Sports With Friends

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359. The Britney Griner Case in Russia w/ESPN's TJ Quinn Jul 13, 2022

Show notes

In February 2022, WNBA star Britney Griner was arrested and detained in Russia after she was stopped at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport and accused by Russian authorities of having vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage. Last week, Griner told a Moscow court she would like to plead guilty to the charges, saying she had brought the vape cartridges into Russia unintentionally, explaining she had not meant to leave them in her bag. The Biden administration has classified Griner as “wrongfully detained” and American officials believe Russia seized her to use as bargaining chips with the United States. TJ Quinn is an Investigative Reporter/Senior Writer for ESPN. He has been covering the Griner case from the US since shortly after Griner's arrest became public. He has been on Sports with Friends twice previously. Once, to discuss his illustrious career (Episode 244). He also came back on to discuss his battle with Long Covid-19 (Episode 319).

358. Rob Maaddi, Associated Press Lead NFL Reporter Jul 06, 2022

Show notes

For 20 years, Rob Maaddi covered both the Philadelphia Eagles and the Philadelphia Phillies for the Associated Press. In 2021, he moved to a national role as an NFL writer. Now, as 2022 is close to getting underway, Maaddi is the new lead NFL reporter for the AP. In this episode, Maaddi discusses the differences between covering a team vs. an entire league. He discusses how meaningful relationships are in reporting, and how today's social media makes that problematic. On the NFL front, Maaddi discusses the Russell Wilson trade to Denver, the Deshaun Watson investigation, Nick Foles' legacy, and the new NFL Thursday Night Football package on Amazon Prime. Maaddi authored a book on the Eagles Super Bowl Championship entitled, “Birds of Pray: The Story of the Philadelphia Eagles' Faith, Brotherhood, and Super Bowl Victory.” Follow Rob on social media @RobMaaddi.

357. Darren Rovell, Action Network Jun 29, 2022

Show notes

Sports business reporter Darren Rovell works for the Action Network, an online gambling website, as well as takes part in collecting and other entrepreneurial ventures. He was one of the first journalists to join Twitter and has amassed 2 million Twitter followers. He successfully held two stints at ESPN and worked for CNBC & the NBC Sports Network in between. In this episode, Rovell explains his desire to be relevant, his start on social media, and his views on the ever-changing sports landscape. He discussed his start in journalism, and how he carved out a niche by covering sports business.

356. 2022 US Open (Golf) Recap with SI.com's Bob Harig Jun 22, 2022

Show notes

SI.com golf writer Bob Harig rejoined the podcast to discuss the results of the 2022 US Open in Brookline, Mass. At the Open, England's Matt Fitzpatrick won by 1 stroke over Will Zalatoris and Scottie Scheffler for his first major title. The tournament took a turn on a wild 3rd round where the weather wreaked havoc on many scorecards. Overshadowing the conversation surrounding golf is the talk about the new LIV Tournament. Harig discusses the recent slew of golfers who have left the PGA to join LIV and the backlash they face. There is a discussion about the golf communities vilifying the golfers who join, and the moral ramifications of doing so. Harig's new book is entitled Tiger & Phil: Golf's Most Fascinating Rivalry. Order Tiger & Phil here: https://amzn.to/3vfIaxA Follow Bob on social media: @BobHarig.

355. Sandy Clough, 104.3FM The FAN (Denver) Jun 15, 2022

Show notes

For nearly 30 years, Sandy Clough has ruled the sports radio airwaves in the Mile High City of Denver, Colorado. Known for his strong opinions and incredible preparation, Clough has given his opinions first at KOA, and then, at KKFN, The Fan in Denver. He's also done TV and has covered some iconic moments in Denver's sports history. He covered John Elway's entire career and saw the city add two new sports teams, the Colorado Rockies, and the Colorado Avalanche. Clough was a mentor to Seth during the years of 1996 to 1998 when Seth worked for the FAN in Denver. There, they saw the Broncos' first Super Bowl title. In this episode, Clough explains his approach to sports radio. They also discuss Russell Wilson's arrival in Denver, the Avalanche Stanley Cup Playoff Run, and get into a debate on the validity of the LIV Golf controversy. Sandy also explains his reasoning for not having any social media of any kind.

354. Sports Business: Streaming Sports, Team Values, LIV Golf Jun 08, 2022

Show notes

This episode covers various sports business topics with Dan Kaplan, Senior Writer for Sports Business at the Athletic. Kaplan spent 21 years at SportsBusiness Journal, helping create before the magazine even launched the leading industry publication for sports business news. He left in May 2019 to join The Athletic's sports business group. Topics on this show include: 1) NESN recently announced a new standalone streaming app that fans can purchase without a cable subscription. Still, VPNs and other technologies can make the games available without needing to subscribe. (5:01) 2) Team valuations continue to skyrocket even when that team or sport is not thriving. (18:32) 3) LIV Golf launches this weekend. Will the PGA ban players who participate? Will Golfers and/or fans stay away because it is funded by Saudi Arabian interests? (25:49) Follow Dan Kaplan on social media @KaplanSportsBiz.

353. Ed Coleman (WFAN) Jun 01, 2022

Show notes

Recently retired longtime WFAN Mets reporter Ed Coleman was honored by the New York Mets on Saturday, May 28th, 2022 for his over 20 years hosting Mets pre and post-game shows on WFAN and WCBS. Coleman began covering the Mets for WFAN in 1993, before retiring this offseason. “Eddie C” is an original member of WFAN since its inception in July 1987. He served as a talk show host (notably with both Dave Sims and Mike Francesa) before transitioning to the Mets beat. In this episode, Coleman explained his recent decision to retire from covering the Mets. He reveled in the stories from his time at both Shea Stadium and Citi Field. He also talked about the changes he's seen firsthand in the game of baseball. Overall, Ed talked about the many managers he covered, and so many of the players he dealt with during his time with the Mets.

352. "Mr. Devil" Ken Daneyko May 25, 2022

Show notes

Ken Daneyko is the New Jersey Devils franchise leader in games played and penalty minutes. He was drafted before the team that moved from Colorado had a name. Now, he is a broadcaster for Devils telecasts on MSG Network as well as an analyst for NHL Network. He is a three-time Stanley Cup Champion and had his #3 retired by the franchise. In this episode, he talked in great detail about his transition from playing to being a broadcaster. He discussed the 2003 Stanley Cup Game 7 victory, which turned out to be his last game. He also talked about the rivalries he loved, the passion he still has for the game, and his relationship with Devils fans. Daneyko also addressed his partner on Devils games Steve Cangialosi stepping down after the 21-22 season. He also gave insight on the ceiling for young phenom Jack Hughes, on just how good the young superstar can actually be. Follow Mr. Devil on social media @KenDaneykoMSG.

351. Tracy McGrady May 18, 2022

Show notes

Basketball Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady is the latest Hall of Famer to join this show. McGrady is a seven-time NBA All-Star, seven-time All-NBA selection, two-time NBA scoring champion, and winner of the NBA Most Improved Player Award in 2001. He is the brainchild and founder of the all-new Ones Basketball League. The OBL has seven events in 2022 that will take place in Houston, Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Washington DC, San Francisco, and Los Angeles). For more info, go to oblhoops.com. In this episode, McGrady discussed his incredible NBA career. He also recalled his decision to forego college and whether that decision would be different if the NIL and Transfer Portal existed in college basketball. He also broke down the changes in basketball since his playing days, and how the reliance on the 3-point basket impacts the overall entertainment value of the sport. He also talked about the legacy of LeBron James during his own remarkable career. Follow Tracy on Twitter @Tmac_213.

350. Seattle Radio Host Dave Grosby May 11, 2022

Show notes

Iconic Seattle radio host Dave Grosby joined the show for milestone episode #350. Groz came on the John Clayton Tribute episode (Ep. 343) but rejoins the show to discuss his outstanding career. Grosby, along with former radio partner Mike Gastineau, will be honored in late May 2022 with the Keith Jackson Media Excellence Awards at the Seattle Sports Commissions upcoming ceremony. Groz moved to Seattle in 1991 and had long stints with both Sportsradio KJR and 710 ESPN (KIRO). On KJR, he hosted with Gastineau the show “Groz w/Gas” which was a hysterical, fun, sports show that aired daily on KJR. In this episode, Groz discusses his various stops in media before arriving in Seattle. He discusses the Seahawks recent trade of Russell Wilson, the impact of the Seattle Sounders MLS team, and the saga of the Seattle SuperSonics departing for Oklahoma City. Groz notably does not want another NBA team in the Emerald City. He also describes his various health issues.

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