In short
Hour 2 of The Rich Eisen Show focuses on two main topics: NFL draft quarterback evaluation and a heated controversy from the NCAA women’s championship game involving UConn coach Geno Auriemma.
Guests
Todd McShay (The Ringer’s NFL draft analyst; “McShay Show” host). He argues Ty Simpson is a top-tier quarterback prospect in key areas—pre-snap ID, scheduling, anticipation, timing, and toughness—citing his red-zone production (27 TDs, 0 interceptions) and standout Ohio State game tape. McShay says Simpson can be a starter and compares him stylistically to Brock Purdy (more mobility/arm juice), but notes a major concern: only 15 college starts, making him an “outlier.” He projects Simpson likely in the 2nd round (25–35 range), with Arizona as an intriguing trade-up fit, and expects a run on offensive tackles/edge rushers to push other positions back.
Second segment
Rich Eisen and callers dissect “Geno Auriemma’s bad look” after UConn’s loss to South Carolina. Claims include Auriemma steaming about a pregame handshake delay, then profane comments to Dawn Staley and an officiating dispute tied to a jersey-rip incident.
Notable examples
Auriemma’s statement apologizing for his reaction, and the detail that the player ripped her own jersey, so refs missed it.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOMarch Madness Update
1:15 to 2:17
Discussion on recent college basketball championships and highlights.
“UConn will head to the national championship.”
Geno Auriemma Controversy
2:17 to 2:44
Introduction of the topic surrounding Geno Auriemma's comments.
“But it is the month of the NFL draft in the first full week of April.”
NFL Draft Insights with Todd McShay
2:44 to 10:56
Todd McShay shares his analysis on NFL draft prospects, focusing on Ty Simpson.
“And I'll give you the floor on what you're seeing out of him and why you think he's one of the best, if not the best, quarterback prospect in certain aspects of the game.”
Top Prospects and Team Strategies
10:56 to 14:01
Discussion on top draft prospects and team strategies for the upcoming NFL season.
“And so we're never talking to more general managers, Rich, about next year's class.”
NFL Draft Insights: Rising Stars and Team Needs
14:01 to 17:40
Explore the top prospects for the NFL Draft and the potential for trades.
“I think Tate's going to go earlier than we think, but we'll keep talking here.”
Draft Strategy: Tackles, Edges, and Rising Talents
17:41 to 21:55
Discuss the importance of offensive tackles and emerging players in the draft.
“if it's not a quarterback, I would guess it's an offensive tackle.”
Gino Auriemma's Controversial Comments
24:10 to 28:03
Analyze Gino Auriemma's remarks and the incident with Don Staley.
“Check engine, ABS, or maintenance light on.”
Gino Auriemma's Regrets
28:03 to 29:18
Discussion on Gino Auriemma's post-game comments and regrets about his actions.
“And then after the game, asked if he regretted what he told Holly Rowe.”
Don Staley Responds
29:18 to 30:38
Analysis of Don Staley's comments following the game and her reaction to Auriemma.
“own jersey and he clearly did regret what he did uh because he put out a statement the next day saying there's no excuse for how I handled the end of the game versus South Carolina.”
Game Analysis and Pressure
30:38 to 32:02
Discussion on the pressure faced by Auriemma and the performance of his team during the game.
“And let's keep it UCLA, then winning the national championship.”
Show all 19 chapters
The Impact of Coaching Standards
32:02 to 33:22
Exploration of coaching standards and the expectations for a coach like Auriemma.
“where he puts all the heat and the pressure on himself, and no one's talking about Sarah Strong going 4 for 16, and AZ Fudd going 3 for 15, and UConn only scoring nine points in the fourth quarter.”
Emotional Stakes in Sports
33:22 to 34:48
Discussion of the emotional stakes for players and the importance of acknowledgment from coaches.
“If Taylor is ever so lucky to be in any situation like this, think about the parents of these young ladies.”
Gino's Reaction Under Scrutiny
34:48 to 35:59
Examination of Auriemma's reaction post-game and its implications for his career.
“These are just stories about anybody out there, a parent of a kid who's trying hard to do their jobs.”
Accountability in Coaching
35:59 to 37:12
Discussion on the need for coaches to take accountability for their actions after a loss.
“Because it's about the pregame handshake?”
The Significance of Sportsmanship
37:12 to 38:14
Emphasis on the importance of sportsmanship and respect in competitive sports.
“Like, it's not like it's the first time it happened.”
MLB Talk and Fan Reactions
40:41 to 42:00
Casual discussion about MLB teams and fan reactions to performances.
“They're an outstanding broadcast team in the booth, and certainly their microphones, Mike, you'll appreciate this.”
Red Sox Struggles and Controversial Plays
42:00 to 44:36
Discussing the disappointing performance of the Red Sox and a controversial play involving Manny Machado.
“Meanwhile, the Red Sox fan is acting like we're not talking about baseball.”
Praise for UCLA Women's Basketball
45:03 to 46:21
Listeners share their thoughts on the impressive achievements of the UCLA women's basketball team.
“Chris in Riverside, California, right here in Southern California.”
NFL Receiver Discussion and Breaking News
46:21 to 47:48
Rich and Derek discuss NFL receivers and tease upcoming breaking news.
“I asked you how you're doing, but I already know the answer to that question.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:00Protein is now at Starbucks, and it's never tasted so good. You can add protein cold foam to your favorite drink or try one of our new protein lattes or matcha. Try it today at Starbucks.
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0:54Watch us weekdays on Disney +, from noon to 3 Eastern. Missed the show? We've got a podcast so you can listen anytime. But here's the best part. Our YouTube channel. Subscribe at youtube.com slash Rich Eisen Show and you'll never miss a moment. Now, on with the show. And the Michigan Wolverines are on their way. This is the Rich Eisen Show. UConn will head to the national championship. The Rich Eisen Show. The UCLA Bruins have won the Women's Basketball National Championship. Earlier on the show, ESPN college basketball analyst Seth Greenberg. Coming up, the ringer NFL draft analyst Todd McShay.
1:40Comedian Jeff Ross. And now, Rich Eisen.
1:46Rich Eisen:Hour number two of the Rich Eisen Show is on the air. 844-204-RICH is the number to dial. We've had March Madness on our minds through hour number one. Seth Greenberg on the men's national championship game tonight. We've just spent a whole bunch of time on UCLA's boat racing of South Carolina to cut down the nets and add a women's championship trophy and banner for the first time since the NCAA recognized women's basketball to Westwood. And we didn't really hit at all on the subject matter that everyone was talking about over the weekend with Gino Auriemma. We'll do that later on. Wanted to give UCLA its due first.
2:27Rich Eisen:But it is the month of the NFL draft in the first full week of April. And it is Masters week as well. But let's focus on the NFL draft. And returning once again is the host of the McShay Show. And from the ringer, ladies and gentlemen, Todd McShay back here on the Rich Eisen Show. Good to see you, Todd. How are you, brother? What's going on, crew? How are we doing? We're doing well. Do you want to answer, crew? What's up, Todd? We're doing great. We're doing great. I care more about them than I do. more excited. I know. It's all right. I understand that. I understand that. But it's great to see you.
2:59Rich Eisen:I saw your comments about Ty Simpson. You're very high on this kid. And I'll give you the floor on what you're seeing out of him and why you think he's one of the best, if not the best, quarterback prospect in certain aspects of the game. Todd, you go, sir. I mean, I'm not Orlovsky, so I'm not going to take it there. But that's why I said certain aspects. That's why I said
3:22Todd McShay:certain aspects that was that was a very important phrase yes um i mean through nine games this year watching both both players tape mendoza and simpson simpson was the better quarterback now things drastically shifted you know you you watch mendoza like the end of game heroics was phenomenal you talk about iowa oregon penn state but you watch the first three three and three quarters and change and there was a lot to you know still had to kind of be improved upon and then you're watching Simpson and everything's NFL it's pre-snap it's IDing it's scheduling it's marrying his feet with the drops with the the the the concepts of the offense balls out on time anticipation all of those things well then you know eight nine games and I think it was like the ninth game ninth or tenth game against Oklahoma Brent Venables comes to town figures out exactly how to defeat their pass protections.
4:20Todd McShay:From that point on, there's a blueprint. He starts taking more hits. The run game was ranked 125th in the nation. And your top wide receiver, Ryan Coleman Williams now, Ryan Williams as everyone knows him, kind of disappears. And so he starts taking hits and the gastritis, and he's down to 190 pounds by the end of the year. And it declined while at the same time, Fernando kept getting him better and better. I feel like I was first to market. I'm just going to say it. Last summer. I was like, this guy can be a first-round pick. I had Pete Thamel text me like, hey, are you sure? I really liked Fernando Mendoza a lot, but recognized there's areas that he had to improve.
5:05Todd McShay:Then everyone's like, he's the number one overall pick. I wasn't there yet until the Ohio State tape. If you go back and watch that, and I heard Orlovsky about the – Dan and I are good. We text all the time, but I hear you on the six points through three quarters, but that was the best individual tape of any prospect in any game that I've watched. And I'm now 200 players deep into this draft and still cranking away. So you watch the toughness, obviously, after the first Caden hit, but then how about the second one in the end zone with this helmet against the ground? So he just kept getting better and kept matching the moments and exceeding what you'd expect from a quarterback with the consistency.
5:45Todd McShay:The red zone, 27 touchdowns, no interception, third and fourth down. He's like top five in the nation in every statistical category when you need the quarterback the most. So my big push on Ty Simpson was it sounded like everyone was, oh, it's Fernando Mendoza. And then we got a bunch of other guys. And it's not the deal. Ty Simpson can be a good starter in the league. just needs to go to the right place, probably needs a little bit of time to sit and learn, but also needs game experience with just 15 starts. But whether it's Arizona trading back in, whether it's the Rams are another team that I think they, I know they had a lot of interest in one point, but I think multiple things have kind of shifted there.
6:25Todd McShay:I think they would be the perfect place with McVay, but Simpson can play. He can start in this league and he can be really, really good. And I believe that. And I also think like tailing green's not getting enough talk. He could be a second round pick. You put him with the right people and give him two years to develop. There's something special there. Cole Payton is the most underrated prospect in the entire draft. I think he's a day two pick and he's going to surprise some people coming out of North Dakota state. So there are some other quarterbacks, but I didn't want people to think that Simpson was kind of lumped in with the Nussmeyers, the Beck's, the Payton's, the greens, because he's not.
