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 108, The Rant: Steve Oh, The Barber - Master Barber.
November 04, 2019 15:57Steve Oh found his passion in cutting hair. In this pod, he discusses his early love of sports in Soccer, Basketball, and Baseball, how he got nice at styling hair, his days in and out at the shop, and what the future holds. All that and more, my conversation with Steve, now.
Episode 108, The Rant: Steve Oh, The Barber - Master Barber.
November 04, 2019 15:57Steve Oh found his passion in cutting hair. In this pod, he discusses his early love of sports in Soccer, Basketball, and Baseball, how he got nice at styling hair, his days in and out at the shop, and what the future holds. All that and more, my conversation with Steve, now.
Episode 107, The Rant: The Baller’s Journal, Erin Schiffman and Lawrence Raysor. From Passionate Parents in the Basketball World, to coaching, to telling stories that were previously unheard.
November 01, 2019 11:39The common theme between Referee Rant and the Baller’s Journal are the sports we love and making art of it. In this pod, Erin and Lawrence talk about their respective relationship with sports, how they formulated the idea of The Baller’s Journal, and what the future holds. All that and more, my conversation with Erin and Lawrence, now.
Episode 107, The Rant: The Baller’s Journal, Erin Schiffman and Lawrence Raysor. From Passionate Parents in the Basketball World, to coaching, to telling stories that were previously unheard.
November 01, 2019 11:39The common theme between Referee Rant and the Baller’s Journal are the sports we love and making art of it. In this pod, Erin and Lawrence talk about their respective relationship with sports, how they formulated the idea of The Baller’s Journal, and what the future holds. All that and more, my conversation with Erin and Lawrence, now.
Episode 106, The Rant: Ike Iwu - Southshore Assistant Coach, DJ, and mentor to many kids turned young adults in New York City.
October 30, 2019 14:07African Ike is unique as much as he’s ubiquitous. In this pod we discuss his come up, how he does everything to help kids, his experience coaching and DJing, and most importantly his willingness to adapt and put in the work. All that and more, my conversation with Ike, now.
Episode 106, The Rant: Ike Iwu - Southshore Assistant Coach, DJ, and mentor to many kids turned young adults in New York City.
October 30, 2019 14:07African Ike is unique as much as he’s ubiquitous. In this pod we discuss his come up, how he does everything to help kids, his experience coaching and DJing, and most importantly his willingness to adapt and put in the work. All that and more, my conversation with Ike, now.
Episode 105, The Rant: John Coleson - Leader of Utopia Network of Officials. A decorated one himself. No Flash All Fire. Leading New Officials to Let Them Sink Or Swim on the Basketball Court.
October 28, 2019 13:30John Coleson is a polarizing figure in the biz that has a story to tell. In this pod, he discusses his serendipitous encounter with some of the top refs in NYC, his own come up being a college official, how he now officiates here and there, but is felt EVERYWHERE. All that and more, my conversation with John, now.
Episode 105, The Rant: John Coleson - Leader of Utopia Network of Officials. A decorated one himself. No Flash All Fire. Leading New Officials to Let Them Sink Or Swim on the Basketball Court.
October 28, 2019 13:30John Coleson is a polarizing figure in the biz that has a story to tell. In this pod, he discusses his serendipitous encounter with some of the top refs in NYC, his own come up being a college official, how he now officiates here and there, but is felt EVERYWHERE. All that and more, my conversation with John, now.
Episode 104, The Rant: Desta Zabolotney, Pastor - Husband, College Basketball Official.
October 25, 2019 18:36Pastor has a kind soul; yet can blow the whistle with the best of them. In this pod he discusses his come up officiating in a Football Crazed state in Texas, passing out on the Baseball diamond, his travels in Tennessee and Michigan, and cutting his teeth in New York City as a Basketball Official. He also discusses the importance of balance and being great in his ministry and refereeing. All that and more, my conversation with Desta, now.
Episode 104, The Rant: Desta Zabolotney, Pastor - Husband, College Basketball Official.
October 25, 2019 18:36Pastor has a kind soul; yet can blow the whistle with the best of them. In this pod he discusses his come up officiating in a Football Crazed state in Texas, passing out on the Baseball diamond, his travels in Tennessee and Michigan, and cutting his teeth in New York City as a Basketball Official. He also discusses the importance of balance and being great in his ministry and refereeing. All that and more, my conversation with Desta, now.
Episode 103, The Rant: Billy Mitaritonna, Championship High School Basketball Coach, Former Division 1 Basketball Player, and Inspiration to All.
October 23, 2019 14:17Fortuitously, I met Billy at a Volleyball Tournament. Little did I know he was a walking inspiration. In this pod, he discusses how he played Division 1 Basketball, but never played high school ball at Archbishop Molloy, how he became an elite high school coach at Half Hollow Hills West, and discussing his coming of age story and inspirational book, Last of the Redmen. All that and more, my conversation with Billy, now.
Episode 103, The Rant: Billy Mitaritonna, Championship High School Basketball Coach, Former Division 1 Basketball Player, and Inspiration to All.
October 23, 2019 14:17Fortuitously, I met Billy at a Volleyball Tournament. Little did I know he was a walking inspiration. In this pod, he discusses how he played Division 1 Basketball, but never played high school ball at Archbishop Molloy, how he became an elite high school coach at Half Hollow Hills West, and discussing his coming of age story and inspirational book, Last of the Redmen. All that and more, my conversation with Billy, now.
Episode 102, The Rant. Richie Byrd - Adelphi Men’s Hoops All-Time Leading Scorer, Gale Force CEO, and Putting up 600 shots a day, STILL.
October 21, 2019 18:22Richie is a magician with the Basketball. In this pod, he discusses how tragedy fueled his indefatigable work ethic, his passion to be great at the game, his experience at Adelphi, and what the future holds. All that and more, my conversation with Richie, now.
Episode 102, The Rant. Richie Byrd - Adelphi Men’s Hoops All-Time Leading Scorer, Gale Force CEO, and Putting up 600 shots a day, STILL.
October 21, 2019 18:22Richie is a magician with the Basketball. In this pod, he discusses how tragedy fueled his indefatigable work ethic, his passion to be great at the game, his experience at Adelphi, and what the future holds. All that and more, my conversation with Richie, now.
Episode 101, The Rant: Cassio Machado is taking over the Rant! I’m here with Ralph the Ref!
October 18, 2019 17:41I’m going to interview him and ask him about his journey on becoming a D3 Women’s College Official. He just reached 100 episodes on the podcast, and he’ll discuss what he’ll bring to us on the website. Episode 101, now.
Episode 101, The Rant: Cassio Machado is taking over the Rant! I’m here with Ralph the Ref!
October 18, 2019 17:41I’m going to interview him and ask him about his journey on becoming a D3 Women’s College Official. He just reached 100 episodes on the podcast, and he’ll discuss what he’ll bring to us on the website. Episode 101, now.
Episode 100, The Rant: Tommy Caramella - Kindred Spirit, Friend, Mentor. Elite Boy’s & Girl’s Nassau Basketball Official.
October 16, 2019 13:34As stubborn as it sounds, we reserved Episode 100 for this special guest. In this pod, we discuss our eerie similarities, what Basketball meant to him, how he loathed refs, and became one of them, to become one of the most respected of them all. Episode 100, my conversation with Tommy, now.
Episode 100, The Rant: Tommy Caramella - Kindred Spirit, Friend, Mentor. Elite Boy’s & Girl’s Nassau Basketball Official.
October 16, 2019 13:34As stubborn as it sounds, we reserved Episode 100 for this special guest. In this pod, we discuss our eerie similarities, what Basketball meant to him, how he loathed refs, and became one of them, to become one of the most respected of them all. Episode 100, my conversation with Tommy, now.
Episode 99, The Rant: Keith Keough. Grover Cleveland High School’s Proudest Basketball & Baseball Alumni, Basketball Assistant Coach, and Board 119 Official.
October 14, 2019 19:49Keith beat the odds, and is reaping the benefits and values now. In this pod, he discusses his adverse come up at Cleveland High School, his officiating and coaching career, and what 1999 meant to both of us respectfully. All that and more, my conversation with Keith, now.
Episode 99, The Rant: Keith Keough. Grover Cleveland High School’s Proudest Basketball & Baseball Alumni, Basketball Assistant Coach, and Board 119 Official.
October 14, 2019 19:49Keith beat the odds, and is reaping the benefits and values now. In this pod, he discusses his adverse come up at Cleveland High School, his officiating and coaching career, and what 1999 meant to both of us respectfully. All that and more, my conversation with Keith, now.
Episode 98, The Rant: Aloysius Johnson - One of Nassau County’s Elite Basketball Official, President, Chairperson, and Mentor to All.
October 11, 2019 13:18 - 53 minutes - 36.7 MBAl is more than a peer, mentor. He is a man of integrity that will tell it to you, straight. In this pod he discusses his exploits as a player, how he discovered officiating, and what motivates him after all these years. All that and more, my conversation with Al Johnson, now.
Episode 98, The Rant: Aloysius Johnson - One of Nassau County’s Elite Basketball Official, President, Chairperson, and Mentor to All.
October 11, 2019 13:18 - 53 minutes - 36.7 MBAl is more than a peer, mentor. He is a man of integrity that will tell it to you, straight. In this pod he discusses his exploits as a player, how he discovered officiating, and what motivates him after all these years. All that and more, my conversation with Al Johnson, now.
Episode 97, The Rant: Anthony Leo - Lifetime Fitness’ Ultimate Hoops League Coordinator for the Northeast Region, League Assignor, and Media Pointman.
October 09, 2019 18:00 - 54 minutes - 37.3 MBMore often than not, you can catch Anthony Leo at Lifetime running the Ultimate Hoops. In this pod, he discusses his sports career growing up in Syosset, how he got involved with Ultimate Hoops, and what’s it like servicing a league where players will #neverretire. All that and more, my conversation with Anthony, now. ::DO REMEMBER:: Please join Anthony and the Rest of the Leo's to Michael Leo's 5K Run & Walk for Recovery run @ Jericho High School. Click the following link for more informati...
Episode 96, The Rant: Cal Griffin - Creator and Founder of All Things Hoops, the E-Magazine for the Basketball Junkie.
October 09, 2019 17:29 - 57 minutes - 39.9 MBBasketball has always been an obsession for Cal. In this pod, he discusses how he got addicted, his trails and tribulations in high school and in college, and how he started his brand, All Things Hoops. All that and more, my conversation with Cal, now.
Episode 95, The Rant: Andre Vanterpool - Former Manhasset & Rice High School Standout, Stony Brook Big, Turned Coach, Turned Alum, JV Basketball Coach at Manhasset, and Setting the Mood Right with Pictures and Videos, one Event at a Time.
October 04, 2019 05:10 - 1 hour - 43.4 MBAs much as his style is impeccable, Andre is unique, and enthralling. In this pod, we discuss his Basketball Career: from finishing alley-oops at Manhasset High School, to experiencing the Division 1 College Basketball Level, Coaching at an Early Age, and making art through his eyes. All that and more, my conversation with Drepool, now.
Episode 94, The Rant: Mic Larry - From the Congregation to the Court, his Mic, his Voice Coming Through Your Speakers.
October 02, 2019 17:17 - 48 minutes - 33.1 MBMic Larry always had an affinity for words. Mix that with a crowd, he keeps an audience entertained from a wedding, to a basketball game. In this pod we discuss his come up in Basketball, his affinity for announcing, and where he sees his future through his voice. All that and more, my conversation with Mic Larry, now.
Episode 93, The Rant: Tamar Adams - Certified Basketball Junkie: player, coach, CEO of Perfect Your Skills 24/7.
September 30, 2019 13:15 - 1 hour - 62.2 MBI’ve had so many interactions with Coach T over the years. He imbues his passion for the game when he teaches his kids, when he’s point guard on the floor, and when coaching his teams to victory. Practice makes permanent, and in this pod he discusses how his come up, how he developed Perfect Your Skills, and his new coaching position at Island Trees High School. All that and more, my conversation with Coach T, now.
Episode 93, The Rant: Tamar Adams - Certified Basketball Junkie: player, coach, CEO of Perfect Your Skills 24/7.
September 30, 2019 13:15 - 1 hour - 62.2 MBI’ve had so many interactions with Coach T over the years. He imbues his passion for the game when he teaches his kids, when he’s point guard on the floor, and when coaching his teams to victory. Practice makes permanent, and in this pod he discusses how his come up, how he developed Perfect Your Skills, and his new coaching position at Island Trees High School. All that and more, my conversation with Coach T, now.
Episode 92, The Rant: Coach Richard Curtin - Proud Father, Prouder Grandfather, Eternal Basketball Coach, and Seasoned Wise Soul.
September 27, 2019 14:39 - 1 hour - 59.3 MBSome 20 years ago, Coach Curtin and I were at the confines of the Kellenberg Memorial High School Gym. Not only was he my coach, he informed my own coaching career, and always encouraged me to stay the game. Not to mention his perplexing philosophies the are translucent, now. On the eve of his 60th birthday, we discuss his life, his coaching career, and what life has taught him. All that and more, my conversation with Coach Curtin, now.
Episode 92, The Rant: Coach Richard Curtin - Proud Father, Prouder Grandfather, Eternal Basketball Coach, and Seasoned Wise Soul.
September 27, 2019 14:39 - 1 hour - 59.3 MBSome 20 years ago, Coach Curtin and I were at the confines of the Kellenberg Memorial High School Gym. Not only was he my coach, he informed my own coaching career, and always encouraged me to stay the game. Not to mention his perplexing philosophies the are translucent, now. On the eve of his 60th birthday, we discuss his life, his coaching career, and what life has taught him. All that and more, my conversation with Coach Curtin, now.
Episode 91, The Rant: Karleena Tobin - Division 1 Women’s Basketball Official, WNBA Official, CEO of ElevenOne Officiating.
September 25, 2019 12:57 - 25 minutes - 17.5 MBUnbeknownst to Karleena, Basketball was a passion turned full-time gig. From playing at a high level in Maryland, to playing collegiately at the University of Delaware, she found her footing, full time, in staying in the game in officiating. She discusses all of this, including her ElevenOne officiating initiative, to show that anyone willing to put in the work, can achieve anything they want in this game. All that and more, my conversation with Karleena, now.
Episode 91, The Rant: Karleena Tobin - Division 1 Women’s Basketball Official, WNBA Official, CEO of ElevenOne Officiating.
September 25, 2019 12:57 - 25 minutes - 17.5 MBUnbeknownst to Karleena, Basketball was a passion turned full-time gig. From playing at a high level in Maryland, to playing collegiately at the University of Delaware, she found her footing, full time, in staying in the game in officiating. She discusses all of this, including her ElevenOne officiating initiative, to show that anyone willing to put in the work, can achieve anything they want in this game. All that and more, my conversation with Karleena, now.
Episode 90, The Rant: Orrin Barfield Jr. - First Year Certified Official, Former Arch Bishop Molloy Standout, and Collegiate Player for John Jay University.
September 23, 2019 04:10 - 47 minutes - 32.4 MBAfter the alpha comes the omega, enter Orrin Jr - son of Basketball officiating greatness, we picked Episode 90 for him to honor his father for his own start in officiating, which started in 1990. In this pod, junior discusses his come up, watching his father officiate, working hard to belong on a high level high school team, how he got into reffing, and putting it on pause to play in college. All that and more, my conversation with Orrin Jr. featuring Sr., now.
Episode 90, The Rant: Orrin Barfield Jr. - First Year Certified Official, Former Arch Bishop Molloy Standout, and Collegiate Player for John Jay University.
September 23, 2019 04:10 - 47 minutes - 32.4 MBAfter the alpha comes the omega, enter Orrin Jr - son of Basketball officiating greatness, we picked Episode 90 for him to honor his father for his own start in officiating, which started in 1990. In this pod, junior discusses his come up, watching his father officiate, working hard to belong on a high level high school team, how he got into reffing, and putting it on pause to play in college. All that and more, my conversation with Orrin Jr. featuring Sr., now.
Episode 89, The Rant. Orrin Barfield. Elite Collegiate & High School Basketball Official, Mentor to Many, and Still Improving.
September 20, 2019 13:03 - 40 minutes - 28.1 MBWe pulled up at the Rivalries Never Die earlier in the summer to get Orrin to discuss his journey in officiating. In it, he discusses how he stumbled upon reffing, when he took it serious, and how he stays sharp after all these years. All that and more, my conversation with Orrin, now.
Episode 89, The Rant. Orrin Barfield. Elite Collegiate & High School Basketball Official, Mentor to Many, and Still Improving.
September 20, 2019 13:03 - 40 minutes - 28.1 MBWe pulled up at the Rivalries Never Die earlier in the summer to get Orrin to discuss his journey in officiating. In it, he discusses how he stumbled upon reffing, when he took it serious, and how he stays sharp after all these years. All that and more, my conversation with Orrin, now.
Episode 88, The Rant: Dagan Nelson. NYU Men’s Basketball Head Coach, Master Communicator & Motivator
September 18, 2019 12:52 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBIt’s been 2 decades since I’ve seen or spoken to Coach Nelson. He took some time out of his busy recruiting and pre-season schedule to talk to the Rant about his amazing journey in coaching that started with coaching a JV team on Long Island, his travels, his mentors that helped him along the way, and what he sees for NYU this season and beyond. All that and more, my conversation with Coach Nelson, now.
Episode 88, The Rant: Dagan Nelson. NYU Men’s Basketball Head Coach, Master Communicator & Motivator
September 18, 2019 12:52 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBIt’s been 2 decades since I’ve seen or spoken to Coach Nelson. He took some time out of his busy recruiting and pre-season schedule to talk to the Rant about his amazing journey in coaching that started with coaching a JV team on Long Island, his travels, his mentors that helped him along the way, and what he sees for NYU this season and beyond. All that and more, my conversation with Coach Nelson, now.
Episode 87, The Rant: Herving Armand: Motor-Cycle Riding, Deep-Thinking 2nd Year Official Mastering Basketball, Soccer, and Baseball, one Sport at a Time.
September 16, 2019 12:17 - 57 minutes - 39.5 MBHerv has always been involved in sports. From growing up in Queens and playing at the Collegiate level, he wanted to continue with sports after. Enter officiating; in this pod we discuss all that, his experience juggling multiple sports, his experience trying to master said sports, and what the future holds. All that and more, my conversation with Herv, now.
Episode 87, The Rant: Herving Armand: Motor-Cycle Riding, Deep-Thinking 2nd Year Official Mastering Basketball, Soccer, and Baseball, one Sport at a Time.
September 16, 2019 12:17 - 57 minutes - 39.5 MBHerv has always been involved in sports. From growing up in Queens and playing at the Collegiate level, he wanted to continue with sports after. Enter officiating; in this pod we discuss all that, his experience juggling multiple sports, his experience trying to master said sports, and what the future holds. All that and more, my conversation with Herv, now.
Episode 86, The Rant: Speedy Claxton: Former Christ the King Standout, Hofstra Basketball King, NBA Champion, and Current Assistant Coach for the Hofstra Pride Men’s Basketball Team.
September 13, 2019 09:57 - 45 minutes - 31.2 MBWe pulled up at my alma mater, Hofstra University, to record with Coach Claxton to talk to his exploits on the Basketball court. We discuss his journey that took him from Corona Queens, to the NCAA Tournament, his travels in the NBA, and what led him back home. All that and more, my conversation with Speedy, now.
Episode 86, The Rant: Speedy Claxton: Former Christ the King Standout, Hofstra Basketball King, NBA Champion, and Current Assistant Coach for the Hofstra Pride Men’s Basketball Team.
September 13, 2019 09:57 - 45 minutes - 31.2 MBWe pulled up at my alma mater, Hofstra University, to record with Coach Claxton to talk to his exploits on the Basketball court. We discuss his journey that took him from Corona Queens, to the NCAA Tournament, his travels in the NBA, and what led him back home. All that and more, my conversation with Speedy, now.
Episode 85, The Rant: Cassio Machado and Ralph the Ref discuss the special Ebook inspired by the first 50 episodes of the Rant, The Rant Replay.
September 11, 2019 16:32 - 31 minutes - 22 MBThere were so many quotes that you could sift out of the first 50 episodes, and it needed to be preserved in writing for posterity. In this pod we discuss the genesis of the project, the transcribing of the quotes, how it’s help me master English, and our favorite episodes thus far. All that and more, Episode 85, now.
Episode 85, The Rant: Cassio Machado and Ralph the Ref discuss the special Ebook inspired by the first 50 episodes of the Rant, The Rant Replay.
September 11, 2019 16:32 - 31 minutes - 22 MBThere were so many quotes that you could sift out of the first 50 episodes, and it needed to be preserved in writing for posterity. In this pod we discuss the genesis of the project, the transcribing of the quotes, how it’s help me master English, and our favorite episodes thus far. All that and more, Episode 85, now.
Episode 84, The Rant: Warren Davis. AKA Jug, AKA Jug Head, also known as Rule Master.
September 09, 2019 13:11 - 37 minutes - 25.9 MBWe sat down with Jug not to far from his house, at Jurassic Park, to discuss his automatic Jumpshot, his experience doing high level officiating in NYC, and how he mastered the rules of Basketball, one section at a time. Be sure to look out at the end of the pod for our new segment, dropping weekly and daily, Monday through Friday: Jug’s Jewels. All that and more, my conversation with Jug, now.
Episode 84, The Rant: Warren Davis. AKA Jug, AKA Jug Head, also known as Rule Master.
September 09, 2019 13:11 - 37 minutes - 25.9 MBWe sat down with Jug not to far from his house, at Jurassic Park, to discuss his automatic Jumpshot, his experience doing high level officiating in NYC, and how he mastered the rules of Basketball, one section at a time. Be sure to look out at the end of the pod for our new segment, dropping weekly and daily, Monday through Friday: Jug’s Jewels. All that and more, my conversation with Jug, now.
Episode 83, The Rant: Gerda Gatling: One of NYC’s Top Basketball Officials: From Balling in the DMV, Securing Space at Stony Brook, and Traveling in Between, all in Pursuit of Officiating Full-Time.
September 06, 2019 11:56 - 50 minutes - 35 MBThe Rant pulled up to Brooklyn to speak to Gerda. In this pod we discuss why she’s forever indebted to John Coleson, how she got thrown in the fire, how she leveled up in officiating doing crazy games in New York City, and how she became a staple in the Women’s Basketball College Circuit. All that and more, my conversation with Gerda, now.
Episode 83, The Rant: Gerda Gatling: One of NYC’s Top Basketball Officials: From Balling in the DMV, Securing Space at Stony Brook, and Traveling in Between, all in Pursuit of Officiating Full-Time.
September 06, 2019 11:56 - 50 minutes - 35 MBThe Rant pulled up to Brooklyn to speak to Gerda. In this pod we discuss why she’s forever indebted to John Coleson, how she got thrown in the fire, how she leveled up in officiating doing crazy games in New York City, and how she became a staple in the Women’s Basketball College Circuit. All that and more, my conversation with Gerda, now.
Episode 82, The Rant: Keith Willis - Former Baller; From Getting Buckets to Transitioning to an Elite PSAL Basketball Official.
September 04, 2019 12:41 - 49 minutes - 35.3 MBComing From Brooklyn and Coming to Queens, Keith is comfortable officiating in the Belly of the Beast, the Public School Athletic League, in New York. In this pod, we discuss how he played at a high level, how he discovered officiating, and breaking it down on how he’s getting to his highest level in officiating. All that and more, my conversation with Keith, now.
Episode 82, The Rant: Keith Willis - Former Baller; From Getting Buckets to Transitioning to an Elite PSAL Basketball Official.
September 04, 2019 12:41 - 49 minutes - 35.3 MBComing From Brooklyn and Coming to Queens, Keith is comfortable officiating in the Belly of the Beast, the Public School Athletic League, in New York. In this pod, we discuss how he played at a high level, how he discovered officiating, and breaking it down on how he’s getting to his highest level in officiating. All that and more, my conversation with Keith, now.