Like my daughter's high school team, right? They're known to stink and they're. I think they're terrible. I went to a game of zero.

[Rich]

Zero.

[Covino]

I told you. And they ended the game. I was like, imagine that.

[Rich]

By the way, that. That's. That story can't be. I swear to God, that story can't be worse. Kavino goes to support his daughter because she's a cheerleader. So you're already going there to be like, oh, honey, I'll support you. Hopefully I at least get to watch a good.

[Covino]

You want to get some little. Some raw talent out there, right?

[Rich]

You said zero. Zero went to overtime. No one scored, no final score.

[Covino]

Dude, I can't believe that was the worst. I told my daughter she didn't cheer hard enough. I'm like, it's your fault. You just cheered harder. It would have been a better game.

[Rich]

But you're saying the culture's been, you.

[Covino]

Know, so they got a new coach and everything. And you see, like, you see the attempt while it's happening. Like, I'm at. You know, this guy's real adamant about changing the culture here. It's just sometimes it doesn't always translate based on the team and based on the type of kids. Like, you need that right leader to really work. And now I'm seeing this real rah, rah, tough guy type of guy trying to rob these kids, and I'm wondering, is that what these kids need? I think it is. But you're different with different teams. Different locker rooms, different mindsets, different generations of people. That's why it could be a good leader. Like, we always use the Tony La Russa example, but he was an old guy talking to young people. That didn't work with the White Sox.

[Spot]

I have a modern. A new example just turned their season around, and it started from the top down. New ownership, new leadership. Magic Johnson in there. How about Dan Quinn and what he did with the commanders?

[Rich]

What a great experience.

[Covino]

That's awesome. Yeah.

[Rich]

Yeah, that. That team had it like a 10 game differential from the previous season just based on, you know, drafting correctly, getting. Getting a motivational coach in there.

[Spot]

So please, please, Pete Carroll do that for the Raiders. Please.

[Marcus]

Pete. Carol.

[Covino]

Hey, Rich. Are you gonna bring this Dan Quinn sort of mentality to your little league team or what?

[Rich]

Listen, man, as you know, I'm.

[Covino]

Rich is coaching two teams.

[Spot]

I heard he's the number one coach on Fox Sports Radio.

[Covino]

I mean, he says it, like, off the air all the time.

[Rich]

Listen, I told Doug. I'm sorry, hey, God, leave. I'm the number one coach. No, but, you know, interestingly enough, I was talking to Doug about his experience in Green Bay.

[Covino]

Yeah.

[Rich]

And he said Listen, we may be losing now, but he's like, I got good kids that want to win. And we're just creating a culture. And sometimes it takes a minute to get the town. Especially in college when you got, you got to recruit.

[Covino]

He goes, it starts with the culture.

[Rich]

He said some of his best players are hurt and. But the kids aren't like, when they're losing, they're losing with effort and heart. They're not like they haven't, you know, checked out.

[Covino]

Yeah, I thought of one. You guys haven't even thought of. You guys should be ashamed. 87799 on Fox, the anniversary this week of John Madden changing the culture of.

[Spot]

Not only Covino and Rich got on the full time lineup.

[Covino]

Oh, we changed the culture, bro.

[Rich]

You know what? I don't disagree with it.

[Covino]

Yeah, that's Rich, man. It's all Rich. I give Rich all the credit.

[Rich]

Thanks.

[Covino]

Because he's VIP at the Culture Club. He's a big Boy George fan.

[Spot]

That's why.

[Covino]

That's why Coach Lou Brown, dude, I know it's fictional, but did he not entire world give him the heater?

[Rich]

You're bringing up coach Lou Brown.

[Covino]

They were the weakest franchise.

[Rich]

Well, if you're gonna go over and.

[Covino]

They brought you Brown.

[Rich]

All right, go over fictional coach.

[Covino]

That's the whole point, though. He changed the culture. He made them believe in themselves. They won.

[Rich]

If you're gonna go over fake ass answers. Which are fun.

[Covino]

No, they're fun.

[Rich]

How do you, how do you not bring up coach Gordon Bombay, Mighty Duck?

[Covino]

Because I never watched that corny movie.

[Rich]

I'm sorry I brought up Major League.

[Covino]

Yeah, I never saw it.

[Rich]

I need Fox Sports Radio Nation to.

