Imus, pals rip WFAN selections
The news about who will replace Mike Francesa on WFAN is out. Count Don Imus and Sid Rosenberg among those who are not impressed.
Rosenberg joined Imus’ show on WABC radio Tuesday, when they discussed the trio of personalities — Chris Carlin, Bart Scott and Maggie Gray — set to replace Francesa after he leaves the air Dec. 15.
“It’s just funny because they had this extensive search and tryouts and all these names,” said Rosenberg, who was reportedly among those considered. “In the end they took someone doing the CBS show Saturday mornings, they took Carlin, who’s been around for 20 years and is Mike’s old whipping boy, and they took Bart Scott, who’s hanging around doing the Jets. Doesn’t seem like they went out of the box and grabbed somebody different.”
“Mike is very, very happy about this — I mean Michael Kay,” Imus’ producer, Bernie McGuirk, chirped.
Kay hosts the show on ESPN Radio in New York that will be competing with Carlin, Scott and Gray.
“You know why [Carlin] has a career, right?” Rosenberg said. “Me. When I was fired from WFAN and couldn’t host the Giants pregame show anymore, who hosted it? Chris Carlin. When I was suspended and fired from your show, who did sports on your show? Chris Carlin.”
“[Carlin] isn’t going to win any profiles in courage, that’s for sure,” Imus said.
“Not going to win any marathons, either,” McGuirk chimed in.
Rosenberg suggested Carlin will be the host because Scott and Gray “aren’t hosts.” Gray has extensive experience hosting, both on radio and with digital programs for Sports Illustrated.
“They’ll be there to do what?” Imus asked while they were discussing how the trio would work together.
“To hold it down until I get there in 2019,” Rosenberg replied.
Rosenberg responded to a request for comment after the show from The Post.
“Look I think they’re all talented people,” Rosenberg said in an email. “And I personally like Carlin and Maggie (don’t know Bart) but the 3 person booth is tough, they’ve never worked together and I’m not sure what the entertainment value will be. But I wish them all success and good luck.”