The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Hour 3 - Give Caitlin Clark Her Respect

Release Date: April 16, 2025

1. Caitlin Clark's Omission from Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential Athletes

The episode kicks off with a heated discussion between host Colin Cowherd and co-host Chris Broussard regarding Caitlin Clark's exclusion from Time Magazine's prestigious list of the 100 most influential athletes.

• Colin Cowherd [06:05]: "How is Caitlin Clark not in this?"

  Colin expresses his disbelief and frustration, arguing that Caitlin Clark's impact on the WNBA and college basketball is monumental. He emphasizes her role in setting all-time ratings records for the WNBA and transforming the league's visibility.

• Chris Broussard [06:11]: "I think Caitlin Clark is one of the most influential, influential athletes on the planet right now."

  Chris concurs, highlighting Clark's significant influence and suggesting that her absence undermines the entire list's credibility.

The hosts delve into Caitlin Clark's contributions, comparing her influence to legendary athletes like Serena Williams and Michael Jordan. They argue that her dynamic performances and ability to draw massive viewership have reshaped the WNBA, pushing it into the mainstream spotlight.

2. NFL Draft Insights and Tennessee's Quarterback Conundrum

Transitioning to football, Colin and Chris analyze the current NFL draft landscape, focusing on Tennessee's quarterback situation and the implications of Urban Meyer's recent comments.

• Colin Cowherd [04:50]: "Tennessee is screwed. They got a problem."

  Colin critiques Tennessee's quarterback depth, pointing out the lack of experienced players and the potential fallout from losing a high draft pick like Nico Iamaliava.

• Chris Broussard [08:03]: "I think Abdul Carter is a can't miss as it gets."

  Chris advocates for Abdul Carter, asserting his elite talent and likening him to Micah Parsons in terms of defensive prowess. He criticizes teams that might overlook such players due to character concerns, labeling it as foolish.

The discussion highlights the Dolphins' management issues, particularly criticizing GM Chris Greer's decisions, such as trading away Jalen Ramsey and failing to retain homegrown talents like Robert Hunt and Christian Wilkins. The hosts argue that these missteps signal a lack of leadership and vision within the organization.

3. NBA Playoffs Preview: Warriors vs. Rockets and Lakers vs. Timberwolves

The conversation shifts to the NBA playoffs, with a focus on the Warriors facing the Rockets and the Lakers taking on the Timberwolves.

• Colin Cowherd [14:18]: "How do you see it playing out?"

  Colin questions whether the Houston Rockets can upset the seasoned Golden State Warriors, citing their rebounding strength and athleticism.

• Will [16:50]: "The Rockets are a tough matchup. They're a great rebounding team."

  Will acknowledges Houston's strengths but ultimately favors Golden State's experience and coaching under Steve Kerr, predicting a Warriors' series victory.

In another segment, the Lakers-Timberwolves matchup is discussed, emphasizing the Lakers' clutch performance capabilities with stars like LeBron James and Austin Reaves. The hosts express confidence in the Lakers' ability to overcome Minnesota's offensive threats, particularly criticizing Julius Randle's playoff performance history.

4. The Rise of International Stars and Luka Doncic's Potential as NBA's Face

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the role of international players in the NBA, with Luka Doncic emerging as a central figure.

• Colin Cowherd [24:18]: "Why can't Luka be the face of the league?"

  Colin argues that Luka's dynamic playing style, combined with his personality and marketability, make him a prime candidate to lead the NBA's global image.

• Will [25:27]: "I used to feel like an international star couldn't be the face of the NBA, but now I see how players like Luka and Giannis are changing that perception."

  Will reflects on the evolving landscape of the NBA, acknowledging the increasing influence of international stars and predicting Luka's rise to prominence.

The hosts discuss Luka's leadership with the Lakers, his recent trade, and his ability to captivate audiences with his performances. They compare his potential to that of legends like Michael Jordan and argue that his influence transcends on-court achievements, positioning him as a pivotal figure for the league's future.

5. WNBA's Growing Popularity and Caitlin Clark's Impact on Ratings

Returning to Caitlin Clark, Colin and Chris examine her direct influence on WNBA viewership and the broader landscape of women's basketball.

• Colin Cowherd [35:13]: "She changed the entire sport. The WNBA had 170% ratings increase because of overwhelmingly one human being that is iconic."

  Colin attributes the surge in WNBA ratings to Caitlin Clark's star power, emphasizing her role in attracting new fans and elevating the league's status.

• Chris Broussard [35:17]: "She's completely relevant. She's a dynamic personality and a great player."

  Chris reiterates Clark's significance, dismissing Time Magazine's oversight as a disservice to both the athlete and the sport.

The segment underscores the transformative effect Clark has had on women's basketball, from increasing live viewership to enhancing the league's marketability and overall appeal.

6. Conclusion: Media Representation and Athlete Recognition

In the concluding remarks, Colin and Chris reflect on the broader implications of media representation in sports, using Caitlin Clark's exclusion from Time Magazine's list as a case study.

• Colin Cowherd [38:04]: "She changed my viewing habits in the summer. I led my show with WNBA basketball."

  Colin emphasizes how Clark's presence has not only influenced individual viewers but also reshaped the content focus of sports media.

• Chris Broussard [38:24]: "It discredits the entire list. It's ridiculous."

  Chris asserts that such omissions undermine the credibility of influential athlete recognitions and reflect broader biases within media institutions.

The hosts advocate for more inclusive and accurate representations of athletes across all leagues, highlighting the need for media outlets to recognize and celebrate contributions beyond traditionally dominant sports and figures.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd [06:05]: "How is Caitlin Clark not in this?"

• Chris Broussard [06:11]: "I think Caitlin Clark is one of the most influential, influential athletes on the planet right now."

• Colin Cowherd [24:18]: "Why can't Luka be the face of the league?"

• Will [16:50]: "The Rockets are a tough matchup. They're a great rebounding team."

• Colin Cowherd [35:13]: "She changed the entire sport. The WNBA had 170% ratings increase because of overwhelmingly one human being that is iconic."

Final Thoughts

In this episode, "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" passionately advocates for Caitlin Clark's recognition as one of the most influential athletes today. Through in-depth discussions on football drafts, NBA playoffs, and the rising prominence of international stars, the hosts highlight the evolving dynamics of sports influence and media representation. The episode serves as a compelling argument for broader inclusion and acknowledgment of impactful athletes across all sports leagues.