Charles Barkley on LeBron & Bronny, JuJu vs Caitlin Clark, KAT Trade Verdict & Angering the Celtics

Summary

Throwbacks with Matt Leinart & Jerry Ferrara - Episode Summary

Release Date: October 10, 2024
Episode Title: Charles Barkley on LeBron & Bronny, JuJu vs Caitlin Clark, KAT Trade Verdict & Angering the Celtics

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1. Opening Banter and Team Rivalries ([01:03] - [06:25])

Matt Leinart (B) and Jerry Ferrara (C) kick off the episode with lively discussions about their sports team preferences and rivalries. Matt expresses his disdain for Philadelphia (Philly) fans, particularly Sixers supporters, and shares his unconventional take on sports fandom by rooting for the New York Mets over the Yankees to upset Phillies fans. He states:

“I just want the Mets to beat the Phillies. That's it.” ([04:19])

Jerry Ferrara counters by highlighting his strong dislike for the Los Angeles Clippers and refuses to support teams like the San Francisco Giants or Anaheim Angels. Their banter underscores the deep-seated emotions tied to team loyalties and rivalries.

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2. Introduction of Guest: Charles Barkley ([06:25] - [22:48])

Matt and Jerry introduce their special guest, Charles Barkley (A), affectionately known as "Sir Charles" and “the round mound of rebounds.” They recount how they secured his appearance on the show and set the stage for an engaging conversation.

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3. Discussion on Coaching Changes and Team Dynamics ([07:44] - [12:38])

The trio delves into the recent firing of Coach Salah, analyzing the implications for the New York Jets. Charles Barkley provides insights from his playing days, comparing them to the current situation:

“There’s always more to this. It could bring the team together because we don’t know the relationship between Saul and some of the...players.” ([09:50])

They discuss the potential for the team to galvanize after the coaching change and the impact on player performances. Matt expresses concern over the team’s offensive struggles and the uncertainty surrounding Salah’s role post-firing.

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4. Moment of the Week: Sports Highlights and NIL Deals ([12:38] - [16:29])

Matt and Jerry share their "Can't Get Enough Sauce" moments, highlighting impressive performances in the WNBA and college football upsets. Jerry praises Sabrina Ionescu for her stellar performance:

“She's averaging 20 points a game. She's shooting 46.5% from three. That's saucy right there.” ([14:10])

Matt recounts the dramatic upset of Vanderbilt defeating Alabama, celebrating the unpredictability and excitement of college football.

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5. Stories from the Entertainment Industry ([16:29] - [20:18])

The conversation shifts to behind-the-scenes experiences in television and film. Charles recounts an incident from his time on Entourage, where actor Richard Dreyfuss was replaced mid-episode due to performance issues. Matt shares his experience with TV table reads and the challenges actors face in maintaining consistency and quality during production.

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6. Interview Segment with Charles Barkley ([22:48] - [73:30])

Charles Barkley joins Matt and Jerry to discuss a variety of topics ranging from his Emmy nominations to his views on sports and entertainment. Key highlights include:

• Emmy Nominations: Charles humorously talks about chasing Emmy wins, initially losing multiple times before finally securing victories.

  “I have got nominated for Emmy every year... but I win. Like, that's Jesse, though, y'all.” ([23:09])

• Transition to Television: Charles shares his journey from sports to TV, influenced by mentor Dick Ebersol, emphasizing the importance of honesty and authenticity in media.

  “Fans want two things: Tell me my team is going to be good and tell me my favorite player is going to be great.” ([27:00])

• Role Models and Youth Inspiration: He discusses the impact of athletes as role models and the need for better guidance for young black athletes, advocating for pursuing diverse career paths beyond sports.

  “I want to start a better conversation. They’re not going to play in the NBA. Think about being an engineer, think about being a doctor.” ([56:52])

• Bronny and LeBron Intersection: Charles reflects on Bronny James sharing the court with his father, LeBron, highlighting the unique challenges and pressures of being a second-generation athlete.

  “It's one of the greatest sports stories of all time.” ([60:37])

• Trade Verdicts and NBA Dynamics: The trio debates recent NBA trades, the potential of teams like the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic, and the intricate rivalries that influence team performances.

  “The Celtics are going to be the favorite. Let’s play Jalen and Jason.” ([69:07])

• Iconic Sports Venues: They reminisce about legendary sports venues, sharing personal anecdotes and favorite memories from places like the Rose Bowl, Rucker Park, and the old Yankee Stadium.

  “That chair back there is from the old Yankee Stadium.” ([83:22])

Throughout the interview, Charles provides a blend of humor, personal stories, and candid opinions, enriching the episode with his charismatic presence.

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7. Throwback Segment: Iconic Sports Venues ([76:54] - [85:45])

Matt, Jerry, and Charles engage in a segment discussing their top three most iconic sports venues. Highlights include:

• Matt’s Picks:

  1. Augusta National: Cherishing the prestige of The Masters and the exclusivity of the venue.
  2. Old Yankee Stadium: Nostalgic memories and legendary moments.
  3. Rucker Park: Celebrating streetball legends and the rich history of the venue.

• Jerry’s Picks:

  1. Rose Bowl: Admiration for its beauty and significance in college football.
  2. Wrigley Field: Personal connection as a baseball fan and the iconic status of the venue.
  3. Rucker Park: Valuing its influence on basketball culture and legendary streetball players.

• Charles’ Picks:

  1. Cameron Indoor Stadium (Duke): Reverence for its intense atmosphere and storied rivalries.
  2. Madison Square Garden: Acknowledged by Matt as a unanimous favorite but exploring deeper choices.
  3. The Forum (Los Angeles): Fond memories of sitting alongside celebrities and witnessing historic sports moments.

Their discussions highlight the emotional and cultural significance of these venues, providing listeners with a nostalgic journey through sports history.

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8. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Content ([85:45] - End)

The hosts wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to engage through social media and teasing future content, including their planned three-point shootout challenge and continued discussions with high-profile guests like Charles Barkley. They express excitement for upcoming episodes and share light-hearted plans to collaborate further with their guest.

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Notable Quotes

• Matt Leinart on Team Preferences:

  “I just want the Mets to beat the Phillies. That's it.” ([04:19])

• Charles Barkley on Emmy Nominations:

  “I've been nominated every year because of the people. And Matt, you know this.” ([23:09])

• Jerry Ferrara on Sabrina Ionescu’s Performance:

  “She's averaging 20 points a game. She's shooting 46.5% from three. That's saucy right there.” ([14:10])

• Charles Barkley on Role Models:

  “I want to start a better conversation... think about being an engineer, think about being a doctor.” ([56:52])

• Matt Leinart on Authenticity in Media:

  “Fans want two things: Tell me my team is going to be good and tell me my favorite player is going to be great.” ([27:00])

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Conclusion

This episode of Throwbacks with Matt Leinart & Jerry Ferrara offers a compelling mix of sports analysis, personal anecdotes, and insightful interviews with guest Charles Barkley. From team rivalries and coaching changes to the impact of iconic sports venues, the hosts deliver an engaging and informative discussion that caters to both sports enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.

Transcript

[A]

This episode is brought to you by Honda. When you test drive the new Prologue ev, there's a lot that could impress you about it. There's the class leading passenger space, the clean, thoughtful design and the intuitive technology. But out of everything, what you'll really love most is that it's a Honda. Visit honda.comev to see offers. You know, Matt, you can text me other than to be on the podcast every now and then.

[B]

Oh, I like that. Tell him, Charles.

[C]

Tell.

[B]

All right, here we go. Another episode of Throwbacks. Jerry Ferrara, Matt Liner, as always, however, you're listening today. We appreciate it. Subscribe to us on YouTube, follow on Apple and Spotify. Also, all our socials are at Throwback Show. And again, we actually respond to you.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

As we do as a podcast and as a people, we respond to you. Some of you were responding to me a little too much recently, but we love that. We love it. We love it. How's it going, Matt? Before we dig in today, how you doing?

[C]

It's been, it's been a week, dude. I'm good though, man. You can see my hair. I got a. I need a haircut this week, man. A little disheveled this week. Got the beard growing. But I'm still recovering from last week's college football slate, which is wild. Five of the top 11 teams lost, including my Trojans. We don't need to beat a dead horse. Talking about usc. I've talked about USC football all week, but it was wild, man. That's why college football is the best. And another great slate of games, big games coming up this weekend, too. So how about you, man? You are again. I feel like one of us is in the news or on in the social sphere of just like, whether it's my jersey take or whether it's you rooting for like rivals and stuff. Can you just explain yourself, please?

[B]

Okay, let me. For clarity, yes, we will talk about this before we get into other amazing things we have for you with the show today. This show has maybe been my favorite so far, but, you know, as we know, baseball playoffs are in full swing. This goes back to when the Mets were playing, you know, in that playing situation with the brewers and Alonzo hits the home run, I made a video saying, look, this is actually more related to the Knicks. My hatred of Philly fans, mainly Sixers fans, is so deep that I would actually love nothing more than to see the New York Mets, which I am not a fan of. I'm a Yankee fan. I would love nothing more than to see the Mets Bounce the Phillies out of the playoffs. If for nothing else, it pisses off every Philly, right, that take. And that's why I know I cannot never be in the take business. Because instantly, Mets fans told me to go fuck myself. Phillies fans told me to go fuck myself, Yankees fans. My own mother called me up, Matt, and said, jerry Charles, how could you root for the Mets she was disgusted with.

[C]

Exactly. It doesn't matter who your rival is playing. I understand your point. Because you hate Philly so much. Hate him, but at the expense of seeing your. Your rival where you grew up, another team that you hate when.

[B]

So, all right, let's look at that for one second. And then coming out, listen, we're going to. We're going to dive all into. Going to dive all into Coach Salah getting fired, and we're going to talk about our guest in one second because it's related to Philly. The take is simply this. I am not threatened by the Mets or their fans. Meaning I grew up a Yankee fan in Brooklyn. Brooklyn is one of the weird places. You grew up in the Bronx. Yankees grew up in Queens. Mets. Brooklyn is maybe even 60, 40 Mets when I grew up. So, yes, there was some hostility growing up. And the mets in the 80s and early 90s were better than the Yankees till about 94 since then. I mean, we beat them in a subway series. It's really not. There's nothing left to prove about who's the. I don't have hatred. It's not f the Mets. But I'll tell you what, that Knicks Philly series, it became f the Sixer fans for me real quick. So, yeah, I'm, I'm living on that take because I don't want the mess to win the World Series. I don't want them to beat the Dodgers or if the Padre, whoever they play, I don't want that to happen. So I just. I just want the Mets to beat the Phillies. That's it.

[C]

I would never root for the Clippers to beat anybody in the NBA. Never.

[B]

And talk about not threatening. Why are you threatened by the Clippers, man?

[C]

I'm just saying, you grow up in a town where fans, Fans aren't even split here, this is a 95% lake, we all know. But when the Clippers got good a decade ago, when they had, you know, when they had all those Glob City and everyone's like, oh, they're the best team, they still choked. They still never. And when they were in the playoffs, I hated them and I didn't care if they played whoever, I just would never root for that. I would never root for the San Francisco Giants to win a Super. To win a World Series.

[B]

Okay, so if it were. If it were Clippers, this is something that's not going to happen. If it were Clippers, Celtics, arguably the biggest Laker rival, because I guess you could say the warriors, but I don't know, like in the west only. But Lakers, Celtics, they used to make video games based on the rivalry. If it were Clippers, Celtics, you, who.

[C]

Are you rooting for, Jerry? If it was the Clippers, Sixers. Knowing your hatred for the Sixers, I would still root for the Sixers, dude. And that is not a shot at you. I would hope Philly want to. Want to engage.

[B]

You take is hotter than mine. I hate Sixers, therefore I'm rooting for the Phillies. You're. You just are all out on the Clippers. I can't believe you're threatened by the la. All right, so by the way, I'm.

[C]

Not threatened by the Clippers. Trust me.

[B]

If the Giants. Okay, Giants, Angel, San Francisco Giants, Anaheim, Angels. Do you even care? I know it never happened either, but I'm just saying. I'm trying to find a comp here.

[C]

There's no comp. I just wouldn't do it. I root for my teams and that's it.

[B]

I will just say to all three franchises that that cursed me out. And Giants, Angels did happen. Giants, Angels.

[C]

I was at. I was at. Troy Percival closed the game. I was at one of those.

[B]

Did you care? Did you care?

[C]

Uh, I cared at that time because I was grew up right there, so it was like the team, but I was. I've never rooted for the Angels outside of that when I was 17.

[B]

Well, here's what I'm going to wrap it up with. To all three fan bases and my mom.

[C]

Okay, Shout out to mom.

[B]

Shout out to mom. But, Mom, I love you. I don't. I don't care what you say. You're not talking. You're not going to publicly pressure me into backing off this take. I want the Mets to beat the Phillies. End of story. And then whatever happens to the Mets after that, I don't care. And Yankee fans, I am worried about the Royals. This is not a. I'm overlooking the Royals as well. I'm terrified of the Royals, so calm down. I did not expect that to go that way. But speaking of Philly fans, Matt, we have someone joining us on the show today who knows exactly what it's like to play in front of The Philly fans, and might even be a Philadelphia Phillies fan himself. We sat down yesterday and I got to thank you and Andrew Gundling, our producer for this. We sat down yesterday with a man who has great nicknames, Sir Charles, the round mound of rebounds. Charles Barkley joined us yesterday. We're going to play that interview in a little while. But he was awesome.

[C]

Awesome. And, and yeah, shout out to Andrew. We, you know, mentioned, you know, we had Dontrell on last week talking baseball and great stories. And he's like, what about Charles? And I'm like, man, I used to hang with Charles back in Arizona. I'll shoot him a text. And it was. And he responded.

[B]

He's like, yeah, let's go.

[C]

And he.

[B]

I mean, what a dude.

[C]

Dude. What a guy, man. Shout out to Charles. We love Charles. It's. It is. It's epic. It's going to be epic. Gonna love it. Yeah.

[B]

We actually didn't get to ask him this because I had this on the list of things to ask him, but we went so far off the menu that I just left it that way. And I know you did, too, but obviously everyone's talking about. And we have to talk about it. Salah getting fired. And I know Rogers Yesterday was on McAfee and saying, you know, he's, you know, basically pissed. I'm paraphrasing. But anyone who thinks he had something to do with it, that you're wrong, which I believe. So I thought the timing of this was really interesting. Obviously, anytime it happens in season and I asked you on text, but you've never played with a coach getting fired mid seas in season, right?

[C]

I never have. I, you know, Denny Green drafted me and got fired after my rookie year after. And then, I mean, I had a very terrible relationship with wizard in her son. That's well documented.

[B]

Was there ever a coach on the hot seat while you were playing where, like it could happen maybe?

[C]

No. You know, again, this is, this is. I mean, this. This happens. It's never happened to me, you know, and, and, and again too, just like the bit, like, it's just so polarizing because of bringing in Rogers last year and then he tears his Achilles and. And we talked about on throwbacks the first episode, like, we made the bet if the jets win the super bowl. Like, I literally, this is a Super bowl contender. And obviously they've struggled and now they're, you know what 2 and 3 are they 2 and 3.

[B]

2 and 3.

[C]

Going into Monday night Football against one of the top two or three teams in The NFL with an interim head coach.

[B]

That's my biggest thing when I looked at this, you know, and again, not a Jets fan, but again, I want to. I just want to see. I just want to see it. I wanted to see Rogers with this team, with all the weapons, the offense has been underwhelming. People will blame Rogers, some of the coaching stuff, time management, all that. Everyone's always been on Salah about that, but the timing of it, because if he, you know, jets are at home Monday night versus Buffalo. If the jets, if Salah doesn't get fired and they beat Buffalo, he's not getting. He's got job security for at least another few weeks, if not the rest of the season. Maybe.

[C]

But I do think, though, because there's. There's always more to this. Like this has been brewing. Right. And even last year, you lose Aaron Rodgers for the year, so you kind of have a pass. Salah has a pass. Right. But we don't know. And I've been around enough teams where there's just other stuff that's happening that's not public. And whether you said, whether it's time management, whether it's how to be a head coach or if it's players stuff in the locker room, I mean, now, obviously, now there's more, It's. There's more exposure because we just have more access to everything. You could either look at it too like this, like this could in a way galvanize the team. It could bring them together because we don't know the relationship between Saul and some of the. And Ulbrich now is the interim and players have been speaking out about him and how much they love him as a defensive guy and all that. Rogers even said this week, obviously, different styles, but the respect that he has within that locker room and maybe, maybe it does the opposite. Maybe it lights a fire in that locker room. I, you know, those are the things that I'm sure will come out over the next couple days, weeks.

[B]

You know, I like to go dumb fan on you every now and then, you know, now. But is he going to be able to call the defense? You're getting elevated now to interim head coach. You were calling the defense, which also was like a solid thing as well. You know, offense was clearly the problem. I don't know. Does that. Do you think that. Is he still calling the defense?

[C]

He'll still. Yeah, he'll still call.

[B]

He'll still do it. Right. It's not like an impossible thing.

[C]

Yeah. I mean, I think you take on as a head Coach, you're taking on now meetings, right? During the week. You're taking on now clock management, time management, game situation stuff. But you know, when you have, you know, basically now he's going to go right hack it. You have Rogers, who's, I mean, Rogers who's been around forever, obviously can, can take a load off that too. So it doesn't, it's not going to change that. Plus Ulbricht probably has his guys now that he'll elevate and be, you know, be the eyes up in the booth or whatever. So that won't be a distraction or that won't play a bigger role, probably, as people would think. Well, it's wild though. I mean, two. Yeah, two and three, it's. It's kind of a shit show. I mean, it is a shit show and if they win, people will forget and they'll move on and they'll be three and three and tied first.

[B]

Yeah, they actually in first because they'll have the first division win over Buffalo. So they win Monday night there. They're. They're in first place a lot, but they're, but they're.

[C]

I mean, there's a lot bigger problems too. The offense has been terrible and, and Aaron, you know, Aaron, Aaron probably be the first to tell you he needs to play better. Didn't play great last week.

[B]

But, but the line, there's just like.

[C]

There'S a lot of issues right now on that team. Getting Garrett Wilson going, getting this offense going, running the football, all those things. So we'll see.

[A]

Man.

[B]

We'll be watching Monday night. You know, we usually do. Who needs it right before our, our Wendy's segment. So, I mean, who needs it? Did we just do it? Did we just do. Did we just do who? Jets, right?

[C]

They need it. They need it for a lot of reasons.

[B]

Well, honorable mention that I agree, it is the jets honorable mention is Niners two and three on the road against Seattle. Three and two. Now I. The Niners riddled with injuries. They certainly need it because you would think they will get healthy at some point and don't want to fall too. Maybe not, but you don't want to fall to, you know, 2 and 4 and then the Seahawks in first at 4 and 2.

[C]

Cardinals had a nice win last week.

[B]

Cardinals are coming.

[C]

Yeah. So by the way, the Rams. The Rams are going to get healthy with, with the receipt at some point too. Yeah, I mean, I mean, they got to get those receivers back.

