The Rant
612 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 48 ratingsReferee's have a voice. We are always on the defensive. This is our avenue to be on the offensive. For, we have something to say.
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Episodes
Episode 81 The Rant: Cara Castruonova
September 02, 2019 12:11 - 46 minutes - 33.2 MBCara'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 81 The Rant: Cara Castruonova
September 02, 2019 12:11 - 46 minutes - 33.2 MBCara'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.
August 30, 2019 12:30 - 29 minutes - 22 MBNiya 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 80, The Rant, Niya Khan - High School Official, Daughter of Officiating Royalty, and Advocate in the Fight Against Cancer.
August 30, 2019 12:30 - 29 minutes - 22 MBNiya 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.
August 28, 2019 12:22 - 47 minutes - 33.6 MBAJ 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 79, The Rant: AJ Hemmingway - Balancing Work, Life, and Officiating, all in Pursuit of the Highest Level of Men’s College Basketball.
August 28, 2019 12:22 - 47 minutes - 33.6 MBAJ 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.
August 26, 2019 19:08 - 35 minutes - 24.9 MBKatrina 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 78, The Rant: Katrina Plummer - High Level Multi Sport Athlete, Multi Sport Official In Soccer and Basketball, and Director of Women’s Premier League.
August 26, 2019 19:08 - 35 minutes - 24.9 MBKatrina 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.
August 22, 2019 04:44 - 38 minutes - 27.1 MBNyreaf 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 77, The Rant: Nyreaf George - Multi-sport Official, Single Minded Purpose in Making Refereeing Work For Him.
August 22, 2019 04:44 - 38 minutes - 27.1 MBNyreaf 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.
August 19, 2019 11:24 - 42 minutes - 29.7 MBIt 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 76, The Rant: Nicole Robinson. Shooting Star in Basketball Officiating. Unlimited Potential Being Realized by the Day.
August 19, 2019 11:24 - 42 minutes - 29.7 MBIt 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.
August 16, 2019 14:54 - 48 minutes - 33.9 MBWe 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 75, The Rant: Chiené Joy Jones - All encompassing lover of Basketball - Former Baller, Passionate Coach, Athletic Director, and Up and Coming Basketball Official.
August 16, 2019 14:54 - 48 minutes - 33.9 MBWe 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.
August 14, 2019 21:29 - 24 minutes - 19.2 MBI’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 74, The Rant: Dave Williams - Former Basketball Standout, Washington General, and Underground Basketball Official Extaordinaire.
August 14, 2019 21:29 - 24 minutes - 19.2 MBI’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.
August 12, 2019 13:32 - 1 hour - 51.6 MBBilly 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 73, The Rant: Billy Heenan - Former Sharp Shooter, Budding Coach at the AAU Level, and Earning His Stripes as an Up and Coming Official.
August 12, 2019 13:32 - 1 hour - 51.6 MBBilly 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.
August 09, 2019 03:48 - 1 hour - 53.2 MBGrowing 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 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.
August 09, 2019 03:48 - 1 hour - 53.2 MBGrowing 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.
August 05, 2019 11:36 - 43 minutes - 31 MBThere 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 71, The Rant: Shay Franklin: Pitbull on the Basketball Court, Tenacious on the Sidelines, and Earning Her Stripes as a First Year Official.
August 05, 2019 11:36 - 43 minutes - 31 MBThere 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.
July 31, 2019 21:51 - 1 hour - 52.3 MBWhen 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 70 The Rant: Leroy Samuel. - Board 119 Certified Official, Basketball Coach to Multiple Teams, and Basketball Trainer, Young OG.
July 31, 2019 21:51 - 1 hour - 52.3 MBWhen 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.
July 27, 2019 11:37 - 35 minutes - 25.2 MBChristian 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 69, The Rant: Christian Rios - the Eleven in Eleven44, the Gray Eminence and Aesthetic Director of Referee Rant.
July 27, 2019 11:37 - 35 minutes - 25.2 MBChristian 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.
July 22, 2019 18:19 - 1 hour - 43.7 MBFailure 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 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.
July 22, 2019 18:19 - 1 hour - 43.7 MBFailure 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.
July 19, 2019 04:02 - 30 minutes - 22 MBMike 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 67, The Rant: Michael Kitts Jr. - Division 1 College Basketball Official, Tek Officials Referee Apparel Creator.
July 19, 2019 04:02 - 30 minutes - 22 MBMike 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.
July 15, 2019 13:15 - 31 minutes - 22.8 MBThere’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 66, The Rant: Shanade Bernard - New York State Federation Official, High Level Basketball Official in Every Venue She Officiates.
July 15, 2019 13:15 - 31 minutes - 22.8 MBThere’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.
July 13, 2019 05:28 - 39 minutes - 28.1 MBBryant 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 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.
July 13, 2019 05:28 - 39 minutes - 28.1 MBBryant 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.
July 10, 2019 20:15 - 45 minutes - 33.3 MBRalph 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 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.
July 10, 2019 20:15 - 45 minutes - 33.3 MBRalph 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.
July 08, 2019 13:18 - 37 minutes - 27.5 MBDezzy 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 63 The Rant: Desmond Frazier, Up and coming NYC Basketball Official - In a School, Playground, and Adult League - Near You.
July 08, 2019 13:18 - 37 minutes - 27.5 MBDezzy 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.
July 06, 2019 01:40 - 44 minutes - 31.1 MBEvery 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 62, The Rant: Joe Cruz: PSAL Basketball official, Hoops in the Sun Head Honcho, Now in its 20th year.
July 06, 2019 01:40 - 44 minutes - 31.1 MBEvery 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.
July 02, 2019 11:24 - 29 minutes - 21.4 MBSteve 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 61 The Rant: Steve Wilson, Collegiate Basketball Official, Up and Coming Lax Referee, and Massachusetts Area.
July 02, 2019 11:24 - 29 minutes - 21.4 MBSteve 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
June 28, 2019 05:48 - 36 minutes - 26.4 MBI’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 60, The Rant: Tahree Kirkland - Board 119 Basketball Official, Master Basketball Ref in Training
June 28, 2019 05:48 - 36 minutes - 26.4 MBI’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
June 26, 2019 05:32 - 44 minutes - 31.1 MBI 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 59, Anthony Cox - Traveling Around the World - All For the Love of Basketball
June 26, 2019 05:32 - 44 minutes - 31.1 MBI 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
June 24, 2019 16:49 - 27 minutes - 19.6 MBTim 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 58, The Rant: Tim Jinks
June 24, 2019 16:49 - 27 minutes - 19.6 MBTim 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.
June 18, 2019 01:00 - 35 minutes - 25.1 MBEthan 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 57, The Rant: Ethan Wong - Volleyball Official, Hockey Official, and Being Great at Both in Canada.
June 18, 2019 01:00 - 35 minutes - 25.1 MBEthan 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.