Today’s word of the day is ‘another step’ as in step transaction as in sale as in the Boston Celtics are for sale. Another team. Another couple billion. Why are the Celtics owners selling now? On the same day that Jayson Tatum signs a historic deal? (12:35) Klay Thompson is no longer on the Warriors. It’s over. Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. 4 rings. 6 Finals. Countless 3-pointers. What else is happening in free agency? Are the Thunder that good now? What is the Lakers plan? (28:01) Review: The Bear Season 3. (32:35) NPPOD. (35:00) Let’s talk about All Star voting and the Boston Red Sox. (42:35) We have an update to everything that went down with the Blackhawks and Kyle Beach from a few years ago. The NHL announced 3 execs are allowed back in the league. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘mayhem’ as in Monday Mayhem as in NBA Free Agency as in Paul George is now a 76er! The Clippers went for it and failed. 5 years. 0 rings. 0 Finals appearances. The PG and Kawhi Leonard partnership was for naught. (9:52) LeBron James opts out of his deal with the Lakers. Why? What else happened? Chris Paul is out of Golden State. (16:30) It’s time for the MLB June recap! What did I get right? What did I get wrong? (20:20) What will I predict in July? (26:20) Let’s talk top storylines from June. It’s Paul Skenes world. (36:20) Review: Ezra. (39:20) There was a big problem in Milwaukee this past weekend. An escalator malfunction at American Family Field led to 11 people getting injured. (45:50) NPPOD. (46:50) We have new rules for the Home Run Derby. Another change — will it work? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘king’s court’ as in LeBron James as in King James as in Prince James as in Bronny James. The Lakers did it. The Lakers drafted Bronny James with the 55th pick of the NBA Draft. Historic moment. (11:30) A jury has ruled against the NFL in its antitrust Sunday Ticket case. This could cost the NFL $14 billion. This could have a major impact on fans, on the league, on players. Let’s discuss what this all means. (24:25) Did you watch the presidential debate last night? The horror show that was Biden and Trump. (39:16) NPPOD. (42:10) Bryce Harper might be in some injury trouble. Hamstrings are bad. (45:20) Will Shohei Ohtani be in the home run derby? Are the Dodgers going to protect him? Does he need the protection? (50:10) How much is Stephen A. Smith worth? He wants big money. He wants to be everywhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘drafty’ as in the NBA Draft as in France as in the takeover as in first round. Wemby took over the draft and the league last year from France. Now this year, we have 3 top 6 picks that are all Frenchmen. We also had some big announcements about the Heat and the Suns. The Heat signed Bam to a big deal, but reportedly Jimmy Butler won’t sign. Suns owner Mat Ishbia said Kevin Durant is a Sun and will be a Sun. (14:50) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about the Texas Rangers and why it’s so hard for teams to repeat as champions. (23:35) NPPOD. (33:10) Review: Singles. (36:41) Alex Morgan was left off the Women’s National soccer team. Why? Is this a Caitlin Clark situation? (42:20) What is going on in Arizona? We have the Diamondbacks trying to get stadium funding. Get ready! (47:20) Let’s talk about ticket brokers and why this is so important.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘Junior Circuit’ as in the American League as in baseball as in trades as in contenders as in the Yankees as in the Orioles as in the Mariners. What’s going on in the American League and what will contenders do? Is Vladdy Jr going to be traded? (17:30) NPPOD. (21:20) The Nets traded Mikal Bridges to the Knicks! The Nova Knicks are complete! What a wild night in NBA trades! (28:30) Is Klay Thompson going to stay with Golden State? (36:10) Review: Disciple. (39:25) We have a candidate for ASS of the year. (46:45) The Jaguars have a new stadium deal. More and more public money. Fans said it would never happen again. And it continues to happen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘champions’ as in Stanley Cup as in Florida Panthers as in South Florida. They got it done. Greg Cote is vindicated. Connor McDavid still won the Conn Smythe Trophy. But the Florida Panthers are the champions! (15:05) JJ Redick has been introduced about as Lakers head coach. He said he didn’t talk to LeBron about the job beforehand… hmmmmm. (27:30) Review:The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare. (30:10) NPPOD. (31:00) The Cleveland Guardians are the best team in baseball. Yes, that team. Ramirez, and Naylor, and Kwan. How about Stephen Vogt in his debut? (39:30) The Arizona Coyotes are no more. We already knew part of that, but now we know all of it. (47:50) Charlotte is giving money to David Tepper. Sorry, everyone. Public-financing is never going away! (51:00) The Marlins are giving away team streaming. 