The Matt Thomas Show with Ross - Astros Have A Chance For Bregman Return, NBA Gambling Scandal, NFL Kicker Accused Of Inappropriate Behavior

Episode Date: January 30, 2025

Matt Thomas and Ross Villarreal of "The Matt Thomas Show with Ross" preview the Houston Rockets looking to complete the season sweep over the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday. Head coach Ime Udoka joins to discuss the keys to the matchup and how the team is receiving more national media coverage following an impressive first half of the season. Matt and Ross also:comment on national baseball pundits giving the latest update on Alex Bregman's free agencyreview who the Texans have interviewed so far in their offensive coordinator searchtalk about NBA commissioner Adam Silver revealing he is in favor of shortening the length of gamesreact to Terry Rozier being involved in a federal investigation for an illegal betting schemereact to Raven's kicker Justin Tucker being accused of inappropriate behavior by massage therapistssay "I Just Don't Get It" and more.

If a Lenovo gaming computer is on your holiday list, don't shop around. Just go directly to the source, Lenovo.com. You'll find exclusive deals on the gaming PCs you want, like the Lenovo Legion Tower 5 Gen 10 gaming desktop and Lenovo Lock Gaming Laptop. So avoid all that shopping chaos and price comparing, and just go directly to the source, Lenovo.com, where PCs are up to 50% off. That's Lenovo.com.

Launch timers. This is the Matt Thomas. show 1003 in H-town. Good morning, everyone, and welcome to a Thursday edition of the Matt Thomas show with Ross here on Sports Talk 790. I'm coming to you from Beale Street, the heart of the mid-south, Memphis, Tennessee for tonight's fourth and final meeting of the regular season between the Houston Rockets and the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies reside in the third spot in the Western Conference. The Rockets, the 2C, the Rockets have already beaten the Grizzlies. three times so far this year, going for the season sweep tonight. We've got the Texans still looking for an O.C. We have Bregman's still looking for a team. We have the Rockets looking for a sweep. Sports RV. How the hell are you?

I'm doing great, Matt. It's fantastic. Couldn't be better. How was yesterday? How was yesterday's show? Was it amazing fun? It was good. I went Gordion for a couple hours.

We've got a lot of Rockets talk. Adam Clinton came on. He said some mean things about you, and then the show was over. Yeah, I've noticed he's really rude to me a lot of times. Yeah, it happens. Oh. We all can't put in the work ethic that he does on a normal basis. That's true.

Well, we was on for five hours yesterday, so I appreciate him coming in early. I'm proud. He's kind of making up for the weeks and weeks of weeks he doesn't done shows. Well, that sounds like that's personal between you two. That's fine. We love him. Hey, what do we get? One side note, and again, I don't want to start with the dark note of the show,

but I have been watching a lot of the news coverage this morning. Just complete sadness and, you know, you always hear thoughts and prayers when you hear that on television and people say it's kind of just kind of glossed over. Just deepest consolances to everybody involved in that horrific plane crash yesterday in Washington, D.C. Not much more to say beyond that, but just terrible, terrible, terrible news. and apparently some members of the U.S. figure skating team were on there, some international folks run that plane as well. But very, very sad day.

So we try to stay away from that kind of stuff, and obviously there's not much more we can say about it, except just our deepest, condolences everybody involved in that. But that's where you come to us for. It's just try to keep things as light as possible, so we will do that here on the radio show. Ross, I spent yesterday just looking at Twitter on the plane ride. It was a short trip from Memphis to here, from Atlanta,

of Memphis. Everybody and their mother has now these new conspiracy theories about what Bregman's going to do. I don't know. Do you find yourself doing the exact same thing? Or are you as an astro fan? Kind of like, you know what? The squad's already set.

If he comes, he comes. But, man, I'm kind of getting ready for what the 26 guys are going to be on the active roster start the regular season. Yeah, we kind of broke down the audio again yesterday, me and Gordy. And we just kind of went piece by piece. And there's like three or four points in like one minute of Duane Brown. Dana Brown speaking to where you're like, yeah, I don't think this is happening. So I'm going to stick with that, and I'm going to stick with them having moved on.

You can put your name on or no? No. I'm not 100% sure. No, you shouldn't. What's the last time you and I put some of our name on it? We got it wrong, right? No, you and I did Dion wouldn't be the Cowboys coach. We got it right.

Oh, yeah, that's true. They went and got a much higher, more affluent higher. Yes, Brian Schottenheimer. On a Friday news dump, by the way. That's a crazy part. They Friday News dumped a coach hiring. That's how bad it was for the Cowboys. You're supposed to push that along the way to like,

man, we got ourselves a new coach, new leadership, and new administration, excitement in the air, and they're like, yeah, we stayed internally, Brian Schottenheimer, and, by the way, it makes, it paints me that Jerry Jones gives Dallas sports media way more material than Cal and Hannah give us with Houston sports material. Now, granted, when Easterby was here, they were hiring one incompetent coach after the other

to run this football team. That was good stuff for us, too. But they haven't given us much lately. I mean, Grant, Hannah, and Cal were behind Beyonce in the car when they were losing at a Christmas Day game. And I think there will be some stadium talk eventually coming up in the next 12 months. Just get ready for that. But largely, they've done.

done a pretty good job of reimaging themselves. Watching Jerry Jones at a press conference, it can, like, fill up an entire day of Dallas Sports Radio. Yeah, it probably has. It's probably filled an entire week. That's why their ratings are so much higher than there are here in Houston. They crush it over there. The Cowboys to make fun of crushing.

What's that? Yeah, they crush it in the ratings over there in Dallas. Yeah, like, they always have, like, one or two of their stations in the top ten. It's incredible. Because, again, the Cowboy brand is just, so awesome. It is so incredible the reach of a

franchise that has not been to a, what, NFL, NFC championship game in 20-plus years? Yes. And the Texans have never been to a championship game ever? Ugh. Are you sure you won't be Battle Red? You still, you want to hang with that?

Yeah. What do you mean? That's what being a fan is all about, Matt. The good times are that much more sweet because of the bad times. Isn't this Rocket's run and what they're doing and how they're in the second in the Western Conference, doesn't it feel that much better because of all the suffering you had to do? Oh, and I suffered. They call me Mr. Sufferable.

I think there's an end in front of that. Oh, no, no. Okay, maybe they call me Mr. Insufferable. That's fine. Well, you know, at least, but I do have, in my brain and in my mind and soul, I do have the two championship runs. Yes. I know how good it can get in this town when it comes to the Rockets.

I have my two Kubrick Zirconi rings with championships. Yeah, but I was 30 years ago. Yeah. I wonder why those are valued right now if I wouldn't try to sell them. I mean, I'm one, but... You want you to listen to on eBay? You just put a reserve price on there. No, I'm not doing it.

No, they're in a safety deposit box, never to be... I mean, I'm going to give them to my kids, I think. Really? Like, Dad, what are these things? I said, these diamonds, I said, no, they look like diamonds. I'll take one. For what? What do you mean, to have?

How old were you when they were on the first championship? Uh, eight, nine, nine. Could you recite the lineup? The starting lineup for the 1994 Houston Rockets? Starting five, can you do it? If you can do it without looking. Okay, I'm not looking. Connor's going to watch his computer.

I don't cheat like this. Other hosts do. I would. Are you kidding me? Hakeemoisian. Hakeem Ogeon. Otis Thorpe. Yep.

Robert Ory. Yep. Now, Kenny Smith started over Kassel. Casale came off the bench. Correct? Final answer? Yes, I will say Kenny Smith over Sam Cassell. Okay.

That's four. Yeah. Don't say anything. Shut up. How long do I have? How long do I have? Put them on a clock. Five seconds.

People are screaming into their phone are in their cars right now. I know. Look, I'm also sick and didn't get very good sleep. So give me a break. This is weird. This is like clicking wood. Why is it not coming to me? Don't go on Twitter either.

Just go ahead. I got it wrong, I guess. Vernon Maxwell. Vernon Maxwell, of course. See, I should have known that. And there was a third guard on that team that year that got a lot of playing time lately game too. Do you remember who that was?

Scott Brooks? Scott Brooks, good pull. There was a lot of conversation. Ninety-four sports radio. Scott Brooks should play over Kenny Smith. Yeah, people didn't like that. Kenny Smith in those days. They did not.

Not because he was trying to hold on to what Harry had left. It was about his overall performance on the court. They loved Sam Cassell. They loved the little fight. Scottie Brooks was like the five-minute-per-half guy that all he did was shoot baskets and dish the ball and then throw his hands up in the air and wave and everything. And the crowd just adored him. I remember we had a rally for the first championship.

and my boss at the time, Dan Patrick, now and Lieutenant Governor, he says, hey, I want you to have, we're going to do this rally with the city, and I want you to go get some players. And I'm like, what do you mean go get some players? It's like day one before the first game of the finals. And he's like, well, here, I'm going to give you some cash to go convince these guys to come do it. And he says, the only thing you have to do is you have to get Scott Brooks to come because people love Scott Brooks.

So Ross, I brought four players with me in the limousy. We went and picked them up at their apartments, their houses. You know how much money? Dan Patrick gave me a 1994 to go grab four players for this like five minute, hello, we love you, Houston, see you later, and then go back in the car and go back to drop. $2,000.

$2,000 is exactly right. What? You got it right. When? Not a damn thing. Oh. I had to save $400 for Scott Brooks. Mm-hmm.

So it left me with $1,600 left. It was Scott Brooks, Chris Gent, who was cheap, clearly. Yeah, what did he cost? 50 bucks? Robert Ory, and I don't remember who other player was. But I remember the most expensive player was Robert Ory. I spent, we got Robert.

Richard Petrusca? I pulled up the roster now. It could have been. We got Robert, I got Robert Ory for $800. It was like I was playing, let's make a deal. Earl Curitan? It was one of those nondescript players, that's right. But I remember the two headliners, he said,

you got to go get Scott Brooks and try to get at least one. one big name player. And I got Robert or... I felt like I was doing... I was... I was pricelying my NBA players before price line was even around.

That's great, Matt. Eric Riley? I named their own price. Eric Riley. It could have been. Yeah, it doesn't really matter. But point being is, I remember getting Robert Orick for 800 and I had to save $400 for Scott Brooks.

Hmm. And that's my 1994 NBA story. And one of many I have in my life. So good times. The good times are hopefully coming back, Matt. They are. By the way, NBA All-Star Reserves are being announced today. Again, I'm biased on this.

Is I'll be going to get in one of these groups? Think he gets in? I don't know. I'd have to look at the candidates for Biggs. Yeah, but it doesn't come across like immediately to mind. I mean, if he gets in, it's going to be awesome. But I don't know if it's not a slam dunk, put it that way. It'd be because of team success.

He's not having as good as years as he did last year. He's better defensively, I think. Right. That's right. All right. 713-212-5-7. Ross, am I going to get you some throat lozenges or something? How are we doing?

I have lozenges. I am taking two other medicines as well, and I am scheduling a doctor's appointment for after the show. Wow, damn. Damn. I have this nasal drip myself, and I've told you this for the last couple days. Does that Flonais stuff will work when you shoot the stuff?

I've never used it, so I'm not the one to ask. Okay. I thought those for allergies. I need a doctor to call the show. Is that for allergies? I think Connor might know. Flonais, it's like a little mini-steroid that helps. helps open up your airways.

Okay. So do I have to get a prescription for that? Or can I just go to the store and get it? You can go to the store and get it. Over the counter, as they say. As a kid say, that's right. All right. I just don't get it today at 1130.

We have the news at noon at 12. We have E. Mae Adoka's going to join us at 1.30 this afternoon. And who sounds sicker coming up at 10. That's true. I mean, I don't feel bad. Yeah. But I just, it's just nasal. Oh, I feel bad.

You sound like crap. Thank you. And you don't look great either. I appreciate that. I have a special camera that is pointing into the studio. Yeah, can you see me saying you're number one? Yeah, but why are you using the middle finger for that? That seems a little odd.

Hey, come on. You have to tell everybody. You should use the index finger more than the middle one. 713-212-579 if you want to join our radio program today. 7-13-212-5-790. You want to follow us on Twitter. You may do that as well. At SportsMT, at SportsRV, and at Connor D.Mugver.

I want to tell you about League One Volleyball. I am so excited that they has been so successful so far in the Houston area, and hopefully you have been able to get out and check out the new professional volleyball league, and that's League One Volleyball, L-O-V-B. And in fact, are you ready to cheer on the new favorite volleyball team in our town? February the 5th at 7 o'clock p.m. at the D.Core. That's just off of Westview. There's going to be a Love Houston official watch party,

as Love Houston volleyball is going to take on Love Austin in Austin. can join your fellow fans, you can enjoy great food and drinks, you can show your support for the team, and you can get a chance to win tickets to upcoming matches. So mark your calendars, especially if you love volleyball like I do and my family does for that night. Again, February the 5th, 7 p.m. at the Decoy on Westview Drive for the Love Houston official watch party as a take on Love Austin. Volleyball is the next major league. Check it out online at LOVB.com. That's LOVB.com for League One Volleyball and League One Volleyball Houston. This is the Matt Thomas show

With Ross On Sports Talk 790 One of our listeners Bon may have helped me out I think it was Pete Choket That I had to bring with me to the Little parade A little pregame

Pre-series pep rally I want to double check to make sure He was a rocket during that time I was part of both teams You know Pete Chilkat Ross is 56 years old now That sounds about right Ugh God I feel terrible

We're all getting 56. Dreams like, what, 60, 61 somewhere in that category? Yeah, probably. Oh, my God. We need a championship bad, dude. We just do. Yeah, you can only keep trotting them out there for so many years. And now honoring the 94 Rockets again. That's how Calvin Samson felt with all the Faisama Jemmas. I don't want to hear about Faisemma, Emma, anymore.

Our team is pretty damn good. By the way, the Cougars won last night against West Virginia. Oh, wonderful. Undefeated in the Big 12. Well, great for them. That's the only reason I wanted Kansas to win is that you could lose your, you were trying to say they were only going to lose one conference game.

Yeah, I don't think I had them losing twice, do I? You said fewer than two. You tried to say one, and I was like, Matt, it's a tough league. No, you're right. So I talked to you into two. Yeah, thank you. But it might be zero. We'll see.

I almost feel like they need to lose something just to get themselves ready for the tournament. No, I think they should win. win, win, win, win. Because you want them out. By the way, sorry about your Longhorns last night. What happened? They lost the Ole Miss.

Oh, yeah, that's right. And Chris Beard. They were seven and a half point dogs in that one. Well, at least you covered. That's good. That'll help the committee. Hey, how do the Texas do against spread this year? Oh, they're like, you know, seven and two.

Yeah, they're smart. Do you think they look at odds in the committee room? They should. Man, Ross, Vegas has a lot of power over. sports. I mean, it always has, but it feels like it's in the last 10 years, now that all the sports networks have said, yeah, we'll put the odds up there in some numbers. It

is, um, it's incredible because they, you know, when you first, when I first got in this business, you barely, really mentioned point spread and stuff because it was like, oh, that's taboo. That's not how you break it game down. Nobody cares about that, but now everybody cares about it. Yeah, it's everywhere. It's on ESPN. Anywhere you even look

for, if you just go somewhere to look up the games coming up, you that has the spread on it. And even in the middle of like, pregame shows, they'll have like fantasy experts on. They'll say, yeah, I'll take plus four and a half or I'll take this. I mean, they ask Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith on the NBA broadcast. You know, how many rebounds is Nicola Yolkut you're going to get tonight? Do you like over 13 and a half or under?

I mean, everything at this point is when it comes down to there's some sort of betting because these sports networks, these fan duels, these, I mean, all of them, they're spending so much money on television advertising that part of what they want in return is they want in-game features. Yes. And frankly, all the TV, all these sports leagues who were so afraid of using gambling because they were afraid it was going to affect game results,

they're like, yeah, we're good. And they took the money. Yeah, in fact, the NBA is like, man, we want you to go gamble on our sports. We think it's cool. We'll have kiosk inside arenas. Do it on your phone. We've got zero problem with it.

Of course, you don't want to be players or employees betting on it. But other than that, you're proved. Feel free to knock yourself out. Yeah, it's a bit oversaturated these days. It's just a little much. Make sure you sign up for Draft Kings pick six. The Crown is yours. That felt very, very inorganic.

Use code 987. What kind of code is that, by the way? With Draft Kings Pick Six. The Crown is yours. Yeah, Teresa gets code buzz. Kiati gets code H-Town. I get code 9-7. 87. You should get Pablo Escobar.

That's a little wordy. And what does that even mean? I'm not from Columbia. But people have confused you for looking from Columbia. No, I dressed up, I guess, when I was in Colombia, people thought I was Colombian. They thought I was from Cartagena, which is on the coast. I don't even know where that is, but it sounds good. It's on the coast. Was it about Cartagena? And they thought I was a Costeno.