[Covino]

I mean, Major league is cooler than the Mighty Wayne to.

[Rich]

To hit up Covino at Covino and let him know that it's an embarrassment. And not only that, you have a daughter. She would love it too.

[Covino]

Yeah, but you made it out like Gordon Bay was the better answer over coach Lou Brown.

[Rich]

I think he is.

[Covino]

All right, well, I wasn't trying to debate it. I'm just saying I never saw it. I know the premise of the movie. I know I'm a big Emilio Estevez guy. I like him, Amelia.

[Rich]

Yeah, I saw him at a club.

[Covino]

I was like, emilio, by the way.

[Rich]

I do this with my wife when my wife doesn't know 80s show that we watch. Like, I'm like, babe, what do you think the premise of, I don't know, Family Ties was? And hearing her like pretend to guess. So you tell me, what is the Plot line of muddy ducks.

[Covino]

It was just from my understanding, a bunch of misfit kids that he was coaching.

[Rich]

Why'd he coach him, though?

[Covino]

I don't remember that, but I actually.

[Rich]

Do you have any guests?

[Covino]

It's about to guess.

[Rich]

Go on.

[Covino]

Emilio Estevez was, like, doing, like, community service.

[Rich]

Yeah. No. So he was a former, like, star hockey player.

[Covino]

Okay.

[Rich]

Got pulled over, drinking and driving. And part of not going to jail was you used to play hockey. You're a big shot. Coach these misfit kids. And he reluctantly did it and then falls in love with the kids and they go from misfits like, I don't know, winning like the world championship in a year. That's the part that's hard to imagine, but nonetheless a great move.

[Covino]

But again, it happens on the lowest and smallest of levels. It happens at your office, at your warehouse, wherever you're working. Some new guys in charge. He might bring his own people in there, but he's responsible for shifting the culture. And we're basically focusing on the positive here. A lot of people could do that for the negative, for the positive here. And John Madden was that guy.

[Spot]

How about a coach who. His slick tear is almost as nice as Covino's Sean McVay. The Rams had the Jeff Fisher experience. We are not flipping going seven and nine again.

[Covino]

Yeah. Know what? I like that answer. Yeah, he's cool.

[Rich]

You ever see that awkward Jeff Fiser clip where he calls a meeting with his coaches and he's like, I've been fired. You never see.

[Covino]

I'm not sure I've seen it now.

[Rich]

No, honestly, if you're bored, look it up. It's. It's like, I guess they were filming some NFL film stuff. Like, it's. It's video from the conference room, and everyone's like, sort of like, oh, oh, you guys are all safe. But I've been.

[Covino]

Look up. I'll say, I'll throw some other ones out there. Reluctantly, I say Terry Francona of the Red Sox, you know, when he was with the Red Sox, Joe Madden was another guy that changed the culture in baseball. You know, these guys that turned losing franchise into winning franchises. Back to the phones at 877-99-CON FOX.

[Spot]

Let's say what's up to Cliff in Kentucky?

[Rich]

Hey, Cliff. What's up, bud?

[Kenneth]

Hey, I got two names. One's in baseball. Tony La Russa. If you take a look at where he. Where he's been, they go from mediocre if not losing to world championships, and then an obvious one that it'd be Andy Reid.

[Rich]

Andy Reid winning as coach. You know, both teams that are playing Sunday, the winningest coach in both of those franchises history. And by the way, the Tony Larussa. One thing is interesting because early on, yes. And then, much like everything, sadly in life, there's an expiration. And I think Tony Lewis, a. When he found his way to the White Sox, then there came a point.

[Covino]

Where he didn't speak their language. Yeah, it has to be the right mix of leader and players. It just has to be. And I mentioned Joe Madden of the Cubs, Rich, you know, and how he changed around. You could even say, wasn't Frank Kona. It wasn't Joe Madden. You say it was Theo Epstein. That really shifted the culture there as a young gm.

[Rich]

Theo Epstein is a gm. When you have the. He's just a G. When you have the huevos. When you have the huevos like you saw in the comeback documentary about the Red Sox, people forget Noma was the face of that team. And he had the, like I said, the huevos enough to be like, yeah, I know, like most kids have his jersey. But yeah, we're going to trade him. And I just feel like we need more clubhouse guys. We need a different culture.

