Hour 2: Watch Giannis

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" – Hour 2: Watch Giannis

Release Date: February 20, 2025

Hosts:

• Don La Greca – ESPN New York and New Jersey legend
• Alan Hahn – Sportswriter and New York Knicks broadcaster
• Peter Rosenberg – Opinionated Hip Hop veteran and WWE personality

Overview: In this episode of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast titled "Watch Giannis," the hosts navigate through a series of pressing topics in the sports world. The discussion primarily revolves around significant NBA developments, including Victor Wembanyama's injury, Giannis Antetokounmpo's potential departure from the Milwaukee Bucks, and the implications of multi-sport ownership by Stan Kroenke. Additionally, the podcast delves into the dynamics of international hockey, highlighting the rivalry between the USA and Canada.

---

1. Victor Wembanyama's Season-Ending Injury [00:36 – 02:35]

The episode kicks off with shocking news about Victor Wembanyama, an emerging NBA star and first-time All-Star, who is expected to miss the remainder of the season due to deep vein thrombosis—a condition involving blood clots in his right shoulder.

• Peter Rosenberg [01:07]: "Victor Wembanyama is expected to be out for the rest of the season."

• Alan Hahn [02:06]: "Wembanyama is the most likely successor to the current greats of this league in terms of really becoming that marquee name."

Key Points:

• Wembanyama's injury is not deemed as severe as Chris Bosh's condition but requires blood-thinning medication, preventing him from participating in contact sports.
• His absence significantly impacts the San Antonio Spurs and has broader implications for the NBA, considering his potential to become a face of the league.

---

2. Giannis Antetokounmpo's Future with the Milwaukee Bucks [02:35 – 09:51]

The conversation shifts to Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks' recent struggles, raising questions about Giannis's commitment to the team and his potential move to a larger market.

• Peter Rosenberg [02:35]: "Giannis Antetokounmpo is somebody to just keep an eye on... he is not locked into Milwaukee as much as he seems to be or once was."

• Peter Rosenberg [06:55]: "Giannis wants out. So this leads to now more of a guy like that becomes available in a trade where he's made it clear he doesn't want to be there anymore."

• Alan Hahn [06:00]: "It is probably the most compelling piece to it because he, he is an immediate contender, changer by arrival."

Key Points:

• The Bucks' acquisition of De'Aaron Fox and Kyle Kuzma signals attempts to bolster the team, but internal issues persist.
• Giannis's exceptional performance remains a focal point, but the team's inability to reach playoff heights since their 2021 championship adds pressure.
• Speculation about Giannis potentially moving to teams like the New York Knicks or Brooklyn Nets if the Bucks fail to establish a sustainable, winning culture.

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3. Stan Kroenke's Sports Empire and Financial Strategies [09:51 – 14:13]

The hosts delve into Stan Kroenke’s extensive ownership of multiple sports franchises and the financial intricacies involved.

• Alan Hahn [13:12]: "The 49ers are selling 10% of their franchise... it's almost a billion dollars."

• Peter Rosenberg [13:17]: "What's 10%? It's a lot... There's a lot that you have to."

Key Points:

• Kroenke owns teams across various sports, including Arsenal (soccer), Los Angeles Rams (NFL), Denver Nuggets (NBA), Colorado Avalanche (NHL), and more.
• Discussion on the financial burdens and advantages of owning multiple high-value franchises, including revenue-sharing mechanisms.
• The ethical implications of revenue sharing, especially when Kroenke benefited financially from the Denver Nuggets' championship.

---

4. International Hockey: USA vs. Canada in the Four Nations Tournament [14:16 – 23:43]

A heated discussion ensues about the Four Nations hockey tournament, focusing on the intense rivalry between the USA and Canada.

• Peter Rosenberg [14:20]: "We're talking about the 1%, there's so few of them... They talk down."

• Alan Hahn [21:07]: "It's only an exhibition or it's made up."

Key Points:

• The USA vs. Canada game is highly anticipated, with the hosts debating the cultural and competitive tensions.
• Peter expresses frustration over perceived patronizing attitudes from Canadian hockey fans and parents at youth games.
• Don and Peter share personal anecdotes about their experiences in Canadian rinks, highlighting cultural differences and the unwavering pride associated with national teams.
• The segment underscores the deep-seated rivalry and national pride that fuel such international competitions.

---

5. Listener Interaction: Addressing Cultural Rivalries in Hockey [25:55 – 27:43]

The episode features a listener, Raza from Toronto, who engages with the hosts regarding their discussion on hockey rivalries and cultural differences.

• Alan Hahn [25:55]: "Hey Alan. I just want to say I was listening to ENN and I was listening to your comments about your experiences in the hockey rinks in Canada."

• Peter Rosenberg [26:03]: "Raza, because we'll hear this again tonight, so we don't need to hear the whole thing..."

Key Points:

• Raza acknowledges the hosts' points and extends an apology for negative experiences conveyed about Canadian hockey culture.
• The interaction promotes mutual understanding and underscores the importance of respectful discourse despite differing perspectives.
• Hosts accept the apology, emphasizing the value of sportsmanship and cultural respect.

---

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg [01:07]: "Victor Wembanyama is expected to be out for the rest of the season."

• Alan Hahn [02:06]: "Wembanyama is the most likely successor to the current greats..."

• Peter Rosenberg [06:55]: "Giannis wants out. So this leads to now more of a guy like that becomes available in a trade where he's made it clear he doesn't want to be there anymore."

• Alan Hahn [13:12]: "The 49ers are selling 10% of their franchise... it's almost a billion dollars."

• Peter Rosenberg [14:20]: "We're talking about the 1%, there's so few of them... They talk down."

• Alan Hahn [21:07]: "It's only an exhibition or it's made up."

• Peter Rosenberg [26:03]: "Raza, because we'll hear this again tonight, so we don't need to hear the whole thing..."

---

Conclusion: In "Watch Giannis," the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast offers a comprehensive analysis of current NBA dynamics, spotlighting critical issues like Victor Wembanyama's injury and Giannis Antetokounmpo's uncertain tenure with the Bucks. The discussion extends to the complexities of multi-sport ownership through Stan Kroenke's empire and delves into the fervent USA-Canada hockey rivalry, enriched by personal anecdotes and listener interaction. The episode provides listeners with insightful commentary, diverse perspectives, and engaging debates on the evolving landscape of professional sports.

Transcript

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[Peter Rosenberg]

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers with Don Lagreck and Peter Rosenberg. I'm Alan Hahn. 800-919-3776 is the number. This was some shocking news in the NBA, which is saying a lot when you consider we've had some shocking news in the NBA over the last couple of. But this one is a shocker and this one is tough news. Victor Wembanyama is expected to be out for the rest of the season.

[Alan Hahn]

Brutal. And they had a shot. I mean, they're outside of playing, but they're in range.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes, they were in range of play. They made the trade for De'Aaron Fox. That felt like, oh, maybe they can make a push. You know, Wembanyama was an all star for the first time. And this is a guy that a lot of people think is, you know, emerging as one of the big, you know, one of the great young players that could be a face of the league. But he had deep vein thrombosis, which is, you know, blood clots in his right shoulder, which is scary. Now they say they don't think that it is something serious, like, remember, it ended Chris Bosh's career basically. But he's got to be treated with blood thinning medication and that doesn't allow him to play a contact sport. So that's it. And so, you know, one of the game's biggest names and biggest draws is now out for the rest of the season. That's a, that's, that's a tough story. And not just in San Antonio, but for the NBA.

[Alan Hahn]

It really, it really is. Like we talked about this yesterday, this is, to me, Wembayama is the most likely successor to the current greats of this league in terms of really becoming that marquee name. Yeah, the, the kind of game that he plays, sort of his, his sweet sort of demeanor. He's got a lot going for him. Chief among them, he's a G who does everything. I mean, he's just an insane.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So unique and he just, his just visually he just looks just again his size 74 and everything that he does, it's just, yeah, like you said, it's just something that is compelling. And so the league's without it now.

[Alan Hahn]

It's tough.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Bobby Portis in Milwaukee, I mean it's amazing. He takes the medication for pain and apparently it's banned so he's now suspended. You won't see him until the end of the season. And so Milwaukee has all kinds of problems going on there. So in that story though is Milwaukee being underachieving once again this season They've had pockets of moments where they start to look like they're good. They move on from Chris Middleton, they bring in Kyle Kuzma. I don't know what that kind of a difference that's going to make, but I have told you guys that Giannis Denokounmpo is somebody to just keep an eye on that he is not, he is not locked into Milwaukee as much as he seems to be or once was. Well, Sham Charania on Get up took what I was hinting a step further. Listen to this, Matt.

[Alan Hahn]

Everyone knows Giannis Antetokounmpo loves the Bucs, but I'm here to tell you he loves winning more. And that's why everyone in that Bucs organization, they know what's at stake this season. They know the pressure. And every summer when Giannis looks around and he looks at the Bucs current roster, he looks at sustained long term winning. Where will he be able to find that? He has said publicly on the record if he feels like that's not attain anymore in Milwaukee, he will look elsewhere. But of course he has tried always to make everything work in Milwaukee. Even just this season they've gone out and gotten Kyle Kuzma. This is a team with Damian Lillard, Kyle Kuzma, Doc Rivers. They're paying Doc Rivers a significant amount after letting go of Adrian Griffin as well. So essentially paying two coaches at once over the last year or so. And Giannis has been playing otherworldly this season. You think about MVP candidates, he's right up there with Shake Yoz Alexander and Nikola Jokic. But he made those comments a couple years ago about failure and what failure means for the Bucks. In a lot of ways this is championship or Eastern Conference finals, they haven't reached that plateau ever since they got. Ever since they won the championship in 2021 they've gotten bounced early in the playoffs and so they need to, they do need to get back to that level to show Giannis that they're building something sustainable, building something long term.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Okay, you hear what he's doing there. He's just couching a lot of things with saying how much Giannis wants to stay because you don't want to turn it into Giannis wants out. But guys, Giannis wants out. So this, this leads to now more of a guy like that becomes available in a trade where he's made it clear he doesn't want to be there anymore, he doesn't feel like he can win there anymore. And there's a guy like Kevin Durant who's also going to be like, this summer could put a lot of. Could make you think twice. And I'm not talking about, you know, like, I mean, all the big markets, like, honestly. And if you're the Knicks, you gotta. You gotta think twice. If a player like that's available, what is it gonna cost? Is it worth doing it? Does that really put you over the top? Do you go for it? Or is there another. Is there one of your rivals in the east that they go for it and now it puts them ahead of you because right now the Knicks are third. But not for long. If somebody makes a significant move and he goes, let's say, to Miami, things suddenly change. So that is a story I've been trying to hint, and now that's a story that's getting louder and louder.

[Alan Hahn]

That is probably the most compelling piece to it because he, he is an immediate contender, changer by arrival. He's one of those guys. Although I got to tell you, like, there's something about Giannis over the last couple years, Alan, that's like, disappointed me. I don't know. He's just not. He's not. He seems very lovable, but he doesn't carry himself quite like the dude that I thought that he was. Thought he was really hard on Budenholzer. Now he just seems, like, quick.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, Griffin was supposed to be his guy. That's why they hired him.

[Alan Hahn]

Right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

And that, that, that would. And they had. You remember, their record was ridiculous when they fired him. Like, he had a great record. They were just a miserable team.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, so think about it. So it's really back to back, right? Because Budenholzer is not gone unless Wemby, unless Giannis is good with it. Then they get the guy who's supposed to be honest. His guy has a great record. He's gone. He's kind of a coach killer. And also, it's just kind of seemed like he's ready to get out. Like if I can't win another championship.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's what it is. It really is a guy that just sort of feels like he should be in a bigger market. Remember, he's the one that when Luka was traded, talked openly about how like European players, like you know, the international guys like you want, I want them all in big markets. That's when he said Luka in la, I want Jokic in New York. He wasn't, he didn't mean Jokic in New York. He meant I want to be in New York.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm tell, I'm telling you, man. Like this is, you know, they get, the international players are just like American players. Any different when it comes. And all the stuff that they want, they just handle a little bit. You know, they're a little more passive aggressive about it.

