The Tony Kornheiser Show: “Hinky Dinky” – December 4, 2024
Introduction In the episode titled “Hinky Dinky,” host Tony Kornheiser delves into a variety of topics spanning sports, politics, and current events. The show features regular guests Chuck Todd and Richard Justice, along with the entertaining presence of Reginald the Monkey. Throughout the episode, Kornheiser navigates nostalgic retrospectives, heated debates on college football playoffs, in-depth NFL game analyses, and lively listener interactions.
1. Nostalgia in College Basketball ([01:53] – [06:18])
Tony kicks off the show by reminiscing about memorable moments in college basketball, specifically focusing on Georgetown's storied past. He recalls the heartfelt interactions between coaches and players, highlighting the unique bond between John Thompson and Louis Carnesecca.
- Tony Kornheiser: “Nothing that I have ever attended brought me greater joy as Big John opening his jacket that day. I agree... And John hugged Louie... It was a joyous moment.”
Richard Justice and Chris contribute by reflecting on the Big East Conference's golden era, discussing legendary players like Bill Wennington and the impact of coaching legends. They explore how television and big-city dynamics shaped the conference's success.
- Chris: “Miss those days. It’s sort of like early to mid-80s through the kind of mid-90s ish.”
Notable Quote:
- Tony Kornheiser ([05:37]): “This season, Instacart's here for hosts and their whole holiday.”
2. College Football Playoff Controversy ([06:18] – [23:03])
The conversation shifts to a heated debate over the College Football Playoff selections. Tony argues in favor of Alabama over Miami, citing strength of schedule and conference performance, while Chuck Todd passionately criticizes the committee's decisions and the perceived bias towards SEC teams.
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Tony Kornheiser ([19:30]): “I will give you Alabama's credentials. Different than Miami. Miami has not beaten a single ranked team.”
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Chuck Todd ([21:02]): “This is not a playoff. It's an invitational. And Miami was told you're not invited.”
The discussion highlights the complexities of playoff selections, including factors like strength of schedule, conference dominance, and the influence of television contracts.
Notable Quotes:
- Tony Kornheiser ([20:06]): “If it was just for TV, TV has everything to do with it.”
- Chuck Todd ([22:25]): “When did in college football a three-loss year ever seem like a good year?”
3. NFL Betting and Game Analysis ([23:03] – [33:13])
Tony and Chuck transition to NFL betting insights, analyzing upcoming games and sharing their picks against the spread. They discuss teams like Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons, and the Cleveland Browns, providing statistical breakdowns and personal opinions on player performances.
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Tony Kornheiser ([26:07]): “Cleveland is getting six and a half at Pittsburgh... Jameis Winston has the worst ratio of touchdowns to interceptions.”
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Chuck Todd ([30:27]): “This week they've caught up and I think this is finally a line that even if the one score game type of thing, I'm going to go with the Chiefs this week.”
Notable Quotes:
- Tony Kornheiser ([32:28]): “How is it Joe Burrow's fault?”
- Chuck Todd ([33:13]): “See the monkey, he's scritch, scritch scratching.”
4. Player Suspension and Team Dynamics ([43:34] – [47:54])
The discussion turns to the Houston Texans linebacker Aziz Al Shire’s three-game suspension due to repeated unsportsmanlike conduct. Tony and a listener dissect the implications of the suspension, the team's stance, and what it means for Al Shire’s future with the Texans.
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Listener ([46:32]): “John Runyon in the NFL statement said, 'lacked sportsmanship and respect for the game.'”
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Tony Kornheiser ([47:07]): “They believe in him. ... It was a brutal hit.”
Chuck Todd expresses skepticism about the punishment’s impact, suggesting that Texans’ management's support of Al Shire may shield him from long-term consequences.
Notable Quote:
- Listener ([46:23]): “The NFL has determined through their actions that he's a dirty player.”
5. Major League Baseball Trade Speculations ([50:26] – [54:31])
Tony engages with a listener regarding Louisa Rice's potential trade in MLB. They analyze his performance metrics, contract considerations, and the broader implications for teams like the Padres, Yankees, and Red Sox.
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Listener ([52:20]): “His walk rate is... he doesn't walk. He doesn't hit home runs, he hits singles.”
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Tony Kornheiser ([54:28]): “He's really a great player. Thanks Richie.”
Notable Quote:
- Listener ([54:14]): “Juan Soto doesn’t do walks or home runs, he hits singles.”
6. Listener Mailbag and Anecdotes ([56:04] – [64:57])
In a lively mailbag segment, listeners share personal stories, corrections, and humorous anecdotes. Tony reads various emails, including reflections on past sports events, personal experiences with iconic figures, and lighthearted jokes.
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Listener ([57:19]): “I was visiting my grandparents at a nursing home... recognized him immediately as Luke Harness.”
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Tony Kornheiser ([63:07]): “Pumpkin pie is a living symbol of mediocrity... say no to the nutmeg.”
Reginald the Monkey and other characters add playful commentary, enhancing the show's entertaining dynamic.
Notable Quote:
- Tony Kornheiser ([63:07]): “Pumpkin pie is a living symbol of mediocrity.”
7. Closing Remarks and Musical Guest ([64:03] – End)
Tony wraps up the episode with reflections on listener contributions and personal updates, including his ongoing struggles with his voice. The episode concludes with a musical performance by Beef, featuring Tony’s friend Perry Eaton, whose song “Something in the River” adds a melodic close to the episode.
- Tony Kornheiser ([40:19]): “I'm on a second kind of steroid cortisone medication.”
Notable Quote:
- Tony Kornheiser ([41:02]): “I didn’t know he was going down. And that’s the thing that makes you wonder, like, how do you know when a player is going down?”
Conclusion “Hinky Dinky” showcases Tony Kornheiser's signature blend of insightful sports commentary, engaging debates, and relatable storytelling. The episode's diverse topics and interactive segments make it a compelling listen for both regular followers and newcomers seeking a comprehensive overview of contemporary sports issues.
Notable Quotes Recap:
- Tony Kornheiser ([19:30]): “I will give you Alabama's credentials. Different than Miami. Miami has not beaten a single ranked team.”
- Chuck Todd ([22:25]): “When did in college football a three-loss year ever seem like a good year?”
- Tony Kornheiser ([32:28]): “How is it Joe Burrow's fault?”
- Tony Kornheiser ([63:07]): “Pumpkin pie is a living symbol of mediocrity.”
This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and engaging moments from “Hinky Dinky,” providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven’t tuned into the episode.