In today’s episode of Longshore and McKnight, Barry opened the show with NBA playoff talk, particularly the inconsistency of the Thunder and Pacers in a series marked by wild momentum swings!
Joined by Warren Matthews, he confidently predicted a blowout win for Oklahoma City in Game 7. The conversation turned to the massive $10 billion valuation of the Los Angeles Lakers, the highest ever for a sports franchise.
They reflected on Magic Johnson’s post-playing success in business, and also revisited nostalgia for Braves baseball—highlighting Atlanta’s sweep of the Mets and Spencer Strider’s strong performance, even as the Braves remain under .500.
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Much of the episode centered on NIL shifts following the House v. NCAA settlement. Jason Jones joined to explain how the $2.8 billion backpay and newly imposed $20.5 million cap on direct payments to athletes could benefit Group of Five programs like Troy by curbing poaching from Power Five schools.
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia’s recent podcast comments—boasting about NIL money and SEC superiority—sparked a broader discussion of Vanderbilt’s aspirations and limitations. Barry also waded into how the new NIL era could impact Title IX compliance, as legal challenges emerge from schools begin cutting women’s sports like tennis. McKnight wrapped with optimism about Coastal Carolina’s clutch, mistake-free baseball team potentially upsetting LSU in the College World Series finals.
