The New 'Jersey' Guys

Whether you're a diehard football fan or not, it goes without saying that every American has an opinion on President Trump and NFL players "taking a knee" during the National Anthem this weekend. In this week's New 'Jersey' Guys podcast, Chris and Dan explore everything from the hypocrisy of the NFL to how the players reacted on and off the field.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Danny found a great story about a fan who replied to an email from his account manager with the Mets and told him in a very blunt way, why he won't be re-upping his season tickets next year. Are bad teams just not worth rooting for sometimes? If owners don't care about the product they're putting on the field, should we care about rooting for them? Hard to believe the NFl season is udnerway already with a good amount of teams, including the Giants and Jets, are both 0-2. Is it time to panic yet? At least for the Giants, it may be time to sound the alarm. Legendary boxer, former middleweight champion, Jake Lamotta passed away at the age of 95. LaMotta was the inspiration for the iconic movie "Raging Bull," starring Robert DeNiro. Danny and Chris give the list of their favorite sports movies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Red Sox were caught stealing signs from the Yankees during a recent series. A bench coach was reportedly stealing the signs via an Apple watch. Stealing signs have been part of baseball for years, so is using an Apple watch really make it any worse or is it just a case of using modern technology to their advantage?  The NJ Devils have rolled out an interesting marketing campaign. They are reaching out to other teams' fan bases. Does this scream desperation to put people in the seats? The staff at NJ101.5 recently held their fantasy football draft. One owner couldn't make the draft for a very odd reason. Who are the worst type of fantasy football owners? Chris and Dan give their fantasy football pet peeves. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the MLB trading season winds down, some big name players are still on the move. The Mets have moved a couple of players including All-Star Outfielder Curtis Granderson. Is it fair to the fans? NJ native Kyrie Irving is on his way to the Boston Celtics after a mega-trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Chris, a die hard Celtics fan gives his perspective on te deal and what it means for the Celtics future.  Fantasy football drafts are in full swing with the NFL season just a couple of weeks away. Could fantasy football be hurting your work or personal life? Chris and Dan will provide some insight as to whether this "hobby" is becoming a full time job or not. We're coming up to MLB Player's Weekend. The players get to wear special jerseys with nicknames on them. Is it a good idea or just a cheap marketing ploy?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris and Dan, 2 Cowboys fans, discuss the embarrassment that the Ezekiel Elliott suspension has become. The guys think this is just another black mark on the NFL with one of their star players.  Elizabeth Spadea joins the show as the guys' fashion expert. The guys gave Elizabeth a homework assignment, to study all the major sports teams' jerseys and fashion. She'll give us her report.  Elizabeth's boyfriend "Charlie The Butcher" is in from the UK and we talked to him about soccer's popularity abroad, versus the United States. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A college football player from USF has given up his scholarship after he was ruled ineligible because he violated terms of his YouTube agreement. The NCA has even said that the rules are handled on a case-by-case basis. Is it time for the NCAA to allow its athletes to monetize themselves?  Steve Bartman, the sports fan who became infamous for allegedly costing the Cubs a trip to the World Series by interfering with a ball in foul territory, was given a World Series ring by the Cubs. Was this a classy gesture or was it "a little too late," move by the organization?  Jets safety Jamal Adams said that he would "die on the field." Is this a show of passion or is it insensitive? Seeing as how players are being affected by CTE or as in the case of the Vikings' Corey Stringer died of heat stroke during training camp, is saying that you would die on the field, offensive to those who have given it all to the game of football?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Odell Beckham was a no-show for Giants mini-camps and as training camps open, is making it known that he wants to be the NFL's highest paid player. Is he justified? Is the flashy wide receiver worth that kind of money? Chris and Dan both think the Giants star has a lot of growing up to do before he can make those kind of requests.  Another player who is showing his displeasure for his contract is Steelers running back, Le'Veon Bell. Bell is holding out in hopes that will push the Steelers to sign him to a new deal. Wouldn't it work better if he was actually IN CAMP and showing team management his skills and what he could do? Jon Jones won the UFC light heavyweight title over Daniel Cormier at UFC 214. It's been a long road back to redemption for Jones after being stripped of the UFC title over two years prior. Do sports fans just love a good comeback/redemption story? Adrian beltre, possibly one of MLB's most underrated players joined the 3,000 hit club a few days ago. Does that automatically make him a first-ballot Hall of Famer when he reitres? Is Beltre one of the best players to never win a World Series?