The Herd with Colin Cowherd - The Herd-HOUR-3-Undefeated teams

Episode Date: September 22, 2020

Colin says which NFL 2-0 teams he believes inGuests: Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Jeff Pearlman Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an I-Heart podcast. Guaranteed Human. Another podcast from some SNL, late-night comedy guy, not quite. Unhumor 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. Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal, but encouraged. It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque.

Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast's Superhuman documented it all, embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year. Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the IHard Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. A win is a win.

A win is a win. I don't care what I'm saying. Yep, that's me, Clifford Taylor the 4th. You might have seen the skits, my basketball and college football journey, or my career in sports media. Well, now I'm bringing all of that excitement to my brand new podcast, The Clifers Show. This is a place for raw, unfilled conversations with athletes,

creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard, but celebrated. So let's get to it. Listen to the Clifford show on the Iheart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more behind the scenes, follow at Clifford and at TikTok's podcast network on TikTok. On the Look Back at it podcast.

For 1979, that was a big moment for me. 84's big to me. I'm Sam J. And I'm Alex English. Each episode, we pick a year, unpack what went down, and try to make sense of how we survived it. With our friends, fellow comedians,

and favorite authors. Like Mark Lamont Hill on the 80s. 84 was a wild year. I don't think there's a more important year for black people. Listen to look back at it on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for listening to The Heard podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday from 12 to 3 Eastern, 9 to noon Pacific on Fox Sports Radio and FS1. Find your local station for the herd at Fox Sports Radio.com or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Herd. You're listening to Fox Sports Radio. See a check engine light come out?

Come on, I'm not a car guy. That's why you have Car Shield. Protection warranty when yours runs out, carsield.com. So Jeff Perlman writes New York Times, bestsellers for a living. I think I was first introduced to him years ago in America was. Boys Will Be Boys.

It was the controversial book because it told the truth about the Cowboys. There was a book about Walter Payton, Barry Bonds, the anti-hero, gunslinger, Brett Farve. exhaustive research. I mean, just like, it's scuba diving. It is get the gear on and go a million miles deep. Well, the new book is Three Ring Circus.

And what's great about dynasties in sports is they never get old. They just don't. You can read about dysfunction on dynasties. I just read a Patriots book. And it's like, it's just incredible. I just can't get enough on dynasties. And obviously, the Shaq, Kobe, Jerry West, Phil, Jackson, a lot of egos, a lot of greatness, and Jeff Perlman, three-ring circus.

The book is now out and he is joining us live. So, you know, it's funny, Jeff. Usually dysfunction punctures momentum. And Kobe and Shaq, I mean, different backgrounds, a lot of dysfunction, but they made it work for quite a while. How did they make it work? I mean, the number one thing is they had two of the five most talented guys on the court at all times. And that's a huge thing.

That's a huge thing. I just think they chose to coexist, not lovingly, but they chose to coexist. And I really think what the Lakers did, the most important thing they did, is they always had these role players who doubled as almost like guidance counselors. So whether it was Derek Harper, Rick Fox, J.R. Reed, John Sally, you know, on and on, Ron Harper. There are always guys who are there to kind of sue things over in the locker room, Brian Shaw, guys like that.

And it just made a world of difference. So even though it's funny, because Shaq and Kobe occupied their own orbits in that locker room. And the media would go to Shaq, and he would say something about Kobe. And then they would go to Kobe. And it was the most passive aggressive, aggressive nonsense ever,

truly ludicrous. But these guys, these veterans were all able to handle it well. and sort of work it out so it was okay. It wasn't that big a deal. And also, Phil Jackson, to his credit, like when Kurt Rambis was the intern coach, Shaq's big complaint was he needs to stop babying Kobe.

He needs to stop baby and Kobe. And Phil Jackson didn't baby Kobe. He kind of let it be. He let these guys run the locker room and it kind of worked. So I remember when Shaq was in college. In fact, I talked to Jerry Tarkaney and I was in Vegas. And he told me about Shaq. He said there's a kid down in Louisiana.

he's going to change the game. But Kobe was different. He grew up in Italy. He was a high school player. We didn't know much about him. I mean, literally, it wasn't a time when you drafted a guard on a high school. Okay? So, Jerry, it doesn't, you don't think about it as a risk.

