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Tony Kornheiser
Hey, it's Tony. On today's show, we'll Talk to Booger McFarlane to get his thoughts on the proposal to kill the tush posh and to explain the tush posh. And we'll talk to Tim Legler about Luke Docic facing his old team last night. But first, let's keep those sales weasels happy. Previously on the Tony Kornheiser Show. Thank you to Tamara, who sent a bunch of toothpaste, but stop. No more toothpaste. Don't send any more toothpaste.
Booger McFarlane
We're good on toothpaste.
Tony Kornheiser
Sometimes people in there zeal to be accommodating and I appreciate this very much. Send a lot of stuff and I appreciate that. I really, truly do. But then we get an overload of it and, and, you know, and I thank you all, but I. I can get my own toothpaste. Unless I can't. Unless I can't find what I want.
Tim Legler
And you'll return to this topic in roughly nine months.
Tony Kornheiser
Yes, but I. I have enough toothpaste right now. This is General George Washington, and you're.
General George Washington
Listening to the Tony Kornheiser Show.
Tony Kornheiser
Alrighty then, let's do the open. Let's do some things that we probably won't talk about on the show itself with the guests. Yesterday we're doing PTI and it's about 5 o'clock and we have the scripts in for Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary, and Happy Trails. And the Happy Trails script is about Travis Kelce because it's Happy Trails to Travis Kelce's retirement question mark. Because now there's a reason to believe that Travis Kelce is going to come back to the Kansas City Chiefs. And we have some quotes in there for the general manager saying, take all the time you need and so on and so forth. And this is an important story, not just because it's amplified by Taylor Swift, obviously, but he's hall of Fame tight end.
Booger McFarlane
Oh, sure.
Tony Kornheiser
He's, you know, a very important part of a team that's won three Super Bowls and been to five, you know, so. Yeah, so that matters. Actually, that matters more than Matthew Stafford. If Matthew Stafford was in the same situation who is maybe a borderline hall of Fame quarterback and has a Super bowl win and is great. I love him. But Travis Kelce is more important. So about 5 o'clock we find out Diana Taurasi is retiring. She's retiring from all basketball. She's a member, I believe, of the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA. She'd been around in the WNBA for 20 years before that, she was a great player at the University of Connecticut. I think she's the greatest player of all time. Greatest women's player of all time. I, I think that I've said it a number of times on the show. Wilburn can't bring himself to say that because he has three or four or five or six people that he thinks, as he always says, are in the conversation. He thinks Cheryl Miller is the greatest of all time. And he just won't say that anymore. But it's okay. It's okay to say whatever you want to say. And so we can't put it in as happy trails. It's too late to write a new script. And by the way, on, on the large scale, Travis Kelce coming back is a bigger deal in sports than Diana Taurasi retiring. You know, it is, it is. But we get to talk about it in the segment that we do for SportsCenter, which we tape after we tape PTI. And I say she's the greatest of all time. Here's what she's done. She has three national championships at Connecticut. They're not all hers, but she was on three championship teams, national championship teams. She was on three championship teams in the WNBA. She was on six Olympic gold medal teams. That's six. That's 21 years of international experience in which she did nothing but win gold medals. And I said, if you put all these things on a mantle, you need another mantle. She's the most. I will say this without, I have no fear that I'm wrong about this. You may not think she's the greatest female player of all time. She's the most accomplished. She's got more hardware than anyone.
Tim Legler
You go back to Ricky of the year.
Tony Kornheiser
She's got six euroleague championships, five scoring titles, got championships everywhere, all over the world. Yeah, she's the all time leading scorer in the wnba, so she's the most accomplished. So I just wanted to say that now because I've always thought that and I've always enjoyed watching her play. The Justin Tucker story gets a little bit more bubblier as time goes on. We've stayed away from the Justin Tucker story. It's a story just like the Deshaun Watson story. We've reached the point where it's not just one woman or two women or three. We're into, I think, double figures now. But there have been no lawsuits. Unlike the Deshaun Watson story, there have been no lawsuits. Deshaun Watson was punished by the NFL. I think we may be headed down that road with Justin Tucker. I don't want to talk about it because we have accusations, but we have nothing formal. There's no lawsuit, there's no arrest. There's nothing like that. So the United States still in the United States is the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. It's the presumption of innocence. But when you have the general manager of the team saying these things are serious and concerning, that is a concession on the part of the Baltimore Ravens that they can't run away from this. Even though John Harboy is trying to run away from this. John harbor saying, yeah, yeah, we're just, we're following the rules here and it's tough on everybody's family. Okay, fine. Because you're the coach and you have to have the complete trust of your team and you're the great, greatest kicker of all time. Greatest kick of all time, Justin Tucker. So. So we await to see where that goes. Yeah. Kyle Finnegan back with the Nats. They told Kyle Finnegan, bring it back. They told Kyle Finnegan, you can go. It's okay, we're not gonna pay you what you want. Thank you very much for your time. You can go. And Kyle Finnegan looked around and he didn't find a place to land. So he came back to the Nats on a one year deal. Somewhere between what he made last year and what he wanted, somewhere in the middle which could have had before. But I get what he did. I completely understand.
Booger McFarlane
He could have kicked the tires.
Tony Kornheiser
I think you know how I am on Kyle Finnegan. I'm just not thrilled with Kyle Finnegan. If you look at his splits, he had 38 saves last season, which is great. He made the all star team. But if you look at him after.
Tim Legler
July 15, little chaos on the base path.
Tony Kornheiser
Wasn't very good at all. Had something like a 593 era after July 4th. 59 3. I'm sorry, that does not feel feed the bulldog in the area of closing games five nine three. So I just thought I'd mention that. And now as a gift from the heavens, I have something to read. This is sent to us by Chris Martin. I'm going to read it in its entirety and then comment on it. I recently had a few friends over. Ian Reynolds, who was in Second City with Amy Poehler and Tina Fey, and my friend Mike Keefe, who runs a research lab out of Frederick, Maryland, where scientists are working with mice valued at $1.5 million in order to find cures for diseases. No one there ever flushes the mouse And I would add, parenthetically, you don't know if this research is going to continue, given the current state of the administration. You don't know that. Anyway, the conversation turned to signs of aging. Ian's back aches. Mike has plantar fasciitis. And my wife Amanda says, chris is so old now he can't work his phone. His storage is completely full of downloads of the Tony Kornhauser show. Mike Keefe perks up. You mean the Tony Kornheiser show? He says he lives in my neighborhood. I mean, I live in his neighborhood. Me. What? That's amazing, Mike. Yeah, we shop at the same Safeway. Me Starstruck. You shop at the refugee Safeway? Mike says, yeah, the Soviet Safeway or Immigrant Safeway? Refugee Safeway works. The Soviet Safeway is different, I believe.
Tim Legler
Yes.
Booger McFarlane
Is he a different one?
Tony Kornheiser
Yes, different. He starts to smile. The table is hooked. One day I get in line at the Safeway. Now he's beginning to tell a story. One day I get in line the Safeway, and there's an older fellow ahead of me with, like, 30 pints of Haagen Dazs ice cream. And I'm like, what is going on here? Meeks claiming sale, Mike. Well, yeah, I know, because the cashier tells the gentleman that he had an odd number, 29. If he gets another one, that one would be free. And I'm like, no way. But the man turns around, looks at the line and says, buy one, get one. You understand, right? Wife. What? That's nuts, Mike. Yeah, well, I recognize him as Tony Kornheiser. And I guess other people in line do, too, because we don't say anything as he goes rather slowly to the ice cream aisle and back for that 30th pint. That's how I know I live in Mr. Tony's neighborhood. Me, Michael Keefe. I've known you for 30 years. You work with international scientists to cure cancer. But that is easily the greatest story you ever told. By the way, Tony Haagen Dazs is marked down from 699 to $4 each at the Hickory Ridge Giant in Columbia, Maryland. Do I get 10 or 20? At that price, I'll hang up and listen. Listen, because what I'm going to tell you now is going to be interesting. This never happened. This never happened. Categorically, unequivocally, this never happened. The most pints of ice cream I have ever bought is four. Four. And if it was Haagen Dazs, there'd only be two flavors. I Would buy. And I buy two of each. Two chocolate, two coffee.
Booger McFarlane
Yeah.
Tony Kornheiser
I'm not crazy about Haagen Dazs ice cream. It's okay. It's fine.
Tim Legler
No coffee chip.
Tony Kornheiser
No, don't like it. I never did this. I never bought 30 slow.
Leslie Mendelsohn
I never bought the free 20.
Tony Kornheiser
I never bought 10. This never happened. It is an entirely, as we say in the newspaper business, piped story. Right. Piped. Didn't happen. Now I know what I do.
Booger McFarlane
Yeah.
Tony Kornheiser
I'm fully capable and happy to admit what I do.
General George Washington
Now.
Tim Legler
Would you ever do just an ice cream purchase?
Tony Kornheiser
Sure. I mean, if I'm. If I'm. If I want ice cream and they have an ice cream that I want, I would go in just ice cream. As long as I was there, I'd try to look for bib lettuce, you know, or something like that. I'm there.
Leslie Mendelsohn
Yeah.
Tim Legler
I'm gonna be the wrapped bib lettuce.
Tony Kornheiser
Yeah, yeah, of course. No, no, no, no, no. The bib lettuce I like comes in loose. It's just. It's just the heads of lettuce, and I like to take the outer leaves off to get. To get the stuff that's really good in the middle. But, no, but I've never bought. I've never bought this much. I've never bought this much. I. I can't. Six at six seems like more than I've ever bought. Yeah.
Tim Legler
Now at that point, 30 is insane.
Tony Kornheiser
And I'm not going back. I'm not walking slowly at the checkout. If this is.
Tim Legler
The court would say we can just scan something twice and just go get it up on your way out.
Booger McFarlane
Sure made you sound shuffling off into the, you know, into the gloom.
Tony Kornheiser
Yeah.
Booger McFarlane
Now we.
Tony Kornheiser
Someone we're going to have to go to.
Tim Legler
We're going to have to go to soccer to get. To get another.
Tony Kornheiser
Yeah. This is not true. Yeah. And Michael and I was speculating story. It's not true.
Booger McFarlane
Mike and I were speculating before the show that perhaps this gentleman was in line behind you when you got four pints. And then the story just evolved from there. The more times he retold it, the.
Tony Kornheiser
More pints that you ever going to know.
Tim Legler
Hit that Cornhouser line hard.
Tony Kornheiser
Yeah. This isn't going to. This isn't going to become public. Why would he ever think this is going to become public? Why would he think I would say this isn't true? It's not time of year.
Tim Legler
Because if it's during your summer hiatus, you know, the beard goes a Little bit. You know, you're enjoying summer looks. I could see there's other shuffle yet.
Tony Kornheiser
I don't shuffle yet.
Booger McFarlane
Not yet.
Tony Kornheiser
I'm pretty good in those aisles. Yeah. And they added an aisle about four years ago and narrowed the store. And I can still get through those aisles.
Booger McFarlane
By the way, I believe in the mailbag. There's going to be an email from Ruck from the Refugee Safeway. There are. I don't want to spoil the email.
Tony Kornheiser
Don't spoil it.
Booger McFarlane
There's changes coming. I will just say that.
Tony Kornheiser
Well, that's fine. Yeah. But I mean, let's, you know, let's get the facts. Me and that's not anybody. Nobody's. I can't believe anybody.
Booger McFarlane
Perhaps Larry David was shopping at the Refugee Safeway.
Tim Legler
Gotta love when. When there is the Haagen Dazs deal and you go down the freezer section, you can always tell because that one little box is always fogged up. Because everyone keeps opening.
Booger McFarlane
Yep. Constantly open now.
Tony Kornheiser
Four bucks. I'd buy three or four.
Booger McFarlane
Yeah.
Tony Kornheiser
Four bucks each.
Booger McFarlane
But not 30.
Tony Kornheiser
I wouldn't buy 30.
Tim Legler
You don't have the freezer space.
Booger McFarlane
Who's got the freezer space?
Tony Kornheiser
You know, I'm not. I'm not going out on the street and selling them either. I don't need 30. So, like, it's a lovely story.
Booger McFarlane
Some out of the back of the car.
Tony Kornheiser
It only suffers from one thing. It's false. Yes. Not true. We'll take a break. Is it Booger or Tim first?
Booger McFarlane
Booger.
Tony Kornheiser
Booger McFarlane. When he return, we're going to talk about the Tush Push. I'm Tony Kornheiser.
Chris Martin
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Leslie Mendelsohn
You're listening to the Tony Kornheiser show.
Tony Kornheiser
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Leslie Mendelsohn
The Tony Kornheiser Show.
Tony Kornheiser
Today we have music from our friends Brett Wiscons and Leslie Mendelsohn. And Brett writes, I'm doing a show with Leslie Mendelsohn here in Indy, Indianapolis on the 26th of February. February. That's tonight.
Booger McFarlane
That's tonight.
Tony Kornheiser
Wondered if you'd want to feature one of her songs in one of mine for that Wednesday episode. I learned about her from your show, so it's cool. And a connective tissue moment that I get to open for her. This is Bret Wiscons with a song called Last Year and we will read the rest of this letter as we go on in the show. But they're both really, really good. We're thrilled that they send us the music again. Brett Wisconsin last year, right? That's right.
Booger McFarlane
Last year.
Tony Kornheiser
Plays in Booger McFarland. And I wanted to talk to Booger. I want to talk to Booger about the Tush Push. I want to talk about it almost so extensively that we both never want to talk about it again. When did you you played in the league? I don't recall this particular play when you played in the league, but I could be wrong. When did you first see the Tush push?
General George Washington
Well, I think the first time, Tony, that I really noticed it was when Philadelphia was doing it. However, there's been some semblance of the play for a long time because essentially it's a quarterback sneak right where the running back and tight end, you got two people pushing the quarterback. I think we've always had kind of one person maybe coming in at the very end and pushing the quarterback. But then Philadelphia kind of took it to the next level of having two people. And here's what really makes the play, I think, unstoppable, that nobody's talking about it in the NFL, you have what they call forward progress. And usually when forward progress stops, they blow the whistle because they don't want anybody pushing and shoving after the pile and all that good stuff. But there's this new thing where they're allowing the offense, even if it's not the quarterback and not the tush push. Let's say there's a running back and he stopped and it seems like he stopped. And now the offensive line lineman come and they start pushing the running back and the power goes forward and the crowd goes wild. The officials are allowing that. So if you take that kind of premise and go back to the tush push, even if Jalen Hurts gets stopped initially, those two guys are coming behind to push him in accordance to what they've seen done on other plays. The NFL is not. The officials are not going to stop forward progress until they deem enough has happened. And so I think that's the extension or that's the premise where the tush push started. It's kind of a combination of the quarterback sneak plus the referees allowing forward progress to continue to go for a little while.
Tony Kornheiser
So when you were playing in the league, while you have played against quarterback sneaks, you never actually played against something this elaborate with that many people pushing and pulling. Right? You never did that.
General George Washington
Well, technically, you're not allowed to pull what you. What you are allowed to do is push. And is it really going to make that much of a difference for me because I got £600 on the left on top of me anyway.
Tony Kornheiser
Right.
General George Washington
You know, because I'm in between. I'm in between the guard and the center. And whether those 600 pounds are feel like 600 or the quarterback's pushing an extra pound or two or the running back like it's not making. It's not making that big of a difference. To me, where it makes a difference is the guys that are trying to tackle Jalen Hurts the ball carrier. Because now not only do you have a quarterback that's 220 pounds and squat 600 pounds, you have more force behind him. So typically that's going to be harder to stop. And as a defensive player, that's where they're complaining. The way you have to stop it is, is that you're going to have to do very similar to what the Washington commanders do is go over the top. Because everybody says low man wins.
Tony Kornheiser
Yeah.
General George Washington
Here's what happens. I'm going low and I'm creating a pile. He's going on top of the pile and being pushed over the pile. That's where, like, if you really break this down, it's almost not necessarily a sneak. It's almost, you know what, get the snap, and then you have to go over the offensive and defensive lineman, which is why I think Washington kind of had a really good idea by jumping over. They just kind of mistimed their jump a couple of times.
Tony Kornheiser
Yeah. So theoretically, you have given us the way to stop it. What makes Philadelphia so good at this?
General George Washington
I think it's the fact that their offensive line is the biggest offensive line in football and so one that allows them to get any type of movement they want to. Their quarterback is extremely strong in his lower body. Like, it's on record. He squats 5, 600 pounds. And so when he starts pushing forward, if he only think about it, it's usually on third and one, fourth and one. So one yard, Tony, is three feet. Okay, like, let's just. Let's break this down and really look at it. So three feet from a quarterback that's squatting 600 pounds, regardless whether he was being pushed, it's probably not going to. That quarterback's not going to be stopped. And now you add the element of him being assisted in some form or shape by ball carriers in the backfield. That's what makes it really tough to stop the combination of the offensive line. Landon Dickerson, the left guard, is 66320. The right guard, Makai Becton, is 67350. The center, Cam Juergens, is 6 2, 6 3, you know, 300 pounds, like, he's the small guy of the bunch. And so when you add that up, plus the quarterback, plus saquon Barkley, who's 220 pounds, who's pushing, plus the tight end, Dallas Goddard, who's six five and 240, it's just an abundance of mass and strength. That's what makes it tough to stop. Now, with that being said, any team can do it. Tony. I don't think any team has figured out a way to do it, which is why I think everybody is complaining. Starting with Green Bay. You heard Raheem Morris at the podium yesterday saying he's against it.
Leslie Mendelsohn
You know what?
General George Washington
If you're so against it, why doesn't everybody do it? If it was so easy, it's not easy to do. And I think Philadelphia has done a really good job of using their personnel, offensive line, quarterback, running back, tight end, and they've mastered something. And because the rest of the NFL doesn't want to spend the time or the requisite things to kind of decipher it and really break it down. Instead of them putting the time and effort into it, they just say, you know what? Let's ban it and move on, because we don't want to really dive into there where we can figure out a way to stop it.
Tony Kornheiser
I completely agree with that. I said that yesterday on television. I said, hire better coaches, go get better players, stop it, and then ban it. But if you can't stop it, it just sounds like jealousy. It just sounds like everybody else is simply jealous. You have that same feeling, right?
General George Washington
I have the same feeling. Tony, you tell me, would this be the equivalent? Remember when Kareem came up with the sky hook and it was unblockable?
Tony Kornheiser
Yes.
General George Washington
Did they want to. Did they want to ban the skyhook?
Tony Kornheiser
I think they would have loved to, but they had. They couldn't because it was.
General George Washington
You know, because it was a. Because it was something. It was a legal play that was created, but it was unstoppable.
Tony Kornheiser
It was.
General George Washington
Now he could miss it. He could miss it sometimes, but it was essentially an unstoppable play.
Tony Kornheiser
Yes.
General George Washington
I never heard anybody say, let's ban the sky hook. So I'm not really. I'm not really sure why we're. Why we're trying to ban a particular play in football. Because it's, quote, unquote, unstoppable.
Tony Kornheiser
I would say this. I would say that I've watched it a number of times, and from an aesthetic standpoint, it doesn't look like it should be legal. You know what? It doesn't look like football. The way I understand football, it looks more like rugby than football. So I don't mind if you get rid of it, but I would not let you get rid of it just because 31 other teams can't stop the Eagles. Right? I mean, they're building a better mousetrap. Right?
General George Washington
Has. Has any quarterback sneak ever looked like football, Tony? This is just an extension of the quarterback sneak.