Oh, my God. Because of my dark skin. All right. What would be? your perfect when to be. Oh, use the promo code needs to apologize to Matt more often. For what? Just in general. Because my sports takes are so much

better. You never give me credit for the ones when they hit. Like, I am waiting for the exact moment that Alex Breggman signs is less than seven-year deal. That could happen now. He's got to be pissed, right? I mean, come on. There's no way he'd be wanting to wait until February 1st and not know

where he's going to play baseball. That's true. And how do you get pissed at Scott Boris? You left your old agent for him. I'm waiting for that Ashton Janty, 100, I mean a thousand-yard rushing season. You said was never coming. What's his draft status going to be? Is he a first round?

People think he's the first rounder, Matt. I'm sorry to tell you. You know, I might take the L on that one. You're taking it only, I mean. If he's healthy, you're taking the L. you do not draft somebody in the first round and not play him he's going to play every day and he's got a bunch of carries what is a thousand divided by 17 is that you don't even want to know it's probably it's like 55 or something oh god all right that's my that's not some of my best work I'll fully

all right I got it 58.8 oh I'm taking the out you know what I'm going to apologize for that or in advance I mean the only way I win is if he hurts himself Matt every year for his career you You need a tank Dell-like injury in year one. And it still would have been a bad take. All right. Well, what is this measurements? Again, I don't normally ask another man,

a man's measurements, but. I don't know. Did he go to the Senior Bowl? The Yahoo Mock draft has him going 12th to the Cowboys. Some people's big boards have him like top five, but because of the position, he won't be drafted top five. Okay, I got you. All right, 713, 21, 2,1.

2.5790, 713, 212-2-5-790. I got a text from one-half of the Sean Salisbury show today. Can I guess which half it is? Yeah, go ahead and do it. I'm going to say it's the with Brian Lillima half? I don't believe Brian's name is on the show. It is in my mind.

In the minds of Houstonians, for sure. Yes. Yes, and he sent me a text about a topic they talked about a lot today. and I'm very happy to tell you what it is when we return. 1028, Sports Talk, 790, 713, 212-5-790, 7-1-2-2-790, on Twitter at SportsMT, at SportsMT, and at Connor D. McGovern. Time 28 with a message right now for Game Day Men's Health. I want you to feel your best.

I want you to be able to resume workouts if you so choose. I want you to be able to sleep well. I want you to be able to not have to worry about mood swings. I want you to have great libido when it comes to life in the bedroom, if that's something you choose. Then I want to tell you about game day men's health. A lot of the problems that men, especially over the age of 40, but really can be affecting anybody of any age,

could be low testosterone levels. And that's why game day men's health has clinics all around the Houston area. But they're really not like clinics. They're like sports. I don't know how to explain this to you. They're like sports dens. They've got gear everywhere. They've got TVs.

They've got sports memorabilia all around. It's a really relaxing atmosphere at these locations. And that's what they want you. They want you to relax. They want you to come and get a free tea level check. And if you're fine, you'll say thank you very much and you'll be out of there. But if you're not fine, they want to help you start treatment to get that testosterone replacement to levels of what it needs to be.

Go to gameday men'shealth.com slash Houston. Gameday, men'shealth.com, slash, Houston, and I promise you, you'll be able to set yourself up to get feeling better and get back on your feet to be able to work out and sleep better and not be so moody and have that vigor in the bedroom. Game Day, men's health.com slash Houston. Matt Thomas, Ross via Real. It's the Matt Thomas Show with Ross on Sports Talk 790. 1033 on the Matt Thomas show with Ross. I'm here in Memphis where it's raining.

Houston, apparently we're getting some rain. if not now, later today. We are with you today until 2 o'clock. Rockets basketball, and again, if you're going to catch the game, it is a later start time. Approximately about 835, 840, will be the tip time from here in Memphis. Rockets going for the season sweep, and we'll be on the air with the launch pad at 8 o'clock,

who is hosting that? I hope it's Dan. I hope you're getting the night off. Yeah, it's actually, it worked out. I haven't been feeling great, and Dan wanted a swap, so it'll be Dan. So I'm watching, unfortunately, on closed captioned the press conference with President Trump talking about what happened yesterday, and I'm going to go ahead and I'm going to judge sports a second. He just dropped the BS in the middle of a presidential media availability because the close caption put BS on the screen. Hmm.

That is, maybe it was mistype. I don't think so. Okay. Unless somebody gets the closed caption. Center is having a great time for some reason. Huh. I have never seen that before. I didn't even know you could put swear words on.

You have Twitter saying he said it. Huh. All right. By the way, Dylan Brooks yesterday got fined $25,000 by the NBA for dropping an MFer on the postgame show. When he was talking about finally beating, I guess, making the MF or shot against the Celtics. Yeah. And I immediately texted Vanessa Richardson and said, you need to Venmo Dylan, $12,500 for your part

and they were in the conversation. Dylan can cover it. I Dylan can cover it. All right, so back to my point. So, Lalima, text me, says, we took two hours of Rockets conversation calls today. I'm like, that is great. Let's go.

Rossly, it is slowly, slowly coming around. A slow, steady climb, if you will? It's like my Twitter account back in the day when I care about the numbers. Yes. Now you just block a bunch of legitimate folks who come in DM me about it angrily. anything lately no i'm only i'm only

legit i'm only blocking bots now uh i got one a few weeks ago it's been a couple weeks i'm proud of you okay thank you very much uh i still believe in order for us to get into

really legit every single day rocket chatter it's going to have to be two things one they're going to have to make some sort of massive trade at the deadline which i don't believe they're going to do or they're going to win a playoff series because it'll be cool to have a playoff series just to talk about because it's We haven't had one in four years around these parts,

but it's going to have to be a winning one to really get the casual fan to come by in on this. It might take more than that, but to get it really rolling, but yeah, the interest level will go up when they're the playoffs for sure. Okay, so I want you, my memory is sketchy on a lot of things.

So in 2015, when the Astros won the wild card, remember they went to go play the Yankees at Yankees? stadium in Dallas Kiko threw nothing but goose eggs at the Yankees. That's the kind of the, that's to me is where we are with this team when they get the playoffs.

I want to say there was some good buzz about that. Remember, that was the Cursed City year. That was when the Astros were hitting either homeowner or striking bat. That's when we retired the obligatory Astros call. Yeah. So that wasn't a championship year. That was the year they lost the Royals in the playoffs.

They didn't advance the A.L. CS, but they at least got to the division around. There was good buzz for the Astros. And then you took a year off. They dropped a little bit in 2016 before coming back into the playoffs in 2017, and then obviously going to winning the World Series. Yeah, that's when they were knocking on the door

before they went to go kick it down. That's very bum Phillips of you there, my friend. Sometimes you don't kick the door down. You just go to New Orleans and hang out with Earl Campbell. And Kent's did, but don't forget about that either. Yeah. But the point is that do you see any similarities to what this could be here

and with the rockets that we had back in 2015 or am I just trying to grasp a local? I mean, yeah, the similarity in a way that it's a young up-and-coming team with some young pieces with some veteran guys who can go and make some noise who aren't going to be championship favorites. But it's about sustaining it. It's about getting better. It's about, I mean, to me, also there's less luck factor involved

in basketball seven-game series than a baseball. seven-game series, just because of the natures of the games. I'm going to tell you, like, the Astros were better than the Nationals in 19, but they weren't better to me than the Dodgers in 17, but they won. It's almost like the underdogs have a much more difficult time winning a

series in basketball than doing anything else. In football, or in college basketball at the NCAA tournament, it only takes one good day. Right. In baseball, you could run through some hot pitchers on a picture that's off. Remember, in baseball playoffs, you see,

the rotations are, first of all, I minimize because you don't as many games. Second of all, you have managers that will go to the bullpen a lot faster. There's less room for error with a starter than in a regular season game than it would be in a postseason game. But in basketball, the game itself is closer to a regular season game than anything else. Now, the games in the playoffs can sometimes go more half court. They can slow down. The referees can swallow whistles, maybe a little bit more than they would in a playoff game. They win a regular season game.

But generally speaking, the best team does win out. uh yeah i could again i'm going to try to put a parallel to it but i want and i continue i'm very encouraged that brian sent that to me and you guys know that with with us being the home of the rockets and me being the announcer for the team i would love to talk about it so you've got a fair game here on this of what you like to see what you don't like to see what intrigues you about it should the rockets make a big trade should they stand pat and all the above is certainly fair game speaking of the nba adam silver went on uh the dan patrick show yesterday Did you hear what he had to say?

Oh, my God. I did. I was a big Adam Silver fan when he first got the job because I thought that David Stern was super cranky towards the end. And I don't know if he's just trying to be Uber correct on, hey, our game is awesome, and we love things, and I don't really care.

People don't like the game. I just got a big fat television contract for the next 10 years. I'm good to go. Suck it. My buildings are full. My stadium rights are good, and the owners love me. Because, again, these commissioners of these respective sports, they work for 30 people. They don't work for the millions of fans.

They work for the 30 people that own these NBA teams. So Dan Patrick, like any time you would have a commissioner on would say, what are you looking to change the game? What do you want to do to change a game? And he suggested that maybe the NBA game goes shorter from 48 minutes to 40 because they're trying to sync it with college basketball. and the international game and that they that the fans would be more inclined to be in and out of a building in two hours as compared to the word it's now it's about two hours and

15 two hours and 20 minutes yeah let's hear from adam silver himself here's what he had to say the NBA is the only league that plays 48 minutes and i i would be i am a fan of four 10 minute quarters i i'm not sure that many others are i mean putting inside what it means for records and things like that. I think that a two-hour format for a game is more consistent with sort of modern television habits. I don't think people in aren't asking us to shorten the game. But I think as a television program, being two hours, it's Olympic basketball, is two hours,

you know, college basketball, of courses. Two hours. Ross, first blush reaction when you heard that was what? Shut your bum ass up. Oh, look at you. His thought was, we're done in two hours. his thought was it more is synonymous with the international game, which nobody cares in the United States,

how Feeba runs their game. They just don't. But third was maybe that would help with load management, that more guys would play more games that didn't have to worry about playing 48 as compared to playing in a 40-minute game. I think you would just see guys, you'd see bench players get squeezed, certainly in the playoffs. My thought is this.

you are paying these athletes to be on the court to play and you're going to suck away minutes of play where timeouts can be called that's going to take away commercial inventory you're going to take out eight minutes of game action per game where that means that one less beer or one less hot dog or one less box of popcorn is sold that's going to hurt them the owners in the pocketbooks

Yeah, I think this is a compromise. I don't think Adam Silver is stupid. There's a reason why he's coming up for it. And to me, the first thing that kind of came in my mind was, we all talk about how 82 games is too many. Well, guess what? The owners want 82 games because that's 82 opportunities for them all to sell tickets. So you're not getting rid of games.

So what's the other solution? A creative solution to that is making fewer minutes in the game. So I see where he's coming from and why he did this to me, because we've all talked about 82 games being too much. And the owners ain't given up those gate receipts. They're just not. So will they give up eight minutes, though? That's a question.

Yeah, that would be, that'd hit them a lot worse. I mean, hit them a lot less. Right. I mean, it's not the most preposterous thing I've heard of, but I still think you're still taking away a great source of revenue. And by the way, if you really want to get the games done in two hours, start the game as you say to start time like for a seven o'clock game we start a game at 710 there's a reason for that advertising NFL starts on time

major college basketball games on ESPN plus we start games at 7 o'clock at 702 you've been there in the press box man for the first pitch uh they announced it in the press box first pitch it's usually like 711 or 712 for a 710 game it's like one or two minutes max yeah but they also do the 710 stuff because they want to put the the broadcast starts at 7 o'clock if you really want to get people out of the building in two hours, you start the game at 702, but they don't want to do that. Because the TV networks and the TV locals and the nationals, they want to do their stand-up, they want to do their graphics,

and they also want to put five sponsors on there. I don't think you can have it both ways. I don't think you can continue to tell the television networks, we need more money from you, and then take away avenues for them to make money. Yeah, so there's a couple reasons for Adam Silver to do this. he's doing this because we're going to talk about on a show and we're going to get reactions from people. So it's kind of like a, what do they call that, not a screen test, but a focus group?

Yep. Yep. That's right. Sorry, I'm coughing. It's like we're all a focus group. And then also, what happens to an idea of change when somebody, let's say, Matt, your wife comes to you and says, hey, I want a new car. You probably don't get a new car the first time she says it, right? Correct. It's the third or fourth or fifth time. she brings it up. Well, in my case,

the second time. Well, that's because you cave easy. Yeah. But you get one of my point, though, is that Adam Silver is, is A, possibly floating this just to get it in everybody's head, and B, if this is something he brings up

a couple times for years and years, it's like Roger Goodell bringing up the 18 game schedule recently. It's not going to happen immediately. They're going to soft sell it. They're going to put into your mind, and then it's going to happen. And then that type of change, it goes over a lot easier from everybody

when they've heard it a few times. Yeah. 1046, Sports Talk, 790. Does that change? I don't think it, generally speaking, changes the fans like to go, oh, I want to go see more games. It might hurt those that pave the prices for 48 to get 40. We'll discuss that next.

7-1-3-212-5-7-hour. The word right now for uptown appliance repair. If your appliances in your home, whether it be a washer dryer, whether it be a dishwasher, whether it be an outdoor grill of yours, that's not working up to expectation, Or how about that sub-zero refrigerator that you spent thousands of dollars on that's not cooling properly?

Or that ice maker of years that you have been so proud of isn't working either. You need to call 281-758-9978 and schedule of service with 100% customer satisfaction an exclusive to-year warranty. That all comes with Uptown appliance repair. 281-758-978. A lot of people have had issues with their dryers. It may not be the dryer. it may be the dryer vent. And if you get that cleaned out for Uptown,

that's going to save you having to go purchase a new washer dryer. 281-758-9978. That's 281-758-9978 or online at Uptown Appliance Repair.com. Matt and Ross returned. Return on Sports Talk 790. 1052 on Sports Talk 790. I think the equivalent, and somebody on Twitter just brought this up a second ago, to shrinking a 48-minute game to a 40-game.

Dylan, Edge says, that's like taking a nine- inning baseball game and putting it to seven. People in baseball would flip the F out, Ross, if that happened. It was disgust. Not discussed, but it wasn't it kind of... Thrown out there. Flooded, if you will?

Yeah, usually float has a little licks to, when something throws something up, usually against the wall to splats. Like a pitch clock. Pitch clock was kind of soft-sold, and then it came to pass. But the difference is that it doesn't organically change the rules of the... Well, how do you say this?

I know there's a difference between a pitch clock and a philosophical approach to the game itself. I equated to a seven- inning game is what the NBA is trying to do, shrinking it from 48 to 40. You can go with football. Let's say they're making it 12-minute quarters. Yeah, the overtime is 10.

Yeah, they did shorten the overtime, but that's just an extra period. Yeah, right. I still think the NBA needs to go to the Elam ending in overtime, first team to 11, something like that. Oh, my God. We'd never leave the stadium. No, I, you know, the thing that's also been floated for baseball is going to reduce it to 154, but that's, again, we have to understand something. They're never going, these owners are never going to agree on something that takes away gate.

opportunity to sell more tickets, more suites, more television and revenue. And again, if you do, you know, you'd still have your two-quarter timeout, so you'd still get your advertising in. But they also do sell advertising for those bonus extra little timeouts. And you wouldn't have nearly as many of those to get into. Then you up, then you up, you know what you do? You just up the price of the ones you have. If you're losing 20% of your revenue, then you up the prices of the, the, of the prices of the spot's 120%.

So you say basically now there's fewer of them. You want to get in while they get into it, basically. Okay. Again, I think you're absolutely onto something on this. I think it's just him just trying to float something out there just to see what kind of buzz he would get. But Silver doesn't come across to me as a guy. He was talking yesterday about, well, they have made some changes.

They have the in-season tournament. They have the play-in game. I remember that was how long was the in-season tournament talked about before it came about a couple years? Five or six years. Yeah, for sure. And I remember every year going to the NBA League meetings, they're like, hey, we're going to have this end-season tournament,

and you're not going to understand it, but you're going to like it once we have it. And it's okay. Who won this year? It was fun for me. It was Oklahoma City? I think you're right. But I couldn't think of it for a second either.

I remember the Lakers winning the first one. Well, how about this one? Who did Oklahoma City play? It was a really good team. Yes. The Celtics? Milwaukee. Milwaukee.

Seattle, it was a green team from the east. And the only reason why I know this is because one of their announcers was a friend of mine. There you go. I don't know. If I didn't go, do you think I would have... No, when I asked you who won, I didn't know. And I'm not about a certain of the city one. Don't hold me to that.

Maybe Milwaukee one. I don't know. Yeah, Milwaukee one. See? I thought you're right. Yeah. So the lesson is off in two years in. Well, the thing of it is, there is no dramatic improvement to the sport because of something that happened in November or December.

It's just, there's not. Yeah, I get another fun one for you. Who did the Lakers beat in year one? Indiana. Yeah, that's correct. Rick Carlisle and the boys. Yeah. So I, you know, I do enjoy those, hey, what can we do to fix things, conversations?

I'm okay with that. I think the three-point line probably is going to be in question, maybe a little bit. What do you mean? Moving it closer? No, moving it further out. Further out? Yeah. We can't go any further out on the corner, so just at the top?

Right. Interesting. But you're the only thing it is is that every time Silver does one of these radio or TV interviews, it's always brought up as what do you do to change your sport. Maybe he just does it just to keep everybody just guessing. At the end of the day, he just doesn't want to change anything because there's not much of change. They got to do something, though. Ratings have been pretty bad.

Although I think they're picking up lately. But as you say that, though, Ross, and I don't disagree with you. Why does Silver Care? He just got a ridiculously new big television deal for a decade with two new television partners. That's true. Really, why does he care? That money's already guaranteed it's not incumbent on you have to get this many households to watch your support for us to collect a check. It's done.

And then the one thing he continues to say, which I don't really, particularly in the U.S. don't care. But he says worldwide growth is amazing. Well, I don't particularly care of China and Turkey and Portrait. I want my good NBA here in the United States. If you made as much money as you can in America, how you get it? You got to get those revenues up, Matt. If you're a commiss. Numbers go up, up, up. If they're not going up, you're out.

Okay. That's all these leagues. All right, half hour from now, I just don't get it. That's what we do a segment once a week where we basically just ask ourselves a question. What don't you get? 713-212-5-790 is high-he reach a show. 713-212-5-7-9. If you want to join us on Twitter, you may do that as well.

At SportsMT, at SportsRV, and at Conardee McGovern. E. Mae Doak is going to join us today at 130. Looking forward to talking with him. You guys can join us all the way until 2 o'clock. We got, believe it or not, today, at 150. Right now, I want to tell you about what's happening at the Shell Federal Credit Union. You know, Shell FCU can make auto loan simple and rewarding with rates as low as 3.99% APR for up to 36 months. plus you'll get $250 in cash back.

And while you visit with the folks at Shell FCU, you can ask about 90 days of deferred payments and the flexibility of two skip a pays per year. Lending representatives are available weekdays until 10 and Saturdays until 5. How do you get a hold of them? You can call them at 713-844-1100. 7-1-3-844-1100 for the Shell Federal Credit Union

online at shellfcccc.org, shellfcccc, for all the opportunities that get a great auto loan from the Shell Federal. Well, credit union. Lunch timers. This is the Matt Thomas show. 1102 on Sports Talk 790. By the way, happy 22nd birthday to a man Thompson, Ross.

Ross, what do you get a guy that's going to be the future face of the Rockets organization, if not already now? A Most Improved Player Award. Do you want that or do you like, man, does that mean I sucked the previous year? Kind of, but if you're young, if you're 22, you're just turning 22. it's fine. Yeah, yeah, I'm in for that. The most improved player in the NBA this year is Amen Thompson.

Fight me, right? Kate Cunningham, the betting favorite right now. Oh, it's probably, because he probably starts and plays. And the pistons are a lot better this year. All right, 713-212-5-790. 7-1-3-2-1-2-5-7-90. Ross, unfortunately, there's a lot of debags in media, and we're not one of them. We were a lot of things, but we're not d-bags.

And one of them happened to be John Heyman. We saw it firsthand what a douche he was by portraying the Astros in a different light than what we saw when we saw it firsthand. But he is connected. Say what you will. He is connected. And he provided the folks on the MLB Network this morning an update on Alex Brickman. And we'll play it for you in just a matter of time. Wait, shouldn't we begin the Bregman update first?

Oh, you know what? That's right. My bad. Come on, man. I took a day off. What am I supposed to do? When are we going to get an OC update as well, by the way? Who we have an OC update?

No, I'm assuming we get one made. Oh, we need it. It may be hired by then. You know what we can do? We can just play just another update. So we have that as a standby. But let's get you first in Alex Pregman Update. I think Connor's on the phone.

It's not as far. Oh, okay. Ross, how are you feeling? You got better. The bit's never going away, much to the chagrin of some. All right. As promised, here's John Heyman on the latest on the Astros' former third baseman?

If you had to choose one team that will eventually get Bregman, what team would that be? Maybe I would say Houston, we know kind of where they at least have a starting point. It sinks for 156. I'm going to say them, but I know there is an alert of the Cubs. We just saw his great friend, Ryan Presley, leave the Astros to go to the Cubs. There are two Astros now on the Cubs. I mean, the Cubs are an interesting team. They're a fun team.

You know, we've got Tucker now in right field. You've got Presley now as the closer. that may be an extra allure for Bregman. I know that he and Presley were close. Maybe the Cubs could come in there. So I'm going to say one of those two teams. I think I tweeted that a week ago that Houston and the Cubs were certainly big players in on Bregman. But I don't know that we're close at this moment.

You know, I mean, one of these other teams are going to have to step up. And if they do, if they step up and go to that sixth year or seventh year, the Cubs, Red Sox, they might be able to nab them because we all know where the Astros are and that wasn't good enough. But if I had to pick one team today and just guess, I might guess the asterisk. Ross is John Heyman needed a breeding instrument to help him a little bit? My God. An apparatus?

Breasts. Yeah. I don't know. Is he a heavy smoker? Is he sick? I don't know, but he just. He sounds like us. Let's get him on the show.

Yeah, I mean, seriously, if you're sick, join us at 713-212-5-790. Let's go. I think it's going to be pregnant. You know, it could be a Cubs. Hold on. Like an inhaler or something He's such an unlikable guy So I hope he's feeling better

Well at least he hasn't vowed to never come on this show again Like he has others Yeah, boy, he got cranky in that New York radio show Did he not? Woof Yeah, the guy, what do you bring up the arson judge tweet? Yes I am a respected baseball journalist

People love me Does have a lot of followers People love your typos I haven't muted because he got too many things wrong Yeah, he's not bombed Nightingale wrong, but he's wrong. Is he getting there? I don't know. Who

knows? And then Jeff Passon yesterday the day, I don't know if it was yesterday the day before. It's like, why are the Yankees in getting involved? They need a third basement. Shut up, Jeff Passon. So, I mean, maybe they're coming back to Houston. I don't know. Maybe Jeff Passon and and John

Heyman are just shills for big market teams. Maybe there's shills for Matt Morris. I was thinking the Exact same thing as soon as I said that. You know who it behooves to leak out that the Astros are re-engaged and interested? Scott Boris and Alex Bregman. You know who said that they have not re-engaged with Scott Boris and Alex Bregman? Dana Brown.

Wow. Do you hear that, Houston? That this is more, this. Just saying. You don't have to say it. We can just explain. You know, we can treat it as fact. Do I think the Astros have closed the door on Breggman?

No. put her name wide open Dana Brown said himself the door's it's not open it's cracked yeah it's like come on girl if you want to come in

snuggle at 2.30 it's fine but I'm not going to leave the door open for you I mean it's it's after 3 a.m. love I'm going to go I'm there but beforehand I'm going to go sleep go to sleep 11 o'clock now I will say I thought the same thing last year when it was the Josh Hader stuff

and that happened and Jim Crane went into the tax for the first time in a non-COVID year where they could go to tax but not have to pay tax. Right. I mean, doesn't everything come down at the end of the day

when it comes to significant free agent signings of any sports team, much, whether it's the Astros or not, is what the owner wants? If the owner's got a, you know, got a little loving for a particular player, like bringing back Verlinder last year. Not granted,

the Mets paid a lot of that tab. But obviously, Jim Crane has strong affinity for Justin Verlander. I thought on Saturday Dana Brown said all the discussions were internal, and he owes Boris a call. Yeah, that's exactly what he said. Okay. And didn't he say that at the Presley thing? Yeah.

Okay. I guess maybe I'm misinterpreted. I don't know. No, I mean, when you owe the most powerful sports agent a call, I mean, first of all, I wouldn't tell anybody that. Scott Boris, like, Dana Brown has called in four hours. Here's the thing from the press. Let me just play this real quick. We've talked internally about, you know, him still being available.

And so we are definitely having conversations within our front office. We haven't reached back out the borers. Yeah, that's what he said a couple days ago, right? The only way this thing really speeds up from an astro perspective is if Jim Cray goes to Dana and says, sorry I thought about this. We need him at third base for the next fourth stable future. Maybe there is an offer that we don't know about that's off there out there on a shorter term deal. One, two, three years.

Run it back, baby. And then Bregman's like, wait a minute, you offered me $6.156. Well, that deal's no longer available. Yesterday's price is not today's price. Well, the thing of it is, Ross, we don't have absolute 100% confirmation that $6156 is still out there. We have confirmation that $6156 was offered. Yeah, it was report. somebody reported that that was the deal that they were still sitting on.

I don't know. But, I mean, that could be changed by the hour. I feel like as the days go on, it feels more likely that Bregman could come back. The issue is, do we have 100% certainty that 6156 is still on the table? And if it's on the table, Ross, with knowing that the other deals have not come to a pass, then why wouldn't Bregman take it? You know what I mean? Yeah.

Because 6156 sounds like, to me, that's the best deal that's out there right now for Alex Breggman. There is no 175. There is no 200. I don't know how to make head or tails of any of this. Yeah. Because he just keeps dragging on. It's almost February.

There's no way that's when Scott Boris signed Alex Breggman as a client. But he said, man, we're going to get this this way. By the way, getting referenced, John Heyman sounds like RFK Jr. Huh. I didn't think of it that way. Yeah, doesn't he have some sort of ailment or something with his verse? R.K sounded rough yesterday. You don't mind arguing with RFK because you can just out scream him.

He never wins the shouting match, is what you're saying. No, he doesn't. He does not at all. That's funny. All right, 713-212-579. If you want to join us on the radio show today, 7-13-212-5-7-90. If you're joining us on Twitter, you may join us there. At SportsMT, at SportsRV, and at Conradie McCorm.

somebody's knocking at my door you know what it's for ross you don't even know do you room service no it's a new remote control my remote control's not working yeah i could see that i could see you having issues of breaking stuff oh that's not nice 1112 it's a matt thomas show ross come on back and join us here on sports talk 790 the matt thomas show with ross continues on sports talk 790 it is 1116 we've got i just don't get it coming up at the bottom of the hour Rockets here in the Mid-South taking on the Memphis Grizzlies. It's supposed to start at 835,

but there could be a slide depending on how the first game goes on the double-headed tonight on TNT. Oh, you're sliding. How often does it feel like it slides about 75% of the time? 75% of the time it slides. Because every time you go to that 60-second timeout,

they take 90 seconds of commercial time. Bring your toboggin, Matthew. He'll be late night getting home. Ooh, Lordy. Good luck. All right. 713, 212, 570. If y'all are trying to call Connor, don't have an hour-long conversation with him.

Man, every call is trying to come in. It's like Connor's got his own show going on back there. I think they're having him look up stuff or something. Is it a time for a Google MT segment? Here's how it works. You call the show. Hey, I want to talk to Matt Ross. We don't bite.

We want to talk to you. Don't have three-minute conversations with Connor. He's going to ask you. who you are, what part of town you live in, and the topic. Maybe he's like an information line. I don't know what's happening. Maybe he's trying to steal our callers from our own show. Hmm.

Oh, you think he's hosting a podcast back there? He's got his own show. It's a show within a show within a show. Hi, you've reached the Connor McGovern show. How's it going? And then he's just rolling on it? No, here's how it works. Seven, do you want to talk to Matt and Ross?

Yeah, I do. But you probably have a better time talking to me. No, I see him giving heavy eye rolls. I don't think he wants to be in this conversation. No. All right, I'm just embellishing. I know. Sorry, the caller, he won tickets and he didn't get the email.

Oh, is that the guy that's beefing with you guys? Oh, we had a guy beefing with us yesterday on Chachioba, or ain't nobody got time for that because the prize winners are, we have to get their social security number for tax purposes. So he's like, I don't want to do that? Yeah. Well, guess what? If you don't play by our rules, you can't play.

That's what I said. I said, Cheshawabot. There you go. And then he called my question. It's terrible. We did have three winners yesterday. My bad. What was the topic?

Oh, I'm sorry, the two days ago. Yeah. Oh, yeah. Are we out of prizes? Is the prize vault back to opening up again? No, I asked you if I got to email somebody because we gave away all the tickets. Yeah, we got a, mm-hmm. Let's take a day off.

So we got nothing? The prize vaults. I don't have the energy, Matt. I was coughing all through the night, couldn't sleep. Let's pass. All right. You know what? If you want to call in sick for, believe it or not,

I can live with that. Yes. We can revisit tomorrow. We'll see what's in the prize vault. So go ahead and send the email for some prize vault. I mean, my guess is going to be plenty more $790 t-shirts and those squeezy stress relief balls. We're low on those, too, by the way. 713-1-2-5-7-90.

You're right. We're just trying to get through the show. Oh, man. This is where you guys can really talk. take advantage of us. Ross and I are vulnerable today. If you ever want to complain about how awful Ross treats the University of Houston,

today would be the day to do that, especially after our Cougars knocked off West Virginia last night. I said there should be locked in as a one seat. How is that me hating them? You know, I'm going to start calling you Cougar Ross. Hmm. Yeah, you know what? I am a big fan of Cougars.

I know you are. My favorite cougar of all times. Of course, it would be Well, Sam of Hayek's moving up the list a little bit. Prime Cougar, Raquel Welch? Ooh, Raquel Welch back. How about Anne Margaret back, way back in the day? Sophia Vergara is the Hall of Famer in terms of that, right?

Wait a minute. Is this a Fantasy Five? We've already done this before. I think you're right. And I think Sophia Vergara did was a, I don't remember who had her, but I think she was on the winning team. Let me tell you about the fantasy five No matter what the category is

Like best foods to eat In Hawaii If you went Sophia Vagari You'd still be the number one winner on that Every category What's your favorite song of Elton Johns The one that Sophia Vigar was in the background She wins

Every contest Say that one more time You've got my vote I know I know Sophia is an all-timer Samoa Hayek Even what's her face

From my cousin Vinnie some new photos of her showing up that it looked good. Demi Moore looks fantastic for her age. Yeah, she's looking good. Older, you know, Ross, older is sometimes not... A lot of work done. A lot of work done. Who's not getting work done?

Me? I'm thinking about getting some work done this summer. Yeah, touch up the eyebrows. Stop! I'm just kidding. I don't even know what your eyebrows look like. I hate you. Let's go to Tim and Katie at 1121 on sports.

talks of any. Tim, good morning. Take advantage of two guys that are a little under the weather. Tim, what's going on? Hey, Matt. I'd just like to talk about how the rockets are finally getting some national media play. I was listening to NBA today yesterday,

and it was all about the rockets. They were talking to them in Thompson. They were talking about how guys play together. So I would just like to see what you guys think if it's about time, and if there's any way that the rockets will start to be kind of darling team of the West.

Thanks. Thank you. A lot of it, frankly, to me, Ross, is how many times they're seen on television across the country. Oklahoma City is getting a lot more run nationally. They were on the late game on ESPN last night. I don't know how many people watched it, but OKC is making more national TV games. The Rockets are going to be on national TV tonight, but that's the only game that's

been originally, there were two TNT games scheduled this year. One was a game against Sacramento and one was tonight against Memphis. other than that, there's been no additional games. So how you become beloved is A winning, but B, people seeing you. And as great as we think the Rockets are, and 32 and 14 is an amazing mark, I would like to ask you if somebody in Chicago could name five Houston Rockets, and the answer would probably be no, right? No, they're not going to be all household names.

They won 41 games last year. So it'll take some time. Yeah. But the only way you do it is if you get, if you get on national television. Like this Saturday is the Knicks versus the Lakers. I mean, I'm not blaming ABC for putting them on. I mean, New York's first full is good.

Lakers have the LeBron, second-gradeest player of all time. Why wouldn't you put those two huge marquee teams? I mean, you're not putting on Washington versus Charlotte. Put it that way. So if you're these TV networks, you're going to play the hits. And the question's going to be, you know, not that I ever, I never see the ratings of these national games, but, I mean, will Houston, Memphis be able to draw much of a national audience tonight in 830?

I mean, I don't have the answer to that. I mean, my gut tells me it's not going to be a huge draw, but you have to keep putting them out there, especially if the tide of the NBA is changing. If Golden State no longer is the sexy team, if the Lakers are going to be nothing but a 500 team, you might as well do yourself a little service in putting on some teams that are actually going to be deep in the playoffs. Like last night, the Warriors beat the Thunder.

So even when, if you were to watch that game last night, And you were thinking, all right, this, I've heard this goal, this Oklahoma City team is so awesome. Well, they got, they lost to a mid-Warriors team last night. You know what, Matt, I'm about to make another analogy. Uh-oh. Oh, I like when you make an analogy. You know, Matt, when you're making your investment portfolio, you invest a certain amount, you want to diversify your portfolio, correct?

Yes. The NBA is like 95% all in on LeBron James and Steph Curry. And while it's a good stock, it's a, the stock that's not going to heck you too much of a high rate of return with those guys. It's not a good long-term return on those because those guys are going to be retiring within the next couple of years. Right. So you need to get some more long-term stocks in their portfolio.

Guys like the Shade Gilgis Alexanders of the world, and they've done a good job with, you know, Janus and trying to build up Wimby and some of these other guys. But they need to put more long-term stocks into their portfolio rather than investing in the safe here and now, LeBron and Steph Curry. God, I feel like I'm talking to EF Hutton here. Does it work? I like it. You know what, Ross?

I totally get it. That's what I'm talking about. Problem is, are you willing, are these TV networks willing to do that? Because if they say, all right, we're going to make a serious investment in Houston and Oklahoma City and Denver. And who's an Eastern Conference team that would be of interest? Cleveland. Cleveland. and we don't get the return,

and we've got to start paying back these advertisers because we're not getting a certain number of rating points. Yeah, it's riskier. It's riskier stock, for sure. Yeah. But I'm in for it. Diversify the portfolio, NBA. Because honestly, does the Lakers next to you seem like must-watch television

on Saturday night for me? Honestly, I just don't think the Lakers are very good. Yeah. Because I've seen them plenty of times. I mean, they're fine. They're in the fifth seed. I'm still putting them down as frauds. Okay.

Well, you were first on that bandwagon. I know, and then they've won like eight of their last nine games. 7-13-212-5-7-90. We've got some rocket calls to get to. We'll get to those. Plus, we'll get until I just don't get it all in the next half hour. It is the Matt Thomas show with Ross. 7-1-3-212-5-7-90.

7-1-3-212-5-7-90. 7-1-3-2-1-7-90. I just don't get it coming up in a few minutes. We've got a couple of folks that want to say hello, and we are here for you. Ross is fighting pneumonia. I've got a cold 713-212-5-790. Mark on the Matt Thomas show with Ross. Mark, good morning to you.

Hey, good morning, Matt. How you doing? Good friend. Thank you. I just wanted to make a comment about, you know, the ratings are down across the board for the whole NBA. I've seen a lot of podcasts and different, you know, different channels. they were stating, you know, why

was it so? But there's a lot of different reasons. A lot of people are one of the main reasons people are just fatigued with the same-all-same-o. And I watched the comments from the Boston side of perspective. They're commentator. I think it was

Brian Scalibriene. They called the game for them. And those guys were at all of Amen Thompson. I mean, he did a play. He made a play, and they were, and the brass Calabrini made a comment, like, what are we watching right now? And, you know, I just think if the NBA was smart and ready to grow, you know, some more stars,

they would, you know, they wouldn't mind putting them on there because I think once you see the Rockets play and the energy they bring, as a leticism, that more people would tune in, you know, for some new stars. But that was my comment here that, you know, it's, the casual fan don't know them, but I think the people that are covering the NBA, they're noticing the Rockets for sure. But y'all have a good day, and y'all be careful with this wearier. Thank you very much.

Appreciate it. Ross, the weather's not good back home, yes? It's been soupy for like ever. That's good. No, it's not. It's terrible. People don't know how to drive. People don't know how to drive when it's regular,

it's perfect, when it's 72 and sunny. And it gets even worse. You know what? We did well during the snow. Nobody went out on the streets. Well, some people did. Chris Courtney said on his way, and he's all four wrecks.

Yeah, because Chris Gordy is on a dangerous highway. Those are Paralyan folks. Yeah, those Paralyans different. It's like Pasadena North. You know how it is. I guess so. Yeah. I mean, look, the national pundits are all in on it.

I mean, for a team that doesn't get a lot of exposure, the rockets are getting that exposure. And Thompson's going to play in the futures game. People are going to get a chance to watch that a little bit. I don't know if people are watching much of that Saturday Night event anymore. If Alpi gets into the All-Star game, that would be a huge thing. for him to display his abilities. But ultimately, in my mind,

it's going to be putting them on national TV games, 7 o'clock, 6.30, you know, and letting people that are NBA fans sit and watch for a couple hours. Because there is a lot of, you know, for a team that doesn't have much a lot of well-known players, it's got a lot of personality to it. First of all, Dylan Brooks is going to fight you any day of the week. How about that?

grab of the back of the head. Who did he grab the back of the head? Trey Young? I mean, that's saying something, Ross. When you go to Trey Young and you grab the back of his head? I was kind of like, Trey Young's always been a bleep talker. But I don't know that he's about that action boss.

And Dylan Brooks is about that action boss. So I was a little shocked that he wouldn't bump him like he did. And Dylan Brooks didn't swing on him. I mean, a man hip tosses NBA players on hardwood floors. Yes. I mean, you got Fred Van Bleed who will MFU and Imandoku will scrape with you too. Yeah, so you're saying in the NBA Royal Rumble, the Rockets are the favorite.

I'm telling you if the Rockets were in the Royal Rumble and you had them against a bunch of soft warriors, the Rockets would be all the rockets in Draymond Green would be the last ones out there. That's true. And Drayman would just sit in the back corner and just wait for everybody else to beat each other up. Yeah, let's see. Spurs are out. Wimby gets broken in half within five seconds. Oh, yeah. The Thunder could be tough.

you don't think Isaiah Hartinstein's going to I mean he may scrape for a little bit but he'll make it yeah he looks in the ring and he looks in the ring and it breaks a leg

yeah yeah yeah Lou Dorts is probably pretty tough Kowai Leonard said he's going to be in it but he'll help out the very last second he's questionable Joel and Bid won't even be in the building he's listed as doubtful do you know he's missed as many games

he's played wow that's tough I mean he's so good but I mean he's just huge what's he's like 7-2 7-3 he's just it's these big guys man

Christop's Fuzinger's Joel and beat Victor winning he's been paid for games he's missed as $140 million Wow He wants to be out there he hates He was only listed his 7 foot I thought he was like 7172 But you know funny I've called a handful of games

I said Rock has only playing twice a year When he plays he's magnificent He's so good But You know As a friend once told me Attendance is part of the grade and well his attendance is an F

Roger on 790 1136 Roger good morning yeah I'll be careful of always doing both grabbing trails like wet like a head full of wet pubic hair or something disgusting anyway

sorry anyway yeah I think the rockets are really I mean you were I you know how I feel about the rockets even when they sucked I still thought you know they had some pieces and I was kind of you know everybody It's kind of like dog and jail and so was I. But I just feel like, you know, I'm glad that we stuck with him.

And, you know, he's kind of like, you know, they're all like that. You know, they're all so closely knit together. You feel like if you trade one of them, something's going to happen the wrong way. I just feel like you've got to keep that glue together. And I think the Rockets have something. The other teams don't, you know, it's good to have that veteran guy that's going to handle the rock at the end of the game. But then again, that kind of takes away your element of surprise. With this team, you don't know who's going to shoot the ball.

Who's going to have that game winner? And that's really, really good advantage to have, especially when everybody buys in with the rushing everybody off the three-point line and just playing that dog defense, man. I just leave this thing alone and let it ride. Also, yeah, the national pundits, they keep, they're bandwagoners, aren't they? They just, oh, my God, look at this record. Let's just go and start talking about them.

Hey, they've been doing this for a while now, but that's all good. get our flowers eventually. But we'll definitely get our flowers when we, you know, get to the prime time and go deep in those playoff runs. That's when you need to earn your flowers. That's all I got, fellas. Thanks for the phone call. Yeah, thank you.

Yeah, I wouldn't expect, I mean, you can't go from 60, 60, 60 loss seasons three in a row to 41 and 41. I expect the NBA to jump on your bandwagon right away. I mean, it's going to take time, especially because of the reality of this. you have Nicola Yolkich just won multiple MVP's. You have LeBron James Stone League. You still have Steph Curry. I mean, there are still plenty of stars that are in this league

that you're going to put above anybody else wearing a rocket uniform. I don't blame the NBA and how they schedule their games because they need as many eyes on the games as possible. But the good marketers, the good sports programmers, are able to figure out a way to kind of, slide in those secondary teams and put them in good spots so they become stars. And that's what makes

good marketing, right, Ross? I mean, it's like record companies or production studios. Well, I mean, for decades, help me out with somebody. What are you looking for? Long-term star? Bruno Mars is a successful performer and solo star, but Bruno's

going to eventually run out of hits. It takes another ear to hear and say, all right, this next guy I want to put on the map is our next guy. Hmm. And then you invest in the guy and you get him on TV shows and you get him on the guest appearance on Good Morning America or whatever. Right. That's exactly right.

And so that's what it's going to take. It's going to be is, are the rockets sustainable enough to put them on television and when people actually care about them? And also, just because you put someone or something in front of people doesn't mean they're going to take to it necessarily. It gives you a better chance. Yep. But there has to be a certain something, whether it be. I mean, if we're talking about performers or charisma or whatever, there's got to be something that the people like.

Like a, tonight would be fun to see Zach Eady throw hands with Dylan Brooks. I would like that. I don't know if America would, but... It feels like Zach Edy would fight. Zach Eady is 7-3 and 299. Dylan Brooks is 6-7-220. I mean, you wouldn't want to watch that?

You wouldn't want a five-minute delay to see those guys get after it. Yeah, man, I think Dylan Brooks is really going to have to work the body. earlier, what he's going to have to do is get in the inside. It's too much reach for Zach Edie at the end of the day, so if he can just keep Dylan Brooks off of him with his jab and kind of pack it and kind of rack up the rounds, I think he can win.

Dylan Brooks is really going to have to do some damage on the inside with some feints on his way inside, really avoid the jab and work the body in the early rounds. If John Moran and Aparin Shangoon were to collide with each other, I mean, you don't want to get into that a little bit? And then Alperin blocks one of his shots and he goes to the DeKembe and Mutemboe may rest in peace finger way?

You don't want some of that tonight? I would sound fun. Just saying. Let's talk to Kevin in Pearland at 1140 on 790. Kevin, good morning. Good morning, Matt and Ross. On the website, a photo for Ross. Kevin.

Oh, thank you, Kevin. I'm on there now. Yes. Oh, yes. A long time. Now you got there with Ross on the show. I will say, Matt, you were dressed to the nines when I was sitting courtside with Wex. won tickets, of course.

And were you on TV, the Toledo game sitting next to Ronald's? Because you were looking good. Thank you very much. I got two new suits. As a matter of fact, you're going to see me next time. You'd be like, damn, it's a handsome man. Well, I didn't recognize you. But anyways, my thing about

the Cougars is the ESKM Plus. I mean, we're talking about the Rockets. I don't care if they're on national TV. As long as I can see them on Space City, which I watch every game. And I let put on mute. And, of course, you know who I listen to, 1790. Yeah, very game.

Yes, but what's up with the ESPN plus? Last year it seemed like they were on like ESPN 2 or something like that. A lot of the games, and now I've got to listen to 950, which I like. I like to listen to the 950, but I mean, what's up with that, man? Well, I mean, you can't, you know, look, you play 20 league games and there's only certain spots that they're going to be put on the overall networks. They don't allow local TV games produce anymore. everything has to go through ESPN.

So either got an ESPN, either got an ABC, ESPN2, ESPNU, and then they sell a few games to CBS Sports Network, which is a cable channel. And then they just put a handful of games on the, on Internet only. Okay. And try to drive up various people to buy that package of games.

So the streamers, streamers. And let me ask you about the rocket. So my all-time favorite rocket, you know, of course everybody can say, Elijah one. Of course, he's my favorite. But Mr. Mien, Larry Smith. Would Dylan Brooks be the Mr. Mean of today's NBA, although you can't get away with what they get away with?

And lastly, the all-time favorite Cougar, come on, brother. You know it's got to be who Larry Mishar, I guess a lot of you want. Mr. Meen? Yeah, Mr. Meen, Larry Mishaw. I'm going chicken knolls. No. You are not. You know what? You always go chicken knolls. Shut up. Shut your bum ass up. Thank you, Kevin, for the phone call. Hey, that was yesterday. Well, I was not there yesterday. By way, shut your bum ass up, Nate Burleson for A, ruin of my game show and B, telling me how to fan. But I think I mentioned that only five times in the last two days. You are never allowed to say chicken no one. Mine was towards you actually.

Now that I think about it. I was the people whining about the Super Bowl. Oh no, it's the good, really good Eagles and the really good cheese. This is the Super Bowl sucks. You know what? I'm going to give you a strong take. You ready for a strong take? You're ready to miss. One of the best defenses and offensive teams.

Andy Rico. You know what? Three and a three straight. living up to the hype. We're not going to bring it dead. We're not going to cuss and discuss it. We're going to watch the game on Sunday, Ross. That's all we're going to do.

We're going to cuss and great defenses in the Super Bowl. You know what? That's a damn ass boring game. Give me Buffalo. Give me Detroit. Give me, give me the Natty. Give me Baltimore. Give me somebody.

Hell, give me the Texans. I don't take anybody at this point. I'll watch the game, but I ain't going to be thrilled about it. Winer. You shut your bum ass up. You can't tell me how to fan. telling you had a fan yeah you are you spend time talking about all you be vans or you know what we're bored by it don't need you and jill bomb ass up that's what i said yesterday okay

i suddenly feel a lot better i got energetic all of a sudden i know me too seven one three two one two five seven out of eight there's something you don't get ladies and gentlemen i ask you a very simple question what don't you get 1145 on Sports Talk 7-90 with a word for the Shell Federal Credit Union. I want you to think about getting an auto loan if you're purchasing a new vehicle through the Shell FCU. 3.99% for up to 36 months, all available to you by going to shellfcU.org. ShellfcU.org for the Shell Federal Credit Union. You get $250 in cash back.

You get an opportunity for a couple skip of pays. You can also ask about 90 days a deferred. I have finance a car through ShellfCU. It was easy. The branch locations are easy to work with. They're great. Seameless process to the application and was able to pay it off at a nice low interest rate. And you can get that right now too by going to ShellfCU.org.

That shellfcU.org for the Shell Federal Credit Union for auto loans. 3.99% up to 36 months. ShellfcU.org. More Matt Thomas Show with Ross. Now on Sports Talk 790 1151 on Sports Talk 790 It's time for us to ask all of you Something if you just don't get it

Let us know and say hey Matt Ross Connor I just don't get it 713-212-5-790 Ross I go to the 4-U tab And it's again It's my mistake But all of us are doing it by way We had a for-you conversation

On the plane yesterday We're all going to it It's unavoidable because what the problem is Let's say Matt you put a Somehow you hit the long shot and you put out a really funny, good tweet. And you put it out at 1130 a.m. And I wasn't on Twitter at that time.

If I don't go to the 4U tab, I will never see that tweet. Yeah. And first of all, my tweets are funny, so that's really good. Number two, it does give you a sense of people that you don't care to follow because you only want so many people on your timeline. But if there's something going on in the world or in sports, you get to, like, if something big happened in Pittsburgh, I'm not going to follow Pittsburgh sports people,

but if something big in Pittsburgh happens I want to talk about, the 4U tab is perfect for me on that. So here's my, I don't just don't get it. Yesterday, or two days ago, Nick Wright was on the Dan Patrick's show, and now he's on the Dan Lebertart show today. When did we care what Nick Wright had to say about it? He is a comment, hot take of epic proportions.

Doesn't believe things that he even says. I know Nick Wright, ladies and gentlemen. He doesn't believe half the crap he says. He does it because he wants the attention. So I would say, having Nick right as a guest on my show or any show, for that matter, Ross, Connor, I just don't get it. He didn't play the game. You know what you're getting from him.

It's not logical. He sounds like he's smarter than he is. And look, I like Nick. But I know, I mean, I don't know. No, I think he's actually a really smart guy. I know Nick Schick. he's doing it to gain attention. But I wouldn't put him on my radio station.

I wouldn't put him on it. I mean, he doesn't have a, he's got a TV national show, but there's, I'll just say this. Maybe I'm missing the boat on this one. I just don't get it. Because every comment on any show that he's on, it's like, who is this guy? And what is he saying? He's stupid. And why am I seeing this?

I just don't get it. Yeah, I don't get it either. I actually think I've having met him a few times, he's a smart guy. It's calculated. He knows when he goes out and says and he's getting the maximum amount

of attention that he can with his takes. He just doesn't believe all of them. It's calculated and it's working and for whatever reason, I'm wishing him the best. I wanted to be a sports radio host when I was a kid.

I didn't say to myself, Ross, I've got to be calculated in this. I've got to figure out a way to make my move. To get the most attention possible. Yeah. I became a sports radio host because I love sports. I have the ability to gab.

I'm not athletic. So it fits. Check, check, check. I don't think I can put together a decent show. I didn't do it to say, what am I going to say that's going to attract the most attention so I can have people crush my tweets?

But at least they're talking about me. I am a good belief that just because you get attention doesn't mean it's big that it's what you want. No, publicity is good. It's working very well for the young man. But it is, but you know what? Maybe my ego is too fragile for that. Maybe I don't want to go on there and go, who is this dork saying this all this stuff?

So Nick, congrats to you because you're getting the attention. You let me make fun of on social platforms. Enjoy that. I just don't get it. Ross, what don't you get? Well, real quickly in that same vein, I don't get why we take, Cam Newton's everywhere too. This is what was going to say, but you just made me think of it.

Okay, Cam Newton was at least an MVP in the NFL. That's pretty good. But he's all over every single TV show with his funny hats, and it's like, I just don't get that either. Oh, is you're saying that why go grab him? Why do we care what he has to say? I think they're trying to find a fresh group of people to talk about the NFL for. I mean, for instance, if you turn on ESPN, Ross,

if you don't see Dan Orlovsky or Jeff Saturday, is something wrong in the world because those cats are on every show? When they're on NASCAR this week breaking down the stuff, it makes me concerned. I'm all for new blow when it comes to analysis. I've got another one, and this will make you happy, Matt. Well, I can't liehorn basketball be good? you've got all the facilities, you've got all the money, you've got a fertile recruiting base.

Rick Barnes is doing well in Tennessee. Shaka Smart's got a top 10 team in Marquette. Chris Beard, well, that was a whole different ball of wax. But Chris Beard just beat Rodney Terry and the Texas Longhorns. They haven't made a final four since 2003. And that was the last one they made since like 1946 or something when there were only eight teams in the tournament. so they only have one real legit final four in the program's history.

Why do I pour my attention into these teams that is just futile? And why can't Texas basketball ever win? That's why I just don't get it. That's why I don't know for the Texans. I don't need any more disappointment in my life. So if I gave you the magic wand right now, Rossi, and I said you can fire Rodney Terry. Oh, that's rude.

He gets his full payout, right? Yeah, he's, he gets his buyout. I gave you the dream coach. Oh, I don't know. Do you have any idea? Rick Barnes. No, you, I'm just kidding. Dan Hurley?

He is, boy, he is getting annihilated for what he said last week. What did he say now? He said he's the best coach in college basketball. He said that to the, yeah, yeah. Yeah, I'll go with Dan Hurley right now. So you would just, you would just open the bank book up and say, what is it going to take for you to leave Stores, Connecticut? how the Lakers almost did that to bring him to Los Angeles coach the Lakers.

Yeah, and he said no. He's going to go for a three-peat. Okay, there it is. Ross, Villarreal endorsing Dan Hurley to be the next coach of University of Texas. When Kelvin Sampson's great. A little too old, though. He's doing great at Houston. Leave him there.

How old is Mark Few? He's not leaving Gonzaggy. He's been there forever. I'm just asking how old. You said Magic Wand. I got a magic wand, man. I can do whatever I want. That's true. Mark's got to be in his 60s by now, or he's been there forever.

Google says he's 62. You know what? You know what? Sixes. Look, coaches are being hired all the time that are old that are fine. Look at Bill Belichick at North Carolina. Look at the coach at the Las Vegas Raiders now. If Pete Carroll? Is he 73? 73.

62 is the new 28. All right. Is Connor still talking to somebody off air for like 503? He's good. No, we can go to Mike. Okay, I have just a white screen there. That's why I don't see it. Oh, yours is frozen.

We're fine. Mike, Mike is on line one. You want me to put him up there? Yeah, put Mike on there for us. Mike, what don't you get, my friend? What's up, man, man? Welcome back, man. What I don't get is the fact that I don't believe it.

I don't believe it, believe it, believe it, and not. And then they want to social security and no man want to know what color your crowd was in the morning. This is all you can get the rodeo ticket. I just don't give it, man. Mike called yesterday. He called for the same thing for such a bum myself. I explained it to you yesterday, Mike. It is for tax purposes.

You cannot give away free stuff in the thousands in a year, which these stations do and not have tax implications. So unfortunately, you have to get your social security number. We don't need to know what color your do-do is. We just need to know your social security number, because unfortunately, it's for tax purposes. I've been here 15 years, Matt. I don't know how long they've been doing it since you've been around as well.

As a producer, we had to do it for years and years and years and years. That's just the way it is. If you don't want to do it, don't get your prize. It's that simple. I just don't get why you continue to call and be confused about this. I will say to the caller, I will say to the caller, unfortunately, my friend, I get it. That's the rules. We don't make it up.

We don't want a counter taking away from being a great part. of this radio show to answer these tax questions. But the rules and them rules. The rules are the rules. We don't make them. It's every station in the country. Everyone. For sure. 12 o'clock. Let's do this.

Let's have the news at noon coming up next here on Sports Talk 790. Lunch timers. This is the Matt Thomas show. 12.4. What's happening at lunch timers? Welcome to the third. of four hours, the Matt Thomas show and Ross on Sports Talk 790.

Time for us to do like we do every single day during the middle of the week. Give you the new set noon. And with that, we go to the new center. Sports RV when the rain is falling in Houston, when it's cold, it's drizzly, it's super hot,

good times and it bad. We always provide a thing, his sultry voice. You did a good job, stalling through my coughing fit. Yeah, you're very smart. You're true professional, Matt. We appreciate you. Yes, Matt, we're going to start the news at noon with the Brighman update we gave earlier on the show.

For the folks who missed it. What is the latest with Alex Bregman? A trusted source, unlike any other. John Aiman says it could be the Astros or another team that the Astros have been dealing with in this offseason. If you had to choose one team that will eventually get Bregman, what team would that be? maybe I would say Houston, you know, kind of where they, at least have a starting point. It sinks for 156. I'm going to say them, but I know.

There is an alert of the Cubs. We just saw his great friend, Ryan Presley, leave the Astros to go to the Cubs. There are two Astros now on the Cubs. I mean, the Cubs are an interesting team. They're a fun team. You know, we've got Tucker now in right field. You've got Presley now as the closer. That may be an extra allure for Bregman.

I know that he and Presley were close. Maybe the Cubs could come in. I'm going to say one of those two teams. I think I tweeted that a week ago that Houston and the Cubs were certainly big players in on Bregman, but I don't know that we're close at this moment. You know, I mean, one of these other teams are going to have to step up. And if they do, if they step up and go to that sixth year or seventh year, the Cubs, Red Sox, they might be able to nam because we all know where the Astros are.

That wasn't good enough. But if I had to pick one team today and just guess, I might guess the Astros. The leader in the clubhouse Ken Rosenthal on Saturday saying he would pick the Astros John Heyman saying he would pick the Astros. We'll hear from another friend of the show Jeff Passon in the next segment of the show.

We will? Yeah. Oh, great. You must have got all the good boys in here. The guys that are respected, that are fun, are really good dudes. The guys that you love, Matt. I mean, I just,

they're all very good at their job. I can't possibly argue with it. They've all reached levels, but doesn't mean they're great dudes. like the good dudes that are national I like Tim Kirkson I'm Bob Nightingale I personally know I like him Our local guys we love

We love Channa we love Brian McTaggart Yes I don't really know the Chronicle guy very well Chandler's growing his national profile I think Is he? Is he gonna leave us? I'm a gut feeling Chandler's a big national Major League Baseball reporter at some point Yeah I would think that yeah

I think he, that's, that's his goals. No, I don't know either. He'd like to be, I think he's got good sources. He's been breaking news like a mutter. Yeah, he's a spectacular writer. Yeah, yeah, from a writing style, yeah. And again, he works for the athletic, and they don't pay us to say this, but it's every bit of worth the money because it's not about box scores and, you know,

in the fifth inning this happens. I like the behind-the-scenes stuff. They should pay us to say it, though. Ken Rosenthal, I don't know personally, had him on a couple times. He wears nice bow ties. He works nice bow ties. Yeah, he's kind of said no thanks the last couple times we've asked him beyond. And then Tom Broducci is always traveling, so he can't ever come on.

He came on during COVID. That's true. He's like, yeah, I've got to go out and not going to be doing it. No, you're not. You're in quarantine like everyone else. Come on the show. Can you imagine he said, I'm traveling. And then I responded back.

No, you're not. It's COVID. You're going to be on the show. Okay, you got me. That's pretty much what happened. Five consecutive Tom Burducci's, I'm traveling. He's, he's a man about town. Like, if you don't want to, like, if you're in a relationship with a girl and you're trying to break up with her, you, you don't go to the same excuse every single time.

I'm not feeling well. You've got to change it up. Like my mom, going to my mom's house, or I've got a family reunion, or I don't feel well, or I got to work an extra shift at the office at the workplace. I mean, you got to mix it up. Yeah. That's a key to avoidance is mixing up your excuses. Keeping with the Astros real quickly, Matt. recently the ESPN has released their top 100 prospects in baseball.

Yeah. Two Astros have made the list. Cam Smith comes in at 73rd on the list. It was an astro a month ago, isn't that crazy? And Jacob Melton cracking the list at number 95. Dana Brown has talked about a left-handed bat. Well, he's left-handed with plus raw power above average speed and strong bat-to-ball skills. According to this.

By the way, I think the, I saw a tweet in the 4U tab. Don't blame me. I am blaming it. Says the Astros are the 29th best role. Miner League operation, I think, at this morning. All right. Top 29. Let's go.

I think the athletic is the one that did it. How many? I'm not mistaken. 29. Oh, that Keith Law that does those? I don't know who's with it. Okay. Keith Law wants an applicant for the Astros GM spot.

Hmm, really? I think so. I wouldn't make that up. Hmm. Good for him. That was right after Luno, I think. Wasn't he beefing with Kurt Schilling on Twitter back in the day? Yeah, that's fine.

Former Astros farmhand Drew Gilbert, number 84 on the list. Okay. Anything else? Yeah, let's keep it going on the news at noon here. Matt, did you catch Ross Tucker NFL analyst on the A-Team? I did not. I was taking a nap. Oh, well, he had some interesting things to say, including one soundbite. I know you're going to love.

But let's start with him talking about the Texans' OC job. He thinks it might not be the great spot that some others do. I think if you're an OC with options, I think you've got to consider, okay, well, why did they fire Bobby Sloick? And what do I need to get done to keep my job and not get fired after a year? whereas there's probably other places you can go where the expectations aren't as high and you'd have a little bit more time

to try to build something you know that's not easy always to just come in and be a quick fix maybe the OZ job not as attractive as we think here in Houston meaning the pressure would be immense because this team has got back-to-back division championships back-to-back division round games yeah they went 10 and 7 won the division

and they made it to the divisional round, and then they fired their O.C. Yeah. Yeah, I mean, I could see that. So does that mean to me that we should be more placing to blame on others besides D'Amico Ryans? Or maybe a quick trigger finger on the organization as a whole to get rid of coaches? And perhaps we don't know the whole story.

All right, so what is it down by that's going to make me happy? Ross Tucker on Laramie Tunsell. Oh, yes. me Tunsell, okay? How many penalties was it, guys? 17? You know, I don't, I mean, I think he had 17 penalties,

so many false starts. I guess I look at it like this. I know if it's a false start that the down doesn't count. But what would we think of a left tackle that gave up 12 sacks? I mean, they're losing five yards. They're not losing the down,

but you're still losing five yards. I think when you're best, players lack that attention to detail, it kind of rubs off on the rest of the group. They clearly had a bunch of mental errors, and they were not a disciplined, well-coached group. They just weren't. Matt, your thoughts on Laramie Tunsell setting a bad tone for the rest of the offense? Couldn't agree more.

Ross Tucker, you're my favorite. You know what? We look through the, we see the NFL through the same set of eyes. I like that. vastly overrated. Doesn't mean he can't play. Doesn't mean he can't. He's not the best offensive lineman.

He is vastly overrated. Period. In the story. Thank you, Ross, for having my back on that. No, that would be Tucker. And Ross Tucker, too. And Ross, Villarreal. And Ross, I don't know any other Rosses, but that's fine.

Perot? Now he's dead. Oh. Yeah, I'm out. Ross. So when you heard that, did you go, ooh, that's a keen inside? Or do you go, oh, that's just a guy that's just hating on.

No, I mean, I think he could be, yeah, as he mentioned, the penalties matter. Now, it was cleaned up. It was really bad beginning of the season and got better as the season went along. But it still added up to a way to I have a number. Larry, why don't you get on to minicamp and hang out with you bros and stop saying, I'm too tired for this. I don't need, I get stuff to do. He's busy.

Show up at a minicamp, show up at OTAs once in a while, and act like a team veteran. gross that's why I'm not a fan I can't be a fan of a team that frustrates me so much I already got enough frustration my life what do you mean everybody's a fan of a team that frustrates them so much

I don't want any more it makes it easier for me minimum frustration and that was the news and new excellent work all right so Jeff Passon chimes in on the Astros everybody everybody their mother's chiming in we'll have it for you next

1214 on Sports Talk 7th Back to Matt Thomas and Ross via Real. On Sports Talk 790. For end of the show, Jeff Passett chimes in on Breckman. The 6 for 156 is still in play. So theoretically, would it take more for him to sign somewhere else? I mean, one would think. But it is a three or four-year contract with a higher AAB and an

opt out after years one and two more valuable than the long-term deal. I think we're going to learn a lot about Alex Gregman's priorities here and what's important to him. And the belief is that he wants a long-term deal now, might not need any opt-outs, like he wants to be locked in, and he's just not getting those years elsewhere at this point. But, you know, the closer we get to spring training, man, I think the more teams start to recognize, hey, maybe we have this weakness here, and we need to take advantage of this opportunity,

which is why I think at the end of the day, Breggman's still going to do just fine. Yeah, I don't know that he's going to end up in Boston at this point. All right, that again, front of the show, the one and only, Jeff Passon. So it all comes down to individually what you want in life. I am of the belief when I've signed my contracts. I like length.

You like length? Yeah, I figured as soon as I said the exact phrase, it's going to be clipped for tomorrow, and that's fine. So give me a longer contract if I have to take less for the length as compared to the shorter, greater dollar amount. That's how I've typically worked in my... Rather than shorter and girthier. I never said the other part of that word. I'm not saving that word. And you can clip Ross right there, by the way.

How do you roll Ross? I don't know if you've so many contracts in your life. That's a personal question, Matt. I know. Okay, forget about that. What if it's about a lease to an apartment or a townhouse? Do you like it as a longer-term locked-in rate, or do you want to go for a shorter term and maybe a high-old?

It's not the same-sies, but I mean, you get my drift. You can be, when you negotiate things in life, you're one of those two people. Yeah, I'm terrified of commitment, Matt, so I would say shorter lease. Okay. Yeah, see, I don't. I like to have minimal contract negotiations. I usually get what I get. I send back something,

ask them for a couple things, and then I go back and say, all right, we compromise. Hmm. Okay. It feels like to me, and again,

Alex and I've never talked about his dollars and cents, because that's kind of a personal thing. It feels like to me he's looking for the longer-term deal. I think he was looking for seven and two hunters what he was looking for. And everybody said,

thank you, but no thank you. well yeah i mean i i don't not knowing every team but it feels like to me that there is there's nobody sitting back going we've got this walled card we have the seven year two hundred and four million dollar contract we're holding on for alex speckman to take at the very last second i have a firm feeling that alix knows what every team's interest is in what every team is willing to spend on him if that makes sense to you i don't think there's anybody that's unless all the sudden they go, man, we're about 10 February 1st.

We don't have a third base, we don't have a short setup, we don't have a second base. We need Alex Bramman. Let's just go in there at the very last second and say, enough's enough. Okay, we try to play coy with you. Here's what we really want to pay you. Here's what you really want. Let's make this happen. That's what I'm thinking.

I don't think that's out there. I think Alex and Scott Boris knows exactly what every team is willing to go with. Yeah, but I think they're, what? Jeff Passon basically just said there is they're waiting for some team to kind of wake up and get desperate. Right. Whether that be via injury or via pouring over the roster and saying, oh, you know what, at the end of the day, we probably could really use Alex Breggman. Right, right. Again, there's no way we know how every team feels. For that man, we don't know how anyone team feels.

But I would not want, if I wanted Alex Breggman so bad, and I kind of know what he wants, I'm not waiting for It's help me out Ross is it like playing a poker hand I got this really great hand And I want to get people out of the way I don't want I don't want people to stay in the hand Longer than they need to be

Are you the general manager in this I don't know I got to poor are you I don't know what I am I'm just a confused lost soul right now We all are Alex President's lost too If I wanted Bregman

And I've got this walled card in my pocket I'd get out of I'd have told him by now It's too late in the game to be jacking around with other teams. Yeah, but clearly nobody's over the moon to sign him. Yeah. To the money and the years that he wants. Yeah. So if that's the case and you are a big AAV guy,

then maybe taking a shorter-term deal would get you a higher AAV. But if you want security, and this is your last opportunity for a super mega contract, would you want the number of years and maybe take a couple of dollars less? of that. Yeah, from just what Jeff Passon said there, it sounds like Breggman's ideal is a long term.

He wants both, right? He wants long term and he wants high AAV. Yeah. But he can't get both. They can't get both. So what would you do? If you were in his spot,

would you, what would you do? Right this second? Probably at the age of 30. I would take, I'll give my answer. I would take the longest deal I can get. As long as the dollars

made sense. I think you would do short term. Short term, have a good year. And then rather than getting a six-year deal from a seven-year deal from somebody, and the next year, get a six-year deal. If you have a good season and you're healthy.

But then you're adding another year to his length. You're adding another year wearing tear. I mean, are you trying to extend the contra? I don't know. Yeah, it's a bet on yourself. Right. Obviously, the long-term deal is more security, but is he going to bet on

himself, which players do? Blake Snell bet on himself. And he did great, and he got a big deal from the Dodgers. In fact, Frank Snell really bet on. himself in one, even though he missed what the first month the year, right? Wasn't it? He was out for a while. He was terrible to start the season.

Then he rounded it in a form. Yeah. But our pitchers treated a little bit differently because they can catch lightning in a bottle really quick. That man, you add Blake's down on your rotation. You're like, damn, we're locked and loaded and ready to go now. Although having a guy every single day, you know, hit 25 bombs.

It's not bad either. 25 bombs, gold glove, third basement doesn't sound bad. No, it doesn't. Not at all. Oh, the problems of a mega-rich star trying to get mega big dollars Matt we're here at 790 love you we're going to give you a six year deal give you $40,000 a year

and hope you enjoy it yes sign me up done finished yeah give you the 10-2 slot with your friend Ross let's go sign me up lifetime let's not fantastic I'm having a good time I'm just sick I'm sorry I'm sorry starts yeah we'll be

we'll be less cranky tomorrow hopefully you're gonna get some good rest tonight I'm gonna try but the rockets are up I want to watch the Rockets game. Yeah, but just prop your head up against the pillow and watch the game. Then I'm not off.

Man, I'm not asking you to keep score. Yeah, but I got to tie my NyQuil, so I'm not too groggy in the morning. Well, then knocks out some, put some day quill in. What? We need, we need you watching. And mix some day quill and NyQuil. Well, I don't want you mix it. I don't need you mixing up your medicines.

Yeah. You'll be all wonky tomorrow. All right. 1228 on the Sports Talk 790. EMA Doke is going to join us in one hour here on the radio program. 713-212-5-790. We have some breaking interesting NBA news as well, Matt. How many...

Is it all the rockets? It does not. I think it's at least two. All right. Well, I'm not going to look at Twitter. Okay, don't. Because I like drama. I don't believe you.

I swear I got I won't. You're clicking the like button on all those porn bots. No, no, no. By the way, Taylor was at the Memphis Phoenix game last night. Minnesota Phoenix game, excuse me. How do you know that? For you. Yeah, it's for you, all right.

She sat next to Alex Rodriguez during the game. Oh, geez. Do you think he watched her or the game more? Her. 713-212-5-790. Some breaking NBA news next here on 790. Lunch timers. Lunch timers.

It's the Matt Thomas show with Ross on Sports Talk 790. That's one. I think it's at least two. At least two means, is there a... I'll go to. Possible? Chris Haynes reporting.

Terry Rosier is under investigation by federal prosecutors for potentially cooperating in an illegal sports betting scheme in 23 while with the Hornets. What? In a March 2023 game, Terry Rozier played the first

nine minutes, 30 seconds of the game and left with a foot injury. Did not return that night, did not play again that season. Investigators are saying this is a Wall Street Journal report also and it's behind a paywall so I don't have all the information

for you there, Matt, unless you pay for the Wall Street Journal and want to give me your login information. Basically, it's activity from the same people who are involved in the Jonte Porter scandal. Apparently very, a lot of activity on the under on Terry Rozier prop bets that evening. No way. To the extent to where it was pulled from books.

And Terry Rozier is like a pretty significant name. I mean, first of all, I mean, I'm somewhat shocked. but not super shocked because now he plays with the Miami Heat now, right? I think so. Is he on the, or maybe he's on the Guardians?

Hold on. Maybe a Guardian. Not Guardian, you know what I'm saying. Cleveland, whatever it's Cleveland is. Yeah, he is on the heat now. So you're telling me a player would fake an injury to hit unders

on that particular night, huh? Hmm. Hmm. Interesting. I mean, Ross, are we, we were just talking about this a couple of hours ago. Are we completely surprised that there has not been, this doesn't pop up once every year or so? Terry Rozier has not yet been charged with the crime nor been accused of any wrongdoing. So who's, where is this information coming from? Does it even say?

Well, I don't know. It's a federal investigation. I don't know if this is FBI or Department of Justice or what. U.S. Attorney's Office? Is that DOJ? I don't know. Yeah, so somebody must have said something and said, okay, somebody got in trouble and said, what are you betting on? And that person said, I'm betting on Terry Rozier prop bets. NBA spokesman Mike Bass said in a statement, quote, in March 2023, the NBA was alerted to unusual betting activity related to Terry Rozier's performance in a game between Charlotte and New Orleans. Huh. So the league's been in on this. The league conducted an investigation did not find a violation of NBA rules.

here it is. We are now aware of an investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York related to this matter and have been cooperating with that investigation. Huh. Did Shahi Otani have any money on this game?

Oh, come on. Too soon. There actually is a tweet from somebody that night. It's some random better on Twitter, so who knows if it's real or not? But he, his name was Greg Aaron

Okay. Who is, who does betting and DFS content for something called Odds Shopper. Does he follow me? I don't think so. Greg Ehrenberg does have 24,000 followers. That's pretty good, but not as many as you. He's, he tweet, they pulled his tweet from that day. He said, at least I was in on it that day.

Got lucky I was fed some insight info that Rosier was leaving in the first or second quarter, depending on game flow and live lines so that his unders would hit. No, no, no. Why would you put that out there in public to begin with? Even if you were going to use him and the system, why would you put that out there? Well, that's a question for Greg Ehrenberg. Oh, man. Terrozier could have lived a nice NBA life, making a lot of money

playing for a mid-Miamy team and a horrendous Charlotte team for most of his NBA career and he could have just lived in its best life. Instead, everybody in the world's going to know who Terry Rozier is if this thing's got legs to it. By the way, that year, Terry Rozier made $21.486 million in salary.

For his career, he's made, if you count this season, he's made about $135 million. Okay, I want you to put that in perspective. A true mid-NBA player. Nice. Would you want them on your team? Sure. Is he a difference maker?

Not really, but he's a nice NBA starting caliber player. But nothing in terms of championship pedigree, no all-star appearances, I think to speak of, no NBA all-first team. Just a good old-fashioned average NBA player. $135 million. And he's having, now, I wonder if he owes money to people, or he just wants to get in on this for some more cash, or he is just a pawn in this whole situation. Man, Ross, that tweet is so, that's, that's the evidence, right? It seems like it. And it wasn't like it was, it wasn't AI put together.

It was timestamped and authentic and all that. can I get to see? Yeah. And I mean, the tweet is still up. Well, that guy needs to delete it or I don't know. He's about to get a call from the district attorney's office. But yeah, obviously the books monitor these things. And if they see, you know, alarm bells go off. They're like, why are we getting $500,000 bet on Terry Rozier's unders?

To bet a half million dollars on anything Terry Rozier related, it means you got a serious problem. Or you've got some serious information. Right. I made up that number. but like, you know, I'm sure whatever they, as it says in the report, the NBA was, this was brought to the light for them

two years ago when it happened. Right. Because all of a sudden, you know, they have numbers. How much does a certain player, you know, LeBron James props get more activity than Terry Rozier props. If Terry Rozier all of a sudden is getting all this action, it absolutely raises suspicion.

Like if there was a, I mean, not to put in the same category, but if there was a prop on Oh, God, it would be a rocket. It would be... Jack Landale. If the overrunner on Jack Landell was 11 points. And somebody put it $750,000 on it and be like,

what are you doing? Right. Okay. That is... This is not a story we're going to spend a lot of time on, but I'm going to be curious to see how it goes. He finished with five points, four rebounds, and two assists that night. They said his total of points, rebounds, and assists was 21 and a half.

so let's say he got to 11 in the first quarter and said you know I'm pacing too well I don't feel so good aren't you a little bit stunned though that we don't have this pop up more than like once a year it feels like or once every 18 months I thought it wouldn't happen hardly at all because of how much these players make

how much money is he making off a gambling scheme or does he have gambling debts or does he have debts or he owes somebody a favor or somebody, you know, you get mixed in with the wrong crowd. I don't know what Terry Rozier is doing. I'm not trying to accuse him of that, but I'm just telling you think, like, I don't know. But don't you over here about the millionaires that have gambling problems that they're spending $100,000 a hand on blackjack? So you could lose, you know, $2 million in a sitting.

I mean, look at Charles Barkley. I mean, he's basically not hidden the fact that he is, now Charles has never gone to this level, but Charles has gone to a casino and lost millions of dollars. our friend Brandon has screenshoted the article for us oh he did yeah you're the best Brandon I encourage all of you to support journalism

I support all of you screenshodding stuff for us and I will be reading this article yeah I mean if y'all want to share myself off the I shouldn't say it's like channel get mad at me yeah there was this other guy tweeting his name was DFS by Noah before the game he said quote This is on a Twitter X, whatever. Is there any reason why there are zero Terry Rozier props on any books or DFS sites? Is he out tonight?

Did I miss something very odd? So it sounds like he got pulled off of books and then went under on his total. Wow, wow, wow. Oh, my God, right? That's just great. Yeah, I'm going to call myself surprised that more of this is not coming out at least more than once a year. Terry Rozier. If you're betting on props on Terry Rozier with anything more than $25,

the books should be going with the alarm should be going off. Yeah, that's why apparently they pulled his props. All right. 1244 on Sports Talk 790. This is the Matt Thomas show with Ross. 713-212-5-790. 7-13-212-5-790. If you're on Twitter, want to follow us there.

We'd love to have you at SportsMT, at SportsRV, and at Connor D. McGovern. Ross, we've got believe it or not today coming up in one hour and five minutes. What is the topic? Terry Rozier. Of course it is. Of course. Gambling scandals?

Oh, I think Terry Rozier is good. Black Sox. They had, who was the other guys? Was they all the UMass or whatever back in the day? Tulane was basketball, point shaving. For sure. Or was it? Or was it?

I got you. 713-212-5-790. Texan's offensive coordinator conversation. We haven't really gotten to that into the show today. We'll do that next here on 790. Craig Bizzo here, the heart of the order is up right now. Matt Thomas is swinging for the fences here on Sports Talk 790. Matt and Ross with you on Sports Talk 790.

7-1-3-212-5-79. If you want to jump into the conversation, 7-1-3-212-5-7-90, the Texans have interviewed officially three different people for their offensive coordinator position. Jeff Nixon, the OC at Syracuse, quarterbacks coach Geron Johnson, and the third name, Bucks quarterback coach Thad Lewis. Ross, who should be the favorite in that group?

I'm going to go with Thad Lewis. This is the most fun to say. Thadius Cohen Lewis. How did you know his mental name? I have it on Wikipedia right now. he was the passing no I'm sorry he wasn't the passing game coordinator just the quarterbacks coach yeah you're right

I was thinking of the that guy from the Rams was the passing game coordinator that he's fabulous uh Nikki Haley Nikki Haley isn't she a senator Oh I'm sorry Nick Kaley Oh okay

Didn't Nikki Haley run for president On the Republican ticket until she got sideways with Trump And then Trump hates her now or whatever I can't keep track of I can't keep track of That guy's got beef with a lot lot of people. Not enough people, according to some groups of people.

No, yeah. I mean, hey, popular vote. Don't lie. You crushed some serious ass of November. He did just fine. You did just fine. All right, 713, 212-5-7-9. As far as my thought is in the O.C., they'll find the guy that'll fit best.

I mean, let's face it, this is going to be what CJ wants. I mean, you have to take care of your quarterback. You give him some input, but I don't think you give him all the input. Are you sure? Yes. Okay. With the short leash, the coordinator is getting this town, you better make sure your best friends with C.J. Stroud.

Well, and if you want to extend him, you want them happy. But again, if you're looking all these young and up-and-coming guys, it's going to be, like we said, Thad Lewis 37 years old, hasn't been an O.C. before. Jeff Nixon is young. He's been at Syracute. Okay, well, he's 50, actually. Never mind.

He's still young. 50's young. It's young. It's young. Stop. Don't say that. Well, he hasn't been an offensive coordinator anywhere. Oh. Except for Syracuse.

In the NFL level, he has not. Right. Let's see how old Nick Cayley is, 42. So you're going to run in the scenario where this guy's going to be really good and get hired off, or he's just going to be terrible and you've got to fire him. Are we looking for chat? We have not seen a Chip Kelly signing yet, have we? No.

Do you know? By the way, we were talking about that with. yesterday with Chris Cordy. Do you know, Matt, who Chip Kelly's agent is? Is it? There's really only one name you need to know. Oh, it's... In college football.

I'm going to say it, and you're going to be like, of course, that's it. Okay, only in college football. Mm-hmm. Nick Saban's agent, Sarkisian's agent. It is? Jimmy Sexton.

Oh. Does that make me weird? or indifferent or how I remember how Dick Saban will get floated as the Texas coach and then all of a sudden he would sign a mega extension with the with Alabama oh I see what you're saying I'm just saying that maybe he's of course I've been wrong not every time is it just agent driven but most times it is but it can be but also I haven't seen any have you seen legit reports about Chip Kelly and the Texans or it's just feel like it's kind of

No, floating it out. It just makes sense. You go get a guy. I mean, I think the Texans will have an open checkbook forever comes here. And Chip Kelly does know, obviously, Dimeco very well, having coach him in Philadelphia. But I'm going to fall on my sword on this one, Rossi. No one's getting this job unless C.J. gives full approval. I can see that.

Yeah, I'll stand by that. I think I'm comfortable saying that. Let's go to our buddy Gerard at 1254 on the Matt Thomas show. Gerard, good afternoon to you. Good afternoon to you, Matt. How you doing, Ross? Yo. Hey, before I talk about Breggman in the Rockets,

I think Texas ends up with Nick Kaler, with the passing game coordinator with the Rams. You look at the assistant coaches that have coached with Sean McVeigh. They've had a lot of success. You know, you got O'Donnell, who's had success with the Vikings. I think they made the playoffs two out of the last three years.

You had Matt LaFleau, who coached under him. If I'm not mistaken, he's been into what an NFC championship game with Ann Rogers, and he's won multiple games, playoff games, with Jordan Love. So I think that's probably be the best to be the Texas Knicks offensive coordinator. Quick thing about the Astros, the deal that they originally offered up, Bramondon, was it a five or six-year deal? Six.

Okay, six-year-old deal. I think Alex Brimman will end up with the Toronto Bruges. I think they have a deal on the table for Breggman, but I don't think he's really crazy about playing in Canada. But I think at the end of the day, he's probably going to end up taking that deal and playing with his former Astro teammate George Springer. I think they have offered him a deal that six years

that's probably coasting what he's asking for. I don't think it's going to be $200 million, but I think it's probably in the neighborhood of what the Astros' original offer was. So I think he ends up in Toronto in place with his former teammate George Springer. Now, as far as the Rockets goes, there's a big day, man.

the All-Star Reserves are going to be announced. It's going to be interesting to see what Rocket makes the team. I'm hoping to make the team because when you look at the top teams in the NBA, I think Oklahoma City are going to probably have two guys on the team as Sadie got voted in by the fans. And I think Jaylon Williams makes it with OKC. I think Boston has two with Tatum being voted in by the fans. I think the coaches vote in Jayden Brown. They might even get another guy.

And I think Cleveland is probably going to end up with two, too. They're going to have Mitchell and probably Mobile. globally or garland. So with that being the case, the Rockets being right up there, record rise with those teams this season. I think they should have two players, and I think the second player should be Jaylen Green. But I doubt if that be the case, and low there as the Western Conference is. But I hope the Rockets get two players. I think it's going to be one of the two, and if I had to put my money on, I think Sagoon gets voted in the date. What do you guys think as far as the Rockins

reserves getting announced to date? Thank you, Gerard. The answer to that is, as much as a man Thompson is making a push, I don't think he's going to get enough, he's already in the futures game. I think probably it would be, if anything, Alpy over Jalen?

I don't know, again, who's to say? I don't know what's going to happen on that, but I would probably guess Alperin would get it, although his January hasn't been as good as Jalen January has been. I know that makes a big difference or not. I don't, honestly, Ross,

I don't have an opinion on it, because it's already been to tie it aside. I don't, no one's sitting around going which which guys are we getting which don't we get in but if i was a betting man i probably would lean towards at this point neither one of them getting it that's what i would bet as well and we'll see maybe a couple guys would drop out they get an injury replacement yeah do they both under certain circumstances deserve to get in absolutely there are they on the cusp are they right at the line sure but they're not no doubt about it's got to be in there

I would agree with that. And that's okay. It's a Rockets team is just, it's a deep, good team with different guys filling their different roles and doing their jobs. They're not winning with just one guy taking everything over. You know me, I mean, I'm such a non-all-star guy. It's good for the resume. It's good to put on the marquee. What's the new format now?

They're just playing horse? I don't, they're like, there's three different teams. and they're playing best. I mean, oh yeah, aren't they doing like three on threes or something? They're doing make it take it or something. Yeah,

I like that. And when you disagree, it's call your own and when you disagree, you got to shoot for it. Yeah, there's shirts and skins, which again,

if you're fat, you have to worry about your belly rolls hanging out and stuff. But you know what? I actually love this. Pick a ball culture is the same all across America. You go to Houston, Texas,

Los Angeles, Columbus, Ohio, whatever. You go to the court. You call your next. if you disagree, first of all, you don't call fouls. If you do disagree on something, you got to shoot for it. It's just, I just love that pick up basketball culture is like one of the one things in America we could agree on.

Yeah, I'm so checked out on all-star events. I couldn't even tell you what the format is. I think it's four teams and they're going to have a semifinal and then a final. Yeah, I'm not going to watch. I mean, my daughters playing volleyball in Washington, D. see that weekend and I am more than happy. Yeah, what else are you doing? Volleyball.

That's not important. Very important. She's already committed. That's true. She's a load management. You know what I'm going up to D.C. for? NIL deals. Let's go. Let's get your girl taken care of. Yeah, I thought there was supposed to be some kind of

some kind of fund I could donate to. It's called a GoFundMe. We can make that happen. I need her advertising sports RVs cookies. Well, how about just your brand? Forget about the cookies. Just your brand. Why would I hire a teenage girl to build my brand?

Because she's going to become very popular. She's going to be the most successful setter in the New England region in about two years. What conference is that in, by the way? Atlantic 10. Oh, A-10? Yeah. Let's go. They throw hands in the A-10, by the way.

I saw her a video. I believe it was either V-CU and St. Louis were playing a basketball game a couple nights ago in St. Louis. Yes. Massive fight in the stands. So in addition to volleyball classes, you're going to get her into moitai. Whatever. But the 8-10, if you come to the 8-10 and not willing to fight, you're not a real league. Yeah, I would suggest Brazilian jihitsu and or a moit a moitimat,

because, I mean, eventually these fights are probably going to go to the ground. Also, tie the hair up or keep it short. You're telling me to tell Carly this, correct? Yeah. You know, a lot of girls get their hairs pulled in a fight. you know we can put a tattoo in the back of her neck it says sports RV that'd be worth some NIL dollars that's weird you were just you were just selling your daughter live on air yeah I mean I'm she's already got her scholarship taken care of I gotta get at least got

I got to book the flights for me I'm not worried about you they live stream those bad boys or what they do they're it's the ESPN plus what's the 810 network on ASPN plus okay great I want to see her in person a few times, aren't I? If you've got the cash. Let's go. One o'clock, final hour, Matt Thomas show next with Ross on Sports Talk 7. Lunch timers.

This is the Matt Thomas show. That's one. What are you thinking, Ross? Second one? Sure, why not? That's two. That's probably good. How would you describe Justin Tucker's

accuracy in 2024 during the season. A lot of hooks to the left? Not nearly as effective as in previous years, correct? Yes. Fell off a cliff? No, he actually did well in the playoffs.

Playoffs. That's the one I saw. Well, may be a reason, Rossi. He missed eight field goals in the regular season. But I felt like a lot of were at least early in the year, but I don't know. His lowest field goal percentage ever. Justin Tucker has been accused of inappropriate behavior by six Baltimore area massage therapist.

Jeez. Six. According to the Baltimore banner, which is like a... It's not an independent newspaper? It says, local news you can trust report stories that make Maryland better. Yeah, it says Ravens Kicker, Justin Tucker's behavior was so egregious that two massage therapists say they ended his session early. Two spas they have said they have banned him. Oh my God.

Deshawn Watson says six is light work. That's a weekend for him. Oh, I felt personally. Allegedly. Allegedly. Okay. So here's the question. how long will it take for a certain Houston attorney

to be on a plane to Baltimore airport tonight? Yeah, we hadn't heard of any lawsuit being filed. That's right. One of the therapists said, quote, I've told people about this over the years. They either act like it's hot gossip or a joke, but it was really degrading. Tucker's attorneys

say that he has not been banned from the spas. They also denied he ever... Hmm. Ever what? Let's say climaxed? Oh, God. At a spa. I guess we could use a scientific term.

It is radio. Climax is a term. Mr. Tucker has never behaved inappropriately during any massage therapy session and certainly never in the manner described. Okay, so let's deduce this here. I mean, not that DeShan's case is the same as Justin's. Everybody's treated individually differently. Correct.

But Baltimore is a major metropolitan city. But it's not so big that you can't... Professional athletes are creatures of habit. Okay? They work in one area. They live in another. And you don't... Like in your own life.

You don't... Like, Ross, you don't run to Katie to go shopping one week. The next week and you go to Sugar Land. The next week and you come to Kingwood. Not really, no. You're pretty much who you are. You stay in the same circumference of where you normally are. Oh, it's so bad.

When you live in the suburbs, you're like, if something is like 15 minutes away, it's next door. When you live in the city, if something's 15 minutes away, I'm like, I'm not even bothering. I won't even go. If something's more than a mile away, I'm like, nah, I'm good. So here's my point on this. There would be no need to go to six different therapists. Well, I think it might be at the couple of the spas. Okay. Oh, okay. Okay, that makes sense. That makes sense.

So if he's going to the same, if he's going to the same one or two spas, and there's six different therapists there, now they could all be in, uh, is a cohort, not coercion. They could be a co-something. Uh, what's the tim of thinking? Co-operating? What? Uh, what are you to? They're all putting, they're coming together. Co-horts? Co-horts. Co-hoots? Co-hoots. Co-hoots.

Ravens kicker Justin Tucker engaged in inappropriate behavior at four high-end spas and wellness centers in the Baltimore region. Okay, four are still too many. According to six massage there. Well, if you get kicked out of two, Matt, you got to go to two more. I've lived in Houston for 40 in my 52 years. Uh-huh. I've been to two places in my life to get a massage. Two.

And they banned you from both, correct? No, they love me there both. I go in, I sit down, I close my eyes, they do the massage, I get out. Period. Nothing more. Inappropriate behavior, including exposing his genitals, brushing two of them with his exposed member, and leaving what they believe to be what we talked about on the massage table after three.

Oh, no, you didn't go there. I didn't, this is scientific. This is not me. I mean, it is a story. It's a news story. It's a sports story. Yeah. What the heck, Justin Tucker?

I thought he was supposed to be a choir boy. Literally. He sings opera. Is he married? I thought. Didn't he a devout Catholic? Yeah. Well.

Yeah, he makes a sign of a... Devout Catholic makes a sign of the cross before every kick. Classically trained bass baritone. Sing opera in seven different languages. Married his wife in 2015. They have a son. All right. Remember, just like we did earlier,

innocent until proven guilty. Yes. But apparently there's one law for going to be flying to Baltimore later. Amanda Bass is his wife. Ronnie, Bomsy, maybe I headed to Baltimore for you. Good job, Matt. As a butcher. Well, the couple met at the University of Texas.

He and Amanda. Anywhere we can talk to Amanda during all this. You can try to reach out to her. Probably not going to go well for you. Mm-mm. All right, there you go. So once again, more Texas athletes getting in trouble. All right.

this is terrible Terry rosier didn't go to Texas he wanted to though stop when there's criminal behavior there's some sort of university Texas connection somehow some way that's not true

who was the guy that was always going into people's house and stealing their computers who was that what there was a Texas player uh I don't know that one that stole computer from somebody's apartment complex

Oh, are you thinking about Cam Newton? He stole a laptop? No, no. This is somebody at UT that did something like that. When was this? It's got to be about 10 years ago, I think. I don't recall that. Never happened.

It won't take me a long look on Google. UT Athletes Steels something. Steels computer. Let's see here. We'll figure it out. All right. So those are Justin Tucker fans. Ross being number one of them.

I mean, if there's anybody that carries his flag, it's going to be Ross, Villarreal. I'm not going to support this guy if he's a predator. God, bless it. All right, 713-212-5-790. 7-1-3-212-5-7-90. Not really much more we can say about this, except everybody ran to Twitter as soon as it to send it to us, Ross.

Yeah, we got a lot of mentions of this one. A lot of mentions for him. Thank God you of age players behave themselves when they go to the NFL. I'm very happy about that. You mean when the programs getting NCAA infractions for not taking their tests? 114 on Sports Talk

790. 713-212-5-790. Matt Thomas, Ross via Real. It's the Matt Thomas show with Ross on Sports Talk 790. E. Mae Dog is going to join us to 10 minutes here on the Matt Thomas show with Ross. Sports Talk 790. You know one thing we've really

not discussed in the last couple days. I don't know if you guys did so yesterday or not was some of the comments that Dana Brown had about Ryan Presley and how their relationship deteriorated after the Josh Hader signing. When in doubt, Ross, I think what we've learned from this is no matter how much money you make, no matter how much fame and fortune you've ever had, everybody still is an ego. and it obviously bummed out Ryan Presses so much that it did affect his performance in 2024. And you can say all the things you want about being a good team, man, I got no problems, Josh and I get along well, he flipped, not literally flipped out, but he was definitely bent by this.

Yeah, but I don't think that would affect him on the field. He's just old and his fastball doesn't work as much as it did the last two years. But he's basically, you know, he said, yeah, we weren't the same. Yeah, I have that if you'd like to hear it. Please. I think the relationship took a slightly different turn. You know, anytime you take a major league player out of a role where they feel comfortable, you know, I think it's, you know, it's going to fracture your relationship some. I think we continue to communicate.

He was true professional, you know, and I, you know, kept it real as a true. professional myself. And so ultimately, you know, I wouldn't say it was the same as when we first met. I think there was some frustration, which I would totally understand from a competitor. You know, you're moving a guy at a position who felt like he didn't deserve to lose his job. And, you know, because you acquired, you know, another elite closer like a hater. And so, you know, the whole purpose in doing all that was to really lock down the back end. So I know in his heart of hearts he wanted to close. And so, you know, we've we've had conversations about it.

And so I would I would definitely say that, you know, things were different, but we kept it professional and, you know, we got through it. When reached out by Ryan Presley, I MF the guy every chance I could. No, he didn't say that. But you know he was thinking it. I mean, come on. Ryan, let's get real. Josh? No, again, it's not that I'm disagree with you, but you've got to realize the athlete,

everybody has a higher appreciation for them. Yeah, it happens to this business too. It's fine. It happens to 10 to 2, weekdays on 790. I've seen it, but at the same time, I'm real, I hear it every day. Let's get real, right, Presley. Let's look at the numbers. Come on now.

I've been throwing well for two straight years. and he wasn't as good as Josh Hader and dude like refused to throw a fastball for two years. Not really, but you know what I'm saying? I mean, the curb ball was his best pitch. Curball's amazing. Yeah. Whip numbers up, ERA plus down.

I mean, ERA up, well, the last two years. At least his ERA wasn't as bad the year before. So let's just, let's put this in perspective. He didn't lose any salary. He got his 10-year veteran, uh, playing service time. Service time. So he's a full,

full benefits for when he retires. Mm-hmm. He still got to put the uniform on. He still pitched in crucial moments. And now today's baseball world, the eighth inning is just as much as important as the ninth inning is. It just is. So while again,

he wasn't technically the closer, and technically there was a guy behind him in the bullpen that was making more money. But Josh Hader was lights out and has been. when good year last year not to protect him but very good he was very good in safe situations yeah tie games not so much and that's okay and now pressley is going to compete for the closing job yeah that young kid what's his name something hodge so poor a hodge but it is still a huge ego hit and some guys can get past it and say you know what i'm 30 something years old my best days are

behind us i'm happy to be on this roster happy to be a winning team And then are people like, I did nothing to not to get this opportunity. I feel like, though, I mean, especially in baseball, like, look, if you want to argue that, you know, there's two people on the sales staff, like, oh, I'm better than her. She just got lucky. She's got those easy leads. I are here or whatever. Yeah. Like, Ryan Pressing, look at the numbers, bro.

It's very much easier to see who's better when it's especially pitching numbers to me. And so, I mean, I'm sorry. you're not as good as ryan as uh is josh hater yeah by the way coming up and we got e-may adoker in the next segment i we're not going to believe it or not today because we have no prizes and ross is just not feeling great so we're going to give a break here appreciate it uh i do have a broadcasting story that is just like this ryan press a situation hmm that's called a forward forward t's oh really and it's pretty funny and it's very accurate honestly myel hamilton is Harry Carey?

Well, I'm just kidding. No, I wouldn't put it in that category. But there is one broadcaster is like, I deserve to be back on top and I'm going to make sure you know that. We'll tell you about that and again about 20 minutes from now.

Emma Adoka is going to join us next to talk some Rockets basketball. Rockets and the Grizzlies. Fourth and final time this year, Houston, coming into tonight with a record of 32 and 14. Rossi, I'm just going to say that one more time real quick. The Rockets are 32 and 14. And hungry for more. And have beaten Cleveland twice,

Oklahoma City once, Denver once, Boston. Boston once. The Knicks. I mean, against the upper echelon teams in Nambay, the Rockets are kicking ass. against Charlotte one and one

pistons one and one but that's the last loss of rockets had remember that was that was that was an MLK Day right mm-hmm Kenney had like 22 in the third quarter or whatever it was

don't bring that up sorry Rockets have won four straight games what are you talking about looking great all right E. Mae Doakins is going to join us next we'll talk to him and then I've got the story about one TV broadcaster saying I want my top spot back

That's the next half hour here on the Matt Thomas show with Ross. This is Sports Talk 790. Lunch timers. It's the Matt Thomas show with Ross on Sports Talk 790. 1.30 on Sports Talk 790 coming up in just seven short hours. The Rockets will take on the Memphis Grizzlies here in the Mid-South. And E. May Adok is with us here on the program. Coach, good afternoon.

These 830 games kind of push everything back schedule-wise, right? had time for a nap this afternoon? Yeah, a little pickleball, a little nap, a little walk, extra time. Not much else to do in Memphis, so we'll take it. I'm assuming Rafael will be a part of this pickleball throwdown? No, he's superstitious. He doesn't like to play on game days, so I have to find some other guys. Okay, so who, if you guys are the two best pickleball players, who's the next best in the traveling group?

Toki. Toki. I'll just leave it at that. Who's the worst? Let's get some real dirt going here, Coach. A lot of guys, so they're trying to improve. That's good. Hey, congratulations so far. It has been really fun.

The two Cleveland wins, the Boston victory. And I'll say this, look, Atlanta game, let's be honest, coach. That thing was ugly as I'll get out, but you're able to survive it. Is that sometimes some of your most difficult coaching and getting guys fired up after that emotional win, the tough back to back, and then having to go against Atlanta team, which is still in the playoff chase, but you're going from Atlanta to obviously a championship caliber team like the Celtics.

Yeah, I mean, it was a tough stretch, and obviously the post-phone game, we had to squeeze it back in there, and so where we would have had two days of rest after Boston, and before tonight, you know, we had to squeeze that game in and make it three and four nights. So understanding guys are going to be fatigued somewhat, you know, obviously a hard-fought game in Boston.

And then, you know, you get in two, three in the morning and have to get your energy and everything up again. So for us, it's what we want to be going forward. And everybody has to deal with these things throughout the season. And we rely on our depth and the energy and the goals that we set to kind of propel us through certain things. And I think, you know, the first half was up and down back and forth a little bit. We felt we didn't play our best until only be down one was a good sign. So got it going in third quarter. Obviously built the lead in the fourth quarter.

then it kind of slipped away at the end and want to avoid those. You know, we've gotten leads this year, and that's how can we maintain and finish games. And Jay Chonte, a guy who used in different spurts, I mean, comes up with 16 points, that was good. But let's go back to the night before. And everywhere we go this year, it feels like, especially when you're taking on some of these apparational on teams, you're asked about, is this a measuring stick, you know, playing Cleveland, playing Boston? and give the answer to what those mean to you. Is it just 1 of 82 on the scorecard?

Do the players get extra juice for it? I know obviously Dylan was extra excited about winning the game. Your thoughts about how you get your guys ready for those teams that are, you know, quote-unquote potential championship contenders? Yeah, I think in general, you know, the teams that you want to measure yourself against, you know, if we want to be a really good team, we need to handle our business against the lesser teams. think we've done that for the most part, a few slip-ups early in the season. But the higher echelon teams, you know, we understand the challenge that that brings and

where we want to get to. We have to beat those teams. And so naturally, they all count as one regardless, but guys get up for a certain matchup, certain games and national TV games and those things of those nature. And so that's going to happen. But the message more so than that is just be who we are in every game we play. And that's good enough to beat every team. And so did that against Cleveland, did that against Boston.

and the message after that is to not have that natural letdown. And, you know, it's a wasted game if we give one back against a lesser team. And so as ugly as it can be at times, you have to grind your way through those. And I think that's why the Atlanta game pulling it out and hanging on for the win was just as good as a Boston game. They all count as one. And to beat a good team like Boston and lose to Atlanta would have, you know, been a letdown for us for sure. Rocket's head coach, Emma Addocha was here on Sports Talk 790. and we're just reaching the obligatory of Men Thompson part of the conversation,

getting a lot of national recognition, and finally getting noticed it feels like nationally. Just in this season alone, what do you think has been the biggest growth in his game that you've seen from him? And if you could give us something that you think you would like to see him improve? I would say his confidence and aggressiveness, more so, you know, all that was hampered by the injury last year and then not being available at times.

And so when he has been able to play and you can get his minutes up and get him the opportunities, he's been really good. And he showed a pretty quick jump in his skill set and understanding of the game. And now he's taking that, you know, using all those physical abilities, learning on the fly and just being extra aggressive and confident, understanding who he is in the league and how teams are scheming and trying to guard him. So that's one thing with him. I think a big thing for our team in general is, you know, the IQ piece we talk about,

you know, guys have all these tools and how can we play together as a team. you know, sacrifice, and then, you know, just IQ picking up the nuances of the game that he has to learn on the fly. You know, it's only, you know, a year and a half in. And he's asked to do a lot of different things than he has been in the past with the ball on and off the ball, the ball out of his hands and guarding all these different positions. So we're throwing a lot at him, understanding what he has to do, one through five on defense and offense. And I think that's getting better as we go. And speaking of guys getting better, Jalen Green, we know he had that big stretch where he was scoring a lot of points.

hasn't been doing so as much the last few games as far as the shooting. But in that game against Atlanta, I was impressed by him not shooting threes, but still being aggressive in contributing other ways and getting to the basket. Yeah, they switched a lot of those actions to take them off three-point line, or they brought the big up very high, obviously kind of a semi-trap. And teams have done that to him this year, and he just has to understand when he can pick his spots, but also kind of be a decoy and get others involved.

And so his understanding of that has been much, better this year throughout. And yeah, he sometimes he just has to pick his spots, let other guys go to work, and it opens everything up for him. And then he still has his spurts that he can go off and end up with 25, obviously, and then really carried us through the third quarter when we were struggling a little bit. It is the men's 22nd birthday today. Did you get him a gift, or are you just like, happy birthday, move on?

Just happy birthday from all the first time, Houston Rockets. So him and OG, OG's birthday was yesterday. So they got a dual one that shoot around. And no, they can get their own gifts. But we just sing it to them one. They can sing it to them one time. And we'll try to get a win for them tonight. I like that idea.

Hey, I know that a man's going to play in the Rising Stars. I know that there's a couple of rockets. It would be, I would say, Jaylin and Alpe for all-star consideration. What does that mean that they're in the conversation to you? Look, this team's not had a lot of national attention. I think you're going to start to get a lot more of it. and that's good because it means teams are recognizing what this team has done. But to talk about where they are today,

then maybe when you first got them here as a Houston rocket. I'll say it means for them recognition and credit for what they've done for our team. You look at the standings, I think you have to take winning into account. And obviously, Alpi and Jalen have been huge as far as credit toward our winning, scoring, shortering the load at times. And, yeah, they're getting rewarded just by being in the conversation. and hopefully they both have an opportunity to play in. So for us, it's good to get that recognition.

Like I said, winning puts everybody on the map, so to speak. And, you know, you get the higher televised games. You get national TV games. You get great matchups. And so for us, it's really continue to do what you've done to get us here. We know what you do. Maybe not everybody else yet, but they're starting to see. And then, you know, Jalen and Alpea both shoulder the load at some point this season.

Now everybody else kind of is, you know, be. being incorporated and adding more to the picture. And I think that's where our depth comes in. We don't have to rely on one guy every night. But I'm in one night, Fred one night, Dylan one night, and that's the beauty of our team. So the recognition is good, but we've got to continue to get better throughout the second half of the season.

I know there are a couple of guys that showed up on the injury report. Where are we right now? I know we're still several hours away from tip time, but how's the roster shaping up for this evening? Got some sortness. Had some last game. We tried to monitor, you know, with the back-to-back. and understanding this time of the year, three games and four nights, you have to be cautious of those things.

I mean, had some soreness a few games ago. Alpy had his calf last game, so we tried to monitor that. And any chance we can get Fred and Dillon's some limited, you know, shave some minutes off there total. That's a great thing as well. So, right, as of now, it doesn't look great for Alpy. And he's had some soreness for sure. Got hit in the calf last game. But we'll figure that out as we go and we'll know before the game, but have obviously,

contingency plans with matchups and lineups that we want to go to it in case he can't play. Memphis is scoring a boatload of points. You've seen them already three times. It feels like it was just a few weeks ago we were here. You like the matchup with them. Obviously, 3-0 is great, but what do they possess in their game that inspires your guys to step up to the challenge and trying to knock off a team that's number one scoring the association? Yeah, some really high-quality players.

Obviously, it starts there. You know, you got Moran, you got Bain, Jaron, you got Bain, Jaron, juniors leading away for them this year. And so you got a lot of guys that can impact the game for them. But they do some similar things to what we do. They're second and offensive rebounding behind us, fifth and pace, and

transition baskets. And it cause a lot of turnovers. So, you know, take care of the ball, limited their transition opportunities and making them score on the half court. It's kind of paramount for us. But even in the games against them this year, we built leads and then got a little sloppy at times and they got back into those leads due to those things and

have to be more on point with that tonight. Coach, thank you for the visit. Congratulations on the great run, and we'll look forward to seeing you later on tonight inside the FedEx form for the game against Grizzlies. Appreciate it as always. Thank you, guys. You got it.

That's E. May I doka with us here on the Matt Thomas show with Rossi with us every week. We could be back with us again next Thursday, but for the Rockets take on the Minnesota Timberwolves. I don't know what happened, Ross, because we're going to, I haven't seen you in months, but we have one home game on Saturday against Brooklyn and then back on the road for another week. Wow. Who's scheduled this?

the NBA. They're testing the rockets, and they're passing right now with flying colors. Flying colors. This team is 17 and 6 on the road. Do we even win 17 games last year on the road, period? I'm going to say no. I'll go back and look. There's no way.

I'll take you the under, yeah. All right. We come back, an NFL broadcaster said, I want my top spot back. I don't care how I need to tell about it either. 142 on Sports Talk 790. The Matt Thomas Show will Ross continues next. Cougars coach Kelvin Sampson here.

You're listening to the Matt Thomas show on Sports Talk 790. Congrats to our Houston Cougars, knocking off West Virginia, remain undefeated in the Big 12. Home Saturday for Texas Tech. Good night of basketball in our town. Friday, Saturday night we've got Texas Tech versus Houston at five. The Rockets plate seven against Brooklyn. Rossi, we're a basketball town.

Let's go say it. right now. Yeah. Basketball town. Basketball town. All right. How's the crowd out there in Memphis, Matt? Is that Randy McEvoy?

Ideally, I'd like you to tell me how the crowd is right now. Randy, it's going to be full. It'll be a little bit later. We're starting at 835. Local time. Could be 840, depending on the NBA slides us a little bit. Hey, I'm taking next weekend off. Me and Tammy have a day for Valentine's.

Can you cover Sports Sunday? I'm going to be out of town. All right, I got to go. All right. Thanks, Randy. Thank you. Randall. Randall McAvoy on a mobile using a in-studio mic.

How about that? Ready for a little story time, Ross? Yes. By the way, Justin Tucker, we can get to it. We have a little time on the show. Justin Tucker has released a statement. I says, I'm guilty as charged and I'm sorry. Yeah, exactly.

What do you say? It's like six paragraphs, so I'll just read the beginning. The allegations in the Baltimore banner article about me are unequivocally false. Well, good. I as always sought to conduct myself with the utmost professionalism.

Never before been accused in misconduct of any kind, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. Yeah, why is he worried about getting massages when only only he worried about is his foot? By the way, speaking of somebody finding old tweets. Oh, it's been deleted.

What? There was a tweet. from a woman Okay It's from 2021 Said Justin Tucker has been canceled It's not my place to say How or why

Oh it's been deleted now Mm Recently or within the last From 2021 I literally found it like half an hour ago Oh so in the last half hour It's been gone Wow

Okay But you see you can't do that If you're if you got something You're going to just say it Don't run to your Twitter account Just put stuff out there To flame the situation Well she said in

In 2021. If there's something going wrong in 2021, go tell somebody today, not in two, three years later. She said it wasn't her place to say why. But it was her place to go to her social media account to put it out there. Mm-hmm. I know of criminal activity. I just can't tell you what it is. No, I'm not doing that.

No respect there at all. And if you know of activity that's salacious that you don't get involved, then don't put yourself out there. Don't go to social media. Don't go to Facebook. Don't tell your best friend. it to yourself. People always put reports with sources and don't say why or how Matt. But that wasn't what it was.

That was, hey, I know he's been canceled. I'm just not going to tell you what's going on. That's a person seeking attention. Well, if it's not their place to say, Matt. Then it's not their place to put on social media. God, I don't know why this is making you so upset. Because I'm sick and tired of people. There's reporters in our own town.

I could have told you this was going to happen. Well, then you didn't tell us. then. Now we got to the root of it. Okay. You got that right. She's not a reporter. It was like some random person. And now the tweet has been deleted from 2021. And it was up. Literally, I saw it like a half hour ago. I think I saw the exact same one you do.

I just, yeah. Don't come tell me something and then not tell me. That's my only point. Just a dumbass reporter. Well, he's not even a reporter. I'm not even a real person. Not a reporter. I don't know what he calls himself. I knew about this relationship issue before, but I

couldn't say anything. Why couldn't you say anything? then don't tell me that you knew about it beforehand. I've had off the record okay, well then good, keep it off the record. But don't come bragging about your off the record when you couldn't go on the record with it. I'm sorry, yeah. I couldn't hear you. Gordy and Adam

Planner talking. It was very distracting. What are they talking? Is there a show better than ours right now? You're literally whispering in here. Stop acting like you can't double task, Ross. It's going over the mic, brother. There's an open mic in studio. You literally turn the mic towards us. Radio 101, my friend.

Open mics, take it outside. Ignore everything around you and do your show and act like nothing's happening. Open mic, in studio, talk studio. You can go outside. You know, Matt is better at this than you. I mean, he's had a full band go through his show. He didn't break character once. Jesus.

Ross is also sick, Matt. I'm going to cough all over all of you. Can you let him go for the final nine minutes of the show? Yeah, that's fine. I mean, if he needs to leave now, that's fine. Beating COVID. You have the vid, Ross? No.

I hope not. By the way, were you, Adam, were you, Gordy talking about our non-super Bowl week coverage from New Orleans? That's actually exactly what we were talking about. But there's going to be coverage. There is. Ross is dying in the corner. Please let him leave. He's going to get all of us sick.

That's fine. I don't wipe it down. Oh, my gosh. Are you, but you're in Wex's spot, right? Yeah, he's in Wex's spot. So Wex is the one that needs to wear a hazmat suit into his room. Wex is not going to be pleased. I've been wiping it down in here.

Okay. Did you put that on? Quick before I get out of here. And no, that wasn't a quote from Justin Tucker. Oh, my God. Did you tell him about the AI you saw on Twitter? Oh, I retweeted it. Some guy sent it to me.

It was pretty funny. Real quick. It's an AI picture of Robert Kraft, Deshawn Watson, and Justin Tucker. No, that's wrong. In bathrooms. That's so wrong on no levels, honestly. All right, real quick. So Greg Olson's been making the media rounds, Ross, over at Fox, or at least as an NFL player.

He's pissed. he's not doing the Super Bowl. He says, what's it like going from calling the Super Bowl to the non-call, not calling the Super Bowl? Quote, it sucks. He's told the people at Fox, he's not happy with his role as a number two analyst behind Tom Brady. Ouch. Quote, in my mind, I'm going to call big-time games again. I'm going to call the Super Bowl games again.

I just don't know the timeline or the venue. And he had one more fun one he had here. I got to see it. Let's see. Isn't it a 10-year deal for? for Tom Brady. You'll be waiting a long time, Greg Olson. Yes, he says, I was, I don't want to paraphrase, but I'm running short of time here.

He basically, he also paraphrasing saying, I'm not, I wasn't built to be an analyst on one o'clock games, which means noon games. Oh. Oh, here he said, I've been very honest with him that I'm not content just calling one o'clock regional games for the rest of my career. Ouch. Poor Sparodinus. He's like, I'm calling one o'clock regional games. original games, I'm fine with it. I don't think resentment is accurate, but it's hard to sit there and watch games over the last

couple of years you were preparing for and we were calling. Then you're sitting there on your couch and you're watching the game. Yeah, he's, normally he'd be calling like 49ers versus Chiefs. Now he's calling Falcons Panthers. He's like, damn, get me out of this. Is there anybody on the planet that hates Tom Brady more? It's probably Greg Olson or Giselle? It's got to be Greg Olson

Because not only did he get bumped From the top game to the second game Which apparently is quite a drop for somebody It's like it's a Ryan Presley That's exactly That's true That was my comp Yeah but

Yeah but that's It doesn't work Because Josh Hater had skins on the wall As the best clothes on baseball Tom Brady Haddon and Ryan President didn't take a salary dump either And Giselle's been grappling with her Jiu Jitsu instructor

So I guess she's not that unhappy So Greg Olsen's like I'm the best GD analyst in this business. I should be doing the GD Super Bowl. And I should be doing a GD now. He's dropping a lot of Gets. Yeah.

And remember, he went from 10 million a year to 3 million. That's what I'm saying? Not only did he lose the gig, but he lost the salary, too. I mean, Fox is like, not only we're not going to give you the top game, we've got to take some of your money to pay the other guy who doesn't deserve it. This is an all-timer. And first of all, Greg Olson is really good. Just ask him.

He'll tell you how good he is. But he is good. He's really good. I mean, he knows what he's doing. He's smart. He's been, he has prepped this probably in the final five years. You know, when he was still tied in for the Panthers on the off weeks with the tech, he was doing games when they weren't playing.

That's how good he is. Yeah. Greg Olson thinks Greg Olson is good, too. Greg Olson thinks that Greg Olson is spectacular. I will do a Super Bowl again. Well, oh, see when his deal's up. All right. Ross, I want you to go to the room at the house.

I want you to med up a little bit and wake up at about 835 tonight for Rockets. Game, listen to the radio and watch it on TV. And then you and I will get together tomorrow at noon, or 10 o'clock. I've got some Mambles chunky soup with my name on it. Favorite flavor? Well, I'm just going with chicken noodle. That's not a bad call. Clamshutter would be good, too.

And now with 50% more chicken. Yeah, but is it real chicken or is it like the process stuff? It's like chicken elbows and stuff. It's fine. from the guy who highly touts the McRib Get him Get them, Adam Come on man

That's what I'm talking about Is your real chicken? I don't know, is it real beef? I'm just stunned that you're actually here before the show starts Hey, I'm just stunned you're hosting your show today I'm just stunned that you know where 1233 West Oaks Loop South is I'm just stunned that I'm the better of the bald guys on this station

I'm just stunned that it's next TheA team for a full four hours on Sports Talk 790 Thank you.