Tradition's Finest Episode 77 - "The Giant Ghoerghe Muresan Episode"

Welcome Back to the Tradition's Finest Podcast! Episode 77 - “The Giant Gheorge Muresan Episode” includes a discussion of the following sports-related topics: - Miscellaneous - Goodbye to Our Childhood: ESPN recently announced that it is officially cancelling afternoon sports debate show "Around the Horn" (or "ATH" for short) after a 23-year run - The show has broadcast over 4,900 episodes - and will air its last episode on May 23rd, 2025 . . .ATH features Tony Reali, who serves as a moderator for four rotating sportswriters (or panelists) from across the United States, that debate over a slew of sports-related topics, and eventually by the end of each episode, one sportswriter/panelist is recognized by Reali as the episode winner - and has a few minutes free range where he or she is able to discuss a topic of their choice. . .Q: Which of the recurring "Around the Horn" sportswriters/panelists were your favorite back in the day (i.e., the likes of J.A. Adande, Jemele Hill, Bomani Jones, Pablo Torre, Jackie MacMullan, Mina Kimes, Woody Paige. . .just to name a few. . .)? Do you recall an earth-shattering sports-related story that broke and/or you first heard about on "ATH?". . .Following the news reveal, ESPN released a short statement that a 30-minute modified version of "SportsCenter" will run in the "ATH" afternoon time slot this upcoming Summer, however, the network did not reveal any additional details and/or long-term future plans. . . - NCAA : News & Storylines - The University of Auburn announced last Friday that head football coach Hugh Freeze, 55, was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer, and due significantly to its' early detection, Freeze is expected to make a "full" recovery - and furthermore, Freeze will continue coaching the Tigers while receiving treatment, according to officials at the University. . .Prayers Up for Auburn HC Hugh Freeze . . .Last Wednesday, the second episode of multi-part docuseries "The Tides That Bind," which documented the Alabama Crimson Tide football team throughout the 2024 college football season, was released, and this particular episode titled 'The Standard' focused primarily on the offensive line, most specifically, Kadyn Proctor & Wilkin Formby. . .Formby & his family would reveal to Fox Sports all of the hateful messages and needless personal attacks via social media thay they encountered following his poor performance in the game versus the South Florida (USF) Bulls - Formby stated in the interview that that the "first thing [he] read [via a social media post] read K*ll Wilkin Formby". . .It's safe to say that we're ALL guilty of reacting negatively towards our favorite sports team and/or players following a loss or a lackluster performance, but, as humans, we think we can all agree that there is fine line/a threshold that doesn't need to be exceeded in terms of criticizing individual players (or the team in general). . .Q: Obviously, the Alabama fan base does not have a "golden" reputation, and have been known to jump over that line a few too many times (i.e., fans calling into 'The Paul Finebaum Show' and requesting for first-year HC Kalen DeBoer to be fired!) but fortunately, this group of fans are "outliers," and certainly do not represent the fan base as a whole - What are your thoughts on these type of "personal" attacks on individual players? What safeguards could be implemented on social media to prevent such needless attacks from affecting the family of the individual player?. . .Two words: Do Better, guys. . . - NFL - Prior to the NFL Scouting Combine last Saturday, former Texas WR Isaiah Bond made a bold proclamation to reporters at NFL Media Day on Friday - stating that he would "for sure" break Xavier Worthy's combine record of 4.21 in the 40-yard dash, which was set by Worthy at the Combine last year - unfortunately for Bond, not only did he not break Worthy's record, but he posted an official best 40-time of 4.39. .Meanwhile, Bond's former teammate at the University of Texas, WR Matthew Golden, posted the fastest time in the 40-yard dash among all WR's at the Combine when he was clocked at an official time of 4.29. . .Q: Does this taint Isaiah Bond's reputation, or most importantly, does this cause his draft stock to fall?. . .The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released a statement last Thursday that "upon further reflection," they have decided to reinstate or welcome a franchise legend back into the team's Ring of Honor - Welcome Back, Jon Gruden!. . .Well Deserved!. . .The newest member of Barstool Sports led the Buccaneers to a victory in Super Bowl 37 and secured 57 wins throughout his seven years with the franchise. . .Kansas City Chiefs' TE Travis Kelce, 35, plans to return for his 13th season next year, as was confirmed by ESPN's Pat McAfee last Thursday - on "The Pat McAfee Show" - when he read a text he received from Kelce claiming that, following his performance in the Chiefs' loss in Super Bowl LIX versus the Philadelphia Eagles, he "got a real bad taste in [his] mouth, and that he "can't go out like that!!!" - Kelce was held to four catches for 39 yards in the Chiefs' 40-22 loss to the Eagles. . .but overall, Kelce posted career lows in the 2024 NFL season in receiving yards (823) and TD's (3). .Q: Are you surprised by Kelce's decision to return for a 13th season? Can Kelce help lead the Kansas City Chiefs to another Super Bowl victory before he retires from the league? *Let Us Know What You Think! - Share your thoughts via Twitter/X - @TraditionFinest OR Send us an email to [email protected]. . .On Saturday, March 1st, the San Francisco 49ers agreed to send WR Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders in exchance for a fifth-round pick, soruces confirmed to ESPN's Adam Schefter on Saturday evening. . .Samuel called his departure from San Francisco "bittersweet" on Thursday, but stated that Washington was one of his "preferred trade destinations" in part because of QB Jayden Daniels. . .Q: After six seasons with the franchise, and after acknowleding an overall decrease in his production throughout the 2024 NFL season, in large part due to a lingering injury, could Deebo revitialize his career in Washington? What role will he play within the Commanders' offense?. . .The Cincinnati Bengals placed the franchise tag on WR Tee Higgins for a second year in a row - the Bengals announced the move, stating they did so "with the intent of continuing to work toward a long-term deal in Cincinnati with WR Tee Higgins." - Higgins franchise tender would pay him $6.2 million for the 2025 NFL season if he's unable to agree to a long-term contract with the Bengals prior to the July 15th deadline. . .Fortunately for Higgins, fortune favors the bold, as six of the past seven players who were franchised in consecutive seasons, would go on to sign a long-term deal later that year. . .Three weeks after parting ways with QB Aaron Rodgers, the New York Jets continued towards their pattern of a complete overhaul, releasing Rodgers' favorite target, WR Davante Adams, on Tuesday - Adams finished the 2024 NFL season with 67 catches, 854 yards receiving and 7 TD's in 11 games played for the Jets - Q: Where is Davante Adams most likely to land in free agency this offseason?. . .The Jets also granted WR Allen Lazard permission to seek a trade prior to the start of the league year on March 12th, sources confirmed to ESPN's Adam Schefter - In all likelihood, Lazard, too, will end up being released - Q: Is it fair to say that the Jets should be on the pursuit for a couple solid wideouts in this upcoming NFL Draft?. . .On Thursday, March 6th, the Jacksonville Jaguars announced their plans to release TE Evan Engram, per a league source, in a move that will save the team approximately $5.98 million in salary cap space. . .and DUVAAAL wasn't finished just yet. . .The Jags traded veteran WR Christian Kirk to the Houston Texans in exchange for a 2026 7th-round pick, as confirmed by ESPN's Adam Schefter on Thursday evening. . .After six seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, two-time Pro Bowl WR DK Metcalk has requested a trade, and the Seahawys have agreed to explore their options regarding a deal - as first reported by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport on Wednesday - The news regarding Metcalf's request came less than an hour after the franchise announced that they had released veteran WR Tyler Lockett after ten seasons with the team. . .Metcalf's production declined over the course of the 2024 NFL season as he would finish the year with 66 catches, 992 receiving yards and 5 receiving TD's in a total of 15 games played for a Seahawks team that missed the playoffs despite finishing the regular season with a 10-7 record - All reports indicate that Metcalf is interested in playing elsewhere, and with this development, whispers are beginning to become louder that the Green Bay Packers & the Las Vegas Raiders, could be potential suitors for Metcalf's services. . .Q: What are your thoughts - where do you think WR DK Metcalf will land via trade or free agency this offseason? What about the Chiefs, Cowboys or Steelers?. . .Las Vegas Raiders star pass rusher Maxx Crosby signed a contract extension with the franchise on Wednesday, the team announced, with multiple reports indicating that the deal is for three years & $106.5 million - with $91.5 million guaranteed at signing, making Crosby the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history. . .The Los Angeles Chargers released OLB/DE Joey Bosa after a nine-year run on Wednesday night, cutting ties with their longest-tenured player and one of the best in franchise history - the move saves the franchise $25.36 million in cap space - but Bosa's 72 career sacks ranks second in franchise history - this has to be a tough pill to swallow for Chargers' fans. . .Q: Personally, were you surprised by the news that the Chargers had released four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Joey Bosa? Where is the most likely destination for Bosa to land in free agency (and why is it playing alongside his brother in San Francisco?) *Just Asking for a Friend. . .Discuss & Debate: Who should the Tennessee Titans draft with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft? - QB Shedeur Sanders, WR/CB Travis Hunter, QB Cam Ward or EDGE Abdul Carter - *Tune in to hear Spencer & JD's pick. . .Also, let us know your thoughts on the Titans' pick!. . . . - NCAA Men's & Women's College Basketball - March is officially upon us, Ladies & Gentlemen!. . .There's just something about all of the "Madness" that keeps us wanting more. . .Are you guys ready?. . .Last Saturday, No.1 Auburn dismantled a hobbled Kentucky team 94-78 to clinch the SEC crown after the Tigers' first win at Rupp Arena since 1988 - Auburn would go on to win the SEC regular-season title outright after Tennessee defeated Alabama later that evening on a buzzer-beater. . .UK went nearly 10 minutes without a basket from the floor during a stretch spanning both the first & second half, and committed turnovers on six straight possessions - finishing the game with a season-high 18 turnovers, leading to a 21-9 edge in points off turnovers for Auburn - Naismith Player of the Year candidate & Tigers center Johni Broome, overall, had a slow day, however, Miles Kelly stepped up with a season-high 30 points to compensate, and lead the Tigers to the double-digit victory on the road. . .No.6 Alabama fell to No.5 Tennessee 79-76 at the buzzer last Saturday afternoon - the Volunteers got the job done in 'March Madness' fashion as guard Jahmai Mashack hit a deep three at the buzzer - this was the last part of a 7-0 run by the Vols in the final thirty seconds of the game. . .Q: What were your thoughts on Crimson Tide HC Nate Oats' decision to sub in a "big" lineup, and not call a timeout prior to the costly five-second out-of-bounds violation committed by Alabama?. . .RJ Luis Jr. scored 21 points and No.7 St. John's defeated Seton Hall 71-61 to clinch its first outright Big East tile since 1985 on Saturday - the Red Storm improved to 18-0 at home & HC Rick Pitino donned an all-white suit for the second straight season. . .The Red Storm currently rank No.2 in the country according to KenPom's rankings in terms of defensive efficiency. . .On Tuesday, March 4th, No.22 Texas A&M stunned No.1 Auburn in an historic upset - after coming into the game on a four-game losing skid, the Aggies led the entire way en route to the 83-72 victory at Reed Arena - and marked the Aggies' first-ever win against a No.1-ranked opponent in school history. . .On the following night, No.5 Florida was able to hold on to defeat No.7 Alabama 99-94 in a key SEC Conference matchup - after dropping the loss to Florida, the Crimson Tide have now lost two straight games - and up next: their in-state rival & No.1 ranked team in the country - Auburn Tigers. . .NCAA Women's College Basketball: No.6 South Carolina earned a share of the SEC Conference title, and obtained the No.1 seed in the Conference Tournament, which was determined by a coin flip, on Sunday - this occurred after the Gamecocks & No.1 Texas both finished the regular season 15-1 in conference play & split the season series (1-1). . . NCAA Men's Basketball Conference Tournament Championship Predictions Segment: JD & Spencer provide their individual predictions as to which teams will win their respective Conference Tournaments - predictions were made for the Power 5 (or major) Conferences - **Tune in for Spencer & JD's picks for the Conference Champions of the ACC Conference, Big XII Conference, Big East Conference, Big Ten Conference & the SEC Conference. . . . - NBA - Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid will miss the remainder of the NBA regular season with a left knee injury, the team announced last Friday. . .Embiid, 30, has appeared in only 19 games for the 76ers this season - and out of a possible 902 games over 11 seasons, Embiid has played in a total of 452 games - just over half. . .Prior to the last couple seasons, the 76ers' roster had depth & played incredibly well without Embiid on the floor, but now, the Sixers are currently sitting in 11th place in the Eastern Conference - and following the news regarding Embiid - it seems that the franchise is considering keeping Paul George out of the lineup for the remainder of the season as well. . .Q: What should the Philadelphia 76ers do about Joel Embiid? Is it time to move on from Embiid?. . .LeBron James hit 50k points in the regular season & playoffs combined - while both the Los Angeles Lakers & the Cleveland Cavaliers extend their winning streaks - on Tuesday night. . .Cleveland reached its 11th (and then 12th) straight victory to extend their winning streak, and this is the 3rd time this season the Cavaliers have won eleven straight. . .while the Lakers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 136-115 to extend the franchise's winning streak to seven games. . .Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving was helped to the locker room on Monday night after suffering an apparent leg injury - Irving would stay on the court & drain two free throw's before being assisted off the court - On the following day, it was revealed that, after further testing, Kyrie will be out for the rest of the NBA season after suffering a torn ACL injury. . .If you do not feel absolutely gutted for the Mavericks' fan base, you have NO heart or soul. . .Praying for Kyrie Iriving, and that we are able to see him return to the court next season. . . Thanks for Listening!!