Don, Hahn & Rosenberg — Hour 4: HoFs & The Don Show
Date: March 20, 2026
Overview
This episode centers on Hall of Fame announcements and debates within major American sports, including the mechanics and implications of an expanded NFL season, the logistics and impact of player trades in professional sports, and MLB’s Olympic aspirations. Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg dive deep into sports issues with their signature blend of insight, humor, and candid opinions.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Social Media Voting & “Drop Madness” (00:48–01:59)
- Don La Greca asks Peter Rosenberg about disparities in social media engagement, specifically how a post can get 1,500 views but only 530 votes.
- Peter Rosenberg explains:
“The whole view of a tweet…doesn't mean anything…It literally went by people's eyes.” (01:33–01:47)
- Insight: Many "views" on social posts mean nothing in terms of engagement; just scrolling by can trigger a view count.
2. WWE Celebrity Hall of Fame: Dennis Rodman (02:06–03:12)
- Peter Rosenberg announces Dennis Rodman’s WWE Hall of Fame induction, highlighting Rodman's dual role as an NBA star and wrestling figure during the Bulls’ ’90s dynasty.
- Rosenberg on Rodman's impact:
“At the time at which he showed up in WCW, he was very impactful…in the middle of their Bulls dynasty run and one of their most important players, like, ‘Hey, I can't be there, I gotta go do wrestling.’ It's pretty insane.” (02:14–03:04)
- Tone: Mixture of admiration and amusement for Rodman’s wild career choices.
3. Pro Football Hall of Fame: Mike Westhoff (03:15–04:35)
- Don La Greca congratulates legendary special teams coach Mike Westhoff on his Hall of Fame nod.
- Don reminisces:
“He knew what he was doing. He was way ahead of his time. You don’t care about special teams until they screw up or do something really special.” (03:56–04:11)
- Insight: Westhoff’s innovations kept the Jets competitive; recent NFL changes have diminished coaching influence in special teams.
4. NFL 18-Game Schedule & "Designated Player Days Off" (06:31–11:24)
- Don introduces NFL players’ floated proposal: If the schedule goes to 18 games, no player can play all 18 (every player gets at least one game off).
- Skepticism from both hosts:
Don: “How do you pick what game my starting quarterback isn’t going to start? And what if you get caught…and now it’s late in the season, you need the game? He hasn't taken the game off yet and I got to sit him?” (07:13–07:37) Peter: “As the preseason’s gotten … less games, you absolutely see the result in the product. The proof is in the pudding.” (08:13–08:33)
- Concerns Raised:
- Implementation headaches, especially for key players.
- Lack of adequate preseason dulls the quality of early-season games.
- Comparison to the NBA's load management and its negative fan impact.
5. Baseball, Olympics, and CBA Negotiations (13:21–17:55)
- Don discusses Aaron Judge’s stated desire to play in both the WBC and LA Olympics, noting MLB players would need a new CBA agreement to allow this.
- Don on labor challenges:
“If the players want it, they’ll get it. Now they have to give something up in the CBA... The owners aren’t just going to give it to them. They’re going to want something back in return.” (16:10–16:46)
- Historical precedent: NHL players bargained hard to play in Olympics, which MLB might mirror.
- Underlying tension: Looming CBA negotiations, with potential for a lockout if MLBPA and owners can’t agree over issues like the salary cap.
6. Player Trades: Real-World Family Impact (18:23–22:22)
- Caller Chris: Is the narrative about player trades disrupting families overblown?
“I always think about…wait a minute, the seasons are not year round…how real is that narrative?” (18:37–19:34) - Don’s response: It depends; if a player’s a rental, family stays put, but multi-year trades do seriously disrupt families’ lives:
“If I got traded…I've got four years left on my contract…it’d be a big deal for me…not seeing my family for three months while all this is going on…It could be a pain in the neck.” (20:51–21:47)
- Don shares a relatable example: Nick Bjugstad traded to Devils; family remains behind, and for the rest of the season he sees them rarely despite high salary.
Notable Quotes & Moments
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On social media metrics:
“You could scroll past it without even knowing you scroll past it. That counts as a view.” – Caller Chris/Don, (01:45–01:49)
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On expanding the NFL season:
“Don’t start messing around with guys sitting… I don’t need designated load management. That’s not going to help this sport. You see what it’s done to the NBA.” – Don La Greca, (10:00–10:34)
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On MLB players pushing for Olympic participation:
“If the players rally and make this a point to want to play in the Olympics…put it in the CBA…If the players want it, they’ll get it.” – Don La Greca, (16:10–16:23)
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On the real-life effects of player trades:
“As much as I would love playing the sport that I play and making millions of dollars, to not see my family for three months while all this is going on…it could be a pain in the neck.” – Don La Greca, (21:12–21:47)
Timestamps for Key Segments
| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:48–01:59 | Social Media Voting & Drop Madness Explained | | 02:06–03:12 | WWE Hall of Fame & Dennis Rodman | | 03:15–04:35 | Pro Football Hall of Fame: Mike Westhoff’s Legacy | | 06:31–11:24 | NFL 18-Game Schedule & “Player Days Off” Debate | | 13:21–17:55 | MLB Players, Olympics Ambitions & CBA Implications | | 18:23–22:22 | Caller Chris & The Real-Life Burden of Trades on Players’ Families |
Overall Tone & Takeaways
- Authentic, conversational, occasionally irreverent. The hosts balance deep sports insight with down-to-earth commentary, often relating big-league issues to ordinary life.
- Major themes: Recognition for unique sports figures (Rodman, Westhoff), skepticism about administrative changes in sports (NFL's 18 games, MLB CBA impasses), and the very human side of professional athletes.
- Practical wisdom: The business of sports is unpredictable, and often, the voices on this show see past the headlines to the true costs (and comedy) of every move—on the field and at home.
This episode is a must-listen for insight into the future of the NFL and MLB, with lively debate, little-heard perspectives, and the unique chemistry of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg trio.
