Are you ready to finally make that dream a reality? Maybe it's updating your kitchen, paying down high interest credit cards, or covering tuition. Your home is more than where you live. It's also your most powerful asset. At Unlock, we make it simple to turn equity into options.
With a home equity agreement, you can access cash today without taking on new debt or monthly payments. Imagine the freedom to invest in your home, reduce financial stress, or finally start that big project you've been putting off. It's your home. It's your future. Unlock it today.
Visit unlock.com to learn more about a home equity agreement. That's unlock.com to learn more. Terms and conditions apply. Not all homeowners will qualify. Not available in all states.
Actor Portrayal. Home equity agreements are offered by Unlock Home Equity Solutions Inc. in certain states. NMLS number 2657081. Visit www.consumeraccess.org for more info.
Listen up, football fans. You won't want to miss this. Right now, new Bet365 customers bet $5 and get $200 in bonus bets win or lose.
So you could turn that $200 into something bigger when you bet on Money Live. Spread, totals, player props. $200 in bonus bets when new customers bet $5. I know where I'm going to bet from now on. Everordinary F Bet365.
Gambling problem? Call 1-877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov. Must be physically located in North Carolina. TNC Supply and app only. Moms, dads, are you the parent of a student athlete?
Do you want to know how to get the most out of youth sports? If so, listen to the Next Pitch podcast to give you the tools to raise an aspiring athlete. It's not simple, but we talk straight and give you the best insight there is when it comes to youth sports. We'll cover everything from nutrition and training to mental toughness and teamwork. It's a podcast you can listen to together with your kids so everyone can benefit.
Follow NextPitch on the Odyssey app or wherever you listen to podcasts. Yes, you are. This is the JR Sport Brief on the Infinity Sports Network. It is great to be with you.
However and wherever. You may be listening from. You could be in your car. You could be in your truck. You could be at work like the great Ryan Botcher and I.
You could be chilling and relaxing at your home. You could be getting us for free on the Odyssey app. You could potentially be hearing us on SiriXM Channel 375. You can be getting us on a smart speaker device. All you have to say to Alexa is play the Infinity Sports Network.
And shout out to all those local affiliates that carry the JR Sport Brief and the rest of the Infinity Sports Network throughout North America. There is so much to get into. On this busy program. Obviously, you have a Monday football. We're certainly going to discuss Caleb Williams' ascension.
Told you not to doubt him. Told you he was the real deal. Told you the talent was off the charts. You didn't want to listen.
Well, I think four touchdowns, zero interceptions later, you're rethinking your idea and your premise about Caleb Williams not being a franchise quarterback. We will certainly discuss the Kansas City Chiefs bouncing back, and we all anticipated that they would. And we will, of course, get into the major MLB headlines over the weekend along with college football. But we begin with a news breaking piece of information That shocked a lot of people. Not just in college sports, but in all of professional sports.
But what kind of a host would I be? If I didn't say hi first and foremost and greet our executive producer, Ryan Botcher, it's great to work with you, brother. How you been, man? I've been good. Yeah?
Yeah. Good weekend? Ah, better than most, I would say. Yeah, well, listen. Um.
A different type of weekend for the Clemson Tigers fans, and we'll certainly get into that.
So we are, and Bacha, we're streaming on YouTube. Right now.
So that's awesome. It's a different way to get our show.
So you can hit us up in the YouTube chat. Shout out to Botcher and Sampter and Kaplan for making that happen. We greatly appreciate it.
So let's get right into The biggest, and I would say the most shocking news in quite some time that we've had in college sports. Bruce Pearl. is calling it a career. At the University of Auburn he announced his retirement to day. I'm shocked.
for a plethora of reasons. First of all, Bruce Pearl is sixty five years young. He's not sixty five years old. His exuberance His energy His rah-rah mentality It hasn't waned. in the entire time that he's coached.
BRUCE PERL is coming off of one of the most successful seasons Of his entire career, some would argue the most successful season he's ever had as a head coach, and he has been doing it for more than 30 years. But the state of college sports whether it be the NIL. whether it be the transfer portal, We understand It is not user friendly. When it comes to building successful programs year in and year out, because you have to always hit the reset button. And it's why you saw Nick Sabin, with all his success, still very much coaching at his apex, Saying Say an error.
I'm out. I'm done. I got a contract until the 2030s. Too bad. I don't need this headache.
I don't need this frustration. I'd rather chill on the lake with Miss Terry. and shoot videos with Eli Manning. And he stayed retired.
Now basketball. That's been even more prevalent. That's been even more frequent. No one expected Tony Bennett. To walk away before.
Before the age of 60 at Virginia, no one expected Jay Wright. to walk away in his early sixties. No one expected Roy Williams to walk away when he did, Coach K when he did. Those are Among many different examples of head coaches in college basketball that retired prematurely. And this is just the latest example of that.
And his son, Steven Pearl, who has been the associate head coach, is going to take over this upcoming season. And So, I get the logic of why coaches are retiring prematurely. I just don't get why this particular coach is retiring prematurely and when he's doing it. First of all, we all know college basketball, the regular season. We're not even talking preseason, we're not even talking scrimmages and practices and media sessions, the official regular season of college basketball.
begins in about five weeks.
So if you're Bruce Pearl, And you have not coached a game in essentially half a year. Why make this decision now? Right, that's the first thing that popped in my brain. That came to my nuke in, right? The second thing is, and I kind of hit on this a little bit before.
is he's coming off a thirty-two win season. in which Auburn was The number one overall seed led by Janai Broom, of course, for the NCAA tournament. Auburn ain't ever done that before. And they played against the eventual national champion Florida Gators. Who they push to the brink in the national semifinals.
Auburn was up for most of that game.
So He's still coaching At his very best, clearly hasn't lost his fastball. the ability that he has in terms of game management hasn't gone away.
So why make this move now? A week before October. five weeks before we're about to start another college basketball regular season. makes no sense to me. It it really doesn't.
And then You factor in and this is what's w this is what's really, really surprising to me. is he's got over 700 career wins. And you look at what he's done in Auburn. He's made the tournament more than he's missed it. And he is without question The most successful coach in the history of the Auburn men's Tigers basketball program, it's not even debatable.
They have been around for more than 100 years.
Now, I don't know how many basketball historians we have listening to this program, particularly when it comes to college basketball. But the final four began in 1939.
So clearly, Auburn was around for 1939 if they have been around for more than 100 years. And by the way, How do you not love 1939? I mean you got the inception of the Final Four. You also have the Making of The Wizard of Oz and Gone with the Wind. What a year to be alive in America But I digress.
When you discuss the History of the Auburn Men's Tigers. Since nineteen thirty nine they had not made a Final Four. Not once. Until Bruce Pearl came along. and they have made two final fours.
in the last six years. That is called immediately Elevating raising a program. That's what Bruce Pearl does. That's what he's always done. He goes to predominantly football schools, whether it be Auburn, before this stop, it was Tennessee.
And by the way, Bruce Pearl, no disrespect to Rick Barnes. I believe it is the most successful coach in the history of the Tennessee men's volunteer program. You talk about what he was able to do there? Making it to the program's first ever Elite Eight? making it to two additional Sweet 16s.
He never missed a tournament at Tennessee. That's a football school. Tate Manny played there. When you think of Tennessee, You don't think of Chris Lofton? You probably don't even think of Dalton Kinect.
You think of Peyton Manning. When you think of Auburn, you think of Bo Jackson, you think of Cam Newton. You're not thinking of Janai Broome? But because of Bruce Pearl, Those became basketball. I don't want to say powerhouses because that would be a little bit of an exaggeration.
But they certainly became elite. Basketball. programs. And when you think about guys like Coach K. or you think about individuals like the late, great Dean Smith, They were really only known for one school.
Now, Coach K had a few years at West Point. Dean Smith only coached at North Carolina. as a head coach. And to me, you're talking about seven combined national championships. I believe 25.
22 or 23 combined final fours. And that's really impressive what they've done. But what's equally as impressive, while somebody like a Rick Petino or a Bruce Pearl? does not have the national championship resume of a Coach K. everywhere they go.
Everywhere they go they win. And that's the case for Bruce Pearl. Even it's southern Illinois. He was winning national championships. In Division 2.
He completely resurrected that program. He brought them to national prominence. He brought Tennessee to national prominence. He brought Auburn to national prominence. Just because he doesn't have the national championship hardware?
When you go to a new school after new school after new school and you continuously rebuild and not just rebuild, but you elevate them to heights that they've never seen before as a program. That to me is as equally imp impressive. I look at what Rick Petino was able to do at Saint John's, resurrecting that. Yeah, they got knocked off early in the second round as a two seed. But the fact that he made that program relevant from early That's as impressive as going to a a duke or UCLA.
and coaching off the coattails of a John Wooden or a Coach K. That's how I feel about what Bruce Pearl has done.
So, yeah. He hasn't won a national championship. But He is an all-time great head coach, all-time great head coach. And I never thought I would be saying this today, certainly not when I woke up. But this is Bruce Pearl.
Announcing His retirement at 65 years young. Coach, please explain yourself. Eleven years ago, We planted roots here in Auburn, Alabama. And that won't change. God truly had a plan.
But for me, It's time. I've been a part of college basketball. for almost fifty years. And the truth is It's time. I told myself Then when I got to the point, when I could not give it my all.
where I wasn't necessarily 100%. where I couldn't be the relentless competitor. That you expected of me. Hmm. that it was going to be time.
And as hard as it is to say this. I reached the realization. It is time for me to step aside. Bacher, we always keep it real on this show. Just Very quickly.
How much of that was scripted? How much of that? was truly from the heart off the cuff. I'd say most of it was scripted because that was later in the video. Right.
Basically, he read verbatim what he wrote in his statement. But the emotions are still there, sure.
So this is what I'm hearing, and I've talked to a lot of people, because we're always going to keep it real on the show, Ryan Botcher. You've been working in sports for a few years now, so you get how this business works. Bruce Pearl is not a dumb guy. and he is not a malicious person either. He's putting His son, In a very difficult position.
