Nothing Personal with David Samson

Mailbag! It’s a mailbag! It’s time for some mail! 

• Joining social media and answering your questions
• How good of a baseball exec was George Bush? (6:50)
• How to enjoy distance running and properly breathe while doing it? (14:50)
• Advice for first time runners or funny marathon stories (23:45)
• Do you need to like running to run? (29:15)
• Top 5 Jaw Drop Movie Moments (33:15)
• Top 10 Broadway shows I’ve attended (39:00)

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Mailbag! It’s a mailbag! It’s time for some mail! 

• If you could go back time and cancel any trades in MLB history, what would they be?
• If you had $800M to spend on a lineup, who would be in it? (12:20)
• Would you ever purchase a minor league team and would it ever be profitable? (20:20)
• Contracts for minor league players who play in Olympics (26:20)
• How did execs feel about the World Baseball Classic? ((33:28)
• Why don’t teams cut players they traded $1 for that got hurt? (42:00)

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Mailbag! It’s a mailbag! It’s time for some mail! 

• 3-5 biggest issues facing MLB and MLBPA 
• 2 or 3 wait to see’s on new CBA (21:05)
• What cities outside Las Vegas would be in the market for a new team? (31:45)
• How do low revenue teams create a winning window? (36:30)

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Billy Corben joins the show! We talk directing, documentaries, Cocaine Cowboys! How did he get his start in film making? When did he become an activist? BECAUSE MIAMI! We talk Florida, A-Rod, and everything that makes Billy Corben, Billy Corben. 

Go watch Cocaine Cowboys: The Kings of Miami on Netflix!

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Mailbag! It’s a mailbag! It’s time for some mail! 

• Why do teams offer massive contracts that rarely pan out?
• What are your negotiating styles and techniques you use in life (12:30)
• Did you want to be more than a President of a team? (21:35)
• Would ever consider leading the MLBPA? (30:00)
• Would you get back into baseball? (37:40)

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*Fantasy Football Today DFS is available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and wherever else podcasts are found*

Want to dominate DFS this year? The Fantasy Football Today DFS crew will get you ready to crush Daily Fantasy Football. Join host Frank Stampfl alongside DFS analysts Mike McClure and Sia Nejad twice a week for the most well-rounded analysis in the industry. On Tuesdays the crew will focus on optimized lineups, pricing, stacks and more. On Thursdays they’ll deep-dive each game, focusing on perceived ownership, leverage plays, matchups, and updated lineups.

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Today’s word of the day is ‘dinger’ as in a home run as in the name of the Colorado Rockies mascot. We spoke yesterday about the investigation the Rockies conducted to get to the bottom of an alleged racial incident against Marlins player Lewis Brinson. The team confirmed it was dinger that was used. Let’s discuss this whole situation. (14:35) So You Wanna Talk To Samson!? Someone asked me the role an agent has when they represent two competing free agents. Interesting. (24:45) Review: She’s In Portland. (28:40) Carmelo Anthony opened up about joining LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. He said not having a ring keeps him up at night. (34:40) NPPOD. (37:40) Barstool Sports is reportedly working with MLB on a deal. Some people are mad. Some people are happy. Why would baseball be doing this? 

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Today’s word of the day is ‘zero tolerance’ as in we have zero tolerance for this situation as in an incident happened in the Colorado Rockies game that we need to discuss. In the 9th inning vs the Marlins it sounded as if a fan screamed out a racial slur at Lewis Brinson. Some fans thought someone was yelling to the Rockies mascot. We’re not going to get into what was said — we’re going to discuss how this investigation is handled by the team. (14:50) Jed Hoyer spoke about the Cubs not being able to sign Bryant, Rizzo, or Baez to new deals before trading them away. Kris Bryant has responded to this. (22:50) So You Wanna Talk To Samson!? Someone asked me about the San Diego Padres possibly moving Fernando Tatis Jr to the outfield. Would I consider doing this? (33:00) Review: The Suicide Squad. (35:40) Wait to see updates — NBA investigating tampering. (41:10) NPPOD. (43:40) Xavien Howard gets more money from the Dolphins. This is a bad precedent to set if you’re Miami.

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Today’s word of the day is ‘adios’ as in goodbye as in Messi is out of Barcelona as in hasta la vista, baby as in La Liga Fair Play will not allow Barcelona to re-sign Lionel Messi to a new contract. What in the world is happening here!? How problematic is this Barcelona team? Whose fault is it that one of the best players in the history of the sport is out at Barcelona? (15:20) Deshaun Watson could be traded to the Eagles? Interesting. Why would a team trade for him right now? Why would a franchise risk trading first round picks and taking on BIG salary for a player who might be suspended? (19:30) Trevor Bauer’s administrative leave was extended another 7 days. Why not longer? The union has to protect a player even if it doesn’t want to. (24:58) Review: American Animals. (31:35) So You Wanna Talk To Samson!? Someone asked me if I could build a sportsbook at a stadium would I do it…. OF COURSE! (36:50) NPPOD. (43:00) Former President Trump released a statement about the USWNT. The women brought home a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Something we should be proud of. What are we doing here?

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Thank you. Thank you to everyone who reached out. Thank you to everyone who had kind things to say. And thank you to everyone who had something cruel to say — for showing your true colors. (6:30)

Today’s word of the day is ‘Wait til next year’ as in the slogan of the long-suffering Cubs fans when the ‘curse’ was still a thing as in MLB released the schedule for 2022. Let’s talk about how these games are made, who makes these decisions, and why it’s released now. (20:10) Aaron Rodgers says his relationship with the Packers GM is a ‘work in progress’. Yes, we can all agree that that’s HORSE HOCKEY! (28:10) Review: Jolt. (32:55) So You Wanna Talk To Samson!? Someone asked me about stadium security, fan behavior, and what the HELL is going on in the world! (40:35) NPPOD. (41:35) Urban Meyer coaching style is odd. His tenure as the Jaguars coach is going to be odd. Will he turn things around with the Jaguars?

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Today’s word of the day is ‘sibling’ — this show is dedicated to my sister Nancy. She died last night after a three year battle with cancer. Thank you for being the best big sister. (9:55) The New York Giants had a brawl at camp yesterday. Joe Judge made the team run laps and pushups. Was this the right movie? (18:00) So You Wanna Talk To Samson!? 33-year old Steph Curry has a new contract with the Golden State Warriors. It’s a 4-year extension that will pay him $59M in the last year of the deal! What!? How will this end up? (22:30) The Los Angeles Lakers made more signings — Carmelo Anthony has joined the team. Is LeBron James collecting friends going to result in a ring? (24:10) Review: Woodstock 99. (27:45) NCAA released findings from an outside investigation in gender equality between the Men’s and Women’s basketball tournaments. Will any change come from this? Let’s take a look at the report. (39:55) NPPOD. (42:40) Marcell Ozuna update. 

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Today’s word of the day is ‘irrational exuberance’ as in investor enthusiasm that drives asset prices higher than those assets justify as in NBA free agency is a frenzy! Teams are throwing around money at players that just don’t make sense. 36-year old Chris Paul got $120M from the Phoenix Suns. There’s no way that contract will come back to bite them. Lonzo Ball got $85M, Duncan Robinson and Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry got big money from the Miami Heat. Why is this happening? (14:50) Olympics update! Simone Biles returned to competition and earned a Bronze medal in the Balance Beam. Team USA Men’s basketball beat Spain. Kevin Durant led the way. (19:00) The Boston Red Sox have a little issue. Why didn’t the Red Sox make any moves? Was it a mistake? They’re now 4 games back of the Tampa Bay Rays. (24:00) Jed Hoyer had to explain to his team why he traded away Anthony Rizzo, Javy Baez, and Kris Bryant. He was not happy with how negotiations went. Was it all horse hockey? (31:45) Review: Love Is Blind: After The Altar. (36:35) The Las Vegas Raiders have a John Gruden problem. He signed a huge deal and he hasn’t done anything. The team is now in Vegas and reportedly owner Mark Davis says Gruden is not in a “win now” situation. WHAT? (38:45) NPPOD: The New York Yankees are not good. What was I thinking? (42:05) Let’s update a wait to see on Tyler Glasnow. 

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Today’s word of the day is ‘investment’ as in the Mets made one in Kumar Rocker by selecting him 10th overall in the 2021 MLB Draft as in the Mets not signing Rocker and losing the pick. What the hell happened? Why did the Mets promise so much money and not follow through? Did the Mets know about his elbow? Did Scott Boras mess this up? (19:10) Let’s talk about the MLB Trade Deadline. It was a busy, busy deadline! (24:25) Did the Cubs and Nationals have a fire sale? No! They traded away players with one year left on their deals. They made the smart move. Does it suck? Yes! But these teams needed to think about the future. (28:20) The Yankees swept the Marlins after the trade deadline. Does it mean the Yankees made all the right moves? (29:10) What about the Mets? (30:20) Fernando Tatis Jr left the Padres game again with his shoulder injury. This is more unfortunate news for a team that’s battling it out with the Giants and Dodgers in the NL West. (35:35) Review: My Blind Brother. (37:35) NPPOD. (40:55) Wait to see update. (42:20) Starling Castro has been suspended for 30 days. The Nationals say he’s not playing for them anymore. So what is MLB doing with Trevor Bauer? Will he play again for the Dodgers?

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Today’s word of the day is ‘last call’ as in the MLB trade deadline is here as in this is the last time teams can make trade to get better. In previous years that wasn’t the case. (2:25) The Los Angeles Dodger pulled off the ultimate rope-a-dope against the San Diego Padres. It was reported the Padres had a deal to acquire Max Scherzer and then BOOM! the Dodgers came in and stole it. How did this happen? How did the Dodgers get Scherzer and Trea Turner? (11:50) Anthony Rizzo time in Chicago is done. Rizzo is headed to the New York Yankees. Have the Yankees done enough by adding Rizzo and Joey Gallo? Will this save the season? (22:05) We reviewed Black Widow a few days ago and now we’re back! Scarlett Johansson is very mad at Disney and she says the company owes her big money because of the release. This is a game changer. (30:50) So You Wanna Talk To Samson!? Someone asked me about the trade deadline details; how much does a player know?; What happens once trade is official?; What happens after the player is trade? — thank you for asking. (38:40) NPPOD. (41:40) Wait to see updates!

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Today’s word of the day is ‘offense’ as in offensive as in the New York Yankees have traded for Joey Gallo as in home runs as in MLB Trade Deadline is about teams on the offensive. Let’s talk about the Texas Rangers for a minute. Opened a new stadium, traded the biggest draw, and now what? The Yankees added bats, but what about pitching? (14:00) The Marlins were able to get rid of Starling Marte after offering a deal they knew he wouldn’t want. What mistake did the team make in this trade? (20:40) Aaron Rodgers did everything he could to turn the narrative around on the Packers front office. He had some things to say about how he has been treated, how veterans have been treated, and what is next. (29:05) So You Wanna Talk To Samson!? Xavien Howard released a statement saying he has requested a trade from the Miami Dolphins because of how he was treated by the team. Someone asked me how I would handle this situation. (38:40) Review: The Dissident. (41:30) NPPOD - Nationals covid outbreak. How much fun are we still having!?

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Today’s word of the day is ‘twisties’ as in the yips as in Simone Biles withdrew from the Olympic team all-around in gymnastics after experiencing what is basically a mental block. Biles, and gymnasts around the world, are saying that these are scary, frightening, and can cause serious injury if you fall. Let’s address the backlash Biles received for putting her mental health first. We are SICK and TIRED of the criticism here at NPDS. (19:45) The MLB trade deadline is this Friday and it is coming fast. What are front offices doing right now? How many phones are ringing? (24:20) The Seattle Mariners made a trade and their players are pissed. How did this happen? Why did this happen? (31:40) Review: The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard. (37:00) Why hasn’t Kumar Rocker been signed by the New York Mets yet? The Mets slotted him for $6M and now there seems to be an issue with the medicals. What will happen now? (44:30) NPPOD

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Today’s word of the day is ‘cheese’ as in cheddar, mozzarella, brie, bleu, cheese head as in the Green Bay Packers and Aaron Rodgers might have made up. What exactly does that mean? Rodgers very much dislikes what the team has done. Rodgers very much dislikes the GM, the president, the coach, the drafting, the coffee, the popcorn, the protein shakes, the gatorade selection — everything, basically. So now what happens? Does Rodgers retire or come get paid? (14:10) NFL coaches are walking away from the league because they don’t want to get vaccinated. A Patriots coach and a Vikings coach have both left over this. Life in the NFL is very difficult for unvaccinated people. What is happening? (22:55) Review: Space Jam and Space Jam: A New Legacy (28:35) So You Wanna Talk To Samson!? Someone asked me about an update on Eugene Chung v. the NFL. It’s a story we’ve been following where Chung said an NFL team wouldn’t hire him because he wasn’t ‘the right minority’. (37:55) NPPOD. (40:55) The Big 12 is about to be no more. Texas and Oklahoma have went full scorched earth and there’s nothing any other school can do about it. 

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Today’s word of the day is ‘Coca has COVID’ as in exactly that. He’s vaccinated, but still got it. The vaccine did work though because he’s able to function and able to work. 

The real word of the day is ‘50K’ as in that’s what Deshaun Watson would have been fined each day by the Houston Texans had he not shown up for training camp. Watson is there now and trade talks are booming. The NFL chose not to put him on the Commissioner’s Exempt List. (8:45) The San Diego Padres are very active during the trade deadline. Big move made this weekend in acquiring All Star Adam Frazier from the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates continue to fall deeper and deeper into the void. The Padres will do anything to catch the Dodgers and Giants. Will it work? (15:50) So You Wanna Talk To Samson!? Someone asked me a question about the Montreal Canadiens drafting a player who asked NOT to be drafted. Logan Mailloux tried to renounce himself from the NHL Draft because of legal trouble he got himself into. This is a bizarre situation that we need to talk about. (28:10) Review: Summer of Soul. (32:10) What is going on with the Los Angeles Angels minor leaguers? Arte Moreno has a serious problem on his hands. (38:20) NPPOD. (41:25) The US Men’s basketball team has a problem. Don’t expect to see them win Gold. The rest of the world is ready for battles that this team is not ready for. 

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Today’s word of the day is ‘forfeit’ as in the NFL has warned teams that if they have a COVID outbreak they’ll have to pay a big price. Not only will they lose the game, but they’ll also be responsible for any financial fallout. This is the NFL’s way of saying get vaccinated and some players are NOT happy about this. The Buffalo Bills are half science and half conspiracy theory right now. Very strange dynamic. (17:00) So You Wanna Talk To Samson!? Someone asked me who won the Twins/Rays trade for Nelson Cruz. Cruz was traded from the Twins to the Rays for two pitching prospects. (25:45) Anthropocene: The Human Epoch. (31:40) Jets assistant coach Greg Knapp was killed after being hit by car riding his bicycle over the weekend. It’s a horrible situation that could have been avoided. (35:25) NPPOD. (37:10) The Cleveland baseball team has a new name! Yay! (40:10) Arizona Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick did something so unbelievable that we still can’t believe he did it. He sent a threatening email to former Arizona attorney general.

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Today’s word of the day is ‘My Way’ as in Frank Sinatra as in Jerry Jones met the media yesterday and he had some things to say. He talked about his regrets with the Dallas Cowboys and about what he would do for a the team to win another Super Bowl. This was a different kind of Jerry Jones. (19:45) The 2020 Tokyo Olympics have been a mess. It was moved from 2020 to 2021 and nothing has gone right since. COVID cases are spiking, rules are being broken, competitors are staying home, the creative director was just dismissed, AND THE OPENING CEREMONY HASN”T HAPPENED YET! (36:45) Review: Gunpowder Milkshake. (39:10) NPPOD. (41:55) White Sox rookie Yermin Mercedes posted on IG that he was retiring from baseball. He was electric to start the season, was scolded by Tony La Russa, demoted to the Minor Leagues, and now he wants to retire. Will he? #waittosee 

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Today’s word of the day is ’50’ as in 50 years ago the Milwaukee Bucks won their last NBA Championship as in Giannis Antetokounmpo dropped 50 points to close out the NBA Finals for the Bucks. Historic performance. Let’s break down some what this championship means for that city and for a player like Giannis. How did Milwaukee do this without a super team? How are the Bucks still in Milwaukee? (18:50) Oakland city council approved a non-binding agreement for the new Howard Terminal. What does this mean for the Athletics? Is the team staying now? (32:30) Review: Naomi Osaka. (40:10) NPPOD. (44:30) Wait to See. 

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Today’s word of the day is ‘reasonable’ as in you’re not doing what I want you to do as in Mets owner Steve Cohen tweeted yesterday to play the GM game — he asked if you would trade now and pay a big price or wait for pay a reasonable price! Reasonable! Well… what is reasonable? Let’s discuss the upcoming trade deadline and why no trades have taken place. (18:40) So You Wanna Talk To Samson!? Someone asked me a question about owners and taxes and tax rates and revenue and tax relief. Let’s have some fun. (29:20) Review: Mary J Blige - My Life. (33:10) NPPOD - Bucks organization preparing for a championship. (38:25) A report broke that Aaron Rodgers turned down an extension from the Packers that would have made Rodgers the highest-paid player in the NFL. It would have kept him in Green Pay for five more years. What is going on here? (42:10) Wait to See update

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Today’s word of the day is ‘panic’ as in a shooting took place outside Nationals Park during the Nationals-Padres game. The game was stopped, fans were panicking, Manny Machado opened a gate to usher fans to safety. A true nightmare situation. Let’s discuss what protocols take place in these situations. What should happen and what needs to change? (17:25) A fan has been banned for life by MLB after hitting Red Sox OF Alex Verdugo with a ball. What exactly does this mean and how can this be enforced? (27:55) Review: Good on Paper. (32:20) Shohei Ohtani donated his Home Run Derby winnings to clubhouse staffers. It was a classy move by Ohtani, but it was also a smart move.(44:50) NPPOD - Lance Lynn signs new deal with White Sox.

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Nothing Personal is up for 3 nominations for The People's Choice 2021 Podcast Awards. Please take fewer than 60 seconds & sign up, & vote for us in Male Host, Sports and People's Choice. Thanks for your consideration. We will keep going. #Waittosee 

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Today’s word of the day is ‘Hannibal’ as in Hannibal from the A-Team as in “I love it when a plan comes together” as in the Yankees-Red Sox was supposed to be the first game coming out of the break… and… POOF! The New York Yankees are dealing with a COVID outbreak impacting six players at the moment. The Boston Red Sox now need to get heavy testing done. Aaron Judge is in COVID protocols and was at the All-Star Game so things can get weird fast. (11:00) The Chicago Cubs fire sale has started. Joc Pederson is headed to the Atlanta Braves to try and fill a need for Ronald Acuña. What does this trade mean for Atlanta? What about the Cubs? Is Bryant, Rizzo, or Baez next? (20:43) The Minnesota Twins are offering Byron Buxton $70M. Is that too little? Is that too much? (28:55) Review: A Dangerous Son. (34:05) Tom Brady played last season with torn MCL in his knee. Why is this significant? He never told the team, violating league rules. (38:08) NPPOD. (43:45) So You Wanna Talk To Samson!? Someone asked me about fan-run media and if MLB would benefit more from partnering up with these people. Is this the future? Is this the now? 

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Today’s word of the day is ‘misnomer’ as in wrong or inaccurate name or designation as in it’s time to evaluate my preseason MLB picks at the midway point and see how things are going. What are the biggest surprises? The Yankees offense being a disaster? The NL East being bad? Ohtani being the biggest star? Or the Red Sox and Giants? (15:35) Let’s talk about some 2nd half predictions. What happens in the NL West? Is Jacob deGrom going to stay scorching hot? Will Ohtani burn out? (22:40) News broke yesterday about a scary event involving Richard Sherman. He was arrested and charged with burgalry domestic violence and the entire event is frightening. (33:20) Review: Black Widow. (38:00) NPPOD. (44:50) It’s time for another Trevor Bauer update as his administrative leave has been extended 

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Today’s word of the day is ‘exhibition’ as in the All Star Game as in international players took over the game as in the game was supposed to be in Atlanta, but it was in Denver. Let’s discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Shohei Ohtani, and the biggest storylines of the weekend. (15:50) The Los Angeles Angels drafted 20 pitchers in 20 rounds of the MLB draft. WHAT!? Is this bizarre? Should this work? The New York Mets paid Kumar Rocker $6M, which is nearly $1.3M more than he was slotted to make. (27:20) NPPOD (28:55) Review: State of Texas vs Melissa. (33:10) Rob Manfred met the media before the All Star Game and he answered some very important questions. Will there be shortened double-headers next season? Will the extra inning rule be there next season? Will there be a work stoppage? Will the Athletics be in Las Vegas?

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Today’s word of the day is ‘delay’ as in there was no show yesterday because of a delay. Not just a delay in the show, but a delay in Coca coming home. Why wasn’t he prepped and ready to do a show!? (2:00) Stephen A. Smith said something horrible about Shohei Ohtani. When speaking about why Ohtani can’t be the star of MLB he referenced Ohtani’s inability to speak English “IN THIS COUNTRY!” Let’s discuss how abhorrent those comments are and why the hurt so much. (16:35) Four people were arrested in Denver with 12 firearms, ammunition, and drugs at hotel right next to Coors Field. Let’s talk the messaging behind these arrests and how security works for All Star Game events. (23:05) The Home Run Derby took place and it was supposed to be the Shohei Ohtani show, but Pete Alonso had other plans. The Mets first baseman got the crowd going with monster home runs, dancing at the plate, and an attitude to back it up. Trey Mancini was an amazing story to follow. Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani’s battle was awesome. (28:48) The MLB Draft took place over the weekend. Did you watch? Probably not. (34:50) Review: Virgin River Season 3. (37:50) Ronald Acuña tore his ACL over the weekend. It is a massive blow not just for the Atlanta Braves, but for the game of baseball. (45:25) NPPOD. 

Head to https://www.podcastawards.com/ to nominate NPDS for the Podcast Awards!

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'Attacking Third' a new tri-weekly podcast from CBS Sports is available now. Download and follow now on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher and whenever else podcasts are found to get episodes as soon as they are released.

A soccer podcast from CBS Sports covering the NWSL, US Women's National Team and more. Attacking Third will bring you insider analysis, commentary, preview & recaps while tackling the biggest news stories from the sport you love. Hosts Sandra Herrera and Lisa Roman welcome a rotating cast of guests from former and current players for interviews and analysis. This is your podcast for the latest news and stories from the world of soccer.

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Today’s word of the day is ‘murraya’ as in a genus of tropical asiatic and Australian tree as in Zaila Avant-garde became the first African American to win the Spelling Bee. We’re going to spend some time discussing Bad Words and discuss the spelling bee and why it matters. (6:30) So You Wanna Talk To Samson!? Someone asked me about why I’d want the MLB season to be shortened by only 8 games. This’ll be fun. (19:58) Damian Lillard will be in the news all summer. Not just because he’s a star NBA player. Not just because he’s in the Olympics. Not just because he has a new head coach in Portland. But because he’s taking the high road and handling things internally and the media is going to hate that. (28:20) Review: Best of Enemies. (33:45) The Trevor Bauer suspension has been extended. It was 7 days and now it’ll be extended another 7 days. (37:30) NPPOD. (42:55) The Chicago Cubs are open for business. You want Baez? You want Bryant? Let’s make a deal.

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Today’s word of the day is ‘erased’ as in deleted as in removed as in the Los Angeles Dodgers have done all they could to scrub Trevor Bauer off the team’s website. It’s like he’s never existed. The team canceled a bobblehead giveaway it was scheduled to have. The team has removed all Bauer items from the team store. Just gone. (10:15) The Dodgers are in trouble. Kershaw is on the DL. David Price has to start. Kenley Jansen is mad he wasn’t selected to be an All Star. Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger haven’t played to their level. It should change. (19:55) Jacob deGrom announced that he isn’t going to attend the All Star Game. This is going to come up in the CBA. Let me explain why. (29:50) Top 5 Quentin Tarantino movies. (35:30) NPPOD. (39:00) Another double header in baseball leads to another no-hitter. The 7-inning split doubleheader is becoming an issue. Split doubleheaders mean that you need two separate tickets to attend the two 7-inning games. 

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Today’s word of the day is ‘left off’ as in not on the team as in Sha’Carri Richardson, as we all know, was disqualified from the Olympics and suspended after a failed drug test for marijuana. She was given a 30-day suspension that would keep her from running in the 100m. But wait a minute! What about the 100m relays!? She could sit through the suspension and still relay… USATF said nope, sorry… you’re being left off that team. WHAT!? (14:25) The Chicago Cubs are a disaster right now. Absolutely dumpster fire. 2 weeks ago the the Cubs were in first in the NL Central. Now? The team has lost 11 straight games and are now 9 games back of the Brewers. (21:52) How are the Chicago White Sox doing? Injury after injury after injury and the team continues to win. (29:45) Review: The Tomorrow War. (34:10) Making trades is kind of like Fight Club. You don’t talk about players you want to trade away or not trade away. Don’t do it! Rockies manager Bud Black said his All Star pitcher German Marquez won’t be traded. (41:00) The Miami Marlins reportedly offered Starling Marte a $30M deal. How real is this deal? Does this mean Marte will stay a Marlin? Let’s discuss why this was leaked. 

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Today’s word of the day is ‘WPE’ as in Worst Plan Ever as in the Tampa mayor said she wanted the Lightning to lose Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals so they could win it at home in Tampa. Why do mayors do this? The Lightning lost Game 4 to the Montreal Canadiens. Perfect plan!? (10:52) Stop buying fireworks. Stop. Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died on Sunday after a fireworks accident. 24 years old. (18:12) So You Wanna Talk To Samson!? Someone asked me about who would be out there to replace Brian Cashman. The listener remembered we said you shouldn’t fire someone without knowing their replacement. (30:30) Review: Top 5 Richard Donner movies. (35:03) NPPOD. (38:00) More news continues to come out about the Trevor Bauer issue. Manager Dave Roberts says he doesn’t expect Bauer to be back after just 7 days on Administrative Leave. Former Dodgers player Dave Stewart had some very harsh words to say about how bad the Dodgers handled this situation. 

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Today’s word of the day is ‘generational’ as in Shohei Ohtani has been called a generational talent as in he is the first player ever to be voted a pitcher AND hitter in the All Star Game. Let’s talk about selections and elections and how these things work. Trout is an All-Star? deGrom isn’t pitching? Every team gets a player in!? (15:20) NPPOD. (20:10) The New York Yankees had a players-only meeting led by Aaron Judge. How’d that work out? Lost 2 of 3 to the New York Mets at home. Gerrit Cole can’t pitch anymore. (32:00) Review: No Sudden Move. (36:35) The Milwaukee Bucks are in the NBA Finals. Will Giannis be available to play? That is the $40 million question. Should he play? That is the $225 million question. (42:50) So You Wanna Talk To Samson!? Someone asked me if the Miami Marlins threw at Ronald Acuna again on purpose. Let’s discuss. It’s the 6th time the Marlins have hit him and the 3rd time it was the first pitch of the game. 

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Major League Baseball has announced that Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer has been placed on seven-day administrative leave following the alleged assault on a 21-year old woman. What exactly does this mean? Can Bauer appeal this? Is he on the list until his case is resolved? What happens after the seven days is up? Let me explain.

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Today’s word of the day is ‘independence’ as in the Dodgers are claiming they aren’t doing anything because the Trevor Bauer decision is in MLB’s hand as Sunday is Independence Day, the Fourth of July, when Trevor Bauer is scheduled to make his next start. Should he? (14:30) The NFL has fined the Washington Football Team $10M over an unsafe workplace. It’ll all be donated to charity. Owner Daniel Snyder named his wife the CEO and he’ll step away from day-to-day operations. Cool. EYE WASH! (27:52) Review: Fatherhood. (31:28) Hal Steinbrenner has finally spoken. He had some interesting things to say about the Yankees that their fans probably hated to hear. (37:10) NPPOD. (41:20) Reggie Bush wants his Heisman back. After the NCAA is allowing college athletes to make money off their NIL — Should he get the trophy back? Should his records be reinstated into the official books? 

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Today’s word of the day is ‘consent’ as in more details have emerged in the Trevor Bauer assault case and they get more and more disturbing. Photos were released. Text messages were released. It’s all bad. So now what do the Los Angeles Dodgers do? (9:15) Former Mets GM Jared Porter has been suspended through the 2022 season. MLB says Porter violated league policies. He was fired by the Mets and won’t be back in baseball. (14:10) Bill Cosby was released from prison. Let’s discuss in legal terms why this happened. (23:10) Review: The Ice Road. (26:00) NIL is here for college athletes. Student-athletes are now allowed to make money off their name, image, and likeness. (33:00) NPPOD. (35:25) Bobby Bonilla Day is here! 

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Today’s word of the day is ‘investigated’ as in Trevor Bauer is being investigated for assault. Bauer has denied all allegations against him through a release from his attorney. Let’s discuss what the Dodgers have to do, what MLB has to do, and what happens next. (8:10) The Chauncey Billups press conference was an utter disaster. A question was asked to Billups about his 1997 sexual assault case and a PR member shut the question down. This is not how you handle this situation. (15:05) Tyler Skaggs family is suing the Los Angeles Angels and two employees. Remember Skaggs was the pitcher who died from an accidental overdose from drugs he acquired through a team employee. (27:05) Review: Dirty John. (30:20) NPPOD. (33:30) So You Wanna Talk To Samson!? Someone asked if I were in Brian Cashman’s shoes what would I do to snap the New York Yankees out of a funk. (40:40) Let’s discuss Hector Santiago’s suspension and some of the confusion surrounding what happened. 

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Today’s word of the day is ‘bitter’ as in bourbon as in feeling wronged even if you weren’t as in Scottie Pippen has gone scorched earth on everyone and everything. It started with shots at Kevin Durant and now he’s had enough with Phil Jackson. Let’s discuss what’s happening. (11:25) Dan Snyder, owner of the Washington Football Team, has named his wife Tanya the team’s co-CEO. Why did he do this? Let’s talk about Dan and what he’s trying to fool you into with this move. (19:40) Damian Lillard may want out of Portland because of the backlash of the Trailblazers coaching search. Chauncey Billups will reportedly be the next coach and fans weren’t happy. (28:22) Review: Blackbird (35:10) Kyle Schwarber has been on an absolute tear. 15 home runs in 17 games. He cannot be stopped. So why did no one want him before the season? (42:20) NPPOD: Phillies have major bullpen issues.

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Today’s word of the day is ‘no contest’ as in pack your bags up you’re not playing as in NC State was eliminated from the College World Series after a COVID outbreak in the semifinals. Vanderbilt advances to the World Series. NC State goes home. Let’s discuss why the NCAA made this decision and if it could have been avoided. (8:20) The first MLB ejection over foreign-substances has happened. Hector Santiago was ejected after umpires determined that he was using foreign-substances on his glove during the game. Santiago said it was just rosin… an agent MLB said you couldn’t use. What are we doing? (18:00) The Yankees have a problem. A Gerrit Cole problem. A pitching problem. The same old problems. (25:20) Review: Mystify. (34:00) Florida requiring a survey for all students and faculty of public universities outlining their political beliefs. What? (39:35) NPPOD. (41:20) Will Max Scherzer be traded before the MLB trade deadline? That’s the $210M question. 

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Today’s word of the day is ‘emergency’ as in state of emergency. A high-rise apartment complex in Miami collapse on Thursday morning with people in it. People are missing, a search is ongoing, it’s a catastrophic nightmare. Let me explain to you the role that local professional teams play during these times. What can they do? What can they offer? (15:15) Rick Carlisle is set to be the coach of the Indiana Pacers. From Dallas to Indianapolis. That wasn’t the most interesting part of the Carlisle hiring — he openly campaigned for Jason Kidd to get the Mavericks job. Just the type of guy Mark Cuban should NOT want in Dallas. (21:02) Kevin Durant vs Scottie Pippen got into a little beef. Pippen called out Durant in a GQ. Durant went back at Pippen on Twitter. (30:45) Review: Hunger. (35:42) MLB is doing All-Star uniforms this year. Players will not wear their home and away jersey. MLB made jerseys for this year’s game and fans hate them. Why does MLB continuously drop the ball? (40:45) NPPOD. (44:40) Max Scherzer’s next start is coming on Sunday. It’ll be must watch. Sorry Marlins. 

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Today’s word of the day is ‘optics’ as in make people see things in a certain way as in Rob Manfred gave an interview to The Athletic and it was a disaster. Let’s talk about what MLB’s commissioner had to say about the foreign-substance dilemma and the way it has been handled. (9:45) Mike Rizzo is the GM and president of the Washington Nationals and he has a problem with Phillies manager Joe Girardi. After the Max Scherzer debacle Rizzo called Girardi a con artist. Uh oh. (16:15) Manfred was asked about MLB plan against foreign-substances and implementation during the season it didn’t go well again. (20:05) Review: Life Itself. (25:00) So You Wanna Talk To Samson!? Someone asked me about team’s signing players who are talented but oft injured — they wanted to know if front offices want health or to trade the player to avoid risk. (36:00) NPPOD. (40:00) NFL hires Goldman Sachs to find a company to buy its NFL media. What does this mean? Let us explain.

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Today’s word of the day is ‘clean up in aisle 5’ as in baseball is a mess as in the foreign-substance checks have turned the baseball world upside down. Max Scherzer was not happy about getting checked pitching against the Phillies and then the unthinkable happened… Phillies manager Joe Girardi asked for the umps to check Scherzer again and he lost it. Girardi challenged him to a fight. Girardi was tossed. Sergio Romo of the Athletics was checked and pulled down his pants right on the field. MADNESS! (14:00) UEFA released a statement on the Munich stadium controversy during EURO 2020. The Mayor of Munich wanted to light the stadium rainbow colors… UEFA said nope, that’s a political stance against the government of Hungary… excuse me? (21:23) Businesses are back into the political contribution game. Boeing said they wouldn’t make anymore political donations. Liar, liar, pants on fire! (28:45) Review: Dream Horse (32:00) Review: NPPOD. (37:00) Daryl Morey meets the media after the Sixers were eliminated at home by the Hawks. Did he enlighten us on his plan to fix the team? Trade Simmons? Fire Doc?

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Today’s word of the day is ‘concurring’ as in Supreme Court justice Brett Kavanaugh writes concurring opinion in NCAA lawsuit. So what does it mean? You see the NCAA was dunked on 9-0, but will this change college athletics forever? Are players getting paid? What happens next. (22:45) So You Wanna Talk To Samson!? Someone asked me if I’d ever hire a female manager. Becky Hammon is a finalist for the Portland Trailblazers head coaching job. Here’s what needs to be done to pave the way for women to get these roles. (35:40) Review: Wrath of Man. (38:50) NPPOD. Jacob deGrom becomes first player checked for foreign-substances. It is absurd. (40:45) Carl Nassib became the first active NFL player to come out as gay. As part of his announcement he will be donating $100K to the Trevor Project. The NFL and NFLPA both released statements. 

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Today’s word of the day is ‘process’ as in Trust The Process as in the process is over as in the Philadelphia 76ers were booed off their home court in a Game 7 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Woof. Joel Embiid is not happy. Ben Simmons may need to go into hiding. Doc Rivers may get fired. Daryl Morey has a lot of work to do this offseason. (17:45) Is the NBA losing its mind over the teams left in the playoffs? No LeBron, no Nets, no Celtics, no Sixers… who is left!? Where is the star power!? (27:15) Review: Pink: All I Know So Far. (32:15) The Tampa Bay Rays are bringing up their top prospect Wander Franco. I wonder why this is happening. HMMMMM. (37:30) NPPOD. (42:00) So You Wanna Talk To Samson!? Someone asked me about Cole Beasley and his comments on the COVID-19 vaccine. What a guy he is.

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Today’s word of the day is ‘certainty’ as in Mar Cuban better be certain about his guy Voulgaris. GM Donnie Nelson has been fired. Coach Rick Carlisle has stepped down. Superstar Luka Doncic is fed up. But Marky Mark said it was total BS that there were problems! Ha! (10:00) So You Wanna Talk To Samson!? Someone asked me about the Chicago Bears saying they want to purchase Arlington Racecourse even though they have a deal with Soldier Field through 2033. Even the Mayor of Chicago has released a statement! (26:00) Review: Halston. (30:35) Is making history a bad thing or a good thing? Ask the Arizona Diamondbacks this question. The team just set the record for most consecutive road losses. Here’s a list of slump busters that Arizona should try. (38:45) NPPOD. (43:20) Naomi Osaka announced that she is withdrawing from Wimbledon. She might come back from the Olympics. Maybe the US Open. Let her live.

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Today’s word of the day is ‘deGrammit’ as in Jacob deGrom left another Mets game with injury. He’s had one of the best pitching seasons ever, but he can’t stay healthy. With what’s been going on in baseball — this is the danger zone. (5:00) How’s my guy Scott Boras doing? He finally spoke up about what he thought was going on with MLB. Wonderful. How exciting! Zac Gallen called out Mike Hill over foreign-substances… wonder who his agent is…. (22:08) What a day in the NBA yesterday. Scott Brooks fired by Washington. Chris Paul in COVID protocols. Kawhi Leonard ACL injury. Stan Van Gundy fired after just one season with New Orleans. What? (29:20) Review: Infinite. (32:12) NFL sent out a memo on new rules and policies for the 2021 season. It’s the COVID-19 protocols and the it basically says without saying… GO GET VACCINATED. (36:10) NPPOD. (37:45) Donnie Nelson was the GM of the Dallas Mavericks. He has been fired by Mark Cuban. A few days ago a leak came out about the Mavericks, Luka Doncic, and a shadow GM. Way to go, Mark! (42:37) LeBron James is not happy with the NBA or the schedule. He went off on Twitter about the injuries in this year’s playoffs. Was he right?

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It’s a Samson Sit-Down! Legendary Yankees play-by-play Michael Kay joins the show. David and Michael share stories from the book and their journey through baseball.

His new book CenterStage: My Most Fascinating Interviews from A-Rod to Jay-Z is out now:

https://www.amazon.com/CenterStage-Fascinating-Interviews_from-Rod-Jay-Z/dp/1982152036/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=centerstage&qid=1623857116&sr=8-1

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Today’s word of the day is ’crisis’ as in MLB is in crisis mode. This foreign-substance dilemma has taken the baseball world by storm and it is in trouble. Tyler Glasnow, superstar pitcher for the Rays, is likely headed to Tommy John and he was not happy about the balls. He stated that his injury is a direct result of having to change his pitching style. Shane Bieber is hurt. More pitchers are hurt. More will get hurt. Bad news. (27:05) Tyler Glasnow’s injury should be fixed now. It’s not the time to be conservative. Get the TJ and don’t risk 2022. (31:18) Review: Lupin Season 2 (33:40) Let’s talk about NBA contracts being connected to All-NBA selections. It makes no sense, but it happens. Jayson Tatum is missing on potential $33M in earnings for not being voted. Why is this? (38:45) NPPOD (41:28) So You Wanna Talk To Samson!? Someone asked me about Brian Cashman and the comment he made about Aaron Boone and the Yankees roster. What was he thinking?

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Today’s word of the day is ’grumpy’ or is it grumpy? Maybe I’m just grumpy. Let me tell you about my last 24 hours. It’s been a journey, but we’re back. (4:10) Spin rate is back in the news. MLB is getting serious. It’s time to fine people and suspend pitchers and spin rates are down and our pets heads are falling off! Foreign substances have taken over and MLB has FINALLY had enough. Ha. (17:40) Bubba Harkins was a clubhouse manager for nearly four-decades and now he’s exposing MLB pitchers for using foreign-substances. Is it true? Well, Adam Wainwright admitted to using the stuff. Gerrit Cole had texts leaked asking for it. Uh oh. (27:59) Review: Official Secrets. (31:10) NBA rule changes are coming. The James Harden and Trae Young rules are coming. (35:35) NPPOD. (38:35) So You Wanna Talk To Samson!? Someone asked me about Mark Cuban vs the media. This is an interesting ordeal about a story being published about the drama regarding Luka Doncic and a shadow GM causing trouble inside the Mavericks locker room. 

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Mailbag! It’s a mailbag! A bonus bonus mailbag! Someone asked me about my experience on Survivor and wanted me to expand on what my adventure was like. You can watch this on Survivor: Cagayan, Season 28. (27:03) Someone asked me about showing weakness as a president of a team and how other teams can exploit that. (33:03) Someone asked me about the Los Angeles Angels and how poorly they have been with the best player in baseball, Mike Trout. (35:49) Someone asked me about the buying market in professional sports. Who wants to buy a team if they aren’t making money? (45:03) Someone asked me if pitchers pitch to the scoreboard. Let me explain what this means. 

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