Unc & Ocho celebrate 2 MILLION + Deshaun Watson Browns QB1? Myles Garrett staying in CLE? | Nightcap

Shannon Sharpe challenges the notion that only players of equal or superior caliber can critique others. He argues that opinions in sports media, even from former players like Patrick Beverley comparing Dwyane Wade and James Harden, are valid and contribute to discussion, regardless of the speaker's personal playing achievements. Ocho, however, emphasizes the importance of accolades and rings in player comparisons.

Shannon states, 'You do realize like what we see in sports media today, a lot of that is opinion based... That is Pat Bell's opinion.' (11:25) He pushes back on Wade's stance that Beverley can't comment because he wasn't a 'better player.'

Shannon Sharpe firmly believes that signing too many autographs, especially for 'sellers' who profit from them, devalues his signature. He maintains scarcity drives value, comparing it to limited edition collectibles. Chad Johnson, conversely, signs all autographs, believing his inherent value as a Hall of Famer is fixed regardless of market saturation.

Shannon: 'If anybody going to be making money off my signature, it's going to be me.' (24:34) 'You saturate the market. You lower the value.' (25:51) Ocho: 'Your value is already set. You can't lower the value based on what you've done.' (25:55)

The hosts assert that Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam's sudden optimism about Deshaun Watson's future, despite previous 'swing and miss' comments, is purely financially motivated. With Watson's massive guaranteed contract nearing its final year, the team is compelled to give him every opportunity to start, hoping to salvage some value or performance before a likely parting of ways.

Ocho: 'because the money that's on the books still no matter what... he understands what Deshan what he has to pay Deshun Watson this season.' (37:34) Shannon: 'We spent a quarter of a billy and basically we got 10, maybe 11 wins out of it. Let's see if we can get a play out. Give you one last shot.' (40:27)

Despite Browns GM Andrew Berry's public statements that Miles Garrett is a 'career Brown' and won't be traded, the hosts interpret the contract modification (delaying a $29 million roster bonus) as a clear financial maneuver to make a trade easier. This allows the Browns to avoid absorbing a dead cap hit if they move Garrett, who could seek a winning environment.

Ocho: 'They going to lie to you every time when they get in front of that camera... you know exactly why you kicked that money on down the road to allow yourself room to be able to trade Garrett.' (55:34) Shannon: 'It doesn't make the 29 million goes away. The only thing is is that that dead cap is not on your space because if you paid that money, you got to absorb that dead cap him even though he's somewhere else.' (56:33)

The NFL is preparing for a potential referee strike by training replacement officials, a situation that previously led to controversial calls like the 'Fail Mary' in 2012. The dispute centers on the NFL's offer of a 6.45% annual growth rate versus the referees' demand for 10% plus marketing fees, and crucially, comprehensive health insurance benefits which officials currently lack.

Shannon details the NFL's offer vs. the NFLRPA's demands (1:35:01) and mentions the 'Fail Mary' incident. (1:35:31) The discussion confirms officials 'historically lacked traditional medical coverage' (1:39:35).