Running It Back

Bam Adebayo: 83 Points, No Apologies Did that actually just happen? In an era of load management, Bam Adebayo just sent a shockwave through the league by dropping 83 points on the Washington Wizards. Join Mike Palmer and Tarlin Ray for an emergency session of Running It Back as they break down one of the most surreal scoring outbursts in NBA history. We examine whether this was a pure display of physical dominance or a manufactured "barnstorming" moment against a G-League-heavy roster. In this episode, we dive into the "A'ja Wilson Effect" and whether Bam went supernova specifically to show off for the WNBA GOAT in the stands. We also analyze the "purity" of the scoring output by comparing it to Kobe’s 81-point game and Wilt Chamberlain’s legendary 100 in a chocolate-scented gym. We discuss the reality of the Wizards' tanking efforts and how a lack of starters allowed Bam to rack up a record-breaking 43 free throw attempts. Finally, we look at what this says about Heat Culture, as Coach Erik Spoelstra and the rest of the roster rallied to help Bam plant his flag on the mountain. Whether you think it was a masterpiece or rec league stat-padding, you can't deny the greatness. Bam didn't apologize for the free throws, and we aren't apologizing for this pod. Read: Wilt Chamberlain's 100-Point Game: The Associated Press Original Report (1962) Timestamps: 00:00 Emergency Pod Setup 01:10 Bam Showing Off 02:12 New Hip Update 02:55 How They Heard 03:58 Wizards Context 05:05 Breaking Down 83 06:40 Wilt Comparisons 08:19 What Makes 80 Plus 10:38 Kobe Purity Debate 12:26 Hershey Legend Talk 13:34 Box Score Deep Dive 14:32 Comparing 100 81 83 15:37 Kobe Comeback Context 15:58 Smush Parker Detour 16:18 Stat Lines Breakdown 17:56 Free Throw Backlash 19:17 Chasing Records Debate 20:08 Celebrate Bam Night 21:29 Playoffs Versus Regular 22:28 Sports Cliches Segment 23:22 Leadership Team Lessons 24:54 NBA News Cycle Wins 28:14 Final Thoughts Signoff Like, follow, and subscribe so you never miss a conversation like this one!

Running It Back Super Bowl XL Preview! It’s Media Week 2026, and while the league builds the stage for Super Bowl XL, a coaching "Red Wedding" has left the NFL landscape looking like a chaotic game of musical chairs. In this episode, Mike Palmer and Tarlin Ray break down the fallout of the massive coaching turnover and a Super Bowl matchup defined by redemption stories and "Harvard-style" job interviews. The guys dive deep into the hiring trends of the year—from the rise of the quarterback-influenced front office to the confusing lockout of the winningest coach in history from the Hall of Fame . We're also paying homage to the 11th anniversary of the 2015 Marshawn Lynch era, reminding everyone that sometimes—"We’re just here so we don’t get fined" . Key Takeaways: 🏈 The Quarterback Bequeathment: In an act of "tremendous generosity," Mike hands Drake May over to Tarlin while betting his own reputation on a Sam Darnold redemption tour . 🤡 The HoF "Clown Show": Why Bill Belichick's first-ballot denial is being labeled a total farce and what it means for the future of coaching legacies . 🩸 The Coaching Red Wedding: From Eric Bieniemy’s demanding accountability to the "Harvard interview" essays in Cleveland, we track the bloodbath across the league . 🧬 Bloodlines & Systems: A look at the Kubiak family tree—Clint, Clay, and Klein—and how coaching dynasties are tightening their grip on the NFL . 📉 A Low Watermark: A candid look at the current state of minority head coaching hires in 2026 and why the numbers are hitting a historical low . Timestamps: 00:00 Tactical shovels and the "sharper, more substantive" way to dig out of a Brooklyn snowstorm 02:35 Tarlin’s "Titanium Hip" update: The bizarre experience of meeting a surgeon for 20 minutes and then being "released to the wild" 03:55 Media week and the all-time press conference GOATs: From "Practice" to "I'm just here so I don't get fined" 06:55 Bequeathing Drake May: Why Mike is holding onto the "distressed asset" of Sam Darnold for the Super Bowl 15:55 Bill Belichick and the Hall of Fame snub: Is the voting process a "clown show"? 18:45 The Red Wedding: Analyzing the Eric Bieniemy dilemma and the "accountability" he brings back to Kansas City 31:30 Mike McCarthy goes home: The "Yinzer" homecoming in Pittsburgh and the end of the Mike Tomlin era 37:45 The Rooney Rule final tally: Exploring the "low watermark" and the movement of coaches like Robert Saleh 39:15 Super Bowl predictions: Can Sam Darnold actually matriculate himself to the Vince Lombardi trophy? If your GM forced you to write a "Harvard-style" essay just to keep your job, would you cite your sources or just walk out like a coach heading to Cancun? Join the Conversation: 🚀 Follow the show on your favorite podcast app to catch every breakdown of this 2026 coaching cycle. ⭐ Leave a Review: Does Bill Belichick deserve to wait for the Hall of Fame, or is "Spygate" old news? Tap that follow button like a tactical shovel through Brooklyn ice—Subscribe to Running It Back so you never miss a conversation like this one.

