The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: Hour 2 - Forever Young in Sports.. Mentally
Release Date: May 27, 2025

In this engaging episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," hosts Covino and Rich delve into the intriguing intersection of age, mental resilience, and athleticism in the world of sports. Titled "Forever Young in Sports.. Mentally," the discussion revolves around the unconventional case of a 24-year-old individual who posed as a high school student to participate in youth sports. The episode not only dissects the ethics and feasibility of such actions but also invites listeners to ponder the broader implications of age and mental fortitude in athletic performance.

1. The Anthony Labrador Scandal

[10:15]

The episode kicks off with a riveting account of Anthony Labrador, a 24-year-old from Venezuela who deceived a family in Perrysburg, Ohio, by posing as a 16-year-old orphan to join their high school's junior varsity (JV) sports team. Covino narrates the unraveling of Labrador's deception:

Covino: "He convinced the family that he was a teenage orphan with nowhere else to go, only to be exposed when his baby mama reached out for child support."
[10:20]

This revelation sparks a deeper conversation about the lengths individuals might go to for the love of sports and the ethical boundaries crossed in pursuit of athletic dreams.

2. Can Older Adults Compete in High School Sports?

[15:45]

Rich raises a provocative question:

Rich: "Do you think a 24-year-old could feasibly play high school sports today?"
[15:50]

Covino responds by weighing the mental and physical aspects:

Covino: "Your ego might say you can still perform, but physically, it's a different ball game."
[16:05]

The hosts explore whether mental confidence can compensate for the inevitable physical decline that comes with age. They discuss training regimens, the advancements in youth athleticism, and the potential impacts on team dynamics and fairness.

3. Listener Perspectives and Experiences

[22:30]

The conversation takes an interactive turn as listeners call in to share their thoughts:

• Caller from Los Angeles:

  "I play softball twice a week; with some practice, I might try batting, but running the entire game would be tough."
  [22:35]

• David from Texas:

  "At 58, I can't do contact sports, but I enjoy golf and tennis."
  [22:50]

These calls highlight a range of viewpoints, from skepticism about older individuals' physical capabilities to appreciation for the mental aspects of sports that transcend age.

4. WNBA Racist Fan Behavior Investigation

[28:10]

Shifting gears, Covino brings up a recent controversy in the WNBA:

Covino: "The WNBA released a statement saying they found no evidence supporting allegations of racist behavior by fans during a game between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever."
[28:15]

Rich expresses his reservations:

Rich: "It's similar to false hate crime reports, undermining real instances when they occur."
[28:30]

The hosts critique the league's investigation process, questioning the thoroughness and transparency, and discuss the broader implications of such incidents on the sport's integrity and fan trust.

5. Iron Mike Trivia with Mike Tyson

[34:20]

A highlight of the episode features the "Iron Mike Trivia" segment, where legendary boxer Mike Tyson joins Covino and Rich for a round of sports-related questions. Tyson's charismatic participation adds a layer of entertainment and depth to the discussion. Notable moments include:

Mike Tyson: "I'm not Mother Teresa, but I'm not Charles Manson either."
[35:05]
Covino: "Well, Mike, you nailed that last question!"
[35:10]

Tyson's presence underscores the episode's theme of mental strength and resilience, embodying the "forever young" spirit in sports.

6. Sports News Roundup

[38:00]

The hosts provide listeners with a concise update on recent sports happenings:

• Knicks vs. Pacers:

  "Game four of the Eastern Conference finals is tonight at eight o'clock Eastern time. The Pacers lead the best-of-seven series two games to one."
  [38:15]

• LeBron James' Player Option:

  "LeBron James is likely to exercise his player option for next season and remain with the Lakers."
  [38:30]

• Denver Broncos' Ring of Honor:

  "The Broncos will enshrine the late wide receiver Demarius Thomas into the team's Ring of Honor."
  [38:45]

• NHL and NFL Updates:

  "T.J. Watt is entering the final year of his deal with the Steelers, while James Cook seeks a new contract in Buffalo."
  [39:00]

7. Closing Remarks and Sponsor Messages

[42:00]

As the episode wraps up, Covino and Rich thank their listeners and remind them of upcoming segments and trivia nights. They also acknowledge their sponsors, including Talkspace and Travis Matthew apparel, emphasizing the importance of mental health and personal well-being in the realm of sports and beyond.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Covino on Anthony Labrador's Deception:

  "He convinced the family that he was a teenage orphan with nowhere else to go..."
  [10:20]

• Rich on the Feasibility of Older Athletes:

  "Do you think a 24-year-old could feasibly play high school sports today?"
  [15:50]

• Mike Tyson's Humorous Insight During Trivia:

  "I'm not Mother Teresa, but I'm not Charles Manson either."
  [35:05]

Conclusion:

In "Forever Young in Sports.. Mentally," Covino and Rich tackle the complex issues surrounding age, deception, and the mental aspects of athletic competition. Through the lens of Anthony Labrador's controversial actions, the hosts encourage listeners to reflect on what it truly means to remain forever young in sports—not just physically, but mentally. The episode seamlessly blends serious discussions with lighthearted segments like Iron Mike Trivia, offering a comprehensive exploration of the topics that resonate with sports enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.

Whether you're a die-hard sports fan or someone interested in the psychological facets of athleticism, this episode provides thought-provoking insights and lively discussions that challenge conventional notions of age and performance in sports.