Sports With Friends

Award-winning media veteran Keith Dawkins was hired by the Harlem Globetrotters in January 2022. He spent 17 years at Viacom (now ViacomCBS), was elevated to the position of Executive Vice President at Nickelodeon where he oversaw and grew some of that brand's most beloved and successful networks. Dawkins also launched the Nickelodeon Sports initiative which saw him strike strategic partnerships with the likes of NFL, NASCAR, the PGA Tour, MLS, WWE, and a variety of pro athletes. The originators of basketball style, influencers on today's game, and skilled athletes of the highest order, the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 124 countries and territories on six continents since their founding in 1926. Proud inductees into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, their mission to spread game and bring entertainment to the world continues to drive them today. The Globetrotters are basketball innovators who popularized the jump shot, slam dunk and the half-court hook shot. In this episode, Dawkins explains his goals for the future of the Globetrotters, and how they plan to use streaming services and social media to grow awareness to a new generation while being fan service for the people who remember them. He also commented on the state of the NBA, WNBA, and college basketball and offers insight on how athletes become Globetrotters. For more information about the Harlem Globetrotters, visit the Globetrotters' official website: www.harlemglobetrotters.com and follow them on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Acclaimed golf reporter Bob Harig makes his third appearance on the show to recap the 2024 Masters Tournament which took place on April 11-14th, 2024 in Augusta, Georgia. Scottie Scheffler won his 2nd Masters title. He last won in 2022, when Harig recapped that Masters in Episode 346. Harig also joined following the 2022 US Open in Episode 356. In this episode, Harig breaks down the fact that Scheffler is clearly the #1 player in golf and has not achieved the superstardom that preview #1 golfers have held. He also discussed the saga of Tiger Woods, who made his 24th consecutive cut at the Masters, and then proceeded to have his career-worst 3rd round. Harig also weighed in on the lengthy resolution to the proposed merger between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour. He discusses any potential negative impact that lack of resolution has meant for the game, and whether it has slowed the sport's growth. Harig's new book, "Drive: The Lasting Legacy of Tiger Woods,” details the recent comeback of one of the game's greatest icons. It can be purchased here: https://a.co/d/inB30DV.

John Smoltz was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015 after a 21-year career, 20 of which were spent with the Atlanta Braves. Smoltz is currently the lead analyst for MLB Coverage on FOX Sports. Smoltz is an 8-time All-Star and a 1995 World Series champion. He won the NL CY Young Award in 1996 with a blistering 24-8 record. After an arm injury, he converted to a reliever in 2001 and set NL saves record in 2002 with 55. He is the only pitcher in history to record 200 career wins,150 saves, and 3,000 strikeouts. Smoltz is participating in the Invited Celebrity Classic which is a nationally televised PGA Tour Champions competition that features 78 PGA Tour Champions and 40 sports and entertainment stars. The event occurs between April 19-21, 2024, at Las Colinas Country Club in Irving, Texas. It is live on the Golf Channel all three days. Golfers include Vijay Singh, Justin Leonard, Retief Goosen, Lee Janzen, and Colin Montgomerie. Other sports athletes include Smoltz teammates Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux. Former Sports with Friends guests Derek Lowe, Mark Mulder, and Pudge Rodriguez. Also, former players Jon Lester, Joe Carter, Kevin Millar, Tony Romo, Albert Pujols, Brian Urlacher, Adam Thielen, and Robbie Gould. In this episode, Smoltz talks about how the younger fans know him from his announcing days on FOX. He also talks about the evolution of the sport, and what works and what doesn't. He talks extensively about playing for Bobby Cox and the role Golf played both during his baseball career and in the years since he retired.

In 2023, Phil Nevin held his first major league managerial position, managing the Los Angeles Angels. Before that, Nevin played 12 big league seasons between 1995 and 2006 for the Houston Astros, Detroit Tigers, Anaheim Angels, San Diego Padres, Texas Rangers, Chicago Cubs, and Minnesota Twins. He has previously served as a coach for the San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees. Nevin joined the show to discuss both his playing and managing career. He also offered unique first-hand insight into Shohei Ohtani, whom he managed with the Angels. He also discussed Aaron Judge, who he coached with the Yankees in 2022. Nevin was also a mutual friend of the late Darryl Hamilton. Part of the conversation is sharing stories of Hambone. Nevin is participating in the Invited Celebrity Classic which is a nationally televised PGA Tour Champions competition that features 78 PGA Tour Champions and 40 sports and entertainment stars. The event occurs between April 19-21, 2024, at Las Colinas Country Club in Irving, Texas. It is live on the Golf Channel all three days. Golfers include Vijay Singh, Justin Leonard, Retief Goosen, Lee Janzen, and Colin Montgomerie. Other sports athletes include Nevin, Tom Glavine, Jon Lester, Joe Carter, Kevin Millar, Greg Maddux, Tony Romo, Albert Pujols, Brian Urlacher, Adam Thielen, and Robbie Gould. Next week, hall-of-famer John Smoltz, who is participating, joins the show.

Jim Duquette was a longtime baseball executive. He served as General Manager of both the New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles. He began working as a broadcaster first for MLB.COM, then Sirius/XM Satellite Radio. In 2009-2010, he hosted “Power Alley” with Seth Everett. Recently, he has also been a baseball analyst for Sportsnet New York (SNY). In this episode, Duquette reflects on the transition from the front office to the broadcast booth. He also discussed the various shows that he hosted with Seth. He then gives his take on the current way baseball is played, and how analytics have changed the overall product. In 2012, Duquette was in the Mets radio booth for Johan Santana's no-hitter, the first no-hitter in New York Mets history. Finally he gives a medical update on his daughter, who is thriving after Jim donated his kidney to her, also in 2012.

Ronnie Lane is a longtime talk show host in many markets over his long and illustrious career. For the last decade, he has been a host on “Ronnie and TKras” on WDAE sports radio in Tampa, Florida. Recently, Ronnie announced he was leaving the long-running talk show to take a hosting role in Tampa Bay Rays and Tampa Bay Buccaneers coverage for the station. In this episode, Ronnie explains what led to this decision, and how the role has evolved over the years. He also talked about the ability to discuss the state of the Rays franchise and their stadium woes as well as on-field daily stories. He also explained how in the post-Tom Brady era, Bucs football is at an all-time fever pitch in the city. He also laments that the Tampa Bay Lightning have created an event around their games, and the fan base has taken off just as the population in Tampa/St. Petersburg has grown.

Everett Fitzhugh has been the radio voice of the NHL's Seattle Kraken since the team's inception in 2021. Fitzhugh has the distinction of being the first and only African American play-by-play announcer in the NHL or any other level in hockey. His career began in various minor leagues including stops in Cincinnati and Youngstown. He called a pre-season game between the Washington Capitals and Boston Bruins in 2018. In this episode, Fitzhugh speaks about the significance of being the first black NHL announcer. He tells the story about how he got connected to the Kraken and his upbringing in Detroit. His fandom for the Red Wings in the mid-90s sparked his passion for hockey. Fitzhugh also has the distinction of being the first “Everett” interviewed on Sports with Friends.

Longtime sportscaster Matt Dery joined the show. Dery is a Syracuse alum, and he and Seth went to school together. Recently, another member of their Syracuse brethren passed away unexpectedly. Mike Cranston was a sportscaster and reporter in multiple cities and is the former play-by-play voice of Winthrop University. MD joined the show to reminisce about their fallen friend and tell some Syracuse stories. He also discussed the Lions' resurgence in the NFL and the recently released Barry Sanders documentary. MD also compares his adopted city of Detroit to his childhood hometown near Cleveland, Ohio. Check out Matt Dery's Locked on Lions show here: https://apple.co/4c5G73Z.

On February 17th and 18th, 2024, the NHL held two regular-season outdoor games at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The first game featured the New Jersey Devils hosting the Philadelphia Flyers, while the second game was between the New York Rangers and New York Islanders. The Devils played their first game at the Meadowlands since 2007. They spent the first 25 years in New Jersey playing at the Meadowlands Arena, which is across the parking lot. Flyers Pre/Post-Game Host Jason Myrtetus joined the podcast to review the Stadium Series and compare this outdoor to the five others that the Flyers have participated in. In this episode, they discuss the improvements made to the outdoor game since its beginning in 2008. Myrtetus also spoke about new Team President Keith Jones. The episode also addresses the 2018 Canada Junior Hockey scandal that has led to the arrest of Flyers goalie Carter Hart Devils forward Mike McLeod and defenseman Cal Foote. They also address the legacy of former #1 pick Nolan Patrick.

