Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 4: Ippei, Simmons, Alonso
Release Date: February 7, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg

1. Introduction and Recent News

In the fourth hour of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg dive into a variety of sports-related topics, ranging from high-profile athlete contracts to upcoming live shows. The discussion kicks off with breaking news in the sports world.

2. Epi Mutsuhara Sentencing

[00:43] Peter Rosenberg:
"Epi Mutsuhara has been sentenced Thursday to nearly five years in prison for stealing $17 million from S.H. Ohtani to replay gambling debts."

[00:56] Alan Hahn:
"Five years. Is that he's going to go to prison for this five years?"

[00:57] Peter Rosenberg:
"Yeah."

The hosts express their disbelief and concern over the severity of the sentencing, questioning how Mutsuhara will fulfill such substantial restitution payments.

3. Speculation on a Movie Adaptation

The conversation shifts to the potential of turning the Mutsuhara case into a compelling movie.

[01:17] Peter Rosenberg:
"I think it's only really... I think a movie if we do find out that Shohei was more involved than was let on."

[05:00] Alan Hahn:
"Can I suggest different... We could play games that involve the Super Bowl."

The hosts brainstorm creative ideas, blending true crime elements with sports drama, highlighting the intersection of entertainment and real-life scandals.

4. Upcoming Live Show at Tap Room

[02:53] Peter Rosenberg:
"We have an extra microphone that you will be able to use to talk to us whenever it's time for us to go to calls."

The team announces their upcoming live show at the Tap Room in Rockville Center, emphasizing audience participation and interactive segments. They encourage listeners to attend in person to engage directly with the hosts.

5. Discussion on Live Show Format

[03:15] Alan Hahn:
"That doesn't make it entertaining for the... People that showed up. We can always do a great show that you're going to want to listen to."

The hosts debate the balance between live interaction and maintaining an engaging program, particularly during events like the Super Bowl where entertainment value is paramount.

6. Super Bowl Show Segments

[05:00] Alan Hahn:
"Can I suggest something? We could do all kinds of stuff that involve talking about it, but are also a little bit more entertaining and fun."

Ideas for incorporating interactive games and trivia related to the Super Bowl are discussed, aiming to enhance listener engagement and entertainment.

7. Listener Engagement and Call-In Topic: Lakers

[11:04] Alan Hahn:
"Let's get to some calls. Griffin in Connecticut's been wanting to talk about the Lakers all day."

Listener Griffin from Connecticut shares his concerns about the Lakers' guard depth and the team's overall strategy.

[11:35] Alan Hahn:
"Have is, is they don't have that many guards."

8. Listener Call: Mets Concerns and Ben Simmons

[24:53] Peter Rosenberg:
"Sources tell me Ben Simmons, the three-time All-Star and the Brooklyn Nets, are working on a potential contract buyout."

Discussion revolves around Ben Simmons' future in the NBA, his apparent lack of enthusiasm for the game, and how his buyout could impact the Brooklyn Nets' rebuild.

[25:33] Don La Greca:
"It's like... he's just a warm body. It's a weird. It's a very weird thing."

The hosts speculate on the underlying issues affecting Simmons' performance and commitment.

9. Discussion on Mets' Strategy and Pete Alonso

[31:40] Alan Hahn:
"As a Mets fan, do you feel better about this team with him on it now versus still waiting to figure out who's going to play first base?"

Peter Rosenberg shares his optimism about Pete Alonso's role with the Mets, highlighting the benefits of Alonso's performance and the team's offensive prospects.

[33:19] Alan Hahn:
"The issue with them was their bullpen, right?"

The conversation shifts to the Mets' bullpen stability and overall team dynamics, acknowledging the areas that need improvement despite recent successes.

10. Listener Call: Mets' Alonzo Contract and Anthem Discussion

[35:53] Alan Hahn:
"So here's K breaking it down."

A listener named Dave from Port Chester discusses the Mets' agreement with Pete Alonso and the implications of his contract on team dynamics.

[36:16] Don La Greca:
"If he's on the team, you keep running with."

The hosts humorously debate whether to retire Pete Alonso's anthem if he leaves the Mets, emphasizing the cultural impact of the player's association with the team.

11. Listener Calls: Bringing Action Bronson

[40:13] Alan Hahn:
"Wanted to get your thoughts on if you'd ever thought about bringing Action Bronson on as a special guest."

A listener suggests bringing rapper and sports enthusiast Action Bronson to the show, leading to a discussion about his potential fit with the hosts.

[41:20] Don La Greca:
"He has a permanent subscription to MSG at this point."

The idea is met with enthusiasm, highlighting Action Bronson's dedication to sports, especially his frequent presence at Knicks games.

12. Listener Call: St. John's Basketball and NCAA Tournament

[42:01] Peter Rosenberg:
"So, as a St. John's fan, I'm pumped right now."

A listener named Andrew discusses his excitement for St. John's basketball team in the NCAA tournament, praising their defensive prowess and potential to make a significant impact.

[43:31] Peter Rosenberg:
"So listen, they've got an owner that's got money. They've got, they've Got a president of baseball operations that seems to know what he's doing."

The hosts analyze St. John's strategies, drawing parallels with professional team management and emphasizing the importance of strong leadership in collegiate sports.

13. Concluding Remarks and Promotion for Live Show

[45:12] Alan Hahn:
"Tomorrow will be awesome. We'll be at the Tap Room, Rockville Center."

The episode wraps up with a reminder about the upcoming live show, encouraging listeners to attend and participate in person for a more interactive experience.

[47:00] Don La Greca:
"Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts."

Final promotional remarks highlight the availability of the podcast on various platforms, ensuring listeners can tune in at their convenience.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg [00:43]:
  "Epi Mutsuhara has been sentenced Thursday to nearly five years in prison for stealing $17 million from S.H. Ohtani to replay gambling debts."

• Alan Hahn [05:00]:
  "Can I suggest something? We could do all kinds of stuff that involve talking about it, but are also a little bit more entertaining and fun."

• Don La Greca [16:13]:
  "Is there any world, Alan, in the world? The Celtics. I don't know how the money would work, but the Celtics now have a roster spot."

• Peter Rosenberg [24:53]:
  "Sources tell me Ben Simmons, the three-time All-Star and the Brooklyn Nets, are working on a potential contract buyout."

• Peter Rosenberg [33:19]:
  "The issue with them was their bullpen, right?"

Conclusion:

In Hour 4: Ippei, Simmons, Alonso, Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg provide an engaging mix of current sports news, in-depth analysis, and interactive discussions with listeners. From high-stakes NBA contract negotiations to the strategic moves of MLB teams, the hosts offer valuable insights while maintaining a lively and entertaining atmosphere. The episode underscores their commitment to delivering comprehensive sports coverage, both on-air and through live events like their upcoming show at the Tap Room in Rockville Center.