EPISODE · Feb 17, 2026 · 37 MIN
Do the Rules Only Apply to the Bottom Teams? | Just Wondering with Norm Hitzges
from The Sunset Lounge DFW · host Stolen Water Media LLC
Today on Just Wondering with Norm Hitzges, Norm tackles three stories that couldn’t be more different — but all revolve around one word: fairness. First, the NBA’s double standard. Norm breaks down why tanking teams like the Utah Jazz are fined heavily for sitting players, while championship contenders routinely rest stars late in the season with zero consequences. Is there really a difference between protecting draft position and protecting playoff legs? Or does the league simply protect the powerful? Then Texas Rangers legend Eric Nadel joins the show to talk Rangers baseball — from the Mackenzie Gore acquisition to bullpen concerns, the departure of pitching coach Mike Maddux, and whether Seattle has officially replaced Houston as the team to beat in the American League West. Eric also discusses his 14th Annual Birthday Benefit at the Longhorn Ballroom, supporting the Grant Halliburton Foundation, and reflects on a broadcasting career that nearly became a law career instead. Finally, Norm closes with what may be the most bizarre Winter Olympic controversy in years — allegations that male ski jumpers are using hyaluronic acid injections to qualify for larger competition suits and gain aerodynamic advantage. Yes. That happened. It’s sports integrity, roster construction, broadcasting nostalgia, and an Olympic scandal that makes your skin crawl — all in one episode. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – The NBA’s tanking double standard 02:35 – Utah fined $500,000 vs Indiana’s $100,000 04:49 – Why contenders rest stars without punishment 05:47 – Sponsor: Bob’s Steak & Chop House 06:41 – Full Moon Healing Balm 07:58 – Eric Nadel joins the show 09:53 – Mackenzie Gore trade analysis 10:51 – Rangers bullpen concerns 14:14 – Is the lineup better this year? 20:56 – Losing pitching coach Mike Maddux 22:37 – Eric’s Plan B: unhappy lawyer 25:27 – Cuba travel challenges 28:04 – Mel Allen, Marv Albert & career inspiration 31:37 – Winter Olympic controversies 34:10 – The ski jumping hyaluronic acid allegations 36:44 – Final thoughts Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfw Instagram: sunsetloungedfw Tiktok: sunsetloungedfw X: SunsetLoungeDFW FB: Sunset Lounge DFW
What this episode covers
Today on Just Wondering with Norm Hitzges, Norm tackles three stories that couldn’t be more different — but all revolve around one word: fairness. First, the NBA’s double standard. Norm breaks down why tanking teams like the Utah Jazz are fined heavily for sitting players, while championship contenders routinely rest stars late in the season with zero consequences. Is there really a difference between protecting draft position and protecting playoff legs? Or does the league simply protect the powerful? Then Texas Rangers legend Eric Nadel joins the show to talk Rangers baseball — from the Mackenzie Gore acquisition to bullpen concerns, the departure of pitching coach Mike Maddux, and whether Seattle has officially replaced Houston as the team to beat in the American League West. Eric also discusses his 14th Annual Birthday Benefit at the Longhorn Ballroom, supporting the Grant Halliburton Foundation, and reflects on a broadcasting career that nearly became a law career instead. Finally, Norm closes with what may be the most bizarre Winter Olympic controversy in years — allegations that male ski jumpers are using hyaluronic acid injections to qualify for larger competition suits and gain aerodynamic advantage. Yes. That happened. It’s sports integrity, roster construction, broadcasting nostalgia, and an Olympic scandal that makes your skin crawl — all in one episode. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – The NBA’s tanking double standard02:35 – Utah fined $500,000 vs Indiana’s $100,00004:49 – Why contenders rest stars without punishment05:47 – Sponsor: Bob’s Steak & Chop House06:41 – Full Moon Healing Balm07:58 – Eric Nadel joins the show09:53 – Mackenzie Gore trade analysis10:51 – Rangers bullpen concerns14:14 – Is the lineup better this year?20:56 – Losing pitching coach Mike Maddux22:37 – Eric’s Plan B: unhappy lawyer25:27 – Cuba travel challenges28:04 – Mel Allen, Marv Albert & career inspiration31:37 – Winter Olympic controversies34:10 – The ski jumping hyaluronic acid allegations36:44 – Final thoughts Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfw Instagram: sunsetloungedfwTiktok: sunsetloungedfwX: SunsetLoungeDFWFB: Sunset Lounge DFW
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Do the Rules Only Apply to the Bottom Teams? | Just Wondering with Norm Hitzges
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