This is on leash Are you listening?
Can you hear me? Hear me?
This is on leash. Are you listening?
Can you hear me? Hear me?
This is on leash Are you listening?
Can you hear me? Hear me?
This is on leash Are you listening?
Can you hear me? What's going on everybody?
BT unleashed in the house. A little extra content for you
today. I'm looking forward to this.
So obviously do the show live everyday at 10.
And of course, as as we got a little deeper and we got some
roots and we got unleashed off the tracks a little bit and
start to pick up a little momentum.
I said that I wanted to really have some good conversations
with people that I find interesting.
Some people I know really well, some people I don't know that
well, including our guests who I'll get to in a moment.
So hopefully you guys are enjoying this.
And we had Kay on recently, we had La Greca on, Stephen A's
coming on within the next week or so.
Supposed to have Alex this week. And then he got wrapped up with
the Alex Rodriguez with the WBC. So yeah, he got back.
He said I got a punt. But he's definitely coming on.
So with that being said, it is a pleasure to introduce.
She's a rising star. Let's face it, that's what she
is. She is a Bergen County girl and
she worked her way up the ranks, which I can respect because I
had to do that back in the day as well.
Nikki Laterullo is in the house. Nikki, what's going on, kid?
How you doing? Hey, thanks so much for having
me. I'm doing great.
It is a pleasure. So listen, I know the challenge
for me and IT guys just basically have it a lot easier,
you know, 2-2 minute shower. Obviously, of course.
Yeah, yeah. I mean, I don't have any hair,
so I'm in and out. I shave when I want, pack a
couple of suits, go out to San Diego.
You know, if St. John's wins and you're traveling
out there, which is going to be a lot of fun, if they win and
they should certainly win the first game, then you're out
there for basically four or five days.
I mean, how many suitcases is Niki Lauderulu bringing?
It's like California. That's got to be tough.
Well I'm a very good Packer. I'm like not I feel like a lot
of girls over pack and they want to bring multiple suitcases.
I am an under Packer so I'm one outfit for each day.
If I don't like it in the moment I have no choice.
I have to wear it. So usually I'm a carry on only
girl like for for these type of things I will bring a checked
bag but I don't own an actual like large luggage.
So I have to go home and get my mom.
So I'm like at least paying school suitcases and going home
and borrowing. Also I don't really have space
for suitcases in my apartment so I will bring 1 suitcase.
I did overnight several outfits, 'cause I don't know if it the
weather, it's warm, I don't know my summer clothes here, you
know, it's the whole thing, so. I get it.
I'm also going to go shopping and keep the tags on things, so
if stuff doesn't fit when it comes, I could have some
backups. So you know, lots of important,
important things besides just the content we're going to cover
you. Know, Nikki, I'll tell you who
the winner in all this is. That's your boyfriend.
Now, you know, I'm not personal. I don't know if you guys, you
know, maybe, maybe get married. Someday keeping on the couch as
we speak. Doesn't even know what's going
on. I love it, but that's also
because my wife packs everything and if you guys eventually
become husband and wife, it seems like somebody who doesn't
pack that much, so he's a winner.
It's crazy what what they packed it's.
Insane. I well, when we have gone places
together, I'm like, Hey, do you have any extra room for this one
shoe and this one and one shoe and this one?
Because I will sit on the suitcase until it's popping
open. But I will, I will try as hard
as I can to not pack a bag, check a bag, but I will not be
the person that's like packing for the boyfriend or the
husband. I don't know if your wife does
that. My sister packs her husband.
I'm like, I'm not doing that. No, no.
I. Barely packed myself.
Nikki, I'm happy when she looks at me after 16 years of
marriage. Forget about packing for me,
but. I guess.
I guess now I feel like the newlyweds are like he's like,
did you pack this for me to go? Yeah, in the front pocket.
I'm like, this would never be me.
I barely remember what I packed for myself.
All right, so let's have a little let's let's do the long
walk here. You, as I said, Bergen County
girl. I am proud of it.
Jersey strong for sure. I've met you.
I remember Sal was talking to you about this goes back to when
Sal and I were obviously working together.
Love Sal. He's he's he's crazy and he's
awesome. Eddie loves you as well.
And your name came up one day. I said she's good.
And I saw you on S&Y. So you know you you have this
dream, right? And we, I want to know like when
did it first start? Like what was your, the first
time you like, I want to do that.
And then how did you go about trying to be able to do that?
I I find this interesting with everybody.
OK, so the, I've always said that I wanted to be a sports
reporter. I didn't really know how I I
feel like when you want to be like a doctor, you know, like
the steps you have to take to do Med school and all that stuff.
Like when I was a young kid and Kim Jones was the Yankee
reporter, I remember there was like an exact moment when I
don't know what year it was. I guess we'd have to think of
when, I don't know if it was a World Series, when Jeter poured
the champagne on her head in the clubhouse.
And I was like, that's so cool. Like, how did she get this job?
So then from that moment, I was like, I'm going to figure out
how to do this. So I think in high school, we
had like a broadcasting department.
We had a student morning announcements thing.
I auditioned to be an anchor, and I did not get the role.
So I did the morning prayer at my old.
There we go. Well, and then I did like
broadcasting classes and then I remember I would like rent or
borrow the equipment from the school and go to like Bergen
Catholics football practice and like interview them and like
practices and stuff and like put some packages.
But then I went to college and I decided to go to a school that
didn't have broadcasting, so. Seems like a pretty convoluted
route. Yeah, I was like, I want to do
this. And then I my mom was like, what
about Syracuse? Arizona State?
And I was like, I love Rhode Island.
I'll figure it out. It's fine.
It doesn't matter that they don't have it.
And then I figured it out. So you're, you're still, you're
still very young, right? And, and you're, I wouldn't say
you're just starting, but obviously you're, you're a
couple of years on the scene here in New York And I, I don't
know if you're, you're probably not like this yet because you're
still kind of fresh with it. I have old tapes that the
dinosaurs can listen to at this point.
And it would make sense to them. It's so old, right?
And when I was doing a show like in Detroit in the early 2000s,
one of my first jobs and I can't listen to myself.
It's like embarrassing. I.
Oh, I can't either. So you don't like watching?
So I could show you a video yesterday me and my friend were
like going through it came up on like her Facebook memories of us
in college and I was in. I wonder if it's still there
from last night. It was like me at the NCAA
Tournament. It was the first year Rhode
Island had been back in so long. Dan Hurley was the coach and
they beat Oklahoma. And I was like, if this doesn't
describe March, I don't know. It does.
And I was like, I can't watch it back.
I was like this is so bad. And my voice.
Was just like different. I still, I was just like a
couple minutes ago, I was like going through some of my videos
from this weekend and us at the Big 12 champion or not Big 12
Big East Championship. And I was like, I was like, oh,
I can't listen to that interview.
Like sometimes I just cringe at myself.
I don't know, like what it is. So back then my voice was really
interesting. But that's a good thing because
I like it. Well, well, Nikki, think about
this. If you're sitting there and you
know, you pop it on highlights of yourself and you're like, oh
man, I'm good. Oh man, that.
That yeah, I guess that's. Weird.
Yeah. You know, you'd rather have the
the humility and the the ability within just like to almost like
laugh at yourself or cringe. The worst thing here, here's the
worst thing with me, though, when I look now, you don't have
to worry about this. When I started doing TV.
Now this is based in Detroit as well.
You know, like they had like a round table show, like on Friday
night on the Fox affiliate, get on the air, talk Lions, talk
Pistons, talk Tigers, Michigan, Michigan State, that stuff.
And I started doing it a lot and I was in that very and and guys
could relate to this. You can, but I was in that very
odd stage of, all right, I'm losing the hair a little bit.
I'm not going to buzz it yet. And I look like I, I, if, if
any, if a picture ever emerges of me on that round table from
like 2002 with like half a head of hair.
I don't know what I was searching for.
I don't know what I was going for.
I honestly, I think I'd have to go to a different country.
I don't think I, I don't think I can function anymore.
It's like it's paralyzingly ugly.
It's awful. It's absolutely horrendous.
So, so here you are. You go through you were in
Texas, right? That was, that was your first
and not Dallas you were in. Where were you in Texas?
Waco. Oh my God.
So you're doing Baylor stuff at that point?
Yeah, yeah, which was actually pretty good for a first job.
Yeah, it's not bad. And how long were you in Waco
for? Almost three years, like that's
a long time, 2 years and like, well, you have to remember I was
there for COVID. So I was, I got there in March
or I got there and August of 2019.
I graduated in May of 2019 and then I did 1 football season and
we went to the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on New Year's 2020.
And then we got back and coronavirus was this thing and I
was 1/2 news half sports reporter there.