By being the head coach. with his first ever head coaching experience, With a month prior to the regular season actually starting.
So, this is what I've heard. Bruce Pearl wants a second act. And that second act. is in politics. That second act is potentially running for Congress.
running for the Senate. Maybe some of the things that have transpired throughout the last few months Maybe that's resonated with him, gotten to him. But you just don't hang it up. A month before the regular season, is this when it comes to your spidey sense, Botcher? Does this not sit completely well with you either.
So when I look at it You look at how good they were last year, Auburn. And see how good their players are, and they left for the draft.
So Jania Broom's gone. Sure. And then you also had um his freshman got arrested. Tajay, forgot his last name. But a lot of change is happening with the talent coming in.
Maybe decided Last year was his last run with it, and now he's going to pursue different things. Again, That's all well and good. Why make this decision? late September. I mean, what we're we're talking More tha we're talking six months after That crushing You know, defeat in the national semifinals.
And, you know, I mentioned Auburn, I mentioned Tennessee. I don't know how many people realize this. Do you can you tell me anything about the Milwaukee Panthers? Because the only thing I can tell you is they made a Sweet 16 20 years ago. You know who coached that team 20 years ago?
And Bruce Pearl. Yeah. Yeah. I can't tell you one other thing about the Milwaukee Panthers. What I do know, the last 20 years, They've won one NCA tournament game, just one.
They made it to the sweet 16 with Bruce Pearl. If anybody. can pivot. Can adjust. can make the proper moves to rebuild Right.
to refurbish. It's Bruce Pearl.
So, yeah. Anytime you go to a national semifinal game, you're losing talent. They were on a showcase for five-plus games on the biggest stage in college basketball. In March Mandis. But if anyone can recover It would be Bruce Pearl.
So I don't understand for the life of me why he makes this decision in late September. There is no question, though, When it comes to Bruce Pearl, He's still one of the most successful College basketball head coaches. we have had in the last 20 years. Tennessee, most recently Auburn. Obviously, you talk about what he did with the Milwaukee Panthers.
You talk about obviously what transpired. You know, we're talking a quarter century ago at southern Illinois. when the guy was winning national championships in Division II.
Now Also. He doesn't have a spotless resume. It's not completely flawless. Unfortunately, back in 2011, he was fired by Tennessee. He was charged by the NCIA with unethical conduct for lying to the NCAA during an investigation which involved recruiting.
So Somebody who Brought so much depth and heart and love for his teams, for his players. I'll never forget. That incredible night when he dresses up like the Hulk. And he's the head coach of Tennessee. And he's there to support the women's program coached by the legendary and late, great iconic Pat Summit.
You don't see any other men's head basketball coach in a major program doing that. Bruce Pearl did. But he's not without controversy. And he's not without a teeny bit of an asterisk. Because he hasn't always done things on the up and up.
Now in fairness He did have that three-year ban essentially, and he was a great analyst at ESPN in the meantime. And then he comes back to Auburn, and I believe he had the best. part of his coaching resume in the final act, the last 11 years, of his coaching head you know, resume. But Again, 65 years young, I look at Rick Petino. Rick Petino, 73, 74, Tom Izzo.
He's older. Then then Bruce Pearl? Rick Barnes, he's significantly older than Bruce Pearl. He's got so much more. to give.
He has so much left in the tank. And Bruce Pearl is someone that is infectious. He's larger. than life. He loves the stage, he loves the show.
and and what he does as well as anybody In college basketball, and I include Tom Izzo in this conversation. Is his ability to connect? and inspire people. I've never seen a coach. that can come to a program and immediately Turn it upside down in the best possible way and make it fun.
for his players. for his assistant coaches. for his training staff. His personality is infectious. He doesn't turn that off.
That's who he is. I've met him a few times. He's been on the Infinity Sports Network.
So this is a huge loss. For the game. of college basketball. It's a huge loss for sports. because he's one of the ultimate characters.
He's one of the ultimate In depth. personalities. That talks about more than just basketball. I mean, he's not afraid. to give you his opinions on things that are even larger than sports.
and his transparency is refreshing and it's rare. But again, Not the cleanest resume, having to step aside in 2011 from Tennessee, and that certainly has to be part of his legacy and his resume. But You know, I'm I'm I'm disappointed for for the sport of college basketball. Because if I'm coming up And I know JR, one of his staples is a top six list and it's must listen radio. Whenever he does a top six list, if I had to think of the top six coaches in college basketball the last 25 years on the men's side.
Bruce Pearl is in that conversation without a shadow of a doubt. And that's saying something considering who has coached in the last quarter of a century. Robert Montgomery Knight, the late great Bobby Knight, I know you all know who that is. Coach K? Roy Williams?
I mean And I love myself some Bobby Knight. Love Bobby Knight. When he got to Texas Tech. And and he was there for nearly a decade. When he got to Texas Tech.
He couldn't bring him to a Final Four. You know, Texas Tech, we think of Mike Leach. That's a football school, you know, before we think of basketball. The furthest he ever made it, I believe, was a sweet sixteen. Bruce Pearl just made two Final Fours at a football school in the last six years.
I'm telling you, this is one of the all-time great personalities and coaches. And yes, he doesn't have the national championship hardware. but he does have the most success. of all the four programs that he has coached at. And it's not even close.
Bruce Pearl? I'm gonna miss you, brother. Whatever you decide to do next, you're going to give your heart to it, you're going to give your mind to it, you're going to give everything to it. I just wish. College basketball didn't push.
so many young coaches out the door. Because this is a trend. This is not a one-off. and the only question begs, Who's next? Number to join us 888-710-4ISN.
That is 888-710-4476. I want your opinions on this. This to me is shocking. It makes no sense in terms of the timing, And it definitely is a hit for college basketball. Why do you believe Bruce Pearl is is electing to walk away.
In late September, A little over a month. before the regular season gets started. And when you think of Bruce Pearl and his legacy and his coaching career. what comes to mind. 888-710-4ISN.
Again, that is 888-710-4476. We will get to your calls on the other side. You will hear from a CBS sports basketball analyst As to the timing, Of this particular decision as well. There is so much we are going to get to in this show. My name is David Shepard, aka The Good Shepherd, filling in for the Great JR Sport Brief.
You can always follow me, hit me up on Twitter or Instagram at SheponAir, and we are coming right back. Shout out to the YouTube chat, by the way. Are high interest credit cards or personal loans weighing you down? Unlock gives homeowners a smarter option. With a home equity agreement, you can tap into your home's equity for cash today.
There are no monthly payments and no added debt. Here's how it works. Unlock provides funds upfront and in exchange, shares in a portion of your home's future value. That means you keep control with the flexibility to use your equity your way, pay off bills, invest in home improvements, or set aside savings for peace of mind. For thousands of homeowners, Unlock has been the key to moving forward without the pressure of another payment.
Put your equity to work for you. Visit unlock.com to learn more about a home equity agreement. That's unlock.com to learn more. Terms and conditions apply. Not all homeowners will qualify.
Not available in all states. Actor Portrayal. Home equity agreements are offered by Unlock Home Equity Solutions Inc. and certain states. NMLS number 2657081.
Visit www.consumeraccess.org for more info. That 365 is paying out before the final whistle. Check out Bet365's unrivaled early payout offer. When you bet on a team to win and they take a 17-point lead, you get paid no matter the final score. Forget the final whistle and start counting that cash.
Hold up. You get early payout on parlays too! Download the app and see why it's never ordinary at FED365. Gambling problem? Call 1-877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov.
Must be physically located in North Carolina. TNC Supplies. Botox Cosmetic, Autobotulinum Toxin A, FDA approved for over 20 years.
So, talk to your specialist to see if Botox Cosmetic is right for you. For full prescribing information, including boxed warning, visit BotoxCosmetic.com or call 877-351-0300. Remember to ask for Botox Cosmetic by name. To see for yourself and learn more, visit BotoxCosmetic.com. That's BotoxCosmetic.com.
Moms, dads, are you the parent of a student athlete? Do you want to know how to get the most out of youth sports? If so, listen to the Next Pitch podcast to give you the tools to raise an aspiring athlete. It's not simple, but we talk straight and give you the best insight there is when it comes to youth sports. We'll cover everything from nutrition and training to mental toughness and teamwork.
It's a podcast you can listen to together with your kids so everyone can benefit. Follow NextPitch on the Odyssey app or wherever you listen to podcasts. You are listening to the JR Sport Brief. Here's David Shepard. Welcome back, everybody.
This is the Good Shepard in for the great JR Sport Brief right here on the Infinity Sports Network. The number to join us is 888-710-4ISN, 888-710-4476. We'll certainly discuss the breaking NFL news when it comes to Nick Bosa. That's incredibly disappointing. But the news that shocked the sporting world on Monday is not NFL-related.
It is college basketball-related. Bruce Pearl stepping aside at 65 years young.
Now, I do want to read this particular tweet because the question I have. is how in the world is someone this successful? who's still at the top of his game, stepping away with just a month to go before the regular season. And shout out to Antoine Burwell, aka B Well two five three. He retired at this time so his son could get the job.
Exclamation point. There's no coaches available in September. Antoine, I want to address this. That's fair? But here's the thing.
Antoine, name me another head coach that's ever been at Auburn. In terms of basketball. I'm waiting. You can't. There has not been anybody remotely close to the success of Bruce Pearl.
making the tournament The majority of the years he was coaching there, making it to two Final Fours in a span of six years. They had not been to a previous Final Four. you know, prior to Bruce Pearl arriving in the program's history.
So here's what that means. Leverage. Just like Coach K. Just like Dean Smith. just like John Wooden, They have a significant say.
Jim Beheim had this as well, by the way. They have a significant say. in terms of who the coach in waiting Is going to be. I mean, it was pretty much all understood, and even though it didn't work out, that was going to be the case with Gerard Mayo. and Bill Belichick in New England.
You have leverage when you are the most successful coach in program history. Bruce Pearl could have so easily. went to their A D, went to the university president. and said, Hey, when I do decide to step down, I want Stephen, a.k.a., my son, to take over the programme, they would have obliged. They would have said, Bruce We've never had a finer coach in program history.