[Alan Hahn]

It's right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But he's making it clear. And guys, I'm just saying I know, you know, this is a basketball city and I don't know if he, if the Knicks or even the Nets would be involved. The Nets have a lot of assets. They desperately want to get a star. They could be involved. But it is something to watch and I've been trying to hint to it. And when Shams went, went with the report that he went with this morning, I was like, all right, well it's out now.

[Alan Hahn]

Here we go. I mean it's like the Giannis story is amazing. But listen, everyone gets used to what their life is. And the sweet hustling poor kid on the streets of Athens story was a very long time ago. He is an NBA champion. Is he an MVP too? Oh yeah, he's a one time mvp. He's, he is, I believe he's a.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Two time MVP or two time.

[Alan Hahn]

He's an absolute NBA stud, perennial all star. And to your point, Allen, he wants to be treated like every other big star and now he thinks Milwaukee's not big enough. I always thought it was such a hard break though for Budenholzer because I'm like, do you not realize who the Bucks are? I mean the Bucks all of a sudden are a competing for the top seed in the conference. Every year they're, they win one championship, they're always there. Pretty good deal. But obviously it's more than that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They made a desperate move for Lillard. No one thought Lillard was going to end up in. Everybody thought he was going to Miami, but they couldn't make the deal happen and the Bucks made the move for Lillard and you thought like okay, you just gave Giannis a star. It's supposed to make him happy. He signed a short term extension, but. And by the way, I, I'm trying to think they're. They have a new ownership group. Is it the Browns? One of the NFL owners bought a big part of a majority stake in the Bucks, which is also something to keep an eye on as well. Because, you know, there, there's a New York based people who also are in the ownership there.

[Alan Hahn]

Lazri.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But yeah, Lazarus. Right. And so you, you have to watch where they are and the fact that they, they went for it. They won a championship. They did get one. But now there's. They're kind of stuck in some cap hell and they won't be able to do the things like Kyle Kuzma. I just, I don't see that as like a championship piece. Lillard has not worked out with Giannis. When it comes to two stars that came together and really, you know, performed well together, they don't win much at all. And so what happens from here is going to be. It's going to be really interesting.

[Alan Hahn]

Don, why does it look like PK Suban is like on green screen? Like it look. Why does it. Whatever. Wherever they have him set up, it looks like the Wayne's World Delaware sketch. I didn't catch it. You were pointing to the tv. I didn't. Well, they like, they like faded the ice background behind him. Anthony, is it cuz he's really not there? No, I would think there.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They're all there.

[Alan Hahn]

The look is so weird. It looks like it's pretend. I get what you're saying, but I think, I think Canada was practicing at the time he was doing those hits, so they legit blurred it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So I think it was just like.

[Alan Hahn]

Kind of blurry from the distance that they was at. Or maybe they specifically blurred it. Like we're not showing their practice. Don't want to get it. Don't want to get too much on.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Power Play 1 before.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. Oh, I think Jimmy Haslam is the one of the owners. He's also the owners of the Browns and also the Columbus Crew. All right, there you go. Yeah. When the Columbus Cruise. Remember back in the day when you couldn't own more than one professional sports franchise? DeBartolo, like, gave the Penguins to his like, daughter because he didn't want to give up stake in the 49ers?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I didn't remember. I didn't. Yeah, I forgot. I forgot about that.

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[Alan Hahn]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

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[Alan Hahn]

Have you ever spotted McDonald's hot crispy fries Right as they're being scooped into the carton? And time just stands still.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Now you have it. Where the Walmart people have won. They won. Have they won every championship or. They've won three of them. Right. The Avalanche got a cup. The Nuggets got an NBA title, and he owned the Rams, and they got a Super Bowl.

[Alan Hahn]

You know, Gronky.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right, Right. Yeah. And. But that's it, right? He doesn't have a World Series title. I don't know if he owns a baseball team, but, geez, he seems to own everything.

