David Samson Gives Advice On How To Hire... Someone | Hour 1

David Samson, former president of the Miami Marlins, joined the show to discuss a range of topics, from the recent cancellation of the NFL Pro Bowl to the psychological impact of fan booing on athletes. Samson also offered his unique perspective on the evolving landscape of sports ownership and the increasing scrutiny faced by those in power.

The NFL Pro Bowl: A Merciful End

Samson began by addressing the NFL's decision to cancel the Pro Bowl, a move he described as a long-overdue mercy killing. He argued that the Pro Bowl had lost its appeal because neither the players nor the fans truly cared about it. "Nobody loved the Pro Bowl," Samson stated, highlighting that players were unwilling to risk injury in a game that "doesn't count." He contrasted the NFL's approach with other leagues like the NBA and MLB, which have found "creative ways to change the competition" for their All-Star games, such as World vs. World formats or designated hitters. The NFL, however, faced a unique challenge: the inherent risk of brain injury in football. Samson suggested that the league realized it couldn't simply "tinker with the Pro Bowl" when the sport itself leads to "brain injury and death," leading to the decision to eliminate it entirely. Mike Ryan, however, expressed a fondness for the skills competitions that had been introduced in recent years, suggesting they offered a way to showcase athletes' talents without the risk of a full-contact game. Samson countered that without a broadcast partner willing to deem the skills competitions "sufficient," an "anchor event" like a full game is necessary for a Pro Bowl weekend to succeed.