Hour 2 - Taking care of your stars

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Hour 2 - Taking Care of Your Stars Release Date: July 18, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Colin Cowherd delves into a variety of hot topics within the sports world. From golf's rising stars to intense debates in the NFL coaching landscape, and from noteworthy performances in the WNBA to strategic moves in basketball, Colin provides insightful commentary and engages in spirited discussions with guest analysts. Below is a detailed summary of the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn during the episode.

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1. Rory McIlroy’s Pursuit at the British Open

Colin Cowherd opens the episode by discussing Rory McIlroy's performance at the British Open held in Northern Ireland. McIlroy, currently three under after two rounds and five strokes behind the leader, is seen as a viable contender for the championship.

Key Points:

• Media Relations: McIlroy has been honest with the media about his training and motivation post his Masters win.
• Media Frustration: Rory expressed frustration with constant media scrutiny, emphasizing quality over quantity in his performance.
• Emotional Victory: Colin reflects on Rory's emotional win at the Masters after 16 attempts, highlighting the personal and national significance.

Notable Quotes:

• "After 16 tries at Augusta, he won on the 17th visit to the Masters. And it was incredibly emotional for me as a viewer." — Colin Cowherd [06:25]
• "I just think Rory McIlroy, it's like, listen, man, I'm not. It's not about volume. It's about quality." — Colin Cowherd [06:45]

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2. AFC West Coaching Debate: Zach Taylor vs. Mike McDaniel

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the AFC West division's coaching prowess, specifically comparing Zach Taylor of the Baltimore Ravens and Mike McDaniel of the Miami Dolphins.

Key Points:

• Coaching Credentials: Both coaches have impressive resumes with multiple Super Bowl wins and top-tier defensive strategies.
• Ownership Impact: Zach Taylor faces challenges due to the Ravens' frugal ownership and limited scouting resources, whereas McDaniel benefits from Miami's wealthier ownership group.
• Playoff Performance: Taylor boasts five playoff wins, whereas McDaniel has yet to secure a playoff victory.
• Future Prospects: Despite the advantages, Taylor's coaching is highly regarded, and he is considered for future head coaching positions due to his success despite limited resources.

Notable Quotes:

• "I would put Zach Taylor close to nine or 10 [in coaching rankings]." — Colin Cowherd [11:47]
• "Zach Taylor has won five playoff games. McDaniel has none." — Colin Cowherd [35:08]
• "If you have an amazing quarterback like Joe Burrow, you're going to be in the mix because he's that good." — Mike DeFabio [36:32]

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3. Off the Court: WNBA's Officiating Under Fire

The conversation shifts to the WNBA, with a focus on officiating standards and their impact on player safety and game integrity.

Key Points:

• Star Players Highlighting Issues: Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Plum have brought significant attention to the lack of officiating in the WNBA.
• Injury Statistics: With only 179 active players, the league has seen 141 injuries since opening day, including 57 head and neck injuries.
• Comparative Analysis: Unlike the NBA, which allows more physical play during the playoffs, the WNBA lacks sufficient calls during the regular season, leading to player injuries.

Notable Quotes:

• "Caitlin Clark has really shined a light on how bad the officiating is. It's not bad calls, it's no calls." — Colin Cowherd [22:08]
• "Players have already suffered 141 injuries since opening day. It's like one per player." — Colin Cowherd [23:15]
• "The referees here have way too much impact on the game." — Kelsey Plum [24:10]

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4. Steelers’ Strategy Shakeup with Aaron Rodgers

The episode delves into the Pittsburgh Steelers' strategic decisions, particularly the acquisition of Aaron Rodgers, and its implications for the team.

Key Points:

• Rodgers’ Integration: Rodgers has seamlessly integrated into the Steelers' locker room, garnering buy-in from teammates.
• Division Analysis: The AFC North is highlighted as the easiest division to predict, with Cincinnati grappling due to limited resources.
• Ownership and Scouting: Baltimore Ravens are positioned to outperform Cincinnati Bengals thanks to superior ownership and scouting departments.

Notable Quotes:

• "Seeing Aaron Rodgers walk through the locker room asking questions on how we do things... he's bought in and that's all I can ask for." — Colin Cowherd [26:13]
• "Baltimore has a huge advantage over Cincinnati with their ownership and scouting resources." — Colin Cowherd [27:00]
• "Cincinnati has the smallest scouting department, the cheapest owner." — Colin Cowherd [28:09]

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5. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward and the Under-Hyped Quarterback

Colin and guest analysts discuss the Tennessee Titans' quarterback, Cam Ward, focusing on his lack of hype despite being the number one draft pick.

Key Points:

• Lack of Hype: Cam Ward hasn't received the expected attention and recognition, leading to frustration among teammates.
• Team Development: Despite the lack of hype, both Colin and his guest believe the Titans will improve significantly this season.
• Ownership Influence: Tennessee's SEC roots contribute to the team's anonymity and lower pressure compared to other NFL teams.

Notable Quotes:

• "I think that's a chip on his shoulder. You can tell the way he goes about his bidding, his swagger... this is going to be one of the ones that we're excited to see." — Colin Cowherd [28:16]
• "The Titans are about as anonymous as NFL teams get. It's SEC territory." — Colin Cowherd [29:39]
• "Tennessee will look like different teams because we both like Vrabel and Callahan." — Colin Cowherd [28:50]

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6. Warriors’ Roster Stagnation and Future Prospects

The discussion moves to the Golden State Warriors, focusing on their decision not to acquire new players in the offseason and the potential ramifications.

Key Points:

• Ageing Roster: With Steph Curry at 37 and other key players also in their mid-30s, concerns arise about the Warriors' competitive longevity.
• Strategic Moves: The absence of significant roster changes contrasts with other NBA teams adapting to the league's trend towards taller lineups.
• Future Outlook: Predictions suggest that the Warriors might undergo significant roster changes mid-season to stay competitive.

