The Rant

Episode 377, The Rant: Shay Franklin - Part 3, The Return.

RefereeRant — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 18:55:54 +0000

Full Disclosure, this isn’t the first time we recorded the trilogy. Part 3 was worth the wait. Shay pulls up to the chop shop, to bare her soul on what the basketball season of 2023-2024 meant to her. Her journey that started before the season, the start of the season and the mental block, us being able to work together at Lutheran High School, and culminating in the New York State Double A Catholic League Championship at the crib. All that and more, my conversation with Shay, now.

Episode 376, The Rant: Brenden Gilroy

RefereeRant — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 18:57:16 +0000

Assistant Coach fot the Boy's Varsity Volleyball team at Kellenberg, and Head Coach for the Girl's Varsity Volleyball team at St. Mary's High School. Right after practice, Brenden visits the chop shop to discuss growing up in sports, finding his passion and love for Volleyball, how he got into coaching, and what the future holds. All that and more, my conversation with Coach Gilroy, now.

Episode 375, The Rant: Evan Mohammed: Part 2, The Return.

RefereeRant — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 18:41:40 +0000

It's been a pandemic since we chopped it up. On a sideways rainy day, we discuss all the changes that has happened to him thus far, since then. On top of still playing himself, he has a much bigger purpose, starting his own training service, eM.V.P. Performance. he talks about his unique methods, his unorthodox way of thinking to get athletes to be the best they can be. All that and more, my conversation with Evan, now.

Episode 374, The Rant: Devin Ellerbe & Ralph the Ref

RefereeRant — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 17:18:10 +0000

It’s been awhile! I chop it up with long time friend and developing multi sport official, Devin Ellerbe, where they talk about the Basketball season that was, their experience taking the Girl’s Lacrosse Officiating class. Spring has sprung so we also get into Flag Football and the Softball season coming up. All that and more, my conversation and recap of the season with Devin, coming up right now.

Episode 373, The Rant: Jeremiah Gregory

RefereeRant — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 15:34:27 +0000

Episode 373, The Rant: Jeremiah Gregory

LIAFO Certified Football Official, NCLOA Certified Lacrosse Official, and IAABO Board 41 Basketball Official. I couldn't be more proud of this man. In mid-september, we were at the chop shop, chopping it up about his summer doing really rough games, growing in Lacrosse, and Glowing in football and flag football. He even got me back to being in my Lacrosse bag! All the and more, my conversation with Jeri, now.

Episode 272, The Rant: Evan Barnes.

RefereeRant — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 17:34:19 +0000

Board 127 Boy’s Certified Basketball Official, ready to tackle the basketball world, all the while taking officiating by storm. If there is one word I could describe Evan, it would be: nope - I can’t even do it. He’s eager, ambitious, and wants to sublimate his love of sports, especially basketball, once he found out the bag that comes with putting on the stripes. We chop it up at the chop shop! My conversation with Evan, coming up right now.

Episode 371, The Rant: Marc Jean.

RefereeRant — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 22:54:34 +0000

Malverne High School Legend, 24/7, 265 Basketball Junkie, and Director and Coach of Rare Elite Basketball under the umbrella Remarcable Athletes. As the Summer 2023 wound down, I was able to speak to many pillars of the Basketball and sports community in New York. Enter Marc, who I’ve had the pleasure of officiating in many leagues. But now he’s on a different course. With the sole purpose of getting young athletes better at the sport we love, we chop it up with him about his experience playing, coaching, and training. All that and more, my conversation with Marc, now.

Episode 370, The Rant: Carl Small - Part 2, The Return.

RefereeRant — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 17:17:46 +0000

Women’s College Basketball Official and newly minted interpreter for the Nassau Board of Women’s Basketball Officials Association. In this pod, we talk about his experience coaching his kids in baseball, how his perspective has changed during the pandemic, and what the future holds teaching new basketball referees and co-existing with coaches. All that and more, my conversation with Carl, now.

Episode 369, The Rant: Bob Wotruba.

RefereeRant — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 18:45:20 +0000

Ever-present spectator, Girls and Boys Basketball Official, certified Volleyball official, all while finding meaning and happiness in it all.

The year was 2009, and Bob was on top of his game. Then everything - his life, reffing, all took a backseat as he suffered a heart condition during a game. In this pod, he discusses his early life playing, how he got into officiating, his come up, the aftermath of the incident, and how he is thankful in a much more meaningful way. Dedicated to his good friend Tom Merle, my conversation with Bob, now.

Episode 368, The Rant: Tom Rottkamp

RefereeRant — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 20:14:53 +0000

Head Coach, Boy’s Varsity Basketball Team at East Meadow HS, Nassau Country local bball fiend.

If there was a fancy word to describe Coach Rottkamp when it comes to basketball, it’s omnipresent. In this pod, we decompress the season that was for his Jets of East Meadow, his come up falling in love with sports, his relationship with refs, and how he will build upon the success of last season. All that and more, my conversation with Coach Rottkamp, now.;

Episode 367 - Fabian Jara - Part 3, The Rebirth.

RefereeRant — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 22:55:44 +0000

The Basketball season is over, I’ve moved on to Flag Football and Softball, and backing my voice up with #therant. In this pod we sit with Fabe, going over his ups and downs in life, his season that was, his late night visits and talks at the Chop Shop, and how he is coping with heaviness on his brain. All that and more, we are back on Referee Rant, with Fabian - right now.

Episode 366, The Rant: Joey Mandarino, Part 2, The Return.

RefereeRant — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 17:10:00 +0000

Episode 366, The Rant: Joey Mandarino, Part 2, The Return.

Covid 19 started long ago. 2020 turned into 21’ and now we are in the throws of Summer 2022. We recorded a pod last summer, which never materialized into published. In this pod, we discuss his growth from when we first met, and the evolution of the pandemic, the evolution of him, and the Summer thats about to be. Part 2, Joey, now.

Episode 365, The Rant: Dennis Dioud Jr.

RefereeRant — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 18:06:00 +0000

Certified Basketball Official, in pursuit of being great, attempting to elevate his game to the collegiate level. In the subsequent years that I’ve known him, one thing is clear; Dennis wants to be the best he can be. In this pod, we discuss his early life, moving to Long Island, discovering officiating, and what the summer and future hold. All that and more, my conversation with Dennis, now.

Episode 364, The Rant: Devine Smith - Part 2, Things Done Changed - The Return.

RefereeRant — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 23:54:00 +0000

First of all, shouts to Devine, as he’s the fastest recurring guest in the history of this pod. In 4 short months, so many things have changed. We rechopped it up with Devine to talk about his breakout summer - his work in the community of Bay Shore and the Township of Islip, his summer Basketball League, his newly minted Flag Football League, Flag-On, and what else he’s up to this summer. All that and more, Devine, Part 2, now.

Episode 363, The Rant: Izzy Serrano

RefereeRant — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 01:39:00 +0000

Certified Basketball Official. Taking Northern California, The Internet, and the World, by Storm.

Better late than never! Albeit a few months back, we chop it up with Izzy of his incredible journey comporting to become an elite HS and aspiring Collegiate basketball official. In this pod, we discuss his love of sports, love of officiating, his season that was, and what the future holds. All that and more, my conversation with Izzy, now.

Episode 362, The Rant: Ralph the Ref! The Return.

RefereeRant — Tue, 31 May 2022 20:03:00 +0000

I got alot of names, some people say them to my face. One is a ghost, and Lord knows i’ve been one. The pod is back, I’m back. After a long lay off of ennui, we bring it back to hear stories that we find interesting, compelling, and entertaining. In this pod, we catch up with what I’ve been up, what we’ve been up to, and where we are going. All that and more. Me, on my own show.

Episode 361, The Rant: Jerrel Harris - Texas, Part 2, The Return.

RefereeRant — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 21:12:00 +0000

Impact One, LuHI Boy’s Basketball. Impacting All.

The only thing constant the past three years is deep change. In this pod, we reconnect with Jerrel to see what he’s been up to since the passing of JoJo Wright, to the recent passing of Brandon Wilson, his connection in coaching and training the young men on the LuHi Basketball team, and what he’s learned with the passage of time from when we last spoke. All that and more, part 2 with Texas, now.

Episode 360, The Rant: Devine Smith. Former College Coach, Current HS Coach, and Head of Diverse Skill Training.

RefereeRant — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 12:33:00 +0000

For 20 years you can catch Devine at a sideline or bench near you. In this pod, we discuss him growing up in Harlem, him moving at an early age to Long Island, how he got into coaching, his longevity, and putting his all into the youth with Diverse Skill Training. All that and more, my conversation with Devine Smith, now.

Episode 359, #therant: Kevin Spann. Energy on 100. Ambition on 1000. Success on 1000000.

RefereeRant — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 21:53:00 +0000

It’s only fitting I say this: Happy Birthday Kevin. In this pod, we discuss his upbringing in Chicago, getting transported to Long Island, going after it in Basketball, playing D1, coaching D3, and shining a light on youth Basketball and Women’s Basketball with “She Got Game.” All that and more, my conversation with Kevin, now.

Episode 358, The Rant: Mason Fornoles. The Boy. Wonder. 9 Years. Old.

RefereeRant — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 22:24:00 +0000

As the world, turns, and time passes, I watch my first born son, Mason, Fornoles, grow up before my very eyes. In this pod, we catch up with him, about what he’s learned since the last time he’s been on the podcast, him entering 3rd, grade, learning new things like mirror writing, turning 9, and his pursuit of Sony Playstation 5. All that and more, my conversation, with Mason, now.

Episode 357, The Rant: John Dammer.

RefereeRant — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 22:33:00 +0000

Certified Football Official, Certified Softball Official, and Flag Football Staple.

It was nearly 10 years apart from when I first reffed with John in Flag Football, until I saw him again, last summer. In this pod, we discuss his early life in the BX, him moving to Long Island and playing Soccer, how he got into officiating, and his key to longevity in officiating as a multi-sport official. All that and more, my conversation with John, now.

Episode 356, The Rant: Carmela Garcia, Part 2, The Return.

RefereeRant — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 01:37:00 +0000

Steady progress has been made all pandemic long for one Carmela Garcia, and it shows. Mentally, physically, the growth has been exponential. In this pod, we chop it up with her, to talk Soccer and Hoops, how she’s taken her craft and cancellations both in strde, and the vast improvement within life and well-being overall, all through finding purpose in officiating. All that and more, Carmela, Part 2, now.

Episode 355, The Rant: Kevin Hanifan.

RefereeRant — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 13:14:00 +0000

Former Head Coach of the Boy’s Varsity Football Team at Kellenberg Memorial High School, basking in retirement, forever a Firebird.

Almost since the school's inception, Coach Hanifan has been there. In this pod, we sit down with the newly retired legend to discuss his early life in Hicksville, NY, his love of sports, how he got his foot in the door at Kellenberg, that has led him to his long winding, and long withstanding journey - all the while, bleeding Blue and Gold. Literally and figuratively he has built the building and built the Football Team, step by step, brick by brick. Along with my co-host and current assistant Coach Matt Polizzi, our conversation with Coach Hanifan, now.

Episode 354, The Rant: Justin Bailey, Part 3 - The Return.

RefereeRant — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 14:52:00 +0000

Board 119 Certified Basketball Official, Owner and Operator of the outfit, Ref Corner.

It was a pandemic ago since we linked up. In person, and still in it, we chop it up at the chop shop to discuss what Justin has been up to, his officiating experience in Omicron, his sabbatical on social media, his change in perspective in 2022, and what the future holds with reffing, Ref Corner, and beyond. All that and more, part 3 with Justin, now.

Episode 353, The Rant: Jack Cella.

RefereeRant — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 14:50:00 +0000

Board 185 Certified Basketball Official. In hot pursuit of his goal of being an NCAA Division 1 Official - All while displaying it through - The Official Grind.

Right before the Pandemic, Jack converted from a Coach to a Basketball Official. In this pod, we discuss his early life growing up in Staten Island, NY, his love of sports, how he got into officiating, and goals moving forward and beyond, and documenting his journey in his pursuit of being a College Official in his YouTube channel, The Official Grind. All that and more, my conversation with Jack, now.

Episode 352, The Rant: Malachi Wilson.

RefereeRant — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 01:42:00 +0000

Board 41 Certified Basketball Official. Teaching others to become a Millionaire, they Methodical Way. Malachi and I have shared the same passion of Basketball, simultaneously, in different circles, for more than half of our lives. In this pod, we sit down with Malachi to discuss his love for the sport, transforming that to reffing, making money doing it - and making the money work for him. So much so that he is on a crusade, united with me, to teach others his maniacal ways all while introducing our new venture - the Methodical Millionaire. All that and more, my conversation with Malachi, now.

Episode 351, The Rant: Marty Chiffriller - Part 2, The Return.

RefereeRant — Sun, 09 Jan 2022 14:25:00 +0000

It’s the holidays, and the beats and rhythms of the Basketball season are as normal as it can be. Knocking on wood, we get together before the thick of the holidays to catch up, to discuss the evolution of the pandemic, his experience in reffing the 21’-22’ season, and the strange nature of what normal is in officiating Basketball. All that and more, my conversation with Marty, now.

Episode 350, The Rant: Bernard Bowen Sr. Part 3, or is it 4?

RefereeRant — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 18:22:00 +0000

Owner of Bball Referees & Vice President of IAABO Board 42.

For almost 300 Episodes, Bernard has been a guiding, shining light for my career, every step of the way. In this pod we catch up with Bernard, as we discuss his new post as vice prez of the Bronx/Manhattan board of Boy’s HS Basketball, his growth in Bball Referees, assigning refs in a pandemic, and how all things virtual evolutionized officiating. All that and more, my conversation with Bernard, now.

Episode 349, The Rant: A Conversation about the 2021 Girl’s Varsity Volleyball Team at Kellenberg Memorial HS - The Champs!

RefereeRant — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 23:22:00 +0000

It’s been a long, winding, intense, and grueling season. But it’s complete - and what a ride it's been. In this pod, co-hosted with Coach Splendore, Uniondale Girl’s Volleyball Coach about the season I had, that he had, and what it meant to us. All that and more, our conversation, all things Volleyball now.

Episode 348, The Rant: Justin Joseph - Part 2, The Return.

RefereeRant — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 20:18:00 +0000

It’s the pandemic now and it was the pandemic before since the last time we spoke. In this pod, we catch up in time of the interim, where we talk about how he has still been getting his fill playing, being around the game always, and what the future holds. All that and more, Justin Joseph, part 2, now.

Episode 347, The Rant: Kevin Carp

RefereeRant — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 16:41:00 +0000

Former Head Coach Varsity Boy’s Basketball Team at Northshore High School, Educator, Lightning Director, and Owner of Mecca Basketball.

It was only a matter of time until I’d get Coach Carp on the Rant! On this pod, we discuss his love of basketball and his come-up playing it, his entree into coaching on an unforgettable JV season, to coaching at the varsity level, and pivoting because of COVID 19 as a Lightning Director and trainer at Mecca Basketball. All that and more, my conversation with Coach Carp, now.

Episode 346, #therant: Brendan Beiersdorfer.

RefereeRant — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 17:06:00 +0000

Former Track Runner, Music Teacher, Board 41 Certified Basketball Official.

Prodigious is an appropriate word to describe one Brendan. In this pod, we discuss his love of sports, his love of music, his love of teaching, how his pandemic has changed over time and in life, as well as his pursuit to get to the highest levels of officiating. All that and mote, my conversation with Brendan, now.

Episode 345, The Rant: Jake Ellis.

RefereeRant — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 15:46:00 +0000

Head Honcho of Long Island Basketball and Head Coach of the Boys Varsity Basketball Team at St. John the Baptist.

First off, my apologies to Jake. We recorded a few months before the pandemic, in the throw of it, and in the throw of it again. But this time, in person, we chop it up at the Chop Shop to discuss his COVID experience, how he balances work, coaching, and life, and what he expects for the upcoming season. All that and more, my conversation with Coach Ellis, now.

Episode 344, The Rant: Tim Jinks - Part 2, The Return.

RefereeRant — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 15:23:00 +0000

It’s been a whirlwind of life since we last spoke 2 years ago. A Career Change, moving, Corona Virus - Tim chops it up at the chop shop to talk about all these changes, his Summer of 2021, and getting his footing back in officiating. All that and more, Tim Jinks - Part 2 - now.

Episode 343, The Rant: Hector Blaise.

RefereeRant — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 15:55:00 +0000

Queensborough Community College Women’s Basketball Head Coach, Middle School Teacher, St. John’s and Molloy College Alumni - all with a smile!

As mentioned, the smile is infectious. Peep the JPEGS! In this pod, we chop it up with Coach Blaise about his humble beginnings in Queens, his realization that he was always meant to teach and coach, his experience at St. Johns and Molloy, his stint at LuHi and AAU program Empire, as well as his new Head Coaching position at Queensborough. All that and more, my conversation with Coach Blaise, now.

Episode 342, The Rant: Aliyah McDonald: Snoop!

RefereeRant — Fri, 03 Sep 2021 02:12:00 +0000

Even before its inception, I always thought of Snoop as a bucket list of a guest. She joins #therant on this pod, to discuss her deep roots in Hempstead, Uniondale on Long Island, her love for Basketball, her legendary status at Uniondale High School, as well as being a College Champion at Molloy. Let’s not forget her competition at a high level in NYC and Long Island in the Women’s circuit repping us proud: as a player, coach, and an official, all while repping her brand, The Loner Stoner. All that and more, my conversation with Aliyah, now.

Episode 341, The Rant: Nyreaf George.

RefereeRant — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 10:29:00 +0000

Part 2, The Return.

Before the strange Summer of 2021 started, we chopped it up in the garage of one of my OG’s, Nyreaf. He returns on #therant, to discuss the state of NYC, the state of Officiating, his lessons in assigning, and catching up, all while I munch on some Chinese Food. All that and more, Nyreaf George, Part 2, the return - now.

Episode 340, The Rant: Troy Hassler.

RefereeRant — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 03:34:00 +0000

Head Honcho of the Rockville Centre Basketball Summer League.

Every Summer, with the exception of the Pandemic-laden year of 2020, barring a canceled game, 4 games are concurrently happening every weeknight. Enter Troy. In this pod, we discuss his love of sports, his hair-pulling with the RVC league, what he’s learned from the pandemic, and his happiness to get the league back, up and running, this summer. All that and more, my conversation with Troy, now.

Episode 339, The Rant: Nate Reeves.

RefereeRant — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 12:43:00 +0000

Board 119 Certified Basketball Official, Ex-Baller, and Former York College Coach.

Chances are, if you’ve been in the summer circuit in NYC, you have seen one Nate Reeves. In this pod, we chop it up after some games we did, discussing his early life in Hempstead, NY, his early days falling in love with the game of basketball, his college days at York, to being one of the top officials in the NYC circuit. All that and more, my conversation with Nate, now.

Episode 338, The Rant: Shaquille Mosley.

RefereeRant — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 01:56:00 +0000

Uniondale Legend. Eternal Hooper, making a difference in his life, and others.

Shaq don’t even remember when we played against each other 10 years ago. In this pod, we discuss his early life playing basketball, his tenacious work ethic that made him a beast at it, his pursuit of greatness, his experience playing basketball in high school and college, hooping all over the place and everywhere in between, and his experience running Shaq Attack Academy. All that and more, my conversation with Shaq, now.

Episode 337, The Rant: Ryan Walker. Wavy! Part 2 - The Return.

RefereeRant — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 02:10:00 +0000

Newly-Minted Master of Ceremonies at Crunchtime Basketball.

One year and a pandemic ago, we could only but visualize what Summer Basketball in New York would be like. The time is now, and everything that we worked for came to fruition. We chop it up with Wavy, after a long night on the mic about spectating all these games that came out, and showing up and showing out for Long Island. Ryan Walker, Part 2, the return, now.

Episode 336, The Rant: Boss Chawla.

RefereeRant — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 09:17:00 +0000

Certified Basketball Official. In Memory of his brother, the one with the jump shot - Prince.

It’s been the best of times. It’s been the worst of times. I’ve been through both with Boss. Fresh off the death of his brother, we use The Rant as a catharsis, to catch up on our lives, our reffing, and the future. All that and more, my conversation with Boss, now.

Episode 335, The Rant: Corey Powell, Part 2, The Return.

RefereeRant — Fri, 06 Aug 2021 04:03:00 +0000

As we revisit the bright acolyte, we celebrate this young man, riding around, reffing, and getting it. In this pod, we discuss how he hit my line, expressed he wanted all the smoke, getting all the reps he could get, since the flood gates of basketball officiating opened up; learning all he can - all while finishing out his college years in playing. All that and more, Corey Powell, part 2, the return, now.

Episode 334, The Rant: Blake Crespo

RefereeRant — Sun, 01 Aug 2021 01:42:00 +0000

Varsity Football Assistant Coach at St. John the Baptist, and part owner of LegendsU.

Blake eats, sleeps, and breathes Football. In this pod, we discuss his humble beginnings in Brentwood, NY, his love of sports, his twists and turns playing in college, to coaching Football, and reffing Flag Football. Along with my co-host Sean McCann, our conversation with Blake, now.

Episode 333, The Rant: Eddie Schook.

RefereeRant — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 03:00:00 +0000

Board 119 Certified Basketball Official. Looking Upward and Onward - 2021, and Beyond.

The pandemic has brought perspective in his life; enter Eddie Schook. He discusses his upcoming and upbringing in Middle Village in Queens, NY, his experience playing sports, how he got into officiating, and how he feels about refereeing after gaining perspective. All that and more, my conversation with Eddie, now.

Episode 332, The Rant: Mike Smolens

RefereeRant — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 17:51:03 +0000

We pull up to Great Neck, NY to speak to one Mike Smolens. In this pod, we discuss his love for sports early on, his versatility in playing a multitude of sports including Baseball, Soccer, and Tennis, how he got into umpiring at an early age, and how he got into his main passion in officiating now, Basketball. All that and more, my conversation with Mike, now.

Episode 331, The Rant: Sean McCann.

RefereeRant — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 17:19:21 +0000

Back in April 2021, Sean and I reluctantly started communicating, and ultimately working together. His story is incredible. In this pod, we discuss his early life playing Basketball, his love of sports, his deep love of Flag Football, his start in making the League LI Legends, and what the future holds. All that and more, my conversation with Sean, now.

#The Rant Bonus: Poppin' Flags with Sean McCann

RefereeRant — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 18:07:00 +0000

A Bonus! From the guys that brought you Referee Rant and Long Island Legends, the premier Flag Football league on Long Island, we present to you: Poppin’ Flags - the new podcast where we cover all things Flag Football. We talk to people in or around the league, and those that truly love the game and want to grow it like us. Today’s guest, Sean McCann, owner of LI Legends Flag Football League, and my partner in our new endeavor, LI Legends U - our youth Flag Football league. We’d be remiss to not mention and shout Blake Crespo, our other partner who will be on the show shortly. Sean also was gracious enough to be on #therant. His story will be on the next episode. And without further ado, here is Poppin’ Flags! Follow and subscribe!

Episode 330, The Rant: MTG Basketball

RefereeRant — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 00:01:25 +0000

Guess what New York, New York we back! We sit down with Rob Moses in the first weekend of the MTG Basketball tournament in St. Alban’s, Queens. Sights and sounds were absorbed, and we got to sit down with the head honcho himself Rob Moses, and another off-duty official Warren Davis. MTG Basketball. The Rant. Now.

Episode 329, The Rant: Jeff Lescouflair Part 3, The Comeback.

RefereeRant — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 22:11:54 +0000

After a seemingly never ending bout with Vaccines, Covid, and Sabbatical’s, June 1st is a rebirth. We are back. In this pod, we discuss me being sick and out of commission, what Jeff’s been up to with the Pandemic nearing it’s end, and what we both plan for the summer. All that and more, Jeff and I, back on The Rant, now.

Episode 328, The Rant: Rob Bruin.

RefereeRant — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 19:34:06 +0000

As an early supporter of the pod, this episode was a long time coming. In this wide-ranging podcast, we chop it up with Rob about his podcast, his favorite rapper, his experience at the New House School at Syracuse University, his pandemic experience, and all things not officiating. All that and more, my conversation with Rob, now.

Episode 327, The Rant - Evan Conti.

RefereeRant — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 21:40:56 +0000

Coach Conti loves Basketball through and through. In this pod, we discuss his early life playing Ball, his experience in the Catholic League, his times playing in college, his memorable stint as a pro overseas, his time coaching at the college level, and coaching at the Level Up program. All that and more, my conversation with Evan, now.

Episode 326, The Rant: Karima Penasa.

RefereeRant — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 20:11:05 +0000

It was 1 year, and 1 global pandemic ago, since we last spoke to one Karima. In this pod, we discuss the twists and turns that is being an official during age of CoronaVirus, what she’s been up to, and what she will be doing when things return to normal. All that and more, part 2, Karima, on #therant, now.

Episode 325, The Rant: Joe Gaskin.

RefereeRant — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 20:31:34 +0000

Year in and year out, if your watching a High School Basketball game in Nassau County, chances are Joe Gaskin is at the helm. In this pod, we discuss his early life in Williston Park, his short athletic stint at St. Mary’s in High School, his father being his guiding light as he watched him ref basketball, to having a legendary career in his own right. All that and more, my conversation with Joe, now.

Episode 324, The Rant: Maurice Kearney.

RefereeRant — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 12:46:21 +0000

During the pandemic Moe has strived and thrived. Doing things different, we talk to coach about what he’s been up to during the age of CoronaVirus, his upbringing on Long Island, his tenacity playing Basketball at Uniondale, getting to SUNY Cortland , to becoming Senior Admission Advisor and Coach at the school that brought him so much. All that and more, my conversation with Coach Kearney, now.

Episode 323, The Rant: St. Francis Prep Basketball

RefereeRant — Sat, 10 Apr 2021 16:37:56 +0000

As Autumn turned to the Winter, and Winter to Spring, Madness was in the air, with no basketball. That changed with the NY HS Madness tournament. In this pod, we sit down with the champion Terrier Basketball Squad that won it all. Coach Lynch, Josh, Chance, Jon, Jaden, and Latiek discuss their experience playing in it, their readiness to play, and the grind that never stops. All that and more, my conversation with Prep, now.

Episode 322, The Rant: Billy Heenan.

RefereeRant — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 10:10:36 +0000

Newly named the Assistant Coach at St. Joseph College Men’s Basketball team, we pull up to his crib while in limbo. We catch up on #therant, to see what he’s been up to during the pandemic, his summer that was, his suspended first season, his anticipation of everything back to normal, and what he learned about himself. All that and more, Billy Heenan, part 2, now.

Episode 321, The Rant: Theo Czubakowski.

RefereeRant — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 06:00:13 +0000

Within a year and a half, Theo went from sauntering up and down the court, to changing his perspective. Though it all, he discusses his early life in Mineola, NY, his experience attending Chaminade HS, how he got into Basketball, how he got into officiating, and his new outlook taking it serious. All that and more, my conversation with Theo, now.

Episode 320, The Rant: Todd Rochelle.

RefereeRant — Sat, 03 Apr 2021 23:39:44 +0000

Fresh off the chip of the inaugural NY State Madness, Todd pulls up to discuss his 2020 and his 2021, his come up playing basketball, his experience being a Terrier, his amazing junior year, his mad HS tournament, and his outlook in recruitment and playing at the next level. All that and more, my conversation with Todd, now.

Episode 319, The Rant: Charles McCann.

RefereeRant — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 20:15:13 +0000

The 2020-2021 season is something that we will not, anytime soon, ever forget. In this pod, we pull up to St. Mary’s to discuss his early life playing Basketball in Queens, playing and excelling at St. Mary’s, his experience in college, and what his season that ended up short, will end up paying for him in the long run. All that and more, my conversation with Coach McCann, now.

Episode 318, The Rant: Brandon Freeman: Part 2. The Return.

RefereeRant — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 03:46:32 +0000

The tournament is over, and we talk about the beginning, middle, and end. To the odd thing that happened during the pod, to the best moments of the madness, we delve deep into our experience that started with a dream. All that and more, Coach Freeman, part 2, now.

Episode 317, The Rant: Speedy Claxton

RefereeRant — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 15:35:16 +0000

Some 230 episodes ago, I sat down with Coach the first time. The state of the world is much different. In this pod, we reconnect with Speedy of what it was like in the beginning of the pandemic, what the end of season was like last year, what it was like this year, and what he’s learned in this whole time of pause. He also discusses the NY HS Madness tournament and how it has helped HS kids get discovered. All that and more, Part 2, Speedy, now.

Episode 316, The Rant: Shane Herrity.

RefereeRant — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 01:06:50 +0000

I met coach Herrity in the gym of St. Francis Prep doing a workout; as a coach he’s raring to go. In this pod, we discuss his early life in Glendale, Queens, his passion for playing Baseball and Basketball, his Tommy John surgery, or lack thereof, to exclusively play Basketball, to playing in college at Saint Rose, to giving back to his school as a head coach. He also discusses his team, the Terriers, and their participation in the NY HS Madness Tournament. All that and more, my conversation with Coach Herrity, now.

Episode 315, The Rant - Isaiah Wilson.

RefereeRant — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 15:40:32 +0000

The world done turned upside down since the last time I sat down with Zeek. In this pod, we discuss his stint with the virus, his tenacity in coaching, his involvement in the NY Madness tournament, and his pursuit to get the most out of his kids as a coach at the Portledge School, and the Heat Elite AAU team. All that and more, my conversation with Zeek, now.

Episode 314, The Rant: Jimmy Lynch.

RefereeRant — Sun, 14 Mar 2021 19:11:30 +0000

After a social distant workout at SFP, we chop it up in the same classroom I have memories of, to discuss his early life in Rego Park, his destiny to attend and play basketball at St. Francis Prep, to his reach as a Math Teacher, and following in his mentors footsteps in becoming the Head Coach of his alma mater. We also discuss the state of HS sports in NY, and his anticipation in participation for his team compete in the NY Madness tournament. All that and more, my conversation with Coach Lynch, now.

Episode 313, The Rant: Britney Torreon.

RefereeRant — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 23:08:17 +0000

Flag Football has my heart, and it has Britney’s too. In this pod, we discuss her early life in San Diego, California, her pursuits in figure skating and the tenacity in which she practiced and performed, and her fortuitous encounter with Flag Football, which led her to travel across the country, and proliferate the sport to bring it global prominence. All that and more, my conversation with Britney, now.

Episode 312, The Rant: Jim Fox.

RefereeRant — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 16:23:56 +0000

The pandemic has brought New York basketball at a standstill. Island Garden has been no different, but as things are opening up they are making it work. In this pod, Jim discusses his former life as an official, opening up about how Island Garden developed over time, what the pandemic has taught him, and what the future holds for the Lightning brand, with the NY Madness tournament and beyond. All that and more, my conversation with Jim, now.

Episode 311, The Rant: Tim Blackford.

RefereeRant — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 03:32:35 +0000

Everytime Tim and I catch up, it’s always a ball. In this pod, we discuss the state of the pandemic now, having a shortened season but making the most of it, balancing coaching as well as teaching, where he got his passion for coaching and teaching, and what the future holds, all the while catching up. All that and more, my conversation with Coach Blackford, now.

Episode 310, The Rant - Ron Naclerio: Part 2 The Return.

RefereeRant — Sun, 07 Mar 2021 02:03:01 +0000

It was exactly 260 episodes since we last sat down with the legendary coach of Cardozo HS. He makes his return on The Rant and discusses how collectively, the pandemic fatigue has been at an all-time high, how he’s stayed active for himself, what he’s been up to during this whole time of pause and his excitement for the NY March Madness tournament; for the kids. All that and more, Part 2, Coach Naclerio, now.

Episode 309, The Rant: Phil Zuccaro.

RefereeRant — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 20:35:22 +0000

Phil is a New Yorker through and through. In this pod, we discuss his early life in Staten Island, his early start in officiating, his daily grind and passion he has for reffing Basketball, his longing to get back to normal so we can get back to the court, and his pursuit to get to the highest levels of Division 1 Basketball. All that and more, my conversation with Phil, now.

Episode 308, The Rant: Ray Downs.

RefereeRant — Wed, 03 Mar 2021 21:36:58 +0000

It was just a year ago when Ray, the Basketball Official did some of the most meaning basketball games in the city. A year into the pod, he has gained perspective. In this pod, we discuss his early life playing sports, his pursuits playing multiple sports including Baseball at a High Level, how he discovered officiating, and how he spent time during the pandemic with this family, and making his new brand, Nature Boys NY. All that and more, my conversation with Ray, now.

Episode 307, The Rant: Dan Splendore.

RefereeRant — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 15:49:27 +0000

It was some 20 years ago when Dan was a freshman at the end of the bench of the Kellenberg Volleyball team. 2 decades later, he’s making his own impact with his own team. In this pod, we discuss his early life playing sports, his journey to get to Kellenberg and playing volleyball, playing hockey, and what it’s like impacting young men and women through teaching and coaching. All that and more, my conversation with Dan, now.

Episode 306, The Rant: Andrew Ayodeji.

RefereeRant — Fri, 26 Feb 2021 18:43:18 +0000

Andrew is always on the move. We catch him in Wyndanch to discuss his early life in Amityville, his love of Long Island, his playing days in high school and in college, to building the best tournament out here. Harlem got Rucker. Uptown got Dyckman. Brooklyn got Gersh. Queens got Lincoln. Long Island has got the Mack. All that and more, my conversation with Andrew, now.

Episode 305, The Rant: Nick Tsikitas

RefereeRant — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 13:02:45 +0000

Countless kids have been helped by one Coach Tsikitas. In this pod we discuss his early life in Queens, his love of Basketball, how he founded Seaford Heat for his kids to play, to his big announcement for his bug give back for High School Basketball in New York State. All that and more, my conversation with Coach Nick, now.

Episode 304, The Rant: Matt Prince.

RefereeRant — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 04:31:20 +0000

Countless accolades precede the name Matt Prince. In this wide long ranging interview, we chop it up with him at Vienna of Roslyn, to talk his Love of sports, his rise in Baseball at Hofstra, owning bars as a college student and his long winding journey in Flag Football, with Bogarts. All that and more, my conversation with Matt, now.

Episode 303, The Rant: Level Up Your Bball Podcast.

RefereeRant — Fri, 19 Feb 2021 13:52:04 +0000

As officials, the pandemic took us off the field and off the court. That goes to the same for players, trainers, and coaches. Jesse returns to the pod and discusses his pivot from those early dark months, to seeing light in making the most of connecting with young athletes and partnering up with Evan to make a pod. All that and mote, my conversation with Jesse and Evan, now.

Episode 302, The Rant: Adam Zohni.

RefereeRant — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 02:34:16 +0000

Like the rest of world, Toronto, ON has been just as locked down as the next city or, country. In this pod, we discuss him growing up in Canada, his love of sports, how he got into officiating, and trying to make the move to the states. Along with my co-host Bernard Bowen Sr. from Bball Referees, our conversation with Adam, now.

Episode 301, The Rant: Darrell Doucette. Housh!

RefereeRant — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 15:45:38 +0000

If you’re around the national Flag Football circuit, you know the exploits of one Housh. In this pod, we discuss his early life in New Orleans, LA, his love of sports, his discovery of flag, playing the game in the name of Fighting Cancer, being on the national stage, and growing the game we both love. All that and more, my conversation with Housh, now.

Episode 300, #therant: For JoJo - Dedicated to the one that impacted all of us: In Memory of Jomani Wright.

RefereeRant — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 19:33:32 +0000

Andre Brown and Jarrel Harris have done so much with JoJo. He would probably say the same about them. In this 300th milestone of an episode, we chop it up with both of them of our collective experiences with JoJo, what his absence means to us, our fondest memories, and how his presence will be there with us. All that and more, my conversation with Impact One, now.

Episode 299, The Rant: Ralph Christian.

RefereeRant — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 13:42:01 +0000

My man! Sorry I moved from the ultimate, to the penultimate. In this episode we go back and forth about the forth and back of 2020, what he’s been up to, and the level we all commiserate, a year into covid. All that and more, the Other Other Ralph, on #therant, now.

Episode 298, The Rant: Marc Riley.

RefereeRant — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 01:09:51 +0000

From Monday to Monday, chances are if your in SUSA, you’ve seen Coach Riley coming in, and most likely headed out. In this pod we discuss the state of coaching in a pause of a pandemic, his come up with sports, his time playing Football, to his ever-affinity love, the game of Basketball. All that and more, my conversation with Marc, now,

Episode 297, The Rant: Wilson Lew.

RefereeRant — Sun, 07 Feb 2021 21:22:29 +0000

Wilson has roots deep engrained in him, with the game of Basketball. In this pod, we discuss his early life in Brooklyn, his hustle playing on the asphalt ad nausea, to his adventures playing all around NYC, and making his imprint with the Asphalt Ninjas. All that and more, my conversation with Wilson, now.

Episode 296, The Rant: Josh Corbin.

RefereeRant — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 18:04:56 +0000

As a ref, Josh and I have had our share of “debates.” In this pod, we discuss, a strange Flag Football game experience we shared, his come up in Westbury, NY, what led him to LuHi, his experience playing in college at Iona, and his giveback as an assistant coach. All that and more, my conversation with Coach Corbin, now.

Episode 295, The Rant: Philippe Francois Part 3.

RefereeRant — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 22:39:21 +0000

A week before the Basketball Season start for me, and deep into his season, we see the similarities and differences of what his season looked like, looks like, and what mine will. Also, I discuss what I think will happen during this season, and put a time stamp before it happens to see how it goes. All that and more, Phil and I on #therant, now.

Episode 294, The Rant: Mason Fornoles.

RefereeRant — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 20:48:39 +0000

On a historic snowy day in New York, we sit down with my first born on his 8th birthday. Mason, aside from being his 4h appearance on The Rant, among many interruptions, this is 3rd time he’s had no school due to inclement weather, and even one birthday on the Super Bowl. We catch up with him on his special day. All that and more, my conversation with Ma$e, now.

Episode 293, The Rant: Arthur Lee Walker.

RefereeRant — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 01:24:39 +0000

Back in November, we chopped it up with Art, to discuss his early life in New York City, playing with the best of the best in the city, his experience at Howard University, getting into officiating, and what he’s learned during the Pandemic. All that and more, my conversation with Arthur, now.

Episode 292, The Rant: David Benmocha.

RefereeRant — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 02:35:29 +0000

David Benmocha is on a single-minded track in the game of Hockey, specifically, officiating it. In this pod we discuss his come up playing Hockey young, his experience playing in High School and College, how he discovered officiating, and raising awareness of how fulfilling reffing can be; being the Panda Referee. All that and more, my conversation with Dave, now.

Episode 291, The Rant: Mike Woodhouse.

RefereeRant — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 17:16:46 +0000

I knew Woody had a throw back sense of style. In this pod, we chop it up with Mike on Christmas Eve to talk about his love of retro gear, his experience at Chaminade High School and St. John’s University, his long and winding road being an assistant of the Stony Brook Women’s Basketball Team, running it at Glen Cove High School, and what the future holds in his coaching and training career. All that and more, my conversation with Woody, now.

Episode 290, The Rant: Stephen Wiedler.

RefereeRant — Sat, 23 Jan 2021 01:34:06 +0000

I wish there was more of a hockey presence on #therant; Coach Wiedler is her to change that. In this pod we discuss his early life playing hockey on Long Island, his stint playing college, his pro career, and how he pivoted to coach all the way to being a Catamount. All that and more, my conversation with Coach Wiedler, now.

Episode 289, The Rant: Jerrel Harris.

RefereeRant — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 18:29:23 +0000

From Texas to Tampa to Long Island, Basketball has been there. In this pod, we chop it up with Jerrel to talk about his love of Basketball in Texas, going to prep school, playing at the University of Tampa, transferring to Dowling College, and training at a high level with Impact One. All that and more, my conversation with Jerrel, now.

Episode 288, The Rant: Terry Twibell. Part 3.

RefereeRant — Mon, 18 Jan 2021 22:30:27 +0000

I am thankful for one of my brothers in stripes, Terry. In this pod, we catch up on Thanksgiving Eve to talk CoronaVirus, family, and the longing to be back on the court. We also talk about the loophole of being able to at least do Flag Football during this time, and when we both think it’ll all go back to what once was. All that and more, my conversation with Terry, now.

Episode 287, The Rant: Ryan Patrick Woerner & Coach Charlie Marquardt: Rockaway Hoops.

RefereeRant — Fri, 15 Jan 2021 14:37:07 +0000

Anyone who is from Rockaway Beach, Queens know how much they have pride in their community - and Basketball. In this pod, Ryan and Charlie Senior talk about their love of Rockaway Beach, and love of Basketball, only to combine it to speak to those individuals that have made an imprint on the community. All that and more, Rockaway Hoops, on the Rant, now.

Episode 262, The Rant: Kene Erike.

RefereeRant — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 23:15:25 +0000

Truth be told, we already sat down with Kene before Corona Virus. Amid, it we rerecorded at Cantiague Park in Hicksville, NY to discuss what he’s been up to during the pandemic, his love of football, how he sublimated it to Flag Football, and what the future holds with his mind and his game. All that and more, my conversation with Kene, now.

Episode 258, The Rant: Rich Fetter.

RefereeRant — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 14:26:22 +0000

As the Summer months waned, I got a chance to speak to, and get to know one Rich Fetter. In this pod, we discuss his early life playing sports, his stint in being around the Women’s Basketball Game at Seton Hall, and the combination of his hard work and being at the right place to ascend to the highest levels of officiating in college. All that and more, my conversation with Rich, now.

Episode 286, The Rant: Kerry Connolly

RefereeRant — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 04:43:56 +0000

Talking to Coach Connolly, it was evident his passion that he has for coaching the game of Basketball. In this pod, we discuss his come up playing sports, his time at Holy Trinity HS, his coaching stints far and wide, what he learned on being on the bench and LuHi, and becoming a collegiate coach himself. All that and more, my conversation with Kerry, now.

Episode 285, The Rant: Sky Khaleel.

RefereeRant — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 00:44:15 +0000

On the same day the King, Lebron James earned his 4th ring in a bubble, I caught up with Sky, to talk about what he’s been up to during the pandemic. A lot has changed since we sat down over 200 + episodes ago. Married, new kid, and figuring out training, coaching with Sky’s The Limit, and reffing, during the CoronaVirus. All that and more, Part 2 with Sky, now.

Episode 284, The Rant: Samera Marsh.

RefereeRant — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 23:57:20 +0000

When catching up with Samera she’ll do anything for the game that she loves - Basketball. In this pod, we discuss her roots in NYC, her high school and collegiate career, how she got into coaching, how she almost officiated, and what it is like to coach Division 1 Basketball during Covid 19. All that and more, my conversation with Coach Marsh, now.

Episode 283, The Rant: Chad Marchong.

RefereeRant — Wed, 06 Jan 2021 04:43:27 +0000

Shout out to Chad Marchong. If it wasn't for hi some 15 years ago, perhaps I would have never played Basketball again; hell - I may have never officiated. In this pod, we catch up and discuss what he's been up to during the pandemic, the Senate Run Off in his adopted home state of Georgia, his Basketball exploits when we were younger, running, and what the future holds. All that and more, my conversation with Chad, now.

Episode 282, The Rant: Shay Frankin - Part 2, The Return.

RefereeRant — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 03:42:46 +0000

It’s been a pandemic ago since I’ve seen Shay. In this pod, we catch up in her home to find out what she’s been up to during the Pandemic, how here family stuck together, and got closer, her self-revelations, and coaching and reffing Basketball, any time she can. Part 2 with Shay, now.

Episode 281, The Rant: Attacking the Rule Book with Al Battista.

RefereeRant — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 21:12:52 +0000

2020 has been filled with, for me at least, all sorts of not reffing. That doesn’t mean that I haven’t been connected with officiating. As the Holiday’s reach it’s end, and we start anew with a New Year, we take a bit of my Zoom sessions with Bernard Bowen Sr. of Bball Referees and bring to you, attacking the rule book with Al Battista. Happy New Year! Al Battista, attacking the rule book, now.

Episode 255, The Rant: Al Battista.

RefereeRant — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 20:48:50 +0000

As a young official, Al was ahead of his time. Now, he’s right on time. In this pod, we delve deep into his roots in officiating, his early life, his pursuit to becoming encyclopedic with the rules, his stint as a collegiate official and rules interpreter, and how he got to the NBA and ties it all together to give back to the officiating community. With my special co-host Bernard Bowen Sr., our conversation with Al, now.

Episode 280, The Rant: Mehtab & Nav Singh.

RefereeRant — Thu, 31 Dec 2020 00:12:33 +0000

We took it back to the old school, as Tab and Nav both chop it up with me on #therant. In this pod, they discuss what they both been up to during the pandemic, what they both been up to since graduating Hofstra University, and their memories playing Basketball with, and against me. All that and more, my conversation with Nav and Tab, now.

Episode 279, The Rant: Geo Casas and Carl Gibuard.

RefereeRant — Mon, 28 Dec 2020 23:47:34 +0000

Right after Thanksgiving and before Christmas, I pulled up to a studio in Westbury, Long Island. Enter Geo Studios; In this pod, we discuss Geo growing up in Colombia, Carl growing up in the same town that I did, how they met in the Bar Mitzvah Circuit, and there plan to take over the world, and now they pivoted during the pandemic. All that and more, my conversation with Geo and Carl, now.

Episode 278, The Rant: Cordell Davis.

RefereeRant — Thu, 24 Dec 2020 01:03:03 +0000

Right before the pandemic, I spoke to one Cordell on Episode 159. Over a hundred episodes later, things done changed. In this pod we catch up about that change, his experience reffing underground, staying busy owning a new home, and starting his brand, Pay to The Order To. All that and more, Cordell’s return. Now.

Episode 270, The Rant: Brandon Freeman

RefereeRant — Thu, 24 Dec 2020 00:51:38 +0000

You ever recognize a face but don’t know from where? Maybe from a different context? Enter Brandon Freeman. I knew I recognized his voice from him yelling at me when reffing him in Flag Football. In this pod, we discuss his early life, his relationship with Basketball, the game that I reffed, and that he coached, that put me on the map, all on the same day that Joe Biden was elected President. All that and more, my conversation with Brandon, now.

Episode 265, The Rant: Marty Chiffriller

RefereeRant — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 19:13:31 +0000

It was only 11 long months ago since when we last were on the court together for the first time. But, the CoronaVirus. In this pod, we pull up to a park in Massapequa, NY to talk of his early life playing sports in Elmont, his legendary LAX team, the technical foul he deserved on court to fuel him to become an official himself, to his ascendency to becoming one of the top basketball refs on Long Island. All that more, my conversation with Marty, in bio, now.

Episode 259, The Rant: Scott Berkins.

RefereeRant — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 19:10:56 +0000

Scott Berkins is an official’s official. In this pod, we discuss his early life watching his father umpire Baseball, his first experience calling balls and strikes, his brief stint reffing Ice Hockey, his ascension in Collegiate Basketball, and what it’s like having a newborn during the age of Corona Virus. All that and more, my conversation with Scott, in bio, now.

Episode 263, The Rant: Blake Redford.

RefereeRant — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 19:07:45 +0000

2019-2020 - After a preempted breakout season, Blake set his sights on collegiate camps as a Basketball Official. In this pod, we discuss his season that was, how COVID-19 derailed his goals, pivoting to new goals as a personal trainer, and what the uncertain future holds. All that and more, my catch up in conversation with Blake, in bio now.

Episode 277, The Rant: Lauren Hammersley.

RefereeRant — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 17:18:20 +0000

It was a Sunday, at Island Garden. Normally, I’d be reffing on a court, and she would be in season with her team. This isn’t normal times. In this pod, we discuss her early life playing Basketball, her success on the Lightning team at the AAU level and what it means to her, her success at Our Lady Of Mercy Academy in high school, and playing at the next level. All that and more, my conversation with Lauren, now.

Episode 261, The Rant: Mike Kaplan.

RefereeRant — Sat, 19 Dec 2020 20:53:58 +0000

Another Day at Susa Sports, another athlete doing Burpees, Squats, and Medicine Ball Work, all under Mike’s watch. In this pod, we discuss his early life playing Basketball, getting into coaching early, and training athletes from the Middle School Level, Collegiate Level, and Pro’s on t

Episode 260, The Rant: Ashlee Goode.

RefereeRant — Sat, 19 Dec 2020 20:45:45 +0000

Absolute, Ashlee Good is a Student of the Game. In this pod, we discuss her early life playing sports, in college, to transitioning to become a Varsity Basketball Coach. It came full circle where she took up the stripes, getting the attention of Joey Crawford, which fueled her passion to be at the highest levels of Collegiate Basketball. Further, it propelled her to give back to the ref community through SOTG. All that and more, my conversation with Ashlee, now.

Episode 276, The Rant: Rob Moses - Part 2, The Return.

RefereeRant — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 14:06:26 +0000

It’s been over 200 episodes since we sat down with Rob; that doesn’t mean that he hasn’t been on his grind. In this pod, we discuss those early moments when the pandemic hit and the rims were taken down, how life is different not having a PSAL season and not having a summer, and using this time wisely to focus on family and himself. All that and more, Part 2 with Rob, now.

Episode 272, The Rant: Stephen Ansari.

RefereeRant — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 20:26:04 +0000

On the same historic day Kamala Harris became the Democratic Vice Presidential Nominee, we chop it up with Stephan. In this pod we discuss his early life in, NYC, becoming an official unexpectedly, elevating to the collegiate side, and what it’s like to watch his daughter play basketball as a parent, and not a ref. All that and more, my conversation with Stephen, in bio, now.

Episode 271, The Rant: Christina Zazzaro

RefereeRant — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 20:12:14 +0000

Timing is of the essence, and it was perfect timing to speak to a first responder like Christina. Amid a pandemic, we chop it up with Christina to talk about her early life and her love of sports, her officiating mentors that elevated her game to the collegiate level, juggling being a registered nurse as an official, and what it’s like to be one of the most important professions during the age of CoronaVirus. All that and more, my conversation with Christina, in bio, now.

Episode 273, The Rant: Joe Thompson.

RefereeRant — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 19:09:25 +0000

I met Joe on a screen, in a Zoom call. We both long to be on the court once more. In this pod, we discuss his early life playing sports, his start in officiating, his ascendancy doing high level PSAL games and College, and what he’s been up to during the age of CoronaVirus. Along with my co-host Bernard Bowen Sr of B-ball Referees, our conversation with Joe, now.

Episode 269, The Rant: Chris Kelly.

RefereeRant — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 18:53:27 +0000

It was just a short year ago, where Chris came by one of my games, unannounced, to give me insight to improve my game. With no games going on, we sit down to talk about the state of the world, the state of officiating, and sports. We discuss her early life in Brooklyn New York, her relationship with sports serving in a multitude of different capacities, and what officiating means to her. All that and more, my conversation with Chris, now.

Episode 275, The Rant: Riel Banaria.

RefereeRant — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 21:47:02 +0000

Riel has a heart of gold. Right before the start of the Division I College Basketball season, we chopped it up at length about his early life in Upstate, NY, his love of sport, his start in officiating, and his long and winding journey, traveling far and wide in reffing, and making a greater impact in the greater Las Vegas area though his camps. All that and more, my conversation with Riel, now.

Episode 274, The Rant: William Modeste.

RefereeRant — Sat, 12 Dec 2020 02:18:25 +0000

If anyone has had the pleasure to see Bill on the field or on the court, you know off it he’s no different. In this pod we discuss his early life growing up in NYC, how he discovered officiating in the 1960’s, his come up in the playgrounds, his ascension to the collegiate level, his experience during the age of CoronaVirus, and what he’s learned about himself in the decades of being an official. Along with my co-host Bernard Bowen Sr. from Bball Referees, our conversation with Modeste, in bio, now.

Episode 155, The Rant: Jaquam Bodden. NYC Hoop Dreams

RefereeRant — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 20:38:17 +0000

From the early days, Jaquam was fixated on the game of Basketball. In this pod, we discuss his early days at UDC, watching the nicest of the nice getting busy on the court, to college getting into journalism, and ultimately reporting it on his website, Hoop Dreams NYC. All that and more, my conversation with Jaquam, now.

Episode 129, The Rant: Ernest Nixon

RefereeRant — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 15:12:52 +0000

A couple years back, I met Ernest doing the same old hustle as me. In this pod we discuss his beginnings playing Sports growing up, how he gravitated towards officiating, and how he does Soccer, Football, Volleyball, and Basketball, all year round and at a high level. All that and more, my conversation with Ernest, now.

Episode 127, The Rant: Chris Tranchina.

RefereeRant — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 15:09:00 +0000

Chris and I have similar passions in both Basketball, and Baseball. In this pod, we discuss his early exposure to umpiring, what Baseball means to him, and all the things that he’s accomplished as a Baseball coach, and as a Basketball Official. All that and more, my conversation with Chris, now.

Episode 126, The Rant: Derrick Wilson

RefereeRant — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 19:05:03 +0000

Baseball has always been Derrick’s passion, until he found out about the officiating game. In this pod, we discuss his childhood in Queens, playing Baseball and Coaching at a young age, how he discovered officiating and never looked back. Daily he improves, all in his pursuit to wear the stripes in college. All that and more, my conversation with Derrick, now.

Episode 125, The Rant: Ralph Christian

RefereeRant — Sat, 14 Dec 2019 01:23:41 +0000

On this special 125th episode, I sit with the other other Ralph, about growing up in Baldwin, playing Sports, playing video games, and the bond that we share to this day. All that and more, my conversation with Ralph, now.

Episode 124, The Rant: Stephen Sealey

RefereeRant — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 18:57:51 +0000

Continuing on Dan Grave’s appearance on #therant, we discuss Steve and his experience playing with him as well as myself. We also go back on his upbringing in sports, how he developed his jumpshot, our times at the Hofstra Rec Center, and what he’s up to now. All that and more, my conversation with Steve, now.

Episode 123, The Rant: Dan Graves

RefereeRant — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 15:37:05 +0000

As a 16 year old, Dan Graves came to my life as a quiet unassuming high school student, we often used to pick up when we were one player short. In this pod, we discuss his experience playing sports as a kid, his experience in the AAU circuit and Kellenberg, as well as his most exhilarating time playing at Hofstra at the Rec Center. All that and more, my conversation with Dan, now.

Episode 122, The Rant: Mike Mastro.

RefereeRant — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 19:18:27 +0000

With the striped shirt, I have a polarizing relationship with one Mike Mastro. Off it, we chopped it up for almost an hour about him growing up in Jericho, his experience playing in college, and living the phrase #neverretire in the Ultimate Hoops League at Lifetime Fitness. Along with my co-host Anthony Leo, my conversation with Mike, now.

Episode 121, The Rant: Ken Widgeon.

RefereeRant — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 15:15:56 +0000

Ken has always had an aptitude for refereeing. In this pod, he discusses his come up and getting exposed to the game early, his philosophy of being in the building, cutting hair and balancing it with officiating, and how he maintains his humble-yet-aggressive disposition. All that and more, my conversation with Kenny, now.

Episode 120, The Rant: Elliott Brue

RefereeRant — Fri, 29 Nov 2019 15:11:48 +0000

At a young age, Elliott got exposed to officiating before his teenage years begun. In this pod, we discuss his short stint playing baseball and basketball, how he stuck with football to bring him to college, and his wildly successful officiating career thus far. All that and more, my conversation with Elliott, now.

Episode 119, The Rant: Thanksgiving Edition.

RefereeRant — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 20:50:35 +0000

A thank you to all that have been supportive of the show. In this special episode, we have many recurring guests: some of my favorite guests from the Queens Board 119: Derek Maddrey, Tahree Kirkland, and Leroy Samuel. Coach T and Coach Francois, who discuss their first experience on the Boy’s Varsity Basketball side, Veteran Officials from Board 41 Terry Twibell and James Washington, and of course, Charlie Marquardt, who is still in the gym, ready to go. Happy thanksgiving y’all, from Referee Rant.

Episode 118, The Rant: Emery Frazier. An Officials official - taking the Northwest by storm.

RefereeRant — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 14:19:57 +0000

We got to give it up to young Emery, a man of many talents. In this pod, we discuss is upbringing, what sports meant to him growing up, how he got into officiating Football, Baseball, and Basketball, and his upcoming book, Remembering Me. I am. Congratulations on Emery, in making Men’s College Basketball. All that and more, my conversation with Emery, now.

Episode 117, The Rant: Charlie Marquardt - Far Rockaway’s Very Own; Poly Prep’s Finest, Molloy College Basketball Legend, and Professional Basketball Player.

RefereeRant — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 15:20:51 +0000

Charlie impressed me when I walked in with one of his pro work outs late one night at St. Francis de Sales, in Far Rockaway, Queens. In this pod, he discusses his love of sports, his work ethic that he got from his father, Coach Marquardt, his time in the G League and Overseas, and his pursuit of his next pro contract. All that and more, my conversation with Charlie, now.

Episode 116, The Rant: Kenny DeJohn - Former Newsday High School Reporter, Current Lacrosse Magazine Digital Writer, and lover of all sports.

RefereeRant — Fri, 22 Nov 2019 15:05:07 +0000

In this pod, Kenny and Ralph the Ref talk about watching high school sports on Long Island, how he got into writing, his favorite events to be at, what his mentors taught him, and his new role at Lacrosse Magazine. All that and more, Ralph the Ref’s conversation with Kenny, now.

Episode 115, The Rant: Anthony Wilkerson - Rec League Referee, turned Certified Basketball Official, and Current FunSports Assignor.

RefereeRant — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 17:52:53 +0000

Anthony, has always had a unique relationship with sports and Basketball. It seems at every turn, opportunities fell in his lap. In this pod, we discuss his experience reffing rec league games when not certified, playing in college, his first and last pro-am game he officiated, his journey in getting his certification, and his current position as the FunSports Assignor in NYC. All that and more, my conversation with Anthony, now.

Episode 114, The Rant: Mike Liander - Cathedral Prep Standout, one of Queens County’s finest Sharp Shooters, Current Street Ball and 3x3 Player.

RefereeRant — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 11:50:57 +0000

Mike Liander has traveled the world because of his jumpshot. In this pod, we discuss his aggression that made him a star at Cathedral Park, his development of his game, his experience in college and overseas, and his prospect of representing the US in the new Olympic Sport, 3x3 basketball. All that and more, my conversation with Mike, now.

Episode 113, The Rant: Andrew Montano - Basketball Development Trainer & Associate Head Coach for the Women’s Basketball Team at Nassau Community College.

RefereeRant — Fri, 15 Nov 2019 05:14:23 +0000

Coach Drew always had a passion for the game of basketball. His high school career didn’t go as planned, but his fire for the game still burned. He sublimated that love to coach and train many successful high school, collegiate, and pro players. We talk about his journey in the game, how he gets the best out of everybody he coaches, and what the future holds. All that and more, my conversation with Coach Drew, now.

Episode 112, The Rant! Mason Fornoles! The son and best friend in the whole wide world of my daddy aka Ralph the Ref.

RefereeRant — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 05:41:23 +0000

I talked to my daddy about watching him ref, charging my iPad, playing sports, and being the smartest boy I can be. All that and more, me and my daddy on the rant, now.

Episode 111, The Rant! The Rant Replay Part 2: Rewinding, Writing & Discussing the Best Quotes of Episodes 51-100. Hosted by none other than Ralph the Ref and Cassio Machado.

RefereeRant — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 14:01:58 +0000

On a special Veteran’s Day edition, we speak on our favorite episode, my first experience witnessing a podcast being recorded, meeting guests in real life, and being part of the process, now that I’m in the United States. We also discuss, transcribing the next 50 episodes, how the process was easier the second time around, and our favorite episodes. All that and more, Cassio and Ralph the Ref, on the Rant, now.

Episode 110, The Rant: Smush Parker. Former NBA Basketball Player, Continuing his Journey in the Game through Officiating.

RefereeRant — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 11:06:43 +0000

Smush has been around the world and back again. In this pod, we discuss his love of basketball that developed watching OG’s at West 4th Park, his journey to getting to the NBA, and his pursuit to get back to the league. Most importantly, he discusses his youth initiative Smush Inspires and his involvement with this church. All that and more, my conversation with Smush Parker, now.

Episode 109, The Rant: Bernard Bowen Sr. Returns.

RefereeRant — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 06:58:48 +0000

Since #TheRant last caught up with Bernard, he had a busy-yet-successful summer. In this pod, he discusses his partnership with the NBA to bring a new flavor to Nike Pro City, his mindset of helping brand new basketball officials, and his rollout of his new teaching camps in the Metropolitan Area. All that and more, My conversation with Bernard Bowen Sr., now.

Episode 108, The Rant: Steve Oh, The Barber - Master Barber.

RefereeRant — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 15:57:41 +0000

Steve Oh found his passion in cutting hair. In this pod, he discusses his early love of sports in Soccer, Basketball, and Baseball, how he got nice at styling hair, his days in and out at the shop, and what the future holds. All that and more, my conversation with Steve, now.

Episode 107, The Rant: The Baller’s Journal, Erin Schiffman and Lawrence Raysor. From Passionate Parents in the Basketball World, to coaching, to telling stories that were previously unheard.

RefereeRant — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 11:39:49 +0000

The common theme between Referee Rant and the Baller’s Journal are the sports we love and making art of it. In this pod, Erin and Lawrence talk about their respective relationship with sports, how they formulated the idea of The Baller’s Journal, and what the future holds. All that and more, my conversation with Erin and Lawrence, now.

Episode 106, The Rant: Ike Iwu - Southshore Assistant Coach, DJ, and mentor to many kids turned young adults in New York City.

RefereeRant — Wed, 30 Oct 2019 14:07:06 +0000

African Ike is unique as much as he’s ubiquitous. In this pod we discuss his come up, how he does everything to help kids, his experience coaching and DJing, and most importantly his willingness to adapt and put in the work. All that and more, my conversation with Ike, now.

Episode 105, The Rant: John Coleson - Leader of Utopia Network of Officials. A decorated one himself. No Flash All Fire. Leading New Officials to Let Them Sink Or Swim on the Basketball Court.

RefereeRant — Mon, 28 Oct 2019 13:30:15 +0000

John Coleson is a polarizing figure in the biz that has a story to tell. In this pod, he discusses his serendipitous encounter with some of the top refs in NYC, his own come up being a college official, how he now officiates here and there, but is felt EVERYWHERE. All that and more, my conversation with John, now.

Episode 104, The Rant: Desta Zabolotney, Pastor - Husband, College Basketball Official.

RefereeRant — Fri, 25 Oct 2019 18:36:36 +0000

Pastor has a kind soul; yet can blow the whistle with the best of them. In this pod he discusses his come up officiating in a Football Crazed state in Texas, passing out on the Baseball diamond, his travels in Tennessee and Michigan, and cutting his teeth in New York City as a Basketball Official. He also discusses the importance of balance and being great in his ministry and refereeing. All that and more, my conversation with Desta, now.

Episode 103, The Rant: Billy Mitaritonna, Championship High School Basketball Coach, Former Division 1 Basketball Player, and Inspiration to All.

RefereeRant — Wed, 23 Oct 2019 14:17:06 +0000

Fortuitously, I met Billy at a Volleyball Tournament. Little did I know he was a walking inspiration. In this pod, he discusses how he played Division 1 Basketball, but never played high school ball at Archbishop Molloy, how he became an elite high school coach at Half Hollow Hills West, and discussing his coming of age story and inspirational book, Last of the Redmen. All that and more, my conversation with Billy, now.

Episode 102, The Rant. Richie Byrd - Adelphi Men’s Hoops All-Time Leading Scorer, Gale Force CEO, and Putting up 600 shots a day, STILL.

RefereeRant — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 18:22:04 +0000

Richie is a magician with the Basketball. In this pod, he discusses how tragedy fueled his indefatigable work ethic, his passion to be great at the game, his experience at Adelphi, and what the future holds. All that and more, my conversation with Richie, now.

Episode 101, The Rant: Cassio Machado is taking over the Rant! I’m here with Ralph the Ref!

RefereeRant — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 17:41:34 +0000

I’m going to interview him and ask him about his journey on becoming a D3 Women’s College Official. He just reached 100 episodes on the podcast, and he’ll discuss what he’ll bring to us on the website. Episode 101, now.

Episode 100, The Rant: Tommy Caramella - Kindred Spirit, Friend, Mentor. Elite Boy’s & Girl’s Nassau Basketball Official.

RefereeRant — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 13:34:07 +0000

As stubborn as it sounds, we reserved Episode 100 for this special guest. In this pod, we discuss our eerie similarities, what Basketball meant to him, how he loathed refs, and became one of them, to become one of the most respected of them all. Episode 100, my conversation with Tommy, now.

Episode 99, The Rant: Keith Keough. Grover Cleveland High School’s Proudest Basketball & Baseball Alumni, Basketball Assistant Coach, and Board 119 Official.

RefereeRant — Mon, 14 Oct 2019 19:49:04 +0000

Keith beat the odds, and is reaping the benefits and values now. In this pod, he discusses his adverse come up at Cleveland High School, his officiating and coaching career, and what 1999 meant to both of us respectfully. All that and more, my conversation with Keith, now.

Episode 98, The Rant: Aloysius Johnson - One of Nassau County’s Elite Basketball Official, President, Chairperson, and Mentor to All.

RefereeRant — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 13:18:40 +0000

Al is more than a peer, mentor. He is a man of integrity that will tell it to you, straight. In this pod he discusses his exploits as a player, how he discovered officiating, and what motivates him after all these years. All that and more, my conversation with Al Johnson, now.

Episode 93, The Rant: Tamar Adams - Certified Basketball Junkie: player, coach, CEO of Perfect Your Skills 24/7.

RefereeRant — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 13:15:33 +0000

I’ve had so many interactions with Coach T over the years. He imbues his passion for the game when he teaches his kids, when he’s point guard on the floor, and when coaching his teams to victory. Practice makes permanent, and in this pod he discusses how his come up, how he developed Perfect Your Skills, and his new coaching position at Island Trees High School. All that and more, my conversation with Coach T, now.

Episode 92, The Rant: Coach Richard Curtin - Proud Father, Prouder Grandfather, Eternal Basketball Coach, and Seasoned Wise Soul.

RefereeRant — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 14:39:48 +0000

Some 20 years ago, Coach Curtin and I were at the confines of the Kellenberg Memorial High School Gym. Not only was he my coach, he informed my own coaching career, and always encouraged me to stay the game. Not to mention his perplexing philosophies the are translucent, now. On the eve of his 60th birthday, we discuss his life, his coaching career, and what life has taught him. All that and more, my conversation with Coach Curtin, now.

Episode 91, The Rant: Karleena Tobin - Division 1 Women’s Basketball Official, WNBA Official, CEO of ElevenOne Officiating.

RefereeRant — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 12:57:21 +0000

Unbeknownst to Karleena, Basketball was a passion turned full-time gig. From playing at a high level in Maryland, to playing collegiately at the University of Delaware, she found her footing, full time, in staying in the game in officiating. She discusses all of this, including her ElevenOne officiating initiative, to show that anyone willing to put in the work, can achieve anything they want in this game. All that and more, my conversation with Karleena, now.

Episode 90, The Rant: Orrin Barfield Jr. - First Year Certified Official, Former Arch Bishop Molloy Standout, and Collegiate Player for John Jay University.

RefereeRant — Mon, 23 Sep 2019 04:10:38 +0000

After the alpha comes the omega, enter Orrin Jr - son of Basketball officiating greatness, we picked Episode 90 for him to honor his father for his own start in officiating, which started in 1990. In this pod, junior discusses his come up, watching his father officiate, working hard to belong on a high level high school team, how he got into reffing, and putting it on pause to play in college. All that and more, my conversation with Orrin Jr. featuring Sr., now.

Episode 89, The Rant. Orrin Barfield. Elite Collegiate & High School Basketball Official, Mentor to Many, and Still Improving.

RefereeRant — Fri, 20 Sep 2019 13:03:09 +0000

We pulled up at the Rivalries Never Die earlier in the summer to get Orrin to discuss his journey in officiating. In it, he discusses how he stumbled upon reffing, when he took it serious, and how he stays sharp after all these years. All that and more, my conversation with Orrin, now.

Episode 88, The Rant: Dagan Nelson. NYU Men’s Basketball Head Coach, Master Communicator & Motivator

RefereeRant — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 12:52:12 +0000

It’s been 2 decades since I’ve seen or spoken to Coach Nelson. He took some time out of his busy recruiting and pre-season schedule to talk to the Rant about his amazing journey in coaching that started with coaching a JV team on Long Island, his travels, his mentors that helped him along the way, and what he sees for NYU this season and beyond. All that and more, my conversation with Coach Nelson, now.

Episode 87, The Rant: Herving Armand: Motor-Cycle Riding, Deep-Thinking 2nd Year Official Mastering Basketball, Soccer, and Baseball, one Sport at a Time.

RefereeRant — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 12:17:54 +0000

Herv has always been involved in sports. From growing up in Queens and playing at the Collegiate level, he wanted to continue with sports after. Enter officiating; in this pod we discuss all that, his experience juggling multiple sports, his experience trying to master said sports, and what the future holds. All that and more, my conversation with Herv, now.

Episode 86, The Rant: Speedy Claxton: Former Christ the King Standout, Hofstra Basketball King, NBA Champion, and Current Assistant Coach for the Hofstra Pride Men’s Basketball Team.

RefereeRant — Fri, 13 Sep 2019 09:57:41 +0000

We pulled up at my alma mater, Hofstra University, to record with Coach Claxton to talk to his exploits on the Basketball court. We discuss his journey that took him from Corona Queens, to the NCAA Tournament, his travels in the NBA, and what led him back home. All that and more, my conversation with Speedy, now.

Episode 85, The Rant: Cassio Machado and Ralph the Ref discuss the special Ebook inspired by the first 50 episodes of the Rant, The Rant Replay.

RefereeRant — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 16:32:48 +0000

There were so many quotes that you could sift out of the first 50 episodes, and it needed to be preserved in writing for posterity. In this pod we discuss the genesis of the project, the transcribing of the quotes, how it’s help me master English, and our favorite episodes thus far. All that and more, Episode 85, now.

Episode 84, The Rant: Warren Davis. AKA Jug, AKA Jug Head, also known as Rule Master.

RefereeRant — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 13:11:47 +0000

We sat down with Jug not to far from his house, at Jurassic Park, to discuss his automatic Jumpshot, his experience doing high level officiating in NYC, and how he mastered the rules of Basketball, one section at a time. Be sure to look out at the end of the pod for our new segment, dropping weekly and daily, Monday through Friday: Jug’s Jewels. All that and more, my conversation with Jug, now.

Episode 83, The Rant: Gerda Gatling: One of NYC’s Top Basketball Officials: From Balling in the DMV, Securing Space at Stony Brook, and Traveling in Between, all in Pursuit of Officiating Full-Time.

RefereeRant — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 11:56:21 +0000

The Rant pulled up to Brooklyn to speak to Gerda. In this pod we discuss why she’s forever indebted to John Coleson, how she got thrown in the fire, how she leveled up in officiating doing crazy games in New York City, and how she became a staple in the Women’s Basketball College Circuit. All that and more, my conversation with Gerda, now.

Episode 82, The Rant: Keith Willis - Former Baller; From Getting Buckets to Transitioning to an Elite PSAL Basketball Official.

RefereeRant — Wed, 04 Sep 2019 12:41:48 +0000

Coming From Brooklyn and Coming to Queens, Keith is comfortable officiating in the Belly of the Beast, the Public School Athletic League, in New York. In this pod, we discuss how he played at a high level, how he discovered officiating, and breaking it down on how he’s getting to his highest level in officiating. All that and more, my conversation with Keith, now.

Episode 81 The Rant: Cara Castruonova

RefereeRant — Mon, 02 Sep 2019 12:11:02 +0000

Cara's father is old school; so much so, she got trained in the archaic methods of boxing that you would only see in the movies. In this pod, we spar on the mic and discuss her affinity for the sport, her road to become a golden glove champion, how she helped people lose weight on her watch, and her pursuit to become a high level official on the ring. Along with my special co-host Cassio Machado, my conversation with Cara now.

Episode 80, The Rant, Niya Khan - High School Official, Daughter of Officiating Royalty, and Advocate in the Fight Against Cancer.

RefereeRant — Fri, 30 Aug 2019 12:30:23 +0000

Niya has had Officiating in her blood. She is the daughter of Rachelle Jones, a Women’s Final Four Basketball Official. In this pod she discusses her own come up, her mothers impact on her as well as the officiating community, and raising awareness through her brand Conquer Cancer. All that and more, my conversation with Niya, now.

Episode 79, The Rant: AJ Hemmingway - Balancing Work, Life, and Officiating, all in Pursuit of the Highest Level of Men’s College Basketball.

RefereeRant — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 12:22:58 +0000

AJ played ball as early as he can remember. In this pod he discusses his travels in the AAU circuit as a kid, how he played at a high level at Brooklyn College, and his new passion that he unexpectedly took on as an official. He discusses how officiating balances with he rest of his life and activities, All that and more, my conversation with AJ, now.

Episode 78, The Rant: Katrina Plummer - High Level Multi Sport Athlete, Multi Sport Official In Soccer and Basketball, and Director of Women’s Premier League.

RefereeRant — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 19:08:16 +0000

Katrina knows a thing or two about being courted. She was blessed to be gifted at many sports, including Soccer, Lacrosse, and Basketball. In this pod she discusses her playing days, her experience in college, her advice to kids in their own recruitment process, as well as her career as an official and running the Women’s Premier League. All that and more, my conversation with Katrina, now.

Episode 77, The Rant: Nyreaf George - Multi-sport Official, Single Minded Purpose in Making Refereeing Work For Him.

RefereeRant — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 04:44:25 +0000

Nyreaf and I go back to my CYO days in Basketball. I saw him here and there, but we just started having conversation longer than this blurb. In this pod, we discuss his start in officiating, how he balances assigning, as well as being a great official outside of Basketball. All that and more, my conversation with Nyreaf, now.

Episode 76, The Rant: Nicole Robinson. Shooting Star in Basketball Officiating. Unlimited Potential Being Realized by the Day.

RefereeRant — Mon, 19 Aug 2019 11:24:50 +0000

It was evident when speaking to Nicole that there was a humble-yet-aggressive demeanor in her style. In this pod she discusses her love of Basketball, how her father has crystallized Officiating as an avenue to stay in the game, and what her future holds. All that and more, my conversation with Nicole, now.

Episode 75, The Rant: Chiené Joy Jones - All encompassing lover of Basketball - Former Baller, Passionate Coach, Athletic Director, and Up and Coming Basketball Official.

RefereeRant — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 14:54:29 +0000

We pulled up to the Gauchos Gym in the BX to sit down with Chiené. In the pod we discuss her come up playing at NYU, her experience coaching kids to their own athletic scholarships, and her new found passion and give back to the game, officiating. All that and more, my conversation with Chiené, now.

Episode 74, The Rant: Dave Williams - Former Basketball Standout, Washington General, and Underground Basketball Official Extaordinaire.

RefereeRant — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 21:29:48 +0000

I’ve done so many games with Dave, and surely I’ll be doing more in the future. In this pod we discuss his come up playing in New York City, his time as a Washington General, and how officiating has given him the ability to have more than one car. All that and more, my conversation with Dave, now.

Episode 73, The Rant: Billy Heenan - Former Sharp Shooter, Budding Coach at the AAU Level, and Earning His Stripes as an Up and Coming Official.

RefereeRant — Mon, 12 Aug 2019 13:32:36 +0000

Billy loves Basketball as much as the next man. Surrounded by greatness on his High School Team, he had to work extra hard just to get minutes on the court. Those principles he learned guided his work ethic in college, in coaching, and officiating. All that and more, my conversation with Billy, now.

Episode 72, The Rant: Crunch Time Basketball - Moe, Marcus, and Whyte: Creators of Long Island’s Premier Pro-Am Basketball League, Showing that Hoopers can Ball in the suburbs, too.

RefereeRant — Fri, 09 Aug 2019 03:48:24 +0000

Growing up, Moe, Marcus, and Whyte had an affinity for Hempstead; moreover, an affinity for Long Island. In this pod, they discuss their love for the crib, what Basketball has done for them, the genesis and development of Crunch Time Basketball, and what the future holds. All that and more, my conversation with The Crunch Time team, now.

Episode 71, The Rant: Shay Franklin: Pitbull on the Basketball Court, Tenacious on the Sidelines, and Earning Her Stripes as a First Year Official.

RefereeRant — Mon, 05 Aug 2019 11:36:40 +0000

There has never been any doubt that Shay has been talented with anything she has done in the game of Basketball. In this pod, she discusses her natural ability when hooping, her love of helping kids have opportunities that she had before them, and the mental challenge that officiating presents. All that and more, my conversation with Shay, now.

Episode 70 The Rant: Leroy Samuel. - Board 119 Certified Official, Basketball Coach to Multiple Teams, and Basketball Trainer, Young OG.

RefereeRant — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 21:51:05 +0000

When initially approaching Leroy to hop on The Rant, I could hear his reluctance. His fears were allayed, soon as we pressed record. On it, he discusses his come up as a young man from Queens, his affinity for being great at everything he does, his first experience blowing the whistle, and how his old soul often competes to catch up with his young body. All that and more, my conversation with Leroy, now.

Episode 69, The Rant: Christian Rios - the Eleven in Eleven44, the Gray Eminence and Aesthetic Director of Referee Rant.

RefereeRant — Sat, 27 Jul 2019 11:37:36 +0000

Christian never was, or will be, an official. However, he’s official in anything he does, whether it be graphic design, photography, or editing The Rant. In this pod, we discuss the partner, that’s deafening in his silence, his experience creating Referee Rant, and his reluctance to put a cap on its limit. All that and more, my conversation with Christian, now.

Episode 68, The Rant: Blake Redford. - Shadow Reffing, Mirror Officiating, taking a look at himself - to be the best that he can be as an Official in Basketball.

RefereeRant — Mon, 22 Jul 2019 18:19:04 +0000

Failure is something and I that Blake can relate to - like me, he failed the first time he tried to get certified for Basketball; only the first time I failed, it was the first time he passed, on his second go round. In this pod, he discusses his playing style at Manhasset, his journey as an official, and the stickiest situation that I’ve ever heard in officiating to date. All that and more, my conversation with Blake, now.

Episode 67, The Rant: Michael Kitts Jr. - Division 1 College Basketball Official, Tek Officials Referee Apparel Creator.

RefereeRant — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 04:02:46 +0000

Mike already knew, at an early age, that keeping the integrity of the game, was important: An official was and is integral in any type of game. In this pod, we discuss his come up, how mentors have helped him get to the top level of the college basketball ranks, how he helps others after him, and his new line, Tek Officials, built for the modern referee. All that and more, my conversation with Michael Kitts Jr., now.

Episode 66, The Rant: Shanade Bernard - New York State Federation Official, High Level Basketball Official in Every Venue She Officiates.

RefereeRant — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 13:15:49 +0000

There’s a cool, calm, and confident air that surrounds Shanade. In this pod, we pull up at the fabled Lincoln Park in Queens, NY, where she discusses her start in cheerleading, her meaningful mentors that mean everything to her, and her pursuit to conquer all her goals, one whistle at a time. All that and more, my conversation with Shanade, now.

Episode 65, The Rant: Bryant Lassiter - Women’s College Assistant Coach, Former Collegiate Athlete at NYIT, and Founder of the Long Island Tournament, Rivalries Never Die.

RefereeRant — Sat, 13 Jul 2019 05:28:21 +0000

Bryant Lassiter, aka Mook, has always played with a chip on a shoulder. That chip was able to be brushed off, which made him a successful college basketball player, and a successful coach at NYIT: He also discusses his inspiration starting the tournament that showcases the best head-to-head battles over the years on Long Island, called, Rivalries Never Die. All that and more, my conversation with Mook, now.

Episode 64, The Rant: Ralph & Ralph Crespo - A Lacrosse & Field Hockey Official Father, a Basketball Referee Son, and sharing a bond that brings them even closer than close. Respected officials, respectively.

RefereeRant — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 20:15:39 +0000

Ralph the Ref sits down with two other Ref’s named Ralph, that share the love of the craft - officiating. The Father, a gifted communicator in Lax and Field hockey, and son, a basketball official with a jump shot that will never make me play The game again. They discuss their relationship with the games they officiate, the relationship they have with each other, and how they keep it all in the family. All that and more, my conversation with the Crespo’s, now.

Episode 63 The Rant: Desmond Frazier, Up and coming NYC Basketball Official - In a School, Playground, and Adult League - Near You.

RefereeRant — Mon, 08 Jul 2019 13:18:56 +0000

Dezzy is ubiquitous. When I’m leaving a game, he’s coming to one. When I’m coming to a game, he’s leaving another. Very rarely do we work together, but when we do, it’s special. In this pod, we discuss his career at the now legendary defunct Rice High School, his Division 1 College Basketball Career, and his fast trajectory in officiating basketball today. All that and more, my conversation with Desmond, now.

Episode 62, The Rant: Joe Cruz: PSAL Basketball official, Hoops in the Sun Head Honcho, Now in its 20th year.

RefereeRant — Sat, 06 Jul 2019 01:40:31 +0000

Every summer at Orchard Beach, you can catch Joe Cruz running around like a chicken with his head cut off. He’s more than that. He’s on - as a basketball official getting his feet wet, and running out of the most respected NYC summer leagues. Hoops in the Sun.

Episode 61 The Rant: Steve Wilson, Collegiate Basketball Official, Up and Coming Lax Referee, and Massachusetts Area.

RefereeRant — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 11:24:56 +0000

Steve is New England, v through and through. In this pod, he discusses how officiating changed his life, his pursuit to the highest levels of college Basketball, his love of cycling, and his experience assigning the largest conglomerate of schools in Massachusetts. All that and more, my conversation with Steve, now.

Episode 60, The Rant: Tahree Kirkland - Board 119 Basketball Official, Master Basketball Ref in Training

RefereeRant — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 05:48:38 +0000

I’ve known Tahree almost 20 years, and it was a shock to see him in a different context, a different arena - one that involved him officiating the game of Basketball. In this pod, we discuss how he got into officiating, his experience in his first year, and what the future holds for him. All that and more, my conversation with Tahree, now.

Episode 59, Anthony Cox - Traveling Around the World - All For the Love of Basketball

RefereeRant — Wed, 26 Jun 2019 05:32:14 +0000

I had the pleasure to meet Anthony Cox at the now defunct Fundamental Sports Training Facility. In this pod, we discuss Ant’s late beginning as a high school standout on Long Island, his college career, and what the life is like in the Pro-Am circuit. All that and more, my conversation with Ant, now.

Episode 58, The Rant: Tim Jinks

RefereeRant — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 16:49:10 +0000

Tim and I have been through many a battles together. We once had a game where we witnessed not one jump ball, not 2 - but 76 jump balls. He discusses his humble beginnings in Hempstead, NY, his love of basketball, and where he wants to take all of it in officiating. All that and more, my conversation with Tim, now.

Episode 57, The Rant: Ethan Wong - Volleyball Official, Hockey Official, and Being Great at Both in Canada.

RefereeRant — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 01:00:52 +0000

Ethan discusses two sports that are rarely spoken on the Rant - Volleyball and Hockey. In this pod, we discuss his love of Volleyball and Hockey growing up, what it’s like to skate, what Hockey means in Canada, and what the future holds for him. All that and more, my conversation with Ethan, now.

Episode 56, Rob Moses - Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach at Cardozo High School, PSAL Basketball Official, and founder of the More Than A Game Inc.

RefereeRant — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 22:34:27 +0000

Rob Moses wears many hats, but they all have one common thread; the game of Basketball. In this pod we discuss his love for said sport, his experience with coaching along side the Legend Ron Naclerio, his own experience officiating NYC, and his give back and thank you to Queens - More Than A Game Inc. - all that and more, my conversation with Rob, now.

Episode 55, The Rant: Damion Reid - Image Capturer, Photographer, and Witnessing Some of the Greatest Sporting Events in NYC.

RefereeRant — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 18:05:31 +0000

A picture is worth a 1,000 words, and Damion has taken thousands of them. In this pod, he describes his love of photography, his love of sports, and how he combined the two, to make a passionate living. All that and more, my conversation with Damion, now.

Episode 54, The Rant: Tom Konchalski, High School Basketball Talent Evaluator & Master of His Own Memory.

RefereeRant — Fri, 07 Jun 2019 19:08:15 +0000

For 61 years, Tom Konchalski searches far and wide to see a new crop of talent in the game of Basketball. At a park near his apartment in NYC, he discusses his love for watching Connie Hawkins dunk a basketball, his formula for evaluating Basketball players, his fondest memories, and what the game means to him. All that and more, my conversation with Tom, now.

Episode 53, The Rant: Nate Cearley, Kansas State Intramural Supervisor, Collegiate Football Official, NBA Grassroots Candidate.

RefereeRant — Wed, 05 Jun 2019 13:26:40 +0000

Sky’s the limit for one Nate. His potential and ambition are on a collision course with his opportunities. In this pod, we sit with the precocious young man, to discuss his come up as an intramural ref not knowing what to do, to seeking people that do, transitioning all the way to the NBA grassroots program. All that and more, my conversation with Nate, now.

Episode 52, The Rant: Justin Bailey, Top Level. Up and Coming Basketball Official, and CEO of Refs Corner.

RefereeRant — Mon, 03 Jun 2019 11:38:05 +0000

I’m happy I never got a chance to play against Justin in a game of Basketball; chances are, I wouldn’t stand a chance. He discusses his playing days as a youth, playing for St. Mary’s on Long Island, his collegiate career and how it structured him, and his love for officiating and his brand Refs Corner. All that and more, my conversation with Justin, now.

Episode 51, The Rant: Michael Mayer, Basketball and Baseball Official in Nassau County New York.

RefereeRant — Fri, 31 May 2019 04:25:53 +0000

It was only 4 years ago when I met Mike Mayer on the Basketball Court. I noticed that his shoes had dirt. He just came from a baseball game, and I, a Lacrosse game. He convinced some to join baseball. Join baseball I did. In this pod, Mike discusses his love for baseball growing up, his transition officiating a sport with a clock, and everything in between. All that and more, my conversation with Mike, now.

Episode 50, The Rant: Ron Naclerio, Eternal Cardozo High School Basketball Coach, Living Legend.

RefereeRant — Mon, 27 May 2019 11:40:42 +0000

For 4 decades Ron Naclerio has been knocking doors to help the youth, and make them bust down doors when on the court. He shares his experience being the Dozo Hoops head honcho, his experience being a Baseball prospect, how he stays sharp with his X’s and O’s, and what his future holds. All that and more, my conversation with Coach Naclerio, now.

Episode 49, The Rant: John Lombardi, Newly Retired Flag Football Player, Former Little League Umpire, Current Pro Wrestling Official, and head honcho at High Tide Taco Bar.

RefereeRant — Fri, 24 May 2019 16:33:55 +0000

I’ve known John since I started my officiating. From Viking hats and handing out ref fees, we always had a bond. He discusses his love for flag football, his other love of Pro Wrestling, and what his future holds. All that and more, my conversation with John, now.

Episode 48, The Rant: Eric Carmona, Baseball in the Bronx - from playing Little League, to Coaching, and finally - officiating in High School, College, and now the Pro Level.

RefereeRant — Tue, 21 May 2019 22:54:51 +0000

Baseball is in Eric’s blood. That blood done spilled over - as he combined his propensity of officiating and his love of baseball and found umping. Suffice to say, it’s his calling. He discusses his start as a short stop with a dream, living in close quarters of Yankee Stadium, and how he tries to outwork himself by improving in his craft everyday. Not only that, he’s generous with his information, ready to dispense what he’s learned to pay it forward to anyone that’s willing to listen. My wide ranging conversation with Eric, now.

Episode 47, The Rant: Nelson Santiago, Division 1 Men’s Official, G League Official, and Enjoying the Journey in How He Got There.

RefereeRant — Fri, 17 May 2019 00:10:25 +0000

What we find most impressive of Nelson is not the level of where he’s at in the game officiating, but his approach. He discusses his precocious beginnings in Central Florida, falling in love with adjudicating the game of Basketball, and what the journey experiencing it all means to him. Along with my co-host Michael Grant, my conversation with Nelson, now.

Episode 46, The Rant: Alex Flyntz. NAUA Interpreter & Elite Baseball Umpire.

RefereeRant — Mon, 13 May 2019 12:52:24 +0000

Alex has seen it all on the diamond. For nearly 4 decades, he’s thrown balls and strikes behind the dish, and out’s and safe’s on the base paths. We honor his career by discussing it’s illustriousness in it’s entirety, from doing adult fast pitch softball, to High School, all the way to the NCAA level. He’s seen his share of hardball. He talks about what baseball mean’s to him, interpreting the rules year in and year out, and what the future holds. All that and more, my conversation with Alex, now. SHOW NOTES: 3:16 - What sports did you play growing up? 5:37 - How did you get into umpiring? 8:00 - When did you start taking it serious? 9:30 - How in depth was officiating baseball? 12:57 - What was your experience doing school games? 17:50 - How did adult league experiences help you in school games? 22:53 - What was your experience of baseball on the Varsity level? 26:56 - Describe the difficulty of persuading people to officiate baseball 29:54 - Experience in college 34:55 - Responsibilities and differences between bases and being behind the plate 41:19 - Does injuries affect your performance behind the plate? 42:06 - Craziest experience being injured and still upping 42:28 - Stickiest situation being an umpire 46:37 - Stickiest situation being the interpreter/teacher 48:48 - Best moments being an umpire 55:04 - Evolution of equipment in baseball umpiring 59:25 - What does the future hold? 59:56 - Final Thoughts from Alex Flyntz

Episode 45, The Rant: Criscia Long, Elite Dancer, Director of Entertainment

RefereeRant — Fri, 10 May 2019 10:31:28 +0000

Criscia was something serious when it came to dancing. I’ve seen first hand. That’s why I couldn’t be any prouder on how she took her passion, and done sublimated it to a successful career. From humble beginnings as a cheerleader, to a college dancer at VCU, to Carnival Cruz Line, she attacked dancing with the same tenacity. Dreams were realized as she became a captain of the elite team - New York Knick’s City Dancers, to now being the Director of Entertainment of the Brooklyn Nets. We discuss her amazing career, her family life, her bright present, and even brighter future. My conversation with Criscia, now.

Episode Forty Four, The Rant: Ray the Ref interviews Ralph the Ref. About Reffing, and Referee Rant.

RefereeRant — Wed, 08 May 2019 11:50:57 +0000

Forty Four is a special number to Ralph the Ref - he worship’s the arc that Hubert Davis used to shoot behind, among other greats that bestowed the numberical nomenclature. In this special commemorative pod, Ray Valeriano discusses the start of Referee Rant with it’s creator Ralph the Ref - it’s inception, it’s progress, it’s future, and oh yeah, we talk about reffing. Ray’s conversation with Ralph, now.

Episode 43, The Rant: Anthony Puccio. From the Meadowlands, to the Prudential, all the way to the Barclay's Center. Brooklyn Net's Fan Turned Beat Writer.

RefereeRant — Mon, 06 May 2019 11:34:11 +0000

Since age 7, a young Pooch has been enthralled by the Nets. he is the new form of reporter, who started writing documents on Microsoft Word which led him to the parquet floor in downtown Brooklyn. He discusses his love of basketball, his love of flag football, and navigating being a beat writer in 2019. All that and more! My conversation with Pooch, now.

Episode 42, the Rant: Sky Khaleel - D1 Basketball Player, Turned Coach/Ref, turned AAU program director for the non-profit Sky’s the Limit Basketball.

RefereeRant — Fri, 03 May 2019 12:11:34 +0000

Basketball has done so much for Sky’s life thus far. He was able to play at the highest level in college, coach in the AAU circuit, and even ref at a high level in the Tri State area. We discuss his come up, his playing days, how he balances officiating and coaching, and discusses in detail his new AAU program, Sky’s the Limit. All that and more, my conversation with Sky, now.

Episode 41, the Rant: Mike Horrey - Keeping Uniforms around the World Tucked, and Officiating at a High Level.

RefereeRant — Wed, 01 May 2019 11:35:17 +0000

Not only is Mike a high level official in New Jersey, he looks doing it. In this pod, we discuss him scoring 1,000 points in high school, his track and field career, and the problem he solved with his unique product - Neat Tucks. All that and more, my conversation with Mike Horrey, now.

Episode 40, the Rant: Claire Canty - Boss Lady of Board 41, and Officiating the Game she Loves, Lacrosse.

RefereeRant — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 14:53:49 +0000

I hope everybody gets a chance to officiate with a referee like Claire - she’s ambitious, courageous, and most importantly, professional. The Rant sits down with her to discuss her days playing Lacrosse in high school, her collegiate experience at Wesleyan College, her journey in officiating, and how she manages the two. All while pursing to be one of the few women to be a Varsity Official on the Boy’s side, in Nassau County. All that and more, my conversation with Claire now.

Episode 39, the Rant: Karima Penesa, Being Home Schooled, Officiating in the state of New Mexico, and Finding The Right Mentors to Push her to the Next Level

RefereeRant — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 11:03:22 +0000

Karima not only has potential, she has kinetic energy. She took officiating the game of Basketball to the next level, meeting the right mentors in New Mexico and Colorado respectively. She talks about growing up, learning how to referee a basketball game, and her goals beyond. All that and more, my conversation with Karima, now.

Episode 38, the Rant: Jalal Khweiss, Up and Coming Board 119 Member, Girl’s Certified Basketball Official, and Learning the Rules, One Interpretation At a Time.

RefereeRant — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 13:34:51 +0000

alal has a heart of gold. Cream rises to the top, where I found him doing a AA playoff game for the Public School Athletic League in New York City. In this episode he describes his humble beginnings, his track career, how he started officiating, and how his affinity for the rules has brought him to the top. All that and more - my conversation with Jalal - now.

Episode 37, the Rant: Kevin Sparrock, Officiating at the Apex in the WNBA, Women’s Division 1 College Ball, and Making Art out of the Whole Experience of it

RefereeRant — Sat, 20 Apr 2019 21:12:32 +0000

Episode 36, the Rant: Kevin Sparrock, Officiating at the Apex in the WNBA, Women’s Division 1 College Ball, and Making Art out of the Whole Experience of it

Episode 36, the Rant: Bernard Bowen Sr: New York City Pro Am legend, Master Communicator, and Mentor of all Mentors.

RefereeRant — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 15:39:34 +0000

He can’t help it - Bernard Bowen Sr. has fingerprints in all things officiating. A staple in the 80’s in the NYC Pro Am Circuit, he leveraged his experiences and took the lessons he learned with a whistle on court, and proliferated it - spawning a slew of successful officials that are the who’s who in the world - the top referees in High School, College, and the Professional Ranks, respectively. What’s most impressive is his communication skills. A master at that, he imbues his wisdom to anyone willing to listen. Along with my co-host Michael Grant, our conversation with Bernard, now.

Episode 35, The Rant: Dan Basile. Division 1 Basketball Player turned Coach, Turned High Level Referee.

RefereeRant — Thu, 11 Apr 2019 19:35:06 +0000

Dan Basile has found an advocation in officiating. After playing at a high level in college, he decided to make a mark in coaching, only to find out that his best fit in staying close to the game in basketball was officiating. He discusses his come up, his Stripe Life Inc. brand and his ultimate pursuit to become a Division 1 college official. All that and more, my conversation with Dan, now.

Episode 34, The Rant: Notes from the New York State Federation Tournament with co-host Michael Grant

RefereeRant — Tue, 09 Apr 2019 04:20:47 +0000

Co Host Michael Grant joins Ralph the Ref, and asks him questions on his experince at the Federation Tournament in NY State. He discusses his game, his interaction with his fellow officials, and watching Mr. Basketball play in his home crowd. All that in more, now.

Episode 33, the Rant: Derek Maddrey - NYC PSAL Legend, Dual Member of Board 41 & 119, and an Island Garden Staple.

RefereeRant — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 17:35:49 +0000

A professional in every way, Derek imposed his wisdom early on me, which informed the rest of how I handled my own officiating career. He taught me how to be stern, he taught me how to be fair, and he taught me most of all, how to manage the game. The game within the game. He discusses his come up, his love of doing great Basketball in New York City, and giving it his all every time he gets on the court. My conversation with Derek, now.

Episode 32, the Rant: Lindsay McBean: NBWBOA official, Passionate Coach, and Collegiate Basketball Athlete

RefereeRant — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 03:50:34 +0000

Lindsay McBean and I took the Girl’s Basketball Officiating class a few years back. I’ve been on the court with her in various ways; I’ve officiated with her, I’ve seen her ask clarification for a rule while being a head coach, and I’ve seen her drive down the lane as a player that can make a lay up and make her free throws. She discusses what Basketball means to her, her experience officiating, and her dream fulfilled of playing Basketball in college. All that and more - my conversation with Lindsay now.

Episode 31, the Rant: Coach Von: Playing and TEACHING the Game of Volleyball, and the Game of Life.

RefereeRant — Thu, 28 Mar 2019 15:50:48 +0000

As everyone may or may not know, I could never officiate the game of Volleyball. It means too much to me, and Coach Von does as well. For all intents and purposes I’m her right hand. For 10 short weeks from August to November, we have the same goal, every year, without fail. We try to beat the very best in High School Volleyball to claim any championship we can. In this pod, Coach Von discusses her journey as an athlete growing up, playing multiple sports, her relationship with officials, and how she leads many young ladies, to battle in Volleyball and in life. All that and more - my conversation with Von, NOW.

Episode 30, the Rant: Stewart Davis. Board 119 Legend, Madison Square Garden Clock Resetter, Collegiate Volleyball Official, Head Football Ref, Girl’s Lacrosse, and Flag Football Staple.

RefereeRant — Tue, 26 Mar 2019 03:59:47 +0000

Stewart Davis lived a full life; so full, that it would be full if it were 2 decades ago. An accomplished official in Lacrosse, Flag Football, Volleyball, and Basketball, Stew discusses his love for sports, his addiction to thinking, and getting paid, resetting the shot clock at Knicks game, all the while having fun with it. Side bar, CONGRATS TO STEWART FOR ADDING FEDERATION BASKETBALL OFFICIAL TO HIS MANY ACCOLADES! My conversation with Stew, now. "You're ready. You did enough officiating out this park, you might as well get official" - Andre Jones

Episode 29, The Rant. G3G Basketball founders Devrinn Paul and Gabby Gibson. Playing, Coaching, Reffing, and Training, all for the Game they Love: Basketball

RefereeRant — Fri, 22 Mar 2019 12:13:45 +0000

G3G Basketball has already been a success. They have taught countless young men and women to reach new heights and skill in the game of Basketball. Devrinn and Gabby talk about their own journeys within the game of Basketball, how they met, their experiencing playing and coaching, and even officiating. But most importantly is to give back to the new crop of kids, hence G3G Basketball. My conversation with Devrinn and Gabby, now.

Episode 28, the Rant: Joe Flick! Board 127 Boy’s Basketball Official, CHSAA Staple, Avid Runner, and his pursuit to be a Division 1 College Official.

RefereeRant — Wed, 20 Mar 2019 13:43:58 +0000

Joe Flick is an inspiration to us at Referee Rant. As you know I go to championship games annually, and pit myself with the other refs to reflect on if I am ready. Joe participated in one of these championship games, this year, thus starting our friendship. Aside from being an amazing husband and father, he can blow the whistle with the best of them - as he services Division 2 men’s Basketball, Double A CHSAA ball in NYC, and even middle school games in Suffolk! I know the feeling Joe! I love the game that much too. He discusses all that, as well as his love for running. My conversation with Joe, now.

Episode 27, the Rant: Ernie Rudloff - Board 119 Interpreter, NBWBOA Women’s Official, and Mentor to Countless.

RefereeRant — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 04:17:25 +0000

For nearly 5 decades, Ernie Rudloff has put an imprint in the refereeing game, especially in the Northeast region. Aside from his many, many accolades, some of which include officiating Division one for both the Men’s and Women’s side, he is an inspiration, a mentor, and a friend to many who he's had the pleasure to teach as the rule interpreter to Board 119 - the professionals. This is a wide-ranging conversation with Ernie, as he discusses his career as a whole, his beginnings, his greatest achievements, his best stories, and what’s next. All that and more. My conversation with Ernie, now.

Episode 26, the Rant: Jason Gant! Officiating Bowl Games in the NCAA, Division 2 College Women’s Basketball, being a NIRSA director, and growing the sport he loves, Flag Football

RefereeRant — Sat, 16 Mar 2019 12:04:46 +0000

Jason Gant is a renaissance man when it comes to officiating. We share a bond as Ravens fans, and surely he ref’s like a Raven. How many people do you know ref Division 1 Football Division 2 Women’s Basketball, all the while have time to run a successful intramural program at a local college? Jason can! My conversation with Jason, now.

Episode 25, The Rant: Jared Jacobson, officiating in NYC and the College Ranks

RefereeRant — Wed, 13 Mar 2019 05:04:59 +0000

We sit down with Jared Jacobson, New York City A veteran, and Men’s College Official. He discusses his origins in officiating in Boston, his experience with reffing the best games in NYC, and his pursuit to become a Division 1 Men’s College Official. All that and more. My conversation with Jared Jacobson, now.

Episode 24 - Fabian-Jara - Juggling-Family, Work, and Basketball and being the Best at all things at all times.

RefereeRant — Mon, 11 Mar 2019 10:22:35 +0000

Fabian lights up in anything he’s involved with; whether it’s being a Dean of a high school, being a Salsa Instructor, being a great husband, and of course when it comes to officiating the game of Basketball. It’s a great conversation where Fabe discusses his love for basketball, nutrition, the greatness of The Rock, and loving the process much more than the goal itself. All that and more. My conversation with Fabian, now.

Episode 23 - John Schroeder - Servicing Soccer, Battles in Basketball, and his Eternal Love of Lacrosse_

RefereeRant — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 18:34:05 +0000

Although I met him through Basketball, I learned in 4 quarters that John is an official's official. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience, that includes Championship games in Soccer, High Level Basketball, and his favorite sport - Lacrosse. He discusses his battles in each sport, and his interesting stories of conflicted interest. All that and more - my conversation with John, now.

Episode 22 - Barry Getzoff - A Side Hustle King, Moving his Kingdom from New York, to Sunny Florida

RefereeRant — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 15:39:10 +0000

I’ve been to many many battles with Barry Getzoff. A great man who officiates Basketball and Baseball, and added a sport that’s near and dear to my heart - Flag Football. We discuss how he got into officiating, his experiences in New York, and how it compares to Florida. My conversation with Barry, now.

Episode 21 - Cassio Machado - Navigating the Basketball Reffing game in Australia, and Brazil, and how it stacks up to the US

RefereeRant — Thu, 28 Feb 2019 04:27:52 +0000

In Brazil, Footbol is king. But somewhere along the way, Cassio found a love of officiating in Basketball. He went to Australia, and back to Brazil only to live and tell the tale. This young man heard the podcast, THE RANT, abroad and wanted to hop on. Ah, the beauty of technology. He discusses his love for balling, his new love of officiating, and his plot to bring his A game, to see what it’s like blowing a whistle in the United States. All that and more - my conversation with Cassio, now -

Episode 20 - Sandeep Singh - Rookie Ref, Board 119, Young SABL OG

RefereeRant — Mon, 25 Feb 2019 14:40:15 +0000

Being raised all around SABL, Playing, Stat Keeping, and Finally Officiating at a Gym Near You, Sandeep Singh has been always around. He sits down with the Rant to describe him watching his older cousins, how he got involved with Stat keeping, and now officiating under the Queens Boy’s Officials Board, 119. My conversation with Sandeep, Now.

Episode 19 - Bryan Jones - Officating Basketball Center Stage with his Nieces, Nephews and everyone in Between

RefereeRant — Fri, 22 Feb 2019 15:54:33 +0000

For all intents and purposes, Bryan Jones is my mentor. He was the first one that saw me, and told me if I took this game serious, that I could go places. Today, we pull up in a basement to discuss his illustrious career as a Basketball official, his community visionary work, and what his future holds as he still officiates at the highest level possible. All that and more.

Episode 18 - Michael Grant - Leveling up on Varsity, Working games in NYC, and other things - 1st Season All The Way Up!

RefereeRant — Thu, 21 Feb 2019 04:23:31 +0000

Introducing Michael Grant, who will serve as a regular consultant and contributor to the Podcast and our website, Referee Rant. He is a Board 41 Basketball Member, NBWBOA Girl’s Certified, making a huge leap on the Girl’s Basketball circuit, including officiating some of the top games in NYC. This episode is different, because I talk about our parallel universes where he’s elevating on the Women’s side, and I, The Men’s. This is a free flowing conversation where we talk about our first full year servicing the borough much more. My conversation with Michael, now.

Episode 17 - Brian Alfieri - On Flag Football, his relationship with Officials, and Taking the Sport to the Next Level

RefereeRant — Mon, 18 Feb 2019 14:34:50 +0000

Episode 17 - The Rant! Decorated Flag Football Quarterback, Brian Alfieri joins us - He’s a Long Island Flag Football Hall of Famer, southpaw slinger, and Flag Football Advocate, as he’s been doing it for years - 5 man, 7 man, 8 man, and 9 man any which way. Brian discusses his love for sports, how he started in Flag Football, his passion that lead him to the top, and his chase to lead his national team the Bulldawgs to the 7 on 7 AFFL championship this summer. All that and more, now.

Episode 16 - Fabio Perez - Coaching Multiple Sports and Relationships with officials

RefereeRant — Mon, 18 Feb 2019 05:08:48 +0000

Episode 16 - Fabio Perez - Coaching Multiple Sports and Relationships with officials. Today we sit with Fabio Perez, one of my boys from Hofstra University who now is a guidance counselor, and a multi-sport coach, including Football, Basketball, and Baseball. We go through his love of many sports, his impact with young lives through coaching, and his relationship with officials on the field and on the court. He even was present when I decided to officiate. All that and more. My conversation with Fabio, now.

Episode 15 - Terry Twibell - Reffing, Dying, Surviving, then Living to Tell the Tale

RefereeRant — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 12:30:58 +0000

Episode 15 - Terry Twibell - Reffing, Dying, Surviving, then Living to Tell the Tale. Boy’s Basketball Board 41 member. Doing an Adult League, AAU Game, or CYO game, ate a court near you. We discuss his passion for reffing, his near brush with death, and his new found daily appreciation officiating the game he loves. All that and more with my brother - my conversation with Terry, now.

Episode 14 - Sergeant James Washington, Army extraordinaire and Elite Board 41 Basketball Official

RefereeRant — Sun, 10 Feb 2019 19:31:40 +0000

James Washington sits down in one spot, only to discuss his experiences as a multi sport athlete growing up, his experience officiating around the world, and his passion to teach basketball officials before him and after him how to do this. One Team One Fight - my conversation with Wash, now.

Episode 13 - Al Chaulk, official accountant of Referee Rant

RefereeRant — Wed, 06 Feb 2019 05:38:12 +0000

Al Chaulk sits down with the rant, and discusses the importance of an official and their mindset off the court, as a business entity. Learn how to start a company, tips on best practices for tax minimizing tax liability, reporting expenses in officaiting, and assistance in becoming and being your own boss. My conversation with Mr. Chaulk, now.

Episode 12 - Softball, Flag Football, Frisbee, and Hoops with Board 119 & SABL’s Very Own, John Papa

RefereeRant — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 12:15:56 +0000

John Papa sits down with the rant to discuss the sports that he officiates, his long illustrious career as a basketball official, his experience doing other other sports, and his status as SABL assignor. That and much more, on the Rant. John Papa show notes. :16 - said Flag Football 2x 1:26 - How did you start? How did you get into basketball 2:55 - Where did you begin reffing? 4:57 - Emeritus status at SABL 6:24 - How did you get involved in SABL 9:38 - GET OFF THE FLAG FOOTBALL MAKE NO MENTION OF IT. DELETE WHOLE PORTION OF IT ***** 10:06 - How did you get involved in the other sports? 14:15 - What gave you the courage to referee sports that you were unfamiliar with? 22:23 - How did you get into assigning? Do you find it more fulfilling than refereeing? 25:38 - Assigning is a baby job. 26:30 - Best practices for an assignor 31:44 - How did you develop the style of being a people person 38:30 - What did it take to get to where you are? 40:45 - What’s it going to take to to where you want to go?

Episode 11 - The sit down with Don Landolphi

RefereeRant — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 07:03:10 +0000

This is a special sit down with my home Basketball association interpreter, the venerable Don Landolphi. Unbeknownst to him, he has been instrumental in much of my success today from laying down strong roots instilled in me previously from my failures. His encouragement after I failed the written test was everything to me. Despite a failure to launch, I had no such sophomore slump. For what was supposed to, was my rookie year, and I made sure I absorbed anything and everything to make me the best I can be. Don is attributed. And so, my conversation with Don Landolphi, along with my co-host Steve Baum: we go over his upbringing and sports, his coaching career, and his long & illustrious officiating career. His second wind as an interpreter; and what’s next in retirement. Something tells me he’ll still. Be. Around. At the end he has a q&a session fielded by members in the association. I hope you enjoy.

Episode 10 - John Ottavino - Baseball Umpire, and Rule of the Day Distributer

RefereeRant — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 14:23:38 +0000

Episode 10, The Rant - we have a special guest, John Ottavino, championship PSAL baseball umpire, servicing New York City. His son Adam, just signed a 3 year deal to join the formidable set up that is the New York Yankees. In it, we discuss his experience officiating Baseball in NYC, his only experience officiating Adam, and his affinity for the rules - so much so that he sends out a rule of the day via email, servicing 600+ officials. Find out how to get on that list, and my conversation with John Ottavino, now. Interested in the Rule of the Day? Email John at J.ottavino@att.net

Episode 9 - Serving The Game and the Officiating Community with Crown Ref's very own - Paul Diasparra

RefereeRant — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 05:46:56 +0000

We stop in the Crown Basketball facility to talk to Paul Diasparra, founder and creator of Crown Refs. The IG page is designed to help basketball officials improve their craft. He is currently a high level high school and division 2 collegiate Basketball official, and going further by the day. This is a treat, as Crown Refs and Referee Rant collaborate for the first time on this podcast. He discusses Crown Refs, The Basketball Shop, Mr. Pink, and more. * Instagram: [crown_refs](http://instagram.com/crown_refs) * Twitter: [@crownrefs](http://twitter.com/crownrefs) [The CROWN REFS Podcast](http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-crown-refs-podcast/id1447147700?mt=2)

Episode 8 - Sticky Situations and Rules Talk with Steve Baum

RefereeRant — Sat, 26 Jan 2019 05:00:00 +0000

We close out another work week with Steve Baum. We discuss sticky situations that transpired from the week that was, and go over a Girl’s Middle School quiz, for you to download. I hope you enjoy. Next week, we will be bigger, and better. We promise.

Episode 7 - Vball and B-ball with Steve Kaufmann

RefereeRant — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 05:42:12 +0000

Steve Kaufmann is searching for that feel, the feel that he already has in Basketball. As he has mastered officiating in the high school ranks, he is trying to double down and do the same with Volleyball. Will Baseball be next? We find out in episode 7 of The Rant. The sit down with Steve occurred after 3 games at Island Garden and we discuss all thing hoops and all things vball. My conversation with Steve, now. “Whatever you are, be a good one.” - Abraham Lincoln

Episode 6 – Reffing, Playing, and Commissioning with Kash: Thanos of the SABL Universe

RefereeRant — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 06:12:04 +0000

This special edition of The Rant is a collaboration with SABL - otherwise known as the South Asian Basketball League. Our guest this episode is Kash, with a K. I like to call him the Thanos of the SABL - he’s the commissioner, he’s a player, and he’s even a basketball official. We discuss his experience in wearing all of these hats simultaneously, and discuss how Referee Rant and the SABL will work together now, and in the future. We will be starting a new podcast that will showcase SABL players each week, as well as a docu-series showing a day in the life of an official at SABL. And so, my conversation with Kash, now.

Episode 5 - Hardball & Hoops with Ray Valeriano

RefereeRant — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 06:46:54 +0000

Ray Valeriano, rising star as an umpire, who recently passed the certification for Girl’s Basketball. It’s been a pleasure to share the diamond with him, and now, the hardwood. He wants to be great on his own accord, and he already is, as one of his redeeming qualities is his sponge and absorption of knowledge, and applying it afterwards. He wants to be great, and he will be. I first ran into him, after we initially took the Baseball class, on the field, officiating a Junior Varsity game. The game was competitive, and that’s when I started was curious to see if he was interested in Basketball. Here’s our conversation with this multiple sport official - who goes to show that you can ref anything, even if you are unfamiliar with the sport, that can surely be determined if you put your mind to it. Our conversation with Ray, on The Rant.

Episode 4 – Phil Francois: Player-Turned-Ref- Turned-Coach

RefereeRant — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 04:08:57 +0000

In this edition of The Rant, Ralph the Ref talks to one of his closest friends Phil Francois who has a unique perspective on Basketball. We grew up playing in our high school days, to his time coaching AAU. He then figured officiating was a good route for some good money, but ultimately stopped when Corporate America came knocking. He currently is back to coaching his son, who has limitless potential. Here’s our Phil’s basketball journey, only on The Rant.

Episode 3 - Playing Flag Football, Reffing Flag Football, and Raising a Family off the field. Our conversation with the one, and only Joe “Sauce” Sollitto.

RefereeRant — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 08:13:37 +0000

In this edition of “The Rant” Ralph the Ref sits down with Joe “Sauce" Sollitto - former mentor to Ralph and great official in the game of Flag Football. Sauce recounts his times as a hall of fame caliber player in Long Island Flag Football League, and his time as a rookie-turned-veteran official. He discusses his come up, and his abrupt retirement after deciding to stop altogether to raise his 3 daughters. Please excuse the audio, as they were in a restaurant that was hustling and bustling. We assure you the quality of the content is still on par. The Rant is getting better and better, and will improve with each podcast. Nonetheless we hope you enjoy!

Episode 2 - Getting in the Rule Book with Steve Baum: Certified Basketball Official

RefereeRant — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 07:11:23 +0000

Referee Rant sits down with Steve Baum, Dual Certified Basketball Official. We go over how he fell in love with Basketball, his days at Bayside HS in Queens, NY, and his experience officiating Basketball thus far. Finally, he discusses his love of learning and how it applies to his never ending quest for rule knowledge of the sport. Steve and Ralph also discuss their plan to have situations and rule callings that can be hotly debated within the reffing community. Enjoy.

The Rant by Referee Rant - Episode 1

RefereeRant — Sat, 12 Jan 2019 06:28:56 +0000

Referee Rant sits down with Jeff Lescouflair, elite Flag Football official. In it, he discusses his origins of how he became and official, his entree and exit into softball, and his war stories in between. This episode may contain explicit language. Enjoy.