[Covino]

That's exactly what happened with Luka. And we've talked about that because the thinking there was, if we're really going to shift the culture, it starts with no more. Even though he's a great player, need him out. And that's the same thinking with Luka. Yeah, he's a great player. But if we're going to shift the culture here and change things around, he's got to go, well, hey, we got to focus on defense.

[Rich]

We're doing it live. Radio Row New Orleans, Covino and Rich. Now again, all week, we'll try to.

[Covino]

Have a. Dan Beyer would say, you cut the head of the snake. Yeah, you got to cut the head of the snake.

[Rich]

It's. It's just a lot of fun. We're looking around. You see a lot of, a lot of hall of Famers, a lot of current players. So we'll try to get you as much as much fun with these celebrities and athletes as possible throughout the week. And coming up, we are going to get to Midweek Major, our buddy spot, who's grinding on some random woman somewhere. No, he's. He's putting up videos as we speak. At Kobe. No, Rich, he'll give you the hottest stories in sports and entertainment and we'll break that down next. Midweek Major coming up right Here, Kavin.

[Bobby Bones]

On Rich Fox Sports Radio has the best sports talk lineup in the nation. Catch all of our [e-mail] and within the iHeartRadio app. Search FSR to listen live.

[Danny G]

Ever notice your dog slowing down and having health issues and wonder, what can I do to make them better? Well, my friend, add rough greens to your dog's food for 90 days and I guarantee you'll see changes that will amaze you. Greetings, Naturopathy Dr. Dennis Black, inventor of Ruffgreens here, and I invite you to give your pup the Rough Greens 90 Day Challenge. In the first 30 days, you'll see shinier coats and increased energy. By day 60, your dog will have a stronger immune system, less shedding, improved joint function, all due to the live nutrients that you've added to their diet. And at 90 days, better digestion, reduced inflammation, improved heart health, and you may even have reduced their cancer risk. Fetch your dog a free Jumpstart trial bag today. Go to ruffgreens.com use promo code 90days. That's ruffgreens.com use Promo Code 90day. You just cover the shipping. You don't have to change your dog's food to improve your dog's health. Just add a scoop of rough greens.

[Stephen A]

Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast, Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. Between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times bestsellers, and one mirrorball trophy from Dancing with the Star. So where else you can find a show with that much athleticism and football insight? Based in Nashville, we're more than just your basic NFL show. We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything because we got lots to say. I. I texted you and you texted me back. Now, I don't know if you have the update, but like, all the little thumbs up and heart and stuff, like, it's all colored. They changed and the heart's a little pink. It felt like I told you I loved you. I'm going to be honest, it was a little pink.

[Rich]

There was something sentimental when you, like when you send it. Like, do I send the heart now?

[Stephen A]

I don't like the color edition.

[Rich]

It's extremely pink.

[Stephen A]

Listen to Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Bobby Bones]

Covino and Rich gets you over the middle of the week with midweek Major.

[Rich]

Oh, I love that we throw sports.

[Bobby Bones]

And pop culture headlines, topics at the fellas. And it's like the kids say, that's so mid. We definitely major CNR scoring midweek. Major.

[Spot]

About to give Spotty a full eight minutes here.

[Rich]

You're lying.

[Marcus]

You're lying.

[Spot]

When you hear the horns, you know you have made it to the middle of the week. All right, before we hand things over to the number one and only host of this segment, I'm gonna flip this casino chip that your friend left behind yesterday. All right, Covino, heads or tails?

[Covino]

Oh, you mean the way the one she slipped into my back pocket? Yeah, that was that one. Let's see it. Yeah. I call tails.

[Spot]

Tails. It.

[Covino]

Oh.

[Spot]

And it is tails. That means Covino's going to get the first take. And now, ladies and gentlemen, the most famous person besides Judy Bloom from Scotch Plains, New Jersey, Spotty Boy.

[Marcus]

Hi, boy.

[Covino]

Spotty from Nolands.

[Marcus]

Wait, who. Who went first? Who's going first?

[Covino]

I'm going first. Covino.

[Rich]

Spotty Po Boy. How was your sandwich, by the way?

[Marcus]

It was meaty. You know what? Wasn't what I expected, but it was also meaty. Anyway, I guess we'll start with the biggest thing of the week, the biggest sports story of the week, and that is the super bowl, of course. Mahomes and Kelsey been fielding questions all week long. So aside from the Taylor Swift questions, they were asked about the attendance of our President Trump, and they're thrilled at the opportunity. Mahomes said, it's always cool to be able to play in front of a sitting president, someone that is at the top of our country. Also added, it was cool to hear that the president was a fan of Mahomes and the Chiefs. Kelsey commented, saying, it's a great honor no matter who the president is. I'm excited because it's the biggest game of my life and having the president there, you know, it's the best country in the world, so it'll be pretty cool. I'm sure fans will be kind of divvying the minutes between showing President Trump and Taylor Swift on tv. So that'll be fun. Midweek or major.

[Covino]

This is major.

[Rich]

Always cool to perform in front of a sitting president. Hopefully he stands up and cheers for me when we win. Yeah. But very excited that Trump's going to be there because my wife's a big.

[Covino]

Fan and that's really it. I think it's cool because he's the president.

[Rich]

Right.

[Covino]

So I think it's awesome that he's going to be there regardless of your political beliefs. Anything Trump related? Major. He's at the game. And I think it is sort of proof that Patrick sways with his wife in her political beliefs.

[Rich]

I just think. I think it's major.

[Stephen A]

Definitely major.

[Rich]

Because it's just the right answer. There's a right answer here. And it's no matter who the president.

[Covino]

Is, not everybody feels that way.

[Rich]

I think it's crazy. You're a citizen of the United States. The president's there. It's an honor, even if you don't like the guy.

[Danny G]

China, China.

[Rich]

China, China. I mean, you're playing in the Super Bowl.

[Covino]

China.

[Rich]

I think it's an honor. And I think my big takeaway doesn't have to do with President Trump. What Kelsey also said there goes against everything. This knucklehead next to me. Camino thinks China. Travis Kelsey said this is the biggest game of his life. And you're talking about, oh, Jalen, hurts and revenge and Nick Sirianni.

[Covino]

No, no, no, no, no. I never downplayed the fact that the Chiefs care. You underplay and never mention ever that the Eagles are also playing for something. See? So there you go twisting things around.

[Spot]

That's coming up into the next segment.

[Marcus]

Yeah, I don't have any stories.

[Rich]

He makes it seem like, like he makes it seem like the Chiefs are Rocky and Rocky 3, where he's punching, hey, like bubbles.

[Covino]

So believe me, believe. With two time super bowl champion Vince Wilfort today. Yeah, Vince Wilfor. Believe him, believe him. And if you didn't hear it, catch it on the podcast.

[Marcus]

Over to the halftime show. Kendrick Lamar is set to take the stage in this week's weekend's halftime show. But the song that thrust him into popularity this year might have slightly different lyrics or might not be there at all. So the Drake diss track Not Like Us is currently part of a defamation lawsuit by Drake against Kendrick Lamar for some accusations he makes in the song, specifically calling him a pedophile just to be newsworthy here. So today's the day the set list was submitted and now lawyers are going back and forth as to whether or not the censors will have a field day with the song, whether or not he's going to change the song, whether or not the song will be included. But he just won four Grammys for the song, so hopefully it makes it in. And if he does push it through without the approval, there's two sensors in place plus a five second delay. So I'm sure they'll have their backups midweek. Or Major.

[Covino]

I guess it's kind of Major. Because now we're all going to see how this plays out. And what's Drake's take on this? Obviously he doesn't like it, but he's involved.

[Marcus]

Well, there's a defamation lawsuit because. Yeah, that's part of the distract.

[Covino]

So weak.

[Rich]

No Jack Quaid any good. He went. We.

[Covino]

No, that's. That's the weakest part about it. It's a major story because super bowl, but it's super weak because that's like Devin Haney getting knocked out and trying to sue Ryan Garcia. Yo, you lost the rap battle. You deal with it.

[Rich]

Calling someone a pedophile is a pretty serious accusation.

[Covino]

It is. I said rap battle.

[Rich]

You know, I see Drake. Listen, if you're Kendrick Lamar, you have the song of the year, you want a Grammy for it. It's what everyone's going to be looking forward to. There's 0.0 chance he doesn't perform that song.

[Covino]

It's a rap game. You just like a crybaby.

[Rich]

Change the one word pedophile just to make it just.