Notable Quotes:

• "Golden State is the oldest, smallest team in the labyrinth of the Western Conference." — Colin Cowherd [30:41]
• "Their core is really old, Steph at 37, and the rest aged as well." — Colin Cowherd [32:16]
• "By the All-Star break, Jason, we love the Warriors, but they might just blow it up halfway through the season." — Rob Parker [30:46]

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7. Pittsburgh Steelers’ Organizational Dynamics

Further analysis of the Pittsburgh Steelers' organizational structure, focusing on the influence of head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan.

Key Points:

• Coach’s Influence: Mike Tomlin wields significant power in player acquisitions and team strategy, often prioritizing player relationships.
• Discipline and Accountability: Tomlin’s leniency towards players with off-field issues is critiqued, citing incidents with Antonio Brown and George Pickens.
• Ownership's Role: Omar Khan has evolved the Steelers' approach to contracts, introducing more guaranteed money, but Tomlin remains a dominant force within the organization.

Notable Quotes:

• "Mike Tomlin is one of the most powerful people in football. He has a tremendous say in the players they draft, acquire, and trade for." — Dana White [47:59]
• "The whole notion that Mike Tomlin makes the most out of depleted rosters... I can't get behind that." — Dana White [48:26]
• "There's always been this debate, did Mike Tomlin get the most out of Antonio Brown or did he enable him?" — Dana White [49:15]

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8. Ownership and Coaching in the NFL

Colin concludes the episode by emphasizing the importance of ownership quality in the NFL, juxtaposing the spending habits of different franchise owners and their impact on team success.

Key Points:

• Ownership vs. Coaching: Great owners are scarce, and their willingness to spend can significantly influence a team's success more than the coach alone.
• Cincinnati Bengals' Struggles: Despite having a talented quarterback like Joe Burrow, the Bengals face challenges due to limited financial resources and scouting capabilities.
• Future Coaching Jobs: Colin forecasts that coaches like Zach Taylor will continue to secure head coaching positions due to their proven track records, despite organizational limitations.

Notable Quotes:

• "Don't chase money, chase executives. There's a finite number of great owners in the NFL." — Colin Cowherd [35:30]
• "Mike Taylor has to overcome a lot more than Mike McDaniel does." — Colin Cowherd [35:45]
• "When I took the job at Fox, a big part of it was the Murdoch family. They did movies, everything they touched worked." — Colin Cowherd [37:10]

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Conclusion

In this episode, The Herd with Colin Cowherd navigates through a spectrum of sports topics, offering in-depth analysis and spirited debates. From the fine lines between coaching excellence and organizational support in the NFL to critiquing officiating standards in the WNBA, Colin and his guests provide listeners with a comprehensive look into the dynamics that shape the sports landscape. The episode underscores the intricate balance between individual talent, coaching strategies, and organizational support in achieving sustained success in professional sports.

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Note: All timestamps are approximate and based on the provided transcript.

Transcript

[Colin Cowherd]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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Find your local station for the [e-mail] or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR. Now, let's get this party started. You're listening to FOX Sports Radio. All right, here we go. It's hour two. We are all fired up. We're live in Chicago. It's the Herd. Wherever you may be, however you may be listening, thanks for making us part of your day. Huge fight tomorrow. Max Holloway, Dustin poirier in the UFC. Dana Dana White's running a little late. He'll join us in about 10, 12, 15 minutes. So one of the fascinating stories and J. Mac, you and I talked about this yesterday. If Patrick Mahomes was not playing in a Thursday night football game and they went to a backup, it's it changes our viewing habits. And I feel, and I, and I've always felt that about golf. Tiger woods got me to a tv. Phil Mickelson, if you, if I wake up on Saturday night, I go to bed and Phil Mickelson is two shots out of the lead at Augusta or a US Open or the British Open. And I'm watching all day Sunday. So Rory McElroy, to me, I think DeChambeau's got that feeling. Brooks Koepka about three years ago had it. He's been off. Dustin Johnson has a little bit of that to me, but Rory, to me, really has it. If Rory is close to the lead and right now he's three under after two rounds at the Open British Open in Northern Ireland, five strokes off the lead. So he's got a viable shot. And you know, the media, J. Mac has been sort of confused with Roy McElroy, and so they don't, they don't quite know what to make of him. And you know, I've thought a lot about this because I love Rory McIlroy and I think a lot I thought he was going to be Europe's version of Tiger Woods. He hasn't quite become that, but he's a great, great golfer. But I want to talk about this and so it doesn't matter if you're a CEO, a politician, or a top athlete, you're going to get annoyed with the media at some point because they ask a lot of dumb questions, and a lot of times they're prying. And the truth is, after he. After 16 tries at Augusta, he won on the 17th visit to the Masters. And it was incredibly emotional for me as a viewer. Can you imagine what it was like to him? And so he was really honest about it. He just said, listen, I don't feel like hitting the golf balls and getting up and grinding out workouts. Because after he won the Masters, which was his sole vision, I mean, that's the thing. He just. At this point, when you're great in the PGA over the last, you know, the Tiger woods era, you pick your spots. You don't need to. I mean, some guys left the Tour. You may golf seven tournaments a year that you really deeply care about. So he wins Augusta, and it was an incredibly emotional. For the gallery, for me, for you, for the media. What do you think it's like for him? And he was totally honest with the media, and they didn't know what to do with it. He was getting kind of grumpy. Well, that's because he wanted to take time off. And his next hyper uber focus went to this at Portish, which is his home course. And so I think that's just what golf is. And I think this was why politicians and top athletes and CEOs now, you shouldn't go to a Coldplay concert and fool around with the HR lady. But the point being is, you know, sometimes the media has a right to pry and call you out. But my point is, I just think Rory McIlroy, it's like, listen, man, I'm not. It's not. It's not about volume. It's about quality. I want to play the Masters. I want it now. I want to get to Northern Ireland, my home course. So right now he's minus three after two days, five back, very viable going into Saturday. And here's Rory today. I'm excited for the opportunity. I didn't have that opportunity six years.

[Jason McIntyre]

Ago, so, you know, to play an.

[Mike DeFabio]

Extra two days in this atmosphere in front of these crowds, you know, I'm very excited for that, and I feel like my game's definitely good enough to make a run.

