Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show - Full Show — February 18, 2026

Episode Date: February 18, 2026

Leila Rahimi and Marshall Harris shared their takeaways from Bears quarterback Caleb Williams’ appearance on Raiders star pass rusher Maxx Crosby’s podcast.

Oh, could this vintage store be any cuter? Right? And the best part? They accept Discover. Except Discover? In a little place like this? I don't think so, Jennifer. Oh, yeah, huh? Discover's accepted where I like to shop. Come on, baby. Get with the times. Right. So we shouldn't get the parachute pants?

These are making a comeback. I think. Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide. Based on the February 2025 Nilsen Report. Have you or a family member been diagnosed with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer that can be removed by surgery? Consider talking to an oncologist about your treatment options. Why? Because knowing your options before you have surgery can help your care team develop a treatment plan that's right for you.

Learn about a potential treatment plan before and after surgery at askbeforesurgery.com. That's ask before surgery.com and talk to an oncologist before your surgery. At blinds.com, it's not just about window treatments. It's about you. Your style, your space, your way. Whether you DIY or want the pros to handle it all, you'll have the confidence of knowing it's done right. From free expert design help to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, everything we do is made to fit your life and your windows. Because at blinds.com, the only thing we treat better than Windows is you. Visit blinds.com now for up to 45% offsite wide, plus a professional measure at no cost. Rules and restrictions apply. I'm one of those people who will happily eat steak and eggs any time of the day.

Breakfast, dinner, it's technically midnight, but I'm still hungry. Doesn't matter. There's just something unbeatable about a good steak hitting a hot pan. That immediate sizzle. The smell filling the kitchen. And then topping it with a fried egg where the yolk is deep yellow and just barely runny. Unreal. Pure protein heaven.

That's also why I love having Omaha steaks on hand. The steaks are incredibly tender, super flavorful and cook evenly. Whether I'm searing them on the stovetop or throwing them on the grill. It's that steakhouse quality bite at home. Omaha Steaks has everything from their fan favorite filet mignon. Yes, the USDA certified tender one to burgers, chicken, pork, seafood, and even fully cooked comfort meals like beef pot roast. Or meat lovers lasagna for nights when you still want high protein but zero effort. Get 50% off the world's best everyday protein.

Go to Omaha Steaks.com for 50% off sitewide during their semi-annual sale. And for an extra $35 off, use promo code T-bone at checkout. That's 50% off at Omaha Steaks.com. Extra $35 off with promo code T-bone at checkout. Terms apply. See site for details. The score! This hour is brought to you by Menards.

Say big money at Menards. That was a good one. The views and opinions of Laila Rahimi, Marshall Harris, and Mark Grody should not be taken too seriously. Especially when they give advice. Do not take Marshall's analogies, literally. Especially when it comes to Russell Dorsey. The sports thoughts of Rahimi Harrison and Grotie may change at any time.

It's just sports. Gay, thanks. Bye. Bye. Into two on 1043, the score. A plastic surgeon added a new layer to the penis. Nate controversy at the 2026 Winter Olympics. And if you didn't know, there actually is one.

Alessandro Latara, a surgeon who performs. Penis. Enlarging operations told USA Today that he provided the surgery with hylerotic acid to a ski jumper last month. Have a broken penis. Don't pretend to know my pain. Now the concept is, the more you have this, Somehow the more aerodynamic you are in the ski jumping event. Okay, what do we think it should look like?

Sleep. Good. High tech. Aerodynamic. Too small. I'm sorry? Twist small. So when you get in there, you're like, is the steel will fly off? I'm toast.

So we can really ask the question in the situation, does size matter? They're not that small. Size, size doesn't matter. Yes, he does? I feel huge. Not the size of the suit. It's the motion in the suit. Motion of the ocean.

Ocean to the motion. Grody. It ain't all about the size of the boat. It's the motion in the ocean. Did the Olympics need to end? That's it. Olympics are canceled. Everybody's going home.

Let's go. You guys can't handle this. You started to take it places it didn't need to go. This is why I can't have nice things. Sausage, anyone. Leila Rahini, Marshall Harris, Mark Grody, Midday's 10 a.m. 2 on Chicago Sports Radio 104.3.

The score. Oh, man. Well, when you put it that way, I think the Olympics end on their own, but after the ski jumping situations, augmentations, adjustments that have been going on, maybe it's worth a reassessment. This is Rehemi Harrison Grotie on 104.

The score. Marshall, you avoided that. We did that segment without you. You know what? I'm kind of mad. I missed it because I'm, I could have egged on Grody even more and having things that he probably would have regretted saying at a later date, having on Rhonda text in, what are you talking about?

These are the things that I imagine when I miss a segment such as that. Well, we can always revisit it. This is Rahimi Harrison Grody on 104-3 The Score. And I have joked about this. And I've not tried to egg it on because the situation builds upon itself. I feel like every NFL offseason, the NFL world falls in. love with a player who might be available. And we know, given the crown, given him the sash, the flowers, Max Crosby is that dude this

offseason. And the best part is he's not even a free agent. We get to talk about him in a trade capability. That's what makes this so wild. There's always somebody. He is the player of this off season. I think the best part of it isn't necessarily that portion of it. It's the fact that he's fully leaning into being the man of the.

moment in every single way. I've seen him as a guy who said, I'm not saying anything, but yet you're out here saying a lot of things. He's playing the game really, really well. I used to joke about Bryce Harper flirting with Chicago whenever he was a free agent. And that's your time. You know, that's your time to get courted. That's your time to put yourself out there, so to speak. But this is, this is a different deal. Max Crosby reportedly, as we've heard here and there, has he played his last down for the Raiders? they're in amidst a coaching change with Clint Kubiak. Usually that means that somebody who might be a big name, if you're rebuilding,

can that guy bring value to your team if you trade him away? The Bears have done business with the Raiders when they've been in that position before, see Kalil-Mak. So it's not far-fetched to say it could happen again. Max Crosby is that dude. He's the top name that gets the people going when it comes to our show and our audience. and it's safe to say that that could happen anywhere else in the league. People want to dream. They want to dream about having Max Crosby on their team.

And there's nothing really stopping anybody from doing that right now. So when Max Crosby and Caleb Williams decided to get together for our podcast that went over an hour, it was not filler. It was real discussion. Of course we were all listening. Not just listening, but also reveling in the fact that, hold up. Max Crosby and Caleb Williams got together for a podcast in the throes of teams who are cutting players, restructuring contracts, getting ready to make trades.

And we remember last year how big the trade they made on offense was with the Kansas City Chiefs to get Joe Tuny. It feels like they can make the same type of trade for Max Crosby and revitalize the defense. and a defense that showed some improvement, frankly, at the end of the season. Well, that's it. It's when we talk about this, what's the price going to be? And not the price necessarily to have him on your team, but just to acquire him to your team. You know, those are two different things. Can you carry the freight of the salary?

Can you also do enough restructuring to make that happen? And then before that, there's what do you want to give up? And I said this yesterday. There's been a lot of discussion about the concept of, there's been a lot of discussion of what the package would be to get him. And we talked about it a little bit on Chicago Sports tonight. Cassie Carlson was just here. That show was with Tina Winn and Chris Black on Sunday.

And I've said this before. I don't necessarily think it means three first round picks. It probably means more than the package that the Cowboys got for Micah Parsons because the Cowboys were the ones who did business to trade away Micah Parsons. So that usually means there's a lack of adequate value in return coming back. I think there might be a player. There might be another draft pick outside of two firsts. Something along those lines, given the tizzy that the league is in over Max Crosby being available,

putting himself out there, and also just simply talking ball. Yeah, I think there was a lot of clarification he had to do, Marshall, when it came to just whether or not his injury and his season-ending surgery, as I say that in quotes, was enough to make anybody really concerned about his availability moving forward. I think if we operate in a world where the best ability is availability, and that's how I operate, because that's what you have to do in sports in general, but especially with a violent sport like football, the availability of him from a health standpoint isn't really the issue. It's the plus he gives you because of his availability as a guy who stays on the field,

which is what makes him such an intriguing person to add to your team, right? And I love that Max Crosby in talking to Caleb Williams is kind of letting you know, I like what's going on in Chicago. He didn't have to come and say, I want to join the Chicago Bears. It's everything he said over the course of an hour that let you know he's on board with what the Chicago Bears are doing. Well, that's it. And that's putting yourself out there.

The proximity will tell a tale in it of itself. So in the same vein of me asking years ago, was Bryce Harper flirting with Chicago. What are you doing over here, Max Crosby? Are you trolling us all? Or is this legitimately putting yourself out there to get to know another team's quarterback with a fan base who wants you on that team? I mean, did you hear yourself just now?

Like that last sentence, it sums it up perfectly. Getting to know a quarterback when you know the fan base is rabid about the possibility of adding you. I think this was very strategic, both on the part of Max Crosby and Caleb Williams. They could do this podcast anytime. Why now? Why is now the time they decide to put this podcast and give you over 60 minutes of goodness? Well, and not only that, but it's two ballers talking ball.

So let's start with the, I think let's start with the really good stuff first. Let's start with the football geek, seamhead, respectively, type of stuff where Max Crosby and Caleb Williams are talking about each other's game and how they study each other. Josh McDaniel's last game is our head coach when we went to Detroit and played Ben Johnson the Lions. And I watched that game a hundred times out. And I'm like, okay. And it was one of my better games in my career. Yeah. And it was similar to y'all's game. I didn't have a sack. It's still one of my better games, just as overall disruption. Yeah. And Ben, like, you get respect for coaches at a different level when you know, like, damn, this mother-hires. He's making this difficult. Everything he's doing is for a reason.

and it's very calculated and he's going to stick to it. We got motions that are going to, you know, and then later we'll run at me. Same motion. We'll run at you. We'll run the same thing. It's going to be, you know, we're going to wind back and, you know, think it's this. And, you know, he's. He's going to send a jet motion one time, not going to hand it off.

The next time tackle is going to run sprint down. He's low-key going to just drop it off. Like, it's little things like that. So, like, watching that game, I'm like, okay, I can, he might do this. But I know this is the only difference. Caleb can run. Yeah. Jare Goff ain't running nowhere.

Yeah. So that's the difference, which makes y'all's offense go and make it so dangerous because you have the ability to get on the run. Yeah, you can improvise. And you could improvise and make it happen. So all week I'm like, all right, how am I going to fuck this game off? Yeah. I need to find a way. It was crazy.

And I've never seen, I mean, other than offensive linemen and myself, everybody else comes out the game. Yeah. Yeah. He took and then we went back and he took two plays off. Yeah. And it was two positive plays for us. But he took two plays off. It's like taking LeBron out the game.

He took two plays off. I mean, I swear, he took two plays off. And it was like, it was insane. I mean, you don't, you don't see that in, in this sense of the game where D.Ns especially, you know, guys, I mean, they, they get out the game often. It's all the time. Yeah. Often. Like, dude, you're a freak.

Why? You're the, you're the. Go chill. Take your, they, take your break. You're like, no. You should be. you should be wrecking the game like you're six foot six and two 80 and you know i see the throughout the throughout the league and watching games and they're subbing out like yeah like in my mind

is like i bet let's go right where he just left right at him right right right right yeah right so it's it's uh that's that's a that's a that's a that's the special also yeah the stamina part of it which i i i take great pride in myself like oh yeah i'll run and i'll start scramble 50 yards. Come back to the next, but I'd do it again. Yeah. Yeah, whatever, kind of whatever it takes kind of mindset. This is Rahimi Harrison Grotie on 1043, the score.

That was courtesy of the Max Crosby podcast. He and Caleb Williams on the Rush podcast talking about each other and then also the effects that they have on the game. That was as good of a scouting report on the Bears offense as I've heard. And there's something in there about Max Crosby that I think a lot of people should know. You know, it's his snaps per game and how many plays he does not take off. That is not as typical of other pass rushers that we know. I love how you say it and I'm reading your mind right now.

And why are you talking about Montess Swet in that manner? But there's a flip side to that. A lot of people think that because of Max Crosby playing all those snaps and he's going to have to curtail that a bit and limit it a little bit more in order to extend his career to the years that he may want to. I think eventually he will, but what was funny about that comment and what you just said is that Caleb says, it's like taking LeBron James out of the game. And that tells you what kind of impact Caleb Williams believes Max Crosby has on the game,

but also, hey, it's 2026. We got all kinds of new revelatory practices and procedures and the way we can keep people, not in ice, not literally on cryo, but. Not in a bubble. Not in a bubble. This isn't Hans Solo and freaking the Empire strikes back. How dare you ruin it for people? Spoiler alert.

What I will tell you is if Max Crosby is intent on keeping his style and his intensity the same and being on the field as much as possible and only taking off less than a handful of plays every game. Yeah, he's up in the upper 90s when it comes to a percentage of snaps per game. What's great about that is if he plays for your team, you don't have to worry about what you're getting from him. You're getting max effort. And I'm not saying that to be puny. I'm just, that's what you're getting. When the pun fits, you got to do it.

And that's what he is. He told you why it was hard for opposing teams to defend the bears. We saw that. You know, there were a lot of times where teams would put a spy on Caleb Williams. We saw him take advantage of those situations. And then you also hear how Max Crosby will view a game. And I think the way he watches a game while he's playing in it, a lot of that is because of the high amount of snaps he plays. But the bottom line is these two talking, this is game recognized game.

And we are lucky to have this conversation. I love it when two ball players get to talk like this and we get to further examine it, not just the fact that they're talking, what it means. And then also just did you need other reasons to like this guy? Did Bears fans need another reason to want him on your team? No. I don't know if we're going to get to it today, but Caleb talking about the interception. I think every Bears fan fills the way that Caleb Williams felt

when that interception happened. Well, and that's it. You know, there are times where you recognize somebody and you give him his respect because of the career he's had, the resume, knowing that that could still occur. And then there are guys where you know that, that can happen at any time. And that was Max Crosby's effect

on the game for the Bears when they face the Raiders. There are a couple of breaking news pieces that we want to tell you about. You know how we feel about breaking news on Rahimi Harrison Grotie. I just know it's sponsored by the Take the North podcast. That's it because we say so. You should listen to the Take the North podcast.

They're taking your questions right now if you have any for them. This is per Kevin Fishbane. The Bears announced press Taylor's promotion to offensive coordinator, the hiring of Eric Studsville, the running backs coach, please bear with us if we say Studsville. We've worked with Adam Studsinski for years, okay? Years. Bear with us.

Yes. Will Lawing the offensive analyst and Isaiah Ford, offensive quality control. Ford was a Dolphins receiver in 2017 and 18 when Ben Johnson was their receiver coach. So all of that is official. That's not the only coaching move we have to discuss, by the way, the NFL. We'll get to that a little bit later in five on it. The Bears also released a graphic with their headshots. And they wished everybody a happy Ramadan and a happy Lunar New Year.

I thought that was pretty cool too. Nicely done, bears. Way to spread all fields here on this and now Ash Wednesday. This is Rahimi Harrison Grotie on 104. The score, Marshall Harris, and Leila Rahimi are with you as we broadcast live from the Scores Hyundai Studios, brought to you by your local Hyundai dealers. Our producers are Ray Diaz and Tyler Beuter Rob Braden Friar helps us out as well. and you can catch us on Twitch.tv.tv.

We are also the score Chicago. We are also the score Chicago on YouTube. Our video crew is Connor O'Donnell, Jacob Stutz, and Max Curtis. You can text and call us at 312-644-67. Coming up next, more on that Caleb Williams and Max Crosby discussion. And really a follow-up to what was discussed in the Seth Wickersham book about watching film and the adjustments. that a college quarterback has to make to the pros. So we'll do that next. Rahimi Harrison Grody, midday's 10 to 2 on 1043 The Score.

This is Rahimi Harrison Grody on 1043 The Score, and we thank the content gods for giving us this podcast to discuss. It's Caleb Williams, Max Crosby, hanging out. What does that mean? And I'm not normally the one to think too much into this, but when Max Crosby is putting himself out there in these ways, It's pretty clear he doesn't want to stay in Las Vegas. But like, who's your favorite?

Are you talking to Caleb? Because the Bears are your favorite? Do you really like him? Does it help you want to go there? Is this the rabbit hole you went down when you saw this podcast was released? I just think there's... We all choose to spend our time with people. Okay, Layla.

And Caleb and Avon Ross A. Brown may not be going on each other's pods anytime soon after he pulled the old little... I'm going to mock the Bears First Down Celebration bit. I think that was okay, though. I think that's all fun in between the... lines. But my question for you is this. It's very simple. When you look at the Mass Crosby News that he has a podcast with Caleb and before you get to see it or anything, what was your immediate reaction? I mean, I'm like, oh, these two are getting together, huh? Wonder what they're going to talk about.

And then you listen to the whole podcast. How does that immediate reaction shift to the comprehensive, okay, I listen to it? Now what do I think of it? I'm still one of those people. I'm like, I enjoy two people who actually face off against each other. You know, because a lot of times, you know, in the promo, it's like two quarterbacks against each other. And I'm like, unless they're throwing the ball at each other, they're not facing off against each other. This is an actual faceoff. Like, this was one person versus one person. Yeah, and those two both knowing that they factor into a game. So I like that the actual faceoff was one where they got to talk to each other about ball and in life and all of that. And it was so

respectful and lovey-dovey and I could see them being teammates after watching. That's how I took it was like, okay, he's definitely putting a signal out there to Ryan Poles and to Ben Johnson. Hey, if you guys want to like, you know, make a move to get me, you already know I'm on board with everything you're doing and what your quarterback is doing. And even further to what you just said, Leila, about quarterbacks facing off and how we're always told, well, you're not on the field as the same time as the other quarterback. Two pitchers, squaring off.

Not really. They just both are doing their job. Especially in the world of a universal DH. But even though you're saying that, Caleb Williams, he had something to say about his view of how quarterbacks do, in fact, go against each other. And I thought that was very interesting because I think we all are taught, well, they're not on the field at the same time. But it doesn't mean the quarterbacks ain't measuring it up against each other. Didn't you even get that vibe with the Saints game and Spencer Rattler? Oh, completely got that vibe with that game.

And it may have cost the bears a little bit in that game because it was like, I'm going to try to outshine you as opposed to just, you know, hand the ball off and run over the Saints. They're not a very good football team. That famous game where Caleb Williams was subbed in for Spencer Radler. That was also discussed on the podcast. It sure was. And there was a couple mentions in this interview that we could get to, you know, later on because we have our little priorities that we want to get to here. But there was a lot of, a couple of mentions from Caleb where he said,

It's me versus me, and I thought that was interesting. Because it's how it should be. And that ray right there is an example and an evolution of what it should be for a professional athlete. And that's hard because you're hardwired to compete. But it really should be about you trying to figure out what you need to work on at a given time. And that's a really good segue into listening to this comment because it really is a true follow-up

to the Seth Wickersham book talking about his dad. saying he didn't know how to watch film. There wasn't somebody out there to help him prepare himself to be an NFL player. Listen to this. I feel like it's where you come from to like from a like college standpoint where you're actually taught. Yeah. Like because if you're not taught certain things and then not you're going to call it.

But even in college like it doesn't matter. I mean, I'm beyond. I don't think it matters whatever college it is. True. You're not. They're not teaching you what, what's in what's been taught in NFL or what you have to know in NFL for to be able to play and play and play well.

So that's, I think that's, That's what, like, my first year was. It was like, obviously I know how to play ball, I've played in some big games and things like that. And so some of that would come out. But then it's like, you know, the certain things throughout the game, like, you know, you don't need to go take this 16-yard outball if it's challenging.

Like, just check it down to the flat guy, the guy over the ball. Yeah. Get four or five yards and keep us going. Yeah. It's a whole thing. So it's some learning curve for sure that comes with it. But especially like with the skill set like you bro honestly you you trust yourself so much like that's the that's the biggest challenge for me is like I know it doesn't matter how close that defender is I always feel that I can get you know the same thing for you it doesn't matter how many chips you get how many whatever you know it's like I'm I'm I'm gonna get back there or for me I can get it over this guy or get it past this guy because all the all the all the that I've I've worked on over the time so yeah you know what? One thing that was reaffirmed by listening to this podcast,

ain't nobody got more faith in Caleb Williams and Caleb Williams. That man really believes he could do anything on a football field. And I can't be mad at him after watching what happened over the last half of the season. Nah, I can make any throw. Yeah, you tried. And you succeeded on most of the ones you tried. You succeeded on daring to dream on the make any throw throws. Now I need you to work on the basic ass throws that may not be as,

is sexy to you. Is there a football version of a layup line? That's what we need, really. Yeah. Before the game, we need you to layup line. It's like when you see the quarterback and a receiver, two quarterbacks just throwing to each other on the sideline just to stay loose, Caleb Williams has got to make those basic throws.

Yeah, I don't know that I needed to swear in there, but I think we're allowed so cool. But I need you to make the basic throws. You're seeing, though, the evolution of somebody who's learning who he is as a football. player. And I can't say that at this same time last year, not to this way. This time last year, as you're saying this time last year, we were in such a different world, such a different state of mind, such a exploratory phase, new head coach, Caleb Williams, broken quarterback from a lot of people's angle, even though he didn't have a bad rookie season, especially given the context of who was coaching him, having three different play cards.

callers, you can go down the list of all the reasons why Caleb Williams should not have been able to bounce back as well as he did in year two. How did you get here? Nobody's supposed to be here, especially not a Bears quarterback. Deborah. Deborah is a woman for all ages and for all situations. Deborah Cox. She really is. But he was there and he got there. And then to build on that in this way where we feel like his last game was his most complete or his last game was his best when you consider what he was working on. It wasn't like there was a, I think at the beginning of the season there were steps forward

and then there were steps back. But similar to, I brought this up yesterday when we were talking about what did the list that had come out of the top 10 quarterbacks. I don't have the same concern. Like the criticism of Sam Darnold before the Super Bowl was, well, he couldn't win a playoff game or he couldn't win the big game in the playoffs.

Are you saying that about Caleb Williams? No. Can't say that about Caleb Williams. He had his team in overtime against a team that lost in the NFC championship game. I mean... To the best team in the NFL. To the hands down best team in the NFL. So it's that part of it for me too.

Like I don't think that's going to... That doesn't follow him, for example. What follows him is he's going to try everything he possibly can to get his team back in the game and to try to win it, no matter the stage. And I feel like all of what he's saying with Max Crosby backs it up. The fun part is you kind of get to learn who you are. through somebody else's eyes who's trying to mess with you the entire game. And Max Crosby, I just, I get why he's like the number one guy that Bears fans wants.

I think they're realistic to understand that Miles Garrett, you can't get him. And if that's the case, then Max Crosby is next up on that list. He's not as openly available. Right. He just went to the team and said, I want to trade. And then they gave him an even bigger bag, Miles Garrett. And so it doesn't make sense a year later for him to try to also again say, I want to trade. I mean, he could, and it's the Browns, and nobody would fault him for it.

It is the Browns. But he even rep the Browns in his conversation with Micah Parsons. You remember that? He's like, and we'll beat you again. Remember that time we beat you? Michael Parsons asked for that by having him on his podcast. He said basically, hey, Miles, you want to come by and roast me? Like, how did Michael Parsons think that was going to go?

I have to say, Parsons was a pretty good sport about it all. I think he understood what the assignment was. Listen, it's his podcast. Is he getting the views? Is he getting the clicks? Does he need them? Yes, you're always trying to grow. Let's raise awareness from Micah Parsons.

I kid, but I think he still could have been angrier about it. And I feel like it was two dudes who were at the top of their game, just ribbing each other. But Miles Garrett absolutely rep the Browns in that. entire discussion. He didn't sound nearly as disinterested about the team as Max Crosby does, for example. He went on another grown man's podcast and sent him. That's what he did. At every turn, at every turn, multiple times. They're not that different in age. Sond him. There is something, maybe it's the mustache. He does carry himself very maturely, does he not? He does. That's why

Chloe's in love with him. I do love that couple. Chloe Kim. Yeah, Chloe Kim. Yeah, Chloe Kim. and Miles Garrett, you know, you know I feel like that's one of the good young celebrity sports athlete couples. Got a lot of them out here. Yeah, this is Rahimi Harrison Rodeo. 104 3 at the score. Marshall Harrison Lailerahaheim talking about Caleb Williams appearing on Max Crosby's podcast with you. The bottom line, I think, for me as far as what does it mean? It means that I know that if Caleb Williams were to be a teammate of Max Crosby,

that those two would probably bring the best out of each other. Do I know if it means he's any more likely to come to the Bears? Absolutely not. The Bears are in a really tough situation when it comes to how much capital they've devoted to their defensive line and how much capital they devoted to their defense and how much they're already having to figure out how much to give up. You know, yesterday was the first day you could franchise tag players in the NFL or transition tag. And we're still watching to see how they try to creatively account the defense. You know, could Kevin Byard fall under that category?

You know, there's all these different ways that the bears may have to slice the pie to get to the numbers that they want to have the defensive talent on the field that they need. It's not the fact that the cap has the bears in a stranglehold. It's what you said, Lela, about how much money they've already invested to the front. Well, and then do you want to put more draft capital behind that? Like, look at it not just as money. look at it as draft capital as well or roster capital. You know, when you consider it that way, that's when this really gets tricky.

And you can do all of this because of your rookie quarterback's contract, but it's still not easy. You can make the argument that this year's draft is bigger than last year's draft. You can make that argument. Because 25 becomes super crucial. You'd better hit on that pick. And it's more difficult to hit on 25 than it is, I don't know, top 10 pick. And Ryan Poles is accustomed to picking in the top 10. I like how we've got some people who are trolling the Seahawks 219, the best team in the league.

That was one field goal away from losing to a five-year retired quarterback. The Seahawks were the best team in the league. You can accept that. It's fine. They won the Super Bowl. And every NFL team is a one-score away from some sort of season-ending play. Do you not understand how the NFL is designed and how it's built to work? It's supposed to be one-score games.

That's what makes it so interesting. Yeah, that's the whole point, actually. You could make that argument about anybody. But I think when it came to consistency, yeah, for me, the Seahawks were the most consistent team in the NFL. 6-3-R, you cannot just cut Dio. We've got to see more out of him first because there is always the chance that he hits in a way that we hadn't seen yet.

And I think that's why the Bears signed him to this deal. But the problem is we just haven't seen it yet. Also, the... Don't compare Dio to Max Crosby. going to be disappointed. The $22 million dead cap is another reason why you cannot cut Diode Daywater Day. I mean, that's it. When you look at the spot rack table, it will tell you some truths within the first few lines and you're like, oh, oh. Yeah. I mean, still put it out there. No, no, no. Shoot or shoot. I understand. But I think one of the things that every

bear's fan will know the diehards within the next couple of weeks, if they don't already know, is why DiO Dangbo is going to be on this team next year. Well, and there's just a lot of really good text, just kind of shooting the breeze with us today. I like shooting the breeze. Yes, 312, 64, 67, 67. Like, for example, 630, the name of the game is Stratigo, choose wisely. And that's true. 219 says the window is open right now.

We don't have time for second year players to develop. DJ's ready right now. 219 wants to send Rome to the Raiders. That would be a package that I think the Raiders couldn't refuse, but you don't send your young players who have that many years left on a contract. I don't know that the Raiders see Rome as a clear-cut wide-receiver 1. I think that they would see DJ Moore as a clear-cut wide-receiver 1, for example.

I don't know that they see Roma Dunes-A as a clear-cut wide-receiver 1. I just don't think it's that simple either. I don't think it's as simple as, oh, DJ goes or Rome goes and then draft picks. I don't think it's that simple at all. The price is going to be high for any team who wants to acquire him if he's even actually. available. Like we don't know if Clint Kubiak and his coaching staff is wanting to sit down with him and talk about this. We certainly heard what Clint Kubiak said at his introductory press conference about Max Crosby. He did not sound like a guy who was like, yeah, let me get rid of my best defensive

player. Also, who do you want to build your team around? What are your best, like I would build a team around Max Crosby on the defensive side of the ball. Absolutely. The offensive line portion of the consideration for the Las Vegas Raiders also. They have a weapon that they can't fully use in Ashton Genty because the line has been so bad. Well, and that's part of it too. You know, and building around Ashton Genty, even after a season that maybe people thought was somewhat disappointing, that's not a bad idea either. This is Rahimi Harrison Grotie on 104.3, the score as we continue to examine what was said in a very long and extensive conversation between two of the best, Caleb Williams and Max Crosby.

And Caleb talked to Max Crosby in a way that I think is probably the best end-of-season assessment we've heard of himself and some of his performance had a little bit of time to get away and then had a conversation that I think is really valid. So he goes through some of the best plays, including the game-tying touchdown pass against the Rams. So we'll talk about that and listen to what Caleb Williams had to say about it next. Here we go. Fourth and four. It's a blitz. Joseph.

The man in motion. Williams, drifting. Sprinting for... And the crowd goes wild. That was fun to hear at Soldier Field. This is Rahimi Harrison Grotty on 1043. The score, that courtesy of Mike Tariko, who liked being here too with Chris Collinsworth on NBC. They did.

Did you like that? He told us he loved Chicago. Like, the way he talks about Chicago and calling games here is... is it's amazing. But you know what? That throw was unbelievable. And I'm sorry, but every time I watch it, because, like, how many times did you watch it in a 24-hour period?

Would you guess? Would you guess? Oh, man. Oh, geez. Probably close to 100. Like, yeah, I mean, I slow-mo a lot of stuff, too. But, no, more than 15, I guess. I don't even know off the top of my head.

Because the play itself lasted, like, it lasted longer than most plays because of how far he ran back. It was other things, too, like the ISO of Komet, swinging the bat at Stacy Dales, you know, ran right to her. I think she was filming with her phone. That was just perfect. Yeah, that was on her phone. I think for me, every time I see it, though, I almost don't expect it to be a completed

pass because of the nature of the start of the play. You know what I think? Being a sports old head, if you will, I sit in the Kevin Durant camp. You know, I'm Team Stripes, not Team Stars. Not the Kevin Durant. Not that we ran out of gas camp. But I'm like, man, you could do that now. But like years later, you might be like, I can't believe we really did that.

Like, who, that was pretty crazy. But yeah, just the excitement and listening to the crowd again. That's a good audio mix, Ray and Tyler, of just how good the crowd was and how it popped at Soldier Field. And to say the phrase, Soldier Field crowd pop is not something that I think I've said in my life. Many Bears fans have not said that in their lifetime. Like, like WWE Survivor Series crowd pop when CM Punk returned, that's something I've said. But a soldier field crowd pop for the career? We're in a different era, baby. What about a United Center Bulls crowd pop?

Would those happen? Like when I was there for the giddy half-court shot? Oh, well, you make a half-course shot. Yeah, yeah, yeah. But no, you know what? The United Center crowd pop actually happens pretty frequently because of how they know a three will like tear the roof off a place or a dunk or something along those lines. I feel like that happens pretty often. The United Center crowd is into it. Is that more about crowd timing then and being aware of the moment that you're living in? But as a group, because I haven't you been there at times where when you're in the arena, you're like, oh, if he hits this three, this place is going to go bananas. And then it does. That happens. I guess that didn't happen when I went to the season opener two seasons ago.

Oh, when you and I were sitting there watching and then you're like, Oklahoma City's up by 19? And I'm like, wait, how did that happen so fast? We've been watching the game. There was no crowd pop that day. But the point is, Silderfield crowd. And that play, Caleb Williams talked about it.

It's hard to talk about it after a loss with any sort of appreciation because it frustrated. Your season's over. It could have been so close to extending. You could have lived to see another day, but unfortunately not the case. So I appreciate Caleb Williams

talking about this on the Rush podcast of the Max Crosby. that whole process is he is he made the impossible possible Ben has a clip from watching from behind Ben and Ben he's watching me and he goes he like tilts his head back

and I already know his mind's like what the is he doing? Why the you know like don't go don't run away it's fourth down like obviously don't run away from yeah where we need to go where we need to go it's the biggest play biggest moment you know and and so

and in that moment it's I was actually about to escape. So I had a tight, tight edge on both sides, short edge on both sides. And I can't get up in the pocket. It didn't feel like I could get up in the pocket. And so I'm like, all right, I'm about to just gain a little depth,

trying to wait for somebody to pop open. And then I'm like, they're not popping open. Safety, it was cover for, safety bid on the end route we had. And the other route we had got covered up also. And so I'm like, okay, I'm back. and I'm backing up. And I'm like,

do you realize how far you're backing up in the moment? No, no, I was, I was just, I was like, here we go. It's time to go and make a play. It was a madden play. Yeah, so I was back. You run 30 yards backwards and you're like, why, yeah, what am I doing?

So I was backing up, backing up. And I'm like, I got to get out of here. And so I'm like, okay, I'm not to just spin out and just, and I'm not to just loop back. So that's why I actually start looping back and trying to get around the edge. And I'm like, oh, he has a great angle on me. Can't do that. And so I feel his angle and I'm like okay now at this point I'm gonna just create space for myself So I can get the ball down the down the field. And so that's what happened. So I start bending and then I bend back

To try and straighten both of them up so it creates more time for me. Yep and then I straighten up and I turn around and I see everybody I can see everybody at this one. You're all watching you 50 yards back I can see everybody best view in the house I can see absolutely everybody and my you know whatever and so everybody's over here and there's a six foot six tight in to 60 or whatever and then there's a shorter a shorter cornerback and I'm like 14 and 85 those you know cold so I saw I saw everything yeah I'm like my only thought was put this ball in the in the back of the end zone yeah I was and I was like that's our best shot to go and and either tie the game or go win the game after and so that's what I did I was like here we go and I got my I got enough you know of my feet playing the ground and just and put in the back of

end zone and it's it's one of those like it's like I mean for instance it's like throwing a go ball like you know he's even with him like give him give him the best ball that you can you know hide in front of them and and let him go make a play and so that was that was kind of the thought but in those moments a lot of times I'm scrambling I mean there's no thought like I'm right at the end of the moment right before I threw it was like that was the last thing I like I wasn't thinking anything until that moment's like I put it put it high in the we call high back five you know yep yep and uh and that's what that's what it came down to and cole cold did a great job you shock yourself no i knew it when i let it go i knew when i let it go i knew it was a touchdown

yeah a lot of times well dude was so far oh he's up at the front of the goal line oh he's up on the goal line so that's why i was like i got enough space to put in the back and just let cold fade away to it yeah um yeah there's a there's a few times throughout the games where where you know like you let the ball go and it's like okay here we go so you know so that's I got up and just went straight to the sideline. I was like, yeah. It's a little home run truck. Yeah, I meant to do that.

Yeah. That's what I did. That's how we drew it up. It's part of the game. Man, I love hearing the Bears quarterback. Man, I love hearing the Bears quarterback. Our quarterback, talk about the game in a slow down way,

his process during a play, and how it unfolded for him. Because when, I hear him say that I'm thinking to myself, this is the flow state you talked about. When I asked you, what does this offense look like when you're cooking? What's the visual?

How does it feel? Like, do you have an idea of what this needs to be when you're at your best? He just described it. It only took me 10 months to get the answer that I tried to figure out. But that right there, when you know your quarterback can see it

or have it unfold that way and let you inside of his process. It was a good thing. Just the part where he's almost describing as if he's looking at an arcade view of the entire field because he's backpedaled so far that he could see everything. And what he sees on the left side in the corner is a little guy and a big guy and he sees the numbers.

He knows who's who. And he's like, ah, I just got to put it behind him. We're good. We're good. Well, and just the confidence. And then also, what do you say about what your requirement is for every head coaching candidate? or offensive coach candidate.

Have you played a little Madden? And clearly, Caleb, Ben, they have played Madden. The fact that it's just part of your football knowledge now in this way. Like, that's what I was thinking, too, is I'm like, he's basically describing a Madden. And then we heard Max Crosby and Madden play. That's it for me. Back, let it go.

Back, back, back, back, back, back, back, back. But to have the wherewithal to know you need to throw it in the back of the end zone, and still do all of those things when you can tell me about your process that's how I know how well you're seeing the game. I just wonder if he felt like he was avenging almost that moment with Cole Commet putting it in the right place against the Packers at Lambeau Field

as the way he described it, you know? I think that would be an excellent follow-up question. We have more coming up on Rahimi Harrison Grotie a little bit more from the Caleb Williams and Max Crosby podcast too. We will get to that later in our show. We will do that a little bit later. but in the meantime, it's time to check in on the NFL news.

I mentioned this. Players could have the franchise tag as soon as yesterday. So Mike Florio will come in and talk to us about the latest NFL news as free agency. Starts to Starts to happen. You got that? Next. Thy ticket, Lady Jennifer of Coolidge. Well, many thanks, good sir.

Heareth my Discover card. They accept Discover at Renaissance Fares? Yeah, they do here. Discover is accepted at the places that I love to shop. Get it? With the times. With the times? You're playing the loot. Yeah, and it sounds pretty good, right? Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide. Based on the February 2025 Nilsen Report.

Hey, it's Lauren's Holmes. No matter where you're listening from, Chicago Sports still matter. The Bears Free Agency, Cubs and Sox on the Horizon, the Bulls, and more. And I'm Matt Spiegel. We bring the energy at the country. conversation and the point of view you'd hear if you were back home at Wrigley Field or the United Center. Strong opinions, real debate, and the voice of Chicago Sports. We cover the storylines that matter with perspective only Chicago Sports Talk can give. Stay connected to Chicago Sports Pulse with us.

Catch Spiegel and Homes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Have you or a family member been diagnosed with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer that can be removed by surgery? Consider talking to an oncology. about your treatment options. Why? Because knowing your options before you have surgery can help your care team develop a treatment plan that's right for you.

Learn about a potential treatment plan before and after surgery at ask before surgery.com. That's ask before surgery.com and talk to an oncologist before your surgery. At blinds.com, it's not just about window treatments. It's about you. Your style, your space, your way.

Whether you DIY or want the pros to hand. handle it all. You'll have the confidence of knowing it's done right. From free expert design help to our 100 satisfaction guarantee, everything we do is made to fit your life and your windows. Because at blinds.com, the only thing we treat better than windows is you. Visit blinds.com now for up to 45% off-site-wide, plus a professional measure at no cost. Rules and restrictions apply. I'm one of those people who will happily eat steak and eggs any time of the day. Breakfast, dinner, it's technically midnight, but I'm still hungry. Doesn't matter. There's just something unbeatable about a good steak hitting a hot pan, that immediate sizzle, the smell filling the kitchen, and then topping it with a

fried egg where the yolk is deep yellow and just barely runny. Unreal. Pure protein heaven. That's also why I love having Omaha Steaks on hand. The steaks are incredibly tender, super flavorful, and cook evenly, whether I'm searing them on the stovetop or throwing them on the grill. It's that steakhouse quality bite at home. Omaha Steaks has everything from their fan favorite filet mignon. Yes, the USDA certified tender one to burgers, chicken, pork, seafood, and even fully cooked comfort meals, like beef pot roast or meat lovers lasagna for nights when you still want high protein but zero effort get 50% off the world's best everyday protein go to omahostakes.com for 50% off site wide during their semi-annual sale and for an extra $35 off use promo code teabone at checkout that's 50% off

at omah stakes.com and an extra $35 off with promo code teabone at checkout terms apply see site for details this hour is sponsored by riverfront Chrysler jeep dodge ram And gentlemen, joining us now is a man who's got a massive brain. Mike Florio. He used to be a lawyer, then he decided to take his talents to the internet. NBC Sports. I'm sorry, I'm late. I was talking to Robert Kraft.

That is at the time for an airing of grievances. Pro football talk. I got a lot of problems with you, people. No, you're going to hear about it. On Chicago Sports Radio, 1043, the score. The NFL news never stops, and neither does Mike Floreo. creator and editor-in-chief of Pro Football Talk. He joins us every

week at this time on Rahimi Harrison Grotie on 104-3 The Score. You can find him on X at Pro Football Talk. He's also on Blue Sky. And he is the creator and editor-in-chief. Joining us via Twitch, twitch.tv, slash the score, Chicago, trying to get the fireworks going on the Twitch I see.

And he is on our Circa Resort and Casino hotline, circle las Vegas.com. There they go. There's the fireworks. Mike Florio. Love that. How are you today? Good. I thought it was a dud today. It hadn't been working lately. I thought they turned it off because they recognize I'm an infant. First of all, being an infant is fun. We work in sports. Secondly, isn't that the whole point is to have if the computers are going to take over our life the way they have and take all of our jobs, shouldn't we at least have some fun stuff along the way like fireworks on Twitch or something? Well, they distract us with that. That's right. While AI secretly plots our demise, they distract us with fireworks. was a time too where if you would do the quote marks, it would like make balloons fall, but I don't

know, that doesn't work anymore. All right. Well, we'll figure it out, I guess, is they take, you're right, they are going to secretly plot to take over. They've already created their own social network. Frankly, I don't blame them for that one. Mike, yesterday was the first day that we could see players get, it's always the verb, right, get hit with the franchise tag. It's like getting hit with a RICO charge. You're never, like, it's never just like applied to your contract. It's like some sort of charge or some sort of punishment. You know, have you seen anybody or is there an expectation for you of somebody who might get the franchise tag at some point with this window open? You know, it's funny. Once upon a time, they actually tried to make it seem like a good thing,

like it's a reward. You're a franchise player. You're so good and you're so valued that we're going to use this thing that prevents you from becoming a free agent and making what you deserve. And I think over time, we've realized this isn't good. It's never good. It's a way for the teams to keep the guy around at a number that the team is happy to pay because it's less than, and it's less of a commitment than it would be if they had to compete with whoever out there is willing to try to sign the player on the open market. So this year, look, last year there was only two. This year, it remains to be seen what's going to happen. The big name is George Pickens.

He had a career year in his only season with Dallas, traded by the Steelers last May to the Cowboys, 1,400 plus receiving yards, second team all pro, pro bowler, and the Cowboys clearly want him, but they don't want to pay him market value. And he's in a position where if he was available the first day of free agency, maybe somebody would offer him a Jamar Chase contract.

We don't know, because if they block him from the market with the franchise tag, he won't get it. And I know that the natural reaction for fans, they're going to hear $28 million in 2026 for George Pickens, boo-hoo. But when you get that one shot, and for plenty of players, it's one shot at free agency. And the multi-year, life-changing generational wealth. To have that taken away from you, to have that delayed for a year, and there's no guarantee you're going to get it next year, to have that taken away, that that's a disparity in bargaining power between teams and players, and it's been baked into the collective bargaining agreement for more than 30 years.

So he's the one that I think we all should be watching. There are other names that possibly will get tagged. But again, last year there were only two, and both of those players ended up signing long-term deals to stay with their teams. Does that mean we're changing the way this franchise tag works in your eyes, Mike? Is it going down and maybe not that it won't ever be used, it seems like it's being used less and less and less. I think a lot of it just depends upon whether or not a team

allows a player to get to that point. And most teams that have a player who is highly skilled and highly valued, I think they've learned that the longer you wait, the more expensive it's going to get. Like Caleb Williams will never have the franchise tag applied to him. The Bears will sign him. well before they're on the brink of that decision. Some teams have made a mistake.

Tuatong of Iloa is going to be in the headlines very soon for what the Dolphins do with him. They had one year left on his rookie deal, $24 million under the fifth year option. They gave him a market-level contract when they didn't have to. They should have let it play out. They should have seen what he could do in 2024

and then make a decision, do we franchise tag him or not. So I just think the functional teams, when they know they have a great play, they don't play games. They don't wait around. They get that player signed well before the franchise tag dance ever begins.

I think it makes sense, Mike. There is one person on the Bears who, I think maybe the most likely candidate, if there is one, but it's kind of the same idea. The position can command a high salary. Like, would Kevin Byard be a good fit for one of these, like a franchise or the transition?

Well, the transition tag doesn't get used all that much anymore, because I think it was 2011, that tender, that one-year contract that goes with being the transition tagged player became fully guaranteed the moment the player takes it. It used to be it wasn't fully guaranteed and the team still had some options if it wanted to do something down the road. And it also doesn't give the team any compensation if the player leaves. The issue with Byard, like how much of this is right place, right time, right moment, and when you factor in his age,

Does it make sense to make that commitment? And the other side of the coin is, what does the team think the market for the player is going to be? Is there someone out there that is going to offer significantly more than what the Bears would pay to keep? I mean, if there isn't, there's no reason to slam the door on free agency. And for some teams, and look, they have a two-week window for this. Now, there's a chance someone is going to get tagged by Friday,

so it sends the message when everyone goes to Indianapolis next week for the scouting combine. where tampering is rampant, don't waste your time trying to put ideas in the head of this guy's agent about what's out there because he's been tagged. But in some situations, it can be valuable because, you know, the bears will get wind of what may be out there for Byrd if he becomes a free agent, and that could be enough to get them to say, you know what? You know what? We'd rather tag him because we think somebody else is going to sign him if he hits

the open market. So that two-week period can be very useful as it relates to the current team getting the information necessary to make a final decision. Mike Floyd joins us as he does every week here on Rahimi Harrison Grody. Mike, I'm curious because we know that the NFL went to a lot of length to go and make sure that these NFLPA player surveys were not published. But you make your great point in saying all they're doing is delaying the inevitable. we're going to find out what the players think about their teams and the facilities and the staffs and the ownership and everything else in between. Yeah, this is the ultimate Wiley Coyote Roadrunner moment where the Coyote thinks he's won and that stick of dynamite blows up in his face. And it was funny to see how the NFL crowed about this.

They sent out a memo on Friday. They created the impression that they'd successfully defeated the whole process, that there would be no report. cards. It became clear right away, and I've read the whole opinion, the union is allowed to make them, and the union is allowed to make that information available to its 2,000 members. Do we really think that none of 2,000 players will find a way to get that information to a reporter? And it'll probably go like this. They'll find a way to get it to their agent, the agent will find a way to get it to the reporter, and it'll all be out there. And it creates a greater incentive. You know, when we are told we're not allowed to see something, if we previously weren't

interested in seeing it, we now are. Because somebody wants us to not see it. There must be something good there. So they already generated plenty of interest as it was before the NFL won this hollow victory that the report cards can't be published. Now that we all know they don't want us to see them, I know we're going to be more motivated to find them, to cover them to put the stuff out there that the owners don't want out there. It is kind of ridiculous that the owners are so thin-skinned that they don't want feedback from their players to be published. But it's just an example of how NFL owners have created a world where they have no accountability whatsoever, which makes them loathe any accountability that they may endure.

Well, my do you also think that it's that NFL owners will realize how, good some of their brethren are treating players and then they're going to be asked to meet a higher standard? Well, the teams that get it like the Broncos, they saw the criticisms in the report card and they made changes. Other owners have done that. And my understanding is it's a loud minority of owners who hate these report cards, who don't appreciate the feedback, who resent the employees complaining about work conditions that mobilized to get this thing, not killed, but at least muzzled in a way that ultimately won't be effective. So, yeah, I think that any responsible employer would want to know, what can we do better?

How can we take better care of you? I use the metaphor all the time. Every football player on every NFL team is a piece in a football machine that is eventually going to be replaced with a new piece. But that doesn't mean that the players should not be treated as human beings, that they should be given proper treatment, that their families should have proper treatment. That's one of the categories how teams treat the families of the players. And you're going to have good teams, you're going to have bad teams. And the bad teams tend to stay bad. And the dysfunction starts at the top. And it's the owners of those teams that don't want

to be publicly shamed into trying to spend more money or view their players differently than they do. Mike Floreo, the creator and editor-in-chief of Pro Football Talk, joining us here on Rahimi Harrison Grady. Hey, Mike, I really want to know just your first reaction to this podcast that Max Crosby sat down with Caleb Williams for over an hour, and we were trying to figure out, is this Max signaling that he's good with the Bears or just happenstance? It's not happenstance.

But just the timing of it and the understanding that Max Crosby, even if the Raiders say they want to keep him, it sounds like he's a guy who wants to go play for a winner, and that doesn't look like it's happening in Las Vegas. Well, now I know what I'm going to be doing for an hour this afternoon because I haven't seen that podcast yet. Oh, okay. I will be checking it out.

Max Crosby is dealing with his discontent in Las Vegas so differently than Miles Garrett did last year. Garrett came out Super Bowl week with this lengthy statement saying, I'm done with the Browns, and we know what happened. Cleveland, which it usually does, threw enough money at the problem to solve it, and Garrett stayed there. And it worked out for him. defense player of the year and single season sack record, but the Browns continue to be the Browns. Crosby, I think, kept his mouth shut for so long and dealt with the situation in Las Vegas for so long.

I think that they broke him when they shut him down for the last two games of the 2025 regular season with a knee injury that he had been playing through, that he wanted to play through. They took from him the thing that is most important to him, the ability to go play. football with his teammates and to be in that in that pit of competition he had two more chances last year and he was deprived of that and it felt like the breaking point j glazer has spoken to him j glazer's had some reporting during super bowl week glazer said crosbie's done with the raiders i ran that by someone who's in a position to know and i was told to draw your own conclusions so even though crosbie isn't coming out and saying it directly i think there's enough pieces there

that we can come to that conclusion now will the raiders try to to throw money at him. They got plenty of cap space. His contract, which was market level when he signed it a year ago, has been supplanted multiple times. And he's in about 35, 36 million. Michael Parsons at 47. So I don't know, maybe a raise will change it, but it sure seems like he's at his wits end. And this is a guy, he told us the story at the Super Bowl last year that I thought was very compelling. There are other guys on the Raiders team that want to be like him. How do we get like you? And he said, well, okay, well, I'll see at the gym at 6 o'clock tomorrow morning. and we'll work out the way I work out.

We'll make the commitment that I've made. And they show up for a day or two and then they don't show up again. So he's the kind of guy you want in a locker room where the others will listen to him. And he'll complement the existing leadership and inspire the guys to go all out and be all in and be fully committed to the cause. And it just hasn't happened with the Raiders. He could be the difference for some other team that is looking for that kick that they need to get to the top of the mountain. Mike, I also want to ask you this because it came out after we got to talk to you.

And I know you wrote the story on Valentine's Day. And I think for you professionally, this is as good of a Valentine as it gets to hear that the Brian Flores case is allowed to be made public. That it will not be closed like per an arbitration. What do you expect to hear and what are you looking forward to hearing when it comes to information surrounding this? Well, it's not over yet, and the NFL will continue to fight tooth and nail to try to convince the U.S. Supreme Court to force the Flores case into the NFL's what I call secret rigged court, kangaroo court, excuse me, of arbitration. And people ask me, why do you call it that? And the answer is because it is, because this is what they want. They want to have everything under their control. And the idea that the CEO of any company would be the person who resolved. any legal claims made by the workforce against the company.

I can't believe it's taken this long for it to finally be recognized as a major problem. The NFL shouldn't want to do this. It's inherently unfair. So Flores has them on the run. Now, John Gruden has already won on that point, and the NFL didn't exercise its prerogative to try to appeal the decision of the Nevada Supreme Court to the U.S. Supreme Court. So we're going to find out who ordered the Code Red against John Gruden unless they settle the case or otherwise get the case dismissed.

With Flores, what it's going to mean is there's going to be a lot of depositions, there's going to be a lot of documents. If it goes to trial, it's all going to be an open court. These types of disputes need to be an open court so we can cover them and understand them and explain to the fans the way the NFL operates. There's never been true accountability. And I had DeMora Smith with me two weeks ago. He's the former executive director of the NFLPA, and he made an excellent point. There's no accountability when it comes to the NFL's hiring practices. And this is the kind of thing that will make them accountable, publicly accountable,

answer questions where people can hear the questions, hear the answers, and tell their audiences what's going on. They have wanted to keep us from getting a look behind the curtain. If this thing goes forward in court, we're going to find out a lot about the evidence, about the arguments, and maybe ultimately a verdict against the NFL that would reflect frustration and disapproval of years and years and years of systemic racial discrimination when it comes to hiring for some of the most important jobs in an organization. Yeah, yeah. If everything's on the up and up, why are they so afraid of hiding?

Why do they need to hide so badly then if everything is fine? And there's the answer. Yep. Maybe it's not that fine. And they just love to control everything. That's really what it comes down to. Control. They don't want anyone second-guessing them. They don't want anyone scrutinizing them. They don't want anyone doing anything other than sitting back.

and watching the games and forget about it. We'll handle everything else. Don't wrap up with the other stuff. Just enjoy the games. We'll take care of everything else. And it works. It works for a lot of fans. And for those of us who try to hold their feet to the fire,

they get upset. They complain to our bosses. And you have others in the media that will say, if you dare raise these questions, you hate football. I think it's a testament that you love the NFL if you're trying to help make it better. And when you have the billionaires

hiding behind a screen, doing whatever they want to do with no real accountability. I think if you don't fight against that, you don't truly love football. There's a lot of that going around these days, a lot of what you just described going around in a lot of places. Also, last time I checked, I wasn't in a marriage or relationship with football. So I don't really know that that matters. I am in the business of protecting people's rights and hearing the truth. Mike Florio, thanks as always.

Thanks, Mike. All right, thanks. Have a great week. That's Mike Florio. coming up next on Rahimi Harrison Grotie here on 1043 The Score. More labor talk, but it's not necessarily what you would think. The news about Tony Clark stepping down from the Major League Baseball Players Association sent shockwaves yesterday. And it also reached the player reps for each team and a former player rep in Ian Hap, a friend of the show.

He had a lot of really important things to say ahead of a season where we keep being told to savor it. So let's listen to Ian Hap next. Oh, could this vintage store be any cute? Right? And the best part? They accept Discover. Except Discover? In a little place like this? I don't think so, Jennifer. Oh, yeah, huh? Discover is accepted where I like to shop. Come on, baby. Get with the times. Right. So we shouldn't get the parachute pants? These are making a comeback. I think.

Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide. Based on the February 2025 Nilsen report. Have you or a family member been diagnosed with early stage non-small cell lung cancer that can be removed by surgery? Consider talking to an oncologist about your treatment options. Why? Because knowing your options

before you have surgery can help your care team develop a treatment plan that's right for you. Learn about a potential treatment plan before and after surgery at ask before surgery.com. That's ask before surgery.com

and talk to an oncologist before your surgery. At blinds.com, it's not just about when treatments. It's about you. Your style, your space, your way. Whether you DIY or want the pros to handle it all, you'll have the confidence of knowing it's done right. From free expert design help to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, everything we do is made to fit your life and your windows. Because at blinds.com, the only thing we treat better than windows is you. Visit blinds.com now for

up to 45% off-site wide, plus a professional measure at no cost. Rules and restrictions apply. I'm one of those people who will happily eat steak and eggs any time of the day. Breakfast, dinner, it's technically midnight, but I'm still hungry. Doesn't matter. There's just something unbeatable about a good steak hitting a hot pan. That immediate sizzle. The smell filling the kitchen. And then topping it with a fried egg where the yolk is deep yellow and just barely runny.

Unreal. Pure protein heaven. That's also why I love having Omaha steaks on hand. The steaks are incredibly tender, super flavorful and cook evenly. Whether I'm searing them on the stovetop or throwing them on the grill. It's that steakhouse quality bite at home. Omaha Steaks has everything from their fan favorite filet mignon. Yes, the USDA certified tender one to burgers, chicken, pork, seafood,

and even fully cooked comfort meals like beef pot roast or meat lovers lasagna. For nights when you still want high protein but zero effort. Get 50% off the world's best everyday protein. Go to Omaha Steaks.com for 50% off sitewide during their semi-annual sale. And for an extra $35 off, use promo code T-bone at checkout. That's 50% off at Omaha Steaks.com and an extra $35 off with promo code T-Bee. T-bone at checkout. Terms apply. See site for details. Presented by T-Mobile, the official wireless partner of Odyssey Sports.

With an awesome network and great savings, there's never been a better time to join T-Mobile. Visit your neighborhood store to make the switch today. Rahimi Harrison Grody. The great Kevin Harlan. I just pulled through the Taco Bell drive-through, and I've got a couple of big, nasty, supreme burritos right here waiting to beat. You know, the first thing they ask you now, I'm using the app. The app, no, I just want my burrito. I don't want to use an app.

Bring a lot of mild sauce because I'm going to squirt it all over the place. Put some hot sauce on my burrito, baby. Rahimi Harrison Grody, midday's 10 a.m. to 2 on the score. My first piece of advice and one that I'm going to take is, you know, enjoy the season. Why does it sound like something good and a threat at the same time? That's Tom Ricketts. This is Rahimi Harrison Brody on 1043, The Score. Doesn't it?

Like your face says everything, Marshall. I think it's just a forewarning, like, enjoy this season because I can't tell you if the next season's going to happen at all. It reminds me of Billy Madison where he's holding the kid's face and he's like cherish it and he's grabbing his cheek and shaking it. That's how I feel. Is that too extreme? Probably. That's my brain. I honestly think Tom Ricketts and the talk that he's had not only in going out and spending the big money on Alex Bragman right now.

You did do that, Tom. Not only in talking about how the trade deadline, I want to remind you, we are always flexible. with a trade deadline, salary cap be damned for this year at least. You're willing to go over the CBT. I like it. I think all of that has to do with the fact that I don't think Tom Ricketts, if you put a lie detector on him, would be able to tell you without that thing going off, hey, yeah, we're going to have baseball in 2027 and everything's going to be, I mean, Tom Ricketts said, honky dory.

You are not the father. Look at me in the eyes and tell me there's going to be a baseball season next year. You can't do it. Can't. Not the way things have been going. Which is why it's concerning that Tony Clark amidst an investigation by the Eastern District of New York, which is, and what do we just say in our last segment with Mike Florio, when stuff comes out in court, other things come out.

Tony Clark is the head of the Players Association for Major League Baseball. There are multiple reports yesterday early that had broken. during the morning show of Mullen Haugh about him stepping down from his role. And then we find out it is amidst an investigation by the Eastern District of New York. And the reason I keep saying that is because they are a big, big deal regarding a whistleblower complaint

and a charitable organization questioning where the resources were going. That's unfortunately just the tip of the iceberg on this thing. And it's shocking. to hear that the Players Association and leader would be stepping down the season before the CBA is up, which we know

is at the end of the season. But then there's also the other side of this that we learned in the afternoon, this was after our show, multiple reports saying that there was also an inappropriate relationship regarding his sister-in-law, which is, again, this is how it goes,

right? You're under investigation. You find out what you're under investigation for. If you're us observing, that's usually the first thing. And then you start finding out more details. That's why Mike Florio, for example, is so intent on finding out what's going on with the Brian Flores case. So needless to say, if I were in their union, the Players Association, I would not be thrilled that you have to find a new executive director ahead of what is going to be expectantly a very contentious negotiation. Several people tweeted out, it's no longer the Players

Association. It's the Players Association. It's the Players Association. Because when your leader's doing things like that, well, you're open to all types of criticism. Fair enough. Now, look, this is a bad look. Let's start with that. This is a very bad look. It's also a very bad timing. But the timing could be worse.

If this happens in the middle of the summer or at the end of next season, it's a much different story. I think. I think it's good that they got this done over with finding a new leader, keep it moving. Well, I think of it in terms of when the negotiation has to happen. So for me, any time closer to the negotiation, which let's frankly understand is ongoing. But when the actual timing of all of this happens when the season ends, anytime closer to the end of the season is concerning. In the meantime, it's just Marshall and I talking. Yeah, I've been a member and am a member of SAG AFRA, but that's a little bit different deal.

You know, we've been called to authorized strikes when it came to other aspects of our jobs that were unrelated to the broadcast side of it. This is completely different, but the process we understand a bit because of it. Now, Ian Hap used to be the player rep for the Cubs he was for many years. It's now Nico Horner. But he still understands how the process goes, having been through that and having understood a previous CBA. So he spoke on Marquis Sports Network about how the players are handling the news that came down yesterday. I haven't been so involved with the union before. What do you feel like will be the key for you guys collectively staying together and not letting the league try and use this against you guys?

Or just how do you stay together through something like this? Yeah, I think it's the bond of the fraternity. But I think more importantly with this group of players, we've been through a lot. This group of players, especially the guys who, you know, myself, Dansby, Breg, like a lot of the guys that are in our position, or even, you know, the guys Machado, Harper, that have seen four of three, four of these things now is that, you know, we've seen a ton. We've been through a lockout. We've been through 2020. And I think that keeps the players very informed and very aware. And so having gone through those experiences, I think will only help us in this one. battle tested.

Your facial expressions are on point today. It's because here's why. I feel like before we play the sound, I know what they're going to say because it's very company lineish, very union lineish for them. It's very owner-liniish for the owners. You could say they got a playbook.

They have a playbook. They have a playbook. Which, by the way, is not as easy as it sounds. It's especially not easy when you're, the person leading your union, just resigned under very bad conditions. You would call it duress. They are under duress.

A federal investigation. The feds are watching. And when the feds are watching, usually they don't even think about pressing charges unless they already have you. 93% conviction rate. That is a high conviction. It's a high conviction. May have changed recently, but that was always the reputational conviction rate.

This ain't Barney Fife andems. Okay. Nothing is getting nipped in the bud. Nothing. Well, actually everything's getting nipped in the blood. That's the problem. Fair. I don't think these problems are going to get addressed swiftly any time soon. Exactly. So when I hear the players talk, I feel like I know what they're going to say.

They genuinely say what I think they're going to say. And like, what else are they supposed to do in this situation? Well, actually, this is a good sign. Because last year, if you remember with the CBA and the negotiation, what happened? They all fell in line. A lot of it was surrounded by, and fell in line, I'm not saying that to be condescending. I'm saying like they picked stances. And then they decided to all agree on them. Which is what a union is supposed to do.

I don't want to be condescending about it because that is not how I feel. I do want to say, though, that that happened. And then the bargaining chip of the international bonus pool money came into play. And that's when you started to see the fissures and the cracks in the facade. And that's the frustrating part is, don't, are you going to hold the line? And what are the deal breaker negotiations for you? And I was a little disappointed when I saw how that went to. down because I wonder, like, did you give on some of the real issues that seem to be major

until that became one of the bargaining chips? But that's the whole point of negotiation. You know, that's how this goes. It's kind of like everybody asking the question, well, why is the soldier field renovation money from 2003 now part of the Bears discussion? Because they decided to ask for more money. So the state's like, okay, you want to ask for this? Well, then we're asking for this. And we're going to have to just deal with this. This is how it goes. It's an ebb and flow. Ian Hap was also asked about the timing when it came to these CBA talks coming up. It sounds like you don't think it's late that he's doing this. You know, he's been under investigation. Should you have done it a month or two ago or I guess it's better than doing it a month from now?

Yeah, I think that's the, you know, we'll figure out when the details come out if that was the case. Right now, you know, I don't have any information to speculate on whether, you know, either of those things should be true. I will say this. It's a lot better timing than the NFL Players Association situation occurring. I'm not stepping down. Well, what about this conflict of interest?

What about this conflict of interest? What about this one where you just flat out didn't do your job? That whole scathing report and finding on the NFL side makes you wonder about everybody's role in any union agency, whatever. It's like...

Well, that's the conflict of interest here. You know, that's part of the... the Tony Clark discussion. Here's what I'm going to talk about here. The fact that we are trained through our education as part of our journalism to be skeptical and to ask questions and call power into question. These are basic tenets, right? And in all these situations that we're talking about, whether it's the NFL and now the MLBPA,

it's, hey, maybe you just don't assume just because someone's in charge that they have all pure intentions. In fact, you should probably assume the opposite. Are you kidding? There's a lot of people who get triggered when you and I question authority. When in reality, at least for now, it is still very much your right. Limnings are going to limming. That's all I can say to that.

That specific thought you're saying. The people who just want to believe rah-rah, pep rally for everybody, that's going to continue to exist. Our job is to cut through it and to make sure that we're critically looking at what's happening, why is it happening? Is there an ethical problem? As you said, are we looking at a conflict of interest? Because there's a whole lot of conflicts of interest that have been popping up lately.

Who pays, who loses, who benefits. Our friend Ray Diaz is coming in now with some information. I like information. You know me, Lila, I'll never, ever, ever turn down the data. Yeah, and I think we've discussed this. So there's going to be an eight-player subcommittee. That seems to be the latest news here. several teams including the San Francisco.

This is from Evendrelic and Ken Rosenthal. So this is courtesy of the athletic. In the aftermath of Tony Clark's shocking resignation as executive director of the MLBPA on Tuesday, the behind the scenes jockeying to name an interim successor, quickly grew intense. Deputy executive director Bruce Meyer is perhaps the leading option to replace Clark. Now that we mentioned yesterday. Bruce is quoted in a lot of Evan's stories.

So that would make sense. some players and agents are lobbying for other candidates fearing rightly or wrongly that the influence of Scott Boris is pushing the union toward too hasty of a promotion of Meyer, a polarizing figure both within the union and the general player population. With the collective bargaining agreement not expiring until December 1st, those players and agents believe there is time for more thorough search. So you're seeing here already there are divided interest among players. And we've talked about the divided interest among the owners. You know, the owner of the pirates has a different plan than the owner of the Dodgers, for example. So this is interesting too because this means that if you've suspected that Scott Boris controls a bit of the market

and might look out for him and his client's interests. This gives you an indication that you are correct. And when we talk about him and his client's interest, just understand if they're Boris clients, they're at the top of the earning power chart. Well, and baseball shrinking middle class has been a growing issue. Stop me when you've heard that before. Just take out the word baseball. But that's why this is important to note.

So there are other details in this story, as we're seeing. Another union official general counsel Matt Nussbaum is also a possible candidate. So is Don Fier, who was the union's executive director from 1983 to 2009. Of course, he being made famous a bit in 1994 strike season. Yeah, because that's when I got shorted of seeing Frank Thomas break the home run record. I got shorted of seeing Tony Gwyn bat 400. I got shorted of a Montreal Expos World Series championship. And MLB decided to decline to govern their own rules because they needed people to save baseball.

So there's also that. It does have side effects and effects that last for years. So this is more news and more information as we continue to track this. But never also forget the phrase, United We Stand, and divided we fall. That's real. So if they have concerns about having their interests heard among the haves and the have-nots among the players side, we're also going to have to see how that plays out with this as well. It's real and maybe real lure for the players, but it's also real for the owners,

because that's part of the problem with this whole idea of a CBA getting done, is that the owners, they are divided as of right now. Which also just may mean time. All of this may mean it's going to take a lot of time to get everybody, to agree to something where people feel like they've either given or gotten enough. We'll see if they need more time than the end of next March. Cherish it. I don't like being held hostage by this.

I really don't. It's not fun. I feel like I'm already subscribing to some theory that isn't necessarily the case. I feel like I'm being controlled in some way already and I don't like it. Like you'd better prepare for this. this. I mean, I work in media. I prepare for a lot of things at all times, okay? You and I have worked across the damn country, for example. Can I not? Can I just enjoy this? You know what? I don't like I don't like ridiculous court rulings. I feel like we had a ridiculous court ruling recently that

you apparently are in favor of. I am very much against. And it's affecting the fabric of how we eat our food. It's tearing us apart. We'll talk about it next. It's halftime. It is halftime. We spent the first hour of our show listening to a lovely conversation between Caleb Williams and Max Crosby. It was lovely, wasn't it? It's a little too lovely. They're out here trying to get you on the okey doke.

Like, see, we love each other. And then you're going to be real disappointed when Max Crosby's not on the Chicago Bears. You just need enough money to operate the rest of your team. And I just don't know how that works. Because if you get Max Crosby, chances are you're going to be paying him more. more money than he earned and is scheduled to earn next year. Then we had an hour where we discussed a lot of court stuff. We didn't mean to.

We talked to Mike Florio to get the latest news in the NFL. He has pro football talk. And then we discussed what's going on in the Eastern District of New York, how it relates to Tony Clark, the Players Association had in baseball stepping down. And then what's next? And apparently the Boris is and how this is sounding more and more like an episode of the haves and the have-nots. You know the Tyler Perry show?

I don't know the... It's on Oprah, on Oprah's network. I'm not doing a very good job of describing this. You know the has and the have-nots. I know. I know it. Here's what I know. I know Tony the Tiger.

They're great. It's not the first thing you come to think of now when you think of Tony the Tiger. Oh, man. We're going to continue court talk here because I'm upset. I got said this on Twitter. I didn't know that we were doing a court hour here on Rahimi Harrison Grody. This is a Nick Papa Giorgio found me this on Twitter and said, I'd like Laila Riemi to chime in here and then sent me a court hearing.

And then I found out what the court hearing was. This is from Rob Front Law. Update. Court says boneless wings is not a deceptive name for Buffalo Wild Wings to use, even though they are, quote, essentially chicken nuggets and not deboned wings. And then the quote, the quote, the quote is so good from the court hearing. And by the way, this was in the state of Illinois.

This is so ridiculous this quote you're about to read. His complaint has no meat on its bones. I rest my case. Bolus buffalo wings are good. They're not as messy as real wings. Everybody kind of knows what do you mean. Why are you going to court over this? Why are you wasting the tax dollars of the state of Illinois?

Can I tell you the headline on this one article? U.S. District Judge John Tharp said in his ruling that the plaintiff didn't quote, drum up enough evidence in his lawsuit against the franchise. Did they just rule on this for the puns? I think they did. I don't hate it. You can't convince me that strategy. I recused.

My tax dollars went up puns. And then that's part of the, listen, Tharp, in the ruling. Judge John Tharp, Jr. Quote, Halim did not drum up enough factual allegations to state a claim, though he has standing to bring the claim because he plausibly alleged economic injury. He does not plausibly. alleged that reasonable consumers are fooled by Buffalo Wild Wings' use of the term boneless wings. Do you know what that means? That means that

unlike, say, the case regarding Ian Cunningham getting a promotion, because while the chief football officer by title only told you he was getting promoted and running everything, that we would call the letter of the law. This would be called the spirit of the law, which means who's buying boneless buffalo wings thinking they're not getting a boneless piece of chicken. Practical application was used properly here. Why are you mad? I'm mad because the idea of a boneless buffalo wing is that there was a wing and they

removed the bone straight out. That's what that picture is that they are drawing. Which people do. You know, that is a way you remove the bone from the wing. But that's not what this is. These are just chicken nuggets. That's all they are. Have you had the boneless buffalo wings and buffalo wall wings?

Of course. That's all I do. Did you read the entirety of the article? Did you read the part about March 20th? I don't need to because I still have my beautiful boneless buffalo wings. For now. What does it say about March 20th? Marshall.

Tharp is allowing Hallam to amend his initial complaint by March 20th in case he can, quote, provide additional facts about his his experience that would demonstrate that BWW or BW3 is committing a deceptive act. There's still time, Leila. We got over a month. Oh, yeah. What about this portion of the argument? Halim is the plaintiff, by the way.

If Halim is right, reasonable customers should think that cauliflower wings are made, and those are applicable today, at least in part from wing meat. But they don't. They don't. They don't. I prefer my cauliflower wings of bones and a man. I love cauliflower bones. How would that go exactly, the cauliflower bone?

I do love the spicy cauliflower. Oh, yeah. On a day like today where I can't eat meat, this is top-notch, this top-notch work right here. And you know what? I would saunter on over to BWW, and I would be like, hey, can I get some cauliflower wings? They'd be like, why, yes, Lila, we know what you're talking about. 847 on the text line. Boneless wings are less messy, but too dry for me.

I like my skin and bones with my meat. That's okay. I'm not here to tell you you shouldn't. You're not here to bone shame? I am not. Very appropriate, Tyler B.W. No buzzer. No buzzer.

Very appropriate. There's another point here. And I love this because you know what this is. It's basically just a big old logic exercise. And so I'm into it for that reason. Do I think my tax dollars should have gone to it? I'm not really sure. And they're going to continue going to?

Apparently. there's time. But like, could my tax dollars go to worse things? Absolutely. So, you know, take what you can get here, right? Cherish it, so to speak. So, so there's also this. Also, I love that this is the essay and the ruling that I have to read. Okay, so boneless wing is also clearly a fanciful name because chickens do have wings and those wings have bones. As the Ohio Supreme Court recently put it, citing precedent, a diner reading boneless wings on a menu would no more believe that the restaurant was warranting the absence of bones and the items than believe the items were made from chicken wings just as a person eating chicken fingers would know that he had not

been served fingers. So this means that there was a reasonable consumer would not think that BWW's boneless wings were truly deboned chicken wings reconstituted into some sort of franken wing. Franken wing is in a court hearing? In Ohio. Franken Wing. No, Franken Wing is in this ruling that was filed. So they cited precedent from the Ohio case and then created Franken Wing in the actual statements. The fact that there's an Illinois case in an Ohio case. Well, 630. This is a lot of people liking a class action lawsuit is what this is.

And I get it. You know, there are some advertising stipulations. 630 says, can he amend it for a deceptive act since Buffaloes don't have wings? I didn't even think about the fact that Buffaloes. They call them buffalo wings, but yeah. I think it falls under the mythical discussion here. There is some understanding that you're not getting a truly literal product. Hold on.

Are you telling me? These are the court cases I would love to argue. You're telling me that the talking buffalo with the wings in the commercials isn't real? 312 is a good point here. They're assuming consumers are reasonable in the year 2026 of our Lord. That's the best point that's been made in this whole discussion. 2026, I know this. People aren't as, no, they're, no.

And if beating buffalo wings that are boneless is wrong, I don't want to be right. I can't eat anything on bones. I've got bone phobia, that from 847. Not bone phobia. That sounds rough. Yeah. Don't want to go to the bone yard with that attitude.

Somewhere in here is a bone thugs and harmony song. I just saw them. Boom, bone, bone. Bones. Tell me what you're going to do. I would quote that. I'd be like, it is Bones and Harmony say

there ain't nowhere to run when judgment comes for you. I just saw Bone Thugs and Harmony in concert three weeks ago and they still got it, they still got it? They still got it? Did we get all the members?

No, but it was still an amazing show. Did you see them on the first of the month? No. Oh, okay. But that would have been too good. Yeah. The song was performed to them. Did you enjoy the show?

Oh, it was so good. So good. Did you have your first? friends come and meet you at the crossroads? No, it's my cousins. Okay, so you weren't lonely, though. I wasn't lonely. You know what, Ray? I think in the spirit of Lent at some point

during the season, we should get some cauliflower wings just to prove the point to reinforce the ruling that was reasonably handed down by the state court here in Illinois. Hell yeah. Let's see which part of the court it was. This is hilarious. This was the United States District Court

for the Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division, which I assume means Chicago. Good on you guys. You. It's usually one judge. See? I love this story, but I don't like your stance on this story. 217. So you're telling me the shrimp does not fry the rice? What? These things just, yeah, this is a dangerous gateway you're playing with, Leila. No, that's the point. That's the point of all of this. Like, there is a con, like,

that's the whole point of the court even hearing it. There was actually a reason to have the discussion. They had a case. Their case just failed. They still have a case. And by March 20th, we're going to get some answers. Your chicken nuggets are going to be labeled chicken nuggets on the menu if I have my say. But define a nugget to me.

Maybe that's our question for five on it. Yeah, that's another question for another day. Okay, fair enough. Five on it is next. No more court talk. Oh, could this vintage store be any cuter? Right? And the best part?

They accept Discover. Except Discover? In a little place like this? I don't think so, Jennifer. Oh, yeah, huh? Discover is accepted where I like to shop. Come on, baby. Get with the times. Right. So we shouldn't get the parachute pants? These are making a comeback.

I think. Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide. Based on the February 2025 Nilsen report. Have you or a family member been diagnosed with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer, that can be removed by surgery? Consider talking to an oncologist about your treatment options. Why? Because knowing your options before you have surgery

can help your care team develop a treatment plan that's right for you. Learn about a potential treatment plan before and after surgery at askbeforesurgery.com. That's ask before surgery.com and talk to an oncologist before your surgery. At blinds.com, it's not just about window treatments. It's about you, your style, your space,

your way. Whether you DIY or want the pros to handle it all, you'll have the confidence of knowing it's done right. From free expert design help to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, everything we do is made to fit your life and your windows. Because at blinds.com, the only thing we treat better

than Windows is you. Visit blinds.com now for up to 45% offsite wide, plus a professional measure at no cost. Rules and restrictions apply. I'm one of those people who will happily eat steak and eggs any time of the day. Breakfast, dinner. It's technically midnight, but I'm still hungry. Doesn't matter. There's just something unbeatable about a good steak hitting a hot pan,

that immediate sizz, the smell filling the kitchen, and then topping it with a fried egg where the yolk is deep yellow and just barely runny. Unreal. Pure protein heaven. That's also why I love having Omaha's steaks on hand. The steaks are incredibly tender, super flavorful, and cook evenly, whether I'm searing them on the stove top or throwing them on the grill. It's that steakhouse quality bite at home. Omaha Steaks has everything from their fan favorite filet mignon. Yes, the USDA certified tender one to burgers. chicken, pork, seafood, and even fully-cooked comfort meals like beef pot roast or meat-lovers lasagna.

For nights when you still want high protein, but zero effort. Get 50% off the world's best everyday protein. Go to Omaha Steaks.com for 50% off sitewide during their semi-annual sale. And for an extra $35 off, use promo code T-bone at checkout. That's 50% off at Omaha Steaks.com and an extra $35 off with promo code T-bone at checkout. Terms apply. See site for details. Presented by T-Mobile. The official wireless partner of Odyssey Store.

sports. With an awesome network and great savings, there's never been a better time to join Team Mobile. Visit your neighborhood store to make the switch today. The score! It's time for five on it. Rahini Harrison Rooney. Bring you five topics on their minds today. On 104-3, the score. Number one. Bears running back, DeAndre Swift is heading into the final year of his contract and is hoping to return to Chicago. Swift told Jason Leisure of the Sun Times, the following quote, I have no idea, but hopefully I did enough for them to want me back because I know I don't want to go anywhere else. I hope it plays itself out that way. I love the city. I love the coaching staff and love the men that I work with. That's out of my

control. But if I had it my way, I'd be back. I don't want to play nowhere else. Quote, so that's DeAndre Swift talking to the Sun Times. On a scale of 1 to 10, on the newly created, bring that man back meter. Where would you rate the likelihood that we see Swift? playing in a Bears uniform in 2026. Nine, because of an aim broke, don't fix it. Like, what did we spend the entire pre-draft discussion doing last year? Trying to figure out whether or not the Bears wanted Ashton Genty. And at the time we saw that it was probably a referendum on D'Andre Swift

and knowing his history with Ben Johnson's offense in the Lions, we knew that there was a possibility. They might go in a different direction because they did in Detroit. But in this case, the running back room wasn't the ultimate problem. here. It's not the positions of need. I understand that Swift is in the last year of a deal and it's very team friendly. But I think

that might be penny wise and pound foolish to get rid of somebody who had a career year. After having a career year the year before he came here when he was with Philadelphia. So, I understand why it's a possibility

and it's because of the writing of the contract but I do not think that this is the right use of the Bears effort or roster capital to get rid of him for a very small reason to have a very big risk of the run game, which the offense is predicated on, not function as well as they would like. You've got it at nine. I'm going to say seven, and here's why. I don't disagree with anything really that you said in terms of what the bears got out of the running back position and that it was not an issue. And there's so many other issues, they could upgrade or

flat out correct between last season and next season. The reason I have it as a seven, so not quite as high, is because the cap hit is real. The $8.8 million, dead cap is only 1.3. They're looking for ways to probably save money, and at age 27, going into the next season. That's when running backs get, quote-unquote, questionable. They are highly replaceable. The closer they get to 30 is concerned.

And so I could see a way of them drafting maybe another running back, pairing them with Cal Munangai and turning them loose, and then saving $7 million of cap space. Yeah, it's just, Menangai doesn't have the same running profile and receiving profile that DeAndre Swift does. And that's why I like them together. But I think it might be harder to find a DeAndre Swift type than it is to just retain DeAndre Swift.

Number two. The Cardinals are rumored to be quote unquote intrigued by Bears backup quarterback Tyson Bejant. Would you be on board with the Bears trading Baygent? And if so, what would you expect in return? Case Keenham's still out here, right? So, yeah, if Tyson Bejant can fetch you something, an undrafted free agent that you signed off the street and you can get, let's say, a third round pick for him, you know what?

Scratch that. we'll call it a conditional second round pick that becomes a third rounder if he doesn't if he doesn't hit certain milestones like if he doesn't start any games people are saying that like Bill Barnwell suggested like a third or fourth for DJ Moore I know that's a cap hit thing yeah but still yeah Tyson Bayesian is that somebody might think Tyson Bayesian could be a starter for them I think the Raiders so if you're going to give somebody else a starting quarterback second round pick sounds like a smart play. And I say conditional because if he doesn't end up being the starter,

then you still get a third round pick. If they got a second round pick for Tyson, Vagent, or a third, you trade. Period. You know how I feel about the bears in third round picks. Dangerous. Smart thing by not drafting anybody in the third round last year. But now they might, and under this condition, they would get an extra third round pick.

Which scares me because of that. But that's a huge value. if that's the case. I think the Bears signed Tyson Bayesian to a contract they thought he was worth. I think that they understand he put in the work and he does the most to get the most out of himself. But I also think that because of that, a lot of other NFL teams are pleasantly intrigued by him too. It doesn't surprise me that the Cardinals are out here saying something. I think given the fact that the league had a third of it change head coaches,

I bet there's another team that might be interested in his services as well for at least a stopgap measure until perhaps a new quarterback draft class is unveiled. You know, if you don't like this year's or you don't think your team is in the position to get somebody, Cardinals make sense based on that timing. So I think it's more of a compliment to Tyson Bayton and a compliment to the Bears' roster choices and contract than it is necessarily a statement about a team. where they may be at the NFL. When there's that much turnover at the top of that many organizations,

then they're going to want to bring in not only new people, but their own people. Right. And there's a lot of musical chairs going around. There'll be people who are left out of this eventual musical chairs once the music stops, but also new opportunities for guys who maybe had a different role on one team, and now a better role opens up on another team. It's not unlike the coaches when you see a guy who was a linebacker's coach, become a defensive coordinator for someone else

or a receiver's coach or a quarterback coach become an offensive coordinator for someone else. It's a step up for everybody. Yeah, or if somebody's buying you time, I think Case, I think Tyson Baygett is one of those guys who can buy you time. Case Canaan, by the way, did just as of yesterday turned 38 years old.

I don't even know that that matters anymore given I saw Joe Flacco out here in the Unc Bowl. Joe Flacco was doing it. Joe Flacko versus Aaron Rogers. So I don't even know that that's a concern at this point in time. Just flash back to Joe Flacco's appearance against the Bears last season. That's it. Yeah, that's what I'm saying.

So 40 is not a concerning number for a lot of quarterbacks. So I don't, when it's a problem for Case Keenum, I think he'll let us know. And in the meantime, if the Bears can get a significant asset for Tyson Vagent, they should explore the possibility. Secret Agent Man Number three This is five on it on it on 104 3 the score with Laila Rahimi and Marshall Harris

Here's question number three The Cubs are hoping infielder Matt Shaw Can be their super utility player Which would include time in the outfield Here's what Shaw told reporters About his outfield experience Courtesy of Marquis Sports Network Outfield's been a lot of fun

So I have a lot of experience out there Just from being a younger kid Playing a lot of outfields So it's been fun for sure I mean, I played a ton like just growing up. I had two of the brothers, so I played out for them all the time. I played outfield, summer ball, my freshman year, and then, you know, I've played here and there in college a little bit too. Yeah, that's Matt Shaw talking about his quote-unquote outfield experience.

On a scale of 1 to 10 on the confidence meter, where would you rate your level of belief in Shaw's defensive ability in the outfield after hearing those comments? Why do you say it like that? Because the text that I sent you guys when I sent you guys, when I sent you. this clip to you was this don't do much for my confidence right here. Now I have to give my answer as a one on a scale of one to ten. After hearing that, I'm interested to hear Layla Marshall what you have to say about it. I'm going to lay it out very plainly. It's a 7.5 for me.

He's an athlete. The position he's playing currently is harder than the position that they're asking to play in the outfield. I think he can run. obviously he has a good glove. He has a strong arm. It may take a minute to recalibrate, but I like the idea that Matt Shaw can adjust

and assimilate to the outfield. Was I the only one who watched the film yesterday? Did you guys watch the film? Oh, there's film? Okay, I did not do the film study. I didn't do the film study, so maybe I'm wrong. He caught the ball. Okay.

There were some interesting paths, but he caught the ball. He tried to just do the classic outfielder 101, keep your nose to the ball. And frankly, that's not always done in Major League Baseball. So that's going to, best practices here will help you. But I think the bigger concern is, is your number one prospect last year. He clearly has an investment from the organization as far as importance and now time. And I just, I again wonder, is this the best return on their investment? Is this the best way to get the best return on their investment?

He's doing what he's been asked to do, which is a good thing. But should your number one prospect from last year be a utility player? Like I worry about it all as a whole more than I break it down by individual concern here. But then again, the Cubs are also the same team who decided to platoon their cleanup hitter. So I don't know that that was the best idea either. Wait, you saw the film. Did it not look like a guy who was just starting out as far as he's doing the very fundamental things? And then we can believe that he will adjust accordingly as days and weeks go on.

Yeah, that's what I'm saying. Okay. So you're watching the film. If we had to go back, remember the debate shortly after the trade. And you find out Camp Smith is going to break in. with the big league team, leave camp with the big league team, and be the everyday right fielder for the Houston Astros. Yes.

Camp Smith's natural position is not outfield. Yes. How is this that different from that? I think the difference was the Astros have enough of, they had enough non-question marks elsewhere to where they had a plan for Camp Smith. This is like, we had a plan for other people. This is where you're going to have to go.

Yeah, but I think that is a plan for Matt Shaw. And it's not like Matt Shaw is going to be playing every day in right field. It's just can he play in right field? We're finding that out. I think he can play in the outfield. I think he's going to play. But you're right. Third base is a much more difficult position to play.

Yeah. I just, I guess I have a, when Ray said one, that threw me. Because I don't know what number I thought he was going to say, but I did not think it would be that low. I understand why there's questions. There should be questions. He hasn't done this before or he hasn't done it since college, according to him, right? But I think you have to say this guy is an athlete. He should be able to do the least.

You know, I was talking about doing too much or doing the most. He should be able to do the least out in right field. And we'll see together whether or not he can do it. But I have, I guess, a great deal more faith. What was your number, by the way? I said 7.5, Ray said one. Oh, yeah. Let me see what I said.

The confidence meter. not that I feel like it necessarily matters. His belief, defensive ability in the outfield, six. You'll get there eventually. I've seen some bad outfield. Elohimenez comes to mind. Oh, no. So, okay, don't hurt yourself and don't hurt others.

Is that fair? Can I go negative on the confidence meter now that you've brought up the name of Eloy? Guys, that's up. Don't play left field like Elohimenez. you're in right field, so that takes care of part of it on its own. The Chicago bar is very low when you ring up Beloy. That's true. That's kind of my point here.

But is this the best for him as a player? Somehow you've made me feel better. I'm raising it up to three on the confidence meter for me. Well, look. Don't be a liability. Don't commit errors. But the errors are the problem here because we've seen some people literally drop the ball and therefore the game in right field when things got hot.

Oh, yeah. I'll one up you. Have you guys ever seen Adam Dunn playing? in the outfield? Yeah, that's true. You guys are making me feel better about the situation. I'm going up two or four and a half on the confidence meeting. Wow, we got them from a one to a four and a half.

Great job. And then we got some other stories of outfields past. 815. I have PTSD from Andrew Vaughn playing in the outfield. Oh, my. Then 773, Eloy. I mean, like, I'd buy that far removed from Eloy Jimenez. You're right.

You're right. And Eloy wanted to play in left field. Like, that was the most random part of it all. He didn't want to be just a DH. Maybe he should have stuck to the plan. I don't know why. And like, I can't really question. Like his, when he was hitting well, it was so good that I was like, okay, do these things have to go together for you to be like this?

So that's why I bring it up in this nature. You're right. And that classic case, Marshall, as you brought it up to Eloy, classic case is doing too much. Kyle Schwerber got hurt in left field. I don't feel like this is doing too much. The goal should be, do not hurt yourself. Do not hurt others. Am I still talking about professional sports?

Evidently. That can apply to other fields. Number four. According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, NIU coach, Thomas Hammock is being hired as the Seahawks new running backs coach slash senior offensive assistant. He's expected to become the highest paid running backs coach in the league. Hammock chose Seattle over multiple NFL opportunities.

What do you think of the move? I think great for Thomas Brown. Or Thomas Hammock, sorry. Yeah, you felt me. I was going to get there, Ray. Don't worry. So great for Thomas Hammock because that is a huge step up. I mean, he very well could get another Super Bowl ring.

You know, when you think about it that way, that's absolutely massive. And for NIU, he did the most with the talent that he had and beating Notre Dame is obviously the high point of his tenure there. It should be. You know, that's how you make hay in the car. college football world and those upsets are becoming fewer and more far between now that the new conference set up and NIL exists. So I don't blame him at all for wanting to go to Seattle to be the running backs coach. I think that's fantastic. Also, just look at what happened with Eric Biedemie recently, the former Bears running backs coach. He's now with the Kansas City Chiefs

where he also has a good chance of getting a ring and he's the offensive coordinator. It's an upwardly mobile position, as we have seen. I think we can all say that we would not be surprised if Thomas Hammack ends up being someone's assistant head coach or associate head coach. And having a bigger role in the NFL, he's proven he can win. Right. But in college, there's too many pitfalls now, especially in the Mac, especially as one of the lowest paid coaches, not only in the Mac, but in all of Division I in terms of the FBS.

Now he doesn't have that pressure of not only recruiting, but re-recruiting your own players, and then going into the transfer portal, knowing if you have a good season, your best players are definitely gone into the transfer portal. That's a lot less stress for Thomas Hammock. And now he gets to coach running backs on a team that, if I remember correctly, was pretty good at running the football last year. So, yeah, this is a dub for Thomas Hammack. And it might be a cautionary tale for a lot of head coaches or would-be head coaches

at the college ranks in terms of how much more difficult that job is now compared to, say, five years ago, let alone 10 years ago. Number five on it on it at 104.3, the score. Final question on the Mind Game Pod, Lakers star LeBron James, said he gave up a couple of his favorite indulgences. So I wasn't playing, obviously, as the season started. So I needed to give up something. I got to sacrifice something and actually did two things that I very love.

and that is drinking wine and my chocolate chip cookies for dessert. I completely took it out. So I was like, okay, I wasn't playing. Obviously, I'm well documented. It missed the first 14 games of the season. It wasn't playing in November.

I missed all of training camp, everything. So I was like, for the, all right, I got to take something out. I got to sacrifice something, you know. And for the whole month of November, I was like, I'm going to do no desserts and no wine, no liquor, no nothing for the whole month of November.

and yeah I did that and I actually went all the way once I got to December I was like oh keep going I kept going and I didn't have my first drink and my first piece of dessert until new years new year's now so I ended up going to basically two months that's pretty impressive yeah yeah the chocolate chip cooking part but the ice cream is probably the hardest for me it's LeBron James on the mind game pod what's your favorite indulgence and could you actually go two months without it like LeBron. I can go 40 days. That's usually what I do during Lent.

This year it's going to be sweets and like any unnecessary shopping of any kind. And I'm not talking like, oh, but I needed that fan or something for my house. I'm saying like anything that isn't like running out of something that you need, a lot like toilet paper, paper towels, clean out the pantry, clean out the freezer, that type of thing. So that is where I'm at this year. My sweet tooth had gotten too aggressive. And I think that I'm giving up shopping of any, of any necessary kind is unnecessary kind is a pretty good way to get more disciplined. If you added 20 more days, could you do it?

Probably at that point, because I just give myself the pep talk. You didn't come this far to only come this far. But that's it. It's, you know, because like even some days it's like those two little dove chocolate squares and I'll keep it at two. because you know how I like to ration my resources, Ray? I've talked about that from a content standpoint. So yes, those are the two for me that I had probably needed to curtail. I don't have a good answer for this.

And here's why. I feel like every indulgence that I've ever had, I've given up for 60, 90 days. You talked about the drinking before during the pandemic. You altered that, right? Yeah, I definitely don't even need alcohol anymore. I occasionally get a little sweet tea. on my unsweet tea. The desk knows all about it right there.

Thank you, Ray, for the reminder. RIP. Yeah, RIP, iced tea. Man, there was so much tea. 30 ounces of tea just everywhere. It just kept going. It just kept going. For like hours.

That's definitely what she said. That's not what she said. Down goes Anderson. Down goes Anderson. So many White Sox references. Man, that was a sad White Sox reference. Okay, so if I could think of something just off the top, maybe nuts? Like peanuts, cashews?

Do's nuts? Not these nuts, those nuts, yes. But, but yeah, nuts are healthy. I love them. I don't know. That's all I got. That's all I got. I can give it up, though.

I can give up anything. There's nothing I can't give up. Can you give up giving up stuff? Well, then I would just do whatever I want. For 60 days, how long? would you last? You'd be like Shia LaBuff in New Orleans right now. What the hell are the headlines surrounding that guy? Did you see the one that said he's terrorizing the city? Yes. A hurricane, a Category 5 hurricane terrorized the city and it survived. What the

hell is that guy doing? He's shy LaBuffin. Let that man live. That guy's being compared to an actual natural disaster, Shial LaBuff. He's also a natural disaster. Can he act his way out of this? No. Is it eagle eye? Is that my favorite Shia LaBuff? movie. You have one? Right, I was thinking you didn't like Transformers?

I didn't watch enough of it. I don't think Transformers is necessarily about Shiala Buf's acting. But he sure did get arrested at a Walgreens in Chicago while filming. Trying to get in when he shouldn't have been Are you serious?

We would never say he was terrorizing the city though. We'd just be like, you're acting stupid. Eagle Eye was my jam in 2008 and it was very future predictive. It depends on how you feel about Wall Street, Money Never Sleeps. Like, I'm watching that from Michael Douglas to continue the plot. That's the sequel, right?

Yeah. Greed's still good. Let me just tell you. Look around. An entire culture of people created a whole ethos based around a movie character. Hmm. Good times. Gordon Gecko.

Danny Parkins is up next. Oh, could this vintage store be any cuter? Right? And the best part? They accept Discover. Except Discover? In a little place like this? I don't think so, Jennifer.

Oh, yeah, huh. Discover is accepted where I like to shop. Come on, baby. Get with the times. Right. So we shouldn't get the parachute pants? These are making a comeback. I think. Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide.

Based on the February 2025 Nilsen report. Have you or a family member been diagnosed with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer that can be removed by surgery? Consider talking to an unconsal. about your treatment options. Why? Because knowing your options before you have surgery can help your care team develop a treatment plan that's right for you.

Learn about a potential treatment plan before and after surgery at askbeforesurgery.com. That's ask before surgery.com and talk to an oncologist before your surgery. At blinds.com, it's not just about window treatments. It's about you. Your style, your space, your way. Whether you DIY or want the pros,

to handle it all. You'll have the confidence of knowing it's done right. From free expert design help to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, everything we do is made to fit your life and your windows. Because at blinds.com, the only thing we treat better than Windows is you. Visit blinds.com now for up to 45% offsite wide, plus a professional measure at no cost. Rules and restrictions apply. I'm one of those people who will happily eat steak and eggs any time of the day. Breakfast, dinner, it's technically midnight, but I'm still hungry. Doesn't matter. There's just something unbeatable about a good steak, hitting a hot pan, that immediate sizzle, the smell filling the kitchen, and then topping it with

the fried egg where the yolk is deep yellow and just barely runny. Unreal, pure protein heaven. That's also why I love having Omaha steaks on hand. The steaks are incredibly tender, super flavorful, and cook evenly, whether I'm searing them on the stovetop or throwing them on the grill. It's that steakhouse quality bite at home. Omaha Steaks has everything from their fan favorite filet mignon. Yes, the USDA certified tender one to burgers, chicken, pork, seafood, and even fully cook comfort meals like beef pot roast or meat lovers lasagna for nights when you still want high protein but zero effort get 50% off the world's best everyday protein go to omahostakes.com for 50% off site wide during their semi-annual sale and for an extra $35 off use promo code teabone at checkout

that's 50% off at omahostakes.com and an extra $35 off with promo code teabone at checkout terms apply see site for details presented by team mobile the official wireless partner of odyssey sports With an awesome network and great savings, there's never been a better time to join Team Mobile. Visit your neighborhood store to make the switch today. You could do Stephen A's job, guys. It's not that part. Denny Parkins. QB1 party!

All are invited. Host of Fox Sports Ones, first thing first. Coming in number six, though, the team that should be the favorites in the NFC North, though, the odds makers say they're the third best team. My Chicago Bears. Why can't the Chicago Bears be the best offense in football? The Bears, plenty of reason to doubt. them. Caleb Williams, no. Former host of 670 the score before he abandoned us.

That's a Caleb Williams custom, baby. Jersey number one is going to the Raptors. You guys made it seem like a Chicago Bears fans. We had our guy, Danny Parkis, all these guys. Danny Parkins on 1043, the score. Wait. Wait just a minute. Did I see Danny Parkins on not just the expanded hour of first things first? Why, yes, I did. He was talking to Tyler Reddick. He is hosting all three hours of Versings First this week from 2 to 5 on Fox Sports 1. He is at Danny Parkins on X and he joins us on Twitch. Twitch.tv slash the score Chicago via our Circus Sports Illinois hotline. Download the circus sports app today. Yeah, Danny, I saw you talking to Tyler Reddick about the Daytona 500. NASCAR Danny was revving up. Yeah, listen, you know,

not even pretending to be a huge NASCAR guy, but I am a huge story guy. Tyler Reddick's story is incredible. You know, it's one thing, you know, listen, having Michael Jordan as your boss is one thing. Like, that's pretty cool. So we talk to him about that and what he talks to Mike about. And so that was cool for me for sure.

But, you know, his two kids and his eight-month-old was sick. and had a tumor growing on his kidney that was leading to heart failure. And he had to have like emergency surgery a couple of months ago. But they get the tumor out, they get the kidney out, the heart starts functioning normally. He starts developing normally. And in the lead up to the Daytona 500, he crawled for the first time. So his kid was like crawling up and pulling himself up on the Daytona Trophy. It was just, I thought it was a beautiful story.

and it was a really cool moment. So, you know, am I a big autosport guy? No, but I love a good human interest story, so it was great. But that's how you get hooked. There are a ton of storylines, and the Michael Jordan connection to this is pretty significant because we were talking about it yesterday, Mark Grady, Danny, that may have been the happiest MJ has looked since when exactly

after that win at Daytona. I thought it was pretty funny that he, like, intentionally recreated the trophy hugging photo. He said he felt like he had won a championship. I have a hard time believing that's 100% true, but he's obviously a crazy person. So, you know, like whatever it is, right? Like when his fishing team does well, when he wins a couple of grand at the grove off somebody, like the guy loves competition.

And so I guess the LeBron Jordan debate is now settled. You know, Jordan got a trophy in another sport. So I guess it's now over. I mean, that's a good point. I'm curious, Danny, like, do you cry when football season ends? Because I feel like that is your one true passion. And I know we're talking good human interest stories and everything else. But come on, Dana.

We know what you're here for. You know why you're here. Yeah, well, I'm here to raise my kids and, you know, be a good husband. No. Listen, that too, that too. I love the NFL. I think it's the best product in sport. far. But we do a lot of NFL offseason stuff here at FS1. We get to take vacations in the offseason.

I'm going to the Bahamas coming up in a few days. So, you know, it's funny. I love the NFL, but our work schedule during the NFL is so insane that by the time the playoffs come around, I'm like, man, when does NFL end? And then we do, you know, we'll do combine and draft and free agency and, you know, all sorts of NFL things that it never really ends. But I'm a huge NBA guy, Marshall. I wrote a book on coaching and management structure and basketball. These playoffs should be amazing, especially the Western Conference. So, you know, NBA, Tiger Woods teasing the Masters.

I'm a huge golf fan. So when football season ends, I actually get to take vacation and get to play golf and don't have to stay up crazy late every night. So watching games. So, you know, it's, it's seasons. Danny, who's your favorite? Who's your favorite in the NBA? I'm just curious, since you're, you know, basketball guy.

Who's your favorite? I mean, I think the Thunder versus the field, I think, is actually like a fair bet. Really? Even with the emergence of Wimbunyama and some other things going on and not full health for Oklahoma City. Yeah, well, I think Oklahoma City will get healthy. And I know that the Spurs are four and one against the Thunder this year. But a lot of that was without Jalen Williams, so I still do think. is the Thunder's second best player.

And I think that they're playing with their food a little bit now that they realize that they're not going to set the wins record because they've already, the Thunder have already matched last year's loss total. But if you go by point differential, it's the third best point differential in the last 50 years. First is last year's Oklahoma City Thunder. Second are the 96 Bulls. And then third are this year's Thunder.

So I still think the Thunder are clearly the best team. The Spurs are so fun and so interesting, but they are so young. Like, are they going to really go from no playoff experience to winning four consecutive rounds in the playoffs, like led by a 20-year-old with Dylan Harper coming up behind at 19 and 20? Like, it just, I love Vassell, Castle, Deerrin Fox, Wembe. Like, it's a very exciting team. I think the Western Conference finals are going to be like the NFC title game in the NFL where like whoever wins the West wins the title.

I don't think anyone out of the East can put up much of a fight this year, though my pick is the Cavs, but Boston's a great story. Detroit's a great story. But I still think that I would make it basically even money, Thunder versus the field, and probably take the Thunder. Fun fact about Danny Marshall. And this was after Thunder and Bulls opener number one,

not the one that you and I were at, but the one the year before that. I remember that one too. Danny was, we were all there and Danny said this on one of the shows immediately afterward. And I agreed with you because it was such a leap at that point to the realized product that was SGA. Danny was like the first person saying SGA MVP. He was like, you could make the argument that SGA was MVP worthy that season. And I agreed with you. I don't know if you were called that part.

I forgot. I forgot we watched that game together, Lela, but I do reference that game all the time. Yeah, the opener two years ago. I was like, oh. Well, I was just like, listen, I'm not going to say I thought he was for a shoe into B MVP, but I remember distinctly thinking like, oh, like there's, he can get anywhere he wants on the basketball court at any time. Like he's like he's like the movement and the ease in which he got to his spots and all of that was just like very apparent that he had taken a leap. And he's a spectacular athlete with spectacular length. and the ball was in his hands so much.

I was like, yeah, that's the type of guy who can be an MVP of a league. And so, yeah, that I do consider that one of my better calls. A lot of people, a lot of people liked the Thunder last year. But yeah, I've picked him now. This will be my third year in a row picking them, and I think I'm going to go two for three. Well, and like, before we get to a football topic that, I do want to get your thoughts on the Caleb and Max Crosby discussion if you've heard about it or just what your thoughts are on Max. Oh, it's leading our show today at first things first.

I've heard about it. Okay. So just right before that, though, there was something about it. there was something about the way that SGA was using his body in the lane just so really efficiently in that game that I feel like you just knew in that moment he had unlocked who he was going to be as a professional. Yeah, because it's not like the Bulls were like a lockdown defensive team, but like it was just, you know, again, like getting to a spot when you want to any time you want to. You know, that Kobe was able to do that. Obviously Mike was able to do that. and I'm not saying that he is necessarily ever going to reach like those guys's levels in terms of legend status,

but he's pretty freaking ridiculous. Like in terms of a, I mean, he was a top 15 defensive player in the sport last year, and he was a league leader in points per game, and they, you know, won what, 67, 68 games, and they won a championship.

Like, it was an all-time guard season in NBA history when you factor in, you know, all defensive ranks, points per game leader, 65 plus wins, and a championship led by a guard who won MVP. Like, it's a very, I think it's literally him and Michael Jordan that have done that. So it's a, he's a very, very impressive player. I get why everyone has, you know, he's the type of guy also kind of like Kobe, who he might never be regarded as the best player in the league. but we'll win a bunch of titles.

Because, like, Yokic is the best player in the league, and then he might pass that baton to Wembe, and SGA might never actually, like, hold the belt. But at the end of the day, he'll be the one who's like, oh, yeah, but I also have four rings and two MVPs. And he could win MVP this year, by the way. I still think he could win this year if he plays enough games. He very well could. Okay, so we spent an hour talking about Caleb Williams and Max Crosby. What do you think?

I mean, listen, I think that, like, the underlying thing, about the whole thing is obviously how much Crosby likes and respects Caleb. And I don't know that Crosby is going to like pull the lever to demands the trade, but like he's been flirting with it for a while. And we know that Ryan Poles has traded a second round pick for Montez Sweat. And we know that the Bears have the 25th pick in the draft. So like if Ryan Poles deems that there are only 22 players worthy of a first round grade, so that that's a, that's really a second round talent that you would get at 25, but you'd have to pay them like a first rounder. That makes it a lot easier to trade the 25th pick in the draft. So I think that there's a real chance that the Bears make that offer

centered around that pick for Crosby. And I think Crosby would be open to coming to Chicago. And obviously, it would be a huge financial investment in the position, but it's a huge need for the Bears. So like, that's one. But then, you know, Crosby and so many guys praising Caleb for how, you know, impressive and how impressed they were. were with him and Caleb saying that he wants to have the best offense. It's like, well, I've said this since the season ended. We should hold them to the standard of being the best offense in football next year. Now, that doesn't mean if they finished as the third best offense that they were disappointing,

but like if Ben Johnson is what I think he is as a coach and Caleb Williams is what I think he is as a talent and they bring back their entire offensive line or get better at left tackle, will see, but at least 80% of the offensive line returns, and Burden, Udunze, Manungai, Loveland, and Caleb are all 23 and under, and they're all have continuity in this perfect modern offense. I legitimately think if they're the seventh best offense in football next year, it's a disappointment. So, you know, I think that just the validation of his peers, Caleb's standards for himself,

and then the dream of Crosby teaming up with the Bears to be the missing piece on Caleb's rookie deal. I just thought there were a lot of things that hung over that conversation. No, you're absolutely right. Top offense is the standard, should be the standard. And it was good to hear Caleb say it out loud. Yeah. And again, there's a lot of competition there, right? They think they can have the best offense in the league. Let's just think about it. The Rams think they could have the best offense in the league. The Niners think they could have the best offense in the league. The Lions think they could have the best offense in the league. The Jaguars think they think they can have the best.

We'll throw the bears in there. The Bengals, the Cowboys. No, it's a wide open rate. Not wide open, but there's a lot of teams that like their fans are saying the same thing right now and who like for stretches of time this year,

you know, like the Jags offense, the last eight games was better than the Bears' offense. The bears need to do it more consistently. They need to start hotter. But if they can do it, how they played at the end of games for the full length of the games, and they're so young. So there's a lot of teams that are vying for that title. But I do think, given the coach, the quarterback and the age, and the continuity up front,

I do think it's in play. Danny, you're right. And the other part is all of those teams are also judging themselves through the lens of being the best offense in the NFL. So it's the right, it's the right calibration point. Danny, this has been great. We look forward to starting off the show with the Big Caleb and Max Crosby News. Yeah, yeah. Thanks for being flexible with the time for me to.

day. I appreciate it. And I'm on vacation next week, but we'll pick it back up in March, including I'll tease a little announcement for the score listeners in March. All right. Well, enjoy your vacation, man. You've earned it. Bahamas are fun. Sounds good. Thank you. Thanks, Danny. Happy vacation. That is Danny Parkins with a two-week wait for the big announcement. Call that a tease. A deep tease, in fact, is what we would call that. It is. It is absolutely. And in the meantime, Ian have talked to me. Markey Sports Network about the resignation of players association president Tony Clark.

He also said something that I haven't heard anybody else say yet when it comes to the conversation around the 2027 season. So I want to bring that to you next. Amy Harrison Grody. Could you imagine Lovey Smith doing the whole good, better, best thing? And saying bleep the Packers. Come on, guys, good better best. Never let it rest.

I'll see you on Tuesday. Midday's 10 to 2 on 104 3, the score. I've been waiting to break... Oh, there it is. This is thuggish-ruggish bone, at least. This isn't crossroads. It's the thuggish-ruggish bone. Listen here, if it wasn't Ash Wednesday,

I might go outside and get myself some boneless buffalo wings just to support everybody involved in this important case. Get you some cauliflower wings, Layla, come on. cauliflower wings are excellent, and I love Frank's Red Hot. You know that. I could just make them myself. while I met it. This is Rahimi Harrison Grotty. I'm 104.3, the score. And we spent the entire 11 o'clock hour talking about court stuff. Mike Floreo is on. We're all very curious to see what happens

with Brian Flores' suit against the NFL. Then there's the matter of what's going on with the MLB Players Association. And then, yes, there was a landmark boneless Buffalo Wings case. I said landmark. As far as the Players Association, the message that we've heard, whether it's, whether it's don't know how you want to absorb it, whether it's owners hinting at it, whether it's the discussions around it, whether it's even a story that came out today from Evandrelic, Ray, that you sent us in the athletic talking about

dissension among the players' ranks when it comes to the Boris interest in who becomes the Players Association Executive Director, or if it's a non-boros interest. And then there's Ian Hap who said this to

the Markey Sports Network about the whole thing when he was asked about Tony Clark. I think the game's in a great place. The rules changes have worked. The pace is fantastic. Viewership, attendance, all of those things are in a great place. It's a beautiful game. And you can see that the reception has been really strong from fans in the last few years.

And so I really hope that we can continue playing baseball and avoid anything that would take the game away from the fans. He's the first person I've heard say something like that. Which part? like the part that oh this doesn't have to happen he can believe that he can hope for that the reality is there's going to be a work stoppage

next year and how long that lasts depends on how dug in the owners are in their intent to leverage a salary cap on baseball which does not exist has never existed and if the players get their way

will never exist that's the problem here is that the owners, we heard about how they have their little war chest. What is it, 45 million per team? 75 of the league. Oh, I'm sorry, yes. Millions. Millions to just kind of weather that storm.

And are the players willing to give up a season of baseball to not see a salary cap enforced? That's the question. He's right, though. It doesn't have to happen. But that would mean that people have to agree to a lot. lot of stuff quickly. And it doesn't sound like people are going to agree. And before we even get to what I just described, don't forget, before it's the

billionaires versus the millionaires, it's the billionaires versus the billionaires. Fellow team owners have to decide what they want to do. The Dodgers are certainly not going to agree with what the Pittsburgh Pirates or the Tampa Bay Rays or want to do. Or that's the billionaires versus the millionaires. Let's be honest. Okay. Yeah, that's a fair way to put that.

the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Rays and some of these other teams are operating because they're small market teams on a very different level than a Dodgers team that's got so much money coming in before things even get started from their local television contract, which half the league doesn't have television distribution on their own right now. And that's something that we discussed a little bit yesterday, Marshall, but you and I having worked together at Comcast SportsNet, Philly, me going there because of the demise of Comcast Sports Night Houston. That is, in the reality, a big part of this. And when we say the millionaires versus the billionaires, I don't think we're talking about the individuals you picture when you talk about owning the actual team. We're talking about the operating costs and the budgets

that the respective teams have. The halves are the teams like the Dodgers, the Mets. And the Phillies do have a very robust contract. They don't often get mentioned in this, but they do have a very nice deal. marquee with the Cubs, Nesson with the Red Sox, and the have-nots are the teams that are unfortunately seeing their regional sports networks cease to exist.

Now, Pittsburgh isn't an interesting spot because they got owned and operated by Nesson, but if you're one of the Fanduals sports networks, St. Louis, for example, you're in much more dire straits. When you talk about what we thought were the richest owners in the sport, You know what team falls under the bottom 10 owners as far as wealth? You know the Yankees are in the bottom 10?

Did you know that? I did not. And so that puts in perspective, though. Right. It's not the Steinbrenner family. It's the yes network and the cost that the Yankees operate with from their budget. And so to hear a guy like Aaron Judge, for instance, was just talking about, I would hope that we can go out and be on the same level at.

sir, you can't. They've shown us over the last half decade or so that the Yankees are not on the same level as some of these other teams. Yeah, the evil empire move west. It moved west to Time Warner and Charter Communications and a 25-year TV deal.

That ends in 2038. So before you say to yourself, oh, well, this CBA, blah, blah, blah, no, it outlasts many of them. And so I'm equally as interested in what the owners of the teams with their own television deals want to do versus this idea that Major League Baseball brings all the TV rights back under one bubble

and sells them a la what Apple did with MLS. Right. And I don't know that that's possible. Right. So if it's not, how are you going to figure this out? And that is as big of an issue with all of this as anything. But I appreciate Ian Hap saying, doesn't have to be like this. It's possible.

Right? That is absolutely possible. It doesn't have to. But here we are cherishing it. In the meantime, more from the conversation Caleb Williams had with Max Crosby

because I feel like there were a couple follow-ups that he naturally got to with Max that were storylines that we had during the season. And one of them was his relationship with Ben Johnson. Pretty big deal, wouldn't you say? Still learning about the layers of that relationship and how it came to be what it was by the end of the season.

So let's peel it back like an onion because QB1 gave us insight next. Thy ticket, Lady Jennifer of Coolidge. Well, many thanks, good sir. Heareth my Discover card. They accept Discover at Renaissance Fares? Yeah, they do here. Discover is accepted at the places that I love to shop. Get it with the times.

With the times? You're playing the loot. Yeah, and it sounds pretty good, right? Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide. Based on the February 2025 Nielsen Report. Have you or a family member been diagnosed with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer that can be removed by surgery? Consider talking to an oncologist about your treatment options. Why?

Because knowing your options before you have surgery can help your care team develop a treatment plan that's right for you. Learn about a potential treatment plan before and after surgery at askbeforesurgery.com. That's ask before surgery.com and talk to an oncologist before your surgery. At blinds.com, it's not just about window treatments. It's about you. Your style, your space, your way. Whether you DIY or want the pros to handle it all, you'll have the confidence of knowing it's done right. From free expert design help to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, everything we do is made to fit your life, and your windows. Because at blinds.com, the only thing we treat better than Windows is you.

Visit blinds.com now for up to 45% offsite wide, plus a professional measure at no cost. Rules and restrictions apply. I'm one of those people who will happily eat steak and eggs any time of the day. Breakfast, dinner, it's technically midnight, but I'm still hungry. Doesn't matter. There's just something unbeatable about a good steak hitting a hot pan, that immediate sizzle, the smell filling the kitchen, and then topping it with a fried egg where the yolk is deep yellow and just barely runny.

Unreal. Pure protein. heaven. That's also why I love having Omaha steaks on hand. The steaks are incredibly tender, super flavorful, and cook evenly, whether I'm searing them on the stove top or throwing them on the grill. It's that steakhouse quality bite at home. Omaha Steaks has everything from their fan favorite filet mignon. Yes, the USDA certified tender one to burgers, chicken, pork, seafood, and even fully cooked comfort meals like beef pot roast or meat lovers lasagna for nights when you still want high protein but zero effort. Get 50% off the world's best everyday protein. Go to Omaha Steaks.com

50% off sitewide during their semi-annual sale. And for an extra $35 off, use promo code T-bone at checkout. That's 50% off at Omaha Stakes.com and an extra $35 off with promo code T-bone at checkout. Terms apply. See site for details. Presented by T-Mobile, the official wireless partner of Odyssey Sports. With an awesome network and great savings, there's never been a better time to join T-Mobile. Visit your neighborhood store to make the switch today. My main message to him was he needs to get out of.

football for a little bit. He's done a phenomenal job in terms of staying focused all year long. He put a lot of time, a lot of effort. I thought he grew up as a professional. I thought his communication to the coaching staff grew. I thought his communication to his teammates grew. But we will certainly have a number of points of emphasis that he can dive into when he comes back this springtime. That was Ben Johnson in his end-of-season press conference talking about Caleb Williams. This is Rahimi Harrison Grody on 104-3 The Score. And we've spent a lot of time on a podcast that gave us a lot of time and insight into Caleb Williams. It was his conversation with Max Crosby on The Rush podcast. And we've been continuing to analyze this because

there are just a lot of natural follow-ups and natural answers we're getting out of those two talking as two questions we had during the year. Shout out to Max Crosby for not only having Caleb Williams on his podcast, but also being able to get a lot of insight from him that I don't think we have gotten to this point, whether it was him talking about his approach to the season, specific plays, or even his approach to the off season and what's up next for him and cheat meals. And I just found it very fascinating to learn more about how Caleb Williams operates, how he sees things, and ultimately where he's going from here.

