The Best Of Covino & Rich – Detailed Summary

Episode Overview: "The Best Of Covino & Rich" episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd delves into a variety of sports-related topics, intertwined with discussions on professionalism, social media influence, and societal changes. Hosted by Rich Davis and Steve Covino, with contributions from Monsi Belano and Danny G., the episode offers insightful commentary, lively debates, and engaging segments that resonate with both avid sports fans and casual listeners.

1. Social Media Influence and Professionalism in Modern Professions (02:58 - 21:10)

Key Discussion Points:

• Yankees' Facial Hair Policy Adjustment: The New York Yankees have updated their strict grooming policies to allow more freedom in facial hair, reflecting societal shifts and the desires of younger team members.

  Rich Davis [06:11]: "They have to understand young men want, like, a nice groom beard."

• Flight Attendants and Police Officers on OnlyFans: The hosts debate recent incidents where flight attendants and NYPD officers faced repercussions for participating in OnlyFans or similar social media activities. They explore the balance between personal expression and professional responsibility.

  Steve Covino [07:21]: "I don't think that is a good look, and it's probably embarrassing for their kids in the future."

• Ethics and Representation: Emphasis on maintaining professionalism, especially for roles that involve public representation, such as law enforcement and airline staff. The conversation highlights concerns about setting appropriate boundaries and the potential impact on personal and professional reputations.

  Steve Covino [08:44]: "How about we don't abandon something called class and a little bit of dignity and the fact that you do represent companies."

Notable Quotes:

• Rich Davis [07:29]: "We have to understand young women in 2025 should not get fired for a little twerking action."
• Steve Covino [09:20]: "I don't want to see anybody get fired."

2. The Passing of Gene Hackman (25:41 - 27:19)

Key Points:

• Gene Hackman's Death: The hosts discuss the tragic passing of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife. They touch upon the circumstances surrounding their deaths, attributing them to health-related issues.

  Rich Davis [25:41]: "Gene Hackman and his wife were found dead in the house. Apparently, the coroner's office and the authorities are now saying his wife passed away on February 11 from a disease."

• Impact of Alzheimer's Disease: Hackman's struggle with Alzheimer's is mentioned, highlighting the profound challenges faced by individuals and families dealing with such illnesses.

  Steve Covino [26:54]: "That's breaking as we speak."

3. NBA Highlights and Player Dynamics (27:19 - 51:22)

Key Discussion Points:

• Steph Curry and Elite Shooters Podcast: Rich and Steve promote their new podcast, Goat Greatest of Their Era, where they ranked top shooters from the 2000s, sparking discussions about what makes a shooter elite in the NBA.

  Steve Covino [27:11]: "Peja 5, Dirk Ford. Peja is elite."

• Lakers vs. Knicks Game Analysis: Detailed breakdown of a thrilling NBA game between the Lakers and Knicks. The hosts praise the playoff-like intensity exhibited by both teams, particularly highlighting LeBron James' leadership and Luka Doncic's pivotal role.

  Rich Davis [35:31]: "The intensity for the Lakers. Knicks last night had a playoff atmosphere."

• LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith Confrontation: The episode covers the live confrontation between NBA star LeBron James and sports commentator Stephen A. Smith, discussing the personal nature of the dispute and its implications on media and sports relationships.

  Steve Covino [39:35]: "Between LeBron and Stephen A., there was a lot of drama going on in the NBA right now."

• Jackson Hayes' Impact on the Lakers: Emphasis on Jackson Hayes' significant contributions when on the court, stressing his growing importance to the team's dynamics.

  Monsi Belano [38:28]: "The Lakers are now 13 and 1 when Jackson Hayes has been in the lineup for 20 minutes or longer."

Notable Quotes:

• Steve Covino [37:28]: "LeBron is 100% trusting his teammates."
• Rich Davis [48:07]: "He shoots thousands of shots. We forget the discipline."

4. Female Athletes on OnlyFans and Compensation Debate (10:37 - 21:10)

Key Discussion Points:

• WNBA Players Turning to OnlyFans: The conversation explores how female athletes, particularly in the WNBA, are leveraging platforms like OnlyFans to supplement their incomes, questioning the league's stance and potential contractual implications.

  Steve Covino [14:25]: "I heard some of the Dan are on there."