[Colin Cowherd]

You know, it was 20 years ago that I played the north of Ireland here, and never in my wildest dreams did I think that I'd be coming back as a Grand Slam champion with the support of a nation behind me. Trying to win an Open championship. Yeah, this is going to be. If, I mean, we're not, I guess in our space, we're not supposed to root for people. I'm totally rooting for Rory McIlroy this weekend. I'm watching the tournament with one agenda pulling emotionally. I'm not overly religious. I'm rooting for Rory McIlroy to just be alive Sunday with an hour and a half, eight holes to go, nine holes to go. Because I thought, I thought Augusta was as good. I said it at the time. That was the best six hours of TV I had watched in succession in a long time. I mean, you had to go back to Tiger against Rocco mediate at the U.S. open. Maybe Tiger's last U.S. open Masters win. Phil Mickelson had a master's win. That was pretty remarkable. But I'm, I'm pulling Ferrari. So we talked about this yesterday on the show. As I said, I don't think in the, in my lifetime there has ever been a division in football that's as stacked in coaching as the AFC west this year. So this will be the first division in the history of the NFL that has had three plus head coaches that have won a Super bowl and a fourth that's made a Super bowl entering a season. And it's the only division in football where every head coach in the division has either entered a season having won a Super bowl or won a national championship. So usually you have one elite coach in the division and one ascending one and then one who's, you know, maybe a retread, but he's, he's okay, he's on the brink. And then one. That's a total whiff here. It's Andy Reid, Sean Payton, Jim Harbaugh, and whatever you think of Pete Carroll, and my take on Pete Carroll is whatever you think of Mike Tomlin, you have to think the same of Pete Carroll because they're the same coach, they've got a trophy. Great motivators, great energy, really good sense of personnel, great culture builders and defensive guys who I think sometimes can be a little tone. Death to the offensive line and the offensive sensibility. You know, I wish Pete didn't love Joe Geno Smith as much as he loves Geno Smith, but whatever. Also in this division, J. Mack, before you throw out your all time, you know, coaching division, here's something else to consider. The best coordinator in football is in this division. Spags. Jesse minter took the 32nd ranked defense to number one in a season. So he's a top five or six coordinator Chip Kelly. So you not only have historical truths with this coaching staff, and he had a. Pete Carroll's viewed as four. I'm sorry, that. That's. He is Mike Tomlin. Trophies, multiple Super Bowls. Defense, culture, energy, beloved by most of his players. So you. Your argument is the Joe Gibbs, Bill Parcells, Jimmy Johnson or. And Buddy Ryan.

[Mike DeFabio]

Yes. So. So the only problem with Buddy Ryan, obviously, he, you know, had a bunch of issues there on the sideline. He was a much better defensive coordinator.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yes.

[Mike DeFabio]

Than he was head coach. But you could. I mean, Joe Gibbs is certainly top five on resume all time. Right. Bill Parcell's probably top seven all time among head coaches ever.

[Colin Cowherd]

Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah.

[Mike DeFabio]

Johnson. I mean, he needs no introduction. So I guess I could argue you might have four who have been to a Super Bowl. Well, I have three of, like, the best seven of all time. It's an interesting discussion.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, I will say I think coaching's getting better because I will say I think the AFC north with Tomlin Stefanski, John Harbaugh, and I think Zach Taylor's better than you do, but I understand the criticism. That's a good coaching division. And then we have Matt LaFleur, Kevin O', Connell, Dan Campbell, and now we don't know what Ben Johnson is. I think he's going to work. I think he's really, really sharp. So, I mean, we have three divisions where I don't look at anybody as a huge liability. Now, again, I think Zach Taylor's capable. I think he's bright. I think he. Listen, he got to a Super bowl with a terrible O line. Okay.

[Mike DeFabio]

Is he a top 10 coach in the NFL right now?

[Colin Cowherd]

I would put him close to nine or 10. Yeah. Zack, now. Now, remember who's his owner? Cheapest owner in the league. Yeah.

[Mike DeFabio]

Remember who's his quarterback? That's the only reason he's not fired.

[Colin Cowherd]

His. His. His quarterback's hurt. Often his owner is the cheapest in the league. And the front office is one of the smallest scouting departments, so you have to add context. Like I always say about Brock Purdy, it helps when you have Kyle Shanahan. If you look at Zach Taylor, you know, Nick Ceriani has the best GM and a top five owner. Zach Taylor has the most frugal ownership group. They still don't have an outdoor facility. I think they're the only northern. Northern geographical team without one. And the front office, like, it does not manipulate drafts. They just draft their draft picks. They have.

[Mike DeFabio]

We're just bending over backwards to defend Zach Taylor. Because he went to one Super Bowl. Okay, if I asked, if I pulled the GMs around the league, would you rather have Mike McDaniel or Zach Taylor as your head coach?

[Colin Cowherd]

Zach Taylor.

[Mike DeFabio]

No way. It's gotta be McDaniel. Come on. Are you. You're not serious, are you?

[Colin Cowherd]

The dolphins in two years, before McDaniel got there, were viewed as a train wreck his first two years. He won one more game. Yeah. So. So when you. When you tell me how great Mike McDaniels in. In a division where the jets have been a tire fire and the Patriots have been a tire fire for the last several years. So he entered it at a spot where, I mean, he got four wins almost automatically. If you know what you're doing, he gets to do.

[Mike DeFabio]

You talk about injured quarterback in it with Cincinnati. What about tua? I think I missed more time than any starting quarterback. And yet McDonald's made the playoffs twice. One time you lose to Kansas City.

[Colin Cowherd]

And Zach Taylor and Mike McDaniel. We should do. We should do that. Resume. Zach Taylor and Mike McDon. Take Zach Taylor.

[Mike DeFabio]

I think you're probably on.

[Colin Cowherd]

Zack Taylor has won multiple road playoff games. Zack, the Ravens. He's got a face. I mean, I think Stefanski is a great coach. I think Colin.

[Mike DeFabio]

Is Zach TAYLOR A top 10 coach in the AFC?

[Colin Cowherd]

Yes.

