The “Never Played the Game” podcast is hosted by WSB-TV Sports Director Zach Klein.
Zach visits with the 9-time ACC Coach of the year and finds out how someone with a CPA working in Salt Lake City, goes on to be a member of the Golf Coaches Hall of Fame. From recruiting Tiger Woods.. to the pranks from Matt Kuchar.. to never winning a National Title.. Bruce Heppler delivers.
Zach sits down with the Yellow Jackets senior quarterback and discuss his decision to go to Georgia Tech over Duke.. his demanding class schedule... the rivalry with the Georgia Bulldogs and winning the ACC this season..'Rockin Rings' and playing in the Final-4 Playoff
Schultzy has decided to break up the band. After nearly three decades in Atlanta, Jeff Schultz has moved on from the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Why he felt the time was right for the next chapter in his career and how Zach plans to dominate and entertain the podcast without him :)
Zach and Jeff visit with 1st year Atlanta Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos on his journey from a former HVAC owner in Canada to MLB Executive of the Year. Alex opens up on the death of his father, paying his way to 'Scouting School', leaving a dream job as GM of the Toronto Blue Jays, receiving the call to interview for the Braves and how long it will take to bring Atlanta a World Series title.
Zach and Jeff discuss the surprising start by the Braves who closed out the month of April as the National League's highest scoring team. Were the Falcons correct in drafting Calvin Ridley, a wide receiver in the 1st round? What to make of Julio Jones deleting his Falcons memories from his social media accounts and did Mike Budenholzer quit on the Hawks?
Zach and Jeff visit with Atlanta Falcons General Manger right before the 2018 NFL Draft. The two ask TD about: Mowing the lawn by day for the Cleveland Browns and watching film with Scott Pioli at night. Why the NFL combine can hurt more than it helps How many players are realistic for the Falcons at #26 Why are quarterbacks so hard to evaluate How close was he to being fired a few years ago His relationship with Head Coach Dan Quinn His passion for cycling and helping those in Atlanta
Zach and Jeff preview the 2018 Masters with Steve Hummer of the Atlanta Journal Constitution. The best hole.. the best food..the best Masters tradition... who will win? Plus.. if Tiger Woods get another green jacket, will it be a bigger story than Jack Nicklaus' victory in 1986?
Zach and Jeff discuss the 2018 Braves season, but before they look ahead, they must revisit the end of 2017 when the franchise parted ways with then GM John Coppolella. Jeff spoke with Braves CEO Terry McGurik about what went down. Plus, the expectations for Dansby Swanson and when will future Hall of Fame infielder (Jeff's words) Ronald Acuna make his big league debut.
Zach and Jeff discuss the wild opening weekend of the NCAA Tournament - For the first time ever, one regional failed to have a top 4 seed make it to the Sweet 16. Plus, was UMBC's win over #1 UVA the greatest upset in Soprts.. and is Tom Crean the right fit at Georgia?
Zach and Jeff discuss the firing of Mark Fox as Georgia's basketball coach. Who should replace him in Athens. What about GSU's Ron Hunter? Plus, a look at NCAA Tournament bracket and the return of Tiger Woods
Zach and Jeff discuss Georgia Tech's one and done at the ACC Tournament and Georgia's run in the SEC Tournament - Plus... How, two years after the Falcons asked inappropriate questions at the NFL Combine, another NFL team is asking about one's sexuality. What should be done to that NFL team?
Zach and Jeff react to comments made by Braves legend Chipper Jones. In a recent article in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Chipper, an avid outdoorsman and hunter, denounces assault rifles. You will hear from Chipper on his upbringing and why he's pro guns and anti AK-15's
Zach and Jeff discuss the start of Braves spring training. New GM Alex Anthopoulos discusses traditional scouting vs analytics, young prospects in the minors and the outlook for the 2018 season. Plus, what will it take for UGA head basketball coach Mark Fox to return next season.
Zach visits with 7-Time NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson on his 'legendary' water polo career... having a cold beer to forget the 2017 season..his future at Hendrick Motorsports, his chances at Daytona, what needs to happen to win the Great American race in 2018, his 'Welcome' to NASCAR moment and what he would tell a "Rookie Jimmie Johnson"
Zach and Jeff visit with Georgia Tech AD Todd Stansbury on changing the culture inside the athletics department. How does he feel about head football coach Paul Johnson and is the support still there for head basketball coach Josh Pastner? Where does he stand on recruiting, facilities, the importance of beating UGA and an 8-team football playoff? Stansbury recently joined the College Football Playoff committee and discusses that, plus who he was cheering for in the title game, Alabama or Georgia.
Jeff is in Minneapolis for the Super Bowl and had a chance to visit with the players and coaches from both teams. He and Zach discuss if anyone is interested in this game outside of Boston and Philly and who walks away with the Vince Lombardi trophy. Also.. what the Patriots did to "piss off" Falcons owner Arthur Blank
Zach and Jeff visit with veteran sports writer and columnist Mark Purdy. Purdy was 1 of 12 voters who did not cast a ballot for Braves legend Chipper Jones. Why? What about Barry Bonds, Pete Rose and will there ever be someone who gets in with 100% of the vote.
Zach and Jeff discuss then end of the Falcons season and the 1st and goal sequence that determined their fate. A shovel pass? To a 3rd string running back? Should Offensive Coordinator Steve Sarkisian return? Will He? Plus, the impact on UGA LB Roquan Smith leaving for the NFL
Zach and Jeff discuss what happened to UGA in title game vs Alabama. Refs? Too much Saban? Tua? We hear from Saban and Kirby Smart on when the game turned. Plus, the Falcons head to Philadelphia for a divisional playoff game against the Eagles.