• Impact on Player Compensation: The hosts debate whether the underpayment of WNBA players drives them to seek alternative revenue streams and how this affects the perception of female athletes.

  Rich Davis [14:19]: "A big topic over the last couple years is how a lot of female athletes are underpaid."

• Societal Standards and Professionalism: The discussion touches on societal acceptance of athletes expressing their sexuality and the importance of maintaining professional standards within sports organizations.

  Steve Covino [19:53]: "Keep them off the OnlyFans. Keep their cheeks off the gram. It's a tough job."

Notable Quotes:

• Rich Davis [16:00]: "What if an attractive WNBA player... was doing videos?"
• Monsi Belano [17:56]: "Liz Cambidge... reported made more in her first week on OnlyFans than she earned in her entire WNBA career."

5. Game Segment: "Quote Me" (56:04 - 72:19)

Overview: The episode features an interactive game segment titled "Quote Me," where hosts Rich Davis, Steve Covino, Monsi Belano, and Danny G. engage with listeners through a fun and competitive quiz on identifying who said specific sports-related quotes.

Key Highlights:

• Engaging Questions: Participants guess the speaker of various quotes, enhancing listener engagement and adding a playful element to the show.

  Monsi Belano [59:06]: "Here's the quote. Wesley Ridge should step down as head coach. This is not a one-game reaction."

• Prizes and Listener Interaction: The segment encourages listeners to participate by leaving reviews and comments for a chance to win prizes like stainless steel water bottles.

  Monsi Belano [65:48]: "Leave a nice review, we might send you something."

• Humorous Banter: The hosts maintain a light-hearted and humorous tone, fostering a fun and relatable atmosphere for the audience.

  Rich Davis [67:34]: "If you see hate, speak up, call it out and you can learn more by following."

Notable Quotes:

• Steve Covino [61:02]: "How Steph Curry is the best great player we've ever seen."
• Rich Davis [61:46]: "This is a bad watch."

6. Concluding Discussions and Final Thoughts (51:22 - End)

Key Points:

• Emphasis on Practice and Discipline: The hosts highlight the importance of consistent practice and discipline in achieving excellence, using Steph Curry as a prime example.

  Rich Davis [49:22]: "He shoots thousands of shots a week. He doesn't take five shots and then gets a roll up."

• Upcoming NBA Games and Series Recommendations: Brief mentions of upcoming important NBA games, UFC events, and television series to watch, providing listeners with suggestions for entertainment outside of sports.

  Steve Covino [73:45]: "Enjoy your Reacher. Enjoy your NBA."

• Final Promotions and Reminders: The episode wraps up with final reminders to subscribe, leave reviews, and engage with the show's online presence, ensuring continued listener interaction and community building.

  Steve Covino [66:29]: "We are mailing... You're winning bets for talking points if you get stuck socializing."

Notable Quotes:

• Rich Davis [51:14]: "Listen to Go G O T e Greatest of Their era on the iHeartRadio app."
• Steve Covino [61:13]: "Earned. He earned it."

Conclusion:

"The Best Of Covino & Rich" offers a comprehensive blend of sports analysis, societal commentary, and interactive entertainment. Rich Davis and Steve Covino, along with Monsi Belano and Danny G., provide a platform where serious sports discussions meet light-hearted banter, making the episode both informative and enjoyable. Key takeaways include the evolving standards of professionalism in public-facing roles, the financial dynamics influencing female athletes, and the enduring impact of disciplined practice in sports excellence.

Listeners are encouraged to engage with the show through interactive segments like "Quote Me," subscribe to related podcasts, and participate in community activities to enhance their overall experience.

Notable Timestamped Quotes:

• Rich Davis [07:29]: "We have to understand young women in 2025 should not get fired for a little twerking action."
• Steve Covino [08:44]: "How about we don't abandon something called class and a little bit of dignity and the fact that you do represent companies."
• Steve Covino [37:28]: "LeBron is 100% trusting his teammates."
• Rich Davis [48:07]: "He shoots thousands of shots. We forget the discipline."
• Steve Covino [61:46]: "This is a bad watch."

Listen to the Episode:

For those who haven't tuned in, "The Best Of Covino & Rich" is available on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Dive into engaging sports discussions, thought-provoking insights, and interactive fun with Covino and Rich!