Also, does this count? Does this count as getting away from football as this coach's orders? I feel like it's not. You didn't get away from football for long enough. Caleb Williams is a renaissance man. I need you in another continent doing some stuff. That was another one of the themes, as I mentioned a couple hours ago during the show, earlier in the show, like Caleb talking about me versus me,

part of the battle of Caleb versus Caleb is like he knows he needs to get away from football, but he's so hungry to do more. But he also, I think, detach as well. Like, Caleb isn't the dude going to, like, his friends house to play Madden to get away from football. He's going to Denmark or something. He's on the cover of GQ. He does cool stuff.

What, what kind of, was that in Denmark, the GQ story in the cover? I'm trying to remember where it was, but like. Some European country you don't necessarily go to often. I remember people being upset that he was even over there, you know, living his best life. And I was like, it's the offseason. You have to be able to. It's like those people who will complain when someone's struggling on a team and then they see them live twitching or just on Instagram live, just having a good time. Like they can't have a release. They hear us, you know, they hear Ian Hap with us. Well, he's too busy talking to you guys. Well, you're also

listening to the show, number one. Number two, do you just do your job? Because if you're listening to us from 10 to 2, there's a tiny chance you don't just do your job. The expectation. Wink. That someone admittedly spends 14-hour days at the facility in season and still finds a way to get eight hours of sleep. That means you're getting up. You're going to work.

You're coming home. You're going to bed. And then when that six-month period is over, they are escaping from that for, I think, I think he said two months was the, yeah, two months. Give him his two months. Do whatever you need to do in that two months. So guess what? You're mentally ready for the next season.

Head coach told us, right? We've seen other clauses and contracts, Kyler Murray, that would lead you to believe that maybe there's a different type of discussion going on. Did you catch when he said, oh, you know, I like to play other sports. Went right back to the three-point shootout. When he said that, I was like, yeah, you're sure you'd like to play. The post he had on his story where he held up his basketball shoes and said he was hanging him up. Hanging him up.

He could have tied those shoes together, found the nearest electrical line and just throwing him up. Like have his shoes up on the line because, yeah, two for 15. Jersky beat you guy. I don't even care. You know what? I said this on Fox 32 on Sunday night. You know what my accuracy contest is for Caleb Williams? It's fourth and eight to Roma Dunesay with a dude wrapped around your leg.

Okay, three point contest, cool. Whatever. I think an excellent point out there was made that if he had, I'm trying to remember who made the point. But if he had been fading away with no time left off one foot, he would have made more shots. Rolling out to the left? Yeah. 100%. This is not pertinent to the conversation, but this is a basketball point I need you to hear.

Oh. I don't know how I feel about Luca perfecting the Dirk one-legged Fadeway. He's brought a lot of it to his game recently. And I just, I don't know how I feel about it. Skinny Luca, it's a new thing. But have you noticed, have you noticed how any one-legged Fadeaway shots he's taking? I'm like, I know what you're doing, Luca. Do the key, does that?

I know what you're doing. Every time he releases, he says, Niko. He cannot replace Dirk for me. He can't. Dirk's got a statue out front. But I just, I know what he's doing. All right. That's my random basketball thought for the day.

I know you feel me. I hear you. I really do. It hits me in an emotional place. This should hit you in an emotional place. Enough about me. Caleb Williams talked about the evolution of his relationship with Ben Johnson to Max Crosby.

This is worth your time. It takes you all minutes to get on the same page. Like, yeah, yeah, yeah. He's a, he's a unique cat. He is from the outside in it. you can tell. Love him to death, man. He's a unique cat in the sense of, you know, he's, he's like a mad scientist that doesn't speak, like, what he's thinking. And so you're sitting there like, and from my position, because he's, you know, he's my coach and, you know,

whatever, and we're going to be, you know, here and all that. You try and figure him out, and, you know, I've gotten a lot better with it over time now, you know, all the meetings, you know, seeing his family and how he is and things like that and understand. and, you know, when are the areas that you can joke? One are the areas that, you know, it's business time. One are the areas that, you know, and figuring out, you know, his, his humor and figuring out, because he's a, like, he'll, yeah, like, he'll crack jokes, but there'll be, like, you think he's dead-ass serious.

And so you don't laugh. You don't. Then he'll, like, you know, he'll say, like, you know, it was a joke. Like, y'all can laugh. Because he's always so serious. And, and so, you know, our relationship has been, it's been fun to build. and grow. And it's gonna be fun for these these next couple years

because he's, I told Maxis, I was like, yeah, he's like, he's like, he's like, he wants, he wants to whoop everybody's ass. Yes, yeah. And he's, and he's like a player in a sense, because he, he's like, he's out there. And obviously he knows he's not out there, he knows, he always tells me, he's like, you know, players make coaches and, you know, players are everything,

you know, more than skiing, more than anything. And so I think, you know, he does a good job with like adapting to his players, But he is like a player. He wants to whoop everybody's ass. Cut throw. Every coach. Every, like every defense.

Every, every. And for me, I love it because that's, I feel the same way. I'm on the same wavelength. I'm on the same vibe. Like, I want to go out there. I want to, you know, whether it's, you know, we got a good defense, good special team. Like that doesn't, like, I want that and whatever.

I can't control those things. That doesn't, that's not, that's not me. But when we go out there, I want to put up 50. If it's a shoot-offs, a shoot-off. If it's a blowout, it's a blowout, like whatever. That's on all of us as a team to do. But going out there and putting up 50, being the best offense to ever touch the grass is kind of the mindset. I love this because it, you know what it took me back to?

Remember the story about how Ben Johnson wants to embarrass people and you really never got a chance to embarrass anyone? They were just trying to get the offense fully functioning, fully rolling, and I got to a point where it was good. And they were scoring points. Not the most points, but more points than they had been scoring. scoring. Enough points. But you have heard of me. Yes, enough points to win the division, enough points to get to the second round of the playoffs, enough points to go to overtime in the game before the NFC championship game before finally losing. And I think if we're being honest, Ben Johnson was not satisfied, but he understood growth is a process. And Caleb Williams is

telling you right there, I'm attaching all of my expectations to Ben Johnson's expectations. And we know one thing. He wants to embarrass. He's. said 50. He wants to put up 50 burgers on people. He's a unique cat. Which is hilarious because that's how people describe Caleb Williams. Mad scientist. I agree with the mad scientist part. But also, there were signs.

There were signs of the bears doing things to at least rattle the cage of their opponents. I present to you the Cowboys game. For example, tell me how many time out. Ben Johnson took in the second half. Zero. Who's the defensive coordinator on the other side? I present to you the trick play that they ran against the Cowboys.

What a Luther Burdens say that play was called? The White House. That's crazy. And the fact that they tried to play it off after the fact, like, we don't know that exists. I'm sorry, what's Michael Irvin's new podcast called again? He's got that new podcast, right? Netflix. On Netflix.

Isn't it called like The White House? The fact that they could just openly all joke about this, your favorite, like your fun uncles who are young are now full-blown uncles, and it's just, we're all just living our lives out here. Also, also, even the eye formation that they ran at the goal line, that was the first of their many eye formations to run it in for a touchdown. Like, we're going to beat you with the most basicest deformations. And they did.

That alone lets you know that they, there is a trolling element to Ben Johnson's offense. And so much so that his former team did things like the Stumble Bomb impression to celebrate as a touchdown dance. Like, you know, Petty birthed Petty on that one. It really sprouts out from the idea when Max Crosby was talking, and we played it earlier, if you want to use the Odyssey app and the rewind feature, you can go back and listen to it. When Max Crosby in the first hour of the show was talking about every single thing that he did, was set up to design specific purpose.

I'm sorry. You can't convince me that everything Ben Johnson does doesn't have some kind of underlying inside joke meaning to it. Oh, 100%. It's a love letter if you start to really read it. It really is. Like, I've thought that many times. Who's you writing the love letter to?

It depends, I guess. Doesn't it? Yeah, that's what I'm saying. But there's, that sounds really cheesy. There's a story that is told in the offensive game plans. Like, for example, did you hear how Max Crosby talked about the Jetsweep? That's how you should talk about it. It's not deliberate and you're running the Jetskeep because personnel is your scheme.

Dramatic pause. It's that you folded it into something else to make the same things look different and the different things look the same. You're building upon itself. That's why I really wanted to watch just from a, I love to watch offensive football standpoint, the Sean McVeigh offense meeting, the Ben Johnson offense. The only way that game gets better is if Caleb Williams has more years in the league and the entire offensive unit has more years with Ben Johnson. That was the only way that game could have gotten better from what you saw if you want to build

systems. I want to say if the defensive players were healthy on both sides of the ball for that game, it would have been better as well. Maybe not as high scoring. I mean, from an offensive watching standpoint, no. But don't you want to see them do it against elite defensive players? I also want to ask you this. Ask away.

Did you hear the way Max Crosby was happy listening to the way Caleb Williams talked about Ben Johnson? Oh, the entire podcast, both these dudes, it was love building on love. Or was it Caleb Williams selling something and Max Crosby buying what he was selling? Like, oh, I could have that, but you're playing. Are you meeting the word recruiting? Is that what you're insinuating? because that's how I felt about it. That's how I felt about it.

You felt like it was a recruiting visit? That's how specifically that part about Ben Johnson. Or was it an information gathering visit? Well, maybe Max Crosby was gathering data on a team that he could future play for. And maybe Caleb Williams was saying, hey, if you want to come join us over here, not death row, but death row vibes.

That's really what it is. If you don't want your producer dancing in your videos, so to speak, we want you dancing in our videos. That's not the same. You were not that dude. I won't be dancing in the videos just for... The maculatory nature of it. That is our business.

So you can be about our business. Do we have, speaking of this, do we have the Max Crosby mission statement where he's on the Let's Go podcast telling you who he is and what he's about? Because I feel like if you marry that with what he, how he sounds when he listens to Caleb Williams, you start to see a similar cultural thread take place.

Is that the one with my man from NBC? Is that the podcast with a... Jim Gray? Jim Gray, yeah. I'm so like, by Tariko, Brian Williams. NBC Sports. Tom Yamas. You talk about what Max Crosby tells.

Tim Russer. He tells Jim Gray specifically on the Let's Go podcast that all he wants to do is win. win, win, win no matter. What? Is that what you're referring to? Yeah. I have a lot of goals, but I do want to win. That's all that matters ultimately.

But I want to be in a place that we're mentally, I'm 100% myself. I just want to focus on football. That's truly what I want. People that know me know I'm about the work and football. I just want to play football and be left the fuck alone, period. And if people that don't understand that, don't know me. People can say whatever they want. I truly, and I'm saying this like, well, you had to get on a show and talk about it.

Yeah, that's my obligation. I have to do that. But truly, I don't give a f***re besides playing football and winning football games. I give my whole life to this sport every single day. I'm here every morning. My alarm goes off at 455 and I am driving 35 minutes across town in an empty dark building doing the same thing every single day trying to help my team. trying to help myself. People can talk all they want.

People go on Twitter. I don't even see half the shit. Like I said, half of it is news to me. I just care about playing football. You love it. I don't love football. I am obsessed. I've been playing tackle football since I could walk.

This is what I do. I've done it my whole life. I don't know anything else. I love my family. I love friends in doing a podcast from time to time. Would this be one of those times? This would be one of the times, and I love seeing you, Jim. I love playing football.

That is my purpose, is my passion, is to be a light to the world and be exactly the player in person that I envision myself being as a kid. I'm living that dream right now. So people talk about drama and this and this and that. I don't want to have it. I don't want to deal with it, but that is the reality of my situation because I've earned it as a player. I've earned it as an all pro and a pro bowler,

but that's not why I play the game. I play because I am obsessive. with it. I could play the game for zero. And I played it for 15, 20 years, not making a dollar. I lived in Ipsilani on a damn mattress. And I drove across the country by myself, made it happen. I'm living my dream every single day. So, yes, I'm doing incredible. And I'm glad you asked that question. I appreciate it, Jim. Come to death row. That's pretty much what that was. You know who he sounds like? He sounds like a bear. But zooming out. He sounds like Kevin Durant before he got traded.

or before he left for the Warriors. That's what he sounds like. When all he cared about was ball, and he just wanted to be on a winner, he wanted to win it all, so he joined the winners, and then he became fully grown KD, and he's a sensation now.

And, you know, the passion in which they talk about their sport, it's on the same elite tier to me as far as ball lovers. So Rick Barnes said that he realized that when he was coaching Kevin Durant, that even though he was only there for a year at Texas, that like early on in the season, he was having to show him tapes of the greats of basketball because that was the level he was seeing the game at and able to execute at.

It's the same idea, really. But hearing Max Crosby, listen to Caleb Williams talk about Ben Johnson, that quote, that mission statement, if you will, it wasn't a memo, it was a mission statement. that was the first thing that came to mind. It doesn't, ultimately it doesn't matter unless there's an actual transaction

that takes place and I know. But it is cool to hear when people speak your same love language. They should have transcribed what he said on the Let's Go podcast and he should have just taken the transcript and just put it on his LinkedIn and let everybody know this is who I am.

Fernando Mendoza style. Also, it speaks to Mike Floreo saying, well, if I question, you know, know, back up people's rights in the courts, right? Back up your rights as an employee that I don't love football. Well, Max Crosby's telling you he doesn't love it either. So what do you call that? Yeah, the fine line, right?

He's obsessed, but doesn't love it, right? But that's the point. The emotional attachment, like, it's an argument for weak concepts here. It's a weak argument. Of love is this loyal, beautiful thing. Obsession is scary. I don't care what you think I love. That's not what I'm here to do.

that'll come out organically. Yeah. I'm here to just dominate and do my thing. And if it scares you, that's good because then you understand where I'm coming from. You understand the place from which I draw the energy to take, I don't know, two plays off, two snaps off a game. I am Max Crosby. My middle name is effort. Let's go.

It is. And that's it. The way he said Ipsolani. That's a spot. It's going to stay. with me. Mehegan. It sure sounds like somebody who likes what Ben Johnson is about, doesn't it?

Sounds like someone who would be aligned with Ben Johnson's thought process and his desire to embarrass people. I'm assuming Dennis Allen's answer would be yes here. I mean, maybe not, you know? I'm just assuming. No, let's see what Dio has when he ever comes back in the middle of next season. Is that what Dennis Allen's alternative is in this equation? Dennis Allen, no. Dennis Allen did like Dyer. He told you why. But in this scenario, like,

if Dennis Allen heard that, I assume he'd be like, yeah, cool. I assume. Well, that was a season before the Raiders shut Max Crosby down for two games, and he got mad. He gets mad when he takes off a couple of plays. You want to make him miss the last two games of the season. How'd that go for you? Coming up next year on Rahimi Harrison Brody, this is important and pertinent, frankly, because it's something that I think we hope to see, dare I say as early as Friday? Peaker Armstrong has made some adjustments. That was the one thing I was wondering

was going to happen this off-season. Ask and we shall receive. So we'll tell you what, next. Oh, could this vintage store be any cuter? Right? And the best part? They accept Discover. Except Discover? In a little place like this? I don't think so, Jennifer.

Oh, yeah, huh? Discover's accepted where I like to shop. Come on, baby. Get with the times. Right, so we shouldn't get the parachute pants? These are making a comeback. I think. Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide. Based on the February 2025 Nilsen Report.

Have you or a family member been diagnosed with early stage non-small cell lung cancer that can be removed by surgery? Consider talking to an oncologist about your treatment options. Why? Because knowing your options before you have surgery can help your care team. develop a treatment plan that's right for you. Learn about a potential treatment plan before and after surgery at ask before surgery.com. That's ask before surgery.com and talk to an oncologist before your surgery. At blinds.com, it's not just about window treatments. It's about you. Your style, your space,

your way. Whether you DIY or want the pros to handle it all, you'll have the confidence of knowing it's done right. From free expert design help to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, everything we do is made to fit your life and your windows. Because at blinds.com, the only thing we treat better than Windows is you. Visit blinds.com now for up to 45% offsite wide, plus a professional measure at no cost. Rules and restrictions apply. I'm one of those people who will happily eat steak and eggs any time of the day. Breakfast, dinner, it's technically midnight, but I'm still hungry.

Doesn't matter. There's just something unbeatable about a good steak hitting a hot pan. That immediate sizzle. The smell filling the cake. kitchen and then topping it with a fried egg where the yolk is deep yellow and just barely runny. Unreal. Pure protein heaven. That's also why I love having Omaha steaks on hand. The steaks are incredibly tender, super flavorful and cook evenly, whether I'm searing them on the stove top or throwing them on the grill. It's that steakhouse quality bite at home. Omaha steaks has everything from their fan favorite filet mignon. Yes, the USDA certified tender one

to burgers, chicken, pork, seafood, and even fully cooked comfort meals like beef pot roast or meat lovers lasagna for nights when you still want high protein but zero effort get 50% off the world's best everyday protein go to omahostakes.com for 50% off site wide during their semi-annual sale and for an extra $35 off use promo code T-bone at checkout that's 50% off at omahostakes.com and an extra $35 off with promo code T-bone at checkout terms apply see site for details presented by T-Mobile the official wireless partner of odyssey sports with an awesome network and great savings there's never been a better time to join team mobile. Visit your neighborhood store to make the switch today.

Rahimi Harrison Grody. I don't want to break time. I want to yell at Marshal. Can we handle more Anthony Herron? Midday's 10 to 2 on 1043, the score. He's going to try to throw something that's going to be right on the edge of the strike zone if he can. You've got two guys with a lot of adrenaline rushing through them right now, though. There's the pitch. Line drive, base it into right field. It's going to drive in one.

It's going to drive in two. Cubs lead three to one. Pete Pro Armstrong delivers. Advancing the third is he in half. Horner and Tucker both scored. Cubs lead three to one. We're probably not making enough of the fact that you can hear Cubs baseball in FM quality on Friday on this station. And it's an all-Chicago matchup.

by the way. It is a cross-town matchup. Fox fixing B1 and O. Marshall's out here making predictions. Baseball is back. That's right. That's Pat Hughes and Ron Coomer. And yes, on 104-3 the score, we will have spring training baseball starting for you on Friday. Walk outside, enjoy this weather, and then know that the vibe will continue this week on the score. It's a good feeling, isn't it? It's a great feeling. I will be listening.

All I have to say is, hey, caramba. And now you can hear that in FM quality like we do. I can't wait. This is Rahimi Harris and Brody on 1043 The Score. And I know Marshall, you and Russ Dorsey talked about the top storylines for the Cubs leading into this season. And I know that's something you and I will get into. It's something that everybody should do for themselves, actually. Like, what are you interested in?

Yes. Give yourself some homework. What are questions you have about the Cubs and the White Sox? And then try to see what you can answer while watching spring training. For me, one of the biggest ones was, how will Pete Crow Armstrong adjust to the league adjusting to him? Well, lo and behold, we have some answers, thanks in part to our friends at the athletic. So Hadas Sharma talked about it and wrote a story that I recommend you read. And yes, indeed, Pete Crow Armstrong worked with hitting coach John Maley on a swing change,

which I think is an excellent way to try to get back to what we saw him do in the first half. I think the first thing you got to understand is as a hitter, you need to be able to identify what's a strike and what's not a strike. That helps. Once you do that, then you need to understand that just because a pitch is technically a strike doesn't mean it's a pitch that you should give up your bat for. There's a time in place to take a pitch that is a strike. And I'm interested in what John Maley said specifically when it comes to how they're working

with Pete Crowe Armstrong to get him to be in the best position to attack the strike zone. Well, and I'm glad you brought up plate discipline and pitch selection in this because I do think that that's part of it. So then take it a step even further into reassessing your entire mental process. And that's what Maley did. This is reported by Sahada Sharma. The quote is from Pete Crow Armstrong. We just noticed that when the setup was out of whack, I wasn't really getting in the box the same way. That's when the swing went to crap and mechanical stuff started playing a bigger role in the lack of success.