We've never been to a Final Four. You were up for most of the game against Florida, the national semifinal, and you know, you were this close to winning a championship. Yeah. Yeah, we'll acquiesce because we want to make you happy. That would have happened.
But it is unfair. To put this onus on a first-year head coach at this major of a program. In any situation.
So I don't love the timing of this. Matt Norlander, a CBS Sports HQ college basketball analyst. He tried to answer the question. As to why, let's hear that.
Well, there's a few things we can delve into this. One, it's not an easy decision to make, and so it can be if it's something that was weighing on Bruce for a number of months. At a certain point, you got to say, I'm either all in or I'm not. And so, took the weekend to think about it. I was told he made his final decision earlier on Monday.
Like, he went to bed Sunday night, woke up, and came and was at peace with it. This is what I'm going to do. There have been some rumors over whether or not Bruce Pearl would really. Opt to leave coaching to go into politics and potentially make a Senate run in the state of Alabama. I was told previously now, let's be clear on context here.
I was told this two, three months ago by a source very close to Bruce that he would not be making a Senate run in the year 2025 in the state of Alabama. Yeah, I thought it might have been politics, so I'm glad Matt cleared a lot of that up for us. Again, I am shocked by the timing. I'm very curious from your end. Why do you believe Bruce Pearl is stepping away with just a month to go before the regular season in college basketball?
And when you think of Bruce Pearl's legacy, And his coaching accolades. What comes to mind? Let's get to the busy phone lines. Let's read it off with Mr. Positive, aka Greg in Michigan.
Greg, I know you've been waiting the whole time, so I don't want to make you wait a second longer. How are you doing, brother? What you got for us? Oh shit, baby, that was perfect on Bruce Pearl. Um real quick.
Okay. Be getting into politics, perfect timing for the 26 election. Sure. Is he a Democrat or a Republican? Yeah, I'm not sure about that, Greg.
But, Greg, when it comes to his coaching career. Right. Would you say it's fair to make a claim he's one of the all-time great personalities in the history of the sport? Oh yeah. Oh yeah.
That was a good Randy Macho man impression, by the way. Um, hey, real quick, I gotta ask you, Chef, baby. My birthday's tomorrow. My wish is how can the Lions beat this juggernaut, this powerhouse of a team, uh, the Baltimore Ravens? Do they have a chance here in Detroit?
Have no idea. No, they have no idea. No, and Greg, first of all, happy birthday, man. Happy 35 years young. Let me say that first and foremost.
Yeah. Um the The Lions, I I love the bounce back that they had in week two. But They're not scoring fifty-two points against the Ravens. You don't have Ben Johnson anymore. You don't have Aaron Glenn anymore.
Yeah, you still got Amon Ra. You still got Goff, who was outstanding in week two, by the way. I don't think there was a better quarterback performance than Jared Goff with his five passing touchdowns, just five incompletions. But with all that being said, You're playing Baltimore in Baltimore. Lamar Jackson is still an MVP quarterback.
If it's not him, it's Josh Allen. It's going to be one of those two guys I believe this year. And I know you love yourself some Josh Allen. Derrick Henry has not slowed down for one second. Even when he's about to be 32 years old, he's still looking like he's a decade younger.
Zay Flowers is playing better than I've ever seen him play before. And then you have the complete rejuvenation. Of DeAndre Hopkins, who's looking like he found the fountain of youth. You know the Ravens are still pissed for blowing that game when they were up by 15 points with four minutes left in the fourth quarter against Buffalo in week one.
So I anticipate while the Lions under Dan don't bite my kneecap Campbell, they're gonna compete, they're gonna be tough, they're gonna be feisty. They do not have the personnel. Or the talent to stay with Baltimore for four quarters, and that's why they're going to come up short and fall to one and two. Thank you, Chef. Thanks for taking my call.
You too. We love you, brother. We love you too, Mr. Positive. Always good to hear from you.
Number to join us: 888-710-4ISN, 888-710-4476.
Now, before we throw to a sports flash, I haven't worked with this guy in quite some time. Rich Ackerman, how are you doing, man? I'm doing I'm all right. Yeah. I'm all right.
I hear you, man. You all right? I'm doing well. All right. Appreciate you asking, Ag.
Before we get to your sports flash, I just want to pick your brain for one second. Yes. The big news in the world of sports, and I would say the shocking news in all of sports, is Bruce Pearl electing to step down at 65 years young. Where do you rate Bruce Pearl? among the best coaches of this century.
of this century.
Well, Mike Krzyzewski, obviously, even though he's no longer coaching, is right there, Jay Wright. Uh is also up top. And I had to give it some thought because I don't want to overlook anybody. Right. You know, he's been to two Final Fours, both with Auburn.
He had a very good run at Tennessee. He's a very good coach. Um. You know, I I don't know if I'd put him in the elite category, but very good.
So, my contention was. You can have a guy like Coach K. You can have a guy like Dean Smith.
Now, Coach K did coach for a few years. At the West Points as well. At Tom Izzo? At Tom Izzo, absolutely. Tom Izzo, I feel like he made Bill Self, two national championships for Bill Self.
Izzo got that one in 2000, and then has been to like eight Final Fours since. But to me, What is As impressive without having to win a national championship, is well, he did win one at Southern Illinois. But you talk about what he did going to Milwaukee. No one knows anything about Milwaukee Panther basketball. He brought them to a Suite 16 20 years ago, they have been nowhere since.
Tennessee, they've never been to Elite Eight. He gets there, they make an Elite Eight and two additional Sweet 16s. He gets to Auburn, to your point, makes multiple Tennessee had a very rich basketball tradition. And, you know, I don't want to take anything away from Bruce Pearl, but, you know, back when, and this is going back to the 70s when they had Bernard King and Ernie Grunfeld, the tournament wasn't as vast. But it's a good accomplishment, not to take anything away from him.
Right, absolutely. But I look at Bruce Pearl, to me, what's as impressive as the impression. as winning three national championships at one school is being at four different schools. In it. reaching new heights that that program has never seen before, that's why I believe you can make the position and have an argument that Bruce Perl belongs in that elite head coaching Conversation.
Hey, very lastly, is there another show I can watch besides The White Shadow? Because he recommended a very good show, and we could spend the next four hours talking about The White Shadow. Off the back one. That's the next rec you owe me. You could you could uh for for laughs, you could watch WKRP in Cincinnati.
What's that? That was about a who stars in it? Howard Hessman, Gordon Jump, Lonnie Anderson. Yeah. How do you know this show?
Because it's a famous show on Thanksgiving. How do you know this show? And by the way, why does the name Howard Hessman sound so familiar? He was on head of the class. He was a lot of shows.
Did he pass away recently? Yeah, okay, okay, okay. He learned something every day on the Infinity Sports Network. I can't believe, Botcher, I can't believe you know this show. That's impressive.
My dad had it on once, and there was a famous Thanksgiving episode where they thought turkeys could fly. And Lonnie Anderson. I mean, that's some talent, too. You know the name Lonnie Anderson. All right, that's a good recommendation.
That's a great role. That was just the first one that rolled off the top of my head.
Sorry. I don't know why I picked that one, but that was just there. That's good to know. That's good to know. We learned something every day sitting across from Rich Ackerman.
Remember to join us, 888-710-4ISN. That is 888-710-4476. Not only can you call us, not only can you tweet me at Chet Bon Air, you can always hit us up in our YouTube chat. We are live right now. When we get back.
There was some unfortunate news regarding a superstar. in the NFL. They are out for the season. We will give you the details. We will provide all the depth into why that could be a total derailment for that particular squad.
We will explain on the other side.
So much more to do along with taking your calls. This is the Good Shepherd in for the JR Sport Brief. But before we do anything else, let's get to our latest Sports Flash. With the aforementioned, big fan of the White Shadow, as you know, here's Rich Ackerman. Are high interest credit cards or personal loans weighing you down?
Unlock gives homeowners a smarter option. With a home equity agreement, you can tap into your home's equity for cash today. There are no monthly payments and no added debt. Here's how it works. Unlock provides funds upfront and in exchange, shares in a portion of your home's future value.
That means you keep control with the flexibility to use your equity your way, pay off bills, invest in home improvements, or set aside savings for peace of mind. For thousands of homeowners, Unlock has been the key to moving forward without the pressure of another payment. Put your equity to work for you. Visit unlock.com to learn more about a home equity agreement. That's unlocked.com to learn more.
Terms and conditions apply. Not all homeowners will qualify. Not available in all states. Actor Portrayal. Home equity agreements are offered by Unlock Home Equity Solutions Inc.
and certain states. NMLS number 265-7081. Visit www.consumeraccess.org for more info. That 365 is paying out before the final whistle. Check out Bet365's unrivaled early payout offer.
When you bet on the team to win and they take a 17-point lead, you get paid no matter the final score. Forget the final whistle and start counting that cash. Hold up. You could early pay out on parlays too! Download the app and see why it's never ordinary at SET365.
Gambling problem? Call 1-877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov. Must be physically located in North Carolina. TNC Supplies. Botox Cosmetic, Autobotulinum Toxin A, FDA approved for over 20 years.
So, talk to your specialist to see if Botox Cosmetic is right for you. For full prescribing information, including boxed warning, visit BotoxCosmetic.com or call 877-351-0300. Remember to ask for Botox Cosmetic by name. To see for yourself and learn more, visit BotoxCosmetic.com. That's BotoxCosmetic.com.
Moms, dads, are you the parent of a student athlete? Do you want to know how to get the most out of youth sports? If so, listen to the Next Pitch Podcast to give you the tools to raise an aspiring athlete. It's not simple, but we talk straight and give you the best insight there is when it comes to youth sports. We'll cover everything from nutrition and training to mental toughness and teamwork.
It's a podcast you can listen to together with your kids so everyone can benefit. Follow Next Pitch on the Odyssey app or wherever you listen to podcasts. You're listening to the JR Sport Brief. Here's David Shepard. Welcome back, everybody.
