The Herd with Colin Cowherd - THE HERD - Hour 1 - USA loses to Venezuela, Maxx Crosby opens up, who should stars want to play with?

Episode Date: March 18, 2026

Jason McIntyre fills in for Colin after U.S.A.’s shocking loss to Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic Final. Jason credits the electric environment of the tournament and why the “boom or bust” approach relying on homeruns was the undoing for the American Team. Maxx Crosby opens up on the failed Ravens trade Should stars be lining up to play with Jokic over Luka?   Guest: Matt LeinartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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it's me, Jason McIntyre filling in for Colin Cowher. No, I don't remember what he says at the outset of every show. I'm joined by Rachel Nichols. We have a banger of a show today. Oh, my gosh. World Baseball Classic. Thriller. Texas, taken down NC State in the final second

in the NCAA tournament. And then obviously Lakers Rockets part do tonight. Rachel, last night was a big sports night, and that doesn't even include the Grey Foxes winning a 35-a-off men's league championship. But I know the World Baseball Classic you've got red on today. USA, we didn't quite get there last night. Bats, man. You and I talked yesterday and we talked to all the experts this week, and we expected the pitching to maybe come into play. And why won't these major league teams that the championship let them pitch?

Guess what? Pitching was fine. Yeah, the bats. Hit a ball. And so, you know, I wonder, I just sort of wonder if any of that will influence the makeup of the team three years from now or if it's just unlucky. That's a good thought. Let's start there. Let's start with the bats. They fell asleep last night for the Americans.

We lose three, two to Venezuela. A thrilling comeback, thanks to Bryce Harper. We've got some amazing highlights. And folks, the World Baseball Classic was really about the vibes and the energy. And you could just tell Miami was jumping. The party was crazy last night. Venezuela takes us down with an impressive ninth inning. And as Rachel noted, our bats just were not there.

I mean, we end the World Baseball Classic four for 48. They just went to sleep. We could not do anything. And listen, the new modern analytics in baseball call for, hey, swing for the fences, strikeouts or home runs. And that's fine in 162 game season in a seven-game series. It's probably okay. But in a one-game setting, we just didn't deliver.

So let's start. The first highlight we have is Venezuela going up to nine. nothing, a brayu with a deep solo shot. And at this point, the Americans are like on the ropes. Watch, by the way, as Abraeu rounds the bases, the entire dugout comes out to celebrate. That was kind of the vibe at the World Baseball Classic. We thought the offenses would establish themselves. Here's a drive to center field off of the bat of Abraeu. Willier Abraeu hits it out.

Usually don't see guys burn around the bases. Abreu was so geeked. The helmet comes off. He's just booking it to celebrate. And at this point, you're thinking, oh my gosh, we're in trouble. trouble. Holy cow. We got a zero on the board. We've got the best of the best bats in American Major League Baseball. We got nothing. And then Bryce Harper, who had been struggling throughout the World Baseball Classic, steps up in the eighth and delivers this classic. Pachado's one-oh pitch. Harper sends a fly ball to deep center field by the

champions. The salute as Bryce Harper connects. Changes everything. I mean, folks, it's 12 hours later. I still get goosebumps watching that and listening to it. An awesome comeback. Now, at that point, you're thinking, okay, we got this. This is what we do. Okay? We own baseball.

That's our sport. America's pastime. And just like we saw in hockey, the Americans came back to take down Canada. And just like we saw with Steph Curry and the Olympic team, we rallied in the semifinals. We rallied in the final. We got this, right? It was not meant to be. And ultimately, the U.S., which led the world.

World Baseball Classic and strikeouts at the plate. The hitters just couldn't deliver. They watch Venezuela, you know, sacrifice fly, get on base. You do the little things that you've got to to pull away. And here's the call for the 3-2 victory, Joe Davis on the mic. For a team that was carrying a country, a World Baseball Classic title. It's great stuff from Joe Davis. Carrying a country, we're not going to get into the political ramifications of what went down in January and Venezuela.

but obviously a lot going on there. And you could just tell the passion and the excitement. And then afterwards, Suarez talked to Ken Rosenthal and folks, this is like an interview for the ages. Look at the passion, okay? This looks like the greatest moment of his life. This is an incredible interview. Can you describe what this means for your country?

I mean, what can I say about this? It's amazing. And nobody believes in Venezuela, but now we win the championship today. And this is a celebration for all the Venezuelan country. We're not just a teammate. We're our family. This team is awesome. We are family here.

That's why we play with passion. We love because we feel the jersey. We feel our country in front us. That's why this is a lot for us as a players, as a people, as a human beings, and as a Venezuela, now we are the champion. So naturally, you know, we live. lose three two. We lost to Japan. Remember the last time, Trout struck out in the ninth, I believe, against Otani. And it's like, geez, how do we lose this in 23 and 26? What do we do to win it

next time? And there's all this talk? Well, is there a way you can move it to the All-Star break when players are in full season? And it's like, well, there's probably going to be issues there with arms. Are there injuries mid-season? Maybe that doesn't work. Well, can you push it earlier than March? maybe right after the Super Bowl in February, is that possible? And then it's like, well, people aren't warmed up. They're coming off the off season. So ultimately, like World Baseball Classic has been tremendous. Obviously, you know, we would love a better result than losing in the final.

The last two times it's happened. But, you know, ultimately, it's just an outstanding event. World Baseball Classic. We don't win it, but we were there at the end. And it was great for baseball. Spring training continues. And opening day is around the conference. corner. All right, let's pivot to the NFL and the failed Max Crosby trade to the Baltimore

Ravens. Now, I love this. I read a story, the one magazine I subscribed to is The New Yorker, just a tremendous journalism, excellent stuff. And they had an article about conspiracy theories and how they kind of bubble up. And usually in the absence of information and facts, you just get conspiracy theories. What happened? And with this Max Crosby trade, right? He goes from Raiders to the Ravens for two first round picks. It happened on a Friday. Okay? And all weekend, the Ravens were getting crushed. Why are we doing this? We as a franchise have never traded a pick for a player before. We're doing this now? We just fired our coach. Lamar Jackson wants a new contract. We didn't even make the playoffs.

What's going on? And there was a lot of outcry about what the Ravens did. Their fans were not thrilled as you see other edge rushers come off the market. And it's like, wow, we overpaid. And so Max Crosby on Monday flies out to the Ravens. By Tuesday, there's an awkward meeting. The GM's not there to see him. The head coach, Jesse Minter. Hello, by the way. Welcome to the NFL Jesse Minter. Defense coordinator all your life. First job as a head coach, go tell Max Crosby, we saw some stuff on the MRI. We're concerned. Huh? Max Crosby starts panicking, and next thing you know, hey, they're backing out of the deal. And it's just this world win like 96 hours. You know, if they still do those 30 for 30 things,

I would love one on the Max Crosby trade that happened and then was recanted. Because if you listen to Max on his podcast, man, he sounds, he's gone through all the emotions. Take a listen, Max Crosby on his podcast talking about the trade that did not happen. I'm so excited, like fired up, you know what I mean? Like this is new opportunity, whatever. And you can just tell the energy was off. Like, I doubt him up. He had like a blank face.

And I'm like, okay. GM was standing like the hall, like in the room next to me to the right. And that was the first time I seen him. The first time on my head, like, I was terrified. So it just kind of hit me. I'm like, what the fuck is there's something wrong? Like, I'm freaking out. Like, low key deep down.

I'm like, I can't get another surgery. I'm like frozen. I'm like, what the fuck? I'm livid, confused, the whole nine all in one. And so. I told him, like, I'm trying to get out of here, bro. I wasn't supposed to be in Baltimore. And that's it.

You know what I mean? I meant to be a Raider. It's through my damn core. There's a lot there. Max Crosby, interesting individual for sure. Obviously, you know, you wish him the best. And he went through a lot there, folks. That's a tough one.

You asked to get traded publicly. You go on podcasts and talk about wanting to be out. And then the Raiders do their best to ship you. you get traded and the new place is like, we don't know anymore about the deal. We're going to send you back. And maybe he's right, you know. It sounds very California to say,

hey, that wasn't meant to be. This is where I meant to be. I do kind of like that. Max, shout out for that one. But I will say there are some interesting things here. So for starters, according to basically every story I've read, Max Crosby played last season with that meniscus injury.

And he was tremendous. He was outstanding also. season, essentially grading out as one of the 10 best edge rushers in the league by some metrics top five, some top three. And that's with the meniscus. Okay, so he was still elite. But now, all of a sudden, the Ravens are nervous. Oh, well, I don't know about the future with this injury. It just not, not everything's adding up. So then you start wondering, well, what if there's something else is up, something else is afoot perhaps with the Ravens? Are they concerned about Lamar Jackson? Are those negotiations not going well? Now, I know Ravens.

fans are like, so look, we restructured so we can make moves. But the restructure wasn't enough to keep their center, Tyler Linderbaum, who goes to the Raiders, by the way, interesting. You almost wonder if, I don't know, are things not going well with the Lamar Jackson new contract that he demanded? Remember, about a month before John Harbaugh was fired, a big article came out in one of the Baltimore newspapers about how Lamar Jackson and John Harbaugh were not really viving. things were not going well.

And then you start to wonder, well, huh? Is Lamar the reason John Harbaugh is not there anymore? And you just got all this change, breaking character and tendency to trade two picks for a player? And then watching Trey Hendrickson's value come down and say, well, if we just dump Max Crosby and send him back, we could get Trey Hendrickson cheaper and keep our picks. And there seems to be a lot going on in Baltimore. I will just say, overall, now that this ordeal is done, done, I get the sense that this is going to work out great for the Raiders.

You guys know how those narratives work. It's like, oh, the sky is falling. Raiders tank. They get Mendoza. They're terrible. I don't know. They got a center, a veteran center for their young quarterback. They do have some good picks in this draft.

They went and spent in free agency. And ultimately, I think they spent their money pretty wisely. I mean, is it too hot of a take to say the Raiders are bigger contenders for a playoff spot next year than the Baltimore Ravens are? I don't know if the Ravens are going to be better, folks. I don't think Hendrickton makes them better. Losing your great center does not make you better. They haven't improved the wide receiver room.

And then there's a rookie head coach in Minter. And oh, by the way, did Lamar get that contract yet? So a lot happening in Baltimore and Max Crosby. Thank you for podcasting. I honestly think, you know, I know people love Kelsey's podcast. I think Max Crosby's saying more, and I think he's going to spur more athletes to come out and talk on podcasts about their experiences.

I thought it was great, great input. So we have a great show coming up next. An NBA insider believes that NBA players should want to play with a superstar center. I say, I don't know about that. I think there's a wing in Los Angeles I'd rather play with. That's next year on The Herd. Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays in noon Eastern, 9 a.m. Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1, and the IHeart Radio app.

Hey, this is Jason McIntyre. Join me every weekday morning on my podcast, Straight Fire with Jason McIntyre. This isn't your typical sports pod pushing the same tired narratives down your throat every day. Straight Fire gives you honest opinions on all the biggest sports headlines, accurate stats to help you win big at the sports book and all the best guests. Do yourself a favor and listen to Straight Fire with Jason McIntyre on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Hey, it's us, the Jonas Brothers, and guess what? We have some big news. What's the news?

Huge news. We created our own podcast called, Hey Jonas. We invented a podcast? Well, we didn't invent it. We just contributed to it. We're the first people to do podcasts. Pretty, yeah, pretty wide range of podcasts. We're starting a trend.

But this one's extra special. So how do we actually come up with a name, Hey Jonas, guys? I honestly don't remember. I think it was on a call about what we should call it. Oh, we were thinking I'm originally calling it. it one of the early names of our band before Jonas Brothers was...

This is how you guys remember it going down? Yes. I have a very different memory of this. We were talking about a thing, a bit for the podcast, where people could call in and say, Hey Jonas, and then I wrote down on my little notepad,

Hey Jonas, and offered it up as a potential title for the podcast. But thanks for remembering that, guys. Listen to Hey Jonas on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Just listen. We don't care where you hear it. Another podcast from some SNL, late-night comedy guy, not quite. Unhumor me with Robert Smygel and Friends.

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Last night, a blown call changed a game. This morning, the internet lost its mind. Highlights are trending, opinions are flying, and nobody's telling you exactly what happened. That's where Sports Slice comes in. I'm Timbo. Every episode, we're cutting through the noise, breaking down the plays, the controversies, and the stories behind the headlines. We go straight to the source, the athlete themselves, their locker room stories, their reactions, the stuff nobody gets to hear. The laughs, the drama, the triumphs, the moments that never make the highlight real.

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Is somebody coming after me? Jacob told Levan, you're ruining my life. Listen to Kingdom of Fraud on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. The French Open is one of the toughest tests in tennis, and I know firsthand because I competed there myself. I'm Renee Stubbs, and on the Renee Stubbs tennis podcast, I'm breaking down everything happening at Roland Garris,

every match, every upset, and what it really takes to win on Clay. Jenchian went. I mean, she went down in three to Rabakina, but I'm delighted. She's an outsider to win the French for me. And she likes Clay. Listen, Lina Rabakina is arguably the best player in the world right now, and I actually can win on any surface, because if she's serving, well, good luck.

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Got a great guest coming up in 20 minutes. Matt Leinert. Rare guest appearance on a TV show for Matt Leinert, the great USC quarterback. He's embroiled in a controversy. We'll get into that. That will be fun. But before we,

we get to Linerd and then Rachel Nichols, obviously. I need to talk about Luca Donchitz versus Nicola Yokic. Obviously, they're two of the better players in the league. You could argue one and two. But my guy, Brian Winhorst, a great reporter, maybe like one of the top newsbreakers in the league right now. He was on a podcast recently, and he was talking about an interesting thing. I read this multiple ways. I want you to take a listen. So he's talking about if I'm a young, great player in the league right now, I would be looking to play with Nicola Yokic over everyone.

Interesting statement. Here's how Wynhorst phrased it. In all honesty, if I was an NBA player right now, I would be doing everything I possibly could to play with Yokic. I realize that there are certain players who, you know, you have to have your own team and you don't want to do that, whatever.

And Yokich has come out and said, I'm going to be in Denver. This is where I want to be. He has said this very clearly. And so if I was a star player, especially if I was a star player that wasn't winning everything, I would be trying to get myself to Denver.

But, you know, that's me. Now, I know Winhorst a little bit through the years had him on my podcast. See him at NBA arena. It's just a good dude. And he's always forward thinking. So my initial thought was, damn, is he signaling that he's talked to an agent

and there is a player out there who may want to go play with Yokin's. We all know Yonis is the biggest fish in free agency, potentially. this summer via trade. I can't imagine Janus wanted to play with Joker. So maybe is there a guard? I don't know.

I can't really think of anybody. And then I said, well, wait a minute. Why would anyone want to play with Joker over Luca Donchich? How does that make sense? So I did some digging here. Yokic obviously turned 31 in February. I think that's a big number, 31. I don't want to say he's passed at the end of his prime or anything,

but like the last six years, he's been one or two in player efficiency in the league. Like, Yokic hasn't enjoyed an amazing run. How's he going to age in his 30s? I don't know. And I asked that because Luca Dantich just turned 27. I mean, a four-year difference is enormous in this discussion. Who would I want to play with Luca or Yokic? I mean, there's no wrong answer here.

You know, the Serbian savant is such a great passer. All you have to do is cut. Look what he did to Aaron Gordon, who was a top five pick out of Arizona. and Aaron Gordon goes to the league is fine in Orlando and he goes to Denver and he's one of the most pivotal players in the playoffs because he could do so many things

paired with Yokic. Okay, got that. What about Luca? You remember when he took the Mavs to the finals two years ago and all of a sudden, Daniel Gafford was catching lobs and playing defense and Derek lively looked like a great promising young center?

What have those guys done since Luca left? Where's PJ Washington? Who was an awesome role player? but then the counter is also true. Well, Jay, what about Jalen Brunson? He played alongside Luca, was a fine wingman, goes to the Knicks,

is now an all-NBA star leading the Knicks to the conference finals last year, and who knows, maybe the NBA finals. And so it was just a good thought experiment. Obviously, I land on the Luca side because you're going to get a lot of open threes courtesy of Luca.

And, you know, me, I'm a chucker. I love to stay on the perimeter to shoot. So I would play with Luca. Now, I don't fault anyone for wanting to say Yokic, because she's an amazing passer leading the league and assists. Luca, I think is at eight and a half. Yokic is like 10 and a half. But I believe Rachel had chimed in,

and she was like, I would lean Yokic. And honestly, the meeting was kind of split this morning along the staff. I think it was kind of maybe 60, 40 Yokic. Probably, yeah. I mean, look, for me, look, I always say, that NBA players, the great, great NBA players are not only great at what they do, they're a multiplier, right? It's kind of what you're saying. Like they make other players better, they create space in a different way, something like that. Luca,

because he's one of the best offensive talents in the league and generationally offensively talented, we'll do those things. He'll make space. He'll make, you know, the lobs look easy, all that sort of stuff. But the level that Yokic is a multiplier is higher, right? Because of the passes because of what he does, because of all the different places on the court, he takes attention. And so, yes, I agree with Brian that if you were a young star or any star who just is looking for that title, I think that I would rather go play with Yokic. And, you know, look, you talk about the ages. And this is not a rip on Luca at all, right? Saying saying he's one of the greatest players, you know, offensively in the last 10 years is not a rip on him. But, you know,

You know, he's been playing professional basketball since he was 12 years old. Remember, he went and played for Barcelona. That's right. And there have been some criticisms this season. I don't see it, but definitely there have been some voices around the NBA saying, man, maybe he's an old 27. Maybe like there's been a lot of wear and tear on his body. You know, he doesn't always keep himself in great shape, you know, that sort of thing.

I don't think that that's true. I think that we're just so quick. You know, it's bad two games. And everyone's like, oh, my God. The beer incident. The beer and blah, blah, blah, blah. You know, again, who wouldn't want to play with Luca Donchich? He's amazing.

Of course you'd want to play with him. But if you're asking me to make the comparison, I don't see the age difference as quite as wide. And I do think it's just they're very different players. And Yokic has some things that would compliment another star. And plus, there's no one like Nikoliyokic. So by definition, whoever comes in is going to be a compliment. We've seen in L.A. this year. I mean, LeBron and Luca play almost exactly the same way.

and it doesn't always multiply. Yeah. No, it's interesting. It's a great thought experiment. I would love you guys chime in online. Also, I'm a Luca guy. What do you want me to do? You know, like I just, I love the guy.

I mean, how could you not love this guy? I mean, you're choosing between the bestest of options. Yeah. Yolkich, you know, it's interesting. As soon as the season ends, he pieces out. He's going to deal with his horses. He's enjoying nightlife in Serbia, which is fine. I'm sure Luke is doing a similar thing.

Oh, yeah. You know, he has his house out here. especially lately. Yes, yes, yes. So anyways, it's a fun one. Luca versus Yocach, who would you rather teammate with? Anyways, let's go to Rachel with the news. No, no, no, no.

Turn on the news. This is the herd line news. So, Jason, we know Miami Dolphins have been having a fire sale, right? Yes. Tua, gone. Jalen Waddle, just gone. Reports, though, are that the team is not interested in moving on from running back Devon A-Chan.

A-chan is in his third year, so he's extension. eligible, but the dolphins are saying the only pro bowler on the roster last season, he is staying put. So they're tearing everything else down. But no, no, no, we're keeping the 24-year-old. Do you buy it, Jason, that he is just off the table untouchable? Or do you think that this is a little bit of like, eh, the offers aren't very good? You know, offers for running backs don't get as much in trade, right, as receivers tend to. And if someone came and blew them away with a godfather offer, A.C.M. would be gone.

or do you think they are really dedicated to having him work with Willis and building something? I don't trust anything the Dolphins say at this point, right? And this whole Willis thing is perplexing because he didn't get a long deal. I think it's two years guaranteed is pretty much it. So it's like, well, they're not going to do anything next year. And then in two years, they're going to be like a wild card contender? I don't even think that's possible. So if you've got the chance to move off A-chan,

I think you probably take the best deal you can get, right? I don't know. I think there's something to the fact that they want to see if Malik Willis can get it done this season. Not get to the conference championship, but like is he their guy? Because everyone's tanking for Tua, they get to it. It's a big deal. Didn't work out, right? So if you can take Malik Willis for a test drive and he turns out to be your guy,

you've got these great two first round draft picks in the next draft, and you can fill out the rest of the team. If over the season you learn he's not your guy, you're drafting a quarterback at the beginning in the next draft no matter what. So there is something to me to the idea that you've got to at least give him some weapons to work with. And A. Chan is going to be a real bulk of their offense,

especially as they figure out what's going on a quarterback. So let me just speculate. Sequin Barkley a couple years ago, goes to the Eagles, huge force multiplier. They win the Super Bowl. I don't know that A.C.N. has that upside, but Seattle just lost Kenneth Walker. Yeah.

If Seattle gave up a first for A. Chan, is that the worst thing in the world? I mean, basically they're replacing Kenneth Walker with a 24-year-old who, like you said, made a Pro Bowl. He looks explosive as hell. I mean, he's one of the faster backs in the league. Maybe a first is too rich, but you just won the Super Bowl. I don't see what's the harm. If you're a contender with a quarterback on a rookie deal, I'm looking at the numbers. A. Chan's going to command 12 to 13 a year, probably.

If you've got a cheap quarterback, I don't, like, the Houston Texans running back situation. All these teams with cheap quarterback should at least be kicking the tires, no? Well, they have been, right? So the Dolphins have been taking calls. Everyone knows they've been open for business, and there definitely have been pursuers for A.CAN. They're saying we're pulling them off the table.

