Nothing Personal with David Samson

Today’s word of the day is ‘rain delay’ as in the Yankees as in the Guardians as in 3:30 hours of nothing as in MLB took that long to make a decision about Game 5 last night. It was complete disrespect towards the fans that were in the stadium. Major League Baseball is in charge of deciding this. Advantage whom now? Yankees get Nestor Cortes. Astros get the winner on short rest. (18:40) Let’s talk about the NBA! It’s back today! I know there’s been stories for weeks now. Tanking alert! Watchout for it! What will happen with the Lakers and Celtics? Are the Nets still a mess? Do the Warriors hate each other? (25:35) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me who I think will win the NBA title this year because they want to fade my pick! (30:15) Review: The Redeem Team. (33:15) We have more postseason baseball today! Another round. Phillies vs Padres. Let’s discuss. (38:40) NPPOD. I hope you have a great day! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘despondent’ as in working all year for one goal and failing as in the Dodgers won 111 games and then lost it all in 4 as in the Braves won 101 games and wanted to try and repeat and lost as in that’s baseball. All the respect in the world to the Padres and Phillies for getting it done. All it took was one road win and the series flipped. How is MLB feeling about this? Do you think they like the double underdog story? (30:30) Review: Nothing Compares. (34:55) The Golden State Warriors are paying a premium. They will have almost half a BILLION dollars in payroll next season! (43:40) NPPOD. I hope everyone has a great day! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s a Samson Sit-Down with columnist and author Tyler Kepner! We talk all things baseball. MLB postseason. History of the World Series! A baseball fan’s dream! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘3’ as in 3 years as in 36 months as in 156 weeks and 4 days as in 1,096 days as in 26,304 hours! That’s how long Nothing Personal has been around for! (2:10) Let’s update the Daniel Snyder situation. I cannot believe that Al Michaels brought it up! I was wrong! This has been a disaster for the NFL, especially when the Thursday games have been horrible! (11:45) Another woman has come forward and filed a lawsuit against Deshaun Watson. We’re getting close to 30 women now. Will Watson be suspended for more games now? (17:20) MLB Postseason update! Yordan Alvarez is having a series to remember. Two games. Two mammoth home runs for the Houston Astros. (31:00) Review: Sidney. (36:10) Carlos Correa has opted out of his deal with the Twins. He said he wanted to be a Twin then said he didn’t want to be a Twin. He still may be a Twin, but he wants to get paid! What a story. (41:10) NPPOD. (45:20) Is it time for Theo Watch? Are the Mets going to do it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘must win’ as in you need to win as in you have to win as in don’t you dare lose as in it’s the stinking postseason! Win every game! The Atlanta Braves came back to win Game 2 against the Phillies. The Padres took Game 2 from the Dodgers. Must wins! Let’s take a look at where these series are at. (16:01) A new bombshell report was dropped by ESPN about Washington Commanders Daniel Snyder. It has been alleged that Snyder has dirt on Roger Goodell. Has dirt on Jerry Jones. Has private investigators following owners. Other owners privately spoke with ESPN and had some pretty damning things to say about Snyder. Whoa! (31:20) Davante Adams finds himself in some legal trouble after shoving a photographer. He has been charged with assault. Woof. (38:20) NPPOD. (39:55) Review: Mr. Harrington’s Phone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘stale’ as in stale bread as in unripe as in moldy as in sitting around too long as in the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros both found themselves down early in their games. The Braves tried to make a comeback against the Phillies but fell a run short. The Astros needed a historic blast from Yordan Alvarez to walk-off against the Mariners. (11:00) Scott Servais chose to pitch Robbie Ray in the 9th inning against Yordan Alvarez. Do you agree with that move? Did this backfire? (17:10) we have a Draymond Green update. He’ll be back sooner than most thought. (20:40) We had news of two different sort of freak injuries that will keep pitchers from the Divisional Series. David Robertson got hurt celebrating a Bryce Harper home run by jumping! Phil Maton broke his hand punching a locker angry after a game. WHAT!? Inexcusable. (29:00) Review: Don’t Make Me Go. (31:10) So You Wanna Talk To Samson!? Someone asked me about the Padres trying to keep Dodgers fans away from San Diego for the Divisional Series. Hmm. Will it work? (35:45) NPPOD. (39:30) We have an update on Eric Kay, former Los Angeles Angels staffer, he’s going to jail. Adnan Syed is getting out of jail. Brett Favre, not going to jail, but should be in jail. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘protection’ as in over protection as in the NFL as in Tua as in Tom Brady as in Derek Carr as in the officials have no idea what they’re doing anymore. Have you seen these flags? Tom Brady gets tackled… FLAG! Derek Carr gets tackled… FLAG! (9:15) David Tepper and the Carolina Panthers have fired Matt Rhule. Rhule got a huge deal and stunk! David Tepper and his comments were hilarious. What a guy! (19:55) Review: Confess, Fletch. (22:55) Draymond Green is stepping away from the Warriors. He punched Jordan Poole in the face in practice. Wasn’t the biggest deal… then the video dropped. (33:45) NPPOD. (41:20) The embarrassment of EarGate between Joe Musgrove and Buck Showalter. What went down there?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Will Middlebrooks joins us to guide you through the MLB Postseason. We start things off with how Will’s injury ended his first career and forced him into a tough decision. (7:15) What were the biggest surprises of the 2022 MLB regular season? (19:50) Who wins the MVP? Judge or Ohtani!? (28:20) It’s time for some Wild Card predictions! (And some talk about steroids!) (45:55) And we end giving out some World Series picks! We’re sorry Atlanta if we curse you! If you are reading this... have the best weekend! Love, Coca. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘royal flush’ as in poker as in King James as in LeBron James as in Las Vegas as in LeBron James used his postgame presser to communicate his wanting of the Las Vegas NBA franchise. He wants a team. He wants ownership. The NBA is going to expand. But, was this the right setting? (11:55) Draymond Green got into a fight with Jordan Poole in practice. What is happening? Coming of an NBA title. (19:55) Joe Burrow continues to speak out when he sees an issue. He was asked about Tua and concussions. Burrow said he’s played in games where he doesn’t remember the 2nd half. Oh boy. (28:40) Review: The Beach Bum. (32:35) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about the Los Angeles Angels. My favorite. Mike Trout spoke at season’s end and had some things to say. The Angels brought the interim manager Phil Nevin back for next year. The team is still for sale. Ohtani may still leave. (39:45) NPPOD. (43:15) The regular season is over! Remember the lockout!? Remember the doom and gloom!? We have reach the postseason! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘62’ as in the record as in the Yankees record as in the American League record as in Aaron Judge’s record as in NOT the MLB record. Good for him. What’s next? Judge is going to get PAID! Postseason baseball is right around the corner. (10:00) There is no drama left for Game 162 in MLB. None. Everything is set. MLB must be FURIOUS! (18:00) Remember the drama of the Super League in soccer? Remember the backlash? Well, talks have returned! Florentino Perez is the president of Real Madrid and he wants the Super League back! (29:00) Review: Mack & Rita. (34:40) Tua Tagovailoa has met with the NFL and NFLPA. He is still in the concussion protocol and will be out this weekend. (41:50) NPPOD. (44:50) the Houston Astros have won 100 games again. They are the best team in the AL. But yet, the manager and GM do not have new deals yet. Why? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘walleye’ as in a fish as in a yellow pike as in a freshwater perciform fish as in a fishing tournament has rocked the US like never before! We have a scandal on our hands! The two winning anglers were stuffing their fish with weights and got caught! (14:10) Another scandal is afoot! And we, detectives of Samson & Coca LLC, are here to investigate! Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen has created a big drama show in the chess world after accusing Hans Niemann of cheating. (19:25) Tony La Russa is out as White Sox manager. In what was a disappointing return to managing. It’s because of health reasons, but it was also because of poor performance on the field. (26:00) Review: The Greatest Beer Run Ever. (33:40) Another scandal has rocked the NWSL. Coaching and leadership malpractice. A report came out from the New York Times about the abuse, harassment, and terrible culture surrounding the league. (43:30) NPPOD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘analytics’ as in drones as in computers as in numbers as in charts as in percentages as in the Baltimore Ravens went for it on 4th and goal, didn’t get it, lost the game, and John Harbaugh said it was analytics! Why even have a coach anymore? There needs to be harmony, balance, in order for these things to work. (9:55) The NFL is in crisis mode. Tua Tagovailoa has a serious concussion. The Dolphins are under fire. The NFL is under fire. The NFLPA found the fall guy in the doctor that treated Tua. A lot of changes were made on the fly to the concussion protocol. (20:40) Review: Blonde. (24:35) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about Shohei Ohtani’s record-breaking arbitration deal. Very interesting! (37:00) Aaron Judge is still trying for 62 home runs. Have you seen his attempts? It is being forced on us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘irresponsible’ as in the Miami Dolphins as in Tua Tagovailoa as in if you watched that game last night you knew Tua should not have played. He did and suffered another head injury that was so scary to see. The Dolphins let this happen. (14:45) Does Carlos Correa want to be a Twin? He did on August 23! But now? His new comments were all about how the Twins better make a big deal of the pursuit of him. This is a Scott Boras special. (23:30) Review: Wedding Season. (29:30) What is going on with the Phillies? Just an absolute meltdown. They may miss the playoffs! (37:30) NPPOD. (41:30) What is going on in Anaheim? Shohei Ohtani is still unreal. I will DIE on the hill that he is the MVP. But that’s not the biggest story! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘mulligan’ as in redo as in try again as in imagine going to the Yankees/Blue Jays game and sitting in the outfield. Imagine Aaron Judge steps up to the plate. Imagineer Aaron Judge hits a laser coming right at you. It’s his 61st home run ball! And you miss it! (13:00) Dusty Baker says the Astros are done resting players. The team has games agains the Rays and Phillies left. The Phillies are fighting for a Wild Card spot. Love it! The Marlins sent an email trying to get Mets fans to show up! Hate it! (21:45) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about teams capitalizing on gambling losses by fans. What?! What does this mean? (34:15) Review: The Case Against Adnan Syed. (42:55) Mac Jones has a high ankle sprain. Common. Mac Jones is getting a 2nd opinion. Common. But how does this come about? Don’t ask Bill Belichick. (47:00) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘hundo’ as in 100 as in century as in one hundred as in Kyrie Irving said he gave up $100M because he didn’t want to get vaccinated. Really? Sean Marks said it could be true! But that’s not it! Kevin Durant is still in Brooklyn. Steve Nash is still in Brooklyn. Ben Simmons is still in Brooklyn. The drama continues on! (13:00) Herm Edwards was fired in his fifth season at Arizona State. (24:40) Phil Mickelson and a few other golfers have pulled their names from the lawsuit against the PGA. Fun! Have you been watching LIV? (35:50) Review: Only Murders in the Building S2 (40:00) NPPOD. If you are in the hurricane's path, please be safe! Please take precautions! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘hubris’ as in I went to compete in my fourth major marathon in Berlin. It didn’t work out too well. My body said no. (4:00) Let’s discuss why we should never tweet. (6:45) Ime Udoka was suspended and we still don’t know what for. What happened in Boston? From the way the Celtics handled it it must be serious. Mistakes were made by the Celtics, the media, social media, and myself. (20:10) Don Mattingly and the Marlins are parting ways after the season. We hired Don in 2015. (25:55) Review: Do Revenge. (29:00) Albert Pujols has hit 700 career home runs. We may never see this again. His 2nd half of the season has been unbelievable. (39:10) NPPOD. (42:30) We continue to cover the Brett Favre scandal. More and more information continues to come out about how deep this scandal really is. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s a mailbag! I’m on another adventure. Another marathon. Another country! Let’s start things off with a question on how 3-team trades work. Interesting. (9:50) Someone asked me what happens after a trade happens. This person wanted to know about revoking parking passes, name tags off lockers, and the legal issues! Love it! (24:55) Next up! Someone asked me about management style with players and coaches differed from that of corporate side. (33:00) Someone asked me about Imposter Syndrome. Oh boy. (39:40) Someone asked me about sports psychology. They wanted to know what sports psych looks like inside a clubhouse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s a Samson Sit-Down! We’ve got Jason Caldwell on the show today! The man is a legend and the star of his documentary Chasing. It’s about a race across the Atlantic Ocean… rowing a boat! What?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re back like we never left! Robert Sarver came out and said he is selling the Phoenix Suns and Mercury. How did we get to this point? What happens next? Well, Robert Sarver gets richer than rich. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘the beatles’ as in the group as in Help Me as in what is going on with Sinclair, Bally’s and the RSN world. What is the RSN world? Let me explain what is going on and if it means you won’t see your sports teams play. (17:20) Aaron Judge came up in the 9th inning and hit his 60th home run of the year to tie Babe Ruth! Stanton came up and hit a walk-off grand slam! How much money are these home runs worth? $500K? $1M? $5M? $10M!?! (24:00) Review: I Used to be Famous. (28:30) A Covid money scam was just exposed in Minnesota. 47 people were indicted on charges of stealing $250M in funding meant for feeding underprivileged children in Minnesota. ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? (32:55) NPPOD. (36:40) A fan hit Browns owner Jimmy Haslem with a bottle. He’s been ban for life. Why did this happen? (43:40) Will Robert Sarver be forced to sell? Will he be forced to resign? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘Cohen Tax’ as in the Steve Cohen Tax as in the luxury tax as in above the threshold as in big time spending in MLB. $290M. MLB owners wanted this to limit the spending of Steve Cohen… and it didn’t work. (12:55) Jimmy G is starting to get paid big money already. He re-signed with the 49ers when everyone thought he was getting cut. Why do teams put incentives into contracts for wins? Playoffs, okay. But wins? (19:20) Review: The Immaculate Room. (29:30) The Arizona Cardinals are investing a fan after an alleged incident with Kyler Murray. (40:30) Aaron judge is 2 home runs away from tying Roger Maris’ American League and Yankees single-season home run record. If it happens on Friday… a lot of you may not see it. MLB has said it won’t be moving the game to a national broadcast. (44:40) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘Wednesday’ as in not Monday as in not Tuesday or Thursday, but Wednesday. The middle of the work week. It’s Tom Brady’s new off day. We’ve seen all this drama surrounding Tom Brady and his family. That’s for him to deal with. Him to make decisions for himself. He went to the Bahamas in the middle of training camp. But this is too much. A personal day each week in the middle of the season. Is it for rest? Is it for family? Is it for recovery? (8:10) There were three terrible blown leads in the NFL this weekend. Improbable comebacks. The Dolphins came back from 21 points back to beat the Ravens. The Jets scored two TDs in under a minute to beat the Browns. The Raiders blew a 20 point lead to the Cardinals and lost in overtime. How do you get your focus back? (11:00) Jerry Jones is never selling the Cowboys. He keeps reminding us. But what if the price is toooooooo right? (13:25) So You Wanna Talk To Samson!? Someone asked me about the new MLB. That means the MLB where minor leagues are cut down. What happens to scouting? Draft? Teams? (24:00) Review: Chasing. (28:00) The Pittsburgh Pirates are a bad team. The Pittsburgh Pirates are a bad organization. The Pittsburgh Pirates hit a new low this weekend when a player was eating sunflower seeds mid play! (36:30) NPPOD. (41:00) Stephen Strasburg’s career might be over. Signed one of the biggest deals ever back in 2019 and he’s pitched 8 games since. That is called getting Boras’d. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘good judgement’ as in the Suns scandal will not go away as in the the minority owner of the Suns has written a letter that has called for Robert Sarver to resign. This story will not go away. Adam Silver had a chance to make this go away, he didn’t. The players are speaking out. The fans are speaking out. Now the minority owners are speaking out. Uh oh. (18:20) So You Wanna Talk To Samson!? Somebody asked me about Mets president Sandy Alderson stepping down. They wanted to know if I would be interested. HA! — We need to take a timeout so that we can talk about what the Rays did on Roberto Clemente Day. First time a lineup was all Latin-American. Interesting — okay, back to the Mets. (35:20) Review: Vengeance. (38:45) Roger Federer has announced his retirement from the ATP and Slams. What a career. What an athlete. What a person. (42:10) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘this league’ as in the NBA is back as in not just yet as in the off court drama that happens in the NBA is just unreal. Adam Silver spoke about the Robert Sarver suspension yesterday and it went downhill fast. LeBron James responded. Chris Paul responded. The NBPA responded. Just getting worse. (18:50) Minor League players are now part of the Major League union. What happens next? (28:00) Review: RRR. (33:45) It’s not everyday that you see a sports agency terminate their relationship with a player. Zach Plesac is that player. What happened? (37:40) NPPOD. (39:30) We need to update this story about Yeshiva University and the Supreme Court decision. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘one year’ as in 365 days as in a lot of hours and a lot of minutes as in Robert Sarver, the owner of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury, has been suspended for a full year and fined the maximum $10M for his conduct. Well, what did he do? Lewd jokes at meetings, berating employees, sending unwanted messages to employees. Just a bunch of terrible conduct. Why isn’t he forced to sell? (13:30) So You Wanna Talk To Samson!? Someone asked me about the Brett Favre scandal that has rocked Mississippi. He’s been accused of helping to funnel $5M of state funds to building a volleyball arena at his daughter’s university! WHAT! (26:40) Review: No Limit. (32:25) The World Cup stadiums are currently a disaster. They were built through slave labor. Don’t bring alcohol. Try to stay out of jail. But the facilities are a BIG woooooof! (39:55) NPPOD. (44:50) Are you watching Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, and Albert Pujols? Are you? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘64’ as in the Seahawks beat the Broncos after rookie head coach Nathaniel Hackett opted to attempt a field goal instead of trusting Russell Wilson to get a 1st down. Yup… I mean… why pay Wilson all that money to clap on the sidelines? Russell Wilson was booed in his return to Seattle. Really? (12:10) Brian Daboll made his debut on Sunday. He asked his defense if they should go for 2 and the lead against the Titans. What? (16:50) Robert Saleh said he’s keeping receipts on everyone mocking the Jets. The same Robert Saleh who’s 4-14 as a head coach. Maybe don’t do this. Win some games first. (21:30) Minnesota Timberwolves young star Anthony Edwards had to formally apologize for comments he made in a social media video. The video was a recording of a group of men and Edwards had some very hurtful homophobic things to say. Disgraceful. (30:45) Review: 2022 Emmy Awards (38:55) Wait To See. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘tremendously disappointing’ as in the Dallas Cowboys as in Tom Brady as in Dak Prescott as in Jerry Jones as in football is back! The Buccaneers won easy. Dak Prescott is out 6-8 weeks with broken hand. Mike McCarthy still has a job. Jerry Jones the owner has a problem with Jerry Jones the president and Jerry Jones the GM! (6:50) Lamar Jackson did not sign a new deal with the Baltimore Ravens. Who can be blamed for this? Look over at Cleveland and Jimmy Haslem. (21:35) Review: Operation Mincemeat. (25:35) Last week we broke down the new rules in MLB. What we didn’t get to cover was the statement that MLB players put out. How did they feel about the rule changes? (36:00) NPPOD. (42:00) The best job is in sports is that of the college football head coach. You get paid millions and if you stink and you’re fired you get paid even more! Scott Frost gets fired by Nebraska and his buyout is $15M! He’s not alone! Some coaches could earn almost $100M if fired! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘competition committee’ as in baseball is changing as in pitch clock as in extended bases as in balks as in banning the shift as in pace of play as in DISASTER! We told you changes were going to happen, but let me fill you in on this committee. It’s a joke! 6 owners, 4 players, 1 umpire. Fair play! (25:55) Review: Being Serena. (29:10) Two young baseball players from the Dominican Republic are suing the Los Angeles Angels over an oral agreement. That means nothing was signed. That means players were promised a contract when they were too young to be signed and the organization changed its mind. (39:45) NPPOD. (44:45) So You Wanna Talk To Samson!? Someone asked me about FIFA’s decision to have the World Cup in Qatar. There won’t be any alcohol! What!? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘kick off’ as in the NFL is here as in FOOTBALL IS BACK! As in Amazon or is it NBC? Hey, what channel is the game on? Let’s make some predictions. I’m with everyone and the Bills. Josh Allen and the city of Buffalo are the favorites. And I’m on the bandwagon. (15:35) Max Scherzer is headed back to the IL. Another injury to his left side. He left with fatigue, but we knew he was headed to the IL. How worried should Mets fans be? (18:45) The Yankees continue to own the Twins. Aaron judge isn’t being pitched to anymore. Why can’t certain teams ever beat certain teams? (26:30) Review: Murders Before the Marathon. (34:00) It’s the 50th anniversary of the Munich Olympics and what went down there. Let me give you a history lesson. (37:35) we have a lawsuit update! Remember that whole drama with Freddie Freeman, his agent, and a Fox Sports host. It turns out the report was all wrong and an apology had to happen. WE have a major update on the Queen of England! World news time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘sacked’ as in fired as in canned as in Thomas Tuchel has been sacked back Todd Boehly just two months into Beohly’s new reign as owner of Chelsea FC. American man making rash decisions because he has the money to spend! Another American meddling owner in Europe! Ho hum! Let’s talk about Boelhy and his takeover. (10:00) Yankees president Randy Levine went on a podcast and opened up about the Yankees spending, what to do with Aaron Judge, and Cashman and Boone. Let’s break down what he said and what he meant to say. (21:50) Review: Samaritan. (24:55) The Minor Leagues are voting on being represented by MLBPA. What happens next? (33:40) The Chicago Bears released its plans for the future of the Arlington location. The team wants to move to a new location from the downtown, waterfront Soldier Field. (40:20) Zac Gallen has been on a tear right now. A historic stretch. He has not allowed a run in 41.1 innings. He’s looking to set the record. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘race’ as in the chase as in eyes on the prize as in Aaron Judge homerun race, as in Judge vs Ohtani MVP race as in the Yankees race for the AL East as in the Mets vs Braves race for the NL East. This is what baseball wants. They want popular players and teams being in the race from something! (19:20) Serena Williams career is over. One of the greatest to ever do it. Will women’s tennis ever see a talent like that again? (23:25) Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic. Have we seen the end of the tennis Big 3? (32:45) Review: This is 40. (37:45) NPPOD. (44:30) MLB is giving away MLB TV for free to college students. Free subs for everyone! Back to school specials. Why? The youths are the future! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

oday’s word of the day is ‘uhaul’ as in the Utah Jazz backed up the truck and said if you want Donovan Mitchell you are giving us everything you got. The Knicks wanted Mitchell bad and didn’t get it done. The Cleveland Cavaliers swooped in and made it happen. Let’s talk about the three sides of this story. (7:25) Russell Wilson just signed a massive extension with the Denver Broncos. He’s getting $165M guaranteed, which is the third most in the NFL, behind Kyler Murray and Deshaun Watson. Watson got his full contract guaranteed. No one else has been able to do that. What’s going to happen with Lamar Jackson now? (21:30) Review: 7 Days in Entebbe. (26:10) The Chicago Bears are on the move! How far are they moving to? About 30 miles north! Does this mean Chicago is getting another team? Nope! (34:30) NPPOD. (42:00) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about the Amazon NFL preseason streaming. What were the numbers like? Can people find it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘40’ as in Serena Williams as in almost 41 as in Serena Williams at 40 just took down the number 2 seed in the US Open. What? She won the first set in tiebreak, lost the second set, and smashed it home in the third. She is greatness. She is perseverance. She is 40! (8:38) Tony La Russa is taking a leave of absence because of a heart issue. The 77-year old is the manager of the Chicago White Sox, who have been a huge disappointment. Miguel Cairo has taken over responsibilities of manager. (15:25) MLB has responded to Angel Hernandez after he sued for discrimination. MLB said Hernandez was so bad in the ALDS and that’s why he didn’t get to umpire in the World Series. How about that? (21:55) Review: Five Days at Memorial & Katrina Babies. (31:55) NPPOD. (34:15) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about the future of RSNs. What are these? How do you watch your local teams play? Yea… (43:35) Aaron Donald spoke about joint practices. In the Rams practice he took a helmet and swung it at a Bengals player during one of these practices. What he had to say was pretty interesting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘disruption’ as in your summer plans are disrupted as in a change in course as in Justin Verlander was placed on the 15-day IL with a calf injury. The Cy Young leader is back after missing a season recovering from Tommy John surgery. How bad is this? The Astros cannot afford for Verlander to be hurt heading into October. What about Shane McClanahan? The Rays youngster was seen distraught warming up for his start and was scratched. It’s a shoulder injury for him. Not good! (13:45) French star Paul Pogba is being extorted by his older brother and childhood friends. They held him at gunpoint. They released videos on social media. They say Paul owes them for protecting him when he was young. They want 13 million from him and said he called a witch doctor to curse Kylian Mbappe. (22:55) Review: Untold: Operation Flagrant Foul. (28:55) It’s always a major thing for players to represent their countries in international sports. What happens when it goes wrong? Danilo Gallinari got hurt playing for Italy. Let’s talk about how this is the biggest nightmare for front offices. (36:35) NPPOD. (38:35) What is happening at Yeshiva University? It’s pretty important. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘comfortable’ as in easy as in helpful as in life is good as in the Boston Red Sox have given up. That’s it. Put the 2022 season into the attic for next year. The Red Sox ownership came out and said Chaim Bloom and Alex Cora will be back next year. The team is last in the Al East. (11:55) The New York Knicks are always a mess. There’s never been a time since the 90s that this team can’t get out of its own way. RJ Barrett could become the first rookie since Charlie Ward to get an extension from the Knicks. What about the Donovan Mitchell trade? Will it happen? (20:55) Review: Me Time. (24:40) Jimmy Garoppolo is staying in San Francisco. Back up QB. Took a pay cut to do it. Might get traded. Not getting cut. (28:20) NPPOD. The Dodgers have a small problem. Forearm strain is the worst news you could hear. Tony Gonsolin is headed to the IL. (33:40) The Mets want to keep Jacob deGrom. He is the best pitcher in baseball when healthy. He has not been healthy. He can opt out of his deal. He could pick up his option. Steve Cohen wants to keep him. (38:15) Serena Williams is taking her last ride. The US Open is here. Serena won her first round match and the fan fare was insane. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘scratch the surface’ as in looking for a diamond in the rough as in the early stages of talent as in the Seattle Mariners signed Julio Rodriguez to a massive contract. He’s played just 109 games in his career. A rookie. A $200M deal that could reach $470M. So many clauses. So many details. This new trend is going to hurt plenty teams. Fernando Tatis? Wander Franco? Michael Harris? Ronald Acuna? Luis Roberts? (17:25) Are minor league players joining the Major league union? Maybe! What happens if this happens? What would MLB do? Contraction! (30:55) Review: Top Gun: Maverick. (34:55) Josh Hader is broken. Hader was traded to the San Diego Padres and he stinks. He has a 25.71 ERA with the Padres. What the heck happened? Remember Tyler Glasnow? Well, the Rays just signed him to a short extension before he entered free agency. He is rehabbing from TJ surgery. Why would they do this? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘due diligence’ as in what you should be doing when you’re drafting a player as in the Buffalo Bills punter Matt Araiza was hit with a civil suit on Thursday for the alleged gang-rape of a 17-year old woman last year. Another terrible situation. Another crime. Another sexual assault against a woman by someone in the NFL. So now what happens? Why are the Bills not cutting him right now? Why did the Bills cut their other punter knowing this happened? (10:20) So You Wanna Talk To Samson!? Someone asked me about Bryce Harper’s return to the Phillies and if the timeline was moved because of how good his two rehab games were. Is it okay to move up a timeline? (17:15) Bryce Harper returns and now Zach Wheeler heads to the IL. Oh boy. Looks like it’s a forearm issue to and we know what that means. What about the Yankees? Stanton returns and Nestor Cortes heads to the IL. Timing. Timing. Timing. (30:00) Review: Man From Toronto. (33:30) NFLPA president JC Tretter announced his retirement from the NFL, but he’s not going down quietly. He said the NFL doesn’t want him to have a job because of who he was with the union. Hmm. (39:50) NPPOD. (43:25) Chet Holmgren will miss the entire season. Lisfranc. See ya. The Thunder are FURIOUS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘dramatic’ as in drama as in MLB has changed its schedule for 2023 and it was referred to as dramatic! We’ve got less division games. We’ve got more interleague games. We’ve got rivalries back! Wow! How exciting! (13:40) Oklahoma City Thunder top pick Chet Holmgren got hurt playing in a Pro-Am. He’s got torn ligaments in his foot which is not good for a player of his size. It happened trying to stop LeBron James on a fast break. So You Wanna Talk To Samson!? Someone asked me if I were prez of OKC would I let Chet play? (21:10) Fernando Tatis Jr. apologized to his teammates and to the fans on Tuesday. He’s going to now get surgery that he’s needed on his shoulder for over a year. (29:55) Review: Fire of Love. (37:35) Vanessa Bryant was awarded $16M after suing the Los Angeles Fire Department and Sheriff’s office. It’s a horrible case to discuss. (45:40) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘formal process’ as in you know exactly what you are doing as in not an informal process as in the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are about to sell. Arte Moreno came out yesterday and said it’s time. What does that mean for the future of the organization? What does it mean for the future of Shohei Ohtani? (16:55) Los Angeles Dodgers ace Walker Buehler will be getting Tommy John surgery for the 2nd time in his career. He will miss this season. He will mist next season. This is bad news for his career. Let’s also talk about Tommy John surgery and young players. Not professional players. We’re talking about high school aged. It’s becoming a serious problem. Why is that? (33:50) Review: Jane Goodall - The Hope. (35:35) Kevin Durant is back in Brooklyn. He demanded a trade. Asked for the GM and head coach to be fired. And it didn’t happen. The team released a statement saying they met with Durant and things are all good. Sure. (44:00) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘700’ as in 700 career home runs as in Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, and Babe Ruth. That’s it. In the history of the game. Now Albert Pujols is knocking on the door. Last night he hit number 693. It didn’t look like he had a chance and in these past 10 games he’s been scorching it. What will 700 look like? How much could it sell for? What is security going to be like? Will Albert have a chance to be the final one in the club? (14:20) Yadier Molina is a hall of fame player. Yadier Molina is a Cardinals legend. Yadier Molina has been in the game too long for him to be doing what he’s done this season. Leaving his team in a pennant race to go celebrate a basketball team in Puerto Rico. (25:10) Review: The Summer I Turned Pretty. (29:35) So You Wanna Talk To Samson!? Someone asked me about the Glazer Family and Manchester United. The fans want the family out. The fans protested. The fans are furious. And the Glazers still want $235M to upgrade the stadium. The story is wild and we will help you understand it. Would Jerry Jones sell if someone offered him $8B? What about $6B? Would you do it? (42:55) NPPOD. Justin Verlander is going to win a Cy Young. Again. He’s 39 coming off a missed season! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘boiling point’ as in the temperature in which water boils as in the steam is coming out of your ears as in an eruption of anger is right there as in the New York Yankees still have major issues. Yea, they finally got a win on Sunday, but the team is 10-20 in post-ASB. The pitching has stunk. The batting has stunk. Aaron Boone had a FIERY press conference. What happened? (13:40) Joe Maddon has had enough. He went off about what’s going on in baseball. He was fired by the Los Angeles Angels and the team is still a disaster. What did he have to say? (23:10) Review: Under the Banner of Heaven. (31:10) So You Wanna Talk To Samson!? Someone asked me about Dana White’s comments saying he had a deal in place to get Tom Brady and Gronk to Vegas and Jon Gruden shut it down. Hmm. (38:20) NPPOD. (40:20) Marcell Ozuna has found himself in more legal trouble. Ozuna was arrested for a DUI and the footage is not good. He was booed by fans. He has past problems with domestic violence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘triggered’ as in the new buzz word that people use to say that you’re made because of an event they don’t necessarily agree with your anger. We’re talking about Deshaun Watson, of course. Watson got an 11 game suspension and a $5M fine and now things are all good, right? Watson is so sorry. Sorry for everyone impacted. Sorry for the anger. Sorry to his victims. Sorry to women… just kidding. He said he’s sorry to all those who have been triggered! (21:10) Fernando Tatis Jr is set to meet with AJ Preller to talk about his recent and past actions… we’d assume. Then Tatis is supposed to meet with his teammates, whom are very angry with him. Apology tour is here. (34:00) Review: Jurassic World: Dominion. (37:30) Tom Brady is still away form the Buccaneers. We have no idea what’s happening right now. It doesn’t sound like Todd Bowles does either. What is the front office thinking with the season less than a month away? (43:45) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘ayahuasca’ as in the plant as in the tea as in DMT as Aaron Rodgers recently opened up about his use of the psychoactive in helping him. Then what happened next? Aaron Rodgers goes on a public rant about his young receivers messing up. Then the QB had a meeting with the other QBs and offensive coaches and the young receivers. Why? He wants them all to be better. Why not do this from the start? Where’s the healing? (13:00) The Texas Rangers have fired its president of baseball operations just days after firing its manager. Interesting. The owner Ray Davis made Jon Daniels give comment about the firing of Chris Woodward and then fired Jon Daniels! What!? (19:35) The Atlanta Braves continue to lock up young players early on. It’s a strategy that has been around, but the Braves are taking it to a new level. (32:45) Review: Untold - The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist. (36:35) Ben Simmons and the Sixers had a settlement. A grievance was filed. Simmons won. (43:00) LeBron James signed his deal with the Lakers. It was always meant to happen. (45:35) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘blame’ as in let’s play the blame game as in it was your fault not mine as in Pedro Martinez was on national television yesterday blaming the San Diego Padres for failing Fernando Tatis Jr. Yes. That happened. Pedro started off great saying there are no excuses for what Tatis Jr. did. And then suddenly he placed all the blame on the Padres! (16:55) So You Wanna Talk To Samson!? Someone asked me about the Padres getting away from a Tatis Jr. giveaway for a Juan Soto giveaway. (29:35) Review: Not Okay. (34:00) Rodolfo Castros was suspended by MLB for one game after his cell phone fell out of his pocket sliding into 3rd base. It had to happen. Here is why. (37:30) NPPOD. (39:55) What is going on with the Yankees? They have completely fell apart since the All Star Break. They made moves at the deadline. Injuries are piling up. What happened? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘cavalry’ as in bring in the big guns as in the troops are coming as in the PGA Tour is bringing in Tiger Woods to calm the seas. The LIV Tour is growing. It has the money. It’s getting the players. And the PGA Tour is doing whatever it can to keep talent. What will Tiger Woods be able to accomplish? (13:55) We have an update on the Fernando Tatis Jr saga. His father Fernando Tatis came out and said, “hey my son used this spray he got in Dominican Republic. You’re ruining his reputation. Millions of fans will turn off baseball.” Okay. Sure. So You Wanna Talk To Samson!? Someone asked me if the Padres could recoup some money like the Mets did when they got Yoenis Cespedes salary reduced for non-baseball related injury. (28:35) Review: Virgin River Season 4. (33:00) Walker Buehler is out for the season for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Elbow. See Ya. Are the Dodgers good enough to still win another World Series with what they have? (41:10) The Texas Rangers have fired its manager Chris Woodward. The Rangers spent $580M in 2022 free agency. And they stink! Why make the move now? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘ringworm’ as in steroids as in the wrong kind of steroids as in Fernando Tatis Jr has been suspended 80 games for taking anabolic steroids. He said he inadvertently took them to treat ringworm. Sure. How bad is this for the Padres? Tatis has not played this entire season after breaking his wrist in a motorcycle accident. The year before he had a shoulder issue. Now he has a wrist, shoulder, and steroid issue. The Padres went all in this year trading for Juan Soto… and now this. (24:45) Review: 13 Lives. (28:00) So You Wanna Talk To Samson!? Someone asked me what’s going on with Lamar Jackson and his ongoing negotiations for a new deal. The Baltimore Ravens have been quiet. Lamar Jackson has no agent and said he doesn’t want to negotiate during the season. (33:55) Let’s give a quick Deshaun Watson update because he finally said how sorry he was on Friday. You know what that means… (39:50) NPPOD. (43:00) The NFL and NBA will be go going head to head this Christmas Day. We’ve got five NBA games and three NFL games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘6’ as in the number 6 as in jersey number 6 as in Bill Russell as in the NBA has announced that Russell’s jersey will be retired by the league. Why? Now don’t go grabbing the pitchforks. Let me explain. 19 players in the league currently where that jersey number. 13 years ago the NBA named the Finals MVP after him. Why do we wait to honor people? Russell was honored once before, but why couldn’t this happen when he was here? (13:45) What’s going on with the Denver Broncos? Rob Walton and his $60B has bought the team, been approved, and now he’s here to be different. Or is he? (22:55) Review: Trainwreck - Woodstock 99. (29:35) What’s the latest on Kyrie Irving? Probably nothing great! (34:00) Antonio Brown made a post on twitter. Everyone thought it was real (ME) and it turns out it was fake. I got got. (37:55) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘bus’ as in tour bus as in school bus as in Greyhound bus as in throwing someone under the bus. That’s what happened with the Detroit Tigers. Christopher Ilitch came out and blamed Al Avila for everything after firing him. Why do this now? (15:50) What is wrong with the New York Yankees? What happened to this team? Aaron Judge is doing what he needs to do. He’s on the chase for Roger Maris home run record. He’s playing himself in to a massive contract. But the Yankees keep losing. (25:55) Meltdown - Three Mile Island. (33:40) Deshaun Watson could see an NFL field very soon. This weekend the Cleveland Browns have its first preseason game. Will Watson get suspended before then? Will the NFL keep him off the field? (38:55) NPPOD. Let’s talk about the Field of Dreams and MLB’s dream to offer something fun. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘egregious’ as in terrible behavior as in Roger Goodell has come out and said the NFL appealed the decision of Deshaun Watson’s suspension because of the belief that Watson’s actions were as bad as it gets. Goodell and the NFL are back to pushing for a full year suspension. Who decides these suspensions now? Oh, that’s right… the NFL! (9:30) Chris Sale is out for the year again. He broke his wrist in a bike accident. Chris Sale signed a $145M extension and has pitched 48 innings in the past 3 years. Wonderful. (18:45) Something happened in the Pirates game that I have never seen before. (31:30) Review: Lincoln Lawyer. (34:50) Josh Hader blew his first save as a Padre. Gave up 3 runs. Did the Brewers win the trade!? (39:00) NPPOD. How about the Baltimore Orioles? Surprise! (44:55) Serena Williams is set to retire. What a legacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘ultimatum’ as in Kevin Durant has given Joe Tsai and the Brooklyn Nets a choice; either me or Sean Marks and Steve Nash. What? What is going on in Brooklyn? James Harden. Kyrie Irving. Kevin Durant. Ben Simmons. It’s a circus. (16:20) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about the catcher interference rule in MLB. Does it need to be reviewed? (25:30) NFL changes another rule. This time it’s an enforcement of illegal contact from the defense. Just another rule against the defense for more offense. (31:15) Review: Cha Cha Real Smooth. A quick word on Olivia Newton-John. (41:30) The Chicago Cubs announced yesterday they would pay Jason Heyward $23M to not play baseball next year. Is this the right move? (47:10) NPPOD. The Padres can’t score. The Padres keep losing. The Phillies fired Girardi and now keep winning. Baseball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices