Podcast Summary: The Best of Covino & Rich The Herd with Colin Cowherd | Episode: The Best of Covino & Rich | Release Date: February 6, 2025

The Best of Covino & Rich brings listeners an engaging and insightful deep dive into the world of sports and pop culture, hosted by Steve Covino and Rich Davis. Broadcasting live from Media Row in New Orleans during Super Bowl 59, Covino and Rich offer a blend of serious analysis, humorous anecdotes, and candid discussions with notable guests. This summary captures the key topics, discussions, insights, and memorable quotes from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for both regular listeners and newcomers.

1. Live from Media Row New Orleans for Super Bowl 59

Covino and Rich kick off the episode by setting the scene at Media Row in New Orleans, emphasizing the vibrant atmosphere surrounding the Super Bowl festivities. They highlight their live broadcasting experience, interacting with various media personalities and sports stars.

Notable Highlights:

• Interviews and Interactions: The hosts mention catching up with sports figures like Fred Warner and Vince Wilfork, adding credibility and excitement to their live broadcast.

• Atmosphere: The energy of Media Row, filled with athletes, celebrities, and fans, provides a dynamic backdrop for the show.

2. Observations and Anecdotes

a. Security Presence and Police Uniforms

Covino and Rich discuss the noticeable security measures in New Orleans, particularly the distinctive police uniforms featuring mountie-style hats.

Key Points:

• Uniform Discussion: Covino observes, "They got that Bullwinkle mouthy hat. Like it's almost cartoonish. And I don't know if it garners more respect or if it's funny" ([05:28]).

• Respect vs. Humor: Rich counters, "I lose respect. It looks goofy" ([05:43]), while Covino maintains his support for the police, asserting, "I respect the police more than anyone. They're here to help us" ([06:20]).

b. Dining Habits: Sharing Meals

The hosts debate the social norms around sharing meals, especially the practice of splitting entrees with friends versus keeping meals individual with partners.

Notable Quotes:

• Covino: "I think anyone that has a problem with this is out of their damn mind. And I'll tell you what, then why did everybody react?" ([10:57]).

• Rich: "I'm against racism." ([08:44]) — transitioning from the conversation about uniforms to broader social issues.

c. Restaurant Experiences: Swastika Pattern Tiles

A surprising and sensitive topic arises when Covino recounts noticing swastika patterns in the tiles of a local bar pub.

Key Points:

• Initial Reaction: "The tiles in this bar had a swastika pattern... What is going on?" ([08:13]).

• Staff Explanation: The establishment claims the symbol was intended as a sign of peace before World War II, leading Covino to comment, "Still change your tiles." ([08:53]).

3. NFL and NBA Insights

a. LeBron James and Luka Dončić Trade Analysis

Covino and Rich delve into the high-profile trade involving NBA stars LeBron James and Luka Dončić, exploring the motivations and potential impacts on both players and teams.

Discussion Points:

• LeBron's Motivation: "LeBron more motivated to stick around or call it quits knowing that his replacement is there." ([18:16]).

• Public Perception: Covino humorously remarks on public reactions, blending sports analysis with light-hearted banter.

b. Team Motivations: Eagles vs. Chiefs

The conversation shifts to the NFL, comparing the motivation levels of teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Key Insight:

• Team Loyalty: Rich confidently states, "The Eagles," asserting their high motivation heading into the playoffs ([16:28]).

4. Exclusive Interview with Malcolm Butler

A standout segment of the episode features an in-depth interview with Malcolm Butler, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots. Butler shares his experiences, career reflections, and insights into coaching after retiring from professional football.

Key Topics:

a. Super Bowl Moments and Career Reflections

Butler reminisces about his iconic plays and the impact they had on his career and personal growth.

Notable Quotes:

• "We came back. Like, I keep coming back for that church of chicken." ([22:09]).

• "It only counts when it counts." ([21:01]).

b. Coaching High School Football

Transitioning from playing to coaching, Butler discusses his passion for mentoring young athletes and the challenges he faces in shaping future talents.

