Nothing Personal with David Samson

Today’s word of the day is ‘nerves’ as in nervous as in collapse as in performance as in sweat. What am I talking about? Well, this weekend was full of nerves. Game 7s, PGA Championship final round. And we heard from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who could be the MVP, go out and be his best self and then after the game talked about how nervous he was. Nikola Jokic on the other hand was honest about his thoughts about this current Nuggets team. (16:30) The Florida Panthers smoked the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 7. Woof. The Maple Leafs still haven’t won a title since 1967! (20:40) Brandon Hyde was fired by the Baltimore Orioles. It came just 2 weeks after his GM, Mike Elias, gave him the kiss of death… a vote of confidence. (34:10) Review: Elton John - Never Too Late. (36:20) The Phillies are in some trouble. Jose Alvarado has been suspended for 80 games for a weight-loss drug. No postseason for him. (47:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘brilliant’ as in basketball IQ as in Nikola Jokic as in the Denver Nuggets as in the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Nuggets got it done at home on Thursday night and it’s all thanks to Nikola Jokic and his play. The game had so many fouls. So many runs of missed and made baskets. And now we’re off to OKC on Sunday. MVP vs MVP. (12:00) NPPOD. (20:08) Juan Soto is returning to Yankee Stadium for the first time as a Met. He was asked about his expectations and he said they are going to boo and they are allowed to boo. (30:32) Review: The Ballad of Wallis Island. (39:30) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about Javy Baez and how he’s been able to turn things around. (46:30) The price of teams are going up and up and up and up! The 49ers are selling for a valuation of $8.5 billion! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘resilience’ as in Celtics as in White as in Brown as in Mazzulla as in Kornet as in the Boston Celtics. They did it without Tatum. So many great shots made. Jalen Brunson picked up 5 fouls in one quarter! And now we go onto Game 6 back in MSG. Could the Celtics really do it? (8:30) The Warriors are done. Playoff Jimmy did not show up. Steph Curry was hurt. And now Anthony Edwards is back into the Western Conference Finals. (18:15) The NFL schedule release was yesterday. The NFL owned the day again. I can’t believe it. Leaks. Madness. Hype videos. Social videos. Full on productions! (35:00) Review: Dead Poet’s Society. (40:45) The Portland Trail Blazers are finally for sale. It’s been 7 years since the death of owner Paul Allen and the team has not sold yet. Until now. Except Phil Knight does not want it. (46:00) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘deterrent’ as in Pete Rose as in Shoeless Joe Jackson as in Rob Manfred as in MLB as in Hall of Fame. That’s right, Pete Rose is banned no longer. Why was this done? What does it mean? Are all these reinstated players getting into the Baseball Hall of Fame? (16:40) Roki Sasaki is now on the IL. The Dodgers have a serious pitching problem. So many arm injuries. What happened here? (23:00) An article was released about MLB, Roku, and Apple, and if this hurt baseball. Let’s clear some things up. (33:15) Review: A Nice Indian Boy. (36:40) NBA Playoffs have been great. The Pacers upset the Cavaliers. The Nuggets collapsed in another close game again the Thunder. Nikola Jokic had zero help. It was sad to see. (45:00) NPPOD. (49:30) The Florida Panthers saw one of its limited partners get suspended for a social media back in forth between he and a random person. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘NICO’ as in Nico Harrison as in the Dallas Mavericks as in Cooper Flagg as in Luka Doncic as in the NBA Draft Lottery. What a night. Was it all rigged? Did Adam Silver do this? Fans are furious. Never moved up in the lottery before. Never won the draft lottery. 4th lowest chances ever. It’s crazy! (10:40) Is Giannis on the move? Could he be going to the Spurs? They have the pieces to do something like that. Does Giannis even want out? Can the Bucks build a team around him? (17:20) Knicks Tape took over again. Jalen Brunson is so good. Knicks took a 3-1 lead. Jayson Tatum likely tore his achilles. Bad bad bad. (26:40) The Minnesota Timberwolves are up 3-1 now. Anthony Edwards got it done. Jimmy Butler was nowhere to be found. (31:40) Review: Nonnas. (34:40) Michael Jordan is back in the NBA. No, not like that. On NBC! (42:30) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Are the Dodgers going to sign Kyle Tucker!? (49:20) NPPOD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘unacceptable’ as in the Rockies as in Colorado as in Bud Black as in Dick Monfort as in historic. The Rockies have been so bad this year that this move surprised absolutely nobody. Could they break the record for most losses all-time that was just set last year by the White Sox? This Rockies team lost 21-0 on Saturday! (15:00) The Boston Red Sox ownership group flew to Kansas City to meet with Rafael Devers. Why now? (21:45) Is anyone else as confused as I am in watching the Knicks and Celtics series? Boston hit its shots and won big. Another 20+ point lead for them but held on. (27:25) The Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets are both tired. That’s what Nuggets coach David Adelman said. One of the worst first quarters you’ll ever see. And the Nuggets somehow almost held on, but the Thunder got it done. Back to OKC we go tied up. (32:45) Review: Sacramento. (36:35) Astros starter Lance McCullers was emotional after his last outing after saying he received death threats for his performance. Not just him, but his children were targeted. Disgraceful. (44:20) The NBA Draft Lottery is tonight! Who will get the magic ball? Who has waved the white flag for Cooper Flagg enough? (47:00) NPPOD. (48:20) Bill Belichick and UNC is a nightmare. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘bleeds’ as in blood as in Pirates blood as in Pittsburgh as in what a week as in what a month as in what a season. The Pirates fired Derek Shelton after 28 games into his 6 seasons. Whose fault is this? Shelton? The front office? The players? (12:20) Rafael Devers is furious with the Red Sox. They moved him to DH after signing Alex Bregman, and now they asked him to play first after Casas got hurt. He said no. He won’t move again. Go find a 1B. (20:50) Draymond Green went off on the media for calling him angry. Is it the media’s fault? The Timberwolves tied up the series at 1 a piece. But things were said after that we have to discuss. (33:15) Review: The Penguin Lessons. (36:20) We have an American Pope. And he’s a White Sox fan! We have Americanized the pope position in ways it never has happened in history! (44:10) NPPOD. Can the Celtics come back? Do they have enough? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘yogi berra’ as in deja vu as in it happened again as in the Knicks as in the Celtics as in comeback. How did it happen again? The Celtics blew a 20-point 3rd quarter lead again. So many missed threes. Why are the Celtics still doing this? The Knicks just never give up. (13:45) The Thunder smoked the Nuggets. Wasn’t close. More records set. (18:00) Chris Finch and Steve Kerr are complaining through the media about foul calls. Finch says one thing. Kerr says another. It’s the playoffs! Is it let them play or do you want whistle whistle whistle!? (32:30) Review: The Illusionist. (37:00) The Brewers started a Hot Dog Club and fans could get free hot dogs at games. The problem is the team was charging fans for free hot dogs. What!? Let’s talk about what teams do and if it ever works. (46:00) NPPOD. (49:40) Donald Trump wants Nick Saban to save college sports. How fun! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘energy’ as in Pacers as Tyrese Haliburton as in the Cavaliers as in the road team as in comeback. The Pacers with another historic comeback. How are they doing it? The Pacers went on an 8-0 run in the final minute to win it on a Haliburton 3! (10:22) The Warriors held off the Timberwolves yesterday. But Steph Curry is hurt, and that is bad for the Warriors. Very bad. (14:22) The Pittsburgh Pirates are having a season to forget and it’s only May. Statement after statement after statement. Mess after mess after mess. (26:12) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about the Reds rookie who broke his forearm making a play. (33:45) Review: The Friend. (37:37) Funding for traumatic brain injury could be slashed by Washington. Is this as big of a deal as it appears? (43:00) NPPOD. (46:45) Caitlin Clark is a market mover. It’s official. Going into year 2 of her WNBA career and the ratings are already insane. More people watched her preseason game than Game 1 of the WNBA Finals! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘45’ as in the Celtics as in the Knicks as in 3-point shooting as in NBA playoffs. What a game. The Knicks came back from 20 points down to win Game 1 of the Second Round. At what point do the Celtics stop shooting like that? Never? Will they ever miss that many again? (10:20) The Denver Nuggets came back to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder on the back of Nikola Jokic again. He dropped a monster game. And Aaron Gordon dropped the game-winner. (14:30) Justin Tucker was released by the Baltimore Ravens on Monday. We all knew it was coming. But the Ravens statement… what was that? (23:50) The NFL Draft is coming to Washington D.C. Donald Trump, Roger Goodell, and Josh Harris made the announcement together. Hmmmmm. (32:25) Review: Another Simple Favor. (36:05) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about trading Sandy Alcantara. Is his value plummeting with how bad he has been? (45:50) NPPOD. (48:11) The Texas Rangers fired its hitting coach on Sunday. It’s been a bad, bad , bad season for them offensively. In comes Brett Boone to save the day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘2.2 seconds’ as in Winnipeg Jets as in NHL as in hockey as in Game 7 as in madness. What did we just see? The Jets came back from a 2-goal deficit with 1:55 left. Wow. And then win it in 2OT!? Sorry, St. Louis. What could have been! (7:30) Another Game 7 happened but in the NBA. The Warriors did it on the road. Wow. Steph Curry had a huge 4th quarter. Buddy Hield had the game of his life. (15:30) We talked recently about adding another bag at first base will not happen, but should it? Triston Casas is the latest player to be done for the season after suffering a serious injury running to first. (24:10) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about contraction in MLB. What would need to happen for MLB to consider the Rockies or Marlins or Pirates as possible teams to go away? (33:34) Review: Good Night and Good Luck. (42:30) Gregg Popovich is headed to the front office. He was named the preisdent of the Spurs. Sad end to his coaching career, but needed move. The best to ever do it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘cheers’ as in everybody knows your name as in Jalen Brunson as in the Knicks as in clutch. Brunson stepped up and hit a HUGE three for the win against the Pistons. And now they have to play the Boston Celtics. Are they ready for that? (6:50) John Haliburton has been ban from attending Pacers games moving forward. Welp. (13:20) The Texas Rangers are down bad right now. A promotion for the fans that a home win streak would see them get free tickets lasted just 1 game. The team can’t score runs. The team can’t hit. Can’t stay healthy. Bad. (24:23) What are the Athletics up to? You can now go to an interactive pop-up in the Fall. But only if you have an appointment. For what you may ask? To look at a stadium that has yet to exist. (34:15) Review: Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing. (40:02) May predictions for baseball! (41:45) NPPOD. (46:00) The Lakers end of season presser was all about LeBron James and his future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We start things off today with what happened at PNC ballpark yesterday in Pittsburgh. A fan fell from the right field wall onto to the field. It was an ugly scene. The fan is reportedly in critical condition. Just a nightmare scenario. Today’s word of the day is ‘First A’ as in the first A of the baseball season is over with as in April ball is done as in the good as in the bad as in the other. We start with the GOOD of April… it’s Aaron Judge. That’s it. He’s on a different planet! (12:00) Here’s what was bad through April… the Rockies. (14:00) Remember torpedo bats? Remember the Rays? (16:40) What in the world is going on with Bill Belichick? (32:45) Review: Sideways. (37:50) NPPOD. Let’s talk about the Lakers. Not great! (46:45) The Falcons were fined big money for the Jax Ulbrich incident. DC Jeff Ulbrich was also fined big money. Woof. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Try Huel with 15% OFF + Free Gift for New Customers today using my code SAMSON at https://huel.com/SAMSON. Fuel your best performance with Huel today! Today’s word of the day is ‘disrespect’ as in Giannis as in the Bucks as in the Pacers as in Haliburton as in NBA playoffs! What a moment after the Bucks blew a 7-point lead! Bucks eliminated. And then after the game a very heated Giannis was seen arguing with Tyrese Haliburton’s dad? WHAT! (12:00) The Knicks lost to the Pistons in a crucial Game 5 at MSG. Brunson couldn’t hit shots. The Pistons just out hustled them. Now back to Detroit they go. (18:20) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about MSG Network and if it goes away would that really hurt the Knicks and Rangers? (27:16) What is the future of SNY? The Mets don’t own it. The Wilpon Family does and it could be up for sale! (36:50) Review: Ex-Husbands. (39:22) NPPOD. What is going on with Sandy Alcantara? Is his trade value plummeting? (43:15) What is going on with the Orioles? Everything is bad right now. High expectations and low results. (49:30) What are the Cubs going to offer Kyle Tucker? Well, it looks like whatever he wants! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘Huey lewis’ as in Miami Heat as in Heat Culture as in it’s over as in it’s done. It’s time for Pat Riley to make changes. Erik Spoelstra has to make changes. The Cleveland Cavaliers finished them in a way we’ve never seen before. Embarrassing. (15:00) The Milwaukee Bucks are next up on the chopping block. One game away from being finished by the Pacers. Damian Lillard is done with a ruptured achilles. Giannis is playing out of his mind and it’s not going to be enough. It’s bad. (22:45) The Eagles made their visit to the White House yesterday. President Trump welcomed them with talks of Tush Push and begging the Giants not to get rid of Saquon. (33:50) Review: We Will Dance Again. (39:00) Rob Manfred met with Donald Trump to talk baseball issues. Like visas and Pete Rose? (47:00) NPPOD. (50:50) The Commanders have a stadium deal, but not a done deal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘free fall’ as in NFL Draft as in Shedeur Sanders as in prank calls as in collusion as in crazy. Shedeur Sanders was a top QB prospect and he fell to the 5th round. People lost their minds. Experts lost their minds. Analysts lost their minds. Why? Another part of the Sanders story was a prank call he received… from the son of the Falcons defensive coordinator! (18:50) Devin Williams is no longer the Yankees closer. We are one month into the season. Woof. (27:10) A Guardians fan was removed from the stadium on Sunday after horrific comment made to Red Sox LF Jarren Duran. Just awful stuff. (36:50) Review: The Assessment. (39:10) What is the purpose of replay in sports if in the most critical moments you miss things and can’t review? (45:32) NPPOD. (47:05) Tyler Glasnow is hurt again. Before it was cramps and now it’s his shoulder. He joins a long list of Dodgers pitchers that are all hurt. Why is this happening? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘tomorrow’ as in NFL Draft as in first round as in Shedeur Sanders as in not selected. That’s right, Shedeur dropped out of the first round. Wow. The Jaguars traded up for Travis Hunter and gave the Browns a massive trade haul. The Browns need to rebuild. (14:00) The Knicks got to escape with the win over the Pistons in Game 3. They take a 2-1 series lead and regain the home-court advantage. (19:20) Another update on the NBA in Europe. The Euroleague is not too thrilled about the NBA trying to step on its European toes. (29:50) Review: North of North. (33:30) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about the Padres manager Mike Shildt saying he wants two bags at first base. Hmmm. (42:40) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘amazin’ as in Mets as in Pete Alonso as in Francisco Lindor as in Juan Soto as in Steve Cohen as in best record in baseball. Can you believe how hot the Mets have been? Soto has struggled at the plate. But Lindor and Alonso are on fire! And let’s talk about this pitching! (19:20) Blake Snell had a setback. Uh oh. But the Dodgers say they are NOT worried about it. (31:00) NPPOD. (36:00) Review: Curious Case of Benjamin Button. (39:20) What is with the Shedeur Sanders hate right now? Every draft there is a player that falls. Every year there’s a player that gets ripped right before the draft. Why? (46:10) Why are the Angels playing at 6:29 PT tonight? Why such a weird number? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘commissioner’ as in Rob Manfred as in Adam Silver as in MLB as in NBA. Let’s start with baseball and what Rob had to say. He brought up expansion and salary caps and softball. What does it all mean? (15:50) Adam Silver then took the stage and he had some things to say: expansion, NBA Europe. (34:07) Review: Number One on the Call Sheet. (39:10) NBA playoffs are in full swing. The Lakers bounced back! Luka and LeBron were not going down 0-2. The Thunder and Grizzlies series is not a fair matchup. The Pacers and Bucks do not like each other and it shows. (41:40) Anthony Edwards keeps getting fined. He’s up to $370,000 in fines this year. Is this form of punishment just not working? (44:30) NPPOD. (46:00) The NFL draft is tomorrow from Green Bay! But we’ll focus on the Dallas Cowboys. Jerry Jones teased a trade, but that was it. What does that mean? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘flop’ as in flail as in faking as in Knicks as in Pistons as in Jalen Brunson as in Mikel Bridges as in Karl-Anthony Towns. The Knicks lost a close one last night to the Pistons at The Garden. The internet is all over Brunson for flopping. Bridges and Towns were bad. The Pistons got its first playoff win since 2008! (12:45) Kawhi Leonard is healthy and the Clippers have a chance. This was the plan. The only way they could contend against the Nuggets and Jokic is Leonard. (16:00) NPPOD. (20:02) Nico Harrison sat in front of the cameras yesterday and had to talk. The things he said were just mind boggling. The miscalculation of the Luka trade by he and Patrick Dumont was… something. (36:45) Review: Becoming Led-Zeppelin. (40:01) The Academy announced a change to voting. All voters must watch the movies. How about that? (47:00) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about Spencer Strider and his hamstring injury and what will happen to the Braves now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We start today with the sudden death of Pope Francis at the age of 88. Just yesterday he sat down with Vice President J.D. Vance, made appearances on Easter Sunday. Today’s word of the day is ‘drubbing’ as in blowout as in huge win as in NBA Playoffs. The Thunder won by 51. The Nuggets won by 2. 7 of the 8 Game 1s were double-digits. Woof! (19:45) Jazz Chisholm found himself in some trouble for tweeting from the clubhouse after an ejection. He was suspended a game and is now appealing. (24:25) Ronald Acuna is hurt. Ronald Acuna took to social media and called out the Braves for not disciplining Jared Kelenic for something he did 6 years earlier. (35:15) Review: Eephus. (37:20) The Commanders return to DC could be coming soon. But, there is a catch. (43:45) Portland wants a Major League Baseball team. The state of Oregon just voted on a “jock tax” that would increase amount of possible income tax state would receive from MLB players. (50:00) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘42’ as in Jackie Robinson Day as in MLB as in honor. Let’s talk about what MLB does for Jackie Robinson Day. Let’s talk about what the White House has been trying to do. (5:03) Nico Harrison defended his trade of Luka Doncic yesterday. He also said Sorry, Dirk, I’ll do what I want. The fans are furious. The team doesn’t care. And there’s still a game left to play! (24:10) Does MLB have attendance problem right now? Numbers are down across the board. Rob Manfred thought it’d be up. (37:25) Review: The Last Five Years. (41:00) NPPOD. (46:00) The Baltimore Orioles do not look good. The pitching is bad. There was no replacement for Corbin Burnes. The young players haven’t been given extensions. They’re in last place. Panic? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘fourth’ as in the fourth month as in the fourth coach as in the Suns as in Mat Ishbia as in Mike Budenholzer. One season and he’s gone. Just like Frank Vogel. Most expensive team in the NBA and Durant, Booker, and Beal couldn’t make the play-in. Ishbia can’t help himself! (14:50) The Pelicans have fired David Griffin. He put all his eggs in the Zion Williamson basket and it failed. (23:15) World Baseball Classic time is here. Well, it’s next year, but Aaron Judge was just announced as captain of Team USA. This will be his debut! (35:00) Review: Princess Cyd. (38:00) NPPOD. (45:20) Messi is MLS. MLS needs Messi. US Soccer needs Messi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘bags’ as in under the eyes as in money bags as in the East Coasters trying to watch the NL West. It is a gauntlet. 4 teams are over .500 right now. The Padres haven’t lost at home. The Dodgers are losing games. The Giants are surprising. The Diamondbacks are hot. The Rockies are… existing. (8:40) The Chicago Cubs got some bad, bad news. Justin Steele is done for the season. Counsell thought it was short-term and it’s not. Now what do the Cubs do? (14:05) Mike Trout got into a little situation with a fan on a play for a fly ball right on the edge of the stands. Interference or not? Doesn’t matter because Trout made the best of it and acknowledge he didn’t know the rules and then met with the fan after the game! (18:45) What just went down between Tennessee and Nico Iamaleava is exactly what the NCAA has created. A world of a mess. A QB wants more money. The school says no. And now he’s out of a job (?) and Tennessee is out of a QB. (35:50) Review: Novocaine. (38:30) Rory McIlroy finally got his green jacket. Almost was the same story as always with him, but he did it. (43:41) The NBA Play-in and Playoffs are here! A wild Sunday saw a bunch of teams change positions. The Warriors down to the play-in. Western Conference was wild. (50:00) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘groundbreaking’ as in Vegas as in the Athletics as in permits as in documents as in construction. What am I talking about? The Athletics said they are ready to break ground come June. For a stadium to open in 2028. Can it happen? What about the tariffs? (12:10) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about having a renewed interest in baseball, but none of the games are on national TV. Where can we watch that doesn’t cost extra? How can MLB grow the game this way? (20:10) What is going on with MLB TV though? Why are they looking to license it? (30:05) Review: Liza. (37:35) The NBA on TNT held a sendoff last night. Inside The NBA said goodbye to the regular season. Next season games move to Amazon and NBC. (40:40) NPPOD. (43:10) let’s talk about what happened at Pat McAfee’s live show. Just another bad moment for the Pirates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘$325 million’ as in Vlad Jr as in signing bonus as in Blue Jays as in MLB as in anger. Canada has to be conflicted by this deal. Why? Because Vlad’s signing bonus is taxed by Florida… where there’s no income tax. How will other owner’s and the MLBPA feel about this? (19:20) Luka Doncic went off in his return to Dallas. It was emotional. It was tough. And Nico Harrison was booed the whole time. (30:10) Review: True Romance. (33:15) The Phoenix Suns are done. Toast. Lights out. Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, Devin Booker. Max money and no playoffs. WOOF! (41:38) NPPOD. (44:00) Let’s talk about tariffs. Trump reversed course some and announced a 90-day pause on everyone but China. Jumps and dives and volatility is off the charts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘no pleasure’ as in fired as in Denver as in Nuggets as in Mike Malone as in winning. The Denver Nuggets decided to fire the head coach and GM with 3 games left in the regular season! WHAT!? The Nuggets president came out and released a statement and then went on TV and made a different statement! (16:01) Luka got ejected for trash talking a fan in the Lakers game last night. The ref took it personal. Why is this always happening? Why can’t refs get together and say “hey, we made a mistake here?” And now Luka returns to Dallas. (22:20) Tragedy struck in the Dominican Republic yesterday. At least 70 people died when the roof collapsed at a nightclub. Former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel died. Former MLB player Tony Blanco died. Nelson Cruz’s sister died. Just a horrible, horrible tragedy. (34:35) Review: October 8. (41:30) NPPOD. (44:30) Skenes Day in Pittsburgh was not great. He got shelled. And no fans were there. Under 9,000! (49:22) Caitlin Clark Effect is real. We have seen it. It continues. Are the residual effects happening? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

WARNING: Today's show features a topic about suicide. If you or anyone you know are struggling please call or text 988 to speak with someone who can help! Today’s word of the day is ‘inflammation’ as in the Dodgers as in Blake Snell as in the White House as in big money as in replacements. Blake Snell said he’s been trying to tough it out through shoulder soreness but could not make it through a bullpen. First year of $182 million deal. Yikes. Except the Dodgers were all smiles at the White House, because their roster is stacked. (11:30) The Mayor of Anaheim wants the Angels to be from Anaheim. That’s what she said in a letter if the team wants to stay there with a new stadium. (18:00) Jarren Duran of the Boston Red Sox opened up about his struggles in a new documentary on Netflix. He spoke about his mental health troubles and a time where tried to take his own life. So many people and so many athletes struggle. Please call or text 988 if you need to talk. (30:15) Review: Black Bag. (34:20) The Detroit Tigers tried to fire an Assistant GM last week and he resigned before that. Why? He was sending lewd photos to female staffers. Rising star no more. (42:40) NPPOD. (47:40) Is Ted Leonsis primed to buy the Nationals? He owns the Wizards and the Capitals and he owns the local RSN. But the only way the Nationals get on his station… is if he owns them! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘astounding’ as in Blue Jays as in Vladimir Guerrero Jr as in new deal as in $500 million. Wow. The Blue Jays did it. Guerrero Jr gets his wish with a new deal with no deferrals and $500 million. (11:15) The Pirates messed up big time. They replaced a decal honoring Roberto Clemente with an advertisement for a vodka drink. Wow. (22:40) Rob Manfred spoke again about myriad of baseball items: torpedo bats, spending, broadcast deals, expansion, robot umps. (35:00) Review: White Lotus Season 3. (39:40) Alex Ovechkin is now the all-time leader in goals in the NHL. Wow. Never thought we’d see the day. (45:10) Ja Morant was fined by the NBA for his gun gesture celebration. (48:00) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘embarrassing’ as in winless as in Atlanta as in the Braves as in disappointing. What happened to the Braves? 0-7 to start the season. Last winless team. No team to start 0-7 has EVER made the postseason! (12:40) Alex Ovechkin is so close to making NHL history. He’s 3 goals away from passing Gretzky for most all time. Networks are doing everything to get the game that breaks it. 7 games to go! (19:30) The NHL just signed a huge deal with Rogers in Canada. 12 years for $7.7 billion! (32:40) Review: Companion. (35:00) What is going on with Ja Morant? Warned on Thursday about gun gestures during games and what does he do Thursday night? (48:00) We have another Tropicana Field update! Roof fixing is here. Is this just prolonging the inevitable? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘certainty’ as in tariffs as in money as in salary as in players as in Jackson Merrill as in Kristian Campbell as in many others. (7:30) The Padres gave Jackson Merrill a massive deal. They didn’t need to! They’ve been trying to shed payroll and now they are adding and now they have a core locked through 2033! Can they sustain that payroll? (17:20) The Red Sox gave Kristian Campbell a longterm deal. 5 games into his big league career. They did the same thing last year! (24:00) The Arizona Diamondbacks did something that I’m not sure why they did it. Ketel Marte got another extension. He was under contract for 2 more years and the team extended him! (34:15) Review: The Princess Bride. (38:40) Shohei Ohtani bobblehead night ended with a bang! Walk off homer! Let’s talk bobbles! (43:15) Timberwolves sale is now complete. Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore are now the owners. Just waiting on a vote. $1.5 billion and lawyers later, we have a deal. (50:00) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘diligently’ as in Rays as in St. Pete as in pursue as in the Trop as in relocation? What is happening with the Tampa Bay Rays? Right now the team is playing at the Yankees Spring Training facility. It’s a one year deal. And then what? Well a major deadline just passed and the Rays let it pass. (11:40) Randy Levine of the Yankees had a statement that is hard to believe. It wasn’t a normal statement. It was a Thank You letter to politicians. (18:08) Jerry Jones has found himself in another situation due to no one other than Jerry Jones. Micah Parsons wants a new deal. Jerry Jones went out of his way to disrespect Parsons agent. Fun! (32:24) Review: Adult Best Friends. (37:40) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about Roki Sasaki and his body language after struggling through 2 starts. Hmm. (46:00) NPPOD. (49:00) The St. Louis Cardinals continue to head in the wrong direction. The team underperformed, but the fans showed up. Now the team is just bad, and the fans aren’t showing up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘fool’ as in April Fool as in Jurickson Profar as in the Atlanta Braves as in disaster. That’s right we have our first PED suspension of the big league season and Profar is done for 80 games. Fool! Can the Braves rebound from this dreadful start? (13:00 ) Rafael Devers still can’t hit. Still can’t make contact. Historically bad start. But the team did sign Garrett Crochet for a record deal! Happy! (21:25) Athletics played in Sacramento. Minor league ballpark. And they got crushed. And a drone stopped the game. And the media center is a tent. (33:00) Review: The Room Next Door. (35:13) Browns owner Jimmy Haslam finally admitted what we all know… the Deshaun Watson trade as a disaster. (42:40) Woody Johnson met the media and said the Jets moved on from Aaron Rodgers but wasn’t his choice! Also talked about buyouts for employees. Also mentioned the NFLPA being a joke. What a guy! (50:08) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’damn’ as in Damn the Torpedos are is Yankees as in baseball as in new bats. What do you think about these new bats? Aaron Judge doesn’t use them. A bunch of other Yankees who homered did. Is MLB going to get rid of these? (18:20) Max Scherzer is hurt. Max Scherzer told us he was going to get hurt. (24:40) Rafael Devers has been historically bad to start the season. Strike outs everywhere. Can’t hit. Can’t make contact. (34:21) Review: Reacher Season 3. (36:00) Let’s talk about what MLB did about Opening Day. They gave customers who missed out due to some tech issues a discount on merch. (42:40) NPPOD. (45:00) The Final Four on the men’s side is set. It’s all top seeds. (48:00) The Memphis Grizzlies fired its head coach with 10 games left. A 4/5 seed in the NBA. Why now? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’undefeated’ as in who is rooting for a team that won yesterday? (Except the Cubs) Dodgers win again. Yankees started with a win. Juan Soto had a chance for the Mets and didn’t get it done. The Orioles looked hot. Baseball is back! (10:43) Vladdy Jr reportedly got a new deal offered to him by the Blue Jays. (18:20) MLB had a problem. Streaming was down. App was down. Uh oh. (23:30) The media problems never end! What about the Yankees and Comcast? More problems! (35:00) Review: Last Breath. (38:20) NPPOD. (43:00) Adam Silver had to meet the media yesterday and he had a lot to say. All Star Game problems. Expansion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’holiday’ as in Opening Day as in baseball is back as in let’s go! There are so many great games today! Keep your hopes up! Your team has a chance! (9:08) Rob Manfred made his media rounds yesterday and had a lot to say about a lot. He commented on Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers, ESPN, and more! (17:20) MLB win totals! Let’s make some magic! (24:10) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about Rafael Devers, Alex Bregman, and the Red Sox decision making. (34:23) Review: The Killing Fields. (39:00) The Boston Celtics sale has hit a snag. Can Bill Chisholm not afford it? Is there too much private equity involved? (45:40) NPPOD. (47:20) LeBron went on the Pat McAfee show and let everyone have it. He spoke about MJ, his son, Stephen A, reporters. Everyone! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’predictions’ as in Major League Baseball as in baseball as in Opening Day as in World Series as in MVP as in baseball! Let’s jump right into the biggest storylines! (16:00) What are the biggest storylines I’m following this year!? (27:25) Review: The Brutalist. (32:20) NPPOD. (37:30) Let’s talk division winners! (45:40) Wild Card time! (48:00) World Series time! (49:40) Award time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’bar’ as in raise the bar as in set the bar as in expectations as in Paul Skenes. He’s entering Year 2. Opening Day starter. Cy Young favorite. He spoke with a reporter about what he thinks of the Pirates. What he means to the team. (9:20) Andrew Miller spoke yesterday about salary caps and dynasties in baseball. He now works for the MLBPA. (18:40) The Minnesota Twins want to sell. The Twins owners want $1.7 billion. The Twins hold a ton of debt. The Twins will still sell. (26:01) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about the Giants and Red Sox approaches to the game and spending. Who will be right? (37:00) A national security failure already. What a world we live in. (43:55) NPPOD. (46:15) The college basketball transfer portal has opened up. A record number of players in there. The system is broken. It’s all broken! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’crystal ball’ as in seeing into the future as in MLB season is here as in rosters as in cuts as in rotations as in big decisions. From Mookie Betts being sick to Jordan Montgomery not making the rotation to Mitch Haniger being cut by the Mariners. There are so many decisions being made this week; forced or chosen. (15:45) The March Madness is madness’ing this year. No Cinderellas. Only power conferences. (32:50) Review: Severance Season 2. (36:08) Dan Hurley is the most outspoken coach in college basketball right now. Love him or hate him, but he’s going to say what’s on his mind. Is an ACC/Big East merger coming? (45:30) NPPOD. (46:45) Let’s talk about what MLB quietly did over the weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome in Mike Matheny! 4x time Gold Glove winning catcher! Former manager of the Cardinals and Royals! He’s also an author! He takes us inside the process of his new book The Dad Coach - How to Lead Kids to Succeed On and Off the Field. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’consortium’ as in the Boston Celtics as in the NBA as in ownership as in $6.1 billion. Wow. How are these teams being paid for? What does the future of ownership look like? Is expansion coming? (12:50) The Los Angeles Angels have banned cell phones from the clubhouse. That will do the trick! The losing is over! (20:20) Is ESPN looking to get back into business with MLB? Maybe! (33:41) Review: Flow. (36:09) NPPOD. (47:12) Michigan had a problem. Now the former co-offensive coordinator has even bigger problems. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’yen’ as in dollars as in business as in Major League Baseball as in MLB Tokyo Series as in Dodgers as in Cubs. Let’s focus on the money. This is a huge success for baseball. Roki Sasaki made his debut for the Dodgers today and you could see the stuff he has, but the command was off. 100 mph fastballs. Bad placement. But he got out without getting shelled. Ohtani got his first home run of the year… but was it one? (20:30) Is the NHL really going to get back into business with Russia? Well, that’s what Trump and Putin are saying. But, how does the NHL feel about that? (33:31) Review: The Last Showgirl (36:00) Private equity isn’t going anywhere. Now the San Francisco Giants are involved. Even more than before. (44:50) Is the Aaron Rodgers saga coming to a close? Maybe. The Vikings are reportedly out! (49:45) NPPOD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’good morning’ as in MLB Tokyo as in Dodgers as in Cubs as in baseball is back! The Tokyo Series is here. The crowd has been roaring for Shohei Ohtani. Baseball is back! (6:10) WV Governor is wants an investigation into the NCAA. What is happening? Is this The Onion? (12:40) What happened in the NIT? Was it any better there? NOPE! Look at South Alabama! (19:42) Are the Minnesota Twins ever going to stay healthy? Can it happen this year? Royce Lewis is hurt again. Byron Buxton has yet to play a full season. Carlos Correa is coming off injury. (25:10) Max Scherzer has a thumb problem. How