Welcome to the Doug Kezirian Sports Network (DKSN) – home of HARD PASS, where the hoop scoop meets real talk. Hosted by veteran sports analyst and betting insider Doug Kezirian, HARD PASS breaks down the biggest stories in basketball, football, and beyond — from buzzer-beaters to social media beefs, this is where fans, friends, and insiders gather to unpack the game, the drama, and everything in between; a sideline seat to the conversation behind the games. Expect: 🔥 Trending topics & viral ...
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Doug Kezirian Sports Network X Red Tower Entertainment Podcasts

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Dak Prescott SPITGATE + Steve Ballmer NBA Scandal | HARD PASS Ep.37
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18:34The 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 m…
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Cowboys Controversial Micah Parsons Trade | HARD PASS Ep. 36
11:21
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11:21With 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 Dall…
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Caitlin Clark’s Return & Angel Reese Rankings Spark Debate | HARD PASS Ep. 34
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14:41Caitlin 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 …
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Is the WNBA Cooking the Books? | Hard Pass Ep. 33
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15:18Is 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 …
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Are WNBA Players Hurting Their Own League? | HARD PASS Ep. 32
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16:16Are 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’ frustra…
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Injury, Viral Photo Exposes Major WNBA Officiating Crisis | HARD PASS Ep. 31
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11:01The 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…
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Best Bets: WNBA MVP Race Is Closer Than Ever | HARD PASS Ep. 30
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13:02The 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 bet…
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Sports Betting & Scandals: Vegas Experts Weigh In | HARD PASS Ep. 29
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13:20Sports 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! St…
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The Truth Behind Caitlin Clark's Extended Absence | HARD PASS Ep. 28
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9:52The 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 …
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Lakers Target Jokic or Giannis for 2027 Superteam | HARD PASS Ep. 27
14:57
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14:57Lakers 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, …
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WNBA’s Respect Problem Goes Beyond the Viral Stunts | HARD PASS Ep. 26
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13:46Another 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 dow…
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LeBron's Pride vs. Luka's Unstoppable Rise | HARD PASS Ep. 25
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11:59With 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 sile…
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Morey: LeBron’s Bubble Championship ”Illegitimate” (?!?) | HARD PASS Ep. 24
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11:01Morey: 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 bac…
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WNBA’s Bold Gatorade Ad Sparks Major Controversy | HARD PASS Ep. 23
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11:19WNBA'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, …
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LeBron vs. Luka: Is the Lakers’ Divorce Inevitable? | HARD PASS Ep. 22
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12:23LeBron 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…
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LeBron Used Steroids? Jeff Teague’s Accusation Sparks Debate | HARD PASS Ep. 21
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14:52LeBron 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 accu…
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WNBA Players Demand Their Worth: Will the League Listen? | HARD PASS Ep. 20
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12:34WNBA 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 …
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WNBA’s Historic Standoff Over Billions at Stake | HARD PASS Ep.19
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15:54WNBA'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”…
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Shaq Loses It on RG3 Over Angel Reese Tweet | HARD PASS Ep. 18
