The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Hour 2 - Manicotti, Bears, Sharks & Beiber's
Release Date: March 26, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosts Covino and Rich delve into a variety of hot topics spanning the worlds of sports, entertainment, and pop culture. From the awkward return of NBA star Jimmy Butler to discussions about the evolving landscape of the WNBA, this episode offers a comprehensive look at current events shaping the sports industry.

Jimmy Butler's Awkward Return to Miami Heat

One of the central discussions centers around Jimmy Butler's recent return to the Miami Heat. The hosts analyze Butler's subdued reaction and the overall atmosphere during his homecoming game.

• Covino: "[13:45] 'The crowd in the arena looked kind of confused. They didn't know how to clap or boo.'"

• Rich: "[14:10] 'He said it was nice, but he had no emotions behind it. He didn't want to deal with Pat Riley.'"

The hosts express mixed feelings about Butler's performance, highlighting his limited scoring and the lack of visible emotion during his return.

• Covino: "[15:30] 'He only scored 11 points. It was an awkward return.'"

They further discuss the implications of Butler's demeanor on his relationship with fans and his legacy with the Heat.

LeBron James vs. Stephen A. Smith Confrontation

Another significant segment involves LeBron James addressing his viral confrontation with ESPN host Stephen A. Smith on the Pat McAfee show.

• Rich: "[28:50] 'LeBron finally addressing his viral confrontation with Stephen A. Smith.'"

• Covino: "[29:15] 'LeBron said when you make it personal, it's not just about the game anymore. It's about my household.'"

The hosts critique LeBron's approach, suggesting that by involving personal elements, LeBron fuels Stephen A.'s confrontational style.

• Rich: "[32:05] 'LeBron gave Stephen A exactly what he wanted by making it personal.'"

They debate the impact of such public spats on both LeBron's image and the media's portrayal of athletes.

WNBA Coverage Disparities: Caitlin Clark vs. Indiana Fever

Covino and Rich address concerns raised by WNBA star Nafisa Collier regarding the unequal television coverage between top players like Caitlin Clark and teams like the Indiana Fever.

• Covino: "[35:20] 'Caitlin Clark is getting 41 out of their 44 games aired, while the New York Liberty only have 32.'"

• Rich: "[35:45] 'Collier is questioning why other stars aren't getting the same spotlight as Clark.'"

The discussion highlights the ongoing struggles for equal visibility in women's sports and the implications for player recognition and league growth.

• Rich: "[36:10] 'It's not just about the Fever, but lifting up all teams to showcase good basketball.'"

The hosts emphasize the importance of balanced coverage to promote the entire league effectively.

MLB Team Valuations: Yankees and Dodgers

Switching gears to Major League Baseball, the hosts explore the financial standings of top teams, particularly the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

• Covino: "[40:30] 'Yankees valued at $8.2 billion, making them the first baseball team to break the $8 billion barrier.'"

• Rich: "[40:55] 'Dodgers are next at $6.8 billion, followed by the Red Sox at $4.8 billion.'"

They discuss the economic strategies that contribute to these valuations, including revenue streams, market size, and brand strength.

• Covino: "[41:20] 'The Yankees' financial prowess allows them to invest heavily in talent and facilities, maintaining their top spot.'"

The conversation touches on the implications of such valuations on competitive balance within MLB.

Hypothetical Scenario: Dodgers vs. 29 Teams

In a lighthearted yet thought-provoking segment, Covino and Rich entertain a hypothetical scenario: if one had to bet their life savings, would they back the Dodgers alone or the remaining 29 MLB teams collectively?

• Rich: "[45:00] 'If you had to wager everything, would you choose the Dodgers or the rest of the field?'"

• Covino: "[45:20] 'The Dodgers are stacked and ready, but baseball is unpredictable. It's not easy to win consistently.'"

The hosts weigh the odds, considering the Dodgers' current performance and the inherent uncertainties of sports competitions.

• Rich: "[46:10] 'It's a crazy risk to take on the field, but the Dodgers' pitching situation looks promising for a repeat.'"

They conclude with personal preferences, highlighting the Dodgers' strong lineup versus the collective potential of other teams.

Additional Segments and Call-Ins

Throughout the episode, Covino and Rich engage with listener calls, sharing amusing anecdotes and personal stories that tie into the larger discussions.

• Caller Gary: "[22:15] 'Thanks, guys. The only thing I've been thinking about is a bunch of Justin Biebers rushing at me.'"

• Covino: "[23:00] 'How many teenage Biebers could you beat up?'"

These interactions add a relatable and entertaining layer to the episode, showcasing the hosts' chemistry and rapport with their audience.

LeBron James' Views on Modern Sports Versus the Arts

Covino initiates a conversation on how modern sports training compares to the evolution of the arts, citing LeBron James' opinions.

• Covino: "[18:45] 'LeBron believes players today would dominate those from the 70s, but when it comes to guitar players, he thinks it's different.'"

• Rich: "[19:10] 'Art has gone backwards, unlike sports which continue to evolve and improve.'"

The discussion explores the divergent paths of sports and artistic disciplines, emphasizing the continuous advancements in athletic performance.

Closing Remarks and Teasers for Future Episodes

As the episode wraps up, Covino and Rich preview upcoming segments and express excitement for future discussions, including the ongoing Sweet 16 tournament and the start of the baseball season.

• Covino: "[55:20] 'One sleep until baseball. We'll be discussing our fantasy teams and the Dodgers versus the field scenario tomorrow.'"

• Rich: "[55:45] 'Enjoy your baseball eve and we'll see you in the promised land. Goodbye and have a great night.'"

Listeners are encouraged to tune in for more in-depth analysis and engaging conversations in subsequent episodes.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Covino: "[13:45] 'The crowd in the arena looked kind of confused. They didn't know how to clap or boo.'"

• Rich: "[35:45] 'Collier is questioning why other stars aren't getting the same spotlight as Clark.'"

• Rich: "[46:10] 'It's a crazy risk to take on the field, but the Dodgers' pitching situation looks promising for a repeat.'"

• Covino: "[18:45] 'LeBron believes players today would dominate those from the 70s, but when it comes to guitar players, he thinks it's different.'"

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd effectively navigates through a multitude of engaging topics, offering listeners insightful analysis and lively discussions. From high-profile athlete returns to the complexities of sports media coverage, Covino and Rich provide a well-rounded perspective on the current state of sports and entertainment.

For those who missed the live broadcast, the episode is available on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.