Tony Kornheiser
Well, it just. I mean, it's. They're literally pushing. And so I know you say pulling isn't allowed, but sometimes they get on the guy's side and it looks like they're pulling him by the jersey, you know, and. Booger, if you gave me injury data and you said this is a very dangerous play and we have data on this, that would be different, but I don't see anything like that. What do you think will happen? Do you think the league will ban it?
General George Washington
No, I think we're going to continue to complain about it. And to your point, if there Were injury data, I think the NFL would come out and say, hey, here's the reason why we have to ban the play because so many guys are getting hurt. Aside from that, Tony, I don't think they're going to ban it. And here's what's. Here's what's continuing to happen every single day. The NFL is constantly in the news. We're still talking about the NFL, we're talking about the Philadelphia Eagles. And more and more teams are devoting time in the offseason to figure out how to stop it. So the NFL is okay with the conversation that's going on now. What the NFL is not going to be okay with is a play that creates further risk to the players, which is why they've stood on for years. We're going to make our game safer. So if somebody can come up with some type of injury data that says this play is unsafe, the NFL will ban it immediately. Aside from that, I think this play is going to be around for a while. And the only, I guess, method that each defense is going to have to is don't let the Eagles get in third and one, fourth and one. Or you better go out and try to figure this play out yourself. Which I give Buffalo credit because Buffalo has started doing the exact same thing. And I think you're going to see.
Tony Kornheiser
More and more with a big, strong quarterback. He's a big, strong quarterback.
General George Washington
Exactly. Exactly.
Tony Kornheiser
Yeah. Are you on the side of the road or are you actually driving on a highway now?
General George Washington
I'm actually driving on a highway and I just passed by somebody and I guess they didn't like my, my, my synopsis of the Tush port. So they kind of blew at me.
Tony Kornheiser
All right, I won't, I won't keep you. I just ask you one more question. It's got nothing to do with the tush push. Why are the Los Angeles Rams, why, why are they so cavalier about Cooper cup and, and Matthew Stafford? Isn't that their off? What are they doing?
General George Washington
Well, Cooper Cup, I understand little older receiver making a lot of money. Number one receiver. I understand that. I don't understand the Matthew Stafford of it all. Because there's two things at play. They gave Stafford a nice deal. He got some guaranteed money. But here's what happens with the players when the guaranteed money is gone. And now you, the signing bonus is gone and you're sitting there looking at your paragraph five salary. You're like, oh, I'm only making 25 million a year. Well, I gave you 60 of it a year.
Leslie Mendelsohn
Ago.
General George Washington
Yeah. You're only making 25 now. And Stafford is saying, I'm well underpaid and I get it. And he wants more money and he deserves more money. He should be making somewhere in the 45 to 55 million a year and he's earned that. I think the Rams have said, we're not willing to go there with you, Matthew Stafford, for whatever reason. And the Rams know him better than anybody. They won a Super bowl with him.
Tony Kornheiser
Yes.
General George Washington
So the fact that they're not willing to pay Stafford 50 million would really tell me and make me a little cautious of wanting to do that because who's going to be their quarterback? Aaron Rodgers. Who couldn't move a 40 something year old Aaron Rodgers? Like if you move away from Matthew Stafford, you better have a succession plan. And the fact that they've given him permission, Tony. To seek a trade simply means this. We don't want you and we want you to go do our work so we can find out. So you can find out if there's anybody else that wants you. And the Rams say they want him back. But usually when an organization allows a player to seek a trade, that means they don't want you and they want you to go do their work for them.
Tony Kornheiser
I agree with all that. What a nice thing for you to be driving and still talk to us. We'll talk soon. Thank you, Booger.
General George Washington
Anytime, man. Y'all have a great day.
Tony Kornheiser
Booger McFarlane, boys and girls. Just a total delight. Total delight. We'll take a break and Tim Legler will join us when we return. I'm Tony Kornheiser.
Brett Wiscons
You're listening to the Tony Kornheiser Show.
Tony Kornheiser
This is Leslie Mendelsohn.
Brett Wiscons
Hi.
Tony Kornheiser
We have played her music before. This is called Rock and Roll on the Radio.
Booger McFarlane
Yes, I believe we played this before.
Tony Kornheiser
Specifically Leslie Mendelsohn. Wasn't she Michael Granberry? Fine.
Booger McFarlane
Absolutely.
Tony Kornheiser
Yeah. So Brett Wisconsin, who's appearing with Leslie Mendelsohn in Indianapolis tonight, says, this is my most recent single called Last Year, co produced by Will Turpin from Collective Soul and Brian Collins. Tune takes a hypothetical look at changing up your life a little bit and chasing your dreams. If you found out that indeed this was your last year, would Mr. Tony finally go on a river cruise when he finally set his cruise control to his age, finally buy a new sweater in lieu of patching his old ones? I digress. Thanks. And this is. That's Brett writing. This is Leslie Mendelsohn singing. And the show is at the Krannert room on Butler University's campus In Indianapolis tonight, 7:30. 7:30 tonight on the Butler campus.
Booger McFarlane
Be there.
Tony Kornheiser
You know, it says with a surprise guest appearance by Brad Stevens. Just kidding. Brad Stevens coached at Butler and got him to the final game twice.
Booger McFarlane
Yeah. Almost rimmed in and out, right?
Tony Kornheiser
Yes. No, hit off the back.
General George Washington
Hit.
Tony Kornheiser
Okay, Back rim plays in Tim Legler. Let's just start with this. What did we learn and your reaction to last night? Luka Doncic and the Lakers handily beating Dallas. What did we learn?
Leslie Mendelsohn
Well, I think one thing that I learned from that, Tony, was that they are able to show some consistency with their defense. And I think that was. That was the question mark all along. And everybody assumed they would get weaker adding Luka defensively.
Tony Kornheiser
Yes.
Leslie Mendelsohn
Right. And yet, look, I gave large credit to J.J. redick because I think, you know, knowing him and talking basketball with him for a couple years when he was working with us, it was obvious, like he's got a mind that's constantly. The wheels are constantly turning and he sees details that most people don't. So to come up with game plans, jj, I'll trust him with that. The question was, do you have the personnel to do it? And I've been really impressed with what they're getting out of their bigger forwards. They've got like four different guys that are in that 6, 8 range that are very strong, guys that are quick laterally, and that's really what's become the anchor of their defense. And we saw them shut down Denver completely last Saturday and Jokic completely bottled up to a level that I've never seen. Really, he was completely ineffective in that game. It opened everybody's eyes to the possibilities for this Lakers team and they were able to replicate that again, I felt like last night. So I think that was for me, the biggest takeaway. They're stringing together games that you go, you know what, that defense is actually potentially championship level, or at least good enough to put you in the mix to play a team like Oklahoma City down the road, to play a team potentially like Boston or Cleveland in the NBA Finals. And you know, the offense is going to be great because of what they just added to their team. So I think for me, that was the biggest takeaway.
Tony Kornheiser
So this is a revelation. Everyone felt like you felt they've added a guy who doesn't play any defense at all. They rescind a trade. They don't have anybody big. They're playing in a 6, 8. They got a 6, 8 team playing in a 7. One league they have absolutely no chance. Which leads me to this. And I understand that a lot of people don't like J.J. redick over a long period of time. I get that. But is it possible, I think you're alluding to this, that he is naturally a fabulous coach and that even LeBron James, who has a history of getting rid of every coach who has ever attempted to coach him, that even LeBron James is saying, maybe I ought to listen to this kid. Maybe he's got the magic.
Leslie Mendelsohn
Yeah, I do. I think that that's where this is headed. And I actually definitely had that impression when JJ first told me that, you know, he was interested in coaching when I first discovered that, and I did a lot of work with him on his podcast. We did a lot of TV together at espn. We had a lot of conversations about this kind of stuff. We see the game very similarly in the way that we talk about what good basketball looks like. And it was obvious that, you know, I always refer to it as seeing 10 at the same time. And it's, it's not something everybody does, even coach some coaches in the NBA, head coaches, that even guys that have had some success don't necessarily see 10 guys at the same time. And that is what it takes to really become a great coach. Because you, your eye is catching things in terms of small attention to detail that really matter. Angles of, of screens, timing of reverse passes, you know, things like that, that you can stop in real time in a practice session and say, wait a second, it's not good enough. Let's do it again. Because the timing has to be this, the angle has to be this. And jj. JJ has that. And so I knew that from the beginning, just in our conversations. And then you just. The other two components are, does he have the ability to communicate that to a team that listens to him and respects him enough?
Tony Kornheiser
Yeah. Will they listen? Yeah.
Leslie Mendelsohn
Right. And he clearly, it seems like he's got this group to do it. And then the last component is, are you willing to be like the hardest working guy in the organization? And he absolutely has that. So when you add the three things up, the mind for what you're watching and ability to see it in real time and make adjustments like that to clean everything up to the way you want it. He has it, the work ethic, and he clearly now looks like he's got the communication level and the respect that he needs of the team. When you add all that up and you've got world class talent offensively, you can do some really good things. In this league?
Tony Kornheiser
Yeah. I mean, it strikes me, and again, I'm going to go back to LeBron. LeBron has fired every coach he's ever had except Eric Spoelstra. So he left. I'm sure he wanted to fire Eric Spoelstra, but he was pals with Redick, and I don't think that. I don't think the Lakers ever would have hired Redick if LeBron hadn't said it's okay to hire Reddick. And now it looks like. It looks like LeBron is completely in tune with Reddick. And this surprises me. Does it surprise you?
Leslie Mendelsohn
I listen, when it first started out, I was a little bit concerned the first probably six weeks, and they weren't. They weren't fully healthy, and it was really hard to totally judge them. But, you know, I did, like, three Lakers games in the beginning of the year. And so you go in for these coaches interviews before, and I felt like, J.J. you could see, like, detention. You know, he was. He was. He was just, like, stressed out. And I didn't blame him because it wasn't going great early. They got. They lost four out of five on a road trip, and they were just coming off that trip. And you could just see he was wearing. He wears everything on his sleeve. JJ it's not hard to tell, like, what he's thinking. And, you know, like, everybody, you're kind of wondering, like, how is this going to go? He's certainly not going to make a judgment on a guy 20 games into his coaching career. But I think everybody was kind of like, let's see where this goes. You know, LeBron at times can exhibit some body language that has everybody kind of wondering what he's thinking right now and in regards to his respect for the coach. And so there were some of that early on. I'm not seeing that now. I'm. I'm seeing something totally different. I think what. What LeBron, like. Like every player wants, you know, results and the fact that they have gotten this much better defensively over this period of time. And for me, I have always said the number one way that I judge coaches at any level, I could go to a middle school girls game tonight and I could watch the game. And the first thing I'm looking at is defensive connection and paying attention to details on that end of the floor, because to me, that is really where coaching comes into it more than anything else, because players, in large part are going to determine offense. If you have. If you have the horses offensively, you could do creative things and they're ultimately going to. Going to score and they're going to, you know, create. Create numbers for you. But the other end of the floor, there are so many different ways to do things defensively. You've got to figure out a way to match your personnel and figure out a way to get guys to buy in to connecting to each other. So that is where I think LeBron is seeing tremendous growth with his team. And he's, he's crediting JJ for that. And now, as a result, LeBron is giving his best version, energy wise, leadership wise, and all of that. And, and they're playing great. There's no denying it. And they've, they've made themselves a legitimate contending factor in the Western Conference.
Tony Kornheiser
There's another team that is legitimate in the same way now, and that is through the addition of another player. It is Jimmy Butler going to Golden State, and they are better five and one or six and one or something like that.
Leslie Mendelsohn
Why?
Tony Kornheiser
Or is it. Is it all about Jimmy Butler? What is the effect of that? It seems like. It seems like they are also now a title contender.
Leslie Mendelsohn
They are. There's a number of ways he's helped the number one. He just gave them a different level of belief and confidence when they run on to the floor every night. And that's, that's just been obvious from the beginning. Confidence level. He's a tough guy and he's played great in big moments throughout his career. So I think that it gives him that right off the bat. But then tangibly, his ability to get to the foul line is something, you know, people will just throw out there. He gets to the line, that's something he needs. Yeah. I mean, okay, he gets to the line six to ten times a night somewhere on average. But let me explain why that's so important in real time. When the whistle blows and a guy gets fouled, from the time that whistle blows to the time both free throws have been shot, and now you're back at the other end of the floor on defense. I've seen it take anywhere from 60 to 90 seconds at times. You know what that means? Those are three or four less trips that Steph Curry is running up and down the floor, exhibiting all this energy. He's standing there and he's resting.
Tony Kornheiser
Yes.
Leslie Mendelsohn
And he's staying fresh while Jimmy Butler gobbles up all this time and also, by the way, puts two points on the board most of the time. That's great, too. So the free throw benefit has more than just, you know, his ability to slow the Game down and put points on the board. It's helping Curry directly. And then the last part, his passing is great, so his ability to play in. In the confines of a continuity offense because it's different than what other teams run with all the motion of their guards. Jimmy Butler is such a high iq, and he's such a great passer. He's been able to blend in seamlessly. Like, he's an isolation player that hasn't disrupted the continuity that they're running. That's a hard thing to pull off. And he's. He's able to do it because he's a really, really smart player.
Tony Kornheiser
It just drives me crazy that he was able to walk away from a team with all of that drama and get where he wants. It seems to me that's not a good look for the league, but maybe nobody cares, and maybe if he energizes a team and they become a great team, it's okay. What do you think?
Leslie Mendelsohn
Well, I. Listen, I think your point is fair. How could that be, you know, a good thing in any. In any walk of life, any business? Right. Someone's not happy, and they. They basically become so disruptive to such an extent that they send you home three different times in a month. Like, you're so disruptive, we can't even have you around right now. Go home, and we'll make sure you get to a very healthy environment. Like, you know, you think about it, it doesn't make a lot of sense, but as we all. As we know, the Fulcrum has completely shifted to the side of the players over the last decade. They have all the power in the league, and Jimmy Butler, he's not the first guy to do that. Guys, typically, if they put their foot in the ground and say, I want to go here, here, here, they end up there, and, you know, he's there. And look, I will say this, as odd as it sounds, it's not great necessarily for the league to let these things happen. But on the other side, it is good for the league because it has made Steph Curry relevant again, I think, in this postseason, which is what the league really needs.
Tony Kornheiser
Yes.
Leslie Mendelsohn
Because, you know, all of us just want more Steph Curry.
Tony Kornheiser
No, you're right. You're right. I appreciate your time. I won't. I won't make it worse by asking you what you think about the 76ers now owing Paul George and Joel Embiid $405 million. I'll save that for another time. I'll save it. Thank you, Tim.
Leslie Mendelsohn
All Right, Tony?
Tony Kornheiser
Anytime, Tim Legler. That was great. Just simply great. We'll take a break. We'll have email and jingle when we return. I'm Tony Kornheiser.
Leslie Mendelsohn
You're listening to the Tony Kornheiser.
Tony Kornheiser
High School Kids.
Booger McFarlane
Yeah, isn't that great?
Tony Kornheiser
High school kids, Boone County High School in Florence, Kentucky. Yeah, High school kids.
Booger McFarlane
Love that one.
Tony Kornheiser
You want to do the Bethesda bagel ad?
Booger McFarlane
Bethesda Bagels. We love them. You will as well. Just go to BethesdaBaggles.com for the location in the DC area nearest you. Then pop on in and you'll be thrilled.
Tony Kornheiser
Before we get to the mailbag, let me just say, with your hair swung right and your pants too tight, it's gonna be all right. Then it's time to go downtown where the agent man won't let you down. Sell your soul to the company but forget who you are. You're a rock and roll star. Those are the birds. Thanks to our guests today. Fabulous booger McFarlane and Tim Legler. Thanks as well to today's sponsors. Remember, you can listen to us on Apple podcasts, Spotify and Odyssey. Get show through Apple Podcasts. Please leave us a review.
Tim Legler
You've already addressed the. The ice cream email in the open. Where are we supposed to go now?
Tony Kornheiser
I don't know. I don't know. I can't.
Booger McFarlane
What's the greatest email that we'll probably read today?
Tony Kornheiser
Yeah, sure.
Tim Legler
There's no chance it was you?
Tony Kornheiser
No, there's no chance. Not 30?
Tim Legler
Well, 29.
Tony Kornheiser
How many times have you shopped with me? Have I ever gotten an excess of anything?
Tim Legler
Just the cottage cheese, but maybe this is when it's in stock.
Booger McFarlane
You know, like the story about George Washington throwing a quarter across the Potomac. You know, this is how legends are built.
Tony Kornheiser
Thought it was a silver dollar. There's no quarters.
Booger McFarlane
Then wasn't his own face on the quarter?
Tony Kornheiser
I don't think.
Tim Legler
So long as it wasn't a penny.
Tony Kornheiser
From Scott Turner in Knoxville, Tennessee, who's written us before and likes to sign 6, 3, 270 pounds. Bench press. 225. Six reps. As perhaps the only member of this show's Gen Z demographic, I feel I should share that. Daniella Monet, that was the actress who played Elizabeth and listen up.
Booger McFarlane
That's right.
Tony Kornheiser
Has had a. And I sent her a note yesterday. I haven't had a response yet. Has had a very successful. I think she probably feels I'm a terrible stalker and she's not going to get Daniella Monet has had a very successful career in kids television. She made appearances on basically every Dan Schneider, not to be confused with Dan Snyder Nickelodeon show, which I've never seen any of them from the late 2000s, including Zoey 101 iCarly and Victorious. Are you familiar with that?
Tim Legler
I am familiar with the shows. Never watched them. It was behind me.
Tony Kornheiser
Okay.
Tim Legler
And before the kids, she was a.
Tony Kornheiser
Series regular on Victorious, which unlike Listen up, ran for four seasons. This was the show that launched Ariana Grande's career. And Monet appeared in the music video for Grande's song Thank U Next, which has over 840 million views on YouTube. Are you familiar with Ariana Grande and her.
Tim Legler
Of course I am. I did not know she was in that video though.
Tony Kornheiser
Okay, wow. All right. Justin Johnson, Arlington, Virginia. Rather than sending Daniella Monet a nice note, have you considered just sending four or five tubes of our favorite toothpaste? That's so funny. Tara Kershe or Kerchie? Just wanted to follow up with the requested info on the toothpaste. I'm thrilled you were so pleased. Oh, so it is Tara. So she's the one from Apopka, Florida who sent this. Okay, so that's great. I found it at Dollar Tree. I've noticed sometimes companies make packages in special sizes for that price point. They've not. They not expired until September 2026. Although at the rate you go through it, it's going to be long gone before then. No. So that's wonderful.
Booger McFarlane
That's perfect.
Tony Kornheiser
From Ruck from the Safeway. Since you seem to be getting confused with the different boxes of toothpaste, we are going to solve your toothpaste problem. On the box of the correct toothpaste, there is a barcode, a UPC code. There is a number directly below the bar. Every item has a different code and number. So when you get the correct box, take a picture on your phone or get Michael too. Then when you go to the store, you will be able to compare the number on your phone to the number on the shelf. Different size boxes will have different numbers. Family size or regular size. All you need is the last four numbers and you should have the correct type. You can tell the littles the number. I'm sure you will have a lifelong supply. And the Safeway is about to get a major remodel. It'll be interesting to see if the name sticks. Wow.
Booger McFarlane
How about that?
Tony Kornheiser
Wow.
Booger McFarlane
Information. Definitely information for life.
