Sports R Dumb

Joey Held, Sean Hill

Sean and Joey love sports, but they realize there are a lot of dumb elements within our favorite games. And each week, they'll break down one of those dumb things in this tidy, bite-sized podcast. Drop by to hear Sean lament over the stupidity of a certain aspect in sports—basketball, football, baseball, hockey, golf, tennis, volleyball, lacrosse—nothing is off-limits. If there's something dumb to talk about, you better believe we'll hit it. We're also covering some pointless tweets, overused sports cliches, and general news that...well, doesn't need to be news. And we love to hear from you! Give Sean or Joey (or both) a shout with your favorite dumb things.

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20 episodes
Updated Tuesday

Episodes20

Newest first

Tuesday · 27 min
Lengthy LeBron James Decision Sagas R Interminably Dumb
LeBron James has made his "last decision," and he's heading to the Philadelphia 76ers. That's a mighty exciting team on paper, don't you think? Good things games are not played on looseleaf. Plus, we reflect on Sean's jam-packed hockey weekend—including a game that started shortly after midnight—and reminisce on the time Joey was featured on local TV celebrating a corn hole victory during a tailgate. Referenced in this episode: Steph's Curry "Double Bang" shot Kevin Durant stepping very far out of bounds and not being called for it The Austin Beer League Players Association
July 21 · 33 min
Argentina Not Having a Single Shot on Goal in a 120-Minute Match is Offensively Challenged Dumb
The 2026 World Cup is in the books! Spain defeated Argentina in a thrilling 1-0 snoozefest that included zero shots on goal from Argentina despite over two hours of game time. At least the halftime show sure was something. Elsewhere in the sports world, Caitlin Clark dropped 45 points and her team still nearly lost, and the MLB had its Home Run Derby and All-Star Game and...well, these events seemed a lot more fun as kids (and also had way less betting and gambling shout outs). Plus, Joey gets the best karaoke compliment he's ever received. Referenced in this video: Barack Obama with the World Cup champion Spain The Muppets learning they're actually puppets
July 14 · 41 min
Dives During the World Cup R Endlessly Replayed Dumb
In Switzerland's World Cup match against Argentina, Breel Embolo appeared to get aggressively tackled. Upon replay review, he actually just threw himself into the air and then flailed on the ground. He was rightfully given a second yellow card and removed from the game. Chaos ensued. Don't worry, Harry Kane took a wild dive, too. Plus, moments you may have missed in Space Jam, Sean merch we should totally make, the time Joey got locked out of his apartment while staying in Argentina, and a handy way to remember which state is Vermont and which one is New Hampshire. Referenced in this episode: Alexander Sørloth avoids passing the ball to his wide-open teammate Erling Haaland Embolo's flop Harry Kane's flop
July 7 · 27 min
Political Battles During the World Cup R Egotistically Dumb
We're right in the thick of the World Cup, and there have been many magical moments and exciting matches. Of course, there have also been some corrupt actions and political posturing that has not helped one bit. Plus, there have been some major moves making waves across the NBA. And yet, 16 years later, we're still somehow waiting on LeBron James to make a decision. Referenced in this episode: "What sound does a firework make?" video Argentina-Cabo Verde highlights Excellent angle of Haaland's second goal against Brazil Haaland's Swedish model doppleganger
June 30 · 37 min
The NBA Draft and Offseason "Processes" R Confusingly Dumb
An incoming rookie gets drafted by an NBA team. This is the greatest moment of their lives! But then they get traded and...have to keep the hat of their old team on while they get their picture taken? It's weird, man. NBA free agency has a lot of wackiness to it, as well. We're breaking it all down. Meanwhile, this World Cup has been thrilling! We're officially in the knockout stages, which means if you lose, you're going home. Plus, Sean has some ailments, and Joey has some obscure basketball cards. What a treat. (Also, sorry for Joey's poor mic quality on this episode. He didn't have his usual setup!) Referenced in this episode: Germany's rough penalty kick Diana Ross's 1994 World Cup "goal" Skybox's cool basketball cards Ugonna Onyenso's draft night
June 23 · 45 min
A Hawaiian World Cup Excursion!
Joey is back from his Hawaiian vacation and needs Sean to catch him up on NBA, NHL, and World Cup happenings. Turns out the folks of Maui are quite friendly, so while Joey missed many games, he made many new friends. And ain't that what life is all about? Plus, we talk about the excitement of having patriotism, snorkeling with sea turtles, and what it's like to be a video game tester. Referenced in this episode: Nakalele Blowhole "A Minute Without You" by Hanson
June 16 · 32 min
Fan Behavior During the NBA Finals Was Incomprehensibly Dumb
The NBA (and NHL) Finals are in the books, but we didn't know that when we recorded this episode! Instead, we got to see NBA fans acting foolish in beating up other people, and this happened both in New York and San Antonio against Spurs and Knicks fans, respectively. Why are we letting laundry dictate our behavior? Plus, it's the beginning of the World Cup! What a great time. We also dive into the sad vibes that occur after being egged, Blink-182 dropping "new" bonus tracks from 25 years ago, and very wholesome moments during performances of the World Series. Referenced in this episode: A fun Star Fox 64 channel Mo Cheeks helping Natalie Gilbert sing The Star-Spangled Banner before a Blazers game
June 9 · 41 min
Blazer Tag, Bingo, and Karaoke Respites Among Dumb Sports Moves
Why in the world are the Chicago Bears moving to Indiana? Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks and Stars are both moving to a less-populated area of Dallas and Plano, respectively. Change isn't always bad, but it hurts to lose a classic, nostalgic memory. Luckily, we have some nice breaks among the craziness. Joey had a busy weekend of laser tag, bingo, and karaoke, including a performance as Game 2 of the NBA Finals was wrapping up (he did not choose this). Sean ALSO did karaoke and played a hockey playoff game, which was fortunate, because he wound up missing every goal during Stanley Cup Game 3 while he rocked the mic. Referenced in this episode: Blazer Tag 82-0
June 2 · 43 min
Let's Add One Dumb (or Brilliant) Rule to Each Sport!
Sports already have a lot of rules, but there's always room for improvement. The Sports R Dumb boys have each selected a rule to add to popular sports, including basketball, football, baseball, hockey, volleyball, and soccer. Imagine how fun it would be if every basketball team could have one "rule of cool" challenge, or if a baseball team could decide to "double or nothing" a home run. And shouldn't safeties be worth more points than field goals in football? Thank you to Visit Frisco for hosting us in their podcast studio to record this episode! How fun to be a stone's throw away from where the Swedish national team is staying for the World Cup and where teams are training at FC Dallas. Visit their website to learn all about the fun things they're doing around World Cup 2026, including attempting to set a Guinness World Record! Referenced in this episode: C.J. McCollum's 0.1 Second Too Late Buzzer Beater
May 26 · 34 min
Non-Dumb Elements of Soccer Other Sports Should Adopt
The World Cup is right around the corner, and Texas is hosting several games throughout the event. That feels like the perfect time to run through the best parts about soccer (or football, if you're international) that other sports should adopt. Plus, we're revisiting old Seinfeld and Shark Tank episodes, when musical artists create "sports-centric" versions of their songs, and what Pokémon moves Sean would use. Thank you to Visit Frisco for hosting us in their podcast studio this episode! How fun to be a stone's throw away from where the Dallas Cowboys practice, among many other cool sports experiences. Visit their website to learn all about the fun things they're doing around World Cup 2026. Referenced in this episode: A compilation of soccer flops The excellent goal celebrations of Stjarnan Iceland
May 19 · 28 min
Schedule Release Videos R Excessively Long and Dumb (But We Still Generally Love 'Em)
Do you need a 9-minute video to learn about your favorite team's schedule? Certainly not! But the sports world loves milking things for all they're worth, and so we wind up with incredibly intricate schedule release videos like the NFL has once again launched. Or, perhaps you wait a month into the playoffs to learn who the MVP of the NBA is, despite those votes being tallied a month ago. Plus, it's Sean's birthday this week! He reflects on his birthday bash celebrations and things he's started doing as an older man. Such things include getting wildly sore after physical activities, like a brief toss of a Frisbee. Referenced in This Episode: Steven Jackson and Arian Foster NFL Shop Commercial Atlanta Falcons Schedule Release Video
May 12 · 30 min
All the NBA Draft Shenanigans R Bad Luck Dumb
The fate of the NBA relies on some ping pong balls! Another NBA Draft lottery is in the books, and once again, a process that should take two minutes to reveal has been drawn out into a full half hour. Incoming rookies sit in silence while analysts talk about their games right in front of them. Teams bring representatives who look like they'd rather be anywhere else. It's all quite silly! Plus, adventures with meat, another Star Fox video game reboot, and Sean gets so mad about YouTube ads that he accidentally mutes himself. Remember when times were simpler? Smallest Target in the World Brian Windhorst attends the NBA lottery Star Fox Trailer
May 5 · 49 min
A Post-Vacation Sports Jamboree!
Joey is back from vacation in Poland, and he even played some sports while he was there. Meanwhile, Sean is in the midst of hockey season and has been moved to defense because no one else on his team is capable. Plus, a barrage of sports updates from the NBA and NHL playoffs, as well as wild developments across the NCAA. And we're breaking down the most memorable levels from the GoldenEye video game.
April 28 · 38 min
A Very Un-Sportsmanlike Sports R Dumb
This might set a record for the least amount of time talking about sports! We're covering the absolute worst karaoke song to sit through, a barrage of game shows (including the best games to play on The Price is Right), and ponder whether dinosaurs are dragons. But for our classic sports fanatics, we do still have a few good moments. We're chatting volleyball and Sean powering through multiple 10K runs. At least he didn't see a bright light this time. Referenced in this episode: Dinosaurs Are Dragons TV Tropes Professor Price Game on The Price is Right A Man Not Falling Down on The Quiz With Balls Runaround Sue by Dion
April 21 · 33 min
The Hullabaloo Around the NFL Draft is Predictively Dumb
The NFL Draft is this week, and that means we're finally free from all the mock drafts! Goodbye big boards, hello new roster additions. Of course, there are still plenty of draft moments that make us smile, from George Pickens watching himself get drafted on TV to a montage of disappointed Jets fans. Plus, we discuss vacation packing habits, WNBA hopes for the upcoming season, and a pair of "classic" TV shows (okay, one classic and one that probably slipped under the radar) that Sean has never seen. Referenced in this episode: New York Jets Draft Montage George Pickens Gets Drafted Six Feet Under Top Ten Deaths Montage
April 14 · 38 min
A Sports R Dumb Spring Cleaning
It's the perfect time for a little sports spring cleaning! Goodbye, silly grievances, and hello exciting playoff pushes. We're making our NBA and NHL postseason predictions, teams named after natural disasters, peeing during golf outings, bad Shark Tank ideas, and the vibe of feeling fresh after a haircut. Referenced in This Episode: Gorilla PC Game Spot PC Game A Bus Blocking the Georgia Dome Implosion
April 7 · 40 min
A Sports R Dumb Live Event Bonanza
Over the span of six days, Joey went to MLB Opening Day, multiple NCAA Tournament games, and a hockey game. What a time to be alive! We're recapping highlights from those events. Don't worry, Sean has enjoyed plenty of dumb sports moments, too. Texas was oh so close in its various tournament games. But alas, Sean was left disappointed in a Chili's. Referenced in this episode: Grant Hill's reaction to Duke's Elite Eight collapse
March 24 · 40 min
Look At This Milestone! 200 Episodes of Sports R Dumb
Holy cow! Sports R Dumb is celebrating its 200th episode. And how are we doing it? With a wild curiosity about this dumb ol' world of sports. Namely, we're diving into some of the more maddening parts of March Madness, from impressive buzzer beaters like those from St. John's and Kentucky, to almost immediate instances of basketball karma taking place on the court. That's not all, though. We're also exploring old phrases like the concept of a domestic engineer, determining which game shows we'd have the most success on, and diving into the ins and outs of casino table etiquette (spoiler alert: Sean is scared). Thank you for celebrating 200 with us. Cheers to many more Sports R Dumb shenanigans! Discussed in This Episode: Supermarket Sweep Couple Still In Love After 41 Years VCU Band Vanderbilt's Near-Buzzer Beater Freeze Frame High Point's Student Announcers
March 17 · 38 min
Dumb Ways to Fill Out Your March Madness Bracket
What a whirlwind few days it's been! The Academy Awards, SXSW, literal massive windstorms sweeping through Texas and the Midwest...and of course, the unveiling of the NCAA Tournament Brackets. Welcome to March Madness! We're sharing how you can fill out your brackets creatively, whether by mascot, region, or unique tourist attractions. Plus, diving into variations of Monopoly. Did you know Sean has never actually finished a game? Wild stuff. Things we referenced in this episode: Algebracket for filling out your bracket Sportsmanship - Pass It On commercial Pablo Torre Finds Out found the star from that commercial Wacky Travel: Where in the World? to measure distances between places
March 10 · 35 min
Fans Trying to Fight Players, Weird Probationary Periods, and Excellent Plots of 90s Baseball Movies R All Spring Forwardly Dumb
We're in our first week of Daylight Savings Time here in the U.S., and that one less hour of sleep must have permeated its way through the sports world, too. We've got fans looking to throw chairs at players and/or getting escorted off in handcuffs during games for being too rambunctious. Meanwhile, Long Island University has already won the Northeast Conference because its title game opponent is ineligible due to silly Division II and III to Division I transfer rules. There's other silliness (and some great basketball) going on, but we're also taking a break to revisit the swath of excellent sports movies from the 90s, from Rookie of the Year to The 6th Man. Links for your perusal: Bracketologists A Ranking of All Baseball Movies Based on How Well the Athletes Played Baseball

Sports R Dumb

Lengthy LeBron James Decision Sagas R Interminably Dumb

Argentina Not Having a Single Shot on Goal in a 120-Minute Match is Offensively Challenged Dumb

Dives During the World Cup R Endlessly Replayed Dumb

Political Battles During the World Cup R Egotistically Dumb

The NBA Draft and Offseason "Processes" R Confusingly Dumb

A Hawaiian World Cup Excursion!

Fan Behavior During the NBA Finals Was Incomprehensibly Dumb

Blazer Tag, Bingo, and Karaoke Respites Among Dumb Sports Moves

Let's Add One Dumb (or Brilliant) Rule to Each Sport!

Non-Dumb Elements of Soccer Other Sports Should Adopt

Schedule Release Videos R Excessively Long and Dumb (But We Still Generally Love 'Em)

All the NBA Draft Shenanigans R Bad Luck Dumb

A Post-Vacation Sports Jamboree!

A Very Un-Sportsmanlike Sports R Dumb

The Hullabaloo Around the NFL Draft is Predictively Dumb

A Sports R Dumb Spring Cleaning

A Sports R Dumb Live Event Bonanza

Look At This Milestone! 200 Episodes of Sports R Dumb

Dumb Ways to Fill Out Your March Madness Bracket

Fans Trying to Fight Players, Weird Probationary Periods, and Excellent Plots of 90s Baseball Movies R All Spring Forwardly Dumb