Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: The Best Of Covino & Rich
Release Date: May 29, 2025
Host/Authors: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

1. NBA Finals Ratings and Market Impact

Timestamp: 00:58 - 06:00

Covino opens the discussion by celebrating the Indiana Pacers' victory over the Knicks, highlighting the implications for NBA Finals ratings. He notes that smaller market teams like Indiana and Oklahoma City (OKC) may not draw high ratings compared to larger market teams, referencing historical data on low ratings in the 21st century.

Notable Quote:

Covino (03:33): "We don't need to beat around the bush. I looked it up. Worst ratings in the 21st century since the year 2000."

Rich Davis concurs, emphasizing that while competitive smaller market teams are beneficial for the parity of the NBA, they may not be lucrative from a ratings perspective.

2. Competitive Balance vs. Ratings

Timestamp: 06:00 - 10:00

Sam introduces a perspective that diverse championship contenders enhance the NBA's appeal, arguing that dynasties are tired and fans appreciate teams winning their first championship. This sentiment is echoed by Rich, who suggests that most fans are "sick of the usual suspects."

Notable Quote:

Sam (02:19): "There's no dynasties right now. I'm all for teams winning their first championship or, you know, first in a long time."

Covino challenges the notion that ratings matter, stating his disinterest in network metrics, while Rich emphasizes the importance of ratings for the sport's visibility.

3. Player Contributions and Team Performance

Timestamp: 10:00 - 15:00

The conversation shifts to individual player performances, particularly highlighting Halliburton's significant impact on the game. They discuss how a standout game can influence the series outcome, especially in high-stakes scenarios like the Garden.

Notable Quote:

Rich Davis (12:37): "But if the Thunder win tonight, they have to sit around for eight days because Game 1 of the NBA Finals is not until next Thursday."

Covino suggests that scheduling could benefit one side by keeping teams fresh, adding a strategic layer to the Finals dynamics.

4. Work-Life Balance for Athletes

Timestamp: 15:06 - 26:00

A heated debate arises over NFL player Miles Garrett’s decision to miss voluntary practices to attend an anime convention with his girlfriend in Japan. Covino defends Garrett's choice, emphasizing the importance of personal happiness and work-life balance, while Rich criticizes it as a lack of commitment and leadership.

Notable Quotes:

Covino (18:20): "Miles Garrett, you know, one of the best players in the NFL... he decided to not go to a voluntary."

Rich Davis (19:00): "He didn't show up for voluntary practices, it shows me they're not as hungry as they used to be."

The hosts explore the implications of such decisions on team chemistry, leadership perception, and organizational expectations.

5. Listener Interactions and Giveaways

Timestamp: 29:00 - 55:00

The segment shifts to interactive segments where listeners call in to participate in games and giveaways. A notable feature includes the "Words of Wisdom" game, where listeners must repeat quotes verbatim to win prizes.

Notable Quotes:

Rich Davis (49:52): "Common sense is like deodorant. Those who need it the most never use it."

Listeners like Patrick from Florida successfully repeat the quote and win a prize, enhancing audience engagement.

6. Midweek Major Sports Updates

Timestamp: 55:00 - 72:48

The hosts transition to "Midweek Major" segments, covering diverse sports stories such as:

• Connor Daly's Indy 500 Experience: Daly shares his urgent need to relieve himself during a race delay, highlighting the human side of high-stakes motorsports.

  Notable Quote:

  Sam (62:20): "Connor Daly revealed he had no choice to ignore the call of nature that struck him during the race."

• Tom Brady's Potential Olympic Comeback: Speculation surrounds Brady potentially returning from retirement to compete in flag football at the 2028 Olympics, challenging younger quarterbacks like Darrell Doucette.

  Notable Quote:

  Sam (63:03): "Tom Brady will be 49 at the time this takes place, his 50th birthday taking place just three days after the closing ceremony."

• Rise of Humanoid Robot Combat Sports: Introduction to robot fighting tournaments in China, drawing parallels to popular culture references like "Real Steel," and discussing the future of robotic sports.

  Notable Quote:

  Sam (66:08): "These robot battles provide a high pressure, fast paced scenario to test robotic structure, motion control and AI decision capabilities."

• Pablo Torre’s Investigative Journalism: Discussion on sports journalist Pablo Torre's obsessive pursuit of information regarding Coach Jordan Hudson, raising concerns about privacy and journalistic ethics.

  Notable Quote:

  Rich Davis (69:00): "This feels like tabloid journalism... something you read from the Inquirer."

Conclusion

The episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" featuring Covino and Rich provides a multifaceted exploration of current sports narratives, balancing discussions on team dynamics, player responsibilities, and emerging trends in sports entertainment. Through engaging debates, listener participation, and comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, the hosts offer insightful perspectives tailored for both avid sports fans and casual listeners.

Overall Notable Quote:

Rich Davis (30:22): "If you don't believe me, let's go to the phone call."

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the substantive discussions and key points presented during the episode.