Wild Stories of 2024 & Rec Sports Participation | Ep #73

Summary

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.

Transcript

[T-Mobile Representative]

From hobby farmers to weekend gardeners and everyone in between, tractor supply trusts 5G solutions from T Mobile for business to make shopping more personal. Together, we're connecting over 2,200 stores with 5G business Internet and powering AI so team members can match shoppers with products faster. You're all set. This is enriching customer experience. This is Tractor Supply with T Mobile for business. Take your business further@t mobile.com now. Whether you're ordering wings for the game, whipping up a seven layer dip, or ordering pizza, there's something about football that makes you want to eat. And this football season, Uber Eats has the best deals on game day food no matter what you're craving from two for one Pizza. To buy one get one Wings. Uber Eats will be dropping new deals each week all season long. Uber Eats Official on demand delivery partner of the NFL. Order now. Terms and conditions apply. See app for details. Holiday magic is in the air and DSW's got all the shoes to make your season extra merry. Believe you've got parties to attend and lists to check twice. So DSW is taking care of the details like gifts to make their eyes all aglow. Styles that bring joy to your world. Brands everyone wants like Ugg, Nike, Birkenstock and more and deals to make your budget bright. Find the perfect shoes for you and yours at a DSW store near you or dsw.com pros trust the home Depot for heavy duty storage solutions for any job site or garage Right now get up to 25% off select online storage and organization Impact and water resistant totes and shelving built to hold up to £2,500. Storage systems have space for all your tools and protect them in the garage, on the job site and everywhere in between. Safety Save time and maximize efficiency with adjustable shelving customized to your business needs. Shop and save on pro grade storage at the Home Depot. How pros get more done welcome to.

[Rich]

TGL presented by SoFi, golf's newest league. It's sharp and it's electric.

[T-Mobile Representative]

How is it sharp? How is it electric?

[Rich]

Good questions.

[Covino]

Try this on for size.

[Rich]

Two hours of Hammer dropping overtime forcing playoffs on the line Golf with 24.

[T-Mobile Representative]

Of the best players from the PGA.

[Rich]

Tour split into six teams Atlanta, Boston, Jupiter, Louisiana, New York and the Bay.

[Covino]

This isn't your average Sunday pickup game.

[Rich]

Catch the inaugural TGL match January 7th. Only on ESPN. Keep up.

[Covino]

It's golf Holidays. Ho ho ho. Celebrating the holidays with Kavino and Rich on over promised. Also celebrating 20 years of CNR this year, buddy. 20 years of this guy. I deserve a major award.

[Rich]

Got you a leg limp.

[Covino]

Kavino and Rich 2 to 4 on the west. Fox Sports Radio, 5 to 7 on the east. Search Covino and Rich wherever you stream your podcast. We have lots to get to. UNO were promised things we couldn't fit into our regular show. Is it the end of a Christmas trend? We'll get to that. Thursday night Foosball Wild moments in sports for 2024. But Rich, not only congratulations on 20 years, man, but congratulations on your huge win this week.

[Rich]

Oh, my parlay on my the Bucks NBA Cup.

[Covino]

No, the other thing you've been talking about.

[Rich]

Oh my. Anyone. Championship.

[Covino]

Yes, to anyone who will listen.

[Rich]

I mean, I'm a champion. What do you want me to tell you? I have a deep thought about rec sports. So again, we'll get to that. I have a teaser bet. We've hit our last three, so we will get to all that. But another year, bro, coming to a close. Before you know it will be 2025. And when you look back at 2024, there were some pretty funny, I guess you would say, like hot stories. What were the wild stories in the world of sports in 2024?

[Covino]

Well, when you think back early on, there was no bigger story than Shohei Ohtani. The whole gambling saga, all that controversy, was he involved? Was it all Ippei's fault? IPP Mizuhara, Was it him?

[Rich]

Translator Trivia question maybe like five years from now, at a hard trivia night, like, what was the name of the fall guy for Ohtani, his agent with the gambling.

[Covino]

Was he a fall guy? I remember thinking that was he paid off. Turns out Shohei had nothing to do with it. And you know, it really seemed like it was going to be a really rough start for Shohei under the bright lights of Los Angeles, you know, even though he played for LA already. This is the Dodgers, right? Like, this is not how you want to start. But you know what? It all worked out if you live out here.

[Rich]

Angels, Dodgers, not even in the same conversation.

[Covino]

Not even in the same ballpark, pun intended.

[Rich]

Not only did we think maybe he was the fall guy and Ohtani was involved. You know my favorite, my favorite legendary story, the story of the Chinese farmer that Tom Brady loves to talk about. Yeah, maybe like something good or bad happens and you're like, oh, maybe it's good, maybe it's bad. This year started out like it was going to be shitty for Shohei Ohtani. 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. But that story about the gambling really was a big story early on.

[Covino]

Wild, controversial. Shohei Otani definitely comes to mind in 2024.

[Rich]

Thinking back now.

[Covino]

Yeah.

[Rich]

Change your mind on anything or you think he was involved at all, or you think it really was a sheisty dude that took advantage of Shohei?

[Covino]

I think it all came out in the wash and truth prevailed. You really think this guy would have been dragged through the mud the way he was if he really wasn't responsible on his own?

[Rich]

I do think they were great friends, though. I really do. I think that if that's the case, then. And Shohei was betrayed, unfortunately, sometimes when you're elite, like Shohei, music, sports, entertainment, some of the people you think around you that are really on your team are just there for the financial fun and the ride. And it looks like that IPPE dude really betrayed Shohei. If you believe the story that we all know now, it looks like that guy was a piece of shit and Ohtani was innocent.

[Covino]

Yeah, but we definitely speculated, right?

[Rich]

Every day.

[Covino]

And another wild sports moment of 2024 definitely has to revolve around the Olympics. Olympics were huge pun intended this year for multiple reasons. One of those reasons, One of those big reasons. Olympic junk.

[Rich]

When you said Olympics, I thought you were thinking, oh, LeBron showing up. Or remember Caitlin Clark being left off the team? Yeah, like there was a lot of stories. But I think that what prevailed really was bulge. Honestly, the swimmer. But more importantly, forget the swimmer, the pole vaulter whose whole reputation now is I can't get over the highest pole vault because my dick's too big.

[Covino]

Well, then it posed a question, right?

[Rich]

Come on.

[Covino]

Rich posed this question to again, anyone that would listen. Do you think you'd rather win the gold or be known as the guy with the biggest junk at the Olympic Games? I don't remember hearing that when he did it. Yeah, yeah, no, that happened.

[Rich]

My hypothetical, if you really want to remember what it was if you didn't win the gold, because clearly you're going to want gold more than anything. But my question was, if you didn't win gold, is being known as the pole vaulting junk guy better than, let's say, coming in fourth place or even winning a bronze for that matter? I think the answer is yes. I think unless you win gold being the pole vaulting junk guy. That's a legacy builder.

[Covino]

Yeah. Congratulations once again to the Frenchman with the massive dong.

[Rich]

Do you remember any other pole vaulting story in the history of sports.

[Covino]

No, Anthony.

[Rich]

Exactly.

[Covino]

Emirati, right? Amirati. Was that his name? The Frenchman who went viral?

[Rich]

Just look at your Google search.

[Covino]

Everyone was like, did you see the guy? And you know, people were breaking HR rules. Everyone was showing everybody at the office. Did you see this guy's junk at the Olympics?

[Rich]

Truthfully, I think about it. Most popular bulge since the guy would. On the end of the bed. The black dude during COVID No, but.

[Covino]

Olympic junk was a huge story. Was a wild Sports moment in 2024. Let me rephrase. And another one that comes to mind. You can say number three on our list is a recent one. This is still a developing story, but.

[Rich]

I think in the world of wild and salacious, it is a hard pill to swallow when you have to play. Besides, a guy that used to bang.

[Covino]

Your wife, we're talking Cody Bellinger to the Yankees.

[Rich]

I mean, Cody Bellinger, his beautiful wife. And I say this respectfully because I wouldn't want someone talking smack about me and my wife, because everyone's wife or girlfriend has a past. Your girlfriend, my wife. Spot your wife. People have been with other people, but they're in the public eye.

[Covino]

Yeah, but I live by a code. And it's less history, more mystery. Well, there's no mystery here when you're.

[Rich]

In the public eye, no matter how confident and cool and successful Cody Bellinger is, there's no way on planet earth he wants to look at Giancarlo especially. I was saying this to a buddy of mine. Think of Giancarlo, 6:5, you know, in the locker room, he's all ripped and chiseled. He's probably got a huge dong. Like, you think Cody Bellinger wants to look at John Carlo every day and be like, oh, that guy used to bang my wife? No way.

[Covino]

A big, bad rich.

[Rich]

Bet he does swing a big bat. He's 6 5. But again, sorry, I'm not trying to be rude. I'm.

[Covino]

Professionalism prevails here. And the story goes that Cody was begging his agent to make the deal happen. He wanted to be in pinstripes. He didn't necessarily wanted to play alongside the Rock and Pinstripes, Giancarlo Stanton. But hey, it is true that Giancarlo dated his now wife, the mother of his kids, Chase Carter. But ancient history.

[Rich]

Let me be respectful and say, I hope it all works out. It's just. I ask you, the viewer, the listener, man, woman, whatever the heck you are, would you really want to work beside someone every day that has been with your significant Other. And the answer is likely no.

[Covino]

I mean, it's not the most ideal, especially when he looks like that. But hey, they're going to win together. And I'm excited. I have a question for you.

[Rich]

Would you be able to root for Giancarlo, let's say your beautiful girlfriend Jordan?

[Covino]

Let me get a better look here.

[Rich]

Put your glass on.

[Covino]

Whoa.

[Rich]

What if you're.

[Covino]

By the way, that bat is to scale. What if you're. I'm like the Italian spider man.

[Rich]

If Jordan, your girlfriend said Covino. I have to admit, before we dated, when I was living here in la. I know Giancarlo's from Sherman Oaks.

[Covino]

Oh, great. Yeah.

[Rich]

What if he had got with your girl? Would you be able to root for him?

[Covino]

It'd be difficult. It'd be more difficult.

[Rich]

And you were a grown, 40 something year old mature man and you're like, I don't know, bro.

[Covino]

At least I wouldn't have to see his junk in the shower.

[Rich]

All right, that's true.

[Covino]

And if I did, I'm sure I'd look like the Italian Superman.

[Rich]

Isn't that why you wanted your press pass?

[Covino]

There's actual footage of me hypothetically seeing his junk in the shower.

[Rich]

There you go. No, that's Cody Bellinger in spring training. Seriously.

[Covino]

So, you know, it's a slow, salacious story. It's a juicy one. It's a wild sort of love triangle, and I'm sure they're putting it all behind them for the greater good of the Yankees. But a wild Sports Moment in 2024? And that brings us to number two, and it is sex related.

[Rich]

Oh, yeah. Speaking of the bedroom. And I believe him 100% because you wouldn't intentionally do this. I truly believe it was a older dude moment where he forgot how to use IG or Snapchat or TikTok.

[Covino]

He hit the live button.

[Rich]

He hit the live button. And we all remember when Unk Shannon Sharp accidentally broadcasted.

[Covino]

I'm sorry.

[Rich]

Skip him having sex.

[Covino]

Awkward.

[Rich]

The comments were priceless. And listen, an embarrassing moment for him. So I saw him on many a show.

[Covino]

Embarrassing. But he was sort of proud of his performance a little bit.

[Rich]

I mean, did you see the clip with him and Ocho?

[Covino]

Yes.

[Rich]

He's like, come on, come on. Hilarious moment. Maybe not so much for the woman involved and Shannon Sharp, but a legendary moment of 2024. Shannon Sharp, live streaming, some bedroom action.

[Covino]

And our number one wild sport moment of 2024 is a two part doozy. And it all revolves around one of the biggest Goofiest events of the year. We were in Miami to watch with all our friends. We're talking Mike Tyson, Jake Paul. But remember, there's a lot of streaming issues and we predicted it. We were like, is Netflix be able to handle all these people, all these eyes watching it? And what happened? The feed kept freezing, right? Buffering mom. Like, my mom was like, stephen, is your TV buffering? Mine's not. Where everyone was like, is this what's going on? But if you remember, a lot of times it buffered and stopped on the ring card girls.

[Rich]

And listen, buffering was a problem, but the rest of it was fun. The women's fight was fantastic.

[Covino]

It was a fun time.

[Rich]

But I think the highlights. How to be like you said, the ring card girls. This girl, Sidney Thomas, a student at the University of Alabama, went from like, hot. It sounds creepy using the word co ed at Alabama. Oh, my, by the way, got left out of the playoffs this year. Big deal in sports. Big. You know, that was a highlight of 2024. An Alabama student. There was a picture where Errol Ariel Hawani's head looked like it was on her boobs. When he was doing an interview, leaning.

