Nothing Personal with David Samson

The Oklahoma City Thunder show resilience after a playoff setback, while discussions about the NBA's digital branding leave fans divided. A thrilling tennis finale between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner showcases sportsmanship amidst controversy. Coco Gauff captures her second Grand Slam title, but not without drama. Meanwhile, Corbin Burnes faces a season-ending injury, raising questions about team management and player contracts. Finally, reflections on Pee-wee Herman's legacy reveal the cultural impact of a beloved figure.

Matthew Coca, a producer and insightful commentator, joins the conversation to tackle a range of hot topics. He shares his thoughts on NBA Finals controversies and the surprising triumphs of the Pacers. The duo also dives deep into the challenges of baseball, focusing on service-time manipulation and its frustrating impact on fan engagement. Coca argues that baseball must modernize to keep its stars relevant. They even touch on the complex dynamics of rivalry between figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump, adding a political twist to the sports discussion.

The Indiana Pacers pull off an incredible comeback led by Tyrese Haliburton, stunning the Thunder with a last-minute victory. Meanwhile, whispers of a major ownership shift surround the White Sox as Jerry Reinsdorf eyes a sale to Justin Ishbia. The Steelers get a surprising new addition in Aaron Rodgers, raising eyebrows about team dynamics. A critical review of the film Mountainhead warns audiences to stay away from this disappointing flick, alongside fun predictions about the upcoming NFL and MLB seasons.

Pablo Torre, an acclaimed sports journalist and host, dives into riveting discussions about changes in the NBA All-Star Game and FIFA's surprising price cuts for the Club World Cup. He humorously critiques how even Messi couldn't boost attendance. The conversation takes a twist as they reveal the Chicago Fire’s unexpected rise as a sports powerhouse, outshining both the Bears and White Sox. Along the way, economic dynamics of MLS players and the challenges of player scheduling are also explored, adding depth to the sports conversation.

The thrill of playoff hockey takes center stage as the Edmonton Oilers pull off a dramatic overtime victory against the Florida Panthers. The discussion dives into the pressures on stars like Connor McDavid and the complexities of MLB's financial landscape. Rob Manfred shares insights on the upcoming Automated Ball-Strike System and the potential salary cap dilemmas in baseball. The chatter also touches on media deals, political influences on sports business, and a light-hearted movie review of '500 Days of Summer.' Brace yourself for all the excitement!

Call our So You Wanna Talk to Samson Hotline at 631-377-4869! It’s So You Wanna Talk to Samson hour! You asked the questions, and we have the answers! First question was about thanking the fans! I forgot to do it! OOOOOF! (5:10) Someone asked me about Canadian teams and how much harder it is to win because of currency change. Is this a real thing? Let’s discuss! (16:00) What’s happening with MLB broadcasts? The Arizona Diamondbacks local broadcast was taken over by MLB and it’s been seamless. Nice. But what happens when MLB makes new TV deals. (26:30) Someone asked me if I could cover gambling and the moves by gambling companies. Or if I have to bow down to the powers that be. (35:00) What happens if the Rays and A’s make the playoffs? Where would they play home games? Can’t be where they both currently play! (43:00) Will the Pirates trade Paul Skenes? NO! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘canned’ as in Thibs as in the Knicks as in James Dolan as in Leon Rose as in Jalen Brunson. After just 5 seasons Tom Thibodeau is out in New York. Eastern Conference Finals appearance? Who cares! Back-to-back 50-win seasons? Who cares! That’s what went down. (15:15) What is happening with the Rays? Are they staying or leaving? Is the Trop being fixed or not? Is Florida giving the Rays money or not? Ron DeSantis is all over it! (23:00) The Orioles are in a bad spot. The team is bad, but on a nice run right now. Disappointing team. Fans aren’t showing up like they have in the past few seasons. (32:50) Review: Luckiest Man in America. (38:00) Wake Forest had to apologize for its head baseball coach after the team was eliminated from the College World Series. Tom Walter was caught on camera yelling an anti-gay slur at a Tennessee player. Uh oh. Consequences? Haven’t seen them. (48:00) NPPOD. Let’s talk the Stanley Cup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We start Hour 2 with your first guest! Dan Le Batard is here! (22:10) Inside the NBA is not going away. Why is everyone saying it? The show goes on! Even if Sir Charles he’s leaving… he won’t! (32:45) Texas Tech is head to the Women’s College World Series all because of NIL money. $1 million. That’s what it took to get NiJaree Canady. And she delivered and took down a dynasty! (39:30) Livvy Dunne Tok to TikTok and had some choice words for autograph chasers. It’s a bad situation for everyone. (46:00) Seattle Sounders want a bigger share of money from FIFA. The clubs are getting huge money. The leagues are getting huge money. But what about the players playing extra games? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘preview’ as in Dodgers as in Mets as in baseball as in playoffs. Let’s talk about the 4-game series in June and what it could say for both teams moving forward. Will we see a rematch of last season’s NLCS? I’d also like to talk about Lou Gehrig Day in MLB and what an awful disease ALS is. (10:30) Fredi Gonzalez is back! Our guy! He’s back with the Braves! (18:00) When will we know where MLB games where MLB games will be played next year? Is it ESPN? Is it Apple? Is it NBC? Is it somewhere else!? (31:20) Review: Hacks Season 4. (35:10) Let’s talk about ratings! Everyone is obsessed with ratings. From press releases to cover stories to talking fans. Why are we so into the ratings? (42:30) NPPOD. (47:40) The FBI is investigation the MLBPA and NFLPA. Uh oh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Corbin Burnes is hurt. Felt a pop in his elbow. This is bad bad bad news for the Diamondbacks! (5:26) A Yankees fan was hit by a piece of concrete during a Dodgers game this past weekend. How can that happen? What happens next? (15:00) Cooper Flagg reportedly made some huge money at Duke. New Balance paid up. Fanatics paid up. NIL money is something serious. (24:00) NPPOD. (29:40) Zion Williamson is in some trouble. He’s been accused of rape, abuse, mental abuse, you name it. It stems from a previous relationship he was in. What a bad career he’s had to this point. True or not here. Just a disappointment. (93:00) Jackie Caglianone is getting called up. Big time prospect. Is this smart for the team’s future? Should they have waited? (39:00) The online abuse needs to stop. Fans need to stop. We’ve reach a point where enough has to be enough. We cannot accept all the threats being sent player’s, or people’s, way. (51:00) The Marlins DFA’d a player after a 3-error game. Woof. Let’s explain what happened here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices