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Paul Zeise's sports chat transcript: 08.27.20

AP

Paul Zeise's sports chat transcript: 08.27.20


Zeise: Let’s chat

TP Ranger: Hi Paul. We have more boycotts by professional athletes for social justice. I sympathize with their cause, but I believe they are pushing the limit of how much the average sports fan will tolerate. What is the benefit of a boycott at this stage? Everyone with eyes and ears knows of their cause. I believe there is a good chance that many fans won't come back if this continues much longer.
Zeise: Yes there is definitely a balance
Zeise: And the question becomes what is the goal? Boycotting games is silly. If that is how they Feely hey should leave the bubble all together. But I’m leaving the lose a lot of the platform they have

TP Ranger: Paul, does Coach Nard have a point in questioning his team's absence from the preseason football polls?
Zeise: No. What has Pitt accomplished in ten years that makes anyone think they deserve to be ranked?

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TP Ranger: As the season gets closer, I have a feeling that the Steelers might be pretty good this season. Big Ben, good D, decent receivers and backs. Do you see them going very far?
Zeise: I do like their chances. And I’ll mention one other thing - outside of KC I don’t see a dominant team. They can beat anyone in the AFC really

Pirates general manager Ben Cherington.
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TP Ranger: Trade deadline moves by the Pirates: will they be big, or of little impact?
Zeise: He is gonna try and move everyone but I’m not sure what the market will be for any of them. Like I don’t see a big huge haul of prospects

Vince: Supposedly Lebron James wants to shut down the NBA for the rest of the season. Do you see that happening?
Zeise: Maybe and that would be really short sighted. They would take away their biggest platform

Chris: Good afternoon Paul. I recently saw a clip of an interview with Manny Sanguillen in a wheelchair. Is this temporary or is there something I/Pirate fans aren’t aware of? Thanks.
Zeise: Not really sure. He is an old catcher so I think he probably has old knees and his body is beat up

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Raymond: Any hot rumors with the trading deadline approaching?
Zeise: Again it has been reported the Pirates have everyone on the table. But if you are another GM who do you want? Like who are you willing to give something up for?

JR: Paul: Pitt’s revised ACC schedule is brutal much more difficult than the original Coastal Division schedule. I’m thinking any wins over 6 would be considered a success. What you say?
Zeise: No this team better win at least 8 games

Gene: Any idea when the Steelers will announce if fans can or cannot attend games this year?
Elmoe: Paul, thank you for being a sensible voice in the madness that is 2020. Your thoughts on an ACC football season being played to completion?
Zeise: I think if a week from Friday teams are still in good shape virus wise, we will definitely have football. It all depends on the virus numbers. If there is a big outbreak on campus it will be a problem

Guest: Its been reported out of Toronto Jim Rutherford out bid 6 teams for Kapanen........... None of the others would offer a 1st round pick. Do you think you could tell Jim my house is on the market hed love it!!
Zeise: There is no doubt he overpaid. He wants to win now, period.

Penguins GM Jim Rutherford
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Kasperi: What are the odds Sid will like my style? I’m guessing not great. Been studying tapes of Simon, but sorry, still don’t see it. Your thoughts?
Zeise: Crosby likes speed and so I think he should like you. However he doesn’t like to play with many guys so it is wait and see!!!

Celtics fan: The 76ers just fired Brett Brown, but I think the real problem is with Embiid and Simmons. They don’t seem to work well together...Embiid should be a superstar with his size and ability and I think Simmons is way overrated to date. I won’t be surprised if Philadelphia trades one or both of them. Also, I would hire Nate McMillan in a heartbeat. What do you think?
Zeise: They do need to change the makeup of that team. Something isn’t working. It sounds like they want Jay Wright and he is a college coach that can make that transition

Mike: Why did the Pirates pick up Austin Davis? I'm a loyal Pirate fan who lives just outside Philly and all my Philly fans were glad to see Davis go.
Zeise: If you haven’t noticed, and I mean no disrespect but for lack of a better word - Ben Cherrington has been dumpster diving and grabbing as many bodies as possible. The Pirates are trying anything to get through this year.

Phil M: So I beat up on the old guys pretty good in those Ozark Mountains. Can I get my 6th US Open runner up at Winged Foot?
Zeise: No. You had a huge advantage with your driver against the old guys. You won’t have that against Bryson, JT, DJ and company. You won’t sniff another major

Sven: Why is it so important to you that the NBA has a clearly defined "end game" to their walkout and furthermore why is it important that they only protest up to what sports fans are willing to tolerate? Have we learned nothing from Kaepernick?
Zeise: It isn’t important to me. They can do what they want. I just think - just like - Kap there are better more effective ways to get what they want. It is OK to disagree in this country right?
Zeise: Honestly I will never understand how we got to a place where “I disagree” means “I’m outraged, angry, upset and think you are a jerk” I just disagree that’s all

Guest: Hi Paul thanks for the chats! With the excess of good running backs, who is on the board to be traded who is going to be put on the practice squad and who will make the team?
Zeise: I think the four who will make the team are Conner, Snell, Samuels and McFarland Jr.
Zeise: Thanks so much for the questions. Let’s do it next Thursday.

First Published: August 27, 2020, 3:32 p.m.

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