[B]

All right, well, we're gonna now do my favorite part of the show. The can't get enough sauce. Moment of the week brought to you by Wednesdays. I went off with mine last week with golf. I think I still, I think I still. I'm correct with that one. I have a good one for this week. Do you want to lead off? You want me to go?

[C]

You go. I got, I got, I got to save my boy. My boy was all over the place this weekend, so you're going to love it, but you go first.

[B]

Okay. Well, for me, and I have not talked much WNBA this season so far, but I've obviously been watching the playoffs a lot. I did not realize. I mean, I knew it, but I did not realize The Liberty were 0 and 5 in the finals and are yet to win it. I knew they were yet to win a championship. I didn't realize it was 05. But they're kicking off tonight in the finals. And Sabrina Ionescu, I mean, she's, they.

[C]

Got some stars on that team, man.

[B]

She's averaging 20 points a game. She's shooting 46 and a half percent from three. That's, that's, that's saucy right there. 95%, basically from the free throw line. And they're going tonight versus Minnesota. For me, it's so clearly Sabrina. That is my can't get enough sauce moment of the week. And I'm, I'm really hoping that the Liberty hang a banner so we could also get rid of some of this New York basketball deficiency that we've had, so to speak, for a long time. Hang a banner, Sabrina. Go hang a banner.

[C]

Did you, did you happen to watch Vanderbilt beat Alabama this weekend?

[B]

Oh, I, I, I did. I did.

[C]

So saucy. What was saucy? Was their QB Diego Pavia.

[B]

Yes.

[C]

Okay, this dude, so his story is wild. How he got to this point, I won't get it, but just bounce around, gets, gets to Vanderbilt. And I try to compare it to like, it's probably like a 16 seed beating a 1 seed in the March Madness, right? We saw that. We've seen that a couple times. I think we saw Purdue a couple years back lose to a 16 seed like Vanderbilt in the SEC against Alabama. It's like David versus Goliath. It just should never happen. And it happened. And our boy, bald. And after the game, he starts talking. I'm not going to use the F word, but Nashville is going to get effing. Turned up tonight on live tv. Just, I didn't even, didn't even care. And then goes on X and starts putting out his agent cell phone. Number give me some Nil. Deal. Hey Wendy's. Let's shout out to Wendy's.

[B]

Get that's honey barbecue. Wendy's. That's garlic parm.

[C]

So that is every sauce in the book. Shout out to Diego for just one balling and then season the moment, man. And that to me that's what nil is about. And like that. That's what makes it cool. Right? The platform to do that. The biggest upset we've seen in college football. And gosh, I don't even know how long man.

[B]

He went full and he was niling, dude.

[C]

No shame. And by the way, shouldn't I mean just. Dude, take your moment and take your moment. Yeah.

[B]

Spicy honey barbecue. It's a little bit spicy. It's a little bit sweet and it's barbecue. At the end of the day he was.

[C]

He was dipping the saucy nugs and everything at same time. He did not care.

[B]

Thank you to Wendy's. That is enough sauce. Moment of the week. Real quick before we take a break and bring on Sir Charles. I did in thinking about the Sala stuff have I ever been a part of with when enacting a firing and I've been a part of several and it's a little bit different because you don't want to film stuff and then have to fire an actor say because then you got to reshoot that stuff. But we did do that on Entourage, unfortunately. And this story has been told before. So I'm not breaking news. Doug Ellen told it I believe on his pod. But you know Richard Dreyfuss, the great Richard Dreyfus legend. Jaws Hollins Opus marathon. Just legend. He was cast to play the Murray manager role that the E character goes to work for. It's the same episode we were filming Tom Brady. It's the same golf episode. So we filmed the stuff with Brady goes well now we have to film with Richard Dreyfuss. This is like we're all fired up and didn't really know his lines. Wasn't really down to didn't want to come out of the trailer right away and that he was replaced the next day. Shot like a half a scene with him.

[C]

Who replaced Shut?

[B]

George Siegel, who did a fantastic job. Awesome. Another legend in his own right. But I've seen actors at table readings get fired all the time. We have table readings on TV where you get the script. I know you were an all American. I don't know if you're at the table read but you. That's right. My sister in law Matt You're Matt's in All American. She loves that show, by the way.

[C]

It's a great show.

[B]

But, yeah, you show up to a table read and it's known, hey, we're just reading. We're not really acting here, so you can't really judge it. The writers just want to hear the words. But especially with network tv, if you have three jokes in an episode and you deliver them at the table read and they don't get a laugh, you could either, A, lose the joke. So that kind of sucks for you, you have one less joke, or B, you get fired after a table read. It used to happen all the time. Actors would get cast on guest stars and costar roles, show up to the table reading. Didn't work out, replaced.

[C]

So, okay, so real quick. The only table read I've ever been to was the Simpsons, and it was awesome.

[B]

Great table.

[C]

I was in an episode of the Simpsons. It was really cool.

[B]

Next week, we're gonna go down your IMDb list. We're just gonna do it next week. I referenced a few projects.

[C]

We're still getting residual checks. Okay, but let me ask you this. And you kind of answered it. But I. Mid TV and movies are a little different, probably, but like, mid TV or mid movie, you've never seen anyone get fired. Like, you're two weeks into a shoot and obviously you'd have to reshoot everything. Or do you, like, re. You shoot them out of it? Maybe they die in the show, whatever. Like, have you ever seen that? Not like a guest appearance, because obviously Dreyfus had that role. But before even he was fired. Before.

[B]

You're right. TV and movies, way different. Tv, much more functions like sports.

[C]

Right.

[B]

Because it's such a longer season. You're doing a season so that in itself makes it feel like a sport, like a sporting. A sports team. I've never seen someone fired while too much was. So the Dreyfus stuff was probably the most I've seen where we actually filmed the scene. Now we gotta reshoot it. I'll tell you what was weird. I've seen directors fired, which is similar to, like, a coach, because the director is almost like the coach with tv. And the next day you're like, all right, we got this new director. Let's hope this works out. I've seen directors quit. I saw a director go to lunch and not come back. Went to lunch.

[C]

I would love to be a fly on the wall of I would love to be a fly on the wall of the Entourage set. But just in general, man, I I we got to do a whole. We'll got to do a whole episode on just day in the life of Jerry Ferrar on a set of a movie or whatever. So.

[B]

Well, I tell you what, most of my goals with every acting project I've ever had was to not be fired. So sorry. Robert Salas seems like a really good dude. I'm sure he'll be at D.C. somewhere. He's a great dude, man, very, very soon. And you know who else would have been a great cameo in Entourage? Our guest coming up, Charles Barkley, who we sat down with yesterday. Let's just roll it. Let's just go to Sir Charles. What if I told you there was a way for your favorite team to keep scoring points even during timeouts and commercial breaks? You'd probably be all over that, right? Well, we want to help you do the same thing with your money.

[C]

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[B]

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[A]

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[B]

$45 upfront payment equivalent to $15 per month. New customers on first three month plan only. Taxes and fees. Extra Speed slower above 40 gigabytes. CD tails. All right. Of course, this man needs no introduction. Charles Barkley joining us. But Charles, when I was looking at some of, some of the stuff with you, you got five sports Emmys. Five. Is that true? Do you keep them? Do you have them out?

[A]

I don't have them out. I have them in Atlanta.

[B]

Ah, okay.

[A]

But I was really crazy. Number one, they pay us to talk about sports. Now they're giving us trophies. I said, this is, this has got to be one of the most scam job in the history. Sports announced that. I tell people, this is the greatest. We should go to the bank with like a mask on. We're going to watch sports anyway. But to get paid to do it is like highway robbery. Now they're giving us trophies. That's how crazy it is, man. What's really crazy, Jerry? I'll tell you the true story. So I have got nominated for Emmy every year, which is thanks for the people. But I went to the ceremony like the first 12 years that I lost. And you have to sit there with that shit eating grin on your face like, yeah, I'm just glad I got nominated. I just want to thank you. Yeah, okay, okay. And under your breath you're like, fuck, I lost again. And then I told TNT I'm not going ever again because, you know, I'm competitive and like, you have to sit there with that stupid look on your face and then I win. Like, that's Jesse, though, y'all. Y'all send one of these slunkies around here to go, then I win like the next five. Jerry. I couldn't believe it.

[B]

Charles. We, we at Entourage went zero for six. So with Emmys, we nominated six years in a row, lost six years. But I like you. You go there, you start saying, no, I don't really care if I win or lose it. It's Happy. Good to be here. But once you get there and people start making speeches and their tux, it's like the competitiveness kicks in. And you want to win. Yeah. We lost to the office every single year for six straight years.

[A]

Well, like, I didn't 100 you 100% correct. I didn't really give a shit. The first one, two, three, four, five. After, like, six or seven, you're like. Cause I. You know. Cause the main reason you want to win, you want to get to thank everybody, right? These guys out here thinking everybody who on the show and blah, blah, blah. Because I know the people on our show, they work harder than me. Ernie or not Ernie worked hard. But me, me, Kenny, and Shaq, we probably. We work at least. And so I just want the opportunity to thank all the people who were there and for being there all the time. So. But when I found. But I've never actually been there when I want. I'm not gonna lie.

[C]

We just. We. We're on big new kickoff show, and this is actually hilarious. We had our first Emmy nomination, I think, last year. And of course, we get. We get like, the list of names, and it's us, and it's college game day, and it's. And it's the TNT crew with you guys. And we're like, man, we got no chance of winning this thing. And we did it. But they were telling us we had. One of our producers would go, I think. I think it might be in New York or wherever, but they go to that sports awards, and they're just sitting in the crowd like, we got no shot for college football, but we're 0 for 1. But we were just happy to get nominated, and we knew we lose to you guys.

[A]

I think if you have a show like you guys, you just happen to be nominated. Think about Ernie Johnson. He lost before Bob Costas retired. He lost to BOB Costa, like, 23 straight years. And. And I'm friends with Bob. I said, ernie, you want me to put a hit out on Bob?

[B]

Get rid of him.

[A]

Get rid of him.

[B]

Take a year off Bob.

[A]

Yeah, so. But. But I'm. Ernie's won a couple since then, so, man, we're really proud of him, but he's the guy. He's the glue to hold our show together.

[C]

How. How did you get into tv? You know, you were obviously a part of, you know, crazy interviews while you're playing and all that. Was that something that you always wanted to do or it just kind of fell in your lap?

[A]

You know, Matt, it's Really difficult when you play sports, trying to figure out the next aspect of your life because it's not a lot. First of all, you're not going to get a real job. That's. That shit's out the window, okay? I mean, Jared probably unique. He's probably the only one of us three who've actually had to work like a 9 to 5 job in their life at some point.

[B]

Several fired from several. Fired from several.

[A]

Hey, so Matt, me and you, we've never had a real job in our life. So, okay, I'm not going to go get a nine to five. Coaches, like, way too hard on work. And then it's like, we got lucky and got one of these TV gigs. So my mentor is a guy named Dick Ebersol, of course. And he, he. So my last couple years, he said, what do you think about tv? I said, well, you know, I don't know. Cause it wasn't as popular as it is now. Let's get that out the way. I said, I haven't figured out what I'm gonna do. Blah, blah, blah. He said, I think you. You should think about television. He says, you, you. He said, now I will admit this. You gotta be in trouble all the time. I said. I said, dick, what does that mean? He says, you know, people tell you they really want to hear the truth, they don't want to hear the truth, right? Fans want two things. Tell me my team is going to be good and tell me my favorite player is going to be great. That's all fans really want. And a lot of times you have to be honest with them. Like, first of all, all these guys can play. I'll never. I would never downgrade. They're not superstars, but they're all good players here in the NBA. But you know when their team suck and they want you to say, tell me my team is competing for a championship. I said, let me tell you something. If your team make it to the playoffs, y'all should throw a damn party. I mean, no, y'all are not gonna win the championship if y'all get to the playoffs, just like a win. And he says, fans always say they want the truth, like most people, you know, but yeah, they don't want the truth. So Dick episode hired. He so talked me into it, and I've been so lucky and blessed. I made one of the great decisions in my life to go to Turner, to work with the great Ernie Johnson and Kenny. And then Shaq came along. I love the people I work with and work for, and I'M not just saying that. You know, man, we have a. We've been nominated every year because of the people. And Matt, you know this. And Jerry, you know this from television. I always say we go on at 7:00 at night. And I always talk to the crew. They're like, yeah, we've been here since noon. I'm like, what the fuck did y'all do since noon? And they're there, like, every day at noon. And I'm like, this is crazy. We don't go until 7:00 at night. Ernie shows up around lunchtime, like, because he has. He does all the show stuff. Me, Kid and Ernie, me, Kenny and Shaq show up around 6, just in time to put on a suit and get into makeup. And I'm always amazed at the crew. Like, what the hell have y'all been doing here all day? And Matt, you know, when you on the road, y'all got mad going on the road. You got a gazillion people, especially trying to do it live in front of an audience because I know how hectic. We only travel doing the conference finals. And there's a lot of stuff that goes into it, being outside, dealing with the weather. So, man, it's a lot the same thing with you when you. I shot some commercials and things like that. I can't imagine what it's like being on a real show when you tap in all those hours, man. That's gotta be crazy for the crew.

[B]

Well, that. We talked about this last week. Like, one of the biggest offenses with acting is showing up and not knowing your lines because there's hundreds of people standing around who've been there way longer than you who want to go home. So at least I'm ready to go. That's why you say you come in, you put the suit on, but you're always ready to go because. And you know, you're talking about what fans want to hear. You have to know, like, do you ever say stuff where you're like, everyone in Milwaukee is going to be mad at me now because I said that about the. But, like, do you know when you say something that's going to elicit some emotions from a fan or you don't even like you just keeping it real?

[A]

Well, it depends on two things. Number one, I like to make fun of certain cities.

[B]

Yes, we know. Yeah.

[A]

But you know, if they. First of all, if they don't have a sense of humor, they shouldn't be watching our show or sports.

[B]

True.

[A]

I said, come on, man. Come on. You Know everybody. Some people always offended about something. You should be able to take a jump. First and foremost, I try not to ever get personal. I never talk about guys personal relationship. That's their own business. That's. I would never discuss another person's personal business, But I like to make fun. Like San Antonio, they call it the riverwalk. I said, that's not a damn river. That's a creek. If anybody. I don't know, man, I think you're from the west coast. Jerry, you're from the east coast. But down south, we call them creek. Just a little body of water. It's not a river. It's not a lake. They call that thing the river walk. I said, hey, that's not a river. I've seen a river before. That's a dirty creek is what it is.

[B]

Well, listen, you know, I. I don't want to. We were talking off the air a little bit. You know, it's. It's basically time to go back to work because basketball's upon. I don't want to send you back to work too soon because I'm enjoying this, but I did think of you guys because I'm a diehard Knicks fan when they traded for Kat, and I was almost like, man, I wish the season would be going on, because I would love that moment to happen. And then you would have been the first group that I would have wanted to hear talk about it. Have you given. Have you even had a chance to sit and think about that? For Nick fans, we now want to.

[C]

Know, please talk Jerry off a ledge.

[B]

Talk me off the ledge. Because I was very emotional, Charles, when that train went down.

[A]

Well, let me say this. And you know, it's so funny. I was telling you guys, I've been on vacation since like, June, the second week of June.

[B]

Good for you.

[A]

I played golf every day since the second week of June.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

The season starts two weeks and two weeks. And I have these fools say to me, man, you gotta be excited to go back to work. I'm like, why would I be excited? I play golf every day. I can never get tired of playing golf. I said, no, I want to play golf. No, I says, I'll be ready when it hits. But who wants to go to work when they can play golf and have fun every day? I've enjoyed. I've enjoyed the hell out of my last three months of just sling. I've been playing golf. I smoked two cigars per nine. Life is good, you know, so. So no, I ready to go back to work. But Jerry Love the trade for the Knick.

[C]

There you go, there you go.

[A]

Don't like it. Love it. And let me tell you something. They had to do something because, number one, they were not going to beat the Knicks. Excuse me, they were not going to beat the Celtics. And when Paul George went to Philly, they probably were not going to beat the 76ers. And first of all, they lost to the damn Pacers last year. So they were not battled. I picked the Pacers in that series, number one.

[B]

You did.

[A]

And I said, I don't think the Knick can beat. I don't think they can beat the Pacers. So the Patriots are just as good or better. The Knicks lost Hardenstein, who's a huge loss.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah.

[A]

And so I tell you, man, I'm really proud of those guys with the Knicks because I hate saying this because I sit there and I'm a Phillies fan and, man, let me tell you something. I was throwing shit at my TV last night when the best was scored. Because there's a different energy in sports when New York teams do. Well, like I tell people, like when I hang out with you guys, I'm doing absolutely jack shit today because there's four baseball games coming up. Yeah. And the really cool thing about living on the West Coast, I'm gonna do this. I'm gonna get on my bike, my treadmill, and just watch sports for the whole day. And that's all I'm doing. That's the cool thing about. Even when I do, Matt, when I watch your shorts, then you come on at 9:00 in the morning, at 8:00 in the morning. It's so awesome. You wake up, it's time to just watch sports all day. I love it. But I'm doing absolutely nothing because my Phillies, man, when that place was going crazy last night for the Mets and the day you got the Yankees in Kansas City. This is a great time for sports. The weather finally broke. Well, it's not broken on the west coast yet. It's still hot as hell out here. They said we got another week, 110. But between college football, pro football, hockey started last night.

[B]

We know you love hockey. We know you love hockey.

[A]

I love hockey, man. I do. I love hockey, man. There's something so special. Those guys, they're kind of like football players to me. Because they're tough football players, man. That's their mindset, is we they. To step on a football field, you have to have a certain mindset. You have to be all in. You can't be a coward. You can't be soft. If you step on a football field, something bad could happen. That's why football is my favorite sport. But there's something about these guys in hockey who. They don't care. They don't have none of the NBA bs. They don't have no prima donnas. They're like, we just want to win the Stanley Cup. And the one thing I could always say about myself, man, I never worried about how much money I made. I don't care about how much money these guys make today. Bless them, bless them, bless them. But the number one thing has always got to be the sport. You can make as much money as you want. But the number one thing I can always go back and tell people, man, I was so lucky and blessed to have the best job in the world. But basketball was always the number one thing. I didn't care about all the extracurricular activities, how much money I made. I ain't worried about the nightlife. All that stuff is just a bonus. But I've always said, hey, man, I love playing basketball. And it was an honor and a privilege.

[C]

Chuck, for basketball player there, Austin Rivers. I don't know, did you see that take when he came out and said, like, 30 NBA guys could play in.

[A]

The NFL, you know, first of all, that was stupid. First. Cause. Yeah, and I'm gonna tell you this, Matt. I'm gonna tell you how much of a worse I was. Please do. I played football one day in my life, One day linebacker. And I. And I remember the last thing the coach said to me. My hands were all beat up. My shoulder, everything was hurting. I was dirty, I was stinky, and I had my head down. And the coach said, I'll see y'all tomorrow. I said, what? He says, we got practice tomorrow. So I waited because I didn't want to be a Wilson for the rest of the team. I took my time, showering, waited around. Last thing I. As a coach, this ain't for me. This is not for me. I don't have it in me. I wasn't even a good basketball player at that time. But I know I did not want to play football. Reach the joke later. He says, I put you at the wrong position. Because he. Because on the defensive line, in the offensive line, I said, coach, I just ran full speed into a dude for two hours. What kind of talent does that take? That takes zero talent. I said, I just ran full speed into another big old dude for two hours. He's hurting. I'm hurting. No, I'm not doing this. But he said I should have put you like tight end or something like that. But I said no. It was, first of all, it was a great decision by me.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

But man, football is no joke. You can't go out there, mess around.

[C]

It's different. Yeah, it's different.

[A]

Totally different. Especially if you play one of those positions where you really get to have to hit every play. I mean, you cannot hide on the defensive line or the offensive line. Somebody gonna hit you in your man face mask every single play. Like other positions you can get away with stuff. Like if you're a wide receiver and you're not involved in the route, you know, you can hide out 80, probably percent, 75, 80% of the time. But like on the offensive defensive line, you're all in every play.

[C]

Also, also, I, I tell, I talked to Mark Ingram about this at running backs. Like, to be a running back and to play for like, he played for like 12 years and he's not the biggest dude, but I'm like, God damn, dude. Like, and he's in great shape. And I'm like, every, every play is a collision as a running back. And these dudes are, they're your size, Chuck. Like, they're massive human beings at like 280 and run four fours, these defenses.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

What's really crazy is all these running backs are done basically. I know 30, 31. You might get squeezed a couple of years out. They won't be productive years, but you probably can squeeze out a couple of years. That tells you how demanding. There's no other job in sports where you're done at 30 except for NFL running back. Because, you know, there's a cumulative effect. You may remember. You go back now, you're taking these hits in high school, you're taking these hits in college, and then early in your career, they're just running you in the ground. I think they got to find a way to make sure these guys get paid better. If you know their career is going to end sooner, you can't run them in the ground and say, hey, we're going to draft another running back next year. I don't think that's fair. I don't have the answer. But they got to find a way to make sure if you're going to run these guys in the ground, they're fairly compensated.

[B]

Yeah, so you said at this point though, you played the one day football, you weren't good at basketball yet. So at what point for you, when you're in high school, you're Starting to say, oh, all right, I found my sport. I know I'm good. Like, when did that click for you with basketball?

[A]

Well, let me tell you something. Unfortunately, it didn't happen right away, Jerry. I grew from 5 10, because at the time I was a 510 guy, you know, because people always feel like I was not on any recruiting things or anything like that, because I grew from 510 to 65 in one year. And damn, it was kind of weird, too, because everybody always the first question, man, were your bones hurting us? Dude, I didn't feel a damn thing. I didn't. I. I didn't even know I had grown. I'm not even gonna lie. I get back to the car, I get back to. Excuse me. I get back to school, and my coach says, dude, how big are you? I said, like, I didn't. Because it's not. It ain't one of them things where you get, I'm in a small town in Alabama, ain't like we got a place to check our height. You know, I went back to school and I was like six four and a half, six five. And that's the first time that I really got recognized. And it was a blessing, though. I mean, that growing like that changed the whole dynamic of my entire life.

[C]

And then you go to Auburn and we were talking.

[B]

Yeah, this is crazy.

[C]

Bo Jackson, right. Who. Who won a Heisman. So I've seen him at the Heisman stuff, and just maybe the best athlete ever, Frank Thomas, who I spent some time with at Fox when he was doing the baseball stuff.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

What was it like, three of you guys? I mean, the three of you at Auburn.

[A]

Well, first of all, I hate both of those guys. I hate both of them with tremendous conviction. So, Matt, you understand this, playing football at USC and playing football at Auburn. Well, and it's probably worse at Auburn, because in la, you got everything. Where I'm from, you got Alabama and Auburn football. Yep. When I. Even to this day, and I'm not even joking, even to this day, as much success as I've had in my life, when I'm walking around Auburn with Bo Jackson, people are knocking me out the way to get to Bo Jackson. That's what. Same thing, him and Frank. Because, you know, people don't understand. I don't even know Frank was good at baseball because he played football at Auburn.

[C]

Yep.

[A]

And obviously. And then until I went to see Bo play baseball, I'm like, oh, Frank played baseball, too. But Bo, man, when you walk around Auburn with Bo, you better get out. You Keep your head on a swivel so those fans are trying to get to him. And if you happen to be in the way, you're going to get knocked over quickly because football is king. And listen, like, you know, in usc, football is always going to be king over basketball no matter how much success. But that girl, that young lady y'all got at USC right now, Juju, incredible. Hey, I tell Autumn, bitter, angry girls in the WNBA who are upset about Clay Caitlin Clark move over more because juju is special. Number one. I would give a shout out to Caitlyn to what she's did for women basketball the last three years. Man, it's been incredible, and I wish those women would embrace it. But, Matt, that girl Juju, she is the real, real deal.

[C]

So she. So I went. I went to their game last year. They played Kansas in the sweet 16. And I sat with our AD and Lincoln Riley and some of the guys and I. And it's my first time seeing her in live. And I was like, God damn, she is special. And we. And I mean, Caitlin Clark and I actually, I want to. I have a question for you about Caitlin Clark, because I actually, I met her a couple years ago. We did a football game in Iowa. She great. It was. She was balling them, but it was like, wow, this girl is a star. And clearly she is. I see juju and I'm like, she's just different. You know, when you see an athlete, doesn't matter. You're like. Like Jeremiah Smith at Ohio State. I don't know if you watched him the first. You're just like, that dude should be in the NFL right now. Juju Watkins is like, she's going to be bigger than Caitlin Clark. And I didn't, like, I don't even know if that's possible for what Caitlin Clark has done for women's basketball.

[A]

Yeah. You know, Matt, that's what's gonna be interesting. Caitlin is a supernova, and Juju probably is a better player. So she's those two women gonna be running the WNBA for the next 10, 12, 14, 15, 20 years, basically. And I advise those other women to shine. I mean, AJ is the best player in the world, right? This girl, Nafis of Collier, she's a big. Is a flat out monster. I tell you what, I'm going with the link to beat the Liberty. I think they go. I do. I think they gonna shock the world. I really do. Because I worry about the Liberty that they just give all they juice to. Getting rid of the ghost of the aces And I tell you what, this Minnesota team, man, they're good. They might be a team of destiny. It's going to be fun to watch because I'm a big WNBA fan. And I just hope those girls, like, you know what? We got Caitlin and we got Juju. We got Asia. Paige.

[C]

Paige Becker's coming in from UConn.

[A]

Oh, my God, I forgot about Paige.

[B]

Yeah, I watch her workouts there.

[A]

Because if that girl stay healthy, she might. She's in the conversation with what, Juju and Caitlin for the next 20 years. People forget. People forget this. You know, she was considered one of the best high school players ever. She just can't get a break. That's why she keeps getting hurt.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And she finally was healthy last year. And I tell you what, that game they had in the tournament, man, she was special also. But so, man, it's a great time for the wnba. Okay. Milk it for the next. Because this is a great time.

[C]

I think. I think. I think USC goes out and plays Yukon this year. I think those two are going to battle early in the preseason.

[A]

That. That should be somewhere like the Boston Garden or Madison Square Garden or somewhere like that. You need that in a big city. It should be like a game of the week.

[C]

Right?

[A]

You know, UConn and Tennessee used to do it every year. But if Juju and Paige are gonna play, it should be at the Boston Garden or, I mean, because, you know, Or New York City at the Garden. It should be somewhere special. Not on campus. It should be. They should get all the bells and whistles.

[B]

I was gonna ask you. Cause later in the show, we're doing our throwback. Three iconic places to play, like sporting venues. When you were playing, what was your. And they have to be like your favorite. Just the place where you were going on the road to play. Whether it was, this is going to be some shit or I'm just hyped to play here. Do you have. You don't have to give a top three, but which ones? Because I'm with you. It'll be insane to watch those games at msg or Boston Guard would be nuts.

[A]

So when you went to the Boston Guardian League because you had only seen that dump on television, and you're like, wow, this is amazing and special. And then we. Same thing. You went to the Garden in New York, you're like, wow, this is special. And you knew it was special. The Spectrum in Philadelphia was spectacular because you had seen it. Because really. And you count the form in that. But I will say, in my time in the NBA, those three or four places. But also when you went to Chicago Stadium, when Michael was at the peak of his superpowers, he turned it into the Boston Guard Basketball Garden, the Spectrum and the Forum. The thing that was really weird about and amazing about the Forum, you would sit there like, I remember the first time we played there, you see Denzel, you see so Stallone, you see like another 10 stars. But what's really cool about it, Jack Nicholson was sitting beside. Right beside the bench. And he mentioned. He says, charles Barkley, you got a bright future, young guy. I said, thank you, sir. I wouldn't call. I wouldn't call all my friends. I was like, jack Nicholson knows who I am. And it was like, jack Nicholson knows who I am. And it was the same way when Denzel came up to me at a game later. Jack just had to be. He sits directly beside the team. But, man, when Denzel Washington came up and said hello to me, I called all my friends, dude, I'm from a town of a couple thousand people in Alabama. That was the cool thing about the Forum. I remember sitting there watching Stallone and Schwarzenegger and all those guys. I'm like, this was at the peak of their powers. And you're like, damn, this is crazy. Rocky sitting over there, you know. You know, this is so crazy. Oh, my God. That go to Terminator. That go Diane Cannon. I mean, and, and. And then it had Magic, Kareem, James Worth and all those guys. It was crazy.