So it's more about the dolphins than the other teams. Yeah. I kind of, I get it. I mean, again, I do think that if someone came and just blew them away with something crazy, of course, that's going to change the game. So if you're Malik Willis and they trade A Chin, do you say, is the ink dry on my contract? Or can I get it? Like, is there anywhere else to go? Arizona, I don't think as a quarterback yet.

I mean, honestly, their wide receiver room is definitely 32 in the league right now. After trading Waddle and they dumped Tyreek Hill. Yeah. Yeah. So, you know, we'll see what happens there. But I get being a little gun shy of, oh, we've got to draft another quarterback. I get wanting a backup plan and having Willis giving him at least a shot. A shot, Jim.

And seeing what happens. All right, let's go to the World Baseball Classic. You said at the top of the show, the atmosphere last night, Jason, was just incredible. I was riveted. You know I've been into this whole tournament. It's just been so fun. Check out what happens, though, after all of these, you know, play, everyone's crazy, Venezuela start rushing the field.

Bryce Harper goes through, and he's hugging everyone. He's congratulating everyone. And look, a couple of them are old teammates, but he's not, he doesn't know all these guys in the same way. And he's out there, you know, sportsmanship on lock. And it caught a lot of people's eye that he was willing to go out and do this. You know, baseball, you don't see the Yankees rushing on the field to congratulate the Dodgers. Shot at Aaron Judge. No, no, no, any of them, right?

So, you know, Yankees Dodgers World Series, you're not seeing like the Yankees rushing out on the field to congratulate the Dodgers after they win. And like, I think this is nice. And it sort of epitomizes that this tournament is different. And not better or worse. You know, I know there's the conversation earlier this week with Aaron Judge. This is a better atmosphere than the World Series. It's just different, right? And the love and the passion.

And you saw that post-game interview, like the joy is just a little bit different. The emotion is a little bit different. And treating it a little bit different. I think that's pretty good. I thought it was a very human thing to do. I'll give him props. I like Bryce Harper. So is he doing that if he didn't hit the home run and he was 0 for 4?

I mean, you know. Someone else we were alluding to and you were living to. Yeah. I don't know, I don't know. But that is good sportsmanship for sure. Yeah. I just think this whole tournament lifted baseball up. Oh, for sure.

Right? You had this great world series. Dodgers win. There's a lot of Dodgers fans around the world. Japan is Dodgers crazy now. Oh, yeah. And, you know, then you go right into basically this after a short break. This lifts baseball up around the world.

I think so many more. Americans were paying attention. I thought Fox frankly did just a great job making it a big deal and making it feel really big. And now you're having that sort of upswing maintained. And I just think that the side stories around this tournament, instead of just what happened on the field, you know, hit some runs, that's one of them. It's just sort of like, oh, right, this is nice.

It's fun. It's like a fraternity. Yeah. Yeah, exactly. So I like that a lot. All right. Reports out of Minnesota say that Kevin O'Connell has pitched Kyler Murray. on the potential of being the long-term starter for the team.

Kyler's agent said that with the plan, Minnesota should be able to, you know, they want to prioritize winning. So they're going to sign a one-year deal, hope for a long-term landing spot. I don't know. What does it say about J.J. McCarthy? Jason, we were talking about this all week. I don't know. It's not good.

J.J. McCart, listen, this is going to be a long off season for him. Like, he needs to lock in, as the kids say, and there's no room for error here. Pitching Kyler as the long-term start. starter? I don't see it, man. Look, O'Connell's been a quarterback whisperer, right? Look at all the guys who he's rehabbed, right? Careers, guys he's made good.

So I think that if he thinks J.J. McCarthy isn't it? I think that tells you a lot about J.J. McCarty. Yeah, it's probably over. Right? Just that, just that, you know, look, sometimes the organization fails the quarterback. Maybe the quarterback failed the organization

here, or maybe just, you know, they misjudged and it didn't work out. But I think the fact that it's O'Connell who appears to be ready to move on if it can work out, I think that carries more weight with me than if it was just someone else. Well, so Rachel, how much of this is

trying to protect his job? Because we know the GM pretty much decided that's our guy, we don't want Darnel, we don't want to pay in that money. Yeah. Well, there's a power struggle in that building, too, the last season. It sounds like maybe O'Connell got the memo, Hey man, you got to deliver this season or you're gone.

Now, I don't agree with that. I think you've got to let things bake. Yeah. Tough times in Minnesota. Anthony Edwards down on the shelf for at least two weeks. Right ahead of the playoffs. Right. You got a quarterback controversy.

Sam Darnold, you watch it win the Super Bowl. I know my buddy over at Fox Sports Radio, Scott Shapiro, is definitely crestfallen over this. Like, this is not good. I mean, Kyler Murray, have you seen him in the last two years? Look, again, O'Connell has rehabbed several guys' reputations. darnled himself, went on to win a Super Bowl. I mean, Stafford, there's been a bunch of guys

that he has really worked with and made better. Clearly, they wouldn't have brought Murray in if he didn't think, I know how to use this guy differently than Arizona did. Yes, he has physical limitations, but I can build an offense around that as opposed to trying to stick him in the middle of a different, you know, the offense I want to run.

So we're going to see. I mean, this is a great test for O'Connell. Are you really the quarterback whisperer? Yeah. Because, oh, it didn't work with JJ. you've done so much with Kyler Murray, guess it was JJ, or if Kyler Murray turns out to be the guy he was in Arizona still, then it's like, maybe you lost your touch.

That's a good point. Let me ask, Rach, you know this. So Kyler Murray was dumped by the Cardinals. How many teams were interested in? Was anyone else like, that's our guy, that's our savior? I mean, Miami could have got him for nothing. Atlanta could have got him. I know they went after Tua.

Yeah. But there were several teams that Jets need a quarterback. Nobody else was interested in Kyla Marie. I don't know what that says. Is that Kevin O'Connell seeing something? Or is that like, hey, we can get this guy for the minimum? Let's do it? Yeah, I mean, I think that other teams would have brought in Kyler Marie's backup.

And he wanted a chance to start here. He wanted a chance to start. What about any? By the way, we don't know for sure. We're getting indications, right? So I'm sure in training camp, we'll see how the guys do. But it's certainly there's an indication that Kyler has a running lead here. in a way he wouldn't with other teams.

Has he looked over the playbook yet? Just curious. Unlikely. Anyways, all right, Rachel, with the news. Well, that's the news. And thanks for stopping by. The Herd Lye News. All right.

Very juicy story in college football regarding Jersey's retirement. You're going to love this. Matt Linerd stops by. Next, the superstar from USC, to talk all about it. Be sure to catch live editions of the herd. Weekdays in noon Eastern, 9 a.m. Pacific.

Hey, it's us, the Jonas brothers. And guess what? We have some big news. What's the news, name? Huge news. We created our own podcast called, Hey Jonas. We invented a podcast? Well, we didn't invent it.

We just contributed to it. We're the first people to do podcasts. Pretty, yeah, pretty wide range of podcasts. We're starting a trend. But this one's extra special. So how do we actually come up with a name, Hey Jonas, guys? I honestly don't remember. I think it was on a call about what we should call it.

And we were thinking I'm originally calling it one of the, early names of our band before Jonas Brothers. This is how you guys remember it going down? Yes. I have a very different memory of this. We were talking about a thing, a bit for the podcast, where people could call in and say, hey, Jonas. And then I wrote down on my little notepad,

Hey Jonas, and offered it up as a potential title for the podcast. But thanks for remembering that, guys. Listen to Hey Jonas on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Just listen. We don't care where you hear it. Another podcast from some SNL late-night comedy guy, not quite on Humor Me with Robert Smygel and Friends. Me and hilarious guests from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman

help make you funnier. This week, my guest, SNL's Mikey Day and head writer Streeter Seidel help an a cappella band with their between songs banter. Where does your group perform? We do some retirement homes. Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and Friends on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get.

your podcasts. Last night, a blown call changed a game. This morning, the internet lost its mind. Highlights are trending, opinions are flying, and nobody's telling you exactly what happened. That's where Sports Slice comes in. I'm Timbo. Every episode, we're cutting through the noise, breaking down the plays, the controversies, and the stories behind the headlines. We go straight to the source, the athletes themselves, their locker room stories, their reactions, the stuff nobody gets to hear. The laughs, the drama, the triumphs, the moments that never make the highlight real. From viral, moments to historic games, from buzzer beaters to controversial calls, we break it down, give you context, and ask the questions everybody wants answered.

SportsSlice brings you closer to the action with stories told by the people who live them. Listen to SportsSlice on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more, follow Timbo Slices Life 12 in the TikTok podcast network on TikTok. Jacob Kingston grew up in an isolated polygamous sect. We were God's chosen kingdom on earth. He felt destined for greatness. So when a swaggering Armenian businessman catapults Jacob into an extraordinary world, he doesn't look back. Ferraris and Lamborghinis, private jets, meeting the president of Turkey.

I'm Michelle McPhee, and this is one of the most shocking criminal conspiracies I've ever come across. When Jacob met Levin this plant to a billion dollar fraud. But with two kings from entirely different worlds, Just how long can their empire survive? The largest tax investigation in American history. You need to tell me what you know. Is somebody coming after me? Jacob told Levan, you're ruining my life.

Listen to Kingdom of Fraud on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. The French Open is one of the toughest tests in tennis, and I know firsthand because I competed there myself. I'm Renee Stubbs, and on the Renee Stubbs tennis podcast, I'm breaking down everything happening at Roland Garris. Every match, every upset, and what it really takes to win on Clay. Jenchian win. I mean, she went down to three to Rabakina, but I'm delighted. She's an outsider to win the French for me. And she likes Clay.

Listen, Lennar Rabakina is arguably the best player in the world right now, and I actually can win on any surface. Because if she's serving, well, good luck. Consider this your court side scene. to the French Open. Listen to the Renee Stubbs tennis podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Presented by Capital One, founding partner of IHeart Women's Sports. Are you missing football?

I mean, come on, it's 175 more days until the NFL starts. So we have the answer for you. The United Football League returns with a new season, Real Pro Football, Don't Miss, UFL kickoff weekend, March 27 through the 29 on Fox. and ESPN. All right, our next guest is a college football superstar, a legend. Folks, you don't realize how big of a deal this is.

My wife was out to dinner with some ladies, and they go, oh my gosh, look who's at the next table. It's Matt Leinert. And my wife's like, oh, I know him. We're friends. My husband plays basketball with him. And they were, oh, my goodness. So let's bring on Matt Leinert, the USC football legend.

37 and 2 record with the Trojans. Also, a great recruiter for our men's basketball team. We won the championship last night. Liner dinged up. Got to get that calf healthy for next season, buddy. Well, first of all, thanks for the intro. I want to say this, dude. We are champions.

We woke up today both basketball champions, the Grey Foxes. Two out of three seasons, we won, and we will hang the banner once again in the Bay Club here in the South Bay. I do apologize for not making it last night. I did pop a calf a month ago. I was down and out. But the team that you built, J-Mac, the team you built, the general manager of the year, you built this team so that we had depth,

we picked up some key players, everybody knew their role, and we won another championship, and I'm so freaking pumped, dude. Like, it's one of my greatest accomplishments at this point in my life now is getting a chance to lace them up with you. And your producer was just asking me, is J-Mack actually good in basketball? And I said, he will surprise you. He's a pesky little defender, and he will shoot the hell out of the ball. So congratulations.

to you, buddy. Congratulations to you, man. All right. Let's get to the real story. And that's obviously you making waves on your podcast. So you got a podcast with Jerry Ferrar, you know, of entourage fame. It's called Throwbacks. And you talked about Jersey retirements. I'll let you explain and then I'll fire away the questions. Go ahead.

Yeah. So I think this got kind of taken out of context. And let me just give you the context. So I'm on the pot with Jerry and we're talking about Mike Evans going to the 49ers. Mike Evans worse number 13, Brock Pretty where's number 13. And Jerry was like, as a sports fan,

he's like, dude, do you think Mike would ask Brock for, do you think he'll sell the number, all this kind of stuff? And we actually FaceTime Larry Fitzgerald because Larry wore 11 when I was coming into the league and I wanted to be 11 and I ended up being seven for Arizona. That's how this whole thing sparked.

And then I was like, oh, when I think about it, man, USC has approached me in the past if I would ever unretire my jersey for a big recruit. I'm not going to name names or the, years and I said exactly what I said I said dude absolutely not I I'm not gonna ever let anyone wearing my jersey other than my boys it was Cole at the time now it's case in canon if they ever go play football USC great um I think what and I clarified this I sent out to you what I think people were thinking is like Lincoln in the last four or five years they've come to me and I've

said no so that that hasn't happened um this is this is this is it must have been a slow news cycle yesterday, dude, if this was getting picked up. So just to clarify, Lincoln and the staff haven't asked me in the last four or five years. I did say, though, like, I wouldn't give it up to some kid who's making two or three million dollars who's probably going to transfer in a year or two anyway. But it's been pretty funny. I feel like everybody's on the side of holding strong and keeping your number sacred. But, yeah, man, that's kind of what happened.

So it's really not a big deal. You know, I got a lot of love for USC. these were funny conversations. They did happen in the past, and I kind of laughed. I said, dude, there's no chance I'm going to unretire my number. And you're spot on with the current NIL era. Some guy can point your number and then he bounces in a year. You know, or he's benched.

And then he quits. But let me ask, what if a guy comes in to your starter awesome? He's ready for the final year. And he says, I want to honor Linerd, wear that for my final year. We're going to win the Natty. I'm going to win the Heistman. I don't know that he'd want to change his number. and it's all circumstantable, is that a scenario where you'd consider it?

Listen, if his name is Jason or Cannon-Liner, absolutely. Yeah. Listen, that makes sense. Yeah, look, I mean, I'm holding strong. That's my belief. People can disagree or agree with me. That number is, one, it was my number growing up in baseball and everything I played. All my kids, like, I don't know.

I think Cole's going to try and be 11 this year at SMU. I'm not sure. Obviously, at some point you kind of have to earn and you can get to pick as you get older. but it's an important number and it represents what we were able to accomplish at USC, you know, so it's, it's pretty cool to have your number retired at a place like USC. I'm proud of it. I'm proud of those teams I was a part of and winning those titles. But, I mean, listen, I'm going to, I'll die on the hill of if it's a liner last name and they want to rock 11, go for it.

Yeah, no, I think a lot of people are with you. It makes sense. Hey, let me quickly while we got you, ask you about the upcoming draft. Obviously, you were a great quarterback in college, translated, went to the pros. saw a lot of Mendoza on Big Noon kickoff. I'm just curious, your thoughts on him heading into the league. Yeah, I love Fernando. I think it's interesting, right? This is the time of the year where you start breaking down these guys. And really, you're looking at Fernando and you're looking at Ty Simpson, probably the only two first round quarterbacks, at least where we sit today. I think the thing

with Fernando, one, when you look at the physical skill set, he's a lot bigger than you probably think. Like, he's every bit of six four, six five, two 20. He can run. He's, he's going to run. He's got a really good arm. He can make all the throws. I think there's one one trait in the NFL, like you have to be accurate. You have to be insanely accurate. I don't care if you have an absolute cannon or you have an average arm. You have to be able to fit the ball wherever you need it. He can do that. Also, from a mental standpoint, I just think he understands and can see the game mentally, which is another big part. I think if you can understand defenses and you can digest and you can learn an offense system and then

learn how to what a defense is going to do to you and all of these things and play at that level. I think that's what stands out to him. You know, he's probably going to go to the Raiders. Obviously, they don't have a great roster. I think they definitely improved over a free agency.

I love Clint Kubiak. A quick story here, you know, I played for Gary Kubiak in Houston and I've always said this, like, that offense is the Shanahan offense. It's that kind of tree, the McVeigh, all of those. you can kind of plug and play quarterback. So I'm actually really excited to see Fernando, if he does, right,

go to play in that system where they just revive Sam Darnold right up in Seattle, go in that system and try and get the best out of Fernando. It's just such a quarterback-friendly offense. And Clint was, gosh, 20 years old running around at the Texan's facility when I was there. So I'm excited for that marriage. I think Fernando is going to be a really good pro. Simpson, everybody's divided on. Mel Kuiper had him first round.

Daniel Jeremiah did not. I don't know. Have you seen enough of him, the Alabama quarterback, who really struggled the last time we saw him against Indiana? Yeah, I mean, I think there's a couple games down the stretch there where he struggled. I would just say this. The receivers underperform this year for them. They had virtually no running game.

I mean, they couldn't run the football. And you're playing in the SEC. There's a lot of pressure. We said it on Big Noon every week. Like whenever we talked about them, it's like this dude's got so much pressure on him to single-handedly will this team to wins. And that's what he was able to do in the SEC when you're playing against great defenses and really good football team. So, you know, he's not the biggest guy.

I remember meeting him out of the elite 11 when he was there in our neck of the woods back in the day. I love his demeanor. I love his leadership. He's a ball player. He loves football. He's not the biggest guy. But I'll tell you what, like he can make some throws that are like NFL throws and windows that are NFL throws. So he's an interesting one because he's not going to jump out with all the.

the intangibles and the physical and all that kind of stuff. But you turn on the tape, there's a lot of good stuff there. The great Matt Liner, check out his throwbacks podcast. Thanks a lot, Matt. Enjoy, enjoy the summer. Hey, congrats on being a champion, Jay Mack. You're the man, bro. Matt Liner, just a great human being.

Rachel, I saw you nodding a lot. You're in agreement with this jersey number. This became like a huge story. You texted me after the show. Did you see this? And I was like, that's a great topic. Yeah. I was angry.

I was actually angry. First of all, I know Matt. Matt is amazing and just, you know, he deserves every bit of respect. He has earned it. But also, retiring someone's jersey, the only thing that is, is saying that no one can have their number anymore. It's not like a side effect of some other honor. Like, this is it. This is the honor. You are saying you did so well here. You were such a part of what this school is. Nobody should ever wear this again. That's the thing. If you don't feel that way, don't retire the number. Because this isn't just like a prize that comes along. in a cracker jacks box. Like, oh, no, you got the crackerjack already. So, like, give us that prize back. This is it. This is the honor. I know some people are like, well, what happens when they run out of numbers for

quarterbacks? What do you do? That's in, like, 80 years, okay? Let's settle down. Retirement is, it's hallowed. You're a legend. I mean, how many, I don't know how many quarterbacks have had their number retired at USC.

It can't be many. But they're a pretty impressive list, right? Exactly. Carson Palmer or Matt Line. Like, legends. You got to really prove it. He did. And yeah, I'm not giving up.

my number for, I mean, like he said, if his kid or kids, you know, he's got young, young kids, and his son's going to SMU, but I don't know my jersey retired in anything. Do you have a jersey retired in anything? No, come on. That's why we do this job. Yes, exactly. It's why we talk. Because we can't really play.

But it sounds like maybe at the Bay Club, you're going to have your jersey retire. Matt talking you up there. I like that. I don't know. All right, coming up next, speaking of retirements. So NCAA tournament officially kicks off tomorrow. Yes, Texas hit a game winner. And congrats to Howard, a really impressive.

win last night. But tomorrow the tournament begins. So I'm trying to rank my top five players in the 20. It is extremely difficult. We had to leave off some really awesome players. I mean, Braden Smith, who's going to pass Bobby Hurley for the most assist ever. He didn't make the list, guys. He's an amazing point guard, great career. So top five players in the NCAA tournament, that is next year on the herd. Hey guys, it's us. The Jonas Brothers. I'm Joe. I'm Kevin. And I'm Nick. And guess what? We created our own podcast called Hey Jonas. We invented a podcast?

Well, we didn't invent it. We just contributed to it. We get to ask other people to do podcasts. We get to ask other people questions because we're sick and tired of being asked questions. Well, sick and tired is a strong way to put it, but, you know, tired and sick. Listen to Hey Jonas on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Just listen. We don't care where you hear it.

Another podcast from some SNL late night comedy guy, not quite. on Humor Me with Robert Smygel and Friends, me and hilarious guests from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier. This week, my guest, S&L's Mikey Day and head writer Streeter Seidel help an a cappella band with their between songs banter.

Where does your group perform? We do some retirement homes. Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and Friends on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, I'm Deanna Maria Riva, and on my new podcast,

How Hard Can It Be? I call on my Gen X squad from Ohio to Hollywood as we navigate Midlife's most fantastic BS. Unfiltered conversations from night sweats to fupas to scheduling sex. Wait, what sex? Is it just me or does every woman my age want to look at Pinterest instead of having sex sometimes? They say we can't polish a turd, but we're sure going to try. So let's get blunt with laughs, tears, or tears of laughter. Listen to How Hard Can It Be with Diana Maria Riva on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts,

or wherever you get your podcasts. What's up, fam? It's Isaiah Thomas. And I'm C.J. Toledano. It's our favorite time of the year on our podcast, Point Game, the playoffs. We're digging into the biggest surprises of the season, and I'm looking back on some of my greatest playoff moments.

If we didn't talk ever again, I was crying. You just understood. That's how personal it got. Wow. Then after that game seven, Mark keep coming to him. He's like, you know, I love you, dog. You know, it's all love.

This was just playoffs. This was just basketball. So listen to Point Game on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Will Ferrell's Big Money Players and IHeart Podcasts presents soccer moms. So I'm Leanne. Yeah. This is my best friend Janet.

Hey. And we have been joined at the hips since high school. Absolutely. A redacted amount of years later, we're still joined at the hip. Just a little bit bigger hips. This is a podcast. We're recording it as we tailgate our youth soccer games in the back of my Honda Odyssey. With all the snacks and drinks.

Why did you get hard seltzer instead of beer? Oh, they had a bogo. Well, then you got them. Listen to soccer. soccer moms on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This is an IHeart podcast. Guaranteed human.