[Spot]

But Drake took all these low blow shots also. So that's what happens in a rap battle. And it's an anthem now. It is a worldwide anthem. You can't change the words in an anthem.

[Marcus]

It's a Grammy winning anthem.

[Covino]

That stadium's gonna sing them anyway.

[Spot]

That's what I'm saying.

[Marcus]

If you want. If you did watch the Grammys, which we did, you saw that every major artist at the Grammys was singing along with that song. So that song is not going anywhere.

[Rich]

And Drake was crying in the corner.

[Bobby Bones]

Right.

[Marcus]

He wasn't even there.

[Covino]

Drake just lost in the worst way possible.

[Marcus]

All right, over to another big story. We heard about Marcus Jordan's DUI arrest. Michael Jordan's son. Well, the police report has been released and some of the details of this are hilarious. Obviously, it's horrible that he had a dui. He was caught on his Lambo, got stuck on train tracks.

[Rich]

Well, his explanation is whack too. Like I'm at a right hand turn. I thought it was a side street. Oh, it was train tracks.

[Marcus]

I was following my GPS that led me into the train tracks.

[Rich]

It's like Michael Scott in the office when he. Right when he drove into a river or a lake or whatever.

[Marcus]

Not only was he belligerent with officers, he was so upset with when he was detained with the music situation at the facility. Apparently, according to the police report, he was demanding that they play this. By the way, this happened this week. Demanding that they play holiday music. Most more specifically that they play Mariah Carey up in this V. So apparently all I Want for Christmas is a huge hit in February of 2025. It won't go away. So, yeah, a lot of just details coming out about this. Marcus Jordan not looking great midweek or major.

[Covino]

I think it's major, unfortunately, because of his name, his father's name, who he was quick to throw out there. The moment he realized he was in trouble, he didn't hesitate to be like, yeah, Michael Jordan's son. Yeah, the whole thing's embarrassing. So major because of his last name. Mariah.

[Marcus]

You say Mariah Carey specifically by name.

[Rich]

Interesting. I think it's major because the story's so weird.

[Covino]

I think this is to show you how. How off he was.

[Rich]

I don't. He said the word. By the way, if you watch a video, he says the word inebriated, inebriate. You don't use a big word like that.

[Marcus]

Created.

[Rich]

But to request Mariah, I don't blame him. Listen, no, I love that no one should get free passes. You know, you break the law, you break the law. I get it. But I mean, I think if you're Michael Drake as a kid, you almost have to drop the name. Hoping that maybe it's like a super fan. Like I. I really think that. I get why he did it. Bad luck though.

[Marcus]

Bad luck.

[Stephen A]

Horrible.

[Marcus]

Look, all right, if you're a fan that's upset about the Luca trade and you're a Mav Mav season ticket holder, you may be able to get your money back. I don't know if you heard about this. Fans who purchased ticket blocks prior to the season have reportedly been contacted by the Mavericks organization with an offer to refund their money in wake of the trade. Fans were posting some posted that like they were offered 2k for as a refund. Other fans confirming they were given a similar option. Mavericks haven't released an official statement that they're refunding, but they did say that they value their season ticket holders relationships and that reps are available to take calls from members with any concern. So it sounds like they are doing a little bit of damage control since this was a surprise to everyone midweek or major.

[Covino]

This is the weakest story and we talked about it in depth on the Colin Cowherd show. We filled in earlier so catch it on the podcast. But for so many reasons, the Mavericks should be like, deal with it. We made a dope move, be excited about it, but it's really to appease and accommodate the Karens of The world and to shut them up, which makes it extra weak. So I think it's just a way of putting the fire out, as you explained, Spot, but super weak that they'd even have to explain this.

[Rich]

It's a triple B move. It's. It's baby B behavior here.

[Covino]

Yeah, it's to accommodate sports crybabies.

[Rich]

It's a crybaby move. And I. I said to these guys earlier, I also hate the move because you're the Mavericks. And the Mavericks. It almost seems like you're saying, yeah, we got the short end of this trade. Like, the Mavericks should be excited about getting Anthony Davis. He's all slouch. It's not like they give up Luca for a bag of potato chips. You know, they. They got Anthony Davis.

[Covino]

If you're a fan, how are you not excited about seeing that and how it pans out?

[Rich]

That's a hot ticket now. I know, Spot. We gotta go. But you're a foodie. How did you not bring up the food Taylor Swift is gonna have in the suite? Did you see this?

[Marcus]

Oh, I didn't see it.

[Rich]

No. Lobster quesadillas, wagyu tenderloin, colossal shrimp and alligator sauce, brisket. Like, they are breaking out all the top food for Taylor.

[Marcus]

One of my stories was about all the super bowl sweets. And by the way, they're ranging from 500,000 for, like, obstructed views up to the suite that I assume Taylor Swift has 3 million, which is the most sought after suite that holds 45 people.

[Rich]

Obstructive view. What is it Jaden Smith's hat in front of you?

[Marcus]

Yeah, I think so.

[Covino]

Thanks, buddy.

[Marcus]

All right, thanks. Good one, Rich.

[Covino]

There's a guy. There was a guy. There's a guy in front of me.

[Rich]

Wearing a castle on his head.

[Covino]

I want my money back.

[Rich]

Can't do grabby jokes. Four days later.

[Marcus]

Nope, too late.

[Rich]

Sorry.

[Marcus]

All right, thanks, guys. It's fun.

[Rich]

Thank you.

[Covino]

Now, we still have lots to get to, Rich, if we have time. I do want to talk about J.D. martinez, but you know what?

[Spot]

Let's.

[Rich]

Let's wrap with J.D. this is an interesting story. What is he doing post baseball? We'll let you know. We are live from New Orleans media row Covino and Rich. Now, Kavino, that sweet jacket you got.

[Covino]

Thank you very major.

[Bobby Bones]

Fox Sports Radio has the best sports talk lineup in the nation. Catch all of our [e-mail] and within the iHeartRadio app. Search FSR to listen live.

[Danny G]

Ever notice your dog slowing down and having health issues and wonder, what can I do to make them better? Well, my friend, add rough greens to your dog's food for 90 days and I guarantee you'll see changes that will amaze you. Greetings, naturopathic doctor Dennis Black, inventor of ruffgreens here, and I invite you to give your pup the Ruffgreens 90 Day Challenge. In the first 30 days, you'll see shinier coats and increased energy. By day 60, your dog will have a stronger immune system, less shedding, improved joint function, all due to the live nutrients that you've added to their diet. And at 90 days, better digestion, reduced inflammation, improved heart health, and you may even have reduced their cancer risk. Fetch your dog a free Jumpstart trial bag today. Go to roughgreens.com use promo code 90days. That's ruffgreens.com use promo code90day. You just cover the shipping. You don't have to change your dog's food to improve your dog's health. Just add a scoop of rough greens.

[Stephen A]

Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast, Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. Between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times bestsellers, and one mirrorball trophy from Dancing with the Star. So where else you can find a show with that much athleticism and football insight? Based in Nashville, we're more than just your basic NFL show. We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything because we got lots to say. I texted you and you texted me back. Now I don't know if you have the update, but like all the little thumbs up and heart and stuff, like it's all colored, they changed and the heart's a little pink. It felt like I told you I loved you. I'm gonna be honest, it was a little pink.

[Rich]

There was something sentimental when you, like when you send it. It was like, do I send the heart now?

[Stephen A]

I don't like the color edition.

[Rich]

It's extremely pink.

[Stephen A]

Listen to Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Covino]

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[Rich]

Oh, they're the walkie talkie for the big game.

[Covino]

Yeah, they are.

[Rich]

Rapid Radios, Push to talk, offering national LT coverage. No subscription ever. Perfect for instant contact with your friends. We use them here on the show. Go to rapidradios.com now for up to 60% off and free shipping.

[Covino]

Now real quick, right quick, hit us up ovinohenrich and follow our adventures here in New Orleans OX Sports Radio. Lots of interview clips and if you missed any of our interviews, we had Curt Schilling yesterday, Paige Spiranek. We had Vince Wilfork, Fred Warner and Puka Nukua in for Colin Cowherd. Earlier again, check the podcast. And we also had Malcolm Butler stop by earlier today on this show. Again, if you missed any of it, catch it Covino and Rich, wherever you stream your podcast. Now, when I was talking to Malcolm, you know, I was looking at the guy. He's 34 years old and he's retired already for the past three years. I mean he's accomplished a lot. Two time Super bowl champion, but he's only 34. He did mention that he's coaching high school kids and football and everything. But I'm sure the guy still wants to compete. That's the thing with athletes. They retire so young, but they still have that competitive juice in them.

[Rich]

You know what it's sort of like in a way, I've never thought of this analogy, but there's sort of like kid stars.

[Covino]

Yeah, in a way I see what you mean.

[Rich]

Like you, you have a game and.

[Covino]

Ate them up and spit them out.

[Rich]

It's almost like if you're, you know, if you're a child actor, you're on a show for like six years and.

[Covino]

They'Re not cute anymore.

[Rich]

And then, yeah, you're an NFL player, you're in the NFL three, four, five, six years and then, you know, you can have a great life but you no longer an NFL player.

[Covino]

So J.D. martinez, superstar with the Red Sox, then was injured, bounced around, ended up on riches Mets might be doing something that we may see more of in the future. That's why I brought up Malcolm Butler and all these young athletes that are, you know, retired in their 30s. J.D. martinez was signed by some sort of pickleball brand and league called Joola. I'm not familiar with it. I don't play pickleball. I've never played, but I'm not against it. J O O L A for me, it's like, do I take on golf or do I get into pickleball?

[Rich]

I'll Give you your answer. Yeah, I know you. You're really good at ping pong. Yeah, we've played tennis before and we're all right. Yeah, Pickleball seems like a perfect in between. When I go to Texas, my wife's from New Braunfels. Yeah, There's a big gym there I'll go to if we stay for like a week. Young, old, everyone, they're.

[Covino]

Yeah, I'm not opposed to it.

[Rich]

Every court is taken. It looks so fun blowing up.

[Covino]

There's professional league now. The story with J.D. martinez is that there's no ceiling on his potential. Apparently he's really good. And when we talked to Puka Nakua earlier, he's like, I've played, but a guy like J.D. martinez probably whooped me like I'm not good enough to go pro. Oh, yeah.

[Rich]

Young, old, it's. Listen, you don't need. You don't need the athleticism of tennis. And it's, you know, more intense than ping pong. I think pickleball is such a great activity. I'm surprised my dad doesn't get into pickleball because my dad plays tennis, but he's like 70 now, so maybe it's time to play a little pickleball.

[Covino]

Not only is this J.D. martinez story making me think maybe that's something we get into, but it has to be.

[Rich]

Tom Brady's very involved in that.

[Covino]

I was gonna say it has to be like lighting some fires and sparking some thought for a lot of former athletes to say, yeah, well, maybe I do something like that. If there's contracts to be had and money to be made, and I'm, I'm.

[Rich]

An athlete and you got those competitive juices.

[Covino]

You got those. There's only so many broadcasting opportunities available. Right. So if they still want to compete and have fun and, and get sponsorships, maybe that's more of an angle in the future that we need to explore.

[Rich]

If you were told that some of your favorite NBA, NFL, and Major League baseball stars competed against each other in pickleball. If I was like, camino this Saturday, guess who's playing? It's, you know, Drew Brees against Manny Ramirez in pickleball, like, honestly, it sounds ridiculous, but if it's also an avenue for some of our favorite retired athletes, it might be fun.

[Covino]

Right? You root for these guys. So JD Martinez going probably after baseball. He signed a professional contract with a pickleball company or league. Again, I don't know what Joola is J O O L A. But anyway, I feel like you got us.

[Rich]

I feel like you'd respect it more if it had a better name. I feel like Kavito's like Pickleball. Sounds stupid.

[Covino]

Yeah, you know what? You're absolutely right. I don't. I don't like that.

[Rich]

Honestly, Danny, there's TV shows that Kavino has refused because he doesn't like their name. Like Handmaid's Tale. They look like pilgrims.

[Covino]

Well, check this, guys. We're gonna be heading out tonight, Pickleball. And we're gonna be partying here in New Orleans and we're gonna come back with all the stories tomorrow, okay? More guests stopping by. Never know who's gonna stop by Radio Row. So join us and yeah, we'll come back with some juice tomorrow.

[Rich]

No doubt. Until then, at Covino and Rich, a lot of fun clips from today's show. Having great times here in New Orleans. Until then. Ariba di, baby.

[Covino]

See you in the promised land.