[Mike DeFabio]

Yeah, I mean, he's definitely not better than any of the four in the AFC West.

[Colin Cowherd]

Let's just talk about that. Let. Let's just spitball. Okay, so Andy Reid, both Harbaughs, McVeigh, Shanahan. Okay, I'll just get those out. Sean Payton. I'm at 6. McDermott of Buffalo, 7. Dan Campbell, Mike Tomlin, 8. 9. Pete Carroll, 10. So I think Zach Taylor, you start.

[Mike DeFabio]

Wait, wait. D'. Amico. Ryan's in Houston, has been there for two years. He's been excellent.

[Colin Cowherd]

Zach Taylor won three straight road games as a road coach and got to win a play of winning the super bowl with the cheapest owner in the sport and a front office that does no deals.

[Mike DeFabio]

Kevin Stefanski. Or.

[Colin Cowherd]

Or Zach Taylor has won five playoff games.

[Mike DeFabio]

Kevin Stefanski has won coach of the year. Kevin o'.

[Colin Cowherd]

Connor.

[Mike DeFabio]

How about this? Kevin o'.

[Colin Cowherd]

Connell Or.

[Mike DeFabio]

Or your guy, Zach Taylor.

[Colin Cowherd]

So you think coach of the year is bigger than playoff wins? That's like saying I won an Emmy or I got a new contract. Which would you take?

[Mike DeFabio]

I mean, if Stefanski had Joe Burrow, what's it. Oh, this guy Rather.

[Colin Cowherd]

Rather win an Emmy or get a five year contract.

[Mike DeFabio]

Well, that's A different discussion.

[Colin Cowherd]

I mean, time out. That's a different discussion. An award. Who gives a rip? Well, I mean awards, you get gifted.

[Mike DeFabio]

Joe Burrow, your expectations are super bowl contender.

[Colin Cowherd]

Every year cares about awards.

[Mike DeFabio]

I mean coach of the year. He's winning coach of the year with like three or four quarterbacks. He doesn't have anybody good.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, you and I are different business guys. You want plaques, I want pay.

[Mike DeFabio]

I don't want plaques.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'm sorry. Five playoff games, four on the road. I think so.

[Mike DeFabio]

By the way, you got easily 10 guys before you get to Zach.

[Colin Cowherd]

Oh, not easily. I think you get to eight, nine. And I don't think Nick Sirianni is a great coach. Well, he won a Super bowl again. Yeah, okay.

[Mike DeFabio]

Sirianni or Zach Taylor.

[Colin Cowherd]

Best GM in the league, top four owner. Now listen, you like plaques, I guess.

[Mike DeFabio]

I don't like plaques. I like W's. And the Bengals have not had a lot of those.

[Colin Cowherd]

I don't care about awards. I want playoff wins.

[Mike DeFabio]

Okay, what do you make Colin of? The fact that every freakin September Zach Taylor's team comes out and is ill prepared to start the season every year.

[Colin Cowherd]

Interesting. Interesting. Would it be that Burrow every year is recovering from an injury?

[Mike DeFabio]

Maybe the coach should get his quarterback to get get healthier or get on the practice field or get ready.

[Colin Cowherd]

That was a sophisticated take. The coach has to get his quarterback healthier.

[Mike DeFabio]

Well, why is the quarterback always hurt? Maybe they don't have an offensive line.

[Colin Cowherd]

There's an answer. There's an answer again, take a deep breath. Cheapest owner don't pay for offensive lines. He always has bad protection. That's not Zach Taylor's issue. Sean McVay, part of his greatness is Les Snead and Stan Kroenke who he can go in the market and buy at one point. They paid Stafford and Jared Goff. You think Cincinnati. Cincinnati won't have been paid. T. Higgins. Owners run sports. If you have a bad one, the owners run sports. And that's the way it works in the NFL. You have an impulsive owner. I mean, it's not a coincidence. Robert Kraft has a bunch of rings. The Hunt family has a bunch of rings. Jeffrey Lurie's got rings. You think that's a coincidence?

[Mike DeFabio]

Oh, I forgot you mentioned the Patriots have a new coach. He's got a much better track record than did you know, I would put labeled top 10.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, I think Zach Taylor's in that 10, 11, 12 space.

[Mike DeFabio]

Okay, so Zach Taylor hits the market, the Bengals fire him. Is he getting another head coaching job?

[Colin Cowherd]

Yes, yes, absolutely.

[Mike DeFabio]

I would take the under on that.

[Colin Cowherd]

All right, Dana White's around the corner. It's the Herd.

[Rob Parker]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[Mike DeFabio]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[Mike DeFabio]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[Colin Cowherd]

We've talked about this, that Caitlin Clark is a little bit of a black light in a hotel room for the wnba. She's illuminated things that you may not be able to see at first glance. So when she came to the wnba, just a lack of preparedness by the commissioner, lack of marketing. She really shines a light on it. And then the lack of travel. Then the women's Olympic movement was absurd, not putting her on the team. Christine Brennan wrote about that in her book. And then we've also noticed that the players were very petty, although I think they're getting over it. But she's really Caitlin Clark has really shined a light on how bad the officiating is. It's not bad calls, it's no calls. This league is insane. And if you're a star guard, Kelsey Plum of the LA Sparks has gone out to say she played against a San Francisco team 40 minutes only three calls against her. She came out of the game with scratches all over her face. They just let star guards get abused in this league. The officiating is horrible. Listen to this. There's only 179 active players in the league. Players have already suffered 141 injuries since opening day. It's like one per player. There have been 57 head and neck injuries in the past two and a half seasons. They just don't call anything. They don't call anything. And like the NBA, they allow more physical play in the playoffs. But this is a regular season. You want your stars in the wnba, you want them healthy for the All Star Game, you want them healthy for the playoffs. You don't want them banged up now. So in, in, in, in, in mid June, Kelsey Plum, you can go back and look at that video, is getting banged all over the floor. They only called and 40 minutes, and now Caitlin Clark is hurt. So Natasha Cloud, who's another guard for the New York Liberty, came out and talked this week about the ref. She says, I'm working my blanking blank off for four and a half months in the off season. The refs here have way too much blanking impact on the game. Angel Reese has come out. It has to be fixed. I don't give a damn if I get fined. This blank is cheap. I'm tired of this blank. Kelsey Plum said, quote, I drive more than anybody in the league statistically. So to shoot six free throws a game is blanking absurd. Lot of F words I can't repeat. So these women are ticked. And it's like, guys, guys, here's how it works. The NBA doesn't call a lot of fouls in the regular season. Why? They want their players available for the All Star Game in the playoffs. In the playoffs, they let more go because physicality is more intense, there's more urgency, and it makes for a better television product. You don't want to let everything go in the regular season so your players are all banged up. You want to develop these relationships with fans during All Star Weekend in the regular season. And then if you have to let the play and the call slide a little in the postseason to ramp up intensity. That's what the NBA did. And I get that. And I've always said the regular season's not nearly as much fun as the postseason. But. And for the record, 11,127 is the league average right now. That's up 15% over the same period last year. So if people want to watch this sport, keep the players Healthy call fouls, especially against star guards. J. Mac with the news. No, no, no. Turn on the news. This is the Herd line news.