Zach and Jeff discuss where Georgia's win in the Rose Bowl ranks among the all-time great games in sports. Plus, their predictions against Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide. Also, the Falcons prepare to defend their NFC Championship title in LA against the Rams
Zach and Jeff discus the Rose Bowl media day and the drama surrounding Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield - Also, Zach gets from broadcasting help from one of the Bulldog offensive lineman
Zach and Jeff discuss the first official day of Rose Bowl week for the Georgia Bulldogs, a day that saw one of their star running backs nearly pass out... at Disneyland! Plus, Jeff's "must visit" stops for any Bulldog fan visiting Los Angels
Zach and Jeff visit with Braves legend Dale Murphy. His thoughts on the Hall of Fame, facing Greg Maddux and the recent embarrassment surrounding the Braves front office. Plus, Murph's thoughts on the New York Yankees and how long until the Braves are back in the playoffs.
The last QB to lead the Georgia Bulldogs to an SEC Championship visits with Zach and Jeff on a wide range of topics. From the rematch against Auburn in the the 2017 SEC title game, to his experience in Athens and sitting behind David Greene, to his relationship with Mark Richt and his advice to Jacob Eason.
Zach and Jeff touch on the three biggest stories in Atlanta sports this week: 1) It’s rivalry week in college football, led by Georgia vs. Georgia Tech and Alabama vs. Auburn, games that have playoff ramifications; 2) Why former Braves GM John Coppolella was really banned from baseball; 3) Are we starting to see the Falcons’ team we all expected.
Zach and Jeff visit with Former Falcons, Broncos and Giants head coach Dan Reeves. Dan shares his thoughts the 1998 Falcons team that went to the Super Bowl, the emotional reaction from fans after his heart surgery, his time with Mickey Mantle on the golf course and why the 2017 Falcons struggled to start the season.
Zach and Jeff discuss the highly anticipated showdown in Auburn, plus the Falcons return home to face the Cowboys.. and a cell phone call interrupts the conversation just as they were talking about the allegations and accusations facing the Georgia Tech basketball program
Zach and Jeff discuss the Bulldogs starting the playoff rankings being #1 and the fact Nick Saban loves it! Plus, the Falcons finally begin NFC south play. What's wrong with Cam & will he ever return to his MVP self
Zach and Jeff visit with one of the most popular athletes and entertainers on the planet for nearly four decades, wrestling legend Ric Flair. They discuss his introduction to the sport, his jet setting lifestyle, the tragedy of losing his son to a drug overdose and the triumph of watching his daughter carry on the family legacy and own the world of professional wrestling.
Zach and Jeff discuss the annual showdown in Jacksonville and the Gators are not holding back. While all is quiet in Athens, a few Florida Gators players have stepped up the trash talking game.
Zach and Jeff discuss Dooley's love his history (Has a Masters in it and owns as letter from General Robert E. Lee and a table that was used to sign the Confederate Constitution), the rivalry against Auburn, Georgia Tech and Florida, plus Kirby Smart and UGA's chances of winning a national championship.
Zach and Jeff discuss the Falcons and Patriots and the Super Bowl rematch. Plus, the Braves make coaching moves, TP and Eddie are out.
Zach and Jeff discuss the Falcons and the Miami Dolphins who have a new set of issues and this has nothing to do with Jay Cutler. It's homecoming in Athens and Georgia Tech looks to stay undefeated in ACC play as they travel to Miami - Picks and predictions.
Zach and Jeff visit with David O'Brien, the longtime Atlanta Braves beat writer for the Atlanta Journal Constitution. 24-hours after the 2017 season ended, General Manager John Coppolella announced his resignation. David shares if there were any early indications of misconduct, who knew about the alleged alligations and what's next for this once proud franchise.
Zach and Jeff discuss Schultz's weakness in admitting he won't fast for Yom Kippur. (Zach thinks a grumpy/hungry sports writer makes a great sports column) - Georgia heads to Tennessee, while Tech hosts UNC - Plus, Falcons look to go 4-0 vs Bills and Rick Pitino is "shocked" about allegations at Louisville.
Zach and Jeff bring in DawgNation reporter Seth Emerson to preview the Bulldogs SEC opener against Mississippi State, Jacob Eason's return to practice and what Kirby Smart must do moving forward.
Zach and Jeff discuss recent chatter that Brian Snitker could be out as Braves manager. Plus, the Falcons open up Mercedes-Benz Stadium vs Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers and our weekly best bests from college and the NFL
Zach and Jeff discuss Georgia's first ever trip to Notre Dame and the first career start for quarterback Jacob Fromm. How long will he get to run the offense and when does Jacob Eason return? Also, a crushing defeat for Georgia Tech, should Paul Johnson have gone for 2 in OT #2? And Falcons open season in Chicago.. what to look for.
Zach and Jeff discuss the opening weekend of college football and by the time the year is over, who will compete for a national title. Also, will the Falcons head back to the Super Bowl? Crystal Ball time...
Zach and Jeff discuss the recent Q&A Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart did with Jeff. His regrets during his 1st year in Athens. Plus, Georgia Tech loses one of the best RB's in the ACC and what to expect at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Zach and Jeff discuss the retirement announcement of Michael Vick and Roddy White. Why now? Why together? There is a very good reason he doesn't belong in the ring of honor or have his jersey retired and it has nothing to do with what you think. Also.. tip of the hat to Rory McIlroy during U.S Open week
Zach and Jeff discuss the failure of the Bartolo Colon experience and what the new Hawks General Manager, Travis Schlenk will do with Paul Millsap