NY-Area-born Tyler Adams is a soccer star in the English Premier League for AFC Bournemouth. He is also a key component of the US Men's National Soccer Team. Adams began his career with the New York Red Bulls and then moved to England to play with the sport's elite. He first joined Leeds United, and then was recently transferred to Bournemouth. He is recovering from injury at the time of this recording. Bournemouth is competing in the 5th round of the FA Cup, England's oldest trophy. The competition includes clubs from all levels of English football. Fifth Round matches feature 16 remaining Clubs, including Tyler's Bournemouth who take on Leicester City on February 27th. The iconic Emirates FA Cup Trophy heading to the United States for a historic first visit. Intentionally, New York was chosen as the first American destination, a traditional first point of US entry for visitors from other countries and home to some of the nation's most active and diverse soccer fans. The Emirates FA Cup 'New York Takeover' is a weeklong celebration of the competition, kicking off on Thursday, February 22nd. The Emirates FA Cup ‘New York Takeover' will include multiple stops where fans may take a photo with the iconic trophy plus two watch parties on Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 27th-28th where fans can come join in SoHo to watch a selection of 5th Round matches, meet FA Cup and USMNT legend Tim Howard, experience the magic of the FA Cup through amazing, augmented reality and win amazing FA Cup prizes.

During Super Bowl week, it was revealed that FOX, ESPN (Disney), and Warner Bros. Discovery were creating a new streaming app that would incorporate live sports content from all three companies. Super Bowl 58 averaged 123.4 million average viewers, making it the most-watched television program ever. Regional sports networks are on the brink of elimination, and yet sports rights have never been in higher demand. The College Football Playoff just signed with ESPN and the NBA national rights are currently being negotiated. Demetri Ravanos, writer for Barrett Sports Media, joined the show to discuss this and many sports media topics. Ravanos is also the host of College Football Bubble Bath, found on YouTube and other social media. His recent story on the new streaming service can be found here: https://barrettsportsmedia.com/2024/02/13/disney-spiderweb-for-espns-future/.

This episode previews the Super Bowl 58 matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers. Aaron Taylor played six seasons in the NFL, playing in two Super Bowls, and winning one. Taylor is a 2021 College Football Hall of Fame inductee, having played his collegiate career at Notre Dame. In this episode, Taylor sets the scene in Las Vegas, which is hosting its first Super Bowl. He talks about the impact of Taylor Swift's attendance at Chiefs games, and how that may impact viewership of the Super Bowl. Taylor does take issue with Seth Everett's coverage of Super Bowl 32, where his Packers lost to the Denver Broncos, a team and game that Seth covered. Aaron Taylor is involved in Future Fans, a game designed to help kids understand that the game is the hardest part. For more information, visit futurefans.com.

Longtime NFL reporter turned author Gary Myers makes his third appearance on the show. (Episodes 49 and 117) Myers has been covering the NFL since 1978. He wrote for the New York Daily News starting in 1989. He's been an insider/analyst for HBO's Inside the NFL and the YES Network's This Week in Football. His new book, Once a Giant: A Story of Victory, Tragedy, and Life After Football, chronicled the New York Giants 1986 championship and focuses on the years after football. In this episode, Myers previews the Super Bowl 58 matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers. They discuss the impact Taylor Swift has had on the league, including the vitriol. Get Once a Giant here: https://a.co/d/aO3xNJl

On January 8th, 2024, the University of Washington was playing in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the University of Michigan. The Huskies hadn't won a national title since 1991. After the build-up of unprecedented proportions, the Huskies lost to the Wolverines 34-13. Four days later, Washington's head coach Kalen DeBoer was named the new head coach of the University of Alabama, replacing the legend, Nick Saban. Soon after, several players, including starters entered the transfer portal. Between that and graduation, suddenly the Washington roster was dissolving. Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks missed the playoffs finishing 9-8. After 14 seasons, including two Super Bowl appearances and one championship, the Seahawks fired head coach Pete Carroll, the most successful coach in franchise history. This roller coaster of emotions brought back Dave “Softy” Mahler from 950 KJR in Seattle. The long-time radio host makes his second appearance on the podcast, his first being Episode 190.

Longtime sports reporter/broadcaster Sam Adams recently announced that he was retiring from covering sports after three decades to pursue stand-up comedy full-time. Adams is best known for being a reporter for the Rocky Mountain News until the paper's demise in 2009. Since then, he has done various radio and TV shows, while honing his craft as a stand-up. In this episode, Adams talks about his extensive experience in the Denver sports media scene, highlighting the 1996 Colorado Avalanche Stanley Cup Championship and the 1998 Super Bowl Championship for the Denver Broncos. One career highlight that Adams considers is the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia. He also tells the origin story of his stand-up comedy career. During the podcast, he pays homage to legendary Denver radio host the late Thierry Smith, who has a unique connection to this podcast. Follow Sam's stand-up career at samadamsdoescomedy.com.

Steve Gelbs has been the New York Mets on-field reporter for regional cable network SNY since 2015. In 2014, he took over for Kevin Burkhardt, in the 10 years since Gelbs became the studio host for SNY's New York Jets coverage. Two years ago, he began freelancing as a commentator on NHL Network. In this episode, the Syracuse alum talks about the 2014 season, where they met, and where Steve was introduced to the Mets broadcast. He also talks about the evolution of baseball over the decade on the field, and the recent rules changes in baseball. He also discussed the Jets 2023 season, and how the Aaron Rodgers injury was covered on TV. He also talked about working with the NHL; his passion is for the New York Rangers.

The first episode of 2024 discusses College Athletics and the role Name, Image, and Likeness money is impacting athletes. While NIL has been in college sports since 2019, the changes to the transfer portal have been similarly consequential. In 2021, the NCAA changed transfer rules that eliminated an athlete from having to sit out a year when changing schools. David Kelley PhD, CAA is a Professor and Master's Program Coordinator of the Sport Administration Program at the University of Cincinnati. He recently attended the National High School Athletic Directors Conference where the subject was NIL and the Transfer Portal. Kelly is also a coordinator of the Cincinnati Public Schools first annual CPS All-Star Showcase. Proceeds from this event will go to CPS Project Connect, a program founded in 1996 that helps provide CPS students experiencing homelessness with backpacks, school supplies, uniforms, transportation, after-school tutoring, and more. For more information go to https://abccincy.org/cpsallstarbb23/.

Like the 5 episodes before it, this show is exactly what the episode title says it is. Scott Seidenberg, now with Pre-Game.com, joins the show for a record-tying sixth time, tying LaTroy Hawkins and Eli Manning. The story behind this episode is that the show fell on Christmas six years ago, and was going to be skipped. That wouldn't work with a new sponsor, so Scott came to the rescue. The success of that episode (177) led to it being done again the next year. A new tradition was born. In this episode, Scott reflects on the year that was. They discuss sports and streaming, the impact of Taylor Swift, outdoor hockey games, and various other sports topics. On behalf of everyone who is a part of Sports w/Friends, we wish you a Happy Holiday and a wonderful New Year.

Acclaimed actor and director George Clooney directed a new sports movie entitled “The Boys in the Boat,” which is being released in theaters on December 25th, 2023. The story is based on the 1936 United States Olympic Rowing team, which took gold in Berlin, Germany during the height of the Nazi regime. The story involves the University of Washington junior-varsity rowing team that qualified for the Olympics against all odds. Clooney appeared at a press junket for the film. Also appearing on the podcast are stars Joel Edgerton, who plays the coach Al Ulbrickson, and Callum Turner, who plays rower Joe Rantz. The episode also features a conversation with Terry O'Neill, an Olympic rowing coach who coached the team from Great Britain in the 1988, 1992, and 1996 Olympic Games, who was convinced by Clooney to teach the actors how to look like Olympic rowers.

In March 2023, Steve Cohen left his position as the Senior Vice President of Sports Programming at Sirius/XM Radio. He recently created The Content Lab and is looking for new projects. He still advises Sirius/XM and hosts a Sunday show on the NFL Channel. Cohen was an early employee of WFAN-New York in the late 1980s/early 1990s before leaving to join Sirius Satellite Radio. In this episode, Cohen explains the thought process of walking away from his position. He also comments on the current state of Sports Programming at Sirius/XM and the company in general. He weighs in on the debate between live radio and podcasts. He also explains what he's looking for in his new venture.