Big Blue Insider with Dick Gabriel

2023-06-21 - BBI

The Text Chain Boys are back in the garage! Doug Flynn, Keith Madison and Darren Headrick join us to talk baseball, music and solve world problems. Plus West Coast Bureau Chief Gary Moore on the return of Antonio Reeves and more…

2023-06-20 - BBI

More mock drafts featuring Cason Wallace; Joey Votto avoid screwing up the Reds (in fact, he did just the opposite). Nick Saban has complaints - but no solutions - about the current CFB playoff system. Keith Farmer of the UKTV Network. UK network analyst Jeff Piecoro, former TV voice of UC bkb, on Bob Huggins. We drag our old pal Billy Rutledge into the peanut butter debate and reptilian knowledge from the world’s greatest Waterboy.

2023-06-19 - BBI

We discuss the quality of broadcast of the U.S. Open (lots of complaints on social media). HS records in Kentucky that might never be broken. John Clay of the HL on UK’s new alcohol policy + SEC football scheduling. Jeff Drummond of Cats Illustrated on alcohol at UK games and his surging Redlegs. Former UK RB Anthony White on potential of Wildcat RBs and TEs in this year’s passing attack PLUS major league baseball broadcaster discuss and debate peanut butter: Creamy or crunchy? Important stuff…

2023-06-15 - BBI

We examine the changes to the 2024 SEC football schedule, which includes Ky visiting Texas; we wonder aloud, since the SEC now OWNS the national championship game, why make changes? Ah, well. Nikola Jokic on why he appreciates playing with former Wildcat Jamal Murray (they’re both brand, new NBA champions); Alabama network radio voice Chris Stewart on stepping in for the iconic Eli Gold this past football season while Eli was recovering from his cancer battle; new Morehead State AD Kelly Well...

2023-06-14 - BBI

We address all the social media chatter triggered by ESPN analyst Seth Greenberg’s blanket criticism of “local media” when it comes to John Calipari; two national talking heads weigh in as well; veteran referee Doug Hampton on rule changes coming to D-1 basketball (good ones, too); former HS hoops coach-turned-golfer Tony Wise, who’s qualified to play in the U.S. Senior Open and West End Bureau Chief Gary Moore on this National Bourbon Day.

2023-06-13 - BBI

We hear from former Wildcat and new NBA champion Jamal Murray plus - what it sounded like on TV and radio when the Nuggets locked up their first NBA title; UK Voice Tom Leach talks Wildcats and horse racing; under-appreciated ex-UK linebacker Chris Chenault on UK football, both present and past; UK network analyst and WTVQ Sports Director Jeff Piecoro on Baton Rouge (including a championship-level seafood feast), baseball and horse racing and words of encouragement that may be Dumb. Or Dumber.

2023-06-12 - BBI

We find out more about newest Ky basketball Wildcat Jordan Burks, who announced his signing on Monday. (David Sisk of Cats Illustrated already had prepped us on Burks); Josh Edwards of Cats Illustrated on a speedy linebacker from Georgia who’s committed to Mark Stoops and his program; Hunter Shelton of SI Now on his way back from a disappointing Super Regional that ended an otherwise surprisingly splendid UK Baseball season; blogger John Huang on the fun he had covering baseball and the anxie...

2023-06-09 - BBI

Breaking down the Belmont Stakes (5:00) with Ubercapper Ellis Starr; (18:00) Aaron Gershon of the Cats’ Pause on UK football depth, basketball recruiting and baseball Super Regional; (41:00) WKYT’s Brian Milam on the Reds’ newest pheee-nom and on UK’s baseball run; (1:01:00) a look back at a busy week and (1:12:00) Heroes, Fools and Flakes

2023-06-08 - BBI

The baseball Wildcats are confident heading down to Baton Rouge for the NCAA Super Regional; (18:00) David Sisk of Cats Illustrated brings us up to date on last-minute shopping by John Calipari, still in the market for players; (41:00) Hunter Shelton previews the Super Regional on the eve of his second trip to the Bayou this season; (1:01:00) more with UK All-American volleyballer Madison Lilley and, how does one truly know if he’s facing a witch? The Pythons can tell us.

2023-06-07 - BBI

Nick Mingione shares more insight on how this Kentucky baseball team came together; (18:00) Darrell Bird of the Cats’ Pause, just back from SEC meetings in Destin; (41:00) Darren Headrick sets up UK vs LSU in the upcoming Super Regional; (1:04:00) West End Bureau chief Gary Moore is back from Cali and Bill Murray tries to use his considerable influence.

2023-06-06 - BBI

We hear from the baseball Wildcats on their NCAA Regional championship; Mitch Barnhart on the changes Nick Mingione made in how he coaches his team; Joe Rexrode on the Athletic on his terrific profile of new Titans QB Will Levis; Fred Cowgill of WLKY in Louisville on the Churchill Downs controversy; Maddie Scherr of the UK women’s bkb Wildcats on how she’s giving back off the court and George Costanza makes a startling admission.

2023-06-02 - BBI

2023-06-01 - BBI

2023-05-31 - BBI

SEC meetings are under way in Florida with the future of football at Kentucky (and a lot of other places) on the table. Catcher Devin Burkes on Ky’s NCAA chances plus the gutsiest bet in the history of televised poker. Justin Rowland of Cats Illustrated on the immediate future of UK basketball. John Clay of the HL on the controversy surrounding thoroughbred racing, as well as his thoughts on 8-game vs. 9-game SEC football schedule. UK Hall of Fame baseball coach Keith Madison previews the NCA...

2023-05-30 - BBI

We discuss SEC meetings under way right now; UK football, baseball and basketball. Jimmy Butler’s terrific answer about how the Heat have built a championship culture. Hunter Shelton of SI Now on UK football’s roster additions plus a baseball preview. Radio voice Darren Headrick on Ky’s NCAA draw. Maggie Davis of BBN Tonight on who will hoop in Toronto as well as UK baseball stuff. Plus a brave (Python) knight insists he can play hurt.

2023-05-25 - BBI

We talk potential future basketball Wildcats. The anniversary of one of the biggest blocked shots in NBA history (by a former UK player). New Ky Hall of Famer Tom Leach. UK great Dan Issel on the anniversary of the Ky Colonels’ ABA title and EKU coach Walt Wells previews the season and some wise advice from Kramer.

2023-05-24 - BBI

We remember the late UK All American Cotton Nash; a look back at the late Derby Champ Fusaichi Pegasus; Mark Story on challenges for UK football; UK All-American Kyle Macy, who interviewed Cotton for his "From the Rafters of Rupp" TV series; we discuss the newest Ky Sports Hall of Fame class with Lou Sports Commission President Greg Fante and West Coach Bureau Chief Gary Moore on a number of topics, including - yes - circus peanuts....

2023-05-22 - BBI

It’s another round of Shaq vs Sir Charles following an NBA playoffs blowout; Ben Roberts of the HL, just back from the NBA combine, one the prospective Wildcats trying to land jobs; Coach David Sisk of Cats Illustrated breaks down Oscar’s improvements and Brian Milam of WKYT previews the SEC Baseball Tournament plus Kareem seizes a chance to educate a young fan…

2023-05-17 - BBI

2023-05-16 - BBI

Will Levis talks about his first day with his new employer and an ESPN analyst on what Will needs to do off the field to smooth his transition. Ex-UK QB1 Dusty Bonner relates his experience in NFL camp (with the Falcons) to Levis & looks ahead to this coming UK season. UK network basketball analyst Jack Givens on Wildcats trying the NBA Draft. SI.Now’s Hunter Shelton previews a big weekend for UK baseball + an electric moment on the anchor desk between Shaq and The Chuck Wagon…

2023-05-15 - BBI

We recap a huge weekend for UK baseball, softball and men’s tennis. Why can’t ex-UK PK Austin McGinnis help a team as desperate for a kicker as the Dallas Cowboys? Maggie Davis of the UK TV network. Michael Epps of Fox56 WDKY.

2023-05-11 - BBI

We check in on Wildcats playing in the NBA post-season. UK baseball radio voice Darren Headrick previews the crucial series at Tennessee as well as players coming and going from UK women’s basketball and Cameron Mills and I meet up at the old WLAP radio station (contractors in my house are tearing up our kitchen so the garage/studio was too noisy)

2023-05-10 - BBI

We discuss the price Bob Huggins will have to pay for his hateful speech; Bill Walton’s anecdote on how he was recruited by the late Denny Crum. The baseball Wildcats on finding their stride once again. Aaron Gershon of the Cats’ Pause on John Calipari’s roster restoration. U of L radio voice Paul Rogers remembers Denny Crum. West End Bureau Chief Gary Moore with a full 6-pack…

2023-05-08 - BBI

Kentucky is back in the national college baseball picture after a 3-game sweep of #3 South Carolina. Ex-Cats explode again in the NBA playoffs. Kenny Rice of NBC Sports recaps the Kentucky Derby after a controversial week at Churchill Downs. Former UK QB1 Freddie Maggard discusses his deep dive column on a former teammate, pro football Hall of Famer Dermontti Dawson and makes an undeniable case for UK Hall of Fame status for ex-UK linebacker Chris Chenault…

2023-05-04 - BBI

We discuss Hunter Dickinson’s decision to go Rock Chalk Jayhawk; the firing of former UK assistant Brad Bohannon as baseball coach at Alabama following a gambling inquiry; trainer Kenny McPeek of Lexington talks to us about his Oaks filly and Derby colt; Hunter Shelton of SI.Now on Dickinson’s decision and a crucial UK baseball series upcoming; Ubercapper Ellis Starr shares his Derby predictions and Richard Skinner from Local 12 TV in Cincinnati thinks the Bengals got it right on Draft day.