2 months for fans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘historic’ as in history in the making as in Stanley Cup Game 7 as in Panthers as in Oilers. Are the Panthers going to win its first Cup? Are the Oilers going to overcome a 0-3 deficit? Is Connor McDavid still overrated? Did the LeBatard Show curse their own team? (11:00) JJ Redick will be the new head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. (18:25) Have you ever seen an injured pitching staff like the Marlins? 6 starters on the IL. Ranging from TJ to back injuries. How does something like this happen? Bad luck? (25:50) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about Trevor Bauer tweeting about suing MLB if he remains unsigned. Okay. (34:30) Review: Tell Them You Love Me (37:25) Let’s get to some Monday Morning Major League quick hitters: game ending on a pitch clock violation; Diaz suspended for sticky stuff; rookie suspended for PED use 2 days after debut. (47:00) NPPOD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Let’s welcome in Mike Ryan Ruiz! He’s finally joining us on NPDS! We start things off with how he’s doing at Meadowlark Media and what his life is like as an EP. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘bean’ as in hit by pitch as in MLB as in control as in velocity. What is happening in baseball? Why are so many batters getting hit? These past 4 seasons have been record-setting. Mookie Betts is out. Aaron Judge got hit. Nolan Arenado got hit. (10:52) Rest in peace to the great Willie Mays. Tonight MLB plays at Rickwood and it was meant to honor Mays who sadly died a few days ago. (19:30) Monty Williams got fired by the Detroit Pistons after one season. The Pistons now owe Monty $65 million. I cannot believe it. (27:30) The Boston Celtics won the title. Did you watch? Did you care? (35:30) Review: Goodfellas. (42:40) Are the Panthers going to blow a 3-0 lead? Is this really about to happen? (48:00) What is happening with the Chiefs and Royals with Kansas? Is Missouri going to lose both teams? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’ve got Ariel Helwani on the show. Yes, that one. Let’s talk some Montreal. Let’s talk some MMA. Let’s see where this goes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome in Bob Costas! Broadcasting legend is back on Nothing Personal for the first time in 2022.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘Alberta’ as in Edmonton as in Canada as in the NHL Stanley Cup Final. The Florida Panthers now lead 3-0. Hockey in South Florida… huh! It seems improbable that this is the case. (7:10) Trevor Lawrence just got a monster deal from the Jaguars. What is Jacksonville doing? Lawrence still had 2 years left on his deal. Now, by total guarantee, he’s the 4th highest paid QB in the NFL. (18:55) The Big 12 is for sale. The name of the conference. The schools in the conference. The athletic departments in the conference. Everything is for sale now. (34:30) Review: Brats. (38:40) NPPOD. (39:50) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about Dan Hurley and what he said on the Le Batard Show yesterday. Is this guy serious? (48:20) Let’s talk some baseball. Pitching and defense wins rings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘the logo’ as in Jerry West as in the Lakers as in the Grizzlies as in the Warriors as in the Clippers. All star. Champion. Executive. What a legacy Jerry West leaves behind. (11:00) Are the Celtics going to sweep the Mavericks? The Celtics just look like a complete team. The Mavericks look like Luka and Kyrie. That’s it. That’s the series. (19:40) Dodgers made a trade for Cavan Biggio. Is this the Dodgers being the Dodgers or a nothing burger? (30:00) Review: Jurassic Park. (35:45) NPPOD. (37:40) Let’s update a bunch of wait to see predictions I’ve made. (45:20) The hot dog wars are back on. Netflix announced an eat off between Chestnut and Kobayashi! WHOA! (51:00) STAY OFF THE FIELD! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘retinaculum’ as in an injury as in the ankle as in tendons as in Kristaps Porzingis as in the NBA Finals. Oh boy. What are the Celtics going to do? The team said whether he plays or not is up to the team doctors. Is this how the Mavericks get back into the series? (9:45) NPPOD. (11:45) NHL is not going to discipline players after the Stanley Cup game. Dirty hits. Players thrown out. Penalties. Everything. (17:05) Where is Aaron Rodgers? (29:01) Review: Rumble - The Indians who Rocked the World. (33:20) Mike Tomlin got an extension with the Steelers. Russell Wilson finally spoke. (39:50) We have a hot dog beef. Nathan’s hot dog eating contest. Joey Chestnut banned. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘unrequited’ as in Dan Hurley as in the Lakers as in UConn as in left at the altar. That’s right, Dan Hurley turned down a massive offer the Lakers. The Connecticut governor got involved. His wife possibly was involved. Everyone was involved. But UConn is home and now the Lakers must scramble. (12:00) The Florida Panthers have taken a 2-0 lead in the Stanley Cup Final. A chippy game. Players thrown out. Let’s talk about taxes though. People want different salary caps based off income taxes. HUH. (23:12) NPPOD. (32:27) Review: How to Rob a Bank. (38:40) The Yankees captain Aaron Judge called out fans for their treatment of Trent Grisham. This is important, because only someone like Judge could do this. (44:08) Buster Onley had his account hacked and panic broke out. (48:40) Luis Robert was not traded to the Phillies. Didn’t happen. But he is on the trade block. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘31-5’ as in the NBA Finals as in the Boston Celtics as in the Dallas Mavericks. The Celtics took Game 2. It’s been ugly, but Tatum and Brown and Holiday are getting it done. Luka has been a turnover machine. The rest of the Mavs can’t shoot. (8:40) The Stanley Cup Final is happening. Did you watch Game 1? The Florida Panthers look like the worse team and still beat the Oilers 3-0. (16:00) Mets owner Steve Cohen met the media and talked about the Mets this year. He mentioned trades. He mentioned fans. He mentioned his new president. (24:17)The MLB London series took place and let’s discuss some things that were said. Bryce Harper wants an in-season tournament in London. Some Mets players joined in and said they agree going to London for two games is a bit much. (33:15) Review: Hit Man. (38:00) Caitlin Clark was left of Team USA. She’s not going to Paris for the Olympics. Why? (48:10) NPPOD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘Game 1’ as in NBA Finals as in the Boston Celtics as in the Dallas Mavericks as in blowout city. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis were just too much for Luka and company. (7:10) Adam Silver met with the media yesterday for the first time before the NBA Finals to be questioned on myriad of topics: Caitlin Clark, NBA TV rights, TNT, and more! Here’s what he said. (17:20) Let’s talk about the MLB London Series. Mets vs Phillies. Everyone wants to play overseas. Why? (25:30) What’s wrong with Juan Soto’s forearm? How bad is it? Is this the end for the Yankees? (34:02) Review: American Nightmare. (37:10) We are at a scary place with social media. Fake news. Misinformation. A.I. posts. How do we know what’s real or not? (43:00) NPPOD. (47:00) The Timberwovles sale is still happening. Or is it still happening? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘finally’ as in the Finals as in the NBA Finals as in The Boston Celtics as in the Dallas Mavericks. Who do you have? Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown or Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving? Jason Kidd could be joining an exclusive group with a win. Joe Mazzulla would be in a league of his own with a win. (9:20) NPPOD. (19:00) Jordan Montgomery was booed off the field by Diamondbacks fans. He’s been bad. Boras Four. STINK! (30:06) Review: A League of Their Own. (34:20) There’s been quite the update on Jontay Porter. Remember he was ban for life from the NBA for gambling on basketball. This update is wild. (41:10) Kansas wants the Kansas City Chiefs. The Kansas City Chiefs are in Kansas City, Missouri… not Kansas City, Kansas. (49:00) Dan Hurley is now the favorite for the Lakers head coach? What? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘lifetime’ as in lifetime ban as in Marcano as in Padres as in Pirates as in MLB as in MiLB as in gambling. It’s the first lifetime ban in a century for an MLB player. MLB came out and dropped the hammer. (11:00) Ippei Mizuhara pleaded guilty yesterday and Shohei Ohtani has been cleared by baseball. Ohtani is good to go. (17:08) JJ Redick is the favorite for the Lakers head coach. Rich Paul said LeBron has nothing to do with the search. LeBron James has a podcast with JJ Redick. No dots to connect there! (29:00) Review: Review: The Anti-Social Network. (32:50) The Marlins had to DFA Avisail Garcia. And they owe him a big chunk of change. Congrats, Jeter! (40:15) NPPOD. (41:40) It’s time to talk about catchers. The positioning they have near the batter’s box is not right. MLB is going to fix it. (47:40) The Mavericks gave a contract extension to the GM the eve of the NBA Finals. Why? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘existential crisis’ as in baseball as in MLB as gambling as in injuries as in Tommy John as in problems. We have a player facing a lifetime ban for the first time since gambling has become what it has. Tucupita Marcano of the Padres reportedly bet on baseball last year as a member of the Pirates. Woof. (12:34) More and more and more injuries happening to starting pitching. Elbow and elbows and elbows. (19:00) The Carolina Panthers want public money for stadium upgrades. It never ends. You might think it will, but it doesn’t. (25:00) Justin Jefferson is getting big money. WR are now the offensive money makers. Sorry RB, you aint coming back. (33:22) Review: Spacey Unmasked. (37:25) Sports media and hot take culture is at a boiling point. Where is the line? Where is the integrity? This Caitlin Clark conversation has become everything it shouldn’t. (46:00) NPPOD. (48:20) I made a mistake about Top 100 players. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘35.1 or 37.6’ as in how much of the MLB season is already over. Can you believe it? Let’s recap the biggest storylines from May. I’ll review my May predictions. And then we’ll look ahead to June. It all starts with the Yankees. (9:13) What were some of the biggest surprises in May? (14:34) Let’s review my May predictions. (16:19) Here are my predictions for June! (20:50) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about the WNBA and Caitlin Clark. Hard fouls. Dirty fouls. Social media comments. Why do players dislike Clark so much? (36:30) Review: The Fall Guy. (39:00) Stanley Cup Final is here! Panthers vs Oilers! (42:09) Tommy Pham may not be in baseball much longer. (48:00) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘road wins’ as in the Florida Panthers as in the Dallas Mavericks as in playoffs! Let’s start with the Panthers taking a series lead against the Rangers. I was at the game. How are road teams so successful now? (8:00) Donald Trump was found guilty on all 34 felony charges against him. First president ever convicted of a crime. Wow. (21:10) The Dallas Mavericks are headed to the NBA Finals! Luka and Kyrie! Did you see Mark Cuban wasn’t the one who got the trophy? (29:50) NPPOD. (33:55) Review: A Man in Full. (36:50) The Tampa Bay Rays released new renderings for its new stadium in St. Pete. There’s still no deal. The project is massive. Will it get done? (46:30) The NBA media rights deals are not done yet. Is Warner Bros. Discovery out? Is TNT really going to lose the NBA? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘dumpster fire’ as in the Mets as in Steve Cohen as in Edwin Diaz as in Pete Alonso as in Jorge Lopez. What a day for the Mets yesterday. I cannot remember a day like this for a team. IL trips. Injuries. A player ejected, making a scene, then getting DFA’d. (13:30) Well things actually are worse for the Mets. Steve Cohen has hit a real roadblock when it comes to his casino of dreams. A NY senator does not want what Cohen wants. (25:50) White Sox manager Pedro Grifol came out in defense of owner Jerry Reinsdorf. This is why. (37:30) Review: In the Name of the Father. (40:30) NPPOD. (43:20) Scottie Scheffler had all charges dropped against him. (50:30) Breaking news: a new women’s basketball league is coming. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘13/39’ as in Luka Doncic as in Kyrie Irving as in Mavericks as in Timberwolves as in NBA playoffs. The Mavericks shot terribly. The Timberwolves found late life. (9:13) The Panthers tied things up with an OT winner vs the Rangers. The 3rd straight overtime game! How can you not love playoff hockey!? (12:56) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about the Toronto Blue Jays and what’s gone wrong there. Did the Jays miss their window? (25:06) MLB announced that the Negro League stats will now be in the MLB history books. That means that all MLB stats have changed. Should they have? (38:00) Review: Atlas. (40:17) What’s the latest on the Athletics and Las Vegas? (46:20) Blake Snell said something that needs to be discussed. Is MLB finally done with Scott Boras? (51:02) Charter flight talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘touched by an angel’ as in Angel Hernandez as in umpire as in see ya! The worst umpire in baseball, the worst umpire in my career is finally gone. Retired. (12:10) Ronald Acuña tore his ACL. Sad for him. Sad for the Braves. It’s his 2nd one in 3 seasons. (20:35) The Dodgers and Mets start a 3-game series today. Let’s take a look at both of these teams, expectations, moves, who needs this series more. (36:16) Review: Challengers. (39:30) We need to talk about the life of Bill Walton. (42:50) The Boston Celtics are headed to the NBA Finals. 2nd time in 3 years. The Pacers had chances and blew it. (47:44) NPPOD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’owners meetings’ as in Rob Manfred as in MLB as in umpires as in jerseys as in Athletics as in Nike as in Sacramento as in robots as in Ballys. These latest owners meetings were packed with great quotes from the commissioner. (17:20) Let’s talk about Ticketmaster. The Department of Justice has sued Live Nation Entertainment. What happens now? No more crazy fees? (29:05) Review: Survivor 46. (33:10) The Boston Celtics are running away with the Eastern Conference. Big win on Thursday. Pacers are hurt. (38:46) NPPOD. (42:40) The NCAA has agreed to let schools pay players. Welcome to the new world of college athletics. What is going to be the end of this? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’7 billion’ as in NBA as in ESPN as in Amazon as in NBC as TNT. Is TNT left out of the NBA game because it got a little too cocky? What does this mean for the players? What does this mean for the WNBA? (15:36) The NHL and NBA playoffs are going on right now. The Panthers took down the Rangers at MSG. Luka Doncic and the Mavericks held off the Timberwolves in the NBA. (29:45) Review: Parenthood. (33:45) Why is Hal Steinbrenner still talking!? The Yankees are winning! You don’t have to say the quiet part out loud! (42:18) NPPOD. (47:45) Private equity has come for college sports. College football is an expensive game. Lawsuits are an expensive game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’Hader Rules’ as in Josh Hader as in rules to pitching as in the Brewers as in the Padres as in the Astros as in arbitration. What were the Hader Rules and could any other MLB player use them? (17:05) The Boston Celtics stole Game 1 vs the Pacers in OT. A thriller! (27:01) NPPOD. (31:28) Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. (35:31) Is the NFL finally entering the modern world? Is it time we finally retire the chain gang? Is it happening!? (43:45) Aaron Rodgers is back. So his quotes are back. (46:20) It’s NIL talk again. We have our first giant lawsuit. Yay! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’aces wild’ as starting pitchers as in aces as in top of rotation guys as in Chris Sale as in Gerrit Cole as in Kodai Senga. Let’s give some health updates! We’ll start with Chris Sale. He has been lights out these past few weeks. Hasn’t given up a run in 20 straight innings. Past 5 starts have been close to perfect. (14:45) Gerrit Cole is still on the IL. He’s trying to find his way back from an elbow issue. (17:46) Kodai Senga had a setback. Last week it was mechanics. This week it’s a setback. (21:30) David Fletcher, welcome to the Mizuhara club. The former Angels 2B was caught up in the same illegal gambling ring that Ippei Mizuhara was. (32:30) Review: Arthur The King. (36:14) NPPOD. (41:36) Fanatics is suing Marvin Harrison Jr. Why? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’home court disadvantage’ as in Game 7 as in NBA Playoffs as in Pacers as in Knicks as in Timberwolves as in Nuggets. The Pacers crushed the Knicks to advance. Shooting a record percentage from the field. Knicks had no response. And I was there to witness it. (7:11) The Denver Nuggets blew it. 20 point lead at home in a Game 7 and they lost to the Timberwolves. Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert did it. Nikola Jokic and the reigning champs went home. (14:35) The Dallas Mavericks advanced on free throws! What a wild ending vs the Thunder. (19:45) NPDS MLB weekend in review! Let’s start with Shota Imanga and what he’s been able to do for the Cubs this year. What about Edwin Diaz and his bad bad bad pitching form? Paul Skenes crushed it on Friday for the Pirates. (33:30) Review: Bronx Zoo ’90. (37:20) What is going on with the Las Vegas Aces? Another investigation into the Aces because of benefits. (46:08) NPPOD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’exceptional circumstances’ as in Scottie Scheffler as in arrested as in PGA Championship. What!? (9:10) Is Juan Soto going to be a Yankee for life? That’s what Hal Steinbrenner said. Why would he say that!? Never say that! (21:00) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? What is going on with Steve Cohen and the Mets? Sellers? (32:45) Review: One Life. (37:20) It’s time to talk some hockey! Go Rangers Go! Brad Marchand for the Bruins said something that he definitely should not have! (44:00) Basketball talk! Were the Nuggets asleep for Game 6? (46:20) NPPOD. (51:00) We need to talk about MLS and Messi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’addicted’ as in my phone as in as in 3am chat room conversations with Apple. (4:50) Alright, time to get to the NFL. We had schedule releases, but first let’s chat about Harrison Butker again. The NFL commented on his thoughts. What was interesting about the schedule? Who runs primetime? Who isn’t part of these games? (14:30) NFL on Netflix on Christmas. Football all the time. Football! Football! Football! (18:50) NBA Playoff update! The Celtics are moving on! The Luka’s have taken a series lead over the Thunder! The Cavaliers season ended and 2 seconds later we had to hear about Mitchell and Bickerstaff’s futures… why!? (26:10) NPPOD. (32:40) Review: The Truman Show. (37:10) The Astros find themselves in poor light again. Ronel Blanco has been suspended for 10 games for sticky stuff. Here we go again! (44:20) The Caitlin Clark Effect is real. Record-setting debut. But will it impact the rest of the league? (50:30) Let’s talk about the Atlanta Braves. Do you like that they’re owned by a public company and not by a single person?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’prowl’ as in on the prowl as in Nuggets as in the Knicks as in playoff basketball. Nikola Jokic is incredible. He dominated the DPOY in Rudy Gobert. Rudy Gobert also had to pay a big fine for doing the money gesture at the refs! (12:00) Knicks fever! Get excited! One win away from a conference finals! (16:13) Caitlin Clark debuted in the WNBA. It was a shaky start for sure. 10 turnovers. Fever lost by 21 points. (21:00) NPPOD. (22:45) Are the Jaguars moving to London? Nope! Another new stadium deal! (34:00) Review: Last Stop in Yuma County. (36:33) Harrison Butker gave a commencement speech and boy was it a doozy. He said some things that could find himself in hot water with the Chiefs. (45:00) We have another Bally’s, Diamond Sports, RSN, and MLB update. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’greedy’ as in the NFL as in schedule release as in kickoff games as in networks as in Tom Brady as in Patrick Mahomes. The NFL continues to just win every offseason. It’s ridiculous! (11:05) LeBron James was wining it up at the Cavaliers playoff game last night. But it’s time to talk about Bronny James. Is he worth a draft pick? He was cleared medically by the NBA. (18:35) The Boston Celtics took a 3-1 series lead over the Cavaliers. No Donovan Mitchell, no matter. What about the Mavericks blowing a late home lead against the Thunder? Hit your free throws! (26:22) WNBA season is here. The Caitlin Clark era is here! (31:45) Review: Rather. (37:10) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about which teams will be buyers and who will be sellers. This early!? (45:00) MLB is on Roku. What does this say about the health of MLB broadcast rights?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’debut’ as in first career start as in Paul Skenes as in the Pittsburgh Pirates as in top prospects. Skenes made his first start against the Cubs and it was insane. One of the worst pitching innings in baseball happened after Skenes was removed. (8:11) Kodai Senga injury update! (14:30) The Yankees are heating up. Aaron Judge is heating up. Panic down. (17:00) Seth Lugo is performing at an elite level for the Royals. Who saw that coming? (21:50) The Knicks lost both road games to the Pacers. The Pacers blew them out the water in Game 4. Woof! (28:20) The Denver Nuggets have tied up the series vs the Minnesota Timberwolves. Can not count them out! (36:13) Review: Love Lies Bleeding. (39:50) The Suns have hired Mike Budenholzer to a huge contract. Another giant contract given away by Mat Ishbia. Why is he doing this? (44:20) Did anyone know the NBA draft lottery was yesterday? Atlanta Hawks are the draft lottery winners! A 3% chance and they did it! Sorry Pistons fans… another year another stinker and another loss in the lottery! (50:30) NPPOD.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’full support’ as in Frank Vogel as in Mat Ishbia as in the Phoenix Suns as in Kevin Durant as in Devin Booker. Vogel gets fired after one season. Signed a monster contract and that’s that. Booker and Durant keep cycling through coaches. What is happening? (12:30) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about the Hornets hiring an ast. coach from the Celtics who are in the playoffs. (18:23) We have a Patrick Beverley update. (20:00) Netflix in on Christmas? Netflix in on the NFL? Oh boy… remember when they didn’t want live sports? (29:21) Review: Monkey Man (35:40) NPPOD. (38:50) The St. Louis Cardinals have lost their way. (46:40) Is it time to trade Mason Miller? Will the Athletics get the best deal now? What is the trade value of a closer? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’anticipation’ as in the Pittsburgh Pirates as in Paul Skenes. His time has come. He throws gas. He could be the next great. Why are the Pirates calling him up now? Why not wait? (11:20) Ippei Mizuhara will plead guilty to federal crimes. He used $17 million of Shohei Ohtani’s money to pay off gambling debts. What a wild case this has been. (19:30) The New York Knicks have done it again! 2-0 series lead. Playoff basketball. Jalen Brunson is a bad man! And Nikola Jokic has won his 3rd MVP. Wasn’t even close. (24:11) NPPOD. (31:46) Review: Inglorious Basterds. (36:00) It’s time to talk streaming bundles. Another day, another bundle. When will it end? (45:20) The WNBA is going to have chartered flights for players. It’s a new thing for them. Good for them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’prophetic’ as in the Houston Astros as in dynasty as in Dana Brown as in when is it time to move on. The Astros have been bad this year. Pitching has been horrendous. Verlander is getting rocked. 11 games under .500. 0-5 vs the Yankees this season. Bu the GM says the team is too good to sell! (11:00) Shota Imanaga and Yoshinobu Yamamoto have found their grooves. Let’s talk about the contracts. Let’s talk about how good they have been. (18:12) MLB draft talk! The league sent memos to teams about draft dodging. Huh!? (32:20) We have 2 new tour dates! (35:40) Review: The Long Game. (38:05) NPPOD. (42:50) Commissioners met with the media to discuss what’s going on with gambling. In the fallout of Jontay Porter it’s all about integrity of the game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’preordained’ as in determined as in fate as in the Knicks won another thrilling finish against the Pacers in Game 1. The officiating was very questionable. The calls were very close. Some of them seemed like a joke. Is the NBA behind this? (9:20) The Timberwolves crushed the Nuggets. What a defensive effort. The reigning champs are down 2-0 now. Woof. (12:31) Pat Riley gave his end-of-season presser on the Heat. He had some things to say about Jimmy Butler. Will Butler get an extension? Will the Heat make big changes? (23:00) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about Bally’s CEO on John Fisher’s attempt to relocate the Athletics. What did he have to say? (35:00) Review: The Idea of You. (40:00) Walker Buehler returned for the Dodgers yesterday after missing all of 2023. 2nd Tommy John surgery. Dodgers need him to be good, can he ever be great? (42:00) We have a new college football bowl game sponsor! (48:00) What is going on at college campuses?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’future’ as in the Miami Marlins as in the San Diego Padres as in Luis Arráez has been traded already. It’s only May! Why would the Marlins do this now? What does this mean for the team’s future? Why did the Padres make this move so soon? (15:40) The Lakers have fired Darvin Ham. Two seasons is all he got. Why did LeBron James do this? (19:55) Alek Manoah returned for the Blue Jays and he got rocked. Blue Jays manager said the team still believes in him. Should they? (22:50) Patrick Beverley apologized for his antics. (31:08) Review: Roast of Tom Brady. (36:00) Upset city in the Miami Grand Prix. Lando Norris wins the race. Max Verstappen finishes second. (44:00) NPPOD. (47:35) We’ve got lawsuit talk! We’re back to the Tampa Bay Rays and what’s going on with the limited partners there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nothing Personal Tour Part 1 wraps up live from New York City. I'm joined by my good friend Pablo Torre! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’40’ as in 40 points as in Jalen Brunson as in 3-straight games with 40 points as in goodbye 76ers. The process is over. Joel Embiid’s season is done again. (8:15) The Bucks have been eliminated by the Pacers. The Pacers have done it to the Bucks all season. Patrick Beverly is going to get fined big. Doc Rivers was a waste. Giannis was hurt. And Dame wasn’t enough. (17:10) NPPOD. (19:26) Another update on the Athletics in Vegas! This time it comes from an earnings call with a Bally’s executive. What did he have to say? (31:42) Review: The Talented Mr. Ripley (36:45) What are the Yankees going to do with Aaron Judge? He has been ice cold this year so far. Will Aaron Boone move him in the lineup? (43:06) MLB on Roku? It could be happening. Sunday morning on Roku. And players hate it! But what does it mean for the health of broadcasting rights? (49:20) What is happening with the NCAA? How close are we to players being employees? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’spooked’ as in scary hours as in the Knicks as in the Sixers as in playoff basketball! Sixers owners and old owners have purchased tickets to keep out Knicks fans! WHAT? How do you feel about this? (14:00) The Mavericks crushed the Clippers in Game 5. Where was Kawhi Leonard? (16:55) The Celtics gave the Heat a beatdown. Series over. Celtics move on. Is it time for the Heat to move on? (19:14) NPPOD. (20:35) It’s over for Deion Sanders and the Colorado honeymoon. The way he has handled adversity. The way he’s handled his critics. It’s a madhouse! (32:00) Review: Secret Life of Walter Mitty. (38:10) We should all be consultants. That’s the best grift. Sports consulting. (46:00) More stadiums and stadiums and stadiums. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’17.2-20.3’ as in the percentage of the season that has past in MLB so far. April is over. First month of the season already done. Let’s go over top storylines, biggest surprises, and biggest disappointments! (8:55) What have the biggest surprises of April been? (14:30) What have the biggest disappointments been? (22:05) Mike Trout is injured again. Always. This time it’s his knee. (32:30) Review: The Who’s Tommy. (35:00) Let me talk about my favorite author. (41:30) NBA playoff updates. The Knicks blew it. Wonderful! (45:30) NPPOD. (49:00) We need to talk about Dave & Busters. What is going on? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’ham-mered’ as in Darvin Ham is likely gone as in LeBron James can’t beat the Nuggets as in what are the Lakers going to do. Why would they invest in 40-year old LeBron? Why would they draft Bronny James? (14:10) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about Bob Bakish and what’s going on at Paramount. (21:30) It’s time to talk about the Athletics again. Always the A’s. (31:00) Review: An American Bombing. (35:30) NPPOD. (38:00) Yankees and Orioles are playing a 4-game series. Orioles took Game 1. How meaningful is it? (42:30) F1 is having some problems. A cease and desist letter was sent by them over Trump fundraising! (47:10) Tyson v. Paul has been sanctioned. Give me a break!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’consensus loser’ as in mock drafts as real drafts as NFL draft as in Atlanta Falcons as in Kirk Cousins as in Michael Penix. What were the Falcons thinking? Let’s try and break down this selection of Penix Jr and why Atlanta would do this after giving Cousins $180 million. (12:00) David Tepper showed up to a Charlotte bar that had a sign that was critical of him outside it. Looks as if it was a friendly encounter, but was it necessary? (17:20) We have an update on the MLBPA fight against Nike’s uniforms. They blasted Nike over it. Not Fantatics! Wonder why… MLB did not comment. (24:35) Jackson Holliday was sent down to the Minors after 10 games. He hasn’t been good at the MLB level. (29:20) The Kansas City Chiefs & Royals are no longer working together on stadiums. Public voted against them. Now they’re against one another. (36:48) Review: Half Baked 2. (40:00) NPPOD. (43:00) The Phoenix Suns got swept in the first round. See ya. $260 million roster and they get nothing. Perfect. (47:20) Joel Embiid said he’s not calling out Philly fans but then called out Philly fans for all the Knicks fans that showed up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s another mailbag! Sorry still out of the country! Did you enjoy the NFL draft? Did your team get everything right? (2:11) Someone asked me about the NPDS Tour and how things are going. Thank you for asking. (14:40) Let’s talk about the biggest sports business stories that interest me moving forward. It’s it just the RSNs? (28:40) Why aren’t cities building stadiums for multiple team use? (34:40) Someone asked me if there was something I wish I paid more attention to while building Marlins Park. (40:30) Do the Olympics still matter? Paris games are coming up in under 100 days. The clock is ticking. The Dream Team is there! (47:40) Someone asked me about my love of movies and how it relates to my life. What else would I have done? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ’rinse & repeat’ as in another stadium as in another press conference as in another handshake deal as in the Chicago Bears. Another big time announcement with renderings! (13:45) What are the Dallas Cowboys doing? Jerry Jones has decisions to make on all his top players. Micah Parsons the DE is up soon. Dak Prescott is up soon. CeeDee Lamb is up soon. Uh oh! (23:00) Quick side note on Deshaun Watson and his trip to Saudi Arabia. Are you kidding me? (28:30) Review: Milk. (32:50) Blake Snell is on the IL. Bad starts. Bad ERA. Now hurt. (42:30) NPPOD. (45:20) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about the draft. How much goes into drafting or trading players when it comes to character vs talent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices