WFAN afternoon host Craig Carton is taking a measured approach as a highly publicized dispute between morning show co-host Gregg Giannotti and former WFAN personality Brandon Tierney continues to gain traction. Carton says he’s choosing to observe rather than participate while acknowledging both the entertainment value and professional realities that come with sports radio feuds.
Speaking Tuesday on The Carton Show with Craig Carton & Chris McMonigle, Carton made it clear he has no immediate plans to join the back-and-forth between former WFAN teammates.
“I’m gonna watch this one from the sidelines for a good majority of it,” Carton said on WFAN Tuesday. “As things evolve, and hopefully they do, I want the fight to continue! I’m enjoying not being involved and just being an expert witness or commentator.”
While Carton has built a reputation over the years as a host unafraid to engage in on-air battles, he suggested that his current mindset reflects a more deliberate and restrained version of himself. One that balances his competitive instincts with a broader perspective on how those conflicts can impact both individuals and programming.
“I’m trying to be more mature these days, but I do have a history,” he said. “I am ‘Rocky Marciano’ when it comes to radio wars. Case in point, the last guy I got into a silly little tussle with woke up this morning unemployed. Another win for me in that regard.”
Carton pointed out that criticism and confrontation are embedded in the sports radio format, requiring personalities to develop a level of resilience that allows them to handle both playful jabs and more pointed commentary without losing their footing.
“If you’re gonna do this for a living, you got to be able to take some shots and have a sense of humor,” Carton said. “Let’s be honest, we do it to everybody all day. We criticize people all day, every day. So, if we can’t take a little good-natured ribbing, well, shame on us.”
At the same time, Carton drew a distinction between lighthearted exchanges and more serious personal attacks. He noted that while humor and debate are essential components of engaging sports radio on WFAN, there are moments when a response becomes necessary depending on the tone and intent behind the criticism.
“If it goes beyond good-natured ribbing and it’s a personal attack, then I think you have to respond in kind,” he added. “The only difference between me and the guys involved in this one, is that when I do it, it’s full on nuclear. There’s no bodies left.”
As the WFAN Giannotti-Tierney feud continues to unfold across radio and digital platforms, Carton’s decision to remain on the sidelines offers a contrast to the increasingly loud discourse, highlighting a strategic choice to prioritize perspective over participation.
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