Mike Palmer and Tarlin Ray are back after a crazy weekend of NFL football to do some after action review on the games from the Divisional Round, breaking down each of their QB's performance and prospects heaiding into the conference championships. Is Caleb WIlliams the new King in the North? Can Tarlin recover from CJ Stroud's dismal performance and Bo Nix's broken ankle? How is Mike's "pick some hosses" strategy holding up with Sam Darnold and Drake Maye advancing? And what's Tarlin's takes on Jarrett Stidham and Matt Stafford as we gear up for the next round? Tune in to find out! Then we divvy up the two Championship Game QB's for our first ever THATS MY QUARTERBACK - COLLEGE NATTY EDITION. Who's taking the bad boy, Carson Beck, and who's got Mendoza? There's consensus on who's going to roll here and it's not the Tide. But there's some surprises as both hosts aren't too enthused by Fernando Mendoza. SMASH THOSE LIKE AND FOLLOW BUTTONS! AND TURN NOTIFICATIONS ON. DON"T MISS THE LATEST TAKES ON LESSONS LEARNED FROM SPORTS ON RUNNING IT BACK. TIME STAMPS: 00:00 Introduction and Series Overview00:32 Divisional Round Quick Takes00:50 College National Championship Preview01:23 Quarterback Performances and Analysis01:58 Fantasy Football Insights02:43 NFL Playoffs and Quarterback Picks04:03 Josh Allen and Caleb Williams Comparison06:22 Team and Player Evaluations10:18 Houston Texans and Playoff Scenarios12:48 Remaining Playoff Teams Discussion13:04 Jarrett Stidham's Journey13:56 Sean Payton's Big Moves14:56 Backup Quarterbacks in the Spotlight16:17 Rams vs. Seahawks Analysis20:23 Indiana vs. Miami Showdown25:20 Coaching Carousel and NFL Updates

Welcome Back to the Gridiron: Hips, Heists, and the King in the North Tarlin Ray is officially back on the other side of major surgery. Seven days after a total hip replacement, he moved from a walker to a cane, and now he is trading the PT exercises for the hottest NFL takes of the 2026 postseason. In this episode of Running It Back, Mike Palmer and Tarlin Ray dive deep into the divisional round, debating the "That's My Quarterback" draft and dissecting the chaotic coaching carousel currently spinning out of control. From the "no asshole policy" in front offices to whether Sam Darnold is a reclamation project or a playoff ghost, the guys look past the box scores to find the real stories. They discuss why Tennessee might be the most attractive job in the league and whether Caleb Williams is the future of Chicago or a fantasy football headache. Plus, Tarlin shares the humbling reality of relying on caregivers and why it took him ten days to finally get in the shower. Get ready for sharp analysis, a little modern medicine appreciation, and a lot of intellectual honesty. That's My Quarterback! NFL Divisional Playoffs Mike and Tarlin kick things off with the "Ethics Bowl" QB Draft where Tarlin bets on the cajones of CJ Stroud while Mike counters with the "twinkle toes" and scampering ability of Drake May. They move to the "King in the North" matchup, debating if Josh Allen is still America’s man-crush or if Bo Nix is ready to fly high at Mile High. The conversation shifts to the Rams and Bears as they weigh the veteran poise of Matthew Stafford against the rising Gen Z energy of Caleb Williams. Finally, they wrap up the games by looking at Sam Darnold’s history of "seeing ghosts" versus the underdog story of Brock Purdy, the 262nd pick in the draft. Coaching Carousel The second half of the show tackles the coaching carousel, starting with the massive $20 million culture-building hire of John Harbaugh by the New York Giants. They explore the end of the Mike Tomlin era in Pittsburgh and whether the Rooney family might make a bold statement by hiring Brian Flores. They also analyze the curious case of Mike McDaniel, who looks less like a biology teacher and more like a character from Breaking Bad these days. The episode concludes with professional lessons on when to take the CEO jump and when to stay in "grooming" mode, using the career moves of Ben Johnson and Dante Moore as a guide. Time Stamps: 00:00 – Tarlin is back and reporting live after major surgery 03:55 – Is the hip replacement the new GLP-1 06:50 – Tarlin joins Instagram and struggles with the buttons 08:50 – Divisional Round: Texans vs Patriots (Stroud vs May) 14:15 – The King in the North: Josh Allen vs Bo Nix 17:35 – Rams vs Bears: Stafford’s veteran status vs the future of Caleb Williams 20:45 – Vikings/Seahawks/49ers: Sam Darnold vs Brock Purdy 26:50 – The Coaching Carousel: Harbaugh to the Giants and the Tomlin legacy 33:45 – The Rooney Rule, Brian Flores, and the No Asshole Policy 36:35 – Evaluating Mike McDaniel and offensive coordinator strategies 39:15 – Career Advice: When to take the promotion vs when to wait for grooming Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Welcome to a high-octane episode of Running it Back, where the lessons of sports leadership meet the chaos of the 2026 NFL postseason. Host Mike Palmer is joined by Tarlin Ray and Isaac Tellechea to break down the systems, the carousels, and the "crocodile tears" defining this year’s quarterback drama. QUICK CHECK-IN Tarlin gives a brief update on his upcoming hip replacement surgery. He is navigating a five-day prep window—which includes boarding his dog, Chia, to keep the recovery environment germ-free. QUARTERBACK CONTROVERSIES AND LESSONS LEARNED The episode's namesake harkens back to Terrell Owens’ infamous defense of Tony Romo. The crew uses this lens to examine today’s leadership dynamics: THE SUNK COST OF TUA: The Dolphins’ season is a "train wreck," leaving Tua Tagovailoa as an emergency third-stringer despite his massive contract. THE SYSTEM VS. THE TALENT: The crew debates if organizations fail quarterbacks more than the other way around. BRYCE YOUNG AND DREW BREES: Tarlin draws a parallel between Bryce Young and a young Drew Brees, arguing that elite "closers" need the right offensive coordinator to unlock their potential. THE CALEB WILLIAMS BLUEPRINT: In Chicago, Ben Johnson is credited with "speeding up" Caleb Williams by forcing faster decision-making. DURABILITY IS THE TOP ABILITY: Mike emphasizes that while talent is great, durability is the ultimate asset, comparing the "horse" that is Josh Allen to the injury concerns surrounding Jaxon Dart and Tua. 2026 PLAYOFF AND SUPER BOWL PREDICTIONS With heavyweights like Mahomes and Burrow out of the mix, the path to the Lombardi is wide open. Who do we got? Listen in to find out... "Josh Allen is like Jon Snow pulling the sword out for the big battle *Battle of the Bastards),. If you extend that analogy, then, clearly Matthew Stafford is clearly the Night King." — Mike Palmer. TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 - Intro and Tarlin’s medical update. 00:08:00 - The "That’s My Quarterback" origin story. 00:15:00 - The Tua Tagovailoa tragedy in Miami and "Kafkaesque" Giants. 00:27:00 - John Elway, Drew Brees, and the importance of QB development time. 00:33:00 - The "Ben Johnson Effect" in Chicago. 00:39:00 - Super Bowl picks and Josh Allen’s legacy.

The latest episode of Running It Back dives into the "unceremonious" exit of Chris Paul from the Los Angeles Clippers, a move Mike Palmer views as a masterstroke in locker room management. Mike and Tarlin Ray are joined for the first time by Isaac Tellechea, the newest addition to the Running It Back team who will be helping behind the scenes and joining the occasional taping. Isaac jumps right into the fire, offering a Miami Heat fan’s perspective on what real veteran leadership looks like versus the "Too Alpha" style that might be holding CP3 back in his twilight years. The trio debates whether Chris Paul’s legendary high expectations have crossed the line into toxicity. Tarlin, the resident "Chris Paul Apologist," argues that a 6-foot point guard who controls the game with a legendary IQ deserves a sunset tour. Mike, however, isn't buying the "Point God" narrative without a championship ring to back it up, suggesting that CP3’s rigid style makes him less of a leader and more of a "ball-dominant" force that can eventually alienate a roster. The conversation covers the aging Clippers roster and the friction caused when Paul reportedly tried to switch defensive assignments for Kawhi Leonard, which legendary coach Jeff Van Gundy noted was outside Paul's latitude. Isaac compares Paul’s current stage to Udonis Haslem, questioning why CP3 hasn't transitioned into a "Yoda-like" player-coach role that elevates teammates without the alpha friction. The guys also engage in a lightning round ranking Paul against the likes of Isiah Thomas, Jason Kidd, and John Stockton, while wondering if there’s a graceful ending left for him—perhaps babysitting Bronny on the Lakers. Episode Time Stamps [00:00:00] Welcome to Running it Back: Leadership and Point Gods. [00:01:00] Introducing Isaac Tellechea: The newest "eyeball witness" to the pod. [00:01:50] Fantasy Football updates and the status of Tarlin's dog, Chia. [00:02:40] The "unceremonious" Clippers exit: Chris Paul sent home. [00:05:00] Friction with Kawhi Leonard and Jeff Van Gundy's reaction. [00:07:50] The Alpha Debate: Does leadership require a "chip" for validation? [00:12:30] Comparing leadership: Steve Jobs and driving results through "toxic" environments. [00:15:30] "Too Alpha": Comparing CP3 to Jordan, Kobe, and Jalen Brunson. [00:18:40] The Udonis Haslem (UD) comparison: Learning to downshift leadership. [00:20:50] CP3’s Phoenix impact vs. his current statistical "downshift". [00:25:20] The Russ (Westbrook) vs. CP3 comparison: Wild energy vs. calculated dominance. [00:26:40] Lightning Round: Ranking the greatest PG leaders in NBA history. [00:30:50] Future Forecast: Would you hire Chris Paul as a head coach? [00:32:30] Final thoughts on CP3's legacy and wrapping up Isaac's debut.

Season 6 Kickoff! Mike and Tarlin are back for a special edition of Running It Back, diving into the biggest sports stories for lessons in leadership, accountability and the struggle for growth. The conversation starts with an update on Mike's Mets (the only thing softening the blow is a wealthy owner) and Tarlin's dog before flexing into three essential topics: WNBA: The Commissioner vs. The Player Napheesa "Phee" Collier, Vice President of the WNBA Players Association and co-founder of the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league, put the entire league office on blast, labeling them the "worst leadership" at a moment when the league is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by stars like Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese. Player First vs. Management First: Compare the WNBA’s current position to the NBA's profitability years under David Stern. Is Cathy Engelbert missing the story by not putting her most valuable assets—the players—first? The Cost of Growth: Revenue is up, but is management willing to take the long-term investment view required to scale the league and pay the players what they deserve? A Familiar Narrative: Tarlin draws parallels to the massive lockouts in the NHL and MLB in the mid-'90s, warning that the WNBA’s current crisis of leadership threatens to squander its boom moment. NBA: Ballmer, Kawhi, and the Clippers' Stink Steve Ballmer’s “hardcore” Clippers franchise faces a serious challenge following the surfacing of a no-show job deal for Kawhi Leonard’s uncle with a carbon offset company, Aspiration—a company in which Ballmer was investing. The Madoff-Type Scheme: Mark Cuban called it "a shady carbon offset deal where the math 'is not mathing.'" Lessons from History: This scandal echoes the Joe Smith salary cap violation with the Timberwolves in 1999, which led to heavy penalties. Will Adam Silver take action against the ego-driven, win-at-all-costs leadership of the Clippers? Independent Journalism: A shout-out to Pablo Torre and his team for their investigative work in surfacing this stink. Golf: The Ryder Cup and the Crisis of Individualism Team Europe, led by the small-ego, unifying captain Luke Donald, dominates the US team, highlighting a fundamental leadership failure for the Americans. The Accidental Captain: Donald's success comes from putting his ego aside and positioning every player to win, a direct contrast to the US side. Rotten on the Inside: The American team's individual success in the singles matches proves they lack the necessary team cohesion and leadership apparatus. The Need for a Colangelo: The US golf program is at a crisis moment, much like USA basketball in the early 2000s. Who is the necessary, unifying leader—the Tiger Woods—needed to build a winning culture for the next generation? Quote of the Episode: "If it's rotten on the inside, it will never grow as much as you want." Like, follow and share Running It Back wherever you get your podcasts. 00:00 Introduction and Season Kickoff 00:40 Unexpected Dog Incident 01:58 Mets' Season Recap and Ownership 04:21 NFL and Fantasy Football 05:34 WNBA Leadership and Player Issues 15:29 Napheesa Collier and Cathy Engelbert Beef 15:44 Kawhi Leonard and the Aspiration Deal Controversy 17:29 Steve Ballmer's Aggressive Ownership 19:28 Kawhi's No-Show Deal and Leadership Lessons 21:17 Mark Cuban's Skepticism and Aspiration's Ponzi Scheme 24:21 Ryder Cup Leadership and Team Dynamics 29:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Get ready, fantasy football fans, because we're officially running it back! After a well-deserved summer hiatus, your favorite sports podcasters are back and ready to kick off the NFL season in style. This episode has everything you love: a healthy dose of signature banter, some wild personal updates, and a deep dive into the world of fantasy football—from its surprising origins to the drama of your home league. Don't miss a single second as we tackle the big topics: The Origins of Fantasy: We're talking 1960s, a league with a mouthful of a name (The Greater Oakland Professional Pigskin Prognosticators League), and the very first player ever drafted in fantasy history. Tarlin, with his deep Gemini research, connects the past to the present with players who play both sides of the ball. The Modern-Day Fantasy Grind: The guys break down their own league obsessions, from old-school in-person drafts with stickers to the new "Guillotine League". We also get a look into Mike's "Palmertron 5,000" and the eternal debate of bros versus cos. Running Backs and the Art of General Management: Is the running back dead? The guys debate strategy, assess player health, and reveal their own plans for the upcoming drafts. Tarlin even has a new rule he's trying to pass to "make tight ends great again". The Flores Lawsuit and the Rooney Rule: We shift gears to a serious but crucial conversation about the NFL's ongoing legal battles. The guys discuss the Brian Flores lawsuit, the fact that he's still a defensive coordinator while suing the league's owners, and what it all says about the Rooney Rule and the future of minority coaches. Whether you're a seasoned veteran with a "war room" and multiple leagues or a rookie looking to get a leg up, this episode is a must-listen. So grab your draft magazines, open up your pre-draft spreadsheets, and get ready because you know we're Running It Back. Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter 01:07 Baseball Talk and Team Loyalty 02:05 College Preparations and Nostalgia 04:25 Transition to NFL and Fantasy Football 06:00 Deep Dive into Fantasy Football 07:42 Fantasy Football Strategies and History 09:34 Fantasy Football Leagues and Rules 11:28 Fantasy Football Drafts and Management 19:47 Bros Over Cos: Fantasy Football Draft Strategies 20:17 The Value of Running Backs in Modern Fantasy Football 22:08 Quarterback Draft Picks: Who to Watch 23:27 Wide Receivers: Top Picks and Strategies 25:13 The Impact of the Rooney Rule and Minority Coaches 26:56 Brian Flores' Legal Battle Against the NFL 30:21 The Future of Minority Coaches in the NFL 37:43 Concluding Thoughts and Upcoming Topics

Get ready for an unfiltered and energetic breakdown of the NBA playoffs as we, Mike Palmer and Tarlin Ray from Running It Back, dive headfirst into the latest on the hardwood! We kick things off by dissecting the Knicks' recent playoff run, asking the tough questions about what went wrong and what's next for Mike's beloved and Tarlin's bandwagon team. Tarlin connects Coach Thibs' firing to a fascinating historical trend—it seems winning Coach of the Year can be a bit of a curse. Meanwhile, Mike remains optimistic that this shake-up opens up exciting new possibilities for the Knicks in the trade and free agent markets. Then, we shift gears to marvel at the Indiana Pacers' surprising success. We're talking about Tyrese Haliburton's incredible clutch shooting and Rick Carlisle's brilliant coaching. While we might not label Haliburton a "superstar," you'll hear why Mike concedes he is an elite point guard who consistently delivers in the clutch. Tarlin even drops some compelling stats, drawing comparisons between Haliburton and Chris Paul. Of course, we can't ignore the Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC). We delve into their suffocating defensive intensity, and I'm even bold enough to make a finals prediction you won't want to miss! We're exploring the evolving landscape of basketball, celebrating deep teams that bring high intensity for all 48 minutes, rather than relying on just one "alpha" superstar. And Tarlin makes a powerful point: it's about the quality of basketball, not just who's the "face of the NBA." So, join us for all this and more—we promise a fun, insightful, and passionately debated journey through the world of NBA.

Tarlin and Mike are back to chop it up about the Knicks Pacers rivalry through the years heading into the big series starting this week. Tarlin asks in on the Knicks bandwagon. Mike extols Brunson's leadership, doesn't fear Haliburton, the Pacers, Pat McAfee, or even Hans Perez, the firefighter who wore a Haliburton jersey to the midtown New York celebration outside MSG on Friday night. Mike and Gilbert Arenas are saying Knicks in 5. Tarlin is on Knicks in 6--It sounds good, doesn't it? Where do you stand? Which half of Knicks Nation do you belong to? Or are you riding or dying with the House of Haliburton? Listen in and learn. Subscribe wherever you get your pods. Video episodes up on Youtube and Spotify.

In this engaging episode, Running It Back takes you on a journey from the iconic to the immediate. We start by commemorating the anniversary of Allen Iverson's "Practice" press conference – a moment that gave us one of the most quotable moments in NBA history. Then, we shift gears to the present, analyzing the ongoing NBA playoffs, the buzz around Tyrese Haliburton, and the contrasting leadership styles of coaches Larry Brown and Gregg Popovich. It's a study in contrasts – from a legendary player's raw emotion to the strategic minds shaping the game today.

Get ready for a high-energy episode of Running It Back! Mike and Tarlin deliver instant analysis of the latest NBA drama: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Tyrese Haliburton. We dissect the controversial end-of-game moments, the heated aftermath, and the unexpected involvement of family members. Is Halliburton soft or clutch? Is Giannis a philosopher or just tired of the drama? We’re also talking overrated players and the rise of the crazed sports parent. It's a jam-packed episode with all the hot takes you crave! Tarlin challenges Mike's assessment of Halliburton, offering a compelling defense of the young star while Mike doubles down on his "soft" critique. We explore the complexities of Halliburton's game, his interactions with other players (including Dame Lillard!), and the surprising revelation that he was voted one of the league's most overrated players. Beyond the player face-off, we delve into the escalating trend of overzealous parents in youth and professional sports. The guys discuss the John Halliburton incident, comparing it to other examples of parental interference and debating the impact on the players and the game itself. It's a conversation that goes beyond the headlines to examine the changing culture of sports.

Alright, football fans, buckle up for a raw, unfiltered episode of Running It Back! We're diving deep into the shocking NFL draft slide of Shedeur Sanders. Was it his interview style, his play, or the shadow of his outspoken father, Deion, that caused him to drop to the fifth round? Tarlin and Mike dissect the stats, the interviews, and the generational clash that might have contributed to this head-scratching draft day fall. We’re not holding back – from hard truths about draft interviews to the influence of superstar dads like Deion Sanders and LeBron James. Plus, we sprinkle in some NBA flavor with a shoutout to Anthony Edwards' rise and the Knicks' playoff run, and of course, Tarlin’s recognizing that Mike's beloved Mets are still holding strong. Don't miss this rollercoaster of an episode! Subscribe to Running It Back for your regular dose of unfiltered sports analysis, hot takes, and the occasional off-topic tangent. You won't want to miss what we drop next!

Alright, sports fans, buckle up for a high-energy episode of "Running it Back"! The crew is back, and they're diving headfirst into the NBA playoffs, where the stakes are high, and the drama is hotter than a five-alarm fire! The guys kick things off with a little smack talk. Tarlin Ray is feeling the heat in a step challenge, while Mike Palmer is dodging those "microaggressions"! But don't worry, they quickly pivot to the hardwood! Nico Harrison is in the spotlight, stirring up buzz with his "defense wins championships" mantra. Is it just coach speak, or is there a deeper message? The crew breaks down the stats, debates Luka Doncic's defensive game (or lack thereof), and even throws in some LeBron comparisons for good measure! They dissect the "eye test" versus the stat sheet, pondering whether Luka's offensive brilliance outweighs his defensive deficiencies. And can we read between the lines of Nico Harrison’s press conferences? Like what you're hearing, subscribe, spread the word, and let us know what you think.

The trade winds are blowing, and we're breaking down the BIGGEST move since De'Aaron Fox! That's right, folks, Jimmy "Buckets" Butler is heading to the Golden State Warriors, and your favorite hoops heads, Tarlin Ray and Mike Palmer, are here to give you the insider's perspective. Tarlin was ON this trade from day one, calling it a total UNLOCK for the Warriors. Was he right? Mike, as always, brings the fire with his signature wit and wild takes (and you KNOW he’s gonna drop some knowledge bombs on you). In this can't-miss episode, we dive deep into: The Jimmy Butler Effect: What does Jimmy bring to the Warriors? Is he the missing piece for another championship run, or will his mercurial nature cause chaos in the Bay? Draymond's Reaction: Did Draymond Green REALLY say the Warriors are guaranteed a championship now? We break down Draymond’s antics and what this trade means for him. The Warriors' Window: With Steph Curry getting older, is this the Warriors' last chance? We discuss if this move puts them ahead of the OKC Thunder and the Lakers in the Western Conference. Team Chemistry: How will Jimmy fit alongside Steph, Draymond, and the young Warriors? We talk coaching genius with Steve Kerr and compare his style to Phil Jackson’s. Plus, Tarlin schools Mike on what "mercurial" really means (it involves mercury...obviously). Luka Doncic vs. Jimmy Butler: Is there a comparison between these two? We discuss the difference in their leadership and impact, and Tarlin explains why the Luka hate has got to stop. Tarlin and Mike bring their unique blend of expertise and humor to this essential basketball conversation. If you love NBA analysis with a twist, you NEED to subscribe to "Running It Back" for more hot takes, insightful commentary, and debates that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

"Best sports docuseries I've ever watched!" - That's high praise from co-host Tarlin Ray, and it's exactly what we're diving into on this episode of Running It Back. We're breaking down Netflix's "Court of Gold," the captivating documentary that takes you inside the Paris Olympics and the quest for basketball gold. Relive the drama with Steph Curry's Olympic debut, Kevin Durant's pursuit of history, and LeBron James's behind the scenes presence as Team USA faces fierce competition from teams like Serbia, France, and Canada. We analyze Steve Kerr's coaching, the clash of big personalities, and the incredible access that puts you in the locker room and on the sidelines. We'll also discuss the standout performances from players like Nikola Jokic, Evan Fournier, Nicolas Batum, and Bogdan Bogdanovic and more, plus debate the future of the NBA All-Star game. Is an international vs. USA format the answer? We're looking at you, Adam Silver. If you loved "The Last Dance" or any great sports documentary, "Court of Gold" is a must-watch, and this podcast episode is your perfect companion.

We're back with a special Super Bowl LIX preview episode! We've got all the latest news and analysis, including our predictions for who will win the big game. Plus, we're talking about the Luka Doncic trade and what it means for the future of the NBA. Tune in to hear our takes on the following: Our Super Bowl LIX predictions, including our thoughts on the Eagles' and Chiefs' rosters, coaching staffs, and matchups. We're also discussing the latest odds and betting lines. The Luka Doncic trade, including our analysis of the trade's winners and losers, and what it means for the future of the Mavericks and Lakers. We're also discussing the trade's impact on the NBA's power dynamics. The future of the NBA, including our predictions for the playoffs and Finals. We're also discussing the latest news and rumors from around the league. We're also giving our listeners a chance to win a pair of tickets to the Super Bowl! To enter, subscribe to our podcast and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. We'll be back next week with a new episode. In the meantime, be sure to follow us on social media for all the latest updates. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Welcome Back! 00:34 NFL vs NBA: Media Week Madness 00:56 Pro Bowl and Flag Football Fun 02:17 Super Bowl Predictions and Analysis 04:52 Eagles vs Chiefs: The Underdog Story 10:56 Super Bowl Party Plans 11:43 The Luka Trade Shocker 13:42 AD's Availability Issues 14:17 Luka's Impact and Trade Shock 15:37 Lakers' Business Strategy 16:29 Pronunciation and Jersey Numbers 17:16 Dallas Mavericks' Future 22:36 Player Empowerment vs. Front Office 27:41 NFL MVP and Hall of Fame Debates 28:57 Wrapping Up and Future Plans

Welcome to Running It Back, the podcast that dives deep to find lessons from the latest sports news and its the biggest games. In this episode, Tarlin Ray and Mike Palmer are back as we navigate the NFL playoffs, its head coaching carousel, and explore new sports leagues like TGL and Unrivaled. First, we break down the NFC and AFC Championship games, highlighting the underdog stories and the potential for upsets. Can Jayden Daniels lead the Commanders to an unexpected victory over the Eagles? Will Josh Allen and the Bills overcome the Chiefs' dominance? We analyze the key players and predict the outcomes. Next, we delve into the NFL coaching carousel, discussing the recent hires and analyzing the impact of these changes on the league. We also debate the qualifications of Eric Bieniemy and explore the reasons behind his struggles to secure a head coaching position. Finally, we shift our attention to the innovative sports leagues TGL and Unrivaled. We discuss the unique format of TGL, its potential to revolutionize televised golf, and the challenges it faces in delivering a compelling viewing experience. We also touch upon Unrivaled, the new women's basketball league, and its potential to elevate the sport. Join us for this exciting episode as we cover the latest sports news and share our insights on the games that have everyone talking. Don't forget to subscribe to Running It Back on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts to stay up-to-date on the latest sports discussions. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome Back to the Podcast 00:39 Reflecting on the LA Fires 03:22 NFL Playoffs and Championship Weekend 04:52 Rookie Quarterbacks in the NFL 09:12 Commanders vs. Eagles Analysis 11:57 Kansas City Chiefs: The Overdogs 16:15 Coaching Carousel and NFL Draft 17:00 New Blood in Coaching: Kevin O'Connell's Extension 17:19 Jaguars' Coaching Drama: A Real Housewife Moment 17:52 Pete Carroll Joins the Raiders: A Culture Reset 18:45 Coaching Carousel: Eric Bieniemy's Struggles 24:13 TGL: The Future of Golf Entertainment 28:18 Unrivaled: The New Women's Basketball League 30:35 Sports Nostalgia and Future Innovations 31:44 Final Thoughts and Hopes for LA Sports

In this special episode of Running It Back, Mike Palmer and Tarlin Ray sit down with Professor Lou Moore, author of The Great Black Hope: Doug Williams, Vince Evans, and the Making of the Black Quarterback. You heard that right, we're running it back WITH OUR FIRST GUEST EVER! Don't miss it!! With Lou's expert guidance, we delve into the rich history of black quarterbacks in the NFL, focusing on Doug Williams and Vince Evans. Lou shares insights from his research, including historical contexts, racial challenges, and coaching influences that shaped the careers of QBs like Williams and Evans. We also explore the broader significance of black quarterbacks and their impact on the NFL and American society. Join us for an enlightening discussion filled with historical anecdotes and contemporary parallels. Subscribe and tune in for more lessons learned from the world of sports. TIME STAMPS: 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement 01:04 Lou Moore's Background and Previous Works 02:09 Election Talk and Personal Anecdotes 04:14 The Inspiration Behind 'The Great Black Hope' 05:47 The Evolution of the Black Quarterback 08:07 Challenges and Triumphs of Early Black Quarterbacks 13:40 Modern Black Quarterbacks and Their Impact 21:39 The Black Quarterback Syndrome 23:33 Personal Reflections on Racism in Sports 24:38 Teaching History in Today's Context 25:30 Connecting Historical Events to Present Day 25:52 Music as a Tool for Healing and Education 27:03 Challenges Faced by Black Quarterbacks 31:58 The Role of Coaches and Media 41:19 The Future of Black Coaches in the NFL 44:19 Final Thoughts and Farewell

In this episode of Running It Back, Mike Palmer and Tarlin Ray dive into the start of the NBA season, keying off of the Mind the Game podcast and reflecting on LeBron and Bronny James' father-son debut and offering thoughts on how Bronny will navigate the league. We also pay tribute to Fernando Valenzuela, discussing his legacy and recent passing. Tarlin shares his insights on key NBA players to watch this season, including JJ Redick, Lonzo Ball, and Ja Morant. Mike shouts out a surprising dark horse for NBA Comeback Player. As always, we weave in lessons in management both on and off the court, exploring the importance of emotional intelligence, strategy, and leadership in sports and beyond. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at RunningItBack.fm for more lessons learned from the world of sports. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Banter 00:51 Remembering Fernando Valenzuela 02:12 Mets and Dodgers Talk 06:46 NBA Season Kickoff 09:03 JJ Redick and Coaching Insights 19:24 USC Hoops and Juju Watkins 19:44 LeBron and Bronny: A Basketball Legacy 20:33 Famous Father-Son Duos in Sports 22:16 Bronny's Role and Future in the NBA 24:39 Pharrell's Prolific Career 26:15 Jason Tatum and Caitlyn Clark: The Revenge Tour 28:44 Lonzo Ball's Comeback 29:42 Ja Morant and the Grizzlies 32:12 NBA Season Excitement and Future Episodes