Nothing Personal with David Samson

Today’s word of the day is ‘definitive loss’ as in Blake Snell as in Scott Boras as in the San Francisco Giants. Why is this a loss for Snell? Is this a loss for Boras? (8:50) We have fighting! The MLBPA is reportedly facing a mutiny. What is happening? Is another lockout coming? (23:15) There are so many injuries. The Houston Astros lost another pitcher. Bryce Harper has a back issue. Byron Buxton has a back injury. (36:15) Review: Ferrari. (41:20) The Bauer Hour is back! Bauer announced he’s going to pitch against the Yankees… as part of a Mexican pro team! (45:00) The Big East is mad. Every school that misses the tournament is mad. More statements. More words. (50:45) NPPOD.

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Today’s word of the day is ‘two sleeps’ as in baseball is back as in the Dodgers as in the Padres as in Seoul as in Opening Day as in the Mets as in the Marlins as in the Cardinals! Ohtani and the Dodgers kicks things off on Wednesday against the Padres. (8:35) Eury Perez is being shutdown. It is bad news for the Marlins. Why did they say it was a blister!? (12:00) What’s going on in Mets land? Steve Cohen met the media to talk Pete Alonso, to talk expectations, to talk farm system. Fun times! (16:20) Why did the Cardinals extend Oli Marmol? What was the point before this season? (25:00) Review: Madame Web. (27:23) Let’s talk football. The Steelers signed Russell Wilson, traded Kenny Pickett, and then traded for Justin Fields. Wow. Why did they trade Pickett? Why did the Bears accept so little? (35:00) March Madness is here! Go Yale! Go Wisconsin! But what about all these teams saying no to the NIT? Ridiculous! (42:30) NPPOD. What happened to scoring in NBA games? (47:40) A chocolate scheme in Maryland is crazy. The PTSA treasurer used $29,000 of chocolate sales on himself and gambling!

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Today’s word of the day is ‘breakout’ as in Spring Training and Spring Breakouts as in the inaugural MLB showcase. Did you watch the games? Did you see the top prospects? (9:10) Who is the Yankees Opening Day starter? Not Gerrit Cole. Not Carlos Rodon. Not Marcus Stroman. (13:10) What is going on with the Kansas City Chiefs? Are the moving? Are they threatening to move? (26:30) Review: Agrylle. (29:12) Penguins heist. No not stolen Penguins! Stole Jaromir Jags bobbleheads! (32:40) Aaron Rodgers was forced to release a statement. Politics! (34:40) NPPOD. (36:35) Nick Saban can’t stop talking. Retired and now he hates college football. NIL is out of control, but is he the right person to tell us?

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Today’s word of the day is ‘PSA’ as in Preller Strikes Again as in the San Diego Padres have traded for Dylan Cease from the Chicago White Sox. Grade the trade! You get an A! You get a B! Wait, but you get an A! Let’s talk about why each team made these trades. Why did the Padres make this trade? What is the White Sox plan? (13:45) Gerrit Cole really is injured. The Yankees do wha the Yankees do. Still haven’t given a definitive timeline. But he’ll be out. Bad news. (21:08) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about team doctors. Dr. Neal ElAttrache is the Dodgers team doctor, but he’s also the No. 1 doctor that other players see. (31:47) Review: Gladiator. (36:00) Aaron Rodgers. Welcome to politics. (47:10) NPPOD

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Today’s word of the day is ‘dummy call’ as in a fake audible as in a fugazi as in Aaron Rodgers as Vice President… what!? Yup, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has Rodgers as a potential candidate. Is this real life? (11:06) Another day, another Yankees injury. Aaron Judge this time with an MRI on his abs. Gerrit Cole MRI results still aren’t out. All is well with the Yankees. (24:50) Review: The ABCs of Book Banning. (30:25) The State of the State of Florida. What’s happening there? Why it’s important. (33:50) NPPOD. (38:12) Let’s talk cap space! Patrick Mahomes restructures his deal for Chiefs cap space. Fun! (45:00) We finally have the result of the Jaguars employee who stole milllllions from the team. He got 6 1/2 years! Woof.

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Today’s word of the day is ‘elbow discomfort’ as in fatigue as in MRI as in Gerrit Cole as in the Yankees. UH OH! Bad news bears once again for Boone and Cashman. Let’s talk about the MRI process. The news process. And what all this could mean. (14:50) Saquon Barkley left the Giants for rival Eagles. Big no no to some. Tiki Barber took exception to this and called out Barkley. Barkley then responded. Let’s discuss the RB market and should there be loyalty. (22:22) Kirk Cousins makes money. That’s it. Just good enough. Smart enough. Lucky enough. (30:16) Review: The Teachers’ Lounge. (33:36) What happened with J.D. Davis and the San Francisco Giants. He won his arbitration hearing, but now find himself out of a job. HUH? (45:45) NPPOD

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Today’s word of the day is ‘stained carpet’ as in the Oscars as in the Academy Awards as in watch party as in Oppenheimer as in Jimmy Kimmel as in John Cena as in Emma Stone as in Barbie as in movies! Let’s do a little recap of the night and what happened. (13:20) Did you see Trevor Bauer pitch? Did ya? He pitched for the Asian Breeze against a bunch of minor leaguers and no one watched. No scouts there. Is it over? (22:20) Mookie Betts is now the shortstop for the Dodgers. No longer 2nd baseman. What happened? What goes into a move like this and why so close to start of season? (34:25) Rudy Gobert has been fined $100K by the NBA. He did a money gesture to the refs. And then doubled down after the game. Woof. (40:00) NPPOD. (42:30) What are the Bears doing? No more Arlington Heights? Back to the city?

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Today’s word of the day is ‘jab’ as in punch as in uppercut as in hook as in Jake Paul as in Mike Tyson as in Netflix. What is happening? What is Netflix doing? (13:35) Is Ben Simmons’ career over? The millions and millions and millions of dollars he’s been paid to not play. Often hurt Simmons is out for the year again. Woof. (29:00) Review: Perfect Days. (34:55) Trevor Bauer is back in baseball. On a foreign travel team that you have to pay to play for. Huh….. (39:36) NPPOD. (41:33) Is the Wizards/Capitals move to Virginia dead? It sure looks like it despite what Ted Leonsis and the Virginia governor are saying.

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Today’s word of the day is ‘overreaction’ as in this players stinks as in he’ll never be good again as in he’s the best player we’ve ever seen! What are we talking about? MLB Spring Training! Yoshinobu Yamamoto had a bad start… STINKS! Carlos Rodon still can’t find his fastball… this actually might not be an overreaction! Juan Soto is scorching! (11:00) Nick Saban had enough. That’s why he left coaching. He sounded off to ESPN on his decision. (24:45) Review: Sound of Metal. (30:50) NPPOD. (32:50) What is happening in Chicago with stadiums? Bears want a stadium. White Sox want a stadium. (41:10) The same thing is happening in Kansas City. Stadiums! Stadiums! Stadiums!

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Today’s word of the day is ‘injuries, injuries, injuries!’ as in Lucas Giolito as in Sonny Gray as in Justin Verlander as in Kyle Bradish as in Kodai Senga. It’s all about spring training injuries and teams trying to avoid this. Giolito signs a big deal for the Red Sox and now he’s done. Sonny Gray will likely miss Opening Day with a hamstring. Justin Verlander will start on the IL. (15:45) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about the Athletics new renderings… hahahaha. (29:45) Review: All of Us Strangers. (34:00) Let’s talk about the Dartmouth basketball union vote. What happened? What happens next? (43:10) NPPOD. (44:05) Arch Manning has opted out of EA Sports 2025 college football game. Why? To focus on playing field… huh?

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Today’s word of the day is ‘dead cap’ as in ghost money as in Russell Wilson as in Denver Broncos as in $85 million. That’s it for Russ. 2 seasons and Sean Payton had enough. The fighting at the end of the season about the contract was always going to end this way. (17:45) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about the Chicago Bears and the decision to be made about Caleb Williams or Justin Fields. Who makes this decision? (30:00) Review: Zone of Interest. (34:12) We have an Acuńan update. He is expected to be ready for Opening Day. Phew. (36:20) Scott Boras is back. It’s been a spring training tour with him. Always with the quotes. Never ends. (41:40) The Zach Wheeler deal was a big one. Huge money. But another Boras guy had something to say. (43:30) NPPOD. Let’s talk about Bronny and LeBron James. 

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Today’s word of the day is ‘optimistic’ as in being encouraged as in things will go right as in this is our year as in Ronald Acuna has a knee issue and the Braves are trying to remain calm. Reigning NL MVP. He was scratched from a game on Friday and received an MRI and now he’s in Los Angeles to meet with his surgeon. Uh oh. (9:30) Another short term deal for a Scott Boras client. This time it’s Matt Chapman to the San Francisco Giants. (22:02) Review: Poor Things. (28:30) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about the Big Ten and the SEC wanting to get automatic byes in the playoffs. Will it happen? (39:10) Caitlin Clark broke another record. All-time scorer in Division 1 for Men’s or Women’s basketball. (42:05) NPPOD. 

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Today’s word of the day is ‘fever’ as in the Indiana Fever as in the Iowa Hawkeyes as in Caitlin Clark as in the WNBA. Clark announced she is going to the WNBA draft. She will forgo her final year of eligibility. Is this a smart business move? Could she make more in NIL and sponsor deals? (12:50) It’s time to talk Wendy’s again! Looks like the company is backtracking its dynamic pricing. Why? (19:15) F1 scandal has hit the circuit before the season starts. Principal of Red Bull Racing Christian Horner was under investigation for some nefarious activity. He was let off the hook, but a leak! (32:03) Review: The Leftovers. (37:30) NFL is not going to ban the “tush push”. Are you okay with that? What other rules or technology is the NFL working on? (44:00) NPPOD.

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Today’s word of the day is ‘leap year’ as in today as in February 29 as in every four years as in class is in session. The NFLPA released a player survey where they graded every team in the league. In all categories from training to facilities to owners to food to family care. The Chiefs win Super Bowls but it appears players do not like the team! The Commanders ranked last again… duh. (21:00) What is the latest with the Commanders outside of the survey? FedEx backed out of the stadium naming rights. A bill just passed in DC for RFK Stadium. Is the team moving? (29:20) Review: Thelma & Louise. (34:00) Scott Boras of course showed up to the Cody Bellinger press conference with the Cubs. What did he have to say? (43:45) NPPOD. (46:06) Wendy’s is going to start dynamic pricing. How does that make you feel?

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Today’s word of the day is ‘1000’ as in the 1000th episode of Nothing Personal! And it's with Coca! That's me, I'm Coca! I write these things everyday!

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Today’s word of the day is ‘debut’ as in Shohei Ohtani as in Los Angeles Dodgers as in Spring Training as in gameplays. Ohtani is set to make his debut in Spring Training today. Dave Roberts spoke about the plan to get Ohtani some at-bats. MLB Network will air the game. Biggest free agent signing of all-time! (11:35) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about Spring Training: what should fans look for? What do front offices look for? (25:20) Review: Anyone But You. (28:10) NFL Combine is here. Top prospects are starting to opt-out way more than usual. New trend? Just this year? Is the NFL happy about it? (35:30) The running back market has crashed. Players aren’t getting top dollar. Teams are passing on franchise tagging running backs. Will it ever bounce back? (41:30) NPPOD. (44:00) Pistons lost to the Knicks. Monty Williams lost it on the refs in the postgame presser.

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It's David's birthday! Everyone go wish him a happy birthday! And celebrate with a piece of cake for yourself! (calories don't count for birthday cake!)

Today’s word of the day is ‘blinked’ as in Scott Boras as in the Chicago Cubs as in Cody Bellinger. It finally happened. Cody Bellinger has signed a deal. It’s not the longterm deal most people thought he’d get. Who won this standoff? What’s next for the Boras Boys? (11:20) Let me talk about my weekend and the Challenged Athletes Foundation. (19:05) It’s time for an A’s update! (30:30) Review: American Fiction. (34:00) We need to put an end to court-storming. Enough is enough. (40:00) NPPOD. Miami Heat and New Orleans Pelicans suspensions for a fight! The drama! (43:45) Steve Kerr got an extension. Big money. Matches up the years with Curry. End of an era?

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Today’s word of the day is ‘opportunistic’ as Spring Training as in baseball is back as in injuries as in the Mets got bad news about Kodai Senga. Wonderful. Shoulder injury and he’s shut down. This is a team’s worst nightmare. (18:30) The White Sox want a new stadium. The White Sox want public money. Owner Jerry Reinsdorf spoke with the media… why? (29:28) Review: Bitconned. (37:20) The Pittsburgh Pirates announced a deal with Mitch Keller yesterday. Wonder why they did that! (40:20) NPPOD. (42:30) The Marlins signed someone! It was Tim Anderson. Woohoo! (44:40) It’s time to talk uniforms again! See-through pants! 

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Today’s word of the day is ‘Mahomes Rules’ as Antonio Pierce as in Maxx Crosby as in the Las Vegas Raiders. New head coach Antonio Pierce says he wants the Raiders to get to Patrick Mahomes like the Detroit Pistons did to Michael Jordan. Why are coaches saying these things in public!? (13:45) This new world we live in is crazy. Justin Fields unfollows the Bears and the world knows in seconds. Huge story! Why? (30:35) Review: Shawshank Redemption. (36:00) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about The Athletic’s latest piece on Bob Nutting and the Pittsburgh Pirates. (45:45) NPPOD. 

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Today’s word of the day is ‘playbook’ as in the owner’s playbook as in the plan as in stadiums as in public money as in the Arizona Diamondbacks are next on the list. Owner Ken Kendrick spoke about needing money for the stadium. Will they leave Phoenix? Is this a threat? Is it not a threat? (13:02) Are the Washington Nationals no longer for sale? What the heck? Let’s explain this horse hockey! (21:10) Tony Clark met the media and spoke out about the deferred comp, the uniforms, and more! (32:12) Review: Hell Camp - Teen Nightmare. (36:40) What is going on with the Red Sox? Rafael Devers is speaking out about the roster. Does Alex Cora have a future with the team? (45:30) Let’s talk about some

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Today’s word of the day is ‘easy way out’ as in Rocky 4 as in Mike Trout as in the Angels as in Ohtani as in Arte Moreno as in the other LA team. What did Trout say about his future? Does he want a trade? Will he finish his career in LA? (10:00) If Trout just turns to his left he’ll see Anthony Rendon talking about how much he hates baseball. Yes, that one. Said baseball is just a job. Nice! (19:00) What are the Cubs up to? Owner Tom Ricketts called out Scott Boras. Is the team signing Cody Bellinger? (32:00) Review: Flamin’ Hot. (39:05) Another Boras client speaks! It’s Juan Soto time. The new Yankee! 

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Today’s word of the day is ‘168’ as in the NBA All Star Game as in 211 points as in 186 points as in the East beat the West in a game that saw 168 three-pointers attempted. Did you watch? Did you enjoy it? Is the game broken? Will players care again? It’s the whole weekend! The dunk contest is still broken too! (12:50) Let’s talk about the White Sox. Another stadium needed. Another attempt to get public financing. Chicago, baby! (27:46) Review: The Iron Claw. (32:35) Let’s talk about leadership in the clubhouse. Nolan Arenado spoke about the problems the Cardinals faced last year. (41:25) Let’s talk about Rob Manfred again. 

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Today’s word of the day is ‘lifetime’ as in Rob Manfred as in MLB as in commissioner as in Rob Manfred announced he’s stepping down in 2029. He also spoke of myriad of things: retirement, free agency, jerseys, Athletics, Diamond Sports Group. Let’s go through his comments. (17:35) The Athletics met with Oakland officials yesterday. What was said? Any progress? (28:00) Review: Suncoast. (34:00) The 49ers fired DC Steve Wilks after the Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs. Was he Kyle Shanahan’s scapegoat or was there something more? (40:20) NPPOD - the Milwaukee Bucks have been so bad since Doc Rivers took over. WOOF!

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Today’s word of the day is ‘infuriating’ as in here we go again as in gun violence as in the Chiefs Super Bowl parade turned into mayhem when a shooting broke out. 1 dead. At least 21 other shot. Children shot. What the ****! (22:32) Justin Verlander had a setback. The Astros aren’t happy. The Mets kind of are. (27:40) The drama of the Nationals and Stephen Strasburg has reached a new level we may have never seen before. Nationals owe Strasburg big money, but he’ll never pitch again. The team knows it. He knows it. But they want him at Spring Training…. Why? (38:21) Review: Arthur. (41:24) Pistons’ Isaiah Stewart was arrested for punching Suns’ Drew Eubanks before the game yesterday. What? (47:50) NPPOD.

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Today’s word of the day is ‘pfp’ as in pitchers fielding practice as in spring training as in baseball is slowly coming back as in free agents. What do I mean? Why hasn’t last year’s Cy Young Award winner been signed? How about the best bat on the Cubs? How about a World Series winning pitcher? How about a Gold Glove third baseman? (15:35) The Athletics are meeting with Oakland for a lease extension. Is this step 1 of a new deal? Is this step 1 of the Athletics coming back to Oakland? (27:50) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me a question about Jen Pawol getting to umpire Spring Training games. Is the gender barrier breaking in baseball? (34:35) Review: Lost. (40:10) NPPOD. The Warriors tried to trade for LeBron James! What?

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Today’s word of the day is ‘happens to be represented by Boras’ as in you’ve watched this show long enough to know as in David Stearns as in Pete Alonso as in Scott Boras as in baseball is a day away from being all the way back! Mets new president David Stearns spoke about Pete Alonso and him unlikely to get a new deal this season. (15:05) Jorge Soler signed a new deal with the Giants. 3 years, $42 million! Sorry Marlins. (16:12) What is the latest going on with MLB TV Deals? The Twins and Rangers now have one-year deals with Ballys. Hmm. (29:00) Review: The Eternal Memory. (34:00) What’s happening with the Wizards, Capitals stadium deal in Virginia? It appears to be dead. But is it really? Ted Leonsis said it was a done deal during a presser with the governor! (40:12) NPPOD. (40:28) More and more and more and more and more stadium deals and proposals continue to pop up. Please listen to us!

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Today’s word of the day is ‘repeat’ as in back-to-back as in the Kansas City Chiefs have done it again. Patrick Mahomes is magic. Travis Kelce finished strong. Andy Reid made the right decisions. The defense stepped up. It was all inevitable. What stood out? Did you like the new overtime rules? What was Shanahan thinking taking the ball first? (31:15) What were your favorite commercials from the Super Bowl? This is why most people tune in! (35:20) NPPOD. (41:08) Former Mets GM Billy Eppler got a season-long ban! What? For allegedly fabricating injuries to mess with rosters. And he was the only one blamed!

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Today’s word of the day is ‘58.5 hours’ as in Super Bowl weekend as in Super Bowl as in Brock Purdy as in Patrick Mahomes as in the 49ers as in the Chiefs! What are my top 5 storylines for the big game? Why isn’t anyone talking about Brock Purdy? His story is amazing! (12:20) Rob Manfred has spoken. He has risen from the hotels in Orlando and what did he have to say? Did he see his shadow? Athletics! DTC! More Athletics! More Vegas! (28:00) Review: Griselda. (31:20) Adolis Garcia signed a new deal with the Texas Rangers to avoid arbitration. Let’s take a look at the details and why he did it. And let’s take a look at some Josh Hader comments. (40:10) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about the Michigan court case about guns, culpability, and the “Michigan Mom” ruling.

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Today’s word of the day is ‘anti-hero’ as in Taylor Swift as in Travis Kelce as in Patrick Mahomes as in the Chiefs. When did they become the bad guys? How did this happen? Patrick Mahomes was asked about being a villain, but is he really a villain for winning? (11:30) The NFL minority hiring incentive program is causing quite a stir. Teams are getting draft picks for getting coaches and executives hired away. The 49ers are at the top of that list and owners aren’t happy. (25:40) Review: Silence of the Lambs. (30:03) Netflix announced that a new documentary series will be shot this year Hard Knocks style on the 2024 Boston Red Sox. I have some thoughts because the Marlins did this! (35:50) NPPOD. (37:00) Let’s discuss some things about the MLB owners meetings taking place. What will they talk about? The olympics? Why have the World Baseball Classic AND the Olympics for baseball?

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Today’s word of the day is ‘bundle’ as in streaming as in cable as in ESPN as in Fox as in TNT as in ABC as in FS1 as in sports. Here we go again. We’re back to the TV bundle. These companies announced yesterday that a new streaming service is coming this fall. (13:30) We have another update on yesterday’s exciting Las Vegas mayor statements. Carolyn Goodman walked back her statement on the Athletics. Wonder why! (25:04) Review: Reacher. (28:20) Jose Altuve is a Houston Astro for life. He signed a 5-year extension through his age-39 season. And Clayton Kershaw is back with the Dodgers. He won’t pitch most of the season though. (39:00) NPPOD. (43:00) Let’s talk about the circus…. I mean Super Bowl Week from Las Vegas. Gambling. Radio Row. Drinking. Partying. IT’S A LOT!

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Today’s word of the day is ‘manipulative presser’ as in Super Bowl week as in invite-only as in Roger Goodell met the media and he had some interesting things to say. Taylor Swift, check. Streaming, check. NFL Brazil, check. Grass fields, check! (17:00) Josh Harris held an introductory press conference for Dan Quinn yesterday. What an odd search it was. No Ben Johnson. No Eric Bienemy. Kliff Kingsbury snubs Raiders. (31:00) Review: Bookie. (33:40) We have another update on the A’s to Vegas! A teacher union is suing the state. And now the mayor of Las Vegas is coming out against the team moving to the city! What!? (42:33) NPPOD - Super Bowl props! (46:05) Bobby Witt signed a huge deal with the Royals. The details are something, for sure!

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Today’s word of the day is ‘29’ as in 30 MLB teams as in 29 other teams as in the Los Angels Dodgers as in Shohei Ohtani as in Mookie Betts as in Freddie Freeman as in Gavin Lux. The Dodgers are ready to be villains. They don’t care if you’re upset with them for spending a BILLION. (16:15) Theo Epstein is back in baseball on the ownership side. We told you it would happen. He’s now a minority owner of the Red Sox and part of Fenway Sports Group. (27:50) Review: Slow Horses. (32:30) The Jacksonville Jaguars are out $22 million because of a former employee. He spent about $20 million of it gambling! And now the Jaguars want that money back from Fanduel. Good luck! (43:10) The Hong Kong Messi Mess. That’s what happened with Inter Miami. Disaster!

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Thank you to everyone who voted! We won Best Baseball and Best Sports Business podcast! LET’S GO!

Today’s word of the day is ‘fly’ as in birds as in Baltimore as in Orioles as in David Rubenstein as in Camden Yards as in Corbin Burnes. The Milwaukee Brewers traded Burnes to the Orioles yesterday. The return was interesting. The Orioles are primed for a run. The Brewers are primed for a serious rebuild. And because Burnes is a Boras guy, let’s talk about James Paxton. (19:50) Dan Quinn is headed to Washington. The Commanders brought the DC from the Cowboys. It’s Josh Harris first hire. Was it the right hire? (28:15) Review: Priscilla. (30:55) It has been a bad week for the 76ers and Joel Embiid. First the debacle in Denver. Then he missed another game. Then he played and left and played and got hurt. And now he’s hurt hurt. And the 76ers were fined. (36:30) Alabama’s former baseball coach was given a 15-year show-cause penalty for his involvement in a betting scandal. What happened? It’s a doozy! (42:52) NPPOD. (45:20) It’s the Steroid Games. Huh?

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Today’s word of the day is ‘collective goal’ as in the Baltimore Orioles as in David Rubenstein as in a new ownership group as in the World Series. Yesterday it was believed that the Angelos family would hold on to control of the team until the passing of Peter Angelos. Well, it looks like Rubenstein will takeover immediately. (13:30) The Dallas Cowboys are going all-in! Can you believe it? Does that mean Bill Belichick is coming? More players? Better players? (19:40) We have an update on the Jackie Robinson statue. Still looking for who did it. (24:35) Review: Slumdog Millionaire. (29:30) We have another update on the PGA Tour. They got their money. But not from the Saudi’s. What does it mean for the members? (37:20) NPPOD. (41:30) Lewis Hamilton is leaving Mercedes and headed to Ferrari. This is Ronaldo to Barcelona. Messi to Real Madrid!

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Today’s word of the day is ‘hunt for orange October’ as in Tom Clancy as in the Baltimore Orioles as in the Angelos family as in selling time! The Baltimore Orioles will reportedly be sold for $1.725B for David Rubenstein. What does this mean for the team? What does the transaction look like? What are the details? (13:20) Ben Johnson is choosing to stay in Detroit. He reportedly told the two remaining teams (Commanders, Seahawks) he’s out on head coaching to be the OC with the Lions. Why? (27:36) Review: Bobi Wine - The People’s President. (31:45) We have another update on the NHL players and the sexual assault in Canada. It turns out the reports of the players was true and they had to turn themselves in. The Calgary Flames released a statement about their statement on Dillon Dube and his mental health. (35:45) NPPOD. (36:20) It’s time for an update! Just yesterday we talked about Embiid and the 65-game limit. And later that day it became news! (39:40) Roger Goodell had to be deposed in court. Why? What did he say? 

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Today’s word of the day is ‘tweak’ as in tweaked an ankle as in tweaked a knee as in tweaking some rules. What am I talking about? Joel Embiid is playing like an MVP. THE MVP. But he tweaked a knee and because of that he may not be eligible to win a postseason award. Why? Because of the new 65-game limit. Nikola Jokic is the favorite. Luka Doncic is having a great season too. (12:10) NPPOD. (13:33) Kadarius Toney went off on the Chiefs. Andy Reid responded. It could end in a mess. (26:00) Review: The Greatest Night of Pop. (31:15) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about Ken Rosenthal’s article on the Athletics and Las Vegas. (41:40) Jackie Robinson statue was stolen from a park in Kansas. Why? 

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Today’s word of the day is ‘lake Vegas bound’ as in the Super Bowl as in Las Vegas as in the Kansas City Chiefs as in the San Francisco 49ers. Why Lake Vegas bound? Because that’s where the teams will be staying. The Detroit Lions were aggressive all season. But was Dan Campbell too aggressive when it mattered? (9:00) The Chiefs are back in the Super Bowl. The Ravens were so close but the Chiefs made winning plays. (19:13) NPPOD. (20:10) Adam Silver is being extended as commissioner of the NBA through 2030. He has some big items he needs for basketball: TV deals, CBAs, expansion! (29:15) Review: 20 Days in Mauripol. (33:35) What is happening with Vince McMahon? Is this the WWE storyline he can’t survive? This lawsuit is scary. (44:00) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about the Detroit Tigers signing Colt Keith to a longterm deal without him having played a game yet. Why?

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Today’s word of the day is ‘championship weekend’ as in NFC as in AFC as in football as in the NFL as in Patrick Mahomes as in the Chiefs as in Lamar Jackson as in the Ravens as in Jared Goff as in the Lions as in Brock Purdy as in the Niners. (17:00) NPPOD. (20:25) Raheem Morris got the Falcons job. He’s back. Was the interim in 2020. That means Bill Belichick is out. Where will Bill go? The Panthers hired Dave Canales. Not Bill Belichick. David Tepper gave another coach a 6-year deal! (31:30) Review: Self Reliance. (34:50) We have another fun Athletics update. John Fisher spoke in Vegas… and it was a disaster. (43:20) Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte has found himself in some gambling heat. He bet on himself at LSU… literally.

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We’ve been nominated in two categories for the Sports Podcast Awards! Best Baseball Podcast! Best Sports Business Podcast! You can vote for us now:

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Today’s word of the day is ‘football personified’ as go football as in Jim Harbaugh as in Michigan as in Los Angeles as in the NCAA as in the NFL. Jim Harbaugh is back in the NFL as the head coach of the Chargers. No more NCAA scandals. He leaves to join Justin Herbert in LA. (12:00) The Milwaukee Bucks felt they had a sickness so they hired Doc Rivers. He’s back. From ESPN to Milwaukee. Giannis and Dame did it. But will it result in a ring? (28:20) Review: Love Actually. (35:30) A scandal has rocked Hockey Canada for years now and it’s now gotten worse. The NHL is involved. Canadian government is involved. And it’s all bad. Where is the commissioner? Oh, he’s releasing statements about Utah!

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We’ve been nominated in two categories for the Sports Podcast Awards! Best Baseball Podcast! Best Sports Business Podcast! You can vote for us now:

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Today’s word of the day is ‘Cooperstown’ as in the Baseball Hall of Fame as in Adrian Beltre as in Joe Mauer as in Todd Helton as in not Billy Wagner or Gary Sheffield. A little surprising to see Helton and not Wagner, but there’s always next year! Except for Sheffield. (11:33) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me why the Milwaukee Bucks fired Adrian Griffin. Woof. And for Doc Rivers!? (21:33) NPPOD. (26:15) Review: Oscar Noms. (31:35) What is going on with the refs? We had the NBA come out and say there were 10 incorrect calls in the final 2 minutes of the Hornets-Timberwolves game! 10! (38:00) Todd Bowles met the media and spoke about the Buccaneers loss to the Lions. Why didn’t they call a timeout? (43:46) So the Miami Heat have finally traded Kyle Lowry for Damian Lillard! Just kidding! They got Terry Rozier from the Hornets.

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We’ve been nominated in two categories for the Sports Podcast Awards! Best Baseball Podcast! Best Sports Business Podcast! You can vote for us now:

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Today’s word of the day is ‘announcement’ as in Baseball Hall of Fame as in Oscars as in today is a big day. Who is getting into the Hall? Adrian Beltre? Joe Mauer? Billy Wagner? Alex Rodriguez? Gary Sheffield? (20:50) Anthony Rendon hates baseball. He has to. He came out and said seasons should be shortened. Of all players to say that… him!? (30:30) Review: The Boys in the Boat (34:11) Raw is Netflix! Netflix is in the live sports world now and it’s a partnership with the WWE. Whoa! (41:40) Are you for or against court storming?

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Today’s word of the day is ‘wide right’ as in the Buffalo Bills as in history as in field goals as in losses as in the Bills did it again. Tyler Bass meet Scott Norwood. But, the Chiefs are back in the AFC Championship. 6th straight season. Patrick Mahomes is inevitable. (3:35) Deebo Samuel got hurt. Draftkings issued a refund. FanDuel did not. Hmm. (11:45) Eagles have fired the defensive coordinator Sean Desai after just one season. Matt Patricia is also on the way out. Change is coming. (16:05) Let’s talk more football. Lamar Jackson balled out. Dan Campbell and the kneecap biters did it again. (27:00) Review: Fargo. (30:48) What happened with Sports Illustrated? (38:20) NPPOD. (39:40) We have an update on the Boston Red Sox. Friday it was Craig Breslow. And now we have Sam Kennedy speaking.

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We’ve been nominated in two categories for the Sports Podcast Awards! Best Baseball Podcast! Best Sports Business Podcast! You can vote for us now:

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Today’s word of the day is ‘eligibility’ as in transferring as in college athletics as in football as in what is going on!? 9th year players? 7th year players? What happened to 4 years? We’ve got the DOJ involved now. We have conferences fighting with teams. And of course, NIL. (15:30) NPPOD - it’s NFL playoff football! Get excited! (27:12) Review: Boy Swallows Universe. (30:02) Red Sox fans are very mad at the team right now. What is Boston doing? (38:36) Are the White Sox staying in Chicago? Is the flirting done with Nashville? (43:35) Are the Astros going to sign Josh Hader? He wants more money than Edwin Diaz!

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Today’s word of the day is ‘layers’ as in a cake as chocolate as in vanilla as in sponge as in fondant as in sprinkles as in Jerry Jones as in Mike McCarthy. The Cowboys are bringing back McCarthy for year 5. Sorry, despondent fans. (10:30) Nick Sirianni is meeting with Jeff Lurie with a plan. What plan? The same plan Doug Pederson had when he got fired? (18:23) Is Amazon here to save Diamond? What does that even mean? Can it happen? Is this the future? (32:30) Review: Tootsie. (37:10) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about the sudden death of a Warriors assistant coach and why the team canceled the game. (44:10) NPPOD. (45:00) What are the Clippers plans for the future? New stadium. All-Star Game. Kawhi longterm. What about James Harden? Or Westbrook? Or Paul George?

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Today’s word of the day is ‘due process’ as in court as in lawsuit as in James Dolan as in the Knicks as in the Rangers as in Madison Square Garden. What happened now? A lawsuit was filed against Dolan for alleged sexual assault. Also named in the suit is disgraced Harvey Weinstein. Adam Silver said he’s only aware of the article, not the story. (14:30) What’s happening with Jim Irsay? A report has come out that he overdosed in December. Could he be forced to sell? (17:00) What is going on with the Athletics relocation? Any word? Any whispers? Any rumors? (29:00) Review: You Are What You Eat. (35:30) The St. Louis Cardinals are getting ready for the end of regional sports networks. What do they have plans for? What could the collapse mean for competition? (43:00) NPPOD. (43:50) We have another story about Saudi Arabia and sports washing. What happened now? Just your ole intimidation, harm, and corruption.

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Today’s word of the day is ‘trilogy’ as in number 3 as in the NFL playoffs as in the Buffalo Bills as in the Kansas City Chiefs as in Josh Allen as in Patrick Mahomes. We did it, folks. Chiefs at Bills. It’ll be the third time we see it in the past 4 seasons. (9:48) The Eagles collapsed. It happened. From 10-1 to 1-6 and out in the first round. Woof. Could Sirianni be out? Bill Belichick is making the rounds! (18:20) Did you see the Cowboys-Packers ratings? 40 million viewers! Every league, every show, every network wants what the NFL has. (21:45) What is happening with the NFL and ESPN? (30:48) Review: Top 5 takeaways from the Emmys. (37:30) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about MLB’s international signing period, how it works, and why teams do it. (42:55) NPPOD. (43:30) Caleb Williams has declared for the NFL draft. Who saw that coming?

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Today’s word of the day is ‘floored’ as in Jerry Jones as in the Dallas Cowboys as in the Green Bay Packers as in Mike McCarthy as in playoffs, baby! The Cowboys got smoked, bbq’d, and run out of Jerry World. Is Mike McCarthy done? How about you Packers fans? Are you in love with Love yet? (13:10) Did you watch the Browns-Texans in the Watson-less Bowl? CJ Stroud lit up the Browns. Joe Flacco threw pick sixes like they were beads at Mardi Gras. And Deshaun Watson wasn’t playing. (15:34) The Miami Dolphins still cannot win games in the cold. The Kansas City Chiefs looked like the Chiefs again. And Taylor Swift went home happy! (21:20) No knee caps are safe around Dan Campbell, but he can coach! The Lions won a playoff game! Goff wins, Stafford loses! (23:20) The Buffalo Bills game got postponed because of snow. How do these decisions get made? (32:40) Review: American Symphony. (35:35) The Chicago Bulls held a Ring of Honor ceremony during a game and the fans viciously booed the picture of Jerry Krause. Why? What were they thinking? (46:00) NPPOD

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Today’s word of the day is ‘responsibility’ as in the Patriots as in Robert Kraft as in Bill Belichick as in the Patriot Way. Yesterday was the joint press conference between Kraft and Bill and we saw the amicable split. What happens next? Why did the move happen now? (9:33) MLB Arbitration deadline happened and what stood out? Juan Soto and the Yankees set a record. Pete Alonso settled with the Mets. Vlad, Adolis, and Arraez didn’t get deals done. And the Yankees signed free agent Stroman! (27:41) Review: Immediate Family. (31:30) We are seeing more and more Succession in real life. Now we’re seeing it with the McNair Family in Houston. (39:30) NPPOD. (42:32) And the Emmy goes to… who!? What did ESPN do?

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We’ve been nominated in two categories for the Sports Podcast Awards! Best Baseball Podcast! Best Sports Business Podcast! You can vote for us now:

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Today’s word of the day is ‘centrifuge’ as in carousel as in spinning and spinning and spinning as in Pete Carroll then Nick Saban and then Bill Belichick! What a day. The end of multiple eras. Let’s start with Billy B and the New England Patriots. (14:00) Nick Saban has retired from Alabama. Another legendary coach. Why now? NIL? Is he tired? Too much competition? Transfer portal? (23:30) Pete Carroll is out in Seattle. We thought that’d be the biggest news of the day… and it wasn’t close! (31:55) Review: Continental Divide. (37:20) NPPOD. (39:30) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about the NFL and the retirement package deals they are giving to employees. Why is this happening?

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We’ve been nominated in two categories for the Sports Podcast Awards! Best Baseball Podcast! Best Sports Business Podcast! You can vote for us now:

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Today’s word of the day is ‘enough already’ as in we get it as in please stop as in Jimmy Kimmel as in Aaron Rodgers as in Pat McAfee as in it’s never ending. Why? Why so public? What is Disney doing? What is ESPN doing? (14:10) The Tennessee Titans fired Mike Vrabel. Fine, that’s their decision. But, when asked about trading him… the owner said it would take too long? Huh? (28:07) Review: Good Grief. (34:23) NPPOD - The Raptors head coach went off on the refs. My lanta! (44:00) What is going on with MLB and Amazon and Diamond Sports Group? Let’s update you on the future of streaming.

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