Full Show: NBA is still the talk, despite upcoming Super Bowl. Trump has been a very busy Man!

Summary

Summary of "The Stephen A. Smith Show" Episode: NBA Still the Talk, Despite Upcoming Super Bowl. Trump Has Been a Very Busy Man!

Release Date: February 5, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves into a range of pressing topics that extend beyond the realm of sports, touching upon significant political developments and societal issues. Broadcasting live from New Orleans during Super Bowl week, Smith intertwines his unparalleled insights on the sports world with critical discussions on international politics and gender-related policies.

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1. President Trump's Proposal on the Gaza Strip

Timestamp: [05:02]

Stephen A. Smith opens the discussion with a bombshell revelation regarding President Donald Trump's recent statements about the Middle East. Highlighting a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Smith shares Trump's contentious proposal:

Donald Trump [04:06]: "The US will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it... create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area."

Smith critiques this proposal, emphasizing its potential to drastically alter the geopolitical landscape and instigate further displacement of Palestinians. He underscores the historical complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, noting:

Stephen A. Smith [05:10]: "Trump's proclamation was a stunning proposal that would dramatically reorient the Middle East and subject more than a million people to further displacement."

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2. Analysis and Reaction to Trump's Proposal

Timestamp: [05:55]

Guest Julie Swerbinks, alongside former NHL player Nate Thompson, offers a critical perspective on Trump's stance. Swerbinks asserts:

Julie Swerbinks [05:55]: "I think 95% of what he said is going to be dismissed. I can't imagine the United States of America inserting itself in the Gaza Strip."

She further elaborates on the impracticality and potential dangers of deploying American troops to enforce such a policy, questioning the feasibility and ethical implications of Trump's approach.

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3. Historical Context of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Timestamps: [06:30] - [15:32]

Smith provides an extensive historical overview of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, tracing its roots back to the late 19th century and detailing key events such as the 1947 United Nations Partition Plan, the Six-Day War, and ongoing territorial disputes. This backdrop serves to highlight the enduring volatility of the region and the challenges inherent in any proposed resolutions.

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4. Trump's Follow-Up Remarks on Gaza

Timestamp: [15:32]

In a synchronized move, Trump reiterates his stance during a follow-up press conference:

Donald Trump [15:32]: "I envision the world, people living there... Palestinians will live there. They've tried for decades, it didn't work..."

Smith expresses skepticism about Trump's confidence, questioning the likelihood of regional support from Egypt and Jordan, and stressing the potential backlash from the Arab world.

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5. Executive Order on Transgender Athletes in Women's Sports

Timestamp: [45:32] - [60:42]

Transitioning from international politics to domestic social issues, Smith addresses President Trump's anticipated executive order targeting transgender athletes. He outlines the primary components of the order, which aims to:

• Prohibit transgender girls and women from competing in female sports categories.
• Enforce federal Title IX rules to maintain single-sex sports and facilities.
• Direct state attorneys to oversee the enforcement.

Smith articulates his support for the executive order, arguing that it ensures fair competition by preventing what he perceives as inherent physical advantages that transgender women might hold. He states:

Stephen A. Smith [60:42]: "Transgender athletes should compete against transgender athletes. Males should compete against males. Females should compete against females. Very simple."

While acknowledging support for the LGBTQ community, Smith differentiates between respecting individual identities and maintaining fairness in competitive sports. He emphasizes that his stance is solely from a sports perspective, aiming to preserve the integrity of female athletics.

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6. Sports Discussions: Super Bowl, NBA Trading Deadline, and Kevin Durant

Timestamp: [23:38] - [33:02]

Throughout the episode, Smith also touches upon imminent sports events and news. Highlighting Super Bowl week in New Orleans, he acknowledges the ongoing excitement surrounding the NFL's biggest event. Additionally, he navigates the upcoming NBA trading deadline:

• Kevin Durant Trade Rumors: Smith addresses rumors surrounding Kevin Durant potentially being traded from the Phoenix Suns due to issues with Bradley Beal's no-trade clause. He recounts Durant's emphatic denial of interest in returning to the Golden State Warriors, despite their historical success and Durant's significant contributions during his previous tenure.

Stephen A. Smith [60:15]: "Kevin Durant has stated emphatically that he has absolutely positively no interest in returning to the Golden State Warriors... That's not something that's about to happen."

Smith critiques the Warriors' current status, suggesting that without Durant and his superstar peers, the team lacks championship aspirations. He reflects on Durable NBA legacies, underscoring the impact of star players on team dynamics and success.

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7. Guest Interactions: Chad Ochocinco and Nate Thompson

Timestamp: [23:38] - [57:00]

The latter portion of the episode features interactive segments with guests Chad Ochocinco and Nate Thompson. Their conversation ranges from personal anecdotes to discussions about transitioning into media roles post-athletics. Topics include:

• Marriage and Personal Life: Nate Thompson candidly discusses his impending marriage, touching on the importance of structure and discipline in personal relationships. He humorously downplays his past promiscuous behaviors and surgical enhancements, striving to present a reformed image.

Nate Thompson [36:15]: "Because you understand what that individual brings to your life and understand how great things have been going since this individual has entered your life."

• Media Diversification: Thompson expresses his ambitions to diversify his media presence, contemplating permanent roles on shows like First Take and engaging in continuous studio appearances.

• NFL Legacy and Evolution of the Game: Chad Ochocinco and Thompson reminisce about their NFL careers, debating the evolution of the game and player personalities. They reflect on the balance between individualism and team dynamics in modern sports.

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8. Concluding Remarks

Timestamp: [60:42] - [60:42]

Stephen A. Smith wraps up the episode by reiterating his commitment to covering both sports and significant socio-political issues. He emphasizes the importance of information dissemination and personal accountability, ensuring listeners remain informed and engaged with the latest developments across various domains.

Stephen A. Smith [60:42]: "That's it for this edition of the Stephen A. Smith show. Coming at you live from Super Bowl weekend, New Orleans, Louisiana."

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Trump on Gaza Strip:

  "The US will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it..."
  [04:06]

• Julie Swerbinks on Trump's Proposal:

  "I think 95% of what he said is going to be dismissed."
  [05:55]

• Smith on Transgender Athletes Executive Order:

  "Transgender athletes should compete against transgender athletes... That's all I'm saying."
  [60:42]

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Conclusion

This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show effectively balances high-stakes sports commentary with incisive political analysis. By addressing President Trump's controversial policies alongside pivotal sports narratives, Stephen A. provides a comprehensive overview that caters to a diverse audience. The inclusion of candid guest interactions further enriches the discourse, offering personal perspectives that complement the thematic core of the episode.

For those seeking an in-depth exploration of the intersection between sports, politics, and social issues, this episode serves as a compelling listen, encapsulating the multifaceted approach that The Stephen A. Smith Show is renowned for.

Transcript

[Greg Rosenthal]

What's up, everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal and I'm teaming up with the King of Spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs mock drafts to my top 101, free agents will have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Julie Swerbinks]

What's up everyone? Julie Swerbinks here along with former NHL player Nate Thompson.

[Nate Thompson]

We're doing a new podcast together. Here we go.

[Julie Swerbinks]

The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.

[Nate Thompson]

Each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life.

[Julie Swerbinks]

All topics are fair game, right? Exactly. And you'll never know who will drop by to join us.

[Nate Thompson]

Julia's pretty well connected. She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Listen to Energy Line with Nate and jsb on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Donald Trump, the Gaza Strip, and Chad Ochocinko. What the hell does that have in common? It's all on Stephen A. Smith show coming up. Right, what's up, everybody? Welcome to the latest edition of the Stephen A. Smith Show. You see that New Orleans background right there? That's New Orleans, Louisiana. That is where I'm coming at you from live right here for the Stephen A. Smith show over the digital airwaves of YouTube. As always, I'd like to pause for a moment and thank my subscribers and followers and supporters. We've now eclipsed nearly 1.08 million subscribers in the last 22 months. Not to mention the millions of downloads we've recorded over the over iheartradio. I can't thank y'all for the love and support Enough. Keep it coming. And I'm gonna keep on coming and continue to like and follow the show. Just click the bell to get notified for all of our new content and you too shall consider yourself the latest member of the Stephen A. Smith show family. And while you're doing that, make sure to pick up a copy of my New York Times best selling book, Straight Shooter, A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes, now in paperback. Just go to straightshooterbook.com to get yourself a copy. Once again, that's straightshooterbook.com to get yourself a copy. I got a lot of stuff to get into Today. I am live from New Orleans, where I'm at for super bowl week. The Philadelphia Eagles going up against the Kansas City Chiefs. This Sunday evening, obviously, is the biggest event of the football season, as is always the case when the super bowl is going on. So there's a lot of stuff to get into. The NBA's trading deadline is tomorrow afternoon, Thursday afternoon, to be exact. And clearly I'll be touching on a little bit of NBA stuff a little bit later on in the show, so don't think I won't do that for you. But before I do anything else, I got to get into pertinent news because it's incredibly important, because you got a lot of folks out there, American citizens and beyond that care about the story that I'm going to tackle. First, we're going to get started in the nation's capital, where President Trump and the new administration continue to make headlines, this time in the Middle East. Yesterday, while sitting next to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Donald Trump said the United States of America will, quote, take over the Gaza Strip, possibly even with the help of American troops. On top of that, Trump suggested that the Palestinians who live there should leave. Leave. That's what he said. The proclamation was a stunning proposal that would dramatically reorient the Middle east and subject more than a million people to further displacement. The proposal would also abandon decades of bipartisan US Foreign policy. For those of you who didn't see it, here's a portion of the joint press conference yesterday from the White House. Take a listen.

[Donald Trump]

The US Will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it, too, will own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site. Level the site and get rid of the destroyed buildings. Level it out. Create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area. Do a real job. Do something different. Just can't go back. If you go back, it's going to end up the same way it has for 100 years. I'm hopeful that this ceasefire could be the beginning of a larger and more enduring peace that will end the bloodshed and killing once and for all with the same goal in mind. My administration has been moving quickly to restore trust in the alliance and rebuild American strength throughout the region. And we've really done that. We're a respected nation again.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Before I get into what I feel about what you just heard the president say and what I heard last Night I appeared on Cuomo show, Chris Cuomo show on News Nation. I showed up on Sean Hannity's show as well. But we didn't get into it that much on that. On that platform. But on Chris Cuomo show on News Nation, we did get into it. And he asked me my thoughts upon hearing what the President of the United States had to say right there. Before I tell you again, reiterating my position, I thought it was apropos that I replayed and re aired what I had to say last night. Take a listen. First of all, I think 95% of what he said, if not all hundred of it, is going to be dismissed. I can't imagine the United States of America inserting itself in the American citizens. I happen to be one of them being okay with that. First of all, we consistently point to our armed forces and our soldiers who represent us and put their lives on the line and make sacrifices for us every single day. How comfortable are we going to be putting them in that kind of situation? I think that's a very dangerous proposition. It's not something that should be entertained. But number two, and more importantly, I think we need to understand how ridiculous the President of the United States sounded tonight when he was explaining what he was explaining about how the US Will own Gaza. He sounded like a real estate agent. Yes, he did. That's exactly what the hell he sounded like. He sounded like he was looking to build Trump casinos or Trump hotels or whatever the hell else he's trying to come up with. It was utterly ridiculous. And I'm gonna say that right now, plain and simple. I'll get in to the impact, the potential impact on Palestinians and beyond in just a few minutes. But I just wanna reiterate my point about what a disastrous idea I think this is. And before I even say that, let me say this, ladies and gentlemen. You don't hear me speak about this much. You hear me speak about a lot of things. The one thing you do not hear me ever speak about is the Israeli Palestinian conflict. That is not my lane. That is not my lane. I'm going to be very, very clear about that. There's a lot of things that you could say is not my lane because I'm primarily involved in sports. But I'm a conscientious observer. I'm an American citizen. I vote. I pay attention to the political landscape and the movement that takes place within it. So as a conscientious observer, I have various opinions about a lot of different things. Okay? But this is one issue I Never touch. Because in my lifetime of dealing with so many different things, so many different prejudices and what have you, the volatility that exists within our world if you're not Jewish or you're not a Palestinian or someone closely connected to it, I've always thought everybody outside of politicians should shut the hell up. Don't even get involved in terms of verbalizing your thoughts, because if you utter the wrong syllable, that can be your ass. And I know that. But when I saw this president speak last night, as if he was in the process of facilitating a business deal, that is where my antennas went up. And I became incredibly alarmed. You have no business doing that. Do you understand how the Gaza Strip has been ravaged? Do you understand what that area of this world looks like right now in the aftermath of Hamas invading Israel, killing hundreds of people, if not over a thousand, along with other things they are alleged to have done? You have any idea? Have you seen the footage? Have you seen the wreckage? It's been reduced to rubble. It's inhabitable right now, and I get that part. But to go out there and to say that they should just leave, that doesn't even begin to say irresponsible. We're talking about the displacement of potentially more than a million people. And this man is there last night with Benjamin Netanyahu, who, by the way, didn't say a word to co sign that, standing just feet away from him with their dual press conference. And I'm looking at our president and I'm saying to myself, these folks were talking about pulling out of Afghanistan, and when Joe Biden did it, they were in an uproar about it, but over how it was done. Not necessarily that it was done. If you listen to political aficionados and those that are fully familiar with what has transpired in the Gaza Strip and beyond, and you hear them talk about the Israeli Palestinian conflict and now that we all know dates back to at least 1947 in terms of the recent friction that has existed over the last several decades. They literally sit up there and say, what you're seeing now in Palestine, what you're seeing now in the Gaza Strip makes Afghanistan look like New Jersey. They said that's how bad it is. And then you're talking about, if you're talking about displacing folks and you're talking about rebuilding in that area, you got to assume you're thinking that the Palestinians, their leadership and others associated with them are just going to be okay with that. You really, really think that's going to happen? You really think that's going to happen. Ladies and gentlemen, look at the history I'm going to read from Israeli Palestinian conflict. These are notes here based off of research. Obviously, the Israeli Palestinian conflict dates back to the end of the 19th century. In 1947, the United nations adopted Resolution 181, known as the Partition Plan, which sought to divide the British Mandate of Palestine into Arab and Jewish states. On May 14, 1948, the state of Israel was created, sparking the first Arab Israeli war. The war ended in 1949 with Israel's victory, but 750,000 Palestinians were displaced and and the territory was divided into three parts, the State of Israel, the west bank of the Jordan river and the Gaza Strip. Over the following years, tensions continued to rise in the region, particularly between Israel and Egypt, Jordan and Syria. Talking about something. In 1956, Swaz Crisis and Israel's invasion of the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt, Jordan and Syria signed mutual defense pacts in anticipation of a possible mobilization of Israeli troops. And then in June 1967, following a series of maneuvers by the Egyptians and their leadership, Israel preemptively attacked Egyptian and Syrian air forces, starting the Six Day War. After the war, Israel gained territorial control over the Sinai Peninsula and Gaza Strip from Egypt, the west bank and East Jerusalem from Jordan, and the Golan Heights from Syria. It's been going on. It's been going on nonstop. And no president. Whether it was Reagan, whether it was Ford, it was Carter, it was Reagan, it was hw, it was Clinton, it was W, it was Obama, it was Trump, it was Biden, and now Trump again. Nobody has been able to find a resolution to the conflict, but Trump is going to step in there and go like this, hey, we could build beautiful, beautiful strip. It's a lot of land out there. Look at the view of the guy, look at the view. You realize the real estate, property that exists out there. That's what you going to say, that's what you're going to open your mouth and allude to. And you're talking about money and you're talking about being fruitful and multiplying and building properties and basically facilitating employment for people and all of those different things. From a business perspective, when anybody associated with it would tell you it ain't about money, it's about something more than that. They can bring up religion, they can bring up a lot of things. When Trump first administration was in place, what did they do? Move the US Embassy to Jerusalem? They said, this is where it's at. They took sides in a lot of people's eyes. You really, really think that the folks in the Gaza Strip, the Palestinians, are going to support that kind of movement, that they're going to want to be displaced? Egypt and Jordan already said absolutely not. The anticipation is that the entire Arab world will say, absolutely not. What are we doing? I'm not trying to get into this issue to talk about something I really, really don't know about. I'm really addressing this because of the displacement, the potential displacement of over a million people. That's why I'm bringing this up. And in order to do it, you're going to have to have American soldiers. I thought Trump didn't want us involved, but so much in international affairs. I thought he wanted us to limit our exposure to such things. I thought he didn't want American soldiers in harm's way. What do you think is going to happen if he follows through? That's not safe. It's not safe for those American soldiers. And to be honest with you, it's not safe for America because you'll exacerbate the ire the Arab world already feels for the United States of America. I just thought I needed to say that. I really did. Before I finish up with this subject, I want to get back to Trump's comments because it opened up a myriad of questions, namely how this land grab would proceed, what legal authority would allow such a move, and who would pay for the effort. He was asked that question. Listen to his answer. To follow up on what you were saying about the Gazans leaving Gaza, going to other countries, One, where exactly are you suggesting that they should go? And two, are you saying they should return after it's rebuilt? And, and if not, who do you envision living there?

[Donald Trump]

I envision the world, people living there. The world's people. I think you'll make that into an international unbelievable place. I think the potential in the Gaza Strip is unbelievable. And I think the entire world, representatives from all over the world will be there, and they'll. And they'll live there. Palestinians also. Palestinians will live there. Many people will live there. But they've tried the other, and they've tried it for decades and decades and decades. It's not going to work. It didn't work. It will never work. And you have to learn from history. History has, you know, you just can't let it keep repeating itself. We have an opportunity to do something that could be phenomenal. And I don't want to be cute, I don't want to be a wise guy, but the Riviera of the Middle east this could be something that could be so bad, this could be so magnificent. But more importantly than that is the people that have been absolutely destroyed, that live there now can live in peace in a much better situation because they're living in hell. And those people will now be able to live in peace. We'll make sure that it's done world class. It'll be wonderful for the people. Palestinians, Palestinians mostly we're talking about. And I have a feeling that despite them saying no, I have a feeling that the king in Jordan and that the general president but that the general in Egypt will open their hearts and will give us the kind of land that we need to get this done.

[Julie Swerbinks]

So despite them saying no, Egypt and Jordan, he has a feeling they'll say yes. Really? Really. Ladies and gentlemen, news flash. Everybody does not believe in what America believes in. When he calls it the Riviera, talking about the potential opportunities that exist there. Some people don't care. Some people don't care about all that glitz and glamour. Some people don't care about having five star lives. Everybody hasn't been Americanized. Everybody's not interested in being Americanized. You're seeing people out there standing in rubble talking about rebuilding, saying no way on earth do they want America here. And if they feel that way, chances are hundreds of thousands, if not millions share their thinking. Dangerous times calls for serious people and calls for serious dialogue, not rhetoric that's got agenda written all over it. Just a thought. Ain't gonna go any deeper than that. Cause I ain't qualified to do so. But it's obvious this had better be much ado about nothing. I know Chris Cuomo believes that. I know Bill O'Reilly believes that. I know a host of political aficionados believe he' he's just bluffing. He's just talking. He's not going to do anything with the Gaza Strip. He understands what it entails. But still, to say, it is pretty damn scary. Coming up, more on President Trump, who set to sign an executive order that would ban transgender athletes from participating in women's sports. I'll get into that. But first, he's a former Pro bowl wide receiver and now co host on the hit podcast Nightcap. The one and only Chad Ot Jose himself joins us next right here on the Stephen A. Smith Show. Don't go away. All right, everybody, listen up. With all the big time sports action that's happening each and every day, NFL games, NBA games, the Stephen A. Smith show wants to make sure you are taking advantage of all of it. That's why we partnered with Prize Picks, the largest fantasy sports platform in all the land, to help you cash in on all your sports knowledge. You see, Prize Picks is a daily fantasy app where you pick pick two or more of your favorite players and then you select more or less on their projected stats for the game. Choose from any of your favorite players, Travis Kelsey, Patrick Mahomes and Shay Gilgis Alexander all in the same entry. Then sit back and watch. The list is endless. And now with Prize Picks Flex Friday option, you can still cash out even if your lineup isn't perfect. That's right, every Friday. Just look for the protected play. So win or your cash back and get this Prize Picks now offers MasterCard for quick and easy deposits into your account during this sports season. Make your picks in less than 60 seconds and turn your sports opinions into real money all season long on prospects. So download the app today and use Code SAs to get 50 instantly after you play your first five dollar lineup. Again, download the app and use Code SAs to get 50 instantly after your first five dollar lineup. Prospects run your game this message is brought to you by Cologuard a Non invasive Colon Cancer Screening Test so I want to talk about colon cancer screening for a second here. I know you might hear that and instantly feel a bunch of dread. You're thinking stuff like drinking all of that prep liquid, having an invasive procedure, missing work? No thanks. But hold on a second because there's another option that allows you to skip all that drama. The Cologuard test. It's a one of a kind way to feel more in control of your colon cancer screening through a prescription based test with none of the prep that's required of a colonoscopy. The Cologuard test is the only FDA approved non invasive option that looks for both altered DNA and blood in your stool, which can indicate the presence of abnormal cells. This test offers convenience and ease of use and it's delivered right to your door. It's also affordable. Most Insured patients pay $0 at this point. Come on, don't let your health take a backseat. You're out of excuses. So if you're 45 or older and at average risk, ask your healthcare provider about screening for colon cancer with the Cologuard test. You can also request a Cologuard prescription today at cologuard.com/podcast. The Cologuard test is intended to screen adults 45 and older at average risk for colorectal cancer. Do not use a Cologuard test if you have had adenomas, have inflammatory bowel disease and certain hereditary syndromes or personal or family history of colorectal cancer. The cologuard test is not a replacement for colonoscopies in high risk patients. Cologuard test performance in adults ages 45 to 49 is estimated based on a large clinical study of patients 50 and older. False positives and false negatives can occur. Color Guard is available by prescription only.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I'm Hunter, host of Hunting for Answers on the Black Effect Podcast Network. Join me every weekday as I share bite sized stories of missing and murdered Black women and girls in America. There are several ways we can all do better at protecting Black women. My contribution is shining a light on our missing sisters and amplifying their disregarded stories. Stories like Tameka Anderson as she drove toward Galvez. She was in contact with several people talking on the phone as she made her way to what should have been a routine transaction. But Tameka never bought the car and she never returned home that day. One podcast, one mission. Save our Girls. Join the search as we explore the chilling cases of missing and murdered Black women and girls. Listen to Hunting for Answers every weekday on the Black Effect Podcast Network, iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Chad Ochocinco]

September 1979. Virginia's top prison band, Edge of Daybreak, is about to record their debut album, Behind Bars in just five hours.

[Nate Thompson]

Okay, we're rolling.

[Julie Swerbinks]

One, two, three, four.

[Chad Ochocinco]

I'm Jamie Petras, music and culture writer. For the past five years, I've been talking to the band's three surviving members. They're out of prison now and in their 70s, their past behind them. But they also have some unfinished business.

[Julie Swerbinks]

They had a day Ray Eyes of Love was supposed to have been followed up by another album.

[Chad Ochocinco]

It's a story about the liberating power of music, the American justice system, and ultimately, second chances. Listen to soul incarcerated on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Lord have mercy. I couldn't wait to talk to my next guest. He was a star in the NFL for many years. He donned a gold jacket before. I mean, this is. He's not a Hall of Famer officially yet, but he should be, damn it. He was a bad brother for the Cincinnati Bengals. Now he's a bad brother in our space. There's only one dude on the planet named Ocho Seiko. You know who he is? The man himself, Chad Ocho. Say what's up. What's up, big time. How you doing, man?

[Nate Thompson]

Good. I'm good. I'm happy to be here. I'm happy to be. I have some bones to pick with you, but. Yeah. Yeah, yeah.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Yes, you.

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah, we get. Yes, you.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Oh, my Lord.

[Nate Thompson]

We'll get to that down the line. I'm happy to be here. I'm glad to be at the house. Okay. I haven't been in the wars in a very long time. I think last time we played the Saints, years ago, eons ago, when Carson and I were having some good times.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Yes.

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah, we was able to bless the Saints and Fred Thomas and some of those boy Charles Grant at that time. So it's good to be back after years.

[Julie Swerbinks]

I don't want to tell all your business, but where you living these days, man? When you talk about not getting out of the house, man, where you living these days?

[Nate Thompson]

I'm in Miami. I'm in Miami. But this is the point. Throughout the entirety of my career, it's, hey, Miami's nice. You ever been to Houston?

[Julie Swerbinks]

I've been everywhere. I've been everywhere.

[Nate Thompson]

I don't go nowhere, Right? If it ain't the cigar bar, if it ain't the jazz club, I'm home. If it ain't work, I'm done. So just the fact that something like this comes about where everybody's gonna be under one umbrella, it excites me. I get to see faces like you and everybody else, the former players, the current players. It's dope.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Now, what the hell were you doing in super bowl week? Media, you know, media road. Asking questions for the cw. What's going on? You trying to be a reporter now?

[Nate Thompson]

I'm trying to. Trying to do a little bit of everything. I'm trying to diversify my portfolio. So. I love Nightcap, I love what I do with inside. Inside the NFL. I was actually a cameraman as well.

[Julie Swerbinks]

A cameraman?

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah. I was a cameraman as well.

[Julie Swerbinks]

So you're trying to take jobs from cameraman, too, now? That's what we doing.

[Nate Thompson]

I need as many jobs as possible.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Why?

[Nate Thompson]

I'm trying to buy a mega yacht.

[Julie Swerbinks]

A mega yacht?

[Nate Thompson]

Yes, sir.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Now, what's a mega yacht?

[Nate Thompson]

Mega yacht. Something like Jerry Jones has one.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Well, you know he's a billionaire, right?

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah, Khan has one.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Okay. You know that's a billionaire, right?

[Nate Thompson]

I'm trying to reach a B.2.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Okay. Have you reached the M? As opposed to the B?

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah, the M. Still. That.

[Julie Swerbinks]

I'm still there.

[Nate Thompson]

And listen, you know, I don't spend shit.

[Julie Swerbinks]

You that cheap?

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Your glasses ain't cheap?

[Nate Thompson]

Oh, These are replica, okay?

[Julie Swerbinks]

The replica. I'm lying at the real you. Damn right you lie. You know better than that. Stop that nonsense. It's not that nonsense. So how have you been liking life, Chad? Because you're one of the rare former athletes that as much as you know about the sport, as outspoken as you've been about sports, when people talk to you, you're so interesting. It's really not that big of a deal to talk with you about sports. They want to talk to you about life. Have you realized that you've evolved to that point? And was that intentional?

[Nate Thompson]

You know what? It wasn't intentional. I think I make people very comfortable. I make people very comfortable. Obviously what the media perceive me to be when you meet me in person is completely different. What you saw on the field was merely a character. Everybody thinks I'm cocky. They think I'm arrogant. And people don't understand was once I touch the field, that's a completely different person as opposed to who you see off the field.

[Julie Swerbinks]

But you are, you are cocky. I wouldn't say arrogant.

[Nate Thompson]

Not negative.

[Julie Swerbinks]

But you are, you don't lack.

[Nate Thompson]

I think, I think that's the wrong, the wrong C word. Okay, I wasn't cocky. I was convinced.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Convinced. Yeah, you were convinced.

[Nate Thompson]

I was convinced because I had already put the work in. I already put the work in. So I understood, let's have some fun with it, you know, that's when I got into character because the work had already been done.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Playing football, obviously. You were an all world receiver for the Cincinnati Bears. Six time Pro Bowler, no question about it.

[Nate Thompson]

And kicker.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Okay, I'm taking wide receiver damage. I'm gonna stick to that. Right. When you were playing for the New England Patriots, not so much. Scored a 21 yard pass in the super bowl, but people saw you with Tom Brady, they had expected more that hadn't happened.

[Nate Thompson]

As did I.

[Julie Swerbinks]

As you reflect on your time not in the NFL, period. Because we know what you did in Cincinnati, in New England, and we're here at the Super Bowl. When you came to the super bowl and about you.

[Nate Thompson]

No.

[Julie Swerbinks]

All right. When you think about that, how does that make you feel?

[Nate Thompson]

It doesn't make me feel any kind of way. I understood where I was at that time in my career. I understood obviously me getting to the Patriots somewhat kind of late, obviously not being able to get that maturation and chemistry together with Brady. I, I, I, I really wanted training camp. I really needed minicamp. I needed all those times and hours to put in that, that, that comfortability and Trust where he could trust me. And then obviously, people always talk about, oh, well, the system. He didn't learn the system. Listen, the system is still the same even today. The only thing that changes from team to team is the verbiage. So that had nothing to do with it. It's just about him trusting me and knowing where I'm going to be all the time. Same thing with Carson. We also had issues our first year when he was there. Year two, it got better. Year three, it got better. I just wasn't able to hit the ground running like I expected to, playing with a quarterback of that magnitude. Also, if we need to understand, the offense with the Patriots is run from the inside out, right? The number one is your tight end. Sometimes number two is the back coming out the backfield. Then you have Gronk, then you have Aaron Hernandez, then you got Edelman, then you got Wes Welker. Well, hell, ain't no room for me any goddamn way that offense. Now, if your last name is Moss, that's different. He's special. I could never be that. If I was to be born and recreate myself again, I could never be that. So that's why he was able to put up the numbers that he did, because he's an animal. That's something like Moss comes around once every 20 years.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Right. While I'm on that subject, top three receivers in the history of the National Football League, according to Chad Ochocinko, is who? You gotta start with Jerry Rice.

[Nate Thompson]

Who?

[Julie Swerbinks]

You got to start with Jerry Rice.

[Nate Thompson]

No, I'm starting to number one to your Jerry Rice. I mean, you're basing everything off of numbers, right?

[Julie Swerbinks]

Well, I'm not testing numbers. I'm talking about what we saw on the field. He's universally recognized, the greatest of all.

[Nate Thompson]

Time, but for me, he's top three. So it's 1A, 1B, 1A, 1B Moss to either way you go, okay? And obviously, Jerry. Jerry is in there, but Jerry is in a class of his own. Is how I put him, based on what he was able to do in such a. Not a short amount of time, but consistently throughout the entirety of his career. But I just love it. Something about I wasn't able to watch Jerry play. I played against him once we moved to Oakland. Yeah, but something about watching Tio and watching Moss up close, my own eyes, like, I saw it for years.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Right.

[Nate Thompson]

We would never see nothing like that.

[Julie Swerbinks]

When you think about that, using the analogy that you just used, as specifically as it pertains to the familiarity Patrick Mahomes Travis Kelce, Is that the advantage really when you think about Patrick Mahomes and his greatness, Travis Kelce and his greatness, Is that the advantage? The fact that they've been together all of these years, the camaraderie, the continuity, the chemistry, etc, is that what they have over everybody else?

[Nate Thompson]

You could put a blindfold on Patrick Mahomes, you could, you could put a blindfold on Travis Kelce, you could call a plate and he'll know exactly what Kelce going to be. That's what happens. Years of chemistry, trust, understanding where your player is going to be at every time. Like they got to that point. Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, Marvin, Harrison, the same thing. When you have that continuity, it's very easy. Now how special Patrick Mahomes is is you take away Cheetah and you still win two Super Bowls. Take away Tyreek Hill, you take away, you take, you take away Kelsey, whenever he decides to go, nothing's going to change.

[Julie Swerbinks]

You don't think anything's going to change even when Travis Kelsey goes away? Because Patrick Mahomes is that great.

[Nate Thompson]

He's that great. He's that great. If Andy Reid is there, nothing's going to change.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Do you have the Kansas City Chiefs beating the Eagles in the Super Bowl?

[Nate Thompson]

You know what? I think that's a tough one.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Eagles are a better team.

[Nate Thompson]

They're a better team collectively. But there's a guy that wears number 15 that can overcome the greatness that is the Eagles, especially defensively. Spags has to come into the game. You know what? If Jalen hurts, beats me. I can live with that. If AJ Brown and Devontae Smith beat me, I can live with that. Can't let it be Saquon 26 ain't fucking beating me. It ain't happening.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Can't let Saquon beat you.

[Nate Thompson]

Can't happen. And that's gonna set the tone. It set the tone last week when they played saquon. First series, 60 yards, 60 yards, that set the tone. I knew the game was over. It was over. That's it.

[Julie Swerbinks]

And so basically you're saying the Eagles only chance is for Saquon Barkley to get loose.

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah, absolutely. If Saquon plays well, if Saquon is able to determine the game, especially from an offensive standpoint, and take the pressure off. Jalen hurts, the Eagles are winning.

[Julie Swerbinks]

You can't see Jalen hurts taking the bull by the horn and saying, I know that's Patrick Mahomes, but this is me. If Saquon Barkley, if they Neutralize him in any way I got.

[Nate Thompson]

We've seen Jalen do it before.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Yes, we have.

[Nate Thompson]

You've seen it do it before, and he can do it. When you have two number one receivers that may know that ain't no one and two.

[Julie Swerbinks]

That's right.

[Nate Thompson]

Them two number one receivers, they can get it done.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Okay, so again, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs or Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles. Who you got?

[Nate Thompson]

I'm going to go with the Eagles. I'm going to go with Eagles in a close one. Matter of fact, a nail biter, where Jalen Hurst has the ball at the end of the game to take the Eagles down and win.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Let's transition to Chad Ooen.

[Nate Thompson]

That's me.

[Julie Swerbinks]

That's you. I love Nightcap.

[Nate Thompson]

I love it.

[Julie Swerbinks]

I'm proud of you and my boy, Shannon Sharp. Club Sh. Shay in the house. Got to give him love where lovers do. How did that come about? How did you and Shannon end up pairing with one another?

[Nate Thompson]

Doug, you know Doug, Obviously Doug, my manager.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Okay.

[Nate Thompson]

Gave me a call and said, you know what? While we in la, Shannon wants to meet with you. He had some ideas about a podcast he was doing. Shannon. Shannon Sharp. Yeah. Oh, absolutely. I want to take that meeting. We met in Beverly Hills. I forgot the name of the restaurant. It's not where I want to go. I want to go to Roscoe's.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Right? Probably Boa.

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah, Boa Uncas. Might have been.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Might have been.

[Nate Thompson]

I don't know what it was.

[Julie Swerbinks]

That's Shannon's Bougie.

[Nate Thompson]

That's not me.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Uncle Bougie.

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah, Bougie. Bougie, Bougie. We sat down for five minutes. He gave me the game plan. I said, where I sign, I. I ain't need to hear no more. I don't need no speech. I don't need to hear nothing. He told me the game plan. I said it would be perfect. We polar opposites. Complete opposite.

[Julie Swerbinks]

How are y'all opposites? Tell the world. I know the answer to this question, cuz I know him and I know you. But I want you to tell the world. I don't want to interpret it for y'all.

[Nate Thompson]

We are complete opposites. He's very structured in all that he does. I wake up and just go. Just go. Everything about him, everything has to be perfect. No, on time. I'm kind of on time. I'm late sometimes.

[Julie Swerbinks]

He got your ass. I remember that. Everybody remember that.

[Nate Thompson]

But you know what you get when the camera's on? You know what you Get. It's special, it's gold. It's gold moments, you know, he's very serious about every goddamn thing. I don't take life too serious. I don't. Day by day. If I have a bad day. Okay, you know what? We're gonna try this again tomorrow. Everything with UNC has to be perfect. It has to be aligned. It has to be planned. You know, he got a planner. He got a team of people. I ain't got nothing. I got Ryan, I got Doug, and I just go. And I think that's why it works so well.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Do you find yourself listening to him more and more and viewing him, I don't want to say, as a father figure, maybe a big brother figure in that regard?

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah, most of the time. Absolutely. Even. Even as old and experienced as I am in life, I listen to some of the. Some of the things he says, and I always take notes. I do it during the show. If he says something that I like, I take it, I use it. I embrace it in my main bank in membrane, memory bank and see what I can take and add it to my life.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Do you. Do you find that he listens to you?

[Nate Thompson]

Probably.

[Julie Swerbinks]

He is a stubborn brother.

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah, he listens to me. Listen.

[Julie Swerbinks]

He listens to me a little bit. He's very.

[Nate Thompson]

He's very stubborn. Because if he listened to me, it's been two. It's been two years. He'd be married by now. He'd have a.

[Julie Swerbinks]

By the way, I'm glad you brought that up. Why the hell do you be trying to encourage him to get married?

[Nate Thompson]

Because he needs somebody. I don't want to see him old and lonely.

[Julie Swerbinks]

I don't want to see him old. But this is a brother that looked at me and told me, I got my dogs. I'm good. That's what he told me.

[Nate Thompson]

No, no, no.

[Julie Swerbinks]

And he said. You know what he said to me? He said, if the dog. This Shannon Shaw, I'm telling on him. I'm telling on him right now. Do you know he said to me, if the dogs are barking at her, he know something wrong? He do you know, he said that to me? He said, the dogs are barking at. I say, what's that wrong with you?

[Nate Thompson]

Listen.

[Julie Swerbinks]

But I love them. Yeah.

[Nate Thompson]

The dogs can't cook.

[Julie Swerbinks]

That's right.

[Nate Thompson]

The dogs can't cook. You know, Sunday. Sunday dinner, they can't do nothing. Thanksgiving holidays, you know, you want to buy presents. It's different. It's different having a woman present someone a support. Support cast. Dogs are great. They're loyal.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Right.

[Nate Thompson]

But listen, even somebody else come along with some food, they take the food from the hand. He need a woman in his life.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Do you have a woman in your life, Chad? O.J.

[Nate Thompson]

Me?

[Julie Swerbinks]

Do you have one? You have one?

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah. I'm just asking. I got a little something.

[Julie Swerbinks]

I got a little something. You know, this is a marriage down the line, bro.

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah, it is. It was supposed to happen this month. Matter of fact, it's going to happen this month. It's going to happen this month.

[Julie Swerbinks]

You ready for that commitment? You tried this before. You ready for that commitment again?

[Nate Thompson]

I don't have a choice.

[Julie Swerbinks]

What do you mean you don't have a choice?

[Nate Thompson]

I don't have a choice. I have. I have a good one because.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Oh, okay. I'm just saying. But you said you have a choice. I mean, I was like, what you trying to say?

[Nate Thompson]

Listen, when. You know, when you find a wife, when a man finds a wife, you find a good thing. Now, I had.

[Julie Swerbinks]

That's biblical right there.

[Nate Thompson]

I had a. I got a good one now. I messed up a little bit. I messed up a little bit with this one. Yeah. Yeah.

[Julie Swerbinks]

You messed up already.

[Nate Thompson]

Not yet. Well, it's been five years now. Have you been able to follow me?

[Julie Swerbinks]

Can we change this? I don't want to get you in trouble. I'm good, I'm good.

[Nate Thompson]

I'm good. I'm good. I'm good.

[Julie Swerbinks]

You sure?

[Nate Thompson]

You already know. You already know who it is. I have a question for people that are going to see this. Have you been able to follow the Ten Commandments, every last one of them, and be perfect?

[Julie Swerbinks]

No.

[Nate Thompson]

There we go.

[Julie Swerbinks]

That's what I'm talking about. But, but, but you. I mean, I'm talking about a long time ago. Long, long, long time ago. Take my Bernie Mac voice. I'm not talking about right now. Present. I don't want you telling on yourself.

[Nate Thompson]

No, I'm not. No, I. I have to be honest. I'm not going to laugh to the people.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Okay. Yeah.

[Nate Thompson]

I'm not perfect.

[Julie Swerbinks]

All right?

[Nate Thompson]

I try to. I try to walk one foot in front of the other, but sometimes I. Oh, I veer off track and fall, but I get myself back up, dust myself off, take responsibility and keep it moving.

[Julie Swerbinks]

So if that's the case, why you getting married?

[Nate Thompson]

I need that structure and discipline.

[Julie Swerbinks]

You need the structure.

[Nate Thompson]

I need that team.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Are you saying that you don't have the structure and discipline without the right woman in your life? Is that what you're trying to say?

[Nate Thompson]

Because you understand what that Individual brings to your life and understand how great things have been going since this individual has entered your life. And you take that into account.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Damn it.

[Nate Thompson]

Let's have a matter of fact. Matter of fact, you know what? You ever had a house?

[Julie Swerbinks]

Of course I have.

[Nate Thompson]

But you'll never have a home until you got a woman. There's a difference. Okay, talk to me.

[Julie Swerbinks]

So what's the difference between a house and a home? Luther. Luther Vandross. What's the difference? You never.

[Nate Thompson]

You never understand the difference in the house and home until you have a woman and she'll show you what home is. We can all. We can all get a house.

[Julie Swerbinks]

And so your woman showed you what a home is?

[Nate Thompson]

Oh, yeah. Not along with home. Checks and balances In Miami.

[Julie Swerbinks]

She. She pulled that up in Miami.

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Really?

[Nate Thompson]

I swear to God.

[Julie Swerbinks]

How'd she do that? How'd she do that?

[Nate Thompson]

If you see her, you'll understand.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Didn't I see her?

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah. Yeah. Y'all met? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.

[Julie Swerbinks]

My bad.

[Nate Thompson]

Praise God.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Praise God.

[Nate Thompson]

He's good.

[Julie Swerbinks]

That is a very good point. So let's talk about this for a second here. Let's stay on this subject. So when. Because on Nightcap, y'all talked. Y'all touching a lot of things. It ain't just sports. I mean, football's automatic between you two. And, I mean, listen, listen. I always say I'm not one. You know me. You've known me for years. I ain't want to know. I'm a reporter.

[Nate Thompson]

Yes, sir.

[Julie Swerbinks]

I ain't one of those cats to think I know more football than football play. I don't do that. So, you know, it don't matter what I know. Shannon Orloski, all my boys. Ryan Clark, all. Ryan Clark, who you work for? On the NFL show with Belichick and the crew. All of them teach me football, Right? I'm a reporter. That's what I do. But y'all talk about everything on Nightcap.

[Nate Thompson]

I think that's what makes it so great.

[Julie Swerbinks]

I think it does, too. It's also dangerous, though.

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah, it's a good thing. Dangerous. Dangerous, dangerous. Danger. Danger is good.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Shannon Sharp can deal with danger.

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah, he can.

[Julie Swerbinks]

He can deal with that kind of danger. Listen, and talk about Megan the Stallion and Toes and all of this other stuff. I mean, what's up?

[Nate Thompson]

Oh, yeah. He.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Can you get him? You'll do that to him?

[Nate Thompson]

I'm trying. I'm trying to bring something else out of him, you know, because he. I need un to evolve. Unk hasn't Evolved yet he's stuck, you know, in the past times with women can't do this, Women can't do that. I say uncle. You got to evolve, man. You got to start, you know, enjoying women from head to toe.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Enjoying them from head to toe?

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah, Head to head to toe. He just. He got too many goddamn rules. Too many.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Too many rules.

[Nate Thompson]

Oh, my goodness. I'm not gonna bring them up.

[Julie Swerbinks]

I'm not. Don't bring up the rules. Don't bring up, like, what are your rules? Do you have any rules?

[Nate Thompson]

I don't have any rules.

[Julie Swerbinks]

0.

[Nate Thompson]

0.

[Julie Swerbinks]

So a woman could do anything? Your woman could do anything?

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Wait, Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

[Nate Thompson]

That's what I'm asking about you. Anything. Anything to me, you mean? Or just anything in general?

[Julie Swerbinks]

I'm just thinking anything in general.

[Nate Thompson]

See, this is what I don't like. This is another thing about this. Now, listen to me real close.

[Julie Swerbinks]

I'm listening.

[Nate Thompson]

One of the things where we fall as mental is thinking when we're with someone. That's a sense of ownership.

[Julie Swerbinks]

That's true. You can't control a woman.

[Nate Thompson]

Can't. You never can.

[Julie Swerbinks]

You try that and you automatically going to lose it. Maybe now, maybe later.

[Nate Thompson]

But she ain't going to lie.

[Julie Swerbinks]

She going to do what she going to do anyway.

[Nate Thompson]

So I never view us being together as ownership. Now, you can do what you want to do, you know right from wrong. And I'm not going to say nothing. But when I see it, just understand, if you want to play games, we gonna make it a comedy show. I ain't chasing behind you. I'm not asking you to stop. I pay attention. I'm very observant. I'm detailed. I'm very sharp. Here through experience. I've been doing this for a long time, 20, 25 years in the game. So if you play, okay, I ain't gonna say none. So therefore, will you say, do I have any rules? No, I ain't got no rules. Because you already know what time it is. Don't need to say none. I'm not scolding you. I ain't got no instruction booklet. I ain't got no instruction manual. You know what you're not supposed to be doing and what you should be doing.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Why should a woman want Chad Ocho cinco.

[Nate Thompson]

You shouldn't.

[Julie Swerbinks]

You shouldn't.

[Nate Thompson]

No, you should.

[Julie Swerbinks]

You're gonna say that with the cameras rolling?

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Really? That's what you're gonna say on yourself.

[Nate Thompson]

You shouldn't want any man.

[Julie Swerbinks]

What do you mean? You should Want any man. I don't understand that you have to explain that. What do you mean? You see, a woman should want any man.

[Nate Thompson]

What does that mean, you should want?

[Julie Swerbinks]

I believe I should be wanted. You don't believe you should be wanted?

[Nate Thompson]

Nah. I think any woman that's dealing with that has her stuff going on, you shouldn't want a man.

[Julie Swerbinks]

What should she want? Chad?

[Nate Thompson]

Might.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Huh?

[Nate Thompson]

I don't like. I don't like the way I worded that. She shouldn't need a man.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Okay. Thank you.

[Nate Thompson]

There we go. She shouldn't need a man.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Okay.

[Nate Thompson]

But ain't nothing wrong with you now wanting. You should be able to have an option. Most of the time. When you don't have an option, then you just take any goddamn body. Anything that look good. Oh, I'm going.

[Julie Swerbinks]

A woman is about to commit to spending the rest of her life with you.

[Nate Thompson]

You know what? That's a good thing. You know why that's a good thing?

[Julie Swerbinks]

Why?

[Nate Thompson]

Because I don't know what the next day is going to bring. I'm fun. I'm exciting.

[Julie Swerbinks]

So you treat every day like it could be its last.

[Nate Thompson]

Always. And you never know.

[Julie Swerbinks]

You never. Would she say that about you?

[Nate Thompson]

Probably because you never. No.

[Julie Swerbinks]

No. I ain't say probably. Probably.

[Nate Thompson]

No, she would.

[Julie Swerbinks]

She would say that.

[Nate Thompson]

You don't know what to expect. Day to day. You don't know what to expect.

[Julie Swerbinks]

So you treat every day like it's your last?

[Nate Thompson]

Yes, sir.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Is that the advice you would give? Man? Bro.

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah.

[Julie Swerbinks]

That's what you tell me?

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Every day. Like it's still ass.

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah. Yeah. I would tell you that. I know you got a special woman in your life.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Yeah.

[Nate Thompson]

Keep it exciting.

[Julie Swerbinks]

I got somebody.

[Nate Thompson]

You keep it exciting. Keep it fun.

[Julie Swerbinks]

She's not complaining. I think I'm good. I think I'm good. I think I'm good.

[Nate Thompson]

When you get married.

[Julie Swerbinks]

What? Look, you ain't interviewing me. Don't even try. You don't even try. Okay? It'll happen. When it's gonna. Okay. I don't publicize my business the way that you do. And that was. And that's another thing. Why don't you live a private life? I live a very private life.

[Nate Thompson]

I don't.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Why not?

[Nate Thompson]

Who the fuck am I? I'm older. I ain't nobody.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Listen, I'm not hiding. But everything ain't everybody's business. Doesn't. It annoys. I'mma be real. It annoys the living fuck out of me.

[Nate Thompson]

It does.

[Julie Swerbinks]

When I see people like somebody get in trouble. You know, your relationship ain't working out and you on social media telling everybody about it. It ain't everybody's business what you doing that for.

[Nate Thompson]

You, right?

[Julie Swerbinks]

Why?

[Nate Thompson]

I've never lived privately, whether it be football, before that, before relationships, I've always been out and open. So people. I think that's why people can relate to me so well. I'm going through the same issue as you.

[Julie Swerbinks]

I got news for you. I don't know if people relate to you that well.

[Nate Thompson]

How'd you.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Love you. There's a difference. Cause like you said, you live every day like it said. Last I've seen you, we were in Vegas the last time we saw each other face to face. Right? People that you didn't know. I introduced you to a couple of people, you hugged them like you were Damn Cuba Gooden Jr. On Jerry Maguire.

[Nate Thompson]

I treat everybody like that.

[Julie Swerbinks]

That's what I'm saying.

[Nate Thompson]

I treat everybody like that as if I've known them for 30 years.

[Julie Swerbinks]

You haven't. But you haven't always been that way, have you?

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah, always been that way. Even when I was playing. Even when I was playing, I was the same way. Because the media was able to control the perception on how I was viewed. I had to take that back. I was the villain. I enjoyed the villain. But that's just a character. Now, if you meet me in person, people say the same thing, but, damn, who the hell is this? Oh, this is the real me. This is really me. Anytime you saw me on Sunday, you know, like Superman. I'm not saying I'm Superman. I'm just saying I got into character. Fun, energetic, having fun. Not following any of the NFL rules without breaking them. No. Playing the game the way I felt it should be played. It's. This game is about entertainment. It's about having fun.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Do you feel like the NFL is lacking that right now?

[Nate Thompson]

No.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Because they got enough characters in the.

[Nate Thompson]

NFL, they got it. It's nobody to the extent of doing the stuff I was doing, you know, but it's there. Allowing the players to be. To show their individualism, the players being able to celebrate, you know, have some fun. They don't have anyone as brash because I did all my stuff leading up to the game. The trash talking, the sending gifts to the secondaries, you know, through FedEx, that stuff. Just leading up to the game. They're not as openly Richard Sherman ish. You know what I mean? Not like that. But they're still fun, though.

[Julie Swerbinks]

What do you think the NFL has done to the game itself? To harm the game or to big up and promote the game in a very positive way.

[Nate Thompson]

I think some of the things they're trying to do globally is big. Is big. Obviously playing in London is big. I think Brazil is big. Going to some of these places where it's dominated by soccer, trying to grow it that way.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Showing them that there's another football that they should entertain.

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah. And I think it's becoming big. Being able to. To grow the brand of football outside of the states is going to be huge for the NFL long term in the future. As far as harming the game, which they consider calling keeping it safe. The kickoff rules, players not being defensively, players being handicapped, not being able to play the way they're taught to play since kids. But again, player safety is first, as they say. Other than that it just, it's. It's watered down the game of football and what in which we grew up watching football receivers today they all pretty going across the middle jury 100,000, $200,000 worth of jury on why you playing, man? Can you imagine doing that in 2000s?

[Julie Swerbinks]

What's going to happen, man?

[Nate Thompson]

All that's coming off, man. Let me take this with me, please. Thank you. You're too pretty.

[Julie Swerbinks]

That's bad for the game in a sense.

[Nate Thompson]

But everything evolves. Everything has to evolve. You know, we all had sidekicks at one point. Now we all got iPhones, you know, and just. It's just everything has to evolve, including the game.

[Julie Swerbinks]

You're the guy that sent Pepto Bismol to an opposing defense, defensive secondary because you was.

[Nate Thompson]

You sent them because you said they're.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Gonna get up sick covering you. Yeah, that. That was you that you actually did that.

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah, I remember sending. It was Hines Field at the time. Is it still Hinesfield with the Steelers?

[Julie Swerbinks]

It's not. It's not. That's not the name of the sound. I think it's central. They changed it, but it's not Hines Field anymore.

[Nate Thompson]

I remember sending them catch up that felt. We played the Falcons one time. I had some child ple. S Child please shirts that I had going. I sent them. It just made it fun. And then the players, they loved it.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Right.

[Nate Thompson]

The coaches loved it. The referees. What you got for us today? Everybody loved it because they understood nothing I was doing was in a malicious manner. It's all about having fun and competing. That's one thing. I'm coming to compete. I don't care what our record may be. I'm showing up right? That's it.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Is it true that you actually use the urine of teammates to help heal your injuries.

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah, that's right. That's why I never got hurt. It's called a home home remedy. Yeah, my grandma, my grandma told me that.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Really?

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah, I remember. Yeah. Other people's urine, that's the only way to get it done. That. Listen, that urine, the toxins inside it, brings all that swelling out right away in less than 24 hours.

[Julie Swerbinks]

And then you go home and all.

[Nate Thompson]

Of that stuff, warm it up.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Your woman. And she never had a problem with that because, I mean, it's all about pleases. Your woman, right?

[Nate Thompson]

Well, actually, I was focused.

[Julie Swerbinks]

You spoke at the time alone? Yeah. Did you use a bed alone after putting your feet in Europe?

[Nate Thompson]

It might have been two or three women at that time. Yeah. You know, we got to think back then, though, I was doing amateur porn too, as a side hustle.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Oh, my God.

[Nate Thompson]

You know that?

[Julie Swerbinks]

No, I did not know that.

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah, well, I was playing.

[Julie Swerbinks]

And even if I did know it, I wouldn't tell on you like that. I wouldn't want to do it about to be married.

[Nate Thompson]

I know, but I have a past. We all have a pass.

[Julie Swerbinks]

That's a very promiscuous past.

[Nate Thompson]

It's not not promiscuous. It's not promiscuous.

[Julie Swerbinks]

How the hell is engaging in porn not promiscuous?

[Nate Thompson]

Well, how else am I supposed to perfect my craft? Am I tripping?

[Julie Swerbinks]

So you engaged in soft porn to protect. To perfect your craft?

[Nate Thompson]

It was amateur.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Amateur porn?

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Amateur porn.

[Nate Thompson]

Can I tell you why that happened?

[Julie Swerbinks]

Please feel free.

[Nate Thompson]

Small story. I was in high school at the time.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Oh, Lord.

[Nate Thompson]

And I was losing my virginity. So we, we had engaged in horizontal activity.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Yes. Not vertical.

[Nate Thompson]

No, it was horizontal.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Okay.

[Nate Thompson]

Matter of fact, it was vertical.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Ah. Go ahead, keep going.

[Nate Thompson]

And she, she got to the point where we were, we were in action, and she said in my ear, go deeper. Stay with me now. And what hurt me is I was already all the way in, so I had ran out of pee pee. And that is what caused me to get into amateur porn. So I could perfect my craft in the pelvic area so I would never have to hear that again.

[Julie Swerbinks]

You do understand the cameras are rolling?

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah.

[Julie Swerbinks]

You understand. I mean, do you really, really want people to know this? I mean, I, I, I can edit it out.

[Nate Thompson]

No, no, no, no. Don't edit it out. I told you, I don't have a private life. I'm here to share. I'm here to share my stories and my shortcomings back then. I've had surgery since then, so I'm good.

[Julie Swerbinks]

So what you're trying to say is that who you are now.

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah, completely.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Is manufactured because it was surgically enhanced.

[Nate Thompson]

Yes, sir. Yes, sir. And, you know, you. Yeah, and I. I'm. I'm comfortable saying that. And I can tell you that this is something you would never be able to get on tv. That's why we.

[Julie Swerbinks]

On your show, Surgical Enhancement, we usually hear about females with that stuff.

[Nate Thompson]

Right. So why can't we? Why can't we? I want to feel better about myself. I want to be able to walk around the beach in my Speedo without being laughed at, saying that at one.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Time, you were being laughed at until you had surgery.

[Nate Thompson]

Do you know what that feels like? Like, I would.

[Julie Swerbinks]

I mean, I. I didn't. I'm not one who needed surgery.

[Nate Thompson]

Okay, so you don't understand. You don't understand how it feels.

[Julie Swerbinks]

I don't. I don't. I.

[Nate Thompson]

Listen, I. I just. Some women, they. They get enhancements to feel better about themselves, and I need to do the same thing. Do you know what that does to me mentally? That hurts.

[Julie Swerbinks]

It hurt.

[Nate Thompson]

That I'm talking about here.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Now, you have to understand, some would look at you and they would say, hey, we saw you crying over the Bengals. So you talk about what hurts you? Do you talk about what hurts you? I mean, when something like this hurts you, I mean, it's not. I mean, it's not that big of a deal because every damn thing seems to hurt you if you're crying over the Bengals, right?

[Nate Thompson]

So I can't fix that. I can't fix. I can't go play for the Bengals right now, but I can fix myself.

[Julie Swerbinks]

How long was the surgery?

[Nate Thompson]

Man, it took about 15 minutes.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Surgery was 15 minutes.

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah. Only 8 grand.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Excuse me?

[Nate Thompson]

Only 8 grand. So I went from 3 to 11 inches like this.

[Julie Swerbinks]

So you're just gonna tell the world you were 3 inches? I didn't ask you that question.

[Nate Thompson]

I know.

[Julie Swerbinks]

You didn't have to say that.

[Nate Thompson]

I'm just trying to get better context on where I was to where I am now.

[Julie Swerbinks]

How the hell could that happen in 15 minutes? It got me curious, and I don't have that problem.

[Nate Thompson]

I don't understand 15 minutes. I don't understand technology. I don't know how that works. I just know from the time I went in anesthesia, I was asleep. I woke up, looked, wow, that was it.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Did you tell your lady you had this enhanced surgery?

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah, I told her. Cause I love what I said.

[Julie Swerbinks]

How do you feel about it being a manufactured thing as opposed to a naturally born DNA kind of thing?

[Nate Thompson]

Well, listen, I don't say anything about other women that change their DNA that they're born with. They like to enhance themselves as well, you know, and so she understood.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Do you have any issue with a woman who chooses to enhance.

[Nate Thompson]

No. No. Whatever you need to do to feel better about yourself, more aesthetically pleasing to the eye, I'm all for it.

[Julie Swerbinks]

I don't have a problem with it.

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah? You sure?

[Julie Swerbinks]

I don't. I don't. I mean, that's not what I'm with, but I don't have. I don't have a problem with it as long as it's done right. Right? Right. It has to be done right. If you're gonna pay money and have yourself enhanced in any way, you understand? You gotta do it right. Don't waste the time and the energy if you're gonna do it wrong.

[Nate Thompson]

The best place to do it is in Houston.

[Julie Swerbinks]

How come you didn't do it in Miami, huh? I mean, you're doing in Miami.

[Nate Thompson]

Miami or no guy in Houston, He's. He's. Oh, a one, a plus. Yes, sir.

[Julie Swerbinks]

How old are you now, Chad?

[Nate Thompson]

Me? 57.

[Julie Swerbinks]

You're 57 years of age. How young, how old or young do.

[Nate Thompson]

You feel right now? Honestly?

[Julie Swerbinks]

Yeah.

[Nate Thompson]

About 24.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Right.

[Nate Thompson]

I look 24 too.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Why is that? Why do you feel like you're 24 years of age?

[Nate Thompson]

My skin routine.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Mm. I'm talking energy and stuff like that. Because you got the wife happy life.

[Nate Thompson]

Right? Right.

[Julie Swerbinks]

I mean.

[Nate Thompson]

Right. I mean, I love the whole happy wife, happy life, but God's plan was a happy man.

[Julie Swerbinks]

And you're happier now. How happy are you now compared to how you've been over these?

[Nate Thompson]

About three years. I've always been happy, Steve. Like I'm always been happy. I had one slip up. I was sad. I was sad, but I hurry. I was at peace with that. And I understood. What are we going to do going forward?

[Julie Swerbinks]

How do we bounce back without getting into it? I'll tell you what. I felt that one time when you were sad. I felt like what saddened you is that people gave up on you.

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah.

[Julie Swerbinks]

That people canceled you out. They thought that you were finished. Am I right in saying that that's what saddens you?

[Nate Thompson]

Yes, sir. Yes, sir. And obviously during that time, the opportunities when no one could touch me, you just couldn't.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Right?

[Nate Thompson]

You couldn't. And I knew that. I knew that wasn't me. And I don't want to give a table legs right now. I just.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Absolutely.

[Nate Thompson]

I'm not trying to, but God has favor. I'm not as overly religious, spiritual person, but I grew up in a church. Grandma prayed for me. Mama prayed for me. They passed on. They're going on now. I have other people praying for me while the blessings are still coming.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Before I let you get on out of here, what does the future hold for you now? I mean, I'm looking at Nightcap, but clearly your. Your potential isn't limited to that. No, I mean Nightcap. I'm real proud of y'all. I love. You know, I've gotten to know Shannon. That's my brother right there. I got mad love for him. All you and I go back years. You gave me you. I was one of the few people you gave an interview. I came to your house in Cincinnati. Remember that? Remember that? You know, so I'm thinking about the things that you're doing there, which is big. And obviously, there's a contract negotiations going on. Y'all gonna handle that?

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah, most definitely.

[Julie Swerbinks]

There's no question.

[Nate Thompson]

Yes, sir.

[Julie Swerbinks]

What else are you planning on doing for yourself? I've seen you on Monday Night Football commercials. I see you doing NFL shows. What's in the future plans with Chad Ochocinko, bro?

[Nate Thompson]

Being on first take.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Well, I brought you on first take. Can I tell you what your problem was? What?

[Nate Thompson]

What? What? What?

[Julie Swerbinks]

And I'm gonna tell Shannon this, too. Can't do it from Nightcap. It's in the morning.

[Nate Thompson]

Right? Right.

[Julie Swerbinks]

So you got to have a morning feel.

[Nate Thompson]

Right? I wake up at five in the morning, but I'm.

[Julie Swerbinks]

I'm happy. I'm happy to have you back on. I told you.

[Nate Thompson]

No, no, no, no, no, no. I don't want to be on. I don't want to make an appearance.

[Julie Swerbinks]

You want to come on permanently?

[Nate Thompson]

I want to come on permanently now. I don't know what days. We can. We can get this. We can get this done now.

[Julie Swerbinks]

I can talk to you. No, we don't have to get it done now. We can do it.

[Nate Thompson]

What's the boss man name I got you?

[Julie Swerbinks]

You're listening to him.

[Nate Thompson]

Okay. I'm talking about right now.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Dave Roberts.

[Nate Thompson]

Dave Roberts. If you see this now, I don't know. We can get this done right now. Contractually, I can do one or two days. I know. Cam is on Fridays. Right.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Cam is on Friday. Shannon's on Monday and Tuesdays.

[Nate Thompson]

Okay. I could do Wednesdays. I could do Wednesday and Thursday.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Mad Dog Russo's On Mondays. I mean, Wednesdays.

[Nate Thompson]

I like him.

[Julie Swerbinks]

A damn right you do. Everybody does.

[Nate Thompson]

We can go at it.

[Julie Swerbinks]

You know what I'm saying? You and Mad Dog Russo.

[Nate Thompson]

We can go at it.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Might not be any room for me. That is possible. That ain't possible.

[Nate Thompson]

I mean, three's a crowd.

[Julie Swerbinks]

That's right. Which means you can't come on Wednesdays because we already got me a Mad Dog on Wednesdays.

[Nate Thompson]

But that's just what you gotta do Thursdays. Let's do Thursdays. We'll talk about, can we get a sign to deliver? We'll talk about it. Everybody heard that, right?

[Julie Swerbinks]

Talk about it. I'm not. I'm not afraid. I got love for you. I'm gonna get you on. It's not a problem.

[Nate Thompson]

No, I'm talking about.

[Julie Swerbinks]

I understand that, but you got to remember, I'm gonna dictate the studio.

[Donald Trump]

You.

[Julie Swerbinks]

And you're gonna look.

[Nate Thompson]

No, no, no. I want to come. I'm.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Oh, you're gonna come to New York?

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah. That's a two hour flight from Miami.

[Julie Swerbinks]

You also got to remember, you know, sometimes I'm there, sometimes I'm not. So I got to be on the road, too, because I. I do a lot of NBA football stuff. I ain't got time to be in studio.

[Nate Thompson]

I want to be in studio every week.

[Julie Swerbinks]

You want to do that?

[Nate Thompson]

I want to be in studio every week.

[Julie Swerbinks]

That I must admit, that makes you a more attractive proposition.

[Nate Thompson]

Yes, I want. I want to be in studio every week. I don't have a problem. I don't have a problem flying.

[Julie Swerbinks]

When's the wedding date?

[Nate Thompson]

Huh?

[Julie Swerbinks]

You heard me. When's the wedding date, damn it?

[Nate Thompson]

You want to ask?

[Julie Swerbinks]

Huh? No, no, no. I think that would be good. I'm just saying. Don't. I got you. I got you. You understand? I'm just asking you.

[Nate Thompson]

It's perfect. You can't ask me. I don't control nothing. I just do the pants.

[Julie Swerbinks]

You just do it.

[Nate Thompson]

Yeah.

[Julie Swerbinks]

So that's the fiance you calling right now.

[Nate Thompson]

Hold on. Somebody want to ask you a question.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Hello. How you doing? How's everything going? See, everybody, you on camera right now. Girl, you on camera right now. So everybody watching you. I'm interviewing him right now, and I'm asking him, when's the wedding date? Cause he over here bragging about he about to get married. So I said, when's the wedding date?

[Stephen A. Smith]

First we need to ask who he.

[Nate Thompson]

He's getting married. We need to know. Cause you got people thinking that you about to get married to Somebody else.

[Julie Swerbinks]

He's about to get married to somebody else.

[Nate Thompson]

No, that's what the people thinking. Cause he's telling. He said, if it ain't her, I don't know, it's gonna be somebody. So we need to clear that air first. Ask him. See what they. Well, obviously we call.

[Julie Swerbinks]

What you want me to ask?

[Nate Thompson]

We called your ass.

[Julie Swerbinks]

He called you. I didn't dial his number. He called you and put. And gave me the phone. What you want me to ask?

[Nate Thompson]

It sound like she trying to dodge the. What you trying to.

[Julie Swerbinks]

She sound like you trying to dodge.

[Nate Thompson]

I mean, what you want me to.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Ask him, girl, when the marriage date was? The marriage day.

[Nate Thompson]

I mean, she said it the first time. Why would I need to say.

[Julie Swerbinks]

He said you said it the first time. Why would he need it to say that was.

[Nate Thompson]

Ask him when is the real marriage date?

[Julie Swerbinks]

When is the real marriage date?

[Nate Thompson]

After we finish therapy sessions.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Therapy.

[Nate Thompson]

That's when it is.

[Julie Swerbinks]

You full of.

[Nate Thompson]

No, we in therapy for real.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Come on.

[Nate Thompson]

I swear. I promise you.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Thank you so much for your time. I appreciate it. All right. Good seeing you, sweetie.

[Nate Thompson]

Yo. Okay. I see the Bob. I like your lashes.

[Stephen A. Smith]

My stylist just came, bro.

[Nate Thompson]

What's that? Hybrid. Hybrid, Classic, mega volume. What size? That's 15, 16. Okay. I like it. I like it. They did a good job. I see your freckles popping. You look nice. Huh? You look nice. You trying to get in my panties? I'll meet you back. My bad. Sorry. Yeah, that's. We cool. We ain't together right now, though.

[Julie Swerbinks]

I ain't got nothing to say. I'm not even asking. I ain't going there. Chad Ochocinko, ladies and gentlemen. He's a wild boy. Nightcap in the house in the daytime with Stephen A. I kind of like it.

[Nate Thompson]

I see y'all. Thursday, first tape Thursday.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Maybe. Maybe. Coming up, President Trump has a new executive order targeting transgender athletes competing in women's sports. I'll get into that. Plus, I got some news for you on Kevin Durant as well. Stick around. You're listening to the Stephen A. Smith show and watching it as well. Back with more in a minute.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I'm Hunter, host of Hunting for Answers on the Black Effect Podcast Network. Join me every weekday as I share bite sized stories of missing a murder, murdered black women and girls in America. There are several ways we can all do better at protecting black women. My contribution is shining a light on our missing sisters and amplifying their disregarded stories. Stories like Tameka Anderson as she drove toward Galvez she was in contact with several people talking on the phone as she made her way to what should have been a routine transaction. But Tameka never bought the car, and she never returned home that day. One podcast, one Mission Save our Girls. Join the search as we explore the chilling cases of missing and murdered black women and girls. Listen to Hunting for Answers every weekday on the Black Effect Podcast Network, iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Chad Ochocinco]

September 1979. Virginia's top prison band, Edge of Daybre, is about to record their debut album behind bars in just five hours.

[Nate Thompson]

Okay, we're rolling.

[Julie Swerbinks]

One, two, three, four.

[Chad Ochocinco]

I'm Jamie Petras, music and culture writer. For the past five years, I've been talking to the band's three surviving members. They're out of prison now and in their 70s, their past behind them. But they also have some unfinished business.

[Julie Swerbinks]

The everyday break Eyes of Love was supposed to have been followed up by another album.