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Yankees made a blockbuster deal to acquire Toms River native Todd Frazier, along with pitchers David Robertson and Tom Kahnle. Frazier, who won the Little League World Series at age 12, is coming home as a fan favorite. Chris and Dan discuss they're favorite team's acquisitions of all time. What in the heck is going on in the NBA? Cavaliers star Kyrie Irving announced to the team that he no longer wants to replay in the shadow of legendary LeBron James and rather, wants to be dealt to a team where he can be the centerpiece. Isn't that the exact opposite of what most teams are doing nowadays? Does the NBA have an identity crisis on its hands? Popular golfer Jodan Spieth won the British Open this past weekend. Spieth has become the poster boy for professional golf but is it enough to raise golf's popularity back to the days of when Tigers Woods taking the professional golf tour by storm? Dan apparently is not a fan of Shark Week and had plenty to say about the big "race" between Olympic Swimmer Michael Phelps and a shark. Did Phelps tarnish his image?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Danny is already over the Mets for this season, so is it too early to start talking fantasy football? Chris and Dan debate whether there is any reason to start talking about fantasy football in July, or if with all the technology out nowadays, if this is the new norm? Chris admits that he's not only started looking at football stats, he's invested in fantasy baseball AND football right now.  The new stadium for the Atlanta Falcons has revealed some of their new prices for concessions and it's pretty affordable. It's refreshing to see at least one team try to make concessions price-friendly for families. Will this be a new trend for other teams and arenas? The guys create their 'Core Fore," of New Jersey's best athletes. Which NJ-born athlete is the best in their sport? The guys makes their choices and you can help them vote on their differences!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phil, a good friend of the show joined us to discuss a very special bicycle ride he is putting together, entitled "Biking for Jake (And Donuts) across NJ to help bring awareness and donations to soldiers with PTSD.  Chris and Dan also discuss the Knicks latest head-scratching moves and whether or not as a sports fan, do you ever just give up hope and take a much needed "break" from rooting for the team. NY Yankees rookie Aaron Judge is in the national spotlight after winning the 2017 Home Run Derby. Have the MLB's young stars made the HR Derby the most popular skills competition in sports?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now that the Nw York Knicks and Phil Jackson have parted ways, does this leave a black mark on Phil Jackson's winning legacy? Will the mess that he left behind in New York be what he's most remembered for over all the championships with the Bulls and Lakers? Every July 4th, Nathan's has their hot dog eating championship. While it's called "Competitive eating," is it really a sport?  The MLB All Star Game is right around the corner. Chris and Dan debate whether the MLB made a mistake by taking home field advantage in the World Series away from the winning team of the All Star Game. Will you still watch?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NJ Devils legend Ken Daneyko joins Chris and Dan on the podcast this week. Ken is promoting his upcoming golf outing on July 13 to help benefit the Center for Great Expectations.  We also talk plenty of hockey, including the expansion Golden Knights and the NJ Devils young future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the much-anticipated dream fight between boxing legend Floyd Mayweather and UFC star Conor McGregor really a fight for the ages or just pure hype? Chris and Dan debate whether this will be a historic event or just a huge bust. Has the popularity of the UFC gotten so big on a national level that is should be in the discussion with the other 'Big 4' professional sports? Or is it still just a 2nd-tier sport in the discussion with golf, tennis, soccer and racing? WNBA superstar Diana Taurasi became the leading all-time scorer in the WNBA. Are we as sports fans making a big enough deal out of her achievement? Are there too many females in sports that are not getting enough press?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Penguins just won the Stanley Cup for back-to-back championships. Out of all the professional sports, which trophy would you want to win most? ESPN is coming out with a new 30 for 30 series entitled "Celtics/Lakers: Best of Enemies." What are the best sports rivalries? Does it depend on what generation you are? Many NFL free agents already have found new homes but quarterback Colin Kaepernick hasn't. Will he ever step on the NFL field again?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Has the NBA become too predictable? Chris and Dan debate whether these super-teams like the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers have made the NBA Finals unwatchable or not.  A teacher in Akron, Ohio called LeBron James, among other things, a "hero." Are sports stars true heroes? Who were your sports heroes growing up? Chris and Dan discuss who their heroes are. Chris reveals a sports dream he recently had with one of his favorite sports personalties. Which athlete would you want to hang out with and get to know? Phil Mickelson announced that he will be missing the U.S. Open due to his daughter's graduation. Was this the right move?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a week of missing voluntary workouts, Chris and Dan question whether Giants star wr Odell Beckham is a leader or if this is just the media making a big deal over nothing.  The guys also debate whether NJ legislators should have their hands in daily fantasy sports betting. Will Gov. Christie, an avid sports fan himself, bring the VETO down on it? LeBron James was recently taunted mercilessly by a fan. Dan thinks it's hilarious but Chris says fans are going overboard. A young fan has a baseball taken away by security after another fan grabs it while still in play. Did security overreact or is this more bad fan behavior?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are athletes' celebrations getting out of hand? Chris and Dan get into a heated debate over whether players have a bit too much flair when hitting a home run or making a solid play. The guys also recap the draft lottery and whether the NBA needs to scrap the current model.  Whether it's Aaron Judge on Jimmy Fallon or Peyton Manning hosting the ESPY Awards, It's good to see some of our favorite athletes in front of the camera but outside of their comfort zone. We check Dan's pulse on the Mets season with another edition of "The Mets Misery Minute."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Derek Jeter was forever immortalized as one of the great New York Yankees when his #2 jersey was retired during a ceremony at the stadium. But is the legendary shortstop considered the greatest Yankee?   The guys also debate sports jinxes after it was announced that New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady will grace the cover of this year's Madden NFL game.  The guys also debate who should decide when a star player needs rest. The player himself or the coach? A brand new segment debuts on the podcast this week entitled "The Mets Misery Minute." Mets fans will surely sympathize with Dan Tantillo on this one. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are there certain traits that define what a Most Valuable Player is? Is it what a player means to his or her team? Or is it just whoever is statistically the best player in the league? Dan and Chris debate the NBA  MVP Race. Also, now that two professional sports teams will be calling Las Vegas home, is it time for sports betting, specifically in New Jersey? The guys also discuss the recent battle between the Orioles and Red Sox and whether retaliation in Major League Baseball is outdated and needs to change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Mets haven't had an easy start to the season. Mets players have been getting hurt left and right, including the latest injury to star pitcher Noah Syndegaard. The fact that so many players have gotten hurt, coupled wth the recent 23-5 drubbing by the Washington Nationals, has some Mets fans on the proverbial sports ledge. One of those unconsolable fans is host Dan Tantillo. Chris cannot believe that Dan is giving up only one month into the season. There's plenty of baseball left to play but Dan doesn't want to hear it! The New 'Jersey' Guys also recap the NFL Draft to which Dan attended. Collegiate basketball player Lonzo Ball has a bright future in the NBA but is it getting ruined before it even starts becasue of his pushy father LaVar? The guys vent about bad sports parents.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the wake of Aaron Hernandez's apprent suicide, Chris and Dan look at the larger problem looming over the NFL in the wake of Hernandez's death. Eli Manning is under investigation in a sports memorabilia scandal but does he deserve the benefit of the doubt that he could be innocent? The guys also look at "sports superstitons," and whether it is all just in our heads or not. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Major League Baseball instituted a new automatic intentional walk rule in order to speed up the playing time. Does the league need to make more rule changes in order to make the game faster? Chris Swendeman and Dan Tantillo STRONGLY disagree. We also discuss how the media is covering the 2017 NFL Draft and the new career move made by our beloved former quarterback, Tony Romo. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wrestlemania 33 set a new record for viewership. Are fans of the WWE still afraid to admit they love it? Is there still a stigma with acknowledging you’re a fan of pro wrestling?   Not for host Chris Swendeman, who tries to explain to co-host Dan Tantillo why if you’re a sports fan, you need to go to Wrestlemania at least once in your lifetime.   We also talk about when fans go from being passionate to completely over-the top and why fans should never, ever have a say in the outcome of a sporting event. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.