HARD PASS with Doug Kezirian

Buffalo' Week 1 thriller against the Ravens sparked major debates: Was Josh Allen’s comeback drive a real turning point, or did Ravens coach John Harbaugh hand him the game with insane (ahem, archaic) coaching decisions? Doug Kezirian breaks down Harbaugh’s costly punt, missed analytics opportunities, and why this felt more like a Ravens collapse than a Bills triumph. Plus: Lamar Jackson’s viral shove of a Bills fan—did he cross th...

The Dak Prescott spit controversy and the Steve Ballmer NBA scandal: two of the biggest stories dominating the sports world this week. First, SPITGATE: did Dak Prescott spit *at* Jalen Carter (or just in his direction) during the Cowboys-Eagles football game -- sparking Carter’s retaliatory spit and ejection from the game -- or is the video being misread? Plus, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer is facing explosive allegations of illegal...

With the kickoff to football season upon us, NFL news on HARD PASS begins today with a shocker: the Dallas Cowboys trade Micah Parsons — but was it secretly the right move? Doug Kezirian breaks down why he thinks Dallas had no choice, Jerry Jones’ mismanagement of the Cowboys, and why trading Micah Parsons was actually the right call — even if Dallas botched the return. Plus, Michael Porter Jr.’s controversial comments comparing WN...

Caitlin Clark is inching closer to a comeback, but should the Indiana Fever risk her long-term health for a playoff push? Doug Kezirian breaks down the risk vs. reward, from Clark’s undisclosed groin injury and potential recovery timeline, to the Fever’s chances of grabbing the title without her. Hall-of-Famer Lisa Leslie also weighs in on Clark’s future, and Doug pushes back with his own take.

Plus, Doug takes issue with ESPN’s ...

Is the WNBA Cooking the Books? | Hard Pass Ep. 33

Are the WNBA and ESPN bending the truth about “record-breaking” TV ratings and attendance numbers? Doug Kezirian breaks down the questionable PR spin with countless examples that have surfaced this week: ESPN’s sketchy All-Star tweet (“girl math”), Golden State Valkyries inflated attendance numbers (they’re an expansion team), Paige Bueckers’ bogus stat line (where is the logic??...

Are WNBA players hurting their own league by complaining too much? The WNBA is surging in popularity, but constant complaints about officiating, scheduling, and travel are starting to hurt the league’s image.

From Satou Sabally’s honest take, to Sabrina Ionescu’s constant chirping, to AI parody videos mocking the commissioner, the athletes’ frustrations are starting to boil over… but does venting at refs and league officials ri...

The WNBA is under fire after another star player gets hurt — Sophie Cunningham tears her MCL after a collision with Bria Hartley, a season-ending injury. But was it a bad call from the Refs, just bad luck, or another case of reckless play from one of the league’s most controversial players? With Hartley already earning comparisons to Draymond Green, fans are questioning whether the WNBA’s officiating can actually protect its stars....

The WNBA MVP race is closer than ever: Napheesa Collier was the heavy favorite, but her injury has opened the door for A’ja Wilson and Alyssa Thomas. Should missing games cost Collier the award? Does Wilson face voter fatigue? And can Thomas’s triple-double streak sway the voters? Doug Kezirian breaks down the odds, the narratives, and the best bets heading into the final weeks. Plus — which coach is the real value pick for Coach o...

Sports Betting & Scandals: Vegas Experts Weigh In | HARD PASS Ep. 29

In light of Michael Porter Jr’s eye-opening podcast comments, Doug Kezirian explores why some athletes risk everything for small payoffs, and how “whales” and micro-betting open the door for scandals and shady behavior – something this betting expert knows a thing or two about! Straight from a sports betting conference in Las Vegas, Doug interviews big bett...

The Truth Behind Caitlin Clark's Extended Absence | HARD PASS Ep. 28

Is the Fever hiding the full truth about Caitlin Clark’s condition, or just playing it safe? She hasn’t played in nearly a month due to a mysterious groin injury, dragging on with no clear return date, and the Fever’s playoff spot is hanging by a thread. Doug Kezirian breaks down the mystery around her extended absence, questionable officiating across the league...