2023-05-03 - BBI

Another big man is looking at a possible transfer to Kentucky. Billionaire Mike Repole who owns Derby favorite Forte. Herald Leader John Clay, author several articles on Secretariat, who won the Derby 50 years ago. Ex-Cat Anthony White on Will Levis and the Draft and West End Bureau Chief Gary Moore...

2023-05-02 - BBI

Big nights for ex-Wildcats in the NBA playoffs + John Calipari weighs in on Enes Kanter Freedom’s new Celtics contract, Former BBI co-host Stan Norfleet, now a host of his own radio show in Houston, on the NFL Draft and Will Levis. Special edition of the BBI with flashback coverage (courtesy sister station WHAS in Louisville) of the 1973 Kentucky Derby, won by Secretariat, featuring the race call by the legendary Cawood Ledford.

2023-05-01 - BBI

We wrap up the NFL Draft; UK’s baseball Wildcats need to reverse their downward spiral (as does the softball team); Panthers QB Matt Corral’s cryptic tweet and his coach’s reaction; a hockey announcer misses a chance at an epic highlight call. Ky Derby post positions and odds for the favorites. Titans play-by-play voice Mike Keith on the Draft and Will Levis and former Ky DB Van Hiles breaks down the Draft.

2023-04-27 - BBI

Will Levis talks about the amazing past two years when he went from Penn State transfer to first-round NFL Draft pick. Giannis Antetokounmpo takes a reporter to task for suggesting the Milwaukee Bucks’ season was a “failure,” with comments that should live in every fan base. WHAS-TV Sports Director Kent Spencer shares his thoughts on Will Levis, Draft Night and UK basketball as well. Beat writer Aaron Gershon of The Cats’ Pause breaks down the roster reconstruction facing John Calipari and To...

2023-04-26 - BBI

Ky baseball coach Nick Mingione on the tough loss to Louisville Tuesday night; NBA heads are agog at the incredible performance by ex-Cat Devin Booker in the win over the Clippers; HL beat writer Jon Hale talks NFL Draft and UK football depth chart; UK sports network analyst Jeff Piecoro on WIll Levis’ growth as an SEC quarterback; West End Bureau Chief Gary Moore with 2 Guys & a 6-Pack…

2023-04-24 - BBI

We talk about the upcoming international basketball trip for the Wildcats (popping across the border to Toronto in July. Ex-UK players both prospered AND struggled in the NBA playoffs Sunday night. Basketball recruiting writer David Sisk of Cats Illustrated on potential future Wildcats at the latest Nike event in Atlanta. UK wide receivers coach Scott Woodward on what he saw in the spring and expects in the fall…

2023-04-20 - BBI

Ex-Wildcats prosper again in the NBA Playoffs (or not); (12:30) Sir Charles on some epic smack talk involving LeBron. Kentucky voice Tom Leach talks basketball, football and Ky Derby preps. Jeff Drummond of Cats Illustrated on UK baseball and Ky's efforts to rebuild its men's basketball roster. Former UK tennis coach Dennis Emery on his new book and how he built a top 10 program PLUS a guy who never got respect, literally, from Day One.

2023-04-19 - BBI

Highlights from last night's UK baseball win; Wildcats scoring big in the NBA playoffs. Ex-UK QB1 Freddie Maggard on the Wildcats and Will Levis. WDKY Fox 56 Sports Director Mitch Brown on UK basketball's roster reconstruction. West End Bureau Chief Gary Moore weighs in on pathetic attendance figures in Cincinnati, Skyline Chili and critters invading a broadcast booth; PLUS - how to deliver a movie line by noted thespian George Costanza.

2023-04-17 - BBI

An NFL expert on why he likes Will Levis. Sir Charles Barkley takes up for the fans who have to deal with goofy, made-for-TV schedules. Nick Mingione on how his Ky baseball Wildcats battled in Baton Rouge.Ex-UK QB Derrick Ramsey on Levis, the Draft and this year's team + Hunter Shelton of SI.com on his road trip to cover UK-LSU baseball.

2023-04-12 - BBI

What lies ahead for the baseball Wildcats? Shaq and Sir Charles battle again on-air. Former UK DL Corey Peters joins us to talk about his decision to retire from the NFL. The Herald-Leader's Cameron Drummond talks UK basketball recruiting and our West End Bureau Chief Gary Moore on Cats/Cards weekend series, Will Levis/Titans and more...