So I did, I just got pulled to news to cover like a student
from Baylor like went to China and was like quarantined and it
was like this huge thing. So that was like the story that
I was on for like months, like the fact that there was this
student that was stuck in in China and then it became like
the pandemic. And then I was a full news only
news reporter for a full year. Do you like doing news?
No. Yeah, I I don't blame.
You. I was.
I was there was not to get like dark here, but there was a a big
military base Fort Hood in Killeen and there was a girl
that got murdered. One of the soldiers got murdered
by like her higher up in the military.
And like, it was a whole like national story.
And I was the reporter covering it for NBC, like for full NBC
because they weren't sending people because it was COVID.
And I was like 21 on these searches for this missing girl.
And then when they found the body, like I was there and I had
to do all this like breaking live news for like all these
stations across the country. And I was like, pretty good at
it, honestly. Like everyone was like, you're
pretty good at news. And I was like, because it's
just like, it's just like breaking news is like sports.
You're just saying what you're seeing.
It's not like you can really prepare for it ahead of time.
So I did that for a year and then I got promoted to weekend
sports anchor. So I stayed for one extra year.
So I only had one full year. So let me get this straight.
So now as, as we can tell by the last name, proud Italian.
I know your dad's Italian. Mom's Italian as well.
We're 100% on both sides, OK? Good stuff right there.
So my mom's Italian, my dad's Irish, so I got the Irish name,
but I'm half Italian and I know how much my mom, my mom still
worries. Did you eat?
Of course, Nikki. I will be talking to my mom in
the car like, and if there's a raindrop, she's like, I don't
talk on the phone. I'm like, mom, I got it.
I'm holding the phone. 2026 OK, so I'm trying to put my myself
in the shoes of your parents. You're young, you're just out of
college. You're in a state that's not a
neighboring state. You're halfway across the
country and it's COVID. Could you get back home to
Bergen County or do they come and?
See you at all. Well you also have to remember
the whole state of Texas froze during that.
Like the power grid went off in the.
Yeah, my wife and I remember that.
Yep so my apartment naturally the ceiling bursted and all the
pipes exploded and I'm like living in a hotel for a month
and 1/2 with the dog that I decided to get during COVID with
my stimulus check. I decided to get an 8 week old
golden doodle cause I was 21 years old.
I was like, oh, I'm fine, yeah. Yeah, yeah.
So. My mom was like, what do you
what should we come get the dog? I was like, you need to take the
dog. I don't know what to do.
Do you still have? Do you still have the dog?
Oh. Yeah, he's sleeping right next
to me, Gino. He's got a good life.
He's the best. Yeah.
He's from Texas. He's chilling.
He's lived in a million places. So I had to move to a new
apartment during COVID and an ice storm.
My apartment was like flooded and then frozen.
So I did a lot as like a 21 to 23 year old alone in Texas.
And my parents, just like, I guess when I started saying I
wanted to get into sports, I always knew I was like, I'm
going to have to move to like North Dakota or Michigan or
something. And they were like, Are you sure
you're the most anxious person we know?
I'm like the most anxious person, but with things that are
not like what regular people are anxious about.
So I was like, oh, I'm fine. I'm going to move.
Like I'm good. OK.
So I just, I think they were like worried kind of but.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I get it, that.
But that's being apparent. What are you, what are you
anxious about? Like before you go on the air,
are you? Are you anxious?
Yes. No, no, but not about going on
the air I'm anxious about. This is so niche.
I'm anxious that I'm going to be on air and I'm going to like
pass out or throw up or something for no reason.
Like I'm not. I've never fainted in my life.
What that's yeah about to me. Like if I thought about that
every time, I don't know if I'd be able to actually function and
can construct the center. That's the only thing I think
about when I'm on air. I'm like, really, you would
never know. I'm like my mom's like I'm
texting her on the break. I'm like, what if I faint and
she's like, you look fine, you're doing great.
I'm like, I can't even think about what I'm going to say
because what if I throw up and she's like, are you nauseous?
I'm like no. But what if I randomly?
Oh my God, so have you. I don't know not not to probe
too deeply, but have you spoken to somebody?
About therapy, no, I feel like it's just an internal battle
I've just had since I was a kid. I'm like, what if I puke?
I don't know. I I haven't puked in like 20
years so. All right, well, if you do, make
sure you puke on Sal. Nobody else but I.
Always say I'm like I'd probably go viral if I puked on live TV.
Like honestly it would probably be my big break.
That's true. Well, I think so, yeah.
I think you got your big break because now I remember when at
least your big break thus far, when I remember and and I want
to hear, I want you to take me through this guy.
I know what it means to a young broadcaster and I know what it
means on the other end of the phone when you call your
parents. I remember calling my parents
and I was, I won't bore you with my story cuz it's about you, but
I Long story short, I was, I was interviewing to get a job at at
ESPN New York in the 2003, 2004, whatever, still in my 20s, try
to get home. Had worked in a couple of
different states like you working my way up.
Long story short, I get the job right?
And it was like a month long process and I call my parents
and I'm in my apartment in, in Michigan, one of the suburbs.
And you know, I'm like playing like, I don't know if I and then
I just say, Hey, guess what, I'm coming home.
So when you find out that you're, that you get hired by
S&Y and you're coming back home, take me through the phone call.
I want, I want, I want to hear. I don't even remember that well,
OK, It was like a whole thing, honestly.
Like I so I was in Waco and then I was in Nashville and I was, I
don't know if I should say this, whatever I guess of.
Course you. Should I was in Yeah, but what
if like these whatever I guess I.
Just. Say in Nashville anymore?
I was in New York for the NCAA tournament with the University
of Tennessee. Got it.
And SNY was like wanting me to come do an audition.
I was like, I have another year on my deal.
Like, I don't know, like I love Nashville.
I just moved a million times already.
Like I have the best friends. Like, I was having so much fun
in Nashville, obviously. And Nashville is great.
And everyone was like, why would you not want to come and ask
them why? I'm like, no, I don't not want
to come. I just don't think I'm going to
get the job. So like, why would I ask my
bosses if I can go do this? Like it's we're busy.
Like we're covering the Titans. We're about to, you know, like
go into their season. So I was like, OK, I'm going to
New York for the NCAA tournament to cover Tennessee.
And I was like, if for some reason Tennessee gets upset it
was in the Sweet 16. I was like, then my company
already said like if you have a flight back on Monday, like if
they lose, just go home with your family.
Like it was at Madison Square Garden.
So they were like, go cover the Vols, like it's in New York,
whatever. So I was like, Tennessee's not
going to get upset by FAU. Like Tennessee was a high seed.
So I I told SNYI was like, I might be able to, I don't know,
like I have to keep you guys posted.
And they were like, OK, yeah, whatever.
Like super chill and Tennessee gets upset.
So I was like, oh, so I guess I'm going to go do this.
I guess why would Tennessee get upset?
So I I was at the garden till 3:00 AM because local TVI was
doing like morning live shots and this and that.
And I just kept the same outfit on.
And I just like literally went to SNY the next day, like in the
same outfit. Like I didn't even go home
because I didn't have a car. Like I was in the city.
So I went back to the hotel like whatever, went to SNY, did the
audition. I was like, that was so I was
like, that was so bad. Like I'm not getting this job.
It's fine. Like not meant to be.
So I told my parents I was like, don't get your hopes up.
And they were like, yeah, you're like 24, like, OK, it's fine.
And like a week later they were like, OK, so here's the offer.
And I was like, oh, wait, so this is.
So then I was freaking out because I was like, how do I get
out of my contract in Nashville? Like it was like stressful.
I was like, I just resigned my lease with my roommate.
Like it was like a whole thing. Did you have an age just like
did you have an agent at this point yet or no?
Yeah, yeah. But like the.
Agent does the work. That's easy.
But like I was having the no, but my agents weren't like
involved with my job in Nashville because it was like
local TV. Like I had just got that job,
got it. Like they had never spoke to my
agent. Like they weren't.
Involved with that so like I had to go to the GM and be like hi,
so this and everyone at my job was like you have to go like
it's your home market and I was like, Are you sure?
Like, I was just so nervous because I hadn't even been at
that job a year. Yeah.
But that's what it's about. And these smaller stations, they
know that they know. So a young broadcasters not I
mean, listen, Nashville is a great place.
I'm not to speak for you, but if you would have put down roots
there and become the the number one anchor in Nashville, you'd
have a great life. It's an amazing state.
It's an amazing, vibrant city that grows by the.
Year it's. Phenomenal, but you got to do
what you got to do. So your first show on SNY, how
nervous were you? And I don't think I was like, I,
I don't get nervous doing like studio shows because you can't
see anyone, you know, like it's just a camera.
I get more nervous if I'm doing like a live interview or
something, or if I'm like in not that I get more nervous, but
it's more like my heart's beating.
We're in the studio. It's like whatever.
But they've had me kind of shadow for like a good week or
so that I was like, OK, I can like, and I think it was me and
Michelle, we like double anchored the show too.
So it wasn't like just me and I didn't I knew all the got the
contributors just from like growing up in this market, like
I didn't like have any connection with them yet, you
know, like honest and why we're all like bantering and like
whatever, like messing with each other.
I didn't have that yet. So that's kind of what I was
nervous about. But I feel like my dad was just
fangirling so hard over everyone that I felt like I knew everyone
already. My dad's a huge He was the one
that was like more happy about the job than me.
Like I was just worrying about the logistics and he was like,
this is unreal. These people.
Oh my God, JJ Silo Sal. I was like.
Did he say Sal third would? Would Sal be like JJ and Silo?
Like he's like, so are you going to invite like Sal and JJ to
your wedding? I'm like, dad, I'm literally not
getting married anytime soon. He's like, I got to see them.
Like I love those guys. Like he he like texts JJ
separately. He really hangs out with JJ.
I'm like Dad J is a great. So yeah.
He's an. I know.
That's a cell I love. And Sal.
I hope he never gets sales number or he's going to be poor.
Sal, Seriously. Did he listen to the fan a lot?
Did he listen to BT and Sal or no?
Oh my God, yes, He listens. He sends me videos every day.
He's like, this person just shouted you out.
I'm like Dad. Well, you got to tell him.
In his office, at work, like he has it on all the time.
Yeah, but Nick, you got to tell him to stop.
Like he can't listen because we're not on the show on him.
Like it's he could stop. Oh.
He's not very happy about that. Oh, he wasn't, so he knows they
messed up. Too right, you guys, he's like,
he's like, what happened to them?
Like they got. Yeah, colorful language.
I got you. I'm like he's like give me sales
number. I got it.
I'm like, I'm not getting involved.
So so your dad's a monster sports fan growing up and.
My mom and your mom too. My mom listens to WF and
probably more than my dad. That's hysterical.
Like she she went and waited online to like, meet Mike
Francesa one time. Oh my God.
Like alone with my little brother when he was like a
small. Was Mike nice to her?
Did. Did.
Mike give her the hand wave. Took like a picture with him and
was like, nice guy. Yeah, my parents are like New
York, die hard. Everything all right?
So you were telling me when I, I and, and I, I don't know when I
first planted the seed about getting you on, but I remember
bumping into you a few times at the garden last year when you
really start to cover St. John's, Right.
And then obviously you came up to Providence, you were there
for the, for the first couple of games when St.
John's played. How did you, how did the St.
John's beats become yours? How did that happen?
Yes, well, I always loved college basketball.
Like that was what I got my start with with you or I like
Dan Hurley helped me pretty much like launch my career.
So I covered that's like what my whole reel was in college.
And then when I went to Waco, I covered Baylor, they went to the
national championship, women's and men's.
And then when I went to Tennessee, I also covered a lot
of college basketball. So when I came here, I knew that
Chelsea was doing UConn women and I was like, can we cover
Yukon men? And they were like, oh, no one's
really ever had an interest in doing it.
I was like, I have a relationship with Dan Hurley.
Like I can get him one-on-one like anytime.
And they were like, oh, well, Patino's getting hired.
It was like, I don't know when his hire was made, but we came
in pretty much at the same time. I got there in June of 2023.
So I don't know if he was already hired, but he was hired.
A couple of months before that, yeah.
So I went to his first exhibition game and I was like,
can I get an interview with you? And I did a one-on-one with him
and I they were like, oh, he you got a one-on-one.
I was like, there was literally no media there.
They were playing like I, I think it was against not even a
Division One team. I don't even remember.
So then I kept going to all of his games the first year and
doing one on ones with him. And they were like, if you want
this to be your thing, like if they're if they stay relevant,
like we want to cover them. No one just ever really had
interest because they weren't good.
Like it was no reason for us to be going.
So I would go and do Big East media days, Big East tournament.
And then when Saint John's lost the first year, I stayed with
UConn, I wanted to cover them in the tournament.
I would always get Dan Hurley. So then last year when they were
obviously like like nationally ranked and stuff, I already had
built the relationship with Pitino.
So then they just, they only would send me because I was the
one that kind of like wanted to. I mean, if I wasn't, I would
like to switch my off days. Like they'd be like, hey,
they're playing this day. Like could you switch?
And I would just go. But if not, someone else would
go. But I wanted to just keep
showing face. So then it was like I was the
one that was always covering them.
So I kind of just like asked and then it ended up working out
that the coverage people like it so.
So you, you know, you know Danny very well and you've got to know
Rick. Who do you find more
interesting? Well, Rick, I feel like, I don't
know on a personal level, like I don't feel like I've ever had
like just a regular conversation with him.
Like it's always like a quick interview and then he's like
rushed to the next thing. But I feel like he's interesting
to me because I don't really know him personally.
So I'm like, Oh, I wonder like this or that, Like I know about
him based on what I've like, what I know about him, what like
the public knows about him, but I don't like personally know him
where Dan is like I know he's a nut and people have their
thoughts on him, but he like if I I called him right now and was
it going, I need this like he would help me out in a second.
Like he is the type of guy that has seen me grind since I was in
college and coaches are the same way.
They have to like work themselves, work their way up.
So I think he like respects the hustle and like he's always
trying to like network me and connect me with people and like,
Oh, this is this person at this network or this and that.
So like I just I like, love him. He's he like mailed me a signed
book of his like he's so nice. You think he's misunderstood?
No, I think people know he's a
good guy. I think he's just a crazy coach.
I agree with that. And I like the old.
That's why I like covering Rick because I feel like you had that
whole type of coach is like dying.
It's now like with NIL and all this stuff.
It's not the same like I love like a Calipari, a Bill Self
like a her. Tom is home.
And I love that. Yeah, I love that.
So that's. Like when he was.
Yep, yeah. So I, I, I, I mean, I would like
to get to know Rick on the same level, but I feel like now
there's just always so much media.
So it's hard to just be like, hey, and like, shoot the shit,
you know? I oh, he go he.
I don't know if I could curse. Of course you could.
I mean, I'm trying not to because I have a lady on the
show, but yeah, I mean, this is a leash.
You should hear me going nuts when I've got to go nuts.
Yeah, I I pick my. You say whatever you want.
Trust me. They keep so good.
So the I got to get this up now. I think this is absolutely
adorable. I'm going to embarrass you.
Look at this. Look at this.
Little adorable. How old this little Nicky there?
Mummy. Mummy guess.
That. Is is that 6 year old Nikki?
7 Probably. 5. Oh my God, look at that.
Now why are you wearing a St. Keep that up, J Rod, why are you
wearing the Saint John shirt? Because they weren't that good
back then. Well I was on a team called St.
John's OK, but I can't tell if that was that or if I was just
in a St. John's T-shirt with it being the
same colors. My dad is a die hard St.
John's fan so it probably could be a St.
John's shirt, but we have a lot of St.
John's gear at home. My brother, who is a St.
John's fan from childhood, did go to UConn, so now he's turned
over to the dark. Side but.
Yeah, we're, we're a St. John's household, so you know
how to wrap. And I don't know what that
beating is in my hair. Like.
What is that? That probably my mom probably
had to cut that out of my hair. That is absolutely I.
I definitely wasn't good at basketball.
I think I was just there for the picture and like the free pizza
at the end or something. Little pizza party, Jay, you can
get that off. I I was going.
To probably, but you're. You're you're athletic.
I don't know what's what sports did you play growing up?
I played all of them. I played all of them until no
basketball. I probably played till like
third grade. I played softball till 9th
grade. I played lacrosse till 9th
grade, and I played like soccer as a kid and stuff, but I did
gymnastics as a kid. I did dance my whole life and I
did cheer up until college. So wow.
Wow. That I'll.
Tell you like athletic in terms of like flipping and like
getting across from the air, but I'm not athletic in terms of
like a sport involving a ball or a bat I.
Remember, Nikki, this is true. I remember.
So my son's 11. He just turned 11.
My daughter's nine, right? And he plays baseball,
basketball, football, even even one year he played soccer, he
was playing 4. But if that's untenable, a
little jiu jitsu, very busy. My daughter plays basketball.
She does cheer, she plays soccer, she plays softball.
Anyway, I remember when, God, she was probably like 5 and we
were kind of new in town. We didn't really know anybody.
And some of the girls were starting to do like competitive
cheer. Like I know TJ Fours are very
involved in that. Oh yeah, they're on on CJA.
They're belated. Yeah, Central.
Jersey All Stars are good. Yes, it's one of the best ones
in the nation, I believe. Like he's very humble, but he's
like, dude, these, these, they're.
Yeah, they're really good there. And I remember I'm Nikki, I
remember telling my wife I'm like, listen, I'm like, this is
a lifestyle thing. Like if you want to have the
kind of the kind of life where you never watch your son play
baseball. And I never I and I and I never
get to see my daughter dance, then go and sign her up.
But it's going to be a split household because.
That's what I did. Yeah, that, that's a tough,
that's a tough lifestyle. You gotta love it.
Yeah, I did that. I did competitive dance and
cheer and the dance was like the show Dance Moms.
Like I was travelling. We were in Disney all the time.
We were out like nationals and this and that.
We had all the makeup and the tiny outfits.
It was really, my dad was not a fan.
I think it was like a really expensive.
He was like, all right, you got to pick one of the other.
We can't be doing all these things.
And then I would show up to like base softball because I still
wanted to play with like the glitter and the hair, back hair
because I would go bounce from one thing to another.
And then thankfully we had my family had my brother who is
five years younger. So I was then off the hook once
he was old enough. I'm going to guess that when you
show up the softball, you weren't batting 3rd and playing
shortstop, Nikki. No, my dad would pay me like $50
if I got a hit. You feel like if you don't jump
away from the ball, you get $50. Exactly.
Just just take a swing. Come on, don't embarrass me,
Nikki, please get. Exactly, I was doing back
handsprings in the outfield. Like, my daughter was doing that
for a long time. She scored a soccer goal.
Finally, it ended. I'm like Yankee, you know, once
you get past second, third grade, like, it's cute and it's
still adorable, but there's got to be an expiration point.
Is your pops going out to San Diego to watch St.
John's as? Your brother's nobody's going,
no, but if it was like close, they would go.
But I mean, it's kind of, I don't even, I think my dad's
like in in Vegas or something. I don't even know where he.
Is always living. I think my parents are living
all the time. They're always like, I'm like,
are you home to watch Gino? Because I'm travelling for.
Work. My mom's like I'm home and but
my dad's like God only knows. He was just courtside at the
Knicks Jazz game the other day in.
In Utah. Yeah, like he was there for work
and like something with work. I was like, he sends a picture.
He's like on the court. I'm like.
They, I mean, they, they, we almost lost.
I mean, the Knicks came up. Yeah, that was actually not that
in the first game, but yeah. So I wanted to ask you this like
it's funny because you really given your age, you, you don't,
you don't know a life without technology, right?
I mean, that's all you know, pretty much.
Kind of I feel like in terms of work or just like life.
Life. Like my high school and college
experience wasn't social media the way it is now, which I
appreciate because we didn't have Instagram in high school
yet. Like maybe senior year it came
out, but it wasn't like the social media pressure that now
girls have. I never felt that in high school
or college because even in college we weren't we didn't
have like TikTok or we had Instagram, but we weren't taking
it seriously. Like we weren't doing things for
social media to like post or we weren't like putting all this
like pressure on ourselves to look a certain way in pictures
and stuff. So I feel like now, like after
like once COVID hit, I feel like social media changed And now
it's like very serious. Like I went to my high school
last week to speak for International Women's Day and
they were all like, oh, I, if I want to get into TV, like I kind
of want to be a social media and do this.
And I was like, I can't even give you any advice on that
because I only know like getting into the local news route, which
like I never thought like, oh, let me go the digital route
because that didn't really exist.
Like there was some stuff, but you couldn't just like do
digital for ESPN or something. Everyone went local.
And then after COVID it changed. But I guess like I didn't have a
phone until I was like in 7th or 8th grade.
Like it was the. Way that it is now yeah, yeah,
yeah. But I feel like I was the very
end. Like I say I'm Gen.
Z. I'm always like, oh, I'm Gen.
Z. But I'm like technically like
the kind of the cusp where I grew up without like a phone and
I was like playing outside and being.
Well, that, that's good. Do you do like I, I think that
and I worry about this for boys and girls, but you know, so many
of these people, younger, younger people seek validation
online. It's it's actually terrifying.
Yeah, it's. Creepy.
It's and I want to I want to actually get to an aspect of
that with you. I'm sure it's incredibly creepy
being a young woman, but like the like for and and and and and
boys and girls have different obstacles, obstacles
nonetheless, but different. You know, I feel like, you know,
young girls like they just all they see is beauty and filters
and these amazing bodies and gorgeous, gorgeous women.
And it's not it's not realistic. So you speak to you speak about
that. You're you're actually.
Involved in that? How dangerous?
How bad is it out there? Right?
Is it pretty bad? I mean, everything's kind of
fake, and that's what I was saying when I was speaking at my
high school. They were like, oh, like your
Instagram, you do all this cool stuff and I was like, I do.
But like, you have to remember, like social media is just like
the, I don't post like I only post obviously like the good
cool things that I'm doing. It's like people look at all
these like influencers and they're like, oh, but look at
their bodies. And that's first of all, so many
people are on like Ozempic these days.
I'm like, this is first of all just unrealistic because no
one's bodies actually look like this.
And if they, if they aren't on anything, they're probably
editing it on like an app. So then if you're making
yourself think that you need to look like that, but it's really
not attainable because it's not real.
Or these people, a lot of them don't actually have jobs.
So they just like do Pilates all day and like get iced coffee and
just like, you know, so they're like, Oh, but how do they have
time to do all this stuff? And it's like, well, because
that's their job is to just post on social media.
So like and it's so over saturated too that people are
like, Oh, I want to be an influencer, but it's like
everybody in New York, every girl in New York is like wanting
to be an influencer. So it's like it's very over
saturated to find like a niche on social media now.
And like not saying it's not hard work because you like
posting your life is like a full time job you.
It is. Videotape everything you're
doing. But I feel like I'll be like, Oh
my God, look at that girl. And then I'm like, OK, her nose
is done, her lips are done. She has Botox.
She probably is on Ozempic. She's probably has things on her
body done like it's just extensions.
Like, you know, it's just probably not all like veneers.
Like a lot of people on social media are fake.
So I'm like, OK, well, I have to remember that I don't have any
plastic surgery. So sometimes when I have to do
an interview from my bad side, it's not going to be cute.
I like had a crash out at spring training.
I did an interview with Austin Wells and Connor, our field
producer took a picture of me and I was like, I need an no
shot. That was so bad.
That side is so bad. And then I was like, hold on, a.
Question though, so the nose it's the same size from every
angle. How?
No, it's not. It's it's better on this side
than this side. I don't have on this side.
This side is terrible. I only really like stand on.
This Are you serious? Yeah, like go ahead.
Yes, I'll be doing an interview and I'll be like Rick, come to
the side. To me, your nose looks
symmetrical, but you know your nose better.
I mean, everybody says that, but I just or like, you know, when
you go on like a video and it like flop it like flips it.
Yes. Like, and you're like, Oh my
God, this looks so ugly. That's like what my face looks
like when I'm on this side. Uh huh.
Are you insecure when you're on camera about the way you look at
all besides? Nose sometimes, sometimes when I
have to sit, like when I'm, if I'm filling in for Sal, like the
chair on BNNY, like we're facing this way and this is the side I
don't like. So I'm like all like sit like
this kind of and like turn my head this way.
And I like kind of looks awkward, but I prefer it to be
on this side. Yeah.
Yeah, I get it. I'm not like, I'm not like, Oh
my God, I can't look at myself, but I'm just like, it makes you
a little more like critical of yourself when all you do is look
at yourself on a huge TV like 4K.
You're like, oh God, every pimple, every everything.
Yeah, yeah. Let's be honest.
And I don't like to wear makeup, like I'm just not.
But that's that's that's, I don't want to say that that's
your money maker because that takes away from the actual work
that you do, but. Yeah, but.
Doesn't matter how how people look when they're on TV all the
time. And unfortunately a lot of
people judge and I can. I wanted to get to this.
I can only imagine, I could only imagine what what you're like,
what some of the crass, crude, crazy.
Things. Is it?
Is it really that bad? I mean, I personally don't look
at like so Twitter, I turned off my inbox like you follow me or
or I follow you or something. Yeah, yeah.
Smart and then Instagram is like filtered by like words.
I don't know I I didn't put the words in, but I think it like
just knows this makes inappropriate and puts in like a
hidden folder. But if I like go to that folder,
because sometimes like someone will message me like a student
or something and they're like, oh, hey, I messaged you and I
was like, Oh, I never got it. And I look in the hidden.
And if they said like a word that for some reason got
filtered, like some people's messages just get hidden.
So sometimes I look to see and sometimes it'll be like, and
it'll be like someone sent you an image and I'm like, I'm not
clicking on it. Like I don't even want to know
what the image is. I'm not looking.
But I've gotten like some weird. I've got like videos of weird
stuff going on. Really did did you ever feel
like you had a? Did you ever pick you out to
report somebody or was it that? Bad, like it's just
inappropriate guys like it's just really creepy bots like
people with no picture, like you're not going to know who it
is, but you'll just like when I was in Nashville, I like there
wasn't as many people watching the local news in Nashville.
So I would like get all my DMS and I once I've got a video of
like a guy like watching me and doing something inappropriate.
And I was like, oh, I need to fully, I need to fully like turn
my or more notifications on. Yeah, turn those on.
I was like, that's inappropriate.
And now there's a lot more people watching.
But really like people will be like, oh, I'll pay you to send
pictures of your feet or something.
But I'm like, no, I was kidding. I would never.
I would never but like. Hey, listen, I, I, I know you, I
worked at SNY, so I know they don't pay that well.
So maybe you got to get those stilettos out.
You got to start selling those pictures, Nikki.
No, they don't want the shoes. They want the bare feet.
Oh. My goodness, you actually get
requests for that? Yeah.
Yes, there's literally people with foot fetish.
No, I don't. I know.
It's a big thing, I know. I don't really get like someone
will like if I post a picture on Twitter of like me, like
standing on the court, like Big East championship people, people
will say like inappropriate things in the comments, but I'm
like whatever, it has no profile picture.
No one's ever saying anything. That's like making me scared for
my life. I got you.
And I'm sure that changes if you get to like the national level.
Like I can't even imagine what the women on these big like
doing the Super Bowl and stuff are getting.
But I don't think their DMS are probably open.
Like I would probably have to limit my comments and stuff I
don't. Know what, what was it's funny,
like when I was growing up, I wanted to I want to be a
baseball player, obviously wasn't.
And then I knew I wanted to be on the radio.
And then because this is a long time ago, TV wasn't his problem.
I mean there was TV sets and no it wasn't white but like they
were all. I know you're not that old.
I'm getting there, trust me. All these regional networks
weren't really born yet, so there wasn't as many
opportunities. So my my vision was I want to be
on the radio. And then eventually I stumbled
into some TV stuff along the way.
So you're that at an interesting age because just when you were
born, when you're coming up and you know, not quite fully into
the digital in high school, but now it is like what when you
were young and you started to craft this, this broadcasting
dream. Was there actual, was it ESPN
like SportsCenter? What was your, in your mind's
eye the target? I was chasing WFAN for a long
time. What what were you thinking
about as motivation when you were younger?
I wanted to be the Yankee clubhouse reporter.
That was like the only thing I cared about.
I never even thought about going to a national place.
Like I literally didn't care. I was like, I want to be Kim
Jones. Like that's the only thing I
wanted. And now, like, it's just weird
that I work like alongside those people.
Like I went to Yankee Spring training and me and Meredith
were just working like side by side.
And I was like, I would have died if I knew.
But I'm like now I'm pretty much like I filled in on Mets like
for a bunch of series last year and I was like.
It's the same, like it's the same market.
Like it's still like crazy. Like I'm like Yankee spring
training. I'm like in the clubhouse and
it's just like not shocking to me.
Like I'm not fangirling. I'm just like doing my job.
And it's really not that crazy to me.
I don't know, like why the I guess the first one I went to
Yankee clubhouse when I was an intern, I was like, Oh my God,
this is crazy. But then when I actually got the
job here, like I think because I've been around athletes, like
I did the Titans and stuff. So I was in like professional
locker rooms. I never was like star shock.
I was just like, it's normal. But yeah, that was like the
goal. I don't know.
I never thought about what was bigger than that.
Do you feel there comes, I mentioned the validation like
with the chasing some people on social media, there's also an
internal validation, not in an arrogant way, but in a way where
you're like, right, I'm I'm comfortable, I feel good.
My game's tight. What I'm doing on air is is
transferring from the previous markets.
I'm doing well. Was there a moment where you're
like, all right, I I don't really feel new in New York
anymore. I just feel like I'm here and I
feel like I really belong. Anything jump out?
No, because I still have like imposter syndrome.
Like I'm still like, am I good enough to be here?
Yeah, yeah, I have that. Like I, I just had a meeting
with someone at SMY and I was like, do you think I've gotten
better since I got here? Like am I getting better?
Because I feel like when I watch myself, like it's myself so I
can't really tell. Like I know I have gotten better
and like even when I watch inner like interviews because that
wasn't something I ever really did in local.
I would do like a high school football live interview, but it
was like 2 seconds and. Now hey, good game, good
touchdown. And I was like filming it
myself, so I was more stressed about if we were in frame or
something like that. So I know that I've gotten
better. I still like in my head, I'll be
like, I'll ask you like, do you think I'm good enough to go to
the national level after this? Like I'm like, what do I need to
do? Like I still feel super young.
I don't feel like I don't belong.
Like I don't feel like alongside the other media members that I'm
like a little girl. But I just feel like I have so
much more to get better at. I still have my learning.
Yeah. OK, yeah, what you, what is?
New still. What?
What is you are you're new? What is the what's the best part
of your game? Stuff 1 stuff one like I can
answer that I could probably I could probably say my passion,
like, you know, I bring it every day like that's something that
comes natural to me. What what do you think you do
best? And then I want to hear what you
think that you could get better at.
Well, I feel like I over prepare, which like does benefit
me because I'm so like anxious about not being like prepared
that I will just do way too way more than I need to because I'll
end up not using like half the information.
But I think that you can throw me in any situation and I won't
even be rattled because I think doing the news in Texas made me
be able to think. I feel like you can throw me in
the middle of like a fire and I'll just be like, you'll put me
on air and I'll just be like, I know exactly what to say and
it's all fine. You can't even tell I'm freaking
out. But the so like the reporting I
feel like is my strong point, like being in the atmosphere,
the studio stuff I've definitely got better at, but reporting I
feel like I'm just like comfortable.
I love being around people. Like I thrive off the high
energy, high pressure environment and I haven't like
gotten sick of anything yet. Like I'm still like so eager.
I'm like, Oh my God, what's next?
Where am I going to go? Are we going to travel?
I can't wait to do this. Like where I feel like some
people are like, oh, I'm content like.
Yeah, that happens to a lot of people.
So I haven't got there. I hope I never get there, but I
definitely haven't got there. There'll be a point where
certain things will become a little mundane, you know,
whether it's a commute, whether it's whatever.
But yeah, I mean, I'm in my early 50s and I don't, I don't
take it for granted. Like I love it and that spark is
there and, you know, I still try to get better.
This is totally new, what I'm doing here with YouTube.
So I don't, I don't, Yeah, I think, I think if you really
care about what you do, I I don't, I don't think that you
stagnate. I think now I think there's a
lot of people in our business, Nikki, who get lazy, who just
keep collecting the check and you don't see their game improve
a whole lot. But I don't.
It doesn't strike me like you're going to be one of those people.
It doesn't strike me that way. I hope not.
I mean, I like that I'm in my home market.
Everyone's like, oh, do you want to stay in New York forever?
Like what do you want to do next?
And I'm like, I'm down for whatever, honestly.
Like there you go. I mean, I love, I love being
down. Like, don't get me wrong, But
if, if my, I don't actually know what my dream job is like
everyone's a good dream job. Like, I don't know.
But if like this amazing opportunity came and I had to
move, like I'm not going to be like, no, I'm comfortable.
And maybe when I have kids, I'll be I'll think differently.
But right now it's like Gino has already moved across all over.
So he's. Yeah, yeah, I'll have to.
Recruit my boyfriend to come wherever but that's.
What I was going to say, Gino, you stick in the kettle.
What about the boyfriend? Is he going to follow you?
Is he coming? I mean, I hope so.
He's. Going to follow you there.
You know you could. So I got a couple of quick hits
for you. Then I want to get a little
Saint John. Right.
OK, debate. All right, this is going to be a
tough one for I almost I almost feel bad hitting hitting,
hitting you with this right away debate and you got to give me an
answer. Oh.
Man, I'm going. To get you in trouble in a
debate, Who would win, Sal or JJ?
Are you serious? Come on.
Wait, OK, what's the debate on? Because if it's on, like the
Mets tell if it's on the Yankees, JJ.
Well, but no, no, no, you take an easy way out.
So what you're saying is you're going to you're going to rely on
the fandom. Yeah, like it depends.
Because, like, they're both passionate.
OK, I got one for you. I know they're they're both
passionate and I'm having fun. Let's say it's something that
they both love so you can't take the side door out.
Let's say it's about the Knicks. They're both Knick fans.
I got you. I kind of feel like JJ.
Oh, why? I guess I don't work with Sal as
much as JJ and JJ gets so fired up about things.
He's out of his mind. I mean, Sal, like I when I hear
him on the radio, I'm like, is that actually Sal?
Because like when it when I'm with him in person, I feel like
he's so chill. I know when you hear him on the
radio get riled up. I'm like, who is?
This Who is this? You know, if what if you said
that? What do you think I was saying
for two years sitting next to the looting?
Thing. So maybe if I worked with
Selmore, I would. I just always work with JJ and
I'm like JJ, your veins are popping out.
I know. And he's so riled up.
You got to tell JJ he stands. Watch JJ the way he stands with
his hands. Have you noticed the way he
stands with his hands like that? Have you noticed that?
Well, not when he talks with his hands, but like when he's
standing there, like if he's next to McCarron or whatever.
Yeah, yes. Like a mannequin with his hands.
Like this, Nikki? Like this.
Yeah. Exactly.
All right. So you you say JJ but you give
Sal respect? Yeah, because I have to work
with Sal more. I understand and.
Then I'll be able to decide. You're on a weekend Bachelorette
party. One of your girls is getting
married. You go to the bar.
You got 15 girls in cowboy hats. What kind of drink?
What? What do we drink?
What's Nikki having? How many?
Oh, well, it's wait, like what kind of drink?
Yeah. What's your main drink?
OK, a martini, slightly dirty with no vermouth.
That's a classy 1. Yeah, I'm classy.
What do you think this is? I wasn't drinking that at 27, I
was just still banging back the beer at 27.
Get whatever I get my. Hands on beer, I don't drink
beer. I've I've turned everyone into a
martini drinker. My family is like martini
drinkers. My grandparents were martini
drinkers. So like it's just like a family,
you just inherit it and then I've we turn everyone into
martini drinkers. But then so this is the thing, I
have to have like a martini before I go to the bar, like I
need to go to dinner or something because I can't just
like RIP a vodka soda without having like a buzz from a
martini because I'm like past that age.
Okay, okay. Like being able to drink a bar
drink but I will then I can only have like 2 martinis or I was.
Going to say the. Hangovers have gotten bad
already. Well, forget about the
hangovers. I mean, if you had three
martinis, I mean, your friends will be carrying you out,
there's no way you can have three, right?
I mean, if you want to see my phone is completely shattered.
Here we go. Well then she had three.
You had three that night. Because I, because we had a
house warming party at our new apartment and I was making up a
martinis and I just kept like filling mine up.
And then my phone somehow got run over 'cause we went out and
I dropped the phone out of the car and then it got run over.
And then I, my friends take your phones in Middle St. and I'm
like and the next day I have the literal worst hangover of my
life. So that's why I can only have
two martinis 'cause. That sounds like a I'm.
A small girl. Yeah, I I would stick with that
rule. So your age are are, are the
girls of the are, are your friends at the gummies?
I mean that that's kind of a new thing.
Like is everybody? Like weed?
Yeah, gummies and all that stuff, yeah.
I've never I've never done any drug ever in my life.
Good for you. I've never like smoked weed or
anything. I mean, I don't know if I, I
mean, I'm, that's a good thing for me to say.
But no, I don't think, well, most of my friends now are like
married or engaged or and like living in houses in the suburbs,
kind of. Already.
Well, that's the best. Time.
That's the best time to do it. Because maybe they no, I don't
think they are. Honestly.
I've never heard of anyone doing 1.
Like I've heard of people doing them, but personally, no, not
not your no, We're all like classy girls.
We just like, sit bar martinis and like.
Yeah, and break your phones. Observe people that was only
that was rare. I literally and I was fine.
I just my phone fell out of my pocket.
I got one for you and if you're not comfortable, it's it's
nothing. Oh, I.
Don't care. It's not bad like, so I'm trying
to think like if like when I was dating my my wife, like if she
was on TV, right. You go into a bar, everybody,
you go. If you go into a bar and you're
with your boyfriend, I'm sure a lot of guys your age are going
to wreck you. Oh, that's the girl on S&Y.
And whatever is he, does he get not uptight?
But is it ever uncomfortable for him?
That would bother me. I that.
That would. Drive him nuts.
Tells everyone about my jobs then.
So I'll like see someone that I don't know.
And they're like, oh, Richie told me that you're you do this.
Like you interview this person. So tell me about John Harbaugh.
What do you think about the giants this year?
And I'm like, now, why am I stuck in a conversation about
this? Like, so it's the opposite.
I just get dragged into the conversation of like, oh, she
knows what she's talking about. So like she's going to come and
she'll talk to you about this. And I'm like, I talk about this
all the time. No, I feel like he doesn't.
I get maybe when we first started like dating, he was
like, like he would ask questions like oh, what about
this? Like, oh, do you meet the
players? Like, do you know them?
Like you go to the locker room? Like I guess I'm just used to it
like it's normal to. Me.
Oh, I would ask every. Question.
It's like a whole different world, but I feel like people
don't really like come up to me. It's more like if I'm at a game
or something, people be like, Oh my God, like if I go into the
concourse, people be like, Oh my God, you're from SMY, whatever,
But I feel like people are aged like do they watch TV?
Like some people be like, oh, I know you from social media, like
oh, I know you from Twitter, like you do Saint John's,
whatever, but no one's ever been like, oh, I've seen you on if I
feel it on Mets pre and post like people could.
It's like on the at the bars, but I don't really I.
Hear you, you know. Our age you're watching sports
night I. Hear you.
Yeah, I used to love it. And this is when I was single,
like, and when I was doing the show on S&Y, I'd be in a bar and
like, the wheelhouse would be replayed.
I'm like, yo, that's big it. Was easy for me.
Oh no I'm like, I'm like, you know, like what do you do for
work? And I'm like like when I was if
someone just asks me, I just like make something up.
I'm like, I don't want to get into this right now.
I'm like. Yeah, keep it moving if you can.
If you if you can interview any Yankee that you have an
interview, who would it be? Probably Dark Jeter, like the
OG. Well, I used to love a rod.
I loved a Rod like I was a rod. Well, everyone was like, he's
not nice, he's not nice. And I'm like, I love him like he
was my, like he was my childhood.
Like I was obsessed. Yeah, so was my wife.
Yeah, he of all time. Yep, exactly.
But then I met him and he wasn't that nice, so I was like.
Really. I recently met him like last
year and he was not nice. And he was.
Wow. So this is the new rehabilitated
Alex. So then I was like, so then I
was like, I still had this thought in my head, like, I'm
not going to believe anyone. Like I've never met him as like
a kid. Like now I'm in the media.
He's also in the media. Like, why would he not be nice?
And I'm I met him at the Big East Championship last year and
he was not nice. I was like, I was like, oh, that
this is what people say, don't meet your heroes.
I was like. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Fine, did you think? He was as good looking in person
as you did when you were younger.
Well, not now, but when? When he was like, like now I
think he's not really, but like he's old.
So we're the. Same age.
But like when he was like a when he had just started on the
anxious how old was he? I know he was a stud 20.
Seven. I know, I know.
I hear it. And I was like 10.
I was like, Oh my God, he's so cute.
Nikki, I got to tell you, I, I got to probe a little more
deeply into this because I think there's a couple of different
versions of Alex, like, and did you see the, the Alex versus a
Rod documentary? Did you see that?
No, I, my sister, my sister was like a die hard a Rod fan.
She was like, you have to watch it.
And I was like. It's good.
I'll get around to. It OK, I got you.
It's it's. Good.
I'm watching love story. You know I'm still just a girl.
I'm watching the Carolyn beset JFK that whole.
Thing I think. I think Sal likes love story.
He Sal loves it. We were saying about it, so does
AJ Almighty. All right, but let, let, let.
So you're at the Big East championship.
This when when you when you met him.
Oh oh, OK. And was it a group setting?
Because I. Mean no, it was just like, I
don't even remember like this girl that I was with from the
New York Post was like, I I'm going to try to get a video of
him with like Spike Lee or whoever.
He was like he was just sitting courtside like he wasn't
working. And so it was like before the
game. And then she went over and was
like, oh, I don't think I said anything.
I think I just observed the situation and then he just like
was just like. To her.
And and I think. The Heisman Trophy, huh?
I think he's like publicist or whoever was like, oh, I'll get
him to take a picture with you guys.
And like he we took a picture with him, but like he didn't say
a word. Like it was like it was just
like the vibe that I had been told was but like even if but
even if that didn't happen, I still think like Jeter's like
the pinnacle of a of like a Yankee successful like story.
So if like when he, I don't know if this year he didn't.
Go. Derek didn't go.
Did he go the year before? Has he ever been?
Because we went and he didn't come out for interviews like he
did podium. I think so.
I didn't interview with like Jorge Posada and like Andy
Pettit and like those guys and they were so nice.
But then I was like, if Jeter, if I could do an interview with
Jeter, like that would just be like more pinch me moment
because that's who I grew up watching where now it's like, I
mean, I did an interview with Aaron Judge at spring training
and that I was like, I I saw that.
That is cool. I saw that.
But the people I grew up, but like we're like not the same
age, but it's like I didn't grow up watching Aaron Judge like I
was already older when he was a rookie.
Like, it's not like I was like a little kid and.
Like, I got you. Do you remember, do you remember
the 2009 World Series at all? Did you go with Paris?
Did you? But did you go with your dad to
the games? We went to like the playoff
games and we went to the ticker tape parade like I didn't.
Oh, you. Did.
Yeah, and we were with like all student college students and
they were like putting us on their shoulders, really sick.
Yeah, I think I was in like 4th grade maybe.
I do have to by the way, I've I've made this notation.
I I got to I got to circle back to my guy a rod and I got to
find out why he's dissing our girl Nikki.
We got to figure this. Out don't ask him, he doesn't
remember I'm. Sure.
I'm just decent. All right, before I let you
bounce here, so I'll see you in California, you've covered Saint
John's and you've done a great job.
Like really, I think, I think the conversations and I see him
on sports night because usually at the games, like when they
play like a Saturday night, the garden, whatever.
By the time I get back to New Jersey and I watch Rick's press
conference, get home, take a shower, you know, kids are
asleep or whatever. I love sports.
I think you guys do a really good job.
So Yep, I say it all the time and you know, he's, he's got a
million requests and inquiries and he always gives, he always
gives you very good time and very he does.
Yeah. And you ask good questions,
which is really what makes the interview.
So the, the, the team this year, they come in, they're #5 in the
country to start and then they kind of swoon out and they
missed the window to beat some good teams.
They then they're not ranked for a while now they've won 19 of 20
for some reason. They're A5 seed.
I'm not complaining going to San Diego, but we should be going to
Philly or Buffalo a little bit closer here, or at least Tampa.
You think this got a real run in them?
Like what do you think happens with Saint John's?
That second matchup could be Kansas.
That could be curtains if they don't play.
I'm more worried about Duke in the Sweet 16 than I do Kansas.
Like I think like when I think of Kansas, I think of like the
Arkansas situation last year. And I'm like, it's kind of the
not let's the same conference, but it's the same type of team.
And so like that worries me a little bit, but I don't think
they would let that happen again.
Like I think there's more of a chip on their shoulder this
season because like last season it was like, wow, St.
John's is back. This is the first time in
however long like. And then it was like, OK, they
kind of choked and I was like, all right, well, it wasn't that
like it was a big deal. But I feel like there was more.
This year was like from start to finish, there was so much more
expectation that now they're peaking at the right time that I
don't think they lose in the second round again.
Like, I just don't think they I don't think they're going to
lose in the first round. I mean, I don't know if Rick is
like, this is such a good team. I don't know if they always say
that, Yeah. Pretty much.
Like I feel like every time a high seeded plays a lower seed,
they're like, this is such an amazing team, which I'm sure
they're a good team, but like I don't think St.
John's will have an issue with them.
I feel like Kansas could be a difficult match up, but I don't
think I think it's going to be a close game, but I don't think
they're going to lose. How good is he?
So I mean, when he gets 20 points down, I'm like, I don't
even ask Rick about him anymore because I'm like, this is just
like light work. He always has 20 points, 10
rebounds. Like, OK, it's like, who else
can we talk about? Because he's just going to do
that no matter what. But he's also just like, so
humble like. Yeah, he is.
You know where? I'm like, So what does this
mean? He's like, well, this team, I'm
like, could we circle back to you for a second?
I know. I know what do you?
You're yeah, so. He's the.
Best and I think he has a chip on his shoulder like just
personally after last season, like that was just like a sucky
way to end. And then all this stuff that
happened with RJ that was like a whole nother thing of like, why
was he sitting in this? And then he was transferring and
there was like that. It ended in like a weird way.
It did. It did so.
Now it's like this is a whole new group.
I wasn't surprised that they had the struggles in that non
conference because they were rant.
They were literally random people put together.
They didn't gel yet and they're all coming from being the best
player on a different team and then they're not starting and
then this and that. So I think they're picking at
the right time. I think they really like share
the ball well and no one looks like they're trying to be the
the hero. So.
I don't know. I think that like Dylan Darling,
Josan Oziah, like those guys really need to step up in these
moments and then they need, they really need everyone.
I think it's the backcourt, Nikki, I think if St.
John's and that's pretty much what you just said with Satin
and Ian Jackson who's. Yeah.
My goodness, like I don't worry about St.
John's front court at all. Zubi's going to be Zubi either.
Bryce Hopkins been on a 2. Month And like Dylan Mitchell is
like everywhere. He's like flying around, yeah.
He really is. I think he's one of the best
defensive players in the country.
I think he's going to be in the NBA.
You know he. Looks like a typical NBA.
Doesn't he? I think he's going to refine the
shot eventually. He'll become a little bit more
serviceable and I think he's going to stick.
And I think it comes down to this.
If like Ian and and Sannon and and darling big bells, darling,
you got to love that big. Bells.
Oh my God, if those guys hit shots, I mean, St.
John's could could be playing for a couple of more weeks.
But we the one thing that worries me, Nikki, you know,
even against not, not the last Seton Hall game in Newark, but
the one before that and even the Xavier game, which I did out in
Cincinnati, St. John's is still a little prone
to these like 5-6 minute offensive lols in the.
Head, that's what I was going to say.
They just stopped, right? Even against UConn there was
like a 3 1/2 minute stretch where they didn't score and they
were lucky. They had like a 19 point lead or
something. Yeah, yeah.
And and like, you get the wrong match up, you know, and like
Northern Iowa, like Saint John's, their athletes are going
to run circles around their athletes.
But it's the kind of thing where it's a contrast in style.
Northern Iowa's looking to take the air out of the ball.
And then if Saint John's, if you look up and it's like 13 to 10
and you played 9 minutes of basketball, you know, it's like
now you're now you're in a pressure cooker and now you feel
the pressure. And I don't, I don't know how
it's going to manifest itself because it's, it's not a team
that's played together for like they've been through the rigors
of a couple of years, like the day, you know, back in the day
when college was different. So that's, that's my only fear.
Oh, you know what? I wanted to ask you real fast
too, knowing that, you know, Danny Hurley the way that you
do, How much did it kill him? I know he respects Rick.
How much did it kill him to walk off that quarter loser the other
night? I feel like it doesn't like
bother him that much. I think he's like we laid an
egg, like we're fine. Real you really I.
Think he's more mad when like the refs make a call that he
doesn't like. Like I think he was probably
like, we're going to be a high seed.
Like, yeah, they're obviously not happy, but I don't think he
has that like grudge type of like, oh, that pissed me off
because it's Saint John's. Like I think he would have been
equally as mad if it was like Creighton or something.
I'm going to have, I'm going to have to disagree.
I feel like I watched his press conference and he was like, we
laid an egg. We're going to stay the night.
We're going to watch. Like he didn't look.
I feel like I could tell when he's like really mad.
And he just looked like calm, like he was like, we're good.
Yeah, yeah. And they they also lost
terribly. Like it's not like it was close
and like one, yeah, it was like a bad loss.
So I think it was just like, I think if the the issue is if
they meet in this tournament, I don't think I, I don't know if
you call loses again St. John's.
I, you know, we should only be so lucky to to get to that point
and. If yeah, I mean June is going to
have to be that's. Yeah, but they.
Also have two of their starters out so.
It'll be a tough matchup. Like I think Nikki, I think St.
John's at the Garden is different.
They they just are. That's the issue because it's
going to be, they're going to be in San Diego.
There's going to be like barely any fans.
It's in St. John's Gym.
It's like it's just like like even Providence.
Last year they had a lot of people there because it was
Providence. Now it's like San Diego, like,
are they going to get flat? I don't know.
I think we'll see what the vibe is in the first two games and if
they beat Kansas and I'm like, they're rolling.
Yes, yes, yes it. Has to look like first of all
they need to hit 3 threes. Like they need to hit threes.
Last year that was an issue and they were like they the
tournament's all about making threes.
Unfortunately, like these lower seeds come in and they can hit
threes and that's how they win the games.
They need to Joseon Oziah like they're the ones that when they
have the ball, I'm like, OK, they can hit threes.
They need to be on and if they are in the first two games like
they can. They then then they're moving on
to the. Sweet.