That makes sense. And what his assistant hitting coach made a lot of sense. And this is somebody he's worked with since in the minor leagues because he was down there with him when he was in the minor leagues. This quote really spoke to me. Going further to what you just said that Pete Kerr Armstrong said, Maley's saying, quote, he got a little stretched out. He was accelerating in his stride covering two.

too much ground, which kind of made him a little long, and he was mishitting balls. So he went back to staying short like he was early in the year, small tap, small separation, and really rotating in place as opposed to jumping and crashing forward, kept his head stiller and allowed him to get more balls consistently. So it's not necessarily that he had this horrible strikeout rate. It's just the balls that he was putting in play weren't doing anything. Well, and he did have a horrible strikeout rate. You know, that is part of it.

He had a chase rate that was the third highest in baseball. His on-base percentage was the 11th lowest. And you're right. That doesn't always mean strikeout, but it just meant unproductive at bats. Like, no matter how you slice it, that's what it looked like. And that explains why the timing mechanism was so off. Combine your height, combine your body type with what he's talking about, that length that he discussed. And then when you put that together, that's why you look slow. It's why you look

behind. It's why a ball in the dirt looks like it was beneath the ground and you're still swinging at it. Instead of it being a swing, it looks like a golf swing. Everything gets exaggerated because the movement is unnecessarily exaggerated. A lot of people were coming at my neck last season when I was like, yes, he is having an excellent first season. But I do question his Vladimir Guerrero style approach to, I can hit anything out because he was hitting balls that were. at his neck out of the ballpark or down at his toes for doubles. If you're doing that, it's all well and good

until it's not. The goal is to make the strike zones tighter, to make your ability to delineate balls from strikes and what you know you can do with a pitch versus what you can't do with a pitch. And that's the hope is that

if he goes back to the production of the first half of the season, it doesn't even necessarily have to look like what it looked like in the first half of the last season. It's also just who's opposing you. the opposing pitcher is going to throw a different mix of pitches at you now that they know how to beat you. And the things that you could see from a mile away because they didn't quite know how to pitch mix to you are not going to be the same thing anymore.

The league made an adjustment to you. How are you making an adjustment to the league? And the league won in those last two months of the season. His weighted runs creative plus number was only a 45. That is very bad. That is atrocious. and underperforming, given his talent level. And given what he did in the first half of the season.

So Russ and I talked about this, Lila, here's what we decided. If he gives you a full season, like he gave you a full season, he was out there playing baseball, if he gives you a full season, but it's at around 70% of what he gave you in the first half, but he does it for the whole season. I sign up for that tomorrow. Well, yeah, because that would be consistency, which in baseball is the goal. golden goose. You would know what you were getting. The hard part for him is going to be knowing that you can hit the ball at your toes, knowing that you can hit the ball at your nose, but knowing that

if you look for those two, you're going to miss everything else that comes to you. That's a good pitch to hit. Dang, I was waiting for that rhyme with the toes and nose. That's all I had. I can't finish I thought you can hit me with like a those. But if you swing for those, you'll get a rose. That's all you'll get. I don't know. I don't know. But you feel me. I do feel you. Except for that last part. It's bad grammar.

It made Marshall cringe. No, no, you're fine. You're fine. Oh, this is good from our Twitch chat. The D.1321. Doesn't mean you swing it. Anything goes. Oh, that's a bar.

It was right there. Go team. See, we need everybody in this. But no, for PCA, his success is such a pivotal deciding factor in how good this. team can be. It might be he goes, they go. He goes, they go. It really might be that. I'm not saying he bats lead off. Let's not go crazy here. Don't want that. But I'm saying it might be as, because of what you know out of Alex Breggman, because of what you know out of Seizu Kyi, because of how important that protection in the lineup is to a guy like Seja, it might be that

crucial as to, because are you getting the same offense out of your catcher position? This is of no offense to Carson Kelly and Miguel Amaya, just understanding the world. Where would you him in the lineup, ideally, because we talked about the leadoff spot. We think that should be Michael Bush, Nico Horner, variation of that, probably platoon-based. If it's a left-hander, maybe you put Bush a little further down fifth or sixth in the lineup. I like that. But where does Nico Horner go in a world where Kyle Tucker doesn't exist? Does Alex Bregman hit second?

Do you put Pekyll Armstrong in the two-hole? I think Bregman hits second. So then who's hitting third? See how this works? No, but here's my real scare. to myself. Like, I don't know if I want to go down this path. So if it's Bush, Bregman,

Nico. I like Nico hitting with a duck on the pond. So either first or third. Either he's starting you off or he's hitting third, no more than third. But then you know who I'm hitting cleanup. It's Michael Bush. No, if I have Bush leading off and then.

Oh, I see what you're saying. Then it's Peker or Armstrong in that scenario. Is it not? And I don't necessarily know that that's the best use of my time and space here. I'm trying to think of other candidates in a balanced line.

In theory, it's SEA. That's what I thought. That's what I thought. My mind went to SAIA. So back to back righties? I'm okay with it. I don't need it to be the Terry Francona. Switch right left, right, left, right, left.

I'll have to think on that. Switch right, right, left, right left really is ideal. But let's, I mean, let's be honest with ourselves. What's ideal is switch one through nine. That's what's ideal. Stop. Stop. We've got a bridge too far.

The Max Crosby Bears talk and now all switch hitting lineup. We're going to get struck by some sort of weird lightning just for bringing this stuff up. They just need to, you know, check in on Louis-Sounhelsey if he's available. Okay, 217 asked the question that I think we should answer. What's more likely for, they said, what's more likely for Peter Armstrong? I think that was a reference to the Ian Hap joke. He calls him Peter. An MVP year or being sent down to work on stuff.

Whoa. Oh, the other one. Those are extremes. I think that that is a terrifying sports hypothetical. Sent down. I don't like that. I don't think he gets sent down. And I don't think he's getting MVP,

especially in the National League. We're like Shohei Otani. No, no, no. But let's honor 217's question. It's just what's more likely? I think what's more likely, unless Shohei Otani gets hurt, it's probably being sent down to the work on stuff.

But I don't see that happening. I don't see it happening. I don't see it happening. of what's more likely. Oh, here's another rhyme from 708. It's being in the nose. And also 574 with a very important question. Pat Hughes, when did you get in?

Who's asking Pat when he got in? Who's doing it? That is an annual spring training tale, I'm sure we will hear. I'm hoping this weekend, for sure. Who's our soldiers? Who's asking Pat when he got in? When did you get in? That's how I know how to say it.

Yeah. I'm trying to phrase it in my head. There's no other way. Yeah. When did you get in? We need you out there. We need you on that wall. Hmm.

Yeah, he's never, I agree, 773. Peek where Armstrong isn't getting sent down. But I don't know. We've been very hypothetical all day today. I've been hypothetical my whole life. Pete and I need to get on baseball. Stop fleeing the garbage. We reward that bad impression of Lois way too often.

Wait. Pete and I need you to get on baseball. Stop fleeing a garbage. Like that, in the spirit of Shooters shoot, we reward the shooter shooting more than we reward the actual shot. That was the day we were out at Gallagher Way and we took a call and the guy, the caller went into character mode. He did the little trickery with the call screener on that day, Robbie Triiano.

And went into a character, and that character was Lois Griffin. Not Lois Griffin. Peter, stop swinging a garbage. Tina, and he got on baseball. Stop swinging the garbage. And we didn't understand it at the time. So you had to play it back here a couple of times. It's credit to Robbie Triano.

Because when he listened back to it, he was like, wait a minute. Robbie was like, I'm sorry, guys. We didn't understand what was going on at first. Like, how would you know? None of us understood what that was at first. We figured it out. Also, one of our texters did say, I think it's a reference to Pita's stuff swinging a garbage. It is.

It is. How did this become such a part of our lives? Peanut, and you get on baseball, stop fleeing a garbage. When did you get in? Is this the point where you realize that, like, every baseball season, to an extent, is Groundhog Day? But you love it? I definitely love it. But you know, you know deep down.

I understand. Who's your next gauge tater, workman, Marshall Harris. And a 160... Oh, wow, you really had to bring in Tators to this, huh? You been busy? Because there will be one.

We'll all fall in love with that person. Oh, Scott Kingery's my guy for the Cubs. But he's got too much experience. Oh, you want to roll... They didn't have... They don't have a Rule 5 guy this year. They don't. But the socks do!

Sox keep a Rule 5 guy or two. They have two, I think. Yeah, I'm saying, if you're the socks, you keep Real 5 guys, because... Roll the dice. Gage ended up going to the White Sox. so. Yeah, remember he wanted to get revenge on the Cubs.

He said it in an interview without saying the word revenge, but that was the sentiment. And then they cut him. Sorry, Tater. Okay, this isn't a bad line about a 6-3-0. You got to cut it.

They say Bush, Nico Bregman, Suzuki, Biastaros, Hap, PCA, Dansby, Kelly, slash Amaya. Catchers definitely nine. Would you bat PCA behind? Happened by Asteros?

not necessarily. You know what? I might put Biosteros in the three hole. Ooh. Like in a lineup where you start off with Nico up top. Yeah, if Niko's batting leadoff? And then you put Bush second.

For the record, you know, I want Biosteros to be that slugger that he profiles to be, but he hasn't shown anything yet. Guess who just texted in? Mike, the Chicago Sports Clown. Mike the Chicago Sports Clown, What's up, baby?

Look forward to the preseason baseball starting Friday. Good luck this year. Go Cubs. Mike, aka a clown guy. Mike, did you get to go to games at Soldier Field this year? Did you get to be shirtless in any of the really cool games? We have a lot of questions for you, Mike. I just need you to know that.

Because, you know, Mike is shirtless at Bears games. So, like, how is your Bears season? You just abandoned us for Bears and you come back for Cubs. Maybe we deserve it. I like to keep my shirt on. Mike is a. Mike is out there. Man, Mike's back.

I'm loving this. That makes me happy. Also, another textor asked about Mike. We're all on the same page, guys. I don't know what our team's doing, but at least we're a team. In the meantime, there was a comp that was made by people who should know better in basketball. Is that a fair way to put it? Yes.

So then it was held accountable next. Rahimi Harris and Grody That sounds so crazy 104.3 the score. Wow, I like that. Middays 10 to 2 on 104 3 the score. Okay. It's inevitable that something random

is going to come out of All-Star weekend that has you saying, what? What? How about several somethings? What were the several for you outside of what we're going to get into? So the interview we talked about Monday with Reggie Miller

Barack Obama. How about that? Exactly. See? I told you several. Just the dunk contest in general. When the more viral dunk is the missed dunk rather than the maid dunk. Jay's Richardson out here laid out. Oh my God. Poor Jason Richardson. And he emulated his dad for the first one. And I thought that was great. And then obviously Dame Lillard saying F the haters.

Yeah. Team Eugene and Leela. It's the Biggs over here. Oh, my goodness. When he tweeted that, I was like, man, Eugene, I love you for many reasons. But I should have known you and I would be on the same page. And that we love Dame Time even more, more. There's a lot of stuff happen, okay? There was, yeah. Let's be honest.

All-Star Weekend is a basketball convention. That's really what its purpose is. There's some basketball. It's kind of like when you're going to a baseball, game to see your friends. Like, there's baseball on. Yes. But you're there to hang out with your people and have baseball be the back.

Have you ever been to a minor league baseball game with your friends? That's what All-Star weekend is like, except for maybe not as high profile. Yes, which is why I'm not the one annoyed about whether or not the All-Star game should be fixed or whatever else. It's a basketball convention. When you see it that way, things get a lot easier. But then people say stuff, like they do at conventions. So Reggie Miller. made a comp for Caitlin Clark.

This was two weeks ago on basketball night in America. She's a one of ones, but is there like a comparison of somebody that you played with that you guys watching the game right now that reminds you of the young lady to your right? I like Peyton Pritchard from Boston, the way he's able to handle the basketball. He makes big shots when the shot clock's running down.

A lot like this young lady right here, isn't afraid of the big moment and is the champion like she's soon to be. But? Peyton Pritchard, Caitlin Clark averaged a triple double in college. I'm pretty sure she's going to do a similar type of thing once it's all said and done in the W. I don't think she'll ever average a triple double in the W.

But... Because she's never averaged more than, I think, like five and a half rebounds in the season. Yeah. It's tougher. A lot of the triple doubles came because she was out here... Rebounding. And better than everybody else. And has active hands.

She can steal on you, too. There's real bigs in the WMBA. every time you walk out there. There are real bids. But the point is, Peyton Pritchard is not my cop, not for an elite three-point shooter and a sister. Not a sister.

Assist. A person who assists. Correct. Okay, because when you said it, you got me. You're like, a sister. I realized, as I was saying, the accent would not separate it enough

for me to be able to say what I was saying. Okay. Sorry. So wait, what is? The point is she gives other people the ball. Okay, but... What assist. She has a much higher assist rate than Peyton Richard.

Assister rate. Payton Richards. Peyton Pritchard. Peyton Pritchard is actually a better three-point shooter than Caitlin Clark. So are you leading Reggie Miller on this? No, I'm not because the effect of on the game, the gravity of Caitlin Clark is very different than the gravity. The gravity of Caitlin Clark is more like that of a Steph Kerrack. a Dame Lillard.

They draw help defense to them. You have to understand. Their significance to the sport also makes a little more sense. And I get it. The Game Cop was the GameComp. The popularity, but I just want to let people know. Payton Pritchard is a career. 39% three-point shooter.

In a career? Yes. Reggie knows a three-point shooter when he sees one. Caitlin Clark is a career. 33%. 3-point shooter. You see the difference there? In a career? I think that number goes up in the W. That number will go up. I mean, she was 34.4% her first year. She was only 27.9%. But you know

she was done with injuries in year number two. The entire league was. And that is an indication of the increasing games they had to play, which is a nugget for you all, because court hour doesn't end on just this show. You know what? And we don't even know if there's going to be, speaking of work stoppages. Cherish it. We don't know if there's going to be WMBA basketball this summer. Correct. Because we're getting into the closing moments here, and WMBA just came back with another offer back to the league,

and it doesn't seem like it's going anywhere right this second. So all of that said, Carmelo Anthony was the voice of reason on this? I can hear it. I'm hearing it loud as shit in my ear. And when he said Peyton Pritchard, it just caught me off. Kobe off guard Okay, I see okay I see where he's going at

Man hell no Reggie tripping Did y'all Did y'all talk about it afterwards Or did y'all know how viral it went In the moment? No, we didn't We didn't, no, we just, we didn't

Regby out to the games The people call the games Yeah, yeah They don't, they be out, they be the fuck out of there You see them before the game Production meeting and that's it Red got out Reg be getting the fuck out of MSG though

Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. I'm gonna say you might have been extra speedy that you. He'd be on his toes, but I'd be tipie towing out. That bitch. All right, so, fuck what it'll fucking out of here. Was Reggie officially tripping with his Peyton Pritcher, Caitlin Clark comparison? I see what he was trying. He wasn't completely tripping.

But he was tripping. In that moment, I think she was. Yeah. Kayla Clark didn't help at all with the facial expressions. But. Kately and Clark got, like, she got, like, little Steph. she got Halliburton. Like, to me, she played like Halliburton.

Yeah, that would have been. She played like Halliburton. No, I agree on that. You know what I? She don't play like no damn pay. She played a little by Luca. Like, she knows about Luca. Like, she's not.

You know what I mean? She, she manipulates you on offense. Like, like Luca. Yeah, yeah. I see more. I see more. But Tyree, I mean, Tari's? Halliburton.

He, that's it. Because you don't know where he's going to shoot that. He might just come across, act like he coming off a pick and pull. She dime in that Maw-ha-ha-ha. Him too. Paying Pritchard not even passing that man.

That's what I'm saying. Like, hell no, bro. That man don't pass at all. Hell no. That man is strictly a bucket, bro. No, straight. He'll bucket. They're not the same.

Hell no. Everything that they said. Just everything that they said. That was hilarious to hear them think out loud like that. And to the point about Tyrese Halliburton, who's probably a better comp because he draws the gravity, you don't know when he's, going to shoot it and he averages 8.8 assist for his career.

Guess who averaged 8.8 assists last season? Caitlin Clark. So that was on the 7 p.m. in Brooklyn podcast, which is a very real look at how you'd think out loud about basketball. That was fantastic. What I love about that podcast is they workshop with you out loud. It's not super prepared. It's just like, well, let me think about that for us.

And then they start saying names and talking through the concept. and you get to understand the thought process behind the final answers. They do a good job of that with KG and Paul Pierce, too, but sometimes that goes a little bit off the, off the rails. Carmelo, just letting everybody know. It's so good. Everybody said about the announcers, their production meeting and they leave.

Yeah, because think about it. He sees them in that production meeting, and then they might do a hit on the pregame show, and then they call the game, so they're working the entire time. Let me tell you something. When it's final, after that sideline reporter does that hit, we out. Oh, could this vintage store be any cuter?

Right? And the best part? They accept Discover. Except Discover? In a little place like this? I don't think so, Jennifer. Oh, yeah, huh? Discover's accepted where I like to shop.

Come on, baby. Get with the times. Right. So we shouldn't get the parachute pants? These are making a comeback. I think. Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide. Based on the February 2025 Nilsen Report.

Have you or a family member been diagnosed with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer that can be removed by surgery? Consider talking to an oncologist about your treatment options. Why? Because knowing your options before you have surgery can help your care team develop a treatment plan that's right for you. Learn about a potential treatment plan before and after surgery at Ask Before. For Surgery.com. That's ask before surgery.com and talk to an oncologist before your surgery. At blinds.com, it's not just about window treatments. It's about you. Your style, your space, your way. Whether you DIY or want the pros to handle it all, you'll have the confidence of knowing it's done right. From free expert design help to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, everything we do is made to fit your life and your windows.

Because at blinds.com, the only thing we treat better than windows is you. Visit blinds.com now for up to 45% offsite wide, plus a professional measure at no cost. Rules and restrictions apply. I'm one of those people who will happily eat steak and eggs any time of the day. Breakfast, dinner, it's technically midnight, but I'm still hungry. Doesn't matter. There's just something unbeatable about a good steak hitting a hot pan. That immediate sizzle, the smell filling the kitchen,

and then topping it with a fried egg where the yolk is deep yellow and just barely runny. Unreal. Pure protein heaven. That's also why I love having Omaha steaks on hand. The steaks are incredibly tender. super flavorful and cook evenly, whether I'm searing them on the stove top or throwing them on the grill. It's that steakhouse quality bite at home. Omaha Steaks has everything from their fan favorite filet mignon.

Yes, the USDA certified tender one to burgers, chicken, pork, seafood, and even fully cooked comfort meals, like beef pot roast or meat lovers lasagna for nights when you still want high protein, but zero effort. Get 50% off the world's best everyday protein. Go to Omaha Steaks.com for 50% off sitewide during their semi-annual sale. And for an extra $35 off, use $1.5 off. promo code T-bone at checkout. That's 50% off at Omaha Steaks.com and an extra $35 off with promo code T-bone at checkout. Terms apply. See site for details. Presented by T-Mobile, the official wireless partner of Odyssey Sports. With an awesome network

and great savings, there's never been a better time to join T-Mobile. Visit your neighborhood store to make the switch today.