Tony Kornheiser
From Thomas R. Bogart. From Scapoose or Scapusi, Oregon. Chuck and Roxy number 362, the snowiest place in the USA in 2025 is in fact upstate New York, a tiny village outside of Watertown. I know Watertown is the snowiest populated place this year. As of February 5th, they have endured 257 inches of snow. Eat your heart out. The rest of the state. What are you even talking about? I once lived in Copenhagen, N.Y. the last time it held dishonor in 2017. My family and I lived there for five years. The one school in town is K through 12 and there's an article about it, you know, that he sent me a link to from Eric Stuhr in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, formerly Oswego, New York in the snow belt. I love how the connective tissue of this show keeps going back to Oswego, New York, including from my old high school band director. Somehow having lived there for 20 years. I fondly recall growing up in a town that got literally hundreds of inches of snow. Now that I've been in New Jersey, the story I always tell people is growing up, my mother had to warn me not to step on the mailboxes when I was playing in the snow. Now that's Snow, you know. P.S. be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting their own secret battle with AT&T. Well, that's.
Booger McFarlane
That is very true.
Tony Kornheiser
Good to know. From Carrie Costin two miles away from MET spring training in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Hi Grandpa.
Tim Legler
I think Soda's home run.
Tony Kornheiser
Yes, I think it started with the discontinuation of Sen. Sen. Yes, that's Sen. Send the little licorice bites. I used to hide the cigarette smell when coming home at the age of 14 and trying to sneak it. It's gone. Just like Fizzies. They were the predecessor to Liquid iv. And whatever happened to Burma Shave? A shave that's smooth. No signs to see nostalgia's whisper. Burma Shave's memory. I was going to mention Dippity do. You might have missed that one. It's a brilliant email. Yeah, here's from Shad. He's got a haiku for paper billing. Times are changing. Except for Mr. Tony, a proud dinosaur. Yes, that's true. Automated balls and strikes. Okay, this is from Glenn and Allen. This is Norwegian Soft kitten. Yes, our guitarist, Glenn, chuck and roxy. Number 295 was a longtime baseball player being a four year letter winner in high school and a four year starter in college who then played semi pro and adult league baseball deep into his 30s. Glenn was a left handed pitcher outfielder who as a pitcher didn't throw hard and relied on a sinker and a screwball that he kept low and away from right handed batters as his out pitch. One of the great joys in pitching for Glenn was to work the home plate umpire during a game as much as he worked the batters. This started in the first inning as Glenn would start pounding the strike zone at the knees and on the outside corner for right handed batters. Towards the end of the first inning, Glenn would throw one or two sinker screwballs an inch or two off the plate at the knees and see if the umpire would give him the call. Sometimes the umpire wouldn't give Glenn a strike call on these pitches that were just off the plate, but sometimes they would, and on these occasions Glenn would slowly start to expand the strike zone, inching those low and away pitches a little farther off the plate each inning, getting the umpire to expand the strike zone. Over the years, Glenn probably had somewhere from 60 to 80 games where by the fourth of the fifth inning the umpire was giving him four to five inches off the plate if Glenn hit the spot consistently Working the home playing umpire has been a long honored tradition in Major League Baseball. While it could get out of control on occasion, remember Eric Gregg and Levon Hernandez? The ability of pitchers like Greg Maddox and Whitey Ford to work in ump and expand the strike zone was as much a work of art as when Maddox and Ford set up a batter for a particular pitch. While the K zone can be fun for TV viewers, it largely eliminates the ability of pitchers to work umpires and the automation of ball and strike calls will completely end this 150-year-old tradition of pitchers working umpires. While it's certainly debatable whether automated strikes and balls makes the game better or worse, it seems without a doubt that it makes the game less interesting. Can I just say that this is such a great email, isn't it? Such a great sports email and the fact that they then become rock and roll band Norwegian Soft Kitten. They have too much talent. They have too much talent. These two love it. Too much talent. Michael Lamb, Chicago, Illinois wanted to chime in on the continuing college campus Rat Skiller conversation with its own TK show Big Connection. Tulane University also has its own version of an on campus late night restaurant complete with alcohol service for those of or close to legal age called the Rat Skiller. However, what makes my Rat Skiller Edition special is that I've been there with none other than James Carville, who was giving a talk hosted by one of the campus political groups back 12 to 15 years ago. Most of what I recall of his talk was enlightening, albeit hard to understand at points, really. But maybe in this circumstance a few abita embers pre conversation added a little garble to the gambling man's famous drawl. If this gets read, I'll have had four out of six emails hit the air. Do I need to get to 5 and 11 before Chuck and Roxy reach out? From Neil Ayervase, our lawyer friend in Littleton, Colorado, a UPS clerk helping address and mail a package A male stripper making change, care packages of toothpaste, a CVS pharmacist taking care of vaccinations somewhere Blanche dubois shaking her head and thinking and I thought I needed help. It's very good. It's very good. Daniel Shiffrin Miami, Florida Dear Uncle Tony, you're way ahead of me. I thought she was Kitty Carlisle. That's funny. Kitty Carlisle was was on all those talk shows, the game shows. Carlisle actress, singer Linda Carlisle, Brenda Carlisle and Kitty Carl. Yes. And Rick from Nancy and Ron Keefe in Great Falls, Virginia. We watch PTI almost every night. We love it. On a recent show you had the book from the corner of the Oval by Beck, Dori Stein behind you on the shelf. I just went out and got out of the library, started reading it. It's great. Just wanted to let you know we pay attention to what's behind you. Carol got that book at in Rehoboth at Browsebell.
Booger McFarlane
How about that?
Tony Kornheiser
And she was signed. She worked in the Oval Office for Barack Obama. She was a stenographer maybe, or something like that. So that's wonderful that people look at that. I didn't have a book out on Monday. I don't know if I'll have a book today. Maybe. Yeah.
Tim Legler
Julia Kincaid Cash.
Tony Kornheiser
Oh yeah, Julia Kincaid in New London, New Hampshire. Long time. Second time. I wanted to write in to first apologize for almost two year tardiness on sending the save the date for my wedding. While I'm sure you were internally holding a grudge about this oversight, it's not why I write to you today. I've been a loyal little for nearly 15 years now. It's a joy to have this little connection thanks to my father, Phil Kincaid, who is even far loyaler than I. It is the times that we spend laughing at your unintended hilarity and daily 1% struggles that continue to keep us close. Even though I've been out of the nest for quite a while now, I'm now at the point where I'm expecting my new little to be and couldn't be more excited to see my father expand his resume to grandfather. I have no intention to host any gender reveal parties. Good. Or light off any fireworks that may start unintended forest fires. But I did want to write to you today to hopefully request that we hear from you, Dr. Toney, that it is a child, a feminine child that we are expecting. While I am beyond exciting to surprise him with this news delivered by you, I'm even more excited to see him become a first time grandpa. Thanks for all you do and continue to keep our connective tissue close. Isn't that nice? That's lovely. That's very lovely. And from Justin Winkleman in Titusville, Florida. You have recently reminisced about working as a bartender at the Rat while at Harper, AKA Binghamton. Not too long ago you told us about another job when you were dismissed for riding conveyor belts. How do those jobs rank when compared to your time as a charter fishing captain? Shout on your Bytown Everyone is always to wear white.
