Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "The Best Of Covino & Rich"

Release Date: May 21, 2025

"The Herd with Colin Cowherd" hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume delivers a dynamic and opinionated exploration of the day's top sports stories. In the episode titled "The Best Of Covino & Rich," hosts Covino and Rich Davis delve into various topics, from generational shifts in youth experiences to high-profile athlete performances and reputation management. The episode also features engaging interactions with guest Shaquille O'Neal, adding a playful trivia segment to the mix.

1. Generational Shifts: Youth Experiences in Sports Events

(00:28 – 03:01)

Covino and Rich kick off the conversation reflecting on how today's youth have unique opportunities at sports events that were once mere dreams for previous generations.

• Rich Davis (00:28) shares his envy: "Don't you feel like our kids get to do things that we would have only dreamt of and they don't appreciate it?"

• Covino (00:35) agrees emphatically: "I mean, yes. The answer is absolutely yes."

They discuss events like children walking the bases at Dodger Stadium and being on the field at iconic venues like Fenway and Yankee Stadium—experiences they reminisce their parents' generation would have cherished.

• Rich Davis (01:17): "Imagine being on the field at Yankee Stadium or Shea Stadium in New York as a little boy."

The hosts contrast their modest field trip memories, involving educational but less glamorous activities, with the extravagant experiences available to children today.

2. Juan Soto: Performance Under Scrutiny

(05:04 – 18:09)

A significant portion of the episode centers on New York Mets' star Juan Soto, analyzing his performance, contract, and public perception.

• Rich Davis (05:04): "Don't you think Juan Soto's body language is off? It's not even the batting average or lack of production. It's the body language. Dude."

Covino and Rich express concerns about Soto's hustle and demeanor on the field, especially considering his substantial $765 million contract.

• Covino (05:20): "Juan Soto is giving us plenty of ammunition. That's the problem here. But I think we're just piling on this story because it's a juicy one."

They debate whether Soto's performance metrics are lacking or if the real issue lies in his intangible contributions and leadership, which are expected at his level of compensation.

• Rich Davis (08:07): "When Juan Soto is ripping, and he has a month in June or July where he's doing the Soto Shuffle in the batter's box."

The discussion highlights the pressure on high-paid athletes to consistently deliver and maintain positive attitudes, contrasting Soto's current struggles with other players like Francisco Lindor who had slow starts but eventually thrived.

• Covino (09:22): "But we can't worry about Juan Soto. You know, he's a professional."

Despite criticisms, both hosts believe Soto has the talent to turn his performance around, emphasizing his professional capabilities and past achievements.

3. Image Shifts in Sports: Brett Favre & Bill Belichick

(18:09 – 31:28)

Covino and Rich shift focus to how prominent sports figures manage their public images, particularly in light of recent revelations and scandals.

Brett Favre: From Hero to Controversy

• Rich Davis (23:32): "Brett Favre's sort of a piece of trash. From being terrible to women to...linked to fraud."

They discuss the Netflix documentary "The Fall of Favre," which exposes Favre's off-field misconduct, including fraudulent activities in Mississippi and his mistreatment of women.

• Covino (21:58): "A welfare fraud scheme that he was a part of. And you learn all about that when you go home later tonight."

The hosts lament how Favre's athletic legacy is overshadowed by his personal failings, questioning the extent to which sports heroes are vilified or forgiven based on their on-field performances.

Bill Belichick: Reputation Reimagined

• Rich Davis (28:35): "My image changed when he was doing yoga moves with her on the beach... I'm like, you know what? I don't hate him."

Belichick's rumored engagement to a significantly younger woman and his relaxed public demeanor have altered perceptions of the traditionally stoic and disciplined coach.

• Covino (27:49): "We don't want to double talk like me. If it was my daughter and she was 24 years old dating a 74-year-old, yeah, you better believe I would care."

The conversation explores societal double standards and the evolving narratives around age and relationships in the sports world, questioning how these personal aspects influence professional reputations.

4. Interactive Segment: Shaquille O'Neal Joins for Trivia and Banter

(31:28 – 56:15)

Adding a touch of levity, Shaquille O'Neal participates in a sports trivia game with the hosts, fostering engaging and humorous interactions.

Trivia Contest Highlights

• Shaq (48:03): "First team to lose three straight NBA Finals."

  • Rich Davis (48:20): Guesses "Lakers," but the correct answer is the "Knicks."

• Shaq (49:17): "What was I once quoted saying about my habits?"

  • Covino and Rich attempt answers, with the correct response being:
    • Shaq (49:18): "Excellence is not a singular act, but a habit. You are what you repeatedly do."

• Additional Questions:

  • Who defeated the Celtics at Boston Garden in the 1985-86 season? (Answer: Portland Trail Blazers)

  • How many children does Anthony Edwards have? (Answer: 4)

The segment is filled with playful teasing, friendly competition, and camaraderie, showcasing the hosts' chemistry and Shaq's charismatic presence.

5. Closing Discussions and Listener Engagement

(56:15 – End)

The episode wraps up with ongoing conversations about image transformations in sports, emphasizing how personal actions significantly impact public perception.

• Rich Davis (55:18): "It's the part where... you share a love of art, but why are we pretending that's not the real part of this?"

The hosts encourage listeners to reflect on the complexities of athlete personas, balancing admiration for their talents with accountability for their actions. They also touch upon upcoming sports events, DraftKings promotions, and call for listener participation through trivia and contests.

• Rich Davis (56:15): "Hit us up at Covino and Ritual. See you guys back here tomorrow."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Rich Davis (00:28): "Don't you feel like our kids get to do things that we would have only dreamt of and they don't appreciate it?"

• Covino (05:20): "Juan Soto is giving us plenty of ammunition. That's the problem here."

• Rich Davis (23:32): "Brett Favre's sort of a piece of trash. From being terrible to women to... linked to fraud."

• Shaquille O'Neal (49:18): "Excellence is not a singular act, but a habit. You are what you repeatedly do."

• Covino (27:49): "If it was my daughter and she was 24 years old dating a 74-year-old, yeah, you better believe I would care."

Conclusion

In "The Best Of Covino & Rich," The Herd delivers a compelling mix of thoughtful analysis, candid opinions, and entertaining segments. Covino and Rich engage deeply with current sports narratives, scrutinizing athlete performances and personal lives while maintaining an engaging rapport with guests like Shaquille O'Neal. This episode offers listeners both critical insights into the sports industry's inner workings and lighthearted moments, making it a must-listen for dedicated sports fans and casual listeners alike.