[Chad Ochocinco]

It's a story about the liberating power of music, the American justice system and ultimately second chances. Listen to Soul incarcerated on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Welcome back to the Stephen A. Smith show right here over the Digital Airways of YouTube and of course iHeartradio. Before I get into Trump and the latest executive order that he's handed down that I gotta touch on, I wanted to touch on news emanating out of Phoenix, Arizona involving the one and only Kevin Durant star for the Phoenix Suns. Rumors were swirling over the last couple of days that Kevin Durant Durant would possibly be on the trading block because the Phoenix Suns, unable to get Bradley Beal to waive his no trade clause, would have no choice but to trade Kevin Durant in order to get some additional compensation to the franchise. The Golden State warriors was a team that was interested the Miami Heat, you've heard about the Houston Rockets and others. Well, Kevin Durant has spoken so folks could stop speaking for him. And Kevin Durant stated emphatically that he has absolutely positively no interest in returning to the Golden State Warriors, a franchise that he helped, that he helped to back to back championships after departing from Oklahoma City. If you Remember, Kevin Durant 2017, 2018 won back to back NBA titles with Steph Curry, with Klay Thompson, with Draymond Green and others. I contend he would have three repeated with ease had he not torn his Achilles. And ultimately Klay Thompson didn't get hurt in that close out game six. I don't think there's any Chance in hell that the Toronto Raptors led by Kawhi Leonard would have won more than a game. I think it would have been pushing it to assume they would have won a game. I think they could have been swept and at the very most they would have lost in five games to the Golden State warriors and the Golden State warriors would have three peated. But Kevin Durant to his Achilles was out for the next year or so. Klay Thompson, his career, his career was ravaged for a couple of years. Golden State lost to the Toronto Raptors and a new era had begun thereafter. Kevin Durant is a 27 point per game scorer, one of the elite scorers this game has ever seen. I don't blame Matt Ishber, the owner for the Phoenix Suns, not wanting to let go of Kevin Durant. It's bad news for Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat, by the way, because he desperately wants to go to Phoenix. The Phoenix Suns have been trying to work out a trade to get him and the reason he wants to go to Phoenix is because he wants to play with Kevin Durant. He doesn't want to go there in place of Kevin Durant. So with the Phoenix Suns unwilling to move Kevin Durant, it appears with Kevin Durant not wanting to go to Golden State, with Phoenix stating that it has no interest in moving him, with Bradley Beal refusing to waive his no trade clause because Only him and LeBron James are the only two NBA players with a trade with a no trade clause in their contract. In this moment in time, Phoenix is what they are. They're a game above.500. They're hovering around being a.500 team. They've underachieved, there's no doubt about that. And Kevin Durant, despite his obvious unquestionable greatness, is a man that has not won a title since departing from Steph Curry and doesn't appear as if he will win a title without Steph Curry. So you had a lot of people hoping that he would end up going back to Golden State, but according to his words, that's not something that's about to happen because you could trade for him, but why would you trade for somebody who's stating he doesn't want to be there? My position was I didn't want him to go back there because he departed from them of his own volition years ago. And if he says he doesn't want to be there with you and he leaves Steph Curry to join Kyrie Irvin in Brooklyn, why would you bring him back? But desperate times call for desperate measures. And with Steph Curry still looking spectacular, he needs help and he doesn't have enough of it. And as a result, the Golden State warriors are just an average team with no real legitimate championship aspirations. So back to the drawing board as we approach the finality of the NBA's trading deadline scheduled for Thursday afternoon. Let me get to a subject before I get on out of here that's also very important. This is far more important than the Kevin Durant story. And it's another executive order we're going to get back to President Trump because a new executive order he's expected to sign that would ban transgender athletes from competing in women's sports. That's the subject matter here. Sources say the order is titled, quote, keeping Men out of Women's Sports, end quote. That order will establish sweeping mandates on sex and sports policy and will direct and will direct federal agencies like the Department of Justice to interpret federal Title 9 rules. According to a White House document obtained by ABC News, the order would prohibit the participation of transgender girls and women in female sports categories. Sources say the executive order would also mandate immediate enforcement against schools and athletic associations that, quote, deny women single sex sports and single sex locker rooms. According to the document, the order will also direct state attorneys to identify best practices for enforcing the mandate. You may recall on his first day back in office, Trump signed an executive order asserting the federal government recognizes only two sexes, male and female, and that, quote, these sexes are not changeable and are grounded in fundamental and incontrovertible reality, end quote. President Trump is expected to sign an order on transgender athletes today, or was expected to sign it today at a ceremony featuring athletes, coaches, and advocates who've campaigned against transgender participation in women's sports. Sources say more than 60 attendees will join the ceremony. Let's get a couple of things out of the way first. First of all, although they're a member of the LGBTQ community, the reality is when you're talking about some of these cases, there's a handful of these cases existing in the United States. When you talk about transgender individuals, there's an argument. I don't know the specific number on this, but there's an argument that that doesn't even make a 1% of the population. Why do I bring that up? I bring that up for several reasons. Number one, to state the record straight, regardless of how anybody feels, I agree with the president's decision on this one. I'm not apologizing for that to anybody. I support the LGBTQ community. I told y'all, I'M conservative about a lot of things. I'm liberal about a lot of things. It's one of the things that I'm liberal about. I don't mind live and let live. I ain't got no problem with that. Here's what I got a problem with. For years, when we're talking about Title 9 and we're talking about equity, gender equity, and we're talking about the women being treated on the same level as men, what was embedded in our brains was being protective of females, protective of their rights, similar to how we are with men. But then the transgender issue came into play, and then all of a sudden we forgot about that. If I recall correctly, Leah Thomas, the swimmer at the University of Pennsylvania, born a male, participating in swimming, she was ranked about 350th to 400th in the world. She transitioned to a woman. She number one. That's an accident, really. Now, there was another case involving San Jose State and the volleyball team, and there wasn't even that. It wasn't even a bunch of protesters out or anything like that. But they had to forfeit like six games because people refused to play with them because there was rumors of a transgender athlete on their squad. And we're talking volleyball here. And I get that. I remember one time Dave Chappelle said this joke. It's Dave Chappelle now. It's not me. It's not me. It's him. He said all of this argument about transgender not having any kind of effect whatsoever, and he was basically alluding to wanting to shut people up. He said, I would love if one day LeBron James woke up and said, I'm transgender. I want to be. You know, I believe I'm a female. He said. So he could average 800 points a game in the WNBA. That was Dave Chappelle's joke. That's not mine. One other point to make that's very, very important. Why don't we ever hear about someone being born female, transitioning the male to play one of the male dominated sports? You notice how we never hear that? Why not? I'm just asking. I mean, inquiring minds want to know, what am I missing? My point is, where's the same noise about protecting ladies? That's my issue with this. If you are a male and you are transitioning to a female, that is your business. I completely support that you're an adult. I completely support that you do what you have to do. But what does that have to do with you having the right to compete with females who were born female in their respective sports. See, it hits me because. And I've often said this to a lot of people, I've said this to black folks. I've said this to folks whether you're heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, transgender. I don't care. You know what I've said? Oftentimes, when you're talking about civil rights and civil liberties for every human being out here, that is a fight worth fighting for. I will fight on behalf of the LGBTQ community any day of the week. Just as much as I fight for the black community. Just as much as I fight for the heterosexual community. I don't care. Right is right. When it comes to your civil liberties, you know what you don't have the right to do? Insist that everybody likes you. Insist that everybody likes and is receptive to what you want them to be receptive to. There are plenty of issues that are going on in this country where we see a particular issue. You know what we say to one another, Fine, live your life. Just don't throw it in my face, whatever that may be. I remember one time when Michael Sam was being affectionate with somebody, I was like, get a room. But I said that to two heterosexual couples too. In other words, live your life fine. But people got a right to want to see what they want to see and don't want to see what they don't want to see. Who cares? But with something like this, let me be very, very clear. You're competing in sports. There can be no unfair advantage. I can simplify it for you. Do you know what else I'm against in sports? Weed. I happen to think that that's a performance enhancer. Now, y'all did Stephen A. Come on, Stephen A. You tripping. Come on, Stephen A. You tripping. Wait a minute. Competing in sports involves nerves. Some people get nervous, they get jittery. Clock. Two minutes left in the game. Championship on the line. The ball is in your hands, and suddenly it's a little bit slippery. Suddenly you panicking, Suddenly you shifting. You don't have the poise and the control that you're accustomed to having. Early in the game, when the pressure doesn't exist, but when it gets thick, all of a sudden your ass get nervous. But if you smoking weed, your nerves aren't as rattled. All of a sudden, there's a calm that kicks in. And the kind of stuff that phases people normally suddenly might not phase you. If that is the effect that some. That it has on some people by virtue of smoking weed, that is an advantage. That is an advantage. Anything is my point. That gives you any kind of an advantage, whether it's weed, with what I just brought up, whether it's how you were born as a male. As you transition to being a female, it's not just about you. It's about the detrimental effect it has on your competition. If you were born a male, conceivably genetically, you are believed to have a level of strength that the other side may not have. That's an advantage. That's not speaking against anybody from that community. That's not casting aspersions on anybody. It's literally an unfair advantage. If you were born a male and you're transitioning into being a female, physically speaking, the facts show you have an unfair advantage. That's unfair to the ladies who were born ladies. It's not fair. That's all I'm saying. Nothing more than that. Anything else Trump or anybody else tries to throw into the equation, we're not going for that. We're not going to cast dispersions, we're not going to disrespect, we're not going to engage in demagoguery. We're not doing that. Not on this show. I'm only talking about from a sports perspective. You being a male and transitioning to being a female and participating in female sports, you have a decidedly unfair advantage. That's all I'm saying. That is why I have no problem with this decision by President Trump. Transgender athletes should compete against transgender athletes. Male should compete against male. Females should compete against females. Very simple. That's where I stand with it. That's all I'm saying. That's it for this edition of the Stephen A. Smith show. Coming at you live from super bowl weekend, New Orleans, Louisiana. New Orleans, Louisiana. I'll be back with you tomorrow. I'll be back with a show every single day this week. I'm not going to anywhere. Hope you won't either. Until next time, everybody. Stephen A. Signing off. Peace and love.

[Stephen A. Smith]

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[Greg Rosenthal]

What's up, everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal, and I'm teaming up with the King of Spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs mock drafts to my top 101, free agents will have it covered for you, with all new episodes every Thursday, keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.