The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Hour 3 - Thoughts on Cooper Flagg

Release Date: March 28, 2025
Host: Doug Gottlieb (guest-hosting for Colin Cowherd)
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, guest host Doug Gottlieb delves into a variety of sports topics, seamlessly blending nostalgia with contemporary sports analysis. The discussion navigates through the efficiency of modern technologies compared to the past, the intricacies of college sports transfers, and the perceived dominance of the Los Angeles Dodgers in baseball. While the episode is titled "Thoughts on Cooper Flagg," the conversation predominantly centers around broader sports themes rather than focusing solely on Cooper Flagg.

Nostalgia vs. Modern Efficiency

Gottlieb begins by reminiscing about the 1990s, highlighting how technological advancements have streamlined daily activities. He contrasts the inefficiencies of the past—such as using beepers and pagers—with today's seamless connectivity via smartphones and apps.

Notable Quote:

"We went from cassette tapes to CDs, right? And now with Apple Music, you don't have to buy a whole album. You don't have to buy a whole album, right? Just download the song you want."
— Doug Gottlieb [04:15]

Gottlieb emphasizes that while nostalgic sentiments often frame the past as superior, modern advancements have significantly enhanced efficiency in various aspects of life, including communication and entertainment.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Work and Efficiency

The conversation shifts to the changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the shift to remote work. Gottlieb acknowledges the benefits of increased efficiency and time savings, such as avoiding traffic and utilizing tools like Zoom for virtual meetings. However, he also recognizes the loss of human interaction and the need for a balance between efficiency and personal connections.

Notable Quote:

"Not all efficiency is perfect. And you do need some sort of kind of human warmth and human touch and human interaction."
— Doug Gottlieb [07:05]

The discussion underscores the dual-edged nature of technological efficiency, advocating for a harmonious blend of productivity and human connection.

Current State of College Sports and the Transfer Portal

A significant portion of the episode critiques the modern college sports landscape, particularly the transfer portal's impact on team stability and alumni relations. Gottlieb disputes the narrative that the transfer portal is inherently detrimental, arguing instead that it facilitates necessary movement akin to competitive dynamics in the professional realm.

Key Points:

• Transfer Rules: Gottlieb explains that the real issue isn't the transfer portal itself but the lack of requirements for student-athletes to sit out a year when transferring, which previously acted as a deterrent against frequent transfers.

• Coaching Stability: He argues that coach turnover is often exaggerated in popular narratives, pointing out that many coaches remain in their positions unless fired for performance reasons.

• Economic Implications: Gottlieb draws parallels between sports contracts and real-world employment contracts, highlighting how buyouts and non-compete clauses function in both arenas.

Notable Quote:

"It's not the transfer portal. It's a transfer rule that you don't have to sit out here. So then when you have your fifth and sixth and seventh school, how are we ever going to have an alumni game ever again?"
— Doug Gottlieb [25:30]

Gottlieb posits that the flexibility afforded by the transfer portal can be beneficial, allowing athletes to seek better opportunities without significant barriers, thereby fostering a more dynamic and competitive environment.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Perceived as the "Evil Empire" of Baseball

Gottlieb and co-host Greg Tui explore the widespread perception of the Los Angeles Dodgers as the "evil empire" within baseball. They dissect the reasons behind this sentiment, attributing it to the Dodgers' strategic team-building and financial prowess.

Key Points:

• Financial Strategy: The Dodgers' ability to leverage finances strategically, such as deferring salaries, allows them to assemble a star-studded roster, often outperforming other teams on both the field and in terms of marketability.

• Media Perception: The duo suggests that media narratives and fan rivalries amplify the Dodgers' "evil" reputation, despite the team's positive impact on the sport through high-profile, likable players.

• Competitive Dominance: They acknowledge the Dodgers' consistent performance and success, which naturally breeds both admiration and envy among fans and rival teams alike.

Notable Quote:

"I don't know if it makes it super competitive. No. But if you want to be smarter than everybody else."
— Doug Gottlieb [35:00]

Despite the criticism, Gottlieb defends the Dodgers' approach as beneficial for the sport's competitiveness and financial health, questioning whether their methods truly warrant the "evil" label.

NCAA Tournament Insights

The episode provides comprehensive coverage of the ongoing NCAA tournament, with a focus on matchups, team performances, and strategic analysis.

Key Points:

• First OT Game: Texas Tech's rally past Arkansas marks the first overtime in the tournament, highlighting the intense competition and unpredictability of college basketball.

• Team Evaluations: Gottlieb shares his predictions, expressing confidence in teams like Tennessee over Kentucky and Purdue over Houston, while also noting the strengths and weaknesses of teams like Auburn and Michigan.

• Coaching Analysis: Colin Cowherd commends Chris Beard of Michigan State for his coaching prowess and effective point guard management, emphasizing the importance of quality leadership in deep tournament runs.

Notable Quote:

"I think Malt Barn saved college basketball."
— Doug Gottlieb [38:00]

Gottlieb credits innovative coaching strategies as pivotal to teams' successes, underscoring the significant role of coaching in navigating the high-stakes environment of the NCAA tournament.

LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith Feud

A heated discussion ensues regarding the ongoing tension between LeBron James and sports commentator Stephen A. Smith. The debate centers on LeBron's public confrontations with Smith, particularly in the context of critiques about LeBron's son, Cooper Flagg.

Key Points:

• Personal vs. Professional: Gottlieb examines LeBron's confrontational approach during an NBA game, questioning the appropriateness of personal attacks in professional sports discourse.

• Player Evaluation: The conversation touches on Cooper Flagg's performance, with Gottlieb acknowledging his statistical improvements yet questioning the relevance of high-scoring games to overall team dynamics and professional readiness.

• Media Influence: They critique Stephen A. Smith's role in shaping public narratives, suggesting that continuous media criticism can disproportionately influence perceptions of players and their families.

Notable Quote:

"Scoring is not everything. I agree. And it's one of the reasons that I always thought that if he ever got a shot, he would have a shot, because his only chance to really make it in the NBA is as a role player."
— Doug Gottlieb [50:58]

Gottlieb emphasizes the multifaceted nature of basketball, advocating for a broader evaluation of players beyond mere scoring metrics, and cautioning against media-driven narratives that may overlook a player's comprehensive contributions.

Best for Last: The Chicago Bulls’ Comeback

In the episode's concluding segment, Gottlieb recounts an exhilarating moment from a Chicago Bulls game where the team mounted an improbable comeback in the final seconds.

Key Points:

• Game Highlights: With 12 seconds remaining and the Bulls trailing by five points, LeBron James makes a crucial play, leaving an opponent open and facilitating a decisive pass that almost seals the win.

• Fan Reactions: The play elicits excitement and nostalgia, as Gottlieb draws parallels to iconic moments from classic TV shows, reinforcing the emotional connection fans have with memorable sports events.

• Technical Analysis: The breakdown of the play underscores the importance of strategic decision-making and teamwork in securing victories during high-pressure situations.

Notable Quote:

"That line, 'Elizabeth, I'm coming for you,' comes from Sanford and Son, doesn't it?"
— Doug Gottlieb [45:50]

The segment highlights the intertwining of sports moments with cultural references, enhancing the relatability and entertainment value for the audience.

Conclusion

Throughout this episode, Doug Gottlieb delivers a nuanced exploration of various sports-related topics, balancing personal anecdotes with analytical insights. From celebrating technological advancements and their impact on efficiency to scrutinizing the complexities of college sports transfers and the Dodgers' business strategies, Gottlieb provides listeners with a comprehensive and engaging discussion. The episode culminates in a thrilling recount of a Bulls game, leaving the audience with a blend of excitement and thoughtful reflection on the evolving landscape of sports.

Final Notable Quote:

"It's all about efficiency. I don't want to cook and clean. It's not just the work. It's like it's such an inefficient thing."
— Doug Gottlieb [07:30]

Gottlieb encapsulates the episode's central theme of striving for efficiency in modern life and sports, while also recognizing the enduring value of human connection and legacy.

Key Takeaways

• Embrace Technological Efficiency: Modern advancements have streamlined daily activities, enhancing productivity and connectivity, albeit at the cost of some personal interactions.

• Reevaluating College Sports Dynamics: The transfer portal, when understood correctly, can foster a more dynamic and competitive environment in college sports, though it requires balanced regulations to maintain team stability.

• Understanding Team Dominance: The Los Angeles Dodgers' strategic financial and team-building approaches, while earning them the "evil empire" label, contribute positively to the sport's financial health and competitive landscape.

• Holistic Player Evaluation: Success in sports should be measured beyond statistical achievements, considering overall contributions and team dynamics.

• Cultural Integration of Sports Moments: Memorable sports events often resonate deeply with cultural references, enhancing fan engagement and emotional investment.

References

• Podcast Transcript: The provided transcript from The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode "Hour 3 - Thoughts on Cooper Flagg."
• Quotes and Timestamps: Extracted directly from the provided transcript to ensure accurate representation of discussions and viewpoints.

This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of the podcast episode, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of the discussions and insights shared by Doug Gottlieb during his guest-hosting stint on The Herd with Colin Cowherd.