[C]

That's how the Knicks feel when Jerry sits courtside now.

[B]

Yeah, I don't know about all that, but my, my.

[C]

My first ever sporting event. My. I grew up in Orange county, but my dad grew up in Inglewood, so we're die hard. You mentioned the Phillies earlier, my Dodgers. Gosh, that we're in trouble. But we grew up Dodger fans, Lakers, Showtime, that era, and the LA Kings. So my first two ever sporting events were at the Great Western Forum. Nosebleeds. Because we couldn't afford anything but nosebleeds. Last row, I think Gretzky was on the team then back in the day. And then the Showtime Lakers, man. And that was my introduction to that era of sports. I think I was five or six when I first went there.

[A]

What I tell you what, man. First of all, that Dodgers, Padre games last night was bananas. It was so crazy. When they got off to that 6, 0 lead, my man hit that grand slam. I'm like, damn, this is going to be a great game. And then that was really, no, no more runs. There was no more scored. It was crazy. But, man, that place, that San Diego, that home thing, is really amazing.

[C]

Have you been to Petco, Charles?

[A]

I've never been to Petco.

[C]

It's incredible.

[A]

It seems like it. And like I say when I was watching that Met game last night, pulling for my feelings, I'm like, man, that's why we need the Knicks to be good. There's some type of energy. Yep, there's some type of energy in New York. I tell people and I, I'm not trying to be a hater. Every time you say this, everybody on the west coast whining bitches and complaints like, yo, man, there's a different type of energy on the East Coast. I says, no disrespect to anybody. I live on the West Coast. That's no disrespect. But New York, Boston, Philly, there is a different energy in those fans. And like I tell people, I say, yo, man, when you go to a, you know, Celtics game, you go to a Patriots game, you go to anything in New York. Mets, Yankees, Nick, or when you in Philly, when, when, when. The Sixers are doing great. The Eagles is the Eagles town. They're going nuts for the Phillies right now. And we gonna win today. We put the end to this mass reign of terror today. We're gonna win today, and they're gonna come back to Philly tomorrow, and it's going to be one of the greatest. Game five. I, I tell you what my goal is. Would it be great if the Dodgers win tonight and there's a game five? The Phillies win tonight, that's a game five. Man, there's nothing that, that crazy. It'll be crazy. Like I don't. I pull for my feelings. And I don't care who wins. Dodge and Padres, because they're both terrific. Yo, man, what the hell is going on with Ohtani? That dude is an alien, man.

[C]

Never seen anything like it. By the way, he's as big as you. He's six, five too.

[A]

And still in bases and hit home runs. Thank God he can't pitch. If he could pitch, it wouldn't be a fair fight. Yeah, I mean, it would not be fair. I mean, that's how great he is. And so I really want to. I don't want his season to end. I just want to. I want more drama. That's what I want. I want more. And listen, I can't watch. Can't watch the Yankees play. Casey. I mean, I mean, that sports is so amazing. I tell people, dude, why do you love sports so much as a man, there's something happening in sports every week, every month. That's like, the other day, I was watching UConn. UConn against Temple, and I was. I was in a sports bar, and I. And I root for Jim Mora Jr. At temple because they're in Philly. I was watching. They're at the one yard line, they get two cracks at it to win the game. And on the last play of the game, the dude fumbles, and UConn takes it back 99 yards. And I'm sitting there like, dude, this can only. This is. This is crazy. They're this far away from losing the game. And the kid jumps and fumbles, and UConn takes it back 99 yards. I'm like, are you kidding me? This is why sports are amazing.

[B]

It's the best entertainment in the world. Like, having worked in TV my whole career, I'd still rather watch a sporting event over any television show or movie. It's the best theater in the world. To me, it is.

[A]

I. I watched the Cincinnati Ravens game the other day, and I'm like, whoa. And I like, one of the best. Like, this Lamar Jackson dude got away out of the pocket, like, three or four times when he should have been sacked. I'm like, that would drive me crazy if I was a defensive lineman. I had this dude dead to right, like, five to seven times he runs out, then he throws one of the most amazing touchdowns. But I do. I love watching these guys, man. It's amazing.

[B]

You know what I always wanted? I was always hoping to run into you at one of these golf events again, because I always wanted to ask you this. I almost asked this in Canada. We were talking about the Gretzky golf event years ago that we were at, but I don't think we got to it. But your famous commercial, I'm not a role model, which I'm sure people ask you about, but I always wondered, was that something that. That campaign, Nike. Did Nike come to you with all that already done? Like, with, like, the. I am not a role model, all that stuff? Was that campaign, like, ready to go, or did you put your imprint on it when they came to you? Because to me, obviously, we'll talk about Jordan and the commercials and. Of course. But as a kid, that was the commercial for us. That was the one.

[A]

Yeah. You know, so, Jared, I went to Nike. I said, hey, I got an idea for a commercial. They're like, excuse me. I says, I got this idea. I wanted to make a commercial. They're like, you fucking nut. And I says, no, no, no. I said, you gotta trust me on this. We're gonna start a great debate. I know athletes are role models, but I want to start a better conversation. They're like, this is a bad idea. It took me a while to talk him into it. And finally we did it, and it took over the country for a while. But what I was trying to do. Cause so when you play sports, you do a lot of speaking at different schools. And unfortunately, we have too many segregated schools in this country. And so I would go to. And I took, like, a survey over two or three years before I decided to do the commercial. I'm not gonna lie.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

And I says, man, when I go to white schools, these kids want to be doctors, lawyers, engineers, teachers, firemen, policemen. But when I was going to these black schools, they're like, I want to play in the NFL. I want to play in the NBA. I'm like, okay. And I hear the same bullshit, Jerry. For three years, I said, our black kids are brainwashed to think they're going to be athletes and entertainers. I'm like, dude, they can be doctors. I said, well, first of all, they got a better chance being a doctor and a lawyer and an engineer than they do planning the NBA. I do. Your dad's five, seven. You're not gonna play any sport. Stop it. So when I sit down with Nike and told about, hey, this is what's bothering me. I just want to start a debate. People gonna get mad. When I made the commercial, I said, dude, I'm used to people saying bad about me. I play in Philadelphia. I'm good. I'm a big boy. I can handle it. And I give Nike a lot of credit. They came to me later and says, yo, man, you were right and we're wrong. 90% of our letters were positive. And I said, guys, all I was trying to do was talk to black kids through a commercial. Like, dude, you're not going to play in the NBA. Think about being an engineer. Think about being a doctor. Think about being a lawyer. And, Jerry, to be honest with you, I've never been more proud of anything I've done. Because, like I say, I can take the heat. If people would actually listen sometime, instead of jumping to conclusions, I would just try to start a debate in the black community. Because a lot, no disrespect. It is what it is. White people don't tear their kids while you go play in the NBA or the NFL. They tell their kids, hey, be doctors. Be lawyers. Be engineers and things like that. Most of these black parents got to do a much better job of telling their kids, hey, you're not going to play in the NBA, but you can be a doctor, you can be a lawyer, you can be an engineer, you can be a teacher. And that was the objective of the commercial.

[C]

Yes, I have an older son who's 17, getting recruited in football, but so I'm around. And I was around, like the club basketball scene. And you've seen it, Chuck, like, all the. These parents are nuts. And just the expectation, the pressure, I don't even put that on my kid. I'm just like, hey, if you want to play, go and work and try to put it in and see where it takes you. But I've never once told him, like, you're going to make it this. I think it's a false expectation. Speaking of kids, and you know, this is a big story is Bronny and LeBron shared the court this week for the first time. I don't know if you saw that. Just. I don't know. Big picture thoughts, Charles on that. And Bronnie playing for the Lakers with. With his dad, which is crazy to say.

[A]

Crazy. Is your son a lefty?

[C]

He's a righty. And he's a good Hooper, too, man.

[A]

I like it. So, Matt, I'm first. I'm asking that question first. Number one, man, you can't force. Nobody can, like, oh, you're going to play pro sports. It'll shake out in the wise, right? What I tell these kids, yo, man, get an education. Get a free education. Play sports to get a free education. And if you're good enough, which is 99.9 or not, 99.9% or not, you get a free education. Get to dictate your life and your future. So I tell kids, man, I ain't no hater. I'm just telling you. Are you going to be One of the 450 best basketball players in the world? More than likely not. Let's get that out the way. So to get to your final question, man, number one, I'm so glad Bronnie's healthy.

[B]

Yes, of course.

[A]

Because, man, that was such a scary thing for our NBA family. Like, I can't imagine what LeBron was going through. They said, hey, your kid had a heart attack, man, that's got playing basketball, you like to get that call. Has got to be terrified, right? And you know what's really terrifying is trying to figure out if you're going to let him play again.

[B]

Sure. That Wasn't an easy decision.

[A]

That's not easy. Mama, we gotta sit down. Cause you know, you know the kid wants to play. But God forbid, if something happened, you would never forgive yourself as a parent. So I'm glad he's just healthy and we're all rooting for him. Cause we have so much respect for LeBron. It's not gonna be easy because he has a target on his back because of his last name. There's gonna be a certain amount of petty jealousness of people who, like you, don't deserve to be in the NBA. You're not as good as some of these other players. You only got in because of your dad. So everything's LeBron did for the NBA. I've always said this. I don't get into the silliness of the goat debate. Michael Jordan, in my opinion, is the greatest basketball player ever. I actually got Kobe ranked ahead of LeBron, if you want me to be honest with you. And I love LeBron. I think LeBron's done everything great. I've said this about him before. I think it's probably one of the greatest stories ever in sports, if not the greatest. We've never had a kid because people forget this. Kobe Bryant struggled in the NBA early. So did Kevin Garnett, Tracy McGrady, everybody. The only player, the only player I ever seen who came out of high school that was ready is LeBron. The only one. And for him to go, never really get in trouble, right? Never done anything wrong, lived up to the hype, is one of the greatest sports stories of all time. I've said that many times. For that kid to never get in trouble and be as great as he's been. He's one of the top five basketball players ever, in my opinion. It's one of the greatest stories ever. And I'm really looking forward to. You know, they gotta handle this thing with kid gloves, literally. Because they can't just put him out there, right? Because he's not a finished product yet. But, man, it's a great story. I think we saw the Griffeys play together in baseball, but I can't think of anybody else where a father and son played a pro sport together.

[B]

No, not in this way. And, yeah, I mean, like you said, LeBron was on the COVID of Sports Illustrated in high school. How many high school kids could. Then I remember the last person, I think, before that was Felipe Lopez, who was from Queens and Brooklyn, like where I grew up. And that turned out much differently. So, yeah, yeah, he's lived like, you.

[A]

Know, Jared, to have that type. Especially in our today. Because in my day, every fool didn't have a video camera.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Yeah. We didn't have the Internet. Hey, thank God you're telling me. Yes.

[B]

Matt and I have discussed that off air. Yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So.

[A]

But for him to go these 20 years, never really get in trouble because everybody has a phone now they're filming like everything you do publicly, privately, screenshot. You see guys screw up all the time with screenshots. So it's amazing what he's accomplished. So I'm excited to see. I'm excited to see some teeth because, Jerry, your Knicks, man, they had a great goal this summer. Actually, believe it or not, I actually like to trade for Minnesota. Also, Gerald Embiid. I said something about this summer. He needed to consider playing less weight.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

And he came in 30 pounds underweight. And I think it's going to help him because they got Paul George. I'm excited for that. Oklahoma City, going out, getting your boy Hartenstein and Caruso. Caruso. I said Hardenstein earlier, but Caruso going there. He's from. Came in and shake.

[B]

I know his little beard going. I'm in on the Zion season.

[A]

I'm hoping that kid, you know, because when I got to the NBA, I was fat and overweight and Moses made me lose £50 and the rest is history. I'm hoping he has a. I hope he has a vet like that.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

To get on his behind. And I'm really proud of that kid.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So, man, I don't know what the hell gonna have with my Phoenix Suns. They finally went out and got a point guard.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Oh, the wild card. The Memphis Grizzlies. Tell you what, if jock can stay out of trouble, man, the Memphis Grizzlies got a chance of being really, really good. Orlando Magic went out and got kcp. They got a bunch of young guys. The Pacers are going to be solid, man. That's the beauty of basketball. We can make all these trades and all talk all the crap we want to until you put ball to the court. And that's the beauty of this thing. I cannot wait to get the season started because I know Oklahoma City is going to be good. How good is the question? I know your Knicks are going to be good. How good is the question? I know the Sixers are going to be good. How good is the question? You know? And the NBA did something they had never did before. They managed to piss the champs off.

[B]

Yeah, I know. I don't understand this.

[A]

I was like Damn. They just crap. Oh, they crapped on Jalen. Like, this dude just win MVP twice in the conference final round. Like, yeah, you still ain't gonna make your Leopard team.

[C]

And then Tatum.

[A]

Yeah, then you got Tatum, like, bench.

[C]

That was wild.

[A]

We know. We don't. You just won a championship. We still not going to play your ass. I'm like, how in the world did we piss off the champ?

[B]

It would never happen in your day, Chuck. That would never happen in your day.

[A]

And I'm like, whoa, man. So, Jerry, that's just so beautiful. I'm like, because if I'm Tatum and Brown, I'm coming for the NBA. Y'all totally disrespected us this summer, you know? Can y'all imagine? Because Michael Jordan was petty. Like, he talked bad about people who did stuff to him in high school and college stuff. Can you imagine if they left Michael Jordan off the Olympic team or didn't play him? He'd be going for, like, 45 a game. He'd be like, no. And I'm expecting Tatum and Brown to send an NBA message. Man. I'm really. I can't wait for some of this stuff to happen this year.

[B]

Yeah, I hated all that, Charles, because it's like, I don't. You're right. I don't think we've ever seen a more disrespected championship, or at least the two star players of the team.

[C]

Never.

[B]

And it's. It seems like it's so hard to repeat because you just want it. Maybe you're believing that you're good. Maybe you don't work as hard. I don't know. I'm not an athlete. But you just want it. Repeating is hard. And now they're coming in with a chip on their shoulder. How does the team that wins a chip then get a chip on their shoulder?

[A]

Hey, hey. First of all, not only are they coming in with a chip on their shoulder, they're well rested.

[B]

Didn't even wear them out.

[A]

You know what? Let's do this. The Celtics are going to be the favorite. Let's play Jalen and Jason. Let's let them play the whole game all summer in the Olympics. Then they'll be tired coming in the training camp or like, no, let's just piss him off and let them rest.

[B]

If Tibbs was the coach, Tibbs would have ran them into the ground.

[A]

That's right.

[B]

During the Olympics. Listen, I think you just got 1% excited to go back to work, Charles. I think I just finally found you just got 1% excited.

[C]

You can see it. You can see it in your face.

[A]

Hey, I will be excited when that day comes.

[B]

Of course.

[A]

Hey, I'm not going to be excited not to play golf for the next two weeks. Okay.

[B]

That's what I was going to say. Go enjoy baseball. I hope you're playing a ton, a ton of golf. Because I hope I get to play with you one of these days.

[A]

Every day since June 15th, somewhere like that. I'm good.

[B]

Well, I'm coming to Arizona next off season to play with you.

[A]

No. First of all, I'm in Philly all of a sudden. Nobody comes to Arizona during the summer. It's 195 degrees out here.

[B]

I meant winter. I'll come. I'll play.

[C]

Let's play. Let's play in the winter. We'll come out there in the winter.

[A]

Well, Matt, so I think Arizona is decent, but Arizona State is mediocre. Right.

[C]

And football, in football, they're both. They're both pretty good this year.

[A]

Wait, so wait. You bringing a big group out here or something?

[C]

I mean, you tell us. We'll bring whoever you want.

[A]

Okay. You still. USC is mediocre. They can't play defense. They lost last week.

[B]

You get them, Charles. Get them.

[A]

UCLA stinks. So you got. Y'all got. Where y'all at this week?

[C]

Penn State comes to SC this week.

[A]

That's a dangerous game for Penn State.

[B]

Yep.

[C]

Chuck, real quick, before we let you go, and this is totally random, but me and. Me and Jerry got a bet who's a better three point shooter. And I don't know if we have time to pull these clips, but I'm not an athlete. Charles, real quick. I played basketball my day, modern day. I played with Jamal Sampson. I remember that name. Samson's nephew. Played with all those guys. I like to say I modeled my game after Chris Mullen, your former teammate on the Dream Team Lefties. The white guy who just stuck around the thing and shot, even though Chris. Chris was great. We have video footage of me shooting and apparently Jerry played in all these celebrity All Star games.

[B]

You coached against me in. In San Antonio at the Creek Walk week. We got Creek walk. You and Shaq were the coaches in the Ruffles game and you were coaching against me and I went off a little bit.

[C]

We got a bet and I want you to tell us right now. You don't even have to see. Who do you like? We're going to do that.

[B]

We're doing a three point contest next month versus me. We're going to go around the world three point NBA three point line.

[C]

Oh, here we go. Watch, watch, Chuck.

[B]

This is the Mullen, by the way.

[C]

In a Patagonia jacket, like six years ago.

[B]

God, that does look like a good stroke. I'm not going to lie.

[A]

He got. He got behind his forearm. He put his legs into it and everything.

[B]

All right, now I don't have like a. I have just like a highlight video. Oh, you didn't see the jumper? I think I was looking at you right there, Charles. Look, the jumper, that's from deep. That's from like 30. Wait, a three to the dome.

[A]

Is that a set shot?

[C]

I don't know what that is.

[B]

Not really set. Well, I had a lot of time. I had time to find the seams. It's like a free throw. They're leaving me open. Wait, I gotta get on me. Look at this.

[A]

Y'all gonna have any type of timer?

[B]

No. Cause we're old. I say no timer. But and I will say I think Matt's gotta be minus 250. I'm easily plus 250. As the underdog, he reminded me he's a professional athlete. So if you had to make a bet, I'm plus 250. Matt's minus 250. We're going around the world. Five shots a station. Who comes out on top.

[A]

I'm gonna go with Matt.

[B]

Okay, fair enough.

[A]

So. So. So I'm gonna tell you because I always go with the old job because.

[C]

Thank you, Charles.

[A]

Because I always say this. Once you get over the jock, you lose something. But you have to remember something about who you're competing against. They never had it.

[B]

Very true, Charles. You are the best. Go enjoy baseball and golf. Seriously. Can't wait to watch you. You're the man. Thank you so much. And yeah, man, just keep being you. You're the best. We love you.

[A]

Hey. Hey, man. It was my pleasure. Continue to success, Matt. You know, Matt, you can. You can text me other than to be on the podcast every now and then.

[B]

Oh, I like that. Tell him, Charles. Tell them.

[C]

By the way, after the season, I'm gonna come see you, man. We're gonna golf. Honestly, it'd be would be so awesome.

[A]

Come on, brother. I would love that. Hey Jared, thank you for having man. You guys have a great day. Want to shop Walmart Black Friday deals.

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[B]

Okay, it's kind of hard to do the rest of the show now knowing that we have to follow our own interview with Barkley. I love that he called you out, though. I love that he called you out.