Lakers Target Jokic or Giannis for 2027 Superteam | HARD PASS Ep. 27

The Lakers have Luka and LeBron… So why aren’t they in full “win-now” mode, instead of chasing Jokic or Giannis for a 2027 “superteam”? The Lakers front office is clearly laying the groundwork, but is this smart long-term planning, or a gamble liable to backfire catastrophically, wasting Luka’s prime and LeBron’s final elite years? There’s a risk in delaying fo...

Another bizarre stunt from the stands goes viral… and another round of headlines questioning whether the WNBA will ever get the respect it deserves. Doug Kezirian argues the real issue isn’t about one outrageous moment — it’s about credibility, accountability, and how the league presents itself to fans. In this episode of HARD PASS, Doug breaks down why the WNBA is still fighting for respect despite record TV deals and franchise va...

With his ego being tested like never before, can LeBron James handle passing the torch, now that Luka Doncic signed a 3-year extension with the Lakers, effectively “dethroning” LeBron and assuming his role as the Lakers' new king? Between the steroid allegations, an "asterisked" title, cryptic social media posts, and his total mainstream media silence, LeBron’s recent off-court behavior raises a massive question: is he crumbling un...

Morey: LeBron's Bubble Championship "Illegitimate" (?!?) | HARD PASS Ep. 24

LeBron James’ 2020 Bubble championship is under fire from 76ers GM Daryl Morey, who calls it "illegitimate" and says "many in the league see it with a giant asterisk." 🤔 But was it really a fluke, or did the Lakers earn every bit of it? Doug breaks down the context, the backstory, and why the “asterisk” debate refuses to die. Plus: Luka’s surprise Foot ...

WNBA's Bold Gatorade Ad Sparks Major Controversy | HARD PASS Ep. 23

Everyone's fired up over the WNBA's new controversial Gatorade ad campaign, with the slogan “Let Her Cook”. Some call it clever... Doug calls it a miss. At a time when the league is growing fast, is doubling down on shock value helping — or hurting?

Plus, social media reacts hard, from TikTok breakdowns to fans arguing over whether this was bold or boneheaded...

LeBron vs. Luka: Is the Lakers’ Divorce Inevitable? | HARD PASS Ep. 22

The cracks are showing in Lakerland. Although LeBron James is a global icon, the Lakers' front office is clearly rolling out the red carpet for Luka Doncic. Is the Lakers/LeBron breakup inevitable? Doug breaks down the Lakers’ loyalty shift, why LeBron's social media behavior is a clear warning shot, and why this "divorce" feels inevitable, even though Luka’s...

LeBron Used Steroids? Jeff Teague's Accusation Sparks Debate | HARD PASS Ep. 21

Former NBA All-Star Jeff Teague drops a steroid bomb on LeBron, with an explosive accusation about using PEDs (Performance Enhancing Drugs)... before backpeddling the next day. But even as a “joke,” the comment raises serious questions about PEDs – and the reckless accusations – in pro-sports. Doug unpacks the claim, as well as past whispers about Le...

WNBA Players Demand Their Worth: Will the League Listen? | HARD PASS Ep. 20

WNBA stars are demanding a raise — and threatening a lockout if they don’t get it. But are they asking for what they’re owed… or what they’re worth? Doug breaks down why the league can’t afford to fumble this negotiation — and who’s throwing grenades from within.

HARD PASS Ep. 20

#HardPass #WNBA #CaitlinClark #DougKezirian #BasketballDrama

On today’s ep...

WNBA's Historic Standoff Over Billions at Stake | HARD PASS Ep.19

Billions of dollars are at stake with the WNBA players threatening a lockout — and while the league has lost money for years, they’re NOT asking for back pay. They’re aiming for a cut of what’s next: a $2.2B media deal and $250M expansion fees. Their All-Star “Pay Us What You Owe Us” shirts made headlines — and the message landed. Also in this episode, Kelsey Plum th...