2023-04-11 - BBI

More internet nonsense about Will Levis; Demarcus Cousins with a strong opinion about the NBA's MVP race. Darrell Bird of the Cats' Pause on Ugo (stay or go?) & the UK bkb roster. Indianapolis sportscaster Jake Query on the Colts' interest in Levis and UKTV network's Eli Gehn on UK baseball and more

2023-04-10 - BBI

What are some of the best traditions in college football? (I make a suggestion that Ky fans will find blasphemous). Lindsey Gough of WKYT on covering the Masters (she's actually done it) and the Transy natty run, Photographer Mark Cornelison on shooting those cool black-and-white pictures of sports figures with old-timey cameras...

2023-04-06 - BBI

Why did Ugo head for the portal? We'll discuss. UK O-line coach Zach Yenser on the re-build. Justin Rowland of Cats Illustrated on Ugo, hoops and football. Chris Doering of the SEC Network and E Ky bkb coach AW Hamilton on the Colonels' incredible post-season run.

2023-04-05 - BBI

We discuss the merry-go-round that is the portal in college athletics, with the ride heating up, gambling expert Christopher Boan on legalized wagering in Ky. Jeff Piecoro of the UK football network joins us live/on tape in the garage. West End Bureau Chief Gary Moore returns from LA with a 6-pack of observations...

2023-04-03 - BBI

We look ahead to tonight's NCAA final and the women's finale from Sunday (and the silliness about smack talk); (13:30) Nick Mingione on UK baseball's sweep of Mizzou; (19:00) Doug Flynn on the baseball Wildcats and (38:00) Christi Thomas of the UK Network talks football spring practice.

2023-03-30 - BBI

It's baseball season (Wait! Don't go!); Liam Coen on the value of leadership at QB. John Clay of the HL. Aaron Gershon of The Cats' Pause and Hunter Shelton of SI.com talking Ky football basketball and baseball.

2023-03-27 - BBI

Tonight: Mark Stoops was not happy Saturday. We look back on Jack Givens' 41 points on this day in 1978. Dirk Minniefield on the Dream Game 40 years ago and how he's bounced back from the substance abuse that derailed his NBA career...

2023-03-23 - BBI

Tonight: UK baseball is rolling, UK football practice report with comments from OC Liam Coen and QB Devin Leary. WKYT's Brian Milam talks UK hoops & the high school Sweet 16. Sports betting in Kentucky is one giant step closer - we hear from legal expert Robert Linnehan & West End Bureau Chief Gary Moore checks in from LA (Louisville Area)

2023-03-22 - BBI

Tonight: UK baseball is rolling, UK football practice report with comments from OC Liam Coen and QB Devin Leary. WKYT's Brian Milam talks UK hoops & the high school Sweet 16. Sports betting in Kentucky is one giant step closer - we hear from legal expert Robert Linnehan & West End Bureau Chief Gary Moore checks in from LA (Louisville Area)

2023-03-20 - BBI Statewide

2023-03-16 - BBI

We learn more about Ed Cooley of Providence (hint: he LOVES "One Shining Moment," as do I). How the media has mishandled the Aaron Rodgers mess. Jeff Piecoro of the UK Network and ABC 36 is in Greensboro. We re-visit a conversation i had with Jeff Sheppard, whose son Reed wraps up his high school career at the Sweet 16. And our own Billy Rutledge talks NCAA tournament and NFL...

2023-03-15 - BBI

DG makes his NCAA tournament predictions; a look at the First Four. We look back on the 2008 SEC Tournament, disrupted by a tornado that struck Atlanta with an excerpt from the SEC Radio Network coverage (DG was the producer). Veteran sportscaster TJ Rives joins us - he was the PBP man with Mark Wise the analyst who stayed on air via Sirius XM through the tornado coverage. SEC TV baseball analyst and Gold Glove winner Doug Flynn on the baseball Wildcats + West End Bureau Chief Gary Moore.

2023-03-14 - BBI

We hear from John Calipari & the Wildcats on facing Providence. The Voice, Tom Leach, talks NCAAs. David Sisk of Cats Illustrated on why Ky struggled in Nashville and what lies ahead. WKYT's Brian MIlam, a veteran of more than two dozen NCAA tournaments.

2023-03-13 - BBI Statewide

2023-03-09 - BBI

A look at the college coaching carousel which right now includes familiar names. UK QB Devin Leary talks leadership. Jeff Drummond of Cats Illustrated on the UK football defense. Michael Epps of Fox 56 checks in from Nashville and sportswriter Tim Sullivan on U of L basketball and the bubbling strife in the ACC with members maybe looking to leave. Show closer is a Monty Python favorite...