But Jerry West drafts a high schooler, makes a trade with Charlotte. I mean, was there any misgivings? Was he nervous? Was there any doubt for Jerry West with Kobe when he's 18? All right. So it's the best thing ever. So it's all John Calipari's fault. It's all John Calabari's fault.

So John Calipari is a coach in the Nets. He's a young coach, first year. And they have decided they're going to draft Kobe Bryant with the eighth pick in the 96th draft. It is a lock. That is who we are drafting. And John Nash is a general manager. They're all on board. They brought Kobe in four times.

They love him. Leading up to the draft, they actually meet with Kobe's parents. And they're like, we're going to draft your son. and Joe and Pam Bryan are like, that's great. He'll be nearby. Day before the draft, Kobe Bryant calls John Calipari on his own and says, I want to get away from my family. I don't want to play in New Jersey.

I don't want you to draft me. Kobe's agent calls John Calipari and says, yeah, if you guys draft Kobe, he probably won't play this year or he might go to Italy. Calipari's freaking out. He's like, oh, my God, he goes to John National. He's like, I don't know what I'm going to do. What are we going to do? John Ashley, you need to calm down.

It's all just a bluff. It's just a bluff. Kerry Kittles out of Villanova is represented by David Falk. David Falk calls John Calipari and says, Kerry really wants to play with you guys. If you don't draft him, if he's there, I'm never going to have a player go to you again. Calipari is freaking out.

He goes into John Nash. John, I don't know what we're going to do. John Ness is like, Cal, you need to calm down. It's all just a bluff. And behind the scenes, there's this whole mechanism to get Kobe to El LA because he already signed a deal with Adidas. They don't want him playing in the swamps in New Jersey. They want him in L.A.

Jerry West is friends with Kobe's agent, aren't telling him. And John Nash is telling Cal, we got to do this. We got to do this. We have to draft him. He's going to change the franchise. It's a damn morning of the draft. John Calipari, who has in his contract, has final personnel say, gathers everyone around.

And he says, I've made a decision. If Kerry Kittles is there at number eight, we're going to take Kerry Kittles. And if he's not there, we're going to take Kobe Bryant. Brian. And John Nash just does one of those and puts his hands in his head. Of course, Kerry Kittles is there at number eight. I talked to Kittles. Kittles was like, I played with Kobe in the summer. I would have drafted Kobe too. They end up drafting. Carrie Kittles. Jerry West is doing a freaking dance in his office because he knows the next four picks are not going to be Kobe Bryant. He has his deal worked out with Charlotte. And he ends up trading Vladay for the rights of Kobe.

And he says to Jerry Buss, right after that happens, I just got you the best player in this draft. they had worked out Kobe twice, once against Michael Cooper, once against Dante Jones, and it was the best two workouts Jerry West had ever seen. Wow. How about that? You know, when you do these books, I mean, again, it's scuba gear. You deep dive. There's always a crazy story.

You have to find, I mean, I, I, you have hundreds of sources per book. Was there a crazy? Who did you track down that was crazy? What was the craziest story in the book? I mean, my favorite trackdown, I love the trackdowns. And J.R. Rider, you know, he was a Laker for one year. Yeah. Yeah.

Yeah. It was a Laker for one year. Former slam dunk champ. So J.R. Ryder, who I love, I actually really love, he twice in his career, when writers wrote something that he did not like, actually said to them, I know where your family lives. Like, that was his threat to them. I know where your family lives.

All I had was an address for J.R. rider. I did not have a phone number. And I was going to be in Arizona. So I decided I'm going to drive to J.R. R. house. And I, I drive out there. I get there like 9.30, which is a little early, but that's okay. I knock on the door, a kid answers. I have my USFL book with me. I'm like, hey, is J.R. Rider here? He's like, hold on. A woman comes the door. I'm like, hey, my name's Jeff Perilman. I'm a writer. Is J.R. Rider here? She goes, hold on. They close the door.