[Mike DeFabio]

Hey, Colin, let's start with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Obviously, Aaron Rodgers decided to join Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh well before Rodgers signed there. Cam Hayward said he wouldn't pitch Rodgers on joining Pittsburgh. But now that AR is on the roster, Hayward says he's discussed his teammates presence at the facility.

[Colin Cowherd]

It worked out for the best. Like, I know sometimes we live in a, a society where we want things now, but you know, patience has a way of, you know, paying off. And to now see he's a Pittsburgh Steeler. You just walk him walking through the locker room asking questions how we do things. He's bought in and, you know, that's all I can ask for. You know, our quarterback and as a teammate, you know, I'm excited to go to work with him. Yeah, good luck. Listen, I think that's the easiest, that is the easiest division to predict. Baltimore, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and Cleveland. It's the easiest because Cincinnati just won't spend money. Smallest scouting department, cheapest owner, won't make deals. Baltimore, if they're struggling at the trade deadline, would open up the checkbook and make a big deal. Huge advantage upstairs, Baltimore over Cincinnati. Huge advantage in the. Steve Boschotti, the Ravens. I've had three different GMs tell me they think he's the best owner in the league. The worst owner is arguably the guy in Cincinnati. So Baltimore is going to win the division. Cincinnati has the weapons and Joe Burrow and a decent coach. Pittsburgh is, is not going to. They'll be competitive and viable. But if you look at what's happened to them post Thanksgiving the last several years. Have you noticed the trend with Pittsburgh? Why are they so bad late in the season? Because their coach is based on motivation and that same mode, motivation wears out. Like motivation is great in September, October, but you can't, you can't live on motivation. Ultimately you have to. You live on schemes and evaluation and, and development. It's not a strength for Pittsburgh. So they'll finish third and Cleveland's trying to get the number one pick.

[Mike DeFabio]

All right, let's go on to a team that's way more interesting and that's the Tennessee Titans and Cam Ward, the number one pick in the draft this year. It's weird. He's not getting a lot of hype like a certain fifth rounder in Cleveland. Well, Ward's teammate in Tennessee, Jeffrey Simmons, took issue with the lack of hype behind his quarterback while appearing on The NFL Network.

[Colin Cowherd]

First off, you know, I think that our team, Tennessee Tights never get the respect and attention we need. I never seen the number one pick overall never get the respect and you know, quite frankly, and the attention that he deserved, I think that's a chip on his shoulder. You could tell the way he go about his bidding, his swagger, his dominion dominion like this is going to be one of the ones that, you know, we I'm excited to see. I think we both agree this is yep, there, there are three teams, three or four teams I absolutely feel will look different this year. New England and Tennessee top the list. They will look like different teams because we both like Vrabel and we both like Callahan who we think, you know, was dealt kind of a bad hand on the Will Levis pick. So I think Tennessee and New England are playoff teams. They were bad last year. They won't be great, but they'll be really, they'll be like Tennessee is going to be like Denver. They're going to find their way in to the playoffs. They're not going to win a lot of playoff games. But that the AFC is too loaded, too many veteran court, too many Josh Allens, Burrows, you know, Mahomes Herbert's. But I think Tennessee's a playoff team.

[Mike DeFabio]

It's interesting this whole we don't have any hype. People are disrespecting us. I would prefer that if I were Tennessee. Right. I don't want everybody talking about me on TV all day, my mentions blowing up. That that's not what you want for a young quarterback, right. Wouldn't you rather be rich and anonymous as opposed to rich and famous?

[Colin Cowherd]

Colin Well, I think, I think the Titans are about as anonymous as NFL teams get. It's SEC territory, so they're not I mean, let's be honest, half the fans in that town are bigger college football fans, volunteer fans, than Titan fans. So if you, if you want to hide in the NFL, that's not a bad place to do it. It's not New York, L.A. chicago, I mean, Caleb Williams, every snap is discussed. When I'm driving around Chicago, it is Cubs and Caleb Williams. Those are the two topics in the in the fall, you'll hear SEC talk as much as you'll hear Titans talk in Nashville. Like it's a, it's a so I mean you can hide their slow growth develop. You don't have a ton of pressure.

[Mike DeFabio]

Interesting final story, Colin is the Golden State warriors, bizarrely the only team who has not acquired anybody this offseason Right. And we know Steph Curry, 37. He's getting up there in age. Well, a friend of this show, Channing Frye, believes that at some point this season. Are you ready for this? Golden State will end up making significant changes to their roster.

[Colin Cowherd]

Not being a troll, the warriors blow it up halfway through the season.

[Rob Parker]

Look at the trend of where the NBA is going.

