The Tony Kornheiser Show: “Harvest Time” - July 11, 2025

Hosted by Tony Kornheiser and Produced by This Show Stinks Productions, LLC

Introduction

In the episode titled “Harvest Time,” Tony Kornheiser delves into significant changes in the sports landscape and examines legislative impacts on professional gamblers. The show features insightful conversations with two prominent guests: sportswriter Bob Ryan and gambling expert Jeff Ma. Additionally, Tony pays tribute to a local inspirational figure, Tim Strachan, sharing heartfelt memories and reflecting on his legacy.

Discussion with Bob Ryan: Evolution of Sports Rules

Timestamp: 00:00 – 33:35

Bob Ryan, a renowned sportswriter from the Boston Globe, joins Tony to discuss numerous rule changes across major sports and their implications.

Baseball: Pitch Clock and Game Pace

• Pitch Clock Implementation: Bob Ryan expresses strong support for the introduction of the pitch clock in baseball.
  • Bob Ryan (22:12): “Hallelujah. It was so long overdue... It’s just too bad it took so long. Look at the effect it's had on game times. It’s been enormous and all positive.”
  • Tony (22:39): Notes the rarity of violations, emphasizing the clock's effectiveness.

Baseball: Ghost Runner and Larger Bases

• Ghost Runner in Extra Innings: Ryan discusses the controversial addition of a ghost runner to reduce game length.

  • Bob Ryan (23:18): Criticizes the necessity of ghost runners, calling it a “needless thing.”

• Larger Bases and Infield Shifts: The conversation shifts to larger bases and the elimination of infield shifts.

  • Bob Ryan (23:59): While ambivalent about infield shifts, he supports larger bases, acknowledging their positive impact on the game.
  • Tony (24:43): Appreciates changes that encourage more stolen bases, enhancing game excitement.

Basketball: 24-Second Clock and Three-Point Shot

• 24-Second Clock: Both hosts agree on the positive influence of the 24-second shot clock in modern basketball.

• Three-Point Shot Critique: Ryan delivers a passionate critique of the three-point line.

  • Bob Ryan (25:45): “I honestly believe what I'm about to say is not hyperbole. It is my belief that the three-point shot is the worst thing to happen to basketball in my lifetime.”
  • He laments the shift away from traditional playstyles, highlighting the negative impact on player roles and game dynamics.

NFL: Kickoffs and Overtime Rules

• Abandonment of Kickoffs: Ryan expresses disappointment over the NFL's move to eliminate kickoffs for safety reasons.

  • Bob Ryan (27:50): Describes football as inherently dangerous, skeptical about the effectiveness of safety measures.

• Overtime Regulations: The discussion turns to NFL overtime rules, with Ryan advocating for formats ensuring both teams possess the ball.

  • Bob Ryan (28:44): Emphasizes the importance of fairness, suggesting that both teams should have the opportunity to control the game in overtime.

Hockey: Shootouts vs. Traditional Play

• Shootouts in Hockey: Ryan shares mixed feelings about shootouts, acknowledging their drama but preferring traditional game resolutions.
  • Bob Ryan (29:53): “I think you want to play the game right and I don't like it at all. But there is tension I can’t deny that.”

Playoff Expansions Across Sports

• Expansion of Playoffs: The conversation explores the trend of expanding playoff opportunities in various sports.
  • Bob Ryan (30:40): Advocates for limits on playoff expansions to maintain competitiveness and significance.
  • He criticizes the motives behind expansions, attributing them to financial gains rather than sporting merit.

NCAA Basketball Tournament Expansion

• NCAA Tournament Growth: Ryan vehemently opposes the proposed expansion of the NCAA tournament beyond 64 teams.

  • Bob Ryan (32:33): “64 was perfect. Perfect. And so no, and it's all this... influence of the power conferences is just insidious.”

• Future of College Sports: He forecasts dire consequences for college sports, citing financial and structural disruptions.

  • Bob Ryan (33:09): “Manuel, the biggest story in all four that's going to take place in our lifetime is the implosion of college sports.”

Key Takeaways:

• Bob Ryan appreciates rule changes that enhance game pace and excitement, such as the pitch clock and larger bases.
• He critically assesses the three-point line in basketball and the removal of NFL kickoffs, highlighting their detrimental effects on traditional play.
• Ryan warns against the unchecked expansion of playoff formats, stressing the importance of preserving competitive integrity.
• The potential overhaul of the NCAA tournament alarms him, foreseeing significant upheaval in college sports.

Tribute to Tim Strachan

Timestamp: 33:35 – 18:42

Tony honors the memory of Tim Strachan, a high school quarterback whose life was tragically altered by an accident, leaving him paralyzed. Strachan's resilience and inspirational contributions to adaptive sports, particularly the Adaptive Open, are celebrated.

• Tony (16:08 – 18:42): Shares personal anecdotes, emphasizing Tim’s impact and unwavering positivity despite his circumstances.
• Expresses admiration for Strachan’s motivational work and highlights his collaboration with Johnny Holiday on Maryland football games.

Notable Quote:

• Tony (16:08): “Tim Strachan became an inspirational figure in this area, made motivational speeches, wonderful motivational speeches. Never complained about the circumstance that he found himself in for the overwhelming majority of his life.”

Conversation with Jeff Ma: Tax Implications for Professional Gamblers

Timestamp: 33:35 – 63:25

Jeff Ma, a professional gambler and industry expert, discusses the ramifications of a new tax bill affecting gamblers, particularly the stipulation limiting the deduction of gambling losses to 90% of winnings.

Understanding the Tax Bill

• Current Deduction Practices: Gamblers can traditionally deduct losses from their winnings, similar to capital gains and losses in investments.

• New Regulation Impact: The proposed bill restricts this deduction, allowing only 90% of losses to be offset against winnings.

  • Jeff Ma (36:22): Explains, “...you could net out your losses versus wins. So this is just like if you were an investor and you had wins and losses...”
  • Tony (37:50): Expresses shock at the sudden revelation of such a provision.

Consequences for Professional Gamblers

• Financial Impact: Professional gamblers, who often have substantial wins and losses, will face increased taxable income.

  • Example: A gambler with $8 million in winnings and $6 million in losses would now be taxed as if they had only $5.4 million in net income.

• Industry Response and Representation: Jeff highlights the absence of lobbying groups advocating for gamblers, leaving them vulnerable to unfavorable legislation.

  • Jeff Ma (40:29): “There are no lobbyists, there are no groups that are protecting the rights of gamblers.”

Potential Unintended Consequences

• Shift to Offshore Bookies: The new tax regulation may drive gamblers towards unregulated or offshore betting platforms to avoid taxation.

  • Jeff Ma (44:40): “That could be an unintended consequence of this.”

• Reduction in Legal Gambling Activity: Increased tax burdens might discourage professional gambling, reducing industry participation and revenue.

Broader Implications

• Comparison with Other Industries: Jeff draws parallels with potential taxation on unrealized gains in the tech sector, underscoring the complexity and unforeseen challenges in legislative processes.

Key Takeaways:

• The new tax bill imposes stricter limits on the deduction of gambling losses, significantly impacting professional gamblers' net income.
• The lack of advocacy groups for gamblers exacerbates the vulnerability of this community to unfavorable tax legislation.
• Potential shifts towards offshore and unregulated betting platforms pose further challenges, including loss of revenue and increased financial insecurity for professional gamblers.

Notable Quotes:

• Jeff Ma (36:22): “It’s just what your income was, right. You shouldn’t pay. You shouldn’t just pay for what you won.”
• Bob Ryan (33:30): Reflecting on the broader impacts of college sports' structural changes.

Listener Mailbag: Community Stories and Interactions

Timestamp: 33:35 – 63:25

Tony engages with listener emails, sharing personal stories and interactions that reflect the diverse experiences of the show’s audience.

Stories Highlighted:

1. David Loose Cannon from Hampton, Virginia:

   • Recounts attending the USGA Adaptive Golf Tournament, expressing emotional connections with participants and memorable moments shared with his father.

2. Jason Kunik from Hagerstown:

   • A prosthetist shares his experience supporting amputees through golf, highlighting events organized by the Eastern Amputee Golf Association.

3. Josh Cromwell from Moselle, Mississippi:

   • Contributes a haiku about potatoes, adding a poetic touch to the show.

4. Terry Douglas from Grand Island, Nebraska:

   • Reflects on the legacy of football and memorable sports moments attended with his father, emphasizing the emotional bond created through sports.

5. Ken Scudder from Takoma Park, Maryland:

   • Shares anecdotes from attending baseball games, including memorable performances by players like Wander Suero and Sung Chae Chung.

6. Jay Yander from Old Ford, Pennsylvania:

   • Queries about making boiled chicken, drawing a humorous parallel to techniques used for boiled eggs.

7. Lisa G. from New York City:

   • Discusses her love for cherries, interweaving it with a humorous take on competitive eating showcased on ESPN.

8. Hardy Watts:

   • Appreciates the promotion of independent artists on the show, sharing personal connections and experiences with musicians featured on the podcast.

Notable Quotes:

• Tony (54:02): “I told him how Mr. Toney would rage Suero's outings on the pod to the delight of all, and told him to buckle up for the ride.”
• Jeff Ma (55:09): Shares a poetic rendition embedded in a song lyric: “I offer up excuses and dance around what's true and you keep believing.”

Conclusion

In the “Harvest Time” episode, Tony Kornheiser masterfully balances discussions on pivotal sports rule changes with critical insights into legislative impacts on professional gambling. The conversations with Bob Ryan and Jeff Ma provide listeners with a deeper understanding of the evolving dynamics in sports and the challenges facing the gambling industry. Additionally, heartfelt tributes and engaging listener stories enrich the show, highlighting the community’s diverse experiences and shared passions.

Final Thoughts:

• Sports Evolution: Rule changes are reshaping traditional sports, eliciting mixed reactions from enthusiasts and experts alike.
• Legislative Impact: New tax policies pose significant challenges to professional gamblers, underscoring the need for advocacy and informed discussions.
• Community Engagement: Listener contributions and personal stories enhance the show's relatability and foster a strong sense of community among the audience.

For those who haven't listened to "The Tony Kornheiser Show," this episode offers a comprehensive exploration of contemporary issues in sports and gambling, enriched by personal anecdotes and expert opinions. It's a must-listen for fans seeking both informative and heartfelt content.