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18:34Shaq Loses It on RG3 Over Angel Reese Tweet | HARD PASS Ep. 18 Shaq goes full Big Enforcer, threatening to punch RG3 over his tweet about Angel Reese — and he might be the mentor today’s stars actually need. Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark’s out of the All-Star game, Shane Gillis takes aim at the WNBA, and fans are even betting on a cheating scandal caugh…
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Bronny Drops 17… Is the Nepotism Debate Over? | HARD PASS Ep. 17
12:26
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12:26Bronny Drops 17… Is the Nepotism Debate Over? | HARD PASS Ep. 17 Bronny James drops 17-5-5 in Summer League, and suddenly fans think the nepotism debate is over — but one solid game doesn’t erase how he got here. Meanwhile, Bleacher Report’s all-time Top 100 list sparked controversy as LeBron edged out Jordan by a single point. Doug breaks down why…
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Queens of the Court: A New Dynasty Emerges from the WNBA | HARD PASS Ep. 16
11:09
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11:09Queens of the Court: A New Dynasty Emerges from the WNBA | HARD PASS Ep. 16 A new dynasty is emerging in the WNBA. Caitlin Clark + Paige Bueckers + Angel Reese = 👑 Three young stars. Three different styles. One era-defining debate. Are we watching the formation of a modern-day Michael Jordan / Larry Bird / Magic Johnson trio? Think about it: Caitli…
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Angel Reese 2K26 Cover Drama: RG3's Hot Take Backfires | HARD PASS Ep.15
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17:32Angel Reese 2K26 Cover Drama: RG3's Hot Take Backfires | HARD PASS Ep.15 You wouldn’t believe how chaotic one day in the WNBA just got. A video game cover sparks backlash, RG3 inserts himself into the drama, and Angel Reese’s mom fires back. Meanwhile, Cooper Flagg and Bronny James face off in Vegas with $3K courtside seats — but did either of them…
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Draymond’s Rant Exposes What’s Really Broken in the NBA | HARD PASS Ep. 14
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13:09Draymond’s Rant Exposes What’s Really Broken in the NBA | HARD PASS Ep. 14 Draymond Green lit up X with a rant about how NBA free agency is dead—but is it really the CBA’s fault, or is he just mad the spotlight moved on? When one of the league’s loudest voices complains, it’s worth asking: what is he really saying between the lines? HARD PASS Ep.14…
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The Bucks' Desperate Gamble Could Cost Them Everything | HARD PASS Ep. 13
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12:27Will Giannis Realize the Bucks’ Quick-Fix was actually a Big Mistake? | HARD PASS Ep. 13 The Bucks made a bold move to keep Giannis happy—but did they just buy time or bury themselves deeper? With Dame gone, Middleton traded, and the cap stretched thin, Milwaukee may have patched a gash with a Band-Aid. The real question now: how long until Giannis…
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Are the Lakers Preparing to Choose Luka Over LeBron? | HARD PASS Ep. 12
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15:03Are the Lakers Preparing to Choose Luka Over LeBron? | HARD PASS Ep. 12 The Lakers haven’t made their move yet—but all signs point to a future built around 26-year-old Luka Doncic, not 40-year-old LeBron James. With Deandre Ayton now signed, contract extensions looming, and timelines clearly diverging, tension in LA is quietly escalating. Will LeBr…
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Bucks Buy Out Dame to Please Giannis… But It May Backfire | HARD PASS Ep. 11
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15:33Bucks Buy Out Dame to Please Giannis… But It May Backfire | HARD PASS Ep. 11 The Milwaukee Bucks just made NBA history — buying out Damian Lillard’s $112M contract to clear space and prove their loyalty to Giannis Antetokounmpo. But here’s the twist: Giannis is reportedly furious with how it went down… while Dame is loving it. So did the Bucks just…
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LeBron’s $52M Dilemma: Underpaid or Time to Retire? | HARD PASS Ep. 10
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21:16LeBron’s $52M Dilemma: Underpaid or Time to Retire? | HARD PASS Ep. 10 LeBron James just opted in for a record-breaking 23rd NBA season at $52.6 million—but is that too much, or somehow not enough? As pressure mounts from his family, his agent, and a shaky Lakers roster, the question isn’t just about legacy—it’s about value. What does the King real…
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Nico Harrison's Luka Trade: "Bold" or Blunder? | HARD PASS Ep. 9
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17:21Mavs GM Nico Harrison got hustled, fumbled the Luka trade, tries to play it off as a "bold" strategy, and throws humility out the window with a premature victory lap...?? TLDR; Cooper Flagg caught the luckiest break in NBA Draft history. Meanwhile, LeBron finally challenges Ring Culture on his own podcast. In Distant Replay, we compare the legendar…
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Stevens Flips Everything, WNBA’s New Era Begins, Magic’s Origin | HARD PASS Ep. 8
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23:33Stevens Flips Everything, WNBA’s New Era Begins, Magic’s Origin | HARD PASS Ep. 8 Brad Stevens flipped two starters in 15 hours, cleared $150M in luxury tax, and reshaped the Celtics’ roster in the process. Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers face off in a WNBA showdown that could define a new era. In Distant Replay, we revisit the 1979 NBA…
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SGA Goes Down In History, But Did Haliburton’s Injury Change Everything? | HARD PASS Ep. 7
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25:06SGA Goes Down In History, But Did Haliburton’s Injury Change Everything? | HARD PASS Ep. 7 SGA’s historic season ends in glory — but did Haliburton’s injury decide the Finals? In this episode of Hard Pass, Doug breaks down the Thunder’s championship run, the heartbreaking twist for Indiana, and what Kevin Durant’s trade to Houston means for his leg…
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OKC Falls Apart, Pacers Force Game 7 | HARD PASS Ep. 6
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20:40OKC Falls Apart, Pacers Force Game 7 | HARD PASS Ep. 6 The youngest Finals team in decades just collapsed on the biggest stage… and now, Sam Presti’s entire legacy comes down to one game. Meanwhile, Angel Reese? Yeah… we need to talk about her too. Let’s get into it. Game 6 of the NBA Finals between the Pacers and Thunder took place on June 19, 202…
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OKC on the Brink of a Dynasty, Angel Reese Silences Doubters | HARD PASS Ep. 5
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21:48OKC on the Brink of a Dynasty, Angel Reese Silences Doubters | HARD PASS Ep. 5 Game 5 of the Finals gave us another heart-stopper — OKC is now one win away from a championship, and maybe the start of a dynasty. But while the spotlight’s on the NBA, Angel Reese quietly made WNBA history… and somehow, she’s still catching heat. Game 5 of the NBA Fina…
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Did the Pacers Just Blow It… or Did SGA Become a Legend? | HARD PASS Ep. 4
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22:34Did the Pacers Just Blow It… or Did SGA Become a Legend? | HARD PASS Ep. 4 The Pacers had it. A 4-point lead. 3 minutes left. And then… silence. One point in the final 3:20. Was it a choke job—or did SGA just rip their hearts out? Plus, we rewind to the night LeBron became the villain—and the one Finals loss he still can’t outrun. Oh, and yes, the …
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NBA Finals Game 3 FULL REACTION & Why Everyone is Talking About Angel Reese Now! | HARD PASS Ep. 3
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35:25How OKC Got OKC’d with a KO in Game 3, Why Everyone is Talking About Angel Reese Now, and more! | HARD PASS Ep. 3 Straight ahead — how OKC got OKC’d with a KO. A 140-to-1 longshot cashed, Rick Carlisle out-coached everyone in the building, and the Thunder looked stunned. Plus — Charles Barkley torches the Knicks, and Angel Reese gets dragged for...…
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Welcome to the Doug Kezirian Sports Network!
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1:44Welcome to HARD PASS with Doug Kezirian, your courtside ticket to everything basketball — from buzzer-beaters to behind-the-scenes drama, scorching hot takes, and sharp analysis you won’t hear anywhere else. Subscribe & Turn on Notifications Never miss a take. Never miss a moment. Subscribe to DKSN: https://www.youtube.com/@DougKezirianSportsNetwor…
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Did the Thunder Just Change the NBA Finals? | HARD PASS Ep. 2
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26:31Did the Thunder Just Change the NBA Finals? No Comeback, No Mercy: Thunder Dominate & Knicks in Chaos | HARD PASS Ep. 2 No comeback magic this time. The Thunder owned Game 2—but the real story? Haliburton vanished, SGA made history, and the NBA court looked like a CGI fever dream. Oh—and we’re settling the Warriors vs. Celtics debate once and for a…
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Pacers STUN Thunder in Wild Game 1 Finish, Thibodeau FIRED | HARD PASS Ep.1
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29:36Pacers STUN Thunder in Wild Game 1 Finish, Thibodeau FIRED | HARD PASS Ep.1 Haliburton stunned OKC with 0.3 left on the clock — and the Thunder just stood there. Meanwhile, Thibodeau’s out in New York, JJ Redick’s going scorched earth, and the Finals just got personal. Let’s break it all down. Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Pacers and Thunder…
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