Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 2: Charles Smith, Fraud Alert & Maria Marino
March 13, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg show from ESPN New York features a rich blend of New York sports talk, memorable guest segments, and spirited listener interactions. Hour 2 focuses on a heartfelt and insightful interview with former Knicks and Pitt star Charles Smith, their crowd-favorite "Fraud Alert Friday" segment, and a vibrant closing discussion with ESPN's Maria Marino about women's basketball, the WNBA, and equitable pay issues.

Key Segments & Timestamps

• [00:43] – [21:43]: Interview with Charles Smith – Knicks and Pitt legend shares stories about Mike Tyson, his mother's influence, the Knicks, and insights on the Big East and NBA.
• [25:19] – [42:44]: Fraud Alert Friday – The hosts read and judge listeners’ “sports fraud” dilemmas in a lively, engaging, and often hilarious segment.
• [46:15] – [60:42]: Interview with Maria Marino – Maria discusses her career, milestones in women’s basketball, the booming WNBA, and the crucial issue of revenue sharing during labor negotiations.

Charles Smith Interview

[00:43 – 21:43]

Highlights

On Mike Tyson and Smith's Fearless Mother

• Smith recounts running into Mike Tyson in Los Angeles during the late '80s/early '90s.
• Memorable story: His mother, undaunted, turned Tyson around at a train station; Smith notes Tyson had the "fear of God" in his eyes until realizing it was just an older woman talking to him.
  • Notable Quote ([03:14], Charles Smith): “When [Mike Tyson] saw it was a woman, and she started talking to him... she remembers when she turned him around, that look that he had on his face.”

The Impact of His Mother’s Words

• After playing a bad game, Smith's mother chastised him for ignoring Garden workers and fans, telling him “I didn’t raise you to be that way."
• Smith describes how this changed his outlook, leading to years of connecting with fans and staff, and even unknowingly mentoring a troubled young fan:
  • Notable Quote ([05:46], Charles Smith): "From that point on... my mother told me a long time ago, owners will come and go, those union workers will always be there."

Big East Pride & College Basketball

• The pride of the Big East as a true basketball conference, its heritage, and the “send it in, Jerome!” moment.
• On St. John’s: Praises Patino’s free-flowing offensive system, says it’s tough to prepare for and hard to guard.

Knicks Analysis

• Smith is optimistic about the Knicks' championship potential but points to shot selection in key moments as the main barrier.
• On analytics and criticism of Karl-Anthony Towns: Smith stands up for Towns’ game and shooting ability.
• On team defense and chemistry: Emphasizes the importance of consistent defensive effort and tight rotations.

The Evolution of the NBA

• Smith reflects on changes in pace, training, and physicality in the NBA, crediting today’s players for being “fine-tuned engines” but questioning claims that today's game is harder.
  • Quote ([17:13], Charles Smith): “Their bodies, they’re able to take care of their bodies better… So to complain about how many games, they have more at their disposal to be able to play.”

Playoff Insight

• Explains that playoff success comes from players’ in-game leadership and adjustments rather than coaching alone.
  • Quote ([21:22], Smith): “That’s not a coach’s thing. That’s players during a timeout or on a free throw… When you get a team of unselfish guys that do that, they’re tough to beat. Tough to beat.”

Fraud Alert Friday

[25:19 – 42:44]

Highlights & Memorable Cases

BYU–Utah "Holy War" Rivalry ([27:06])

• Listener roots for both rivals due to attending both schools.
• Verdict: Fraud!
  • Quote ([28:12], Don): “Four years at one of them… you can’t just suddenly go now, I love this school.”

Sabres Fan Bandwagon ([31:00])

• Listener “tapped out” during years of Sabres futility, returns now that they’re good.
• Verdict: Not a fraud, but not a great fan
  • Quote ([33:17], Don): “You’re not a fraud, but your fandom did suffer because you tapped out.”

Rooting Against Judge for Italian Heritage ([35:30])

• An Italian-American Yankee fan finds himself rooting for Italy—and a Red Sox pitcher—over Aaron Judge in the WBC.
• Verdict: Absolutely not a fraud—he honored his heritage and his heart
  • Quote ([38:13], Don): “How could you ever be a fraud if you honor your heart?”
  • Segment proposes naming “Fraud Friday” after listener Alessandro de Gennaro.

International Sports Loyalties

• Hosts reflect on the unique dilemmas of dual loyalties, particularly in international competitions, with a blend of humor and genuine empathy.

Maria Marino Interview

[46:15 – 60:42]

Maria’s ESPN Story & Personal Highlights

• Tells a unique story: Played in a charity softball game, went 3-for-3, and learned she was pregnant the next day.
• The hosts heap good-natured praise on Maria and her “model” husband, Steve, sparking playful banter about partners and attractiveness.

On Women’s Basketball and WNBA

UConn & March Madness Storylines ([51:19])

• “Can UConn repeat?”: Maria says yes, but highlights the strength of UCLA, South Carolina, and Texas.
• Notes growth and “parity” in women’s hoops, not just dominance by one school.

The Explosive Growth of the Women’s Game ([52:42])

• Cites impact of Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, and NIL deals raising player profiles.
  • Quote ([53:14], Maria): “Liberty are averaging over 16,000 fans per game now…they draw more than the Nets do in that building.”

WNBA Revenue Sharing & Labor Negotiations ([56:22])

• Breaks down revenue share dispute: WNBA offers players a hefty percentage of net (post-expense) but not gross; whereas the NBA’s 1983 deal gave players around 40% of gross revenue.
• Top WNBA salaries will finally surpass $1 million/year (from ~$250K max); still, calls out the need for a fairer revenue split, especially for non-superstars.
  • Quote ([59:22], Maria): “The last couple years with the boom—ratings, sponsorships, attendance has skyrocketed—these players…owners, I should say, were paying Caitlin Clark and the likes of her $75k a year. So, it’s time.”

The Stakes of Walking Out

• Maria warns, losing any games—even just preseason—could damage the WNBA’s hard-won momentum.
• She passionately advocates for a deal to be struck: “Let’s play ball…this is going to continue in the right direction.”

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Charles Smith ([05:46]): “Owners will come and go. Those union workers will always be there.”
• Don ([38:13], on Fraud Friday): “How could you ever be a fraud if you honor your heart?”
• Maria Marino ([53:14]): “Liberty are averaging over 16,000 fans per game now…they draw more than the Nets do in that building.”
• Maria ([59:22]): “It’s time. And guess what? They’re going to get it. They’re going to get paid and it’s going to be a win-win. It’s just a matter of are they going to get this gross revenue share.”

Tone & Style

• Camaraderie & Humor: The show maintains a relaxed, fun back-and-forth marked by both sports expertise and sharp wit.
• Personal Stories: Deep dives into guest experiences (Charles Smith, Maria Marino) give an intimate feel.
• Interactive: Audience is part of the action via the Fraud Alert segment, which mixes judgment with empathy and comic banter.
• Genuine Advocacy: Particularly apparent as Maria passionately articulates the need for fair treatment of WNBA athletes.

Summary

This hour is a must-listen for Knicks fans, Big East followers, and anyone interested in the continued rise of women’s sports. The interviews with Charles Smith and Maria Marino are as warm and candid as they are insightful. “Fraud Alert Friday” remains one of sports radio’s most engaging, relatable segments—where judgment is delivered with a perfect blend of jest and wisdom.

For a lively, thoughtful, and authentic New York sports experience—this episode delivers from buzzer to buzzer.