Leslie Mendelsohn
Today for the podcast we will be recording about baseball.
Tim Legler
I love that boy.
Unknown Speaker
Jump off that cliff if you must it could all be gone in a glance you know it all turns to.
Brett Wiscons
Dust.
Unknown Speaker
If you knew this was your last year would you spend it any difference? In the midst of your great fear how do you live every minute.
Tony Kornheiser
You.
Unknown Speaker
Dance in the rain with your love while the storm gathers above you only have this life to live Tell me what you're gonna give Go on and pack your bags for Spain Dive deep in the Caribbean the winds of change call your name, answer and be born again if you knew this was your last year Would you, would you spend it any different? In the midst of your great fear how do you live every minute you dance in the rain with your love while the the storm gathers above.
General George Washington
We.
Unknown Speaker
Only have this life to live Tell me what you gonna give Spend our whole lives thinking the clock won't expire Stop what you're doing Jump inside the.
Brett Wiscons
Fire Dancing the rain with your love.
Unknown Speaker
While the storm gathers above.
Leslie Mendelsohn
We only.
Unknown Speaker
Have this life to live so tell.
Brett Wiscons
Me what you're gonna give Live.
Tony Kornheiser
The.
Unknown Speaker
Winds of change Call your name, answer and be born again.
Brett Wiscons
Why don't they play rock and roll on the radio anymore? Cause I love the sound of it shaking the ground with it why don't they play rock and roll on the radio ego anymore Cuz I'm all about it it's more than nostalgic it's all I wanna hear Great in my ears it's all I'd ever know Rock and roll on the RA I remember when I came out could have changed the world any day man, a revolution.
Booger McFarlane
Is.
Brett Wiscons
The only solution I remember when I get lost See the strong girl out in the rain now it's more than I feel it keeps me dreaming it's all I wanna hear Ringing in my ears it's all I've ever known Rock and roll on the radio Never burn out, never hey, cuz, rock and run here to stay but it's all I wanna hear Ringing in my ears it's all I ever know it's all I wanna hear Ringing in my ears it's all I ever know Rockin'roll on the radio Rockin roll.
The Tony Kornheiser Show: Episode “30 Pints” Summary
Release Date: February 26, 2025
In the “30 Pints” episode of The Tony Kornheiser Show, host Tony Kornheiser delves into a variety of sports topics, featuring insightful conversations with guest Booger McFarland and sports analyst Tim Legler. The episode is structured into distinct segments, each focusing on current events in the NFL and NBA, intertwined with humorous anecdotes and listener interactions.
Timestamp: 00:00 – 22:55
The episode kicks off with Tony discussing a new NFL offensive strategy known as the "Tush Push." He engages Booger McFarland in an in-depth analysis of the Philadelphia Eagles' utilization of this play.
Tony Kornheiser (00:00): Introduces the topic of the Tush Push and its rising prominence in NFL discussions.
Booger McFarland (14:54): "The Tush Push is essentially a quarterback sneak enhanced by additional support from the running back and tight end, making it a formidable tactic for short-yardage situations."
Booger explains how the Eagles have refined this play, combining sheer mass and strategic pushing to advance the quarterback for crucial first downs. He highlights the offensive line’s strength and the quarterback’s lower body prowess as key factors driving the play's success.
The conversation touches on the NFL's potential response to such dominant strategies, comparing it to historical plays like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s unstoppable skyhook. Booger asserts that unless there's significant injury data, the league is unlikely to ban the Tush Push, suggesting that defenses will need to evolve to counter it.
Timestamp: 01:34 – 05:53
Transitioning from the NFL, Tony shifts focus to basketball, announcing Diana Taurasi's retirement from the WNBA.
Tony extols Taurasi’s illustrious career, citing her achievements including three national championships at the University of Connecticut, multiple WNBA titles, and six Olympic gold medals. He contrasts her impact with that of other basketball greats, emphasizing her unparalleled accomplishments.
The segment briefly covers other basketball-related topics, including player contracts and team dynamics, before segueing into humorous commentary on unrelated sports stories.
Timestamp: 26:27 – 38:54
In the latter half of the episode, Tony brings in Tim Legler to discuss recent NBA happenings, particularly focusing on Luka Doncic's performance and the Lakers' strategic moves.
Leslie praises the Lakers' defensive consistency, crediting coach JJ Redick for devising effective game plans that have significantly improved the team's performance. She highlights the addition of versatile forwards and enhanced defensive tactics as pivotal to their recent successes.
The discussion shifts to Jimmy Butler's transfer to the Golden State Warriors, analyzing its impact on the team's dynamics and performance. Leslie emphasizes Butler's influence on the Warriors' confidence and offensive efficiency, noting his ability to maintain team cohesion despite previous team dramas.
The conversation underscores the evolving power dynamics within the NBA, with player movements shaping team strategies and championship potentials.
Timestamp: 42:39 – 55:58
Throughout the episode, Tony engages with listener-submitted emails, featuring a mix of humorous stories and light-hearted complaints.
A standout segment involves a humorous debate over an exaggerated story of purchasing 30 pints of Haagen Dazs ice cream, showcasing the show’s signature blend of sports talk and comedy.
These interactions provide a relatable and entertaining counterbalance to the more technical sports discussions, reinforcing the show's engaging and personable atmosphere.
Timestamp: 26:39 – End
The episode concludes with musical performances from Brett Wiscons and Leslie Mendelsohn, alongside light-hearted banter about upcoming shows and the show's enduring connection with its audience.
Tony wraps up by thanking guests and sponsors, encouraging listeners to engage with the show on various platforms.
Notable Quotes:
Tony Kornheiser (21:08): "If you can't stop it, it just sounds like jealousy. It sounds like everybody else is simply jealous."
Leslie Mendelsohn (28:01): "They're stringing together games that you go, 'That defense is actually potentially championship level.'"
Booger McFarland (14:54): "The Tush Push is essentially a quarterback sneak enhanced by additional support from the running back and tight end, making it a formidable tactic for short-yardage situations."
Conclusion
In the “30 Pints” episode, Tony Kornheiser masterfully balances in-depth sports analysis with comedic elements and listener engagement. From dissecting innovative NFL strategies to exploring significant NBA team movements, the episode offers a comprehensive and entertaining overview of contemporary sports dynamics. Guest contributions from Booger McFarland and Tim Legler enrich the discussions, providing expert insights that resonate with both avid sports fans and casual listeners.