[Colin Cowherd]

OKC is a very tall team. The Cleveland Cavaliers are a tall team. Boston is a big team. Denver's a big team. Minnesota is a tall team. Lakers, Clippers. Houston is extremely tall. Golden State is still playing small ball, and I don't know if that works anymore. I think he's absolutely right. Absolutely right. I think at the All Star break, Jason, we love. We both really like the NBA. You can argue right now, you start looking at the West. If, if, if. I mean, just. Just look at the west today. We know Oklahoma City's good. We know Houston's going to be really good. I mean, that's. That's indisputable. If you look at Denver's moves in Vegas, they're like, so that's three teams we know are going to be good. We can argue, but DeAndre Luca Reeves and DeAndre Ayton and LeBron, that's going to be a good team. That's gonna be a good team. I'm going to argue all day long. Cooper, flag. Lively ad. That's going to be a good team. That's just the top five. That's just the stuff we know. And by the way, Minnesota is going to be good.

[Mike DeFabio]

Clippers.

[Dana White]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

I mean, again, I don't love them. You do, but whatever, they're good. So my take on this is, where does Golden State, the smallest of all those and the oldest of all those, they're the oldest, smallest team in that labyrinth of the Western Conference. Like, where do they fit?

[Mike DeFabio]

Now, this minor surprise, but the Clippers are actually the oldest team in the league on average, followed by Rockets, Kings, Warriors. Here's my thing for Golden State. What do you. What does blow it up mean? Are they trading Draymond? I don't know. Is there a market for him? Who's going to want Jimmy Butler at 50 million? You're obviously not moving off Curry. I just. I feel like they're limited in their moves. And if you look right there, the.

[Colin Cowherd]

Difference is the reason I consider them the oldest team is because the guys that actually play, their core. Yeah, like, their core. I mean, look at it. Steph. 37, 35, 35, 32, and 32, by the way Buddy Heel. Feels like an old 32. He's not like a springy 32. He's a shooter. So their core is really old.

[Mike DeFabio]

And they're going to add Al Horford, supposedly. I don't. They just get older.

[Colin Cowherd]

So.

[Mike DeFabio]

Yeah, I'm a little worried about the Warriors. It's tough. You know that gm, remember when he bailed a couple years ago, he's like, I don't want to blow this up. Bob Myers, he got out of. He got that. What do they say? The last chopper out of Saigon, he got out of there quick, man.

[Colin Cowherd]

I get it. J. Macleanous. Well, that's the news. And thanks for stopping by the Herd lie news. Dana White's gonna join us. Oh, this is interesting. I want to throw this out. Just interesting. I don't want to go too deep into the woods because it'll bore people, but I. I think Zach Taylor is a slightly better coach than Mike McDaniel because I think Mike McDaniel has a better ownership situation. I think Ross is one of the richer NFL owners. He's taken big swings. I mean, go look at the Tyreek Hill deal. Cincinnati would have never done that deal. The Jalen Ramsey deal. Cincinnati would have never done that deal. J. Mac, if I could give any wisdom to any young broadcaster, it's what I always say, don't chase money, chase executives. There's a finite number of great owners in the NFL. So the Dolphins, you can say they're flawed, but they'll go spend big money on players. They'll go get Jalen Ramsey. Tyree Kill Jalen Wall. Cincinnati doesn't do that. They won't even pay the guys they draft. They won't even pay their own guys. So I think having to coach Cincinnati is one of the hardest jobs in the league. They have the smallest scouting department, the cheapest owner. And so I give Zach Taylor. He has to every day he goes to work. He has to overcome that. Mike McDaniel's owners, I think he's the third richest owner in the league. And he may spend money foolishly, but he spends money. So Zach Taylor has four winning seasons. Mike McDaniel has two. Zach Taylor has two division titles. Mike McDaniel has none. Zach Taylor has five playoff wins. McDaniel has none of the Taylor. Zach Taylor has two conference championships appearance. Mike McDaniel has none. So my take is, well, well, two has made pro Bowls. This is not jokes. Stop it.

[Mike DeFabio]

You can't.

[Colin Cowherd]

You can't.

[Mike DeFabio]

This is not doing that.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, no, no. This is not Joe Burrow and Mitch Trubisky. The comp for Brock Purdy in this league is tua. So if you love Purdy, you can't tell me two is a bum. You can't have. It's like saying, I love Mike Tomlin and hate Pete Carroll. Same track record. You can't tell me you love Purdy and hate tua. They're Both have been banged up, both are small, both. Neither has a huge arm, neither wild. So the truth is, one guy is resume with a cheap owner, a small scouting department, and mostly battle lines because they won't pay big money for a left tackle. Look what I'm getting.

[Mike DeFabio]

All right, you gotta let me dive into these. These immortal playoff wins. They won at the Raiders. They beat. They beat the Titans. And again, it's not. It's like Zach Taylor's dialing up some great stuff here.

[Colin Cowherd]

They won. What do I care about.

[Mike DeFabio]

You got Joe Burrow. You've got an amazing quarterback. Now, here, here. This is the smart question, Colin. Let's say Zach Taylor's fired and McDaniel is fired. Where are the smart coaches? Jim Harbaugh, that kind of level. Where are they lining up to coach? Cincinnati or Miami?

[Colin Cowherd]

No, that's what I'm saying. That's an argument for me.

[Mike DeFabio]

Everybody wants it.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, that's right. No, no, no, no. Do you want to work at Fox Sports or Vice? I have much more support at Fox Sports than I would advice. I would rather coach Miami than Cincinnati. That's why it's a.

[Mike DeFabio]

You would rather coach TUA than Joe Burrow?

[Colin Cowherd]

No, no. Joe Burrow is. I have the cheapest owner, smallest scouting department, no outdoor facility, can't get free agents. I got Burrow. It's great, but look at how hard it is to keep him healthy. They won't invest in offensive linemen and they won't pay T. Higgins and Hendrickson.

[Mike DeFabio]

I find it hard to believe that if I gave you TUA and this team or Joe Burrow, you would say I'll go coach to his team. Come on. There's a way. Joe Burrow is a superstar. I don't care how bad the owner is in the scouting department. Just having Burrows, you're going to be in the mix because he's that good. You've got a better quarterback, a better receiver if Hendrickson's ever signed. You got a better edge rusher, you're better at all the premium positions.

