Mike Francesa occasionally likes to mix it up. Especially with other members of the media, and local franchises that don’t produce large levels of attention in New York City.
It’s no secret that Francesa’s interest in hockey is small, but with the New York Islanders in the playoffs, he’s given them a little bit of publicity. Unfortunately for the organization, it’s for the wrong reason.
Last week on WFAN, “The Sports Pope” as he’s often referred to, trashed the organization for the way they market their product.
“I’m going to be honest with you – they’re not very good at promoting themselves. They’re third rate at promoting themselves,” Francesa said.
“They don’t know how to promote themselves. They couldn’t even find the time to get the coach to show up here. We were willing to take him. They couldn’t even get him to the show on time. So I mean, they don’t know what they’re doing. They’re a little lost right now. They’re in a little deep. Now their players aren’t, but the organization is. Their organization right now as far as what it’s doing, especially from a PR standpoint, is lost. I mean, third rate at best.”
That led to former Islanders goalie-turned-radio host on 98.7 FM ESPN Rick DiPietro standing up for his former employer and firing back at Francesa. He spoke about the playoff experience being new to the Islanders, and in the process called Francesa a “fatso”.
Not one to let things go quietly, Francesa took the bait and responded. After delivering another jab to the Islanders organization by reminding fans that tickets were still available for Game 3 against the Tampa Bay Lightning, he saved some of his sharpest remarks for DiPietro.
“He felt he needed to protect the team that’s paying him, and I might have a warm spot for a team that was paying me through 2029 when I’ve done nothing but shoot my mouth off and bilk them out of a 15-year contract and have a losing record for my career,” said Mike.
“Just shut your mouth and be happy you have somewhere to go to work every day. From what I understand, you play goalie better than you’re on the radio, which isn’t saying much. Stick to a league you can compete in. In the radio business, you’re you and I’m Gordie Howe. The happiest day of their life was getting out from under that 15-year mess.”
Upon hearing of Francesa’s comments, DiPietro responded by labeling the WFAN talk show host as “Sports Precious”, “Radio Precious”, and asserting that he hopes Francesa will call into the show after he performs in July at the Coney Island Hot Dog eating competition.
Jason Barrett is the President and Founder of Barrett Media since the company was created in September 2015. Prior to its arrival, JB served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He also spent time programming SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY. Jason also worked on-air and behind the scenes in local radio at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years on the national stage, producing radio shows for ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT. Among them included the Dan Patrick Show, and GameNight.
You can find JB on Twitter @SportsRadioPD. He’s also reachable by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