I hear her and a guy, adult male, yelling at each other. And then the door opens, and there's J.R. Rider. And he goes, who are you? And I'm like, hey, my name is Jeff Perlman and I'm a writer and I'm doing a book about the, bro, bro, are you effing kidding me? Bro, you just knock on my door. Are you kidding me? He opens the door and comes out and he's like this far away from me. And he's like, bro, that is not cool. And I'm convinced at this moment I'm about to get punched by J.R. Ryder. And he goes, what's that book you have? And I'm like, oh, it's a book I did about the USFL. Is that the Trump? Is that Trump? I'm like, yeah, Trump owner team. What do you, so what are you working on? I'm like, well, I'm doing a book about the

Lakers during the Shack Kobe years. All right, man, I'll talk to you. I talk to you. Ans are giving me two hours. Wow. And he was awesome. And I just want to say, the best story ever is J.R. Riders playing for the Lakers, and they're on the road, and he oversleaps. And he, he asked the front desk clerk to write him a note to give to Phil Jackson explaining that he did not get a wake-up call. So literally, J.R. Ryder arrives at practice and gives Phil Jackson a note like a student late for class that says, dear coach Jackson, we are sorry on behalf of whatever hotel was the Hyatt. We regret that we were unable to provide J.R. Rider with the requisite wake-up call.

It is our fault. And he gives it to Phil Jackson as his excuse for not being practiced on time. These are the kind of stories you get. It's a great book. It's called Three Rings Circus with Jeff Perlman. You know, it's when I, when you read the book, Shaq and Magic Johnson has his quality too, Magic likes you to ask for help. Like if you're, Magic's offended if you move to LA and don't ask him for help. And I think Shaq wanted to be a little bit of a, a father figure for Kobe, right? Like, like not only the physical stature he was so big, but, you know, he, he, he went to college. And, but, but it didn't work that way. And why, tell the audience why. because I think Shaq wanted that and would have been comfortable with that, but it didn't work that way.

I, you know, I talked to a guy named Mike Penberthie. Do you remember Mike Penberthie? Yes, I know. Yes, I do. He played with the Lakers for a spell for a year, and he went to Masters College. And he told me when he first got to the Lakers, he had a, he made the team and he didn't have a suit. He only had a jacket. He bought it Nordsters off the rack.

And Shaq sees him wearing this jacket. And he says, Mike, do you own any suits? and Pemberthy's like, I don't. Shack's like, tomorrow, meet me here. And he brings his personal suit maker, his outfitter, and he pays for six of Mike Pemberthy's suits. Wow. When Shack was teammates with Mark Madsen,

he would go around and ask women if they were Mormon and if they were single, so he could introduce them to Mark Madsen, who was Mormon and single. Like, he would fly people in the parents of teammates in to see their kids' first game in the NBA. He would pay for the first game. funerals of teammates' parents. He was, Penberth, he said to me, he's the best teammate who

ever existed, just the best teammate who ever existed. And that's what he wanted to be, to his credit. He just wanted to be that. And Kobe comes along. And Kobe's first introduction to the Lakers is first training camp in Hawaii, Del Harris as a coach, all the players gather around. And they introduce each other. So it's like, hey, I'm Nick Van Exso. I'm Eddie Jones. I'm Kobe Bryant. I played the lower Marion last year and nobody here's going to punk me. That was his introduction to Lakers. Nobody here is going to punk me. He's 18 years old.

And Kobe just wants him to say, can we go out to dinner? Can you help me with this? I don't understand this. And it just wasn't who he was. And Chack kind of had this thing in his head. I'm Batman. Kobe's going to be Robin. I'm big brother. He's going to be a little brother.

But it just wasn't who Kobe Bryant was. And you're right. You are 100% right. The magic Shaq comparison is a really good. one. He just wanted you to ask and he just wanted to be loved. And Kobe was not someone who did that. By the way, Jeff adds a prologue to the book. The book had been written when Kobe passed. So he adds some texture and context to that as well. It's in the book. The book is called Three Ring Circus. What I love about this stuff, there's a shot of the book. You know, it's interesting now that

LeBron's in town. The Lakers are a fascinating legacy. You've had, there was kind of the flaky wilt, into the sort of academic, prickly Kareem, into everybody loves magic, into bigger than life shack, and then there was, there's magic. And then there's kind of the aloof prodigy, Kobe. And now it's LeBron. And I know, you know, you're not writing a book with LeBron in mind, but I love your take on this, is that what's fascinating about the Lakers dynasty is all these superstars have been unique. They're all just, I mean, there is a magic shack thing that's kind of similar. But you're kind of feeling on how the Laker, if the Lakers won the title, Jeff, how Kobe

and Magic were so deeply embedded into the lore of the franchise. You know, here comes LeBron moving into town. He's already won titles. If he wins, what does it mean for the Lakers? How much of a Laker is LeBron? your opinion. It's so funny. I have a 20-year-old nephew named Jordan, and he's always like, LeBron is the greatest Laker ever, right? And he's like, no, what are you talking about? You know, no. I feel like in history, we're always going to think of LeBron first and foremost for Cleveland.

I just think it's a guarantee, and that's what it is. And I feel like that's the big difference here, is that when you think of Kobe, he's a Laker, when you think of Magic, he's a Laker, even Shaq, with the four years in Orlando, he's a Laker. Will Chamberlain, who played in Philly, a Laker, Jerry West, a Laker. And I do think the big difference here is his legacy will be great, who brought the Lakers a title. It's wonderful. I just don't think he goes down the same way

because I don't think he will be thought of as a Laker, a career Laker. And I think here in L.A., that really means something, not just that you played here, but that you, like Kobe, when he died, I'm a native New Yorker. I've lived here for six years. The thing that just did it for me and shocked me

is how much people felt that death. and they felt like he was, it wasn't just a star dying, it was an icon dying, he was a part of L.A. dying. Yes. And I'm not sure if LeBron has that. Yeah.

You know what I mean? No, I think you're totally right. When Kobe passed away as somebody that lives in Los Angeles, I was in an airport. I just landed. I literally was sick to my stomach. I went to the back of a restaurant.

It was very emotional. Like I felt like Los Angeles lost something. He was so Los Angeles. It's very much, it feels Troy Aitman, Dallas. Like, it just Aikman, he sounds like he's from Dallas. He looks like he's from Dallas. He is Dallas. And I'm with you.

I think LeBron is remarkable, but the depth of that relationship with fans. Speaking of depth, the book is called Three Ring Circus. There's dozens of stories. Jeff writes a book every couple years. We bring him on. Strongly recommend it. And boy, I'll tell you, it's a dynasty with egos and stories and conflict. And you get all of it there.

Jeff, it's great talking. you haven't seen you in a while. Keep safe for you and your fam, your kids and your wife, and continued success. Thank you so much. It's very pleasure being here. All right.

The book is out. Three Ring Circus. There's just, you know, it's funny. I cover J.R. writer in college. At UNLV. That's a great story. I covered him in college at UNLV.

He was difficult. I'll just say that. He was difficult. Well, sounds like he's still on brand. That's exactly. Is it J.R. Is it J.R. he's changed it to Isaiah

at some point he flipped and I'm not sure where we're out on that yeah J.R. Isaiah, whatever it is. Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal but encouraged. It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque.

Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast Superhuman documented it all embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year. Within probably 10 days I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth.

Listen to Superhuman on the I-Hard Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. A win is a win. A win is a win. I don't care what I'm saying. Yep, that's me. Cliver Taylor the 4th. You might have seen the skits, the reactions, my journey from

basketball to college football, or my career in sports media. Well, somewhere along the way, this platform became bigger than I ever imagined. And now I'm bringing all of that excitement to my brand podcast, The Clifford Show. This is a place for raw, unfiltered conversations with some of your favorite athletes, creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard, but celebrated.

One week, I'll take you behind the scenes of the biggest moments in sports and entertainment, and the next we'll talk about life, mental health, purpose, and even music. The Clifford Show isn't just a podcast. It's a space for honest conversations, stories that don't always get told, and for people who are chasing something bigger. So, if you've ever supported me, or you're just chasing down a dream, This is right where you need to be. Listen to The Clifford show on the IHeart Radio app,

Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more behind the scenes, follow at Clifford and at TikTok Podcast Network on TikTok. Do you remember when Diana Ross double-tap Little Kim's boobs at the VMAs? Or when Kanye said that George Bush didn't like black people. I know what you're thinking. What the hell does George Bush got to do with Little Kim? Well, you can find out on the Look Back at it podcast.

I'm Sam J. And I'm Alex English. Each episode, we pick it here, unpack what went down, and try to make sense of how we survived it. Including a recent episode with Mark Lamont Hill waxing all about crack in the 80s. To be clear, 84 is big to me, not just because of crack. I'm down to talk about crack all day, but just so y'all know. I mean, at this point, Mark, this is the second episode where we've discussed crack. So I'm starting to see that there's a through line.

We also have AIDS on the table right now. Thank you for finishing that sentence. Yes. I don't think there's a more important year for black people. Really? Yeah. For me, it's one of the most important years for black people in American history. Listen to look back at it on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Welcome to my new podcast, Learn the Hard Way with me, your host, and your favorite therapist, Kear Games. And in recognition of mental health awareness month, I'm bringing over a decade of my own experience in the mental health field and conversations with so many incredible guests. I'm talking, Tripp Fontaine, Ryan Clark, Sometimes when we're in the pursuit of the thing, we get so wrapped up in the chase that we don't realize that we are in possession of the thing and we're still chasing it and we don't know when we've done enough.

Because people scoreboard watch. Life becomes about wins and losses. Steve Burns, Dustin Ross, because you find it important to be a good person while you hear on earth, or are you a good person because you're afraid? Because that's two different intentions, bro. Absolutely.

And that's two different levels of trust. I want you to just really be a good person. a good person. Join me, Keir Gaines, as we have real conversations about healing, growth, fatherhood, pressure, and purpose on my new podcast, Learn the Hardway. Open your free, Our Heart Radio app.

Search Learn the Hardway and listen now. By-the-Raecon's new wireless earbuds, the everyday E-25, BayRawrackan... Buy raycon.com slash heard. Byrakan.com slash herd. We're late, but Joy, Taylor, Blue. No, no, no, no. Turn on the news. This is the Herdline News.

All right, I'm going to spring this on you guys, but I'm going to cut to the second story. We didn't discuss this, but we are late. So Michael Jordan is getting into NASCAR. He is pairing up with Denny Hamlin to start a new single car NASCAR team, and Bubba Wallace will be their driver. Jordan is excited to team up with the only black driver at the top level of NASCAR writing in a statement. I see this as a chance to educate a new audience and open up more opportunities for black people in racing. Bubba Wallace tweeted this is a unique once in a lifetime opportunity. that I believe is a great fit for me at this point in my career.

I'm grateful and humbled that they believe in me, and I'm super pumped to begin this adventure with him. He announced he was leaving Richard Petty Motorsports after this season on September 10th, so clearly this has been in the works for a while. Well, Michael owns the Charlotte Hornets. Am I wrong on this? Isn't Charlotte the home of NASCAR?

Goula, you like, I mean, it's like 50 drivers live there. It feels like Sharpe. All of the NASCAR teams are based out of the Charlotte area. Okay. So this would be a perfect fit. Charlotte, Michael, Bubba Wallace. Well, Denny Hamlin talked about, he put out a statement, you know, announcing this and said that him and Michael had become friends and started discussing starting a team. So I think this is great.

It's just expanding the sport. Sports obviously gone through a lot of changes this year. And Bubba Wallace was at the center of a lot of that. Yeah. So Michael Jordan spreading his wings even further in the sports world. Yeah, I'm here for it. So the Colts are one of the few teams. We're one of the few teams with fans and the stands for their games.

and on Sunday, Darius Leonard gave his gloves to a young fan after the game. But he didn't realize his wedding ring was stuck inside. So on Monday, Leisure reports, Tyler Brooke tweeted, My Step-Nephew got Darius Leonard's game gloves yesterday. Plot twist. Leonard's ring was accidentally in the gloves. Someone helped us get his wedding ring back to him. And Leonard replied with, I need that with a bunch of laughing about jeans. So it was a really cute picture.