They just have to. They just have to hit threes.
Yeah, I don't. I don't disagree.
Well, I'm going to leave you with this.
So if it's off to a rocky start, I know a couple of people at
CBS, and if St. John's is not playing well, I'm
going to have them slap this picture back up on the screen.
All right, let's get it up there.
J Rod, we're going to get a little, we're going to get a
little inspiration for that little cutie at 8-6 years old
when her dad is trying to get her, you know, the, you know,
the 20 bucks if she gets a softball hit and I'm trying.
To. Try to score your first basket,
I'm sure. So if we need the luck, we're
going to bust out the little tiny, teeny young Nikki, and
we're going to get that St. John's mojo going.
Is that all right? Are you OK if I do that for CBS?
Is that cool? Of course, yeah.
Right. Well, listen, it's been really
good having you. I appreciate.
Thank you for having me. You got it.
Got it. Generous with your time.
I kept you about an hour or so. Yeah, man.
So just doing your thing. You are a rising star.
I I don't know what the future holds for you, but I know it's
going to be very, very, very, very successful.
Stay grounded. It seems like you're the kind of
person that will. That's awesome.
Yeah. Well, thank you so much.
I'll see you in San Diego. Hopefully some good, two good
games and we'll be moving hopefully or DC.
All right. All right.
Hey, Martini, first one on you, right?
You got that S&Y money. Of course.
Oh yeah. I'm basically unemployed, Nikki.
All right, kid, we. Got 2 jobs, we're good.
I'll see you out in California. Thank you.
All right, see you soon. There you go.
All right, All right, Jay. Hey, Nick, you still there?
Thank you, Thank you, thank you. Yeah, that was crazy.
That was I got to say that was the most Unleashed episode of
Unleashed yet. Really.
I just I feel like y'all just touched on a lot of out of
bounds or just like no, you're good, you're good.
That. Was out of bounds.
I just think it was interesting. I want to get a nose job.
Yeah, I thought it was fun. That's true.
That was awesome. The foot pictures.
Yeah, we had some funny stuff. In there I was like people said,
inappropriate videos. Hold on, I'm trying to get Gino
for. You Let's see, Gino.
Where is he? Look at that big boy.
Wow. Gino.
Oh my God. How many pounds is that monster?
It's got to be 70, no? Not No 30.
I just look small. Oh my.
God, it's a Gino that is. Wow, look at that mug man.
That is great. That's a big dog, Nikki.
No, he's not. I'm just he just looks big when
I hold him. He looks like he looks like a
lion to me. It looks like you're holding a
lion. It's a cutie Labradoodle, right?
What? Happened to your hair.
Labradoodle sleep in the. Past.
Yeah, No, he's a goldendoodle. Goldendoodle, there you go.
Yeah, he's not big. He's just, he's staring at me.
He's like, please take me outside.
Yeah, yeah, we've kept Mommy long.
Enough. We've kept mommy.
Tell your boyfriend thanks for
putting up with with us talking. He was.
Sleeping on the couch this whole time.
He just got up. I'm like.
There you go. I didn't.
Realize he was sleeping. We were watching the WBC.
There you go. What's the score?
What's?
The score 2222. All right, let's go Italy.
Italy we need. Hey, Italy, go, let's go.
Hey, over there, Nikki. What I'll do is, hey, we're
going to put again. I'm going to have you know John
Fanta, right? Obviously.
Of course I'm going to have Fanta on tomorrow.
I'm going to play this Wednesday because I'm traveling, so I'm
going to have this like in lieu of my my show.
So I'll tag you and all the stuff and just jump in and you
know, hey, like what? What?
Yeah, of course. Have some fun with it.
Oh, now Venezuela's winning 32. Jeez, I got to go watch the end
of this. All right, kid country.
Club. Oh wait, did you play a New York
Country Club? Many times, Oh yeah, said.
Many times. Why is he we've?
Had an outing there. For like he has like a golf
outing there every. Year.
Are you from Rockland County? Are you from up there or no
wait. Let me take my Airpods out
because you can't hear hold. On Yeah, are are you from?
I'm sorry, Nikki. What's his name, by the way?
I have the worst. I'm really bad with technology.
OK. Is it coming off the computer
now? Here you.
I don't know where the sound is coming from.
If you hit like that, why don't I hear it?
If you have that, there you go. There you go.
What? What is?
I didn't get your boy. What?
What's his name? What's your boyfriend's name?
Richie Rich. What's up, man?
But your hood, you say? My my hair looks horrible.
I was just sleeping for an hour and a half.
But we do a we do a golf hunting every year BT memory of my dad.
It's been like 23 years. You passed 9/11.
Oh, wow. And and Garrett is Garrett's the
absolute man. I have his phone number.
I know Garrett all the time. Yeah, he's, he's great.
He he has he during COVID he started doing some of the,
what's it called, the golf simulators also.
So we've gone to a couple hits there.
He does a great job with those two.
If you ever need to go like have like fake sand like everything
feels. Real.
Are you serious? Yeah.
Oh yeah. Shit.
Yeah, he's a businessman. I used to go there all the time
because this like when I before kids and everything, I lived on
the Upper West Side. So I would just go right over
the GW Bridge. And you know, I went this when I
was with ESPN, we had an account.
So I'd come and bring like 4 of my boys and sign for like 600
bucks. But one of the what are the,
what are the ESPN guys? Like dude, did you drain $30,000
worth of golf? I'm like, yeah, I did.
I was there all. That's a great course.
Yeah, it's a PER and you can get on, which is even better.
Like after COVID, it's so hard nowadays and it overlooks the
city, the clubhouse. They've done wonders to it.
Yeah, I love it because 10 is downhill.
And what is downhill? He got the short par 4 over the
Little Lake and then he got the par 5.
Great. It's.
Just got to blow up #9 everyone. I can't stand, I can't stand
that hole. That whole suck.
I just thought after a while I'm just like, I'm going to take the
driver and tee it up as high as I can and just try to bang it up
there. And if I'm 30 yards long, I'll
bow find it or I'll take a 9. I, I, I can't stand that that
hole. No, it's terrible.
It's terrible. They used to have one after,
what is it, 12345? You know how you always drive
past that? Like it was like a longer par 3.
Yes, yes. That used to be a hole way back
in the day. By the lake.
Yes, I remember that hole.
That was fun. And if you're hitting here, if
you hit it to the right, there was an embankment.
It would trickle back down onto the Oh I dude, I know that
course well man. Yeah, yeah.
Tell, tell Garrett I said hi. Was your dad?
Was your dad FDNY? He was not.
No, he was just there for the day.
He should have been there. He was working for a Citibank.
Christ, I'm sorry to hear that man.
Wow, sorry. I.
Appreciate it. But we're, you know, keeping his
name alive and we've given over half a million in scholarships
to suffering high school, so. Have you really?
He's a former Geneseo basketball player, so working on using that
money to name a gym after him. So he played hoops in college?
Yes, I'm the only non dual athlete in the family.
My little sister is a pro lacrosse player.
She played for Upenn. Maryland won defensive player of
the year. Holy shit.
Yeah, yeah. What happened to you?
My sister's a natty champ at. Town, You know, beer pong was an
Olympic sport. I might win in that.
There you go. There you go.
Oh man, you too, buddy. Pleasure.
Listen, go have fun. Go.
Go with your boyfriend. Thank you for hopping on.
Awesome. Go.
To bed. He's like sleeping on the couch.
Oh no, I'm revived now. I need him to walk the dog so.
He's revived now. All right, so I will get it up
on Wednesday. I'll text you when it's up and
I'll tag you on the stuff. All right.
Sounds good. I will see you on Wednesday.
You got a kid. Thanks, Nick.
See you soon. Bye.
All right, Jay Bird. Good.
Really, really cool. I enjoy that a lot.
So we're going to put this up Wednesday.
We got Fanta tomorrow. Cool.
And we're ready to rock, bro. Let's get after it.
Yeah, that was fun. That was good.
All right, let me let me chill. I'm going to go watch some of
this game. I'm tired.
Let's make the thumbnail tomorrow.
Do we make it Fanta? You're right.
I I mean, I guess probably. Well, because we did.
We had a judge thumbnail today and and Friday.
I I I that's true. I want to do like the first 30
minutes. I'm going to do some of these
stuff with with what he said. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
So that whatever, dude, use your judgement.
Yeah, I guess. I mean, I feel like the phantom
would be good. We could also, you could also do
we could do both. I mean, we could throw the
phantom, throw a judge popping out in the corner or something
like that. Have fun with it, dude.
Have fun. All right, Cool.
All right, All right. I'll see you tomorrow.
Thanks, JC.