Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode: The Best Of Covino & Rich (May 27, 2025)

Hosted by Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio, this episode delves into a variety of sports and pop culture topics, blending insightful analysis with lively banter. Below is a detailed summary capturing the key discussions, notable quotes, and overall insights shared during the episode.

1. Tribute to Rick Derringer

The episode opens with Covino and Rich paying homage to the late Rick Derringer, a multi-faceted musician known for his contributions to both rock music and iconic sports anthems.

• Rich Davis (02:30): "The guy that wrote and sung 'Hang On Sloopy,' also saying 'Real American.' Did you know that?"

  They highlight Derringer's versatility, mentioning his role in crafting wrestling theme songs like Hulk Hogan's "Real American," bridging generational music gaps.

2. Evolution of Music Across Generations

Covino and Rich discuss the longevity of artists from the 2000s compared to previous decades, noting a shift in how musicians maintain their relevance.

• Covino (05:45): "In the 90s, artists from the 70s were long gone. Now, artists from the 2000s like Taylor Swift and Jay-Z are still dominating the charts."

  The hosts debate whether today's music landscape, with artists sustaining longer careers, differs fundamentally from past generations where musical acts had shorter spans of prominence.

3. NBA Playoffs Analysis: Oklahoma City Thunder and New York Knicks

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the NBA Playoffs, particularly the Oklahoma City Thunder's impressive 68-14 record and their 3-1 series lead. Covino expresses optimism about OKC's chances, while also analyzing the New York Knicks' performance against the Pacers.

• Covino (15:20): "OKC is up 3-1 now. They're looking unstoppable, but the Knicks have shown they can pull off comebacks."

• Rich (17:10): "If the Knicks can find their rhythm tonight, we might see a Game 5 at the Garden. The stakes are higher than ever."

  They dissect player performances, team dynamics, and potential outcomes, offering predictions on how the series might unfold.

4. Indy 500 Highlights and Creed's Involvement

The conversation shifts to the Indy 500, celebrating Alex Palu's victory and the surprising involvement of the band Creed, which led to a viral photo featuring sports legends Tom Brady, Alex Rodriguez, and Derek Jeter.

• Rich (25:50): "Creed's presence at the Indy 500 led to one epic photo. Imagine having Tom Brady, Alex Rodriguez, and Derek Jeter all in one frame!"

  Covino and Rich marvel at the crossover between music and sports, pondering the impact of such collaborations on fan engagement and media presence.

5. Fantasy Photo Contest: "Your Big Three"

Engaging with their audience, Covino and Rich host a segment where listeners are invited to envision their ultimate celebrity photo with three chosen stars from various fields.

• Covino (35:15): "If you could take a photo with any three living stars, who would they be? Music, sports, entertainment – the sky's the limit."

  Hosts share their choices, discussing the significance of each selection and what it represents to them personally and professionally.

6. Real-Life Caller Stories: Anthony Labrador's Little League Deception

A captivating story discussed involves Anthony Labrador, a 24-year-old who posed as a 16-year-old to play in Little League sports. The hosts explore the broader implications of age deception in youth sports and its ethical considerations.

• Rich (45:00): "A 24-year-old posing as a 16-year-old in high school sports? That's not just unfair; it's downright deceptive."

  Covino and Rich debate whether older adults could realistically compete in high school sports, considering physical and psychological factors, while sharing personal anecdotes and listener opinions.

7. Can Older Adults Compete in High School Sports?

Building on the previous discussion, the hosts delve deeper into the feasibility and desirability of adults participating in youth sports leagues, examining both the physical challenges and the motivational aspects.

• Covino (50:30): "Can you imagine a 40-something quarterback in high school football? The dynamics would be completely off."

• Rich (52:10): "It's not just about strength. The endurance and agility required are years away from where most adults are."

  They consider the psychological boost adults might have from their life experiences versus the raw physical talent and energy of younger athletes.

8. Iron Mike Trivia: Fun Interaction with Mike Tyson

In a lively segment, Covino and Rich host a trivia game featuring Mike Tyson, affectionately dubbed "Iron Mike," who participates in answering sports-related questions.

• Mike Tyson (1:10:00): "I'm not Mother Teresa, but I'm not Charles Manson either." [Reference to a famous Tyson quote]

  The interaction showcases the playful and competitive spirit of the hosts, adding an entertaining layer to the episode.

9. Little League Scandal: Danny Almonte's Age Fraud

The hosts revisit the infamous Danny Almonte case from the 2001 Little League World Series, where a 14-year-old was found to be older than allowed, sparking debates about regulation and fairness in youth sports.

• Covino (1:20:45): "Danny Almonte cheated the system by lying about his age. It's a disgrace to the integrity of the sport."

  Rich adds context by explaining how such incidents have led to stricter verification processes in youth athletic programs.

10. Listener Engagement: Cubs Upgrades and Upcoming Games

Towards the end of the episode, Covino and Rich encourage listener participation, discussing recent team upgrades, game strategies, and what's on the horizon for various sports franchises.

• Rich (1:35:30): "With the recent trades, the Cubs are looking stronger than ever. What do you think their chances are this season?"

  They analyze team performances, player statistics, and potential playoff outcomes, fostering a sense of community among their audience.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Rich (02:30): "The guy that wrote and sung 'Hang On Sloopy,' also saying 'Real American.' Did you know that?"

• Covino (05:45): "In the 90s, artists from the 70s were long gone. Now, artists from the 2000s like Taylor Swift and Jay-Z are still dominating the charts."

• Covino (15:20): "OKC is up 3-1 now. They're looking unstoppable, but the Knicks have shown they can pull off comebacks."

• Rich (17:10): "If the Knicks can find their rhythm tonight, we might see a Game 5 at the Garden. The stakes are higher than ever."

• Rich (25:50): "Creed's presence at the Indy 500 led to one epic photo. Imagine having Tom Brady, Alex Rodriguez, and Derek Jeter all in one frame!"

• Covino (35:15): "If you could take a photo with any three living stars, who would they be? Music, sports, entertainment – the sky's the limit."

• Rich (45:00): "A 24-year-old posing as a 16-year-old in high school sports? That's not just unfair; it's downright deceptive."

• Mike Tyson (1:10:00): "I'm not Mother Teresa, but I'm not Charles Manson either."

• Covino (1:20:45): "Danny Almonte cheated the system by lying about his age. It's a disgrace to the integrity of the sport."

• Rich (1:35:30): "With the recent trades, the Cubs are looking stronger than ever. What do you think their chances are this season?"

Conclusion

In this episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," Covino and Rich navigate through a rich tapestry of topics, from honoring musical legends and analyzing high-stakes NBA playoff scenarios to engaging with listeners on intriguing hypotheticals and real-life sports scandals. Their dynamic interplay offers both depth and entertainment, making it a compelling listen for sports enthusiasts and casual fans alike.