6:59Rich Eisen:well i mean i'm looking at your your latest uh on the ringer todd quote simpson can be brock purdy with but with more mobility and a little bit more juice in his arm that's what i see on
7:11Todd McShay:tape yeah yeah yeah and where would brock purdy be if he didn't and granted we're talking about mr irrelevant so yeah that's a different deal i i get it just say forget the draft picks i'm just saying like stylistically profile wise size um understanding of the game i think there's a lot of you know we always try to do an nfl comp right he's the closest thing to it and the guy who's had a lot of success in the league is a starter so that's kind of my jumping off point for him now i'm not saying that he's he's brock purdy had what 48 some in the mid to high 40s right it's
7:49Rich Eisen:He came with Bo Nix-like experience at that level.
7:55Todd McShay:He was the Bo Nix before we started getting quarterbacks with high 50s, low 60s.
7:59Rich Eisen:And Simpson's got a body of work in terms of experience at the collegiate level like Trubisky. You know what I mean? And that's what I'm saying is we haven't seen it enough at the collegiate level, and that may be part of the evaluation that Ty Simpson's going to have to overcome as opposed to stuff like you're pointing out of what you're seeing. You know?
8:20Todd McShay:It's a huge part. If he was a, first of all, think about, I just talked about Mendoza, what he was 2024 at Cal. Right. Versus what he is now. Think about that one year of experience and how the growth we saw. And at quarterback, it's rinse, refine, repeat. It's so critical. Even talk like Chris Ballard talked to at the combine and had him on the show. So, you know, and we were talking about his struggles and trying to find the quarterback. But everyone I talked to in the league, and it's obvious why, it started with Parcells, right? The stand, the bar that he had with 25 starts, a college graduate, X amount of wins.
9:00Todd McShay:So it's not like it's a new thing, but with NIL and with the transfer portal, it has been increased the emphasis on quarterback starts. So everything I'm saying about Ty Simpson is true. I've seen it with my own eyes. I know what I know. But I can't get over the, and that's why I have him ranked, you know, in the 25 to 35 range versus having him up in the top 10. And that's why he's going to go somewhere probably in that 25 to 35, 36 range because there's a fear. And outliers suck, man. It's the worst time of year because you watch all this tape. You love all the things on tape. you you have a belief in that individual but then you tell me and i know reuben bain's arms are short didn't know they're that short i know cassius howell's arms are short didn't know they're that short i knew what the starts were going to be but when ty simpson had said hey i'm coming out this year i'm like my first reaction was like a mini gut punch because it's like oh i'd love to see 12 13 15 more starts at alabama next year or transfer somewhere and and and go go take the loot Go take the bag if you need to.
10:14Todd McShay:But I'd love to see that because that takes him out of the outlier category where now he enters the league as a major outlier.
10:21Rich Eisen:There's no question. I don't know when you're going to do your next mock. I believe the 3.0 is a couple weeks old almost. 4.0 is next week. We can talk. In terms of that, where do you see in your 3.0, you've got Simpson going in the second round. You do not have him drafted in the first round.
10:39Todd McShay:I didn't make any trades in the last one. I would probably have Arizona trading up similar to what the Giants did last year.
10:45Rich Eisen:It's for Jackson Darks because they're right at the top of Friday, but the Jets are in front of them. So if they really like them. Right. And they're because, again, the issue is there's the next year that looms. You know what I mean? It's a huge issue.
10:59Todd McShay:And so we're never talking to more general managers, Rich, about next year's class.
11:04Rich Eisen:You know? So unpack that a little bit for me, because that is definitely part and parcel with the Jets sitting and Arizona sitting at the top of round two. Where does Simpson rank in all that? And how does 2027 loom over these proceedings?
11:19Todd McShay:Well, the Jets made a deal. They were offered. Yeah. For Quinn. They were offered a second this year. Sorry, a first this year and a second next year and flip-flopped it. Yep. in order to get that first next year because everyone's looking everyone who needs one is looking ahead to next year you've got arch manning you've got dante moore you've got brendan soresby you've got sam levitt now with with um with lane kiffin down in lsu i mean i you've got lenora sellers with another year of experience might be the most physically gifted so the list goes on
11:57Rich Eisen:you also have trinidad chambliss and he gets it unless he gets to a 10th year of eligibility at
12:01Todd McShay:some point i don't know right and cj car taking that next step at notre dame and and iamaliava and i mean it's it's as loaded a class sitting and we said this year's class is going to be great so let's see where we are a year from now but there's just there's too many of them for it not to be a great class and and maybe when we look at it one day say that's the best quarterback class we've ever had so if you're the jets if you're arizona how much am i willing to give away in terms of compensation this year where I could be utilizing that to get to get right for next year the Browns aren't going to take Ty Simpson because the Browns are trying to get right for next year and maybe Shador has a phenomenal year this year and it's a great problem to have but I the Jets are planning that way now you say I can get him in the second and I get a bunch of picks this year and next year yeah it's a great value then we'll we'll take him and we'll see what happens but I think Arizona is the most intriguing fit um and i and i also i think the rams have interest but probably on their terms meaning what second round so the the market is interesting for simpson because there are people in the league that they kind of lean towards me and kind of agree i haven't talked to anyone in the league that's quite as high as uh as our buddy dan but there are some people that love him in the league but i it's hard to find the right spot for him in terms of where does he definitively go with an existing pick in round one because i'm not sure that it's there right now
13:29Rich Eisen:who else might be uh the player that someone trades into the back end of the first round for
13:35Todd McShay:that we're not talking about todd so here here's what i think i think this year's class is obviously it's unique because some of the players at the top are not considered position value guys right the biggest positions i've got 11 guys that i believe should go in the top 12 i'm going to bore you for a second you're ready don't bore me go for it fernando mendoza obviously goes one let's say arvel reese goes to and i'm not going to match him up after this but these are the 11 names that i think go in the top 12 if not we're talking 12 top 13 top 14 it's mendoza reese uh then jeremiah love sunny styles running back and linebacker uh after that caleb downs again another position safety you've got the two edge edge guys beyond arvel reese who's converting from from linebacker in David Bailey, Texas Tech, and Reuben Bain from Miami.
14:23Todd McShay:Carnell Tate. I think Tate's going to go earlier than we think, but we'll keep talking here. Francis Maui Noah, an offensive tackle from Miami. Then the two cornerbacks, Mansoor Delane from LSU and Jermon McCoy, who just blazed a time. And now all of a sudden we're back to the 2024 evaluation where he's an elite guy. Those are the 11. The reason I went through that, Rich, is then I think you're going to see, all right, we've got some good receivers. like Mekhi Lemon and Jordan Tyson. We've got some good corners like Colton Hood. We've got a tight end who's going to go and Kenyon Sadiq. We've got a couple other safeties and Dylan Thienemann and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren.
15:07Todd McShay:We've got some really good other players at other spots, but you watch how fast, and talking to people in the league in the last week or so, these offensive tackles and edge rushers go. I think by the end of round one, we could have, let's say minimum 14 between those two positions so it's going to be it's going to be uh spencer fano from from utah it's going to be freeling caden proctor freeling um it's going to be lomu ian not sure who kind of thought fringe first i think he's going he might go top 25 27 picks
15:40Rich Eisen:you on you on you too the kid inside from penn state you know by the way you think harbaugh is just across the way here in El Segundo for the Chargers is just like, please let him drop. Please. I'll put him next to Slater or Alt or whatever and just mash. Yeah. Like, you know what I mean? Like, he's just hoping something like that happens. You also have just in your TJ Parker, Mesidor, you mentioned.
16:06Todd McShay:The edges, yeah. Right. Parker, Mesidor, Keldrick Falk from Auburn. Howell. Cassius Howell. So Zion Young, don't sleep on Zion Young from Missouri. So we're talking 14, 15 offensive tackles and edges. So if you ask me who's a guy who could sneak in, it could be one of those positions because there's a drop-off, especially at tackle.
16:33Todd McShay:To me, like Ian Nacho, we didn't think was going to be a first rounder. I think he's a lock to go there. I think the two defensive tackles go too. And everyone's cooled on them and I get it. Caden McDonald from Ohio State can't rush the quarterback. I get it. But have you watched his tape? Have you watched how dominant he is? In a league now with the split safeties and playing that shell, and we need three guys to defend the run, and we've got to stay multiple personnel, he's perfect up front. And I think there's more in him. Like a Dexter Lawrence wasn't the pass rusher in college that he is in the league.
17:07Todd McShay:Peter Woods, I get it, shorter arms. Production wasn't great this past year. he's he's he's not far off like a mason graham type what he can provide for you i'm not saying he's mason graham but he's that kind of player so i think those guys go late in the first even though everyone right now is like oh the interior defensive linemen are going to go in the second
17:26Rich Eisen:round so you think there's going to be such a run on tackles and edge rushers with such a drop after
17:31Todd McShay:the first round it's going to push those receivers back it's going to push the receivers back but it
17:35Rich Eisen:might cause somebody to trade in to go get them while they can get them is what you're saying
17:40Todd McShay:Absolutely. So if you're asking me who's going to be traded up for if it's not a quarterback, I would guess it's an offensive tackle. Absolutely.
Read the full transcript
17:47Rich Eisen:Yeah, I mean, you better get him while you can, I guess.
17:50Todd McShay:Because then you got to wait till like the third round.
17:52Rich Eisen:You don't want to do that.
17:53Todd McShay:If you don't get one of those seven, you got to wait till the third round or take one in the second that you'd like to be taking in the third.
17:59Rich Eisen:Okay. Yeah. Man, and it's so funny. I have not seen a mock where Dylan Thienemann is not a Minnesota Viking. It's just... I mean, how do you not?
18:09Todd McShay:You know what?
18:10Rich Eisen:I'm going to do the mock this week.
18:11Todd McShay:I'm going to give him somebody else.
18:12Rich Eisen:No, don't do that. Do what you think you need to do. Don't succumb to what I'm saying.
18:17Todd McShay:It's kind of like when you watch a pregame and everyone picks Michigan tonight. Oh, God, don't say that.
18:23Rich Eisen:How dare you? How dare you, sir? How dare you? I got my mind off by talking about the draft for 15 minutes and you just brought me back, man. I don't know if you heard, by the way. Dexter Lawrence has asked for a trade from the Giants. That happened. Oh, good timing. Yeah, Schefter just popped that one out there at the end of the first hour. I did not see that. Because I guess it's been two years he's been looking for a new deal, and he says, I'm not showing up to OTAs. See you later. Or I want to be out. You know, money talks and this sort of stuff would walk if the money talks. But right now he's making a stand.
18:55Rich Eisen:It's still early. So last one for you. Who are we not talking about? You mentioned a couple quarterback names earlier. Who are you on a pound of table for here you think is rising? Todd? I look at this class, and I love a lot of the linebackers.
19:14Todd McShay:I love a lot of, like, there's a lot of good players in round two and round three. I'm just looking at this board right now. Jacob Rodriguez is going to go because he's a playmaker and a difference maker. But beyond that, Josiah Trotter from Missouri is an absolute just dog versus the run and a good football player. um Kyle Lewis from Pittsburgh can cover like a safety some people think he is a safety I just think he's one of the best 50 football players in this draft so there's guys like that I'll tell you what too I just recently finished up going back and looking at the running backs and it's kind of like all right we've got Jeremiah Love from Notre Dame then we got his running mate uh Jadarian Price who I'm not quite as high as some people but I but I recognize he's probably going to go mid late second round range i think that the guy that everyone's sleeping on at this point and it was like a hot name early and no one i look at jonah coleman and i watch his run style after i watch all the running backs right i came back and i watched him he's a bowling ball he's got these light feet he's always runs with pad level he wears you down he brings this energy to an offense.
20:26Todd McShay:I think in a running back class, it's not like a year ago where we had 26 guys go, six in the first three rounds, 20 on day three. I think he'll probably fall to the fourth round, and I think a team's going to get a starter. I really think he's going to be that kind of player. I've been watching a lot of the day two and early day three guys recently. I just think there's a lot of of values there like a tacario davis washington a tall long corner like just physical the ability to play press man and yeah i just i could go on and on with with some of these positions and then kind of that third fourth round range todd you the man thanks for the time
21:06Rich Eisen:greatly appreciate all right brother let's talk and you go yeah let's do this let's do this as many times as you're up for it certainly when i'm here when's the 4.0 coming up 4.0 is next
21:16Todd McShay:next Wednesday. And then we leave Sunday for LA. We'll be out your way for the entire week of the draft. You can go to Pittsburgh, and I'll take over in LA.
21:25Rich Eisen:All right, so how about this? Let's have you on next Wednesday. And then if you're here in LA, the Monday of the draft. Right here, literally in this chair.
21:34Todd McShay:Yeah, let's do it. I'm not doing a show that Monday, so that'll work out. All right, listen, this is how the sausage gets made, everybody.
21:41Rich Eisen:This is great. Perfect. I love it. I love it when a plane comes out. Todd McShay, it's so rare people say, I'm in town in LA. they usually go oh i was in town i forgot to oh i missed you well done i appreciate it todd you're the man you gotta guess everybody check out the mcshay show wherever you get your podcasts through uh simmons's very popular ringer network or follow him uh and all of his stuff on the ringer yeah he's he's he's he didn't he said i'm not going full orlovsky on ty simpson yeah nobody's very high on him yeah it's just you know you didn't see a lot of it no you saw some of it you didn't see too much of it in nine games same time nine games he was great then what well very very rarely um and i've done this for about a quarter century with the draft he had a gastritis but we'll see 844-204 rich is the number to dial maybe that's what gino had 844-204 and i don't mean smith gino ariema we'll talk about that next
22:49Rich Eisen:the rich eisen show podcast
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24:42Rich Eisen:No one likes having to choose. That's why with America's best lineup of hybrids from Hyundai, you get the best of both worlds. Like the reliable and efficient Tucson hybrid with America's best warranty or the stylish yet capable Santa Fe hybrid with the power to navigate the toughest terrain. It's like having your cake and eating it too, but, you know, better. Hybrids from Hyundai. It's the best of both worlds. Visit HyundaiUSA.com or call 562-314-4603 for more details. Gino Auriemma was way off the other night. His team was way off, and then he was way off. And when he was going at it with Don Staley after South Carolina dispatched UConn with the back of its hand for the second half performance.
25:34Rich Eisen:I thought to myself, this had to be about something during the game because of Gino's soliloquy to Holly Rowe at the top of the fourth quarter. Very rarely do those interviews actually yield anything. Right. but this one did because gino was talking about how the officiating and how um in all of his time he's never seen a player have their jersey ripped and the ref said they didn't see it um and then basically accused dawn staley of working the refs in such a profane manner but he used the words that are somebody who's around women as much as he is in his life has to know the words ranting and raving are charged words just use that on the woman in your life and see how it goes if you're a man see how that one works you're ranting and raving it's also words that you don't usually equate to another male coach but that said those are charged words i heard that i'm like whoa and then that happened during the aftermath i'm like what happened during the game then we find out it's not about what happened during the game it's what happened before the game and then we found out about the jersey rip during the game came because the player herself ripped the jersey and that's why the refs missed it because it wasn't on the court and that's why gino missed it it wasn't on the court and then these comments uh that were said during the game he was clearly steaming from the beginning because don staley apparently made him wait three minutes to shake hands but then we saw a photograph of them actually shaking hands before the game because they they all went down the line like this photograph exists Apparently, before the game, again, they're announced by the stadium public address announcer and Gino was standing there waiting and left empty handed by Don Staley.
27:48And he was steaming about it all game to the point where he let her have it after the game.
27:57Rich Eisen:In such a way that there was a set to. I mean, what was that all about? And then after the game, asked if he regretted what he told Holly Rowe. And what came afterwards, this was his answer. I don't have any regrets about what I said to Holly Rowe. Why would I? Why would I? I've been coaching a long time. I've never had a kid have to change their jersey because somebody ripped it. And the official said I didn't see it. There are a lot of things that happened in that game. Unless you're on that sideline, you have no idea what's happening on that sideline. For 41 years, I've been coaching, and I've been, I don't know, 30, 25 final fours.
