On today’s episode of Show Pony Live, presented by AR’s Hot Honey, we covered another packed day in college athletics, beginning with the surprising news that North Carolina football general manager Michael Lombardi has been placed on paid administrative leave. It’s a fascinating development for a program entering its first season under Bill Belichick and one we’ll continue to monitor closely.
We also discussed Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel’s reported $7 million buyout, another reminder of just how much money is now flowing through college athletics. Athletic directors, coaches, television networks, conferences—everything continues to get bigger financially, and the stakes have never been higher.
With Big Ten Media Days getting underway in Chicago this week, we previewed the biggest storylines to watch. Which teams are legitimate national title contenders? Which coaches are under the most pressure? And what questions need answering before Week 1 arrives? The Big Ten enters another season carrying enormous expectations, and we’ll be following every development.
One of my favorite segments today centered around Lane Kiffin. I played several of his comments from SEC Media Days and reacted to them live. Kiffin remains one of the most unique personalities in college football. Whether you agree with him or not, he has a way of saying exactly what he thinks while keeping everyone listening. He’s entertaining, insightful, and unlike almost anyone else in the sport.
We also examined the growing movement involving Stanford football players, who are reportedly attempting to organize around collective bargaining. It’s another sign that the conversation surrounding player rights, employment, and the future structure of college athletics isn’t slowing down anytime soon. The legal and financial landscape of college sports continues to evolve, and this story could have implications well beyond Palo Alto.
As always, thank you for supporting Show Pony Media. If you’re enjoying the podcast, please subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leave a rating and review, and share the show with another college football fan. Every subscription helps us continue growing this community.
Today’s episode is presented by AR’s Hot Honey. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re missing out. It’s the best hot honey I’ve ever had, and it’s become a staple in my kitchen. Visit ARsHotHoney.com and use promo code SHOWPONY15 to save 15% on your order.
Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you next time on Show Pony Live.
