In this episode of Just Wondering with Norm Hitzges, Norm takes a look at two very different stories that somehow share the same theme: risk.

First, the future of the Dallas Mavericks under new ownership.

The Adelson family didn’t buy 73% of the franchise just to sit courtside. Norm walks through what’s really at play — the push to legalize casino gambling in Texas, the millions spent on political influence, and the long game behind a potential new arena and entertainment complex once the current lease expires in 2031.

The big question isn’t whether they want a casino in Dallas.

It’s whether Texas will ever allow it.

Norm breaks down the politics, the timing, and whether the Mavericks are ultimately a basketball investment… or a much larger business play.

Then the show pivots to the Winter Olympics — and one of the strangest medal-stand moments you’ll ever hear about. A Norwegian biathlete wins bronze and decides the podium is the perfect place to publicly confess to cheating on his girlfriend and beg for forgiveness.

Norm asks the obvious:

Is there ever a good time for that? And was that it?

It’s sports, business, politics, ego, and human vulnerability — all in one episode.

Sometimes the biggest gambles aren’t the ones made with money.

⏱️ Chapters

00:01 – Why the show is moving to once a week

02:23 – Who really owns the Mavericks now?

03:01 – The Adelsons and the casino connection

03:57 – Can Texas ever legalize gambling?

06:20 – Why legislation keeps failing

08:09 – What happens when the lease expires in 2031?

09:35 – Sponsor: Bob’s Steak & Chop House

10:15 – Full Moon Healing Balm

11:44 – Winter Olympics recap

12:46 – The Norwegian biathlete’s podium confession

15:41 – The girlfriend responds

16:13 – Final thoughts

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Just Wondering is a long-form sports commentary podcast hosted by longtime broadcaster Norm Hitzges, offering thoughtful, numbers-driven analysis of the NFL, college sports, the NBA, and the business and culture surrounding them. Each episode blends experience, history, and curiosity to explore why things happen — not just what happened.

New episodes feature clear-eyed perspective, context you don’t hear elsewhere, and questions worth sitting with a little longer.

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Sports podcast · NFL analysis · College football · Dallas sports · NBA commentary · Salary cap · NIL · Sports media · Long-form sports talk