The Pat McAfee Show
Episode: PMS 2.0 1368 - Champion Wednesday With Shams Charania, Alex Caruso, Keegan Bradley, Jake Paul, Darius Butler, & AJ Hawk
Release Date: June 25, 2025

Introduction and Overview

In this vibrant episode of The Pat McAfee Show, host Pat McAfee, along with AJ Hawk, the Toxic Table, and special guest Tone Digs, navigate through a whirlwind of sports news, insightful interviews, and entertaining banter. The episode is anchored around the theme of "Champions," featuring discussions with NBA champions, golf champions, sports insiders, and a high-profile celebrity boxer, ensuring a diverse and engaging listen for sports enthusiasts.

Interview with NBA Champion Alex Caruso

Pat McAfee [00:00]:
"Champions are all over today's show."

Pat welcomes Alex Caruso, a two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Fresh off Thunder's recent victory over the Indiana Pacers in a gripping seven-game NBA Finals series, Caruso shares his experiences and reflections on winning championships.

Alex Caruso [43:00]:
"Yeah, yeah. Thanks, man. I appreciate it."

Caruso discusses the celebratory parade in Oklahoma City, the community's enthusiasm for their first-ever title, and his personal journey to becoming a pivotal player in both championship runs. He also humorously addresses his unique fashion choice—a Mount Rushmore shirt—with his face, sparking conversations about his legacy and impact on the team.

Discussion on the NBA Draft with Shams Charania

Pat McAfee [09:54]:
"Kyrie Irving had a $43 million player option..."

Shams Charania, ESPN's senior NBA insider, provides an in-depth analysis of the current NBA landscape, focusing on significant team moves and the upcoming NBA Draft. Key topics include:

• Dallas Mavericks & Kyrie Irving:
  Shams highlights the Mavericks securing Kyrie Irving's commitment with a three-year, $119 million deal, ensuring team stability and setting the stage for a robust draft strategy.

  Shams Charania [09:54]:
  "Kyrie Irving had a $43 million player option. And what made his decision so important is..."

• Houston Rockets & Fred VanVleet:
  The Rockets' strategic move to retain Fred VanVleet with a two-year, $50 million contract is dissected, emphasizing the team's aspirations to be championship contenders.

  Shams Charania [12:15]:
  "Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet intends to sign a new two-year, $50 million contract to stay with the Rockets."

• Boston Celtics’ Trades & NBA’s Apron System:
  Shams delves into the Celtics' recent trades, shedding $180 million to navigate the NBA's new apron system introduced in 2023, aimed at curbing excessive spending and promoting parity.

  Shams Charania [14:58]:
  "The Celtics are officially bl up the team that brought him the title. They shed about $180 million in taxes."

He explains the implications of the apron system on team building, salary caps, and how it affects the formation and sustainability of dynasties within the league.

Interview with Golf Champion Keegan Bradley

Pat McAfee [63:00]:
"What a moment. Obviously, the celebration immediately afterwards with not only you, but the entire area, the entire region, and I would say the entire United States of America."

Keegan Bradley, fresh off winning the Travelers Championship and serving as Captain America for the Ryder Cup, discusses his recent triumph and future aspirations.

Keegan Bradley [75:15]:
"We have to figure out these personnel that are alpha dogs that are... going to represent the people of Bethpage."

Key highlights include:

• Travelers Championship Victory:
  Bradley shares his experience during the championship, including overcoming challenges and key moments that led to his victory.

• Ryder Cup Leadership:
  Insights into his role as captain, team selection strategies, and the importance of camaraderie and chemistry in high-stakes competitions.

• Preparation and Strategy:
  Bradley emphasizes the meticulous preparation required for elite golf tournaments and the balance between individual performance and team dynamics.

Interview with Celebrity Boxer Jake Paul

Pat McAfee [102:26]:
"I'm ready to go... Best shape of my life. Lowest heart rate, max round, speed, power, everything."

Jake Paul joins the show to discuss his upcoming fight against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., his progression in the boxing world, and his ambitions to climb the official rankings.

Jake Paul [105:00]:
"I always want to knock out my opponents. That's what boxing's about."

Key discussion points include:

• Fight Preparation:
  Jake elaborates on his rigorous training regimen, emphasizing his dedication to being a serious competitor in boxing despite his influencer background.

• Ranking and Career Goals:
  Insights into how a victory over Chavez Jr. will impact his ranking and pave the way for future title fights.

• Perception and Media:
  Jake addresses skepticism surrounding his boxing career, emphasizing his commitment to genuine improvement and entertaining performances.

General Sports Discussions

The hosts navigate through a myriad of sports topics, providing listeners with a comprehensive view of current sports events and trends.

• NFL News:
  Discussion about Travis Kelce's initiatives at Tight End University and the ongoing conversations around Aaron Rodgers' potential retirement and its impact on the Steelers.

  Pat McAfee [40:40]:
  "Travis Kelce is giving real game out at Tight End University."

• NBA’s Apron System Impact:
  Exploration of how the new salary cap rules are affecting team strategies, player contracts, and the formation of super teams, with specific references to the Oklahoma City Thunder and Boston Celtics.

  Pat McAfee [32:37]:
  "What you need to do is run it back and do what you did last year."

• MLS Financial Challenges:
  A critical look at the financial structure of Major League Soccer (MLS), addressing concerns about player salaries, league growth, and the influence of high-profile players like Lionel Messi.

  Pat McAfee [88:09]:
  "We might have been sold a false bill of goods..."

Remarks and Banter

Interspersed with the serious discussions, the episode is filled with light-hearted banter and humorous exchanges among the hosts. They joke about fashion choices, particularly AJ Hawk's leather jacket, share anecdotes about sports techniques, and engage in playful teasing about each other's sporting skills and experiences.

Conclusion

Pat McAfee wraps up the episode by summarizing key insights from the interviews and discussions. He extends gratitude to the guests and reiterates the exciting upcoming events in the sports world, including the NBA Draft and Jake Paul's fight. The show concludes with the hosts continuing their trademark humor, leaving listeners both informed and entertained.

Notable Quotes:

• Pat McAfee [00:00]: "Champions are all over today's show."
• Alex Caruso [43:00]: "Yeah, yeah. Thanks, man. I appreciate it."
• Shams Charania [09:54]: "Kyrie Irving had a $43 million player option..."
• Jake Paul [105:00]: "I always want to knock out my opponents. That's what boxing's about."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting the main discussions, guest insights, and the engaging dynamic of the show. Whether you're a sports aficionado or a casual listener, this breakdown provides a clear and detailed overview of what to expect from this lively episode of The Pat McAfee Show.