Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 4: Nets Fans & HoF
Date: January 21, 2026
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Podcast: ESPN New York
Episode Overview
In this lively hour, Don, Hahn & Rosenberg dive into the emotional state of Knicks and Nets fans ahead of their matchup, dissect the meaning of "players-only" meetings after the Knicks' latest struggles, and debate the shifting standards of the Baseball Hall of Fame voter, specifically around Carlos Beltran and cheating scandals. Add in a unique Nets fan perspective and some freewheeling banter, and it's essential listening for New York sports fans.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Arena Anthems, ACDC, & Rock 'n' Roll Identity
- The crew banters about classic arena music, specifically ACDC.
- Distinction between "hard rock" (ACDC, Aerosmith, Van Halen) and metal (Don’s preference is for heavier, more "scary" styles).
- Don reveals he’s a Bon Scott fan and has less affinity for later, mainstream ACDC.
- “AC/DC falls in the category of Aerosmith, Van Halen... There's hard rock. I don't hate that they're not metal.” — Don (02:30)
2. Knicks in Crisis: Brunson’s Players-Only Meeting
- Knicks are sliding (currently 25–18), offense bottom five in January.
- Jalen Brunson called a players-only meeting after their latest loss.
- Hahn reports:
“Jalen Brunson called a players only meeting... said, guys, we gotta stop looking at the coaching staff for answers. We've got to look in the mirror.” (06:30)
- Hahn reports:
- Hosts debate whether such meetings are clichés or crucial moments:
- Don: "Sometimes you look at [players-only meetings] and kind of give a side-eye... but the timing is perfect—going up against the team you've beaten 11 straight times." (09:00)
- Stakes are high: "If you lose to the Nets, this might actually be rock bottom," reminding listeners of the heightened emotional volatility around this rivalry.
3. Nets Fan Perspective – The ‘Super Bowl’ Factor
- Rare Nets fan Joe Leo joins to give a voice to long-suffering Brooklyn fans.
- The “tank” mindset versus getting an emotional win over the Knicks: “This is all we have. We don’t have a North Star. We don’t have playoffs… You have to take the minuscule wins like the win against Boston.” — Joe Leo (15:10)
- Would Joe trade a pinky toe for a win?:
(On how bad he wants to beat the Knicks:)
“Yeah, I think I am [willing].” — Joe Leo (18:00) - Highlights the bizarre spot: winning too much could threaten draft position, but fans crave something—anything—to celebrate.
- On coach Jordi Fernandez:
“He’s like, damn the tank. I want to win games.” — Don (16:30)
- Fun analogies for what a win would mean:
- “Winning tomorrow would be like dating… Sydney Sweeney, maybe—as big of a game.” — Joe Leo (20:00)
- The hosts relate, comparing it to rootless Jets seasons and those rare moments of happiness.
4. Hall of Fame Hypocrisy: Cheating, Steroids, & Carlos Beltran
- Caller Derek in Holbrook questions Carlos Beltran’s Hall of Fame induction given his role in the Astros sign-stealing scandal.
- “I just think it’s ridiculous how Carlos Beltran gets in the Hall of Fame when he was... the organizer for the biggest MLB cheating scandal in history." — Derek (26:10)
- Panel explores the double standard, comparing to other infamous baseball cheaters:
- Don: “You’ve got a guy that was a known spitball thrower [Gaylord Perry] in the Hall of Fame, Carlos Beltran… but steroids? I guess that’s a bridge too far, right?” (27:00)
- Differentiation between on-field cheating and using performance enhancers; musings on where the real moral lines are for baseball writers.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On ACDC and Rock Identity:
- “You like the metal that not makes you cry because it's emotional, makes you cry because it's scary.” — Alan to Don (02:00)
- On Brunson’s Leadership:
- “I'd be booing us, too… We gotta stop looking elsewhere. The answers to what is wrong with us… are right in this locker room.” — (summary of Brunson’s talk, 06:45)
- On Being a Nets Fan:
- “If you're a net fan and you hate the Knicks, how badly do you want to beat them tomorrow? Absolutely. ... it gives you something to live for.” — Peter (12:45)
- “This win… is not going to change the overall direction of this franchise, but it's at least something. …It gives you a night.” — Joe Leo (21:10)
- On Hall of Fame Contradictions:
- “There’s obviously cheating categories. The Mount Rushmore... seems to be steroids. That's why it's a joke... it’s become an absolute joke.” — Don (27:20)
Important Timestamps
- Intro, Arena Music & ACDC Banter — 00:00–03:30
- Knicks’ Players-Only Meeting Analysis — 06:00–10:00
- Nets Game Stakes & Joe Leo Interview — 11:30–21:30
- Comparing Yankees/Jets/Knicks Fan Pain — 21:30–23:30
- Hall of Fame Cheating Debate with Derek (Caller) — 26:10–29:30
Tone & Style
- Casual, irreverent, and authentic New York sports radio chatter.
- Hosts blend personal experience, humor, and real fan voices for an engaging conversation.
- Banter and passion drive the episode, with empathy for both Knicks and Nets struggles.
Summary
This episode captures the emotional rollercoaster that is New York basketball fandom in January—Knicks in crisis, Nets fans clinging to “Super Bowl” moments, and ongoing debates about sports morality. The inclusion of real fan voices like Joe Leo adds depth, while the hosts’ chemistry and banter keep things entertaining and honest. Great episode for any NYC-area sports fan who needs a mix of commiseration, insight, and a few laughs.