Don, Hahn & Rosenberg: Hour 3 – Towns' Eagles Jacket

Release Date: January 16, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Title: Hour 3: Towns' Eagles Jacket

1. NHL Focus: Rangers' Upcoming Challenges

The episode begins with a deep dive into the New York Rangers' impending tough matchups in the NHL. Peter Rosenberg (PR) outlines the Rangers' schedule, highlighting their upcoming games against powerhouse teams like Utah, Colorado, and Columbus. He emphasizes the significance of accumulating points in these challenging encounters to avoid a steep decline in their standings.

Peter Rosenberg:
"...Utah, that's won two of their last 10. You come home with five points out of a possible six. You take that every day of the week..."
[00:16]

Alan Hahn (AH) discusses Utah’s poor home performance, attributing it to the arena's unsuitable setup for hockey and the obstructed views from cheaper seats. He notes Utah's contrasting road performance, which benefits teams like the Rangers who typically travel well.

Alan Hahn:
"Is there a reason why Utah sucks at home?... they've only won six games at home this year. They're much better on the road."
[02:26]

2. Contested Atmosphere at Utah Games

PR and AH explore the intense atmosphere at Utah games, noting the significant presence of New York Rangers fans even in Denver. This influx contributes to the Rangers' energized performances on the road.

Peter Rosenberg:
"...I could hear Alex calling the game in Denver, and I could hear him say, score... because there's so many Ranger fans in Denver."
[03:25]

AH adds that Utah’s young team comprises many players transitioned from Arizona, struggling to adapt to larger venues like Utah's arena. The hosts discuss how the overwhelming crowd can become a double-edged sword, particularly when the team is struggling on power plays, leading to increased anxiety and frustration among fans and players alike.

3. Jalen Brunson's Eagles Jersey Controversy

A significant portion of the episode centers around Jalen Brunson, a Knicks player, wearing a Philadelphia Eagles jersey while sitting on the bench during a nationally televised game. This action sparked debate among fans and commentators about team loyalty and professionalism.

Alan Hahn:
"Jalen Brunson didn't play last night for the Knicks, so he's on the bench. In the first half, he was wearing a Philadelphia Eagles..."
[11:10]

The hosts discuss criticisms from media personalities like Dave Rothenberg and Chris Canty, who argue that Brunson's display of allegiance to an opposing NFL team disrespects Knicks fans and the organization. PR defends Brunson by suggesting that fans should not overreact, pointing out that individual players have the freedom to support their personal favorite teams.

Peter Rosenberg:
"...brushing it off as if, he's rubbing it in your face. What do you want him to do? Wear a Giant jersey?"
[15:43]

AH counters by emphasizing the importance of team representation, noting that Knicks fans expect players to embody team unity, which Brunson's action seemingly undermines.

Alan Hahn:
"You're an Eagles fan. You don't have to flaunt it and prance in front of a New York fan base with this garbage on."
[13:24]

The discussion delves into the broader issue of athletes balancing personal fandom with professional responsibilities, ultimately advocating for respect and team loyalty over personal preferences.

4. NFL Playoffs Predictions

Transitioning to football, the hosts analyze the upcoming divisional round, particularly focusing on the Baltimore vs. Buffalo game. PR confidently predicts the winner of this matchup will advance to the Super Bowl, expressing skepticism about the Kansas City Chiefs’ continued dominance.

Peter Rosenberg:
"I think the winner of that game wins the Super Bowl."
[06:37]

AH debates this stance, teasing PR about his prediction confidence and revealing his own pick for the Ravens to win, which PR correlates with understanding AH's analytical approach.

Alan Hahn:
"So you just told me who you're picking."
[09:14]

The conversation also touches on other teams like the Detroit Lions and their potential underdog success, with PR expressing personal favoritism towards teams like the Lions and Vikings, although acknowledging the unpredictability of the playoffs.

5. Pete Alonso’s Contract Negotiations with the Mets

The discussion shifts to baseball, specifically Pete Alonso's contract negotiations with the New York Mets. PR and AH discuss the potential for Alonso to secure a lucrative four-year deal, evaluating his performance and value to the team.

Caller (Brody):
"I know it's a bunch. He could be a DH if they do get Vlad. I just feel like we're selling him a little short."
[22:55]

Peter Rosenberg:
"I think they'd probably rather do it for three years than four."
[23:48]

AH underscores the financial and strategic considerations the Mets management faces, balancing Alonso’s contributions with budget constraints. He commends Mets' GM Scott Boras for maintaining a business-driven approach, ensuring that contract offers align with the team's fiscal strategy without allowing emotions to drive decisions.

Alan Hahn:
"...you don't write checks with emotion. Can't do it. Not in business."
[24:35]

6. Celebrity Fan List Segment

A recurring segment features the hosts compiling lists of the biggest celebrity fans for local New York sports teams across the major leagues. PR shares his list from the previous day, which includes notable figures like Billy Crystal and Spike Lee. The segment sparks a friendly debate between AH and PR over the accuracy and recognition of the chosen celebrities.

Alan Hahn:
"So I'm not going to say let's. The easiest example to give you would be like, for instance, Billy Crystal. The Yankees."
[37:42]

Peter Rosenberg:
"But I really think Spike Lee is more associated."
[43:15]

The hosts exchange stories and anecdotes about these celebrities’ genuine support for their teams, highlighting moments where figures like Larry David and Ben Stiller have actively engaged with the teams, thereby validating their inclusion on the list.

7. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Topics

As the episode wraps up, the hosts tease future discussions, including an hour dedicated to Aaron Rodgers' potential future with the New York Jets and his comments on team management. Don La Greca (Don) also mentions the upcoming appearance of PR’s newborn daughter, Natalie, affirming that she is doing well.

Notable Quotes

• Peter Rosenberg:
  "...Utah, that's won two of their last 10. You come home with five points out of a possible six."
  [00:16]

• Alan Hahn:
  "Is there a reason why Utah sucks at home?... they've only won six games at home this year."
  [02:26]

• Alan Hahn:
  "Jalen Brunson didn't play last night for the Knicks, so he's on the bench. In the first half, he was wearing a Philadelphia Eagles..."
  [11:10]

• Peter Rosenberg:
  "I think the winner of that game wins the Super Bowl."
  [06:37]

• Alan Hahn:
  "You're an Eagles fan. You don't have to flaunt it and prance in front of a New York fan base with this garbage on."
  [13:24]

• Peter Rosenberg:
  "He's rubbing it in your face. What do you want him to do? Wear a Giant jersey?"
  [15:43]

• Alan Hahn:
  "...you don't write checks with emotion. Can't do it. Not in business."
  [24:35]

This episode of “Don, Hahn & Rosenberg” offers insightful discussions on a range of sports topics, from NHL strategies and team dynamics to controversies surrounding athlete behavior and contract negotiations in MLB. The hosts balance their analysis with engaging banter and relatable anecdotes, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of current sports narratives in New York and beyond.