[Covino]

Over so many people's TV stopped and paused and buffered, froze, essentially on those women. So Sydney Thomas and the other ring card girl, but Sidney Thomas especially became an overnight sensation.

[Rich]

She was the one.

[Covino]

Bang. Millions of followers on social media just like that.

[Rich]

Listen, they're all gorgeous. And you know, listen, no one loves a good looking woman more than me. I'm also a girl, dad. I try to be respectful. I think Sidney Thomas is beautiful.

[Covino]

But anytime someone starts something with no disrespect, by the way, I'm a girl. That is, you know, some trashy shits about the code.

[Rich]

I think Sidney Thomas is beautiful. Alabama. Everyone loves her. The real gorgeous girl. That got highlighted because I remember looking up on ig. I saw and saw that.

[Covino]

I bet you did.

[Rich]

From the minute they showed her till the end of that night, she gained hundreds of thousands of followers. And that is this beautiful woman by the name of Rafaela Belagres.

[Covino]

I like how he checks his notes like he's pretending like he doesn't know her name. Seriously, somebody ring the creepo alert.

[Rich]

All right, fine. You thought. You don't think she's good looking?

[Covino]

Oh, there's the creepo alarm.

[Rich]

Go back to the Stanton picture for him. I think she's gorgeous. And she was one of the ring card girls. I think, if anything, they got the fight right. We were all intrigued by Tyson, Jake, Paul. The women undercard. The co main event was better than Jake Paul. Tyson.

[Covino]

Yeah.

[Rich]

And truthfully, I know UFC is known for this, but the ring car girls were gorgeous.

[Covino]

They got a lot of shine.

[Rich]

They got it right.

[Covino]

They benefited from everyone's TV freezing. It was just paused there and everyone's wives were like, stop staring.

[Rich]

But oddly enough, not the cheeks everyone was talking about.

[Covino]

No. Because one of the wildest sports moments, if not the wildest Sports moment of 2024, wasn't the fight and it wasn't the girls at all. It was Tyson's sweet cheeks.

[Rich]

Oh, my goodness.

[Covino]

And we asked him about it.

[Rich]

Mike Tyson and his cheeks.

[Covino]

How did it make you feel, man? Tell us about that moment.

[Rich]

Hey, television had really changed, huh? But that became a big thing.

[Covino]

That just looks ridiculous. Did you expect that to be even a little story when the fight was over?

[Rich]

That's not important. I've been that way my whole career. My butt's been showing off. Took a picture of it. What are you most shocked by that people remember? Is it the cameo in the Hangover? Is it the video game? Like, what are you shocked that was as popular as it was with your legacy? Well, I think it's going to be the ass now, but.

[Covino]

Come out with an edible Tyson's butt cheeks. Right. So that people can eat it.

[Rich]

Oh, I like that.

[Covino]

You like that? Tyson's cheeks. Sweet cheeks.

[Rich]

Tyson, sweet cheeks. I can see it now.

[Covino]

You know what? Yeah. Rich will be the first to eat them. Rich probably wants to eat them right now. Rich loves them.

[Rich]

Oh, God.

[Covino]

You gotta give me, like a small percentage, Mike. It's my idea.

[Rich]

Nice, man. Well, listen, next time we're in Vegas, hopefully we bump into you and we could take you up on that. Maybe we'll have some mic bites together. Some edible.

[Covino]

No, sweet cheeks. Mike, Sweet cheeks.

[Rich]

Sweet cheeks.

[Covino]

I can't believe that. Mike, Sweet cheeks. Mike, sweet cheeks. And then the tagline is, everybody's eating them.

[Rich]

Ridiculous.

[Covino]

You gotta give this guy a potato. Yeah.

[Rich]

You gotta give this guy some money.

[Covino]

Because that's was the viral story. You know, it was the questioning of, was it fixed? But hey, did you see Mike Tyson's ass? Because he was being interviewed and he turns around and his ass is right there.

[Rich]

You know, it also inspired some holiday cookies we made.

[Covino]

Oh, yeah. And inspired me to make new gingerbread cookies. There they are. Yeah. Happy holidays, guys. And look out for those sweet cheeks under the tree and in your stocking this holiday season. Mike's sweet cheeks.

[Rich]

And that was one of the Highlights of our year catching up with Tyson. We wanted the first interviews, if not the first interview after the fight. So that was pretty cool.

