The Tony Kornheiser Show

Episode: “The Propane Standoff”
Date: November 12, 2025
Host: Tony Kornheiser
Regulars/Guests: Michael Wilbon, Nigel, Chuck Todd, Jeff Passan

Overview

This lively episode of “The Tony Kornheiser Show” is a quintessential mix of sports news, personal anecdotes, and sharp commentary on customer service and modern life. The central themes include the dramatic firing of Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison following a disastrous trade, Tony’s personal “propane standoff” with a utility company, NFL and NCAA football picks with Chuck Todd and Reginald the monkey, and an in-depth discussion with Jeff Passan about the latest MLB gambling scandal. True to form, Tony weaves humor, nostalgia, and cultural observations into every topic.

Major Segments and Discussion Points

1. The Nico Harrison Firing and the NBA’s Worst Trade

[01:13 - 06:59]

• Story Recap: Tony opens with the headline news: Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison has been fired after trading away franchise star Luka Doncic to the Lakers for the oft-injured Anthony Davis.
• Tony’s reaction is blunt and incredulous:

  “It’s the worst trade ever and he should have been fired on the spot.” (Tony, [02:00])

• Letter from listener Larry Shoemaker calls Tony a “legendary sportswriter, television star… and fortune teller” for having predicted Harrison’s ouster.
• Panel discusses who deserves blame: Tony blames Harrison; Wilbon offers tepid defense, calling ownership “billionaire bullies.”
• Tony points out dropping attendance and constant arena chants—“fire Nico”—as likely triggers for the firing.
• Notably, Tony and Wilbon “half-jokingly” suggest the NBA lottery was rigged to help Dallas after this catastrophe.
• Quote:

  “The specter of this trade hangs over the Dallas franchise like the sword of Damocles.” (Tony, [05:23])

2. The Propane Standoff—Customer Service Woes

[06:59 - 15:26]

• Tony shifts gears with a personal story about his Delaware house, which runs on propane purchased annually from Sherman Heating Oils.
• For years, Tony prepaid by locking in a per-gallon winter rate via mail. This year, he never received the annual letter and thus missed the offer—resulting in a surprise, much larger bill.
• He argues good customer service should recognize good customers, suggesting a follow-up call or letter was warranted.
• Wilbon and Nigel support Tony’s stance, lamenting declining customer service and discussing how markets squeeze longtime locals for more profit as areas gentrify.
• Nigel jestingly suggests Tony just buy the company and fire everyone.
• Quote:

  “I believe that good customer service includes the recognition of good customers.” (Tony, [10:41])

3. The “Littles” Community and Music Break

[17:32 - 18:19]

• Gus Gustofferson, a Canadian indie folk musician and long-time fan, shares his appreciation for Tony’s “jingle segment” and how it inspired his return to music.
• Charming banter about the power of the show to connect people “from the edge of North America.”

4. NFL Picks & Sports Banter with Chuck Todd

[18:20 - 36:05]

• Chuck Todd joins for his weekly NFL betting picks.
• Discussion of recent picks (Green Bay’s tough season, the agony of betting lines in overtime).
• Lively chat about fan psychology, oddsmaker tactics, and broadcast bloopers.
• Quick-hit picks covering Washington Commanders, Buffalo, Cincinnati-Pittsburgh, Chargers-Jacksonville, Seattle-LA Rams, and a few marquee matchups.
• Banter about Jordan Love vs. Jalen Hurts, and the reality that some teams “just don’t pass the eye test.”
• Notable moment:

  “The Packers, because they don’t have an owner, always give coaches that long.” (Chuck Todd, [35:43])

5. NFL Picks with Reginald the Monkey

[36:06 - 38:33]

• Tongue-in-cheek update on Reginald’s NFL record and “interview” for the open Mavericks GM job.
• Reginald picks Miami over Washington (sentimental pick for Miami), Chargers over Jaguars, and LA Rams over Seattle.

6. MLB Gambling Scandal: Interview with Jeff Passan

[39:27 - 56:48]

• Tony brings on ESPN’s Jeff Passan for a detailed exploration of the latest baseball gambling scandal.
• Two MLB pitchers (Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz) are being charged with conspiracy, bribery, and fraud—potentially facing up to 65 years in prison for allegedly being paid by friends to throw specific pitches for prop bet wins.
• Passan emphasizes that even “one pitch” impacts the integrity of the game:

  “If there’s anything that chips away at [the idea of competition], it turns into professional wrestling... The beauty of sports is that the outcome is not predetermined.” (Passan, [40:43])

• Discussion of MLB’s response—placing both pitchers on non-disciplinary paid leave—and the deeper issue of legalized betting’s impact on sports leagues.
• Tony and Passan debate how to address the issue, with Tony skeptical that anything can now “put the toothpaste back” into the legalized betting industry.
• Quotes:

  “There are no frivolities in this situation. We need to be talking about this. We need to understand it better.” (Passan, [50:17])
  “How do you stop it?” (Tony, [56:17])

7. Community Email and Notable Moments

[57:01 - end]

• Tony and team read listener emails covering everything from inside jokes and prop bets on college games to urban dictionary submissions (“hocus pocus junk”), mouse-flushing adventures, and tributes to musician Patty Larkin.
• Shout-outs for local references (Bethesda Bagels, Binghamton Bearcats, NE D.C. trash collectors), and the collective catharsis of “enjoying every sandwich.”
• Tony closes with classic quips and thanks the community for their continued engagement.

Notable Quotes

• “It’s the worst trade ever and he should have been fired on the spot.” — Tony [02:00], on the Luka-AD trade.
• “The specter of this trade hangs over the Dallas franchise like the sword of Damocles.” — Tony [05:23]
• “I believe that good customer service includes the recognition of good customers.” — Tony [10:41]
• “The Packers, because they don’t have an owner, always give coaches that long.” — Chuck Todd [35:43]
• “If there’s anything that chips away at [the idea of competition], it turns into professional wrestling... The beauty of sports is that the outcome is not predetermined.” — Jeff Passan [40:43]
• “There are no frivolities in this situation. We need to be talking about this. We need to understand it better.” — Jeff Passan [50:17]
• “How do you stop it?” — Tony [56:17], pondering the future of sports gambling issues.

Important Timestamps & Segments

• [01:13 - 06:59] — The firing of Nico Harrison/The Luka Trade rant
• [06:59 - 15:26] — Propane standoff & Customer service
• [18:20 - 36:05] — NFL picks & sports analysis with Chuck Todd
• [36:06 - 38:33] — NFL picks with Reginald the monkey (comic relief)
• [39:27 - 56:48] — MLB gambling scandal (in-depth with Jeff Passan)
• [57:01 - end] — Listener emails, community stories, closing thoughts

Tone & Style

Tony’s trademark blend of mock outrage, world-weary wisdom, journalistic rigor, and comedic asides is ever-present. The panel alternates between playful teasing, insightful sports commentary, and genuine concern for broader issues (like sports betting and customer service erosion). As always, listener contributions and inside jokes maintain a sense of a close-knit, welcoming community.

Summary for New Listeners

This episode is classic Tony Kornheiser: incisive yet irreverent, weaving sports headlines, personal misadventure, and societal critique. From the fallout of a catastrophic NBA trade to the perplexities of propane billing, to the ethical dangers of gambling in sports, Tony and his co-conspirators bring warmth, wit, and clarity. Even a dancing monkey picks football games. If you like your sports talk delivered with self-aware neurosis, sharp banter, and a dash of nostalgia, this episode is a perfect entry point.