AI Summary
5 min read“We like you, but just not enough to marry you.” That is how Ben Maller sums up the Los Angeles Rams’ apparent shift in strategy regarding wide receiver Puka Nacua. After a breakout rookie season that made him one of the NFL’s most exciting young pass-catchers, the Rams have reportedly paused negotiations on a long-term contract extension. The reason, according to Maller, is a combination of off-field behavior and organizational caution. Nacua is currently at a “frou-frou holistic rehab,” and the team has gone from speeding down the Autobahn with confetti and love letters to “driving over in Leisure World at about ten miles an hour.” The Rams are now reportedly considering simply using the franchise tag on Nacua rather than committing to a massive multi-year deal. Maller frames this as a classic NFL dilemma: pay the man or don’t pay the man.
The Rams and the Franchise Tag as a Relationship Status
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What you'll learn
- 1 (02:13) **Hour 3 Kickoff & Topic Preview** - Maller teases the three main topics for the hour: the Rams' hesitation to pay Puka Nacua, the White Sox "South Side Samurai" nickname controversy, and the Yankees' bullpen struggles.
- 2 (05:33) **NFL Lead: Are the Rams Terrified of Paying Puka Nacua?** - Maller reports that the Rams have paused negotiations on a long-term contract for Puka Nacua after he entered a holistic rehab, and are now considering just using the franchise tag.
- 3 (10:07) **MLB Controversy: The "South Side Samurai" Nickname** - Maller dives into the backlash against White Sox broadcaster John Schifrin for calling Japanese star Murakami the "South Side Samurai," a nickname the team has banned.
- 4 (15:07) **Yankees Bullpen Panic: Real or Overblown?** - Maller reacts to an unnamed scout's assessment that the Yankees bullpen "stinks," arguing the situation is as bad as "raw sewage" and is a "tax deductible charity for struggling pitchers."
- 5 (19:07) **Quick Hits: Michigan Title & Maller Riddle** - Maller gives a quick take on Michigan's championship win over UConn, crediting "generous officiating" and foul shots, and then introduces the Maller Riddle of the Day.
- 6 (25:24) **Listener Calls & Riddle Answers** - Maller takes calls from listeners Lucky Tony, Arsaid, and Dorco the Comedian, mixing banter with guesses for the Maller Riddle.
- 7 (37:02) **Maller's Mountain of Money Setup** - Maller introduces the contestants for the trivia game: Manuel in Gardena (teamed with Maller) and Jimmy in St. Paul (teamed with producer Coop).
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Guests on this episode
Show Notes
Ben Maller talks about reports that the Rams could delay contract extension talks with WR Puka Nacua, what stands out about the White Sox brass being upset over the South Side Samurai nickname, Maller's Mountain of Money: Paul Rudd Edition, and more!
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