Nothing Personal with David Samson

Today’s word of the day is ‘162-0’ as in undefeated as in Opening Day as in baseball is back. Every team starts the year perfect. Every team has a chance. The Yankees can go 162-0! The Giants cannot. Netflix had the rights. And the feedback is… questionable for some. (11:20) Let’s look through the rest of the Thursday schedule. I am excited. Paul Skenes takes the mound. Tarik Skubal takes the mound. Yoshinobu Yamamoto takes the mound. Shohei Ohtani is back on the field. God, baseball is great! (23:00) NBA commissioner Adam Silver had quite the day yesterday. He talked expansion. He talked tanking. He talked… no he didn’t talk about the Clippers! (34:20) Review: Is This Thing On? (38:00) Meta and Google were sued over addiction. And they lost. This is very important. (48:12) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Call us and complain: 631-377-4869 It’s time for So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about Aaron Boone and his lineup card. He did a sit-down with The Athletic and he tried to dispel a big myth. (6:35) What is the latest on the prediction markets? The US government is going after them. (20:33) Let’s talk Survivor! My favorite! (25:00) Can I be a Rays fan if I moved there even though I was a Phillies fan for 40 years? (30:03) What happened at La Guardia should not have happened. We are living in a tough time. (37:30) The 65-game rule has become a major issue. (46:00) The NBA board of governors meeting will be coming up soon. Will they finally discuss the Clippers and Kawhi? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘deja’ as in deja vu as in Opening Day as in Major League Baseball as in we have finally made it! The Yankees head to San Francisco to take on the Giants on Netflix. That’s right. Netflix! (10:00) Let’s talk about the top 5 storylines for this upcoming season! (28:00) Prediction time! We’re going through all my picks for the season! (40:07) Win totals! (42:36) Review: No Other Choice. (46:00) NPPOD. (48:15) Frank Thomas is suing the White Sox over jersey sales. What a start to the season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MLB has done a deal with Polymarket. A prediction market. Wow. (17:05) Let’s talk about Stephen Ross, owner of the Miami Dolphins. He loves to give interviews. (25:50) Cam Skatebo had an apology ready within 24 hours. The Giants rookie star had to walkback his comments on CTE so quick you could have missed it. (30:50) Trump put an executive order on the Army-Navy. Nice. Why? (35:15) Athletic departments at universities are now full businesses with media departments. It’s big business. CEOs. No longer school being school. (43:45) LeBron James has now played the most games all-time. What a career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘cinderella’ as in NCAA as in March Madness as in mid-major as in high-major as in power conference. This March Madness is full of no upsets. That’s right. The Cinderella is gone. Sweet 16 is full of all major conference schools. Is Texas a Cinderella? No shot! The upsets that took place? All power conference schools. So what caused this? NIL? Transfer portal? All the above? (9:45) The NCAA is suing Draftkings. Okay. (20:20) We are at Opening Day week! It is here! The final days of Spring Training means it’s time to set some rosters. That also means top prospects are being sent to the minors. (35:20) Christopher Sanchez was given an extension by the Phillies. They didn’t need to do it! (43:00) Review: Project Hail Mary. (46:36) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to the Coca hour. Today's episode starts with David's trip to the WBC. Not a breakdown of the tournament, but how he felt watching the tournament play out in the stadium he built. Cool stuff! Limited Time Offer – Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code SAMSON15 at https://huel.com/SAMSON15. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘culture’ as in Venezuela as in America as in Puerto Rico as in Dominican Republic as in Japan as in Korea as in Italy as in World Baseball Classic! It’s all over. Venezuela won the damn thing. United States finishes as the bridesmaid for the second consecutive tournament. Woof. Let’s talk about the tournament, Miami, the future of the WBC, and the impact on MLB. (22:35) The WNBA has a new agreement. How fun! Let’s break it all down. (33:50) Review: Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die. (37:40) The NFLPA has a new executive director. It’s former player president JC Tretter. How did that happen? (46:00) Is the NFL going to replace the refs? It could happen! (50:30) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Le Batard joins the show! Hurray! (33:30) What is going on in Pittsburgh? Are the Penguins for sale again? It as only five years ago that Fenway Sports Group purchased the franchise! (42:50) David Zaslav is rich. And now he is about to be super rich. Failed CEO is the best job to have if you can sell. (46:35) Mat Ishbia is back in the news. Today is a rundown of all of our favorites! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘gold’ as in WBC as in World Baseball Classic as in Miami as in USA as in Venezuela as in Ronald Acuna Jr as in Aaron Judge. What a tournament it has been. Venezuela battled back again to beat Italy. A classic. The crowd is so loud. The vibes are so high. The tournament has been a resounding success! (20:30) Every time the MLBPA says something we have to discuss it. Bruce Meyer was back in the news again, and he will be for the rest of this year. (29:10) NBA expansion is here. Las Vegas? Seattle? Billions and billions! (38:30) Review: War Machine. (40:45) New rules coming to baseball? It must be a Tuesday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More and more and more and more and more WNBA negotiations are ongoing. It’s been all night meetings after all night meetings. And there is still no deal done. (11:00) Adam Silver had to schlep up to Portland to speak with more government officials. More politicking to try and get money for arenas. And it looks like it worked for the Moda Center for the Trail Blazers. Nice! (21:30) Paramount and the NFL are about to get into some big business. The negotiating window could be opening up. The NFL wants HUGE money. (32:40) F1 was canceled in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. How big of a deal is this? (40:00) Is Washington state going to have some issues with recruiting athlete talent because of its new “millionaire tax”? That’s what the Seahawks’ GM thinks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘pitching and defense’ as in WBC as in World Baseball Classic as in Team USA as in Team Dominican Republic as in incredible. What a weekend it has been for baseball. Between upsets and home runs and defense and pitching and top players in the world, it has been incredible. (19:20) I went back to Marlins Park. Back in the building. Went to go see Venezuela vs Japan. Let me walk you through my night and the emotions of it all. (29:30) 2026 Oscars recap! It was all about ‘One Battle After Another’ and ‘Sinners’ … that’s it! (45:29) NPPOD (46:30) It’s March Madness, baybeeee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So much Coca this week you all must be tired of me! Sorry! Limited Time Offer – Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code SAMSON15 at https://huel.com/SAMSON15. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘relief’ as in Team USA as in World Baseball Classic as in Team Italy as in thank you. With Team Italy’s big win over Mexico on Wednesday night, USA is through to the quarterfinals. Now we have it all set: USA vs Canada, Dominican Republic vs Korea, Japan vs Venezuela, Italy vs Puerto Rico! Let me try and better explain the plan with the USA, why Mark DeRosa said the things he did, why the lineup was set like it was. How about Tarik Skubal? It was preplanned! Did you watch Sandy pitch? Expectations low? (23:50) What’s the latest on the New York Giants co-owner who was in the Epstein Files? He’s trying to move his shares to a trust for his children. Interesting. (30:40) The Browns stadium build has hit a snag! Let me explain this one. (38:20) It’s Oscar time! I cannot wait! Here are my predictions! (44:40) There still isn’t a new deal in WNBA. Deadline has passed. No deal. (49:40) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam Adebayo made history on Tuesday with 83 points! Jeremy Tache is here to break it all down! And then we get into some HEELS! Timothée Chalamet? Travis Kelce? Luka Doncic? Let's have some fun! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘calculations’ as in Mark DeRosa as in Team USA as in the WBC as in Italy. In a shocking result, Team USA lost to Italy 8-6 on Tuesday night and could now be eliminated from the Group Phase of the World Baseball Classic. Manager Mark DeRosa said he “misspoke” earlier in the day when he said the team had already clinched a spot in the knockout round, but also that he misread the calculations. Wow. Hunter Greene goes down for the Reds. How bad does that impact Cincinatti's plans this year? Philadelphia! The Eagles and the Phillies. Two teams. Two sets of drama. One city. What happened with the Ravens and Maxx Crosby? Is this cold feet? How mad are the Raiders? Oscar Sunday is here! Let's get you ready for the big day! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump is trying to save college sports. A committee of mega minds came to the White House. You name em, and they were there. Well, except for any players of course. (19:40) The White House is using footage they don’t own to promote wore. (25:44) Inter Miami went to the White House. Messi with the president. But the big talking point was Jorge Mas speaking on Messi’s pay. (31:23) Tua has been released by the Dolphins. Tua Time is over. The Dolphins will take on a $99 million Dead Cap number. Wow. (42:31) Marathon running is something I love. Just did Tokyo. Closing in on 30 major marathons. But this latest news was shocking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘juggernaut’ as in Team USA as in WBC as in Dominican Republic as in Japan as in walk offs as in homers as in magic! The World Baseball Classic has been incredible. Everything about it. From the crowds to the moments to the players. All of it! (9:45) Is Tarik Skubal going to pitch again? What happened to one start and gone? (18:40) Bryce Harper talks. People listen. But should they? Why did he say this about the WBC? (24:10) Bruce Meyer continues to comment on a lockout coming. Why is he saying this every chance he gets? (31:31) Review: The Voice of Hind Rajab. (36:02) Miles Mikolas says the MLBPA should not defend Jurickson Profar. Said he made multiple mistakes and he’s got the money to defend himself. (41:30) Went to Sloan on Friday. Did a PTFO. More Clippers drama! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Next week's schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday! Welcome to another Coca Thursday! Or as we are now calling it Coca will debate David about some random topic sandwiched between other sports topics he's curious about. Not the best name for the hour, but we're working on it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘evaluate’ as in Chris Ilitich as in the Detroit Tigers as in Tarik Skubal as in labor disputes as in World Series. What the heck am I talking about? Well, the the Tigers owner had a lot to say, but also nothing to say. Does he have thoughts on MLB’s CBA negotiation? Talk to MLB. Does he want to sign Skubal? Talk to the team president. (16:40) The Tampa Bay Rays used AI for their rendering video. People were NOT happy. Let’s discuss the means they used and why the team felt the need to do this. (23:31) FIFA is having some problems. And water is wet. The 2026 World Cup is so close you hear the vuvuzelas already. And there are major issues still happening. (35:30) Review: Ella McCay. (37:52) Tom Brady is trying to do everything. He wants to stay the man. From FOX to the Las Vegas Raiders to now a flag football league in… Saudi Arabia? Well, that was the plan, until it wasn’t. (46:44) NPPOD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LEAVE A VOICEMAIL 631-377-4869 So You Wanna Talk to Samson Wednesday! We start things off with the St. Louis Cardinals! Free food and soda! (8:43) If there is a lockout next season in MLB, would there be replacement players? (15:10) What are the Las Vegas Athletics going to do about tickets? A lot are going to casinos! (22:10) How do teams book events that aren’t sports? (30:25) Have I ever been offered another job in MLB? Would I ever want to get back into MLB? (34:40) When are you going to fire Stugotz? (41:00) Do baseball teams have end of year exit physicals? Why are so many players hurt before a season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘domination’ as in Team USA as in World Baseball Classic as in Bryce Harper as in Aaron Judge as in Bobby Witt as in Kyle Schwarber. What a team. Can they carry the Olympic momentum? Is Team Japan or Dominican Republic the real favorites? How do exhibitions work? (14:00) Jurickson Profar has been suspended again. 162 games. Last year 80 games. What a disaster! $15 million down the drain this season. (22:23) Roki Sasaki has a problem. The Dodgers have a problem. What can fix this? (31:55) Review: Marty Supreme. (36:00) The WNBPA has a problem. Infighting. Uh oh. (45:35) NPPOD. (48:12) Kyler Murray and the Cardinals are breaking up. Paying him $36 million to not play in Arizona. Woof. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

My main man Scott Boras is making the rounds. If you have turned on a baseball show in the past week, you will have seen his face. CBA, revenue, rules. You name it and he’s been talking about it. (13:18) The Yankees numbers are out there. Let’s talk revenue. (23:30) NPPOD. (25:56) NIL is out of control. College athletics is out of control. And now Mississippi is out of control. (37:30) Mat Ishbia wants to pay big money for All-Star Game events. $1 million to the winner of the 3-point contest and the dunk contest. Love it, but just a small problem. (43:35) NFLPA report cards came out. But weren’t they not supposed to? What happened!? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘arigato’ as in thank you as in Japan as in marathon as in wow. I can’t believe I got it done. I finished the Tokyo Marathon… and I am hurting today. (13:50) A war with Iran broke out while I was overseas. Here we go. (23:30) Paramount won. They got Warner Bros Discovery for a nice $110 billion. Paramount will turn HBO and Paramount+ into a mega streaming service. It will have a load of sports offerings. And Netflix leaves with $2.8 billion. (33:01) Review: Armed with Only a Camera. (37:22) The Padres are for sale, that we knew. Now we know who some of the bidders are. (45:40) The Athletics ballpark in Las Vegas is being built, but I cannot let them say some of these things without a response. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everyone go wish David a Happy Birthday on Thursday! We won't be back until next Tuesday! David is going to run a marathon in Japan! How cool!? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

WE WILL BE BACK NEXT TUESDAY! Today’s word of the day is ‘sotu’ as in State of the Union as in President Trump as in Republican as in Democrat. What did you get from that speech? The clapping? The verbal sparring? The facts? (17:50) Paramount has raised its bid. Is Netflix going to push for Warner Bros. Discovery? Should you care? (30:30) The Atlanta Braves have a new broadcast deal. They are launching their own network! This is different than what other MLB teams have done. (38:40) Review: Eleanor the Great. (42:30) Indiana Pacers have a slight problem. Head coach Rick Carlisle went off on the NBA league office. Was he right, though? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Could the MVP of the NBA not actually be the MVP of the NBA? It could happen. The 65-game rule has come under a microscope and it is interesting. SGA? Wemby? Jokic? Luka? Here enters Cade Cunningham! (10:40) WNBA update again! The WNBA has given a deadline. (24:20) The Lakers are raising season ticket prices. How fun. (32:05) Follow up on the Angels story from yesterday! (37:20) A follow up on the Phillies! (45:31) The franchise tag is here in the NFL. George Pickens looks like a likely target for the Cowboys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘lobby’ as in Tarik Skubal as in Team USA as in World Baseball Classic as in regular season as in Detroit Tigers. The best pitcher in baseball is making just one start. That’s it. No high leverage. A pool game. (20:12) US Hockey’s men’s team is headed to the White House. The women’s team said no. (33:20) Review: The Perfect Neighbor. (37:15) Something happened at BAFTA and it needs to be discussed. (48:30) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s time for the preseason hotseat! Jayson Stark wrote about it for The Athletic. Who is getting fired by May? (17:43) Are the Chicago Bears now the Indiana Bears? Are they moving to Iowa? Are they staying in Chicago? (25:49) Mat Ishbia has sounded off on NBA tanking. The NBA is pissed about tanking. Changes are coming. (41:00) Still no WNBA deal. Still fighting. Still think a work stoppage is coming. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘toothless’ as in Jack Hughes as in Team USA as in gold medal as in Olympics as in Canada. The USA won Olympic gold in dramatic fashion in overtime to win its first gold medal since 1980! And Team USA’s women did the same thing, against the same team, with the same score! Wow! (18:40) The Angels dont care about winning or maybe the fans dont care about winning? That’s what owner Arte Moreno said! He did a survey! But he won’t show you the survey. (29:45) Jazz Chisholm is confident. I’ll give him that. But, Jazz, cmon. (41:08) Review: Hamnet. (44:09) NPPOD. (45:30) Rondale Moore took his own life. An NFL player. A college football playing great. So young. So much more life ahead of him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matthew Coca joins me again for another Coca Thursday! This week we discuss more on the CBA negotiations in MLB, the sale of the Seahawks, his favorite show on TV, the Olympics... and his award! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘interim’ as in MLBPA as in executive director as in Bruce Meyer as in Tony Clark as in a new day. Bruce Meyer, who was the No. 2 in the union, got elected unanimously to lead this next round of negotiations. What changes? Who has the advantage at the table? (23:45) MLB teams are getting more honest. Well, some of them are. You are hearing from Cleveland Guardians GM Mike Chernoff about why his team cannot spend big money like other teams can. Uh oh. (33:40) Review: Die My Love. (36:10) The UFC has a problem. A Sean Strickland problem. If Dana White wants to be taken serious, now is the time. (44:27) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Call us at 631-377-4869! It’s a So You Wanna Talk to Samson Wednesday! Let’s start with Tony Vitello. He’s the first year manager for the San Francisco Giants, and he’s off to an interesting start. (12:30) The WNBA fight continues. A work stoppage is imminent. Uh oh. (18:45) What is the legal process for a team wanting to leave a sports league? (24:40) Why don’t the Marlins have retired jerseys? Only Jackie Robinson? (32:25) What is going on with international signings? The Phillies signed an 11-year old! (39:35) The death of the RSNs is here. (43:30) How do visas work in sports? Limited Time Offer – Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code SAMSON15 at huel.com/SAMSON15. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘peace’ as in labor peace as in Major League Baseball as in Tony Clark as in MLBPA as in negotiations as in resignation. Wow. A shocking scandal has rocked the players’ union. What does it all mean? Is this bad for the union? Are the owners giddy? (21:30) The fight over revenue in baseball is real. A lot of that is going to come from a new national television package. And MLB commissioner Rob Manfred gave us an inside look into what that may be. (31:20) Review: Anemone. (34:30) Mark Cuban says the NBA should embrace tanking. He says all teams tank. He tanked. He paid for it. His concern is with the in-arena experience being too expensive. (45:00) NPPOD. (47:10) The Minnesota Twins have some problems. So much money to players who can’t play. The team looks bad. The team will likely be bad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Baseball season is in full swing. Not regular season. But, you get it. Rob Manfred met with the media. More CBA negations. More prediction markets. The usual for commissioners these days. (15:34) Mets owner Steve Cohen met with the media. He is tired of losing. He will never have a captain. But he will spend and spend and spend. (33:30) The Yankees MVP had problems with the team’s offseason, but then he didn’t. Is he really okay with the team running it back? (41:25) Nick Castellanos is no longer a Phillie. He’s San Diego bound. The end of his tenure in Philadelphia was an absolute mess. (47:50) Casey Wasserman is selling his agency. Casey Wasserman has been asked to stepped down as head of LA28. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘urgency’ as in NBA as in All-Star Game as in what a game as in Kawhi Leonard as in Wemby as in Anthony Edwards. We finally got a great game. Team Stars won it. Team Stripes had a moment. Wemby wanted everyone to try and compete… and they did! But what about the rest of the weekend? Yikes! (15:20) LeBron James had his own media day on Sunday ahead of the All-Star Game. He was asked about Israel? Why? (21:42) Michael Jordan is a champion. For the first time in his career. A Daytona 500 champion. (25:00) Adam Silver met with the media over the weekend. He had a lot to say. Tanking, AI, prediction markets, new technology. The usual. (41:10) Review: The Secret Agent. (46:00) The NFL and NFLPA have a grievance solved over the weekend. No more report cards. The union lost and can no longer make them public. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NO SHOW MONDAY - BUT THERE IS A SHOW TUESDAY! It's another Coca Thursday! Today we discuss the Olympic committee's decision to ban a Ukrainian athlete over this helmet message. Was it the right move? Are the Olympics the place for politics? Putting context to the numbers coming out from the Super Bowl. It's NBA All-Star weekend! Are you excited!? And at the end of the day it's always all love between David and myself. It's okay to disagree with people! Limited Time Offer – Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code SAMSON15 at huel.com/SAMSON15. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NO SHOW MONDAY - BUT WE WILL HAVE A SHOW TUESDAY! Today’s word of the day is ‘offload’ as in load management as in the NBA as in the 65-game rule as in awards as in All-NBA. The NBA has a problem. Well, multiple problems. SO many star players are missing games because of soft tissue injuries and can no longer be eligible for regular season honors. LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo. Nikola Jokic is a few games away. Wemby is a few games away. Steph Curry is a few games away. Kawhi is a few games away. (15:25) More injuries coming out of Spring Training. We have three hamate bone ones. Francisco Lindor, Corbin Carroll, and Jackson Holliday are all ruled out with the same injury. Another 6-8 week one, that could take longer than that to heal. (23:03) Could President Trump get involved in MLB labor negotiations? It could happen. But at what cost? (32:13) Review: Nuremberg. (35:04) NPPOD. (38:40) Let’s talk about Scott Boras. (46:20) The decision of LA28 Olympics. Let’s discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Call us at 631-377-4869! It’s a So You Wanna Talk to Samson Wednesday! Prediction markets! Are you using them? Kalshi? Polymarket? Cardi B? What am I talking about? (12:40) Did David Stearns tell you the truth about Francisco Lindor and the World Baseball Classic? Doubt it! (19:05) Why is there a Super Bowl halftime show? What is a successful one? (26:00) Did the Baseball Hall of Fame lose credibility over the years? (31:00) Explain arbitration. Does it ever result in bad blood between the player and the team? (36:30) What do glue guys bring to a team? (47:00) Munetaka Murakami is the newest signing for the White Sox. But the White Sox already spelled his name wrong? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘shocked’ as in MLB as in spring training as in injuries. Let me explain. Kris Bryan is hurt. Anthony Santander is hurt. Spencer Schwellenbach is hurt. Hurt, hurt, and hurt. Why are these announcements happening on Day 1? Why are players waiting to get surgery? (14:15) Justin Verlander is back with the Tigers! Can you believe it!? (22:46) The Blue Jays were hit by the injury bug. So many major red flag injuries. An injury to Santander. An injury to Shane Bieber. (29:45) MLB meetings are taking place in Palm Beach. What are they discussing? (34:00) Review: The Alabama Solution. (38:25) NPPOD. (40:53) Are the Dallas Mavericks for sale? Is Mark Cuban getting the team back? Are the Adelsons leaving for Vegas? Limited Time Offer – Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code SAMSON15 at huel.com/SAMSON15. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NBA has some big problems right now. Anthony Davis gets traded to the Wizards and Washington immediately shuts him down for the season. Giannis staying in Milwaukee. Then signing a deal with Kalshi? The Utah Jazz? A straight tank job like we've never seen before. (18:00) More on the Giannis and Kalshi deal. How is this allowed? (30:00) James Pearce Jr was arrested and charged with a litany of felonies. Horrible. He should never play in the NFL again. (37:50) The Pro Football Hall of Fame could be changing its voting process. Yes, Belichick and Kraft were snubbed. Yes, the voting system is broken. (43:24) It's time for our Olympics coverage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's word of the day is 'stifled' as in Seahawks as in Patriots as in Super Bowl as in Bad Bunny as in Sam Darnold as in Drake Maye. What a Super Bowl performance by the Seahawks. Absolutely shut down the Patriots offense. Drake Maye was running for his life! Sam Darnold is a champion. Wow. (25:45) Let's talk commercials! It's one of my favorite things. Are they still good? (32:37) NPPOD. (34:20) Review: The Housemaid. (36:10) The Detroit Tigers went to arbitration with Tarik Skubal. And Skubal won. $32 million. Most ever. Record-breaking raise. (45:48) More on the World Baseball Classic here. More insurance coverage denied. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's another Coca Thursday! Today my microphone worked, but at one point my brain did not. Hopefully next week I can get both to work at the same time! Until then please enjoy our conversation this week on what killed the Washington Post, the Super Bowl, All-Star game festivities needing another makeover, stadium food selection, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘carrots’ as in Bad Bunny as in Super Bowl as in Seahawks as in Patriots as in Santa Clara! The Super Bowl is here! Can Sam Darnold lead the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory? Is Drake Maye going to become the youngest QB to ever win a Super Bowl? Is Mike Vrabel going to go from Patriots player winning a title to a Patriots head coach winning a title? Are people going to tune out of Bad Bunny’s halftime show? So many storylines! (12:28) NPPOD. (19:03) The Detroit Tigers went to arbitration with Tarik Skubal. The Detroit Tigers signed Framber Valdez to a $115 million deal on the same day. Coincidence? Let me explain! (35:40) Review: People We Meet on Vacation. (38:35) Anthony Davis has been traded by the Mavericks. He played just 29 games for the franchise. What a trade for Luka Doncic. (46:05) Let’s give another update on the WNBA. Any deal? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Call us at 631-377-4869 and leave a voicemail! So You Wanna Talk to Samson Wednesday! We start things off with Fantatics. What a week for that company. What should be a layup with Super Bowl week, has turned into a nightmare. (15:20) Terry Rozier is getting his money. An arbitrator ruled in his favor. Why? (21:45) Can MLB or the union look at the way the Dodgers will look a load management? Or does that already happen? (28:45) Do Brian Cashman and Aaron Boone have something on the owner? (32:00) The Padres family fight could be over and done with. What happened? (40:00) American League and National League in MLB used to fight for its own league, now it’s just MLB. Does that still happen? (44:45) Let’s talk Rays. The Tampa Bay Rays are headed to Tampa. Ron DeSantis said it. But will the Rays get that sweet sweet state money? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘chase’ as in ring chasing as in James Harden as in Clippers as in Cavaliers as in the NBA. James Harden is now on the Cavaliers. No more LA, no more Kawhi Leonard, no more Steve Ballmer. (13:20) NPPOD. (16:20) It’s Super Bowl week! That means Roger Goodell is meeting with the media. Epstein Files. Coaching hirings. International games. 18-game schedule. You name it! (35:00) Review: Secret Mall Apartment. (37:00) Robert Kraft is not getting into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Wow. No Patriots. No Kraft, no Belichick. (42:10) Let’s talk RSNs. Baseball is at a breaking point with regional sports networks. MLB is getting the rights. Let me explain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NBA has suspended Paul George for 25 games for violating the league’s anti-drug policy. George apologized for “mistakenly” taking prescription drugs. Yikes. $11 million suspension. But for the 76ers, they get help when it comes to the luxury tax. (9:28) Jason Kidd has had enough. Could it be the pressure of the Luka trade fallout has caught up to him? (19:10) The WNBA will not start on time. It cannot. The fighting is too much. They are no closer to a deal now than they were 3 months ago. (28:45) Another pro player wants to go back to school. How fun. We all saw this coming. (34:20) The Athletics have some more signings. They continue to give longterm deals to players who don’t need them just yet cause of team control. (38:43) The Seattle Seahawks are for sale. They have been for 7 years now. And now Jody Allen, who is running the team, has been fined $5 million. (43:00) Luis Arraez signed for $12 million with the Giants. Just for a one-year deal. That’s it. So many players either not signed or signing for short term. What is happening? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘files’ as in those files as in email dumps as in sports as in America as in horrifying. The Epstein Files latest round of releases was full of sports figures. The New York Giants have a problem. The LA Olympics have a problem. A lot of people have problems, but will ANYTHING happen? (19:50) The WBC has some problems. Team Puerto Rico could pull out of the tournament. And it’s all because of insurance? (28:30) The Dodgers have brought load management to MLB. And we are going to see it even more this year. Blake Snell will not be ready for Opening Day. Too much mileage last season for the World Series push. (35:30) Review: Rental Family. (38:10) NPPOD. (42:15) The Minnesota Twins have fired the team president Derek Falvey. Just a short few weeks before spring training. Why? (47:00) Australian Open history was made. Carlos Alcaraz becomes the youngest man ever to complete the career slam. Novak Djokovic was so close, but time was not on his side. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘exposure’ as in the Yankees as in Brian Cashman as in Aaron Boone as in Cody Bellinger. The Yankees re-signed Bellinger, MVP Judge returns, Gerrit Cole might return, and Cashman’s confidence is sky high. Are they as good as he says they are? Will this be the year the Yankees win a World Series again? (16:33) Bill Belichick has gotten everyone to come out and defend him. Tom Brady. Robert Kraft. And now the Pro Football Hall of Fame is releasing statements! (29:45) The Browns always seem to do something wrong. Todd Monken is the new head coach. Former Browns OC is back in the mix. And Jim Schwartz is pissed. (35:42) Review: It Was Just An Accident. (39:30) NPPOD. We have to talk about Giannis again. What is going on with the Bucks? (44:30) Is LIV Golf done? Another big name has left. Uh oh. Limited Time Offer – Get Huel’s full High-Protein Starter Kit with my exclusive offer of 20% OFF online with my code SAMSON20 at huel.com/SAMSON20. New Customers Only. Code only valid for the bundle. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I am really sorry about the audio problems I experienced. These will be addressed. And if they happen again I am going to throw my computer out my window! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Call us at 631-377-4869 and ask a question! So You Wanna Talk to Samson Wednesday! We start with what’s going on at the Washington Post. Could the entire Sports section disappear? Are more jobs being lost? Does Jeff Bezos with his billions even care? (9:50) Are we in the buyout stage of college sports? What is going on with Miami and Duke? (18:33) How long will the lockout last? Will it be a year? What will the concessions be? What is each side asking for? (26:45) Is there is a salary floor is there no luxury tax? Can teams still make a profit? Can small market teams invest into the minor leagues? (32:00) Can you talk about the Johan Santana trade? Do teams still let players make deals before a trade like he did? (38:30) Former head of FIFA says not to come to America for the World Cup. Oh. (46:00) Was there ever talks about having Spanish TV broadcasts for the Marlins? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices