Hour 3: More Football?

Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary Episode Title: Hour 3: More Football?
Release Date: April 28, 2025

In this engaging episode of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the latest happenings in football, analyze NFL draft strategies, and engage with listener opinions on controversial topics. The conversation seamlessly transitions between sports insights, listener interactions, and light-hearted banter, providing a comprehensive overview for enthusiasts who couldn't tune in live.

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1. Giants and Jets Draft Analysis

The episode kicks off with a thorough discussion on the recent drafts of the New York Giants and New York Jets. Don Hahn examines the strategic moves made by both teams, focusing on their draft choices and potential impacts on the upcoming season.

• Don Hahn [04:06]: “The Giants have a chance to win some games and save some jobs. And I think the Jets are kind of set up exactly how they wanted to be set up.”

Hahn emphasizes the importance of quarterback play, suggesting that securing a competent quarterback could be pivotal for the Giants’ success. Dave Rothenberg concurs, highlighting the Jets' fresh approach under new leadership.

• Dave Rothenberg [05:40]: “The Giants regime, they've been there now a couple of years. So this is now where the first draft has to start showing dividends.”

2. NFL International Expansion and Scheduling Challenges

A significant portion of the discussion centers around NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's recent interview about expanding the league internationally. The hosts analyze the feasibility and potential challenges of scheduling games across different time zones, particularly in Asia.

• Don Hahn [10:36]: “Roger Goodell was on McAfee, really good interview. And he talked about the NFL not done expanding internationally.”

The team humorously debates the practicality of evening game times in Tokyo, considering the 13-hour time difference.

• Peter Rosenberg [11:24]: “So, basically, so 3:00 in the morning. Is 3:00 in the afternoon there?”
• Don Hahn [11:53]: “That'll be what football is. It starts at 9:30.”

They explore the concept of shifting the traditional NFL game schedule to accommodate international audiences, pondering the impact on American viewers and the overall structure of a typical football Sunday.

3. Listener Interactions: Shador Sanders Draft Controversy

Listener Monty from Woodbridge shares his thoughts on Shador Sanders’ draft experience, sparking a robust debate among the hosts about the influence of a player's personal life and family on their professional opportunities.

• Monty [17:32]: “I don't see the empathy for this kid... he got robbed. You know, this is $40 million to get that.”

Don Hahn and Dave Rothenberg respond by dissecting the complexities of drafting decisions, accountability of general managers, and the potential racial undertones in evaluation processes.

• Don Hahn [19:16]: “There's racism in this world. Obviously, people are motivated by race to do or not to do.”

4. Comparison Between Jalen Brunson and Aaron Judge

In a call from Danny in Long Island, the conversation shifts to comparing the clutch performances of NBA's Jalen Brunson and MLB's Aaron Judge. Monica McNutt articulates her perspective, leading to a nuanced discussion about evaluating athletes across different sports.

• Monica McNutt [26:27]: “I think Jalen Brunson raises his scoring average from the regular season to the postseason... compared to Aaron Judge’s batting average.”

Dave Rothenberg adds depth by analyzing statistical performances, underscoring the difficulty of cross-sport comparisons but acknowledging the importance of clutch performance in determining an athlete's legacy.

• Dave Rothenberg [37:07]: “Jalen Brunson... he dials it up.”

5. NBA Last Two Minute Report Analysis

Transitioning to basketball, the hosts review the recent NBA last two-minute report focusing on the Knicks' game against the Nationals. They critique the officiating decisions and discuss their implications on the game's outcome.

• Dave Rothenberg [40:45]: “There was only one incorrect call... Hart should have been called for a foul.”

Peter Rosenberg weighs in on the fairness of the league’s acknowledgment of missed calls, emphasizing the frustration fans feel when critical decisions impact the game's result.

• Peter Rosenberg [43:29]: “It's the right answer for them to tell the truth. It was pretty obvious when you saw the replay.”

6. Hosts' Light-Hearted Banter and Promotions

Throughout the episode, the hosts maintain a lively and humorous dynamic. They promote upcoming events, such as their watch party at Stout Bar, and engage in playful exchanges that highlight their camaraderie.

• Don Hahn [24:36]: “Congrats on getting a new stadium for your commanders...”

Their interactions not only entertain but also provide listeners with information on where to catch live events and join in the community spirit surrounding major sports events.

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Conclusion

This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg offers a rich blend of sports analysis, listener engagement, and entertaining dialogue. From dissecting NFL draft strategies and international expansion plans to addressing controversial drafting decisions and comparing standout athletes across sports, the hosts provide insightful commentary that resonates with both casual fans and hardcore enthusiasts. The lively discussions, punctuated with notable quotes and timestamps, make this episode a must-listen for anyone eager to stay informed and entertained by New York’s premier sports voices.

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Notable Quotes:

• Don Hahn [04:06]: “The Giants have a chance to win some games and save some jobs. And I think the Jets are kind of set up exactly how they wanted to be set up.”

• Dave Rothenberg [05:40]: “What you honestly need is...”

• Peter Rosenberg [11:24]: “So, basically, so 3:00 in the morning. Is 3:00 in the afternoon there?”

• Monty [17:32]: “I don't see the empathy for this kid... he got robbed.”

• Monica McNutt [26:27]: “I think Jalen Brunson raises his scoring average from the regular season to the postseason...”

• Dave Rothenberg [37:07]: “Jalen Brunson... he dials it up.”

• Don Hahn [19:16]: “There's racism in this world. Obviously, people are motivated by race to do or not to do.”

• Peter Rosenberg [43:29]: “It's the right answer for them to tell the truth. It was pretty obvious when you saw the replay.”

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This structured and detailed summary captures the essence of the podcast episode, highlighting key discussions, insightful analyses, and memorable quotes, making it valuable for both regular listeners and newcomers.

Transcript

[Don Hahn]

Fellas, you know Degree Cool Rush deodorant, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, last year they changed the formula and guys were mad about it.

[Don Hahn]

One dude even started a petition.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So guess what?

[Don Hahn]

Degree heard us, admitted they messed up.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And brought the original Cool Rush scent.

[Don Hahn]

Back exactly how it was.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And it's in Walmart, Target and other.

[Don Hahn]

Stores now for under $4. So grab some and remember why its cool, crisp and fresh scent made it the number one man's antiperspirant for the last decade. Degree Cool Rush is back and it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Smells like victory for all of us.

[Dave Rothenberg]

This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Don Hahn]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.

[Don Hahn]

500 One of the big city Don, Peter Allen. It's Don Hahn and Rosenberg taking you up until 7. Back on 880 tomorrow. Mets are playing right now. They're up to nothing, by the way.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Not just back on 880 tomorrow. We got something going on tomorrow.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, you kidding me? Like you read about it. Stout.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Yeah. If you're in New York City, first of all, don't listen to the show. If you can be in New York City, come hang out with us and watch the show as we're going to be at Stout. Now, there's several locations of Stout Stout, the bar, you know. But our location is right by Madison Square garden. It's on 33rd street right there, 7th Avenue, right by the Garden. Every invite that's gone to the Garden for a concert or a game, you know. Stout.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, sure. You do.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Yeah, we're going to be there for our show. It's before game five. We got special guests. Monica McNutt going to join us. She's going to hang out. Larry Johnson, lj, He's going to be there as well. And you never know who else we're going to find and have them come and hang out with you as well. It's brought to you by Michelob Ultra and you can enjoy seven dollar drafts and thirty buckets. That's pretty good.

[Don Hahn]

How many get a bucket?

[Dave Rothenberg]

How many think you get in there?

[Don Hahn]

I would think at least 6.

[Peter Rosenberg]

A bucket of what now?

[Dave Rothenberg]

A bucket of suds of draft beer. Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

A bucket of beers.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

Wait a minute, wait a minute.

[Dave Rothenberg]

I think it's Michelob Ultra.

[Don Hahn]

I was gonna say if it's a bucket of draft beer, then you literally have a bucket of beer.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Listen, I'm just reading the copy.

[Don Hahn]

Okay, but that could be something, right, Peter? That could be fun.

[Dave Rothenberg]

You put a little powder on it. Just pour it in. Just up to people. Just like a Stanley Cup. Michelob Ultra is the official beer sponsor of the New York Knicks.

[Don Hahn]

Almost went German there for a second Superior Light Beer.

[Dave Rothenberg]

So, yes, at Stout tomorrow, we're going to do our show. We'll be out there with you hanging out for that Nick game. And I want to see how fired up Nick fans are. Come and hang out with us.

[Don Hahn]

Trying to remember where. When they beat Cleveland. When they advanced against Cleveland.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Yes.

[Don Hahn]

All right. Two years ago.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

Where was the clincher? I don't remember.

[Dave Rothenberg]

On the road, it was game five.

[Don Hahn]

And then the Sixers last year, that was game six.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Also on the road.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah. So they've got game five.

[Dave Rothenberg]

One, I remember was when they clinched 7th Avenue was shut down because it happened outside the building.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah. The nerds.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Because I don't think they've had a clincher in the Garden. A playoff clincher in the Garden, if I'm not mistaken, and correct me if I'm wrong, everybody, which I know you will, because it's all blends for me. I don't think they've clinched at the garden since, like, 99.

[Don Hahn]

I don't remember. I don't remember them. Because if they didn't do it over the last couple of years. Right. So when was the last time they made it to the second round before.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Mellow. Mellow. When they beat Boston, and they had to do that in game six in Boston after being up three. Zero.

[Don Hahn]

So that's not nothing, man.

[Dave Rothenberg]

6-11-99 against Indiana. Wow. Wow.

[Don Hahn]

Dude.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Dude.

[Dave Rothenberg]

And Larry Johnson's gonna be with us. He was there.

[Don Hahn]

99.

[Peter Rosenberg]

99.

[Dave Rothenberg]

99. What was that drop from K?

[Peter Rosenberg]

99, baby.

[Dave Rothenberg]

99, baby.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's a judge.

[Don Hahn]

So they could do something for the first time in over 25 years.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Yeah. Special. That's why you want to be there. Garden's the place to be tomorrow night, and Stout hanging out with us is definitely the place to be in the afternoon leading into the game, pregame with us.

[Don Hahn]

So. So the Giants end up having to draft and the jets, again, not overly sexy, but they hit on, I think, everything that they needed. So everybody was talking about Sanders dropping like a stone, but I think the jets and Giants had good drafts. We'll see ultimately how these players do, but I think you got to be happy. The both teams, you know, kind of set up to see, you know, what could ultimately happen. I'm. I don't want to say I can't wait for the football season, because I don't think either team's going to be all that good. But to how it all kind of works out here. And I think the Giants have a chance to, to win some games and save some jobs. And I think the jets are kind of set up exactly how they wanted to be set up.

[Dave Rothenberg]

What do you got? Like, what do you honestly need is. You need to know that especially for the Giants, because the jets, it's just, this is new. Like you've got a Runway. If you're Darren Muji, right, You've got a Runway. This is your first draft. You're trying to remake the roster. You could tell that they're doing that by the moves that they're making. Is there essentially that this is someone else's team? This is not our team. We're going to remake this roster into our image, into the image of our head coach, Aaron Glenn. The Giants regime, they've been there now a couple of years. So this is now where the first draft has to start showing dividends. Last year's draft has to take a step, and then this year's draft has to show you you got a couple of hits. And there's this sense of momentum finally starting to roll. Right? That stone is finally starting to roll. That's all the things you want to see. You can't put a win total on this right now. Can't. It's too soon.

[Don Hahn]

But it's just how it looks.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Yes.

[Don Hahn]

All right. The Giants record was what it was. Jets record was what it was. I mean, they moved on. So it really doesn't even matter what the jets did last year. Completely different.

[Dave Rothenberg]

It was a disaster.

[Don Hahn]

Different quarterback, different regime.

[Dave Rothenberg]

There was no leadership whatsoever. But you can't look at last year.

[Don Hahn]

That's all been blown out right now. You look at the Giants, you can look at last year because everybody came back. But guys, it wasn't just the record. It was embarrassing. It was non competitive. So I don't want to hear about win totals, I guess, win totals. Ultimately, if you don't win any or have the exact same record, that's different. But I don't know, you might see a five win team and say, wow, I really feel good about that team. Especially if you, with the schedule that.

[Dave Rothenberg]

They have, if you're getting quarterback play, any semblance of it whatsoever.

[Don Hahn]

Here's the thing about quarterback play. If you're getting quarterback play, you're going to stumble into some wins. We saw that in the Indianapolis game, right? I mean, they, they won that game. The Colts needed that game. They got good quarterback Play and they score 50 points. It's crazy.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Russell. Russell Wilson could start this season. But there's no doubt in my mind that if Dable likes what he's seen from Dart, and Dart is the student that they say he is, which means Dable, who's a psycho when it comes to this stuff, he could have him ready. And this could be another one of those. Kurt Warner, step aside, here comes Eli. And then you finish the season, and you might not remember they were. What were they? Five and five When Kurt Warner steps aside.

[Don Hahn]

And then five and four.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Yeah, and then they didn't win it. Right. They won one game the rest of the way. Yeah, right. That could happen. But yet by the end of the year, you could say, all right, but Dart's the guy. Like, you could tell that could still happen.

[Don Hahn]

Can you? If now what Alan's talking about is that Kerr wanted to start a five and two. Yeah, but then they lose two games in a row. Week 10 or the 10th game, I forget if it was week 10 or not, that they decide to go to Eli. Eli loses out, almost dies in Baltimore. Rex Ryan actually thought that they were going to kill him.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Yeah, 0.0 quarterback rate never happened before.

[Don Hahn]

But then they beat Dallas last week of the season. Eli wins the game, makes an audible at the goal line, gives it the tiki barber. They win the game, and everybody feels great about the Giants. If that exact scenario happens, where they keep afloat, season's kind of falling apart. Wilson, they go to Jackson Dart, week 17, he wins them a game, job saved, Dable comes back. Think about that. Don't embarrass yourself. During the season, the quarterback you traded into the first round wins you a game. And so that means he's backing up by the end of the season.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Yep.

[Don Hahn]

And so that meant he had a good camp.

[Dave Rothenberg]

That meant that he's at the deadline.

[Don Hahn]

That he elevates himself over Winston to be the backup quarterback. Plays a game and wins a game.

[Dave Rothenberg]

I'm telling you, that's the formula, Don. That's the formula.

[Don Hahn]

Tell me Dable's not coming back at that point.

[Dave Rothenberg]

By the way, Peter, how about Legreca's recall right there?

[Peter Rosenberg]

That wasn't.

[Don Hahn]

That was 20 years ago.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I know. He doesn't.

[Don Hahn]

He.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Dave, Rob gave you chapter and verse. Oh, yeah.

[Don Hahn]

My wife would question my recall, but when it comes to grocery list and.

[Dave Rothenberg]

The Giants are different things, this is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Something you care about.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Yeah, but that was. That was impressive.

[Don Hahn]

I appreciate that. I mean, listen, it was a big deal, right? Eli's first year, huge. It was. It was a great time.

[Dave Rothenberg]

And the fact that the wheels fell off the season, but it didn't feel like the sea. Like by the end of the season, it wasn't this disaster. It was a. I think we got our quarterback. And that's what you want to feel after the end of the season.

[Don Hahn]

Speaking of that, I was talking about during the meeting. I don't know if they got it, but we'll get some time. I heard something this morning, Peter.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Okay.

[Don Hahn]

That tells me one of two things about Dave Rothenberg.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What do you mean?

[Don Hahn]

Do we have this audio that it's all an act?

[Dave Rothenberg]

Oh, no.

[Don Hahn]

Or he's softening.

[Dave Rothenberg]

So we don't have the audio.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So I need to know what. I need to know what was said.

[Don Hahn]

We can't get that. I told you it was around 8:15 this morning. If it's too hard, then I'll just say it. But I think it'll hit better.

[Dave Rothenberg]

That sounded like a challenge.

[Don Hahn]

If we can get it because Anthony's a wizard. And what Anthony can't do.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Well, it's Jacob Perry who's jumped all over the. His eyebrows when you said, if it's too hard, we'll do something.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, really?

[Dave Rothenberg]

You should see him. He's the nicest guy I've ever met.

[Don Hahn]

But he had that look in his eye.

[Dave Rothenberg]

He had almost had that kind of Jordan look for a minute. Like he was like, oh, I never.

[Don Hahn]

Got a sense he was a Don guy too.

[Dave Rothenberg]

You trying to guard me? Like what? Look at him. He's ready.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, he's gonna. Little crossover, breaks my ankles.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Just step back, hit it. And then he's gonna shrug over to Marv Albert after he plays the sound for you. You could see it in his eyes.

[Don Hahn]

You know what I did see?

[Dave Rothenberg]

Laser focus.

[Don Hahn]

And now I see a little bit of a smile, which means he's. He's coming close to getting this.

[Dave Rothenberg]

He knows he's got it. But in the meantime.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah. So it feels like he's. Maybe he may be softened. He said something that makes me believe that he is softening on the whole football thing or the whole thing was an act to begin with, so.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Well, the story is surrounding some interesting news on the football front.

[Don Hahn]

Well, yeah. Well, I'm going to set it up a little bit more time. Roger Goodell was on McAfee, really good interview. And he talked about the NFL not done. Expanding internationally.

[Dave Rothenberg]

I do believe we can get to 16 games. Then you'd be in 16 different markets where you might double up. Like we're doing in the UK right now. Germany's a strong market. We had a great experience in Brazil last year. We're looking forward to going back there. We'll be back in Mexico as soon as the stadium's done. They're redoing it for the World cup.

[Don Hahn]

And I think we'll get to Asia pretty soon.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Asia?

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Dave Rothenberg]

So the NFL in Asia, what time would that game be played?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, it's like a 12. Depends where they play. But I think Tokyo is like 12 hours behind.

[Don Hahn]

So. So basically, so 3:00 in the morning. Is 3:00 in the afternoon there?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right.

[Dave Rothenberg]

When could you possibly play that game at a reasonable hour?

[Peter Rosenberg]

The hardest part is just coming back to readjust.

[Don Hahn]

Well, it'd be an automatic buy I think, coming off these international doubt because. So, yeah, the setup apparently. Isn't this what they talked about?

[Peter Rosenberg]

12:00Am Currently in Tokyo.

[Don Hahn]

Okay, so that's 13. That's 13 hours. So they discussed how what this is all setting up for.

[Dave Rothenberg]

No, it's 11 hours.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's 11 hours.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Yeah, it's 11 hours. We got it backwards because they're.

[Don Hahn]

Because, okay, okay, so wait.

[Dave Rothenberg]

No, no, they're ahead of. Wait, wait until we do again. They're tomorrow already.

[Don Hahn]

Right now if we were, if I was Roger Goodell, I'm hearing this conversation. I'm like, we're not going to Asia.

[Dave Rothenberg]

No, they're tomorrow.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, they are. It's 13 hours.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Yeah, it's 13.

[Don Hahn]

I was right.

[Dave Rothenberg]

You were right.

[Don Hahn]

I have no confidence in myself when it comes to things like this. That the second somebody just said no, no, I'm like, okay, I'm wrong.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, whatever you say. I'll go.

[Dave Rothenberg]

When do you play this game? Give me a time that you kick off that. It could be watched in America. Where can you possibly watch this game?

[Peter Rosenberg]

What do you mean?

[Dave Rothenberg]

And it's reasonable.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You could do. You could do a Sunday. You could do.

[Dave Rothenberg]

You could do it Sunday. What? 8:00am the question, 4:00.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You could air at Sunday, 4:00 here.

[Don Hahn]

Wait a minute. No, no, you guys are missing the boat. Why? Because this, what they're going to do is they're going to sell a 9:30 package to Netflix or Amazon and what we're gonna have are 16 weeks. They won't do it on opening day and then they won't do it the last game of the season. Eventually they're gonna go to an 18 game schedule. Right? So it's gonna be 16 weeks. You're gonna buy into the 16 weeks. Where every game is a 9:30 game. Cause that'll be. That'll be what football is. It starts at 9:30.

[Dave Rothenberg]

So every week we have a 9:30.

[Don Hahn]

From week two to week 17, if they go to an 18 game schedule, there'll be a 9:30K.

[Dave Rothenberg]

The new tradition is. Or in the West Coast, a 6:30.

[Don Hahn]

Right. So what time is it in Tokyo? At 9:30am on the east coast, you're saying that it would be 13 hour difference. That means it would be 8:30 at night the next day. So that works out. Right, right. 8:30 kickoff in Tokyo, 9:30 here. That's what we're saying. And so that was the discussion about having 16 weeks of football from 9:30 until the Sunday night game ends. And this was Dave Rothenberg, Mr. Football. Children and wife bleeding out because the Giants are playing. Missing weddings, missing funerals, missing every event possible because the Giants have a preseason game. This is our friend Dave Rotherberger. Now you're just, I mean, you're just here Sundays.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You're shot now.

[Dave Rothenberg]

So now you're going 9:30. Yeah, 9:30.

[Don Hahn]

And listen, I love football as much as anybody in the entire world. To go 9:30 in the morning till 11:30 at night, that's a big ask on a Sunday, which is a day you'd like to spend a little bit.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Of time with your family.

[Monica McNutt]

Step up, Dave.

[Don Hahn]

Let's go.

[Dave Rothenberg]

You love football.

[Don Hahn]

You think it's. Yeah, but you don't have a family, right? I'm talking about you.

[Dave Rothenberg]

We're not talking about wow.

[Monica McNutt]

We're talking about you.

[Don Hahn]

But here's the problem.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'll do it, but I.

[Don Hahn]

So what's the problem? Because I don't want to have to do it. Oh, you're, you're, you're maturing, you're growing. This is, this is, this is a positive side. Yeah, Sherry.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So, you know, I don't want to have to be. I don't want to at 9:30, but I have to.

[Don Hahn]

But unfortunately, life, you know, job gets in the way. I can't go out for brunch.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I have to watch the game.

[Dave Rothenberg]

I could see the day this gets announced.

[Don Hahn]

Dave sits the family. I sent out a group text.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Hey, family meeting later. As soon as you get home, report.

[Don Hahn]

To the dining room. He sits down. There's going to be some changes. Listen, everybody, I don't want to have to do this.

[Peter Rosenberg]

There are 16 international games.

[Don Hahn]

I am now unavailable all day Sunday. Right. You don't even contact me on Sundays now.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, you see the matter.

[Don Hahn]

He at least Opened up the possibility that it might be too much football. Peter, did you ever think that would be uttered by Dave Rothenberg?

[Peter Rosenberg]

And maybe I don't have any issue with Dave saying it. Maybe it's a message the NFL needs to hear. If Dave Rothenberg is saying it's too much, maybe it's too much. I mean, that is an impossible ask. I mean, I love football. I'm telling you guys right now, I don't think there would ever be a Sunday in my life in which I watch from 9:30 to 11:30 at night. It's never happened.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Can I say something crazy, dude? I don't think the NFL is expecting you to watch from 9:30 until.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, they just want a lot of people watching all they want.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Right. Like some people will watch in the morning, some people watch at night, some people watch the middle of the day. The idea is to monopolize the day. It's basically going to be this God had Sunday. Now the NFL does, but that's. That's what they're trying to do.

[Don Hahn]

Once Amazon or Netflix check clears. I don't think the NFL cares what happens. Right.

[Dave Rothenberg]

You can watch if you want. I don't care.

[Don Hahn]

Now John Winthrop, who's our pinhead suit, but also smarter than everybody, just reminds us 13 plus, it would be 10:30.

[Dave Rothenberg]

I'm telling you, you can't.

[Don Hahn]

You could still make that happen. Besides 10:30 kick, what happens when the time changes that.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Oh, these players. Oh, my God. So you'd have to have a Thursday game the week before. So you get the mini buy. Then you go. Because you got to adjust. You got to practice over there and all that stuff.

[Don Hahn]

Right.

[Dave Rothenberg]

You're talking about going all the way to Asia. This is like what we. What's next Australia? Like, you're going to play a game, crazy hour, and then you got to have a buy coming back. Like, that's a. That's a wild.

[Don Hahn]

I will take all of this. I will take it all. Rather than having a team actually be there. Yeah, you know, I mean, we all thought that this was going to eventually lead to there being, you know, the, the Barcelona Dragons or, you know, all the stuff that we saw in the World League of American Football. We don't want to see that. At least I don't. Because I don't. I don't think they'd be competitive. But. All right. So it just shows you. People can evolve, people can change. Dave showing proud of Dave.

[Dave Rothenberg]

A little bit of some family time.

[Don Hahn]

Let's go to Monty in Woodbridge. You're on ESPN New York. Hey, guys, how you doing?

[Monica McNutt]

Listen, you know, with all due respect, and I want to be respectful to you guys particularly, you know, I feel, you know, I see a lot of things here with the Shido Sanders thing. I mean, I don't see the empathy. First, I have two points. First, I don't see the empathy for this kid. You know, yeah, he's running around with a watch and all that other stuff. And I didn't like it either because you don't need diamonds on a football field. But, you know, he's, he's a kid and at the end of the day, I got a 19 year old that, you know, he ran out of here the other day with shorts on and a pair of dress shoes because he wanted to show off his dress shoes. This is for a period of time, you know, they grow out of this stuff. But at the end of the day, you know, when you look at this kid and you look at his tape, he didn't deserve that. And like Michael Irvin said, he got robbed. You know, this is $40 million to get that.

[Dave Rothenberg]

I got to tell you, Monty. And again, appreciate the call. This is less about the kid and more about the dad. And this is what I think is being perceived as what could be an overwhelming presence of a father who has a large following and a big voice and a lot of opinions. And there are organizations that don't want to deal with it when it comes to a player that they look at, somebody that could be a bit of a project, maybe he could be good, but there'll be a process in getting him to where you'd want to be, make him a starter. And throughout this process, we got to deal with this too. I'm out.

