Detailed Summary of "The Best Of Covino & Rich" Episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
• Description: Thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven journey through the top sports stories of the day.
• Episode: The Best Of Covino & Rich
• Release Date: June 10, 2025

1. Introduction to the Episode

The episode opens with hosts Rich Davis and Steve Covino engaging in light-hearted banter, setting a relaxed tone for the discussion. The initial minutes feature advertisements and promotions, which are subsequently skipped to focus on the main content.

2. Shaquille O'Neal's Absence from NBA Finals Viewing

Timestamp: [03:06]

Rich Davis initiates the conversation by expressing his curiosity over Shaquille O'Neal not watching the NBA Finals, despite being a prominent NBA analyst and ambassador. Steve Covino adds humorously, "He said that I'm going to be in the Bahamas. I'm not watching."

Key Points:

• Expectations vs. Reality: As a major figure in the NBA, Shaq's absence from watching the Finals raises questions about his commitment and the influence it has on fans.

  Quote:
  Steve Covino [03:11]: "Shaq's response was something along those lines. But it was... No, it's in the ocean. They said if he's on a yacht."

• Impact on Fans: The hosts discuss how Shaq's decision might affect casual fans' enthusiasm for the series, pondering whether his lack of viewership dampens the overall excitement.

  Quote:
  Rich Davis [07:06]: "Shaq is the guy saying, hey, I'm not even watching. That sort of like puts a damper on, well, why am I watching?"

3. Comparison with Other Athletes

Timestamp: [05:53]

Rich compares Shaq's behavior to that of other sports legends like Derek Jeter, highlighting a disconnect between athletes and their sports outside of professional commitments.

Key Points:

• Derek Jeter's Disengagement: Unlike Rod Laver who remained a student of baseball post-retirement, Jeter declared he hadn't picked up a bat since retiring, indicating a similar tune-out as Shaq.

  Quote:
  Rich Davis [05:59]: "He has been hearing about Shaq since junior high. Shaq's one of our heroes, but what if I told you he's not watching the Finals?"

• Broadcasting Responsibilities: The role of athletes transitioning to broadcasters often requires them to stay engaged with the sport, raising expectations of continuous passion and knowledge.

4. The Nature of Passion vs. Work

Timestamp: [10:02]

The discussion shifts to whether activities loved by individuals can become work and potentially dilute their original passion.

Key Points:

• From Passion to Profession: Hosts reflect on how early enthusiasm for sports or radio can become burdensome when it turns into a career.

  Quote:
  Rich Davis [09:59]: "When I stopped living that side of things, I didn't go to a concert for fun. It felt like work."

• Shaq's Dual Role: Being an analyst for Shaq requires him to balance personal enjoyment of basketball with professional obligations, which may lead to eventual burnout or disinterest.

5. Player Engagement and Knowledge Gaps

Timestamp: [38:00]

The conversation broadens to explore how current athletes often lack comprehensive knowledge about their own sport's history or other divisions.

Key Points:

• Lack of Historical Knowledge: Both hosts share anecdotes about athletes not knowing key aspects or histories of their sports, such as not recognizing “Rod” or missing out on major events.

  Quote:
  Rich Davis [46:37]: "I never played my own game. I couldn't even tell you anything about the game."

• Impact on Sport's Culture: This disconnect may influence how fans perceive their favorite players and the overall engagement with the sport.

6. Cultural Differences in Affection Towards Children

Timestamp: [61:13]

Transitioning from sports, the hosts delve into the culturally sensitive topic of adults kissing children on the lips, sparked by Tom Brady's controversial actions.

Key Points:

• Affection vs. Perception: Rich shares his upbringing in an affectionate household where kissing children on the lips was normalized, contrasting it with societal perceptions that view it as inappropriate once children reach a certain age.

  Quote:
  Rich Davis [61:37]: "He was in high school, graduating. So culturally there's a difference."

• Parental Practices: Both Rich and Steve discuss their personal experiences and the gradual cessation of such practices as children grow older, arguing that cultural norms heavily influence perceptions of appropriateness.

  Quote:
  Steve Covino [62:20]: "I kiss my son on the lips every night. Good night, buddy."

• Public Reaction: The hosts critique the backlash against athletes like Tom Brady, suggesting that affectionate gestures within the family should not be misconstrued when done within cultural contexts.

7. Audience Interaction and Trivia Game Segment

Timestamp: [53:38]

The episode incorporates an interactive segment where listeners participate in an "Iron Mike Trivia" game, adding an engaging and entertaining layer to the discussion.

Key Points:

• Engagement: Contestants answer trivia questions related to Mike Tyson and boxing history, bringing a lively and competitive spirit to the show.

  Quote:
  Rich Davis [54:14]: "Why was I removed from the very popular Mike Tyson Punch-Out video game?"

• Humorous Banter: The hosts maintain a playful tone, further enhancing listener enjoyment and fostering a sense of community.

8. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: [71:56]

As the show nears its conclusion, the hosts reiterate key insights from their discussions, emphasizing the importance of balance between passion and professional demands, and respecting cultural differences in personal interactions.

Key Points:

• Reflective Insights: The conversation encourages listeners to consider how public figures manage personal and professional lives, and how cultural norms shape our understanding of affection and professionalism.

  Quote:
  Rich Davis [70:49]: "Sometimes you're so focused on your own path that you really are blinders on."

• Future Topics Teased: The hosts hint at upcoming discussions about other sports stories and personal anecdotes, maintaining listener interest for future episodes.

Conclusion: This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd masterfully balances light-hearted interaction with profound discussions on sports culture, athlete engagement, and societal norms surrounding affection in families. By incorporating personal stories, humor, and interactive elements, Rich Davis and Steve Covino deliver an engaging and informative experience for both regular listeners and newcomers alike.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Steve Covino [03:11]: "Shaq's response was something along those lines. But it was... No, it's in the ocean."
• Rich Davis [07:06]: "Shaq is the guy saying, hey, I'm not even watching. That sort of like puts a damper on, well, why am I watching?"
• Rich Davis [09:59]: "When I stopped living that side of things, I didn't go to a concert for fun. It felt like work."
• Rich Davis [61:37]: "He was in high school, graduating. So culturally there's a difference."
• Steve Covino [62:20]: "I kiss my son on the lips every night. Good night, buddy."

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