Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 4: Scott Boras & NBA Giveaways

Date: February 27, 2026 | Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg

Episode Overview

This lively hour explores two main topics: a candid look at New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner and Mets owner Steve Cohen through the eyes of super-agent Scott Boras, followed by a deep dive into the Atlanta Hawks’ “Magic City Monday” collaboration, blending basketball with Atlanta’s nightlife culture. The trio displays their usual banter, mixing keen sports analysis with irreverent humor, and the hour is rounded out by fan calls and trademark playful riffs on pop culture.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Scott Boras on Hal Steinbrenner’s Yankee Leadership

[01:37 – 05:13]

• Boras reflects on the changing reputation of Hal Steinbrenner, suggesting that, in recent years, Hal has shown more personal investment and competitiveness in Yankees negotiations—comparable to the legendary drive of his father, George Steinbrenner.
  • “I saw an emotional commitment to competitiveness. I had not seen that personally before.” – Scott Boras [01:58]
• The hosts discuss whether fan perceptions of Hal as ‘soft’ are still accurate.
  • Don: “He’s getting a little more like the old man. Interesting, no?” [02:46]
  • Alan: “I’ll believe it when I’m able to sense this.” [03:03]
• Reference to pivotal negotiations (Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, Cody Bellinger) as proof of Hal’s evolving style.
  • Scott: “The judge negotiations is where he finally put his foot down and said, no, we have to do this.” [03:58]
  • Don: “There was a time that narrative was right, and Hal was hesitant to spend…but when it comes to ‘players we want to keep,’ he was recently [more aggressive].” [04:13]

Notable Quote

“It does seem like there was a time where that narrative was right…But when it comes to these are players we want to keep or we need, [Hal's] recently… I don’t know how that’s going to change their pursuit.”
— Don [04:13]

2. Scott Boras Praises Steve Cohen’s Mets Ownership

[05:20 – 06:05]

• Boras, ever the diplomat, lauds Steve Cohen’s strategic genius and competitive edge as Mets owner, viewing him as the kind of “owner genius” modern baseball needs.
  • “When [Steve Cohen] puts his mind to something, you can see that he has every focus to do things in a manner that are strategic…there is a constant dig to find personnel for the next generation of talent.” – Scott Boras [05:20]
• The hosts find the praise a bit generic; Alan and Don joke that “Limerick Boris” (Boras in rhyme) might have been more entertaining.

3. Atlanta Hawks & Magic City Night: Basketball Meets Southern Culture

[07:11 – 12:45]

• Segment kicks off with amusement about the Hawks struggling with attendance, leading to a novel promotion: teaming with Atlanta’s iconic Magic City (gentleman’s club) for “Magic City Monday.”
  • Don: “The Atlanta Hawks, who can’t draw flies these days, are partnering up with Magic City…and they’re having a night, Magic City Monday.” [07:35]
• Cultural significance and cheekiness:
  • Alan: “I gotta tell you, this is edgy. This, this, this is actually edgy.” [07:52]
  • Don: “They have great wings.” [07:27]
  • Peter: “Lou Williams left the bubble just for those wings.” [07:31]
• Promotion details:
  • Magic City’s world famous lemon pepper wings served at the arena.
  • Atlanta rap legend T.I. performs at halftime.
  • Co-branded hoodies as exclusive merch.
  • DJ Esco to provide music.
  • But notably: no mention of actual stripping or dancers in the press release, which the hosts find both funny and a sign of the NBA “pushing the line, but not too far.”
    • Don: “We’re missing one element, are we not?” [10:41]
    • Alan: “Still no strippers or dancers.” [10:14]
    • Don: “Now, they do have a dance team that might get interesting.” [11:06]
• The hosts riff on Atlanta’s unique blend of basketball and nightlife.
  • Alan: “Listen, Atlanta deserves this credit… sometimes feels like you’re at Magic City just by going to the game.” [12:31]
• Quick aside about the NYCFC home opener against Orlando City, with playful continuity on “Magic City” references. [13:02]

Notable Quote

“It’s a fun, edgy thing to do. I respect the league for going for it.”
— Alan Hahn [11:56]

4. Fan Call: Richard’s Sports Media Nostalgia & Knicks Coaching Takes

[16:17 – 20:23]

• Richard calls in with classic sports broadcasting memories (Curt Gowdy, Jack Whitaker, Pat Summerall), plus personal reminiscences (“throwing snowballs at garbage cans”).
• He pivots to the current Knicks coach comparison:
  • Praises Tom Thibodeau as a motivating leader who “made all these guys better”—Brunson, Hart, Donovan, Derrick Rose, Julius Randle, Jimmy Butler.
  • Critiques Mike Brown as competent but “just a very nice guy,” lacking the stern approach of past coaching greats.
    • “Would Bill Parcells do that? Would Pat Riley? No.” [19:02]
• Don and Alan agree that teams often shift from a “taskmaster” coach to a softer touch; it’s a natural pendulum, but can have consequences for discipline and performance.

Notable Quote

“That’s usually what happens after you go from the taskmaster coach. The minute that coach steps aside, it’s almost like everybody just kind of exhales…”
— Don [20:25]

5. Light-hearted Closings: Music, Game Highlights, and Signature Banter

[13:45 – End]

• The crew skims through a playful airing (“My All Remix”) and jests about how remixes never start on time.
• Quick “Game Time” update on tonight’s local NHL and NBA action, with enthusiastic (and irreverent) cues for liquor sponsors.
  • Alan: “It’s telly time!” [15:06]
• Peter and Richard drop in with bonus chat: most underrated rock & roll songs, sports broadcast themes, and snowball etiquette (“If you're gonna throw a snowball at a cop, aim at the knee!” – Richard [17:28]).

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On Hal Steinbrenner’s growth:
  • “He’s getting a little more like the old man. Interesting, no?” – Don [02:46]
• On Magic City Monday:
  • “I might have to COP one [hoodie].” – Don [07:59]
  • “If you're not going to see…if we don't get actual nudity, what are we doing?” – Alan [09:33]
  • “Food, music, merchandise…missing one element. It’s still no reference whatsoever.” – Don [10:41]
• On New York’s unique sports culture:
  • “From MLK jerseys to Magic City night. Name me another city with this range.” – Don [12:24]
• Richard’s Snowball Wisdom:
  • “If you're gonna throw a snowball at a cop, aim at the knee. Don’t throw into somebody’s head.” – Richard [17:28]

Timestamps for Significant Segments

• Scott Boras on Yankees / Mets Owners: [01:37 – 06:05]
• Magic City Monday / Hawks Promotion: [07:11 – 12:45]
• NYCFC Ticket Giveaway Announcement: [13:02]
• “My All Remix” & Remix Jokes: [13:45 – 14:49]
• Game Time / Sports Update: [15:01 – 16:14]
• Richard’s Nostalgic Call & Knicks Chat: [16:17 – 20:23]
• Show Closing Thoughts and Banter: [20:23 – End]

Summary

This hour offers the signature Don, Hahn & Rosenberg blend of East Coast sports takes, nostalgia, and sharp humor. From Boras’s revelations about Yankees and Mets leadership to the wild Atlanta Hawks-Magic City promo and a crash course in New York sports media history courtesy of Richard, listeners get a fast-moving, entertaining, and sneakily insightful window into the intersecting worlds of sports, culture, and fandom. All in the style of three guys who live and breathe New York sports—and don’t take themselves too seriously.