Insights:

• Butler emphasizes the importance of earning respect and dedication, stating, "You got to earn your stripes, right?" ([23:08]).

c. Interactions with Coach Bill Belichick

Butler reflects on his relationship with the legendary coach, highlighting Belichick's strategic mindset and influence on his professional development.

Key Quote:

• "Bill Belichick never been a social media guy or a guy about money. You here to do your job and help the team win." ([23:26]).

5. Super Bowl Week Highlights

Covino and Rich provide updates and analyses on various Super Bowl-related happenings, including celebrity appearances, halftime show controversies, and notable incidents.

a. President Trump’s Attendance

The presence of former President Donald Trump at the Super Bowl garners attention, with discussions on its significance regardless of political affiliations.

Notable Commentary:

• Covino asserts, "I think it's major, definitely major. Because it's just the right answer. There's a right answer here." ([33:26]).

b. Halftime Show: Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake

A contentious issue arises around Kendrick Lamar's halftime performance, where his song includes controversial lyrics leading to a defamation lawsuit filed by Drake.

Key Points:

• Legal Concerns: "Kendrick Lamar for some accusations he makes in the song, specifically calling him a pedophile just to be newsworthy here." ([34:09]).

• Performance Implications: Discussions on potential censorship and the impact on the halftime show's reception.

c. Marcus Jordan’s DUI Incident

The episode covers the DUI arrest of Marcus Jordan, highlighting the bizarre circumstances and public relations fallout due to his association with Michael Jordan.

Notable Observations:

• Covino compares Marcus Jordan’s explanations to a "Michael Scott" character from The Office, emphasizing the absurdity of his defense ([37:04]).

d. Mavericks NBA Trade and Fan Refunds

A controversial trade involving Luka Dončić prompts the Mavericks organization to offer refunds to dissatisfied season ticket holders, sparking debates about team loyalty and management decisions.

Key Insights:

• "It's a crybaby move. And I...I hate the move because you're the Mavericks, and the Mavericks. It almost seems like you're saying, yeah, we got the short end of this trade." ([39:44]).

6. Final Discussions and Light-Hearted Moments

The hosts wrap up the episode with lighter topics, including favorite meals, personal anecdotes, and promotional segments for upcoming events and merchandise.

a. Sharing Meals with Friends

Continuing their earlier debate, Covino and Rich share personal stories about attempting to split meals with friends and the social dynamics involved.

Memorable Quote:

• Covino: "I'm the guy that wants to get a little taste of everything." ([11:33]).

b. Upcoming Events: Malcolm Butler’s Block Party

Butler announces a community event, offering autographs and free meals, reinforcing the hosts' connection with their audience.

Event Details:

• "We’re having a block party Thursday. No, Saturday on South Clayman Street. 1600. Look, kids eat for free." ([28:52]).

7. Conclusion

The Best of Covino & Rich successfully blends in-depth sports analysis with personal anecdotes and engaging interviews. Covino and Rich provide a well-rounded perspective on current sports events, personal experiences at the Super Bowl, and interactions with notable sports figures. Their ability to balance serious discussion with humor and relatable stories makes the episode both informative and entertaining.

Final Takeaway: Listeners are left with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted world of sports during the Super Bowl season, enriched by personal insights and professional expertise from Covino, Rich, and their esteemed guest, Malcolm Butler.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Covino on Police Uniforms: "They got that Bullwinkle mouthy hat. Like it's almost cartoonish." ([05:28])

• Rich on Meal Sharing: "I'm against racism." ([08:44])

• Covino on Splitting Meals: "I think anyone that has a problem with this is out of their damn mind." ([10:57])

• Malcolm Butler on Earning Stripes: "You got to earn your stripes, right?" ([23:08])

• Covino on President Trump's Attendance: "I think it's major, definitely major. Because it's just the right answer." ([33:26])

• Butler on Super Bowl Moment: "It only counts when it counts." ([21:01])

• Covino on Sharing Food: "I'm the guy that wants to get a little taste of everything." ([11:33])

This summary encapsulates the essence of The Best of Covino & Rich, highlighting the hosts' dynamic interactions, thoughtful discussions, and the vibrant atmosphere of Super Bowl 59. Whether you're a sports aficionado or a casual listener, Covino and Rich deliver content that is both entertaining and insightful.