[Colin Cowherd]

Like I always say, who's your owner? Who's your boss? And I'm a huge fan. But what does it tell you that one great quarterback in the entire league last year didn't make the playoffs? If I said guess who it is? Cincinnati with the cheapest owner. The smallest scouting department won't pay their own players. Burrow doesn't like the Bengals. Tua loves the Dolphins. Burrow doesn't like the Bengals. He's. He's perpetually unhappy with the Bengals. Tua loves, he loves Miami.

[Mike DeFabio]

Bengals are his coach.

[Colin Cowherd]

All right, we go to Pittsburgh next. The T.J. watt signing. What do we make of it? Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app time for a sofa.

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[Rob Parker]

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[Mike DeFabio]

Online, where the fastest man on earth, Alex Palo looks to continue his season for the ages. Sunday at noon Eastern only on Fox.

[Colin Cowherd]

By the way, before I get to my guest on the Steelers, you could be saying to yourself, would J Mac and I had a fun argument. Is that Colin? How could you choose TUA over burrow? So when Jim Harbaugh took the Chargers job, he took it because of Herbert. But the other reason he took it is because they paid Harbaugh 15 million a year. The Bengals don't pay coaches like that. They're also paying Greg Roman seven figures, Big seven figures, and Jesse Minter from Michigan big seven figures. So the second part of the equation was the Spanos family paid a fortune for this coaching staff. Cincinnati won't do it. The Chargers pay a fortune for their scouting staff. The Bengals won't do it. So it's not just Justin Herbert. It's the Spanos family, who I've criticized for years on being cheap are no longer cheap they just built a new, brand new facility because they pay a buck a year for the Sofi lease. So they are cash rich. I know Dean. I've talked to him about this. We've had dinner over this. They used to be a fair criticism five years ago. Chargers aren't cheap anymore. The Bengals still are. So I like Burrow much better than Tua. But Tua's not Kenny Pickett. He's made Pro Bowl. His comp is. It's a very fair comp is Brock Purdy, who I don't love, but he's good. Any brock Purdy's top 15 quarterback. So, like, the bottom line is, I always said this. When I took the job at Fox, a big part of it was the Murdoch family. The business channel, Fox Sports work, the Searchlight. They did movies. Like, everything they touched worked. Wall Street Journal, New York Post. It all worked. It wasn't just, hey, what am I making? Or, hey, who am I next to? So you have to consider this stuff. So Cincinnati is not a good job because you get borough, you know, you get the $10,000, $10 million chandelier in an empty mansion. There's nothing else around it. You have to overcompensate. Miami's owner may spend crazily, but he spends. They'll go get Jalen Ramsey. They'll go get Tyree Kill. They're big, big spenders. Miami spends sometimes, weirdly, but they'll spend. Cincinnati doesn't. They won't even re sign their own guys. That's why Burrow's pissed. He's always mad. He's trapped. So that's why I'm saying is that I think Zach Taylor has to overcome a lot more than Mike McDaniels does. And he's got five playoff wins and McDaniel has none. I don't care who he's beaten. He's won. He's won playoff games. They don't even have an out. I don't even think they have an outdoor or an indoor practice. And I got Nothing against Mike McDaniel, but Zach Taylor gets beat up more than anybody in this league. And I just think it's unfair. All right, Mike defebo. Oh, they just built one after Burrow got mad. Okay. They finally have one. Sorry. All right, Mike. So listen, speaking of getting beat up, nobody likes when I beat up on the Steelers, but I've said the league has gone to protein and the Steelers are into carbs. I love TJ Watt, but they move off Minka and then they pay Jalen Ramsey. And then, you know, they're willing to move off defensive players, and then they always replace them with somebody older. And I love TJ Watt, but I feel like they're tone deaf to the current movement in the league, which is pay one great pass rusher and pay for offense. Keep your defense young and cheap so you cover the Steelers. You know, this is what you do for the athletic. Am I that far off base?

[Dana White]

Oh, I completely agree with what you're saying. And a lot of people in Pittsburgh would also agree because this is going to be the fourth consecutive year that the Steelers have the NFL's highest paid defense. They tried this before with T.J. watt in his prime, where they made him the highest paid defensive player and went all in on defense. But because they had no quarterback, it didn't matter how great TJ Watt was. It didn't matter what Cam Hayward was able to do. It didn't matter what Minka Fitzpatrick was able to do. So here they are again, opening another window and supposedly going all in and doing it with defense and convincing themselves that Aaron Rodgers might not be in his prime, but they don't need him to be if they have TJ Watt in this highly paid defense. Well, that's the same thing they told themselves at the end of the Ben Roethlisberger era. That's the same exact thing they told themselves last year with Russell Wilson. And we saw the result. And the result was no playoff wins in eight years.

[Colin Cowherd]

So does that mean. And coaches make more than GMs. Omar Khan just got, you know, the contract, he's not making nearly what Tomlin is. And I. And I. And I've had people in the league tell me that the owner tends to let the coach get more say because he's paying him four times as much. This leads me to believe that ultimately Omar Khan does not run the organization, that Mike Tomlinson pretty much runs the organization. Is that right or wrong?

[Dana White]

Well, look, we've seen Omar Khan evolve the Steelers in a number of ways, like specifically with this contract. There's a lot of guaranteed money involved, and that's something the Steelers have been reluctant to do. And I give Omar Khan credit for evolving the thinking in that way. You've also seen the Steelers become more aggressive under Omar Khan. But to your point, here's where I'd agree. You look at the players that the Steelers acquired, there are a lot of guys that Mike Tomlin has had his eye on for a long time. DK Metcalf has been a guy. He's talked about Jalen Ramsey is a guy he's talked about. So I think that absolutely, Mike Tomlin is one of the most powerful people in football. And this whole notion that Mike Tomlin makes the most out of depleted rosters, I just can't get behind that. Because I think Mike Tomlin has a tremendous say in the players they draft, the players that they acquire, free agency, and the players that they trade for. So, absolutely, this is a roster full of players handpicked by Mike Tomlin. And so you also have to, when you criticize the Steelers or hold them to a certain standard, also factor in that Mike Tomlin had a huge say in assembling this roster.