[C]

That's like. I was like, chuck, I'll be. I'll text you every week if you want him.

[B]

You put me in a group chat with him and he's going to get memes and witty band. Let's get Barkley group chat.

[C]

By the way, the Barclay Group chats going and we will golf with with Charles in Scottsdale at some point and also shout outs.

[B]

He's. He's on Instagram just to plug it. But follow Charles Barkley on Instagram, I cannot. I hope he posts. He's not going to, but I hope he does.

[C]

I looked at. I literally saw his name pop up on my. I'm like following. I'm like, why is Charles following me? So good.

[B]

Never thought I'd see the day. All right, so last week we did a poll for Sam Darnold getting a nickname. I'm still all about it. You recommended the Sam Darnold the Red Hammer Hammer dude. In honor of his granddaddy Dick Hammer. We asked the likes it. 63.8% said no, 36.2% said yes. I just think that's people not disliking your nickname. I think that's them just not wanting to give him a nickname. Like he hasn't earned it yet.

[C]

Well, he's earned the hammer I mean, after his grandpa dick. I mean the Red Hammer. Come on.

[B]

We're gonna try to make it work.

[C]

I'm gonna keep it going. Screw it.

[B]

So also last week we did our throwback three of like Nick's name, as we mentioned. Now this week we have a great one. We even got a little tidbit from Barkley about some of his iconic venues that he played in. So we're gonna do our throwback back for you. Matt, you picked this one, right?

[C]

So I picked this. I, I was, you know, I think the cool thing about this is we can, every week we want to do, whether it's sports or pop culture, just anything, anything that kind of creates that debate and stuff. And, and I was thinking like being an athlete, I, I had a chance to play in some of the coolest stadiums. As you're, as a fan, you've been to great events and great stadiums. It got me thinking of like the all time sports, iconic stadiums, places. It could be any sport. It could be, you know, a, it could be center court Wimbledon. It could be anything you want to either play in as a player or just to go as a fan. And I'm curious, I'm curious to know what you, what you picked.

[B]

So should we go backwards three to one? Because I have a, I have it in order, in specific order.

[C]

Okay. Yeah, let's go backwards. Let's go. Well, you go three, I'll go three.

[B]

Okay. Now first off, too, I, I am leaving out Madison Square Garden because I think we could all say that's unanimously. Would be my number one in a lot of people. So leaving that out, we're trying to dig a little deeper. My number three. And I'm going a little off the menu because you could argue. Is it a venue? It sure is. Augusta National.

[C]

Oh, yeah, for sure.

[B]

Not only do you want to play that course one of these days, but that is the one golf trip I haven't been on yet. A lot of my friends do. You gotta lock your cell phones up and go into Augusta. It's not the easiest ticket to get even. And for me, that's number three. That's on my bucket list to play, which I probably never will, but that's on my bucket list to go witness the Masters.

[C]

That's a great. Okay, so my number three. You, you may have been to this place. Okay. See, it is not what you would think, but I can imagine the history, the stories and the epic games that have happened in this place. Rucker Park. That's pretty good, right?

[B]

Yes, that's Fantastic.

[C]

What I was doing counts. It counts, right?

[B]

Yes, for sure.

[C]

I'm just thinking of like I love hoops, right? And obviously I know you love hoops. I'm thinking like some of the most let like some of the like legendary players have played that in the street ball. And like we both grew up in a time where it was like above the rim was. Was out. And what were the guys that were. Why am I above the rim?

[B]

Above the rim, yeah.

[C]

Above the rim, yeah. So like all those guys and all that. Yeah, the professor and one. That's right.

[B]

And one above the rim also will. Great movie Tupac shout outs.

[C]

By the way. Great movie, great gear. I used to work above the rim T shirts all the time. But I'm shouting out Rucker park number three.

[B]

Well, I love that because it's one of those. And this is what makes an iconic venue in an Arrow now where everything is the Wells Fargo center or the smoothie. Everything is branded and great. It makes financial sense for everyone to do that. The Rucker part. Rucker.

[C]

You just say Rucker.

[B]

Say it. Everyone's pulled up. Kobe's pulled. Everyone pulls up when they can. That's great. And by the way, something we could do in New York as well, Matt. If we're ever. If we're there in the summer, we can go cruise by Rucker and maybe we could have our three point shoot out there. Doubtful. I'm not doing it there.

[C]

That would be good. Oh, I'll do it there. Although outdoors tough.

[B]

Not me. Not me.

[C]

All right, what do you got to.

[B]

All right. My number two only because I did feel like I wanted to put a football place and this is part of my LA heritage. The. You know, I went to a Giants game a couple of times when I was a kid. Didn't always love going out to Meadowlands back then, but when I went to the Rose bowl for the first time and I don't know if this bothers you, me saying this, but when I went out there and also I lived in Burbank for a while, so I was close to Pasadena. Used to play golf at Brookside over there all the time. So we used to sneak into the Rose bowl after around the golf and just look at it. I went to a few Rose bowl games there as well. But that place is pretty freaking cool, man.

[C]

It's the best. It's the Rose bowl game.

[B]

Yes, that is.

[C]

That particularly is the best setting and backdrop I think in there. There's some great ones in college football, but that one, because the Magnitude of the game and what it's meant to college football history, and then also the mountains behind it, the sun setting. Like, it's a beautiful, beautiful stadium. And, yes, I did lose to Texas, but I did whoop on UCLA in that stadium a bunch.

[B]

I wasn't. I wasn't bringing enough. But you do agree that. That. Yeah. I look at you. I. It's iconic.

[C]

So I'm torn. I'm gonna. I had one. I'm gonna get rid of this one. I'm gonna go. Not this one. I'm. I'm gonna go Wrigley Field.

[B]

Okay.

[C]

And only because I'm. I grew up a baseball fan. My first love. Dodgers. We're actually most likely going to Wrigley Field this year for Big Noon. We have Northwestern, who's going through the stadium renovations, versus Ohio State at Wrigley. So it's my first. I've never seen a baseball game at Wrigley. I never seen a baseball game at Fenway or the old Yankees. Like, I. I just. We don't. You know, growing up, we just didn't travel like that. So I would love to see a Cubs, Dodgers game at Wrigley in my lifetime. But I will be there in the month of November for a football game, which is pretty cool. But I just feel like growing up, you know, with the ivy on the. On the wall and just that it's just an iconic baseball venue.

[B]

One of Bree's cousins lives, like, three blocks from there. So we've gone.

[C]

And Chicago is such a. Like, it's just a great city. Like, I don't know. I.

[B]

It's. It's an awesome stadium. I do think baseball has some of the more memorable ones that have lasted the longest. Which brings me to my number one, and it's no longer around. You briefly mentioned it, and I feel this way for so many different reasons. And if you've been there, you'd know the old Yankee Stadium. If it's not msg, then this is my number one. I could still close my eyes and smell the beer and the mustard. My mom almost caught a line drive there. I know I mentioned her several times in this episode. She literally got knocked over by some drunk dude. Whole cup of beer spilled all over me. I could still smell it. And there was just ghosts. You know, if you go watch. The best thing to do if you don't really. If you want to just even see, go watch the Jeter documentary the Captain, because it runs you through those 90. And now we can go way back to 70s, 60s, Yankees too. But those 90s teams, you know, Tino Martinez hitting the home run off a young way cool. It's like, oh my God, the ghosts are coming out. And especially with a Baron Boone, notoriously against the Red Sox. And you know, it ended with that place.

[C]

That's a. That's a memory. That's a memory like you're a kid growing up. And that's the ballpark.

[B]

That chair back there is from the old Yankee Stadium.

[C]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

That chair right there I won in an auction. That is from the old Yankee Stadium. Yes.

[C]

All right. My number one. And I don't know if you've ever been to this. I've been Cameron Indoor Duke, Carolina.

[B]

Yes.

[C]

I've been to that game.

[B]

It's insane.

[C]

It was. Have you been.

[B]

I've been it nothing like it. Nothing like it.

[C]

It was. I love college sports and I love rivalries. I love tradition. I love. There's nothing like it. And to. To that week I went. I was hanging with Coach K. I got to know Coach K over the years. He's the best. And that place is tiny. Like, I didn't realize how small it was.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

And. Which makes it even better. And I was there, center court, two rows up, watching a Duke Carolina game in like 2008 or nine. I don't even remember what it was actually. Duke. Duke blew him out. Wasn't like North Carolina wasn't great that year. But I was like thinking like, this is like this lived up to the hype for me and the expectation of going, like, if anyone ever go see a college hoops, like, that's a bucket list that I got to check off.

[B]

Yeah, that's. To me, that place is the difference of college sports and pro sports. Meaning like the fandom. Right. It's just different.

[C]

A little different. Yeah, it's just different. The. The shit talk. And they're right. I'm telling you, when it's small, I say it's small. It is small. And the, the. The student section, I mean, they were. I will never forget. They had. They had like a little chant and a little thing for every single player on the team. And I was like, this is so. This is what it's all about, man. Like, that place is epic.

[B]

Wow. That is our top three, our throwback, three most iconic sports venues. We wanna, we wanna hear from you. We're at throwback show on all socials. Remember, we will respond to you. We're gonna wrap up here, Matt. As we wrap off, I don't know if we're gonna play some music. But fire up the Barkley group chat. We could have a great segment going. Every week we get Ask Sparkly something in the chat and just read his response would probably still be better than some of the things I say on this show, so.

[C]

But yeah, I'mma text him right now. I'm texting him right now.

[B]

Thank you, Andrew and Adam and everybody behind the scenes. This episode was awesome. We had a blast doing it. And see you next week.

[A]

Peace.