Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "The Best Of Covino & Rich" (Released February 14, 2025)

Hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" delivers a dynamic exploration of the day's top sports stories. In the episode titled "The Best Of Covino & Rich," hosts Steve Covino and Rich Davis engage in lively discussions, blending sports analysis with humorous anecdotes and listener interactions.

1. Jimmy Butler's "Accident" Moment

The episode kicks off with Steve Covino and Rich Davis delving into a viral incident involving NBA star Jimmy Butler. At [00:22], Covino highlights Butler's challenging season with the Lakers, setting the stage for a deeper discussion:

Steve Covino [00:22]: "You talk about how now we're all in this NBA zone, which we are. Luca Lakers, hey, they lost, but you're not going to win. Ball 82 games."

Rich Davis humorously captions Butler with the nickname "Soiled," leading to playful banter about broadcasting restrictions on certain words:

Rich Davis [00:38]: "Oh, he has a new nickname. Soiled."

Steve Covino [00:55]: "You know, it's funny, you can't say certain words on the radio that have to do with like bodily functions, right?"

The hosts speculate on the nature of Butler's mishap, comparing it to past athlete incidents like Paul Pierce's notorious denial of an on-court accident during the 2008 NBA Finals:

Steve Covino [02:52]: "Do you remember the Paul Pierce story? That was in game one of the 2008 NBA Finals. And till this day he denies it."

Rich Davis adds layers to the discussion by referencing celebrity anecdotes, including Mike Tyson's infamous encounters:

Rich Davis [03:07]: "But the conspiracy is that he faked the injury so that he could get wheeled back there for the bathroom."

The conversation underscores the vulnerability of athletes under constant scrutiny, emphasizing how personal mishaps become public spectacles.

2. Embarrassing Moments in Sports

Building on the theme of public embarrassments, the hosts share personal stories and memorable athlete moments. Rich Davis recounts his own "Jimmy Butler moment" involving overeating grapes on a road trip:

Rich Davis [08:19]: "I couldn't control myself. I ate all of them. And I remember Max like, 'You ate all of them?' I'm like, I'm sorry. I'm the fattest guy ever."

Steve Covino contributes with a similar tale about an uncomfortable restroom experience during a massage:

Steve Covino [11:43]: "I went to a spa to get a massage. ... Let's just say it was not a nice sight."

These anecdotes serve to humanize both the hosts and the athletes, highlighting that embarrassing moments are universally relatable.

3. The Human Side of Athletes

The discussion shifts focus to the broader implications of athletes facing embarrassing situations. Covino emphasizes the unrelenting nature of media and public attention:

Steve Covino [05:31]: "What's that? And by the way, it's no exaggeration either, because we were telling Big Mike, who runs this place, who he was like, what do you mean he had an accident?"

Rich Davis reflects on the impossibility for athletes to escape such moments in the digital age:

Rich Davis [05:31]: "Without a doubt. Do you think some cousins are like, 'Jimmy, what happened? Tell me, what is this?'"

The hosts underscore that no one, regardless of their status, is immune to embarrassing moments, fostering a sense of empathy towards athletes.

4. NFL Rules and Offseason Discussions

Transitioning from personal anecdotes to professional analysis, Covino and Davis delve into NFL rules and potential changes for the offseason. At [19:06], Covino outlines three key areas for the competition committee's review:

1. Onside Kick Strategies
2. Face Masks and Late Hits Regulations
3. Quarterback Handling Post-Scrimmage

He articulates the need for revitalizing onside kick mechanics to increase their success rates:

Steve Covino [19:10]: "But you got to do something with the onside kick for sure."

Rich Davis complements this by mentioning the importance of reviewing late hits, particularly those involving quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes:

Rich Davis [20:19]: "Nothing about a quarterback taking off and then being considered a runner at that point."

The conversation highlights the dynamic nature of NFL regulations and the hosts' vested interest in the game's evolution.

5. Super Bowl Halftime Shows Debate

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the iconic Super Bowl halftime shows. The hosts engage in a nostalgic and analytical conversation about past performances and potential future acts.

Favorite Halftime Performances

Covino proclaims Prince's "Purple Rain" as his favorite halftime show:

Steve Covino [25:19]: "Prince in the Rain. Silhouette. Unbelievable."

Rich Davis counters with performances he found more engaging, despite differing tastes:

Rich Davis [29:01]: "My favorite is Creed. That was my favorite. Or Bruno Mars."

Suggestions for Future Acts

The hosts brainstorm a variety of artists, balancing nostalgia with contemporary appeal:

• Post Malone featuring Miley Cyrus: Covino suggests a blend of genres to cater to a diverse audience.

Steve Covino [25:56]: "Post Malone featuring Miley Cyrus."

• Foo Fighters and Ed Sheeran: Danny G proposes combining classic rock with mainstream pop.

Danny G [33:26]: "Foo Fighters. She's got a song with Papa Roach right now, too."

• Lenny Kravitz: Rich Davis advocates for Kravitz's versatility and collaborative spirit.

Rich Davis [36:34]: "He has the star of a Super Bowl halftime show capability."

• Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift: Tom from Rochester suggests pairing international stars to broaden appeal.

Sam [42:47]: "It's all about ratings. Anytime there's a Chiefs game on, there's an over under on Swift."

Listener Interactions

Throughout the discussion, listeners contribute their opinions and reminisce about memorable performances. Notable listener contributions include:

• Sam from Georgia [38:39]: "Drake. Think about that."

• Marcel from LA [42:47]: "I think Post Malone would do it in a heartbeat for sure."

These interactions enrich the conversation, offering diverse perspectives and fostering a communal atmosphere.

6. Express Pro of the Week

Concluding the episode, the hosts acknowledge standout professional athletes, highlighting their performances and personalities:

Dan Beyer [44:44]: "Pro of the week goes to Jalen Hurts. Super Bowl MVP."

Rich Davis [45:15]: "I was thinking Jimmy Butler because he played after he, you know, soiled himself."

This segment reinforces the podcast's commitment to celebrating athletic excellence while maintaining its characteristic humor.

7. Upcoming Segments and Final Remarks

The episode wraps up with teasers for upcoming content, including a special interview with Joey Chestnut, a renowned hot dog eating champion:

Rich Davis [46:02]: "We'll see you tomorrow in for the herd."

Hosts also engage in playful banter about weather-related game cancellations and coaching stories, maintaining an engaging and lighthearted tone until the very end.

Notable Quotes:

• Steve Covino [00:55]: "You know, it's funny, you can't say certain words on the radio that have to do with like bodily functions, right?"

• Rich Davis [08:19]: "I couldn't control myself. I ate all of them. And I remember Max like, 'You ate all of them?' I'm like, I'm sorry. I'm the fattest guy ever."

• Steve Covino [25:19]: "Prince in the Rain. Silhouette. Unbelievable."

• Rich Davis [36:34]: "He has the star of a Super Bowl halftime show capability."

Conclusion:

In "The Best Of Covino & Rich," Steve Covino and Rich Davis deliver a captivating blend of sports commentary, personal storytelling, and interactive discussions. By addressing both the lighthearted and serious aspects of sports, the episode offers listeners a comprehensive and entertaining exploration of current sports narratives. Whether dissecting Jimmy Butler's tough moments or debating the merits of future Super Bowl halftime acts, the hosts maintain an engaging and relatable presence, making the episode a must-listen for sports enthusiasts.