[Colin Cowherd]

We've had a couple of Steelers come on our show or it's been published and reported Mike that. That he is player permissive, which I'm okay with because most players can handle it, but Antonio Brown couldn't and George Pickens couldn't. Is it a fair criticism that Mike is so pro player that there's always three or four loose, immature players that disrupt the room?

[Dana White]

Yeah, I think that that is fair. There's always been kind of this debate, did Mike Tomlin get the most out of Antonio Brown or did he enable him? And, you know, we saw history in some senses repeat itself with George Pickens. He was not nearly on Antonio Brown's level in terms of off field antics and getting in trouble with the law, but when it came to being a professional, realizing that you're paid handsomely and this team is counting upon you, you know, he showed up repeatedly late for things. And, you know, I have to look at Mike Tomlin and say that he created this environment where it was possible for this to happen. Because you go back to where this whole postseason losing streak began. Le'Veon Bell reported late for that playoff game. And now here we are years later, and you've got, on Christmas Day, George Pickens reporting late for the first game right after he was active, after Mike Tomlin said they needed to grow up. So Mike Tomlin says George Pickens needs to grow up. His response, the very next game in which he's active is to show up late. That tells me he didn't have that player's attention. And I think it is time for the Steelers to change their ways when it comes to, you know, Mike Tomlin always has a saying, I don't treat everybody equally, but I treat everybody fairly. But when you're treating people on different levels, that is unfair to the guys who are doing the right thing.

[Colin Cowherd]

All right, one minute left. I think they're a 9 and 8, 8 and 9 team. What say you, Mike?

[Dana White]

I think they are a nine or ten win team, but really that's not the standard that people in Pittsburgh are holding this team to. It has been like I keep saying, eight years since a playoff when they are desperate in starving for success. And I think that's why you've seen the Steelers have such a splashy offseason, because they know that people are getting impatient, they want success and they haven't had it. You know, and I just look at the fact that there have been in the history of the NFL, in the Super bowl era, quarterbacks over 40 have won a combined 12 games in the playoffs. Tom Brady has 10. Every other quarterback has two combined. So it's Tom Brady and it's everybody else. And here the Steelers are throwing their face behind a soon to be 42 year old Aaron Rodgers to try to snap that skid and end that, you know, troubling spot. And that troubling stat.

[Colin Cowherd]

Mike DeFebo. That was a great stat. Oh, hey, J. Mac, why don't you give us a couple of gems like that. That the Mike defebo comes on for five minutes, he's dropping bombs like that. Hey, Mike, great having you on. We're going to have you on again at the Athletic. They got a good one in Mike. Thanks, buddy.

[Dana White]

Yeah, absolutely. Thank you so much for having me on the show.

[Colin Cowherd]

Of course. Yeah. The staff, I was, I was off occasionally I miss a day and they told me, get Mike on. This guy's sharp. And he was. So, yeah, it's. That's a fascinating stat. Brady's got 10 of the 12 playoff wins for quarterbacks over 40. The rest of them combined have two. We're not anti Aaron Rodgers. That's just the numbers. I don't know. What are you. Where are you on? I'm on. I think they're 9 and 8 or 8 and 9 or. Where are you at on Pittsburgh?

[Mike DeFabio]

Yeah, we'll go seven and ten. Just because the audience loves this sparring. Mike McDaniel versus Zach Taylor. I just posted a poll on Twitter. Hey, if you could only hire one McDaniel or Taylor, who would you hire? It's early or so far. Zach Taylor, 57%, McDaniel 43%. So the unwashed masses are rolling with coward. So far, so far on social media, it's early.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, I think, I think it's like if you're listening to my show right now and disagree with me and you're a salesperson Aren't you beholden to how good your manager is and how good your products are?

[Mike DeFabio]

Well, technically, if you're a salesperson, you're beholden to the regional sales manager, who would probably be Joe Burrow in this case. They're not going to go anywhere without Burrow, right? You know that if he's there, they're competing.

[Colin Cowherd]

How do you miss the playoffs with Joe Burrow? It can't all be that Zach is clueless. He got him to a Super Bowl. You can't get there if you're clueless. You don't have to be A grade, but you're not D grade. Dana White's Coming up. American Public University is the number one provider of education to our military and veterans in this country. They offer something truly unique, special rates and grants for the entire family, making education affordable not just for those who serve, but also for their loved ones. If you have a military or veteran family member and are looking for affordable, high quality education, APU is the place for you. Visit APU apus edu/military to learn more. That's APU apus edu military. Okay, have you heard about this? Last year, degree changed the formula for their Cool Rush deodorant and their fans rebelled and wanted the old scent back. And Degree listens. That doesn't happen often. They admitted they effed up and they're bringing back the original Cool Rush scent. They're bringing it back and it's exactly how you remember it. Cool, crisp and fresh. There's a reason it's the number one men's antiperspirant and it's back in Walmart, Target and other stores now for under four bucks. So try and see what the fuss is about. Head to your local Walmart or Target to try the OG Degree Cool Rush for yourself. So in the last month, the Midas Touch network beat Rogan, Tucker Carlson, Candace.

[Jason McIntyre]

Owens, Charlie Kirk and Ben Shapiro all combined. What happens when three brothers take on right wing media and start winning? I find out on the latest episode of Next Question with me, Katie Couric.

[Colin Cowherd]

We just want people to live their.

[Dana White]

Lives and be happy and be able.

[Colin Cowherd]

To enjoy it without some, you know.

[Dana White]

Lunatic screaming in their face every three seconds.

[Jason McIntyre]

Listen to Next Question with me, Katie Couric on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Welcome to Pretty Private with ebony, the podcast where silence is broken and stories are set free.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'm Ebony, and every Tuesday I'll be.

[Jason McIntyre]

Sharing all the new anonymous stories that.

[Colin Cowherd]

Would challenge your perceptions and give you.

[Jason McIntyre]

New insight on the people around you. Every Tuesday, make sure you listen to.

[Colin Cowherd]

Pretty Private from the Black Effect Podcast Network. Tune in on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. This is an iHeart podcast.