5 questions for... Brandon Tierney
Brandon Tierney, the co-host of “Tiki & Tierney” on CBS Sports Radio, talks with The Post’s Justin Terranova about the show’s move to TV, the Mike Francesa opening and working with Tiki Barber. The program airs from 3-6 p.m. weekdays.
Q: Has the move to CBS Sports Network in April changed the show?
A: The DNA of the show has stayed the same and that’s by design. It’s the stage that we wanted for awhile and it’s a great look for us. Any time you can see people conversing, see your body language, see your laugh, it humanizes you. It’s not rocket science, it’s two guys in a room talking sports. It’s a bigger vehicle, a faster vehicle, and while we don’t take ourselves very seriously, we take the responsibility very seriously. Q: How has the chemistry with Barber developed?
A: What Tiki had to become comfortable with was that any time he said something about the Giants, he is going to get crucified, even if he is right. Tiki was out of the game for a little bit after working at NBC and I think he needed to learn what it’s like to perform again. And that’s where I take a lot of pride. One of my true roles on the show is to put him in a position, not to air it out because that’s not his style, but to expound in a way that shows how interesting, diverse and accomplished he is.
Q: What are your thoughts on the impending Francesa opening?
A: There is a thought that you take over for Mike and you keep ripping off top ratings, but it’s going to be different. It was something I used to really think about and really aspire to. To concentrate on his show would be a detriment to my show and a detriment to me.
Q: Do you prefer the national format now?
A: You get on the air in New York and you talk about Terry Collins mismanaging the bullpen, Phil Jackson alienating everybody and riding the Knicks right into the ground. All those things are very potent and toxic, which on talk radio is not a bad thing. The last thing you want is apathy. You can live with toxic. It’s also very limiting. I listen to a lot of local radio and talking about the Mets’ bullpen follies is not incredibly appealing to me. Q: But go ahead and take your Phil Jackson shot? A: My biggest problem with Phil is he seems that he cannot be less engaged with his job. What he emits on a daily basis is offensive to Knicks fans. The way he disrespected Carmelo (Anthony) has made Carmelo seem so much better. Phil Jackson gives the appearance that he had some deal that his sole purpose is to destroy the Knicks. You can make that case, and on that level, “Congratulations Phil you’ve been a great success.”