Don, Hahn & Rosenberg

Hour 1: Knicks Win Opener

Date: October 23, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Podcast: ESPN New York

Episode Overview

This episode opens with light-hearted banter before launching into two major topics: the seismic NBA gambling scandal that dropped on the heels of the league’s season opener, and the New York Knicks’ impressive win against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The hosts balance their trademark sarcasm and deep sports knowledge as they break down the implications of the legal news and analyze the Knicks’ performance. The episode is a must-listen for New York sports fans, or anyone interested in the intersection of pro sports, scandal, and on-the-court action.

Major Discussion Points & Insights

1. NBA Gambling and Mafia Scandal

• [03:31] The hosts react live to breaking news: NBA coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat player Terry Rozier, among others, were arrested in a massive FBI sting tied to illegal sports betting and mafia-backed, rigged poker games.
• Don reads the NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s official statement (see Quotes): Both Billups and Rozier were put on immediate leave.
• Key Scandal Details [06:09 – 11:57]:
  • 34 total arrests across 11 states; charges include illegal sports betting and poker game rigging.
  • NBA games from March 2023 to March 2024 under suspicion—Hornets, Magic, Trailblazers, Lakers, and Raptors involved.
  • In three games, players allegedly removed themselves intentionally for betting purposes.
  • Rigged poker games involved high technology—marked cards, camera feeds, rigged shuffling machines. Billups was a paid “face card” celebrity at these games; he received at least $50K to appear.
  • Notable quote from FBI Director Cash Patel: "The fraud is mind boggling." [08:02]
• Wider Historical Context [04:41, 17:04]:
  • Comparisons are made to the Black Sox scandal of 1919 and historic mafia influence in college hoops.
  • Hosts stress Adam Silver must “get out in front” and lead the league’s response—public confidence is everything.
• Ethics and Legal Gambling [18:22 – 22:53]:
  • Discussion on player debts, mafia leverage (“If your debt's that bad, maybe you do have to throw the game,” Rosenberg, [18:22]).
  • Emphasis that modern legal betting is not the problem; illegal activity is, “Please spare me the whole ‘you hypocrites’…” (Don, [20:12]).
  • Calls to regulate prop bets on fringe players, who may be more susceptible to bribery.

2. Knicks Season Opener Win Against the Cavs

• [31:44] Conversation turns to basketball: The Knicks, short-handed but energized, beat Cleveland at home.
  • The Garden’s atmosphere was “electric” (“It felt like a playoff game,” Don, [32:25]).
  • 11 players saw significant playing time—a huge shift from last season’s limited rotations.
  • Carmelo Anthony and Aaron Judge’s courtside moment gets play (“Two mega stars in New York having an animated conversation…” Don, [33:46]).
• Game Performance [34:43 – 39:03]:
  • Knicks looked aggressive, played up-tempo, shared the ball, and were less reliant on Jalen Brunson.
  • OG Anunoby, playing through pain, delivered with 24/14 and a big defensive play.
  • Cat (assumed to be Karl-Anthony Towns) played through a quad strain, emphasizing to fans: “I didn’t want to disappoint the fans” [37:07].
  • Bench play highlighted; rookie or deep-rotation players stepped up—“Next man up” mentality is praised.
  • Improvement in passing, athleticism, and overall team depth noted as key to the victory.
• Fan Reactions [41:04 – 46:21]:
  • Callers note the “tone-setting” nature of the win—breaking last season’s narrative that the Knicks couldn’t beat elite teams.
  • Extended discussion on rotation, player impact, and the significance of using 11 players early (especially Deuce McBride's impact).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Gambling Scandal:

  • “The reputation of the league is on the line.” — Peter Rosenberg [04:49]
  • “Ignorance is not a defense in this. It can’t be.” — Don La Greca [11:57]
  • “The fraud is mind boggling.” — Cash Patel, FBI Director (quoted by Don, [08:02])
  • “It’s a pretty ugly situation.” — Peter Rosenberg [20:12]
  • “If your debt's that bad, maybe you do have to throw the game.” — Peter Rosenberg [18:22]

• On Knicks’ Win:

  • “It felt like a playoff game... people were into it, the celebrities were everywhere.” — Don La Greca [32:25]
  • “That’s how you start a season. Agree or disagree?” — Don La Greca [31:44]
  • “He wanted to play this game... but I didn’t want to disappoint the fans.” — Karl-Anthony Towns (quoted by Don, [37:07])
  • “He’s already showing you trust in his depth and he gave everybody a chance. No one disappointed.” — Don La Greca [46:21]

• Lighter Moments:

  • “He pounced on that seat like a loose ball. — Peter Rosenberg on Alan Hahn taking the big chair [03:14]
  • “How about my man Chauncey Billups? You didn’t know he knew my man Joey Boom Box...” — Caller/Listener [43:13]
  • Extended, comic digression on Kenny Rogers/Dolly Parton duet history [27:20 – 30:13].

Key Timestamps and Segments

• 03:31: Start of gambling scandal discussion; Adam Silver’s response.
• 06:09 – 11:57: Details on arrests, charges, and the technology used in poker rigging.
• 17:04: History of mafia influence in sports; why player debts matter.
• 19:26: Case study of suspicious betting on Rozier’s in-game exit.
• 22:44: Problems with prop bets on fringe/G-league players.
• 31:44: Knicks game analysis begins.
• 32:25: Madison Square Garden atmosphere and celebrity courtside story.
• 34:43: Performance analysis: rotation, aggression, depth, and defense.
• 37:07: Karl-Anthony Towns’ commitment to playing for the fans.
• 41:04: Listener call-in reactions—impressions of the Knicks’ win and rotation changes.
• 45:14: Discussion of Deuce McBride’s breakout and depth impact.
• 46:21: On the evolving rotation and the “next man up” narrative.
• 47:48: Show closes, with a look ahead to the Celtics matchup.

Tone and Style Notes

• The trio mixes real-time humor, classic New York sarcasm, and expert analysis.
• When breaking legal news, the group shifts to measured seriousness, grounding their takes in historic precedent and league implications.
• Knicks analysis is enthusiastic but rooted in game specifics, statistical insights, and fan culture.

For Listeners Who Missed It

This episode is a crash course in how off-the-court scandals reshape the sports world overnight—right as teams are set to tell their on-court stories. It’s also a celebration for Knicks fans, who get a detailed, optimistic analysis of a fast-paced, deep-squad home-opening win. The hosts’ friendly bickering, caller input, and seamless blend of grave and comic moments make the show as compelling as ever.

Bottom Line:
If you care about the NBA’s future, the challenges legalized gambling brings, or just want to revel in a bright start to the Knicks’ season, this hour is essential listening.