Sports With Friends

14-year NBA veteran Muggsy Bogues is now the general manager of a new Baltimore team in the Hall-of-Famer Tracy McGrady’s Ones Basketball League. Bogues is best known for his ten years as a member of the Charlotte Hornets. He also played for the Washington Bullets (then), Toronto Raptors, and Golden State Warriors. A 5-foot-3-inch-tall Muggsy is the shortest player in NBA history. Bogues finished in the top seven in assists in six consecutive seasons (1989–1995), and in the top ten in steals in three of those seasons. He had 146 career NBA double-doubles.The OBL has launched a new “Battle of the Cities,” which will feature an expanded version of the original OBL, with elite one-on-one athletes tied to the city where they grew up, played, and/or call home. Each city-based team will have a four-person roster, comprised of players who best reflect the tradition, values, and basketball culture of the city the 1 v 1 team represents, hand-selected by the Owners/GMs. Bogues is the GM of his hometown team in Baltimore.In this episode, Bogues talks about the origin of his nickname, his long career, especially in Charlotte. He also talked about how he got involved with the OBL. He also addressed tanking and load management in today’s NBA. He also discusses being in Space Jam and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Finally, he tells an amazing story about meeting Prince.For more information on the Ones Basketball League: https://oblhoops.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rory McElroy is the 2026 Masters Champion. It's his 6th major victory and his second straight Masters title. After squandering a record six-stroke lead in Saturday's third round, McIlroy briefly lost the lead again Sunday before taking control on the second nine at Augusta National to become the first back-to-back Masters champion since Tiger Woods in 2001-02 and the fourth overall (Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo).Bob Harig is a senior writer covering golf for Sports Illustrated. He has more than 25 years of experience on the beat, including 15 at ESPN. He recently released his 3rd golf book, entitled "Tiger v. Jack: Golf's Great Debate."In this episode, Harig discusses McElroy's victory and how it cements his career. He also commented on the new broadcasters covering the event, including CBS, ESPN, and now Amazon Prime Video. Harig also discusses the recent issues surrounding golf legend Tiger Woods. He also addressed the ongoing saga between the PGA and LIV Golf.For more info on Tiger v. Jack, click here: https://a.co/d/0dHU5v3t Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2026 is most likely going to be a significant season both on the field and off. Popularity for the sport is on the rise, yet an impending labor negotiation hangs over the game. 22 of 30 teams are broadcasting their games without a deal with a regional sports network. The last postseason was iconic, and baseball is looking for an encore. There are new rules and new partnerships as well.Jayson Stark is the senior writer of MLB at The Athletic. A true hall-of-fame, Stark was the 2019 winner of the BBWAA Career Excellence Award, for which he was honored. Jayson has covered baseball for more than 30 years. He spent 17 of those years at ESPN. He is the author of three books on baseball and has won an Emmy for his work on" Baseball Tonight."In this episode, Stark talks about baseball, building on last season's thrilling postseason. He also discusses the revenue disparity stemming from the new streaming deals. Stark also touches on the impending labor issues and changes at the MLBPA.Finally, Stark regales with some great stories about the late Scott Miller, the longtime baseball writer who passed away in 2025.For more info on Jayson Stark: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/author/jayson-stark/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sports with Friends celebrates Women’s History Month, continuing with a long line of amazing female guests. Rachel Herzog is the Pre/Post Game host of the New Jersey Devils on MSG Networks. She is currently in her second season. Herzog played both high school and college hockey, the latter at St. Cloud State University. Before her work in New Jersey, she worked at WDAY in Fargo, North Dakota, as a sports anchor/reporter.In this episode, Herzog tells the amazing story of how she went from being a hockey player to a hockey broadcaster in a very short time. She discusses the nuances of her job and how her hockey background enhances her on-air performance. She discusses the Devils' season, including how a freak accident involving star Jack Hughes curtailed a promising season. She also mentions Hughes's superstardom since scoring the “golden goal” to win the Gold Medal in the 2026 Olympic final.For a limited time, our listeners get 50% off FOR LIFE, Free Shipping, AND 3 Free Gifts at Mars Men at Mengotomars.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Major League Baseball is undergoing a broadcasting metamorphosis in 2026. 22 of 30 teams have in-market, blackout-free streaming subscriptions available, while 8 remain broadcasting with traditional regional sports networks (RSNs). RSNs such as Sportsnet LA, Sportsnet NY, YES Network, and NESN pay their respective clubs' rights fees that dwarf the revenue from the 22 streaming teams. This revenue inequality will greatly impact competition on the baseball field, the only major American sport without a salary cap.Two highly regarded former baseball executives join the show to give their perspective on the current media landscape. David Samson is a former President of the Miami Marlins and was executive vice president of the Montreal Expos. Jim Duquette is a former general manager of the Baltimore Orioles and New York Mets.In this episode, both explain the current changes in club revenues. They discuss the 2-time World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers, who have the highest payroll, and the signings of free agents Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz in the off-season. They also comment on the upcoming labor negotiations as the sport faces the end of its current collective bargaining agreement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Longtime Pittsburgh sportscaster and Syracuse alum Tim Benz discusses his career and issues facing the Steel City. Benz has been covering Pittsburgh sports since 2001. In addition to writing for TribLIVE, he is a Steelers radio host on FOX Sports Radio Pittsburgh 970 AM and a contributor to WTAE-TV, WDVE, and WXDX-FM. He is a part of the Class of 1996 at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School and WAER Radio.In this episode, Benz explains what it is like to cover the team he grew up rooting for as a kid. He also discusses his various roles in Pittsburgh media. Sports topics include Mike McCarthy as the new Steelers coach and Aaron Rodgers’s potential return as the Steelers' QB. He also compares Penguins greats Sidney Crosby and Mario Lemieux and discusses the Pirates' optimism amid the changing MLB media landscape.For a limited time, our listeners get 50% off FOR LIFE, Free Shipping, AND 3 Free Gifts at Mars Men at Mengotomars.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On February 8th, 2026, the Seattle Seahawks face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California. This preview features two special guests. Dave Wyman is a former NFL linebacker and the radio analyst for the Seattle Seahawks. He also hosts 2 pm-7 pm PT on Seattle Sports 710 and SeattleSports.com. Whyman played nine seasons for the Seahawks and Denver Broncos.Pete Kendall also joined the show. The veteran offensive lineman played twelve seasons for the Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, and Washington then-Redskins. He played college football at Boston College. He also grew up and currently lives in Massachusetts. His son, Drew, has played for the Philadelphia Eagles since 2025.In this episode, both Wyman and Kendall discuss the upcoming game, which is expected to be close. Wyman discusses his transition to the broadcast booth. Kendall discusses the game from both Seattle and New England's perspective. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kevin Falness is the executive producer and pre/post-game host of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild. He joined the Wild as exec producer before their inaugural season in 2000-2001. Before joining the Wild, Falness worked as the executive producer of KKFN The Fan radio in Denver, Colorado. There, he oversaw talk shows and broadcasts of both the Colorado Avalanche and Denver Nuggets. The Wild recently made a blockbuster trade in the NHL, acquiring former Norris Trophy winner Quinn Hughes, and is poised for a long playoff run. Falness discussed the impact the Wild have had on the Twin Cities.In this episode, Falness discussed his unique path to the Wild Radio Network. He also talked a lot about the old days in Denver and the trials and tribulations of starting an all-sports station in Denver in the 1990s.He also discusses the upcoming Olympic hockey tournament, the possibility of reuniting brothers Quinn, Jack, and Luke Hughes in Minnesota, and his thoughts on franchises wearing old logos from cities the team’s abandoned. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As 2026 began, a new sports media controversy emerged. Main Street Sports Group, formerly Diamond Sports, missed a payment to the St. Louis Cardinals for their local TV rights. Days later, they missed payments to numerous NBA teams. Reports indicate that the streaming service DAZN wants to buy these embattled regional sports networks. If a deal to sell to DAZN does not go through, there is a strong possibility that Main Street folds, leaving dozens of NBA, NHL, and MLB teams in jeopardy.Tom Friend reported this story for Sports Business Journal. He is a Feature Writer at Sports Business Journal, focusing primarily on the NBA. In this episode, Friend explains that the leagues want to create their own streaming packages using existing services such as Amazon, Peacock, Apple, and ESPN. He discusses both the short-term impact and the long-term future of regional broadcasts, acknowledging that some large markets find their RSN profitable and will not want to join any league-organized venture.Friend also discusses the proposed NBA in Europe and the chances of expansion, specifically in Seattle and/or Las Vegas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode continues a long tradition that began eight years ago. Scott Seidenberg appeared on episode 177, which was released on Christmas. The following year, it continued with episode 229 and has continued every Christmas week since. The whole origin story of this tradition is explained in the first few minutes of the show. The rest of these episodes’ numbers are as follows:Vol. 3Episode 280Vol. 4Episode 332Vol. 5Episode 383Vol. 6Episode 435Vol. 7Episode 485Scott Seidenberg has launched a new gambling website and accompanying podcast, “Bettor Day.” Check out www.bettorday.com Topics in this episode include the NFL on Christmas, the College Football Playoff, the NBA Cup, and sports documentaries.Happy Holidays from all of us at Sports with Friends! See you in 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daryl Ruiter has been covering Cleveland sports for a quarter-century. Since 2011, he’s been the beat reporter for the Cleveland Browns on 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland. The Ohio native also covers select Cavaliers and Guardians games.Ruiter was a regular guest on the MLB Radio Stayin’ Hot with Seth & Bone as the “AL Central Correspondent” in the mid-2000s.In this episode, Ruiter explains how it is covering the teams he grew up with. He describes how big the Browns are despite success in both baseball and basketball, with the Cavs winning the championship in 2016. He discusses the legacy of LeBron James in Ohio and the name change for the Guardians.Aura Frames: Exclusive $35 off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/SWF Promo Code: SWF Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Longtime college football reporter Matt Baker has been with the Athletic since 2024. Before that, he was with the Tampa Bay Times, focusing on both the Florida Gators and Florida State Seminoles. In December 2025, the 12-team college football playoff was revealed. This episode comes out after the regular season and before the bowl season and subsequent playoff.In this episode, Baker explains why Notre Dame was passed over for the playoff in favor of Alabama and Miami. He discusses the rise of Indiana as a national power and why college postseasons are determined by a committee rather than by all pro team sports. He also discusses the potential of a super league and whether the Big 10/SEC are on a level playing field as the ACC/Big 12.He also engages our host and discusses Syracuse football and whether this season or last was an anomaly.Aura Frames: Exclusive $35 off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/SWF Promo Code: SWF Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Carlos Alcaraz, the #1 men’s tennis player in the world, is playing in a tennis exhibition at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ on December 7th, 2025. Alcaraz will face off in a three-set match against two-time US Open Semifinalist Frances Tiafoe. There is also a women’s tennis match between 2025 Wimbledon and US Open finalist Amanda Anisimova from Freehold, New Jersey, and 2024 US Open finalist Jessica Pegula of Buffalo, New York.Alcaraz won the 2025 US Open and Wimbledon, and at the time of this recording, had pulled out of the Davis Cup due to a hamstring injury.This episode is part of a group media Zoom session, organized by the Prudential Center. It was recorded on November 18th, 2025.In this episode, Alcaraz discusses his injury and assures fans that it is not serious. He discusses his friendship and rivalry with Tiafoe. He also discusses his epic finals matches with Jannik Sinner, whom he has faced in the last three majors, as well as countless other matches.For ticket info: https://www.prucenter.com/events/a-racquet-at-the-rockAura Frames: Exclusive $35 off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/SWF Promo Code: SWF Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kevin Ingram is a play-by-play announcer for Vanderbilt basketball, a sideline reporter for Vanderbilt football, and a play-by-play announcer for baseball on SEC+. He has been a sportscaster in the Nashville area for three decades.From 2004 to 2020, Kevin was the host of the hugely successful morning show, “Wake-Up Zone” on 104.5 The Zone in Nashville. His co-host for all 16 years was acclaimed Nashville sportscaster Mark Howard. Former Titans player Frank Wycheck hosted the show from 2004 to 2017. Both Howard and Wycheck have passed away since the show ended.In this episode, Ingram discusses the legacy of that Wake-Up Zone show and the special connections he had there, including longtime producer Paul Bible. He speaks about the evolution of Nashville as a tourist destination and as a sports town. He talks about his time at both Vanderbilt and Belmont before that. Finally, he explains why Nashville is not a good candidate for an MLB expansion team. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Longtime sportscaster Marc Malusis was recently featured on WPIX Channel 11 in New York. Malusis is best known for his time on-air at Sports Radio 66 WFAN, also in New York. Malusis graduated from Syracuse University, interned for WFAN, became a producer for the iconic Mike and the Mad Dog radio program, and then got his opportunity on the air.Moose, as he is known, is also an adjunct professor at Iona College and the Radio Pre/Postgame Host for Rutgers Football.In this episode, Malusis discusses his fantastic career and how Syracuse helped him get started. He talks about the famous WFAN internship program and his decision to remain in New York as he ascended in the business.He also comments on recent allegations involving gambling and two major league baseball pitchers. He talks about the state of radio, given the availability of podcasts and other streaming options. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lawrence Moten, the leading scorer in Syracuse basketball history, died unexpectedly on September 30, 2025. He was 53. This episode is a tribute to the legendary Syracuse basketball player.Nicknamed “Poetry in Moten,” he who played for the Orange from 1991-95. Moten was born in Washington, D.C., helped Syracuse reach the NCAA Tournament in three of his four seasons, and was named a Second-Team All-American during his senior year. Moten later played two seasons with the Vancouver Grizzlies in the NBA before playing overseas in Spain and Venezuela, and several seasons in the Continental Basketball Association and the American Basketball Association. Moten finished his college career with 2,334 points, averaging 19.3 per game.This episode begins with 6 minutes of audio when Lawrence Moten joined Sports with Friends in 2019 on Episode 224. Then, his former Syracuse teammate, Lazarus Sims, joins the show. Then, former Syracuse center Etan Thomas discussed Moten’s legacy. Finally, longtime Syracuse beat reporter Mike Waters of Syracuse.com joined to discuss what it was like to cover Moten both as a player and in the years following. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The National Hockey League recently began its 2025-2026 regular season. Greg Wyshynski is an ESPN senior NHL writer, podcaster, and insider. He is also a New Jersey native and a New Jersey Devils fan. This is NOT a Devils podcast, but rather a look at the main issues facing the league.Topics include: the 2026 Winter Olympics, which will involve NHL players; the competitive balance in the league; the recent income tax debate and its impact on teams; and where Quinn, Jack, and Luke Hughes will wind up. Not in that order.Wyshynski first gained notoriety when he launched the Puck Daddy blog on Yahoo Sports. He has been with ESPN since October 2017. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Longtime sportswriter Gary Myers has written his seventh book. “Brady vs. Belichick: The Dynasty Debate” raises one of the great NFL debates among fans of both the New England Patriots and the entire NFL. Who meant more to the Patriots’ nine Super Bowl appearances and six championships? Myers discusses the origin of both coach and player, and makes a strong argument for both with insight, interviews, and analysis.In this episode, Myers discusses how this became an idea for a book. He discusses the current situations for both Brady as a FOX commentator and minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, and Belichick, who is the new head coach at the University of North Carolina. He discusses controversies, Spygate, and Deflategate, and how they impact both Brady's and Belichick’s legacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Art Shamsky is best known for being a member of the 1969 New York Mets, who won the World Series. Shamsky played Major League Baseball from 1965 to 1972 for the Cincinnati Reds, Mets, Chicago Cubs, and Oakland Athletics. In 1969, he hit .300 with 14 home runs, the second-highest total on the team. In the post-season, Shamsky hit .538 in both the newly created National League Championship Series and World Series vs. the Baltimore Orioles.He recently released his third book, “Mets Stories I Only Tell My Friends.” The book offers a behind-the-scenes and first-hand account of that miracle 1969 Mets season. He discusses the leadership of Tom Seaver, the steady hand of manager Gil Hodges, and what it was like to share right field with charismatic Ron Swoboda.In this episode, Shamsky explains why he wrote this third book. He details how not a day goes by that he isn’t reminded of that championship season. At the end of the episode, he explains why he has known Seth Everett for over twenty years.Get “Mets Stories I Only Tell My Friends” here: https://tinyurl.com/3puhkrhc Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2025 US Open tennis tournament once again had record crowds and is being recapped after the final victories by men’s champion Carlos Alcaraz and women’s champion Aryna Sabalenka. The singles tournament took place over 15 days and featured the world’s best tennis players. The men’s final was marred by the appearance of Donald Trump in the crowd. The added security led to thousands of fans missing the beginning of the final waiting on lines to get in. The USTA also censored broadcasters from saying much about the President’s presence at Arthur Ashe Stadium.Russ Thaler is a broadcaster for US Open Radio and TV and is a longtime sportscaster. In this episode, Thaler explains the plight of Americans at this tournament, including Amanda Anisimova of New Jersey reaching her second major final. Thaler also discusses the resurgence of Naomi Osaka and whether anyone can challenge Alcaraz or #1 seed Jannik Sinner for a major title. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New York Times best-selling author Jane Leavy has written amazing biographies of some of baseball’s all-time iconic players. She’s written books about Sandy Koufax, Mickey Mantle, and the legendary Babe Ruth. When looking for a fourth biography, she found that the sport she had loved and covered for decades had undergone drastic changes. Rather than profile one particular subject, she interviewed countless baseball figures to get to the root of what’s gone wrong in baseball and offer solutions to restore its former glory.“Make Me Commissioner: I Know What’s Wrong with Baseball and How to Fix It” includes interviews with such baseball luminaries as Joe Torre, Dave Roberts, Jim Palmer, Dusty Baker, and Buck Showalter. She spends equal time discussing what’s right with baseball, and how it illuminates characters, tells stories, and fires up the imagination of those who love it and everyone who could discover it anew.In this episode, Leavy explains how the genesis of this book came about and who she considered writing a biography on. She also debates the challenges baseball is facing, and offers hope on why the game is still special.Get Make Me Commissioner here: https://tinyurl.com/mrynz3cw Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week marks week one in the 2025 college football season. The NFL season is a week away. As football takes center stage, Yahoo Sports senior writer Jay Busbee previews both seasons and tells us the teams to watch in 2025.Busbee is an accomplished author. His latest book, “Iron in the Blood: How the Alabama vs. Auburn Rivalry Shaped the Soul of the South,” was released the week this podcast comes out.  The book is a behind-the-scenes account of the Alabama vs. Auburn rivalry, one of the fiercest in American sports, detailing its rich history, celebrating the triumphs of both teams, and showcasing the larger-than-life power of football to break down barriers and shape an entire culture. Busbee traces the perpetual impact of football in Alabama, from the days of Reconstruction, through the Civil Rights era, to the hyper-partisan climate of the 2020s.In this episode, Busbee explains Auburn’s place in the state of Alabama and how it competes with the University of Alabama. He also discusses the changing landscape of college football and how that will impact the games on the field. The episode concludes with a preview of the upcoming NFL season, including a focus on the Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions.Order “Iron in the Blood” here: https://tinyurl.com/fn9e8v28 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The week of this episode’s release is the same week that ESPN is launching its long-awaited streaming app, which is a direct-to-consumer product that does not require a cable subscription. Still, how many customers will pay for ESPN without bundling it with other streaming service options? On August 5th, 2025, ESPN acquired the NFL Network and other NFL media assets, including the linear rights to the league's popular RedZone channel, in a deal that will see the NFL get a 10% equity stake in the all-sports network.Those titanic stories are the backdrop for Michael McCarthy’s return to the show. McCarthy is an award-winning Senior Writer for Front Office Sports. McCarthy has won both Best News Story and Best Project reporting from the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE). His stories have appeared in The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, USA TODAY, Sporting News, Newsday, and Adweek. He’s also written for the official publications of the NFL and Major League Baseball. McCarthy has appeared on everything from CBS This Morning, NBC’s Today show, Fox & Friends, and Access Hollywood to CNBC, CNN, NPR, and the BBC. McCarthy has also served as a journalism professor at Rutgers University since 2015. He’s based in New Jersey.In this episode, McCarthy discusses the ESPN NFL deal, the streaming app, and the network’s dropping of Major League Baseball. He also covers the NBA, NHL, and NCAA in this episode.Front Office Sports is having its 2nd annual “Tuned In” seminar in Midtown Manhattan. On September 16th, 2025, leaders within the sports media space—ranging from athletes and on-air talent to media moguls and league executives who are instrumental in shaping the future of how fans view sports. Registration includes a full day of programming with leading names in sports media. For more information: https://events.frontofficesports.com/tunedin2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hall of Fame baseball writer Bill Madden has covered the Yankees and Major League Baseball for over 50 years, including more than four decades with the New York Daily News. He is a bestselling author and the 2010 recipient of the Baseball Hall of Fame’s BBWAA Career Excellence Award. His new memoir is entitled Yankees, Typewriters, Scandals, and Cooperstown: A Baseball Memoir. Tracing through the timeline of Madden’s exceptional career, this book tells amazing stories of some wild times in the history of the New York Yankees and their bombastic owner, George Steinbrenner.In this episode, Madden discusses the origin of the book idea. He tells incredible stories about covering the Yankees, specifically in the early 1980s at the height of the Steinbrenner circus. He comments on what newspapers were like in the past compared to online journalism today. He talked about the inner workings of the Yankees and the differences in player relationships today vs. when he traveled on team charters with the team.Check out Yankees, Typewriters, Scandals, and Cooperstown: A Baseball Memoir by Bill Madden here: https://bit.ly/4lntjsY Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Longtime ESPN New York host Don La Greca is making his second appearance on the podcast. His first, Episode 336, came when he had two totally different jobs. In July 2025, La Greca was named the new television voice of the New Jersey Devils on MSG Network. He is also currently the host of afternoon drive on ESPN New York with Alan Hahn and Peter Rosenberg. In his first appearance, Don was a co-host on the Michael Kay Show on the YES Network and ESPN New York, and a backup radio play-by-play announcer for the New York Rangers.La Greca has been a mainstay in New York sports for nearly two decades. He has always publicly revealed that he is a longtime fan of the Devils and that this is a dream job for him.In this episode, La Greca tells the story of how this new Devils job came to be. He explains his lifelong fandom of the franchise and discusses the reactions he received from many broadcasting and sports dignitaries since the announcement was made. He also commented on the Devils' chances in 2025-2026, and what it means for him to have this opportunity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On July 31, 2025, for one night only in theaters, there is a new documentary entitled “Nothing But a Winner – The Alabama Football Story.” It chronicles the incredible history of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide Football Team. Alabama has dominated college football in the last century: 18 national championships, 30 Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championships, and 447 players drafted into the NFL. Well known for the greatest run in modern memory under legendary Coach Nick Saban, the origin story of this culture of winning was pioneered by Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.Caleb Castille, an acclaimed actor, joined this episode to discuss being a producer for Nothing But a Winner. Castille played defensive back under Saban at Alabama. His father Jeremiah, who played defensive back under Bryant and later served as team chaplain for more than two decades, is a key feature in the film.In this episode, Castille discusses the seminal moment at the beginning of the film, which describes the integration of Black players during the Civil Rights era into Alabama football. He also talks about Nick Saban’s unique legacy with the Crimson Tide, including his 2024 departure. Castille also discusses the changes in the college sports landscape and how Alabama needs to adapt to maintain its level of excellence.Nothing But a Winner releases in theatres for a one-night showing on July 31, 2025. Go to http://www.nothingbutawinner.com/ for tickets. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Longtime New England Patriots fullback James Develin is taking part in a fascinating swim challenge in the Hudson River. On Saturday, August 16, 2025, more than 350 participants will participate in the seventh annual New York City SEAL Swim, a demanding multi-sport challenge that spans 3.5 miles across the Hudson River. Starting at Liberty State Park in New Jersey and ending at the World Trade Center, this signature event honors fallen heroes and supports the mission of The Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). The Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF) provides critical support for the warriors, veterans, and families of Naval Special Warfare (NSW).The course includes three swim legs with stops at some of America’s most iconic landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. At each stop, participants will complete 100 push-ups and 22 pull-ups before continuing. The event concludes with each swimmer running with an American flag from Battery Park City to the World Trade Center, paying tribute to the lives lost on 9/11, the warriors of EXTORTION 17, and all Americans who serve our country in uniform.In this episode, Develin explains how, in his post-football career, he is participating in the ultimate physical challenge and compares the training to when he played for the Patriots. He also offers a unique perspective on his former coach Bill Belichick’s new coaching job at North Carolina. He also offers insight on his former quarterback Tom Brady’s new role with FOX Television.For more information on the New York City SEAL Swim, click here: https://impact.navysealfoundation.org/event/2025-nyc-seal-swim/e650865. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Saturday, July 19, 2025, the WNBA will hold its All-Star Game. The sport has seen exponential growth in audience and popularity since the emergence of second-year star Caitlin Clark. Still, when Clark missed time due to injury, ratings fell.Dr. Tywanna Smith is a former pro basketball player and President of The Athletes’ Nexus. She, along with retired NBA star Sonny Weems, co-founded the Athletes Abroad Summit, a platform that empowers American athletes playing overseas to build sustainable success beyond the game.They held a summit in Las Vegas during the NBA Summer League and will be in Indianapolis for WNBA All-Star Weekend. The activation brings together pro athletes, coaches, and executives to lead global conversations around business, branding, and legacy in sports.Dr. Smith was a guest previously on Sports with Friends Episode 102.In this episode, Smith details the Athletes Abroad Summit and what athletes need to know if they want to pursue playing outside the USA. She also discusses the impact of Clark on the WNBA ratings and discusses whether the league is too reliant on her for its success and whether the increased ratings are sustainable. She also discusses the overall appeal of Clark and the role race plays in it.For more info: https://www.athletesabroadsummit.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be the biggest sporting event ever — three Host Countries, 16 Host Cities, 48 teams, and 104 matches will unite an entire continent to showcase a momentous new tournament format. The event will culminate with the Final at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) on July 19, 2026, complemented by unprecedented fan experiences throughout the NYNJ region. Co-host City Manager Bruce Revman joined the show to discuss both the ongoing Club World Cup and next year’s international tournament. Revman oversees all aspects of the Host Committee. Prior roles include Managing Director at NYC & Company, where he contributed to marketing and partnership strategies, and Commissioner for the USA TODAY Sports Media Group.In this episode, Revman discusses how NY/NJ was awarded the Final and what fans can expect. He commented on the sheer enormity of the World Cup and how both New York and New Jersey will embrace it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One hundred episodes after his first appearance, former Oakland A’s and St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Mark Mulder returns to the show. He previously appeared in Episode 410. Mulder pitched for the A’s from 2000-2004. He was then traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he pitched through 2008. In the early 2000s, Mark Mulder was part of the “Big 3” with Barry Zito and Tim Hudson. He is a two-time all-star, the AL wins leader in 2001. He finished with a record of 103-60.After his playing career, Mulder began pursuing golf. He won the American Century Championship in Lake Tahoe, a celebrity golf tournament, three times from 2015-2017.In this episode, Mulder offers poignant commentary on the A’s recent move from Oakland to Sacramento, where they are playing in a AAA stadium. He talked about the A’s breaking ground on a stadium in Las Vegas and gets emotional about saying goodbye to people in Oakland last season as part of their final season there. He also discusses the current state of baseball and other sports and the challenges that face them all.Follow Mark on social media at @markmulder20. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the sports business, there are a slew of headlines that get covered in this episode. The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics were recently sold. Is this a trend where other legacy sports owners will try to get out of owning franchises? In baseball, the Rays and A’s have untenable stadium situations. How big an issue is this for baseball?Baseball is also trying to do new media deals and has a collective bargaining agreement expiring. Is NBA expansion on the horizon? Will Seattle get the Supersonics back? Scott Rosner rejoins the podcast. He previously appeared on Episode 344 (about St. Peter’s NCAA tournament run). He is the Program Director and Professor of Professional Practice, M.S. in Sports Management at Columbia SPS School of Professional Studies. Rosner is the lead author of The Business of Sports, a leading textbook in its second edition that synthesizes a collection of the leading scholarly sports business articles, the first such volume in the field. He is also the principal of Hudson Sports Consulting, a sports advisory firm that provides a wide range of services in the business and legal aspects of the sports industry.This episode covers a wide range of sports business topics and touches on most major sports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former NFL quarterback and broadcaster Joe Theismann returns to the podcast for the third time. His previous appearances were Episodes 306 & 461. In 306, he spoke about his incredible football career and the catastrophic leg injury that ended it. In 461, he discussed helping Alex Smith recover from his own terrible, similar injury. This appearance references those moments but tells different stories.Theismann is competing in the upcoming American Century Championship, an annual celebrity golf tournament held in Lake Tahoe. Among the 80-plus participants in the field are: Travis Kelce, Jason Kelce, Charles Barkley, Josh Allen, Colin Jost, Annika Sorenstam, and actor Miles Teller. This year marks the 36th year of celebrity golf and will be televised with coverage on GOLF Channel, Peacock, and NBC from July 11th through the 13th, 2025.In this episode, Theismann discusses the Tua Tagovailoa concussions and if he had advice for the Dolphins’ quarterback. He also discussed the lasting effects of his injury in his day-to-day life and the medical challenges that such an injury created both then and now. He also discussed a fantasy option for the golf classic, where fans can engage to win trips to the event in Lake Tahoe. He also had an interesting perspective on all the international games and a potential 18th game for the NFL.For more info on the American Century Championship, https://americancenturychampionship.com/.For more info on the Fantasy Golf opportunity, https://www.accfantasygolf.com/. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anish Shroff is a play-by-play commentator for various sports on ESPN and its partner networks, including college football, college basketball, college baseball, and lacrosse. He is also a proud alumnus of Syracuse University. Shroff is the current radio play-by-play announcer for the Carolina Panthers NFL team, joining in March 2022. Shroff also worked the NFL preseason in the summer of 2021. Shroff has covered several bowl games and FCS championship games, as well as matchups across the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, and Big 12. Since 2017, Shroff has been ESPN’s lead voice for men’s college lacrosse.In this episode, Anish discusses his incredible career path, especially how his play-by-play roles evolved. He also explains how he became the 3rd ever radio voice of the Carolina Panthers. He also explains the inner workings of the Syracuse experience and how it helped mold him into the broadcaster he is today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ethan Cooperman has worked for over 25 years doing stats for various sports television broadcasts. He rose to fame in the industry when he paired with the late Greg Gumbel on CBS NFL broadcasts.  Since 2004, he has worked on the #1 CBS team with Jim Nantz and Tony Romo. He also does college football for FOX and Monday Night Football on the radio for Westwood One. There isn’t a network that Ethan hasn’t worked on. Part of his success is clearly due to his incredible sports knowledge and research capabilities. He’s also a master networker and literally knows everyone.In this episode, Ethan explains his various roles and how he acquired them. He tells amazing stories about the late Greg Gumbel. He also details the intricacies of working with Jim Nantz and Tony Romo. He answers the question, Do Romo’s predictions often come true or is that a myth? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2000, New York City was at the center of the baseball world as the New York Mets faced off against the New York Yankees in the 2000 World Series. Author Chris Donnelly has penned a new book that chronicles both the Mets and Yankees in the late 90s, leading up to that Fall Classic. “Get Your Tokens Ready: The Late 1990s Road to the Subway Series” chronicles both teams from 1997, the dawn of interleague play, to the end of the 2000 Subway Series.The Yankees were amid a dynasty, while the Mets were up and coming.  This era chronicled the Roger Clemens/Mike Piazza bat incident and the Bobby Valentine fake mustache.In this episode, Donnelly explains this pivotal time for both the teams and their passionate fan bases. He explains how this book does not have a Met or Yankee slant and how it covers both teams objectively. There is also a lot of conversation about the stadiums that they played in during this time, the original Yankee Stadium and Shea Stadium… “Get Your Tokens Ready” is available here: https://bit.ly/3Z2bYxs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Kirwan is currently co-host of SiriusXM NFL Radio's Movin' the Chains with Jim Miller. His broadcast career followed a successful career in the NFL coaching and front office ranks. He also works on the CBS NFL pregame show “The NFL Today,” and has for decades.Pat started his career in coaching at the high school and college levels. After stints with the Phoenix Cardinals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he spent eight years with the New York Jets in various positions. He started broadcasting for CNNSI and eventually moved to Sirius/XM NFL Radio.In this episode, Kirwan describes his journey into pro football. He also tackles issues of the day, including Brock Purdy, Kirk Cousins, Shadeur Sanders, and Saquon Barkley. He also discusses his issues with international NFL games and his love for minor league hockey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Longtime baseball writer Scott Miller returns to the show to discuss his new book, “Skipper: Why Baseball Managers Matter and Always Will.” Miller’s book is a deep dive into the ongoing struggle for control that often takes place behind the scenes between Major League Baseball managers and the ownership groups, and now, their data analysts. Through stories about managers past and present, Miller explains what managers used to be and what they are in today’s baseball.Scott Miller is an award-winning veteran national MLB writer who has been a contributor to the New York Times, the national baseball columnist at Bleacher Report and CBSSports.com, and covered baseball extensively for the Los Angeles Times and St. Paul Pioneer Press before that. He has been honored several times as one of the top baseball writers in the nation by the Associated Press Sports Editors.Managers mentioned in this episode include but are not limited to Sparky Anderson, Dave Roberts, Lou Piniella, Jim Leyland, Dusty Baker, Earl Weaver, Bruce Bochy, Aaron Boone, Ned Yost, Bud Black, and countless others.Buy Skipper here: https://amzn.to/3Zji9gC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On May 3rd, 2025, the city of Denver, Colorado, saw two of their teams play Game 7 of their respective first-round playoff series… at the same time. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA playoffs while the Colorado Avalanche (who share a home arena with the Nuggets) visited the Dallas Stars in Game 7 of their Stanley Cup Playoff first-round series. While the Nuggets were blowing out the Clippers to advance to the second round, the Avalanche were leading the Stars in the 3rd period. Then, the Avalanche stunningly blew the lead and fell to Dallas, ending their season.Mike Evans has been a talk show host on Denver Sports, 104.3 The Fan in Denver since 1998. He joins the show to discuss both games, but also his viewing plan, and how he managed to follow both games. He currently hosts the morning show on the Fan with former Broncos Brandon Stokely and Marc Schlereth.In this episode, Evans also discusses the four pro sports teams in Denver and ranks them in popularity. While the Denver Broncos are clearly the biggest team in town, the rest of the list may surprise you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Longtime football coach Jay Paterno joined the show. Originally, he was part of a pitch to discuss recent political implications of Title IX on college sports. He is the author of multiple books, including his most recent release titled “Blitzed! The All-Out Pressure of College Football’s New Era.”Paterno is the son of the longtime Penn State coach Joe Paterno. The elder Paterno was the coach of Penn State during the scandal that ultimately led to his firing, in which Jerry Sandusky abused young boys. This episode addresses that scandal.Jay agreed to come on the show with no restrictions on questioning.The Penn State discussion begins at the 24:52 mark of this podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sports with Friends has reached its 500th episode. Iconic play-by-play announcer Sean McDonough is our special guest. Sean is currently the voice of the NHL on ESPN and college football. He was the voice of Monday Night Football, the Big East Tournament, MLB on CBS, and countless others. He’s a 1984 Newhouse School at Syracuse University graduate and a WAER Radio Hall-of-Famer. In this special episode, McDonough recounts his incredible career path. He talks about the unique set-up in the NHL broadcast where his partner Ray Ferraro calls the game from rink side. He also discusses the role of the national broadcast versus the local rights holder. He pontificates on how the political overtones of the Four Nations Face-Off don’t mean that politics and social issues should have a role in sports broadcasts.Special thank you to Chris Horwedel of Underdog Podcasts for his continued support of this show through its first 500 episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Kurkjian was the 2022 recipient of the BBWAA Career Excellence Award presented annually by the Baseball Writers Association of America and is part of the Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. His tenure at ESPN began in 1998 after stints at the Dallas Morning News, Baltimore Sun, and Sports Illustrated. He is a regular contributor to Sportscenter and Baseball Tonight as well as game coverage. He hosts a baseball podcast with his son Jeff entitled “Is This a Great Game, Or What?” In 2025, he was inducted into the Strat-O-Matic Hall of Fame.In this episode, Kurkjian discusses how baseball has evolved throughout his illustrious career. He addresses recent rule changes as well as marketing challenges the sports faces. He also offers explains the stadium issues facing the A’s and Tampa Bay Rays. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Len Elmore, former NBA player and Senior Lecturer in Sports Management at Columbia University School of Professional Studies, joined the show to discuss the evolving role of athlete activism and the stakes in today’s political and social climate. Elmore has served as a college basketball analyst for ESPN and Fox Sports and has served in the same capacity for CBS Sports' coverage of the NCAA Tournament and the NBA. He played in the NBA from 1974 to 1984 for various teams, including the Indiana Pacers, Kansas City Kings, Milwaukee Bucks, New Jersey Nets, and New York Knicks.In this episode, Elmore gives his take on the current NCAA sports climate regarding NIL money and the transfer portal process. He offered insight into the upcoming Final Four, which features four #1 seeds: Auburn, Florida, Duke, and Houston. He also discusses how players use social media for activism and whether today’s political moment is reaching a tipping point for athlete-led activism. He also commented on the unprecedented growth of women’s sports and what their future looks like amid DEI challenges. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode focuses on Major League Baseball, as the traditional Opening Day is set for shortly after this show’s release. Despite having two games in Japan, most teams start now amidst a changing sports climate. The A’s and Rays are playing this season in minor league ballparks. 10 teams are having their games broadcast and produced by MLB. Payroll disparity is at an all-time high. Despite this, attendance was up last season, and the World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees drew fantastic ratings.Scott Miller has covered MLB for 30 years. For years, he wrote for CBS Sports and Bleacher Report. He is a frequent contributor to MLB Network Radio on Sirius/XM as well as San Diego Padres broadcasts.In this episode, Miller discusses the pending labor contract expiration and the ramifications of that. He also talked about the Rays and A’s stadium dilemma,s offering potential solutions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.