Podcast Summary: The Best Of Covino & Rich The Herd with Colin Cowherd | Episode: The Best Of Covino & Rich | Release Date: January 18, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosts Covino and Rich delve into a spirited discussion about athlete philanthropy, particularly focusing on Shohei Ohtani's recent donation to wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles. The conversation navigates through the nuances of generosity, public perception, and the expectations placed on high-earning athletes.

Shohei Ohtani's $500,000 Donation to LA Wildfire Relief

The episode opens with Covino and Rich dissecting the news of Shohei Ohtani donating half a million dollars to aid wildfire victims in Los Angeles. The hosts engage in a debate over whether this contribution aligns with Ohtani's financial standing and public persona.

• Covino's Perspective:

  Covino expresses skepticism about the sufficiency of Ohtani's donation, considering the athlete's substantial earnings.

  “He’s making almost a billion dollars, probably more. When all is said and done playing baseball in Los Angeles and you want fans to embrace you and you just want a World Series, you don’t think for optic reasons or, as the millennials say, the aesthetic reasons.”
  (02:15)

  He further questions the impact of a $500,000 donation from someone with Ohtani's financial clout.

  “But when you're making almost a billion dollars, probably more, it's better than nothing and it is very generous. So I'm not talking out of both sides of my mouth, but it does look a little lame when everybody knows the type of money you're making.”
  (09:30)

• Rich's Counterpoint:

  Rich defends Ohtani's generosity, emphasizing that a half-million-dollar donation is significant, especially when compared to smaller contributions from others.

  “What is that? Do the math though. What's a half a million for a guy that's making about a billion? It’s not that much, but he did donate a half million dollars and some... uh... it’s kind of generous in its own right.”
  (15:45)

  He also highlights the cultural differences that might influence Ohtani's approach to philanthropy.

  “Maybe there's a different take on it. Maybe he felt like, for all you know, Shohei Ohtani woke up and he's like, $500,000. Maybe get a loan. Maybe there's an old Japanese saying that it's not about the money, it's about what he does.”
  (22:10)

Public and Celebrity Comparisons

The hosts compare Ohtani's donation to those of other celebrities and athletes, questioning why there's often scrutiny over charitable contributions based on the donor's wealth.

• Covino on Public Expectation:

  Covino draws parallels between Ohtani and other high-profile figures like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, who have donated significantly more.

  “Beyoncé's foundation gave two and a half million. Just saying. Two and a half million. It’s true. And you're all hypocrites.”
  (18:50)

  He challenges listeners to consider the proportion of donations relative to income.

• Rich on Consistency in Giving:

  Rich points out that many wealthy individuals donate large sums, yet public criticism persists when they don’t match every donation made by peers.

  “And Rich. At your wedding, you are saying, man, Covino only gave me this, and this guy gave me. People always compare."
  (20:05)

Economic Context and Tax Implications

The discussion extends to the economic perspectives of donor contributions, highlighting that while $500,000 is substantial, it's a fraction of Ohtani's earnings.

• Covino on Financial Capacity:

  Covino emphasizes that from Ohtani's perspective, half a million is a manageable sum.

  “You could see it kind of weak when you consider his overall income. But in the grand scheme of things, it’s not much for him right now, but he deferred $2 million to 2028.”
  (25:30)

  He also touches on the tax benefits associated with large donations.

  “Yeah, he's still a cheapskate. Maybe it's a cultural goal. You can't call someone a cheapskate when they just donated half a million dollars to anything.”
  (27:15)

Fan Reactions and Social Media Criticism

Covino and Rich explore how fans perceive and react to Ohtani's donation, often criticizing without understanding the full financial context.

• Covino on Fan Expectations:

  Covino criticizes fans for lacking satisfaction and understanding of proportional generosity.

  “I think people are never satisfied. They're never satisfied. And the expectation of Ohtani is always just going to be never satisfied.”
  (30:50)

• Rich on Social Media Dynamics:

  Rich discusses how social media amplifies criticism, making it challenging for donors to gain positive recognition.

  “And you're all hypocrites. Everybody pretend that if you're not going to a wedding, you're not trying to match everybody else.”
  (18:50)

Comparative Philanthropy in Sports

The conversation shifts to how other athletes, such as LeBron James and Clayton Kershaw, contribute to their communities, comparing their efforts to Ohtani's.

• Covino's Comparison:

  Covino notes the lack of similar donations from other prominent athletes in Los Angeles.

  “But guys like LeBron James, guys like Shohei, premier prominent dudes that run this city, should lead by example.”
  (35:30)

• Rich on Athletic Leadership:

  Rich argues that athletes in high-profile cities have a responsibility to give back more substantially.

  “There are people that are happy for other people's success. And there's people that don't like anyone having stuff they don't have.”
  (40:10)

NFL Playoff Predictions and Analysis

Following the in-depth discussion on philanthropy, Covino and Rich transition to analyzing the upcoming NFL playoff games. They provide predictions, backed by statistics and personal insights, on several key matchups.

1. Chiefs vs. Texans

   • Covino's Pick: Chiefs to win by eight points.

     “I'm going Chiefs on this. And I know for a fact that Mahomes gave accolades to his wife, not only for pushing out the kid but for letting him watch football during the birth of their child. Which means he's focused, he's in the game.”
     (45:20)

   • Rich's Counter: Chiefs will prevail due to playoff experience and coaching.

     “I'm going Chiefs. They smoked him. I'm going with Covino.”
     (46:50)

2. Commanders vs. Lions

   • Covino's Pick: Commanders to cover the nine and a half point spread.

     “What stands out to me? 30, 23 or an upset. I like the Commanders. I think that 15 and 2...who’s hot, who's playing well at the time.”
     (50:10)

   • Rich's Counter: Lions have a strong home advantage and capable defense.

     “I think the Lions will edge out the spread. They are having a good run, and nine and a half is a lot. I'd take the Commanders against the spread.”
     (51:30)

3. Rams vs. Eagles

   • Covino's Pick: Eagles to cover the six and a half point spread.

     “I think the Rams momentum hits a wall in Philadelphia in the cold. It's going to be a tough game for the Rams.”
     (55:45)

   • Rich's Counter: Rams have regained momentum and perform well under pressure.

     “I'm going Rams on this. They're clicking at the right time. Do it for LA.”
     (57:20)

4. Ravens vs. Bills

   • Covino's Pick: Ravens to cover the one-point spread.

     “Ravens have more to lose if they lose. Lamar Jackson is motivated to secure his legacy.”
     (1:00:10)

   • Rich's Counter: Bills have home-field advantage and a dynamic offense.

     “I'm going with the Bills. Josh Allen is going to have a magical game.”
     (1:01:50)

Key Takeaways:

• Chiefs vs. Texans: Both hosts agree on leaning towards the Chiefs due to their seasoned playoff experience and Patrick Mahomes' leadership.

• Commanders vs. Lions: A split opinion where Covino favors the Commanders' experience, while Rich highlights the Lions' home advantage and defensive strength.

• Rams vs. Eagles: Covino advocates for the Eagles based on environmental and momentum factors, whereas Rich supports the Rams' resurgence and motivation.

• Ravens vs. Bills: Covino trusts Lamar Jackson's drive to cement his legacy, while Rich prefers the Bills' offensive prowess and home-field benefits.

Interpersonal Dynamics and Banter

Throughout the episode, Covino and Rich engage in light-hearted banter, showcasing their camaraderie and differing viewpoints. This dynamic adds an entertaining layer to their analytical discussions, making the content relatable and engaging for listeners.

• On Fan Reactions:

  Covino: “Let me tell you this. I’m not judging him, but I can't help but speculate.”

  Rich: “I just think people are never satisfied.”

• On Social Media Criticism:

  Covino: “Everybody knows Mark Zuckerberg... what did he donate? That deserves a larger amount.”

  Rich: “There are people that are happy for other people's success.”

Conclusion

In The Best Of Covino & Rich episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Covino and Rich offer a multifaceted discussion that intertwines sports analysis with critiques of athlete philanthropy. Their debate over Shohei Ohtani's donation serves as a springboard for broader conversations about public expectations, proportional generosity, and the role of high-profile athletes in their communities. Transitioning seamlessly into NFL playoff predictions, the hosts provide informed insights while maintaining an engaging and entertaining rapport.

This episode serves as both a reflective critique on societal standards of generosity and a comprehensive preview of the upcoming NFL postseason, making it a valuable listen for sports enthusiasts seeking depth and diversity in their sports commentary.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

1. Covino on Ohtani's Donation:

   “He’s making almost a billion dollars, probably more. When all is said and done playing baseball in Los Angeles and you want fans to embrace you and you just want a World Series, you don’t think for optic reasons or, as the millennials say, the aesthetic reasons.”
   (02:15)

2. Rich Defending Ohtani:

   “Maybe there's a different take on it. Maybe he felt like, for all you know, Shohei Ohtani woke up and he's like, $500,000. Maybe get a loan.”
   (22:10)

3. Covino on Fan Hypocrisy:

   “But you gotta be a follower, lead by example.”
   (19:50)

4. Rich on Stereotypes and Donations:

   “And they're a little bit. There's something about reading the room.”
   (28:25)

5. Covino on Sport Philanthropy:

   “They paid back that $2 million. I know they listen. I'm on. I'm on. Not Covino's team.”
   (33:10)

6. NFL Pick Discussions:

   Covino: “I'm going Chiefs on this. They smoked him.”

   Rich: “I'm going Rams on this. Do it for LA.”
   (45:20 & 57:20)

Final Thoughts

Covino and Rich's episode encapsulates the tension between public expectations and personal contributions, especially within the realm of high-earning athletes. Their ability to interweave critical analysis with personal opinions and NFL insights provides listeners with a comprehensive and engaging experience. Whether you agree with their takes or not, the episode invites reflection on the broader implications of wealth, generosity, and community responsibility in the sports world.