The Tony Kornheiser Show: “Do You Have CBS?” – Detailed Summary

Release Date: December 9, 2024
Host: Tony Kornheiser
Guests: Michael Wilbon, Bill Belichick, Pat 40
Duration: Approximately 64 minutes

1. Introduction and Overview

Tony Kornheiser kicks off the episode by outlining the main topics for the day, including Juan Soto’s significant contract with the Mets, the debated 12-team field for the college football playoffs, and recent notable NFL games. He also teases an exclusive discussion on college football and the playoff system with guest Pat 40.

2. Juan Soto’s Contract with the Mets

The conversation delves into Juan Soto’s groundbreaking $765 million, 15-year contract with the New York Mets. Tony expresses skepticism about the valuation, comparing Soto’s worth to players like Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge.

• Tony Kornheiser [06:57]: "Juan Soto signed a $765 million, 15-year deal through '41. If he's 26 now, that's a believable contract."

• Michael Wilbon [07:20]: "I think it has the potential to play the villain role. He's never had bad press because he hasn't deserved it."

• Pat 40 [08:17]: "Some people think it has the potential to play the villain role because of the size of the contract."

Tony discusses the influence of Juan Soto’s agent, Scott Boras, in negotiating such a lucrative deal, and debates whether Soto made the right choice by signing with the Mets over the Yankees, considering factors like cultural fit and team dynamics.

• Tony Kornheiser [06:16]: "Juan Soto did not want to be on the Yankees anymore. He wanted to be on the Mets. New York is the best place for someone from the Dominican Republic."

Bill Belichick contributes by expressing indifference towards the contract, comparing Soto to legendary players who switched teams.

• Bill Belichick [17:50]: "We know who his agent is. That's all we have to make of it."

The discussion also touches on the sustainability of such high-value contracts and potential risks, such as player injuries impacting the team’s investment.

3. The 12-Team College Football Playoff Debate

Tony and his guests engage in a heated debate over the newly implemented 12-team playoff system for college football, critiquing its effectiveness and fairness.

• Tony Kornheiser [25:30]: "We could probably agree that if they are not the four best teams, they're certainly four of the best teams. Kansas City, Buffalo, Detroit, and Philadelphia."

• Bill Belichick [22:33]: "The prize money in golf. Look how much more it is now than used to be. There's money flying around that you don't think is fun."

The panel discusses specific teams like SMU and Alabama, analyzing the committee’s decisions and the criteria used for selection.

• Tony Kornheiser [35:23]: "I would have put Alabama over SMU. Alabama is three and one against ranked teams, including a victory over Georgia."

• Guest Speaker [38:52]: "I think if you want to make those games important and mean something, then you can't also use them as an extra chance to knock a team down."

They also critique the influence of politics and lobbying in the selection process, questioning the committee’s transparency and consistency.

• Guest Speaker [39:01]: "Lane Kiffin... wants a golden goose. He wants another pony. I'm sorry, you don't just get everything you want in this."

The conversation extends to the challenges faced by non-automatic bid teams like Boise State, arguing that the system favors conference champions over deserving teams based on performance.

4. Recent NFL Games and Team Performances

The hosts analyze recent NFL matches, highlighting unexpected outcomes and standout player performances.

• Tony Kornheiser [27:05]: "Detroit's got something. I just think it's their time."

• Bill Belichick [27:53]: "I think Detroit's on that now. They got to get some of those defensive players back healthy."

They discuss the unpredictability of the NFL, referencing teams like the Jets, Dolphins, Saints, and Giants, and the impact of key players like Josh Allen.

• Tony Kornheiser [28:24]: "They keep coming back. How about six touchdowns and a loss?"

• Bill Belichick [28:30]: "Yesterday was the worst NFL Sunday in that regard. It had these outcomes that were insane."

The conversation emphasizes the complexity of determining the best team based solely on recent performances, citing examples of high-scoring games and defensive lapses.

5. Special Guest Appearance: Bill Belichick

In a surprising turn, Bill Belichick joins the show to offer his insights.

• Tony Kornheiser [16:48]: "What do you think? What do you think?"

• Bill Belichick [17:50]: "We know who his agent is. That's all we have to make of it."

Belichick shares his perspective on Juan Soto’s contract, comparing it to historical player movements and emphasizing the importance of agent influence in such deals.

• Bill Belichick [18:45]: "He changed teams. That never worked. It never worked."

He further discusses the implications of high-value contracts on team dynamics and the potential long-term effects on the sport.

6. Audience Mail and Listener Anecdotes

Tony navigates through various listener emails, sharing personal stories and humorous anecdotes.

• Jeff Newville [50:03]: Discusses a fictional scenario involving Coach Belichick interviewing at the University of North Carolina.

• Sarah Kunick [52:34]: Talks about the Bethesda bagel sandwiches and compares them humorously to a "Slap Shot" movie scene.

• Steve Farkas [58:06]: Reflects on how total solar eclipses will eventually cease due to the moon moving away from Earth, offering a scientific tidbit.

Tony interjects with humor and personal reflections, enhancing the relatability of the show.

• Tony Kornheiser [47:35]: "But somebody said, I'm angry and I'm never listening again."

7. College Football Playoff Deep Dive with Pat 40

Pat 40 provides an in-depth analysis of the college football playoff system, critiquing the committee’s methodology and offering alternative viewpoints.

• Pat 40 [35:23]: "It's not just about wins. It's also about losses."

He argues for a more performance-based selection process, free from political influence and biased rankings.

• Pat 40 [40:31]: "Boise State has an immaculate resume this year. They've lost one game at Oregon by three."

Pat emphasizes the importance of evaluating teams based on their overall performance rather than their conference affiliations or automatic bids.

• Pat 40 [41:32]: "I think the four best teams should get the buys instead of these teams that just won their league."

8. Closing Remarks and Music Segment

Tony wraps up the episode by reflecting on listener feedback, sharing more humorous stories, and introducing music from Eric DeLong and the Slappy Boys. The show concludes with light-hearted banter and a final nod to the day’s discussions.

• Tony Kornheiser [55:49]: "Blues is a uniquely American format."

• Eric DeLong's Performance [59:13 – 64:32]: A musical rendition titled "Danielle," blending blues elements with poetic lyrics.

Notable Quotes

• Tony Kornheiser [06:57]: "Juan Soto did not want to be on the Yankees anymore. He wanted to be on the Mets."

• Bill Belichick [17:50]: "We know who his agent is. That's all we have to make of it."

• Pat 40 [35:23]: "I think the four best teams should get the buys instead of these teams that just won their league."

• Tony Kornheiser [25:30]: "Kansas City, Buffalo, Detroit, and Philadelphia. They all had their most recent games... last play games."

Conclusion

This episode of "The Tony Kornheiser Show" offers a comprehensive discussion on high-stakes sports decisions, player valuations, and the evolving landscape of college football playoffs. With insightful contributions from guests like Bill Belichick and Pat 40, Tony provides listeners with a blend of expert analysis, humor, and engaging dialogue, ensuring both sports enthusiasts and casual listeners find value in the conversation.