28:44And the protocol is, before the game, you meet that half court. Anybody ever see that before? Two coaches meet at half court, and they shake hands. Correct? You ever see it? They announce it on the loudspeaker.
28:57Todd McShay:And I waited there for like three minutes.
29:06Rich Eisen:so it is what it is it's just so unfortunate especially since he's talking about what you you know unless you're on the sideline or on the bench he clearly didn't know what was going on with you know his own player Sarah Strong and ripping her own jersey and he clearly did regret what he did uh because he put out a statement the next day saying there's no excuse for how I handled the end of the game versus South Carolina. It's unlike what I do and what our standard is here at Connecticut. I want to apologize to the staff and the team at South Carolina. It was uncalled for in how I reacted. The story should be how well South Carolina played, and I don't want my actions to detract from that.
29:48Rich Eisen:I've had a great relationship with their staff, and I sincerely want to apologize to them. The only two words missing from that statement are Don and Staley. And Rebecca Lobo, who I love her work. She's awesome calling the games with Ryan Rucco. She mentioned during the broadcast that Gino, broadcast yesterday, that Gino had reached out to Don Staley, which I was glad to hear. Then after the game, Don Staley was asked about that, the game against UCLA. This is what she had to say. Yes, that's a Gino question, right? Like, it really is a Geno question. I haven't heard from Geno, so I have not. That's not.
30:28I haven't. I mean, I got 800 text messages, so I don't know if he texts or not. But that's not. Like, I don't want to. Like, it's UCLA's day, right? And let's keep it UCLA, then winning the national championship. You know, again, I will address all of that at another time. It's not this weekend. Like, we're not going to damper UCLA's day with it. We can talk about South Carolina us losing. We can talk about UCLA winning the national championship and what's great about our game today.
31:02Rich Eisen:So, and in case you're just joining us in the middle of our Monday show here, I spoke at length about UCLA's championship at the end of hour one. This is not what I led with from the women's game. Waited because I wanted to give UCLA its due in spirit of what Don Staley said after the national championship game and also what Gino mentioned during the middle of his statement that it should be about South Carolina's victory. So unfortunate. Gino's had better days. You could hear all those things, but I don't know. He was steam in all game. Steam in all game. And there are some who, that's what it seems like to me.
31:51Rich Eisen:I know there are many. You want to say? Go ahead. Yeah, Sarah has a great take. She was watching this, and she thinks that this is Geno kind of playing 4D chess, where he puts all the heat and the pressure on himself, and no one's talking about Sarah Strong going 4 for 16, and AZ Fudd going 3 for 15, and UConn only scoring nine points in the fourth quarter. This is a way to kind of get people not to talk about that, and how his team essentially choked when they've won 50 something straight games and big, big favorites heading into this championship. And we're not talking about that. We're talking about the coach being kind of an a-hole and that's kind of genius.
32:29If that's what it is, except there's, there's years of film and interviews. This show that like, this isn't something out of the blue for this guy. He's also done more for the sport than anyone, maybe ever. And then by the way,
32:43Rich Eisen:you're not, you're not lying in, in terms of that. And, you know, last week when he was talking about whoever comes up with these schedules for some of these teams that he was using his platform to basically say, I'm Gino Auriemma. And I'm telling you, this is not good for my staff. It's not good for my players. Not good for any staff. Not good for any players. Who the hell's coming up with these schedules that drags our asses out here to seven in the morning? And then we don't get on the court to practice till six o 'clock at night. And then you're seeing all these three point shots bang off the back iron.
33:15Rich Eisen:And this is bad for the sport. that's that's where Gino does what he should be doing on behalf of the women's game but in that respect too in that respect that you do have 40 years in coaching and you do have 20 some odd final fours and all of these championships and you need to be held to a different standard in that regard and in that regard if you are the standard bearer then those South Carolina women who gave it to his UConn team. Sure did. Deserved to have him comport himself after the game, deal with Dawn Staley, give her the swim move if that's what you want, quick goodbye, deal with this later on, not there at center court for the whole world to see, and shake the hands of the South Carolina players who deserve to have their hands shaken by someone like Gino Auriemma and say, well done.
34:16Rich Eisen:I'll tell you this. If Taylor is ever so lucky to be in any situation like this, think about the parents of these young ladies. Again, the story that Holly Rowe told during the national championship game, I'll just tell this just as a specific story about Gabriela Jaquez, about how she was flying up. Did you hear that story she told during the game that when she was in high school, there weren't a lot of people paying attention. So she was flying up to Oakland from Southern California to be part of an AAU team. These are just stories about anybody out there, a parent of a kid who's trying hard to do their jobs.
34:59Rich Eisen:So achieve something. And achieve something in sports, right? The plane rides, the blood, sweat and tears, all that. Okay. If my daughter ever gets to be in a situation and beat a team like UConn and a coach like Gino Auriemma, I want him shaking her hand and saying, great job, because that's an affirmation, an affirmation. She deserves and these players deserve and he totally pooped the bed on that one because he comported himself so poorly. Everyone's just like, just go to the locker room. He got ejected from the line, essentially. Just go, man. If you're in this mood and you're doing this right now, and Dawn Staley is like going the other way, she didn't get through the line immediately.
35:48Rich Eisen:You could see that this was famously viral. She said, I'm going to beat Geno's ass. That's how she was so enraged by what happened. At first she was very confused when it first started. Because it's about the pregame handshake? Because she shook his hand. And there was a second one that apparently he was made to wait three minutes. Three whole minutes. And there's a point last year where he was waiting for her in the same situation. I saw that video. And he was just having fun with it. Kind of like, come on. I'm sitting here waiting, making his arms, saying, let's go. And he didn't make a big deal of that last year.
36:20Rich Eisen:You know why? Because they were the ones beating up South Carolina. This time he's the one who got beat. And this is his reaction. He knows better. And that's why he sent out that statement. But I truly feel for the South Carolina players who deserve to have somebody of Geno's stature walk through the line, look them in the eye and say, great game. Because he is the avatar of what you just mentioned, Chris. He is the avatar for the game. And he couldn't comport himself for two minutes. then you go to Dawn Staley call her up and say what the hell was that
37:04that's just a bad look and we're not talking about how his team underperformed I get it I can't sit here and believe that amount of time he goes you know what I'm going to do because they all look at the stats I don't know I think he was steaming about it this dude's really smart I get it I think we're giving him too much credit then because he has a history of being a little bit ornery I get it Yeah. Like, it's not like it's the first time it happened. You can't give him that much grace. He also has an industry of really protecting his players,
37:33Rich Eisen:which he could be doing in this. I get it. But instead of doing that. At the detriment of the other team. Instead of doing that, you own it when you lose. That's what you tell your kids. Yep. Own it. Get better. Failure helps in the long run. 100%. You know what I mean? I've been there before because you have. You have. You have a lot. And the South Carolina players deserve to have the, if you feel this way, and his resume says it, the dean of the game to go down the line, look them in the eye, and say, great game. Because it does mean a lot if Gino Auriemma does that. Yes. 844-204-RICH, number to tell.
38:18Rich Eisen:Take your phone calls. Jeffrey Ross. because we all need a laugh, certainly in this crazy-ass world. He's coming up in hour number three. The Rich Eisen Show, the podcast.
38:35Rich Eisen:Rich Eisen here. Every time I travel for a major sports moment, whether it's a playoff run or a huge primetime matchup, I see firsthand what happens to a city. Hotels fill up fast. Energy builds. Everyone wants to be part of it. now imagine that on a global scale the FIFA World Cup is coming this summer people and with it thousands of fans traveling to host cities across the country if you happen to live in one of those cities and you're planning to be away maybe you've got your own summer trip lined up this could be a practical opportunity while you're gone you could list your space on Airbnb and welcome traveling fans who want to experience the FIFA World Cup in person you're not changing your routine you're not committing to anything year-round, you're simply making the most of a moment when your city is in the global spotlight.
39:22Rich Eisen:I know when I'm on the road for a huge event, having a comfortable home base makes all the difference, and that's what fans will be searching for. If you've ever thought about listing your space, this summer is a great time as we welcome FIFA World Cup fans. Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how much at airbnb.com slash host. As you know, managing maintenance, repair, and operations is never easy. But for the ones who always rise to the challenge, Grainger has your back. From professional-grade products you can count on to fast, dependable delivery, they're there to help you keep things running smoothly.
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40:41Rich Eisen:always on PIX. Okay, but this is the Mets team. They're an outstanding broadcast team in the booth, and certainly their microphones, Mike, you'll appreciate this. Oh, yes. Clear as a belt. Certainly when there's a Giants fan hackling the Giants about losing to the Mets after the Yankees came through to sweep them to begin the year. Ball, what strength? Come on, Giants, wake up! Oh, yes.
41:14Rich Eisen:this is the b team we very knowledgeable fans in san francisco telling the giants to wake up the Yankees left town last week this is the b team what i do was clearly on some substance i don't think so illegal substance i know i think they're just locked in on on baseball and alcohol this is it's a Mets town we know this what what is San Francisco is New York's a Mets town so we're not the B okay no that's what Juan Soto said when he left the Yankees to go to the Mets that's why you're so anti-Soto no I mean there's many reasons why I'm anti-Soto hatred in your heart no because even fans around the country from sea to shining sea know who's the B team in NYC.
42:04Rich Eisen:And it's the New York Mets. The Metropolitan's. You don't lose to this team. They're the B team. Fantastic. Mets are a team of the people. Meanwhile, the Red Sox fan is acting like we're not talking about baseball. What can he say right now? What can you say? We stink. The first month. You guys calm down. It's terrible. It's almost like, did I say this on Friday? It's almost like they should have spent the money on Bregman and Pete Alonzo. We can't get any hits. We can't hit it for power. We got nothing. Are the pitching guys we signed sucked? Ranger Suarez is awful. Save this. What are we doing?
42:38Did you hear the sell the team chants yesterday? Oh, boy. Sell the team. Sell the team chants.
42:44Rich Eisen:I got to tell you, though, you got hosed yesterday. Wouldn't have mattered. Did you see this? Yeah, wouldn't have mattered. You were up 4-1. And, I mean, at the time. Did you see this play, TJ? I'm not sure. Okay. Well, I mean, we're not going to show it. Manny Machado, they're trying to pick him off at first base. catcher throws down with a you know a short hop throw but the first baseman's right there to grab it yeah uh machano's going back to the the base and 100 purposely kicked the ball into foul territory yeah and the umpires just like thought it was a booted ball or a hit runner and too bad boston balls live and runners advance yeah he absolutely booted it on person on purpose and No, look at it.