bad could this get? (32:30) Review: The Franchise. (35:20) The Marlins can not have a practice squad. Sorry! (37:00) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about the BEARS Act in Illinois. What in the world is this!? (42:40) Are the Pittsburgh Pirates choosing not to spend? Can the Pirates afford more? Are the Pirates pocketing money? (50:00) NPPOD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’commencement’ as in MLB as in Tokyo as in Dodgers as in Cubs as in regular season! Opening Day is tomorrow. The season starts. The Road to October is here. (8:11) The Vedder Cup is here! What in the world? Well, it’s a new series cup for the Mariners and Padres rivalry game! Will the fans care? The players? The teams? (18:55) March Madness is here. Drama is here. Conspiracy is here. North Carolina makes the tournament as its AD is the head of the committee. Wow. (34:20) Review: Adolescence. (39:45) What is the latest on the Tampa Bay Rays? Is there a new deal on the horizon? (47:30) The Bengals signed their WR duo to record deals. Will they be the Eagles or will they be the Dolphins? (51:00) NPPOD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’check’ as in not check mate yet as in the Rays as in St. Pete as in Tampa as in new stadium. Here we are again. The Rays have announced they are not moving forward with a new stadium in St. Pete right no. Nice. So now what? Is this just more negotiating? Is this the team trying to get to Tampa? Is a sale coming? (19:20) We have more owner fights about to start. This time it’s Rockies owner Dick Monfort publicly calling for salary caps. And the Reds owner is in on it too. (25:30) The Marlins want to hire you. Seriously. You can go play for the team! (34:25) Review: Babygirl. (36:40) Should Cooper Flagg sit out the tournament? (41:00) Marquette head coach Shaka Smart says he will not negotiate deals with agents of players. They get paid what they get paid, and that’s it. (46:25) UNLV cannot pay its head coach Dan Mullen. What? (52:04) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’velocity’ as in fastball as in baseball as in Jacob deGrom as in Tommy John. The Texas Rangers have a major deGrom problem. They paid him to pitch and he doesn’t pitch. How can they keep him healthy? (13:00) Bobby Witt Jr. had an injury scare yesterday. Got hit by a pitch and went down. How does it feel to be in the front office watching this happen? (18:00) Josh Allen spoke after getting his big deal. He said he took less money so the team could sign some more players. Good for him. (26:20) The Jets have officially released Aaron Rodgers. What’s he going to do? (32:30) Review: Jerry Maguire. (38:00) NPPOD. (42:30) The Utah Jazz were fined for not making players available for national games. The tank is on. Fail for Flagg! (45:10) Apple and MLS was never a good deal. MLS needs more viewers. It needs more reach. Is it time to call this broadcast deal a failure? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’icon’ as in Shohei Ohtani as in Dodgers as in MLB as in Fortnite as in Demon Slayer. What!? Ohtani is ready to takeover Japan again. But this feels so much bigger. Let’s discuss this series for MLB and the activation of promotion that MLB has done there. (13:20) Vladdy Jr wants $500 million. No deferrals. That was his last offer to the Blue Jays. (23:15) Brian Cashman said exactly what we said! The Yankees will not spend right now on a new starter. Not going to happen. (28:50) Review: The Search for Instagram’s Worst Con Artist. (34:24) The great Junior Bridgeman died yesterday. What a legacy he leaves behind. (36:30) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about the new MLB Overlap hats from New Era. Who approved them!? (43:33) NBA to NIL is the new way. Steph Curry and Davidson. James Harden and Arizona State. Russell Westbrook and UCLA? (51:30) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’mileage’ as in Gerrit Cole as in Aaron Boone as in the Yankees as in Tommy John. That’s it. Cole’s season is done before the end of March. What a disaster for the Yankees and for Cole. (11:07) The Seattle Mariners are already down a starter. George Kirby is shutdown because of shoulder inflammation. Uh oh. The team says not to be worried, but Mariners fans still are. (24:00) The Dodgers just gave Dave Roberts a huge new deal. Another record-setting contract. Good for him. (33:15) Review: The Girl with the Needle. (35:30) The NFL QB carousel is spinning and spinning and spinning. Seahawks traded one away and signed one. Jets got one. Steelers need one. Giants need one. Vikings need one. (47:01) Former MVP Mo Vaughn admitted to HGH use. He was in the 2007 Mitchell Report, but now he’s on record. (51:20) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’change of heart’ as in Myles Garrett as in the Browns as in Cleveland as in the NFL. Garrett is staying in Cleveland. Wanted out. Browns said no. Browns paid him record-setting money. What happened to winning? (13:30) Josh Allen is the new highest paid player in NFL history. $250 million guaranteed. Sorry, Watson. (18:45) Gerrit Cole could be done for the season. This is a nightmare for the Yankees. (28:50) The Mets will be without catcher Francisco Alvarez for 8 weeks. Here we ago again! (33:45) Review: Goodrich. (36:10) It’s Rays update time. This is a big one. (47:00) The Sacramento Athletics of Las Vegas has a huge announcement. Was it a move? Was it the new stadium? Was it a sale? Nope. It was a new patch. (50:34) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices