Podcast Summary: "He is what he is" – The Tony Kornheiser Show

Episode Information:

• Title: He is what he is
• Release Date: June 16, 2025
• Host: Tony Kornheiser
• Guests: Michael Wilbon, Steve Sands, Intern Chris

1. Introduction to Today's Topics

Tony Kornheiser opens the episode by outlining the key subjects to be discussed:

• U.S. Open Golf Tournament
• Rafael Devers Trade in Baseball
• Shohei Ohtani’s Return to the Mound
• NHL and NBA Playoffs
• J.J. Spawn’s Victory at Oakmont

Notable Quote:

Tony Kornheiser [00:00]: "On today's show, we'll talk to Wilbon about the U.S. open, the Devers trade, Shohei Ohtani's return to the mound, and also about where things stand in the NHL and NBA playoffs."

2. U.S. Open Golf Tournament

The discussion delves deep into the U.S. Open held at Oakmont, highlighting the dramatic finish.

J.J. Spawn’s Victory:

• Spawn began the tournament poorly, bogeying five of the first six holes.
• Demonstrated remarkable resilience by shooting 32 on the back nine, culminating in two crucial birdies on the 17th and 18th holes under challenging rainy conditions.

Course Conditions and Fairness:

• Tony and Michael express concerns over the handling of rain delays and water hazards, particularly criticizing the ruling on Sam Burns, which they felt unfairly eliminated him from contention.

Notable Quotes:

Tony Kornheiser [03:20]: "JJ Spawn bogayed the first three holes. He has terrible luck. He's done."

Michael Wilbon [38:01]: "I believe it was real, real close to the edges, very USGA. I would put it on the unfair side more than the fair side."

Michael’s Insights:

• Emphasizes the USGA’s strict course setup at Oakmont, which often favors certain play styles and can lead to unexpected outcomes.
• Highlights Spawn’s exceptional performance and adaptability to the challenging conditions.

Conclusion on the Tournament:

• Despite initial setbacks, J.J. Spawn's perseverance led him to a well-deserved victory, although the handling of certain rules remains a point of contention.

3. Rafael Devers Trade in Baseball

Tony and Steve discuss the significant trade of Rafael Devers from the Boston Red Sox to the San Francisco Giants.

Implications of the Trade:

• Boston Red Sox:

  • Decision to trade Devers stems from internal team dynamics and performance considerations.
  • A strategic move to restructure the team by trading a key player.

• San Francisco Giants:

  • Acquisition aims to bolster the Giants’ lineup with Devers’ exceptional hitting capabilities.
  • Devers is expected to rejuvenate the Giants' offensive performance, marking the first time they secure a 40-home-run hitter in over two decades.

Notable Quotes:

Tony Kornheiser [06:25]: "The Red Sox sat down and said, we can't stand this guy anymore."

Steve Sands [27:10]: "Devers is the best hitter the Giants will have put in that lineup since Barry."

Steve’s Perspective:

• Views the trade as a strategic enhancement for the Giants, especially in a highly competitive division.
• Believes Devers’ addition will significantly impact the Giants’ performance in the upcoming season.

4. Shohei Ohtani’s Return to the Mound

The conversation shifts to Shohei Ohtani's anticipated pitching appearance for the Dodgers against the Padres, despite earlier remarks from Manager Dave Roberts about the slim chances of him pitching.

Expectations and Speculations:

• Tony expresses skepticism about Ohtani’s performance, anticipating potential injuries or subpar outings.
• Steve considers the possibility of Ohtani delivering an outstanding performance, reflecting on his unique dual-role capabilities.

Notable Quotes:

Tony Kornheiser [05:45]: "I would be very surprised if he had a clean inning."

Steve Sands [25:25]: "If the Dodgers are letting him do this, I guess they expect it to be great."

5. NHL Playoffs: Florida vs. Edmonton Series

Tony and Steve analyze the intense NHL playoff series between Florida and Edmonton, focusing on key players like Brad Marchand.

Series Highlights:

• Edmonton Oilers:

  • Currently leading the series 2-1.
  • Described as resilient despite challenging performances.

• Florida Panthers:

  • Host the next game in Edmonton.
  • Brad Marchand highlighted as an "arch villain" with a strong narrative leading to potential Hall of Fame candidacy.

Notable Quotes:

Steve Sands [29:12]: "It's just wildly entertaining. Completely unpredictable."

Michael Wilbon [30:05]: "They got it on Father's day, in an incredibly dramatic ending, they got exactly what they wanted."

Steve’s Take:

• Praises the series for its unpredictability and high entertainment value.
• Anticipates a thrilling conclusion, potentially extending to seven games.

6. NBA Playoffs and Emerging Stars

The discussion transitions to the NBA playoffs, emphasizing the rise of new talents overshadowed by established stars like Steph Curry and LeBron James.

Emerging Players:

• Shay Gilgamesh Alexander and Tyrese Halliburton:
  • Highlighted for their consistent performances throughout the season.
  • Garnering praise for their leadership and on-court skills.

Concerns and Observations:

• The marketing focus on veteran stars might be stifling the recognition of newer, impactful players.
• Tony and Steve express a desire for more attention on these rising stars who contribute significantly to their teams.

Notable Quotes:

Steve Sands [32:00]: "If you love great basketball, I don't need to wait for game six or seven. They've been great already."

Tony Kornheiser [35:05]: "How do you think the Oklahoma City team fares in these playoffs? I think Oklahoma City wins."

Steve’s Perspective:

• Advocates for greater appreciation of emerging talents within the NBA.
• Believes young players are essential for the league's future and fan engagement.

7. Special Segment: Intern Chris on Crutches

A lighter segment features Intern Chris discussing his recent injury and his commitment to performing stand-up comedy despite being on crutches.

Highlights:

• Chris recounts slipping at a Mountjoy concert, resulting in an ankle injury.
• Despite the setback, he performed his show using a stool, demonstrating resilience and dedication.

Notable Quotes:

Intern Chris [03:08]: "What happened to you Friday night? I was at a Mountjoy concert... slipped on a hill."

Tony Kornheiser [03:48]: "This could be a new bit."

Tony’s Support:

• Shows concern for Chris’s well-being while commending his perseverance.
• Engages humorously about the potential for Chris’s injury to become comedic material.

8. Closing Remarks and Musical Interlude

Tony wraps up the discussion, reaffirming J.J. Spawn’s deserving victory at the U.S. Open while acknowledging the controversies surrounding the tournament’s management.

Final Thoughts:

• Emphasizes the importance of fair play and the integrity of the game.
• Celebrates Spawn’s achievement despite the challenging conditions and rules interpretations.

Notable Quote:

Tony Kornheiser [41:13]: "You don’t want a tournament to be lost, you want it to be won. And J.J. Spawn won the tournament. Right? There’s no question he won the tournament."

Musical Highlight:

• The episode features original song interludes by Dan Byrne, adding a creative and entertaining layer to the show’s conclusion.

Conclusion

In this episode, Tony Kornheiser, alongside guests Michael Wilbon, Steve Sands, and Intern Chris, provides a comprehensive and engaging analysis of major sports events, blending insightful commentary with personal anecdotes and humor. From J.J. Spawn’s remarkable U.S. Open victory to significant developments in baseball trades and thrilling playoff series in hockey and basketball, the show offers listeners a well-rounded and entertaining perspective on the sports landscape of June 2025.

Note: This summary is based on the provided transcript and aims to encapsulate the essence of the discussed topics, including key quotes and timestamps for reference.