Pardon the Interruption Season 2017 Episode 134 Episode 134
- July 6, 2017
In Episode 134 of Pardon the Interruption, co-hosts Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon once again break down all of the day’s top sports stories with their signature blend of insight, humor, and playful banter. The episode airs in the summer of 2017, during a period when the sports world is in full swing with a variety of major events and developments.
As always, the show begins with the “Five Good Minutes” segment, during which Kornheiser and Wilbon bring in a guest expert to provide an extended analysis of a specific topic. In this episode, the guest is ESPN MLB analyst Tim Kurkjian, who discusses the latest news and rumors surrounding the high-stakes trade deadline in Major League Baseball. Kurkjian gives his take on which teams are likely to make major moves, which players are the hottest commodities on the market, and which contenders need to make a move in order to cement their status as championship contenders.
From there, Kornheiser and Wilbon turn their attention to the NBA, where the Golden State Warriors are fresh off their second championship in three years and are poised to dominate the league for years to come. The hosts debate whether the Warriors’ formidable “super team” is good for the league and whether the rest of the NBA needs to find a way to catch up or simply accept their fate as also-rans. They also delve into the ongoing debate over who is the best player in the league, with Wilbon arguing forcefully for LeBron James and Kornheiser making the case for Kevin Durant.
The show then pivots to the NFL, where the preseason is in full swing and teams are tinkering with their lineups and trying to find the right formula for success. Kornheiser and Wilbon discuss the latest quarterback controversies, including the competition between Mitchell Trubisky and Mike Glennon in Chicago and the ongoing saga of Colin Kaepernick and his inability to find a team willing to sign him. They also look ahead to the upcoming season and predict which teams are poised to make a run at the Super Bowl, with Wilbon putting his money on the New England Patriots and Kornheiser making a more daring prediction by picking the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The episode then takes a detour into the world of tennis, where the U.S. Open is just around the corner and the sport is buzzing about the potential return of Serena Williams from maternity leave. Kornheiser and Wilbon ponder whether Williams will be able to regain her dominant form after giving birth and whether she has a realistic shot at winning another major title. They also discuss the rising stars of men’s tennis, including the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic.
Next up is college football, which is gearing up for its own season and is already providing plenty of drama and intrigue. Kornheiser and Wilbon debate whether the Alabama Crimson Tide are still the team to beat in the SEC and whether the Big Ten or the ACC will offer the biggest challenge to their dominance. They also discuss the impact of the ongoing controversy over the use of Confederate symbols and imagery in college sports, with Kornheiser arguing that it’s time for schools and conferences to take a stronger stand and Wilbon supporting the athletes who are protesting and using their platforms to effect change.
Finally, the hosts wrap up the show with their signature “Happy Hour” segment, during which they discuss a variety of off-topic subjects and share a few laughs. In this episode, they talk about everything from the latest celebrity sightings to their favorite cocktails to the quirks of their respective pets. It’s a lighthearted and fun-filled way to close out the show and provides a nice contrast to the more serious and intense discussions that preceded it.
Overall, Episode 134 of Pardon the Interruption is a jam-packed and highly entertaining hour of sports talk that covers a wide range of topics and leaves viewers feeling informed, engaged, and amused. With its dynamic duo of hosts, its impressive roster of guest experts, and its irreverent and provocative approach to sports commentary, the show continues to be a must-watch for fans of all ages and backgrounds.