Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show - Chris Emma shares a Bears report from the NFL Combine (Hour 4)

Episode Date: February 27, 2026

In the final hour, Leila Rahimi and Marshall Harris discussed how the NFL is unhappy that the NFL Players Association report cards grading teams’ treatment of players were leaked to the media. After that, Score reporter Chris Emma joined the show to share the latest Bears news and notes from the NFL Combine.

This is Rahimi and Harris on 104-3 The Score. I was about to start singing the song. Then I get kicked out of my job because I'm swearing. Are swear words bad? We're going to make it. Guys, we're going to make it. I have a big red button right here. I would just push that if you did that.

Jada had a lot of points in that song. I will say that. So the NFL Players Association supposed to be anonymous player survey. I mean, it is anonymous. That's why the NFL hates it. Right. So the results of the player votes are anonymous. The aggregate ends up being a referendum on teams,

which is why the NFL probably didn't want it to come out. They filed an injunction trying to make sure it didn't. But somebody, somebody let Kaling Kaler know. Friend of the show, friend of the station, ESPN reporter, and she like any good reporter, got to reporting. So this is the survey results obtained by ESPN. This year's report guards are based on responses from 1759 players. All players who were on a 2025 roster at the time of the survey were eligible to participate, and it was conducted from November 2nd to December 11th.

So, of course, who do we go to first in the 2026 player survey? The Bears! Here are the greats. Somebody had to. Number one, treatment of families, C-plus. And that was the one that surprised me the most, as I mentioned with Clay Harbor and Marshall Harris on five on it an hour ago. Home game field, and this is after Matt Eber Flores,

is good decision, good, and I'm not being sarcastic. To convert the field to Bermuda grass at Soldier Field. C. And I think when you consider like the winter and having the playoff games at home, which is a great thing, seeing how guys were slipping, I could see why that's a thing. Food dining area B. Nutritionist, Dietition A. Locker room B plus. Training room B, training staff B.

Weight room A. We know Ryan Pace put a lot of effort into a. modernizing the Bears facilities when it came to things like the wait room. Strength coaches A plus. Position coaches. B minus. Offensive coordinator A minus. Well, he's gone now. You guys ran deck with Doyle off.

He's going to Baltimore to coordinate Lamar Jackson. Defense coordinator Dennis Allen, C plus. Special teams coordinator, Richard Hightower, B minus. You have Cairo to thank Richard Hightower. You have January Cairo Santos to thank. Team travel B plus, head coach A, general manager A minus, which says a lot about how they feel about Ryan Poles, team ownership A minus.

Overall rank is 13th. When you see that, what sticks out to you? I think anything that was below a B, it just sticks out because there's so few things that were below a B in the survey. So defensive coordinator C's plus along with the treatment of families with that same score. And then, of course, the home game field. See, you know what was interesting about this? because I'm comparing it immediately to other teams.

I was like, well, who's the number one team and who's the number? So, for instance, just as a comparison sake, when you talk about the home game field, the Seattle Seahawks, the Super Bowl champions, were number four in this survey overall, right? They had an A and B and everything except for home game field. Home game field was an F. And I feel like they could have graded the home game field on a curve because that's the area where I saw consistently teams not getting an A or a B. So that kind of takes the sting off of the home game field

when you see how many other teams had lower scores and finished higher than the Bears overall. And then the defensive coordinator bit, I really do put it on the fact that the defense was take away or bust. And clearly there were members of the team that felt like they didn't get enough playing time or the scheme didn't fit them. And you know what?

Dennis Allen and Ryan Poles, may feel the same way after watching a season of those players on defense on tape. Remember, 1,759 players, that's how many were surveyed for this. So it's not everyone, but they got players from every team. And I'd really be interested in how many bears filled out the survey versus how many bears there actually are. Well, and I think that's a good point, too. Now, this is notable. This was whoever told the NFL.

players to be quiet. Oh, is it the memo? Love this. Sorry, it took me a second to pull it up on my phone. They also publish the memo. This is an internal memo. I'm not trying to purposefully laugh here. I'll get you to do this.

I'm really not. But we know about the injunction. And of course, in response to this being leaked, the NFLPA, because they can still do it. They're just not allowed to publish it, but you leak it to a media member such as Kail and Kaler. She publishes it, no harm, no foul, but the NFL feels very differently about this information being available to anyone at all. In labor law, when an injunction is filed and two parties in the labor agreement are supposed to agree to it, that means that the entities cannot publicly discuss the results of that agreed upon term in labor law,

except that's not what happened. Just the open defiance of it really makes me laugh. All it takes is one, though. Amen. And frankly, like, you should be able to talk. talk about your work conditions in public, actually. So this is the memo from February 26th. REE, NFLPA team report cards.

Because here's the thing. If you're an NFL team, you don't want people to know that they think C-plus of Dennis Allen. You don't want them to know that the bears treat their families to a C-plus grade. And before I think we get to the memo, I would just like to point this out since we're here talking about it. Think about the reputation the Pittsburgh Steelers have. And the reputation of the Pittsburgh Steelers is that, They do things right. The standard is the standard.

They treat their players well. Except they have not graded well in the past few surveys. Treatment of families F. And then we hear that there's only five bathroom stalls for the entire team. Seems like a bit of an outdated condition. This is why I back a few weeks ago when we talked about the White Sox installing the bidet. Like, and we questioned, well, how many could there be? I wouldn't put it past any team,

any professional team that might be a little cheap to only do one. I mean, like, get a Wrigleyfield troth in there at least. Like, what's happening? I mean, this isn't my area of expertise, obviously, but something needs to be done there, especially when, like, isn't part of being a good teammate

per the Tom Herman water chart to drink a ton of water, the P chart? You need more stalls. Yes. Well, in urinals. Yes. You just need more. You just need more.

You need more for your... That was the stat that alarmed me the most, was that there was only five bathroom stalls. Folks got business to do. They need a place to do their business. Everything should be as regular as possible in an NFL team. You would hope?

That's health. And if you think that way, then you should be able to also supply your team with a better bathroom. Period. Kevin Warren was not wrong when he wanted to proclaim there will be bathrooms.

That's actually a good selling point of any arena, stadium. Fans feel that. Fans who actually go to games, they feel that. They do, and that's why I think it was good to bring up. But that's just one example. That was the stat that alarmed me the most.

In the meantime, here's the leaked memo. We understand that the NFL Players Association posted its team report cards on its players-only website today, and we are aware that the media is reporting some of the purported results. As we previously advised, the admissions made. by the union and its council during the grievance hearing. That means a court hearing, including that I, the report cards are union speech. Double I, the union cherry grievance hearing, including that the report cards,

the topics are in responses to include and exclude three, because these are tiny, tiny eyes. Players have no role in drafting the picks, which topics responses. include and exclude the report cards commentary as well. Four, the union chooses which anonymous player quotations to include in which ones to leave out. And five, the union determines how much weight to allocate to each topic before assigning the grades, confirm that the report cards are neither reliable nor scientifically valid. In fact, these ambitions explain the union's ongoing and steadfast refusal to share any data or information about the process that it inaccurately tries to characterize as scientifically valid.

Scientifically valid was in quotes. Given these significant admitted limitations, we continue to recommend that clubs prioritize feedback and information provided directly by their own players rather than relying on the NFLPA's agenda-driven exercise. We further recommend that clubs refrain from commentating or engaging public. on the alleged survey and report card results. Doing so only provides credibility to the union's media campaign. We will review the developments in light of the arbitrator's decision.

If you have any questions, please contact and they gave three people's names. Your thoughts, my Leverry, He mean. Look, it's just... We're a players' union. We want to know how our union members feel about their employers, of which we are binded to by the union agreements. We are the weakest union among all professional sports because we have the fewest games

and the careers are the shortest, relatively speaking. And we just want to know how everybody's doing because that time matters. NFL, not only does it not something that we want to show the results of, but we want to make sure that the public doesn't know how teams treat their players and how teams treat their players' families.

Hilarious. Why would you care unless you have something to hide? They're trying to control everything. And that's not anything new with the NFL, or really any organization or business. You know what I like to say, the phrase acting guilty? This qualifies under acting guilty. It's just that they want to keep it private. They feel like they did the legal thing, and they got the injunction, but they knew that the injunction wasn't really going to mean anything because the information was going to get out. Here's the issue. It does mean something. It means something because if they find out who this is, they're subject to, I think, some sort of result here,

like some sort of legal financial punishment. Maybe I don't know necessarily what the punishment is agreed to that's upon this. But there might actually be some sort of concept. How would they find out? Well, that's a good question. I'm not sure. But the idea of only talk about it amongst yourselves privately. That's far-fetched. It's ridiculous. It's a ridiculous expectation.

Also, what's the point of this? It's to shed light on how people are treated. Is it not? Is it not also when you're a free agent trying to figure out where to go? I think these things matter. That's probably the original thing that the players were trying to do with this survey is to get an understanding of how things work from team to team. Well, and also it just goes to show.

Like, for example, we talked about Pittsburgh being a franchise. Many of us think has the reputation of being exemplary, right? Like, the Rooney family has got a wonderful reputation in the league. You know, Mike Tomlin is a good example of how little turnover there is from a coaching side, the winning season history. And then look at the, look at how the players feel. about it. Inversely, where would you think Miami, who's being openly sued, for example, by Brian Flores, where would you think that would be? Not high is number one, which is where

they are on this survey. I think that's fair. I think what you have to remember, though, is Brian Flores was a coach, and these are players talking about their experience through the player's lens. And that's the difference there. And the fact that that is still ongoing, Brian Flores and the coaches who sued and, you know, he hasn't been blackballed. He's still out here working as defensive coordinator for Vikings. The NFL just wants all the control. And sometimes you can't have all the control. Now, you know me.

I'm pro labor. So. You and I are both pro labor. Anytime you can get more information and more data about what's going on in hopes of improving conditions for labor, I'm with that. I'm with the proverbial-ish. You know what I'm saying? Miami Dolphins, by the way, listen to these.

Treatment of families B plus, home game field A minus, food dining area A, nutritious dietitian A minus, locker room A minus, training staff A, training staff A, weight room A plus, strength coach is A plus, position coach is A minus, offensive coordinator A minus, special teams coordinator B, team travel A, head coach B, general manager A minus, head coach is now no longer with the team by the way. Team ownership A, general manager, was that done before or after? after their GM was let go. That's a good question. And overall rank number one.

Reading some stuff from Mike Floreo on this, right? So technically, this situation could result in another grievance from the NFL. Right, that's it. Like, there is some sort of labor law is different. There is some sort of punishment for this process. So Mike says, it's important to remember what the existing ruling does and does not say. The arbitrator found that Article 39 of the collective bargaining agreement does not prevent the creation of the report. cards, the arbitrator found that Article 51 prohibits the NFLPA from publishing the results.

The arbitrator made no findings regarding whether the report cards are unreliable or not scientifically valid. But the legal side of this dispute is one matter. There's a PR angle, both external and internal, that the NFL is pursuing. Beyond the effort to persuade the arbitrator to end the NFLPA report cards, the league wants the teams and the public to regard them as flawed, the NFLPA believes otherwise as evidence by the simple fact that the report cards continue to exist. There it is. It bothers them that they're being held accountable. That's usually how power works.

The people in power get upset when people, they're over. And because of that, the reason why Brian Flores' case has taken so long is because they're trying to figure out how much is for public consumption. because a lot of these labor hearings are closed. So that's why that doesn't make them any less credible. They're under the same standards in a court of law, depending on what it is, like an arbitration hearing is hearings under oath. So that's why this has been discussed to this end.

It's not the most exciting conversation. But when you consider the grades and the fact that the news got out regardless. As we knew it would. Let's be honest. It's just priceless to me. Priceless. that it's like, hey, we're going to send this memo. Cool, we're sending that to.

It's going to be great. And that's why reporting matters. Reporting does matter. I think it's one of the most underrated things and undervalued things in 2026 compared to say, I don't know, a quarter century ago. And 847 has a good point here on our text line. Yes, and Miami on the field sucks. Miami hasn't been good.

And nobody's saying that they're full. football product isn't what you're seeing in real time. It is interesting, though, to see who likes to play and where and why. So I think that's what makes this a bigger part of the greater discussion. And then it makes you also wonder for other teams who didn't grade as high. What if those other things were higher? Would that result in more wins than losses? Would that result, even if it resulted in an extra win in a 17 game season?

it's tough to say and quantify and qualify what you're talking about. But yeah, you're probably right. Look good, feel good, feel good, play good. The feeling good part is the part that this survey is reminding me of that not everybody feels good about where they work in certain aspects of their job. But that's every job everywhere. Let's be very clear. Yeah, 6-3. I was a good point.

Flores' lawsuit was against the league, not the Dolphins specifically. It names Dolphins ownership, though, as part of the, the, language. So there's more to it. Yeah, there's more tentacles. But the point is, the dolphins didn't come away looking good in all of that. No, because of the allegations of what he was asked to do while he was there. So yes. 312 is on my on my same page. I always say if you're not guilty, don't act like it. And those who do, well, you know. Coming up next here on Rahimi Harrison Grotie, let's get a live report from Indiana. Indianapolis

is where Chris Emma is, not just for the Combine, but for the latest on Senate Bill 27 in the state of Indiana that Governor Mike Braun has already sent into work. So he approved that yesterday. We will hear from Chris Emma regarding the Bears Stadium

and the latest there along with some combine news next. Rahimi Harris and Grody. Bears tight end. Cole Komet. Cole, welcome to the party, pal. Well, thanks for having me. I heard it was a big day. So naturally, I dropped everything I had going on today. You've complained a lot through the years about not being able to hear the score on the 670 AM dial

when you're inevitably cruising around downtown. And now that we have an FM signal call, you can now hear the score all day, all the time, all you want. You can hear all the Bears hot takes you want. Well, that's perfect. I'll make sure I blast that in the locker room. Beautiful Blas! Rahimi Harris and Grody, Midday's Tindal 2. on 104 3 The Score.

Some people like Chris Ema. That's Mark Brody doing the Ben Johnson Cough-Koff No about Tyson-Bagent. Talking about Chris Emma, who joins us on our hotline. Chris is our Bears reporter. He is in Indianapolis,

not just for the Combine, but he also went to the State House. So I believe we're calling him Chris Statehouse Emma now. That's what I heard the nickname was, for Lawrence Holmes. Chris, thanks for joining us. How we doing? Happy Friday. Yes, a busy day at the State House yesterday for that Senate vote. And it was interesting. I've never done that as a sports reporter before. But look, it was a gleeful, almost just a celebration for the state of Indiana, the fact that they were able to get this over the goal line. And now we wait to see what happens next for the Bears.

Yeah. So that was, that was a big point of emphasis yesterday. I felt like there was no concern as to whether or not the vote was going to pass. there was a bit of a question as to whether or not it was going to get any language in it changed, and this is the bill that would fund a potential Baird Stadium in northwest Indiana. But that didn't end up happening. So what were your takeaways from just how the bill passed, how people felt about it? Was there any extra talk about it once it was ratified? Well, I was under the understanding yesterday through talking with people at the State House that the governor once signed it until today at the earliest.

and maybe next week or the week after that. He signed it an hour after that vote was done in the Indiana State Senate. So they are clearly trying to push the point across that they want the Bears. And there were senators saying go Bears in their speaking engagements. One senator who said he's a Colt fan talked about his love of Dick Butkus. There was plenty of talk about the taxpayers, too. I can promise you that. But look, they were really excited about this.

But you saw the Bear statement on the end, too. And it wasn't one with any kind of commitment. And then I spoke with Senator Ryan Mishler of Northwest Indiana. And we kind of asked what's the timeline next for this? And he pointed out that there's still a lot of work to do on that property in Hammond. And he mentioned in 2007 is a potential groundbreaking time for the stadium, which means, yeah, the clock is ticking. And it also buys the state of Illinois more time to potentially push its own legislation forward. So this is far from a done deal, obviously on the Indiana state side.

And Illinois now has time. to get its act together and figure out if that's what they want to do. Wait a minute, Chris. Wait a minute. Are you saying shovels in the ground at the earliest in 2027, as in next year? That's my understanding. Senator Mishler pointed to the fact that there's a lot of work to be done on that property. We heard it from the governor last week on the Spiegel and Home Show as well.

And so, yeah, there's a lot to do in terms of that land at Wolf Lake. And they're only just beginning on that, too. they've got the legislation side done and everything except for the bears in terms of that bill. But on the state of Illinois side, you've got the legislation side is still very much in the works. And you've got a property at Arlington Park that's ready to break ground. So I kind of came away from this believing what I've thought all along, which is that it still is going to be Arlington Heights. Yeah, not only does that tell me it's going to be Arlington Heights,

but it just tells me that Illinois is maybe when we thought of them as being behind Indiana, they're actually, if not even, maybe even ahead of Indiana because they're so far down the road in terms of the details of the site itself. Yeah, and so let's outline the two steps from Springfield, which one took a positive step forward. That was the Mega Projects bill, which is not just for the Bears, but it's a Bears back bill, which allows a major corporation, such as the Bears, a private entity to negotiate property taxes with local governments, in this case Arlington Heights and the government there.

And that was what was pushed through the revenue hearing. Now it has to go to the house floor. That didn't happen yesterday. My understanding is March 18th is the day to follow with that. And that allows the city of Chicago and Kim Buckner, who we've heard from on the station before, sponsoring that bill, the Mega Project's bill, he can start looking back and saying, what do we need in the city of Chicago to get this from the Bears, to get the Bears to take care of the city that they're leaving. So that's one end of it.

And then, of course, the issue of infrastructure, and $855 million is the number we've heard in terms of what they need at Arlington Park to build around those 326 acres. And the state of Illinois has expressed willingness to do so, but that legislation has not even really gotten off the ground yet. So if Indiana has plenty of work to do on that side of Wolf Lake, then the state of Illinois has time to answer back as well. Well, and that's the thing is I think what needs to be noted here, Chris, is Indiana did go through their processes very quickly.

You know, there was a possibility for sites. there was a pitch process that happened. I know that the exact location is not set in Wolf Lake, but there is an understanding as to where it would be. That is important. There's no doubt about that. What is actually land that they're going to use for this? But the idea that the construction side of this is going to be quick,

I think, is still a very far way away. And from what I understand, Chris, and you may know this as well, I'm pretty sure that was part of what enticed the bears about Arlington Heights to begin with, was that the construction site would be pretty quick. if they already knew where they wanted to go. I remember George McCasky when he introduced Kevin Warren saying that, what do you want to this project? And he said under budget and ahead of schedule and has gone way over budget and way beyond schedule.

So yeah, there's absolutely some urgency to get this thing done and get it done right. But here they are in this spot. And Senator Mitchell yesterday talking about the fact that there is a lot of work to be done. But it is a great offer for the bears. And he pointed to the fact that he looks at. to me like Illinois is working on details to negotiate property tax. He goes in Indiana, the bears won't have to pay any property tax. It is a sweetheart deal. It is something that local senators here away from northwest Indiana, for example, a few in Indianapolis here. We're talking about the

idea of why should we be supporting this? And it was a 45 to four vote. So it was near unanimous. Like I said, it was more of a celebration than a hearing. And each senator is speaking about the significance of what this means more so than what the significance is for the state of Indiana. But they were very happy getting that across the finish line yesterday. And certainly, Governor Braun as well, as he signed that an hour afterwards. Do you feel like this is just going to be a thing now for the next year as opposed to the next couple of months? The feeling I have now is this is going to take another year. Marshall's face when you said 2027, Marshall realized what is ahead of him?

him is a commentator, and I think I just saw his life flash before his eyes. The fatigue is real, Chris. I mean, and I say that because I think I speak for a lot of, y'all let me know on the text line. I think I speak for a lot of people when we just want to know when and where are you building the stadium. Like get to the finish line. Somebody, anybody.

I'm talking to you, Chicago Bears. I came into this week saying about 75-25, Arlington, to Indie, or to Hammond, I should say and I think it's probably about the same. I still feel confident that it's going to be Arlington Heights. And I don't think it's going to last that long, Marshall. I think there's a scenario in which this gets done in the coming months. I spoke with a source in Springfield yesterday who expressed a lot of optimism that even despite the fact they didn't get that house hearing yesterday, that this is just all part of it, that this is the business. And somebody stressed the fact that Camp Bukter being in charge is significant because he has been very strict about representing the best interests of Chicago in this.

But he's also willing to work with the Bears, and he's been working with them all along. So sources in Springfield feel really confident that they're going to be able to get what the Bears need out of this and negotiate a deal that's fair for everybody for the state of Illinois and taxpayers there for the City of Chicago being ready to lose the Bears. And obviously, a deal that the Bears have been desiring all along. So I think there's a scenario in which this is shovels on the ground here midsummer, late summer this year. Chris, let's talk about some actual football. Oh. Because you're at the combine and all. So there's a discussion surrounding Darnell Wright,

and we've heard a couple of reports regarding possibly an extension on the table. It would make sense. You know, what have you heard regarding Wright's future and what could be immediately next for him on the Bears? So let's take the timetable here. March 11th is when the lead New Year hits at 3 p.m. central time, and that is the time at which the Bears must get their salary cap in order and get their books set.

and they've got decisions to make. So we know shopping just about anybody they can. They want to move, DJ Moore, Tyson, Vasion, Sharon Dexter, whatever they may do in Tremont, Emmons, which I don't think they're going to get a suitor on that. They are trying to move contracts off the book and get value back, which is a great problem to be in because that means you've got a roster coming off in 11 and 6 season that you feel really good about.

But you've got to start thinking about the future, too. And Darno Wright is going to be a priority with this. This is somebody, I believe, is going to get a lucrative long-term contract extension that I think might reset the market. And it's notable, Darnell Wright is represented by Octagon. Tristan Wirthes is also represented by Octagon. He's the highest paid tackle in the NFL right now. That is a bold and a standard that Octagon can come to the Bears and say,

we want to reset the market. Here's what Tristan Wirth is making. Let's top this. So the precedent is in place. We know the Bears are certainly interested in resigning Darnell Wright. They see him as a staple for their team for many years to come, a franchise tackle. they are so pleased with the way that he's developed over the last three years.

And now he goes into this season looking at a potential long-term extension. I think this is something that could happen sooner rather than later. All right, Chris, we've been talking about it all day. The level of trust we have in general manager Ryan Poles, who obviously had a better 20-25 than he did 20-24 or 20-23. Where are you and your level of trust in this general manager? It all changed with Ben Johnson. I think Ben Johnson and his example. ability, not only him, but his coaching staff to develop players.

It's the way I look at Ryan Poles. And you understood kind of Poles' vision with some of these players that were just not properly developed his first three years on the job. And you saw the combination of drafting and development come to fruition. And how many individual success stories were we seeing the praises of last season? The guy like in Deshaun Wright, for example, who was picked up in mid-April, let go by the Vikings and has an all-pro season. And Ozzie Tripillo, obviously, before the injury, that was a guy who,

was unplayable in August, bowed out of that tackle competition. And he was pushed back into that over two other guys that they really believed in because that's how strongly they felt and that's how ready he was to play. All down the line of different players that Ryan Poles is identified as talents for this team and building blocks, you see them develop now. And you see the way that that potential is being realized. And that's incredibly exciting. When Ben Johnson talks about, he says, I've got a five-star coaching staff.

Like the resume is right there. It's not just the collective breakthrough of this past season, but it's so many individual players who had terrific seasons. D'Andre Swift and what he was able to do with Eric B. Namy, after looking like somebody wanted to part ways with a year ago this time in February, he had a terrific season. That's somebody who carried the backfield for this team. Calmedong guy, seventh round pick.

He stepped in as a key part of this offense. You can go all down the line to different players who had terrific seasons because of the coaching staff in the way. They were developed and you see what Ryan Pohl's vision is. because of that, I feel totally differently about Ryan Poles than I did a year ago before you started seeing the fruits of the labor from this coaching staff. And you see the way that this plan can work now with a general manager and his brass identifying the talent and this coaching staff building these players up. Chris, Emma, we thank you for your work during the Combine all week. When is your next report?

Are you on with the afternoon show? I think this is my swan song here for Indianapolis. One more night in town. And yeah, it's been a heck of a week. I love Combine Week. You saved the best for last. Yeah, have fun, Chris Emma. You deserve some sort of, you know, sparkly beverage to celebrate your work.

Absolutely. Thank you. Take care. That's Chris Emma with his final report from the NFL Combine scene. I love it, the swan song from Chris Emma. And yet now I feel like we're further away from, you know, a stadium. That was tough. That was a tough process for me to process that.

You're watching your face just like. go to like, oh no, no. Yeah, we're only just beginning. This is a good example of why you don't want to spend eternity in some sort of hell or damnation if you believe in hell or damnation. Well, that's eternity. So yeah. So this feels like what exactly? Just too long. Not eternity, but too long. It's been 84 years. It's been 84 years. And yet we've only just begun. I don't know how to tease this story. This work week's coming to an end though, so there's that.

I'm not going to say the term. I'm not going to say it. A San Diego pitcher had a hemorrhoid related infection, which is better than what you had on their ray. That's the actual headline from the... From TMZ. Yeah.

Also, we discovered that our friend Mike Florio made a Lego buddy at the NFL Combine, so we can also share that because he's a Chicago guy. Well, I just didn't want to say... But? Maybe I'll say it later. Rahimi Harrison Grody.

Midday's 10 to 2 on 104, 3, the score. I'm not going to be buffered. All right. I guess I have to read this. All right. The headline says MLB's Matt Waldron was offered free dude wipes after his

butt infection surgery. What's wrong with reading that? You're welcome, Tanny. because it's something that you can, you can definitely take and use for audio later. Also, I'm pretty sure it's just a hemorrhoid. But stepping in is the hero, dude wipes. This story is pretty funny, though.

San Diego knuckleballer Matt Waldron is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery, which is pretty serious for hemorrhoid-related infection, and he's been stuck in the hospital the past few days because of it. Peg Stamond said he had to have surgery to drain it and make it better. To help with his recovery, a rep from dude wipes tells TMZ Sports. They would be happy to send Waldron some of their fragrance-free, flushable hemorrhoid wipes, medicated with witch hazel for soothing relief. Oh, that's nice to them.

Hemorrhoids are no laughing matter. We want to help, the company told us. The issue was initially described as, I can't do this. Yes, you can. The issue was initially described as an infection. and here's rear end. Before it was clarified that the procedure was tied to hemorrhoids. There's no good answer here, is there?

Well, hemorrhoids, I think, are relatable, because we've all either had hemorrhoids or know someone who hasn't explained what it's like. And you're like, oh, oh, yeah, knock on, can you knock once more for me? Thank you. But yeah, I feel bad for Matt Waldron in this. Maybe if you didn't have five bathrooms in your, you know, five stalls. He doesn't play for the Steelers. Stealers, you know.

They could use a bidet. That might be the answer to the whole problem here. You know, that's not a bad point. Americami's changing the league. Yeah, a bidet would be soothing, right? First of all, I didn't know dude wipes made medicated wipes. I didn't either. Look at that.

That's an interesting nugget. Almost as though dude wipes wanted to raise awareness and use somebody's malady to do so. We have discussed in this very slot at round 145 this week, many great marketing strokes of genius. Have we? I've forgotten them all. Because I just been focused on whatever we're doing. I trust our process.

Yeah, it was the Atlanta Hawks. Magic City Monday. That was earlier this week. It was yesterday. My friends, by the way, from Atlanta, people will be fighting over those hoodies. As well they should. Look up if you have not seen this story.

The Magic City Monday hoodie, it's going to be a hot commodity in the ATL. It is. And also the wings sound fantastic. Just saying they're serving the Magic City wings at the Hawks Arena, which I think is a good idea. That's why everybody goes, right, for the wings? That's why everyone goes to Magic City for the wings. That's what I'm told, yes.

He got in trouble. He got in trouble. That's why they go there. For going to a public establishment during COVID, but he was like, I just wanted some wings. Didn't he escape the bubble to go? He had to go. Yes, I'm saying. He went home.

I think it was for a funeral. And then he was like, all right, I'm in land. Let me get these wings. Listen, if we're going to be snitching on the NFLPA survey, you guys also need to come with it with the stories from the bubble. How did that become the thing that nobody's snitching on? Or like, the stories are all just staying there. Didn't the bubble last for months?

The bubble did last for three months, I want to say? A long time. They picked up the season. And as much as the NBA talks, nobody's talking about the bubble. come on it's been long enough people are have definitely talked about the bubble we have speculated as a society about things that happen in the bubble no I'm saying people I

we know someone who's been to the bubble he didn't speak publicly enough well he's spoke publicly to me happy birthday Carl happy birthday Carl he was in the bubble he's told me stories yeah but Carl's not

that's just you that's like you two being friends like I need the public needs to Next time you hang out with Carl, ask him for more bubble stories. He's got plenty. I like, I forgot. I was like, Carl, the bubble wasn't that long, was it? He was like, it was several months? And I'm like, no, was it?

And he's like, oh, yeah. Because he was there. He knows. He remembers. There just need to be more stories about the bubble. Because I know they happened. You know the number one story from the bubble? Oh, yes.

Do you mean Butler's coffee? That is a story. But the number one story is that it's only a bubble championship. It doesn't count. That's the number one story from the bubble. That's what people will tell you about the Lakers championship. What I heard was regarding Jimmy Butler. But it's just all speculation.

There's no proof. Yeah, all the coffee. Well, there shouldn't be proof of something. Some things just need to stay. No, I'm not here to blow up people's spots. Yeah. But there should be other bubble stories. Lou Williams should not be the one catching all the flack.

There just should be. I'm sorry. Maybe it's because the bubble encompassed all of Disney World. Like there was enough space to roam free. I just know everybody had like the little monitors on. I think a wrist ban that basically said if you were out of where you were supposed to be. Several players got in trouble for ordering delivery and leaving the parameter to get the delivery food. And that's just, you know, that's table stakes. That's going to happen.

This is a wholesome story that has nothing to do with the bubble or snitching or any other stories or infections. Local man, Carnell Tate. He went to Marist, Ohio State receiver, joined a PFT Live. And for everybody on the Twitch mob, who's always asking about Mike Florio's Lego projects, well, guess who might help? What do we do when we get away from football? What do you do in your spare time? I play video games.

I got a Lego set going. What Lego set are you doing? So right now, currently in Titanic still. So I've been in it since like the beginning of the season. Okay. Are we working out? Yes, we are. I want to keep talking Legos.

Isn't it a great way to just kind of get away from everything? Oh, yeah, definitely. You forget, like the whole world just disappears and you're just focusing on getting these damn blocks. connected. Yes, sir, definitely. What's the best one you've done other than the Titanic? The Iphal Tower. It's about five feet tall, long, long days, long hours putting into it. First thing we're going to buy with this NFL money. Definitely got spoiled with Granny. I hired a nice little house in Chicago so that I can have go back home and call Chicago my home. Yeah, cool, man. I like it. I thought he was going to say another Lego set. What's the next

Lego set after you finish the Titanic? I don't know. Probably one of the Star Wars collecting. There you go. Wow. Get the Ghostbusters, Firehouse. You guys. I got to check that. You guys are nerds. Yeah, we are. I've never heard Mike Florio perk so much as I do. I want to keep talking Legos. That was amazing. We got to make that part of his intro, right?

Like, that's got to be a thing. It has to be because do you know how many times everybody in the Twitchmob has asked Mike Floreo about the Lego Ghostbuster's Firehouse that's in his background? Is that a frequent ask? Yes. Yes, the Twitch mob cares. Okay. then we'll ask him about it.

We should. He built a five-foot Eiffel Tower out of Legos? It's a commitment right there. Also, I love that his answer was still to get his grandmother a house. And he shouted out Chicago. Way to go, Carnell Tate.

You nailed that interview. I'll say this. Oh, it's not the firehouse. It's a typewriter, according to Connor O'Donnell and Murph Tour. Guys, I thought he had the firehouse at some point. That's what I thought, too. Well, he has a big extensive collection.

Could be both. Both things can be true. That makes me want to draft Carnal Tate because someone who can focus on Legos as opposed to being distracted by the screens that we live in in society. I like the idea of breaking away and just doing something that's just not, not the screens, off your screens, off social media. I like it. I'm with it.

Congratulations to you, Carnell Tate, for finding your peace in the Legos. Also, we were. You're getting some stories about these hemorrhoidectomies. My God. Oh, oh. You guys are warriors. Also, apparently the bidet is the worst idea. Really?

Oh, our friend, Sean Price, the referee from Refmasters. Apparently, Refmasters was created in the bubble? It was a good idea. I knew that. I knew that. That's a good idea. Refmasters is really cool. It's the idea of teaching referees using, like, tools and lessons and connecting

through technology. Feedback. all of it. Yes. Which we need more referees. So I think that's a great idea. Man, wholesome bubble story. Wholesome Ghostbusters Firehouse, Lego story. Yeah. See, everybody's right.

The Firehouse of Florio's house is behind him in the Twitch shots. The typewriter was a project. He was working on a while ago. Okay. We need the next time we talk to him on Wednesday. We'll have to get the update on that typewriter. I'm glad we're here with all of this. And apparently what if Carnel take out the typewriter?

What if his signing bonus is part of it is part of it? like a minuscule part, was like a fun Lego set by whatever team signs him. Wouldn't that be cute? They should have something Lego at his introductory press conference when he's drafted. Like, here's millions of dollars and a Lego set. Lego podium would be amazing. Is that? Can we do that? I don't know. I just threw it out there.

I don't think we can do that because, you know. Can we as engineers do that? Oh, yes. Is that possible? Yes. It can be done. Anything's possible. Anything is possible. I mean, theoretically,

a podium is just a larger block. So it would make sense. Now, if you made the microphone working, but also made of Legos, then you'd be cooking with fish grease. Teams listen to us. Only about that.

Everything else up for discussion. Let's ask our friends Lawrence Holmes and Anthony hearing about it. Let's not ask them about that curtain jerking, though, because geez, guys. Geez! I want to keep talking Legos.