Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Wild Stories of 2024 & Rec Sports Participation | Ep #73"

Release Date: December 19, 2024
Host/Authors: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Description: The Herd with Colin Cowherd takes listeners on a thought-provoking, opinionated journey through the top sports stories of the day. In Episode #73, titled "Wild Stories of 2024 & Rec Sports Participation," hosts Rich and Covino delve into some of the most controversial and sensational sports moments of the year, alongside a spirited discussion on the state of recreational sports in America.

1. Wild Stories of 2024

a. Shohei Ohtani's Gambling Controversy

One of the biggest scandals of 2024 involved MLB star Shohei Ohtani. Early in the year, Ohtani was embroiled in a gambling saga that cast doubts on his integrity and questioned his standing in the Los Angeles Angels organization.

• Rich: "Thinking back early on, there was no bigger story than Shohei Ohtani. The whole gambling saga, all that controversy, was he involved?" [04:02]

• Covino: "It all worked out if you live out here... Ohtani was innocent." [04:28]

Despite speculations linking Ohtani to questionable activities, it was eventually revealed that Ohtani was not at fault, and the so-called intermediary, IPP Mizuhara, was the one implicated. This revelation not only cleared Ohtani's name but also saw him achieve significant success, including winning a championship with the Dodgers later in the year.

• Rich: "Fast forward six months later, the guy wins a championship for the Dodgers. 50, 50 I mean, it couldn't have been a better year for Shohei." [05:34]

b. The Olympic Pole Vaulter Scandal

The Olympics provided ample drama, particularly with a pole vaulter whose personal reputation took a backseat to an unusual controversy.

• Rich: "The pole vaulter whose whole reputation now is I can't get over the highest pole vault because my dick's too big." [06:37]

• Covino: "Do you think you'd rather win the gold or be known as the guy with the biggest junk at the Olympic Games?" [07:01]

This incident sparked debates on personal legacy versus athletic achievement, highlighting how off-field antics can overshadow sports accomplishments.

c. Cody Bellinger and Giancarlo Stanton’s Personal Tie-In

A salacious story emerged involving MLB players Cody Bellinger and Giancarlo Stanton. The rumor mill suggested a tangled personal history as Giancarlo was alleged to have dated Bellinger's wife before.

• Covino: "The story goes that Cody was begging his agent to make the deal happen. He wanted to be in pinstripes. He didn't necessarily want to play alongside the Rock and Pinstripes, Giancarlo Stanton." [09:33]

• Rich: "Would you really want to work beside someone every day that has been with your significant other? The answer is likely no." [09:50]

The discussion delved into the complexities of personal relationships affecting professional environments, especially within high-profile teams like the Yankees.

d. Shannon Sharpe’s Live-Stream Blunder

Former NFL star and commentator Shannon Sharpe faced embarrassment after accidentally live-streaming a personal moment.

• Rich: "Shannon Sharpe accidentally broadcasted... skip him having sex." [11:40]

• Covino: "Shannon Sharpe, live streaming, some bedroom action. Awkward." [11:49]

While the incident was cringe-worthy, it provided a legendary moment that many reminisced about throughout the year.

e. Mike Tyson’s Viral "Sweet Cheeks" Moment

Perhaps the most unexpected story of 2024 involved boxing legend Mike Tyson, whose appearance during an interview captivated audiences for all the wrong reasons.

• Rich: "Mike Tyson and his cheeks... He turns around and his ass is right there." [15:08]

• Covino: "Mike's sweet cheeks. Mick's sweet cheeks." [16:18]

This moment not only went viral but also inspired humorous merchandise ideas, highlighting how unexpected events can become cultural phenomena.

2. Recreational Sports Participation: The Wussification Debate

Shifting gears from scandalous stories, Rich and Covino engaged in a heated debate about the state of recreational sports in America, questioning whether the modern approach has led to the "wussification" of sports.

• Rich: "Every guy should play some type of rec sport. And the question though is, does everyone deserve to play?" [20:00]

• Covino: "I don't like these goofy leagues because you're just going there to mess around. It's just not for me." [23:00]

The conversation centered on the balance between inclusivity and competitiveness, especially in adult leagues where participants juggle multiple responsibilities. They debated the merits of allowing all members to participate versus selecting the top performers to maximize the team's chances of winning.

• Covino: "Respectfully, congratulations, because you won, right? No mercy." [21:29]

• Rich: "In the beer league... you have a long day at work. You have kids, you have responsibilities." [25:31]

The hosts highlighted the challenges faced by adult recreational leagues in maintaining competitiveness while accommodating varying skill levels and personal commitments.

3. Predictions & Picks for Upcoming Games

As the episode neared its conclusion, Rich shared his predictions for an upcoming Thursday night NFL game between the Broncos and Chargers.

• Rich: "I'll take the Broncos getting more than a touchdown. I think the Broncos can win this game. They have a better record." [27:26]

• Covino: "Broncos could be what, 10 and five after this game." [27:29]

Rich anticipated a close, low-scoring match, drawing parallels to past memorable encounters between the two teams.

4. Holiday Reflections and Season Wrap-Up

In the final segments, the hosts reflected on the year's wild sports moments, shared holiday greetings, and pondered the future of traditions like Christmas cards.

• Covino: "We think it's the end of a Christmas tradition. So if you want to keep it alive, send a card and have a happy holiday." [27:56]

• Rich: "Christmas cards are dead." [28:10]

They celebrated 20 years of CNR (Covino and Rich) and wished listeners a joyful holiday season, tying together the year's highs and lows in the sports world.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Rich: "Thinking back early on, there was no bigger story than Shohei Ohtani." [04:02]

• Covino: "Do you think you'd rather win the gold or be known as the guy with the biggest junk at the Olympic Games?" [07:01]

• Rich: "Would you really want to work beside someone every day that has been with your significant other? The answer is likely no." [09:50]

• Rich: "Shannon Sharpe accidentally broadcasted... skip him having sex." [11:40]

• Rich: "Mike Tyson and his cheeks... He turns around and his ass is right there." [15:08]

• Rich: "Every guy should play some type of rec sport. And the question though is, does everyone deserve to play?" [20:00]

• Rich: "I'll take the Broncos getting more than a touchdown. I think the Broncos can win this game." [27:26]

Conclusion

Episode #73 of The Herd with Colin Cowherd provided a rollercoaster of emotions, from intense scandals and viral moments to thoughtful debates on the nature of recreational sports. Rich and Covino's candid conversations offered listeners a blend of humor, controversy, and insightful commentary on the evolving landscape of sports in 2024. Whether reflecting on Shohei Ohtani's redemption or debating the merits of competitive adult leagues, the episode encapsulated the unpredictability and passion that make sports a perennial favorite among fans.