43:30Rich Eisen:I'm watching it. No question. He did it. I think it was, you know, just. No, that should be reviewable. Bad. That should be reviewable. He didn't want to step on the ball and turn his ankle. He that should be reviewable. Did you purposely interfere with the ball? And if so, you're out. O-U-T out. I don't know, man. There's a game of inches, bro. If we're if we're if we're allowing a tap of a helmet to get a game of inches down to down to a millimeter. That ball's a millimeter out of the strike zone, so it's a ball, not a strike, as it was called. If we're doing that, we should be able to review whether somebody is purposely booting a ball.
44:07He also hesitates, holds his foot up, and kicks it.
44:10Rich Eisen:I think he was trying to make sure the ball didn't hit him in his ankle. Yeah, right. So he was just... Yeah, just like, I don't want to get hit, so I'm going to hit the ball myself with the bottom of my foot. It doesn't sound like... Purposely. That was... Dude, and you know it's so bad that I'm talking about the Red Sox being hosed. they're five back of the yankees and the season is barely a week and a half old which could you have been hitting the ankle with a baseball before all right for small businesses every hire accounts and so does your time hiring can hiring can quickly become overwhelming from sorting applications to figuring out who's truly qualified that's where linkedin hiring pro helps it streamlines the process so you can focus on connecting with the right candidates not managing the noise.
44:51Rich Eisen:Hire right the first time. Post your job, post your first job, and get$100 off toward your job post at LinkedIn.com slash Eisen. That's LinkedIn.com slash Eisen. Terms and conditions apply. Chris in Riverside, California, right here in Southern California. What's up, Chris? What's going on? Hey, good morning. Hey, I know you guys have been talking a lot about the whole women's game yesterday, but I appreciate it so much that you've, you know, give UCLA women their due. I mean, it's been a long time coming. But, yeah, I mean, I just love to hear that. I mean, I think they're saying, and I just appreciate that you guys giving them their due because it was well-deserved.
45:33Rich Eisen:I think so, too. And, you know, obviously, we love in the media when coaches yell at each other and, you know, whenever there's a bad handshake moment in the NFL. I mean, Ben Johnson and Matt LaFleur, how many times did we talk about that? so achievements like the ones that UCLA came up with will get lost, but we wanted to give them their due because it was an absolute beatdown, a beatdown of South Carolina, 100%. Yeah, I know. I mean, they came out to play, and I think that South Carolina kind of underestimated what the girls were going to do, and I think they just showed that they were a team of destiny.
46:15Rich Eisen:Thank you very much. Appreciate the time. Have a great week, you guys. Talk to you later. That's Chris in Riverside, California. That was great. Let's go to Derek in Missouri. He's always hanging on. What's up, Derek? What's up, man? I'm good, Rich. I asked you how you're doing, but I already know the answer to that question. Oh, good. But good luck to you and your Michigan in blue tonight. Thank you. On that note, I got what's more likely for you, sir. What's the receiver of their new team going into the 2026 season? Or more likely you had the better season. better year. Mike Evans or Dylan Waddle?
46:50Rich Eisen:Oof. Thank you, Derek. Appreciate the call. Waddle. I lean there, too. Evans just... When was the last time Evans played all 17 games? Let's look. Also, more mouths to feed in San Francisco, yeah? I think so. Well, I mean, McCaffrey is the engine of the offense. Mike Evans hasn't missed as many games is people make it out. 2023 he played all 17. Okay. He might miss a game. He usually has a month-long soft tissue absence. Not usually because the man's gotten 1 ,000 yards every year. I'm not saying he doesn't still. He almost came up with 1 ,000 yards last year. So you can't really miss a game. Despite the collarbone this time around.
47:40Rich Eisen:But, I mean, that's a good question. Put a pin in that one. It's a good one. put a pin in that one. Ooh, we got breaking news. Okay, and thankfully we got a whole top of the next hour for that. I don't even know what it is. The Rich Eisen Show Podcast. From 30 for 30 Podcasts. How do you have him? He's on fire! Did you think I want that shot? Brian Pata, senior defensive lineman from Miami. Gunned down. The key to this case, it's Brian. Boy, he's ripping. An hour before he died, he was on the phone arguing with somebody. This might be a hit. You want the truth. They just want a conviction. You can place him to arrest.
48:22We had a killer amongst us.
48:24Rich Eisen:Murder at the U. Listen now.
From the publisher
The Ringer’s Todd McShay and Rich preview the upcoming NFL Draft including how Alabama QB Ty Simpson stacks up to presumptive #1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza, how the bevy of quarterback talent that will be available in 2027 impacts Simpson’s draft stock this year, says why we could seem more than a dozen offensive lineman selected in the first round, and reveals which likely late-round running back could end up being a starter for the team smart enough to draft him.
Rich weighs in on the controversial postgame tirade by UConn Head Coach Geno Auriemma after the Huskies’ Final Four loss to Dawn Staley’s South Carolina squad.
Rich and the guys react to Angels OF Jo Adell robbing the visiting Seattle Mariners of three home runs, to a San Francisco Giants fan’s expert trolling of the New York Mets, and San Diego Padres 3B Manny Machado purposely kicking a batted ball while running the bases.
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