This is the Good Shepherd in for the Great JR Sport Brief right here on the Infinity Sports Network. Think O'Reilly Auto Parts for all your car care needs, get guaranteed low prices, and excellent customer service from the professional parts people at O'Reilly. Auto parts. Let me change the tune of my voice before we get back to phone calls for a second. Very disappointing news for the San Francisco 49ers.
A very impressive 3-0 start to their season. And the majority of those wins have come with Mac Jones, who, let's be honest, has been an afterthought in the NFL since a strong rookie season in New England, going 10-7, making the playoffs. But he's been a backup for New England. He's been a backup, you know, unfortunately, in other places. And then, obviously, a backup in San Francisco.
I believe a backup in Jacksonville, if memory serves me correctly. That's how irrelevant he was last year. But unfortunately, some very tough news. The 49ers have gotten word in the last few hours that their star defensive end, Nick Bosa, is out for the remainder of the season. Um with a torn ACL in his right knee.
Now the tear is clean, but it's still going to require seizing ending surgery, according to ESPN's Adam Schaefer. This is incredibly disappointing, again, for a team that is going to have Brock Purdy back very soon, looking to make another run to the Super Bowl. We all know it was embarrassing for them and how they finished last year, being completely irrelevant, missing the playoffs entirely. They have a chance to really make some noise in the NFC, finally get over the hump, win a Super Bowl for the first time in more than three decades. This does not look good.
And it was unfortunate because, you know, he's obviously going after Kyler Murray. You know, he gets hit from the left side, gets knocked over. You know, he's bending awkwardly. He falls down. He's bracing on the ground.
He tries to walk off. You know, you can tell he's walking off very slow. He goes to the tent, and then he's doing stretching and he's doing high knees. And you're thinking, okay, maybe he's going to come back. And then he goes into the tunnel, but he gives a thumbs up on his way to the tunnel.
And unfortunately, it was the worst news that the 49ers could possibly anticipate. And this is cruel because this is not the first time that he has had. To miss most of a season in the NFL. We all remember what happened in 2020 when he tore the ACL in his left knee in a week two win against the New York Jets.
So, this is just a very disappointing season-ending injury. And it sucks because the guy was balling out, right? Two sacks, eight pressures, 15 tackles already. hit in two games, so You know, to me Um you know, this is this is just rough. And it's really rough because The 49ers You know, they already had eight incoming starters on that side of the ball that were new.
that that hadn't started last year. And so now you're you're missing your best defensive player in in Nick Bosa? Every single year this cat has been healthy, he's been a Pro Bowler. And you cannot forget about 2022 when he was the NFL Defense Player of the Year. You know, I know Trent Williams spoke about this.
Um And he's one of, if not the best offensive lineman in the entire NFL. You know, he says, look, this is a huge loss, but, you know, we have to have an all-hands-on-deck approach. Yeah. And you're going to have to pray. Because there is no one that can fill the shoes of Nick Bosa.
Not on this roster. Not with all the new pieces. Their head coach, Kyle Shanahan, he spoke after. the game, about the spirit. of Nick Bosa, and here's what Kyle Shanahan had to say.
I haven't seen Nick yet. I'm sure he's concerned. Um And just knowing how he would be in. Hopefully we'll have some good news tomorrow. They haven't rolled it out.
No, we're not sure. I mean, there is concern because of how he feels and. you know But you know, they do the tests and stuff on the sideline. Usually, they say whether he definitely did or not, and they didn't say that. Um but we are concerned with that and Um keeping our fingers crossed for the the MRI or whatever he does.
Yeah, it's really disappointing. They got the worst news that they could possibly anticipate. And now you're going to have to be even more dependent on young players and new additions. And it's just a recipe for disaster. Not in terms of winning regular season games, but in terms of competing with the Philadelphia Eagles, in terms of competing with the Green Bay Packers, you're missing a superstar like this on defense, still very much in the prime of his career.
It is a huge loss for the San Francisco 49ers. And our thoughts, our wishes, and our prayers go out to Nick Bosa. And we're hoping for him a seamless and very smooth recovery. And he is back at full strength in 2026. Number to join our program per usual: 888-71-4ISN, 888-710-4476.
Here's my question for you. How big of a blow do you believe that Nick Bosa being out with a Torn ACL is going to be? for the San Francisco 49ers considering It is season. Ending. We're going to take your calls on that.
Let's get to the busy phone lines right now for those who have been waiting patiently. Gary, appreciate your patience, buddy. How are you doing? And what you got for us? And don't think I don't see you on that YouTube chat, man.
You're a busy guy. Look at you multitasking. Yeah. Hey, Shep. It's good to hear you this time of night.
You know, first of all, about Boza. Obviously, it's going to be a big blow to the team. Yeah. To say is this: there was a while when the three Boses, the father and the two sons, lived in our neighborhood, they were renting a house. While they were in high school.
And this Nick was definitely the nicest in the family. I mean, but he's a good guy. Yeah. So we wish, aside from football, I'm saying, I know, absolutely. And he's, I mean, Gary, he's the superstar.
Uh He's the best of the three. I can tell you that. Yeah, sounds like not just as a player, but as a person.
So that's good to know you had that positive experience. My wife. Was on one of those knee walkers. She had a broken foot, one of those Jones fractures. Yeah.
And she was out taking the garbage out or something. He went out of his way. You know, things like that. Damn, now I feel even more bad about this injury. Gary, thanks a lot.
Yeah. This will make you feel better. Chef baby.
Okay, this is for Greg.
Okay, don't feel bad, Greg. Just think about Green Bay and Cleveland. Yesterday. Anything is possible. Yeah.
Okay. Yeah. Okay? Then about the white shadow.
Now I'm old enough to remember when I used to watch that show when it was on every week. I think it was on like Wednesday or Thursday night. I forget. But that show was so Relevant at the time. In a way, it was sort of like all in the family because it was very hip.
It had dealt with social issues, but it didn't deal with adult social issues. It dealt with major social issues.
Now Ken Reeves had a little bit different of a temperament than Archie Bunker though. Oh, hell yeah, yeah. What's saying is it was slightly controversial, not controversial like all in the family. it was it was it was very interesting to somebody who, you know, thinks on a on a bigger, more of expanded level, let's put it that way. Absolutely.
And by the way, I know in the topic bar it says that you were also calling about the Miami hurricanes.
So I'm glad you got the win 26 to 7, but I ain't loving what I'm seeing from Carson Beck, Gary. You know, you told me that I think it was uh Saturday night, I think you told me that was Friday night. You told me that you weren't crazy about him and he threw interceptions, and I argued with you. I said, No, no, he doesn't throw interceptions. Right, right.
You know, here's how I look at it. Right. I fully expect them to come back full force. And I'll say this: that offensive line is so powerful, and these two running backs that that team has, they They got two running backs. One is named Mark Fletcher, and one is named Marty Brown.
Man, I'm telling you. You what one is better than the other. They are strong, they are fast, they know how to get in that end zone. And if they had to, they could beat FSU and who knows, but that's gonna be the tall order because they have a bye week, as you know, but they are going to have to go against FSU in Florida.
Well, obviously the same state, but I mean in Tallahassee.
So that's going to be the. That's going to be the ultimate test. Gary, always appreciate you, brother. Great involvement in our YouTube chat and great involvement on our busy phone lines, man. You have a great rest of your week, and we'll talk over the weekend, okay, my friend?
Thanks, Gary. Good to hear from you, man. Number to join us 888-710-4ISN. That is 888-710-4476. If you are on hold, I know we got a lot of people still on hold that want to talk about Bruce Pearl and his sudden retirement.
We will get to your calls on the other side. When we get back, There's a lot of people that own apology. Caleb Williams.
Now I'm not one of them. Cause I have been pro-Caleb. for the entirety. of his year plus in the NFL.
Well he showed you. why he is truly a number one pick and a franchise altering quarterback. We'll give you the details on that next. We'll break it down on the other side. Good Shepard, in for the JR Sport Brief, right here on the Infinity Sports Network.
We're coming right back, y'all. Are high interest credit cards or personal loans weighing you down? Unlock gives homeowners a smarter option. With a home equity agreement, you can tap into your home's equity for cash today. There are no monthly payments and no added debt.
Here's how it works: Unlock provides funds upfront and, in exchange, shares in a portion of your home's future value. That means you keep control with the flexibility to use your equity your way, pay off bills, invest in home improvements, or set aside savings for peace of mind. For thousands of homeowners, Unlock has been the key to moving forward without the pressure of another payment. Put your equity to work for you. Visit unlock.com to learn more about a home equity agreement.
That's unlock.com to learn more. Terms and conditions apply. Not all homeowners will qualify. Not available in all states. Actor Portrayal.
Home equity agreements are offered by Unlock Home Equity Solutions Inc. in certain states. NMLS number 2657081. Visit www.consumeraccess.org for more info. you Listen up football fans, you won't want to miss this.
Right now, new Bet365 customers bet $5 and get $200 in bonus bets win or lose.
So you could turn that $200 into something bigger when you bet on Money Live, Spread, Totals, Player Props. $200 in bonus bets when new customers bet $5. I know where I'm going to bet from now on. Everordinary FBET365. Gambling problem?
Call 1-877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov. Must be physically located in North Carolina. TNC Supply and app only. Botox Cosmetic, Autobotulinum Toxin A, FDA approved for over 20 years.
So, talk to your specialist to see if Botox Cosmetic is right for you. For full prescribing information, including boxed warning, visit Botoxcosmetic.com or call 877-351-0300. Remember to ask for Botox Cosmetic by name. To see for yourself and learn more, visit BotoxCosmetic.com. That's BotoxCosmetic.com.
Moms, dads, are you the parent of a student athlete? Do you want to know how to get the most out of youth sports? If so, listen to the Next Pitch podcast to give you the tools to raise an aspiring athlete. It's not simple, but we talk straight and give you the best insight there is when it comes to youth sports. We'll cover everything from nutrition and training to mental toughness and teamwork.
It's a podcast you can listen to together with your kids so everyone can benefit. Follow NextPitch on the Odyssey app or wherever you listen to podcasts.