[Alan Hahn]

I got to see if Stan Gronke owns a baseball team. But listen, when you're Talking about the 1%, there's so few of them. And with the. The actual. How expensive that these franchises have become. What the. Now. Now the 49ers are selling 10% of their franchise. Everybody's doing it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The Giants.

[Alan Hahn]

The Giants just trying to do it, and they estimate the niners are worth 9 billion.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So what's 10%?

[Alan Hahn]

Right? It's a lot. It's a lot of money. Right? So what. What is that? $900 million. Think about that 10%. It's almost a billion dollars right there. So, like, there's a lot that you have to. So there's only so many people that can afford to do that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

So you kind of had to break that rule. But I remember it was like a. It was a big rule at the time.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You want to hear something crazy, too? Here's something crazy. When Stan Kroenke won the NBA championship with the Denver Nuggets, that Season he received revenue sharing money from the rest of the league.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's true that. Amazing. And you wonder why. Like again, you wonder why Jim Dolan's pissed off about the system. Like what do we. Wait, wait. This guy is a multi billionaire who owns several sports program and I had to give him money. Like that doesn't make sense. That's. That's. They sit on market, not on.

[Alan Hahn]

He does not own a baseball team.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No baseball.

[Alan Hahn]

He does. He does own Arsenal. Peter. That's a good one. The Rams, the Nuggets, the Avalanche, the Rapids. Whoever the Mammoth are. The Colorado Mammoth. I don't know if. Is that a lacrosse team? I don't know. I'm sorry about my ignorance. He's also the owner of the Los Angeles Gladiators and the Los Angeles Gorillas. Sorry.

[Peter Rosenberg]

A lot of teams here.

[Alan Hahn]

All right. Look at that. I'll pretend to know who they all are too.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He's a big sports guy apparently.

[Alan Hahn]

Gorgeous, stinking rich.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh yeah. Griffin in Connecticut has a message for you, Peter. About tonight's four nations.

[Alan Hahn]

Can't be. It can't be good. Hey guys, before we get to the question for Peter. I don't want to be the bearer of bad news. Oh no. So is everyone okay? The Big east schedule with the tournament is. St. John's gets the 1 seed.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They're going to be the first semi final. And that's at 6:30. It's the same thing that happened with.

[Alan Hahn]

The Yukon men last year. So it would not be the late one at 9:00. That's good news for us.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

I don't want. I don't want to stay there till midnight.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'll fall asleep. We're going to miss the beginning of the game.

[Alan Hahn]

It's the beginning of a basketball game.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What do you mean? It's like sometimes that's the most exciting.

[Alan Hahn]

It's. It's like the trailers before a movie. I'm good. What am I gonna.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You don't want the hype. The building going crazy. The whole place just draped in red. Fake John's fans are waiting years for this.

[Alan Hahn]

As opposed to then having a 9:15 tip. Because the game before ran long. And then I'm leaving at the half because I'm. I'm about to fall asleep. I'm an old man.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But you and I, you, me and Peter get a delicious meal at a local eatery and then walk into the building in time.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, that's gonna keep me awake. A big meal before the game, Peter, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, no, it's a big steak.

[Alan Hahn]

Come on, add alcohol to it. I'll be falling asleep in the the first half. You can do it, Don. Come on. He wants to get home for his little Juan titto. No, he's missing them. No matter what, they. They're out there. Yeah, I mean, they're, they're one night.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's one night. We can't have a night with the boys.

[Alan Hahn]

Listen, I. I get some pass. My daughter's a month old. Don's known these kids for a long time.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But I'm just saying, they don't even know you're gone.

[Alan Hahn]

No, but Peter, honestly, given the choice of a meal and a 9:15 tip. Okay. Or getting something at the game in the suite, the delicious chicken fingers that you eat. And the game's a 6:40 tip. You're taking the 640, right? I'm listening to Michael. Well, no, no, no, listen, hear me out. Don and I have very different situations. His trip home is considerably different. So for me, so is yours. That's true. Allen, so is yours.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But I'm all in.

[Alan Hahn]

But you're all in. That's true.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And I got to call a game the next day in Golden State.

[Alan Hahn]

But I'll just say this. If my wife gave me full, like, no go, the night's yours. I'll get the night nurse. I'll be fine. Go do your thing. My pre actually be the dinner like gentlemen with a beverage or two and then the game. That would be my preference.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hell yeah. Peter's talking.

[Alan Hahn]

45 years old, damn it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

If it came to blowout, we could just leave it halftime.

[Alan Hahn]

I don't like leaving games early. Oh, see, here's Alan. Here's the difference. Alan, here's the secret. That's really going to surprise you. I would care more about it. I would rather have dinner and leave a game early than reverse.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, especially because you again, you're a Maryland guy. Like, yeah, like, like, you know, Ramapo's not playing down. Right.

[Alan Hahn]

We can get out early.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right?

[Alan Hahn]

I'll flip on the game when I get home. I don't even know. You need a credential. Just walk in. They just open all the doors to the Garden like they're ventilating. My point. All right, go ahead, go ahead. Your point?

[Peter Rosenberg]

My point. God.

[Alan Hahn]

Jeez.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I started order debates.

[Alan Hahn]

So this is what you do, man. Peter.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. Tonight, I know you said Sidney Crosby.

[Alan Hahn]

Is your favorite player. You like watching Crosby fight.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But you have.

[Alan Hahn]

You are rooting for the US Tonight. Because if you are rooting for Canada.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Then You should walk off the station right now and Jacob or Anthony will.

[Alan Hahn]

Take over for you and they'll do em. Wow. That's the kind of shows American. Yeah, that's the American, Griffin.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's the American.

[Alan Hahn]

That's the kind of patriot you are. Griffin, I. You never struck me that way. If I root for Canada, I have to lose my job.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Don, make him plant his flag right now. You. You're the one that started plant your flag. Make him do it.

[Alan Hahn]

I don't want to do it. I don't want to get into a whole thing. No, but that's what the show does. We get into the whole thing. There are several reasons. There are several reasons. Sid Crosby among them, that I won't hate if Canada gets the win tonight. Okay, Griffin, listen. If this were the World cup soccer team, nothing could get me off the U.S. this team, I got no connections to this team.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, my God, Griffin, you just started. You start a little civil war here. Yeah, Griffin, you don't know what you just did here. So thank you for doing this.

[Alan Hahn]

See what you've done?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Jumped into this show and just completely, just, just dropped the bomb.

[Alan Hahn]

Done a stink bomb and walked out.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This man that we work with is not pledging allegiance to Team usa.

[Alan Hahn]

This is literally. Plant your flag. We have a flag. Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

There's no coming back from this now.

[Alan Hahn]

So Mike Sullivan's won you a couple of cups. Doesn't matter.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No.

[Alan Hahn]

He's the head coach of Team usa. Jake Gensel was a very good penguin. Doesn't matter.

[Peter Rosenberg]

By the way.

[Alan Hahn]

Great penguin. And I know you love Sid. An underrated. Underrated great penguin. Sydney's got the golden gold man. He's good.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, but he hurt you. He beat the U.S. with the golden goal.

[Alan Hahn]

If you don't like it here, move. Why don't you move to Canada, Peter, by the way, I would love being Canadian. Why don't you go live and do a sports show in Toronto? Man, I would love being Canadian. That's the great Don. The great Don Lagra. Michael used to give me that. I would love being Canadian. But I never said I don't love or would prefer to be American. By the way, rest in peace against you. Rest in peace to Mike Lang, the great penguins. I'm glad you brought that up. He was such, such a good guy. Another reason I have to root for Sid tonight. You see what I'm saying? And I remember just being a young play by play guy at the igloo, swinging in there. And I had known him forever, just as a Fan. And he was just so nice. Such a nice guy. See how I changed the subject?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Remember. Remember Don in the igloo, in the press box? You could literally touch the ceiling.

[Alan Hahn]

It was. I missed that place. It was just the most bizarre way.

[Peter Rosenberg]

To get to a press box.

[Alan Hahn]

Very, very strange place. And it was at the. Just. He deserves a better story, but it's still my favorite Mike Lang story because. Because when he was 30, he seemed like he was an old man. Like, the way he looked the day he died was like.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's.

[Alan Hahn]

That's how he was. He was an elder statesman. Always had that green. That voice, you know, scratch my back with a hacksaw, beat him like a rental. Listen, so I'm saying, what's. Mike. Mike, what's in the. What's Were they. Were they. What's the meal in the press room? He's all, don, they got tacos tonight. I said, you want me to bring you up a couple of tacos? He's like, oh, no, Don. They give me the toots. I don't want to give Mike Lang the toots. No, you can't. You can't.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He beats hope.

[Alan Hahn]

He. Like a rented mule.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

Side out. And the Penguins have a two nothing lead. Listen, I. I just. There's. There's a lot of things. There's a lot going on in this. In this game. And the political implications that have been added here are not the typical political implications. Canada is our. Canada is our beloved ally. Beloved.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Not in this sport. They talk down. You know what, Peter? We're late. But I got to do this because you hate when people treat others poorly.

[Alan Hahn]

I do.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I know that you don't like. I don't like those who patronize others. No, talk down.

[Alan Hahn]

I'm disgusted.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Better than you. You hate that. Well, I can tell you from experience, I know, Don. Ken, too. I covered the sport a long time. My son played the sport his whole life so far, and hopefully continues to. This is one area where, when you are among Canadians, they treat you like crap. They talk down about you. I'm telling you right now, this is the part where you walk into a rink and you are. And you look around and you can feel that they have disdain for your presence, that you don't belong here with.

[Alan Hahn]

Us because they think they're that much better.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Son's from where? He's from Long Island. What's he doing here? That's what they do, though. What's he doing? What do you mean, what's he doing here? He made the team oh. Oh, that. Who'd you know? What do you mean, who did I know? He made. Like, this is what you get. Like, that's how they treat you.

[Alan Hahn]

Like they.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So they're really nice with Suri and all. Oh, that's so nice. They're very polite people, but when it gets to the hockey.

[Alan Hahn]

Patronizing jerks. Yeah. So don't get into the.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No way that you can respect anyone that does that. Cuz that's what they do. I'm telling you from experience, as I believe you. I was a. I covered the sport and they would talk to me like I was a child. Oh, by the way, that's icing. What do you mean? It's ide. It's not what you put on a cake. Oh, that's really cute. Oh, that's funny. Like, honestly.

[Alan Hahn]

Which, by the way, particularly insulting for New York hockey fans, who are some of the hockey fans in the league. So. You know what? You're making an impact. I didn't think about it that way and I could see that. The looking down their nose at America being lesser than when it comes to the hockey.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You ever see how their parents act at youth hockey games?

[Alan Hahn]

No, I certainly have not.

[Peter Rosenberg]

There's stories upon stories, so if you saw that kind of behavior, you're making an impact. You're making an impact. You would want to stomp on a maple leaf right now.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, my God.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Am I wrong? Don. Don. Where's the lie in anything? I just.

[Alan Hahn]

No, it's all true. I heard DiPietro saying it today on Katie. We'd be best friends with a guy and his team. With the Islanders, all of a sudden it's international time. Walk right by and not say a word.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. Nose up in the air. So it's just about American team.

[Alan Hahn]

That's why I get. That's why I take exception to. It's only an exhibition or it's made up. All right, Whatever it is, whatever got us here, it's still tonight. Canada versus the Athletics. It's happening. Whatever the format, whether it's the Olympics, World cup, four nations, you know, whatever. You froze my backyard and decided to. But by the way, whoever says that, Don is a hater because I know this tournament's new, but this has been awesome and the players have bought in. So you can't now be like, oh, it's just four nations. It's not the Olympics to me, guys. This to me has as much juice as any international hockey. So that to me is silly.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Deeper meaning, too.

[Alan Hahn]

This episode is brought to you by Shopify.

[Peter Rosenberg]

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[Alan Hahn]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

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[Alan Hahn]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Alan Hahn]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcast. All right, Gary Bevin, coming up in the 5 o'clock hour, you certainly want to stay tuned for that Four nations tonight. It has been a great success for the sport of hockey and for the National Hockey League. But right now, game time brought to you by Tulla Merdu Irish Whiskey. Because when it's game time, it's Tully time. So the NBA is back. The Knicks host the Bulls tonight at Madison Square Garden where I am right now. Coverage immediately follows us right here on 880 ESPN. The Nets, they play the Cavs at 7:30. Cavs are in Brooklyn and then both teams are going to fly. The Knicks and the Cavs fly to Cleveland and play each other tomorrow night. Interesting scheduling. USA Canada, as we mentioned, that is in the Four nations final and that's at 8 o'clock on ESPN. Game time brought to you by Telemardu. The original triple distilled, triple blended and triple cast matured Irish Whiskey. Be sure to grab a Tullamore Dew or try the new Tullamore Dew. Honey during tonight's action glasses up to enjoying Tullamore Duke responsibly. Let's take Raza who is up in Toronto. Hello Raza.

[Alan Hahn]

Hey Alan. I just want to say I was listening to ENN and I was listening to your comments about your experiences in the hockey rinks in Canada.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And as a Canadian from Toronto, I.

[Alan Hahn]

Was shocked and distraught, disturbed. The adjectives could go on. So unlike Cam Newton. I would like to ask Canadians do apologize for the experiences that you've had. There you go. You know we love you. We love Don Don when you're coming on the radio in Toronto because it's all hockey. It's the biggest thing. They tease that till no end. You know Peter loves Toronto. So I just want to say as a king, we hope that may the best team win. I am as a Leafs fan a little bit nervous that it's happening at the Tedium Garden but have to deal with that ptsd. But I just wanted to Apologize. Raza. Raza. I accept. We accept. Alan. I speak on behalf of Alan when I say we accept your apology. I look forward to going to Toronto in a couple of weeks for elimination chamber. And I'd like to offer you this. I'd like to offer you this.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I just want to say, Raza, because we'll hear this again tonight, so we don't need to hear the whole thing. Raza. I just wanted to tell you though, that you understand I have had in all the years I've gone to Canada and I've gone from coast to coast in Canada just like Don has. I have had nothing but great experiences with people. Hockey is a different world, as we all know. And when you enter that world, you can deal with some things that you're like, are you serious? But for me, I love. I love spending time in Canada. I. I enjoy the people. I love being on tsn. I go up there a lot and do stuff there because, you know, they. They love to talk sports just as much as we have the great sports fans. But the. The hockey thing, you gotta admit, there's a little bit of a we're better than you kind of attitude when it comes to that.

[Alan Hahn]

The thing is, the thing is all those ranks, you know, especially if where your son goes probably are up in the boonies and the chirping there, I. I have to agree.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Different. Oh, it's different. Yeah. It's sure different. Yeah. The tailgating too, for youth hockey. Tailgating. Oh, yeah. Thank you, Raza. It is. You guys got to see it. It really makes you crazy because you're await. This is a 12U game. What are we doing? Like, what are we doing? You know? What we're doing next though is we have the commission of the NHL, Gary Bettman joining us to discuss the four nations and more. So stay tuned for that. Don, some Mazda, please.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, you want to get the most for your money. And that's why most or more Mazda buyers choose Ramsey Mazda. Lease a new 2025 Mazda CX50, all wheel drive only, 239amonth or buy and get 0.9% APR financing for 36 months. Start shopping now at RamseyMazda.com, choose wisely. Choose Ramsey Mazda. Call 833-853-2970 for details. Excludes tax, title and registration. 0 Security Deposit Fin SN 316458 MSRP32295 ends 228.25 thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't want to know how the sausage is made, man. I just want to know. It's good. Hear more of Don Allen and Peter.

[Alan Hahn]

Weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8.

[Peter Rosenberg]

80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.

[Alan Hahn]

I don't just stand on business. I live it 247 because you don't become a young entrepreneur by staying stagnant. Whether I'm chasing deals, networking, or taking calls from behind the wheel of my Toyota Crown, I'm always in motion. You may think launching a successful startup is enough to be satisfied, but me, I'm just getting started. It's a new day at Toyota, led by a new generation of drivers, and we want you to know one thing. You can't stop my drive Toyota. Let's go places.