[Covino]

Yeah. And if you want to watch that interview in its entirety on fox Sports Radio's YouTube page. And man, I can't wait to get me some of those from Santa this year.

[Rich]

Mike's N Knockout gummies.

[Covino]

Sweet, because I want everyone to eat my ass. They look extra chewy. Yeah.

[Rich]

Yeah, that's funny as hell.

[Covino]

So those are the wild sports moments of 2024. If you want to add to it, if you agree or disagree, let us know at Covino and Rich at Fox Sports Radio. Hashtag overpromised.

[Rich]

All right, now before we get to my Pick for tonight, DraftKings Coach CR Show. I got a teaser. We're going to hit a third in a row, I think.

[Covino]

Cool.

[T-Mobile Representative]

But from the Delta Sky Club. Welcome back, Ms. Klein, to the JetBridge. Delta Air Lines relies on 5G solutions from T Mobile for business to power operations and serve customers faster. Together, we're putting 5G into the hands of ground staff so they can better assist on the go travelers with real time information throughout the airport. This is elevating customer experience. This is Delta Air Lines with T Mobile for business. Take your business further@t mobile.com now looking for excitement. Chumba Casino is here. Play anytime, Play anywhere. Play on the train. Play at the store. Play at home. Play when you're bored. Play today for your chance to win and get daily bonuses when you lock. Log in. So what are you waiting for? Don't delay. Chumba Casino is free to play. Experience social gameplay like never before. Go to Chumba Casino right now to play hundreds of games including online slots, bingo, Slingo and more. Live the chumba [e-mail]. bTW, improve no purchase necessary board. We're prohibited by law. See terms and conditions.

[Justin Pennock]

What's going on, everybody? This is Justin Pennock from John Boy Media, the host of the Football Today podcast alongside Bobby Skinner and Chris Rose. We're rolling three times a week, on Mondays, on Wednesdays, on Fridays. Breaking down everything you need to know about the NFL. We're talking about the MVP race. Is Josh Allen going to pull it out? Lamar Jackson? Can Saquon Barkley even break the rushing record? Can the Steelers keep up their momentum? We talk about everything. We break it down. Stats, analytics. And of course, Chris Rose is bringing his perspective on being a pro in the media world as well. Listen to football Today on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts and you will be glad you did. Hope you could join us for the postseason run.

[Rich]

I have just a hypothetical and it has to do with rec sports, which is something I think you need to get involved in. Bowling, softball, golf, something basketball, the pickup league or something. It keeps you active. We all love sports.

[Covino]

What else keeps me active? The gym. Just, you know, the gym, a treadmill.

[Rich]

Or hanging out with a bunch of other friends.

[Covino]

Focusing on my work and career.

[Rich]

That's your priority?

[Covino]

Yeah, it is.

[Rich]

At all times.

[Covino]

Yeah. I'm also a dad and I got other things to do. I don't need to escape and hang out with a bunch of goons.

[Rich]

Well, I think every guy should play some type of rec sport. And the question though is, does everyone deserve to play? If you're playing in a championship level game, if it is the playoffs or a championship game and you keep in mind, you give up your time, you go there, you play hard, you play to win, especially in more of a competitive basketball or softball league or if.

[Covino]

You'Re golfing with play, when you say, huh, you play to win. Okay, cool. Taking notes now, though.

[Rich]

You do play to win when, let's say you got 13, 14, 15 guys on the squad because people got other responsibilities. I can't go Tuesday night. It's my kids, you know, recital. You carry about 13 to 15 guys on the team. Come championship time, we had a dilemma. It was like, yeah, we got like 12 or 13 that are showing. Does everyone bat now? You play 10 softball, much like, no. So what do you tell three guys? What, don't show up or no, come.

[Covino]

And support the team that you're up.

[Rich]

So, like, on your night.

[Covino]

Well, first let me say respectfully, congratulations, because you won, right?

[Rich]

We did win. All right.

[Covino]

No mercy. Congratulations.

[Rich]

No mercy.

[Covino]

A bunch of guys that want to get away from their wives and I mean a bunch of guys who love.

[Rich]

To get together, like the bond with other men and have a good time and stay active.

[Covino]

Now, I posed this question to the Fox Sports Radio over Promise Nation. What is the biggest criticism in the wussification of America and in kids sports? That everybody gets in at bat.

[Rich]

Not everyone gets a trophy.

[Covino]

Well, I'm getting to that. Yeah, everyone gets in at bat and we're like, that stinks. That's stupid. But it's okay for the adults. Are the adults not adult enough to just put the best nine out there for the win? Best 10 out there. It doesn't matter. As I was gonna say, does everybody get a trophy too? Give me a Break. You're adults. You should be adult enough to say, put the best 10 out.

[Justin Pennock]

But you should.

[Rich]

You could also be adult enough to say, hey, you have a problem when.

[Covino]

They do it in Little League.

[Rich]

Yeah, but you could argue.

[Covino]

Are you a little baby boy?

[Rich]

You could argue simply, why are we doing this? You get the camaraderie, the friendships. These are guys.

[Covino]

You said you're doing it to win. I'm not giving up my random Tuesday night just to slap ass and pal around. You are doing it to win and do your best. Do you guys hand out orange slices.

[Rich]

Both sides of your mouth?

[Covino]

You're like, I'm not giving.

[Rich]

You just said, I'm not giving it my Tuesday night.

[Covino]

That's what I don't like about these goofy leagues, because you're just going there to mess around. I don't got time to mess around like that. It's not. It's just not for me.

[Rich]

I congratulate you about it.

[Covino]

But you can't say, we're going there to win. But everybody gets in that bat, even though that guy sucks. Well, no one sucks.

[Rich]

No one sucks. It's just.

[Covino]

You should be adult enough to know that I'm not really that great and I'm just here for the fun of it and put the 10 out there that are going to win.

[Rich]

It's. It's. No one sucks. That's the thing, right? It's when you play at a certain.

[Covino]

Level, I'm sure there's some guys better than others.

[Rich]

This guy is better than others, but. So let's say like, we had 12 show up. Do you bet 10 or do you bet 12?

[Covino]

I'm giving you my answer. You bet 10. You can't be.

[Rich]

What do you tell the other problem when kids.

[Covino]

When kids do it. But you're going to do the same thing as an adult.

[Rich]

What do you tell the other two guys?

[Covino]

Hey, man, if we need you, we'll call you, put you in. Otherwise, thanks for being here, supporting your team. What do you tell kids that are playing? I, Honey, I'm leaving kids to sit the bench. But adults aren't adult immature enough to handle that.

[Rich]

Adults have responsibilities and things to do. Kids don't. Kids are kids.

[Covino]

Okay, I think. I don't know.

[Rich]

I think if you're an adult, your.

[Covino]

Best 10 out there.

[Rich]

No, if you're an adult, this is your getaway time to the point where if you're saying, I'm going to drive a half hour, go to the field, put on my jersey, and, hey, I'm playing I'm not going to charity game.

[Covino]

Or is it a game like just because John it's got nothing to do that means he has to play in the biggest game of your season.

[Rich]

But every the youth level I have an answer to your dumb question.

[Covino]

The you have a dumb question. You're the one posting it at a.

[Rich]

Youth level or high school level or any level. You're building up to guys getting what? Scholarships, playing in high school, college, maybe even minor leagues or the pros. When you're an adult, there's no end game. The end game is I'm staying active, I want to win, but I'm really there to hang out with my friends. So.

[Covino]

So then hang out.

[Rich]

There's a balance of do you play everyone? So I would. When do you feel like a shithead being like hey John, I know you came here.

[Covino]

No, because what would you tell a nine year old hey, where Carter little kid. You can't say the same for John.

[Rich]

In the beer league. I work harder. He's a grown man.

[Covino]

John hit the batting cages. Then he stinks. If John stinks, he stinks.

[Rich]

No one stinks.

[Covino]

Then he's there and his role on the team is to bring some laughs. He doesn't need to play.

[Rich]

Hey, John can't play.

[Covino]

So I'm not saying he can't play. This is the biggest game of the year. You said it's the championship spot. What are your thoughts? Everybody gets in at bat. Isn't that the big joke with little kids sports?

[Rich]

Yeah, but this isn't little kids. It's grown ups giving up their time.

[Covino]

How do you not see that? Even worse, we're talking adults. They're not mature enough. Right. Are the grownups are going to be sad that they weren't in the lineup?

[Rich]

Well, if you drive a half hour, you have a long day at work. You have kids, you have responsibilities. This is your leisure time. So.

[Covino]

Yeah, and this is also the biggest game of the year. Did they not get a bats the whole season? This is the game you're trying to win.

[Rich]

I think you got to be in it to understand it. Maybe, but it's an interesting one.

[Covino]

You know, I.

[Rich]

Or it's an interesting.

[Covino]

You guys let me know if I'm making a pretty solid point here at Fox Sports Radio at Covino and Richard. Hashtag over promise. Hashtag rich is delusional. Hashtag rich is wrong.

[Rich]

I think, I think it's only a good conversation because everyone I've asked has a different answer. Rob Parker from Fox Sports Radio. All the guys in the editing room every. It was like split down the middle. Like, like Rob Parker's take was Mike Tyson's butt cheeks. You're a bunch of grown ups. Like, you're not gonna let a guy play. What is this? Like, he's like, play.

[Covino]

It's for fun.

[Rich]

You hang with the boys.

[Covino]

You're trying to win, dude. You're trying. You still try to win. You're still competing.

[Rich]

It's fun in the moment. And then after that, let's look at some ch.

[Covino]

Yeah, we're all, we're split down the middle on this one, guys. Like split like, like those sweet cheeks.

[Rich]

Hey, listen, here's what I want to do. I want to give you a teaser bed that I think is a. I want you guys to hug a winner for tonight. This is the division battle Thursday night. So what I'm going to do is go with what I call trends. I'm not a trend. Better I don't follow. Like, well, you know, this team is whatever against the spread. It's simple. End of the season, two potential playoff teams, right? Two potential play, not potential, two playoff teams. End of the year, division battle Thursday night. What do they say about Thursday night games? They suck. Traditionally, right? They suck. And low scoring Broncos are two and a half point underdogs. Take the Broncos from two and a half to eight and a half. So you have the Broncos plus eight and a half and the over unders 41 and a half. Make that 47 and a half and take the under. So low scoring, close game tonight. Broncos, Chargers. I can't see this being a shootout and I can't see it being a blowout. So I like the Broncos getting more than a touchdown. I think the Broncos can win this game. They're. They have a better record.

[Covino]

Broncos could be what, 10 and five after this game.

[Rich]

And listen, under 47 and a half, that's the tricky part because they both do have offenses. But Thursday, this Thursday night game, this game could be 2017, either like 2017 Chargers or Broncos. And you'd be like, yeah, that makes sense. This is not going to be a 35, 31 game.

[Covino]

Two decent teams, going to be a decent game.

[Rich]

A close battle, low scoring, jot it down. And hey, anything you miss, you can always catch at kobenonrich.

[Covino]

I want to wish you guys a happy holiday. And hey, is it too late to send a card? Because guess what? I haven't gotten any. I got one from my dentist and maybe there's one or two in the mailbox from my sister, but three total.

[Rich]

So yeah, Christmas cards are dead.

[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, guys. And we'll see you on Fox Sports radio radio celebrating 20 years.

[Rich]

Me, this guy. Say it. I'll see you next year.

[Covino]

See you next year.

[Rich]

Oh. Arriba. Dirty baby.

[Covino]

See you in the over promised land.

[Rich]

Goodbye.

[T-Mobile Representative]

From the Delta Sky Club. Welcome back, Ms. Klein to the JetBridge. Delta Air Lines relies on 5G solutions from T Mobile for business to power operations and serve customers faster. Together, we're putting 5G into the hands of ground staff so they can better assist on the go travelers with real time information throughout the airport. This is elevating customer experience. This is Delta Air Lines with T Mobile for business. Take your business further@t mobile.com now looking for excitement. Chumba Casino is here. Play anytime. Play anywhere. Play on the train. Play at the store. Play at home. Play when you're bored. Play today for your chance to win and get daily bonuses when you log in. So what are you waiting for? Don't delay. Chumba Casino is free to play. Experience social gameplay like never before. Go to Chumba Casino right now to play hundreds of games including online slots, bingo, Slingo and more. Live the chumba [e-mail] VGW approved. No purchase necessary board. We're prohibited by law. See terms and conditions.

[Justin Pennock]

What's up, everyone? It's Justin Pennock from John Boy Media, the host of the Football Today podcast with Bobby Skinner and Chris Rose. We roll three times a week on Mondays, on Wednesdays, on Fridays. Breaking down everything you need to know about the NFL. We're gearing up for the NFL playoffs. I hope you can join us. Join in with us three times a week. Listen to Football Today on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast or wherever you get your podcast and you will be glad you did.