He gave his gloves to a young fan. Apparently they've connected on Twitter and the ring is on its way back to Leonard. But that's a funny. That's a funny little story. And it's nice. It's been, I know a lot of places that are allowing fans to be in. It's, it's been nice to have the fans there. I'm obviously on the side that we need to be as cautious and prepare as possible.

Kansas City had some first week. Indies got some. Yes. And some college teams are letting fans in as well. Dolphins had, you know, fans. Who had 20,000 goulay? The Cowboys had 20,000. Yeah.

I mean, I think that. I would have no problem with somebody letting in every third four seat a fan. If you wear a mask, I'm good with it. It looks like they're doing a good job of managing it. Listen, a lot of these places are eventually going to get cold. It's not the worst idea to have a mask on to begin with. So as long as our people are being safe and wearing masks and staying away from each other, I'm cool with it. Good stuff, Joy, with the news.

Well, that's the news. And thanks for stopping by. The herd lie news. Okay, call in, call out. I didn't make the name up. There's a bunch of two and no teams. You know, teams get hot early and then fold. O and two generally gives you some certainty.

Two and O doesn't mean anything. That's coming up. Call in, call out. We've all heard of Casper outrageously comfortable, but not outrageously priced. The sleep company that wants to own the bedroom. They've got it all. Mattresses, award-winning pillows, sheets, duvets, even a dog bed, transforming the way we sleep.

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That's Code Herd for $100 off your mattress. Order, terms and conditions apply. Be sure to catch live editions of the herd weekdays in noon Eastern, 9 a.m. Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1, and the I-Hard Radio app. Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal but encouraged. It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque. Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast's Superhuman documented it all,

embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year. Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the IHard Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. A win is a win. A win is a win. I don't care which I'm saying.

Yep, that's me. Clipper Taylor, the Follinger. forth. You might have seen the skits, the reactions, my journey from basketball to college football, or my career in sports media. Well, somewhere along the way, this platform became bigger than I ever imagined. And now I'm bringing all of that excitement to my brand new podcast, The Clifford Show. This is a place for raw, unfiltered conversations with some of your favorite athletes, creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard, but celebrated. One week, I'll take you behind the scenes of the biggest moments in sports and entertainment, and the next we'll talk about

life, mental health, purpose, and even music. The Clifford Show isn't just a podcast. It's a space for honest conversations, stories that don't always get told, and for people who are chasing something bigger. So if you've ever supported me or you're just chasing down a dream, this is right where you need to be. Listen to the Clifford show on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast.

And for more behind the scenes, follow at Clifford and at TikTok Podcast Network on TikTok. Do you remember when Diana Ross double-tapped Little Kim's boobs at the VMAs? Or when Kanye said that George Bush didn't like black people. I know what you're thinking. What the hell does George Bush got to do with Little Kim? Well, you can find out on the Look Back at it podcast. I'm Sam J. And I'm Alex English.

Each episode, we pick a here, unpack what went down, and try to make sense of how we survived it. Including a recent episode with Mark Lamont Hill, waxing all about crack in the 80s. To be clear, 84 is big to me, not just because, of crack. I'm down to talk about crack on day, but just so y'all know. I mean, at this point, Mark, this is the second episode where we've discussed crack.

So I'm starting to see that there's a through line. We also have AIDS on the table right now. Thank you for finishing that sentence. Yes. I don't think there's a more important year for black people. Really? Yeah. For me, it's one of the most important years for black people in American history.

Listen to look back at it on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your Podcasts. Welcome to my new podcast, Learn the Hard Way with me, your host, and your favorite therapist, Kear Games. And in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, I'm bringing over a decade of my own experience

in the mental health field and conversations with so many incredible guests. I'm talking, Tripp Fontaine, Ryan Clark. Sometimes when we're in the pursuit of the thing, we get so wrapped up in the chase that we don't realize that we are in possession of the thing. And we're still chasing it. And we don't know when we've done enough.

Because people scoreboard watch. Life becomes about wins and losses. Steve Burns, Dustin Ross, because you find it important to be a good person while you hear on earth, or are you a good person because you're afraid? Because that's two different intentions, bro. Absolutely. And that's two different levels of trust.

I want you to just really be a good person. Join me, Kear Gaines, as we have real conversations about healing, growth, fatherhood, pressure, and purpose on my new podcast, learn the hard way. Open your free, our heart radio app, Search learn the hard way and listen now. When it comes to reaching health goals about changing a mindset and habits, it's about Noom.

Go to Noom.com slash heard N-O-O-M. Okay, there are 11, 11 2-0 teams. That's tight for the most in NFL history. Now, some Chiefs Ravens, obviously we buy. There's a bunch of other ones. A game is called call in. Am I in or call out, Joy? Let's go.

All right, bills. Buffalo, I'm Colin. I'm in. First of all, they played a Miami defense that's very well coached and a Jets defense that last year at the end of the year played very well, and yet they ranked top five in total yards. The Josh Allen, Stefan Diggs pairing is not only working, it's working fast. So Diggs has 240 yards receiving. That's the most receiving yards in the NFL. And again, I think this is a really elite coaching staff. The GM and the coaching staff, head coaching staff, is very aligned.

I'm in on this. This is a playoff team. Steelers call in or call out. Call out. First of all, Jeff Driscoll got down to a fourth down at the 15-yard lane. Jeff Driscoll, or they beat them. The Steelers' offense is poor on third down. Now, they were missing some offensive linemen this week, but they're still, in the last 25 games,

they've had one or more turnovers. That leads the NFL by a long shot. Too many mistakes, bad on third down. I need two more weeks. All right. How about the Titans? Call in. They know what they are.

Stephen Gotkowski now. He stunk to start the year, but he did hit a game winner in week one and a game winner this week. The other thing is I like self-identity. They've got a tough physical coach. He's a big guy. They run the football.

And this is what I got to say about, their offense. Since Ryan Tannahill has started, and I struggle with Tannahill, 28 touchdowns, 5 picks, 120 quarterback rating. I give up. The bottom line is Arthur Smith,

the offensive coordinator, has elevated Tanna Hill. Tanna Hill is very dependable. You got to forget what he did in Miami. Tanna Hill's a different quarterback here. He's dependable and will throw the ball downfield. The Las Vegas Raiders. I'm call out, although I love last night.

Here's going to be a big problem. Defensively, they're 30th in yards allowed. They allow 6.6 yards of play. That is a big biggest stat. That is way too many yards per play. And remember, one of the teams they played was New Orleans, who didn't throw the ball down field. So they're 31st in sacks, their 25th in takeaways.

What does it mean? They're going to have to win games by shooting. And you can do that, but if you start going on the road in Denver and Kansas City later in the year, and now you've got to go to New England with that defense, they have one way to win. It's a shootout. It's wildly entertaining, but I don't think you can win a division just with shootouts. Remember, Kansas City got good last year when the defense arrived in week 11. You've got to be able to make stops.

Raiders can. The Green Bay Packers. Call in. Listen, I do think they can be too dependent on DeVont. Hey, Adams, although I think they're trying to build other receiving targets. I wish they threw to the tide end more. But they lead the league in scoring. Aaron Jones leads the NFL in rushing.

And here's what's impressive. They have faced two teams, Mike Zimmer, defensive head coach, Matt Patricia, defensive head coach. These are organizations. They are rolling, and these are defense-leaning organizations, and they've torn them both apart. So what happens when they face a more offensive-minded team? Because Matt Patricia and Mike Zimmer's specialty is defense.

and they've torn them apart. The Chicago Bears. Callout. I love Matt Nagy. Had them on the show. But the reality is, again, you've got to be able to throw the ball more consistently. Right now, yards per play, they're 26. Their offense ranks, passing yards, 29th.

They've been outgained. So again, they're the opposite of the Raiders. They have to win with defense. The Raiders have to win with offense. I can't buy that. You've got to win multiple ways. I mean, a reality is, as good as Mahomes is, it was their defense and running game that was

crucial in big spots down the stretch for Kansas City last year. The Los Angeles Rams. Call in. I think it's the deepest wide receiving core in the NFL. Van Jefferson, a rookie from Florida, Robert Woods, Cooper Cup, Josh Reynolds, Tyler Higbee, a tight ends. Excellent. They got two running backs I like, maybe a third with Cam Acres.

And it is just nothing but misdirection. Now, maybe the league catches up to it, but the Todd Gurley situation felt like it was sort of a walking on eggshells. Everybody was, this is a young, fast, loose team. Jared Goff, again, when you give him time, you let him move, he is more athletic. To me, he's Matt Ryan, but more athletic with a better arm. And I think they're rolling.

Kyler Murray and the Cardinals. I'm gonna say call in. Again, Kyler and DeAndre Hopkins have worked instantly. So now he's got the best receiver in the league and the most mature, respected receiver in Larry Fitzgerald. And I think that's a big deal for a young, quarterback. They've given him the entire playbook. They're one of four teams with 400 plus yards. It's

not just about scoring. They're moving the ball. They're keeping the ball away from their defense. And this kid is the great play extender. If you've not seen Arizona play, he is just everything. And the other thing, because like Russell Wilson, he's a baseball player, he doesn't get hit. He's a great slider. Aaron Rogers still, Carson Wentz, they kind of roll, they slide. I'm not, I don't feel He doesn't get hit. He doesn't get grabbed. He doesn't get hit. So I think Arizona, I'm in on.

Again, in on him, meaning I think they'll be buying for a playoff team. He's so fun to watch. Finally, your guy, Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks. Absolutely, call in. Listen, I think last year had they not had cluster injuries at running back, they could have gone to Green Bay in one. They are one of four NFL teams to have multiple receivers with 150 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown this year.

I don't like their defensive line. They have no pass rush. But outside of Baltimore, everybody's got a hole in this league. Everybody. So what they do well, they're really good at. And I will say this, between Quadre Diggs and Jamal Adams and Bobby Wagner, they got three thumpers on defense. It feels like a Pete Carroll team.

And they kind of pop you. They take big chances. Hard to beat them over the top. But they do not have a pass rush. which in the end, that's their hole. You've got to try to generate some pass rush. Now, what Seattle's doing is, they're putting Jamal Adams in the box, and this is why they went and got him.

He generates a pass rush. So good stuff. Don't buy the Steelers yet. I'm watching that game against Denver, and I'm like, it's Jeff Driscoll. You're at home. Put it away. What are you doing? Now, they had, did they have two or three offensive linemen out?

I've got to see two more games of the Steelers. Now, this week they get Houston at home, and Houston's falling apart, and they're a mess. That's a good test for them, though. I do like the Steelers, D'E's. defense despite that. I've already got my blazing five games picked. Last week kind of got robbed. Not going to complain about it.

Four and six on the year. Last week was actually a very difficult week for a couple of my odds maker buddies. It was a tough week. The Dallas game threw everybody for a loop. You know, it was funny because at the end of it, the second half, I'm like, this is what I thought I'd see in the first half. Dallas just moving up and down the field. When you fumble three times in a row, it's like, okay.

I'll be just following that game on Twitter was a delight. It was like, it's over for the Cowboys. It's over for Dak. Like McCarthy's a disaster. And then by the end of the game, it's, you know, Cowboy Nation. So Dallas gets Seattle next. Good luck. Houston could go 0 and 3.

They get Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh next. So some teams, Dallas may find themselves one and two quickly in Seattle. It's a huge game for the Seahawks and Cowboys for joining everybody. See you tomorrow. Another podcast from some SNL late night comedy guy. Not quite. Unhumor me with Rob. 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. Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal but encouraged. It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque.

Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast's Superhuman documented it all, embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year. Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the I-Hard Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. On the Look Back at a podcast.

From 1979, that was a big moment for me. 84 is big to me I'm Sam Jay And I'm Alex English Each episode We pick a year unpack what went down And try to make sense

Of how we survived it With our friends Fellow comedians And favorite authors Like Mark Lamont Hill On the 80s It was a wild year I don't think

There's a more important year for black people Listen to look back at it On the IHeart Radio app Apple Podcasts Or wherever you get your podcasts A win A win is a win

A win I don't care what y'all say Yep, that's me, Clifford Taylor the 4th. You might have seen the skits, my basketball and college football journey, or my career in sports media. Well, now I'm bringing all of that excitement to my brand new podcast, The Clifford Show. This is a place for raw, unfilled conversations with athletes, creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard, but celebrated.

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