[Don Hahn]

Well, it's never when something like this happens. It's never one thing. So, yeah, it's probably his dad. Also his attitude. Listen, it's not just which I think.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Was influenced by the dad.

[Don Hahn]

There are plenty of football players and quarterbacks that had the arm and had the skills but just couldn't put it together.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

And if this guy was showing that he was, he didn't want to put in the work in the meetings, didn't want to put in the work in the interview that tells me maybe he's not going to put the work in that's necessary to be the best he can be in the NFL. And I'm not gonna take a chance on that because the quarterback position is just way, way too important. All he did was lose money. And I say all he did because he obviously doesn't need it. Between the nil money he made in Colorado, who his family is, he's not coming from poverty. He still got drafted. He still has a chance to stick it to everybody. He's got a major chip on his shoulder. If he's got ability, we'll see it and he'll be make everybody eat crow. He's been given the opportunity so don't feel too bad for him. Yes, money was lost but it wasn't money that was needed. What's needed was the opportunity. It looks bad that it was fifth pick instead of fifth overall but you know what, it's still an opportunity that he has and let's see if he can go out there and take advantage of it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And the only thing I'd say is like I don't think any of us, at least I can't speak for you guys, felt no empathy. I mean like I certainly felt bad for Chador. Do I think he did his quotes over leading up to the draft make me face palm like yes. A lot of his quotes made me go oh God kid, what are you doing?

[Dave Rothenberg]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And do I think he asked for everything his dad is. No, he this is his situation. So I certainly felt for him. I did. Listen, did I lose sleep ultimately over a really well to do person still ending up getting drafted? No, I didn't lose sleep over it. But as particularly when he got prank called I was angered for it. Legitimately offended and angered. And I have empathy. Tough situation. It's a very weird circumstance but you.

[Don Hahn]

Have choices to make and he's a grown man. Even though he may be immature, he is someone that he could have changed at all and said I'm gonna, I'm gonna.

[Dave Rothenberg]

He could have said dad, stand down.

[Don Hahn]

And seemed like he leaned into it and but we'll see. He's given he still has the opportunity to make it work. 1-800-919-3776 It's Don Hahn Rosenberg. All that happening right here on the espn.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know I want to talk to you though first Don, if I can and I will about Amazon pickup. Okay. Because Amazon pickup is an incredible way to get packages delivered in a way that's easy and convenient. Alright. Amazon's already a daily part of your life. So what's Amazon pickup? Well, Amazon pickup allows you to send your orders to a secure pickup location that you can choose. So when delivery to your home or apartment isn't ideal, packages can go directly to that spot you choose. You know, with a newborn at home, my Schedule is crazier than ever and Amazon Pickup gives me peace of mind and lets me pick up packages on my own time. Alright, so I order online and at checkout select the pickup location that works best for me. When the package arrives, you get a delivery confirmation email that notifies you your package is ready with pickup instructions. Great for when you're out and about. Alright, Amazon Pickup is a secure and convenient delivery solution to pick up your Amazon packages at no additional cost. Head over to Amazon.com pickup MVP to learn more.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Does it ever feel like you're a marketing professional just speaking into the void? Well, with LinkedIn ads you can know you're reaching the right decision makers. You can even target buyers by job title, industry, company seniority skills. Wait, did I say job title yet? Get started today and see how you can avoid the void and reach the right buyers with LinkedIn ads. We'll even give you a $100 credit on your next campaign. Get started at LinkedIn.com results terms and conditions apply. Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want.

[Monica McNutt]

Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.

[Don Hahn]

Game Time is brought to you by Teleporter Irish Whiskey. Because when it's game time.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Sorry, I was listening to Pete.

[Don Hahn]

You should see this Peter. It's really what happened.

[Dave Rothenberg]

I was so into the pe, he.

[Don Hahn]

Was into the song and he completely testified.

[Dave Rothenberg]

That's all I was doing in my head. So I wasn't listening to Tom.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, so it's all right man. You're not the first person.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Feel the moment man.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Stop.

[Don Hahn]

Nationals Mets this afternoon. That is in the bottom of the fifth inning, the Mets have a three nothing lead on the Nationals trying to split the four game series. Which I guess you'll take if you're a Met fan. You just hate the way they lost yesterday. The Yankees visit the Orioles at 6:35. Knicks are tomorrow and we're going to get into that in a second. Tullamore Dew. 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 Dew responsibly again. We'll be at stout tomorrow, 7th and 33rd. Check it out outside the garden for game five. Knicks have a chance to win and clinch a playoff series at home for the first time since June of 1999 in the 4:00 hour. Monica McNutt's gonna be there in the 5:00 hour. LJ, Larry Johnson will be there. So if you're going to the Garden, come early, swing by, say hello. If you can't get into the Garden but you're in the city, come by and hang with us. Looking forward to that 3:00 tomorrow.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Here's another reason why you come hang with us. Even if you can't get in the building. They've been doing these watch parties on 33rd street, like right there. So you stumble out of Stout because you had your. What are they again? What are they? $30 buckets, right. $7 drafts. You stumble out of style. You walk down the block, you go to the watch party and watch the game of this giant screen TV with thousands of Knicks fans. On Sunday, they showed the crowd. Oh, awesome. When towns hit that 30 foot step back, the game that goes, put the, you know, put the game the lead. They went nuts. Like, you want to be out there and then think about it. If they actually do clinch tomorrow night.

[Don Hahn]

No, then, then I could see.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Shut down the streets.

[Don Hahn]

Now, I understand you're doing something for the first time in 26 years. Why wouldn't you celebrate? All right, so that's different than winning game one.

[Dave Rothenberg]

So it's official. Like, if you're a true fan, get your boys, come to Stout, hang out with us, and then you go to the watch party. You go check that out, and then you get ready to celebrate. That's what you're hoping for. You're hoping for a full night now, today, gorgeous weather. What do we got tomorrow?

[Peter Rosenberg]

To feeling good tomorrow, 75 and sun.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Oh, my God. Like you dream about.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, literally.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Come on, everybody, hang out.

[Don Hahn]

Wednesday's the day. It's like 85.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Don't worry, that's your recovery day.

[Don Hahn]

We'll get rain again Friday.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Oh, good. I was worried.

[Don Hahn]

Let's go to Danny, Long Island. You're on ESPN New York. How are you, Danny?

[Monica McNutt]

Oh, so many things to talk about. By the way, Peter, congratulations on getting a new stadium for your commanders. I believe it's going to be slightly smaller than the old RFK. They're going to call it RFK Jr. That's going to go. Listen, I like to approach the bench and discuss the, the, the Gita judge controversy.

[Dave Rothenberg]

All right, you have your gavel, I.

[Monica McNutt]

Have a couple of stabs.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Let's go.

[Don Hahn]

Let's hear, let's hear.

[Monica McNutt]

I'm going to go all Richard on you and just go all stats. Gina was Highly consistent and a highly. Is a tremendous player. He's not immortal. He had a level of consistency throughout his whole career. Let me just throw this at you. He had almost the identical amount of bats in postseason play as he did for his.162 average. So basically he played so many postseason games he has a full season's worth of statistics. They are identical. He averaged 204 hits a season in the major leagues. He aver. He got 200 hits in the postseason. Same number of ATS, 61 RBIs in the postseason. That doesn't sound like, like the most clutch considering how many at bats he had. So basically a full season of postseason baseball, he has 61 RBIs. That's not Reggie Jackson. Clutch performer. He performed at a high level for a long period of time and as a Hall of Fame player, first ballot, no doubt. He is not on Mount Rushmore. Judge will have many, many seasons that will be far superior to anything Derek ever did with the bat. That's just a fact now. Yes, Derek, G1 Championships. Look at the pitchers that were on those teams. Let's go down memory lane. Jimmy Key, El Duque, just Clemens, Wells. It's unbelievable. And he won three, his first four. Now, was he not clutch and not good for the following 10 years when they didn't win? No, the supporting cast wasn't there. Judge will be a. Could be a Mount Rushmore player. Gina is a Hall of Fame player. It's not a knock on Gina. Everybody get off, you know, please. And if I could touch the NFL draft.

[Don Hahn]

Good job.

[Dave Rothenberg]

What's the verdict?

[Don Hahn]

Well, the verdict is he nailed it. We'll say one more thing too literally, not hyperbole. Jeter has played in 100 more playoff games than Judge has. So I think if Judge is given another hundred playoff games, he might find a way to be able to get out of his funk. Go ahead there, Danny.

[Monica McNutt]

Now, as far as the NFL draft, because you know, me and Peter, we just love talking and there's nothing better than pre draft talk than post draft ratings. Because one person gave the Steelers an A, somebody else gave them an F. Because we really care. Because these players who have, who haven't played yet, we're gonna, we're gonna rate them now, right? And like now, as far as standards goes, of course I feel bad for the guy because in a world of really bad people, Dion and his son are not really bad. He's all about himself. If you look at the interviews, it's embarrassingly immature. And if I'm handing The keys to my franchise over. I'm going to have second doubts, but it wasn't 32 teams because there's really only four or five teams that were in the market. Remember, every time the Steelers and Saints came up, everybody was like, this has got to be it. But the Chiefs, everybody else wasn't in the market for a quarterback. So it wasn't 32 teams. And if you think of collusion, you think Mike Tomlin, if he wanted Sanders, if he thought Sanders was the key to his success, was somehow not going to take Sanders, these people out of their minds. They would take a Martian if it got them to the super bowl, you know, so that's.

[Don Hahn]

It was completely ludicrous because it's the one thing, Danny, is accountability. All right? Comparing it to the Colin Kaepernick was ridiculous because that's in the shadows. Those are owners that are deciding, you know what, my bottom line, my season ticket holders aren't going to tolerate that garbage. And there were serious questions on whether Kaepernick had anything left. Although I think everybody.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, not at first. There really wasn't though, when it first started. But that's what made it more interesting. But we don't know what Deion Sanders is.

[Don Hahn]

We know Colin Kaepernick, but there's no accountability. Anybody could just explain away that their lack of interest for whatever reason.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right.

[Don Hahn]

But when everybody. Because that's where Danny loses me on like needs for a quarterback. You know, once you get. Once you get into the fourth round, it's like not even need. It's just the value is there. I gotta have to take it. And then for it to go to pass over 32 teams, passer over him, not once, not twice, not three times, not four times. You know, finally, the fifth time's charm, it's a different story. But these general managers, they are held accountable for one thing that's wins and losses. General managers, the same thing, that's what they are a slave to, is I've got to take the best player because my ass is on the line, literally. Because I'm going to lose my job if I don't get this right. And believe me, they're all going to have egg on their face if this guy turns out to be a player. Even. Even Cleveland to a certain extent, because they took a quarterback before they took him. So you like wasted a pick. Yeah, but he's good.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Doesn't matter if he turns into a player that's better than the first player, which is what the Niners had with Brock Purdy and Trey Lance ended up just trading Trey Lance. Who cares?

[Don Hahn]

It's twofold, though. It's being evaluated for who you took and then who you didn't take, of course. So if Dion, if Shador Sanders turns out to be great, the Steelers will.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Be the team that gets called out the most.

[Don Hahn]

But the players that you took before him, how did they perform? Yeah, you know, so, yeah, that. That's ultimately what it is. It is the ultimate, really, in fairness, I am drafting to save my job, and that's all I'm going to be listening to. So obviously there's racism in this world. Obviously, people are motivated by race to do or not to do. And clearly there's probably racist people that are making selections at own NFL teams. It's in the world, the percentages don't lie. But at the end of the day, we have seen people, Criminals be drafted. We've seen people that are drafted that are the worst possible human beings. Free agents that are signed, trades that.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Are made, I'm just gonna say, because.

[Don Hahn]

Of one thing, and that's their ability to help that general manager win a game.

[Dave Rothenberg]

What you're saying really can be just boiled down to this. What you're. What people are suggesting certainly is there. But in this situation, there's no there.

[Don Hahn]

There unless you want it to be. And I can't explain it again, it's three white guys saying, I don't know what you see here.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, the most annoying thing that I found over the weekend, people just don't have comprehension. So, like, I tried to put up a tweet in which I said, I made very clear to say, I'm not saying that.

[Don Hahn]

What's.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That race is even at play here? Because I really, I don't know that. And I think, frankly, I agree. I think if people saw an opportunity to win here, they're taking it. But I tried to explain the reason people are sensitive about it is because of the history that exists with this country and the quote, brash black athlete. So people are hypersensitive to it, but that doesn't mean it's what's happening. But it is something worth note. Guys, no one can even read. I got 2000 replies to it. 1800 of the replies were people yelling at me for saying it was about race.

[Don Hahn]

When I.

[Peter Rosenberg]

When I explicitly say, I'm not saying that's the case, but it is always good to have context, you know, a little bit of a dynamic conversation. People can't have it.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Why do you like Peter? Why do you bother?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I know the idea of putting.

[Dave Rothenberg]

You know what you're gonna get when you. Like the minute you hit send.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yep.

[Dave Rothenberg]

You know, the first reaction is gonna be, oh, this guy's just white splaining like. You don't. Why bother?

[Don Hahn]

It's a. It's a. It's a tough spot to be. But I mentioned it earlier in the day. You hear a lot of, you know, NFL teams don't want brash African American athletes. Well, get. Abdul Carter is a confident black athlete that had the audacity to ask Lawrence Taylor if he can wear number 56.

[Dave Rothenberg]

That's pretty brash.

[Don Hahn]

Walked around about how great a player he is, and the Giants had. Didn't even blink to draft him.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Couldn't wait to get him.

[Don Hahn]

All right, there's other extenuating circumstances, but again, just because you have an opinion doesn't mean that you followed it and know all about what was going on in the draft. And a lot of people just kind of following along with the Tide. And again, it's an easy thing to throw out there, because if I decide to tell you that it's not a thing, well, Don, you're a white guy. Why would you even think that? You don't have a. And then what you're saying is, then it's not a fair fight, that I can't have an opinion on it.

[Dave Rothenberg]

No. Unless you agree with me, then you can't have it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But this is exactly why I wanted to tweet what I said, because I think it's important to recognize that it may not be true, but that people feeling weird about it still makes sense. Because the NFL's recent history is not great. All right? None of us think it is great. The Kaepernick thing did not play well. So there is a reason to think when this great black quarterback that seemingly everyone, at least for a period of time, loved, is sliding and sliding and sliding. I understand why that makes people feel away. And that also doesn't necessarily mean that it's. That I know all of those things can be true. Crazy thing called complex thought. Yes, but human beings can't have.

[Dave Rothenberg]

No, that's the whole. That's why you don't press send on that tweet. Because what you just did was provide logic. Right. A logical thought that everybody always has in the back of their mind. But you. You applied that. The problem is, is that you then sent it out to people who don't want to think that way, and they're the only ones that respond.

[Don Hahn]

So just again and again, it's a Waste of time. Alan's right, too, because, like, probably over 50% of the people that have an opinion on it didn't know Shador Sanders from Adam two weeks ago.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Probably.

[Don Hahn]

But all of a sudden they say, oh, something's trending here. This is interesting. So let's not get too content, too crazy about it. Let's go to Steve in Middle Village. You're on ESPN New York.

[Monica McNutt]

Hello, gentlemen.

[Dave Rothenberg]

How are you? Hey, Steve.

[Monica McNutt]

Just got a couple of things. What you, what you're just talking about, I would comment on, but I don't want to waste your time with that. The Brunson judge, a discussion you had earlier today about who's. Who's. Who's better, who's the better clutch player. I'll put it this way. As my wife, who came in before said you. Are you trying to get on the air? I said, yeah. She said, you can't compare basketball with baseball. So she's probably wiser than all of us. But in my comment, I'll just say that I think that Brunson has been more clutch in his appearances in the playoffs. And I'm not a basketball fan. I'm just an observer. Then Judge has been in his appearances in the playoffs. I think the jury is out as to whether or not one is better than the other. We would hope, as a New York fan, that this year the Knicks go all the way and that and that. Or at least Brunson does something special all the way through. And the same thing with Judge, but I think the jury's out on both of them. Is that a fair thing to say?

[Dave Rothenberg]

It's absolutely fair. Yeah. Yeah. As the resident Yankee fan and also somebody that knows the Knicks very well, I will agree that it is very fair because it's going to take a championship. Right. That's what it's going to take. That then you can do that kind of stuff. And it's hard to compare sports to say who's greater. But when we do the greatness thing, I think we're not doing it. I think we're doing it more on a, I don't know, on a superficial level. It's sort of like perception, Brian. And you would say the perception of Judge when it comes to clutch, which we mean playoffs. Like if I told you that Jalen Brunson raises his scoring average from the regular season to the postseason in his career at a. At a point that is almost seven points a game higher, which is the most of any player in NBA history, with the amount of games that he's played. That's pretty significant. Meaning when this guy gets into the postseason, when it's winning time, he dials it up. Okay. And it's not, it's not that he's inefficient. His actually shooting numbers go better. So that's something to say. And then I say but Aaron Judge goes into the post season and in seven years his batting average is 205. Right. His OPS is.768. Like he his he's, you know, 86 strikeouts and 16 home runs. So his numbers tend to drop. They do. And that's why we're just doing that comparison of two great players who are currently right now two of the most popular players in New York. And one of them is showing you the ability to raise this game and the other one still has to do it.

[Don Hahn]

True. But the other thing that's that's apples and oranges is the Knicks going to every season. Hey, maybe if things break our way, we'll make it to the third round.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Good point.

[Don Hahn]

Every one of Iron Judges seasons.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Three times, right? Four times. Three times. Four times.

[Don Hahn]

So was it 17. Yeah, 17 when they, when they lost to the Astros and then they lost to the Astros again and what was it? 19. Yep. And then, and then they lost to the lost lose the astros again in 22 because they definitely lost in the third round because they beat the Guardians.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

Wasn't in the last year.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Yeah, I get it.

[Don Hahn]

But the point is, is that win or go home for the Yankees, it's not necessarily that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

For the next Ryan Reynolds here from it Mobile.

[Dave Rothenberg]

I don't know if you knew this, but anyone can get the same Premium Wireless for $15 a month plan that I've been enjoying. It's not just for celebrities. So do like I did and have.

[Don Hahn]

One of your assistant's assistants switch you to Mint Mobile today.

[Dave Rothenberg]

I'm told it's super easy to [e-mail].

[Don Hahn]

Switch upfront payment of $45 for 3.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Month plan equivalent to $15 per month Required intro rate first 3 months only, then full price plan options available, taxes and fees, extra fee full [e-mail], this episode is brought to you by Lifelock. Not everyone is careful with your personal information. Which might explain why there's a victim of Identity theft every five seconds in the U.S. fortunately, there's LifeLock. Lifelock monitors hundreds of millions of data points a second for threats to your identity. If your identity is stolen, a US.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Based restoration specialist will fix it, guaranteed.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Or your money back. Save up to 40% your first year by visiting lifelock.com podcast terms apply. Thanks for listening to the Don Han and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want.

[Monica McNutt]

Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Well, the last two minute report has been officially released from the NBA.

[Don Hahn]

This is good, Peter.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Yesterday's game.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What's that?

[Dave Rothenberg]

This is the last two minute report that the league puts out.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All right?

[Dave Rothenberg]

And it's, it's in close games. They will go over the last two minutes of the game and go over all the calls that were made and calls that were missed. So we have a list here of all the calls and all of them say there's a little review decision and it's all a CNC correct no call or CC correct call. And then there's the Inc. Which is incorrect call. So we go through all these plays and there's only one that's listed as incorrect call. That of course is with 1.6 seconds left on the clock. Hart makes body contact to Hardaway Jr. During his shooting motion. That is more than marginal. And that's it. There was though indicated with a lot of. Nick fans are going to say, what about on the rebound? 6.4 seconds left. Loose ball. Tobias Harris. Josh Hart. Harris. This is the comment by the officials. Harris and Hart briefly exchange or engage and disengage during the rebound. Now if you watch the rebound, if you watch the replay of this, it's like hand fighting. Yeah, like they're both of them. But Harris engages where he's like arm barring like half nelson of heart. But they consider that to be an engage and disengage and therefore correct no call. So therefore no reason to call anything here. So the only thing that was, and it's of course David Guthrie, the crew chief, admitted it right after the game was that Hart should have been called for a foul. He wasn't. And so the game ended with Hardaway Jr. Should have had three shots with 1.6 on the clock. That's it. Now again, I'll remind everybody after game two. The last two minute reports said that Josh Hart was fouled on the dunk that tied the game at 94.

[Don Hahn]

Right.

[Dave Rothenberg]

And they did not call the foul. That would have. He wouldn't free throw line. You could have made the free throw gone up 1. It would have changed the outcome of the game, of the finish of the game because Nick's would add a lead at that point. So you know, like it's always These things happen. But this is the very last play with 1.6 on the clock. Clearly, all he had to do was hit one. We're going to overtime. He hits two, the game's over, right? 1.6. You got a desperation heave, I guess, but still so officially official.

[Don Hahn]

It's listening.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Got away with one.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's the right answer, I think, for them to tell the truth. It was pretty obvious when you saw the replay. And listen, if I'm a Pistons fan, I'm red hot. I mean, no matter what, are you pissed off? In spite of the fact that, listen, you decide to call a game that way for 47 minutes, you got to kind of call it that way in the 48th as well. But that doesn't change the fact that if I'm a Pistons fan, I see obvious body contact. It's three free throws. There'd be no time left, practically. It's a very tough way to lose. But I think if you're the league, you had to admit it. To ignore it or deny it would look ridiculous. Sometimes you're going to miss things and they missed it. What can you do?

[Don Hahn]

Griffin in Connecticut. You're on ESPN New York. Hi, Griffin.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Hey, guys.

[Don Hahn]

How are you?

[Monica McNutt]

I have a hockey question for Dom, but Alan, I'm wondering.

[Dave Rothenberg]

So the thing that Bickerstaff challenged in.

[Monica McNutt]

The first quarter, he to me should have not challenged that clearly was off of Kate Cunningham.

[Dave Rothenberg]

If he didn't use the challenge there, there could have been a possibility that.

[Monica McNutt]

He could have used the challenge later in the game.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Yes.

[Monica McNutt]

Or would he have used it before?

[Dave Rothenberg]

Well, he. That's the whole thing that we were saying is that. And he did it in game three also because on the call, Mike and I both said, like, this is. This is not really a smart challenge because it's marginal. And he lost it. And then he loses his challenge for the rest of the game. And there were reasons for him to want to challenge later in that game. In game four, same thing happened. He did a. It did not make sense to challenge that early in the game. And it wasn't that obvious of. Especially when it was. He would. He would have gotten his challenge back if he won it. But he lost the challenge, lost his ability challenge. Now, keep in mind, he couldn't have challenged that foul. You can only challenge a call, not a non call. So it wasn't as if. It wasn't as if he could have used that at that moment and said, you got to review that. You know, Hart fouled him. You need to review that that's not challengeable unless you found another reason to challenge. This is going to get deep in the weeds, fellows. But we saw it happen in the Minnesota Laker game. You can challenge, like for instance, let's just say Josh Hart, like stepped out of bounds or something when he got the ball, whatever it is he wants to challenge, you can challenge that and say, well, he was. We're going to challenge that he was out of bounds and they could watch it back and then say, well, before he was out of bounds, he fouled Hardaway Jr. So we're going to call that foul. That's what they could have. But there was nothing there. But he didn't have a challenge anyway. But there was really nothing there to challenge.

[Don Hahn]

What was the hockey question, Griff?

[Dave Rothenberg]

My hockey question is, Don.

[Don Hahn]

I was watching my Capitals last night and I was just blown away that Thompson actually played.

[Monica McNutt]

If you watched game three, seeing him.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Leave, limping off, hardly putting any weight on that Lake, him being able to.

[Monica McNutt]

Play yesterday and playing the way he did, did that surprise you?

[Don Hahn]

Don't shock. I was shocked. I thought it was done. Why would I would have felt Montebo had a better chance to come back than Thompson? But I will tell you this, and I mentioned it on my podcast, Game is Conduct. You can check it out wherever you get your podcasts. Tom Wilson might be one of the most important players on any team in these playoffs. What he brings to the table with his physicality, how irritating he is. That hit on Karie Ace completely changed that game last night. They lose that game two to one there. It's a two two series. They're feeling the pressure going back to Washington for Game 5. He hits carry a Carrie, can't get back into the play. Washington ties the game. They go on to win in the third period, take a 31 series lead. The whole cryberry baby stuff, I hate the guy, but I wish I had him on my team. He's that kind of player. And we grew up with those types of players, Essatikin and Claude Lemieux. They're very rare in the league now. Tom Wilson's one of those guys. He could play on the top line with Ovechkin, or he could be on the fourth line, just irritating the heck out of people. It was a clean hit. Change the series. Telling you, if Washington gets out of this round, which they should, and wins the Stanley, win the Stanley cup, we may look back to that hit as the turning point for the Capitals. He is one heck of a player. Why he wasn't on Team Canada. I'll never know for the four nations, but they won anyway. But he is one heck of a player.

[Dave Rothenberg]

That's a French fight, by the way, when he's just, he's literally, he's you always know he's in the middle of it. Then he somehow gets up and he's just sitting there casually.

[Don Hahn]

But here's the thing is that when he was immature as a kid, even admitted it after the game, he'd commit a dumb penalty, he'd do something stupid. He now knows the line to dance on that line, and he's become even more of a dangerous player. Washington again, that would be a great story if Ovechkin can win another cup at the year that he breaks Gretzky's record and all that. But we still got a long, long way to go.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. I don't want to know how the sausage is made, I just want to know. It's Hear more of Don Allen and.

[Monica McNutt]

Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on.

[Dave Rothenberg]

8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.