Take 5 with Chris Gasper

Chris Gasper is joined by the voice of the Patriots, Bob Socci of 98.5 the Sports Hub.  The Patriots are 1-1 on the season. Rookie QB Mac Jones has performed well in both games, but is he a system quarterback playing too conservatively or will he be able to grow into a real difference-maker? Gasper says we're comparing Jones to the wrong former Patriots QB. Socci explains why he's on the Jones Train.  Gasper & Socci also touch on the defense, Socci's past play-by-play jobs, and his previous connection to the Belichick family. Producer Ellen Fleming is shocked that he once worked for the Albuquerque Isotopes, who have a "The Simpsons" claim to fame.   Email the Take 5 podcast at Take5@WCVB.com Follow Chris Gasper and WCVB on Twitter @cgasper & @WCVB

Chris Gasper is joined by Adam Jones of 98.5 The Sports Hub to break down the Patriots' season-opener and discuss the dawn of the Mac Jones Era. The Patriots lost a game but look like they found a quality QB. Gasper and Jones discuss if the rookie will be able to lead the team to the playoffs or if the QB thirst is real and fans are overreacting.  Jones tells you what Mac and Jared Goff have in common. Gasper reveals Bill Belichick's blindspot... Also, who is to blame for the Patriot's long-running red zone woes? Producer Ellen Fleming dishes some harsh truth on the continued obsession with Tom Brady using a Seinfeld reference. Email the Take 5 podcast at Take5@WCVB.com Follow Chris Gasper and WCVB on Twitter @cgasper & @WCVB  

Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom discusses the state of his team as the Sox head down the stretch of a tight playoff race. He called this season "a roller-coaster." Bloom pushed back against the idea he didn't do enough at the trade deadline with his team going 17-20 since, saying "chasing a ghost" doesn't help you in the long run. But is Bloom prioritizing the future over the now.  He admits there can be a "tug of war" between the two. Bloom also explains why he believes the Sox can't build a winner simply by whipping out their wallet. He addresses the long-term future of shortstop Xander Bogaerts and revisits a possible misstep from the Mookie Betts deal.  The baseball boss also touches on combating a COVID-19 outbreak within the team, calling it one of the most difficult challenges of his career. And producer Ellen Fleming asks Bloom how much the intense Boston Baseball Experience affects player acquisitions.   Email the Take 5 podcast at Take5@WCVB.com Follow Chris Gasper and WCVB on Twitter @cgasper & @WCVB

Chris Gasper is sitting down with MassLive Celtics reporter Brian Robb, also a contributor at 98.5 The Sports Hub and co-host of The Winning Plays Podcast. It has been an active offseason for president of basketball ops Brad Stevens and the Green. With the Celtics giving Marcus Smart a four-year, $77.1 million max contract extension, what does that mean for Boston's pursuit of a third star to pair with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown? B-Robb explains why Smart could now be "movable money" in a big trade. Gasper and Robb throw out some possibilities for a third star. B-Robb also explains why he loves the Josh Richardson signing and why it's so important for the Celtics that Summer League success for Aaron Nesmith translates to the actual NBA. Robb also explains how traded player exceptions work and why the Celtics collect them. Plus, producer Ellen Fleming wonders how Stevens will do in relinquishing his coaching duties to Ime Udoka, and if he will become like Nate from Ted Lasso.       Email the Take 5 podcast at Take5@WCVB.com Follow Chris Gasper and WCVB on Twitter @cgasper & @WCVB

Chris Gasper is sitting down with Jason Mastrodonato of The Boston Herald and the Locked on Red Sox podcast.  The Red Sox have lost 10 of their last 12 games and have fallen drastically in MLB standings. The two discuss if Chaim Bloom's focus on sustainability and the future could be part of the problem.  Mastrodonato believes Bloom “misread the market” at the trade deadline and that other teams in the AL East saw the Red Sox as catchable and made beneficial moves.  At this crucial  juncture in the season, the team has a lot riding on the return of ace Chris Sale. Producer Ellen Fleming wonders is even Sale enough to save the team, and if that kind of pressure on a player will affect his mental health.        Email the Take 5 podcast at Take5@WCVB.com Follow Chris Gasper and WCVB on Twitter @cgasper & @WCVB

Chris Gasper is talking with Shalise Manza Young, Yahoo! Sports columnist, from Tokyo where she's covering the Summer Olympics. The pandemic sidelined the Olympics last year, and Manza Young gets into how COVID regulations have changed the overall Olympic atmosphere: protests, stadiums without fans, different medal ceremonies, and a lack of access for press members to athletes. Manza Young touches on gymnastics great Simone Biles while deeming these the “Mental Health Olympics”. Producer Ellen Fleming asks if the global audience reacted positively to Biles' decision. Manza Young then breaks down the performances in track and field, with the women getting top billing and the US men unexpectedly stumbling. Email the Take 5 podcast at Take5@WCVB.com Follow Chris Gasper and WCVB on Twitter @cgasper & @WCVB

Chris Gasper is talking with Nicole Auerbach, Senior Writer at The Athletic, about a seismic change in college athletics. For the first time, athletes can profit off their name, image, or likeness (NIL) rights and retain their eligibility, opening the floodgates for endorsement and marketing payments while undercutting the NCAA's amateurism argument. Under pressure from two dozen states that passed NIL laws that went into effect July 1 and the Supreme Court, the NCAA relented on NIL. Auerbach explained how college sports reached this money-making milestone and what it means moving forward. Gasper and Auerbach discuss how this remuneration revolution could alter the landscape of college, Olympic, and professional sports. They examine if it foretells the end of the NCAA as college sports' governing body. Auerbach reveals how athletes are already monetizing their social media presence and popularity. Producer Ellen Fleming asks Auerbach if she sees a future for unionization in college sports and what NIL means for increasing gender equality in college sports. Email the Take 5 podcast at Take5@WCVB.com Follow Chris Gasper and WCVB on Twitter @cgasper & @WCVB

Chris Gasper is talking with New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner. The Revs are enjoying one of the best starts in franchise history, maintaining the momentum they built with their run to the Eastern Conference Finals last year. Is this the best Revs team Turner has played on, and can they finally bring home an MLS Cup? Turner explains what kind of coach Bruce Arena is and how he has impacted the Revolution, on and off the pitch. Also, Turner addresses the dream of the Revs finally having their own stadium and what it would mean for the franchise and its fans. Lastly, we learn that producer Ellen Fleming has a distinct, and somewhat frightening memory of Revolution midfielder Scott Caldwell, who turns out to be Turner's old roommate.  Email the Take 5 podcast at Take5@WCVB.com Follow Chris Gasper and WCVB on Twitter @cgasper & @WCVB

Chris Gasper is talking with the face of NESN, Tom Caron. Caron was a very early adopter of these Red Sox, but even he did not expect the team to be performing this well. The two get into the future of Sox top prospect Jarren Durran and how soon he could hit Boston. Commissioner Caron makes an appearance, sharing his plan to save baseball. He has ideas on how to speed up the game and introduce more action and offense. Producer Ellen Fleming dips into the “sticky substance” controversy. Caron explains exactly what Spider Tack does for pitchers and why it should be outlawed, but believes MLB needs to find some approved substance for pitchers to use for grip. Email the Take 5 podcast at Take5@WCVB.com Follow Chris Gasper and WCVB on Twitter @cgasper & @WCVB

Chris Gasper sits down with Doug Kyed of NESN and NESN.com. The Patriots wrapped up their offseason program with mandatory mini-camp and quarterback still remains the biggest question mark and curiosity with Cam Newton's capability and rookie Mac Jones' readiness for the season up for debate. Kyed attended mini-camp and thought Jones belonged and could be a "poorer man's" Joe Burrow-- Kyed and Gasper pine for Jimmy Garoppolo, and Doug explains why Jimmy G is underrated-- Speaking of mini-camp, Stephon Gilmore was no-show. Doug tells us what he thinks Gilmore's Patriot future holds-- Chris compares producer Ellen Fleming to brilliant Belichick aide Ernie Adams, who just retired, and Ellen is concerned about Belichick's ego being checked with so many trusted assistants leaving the Foxborough Fold. Lastly, Kyed provides a rosy prediction of where the Patriots will stand in the standings at the end of the season. Email the Take 5 podcast at Take5@WCVB.com Follow Chris Gasper and WCVB on Twitter @cgasper & @WCVB  

Chris Gasper sits down with Joe Castiglione, the iconic voice of the Boston Red Sox and father of WCVB's own, Duke Castiglione. The Red Sox are relevant again, currently second in the AL East standings, Castiglione shares why Alex Cora deserves a ton of the credit for the turnaround and what this team has in common with Morgan Magic in 1988. Castiglione is also a master storyteller and shares why he thinks Xander Bogaerts will have his number retired someday, plus why he's one of the best people to ever wear a Sox uniform. He details the challenges of broadcasting games remotely with pandemic protocols. And there's no crying in baseball, but Castiglione tells a story about a fateful Sox game that left both Duke and Gasper in tears. Producer Ellen Fleming asks Castiglione for his thoughts on rule changes to pick up the pace of play and scoring, and he agrees that changes need to be made and he swears it's not just so he can get home faster. Lastly, Castiglione shares his all-time favorite call. Email the Take 5 podcast at Take5@WCVB.com Follow Chris Gasper and WCVB on Twitter @cgasper & @WCVB

Chris Gasper sits down with Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston, who enjoyed the NBA off-season for about 12 hours before the Celtics announced Danny Ainge is retiring, and Brad Stevens has been named as his replacement-- leaving the coaching spot open. Will this make the Celtics weaker in two spots instead of one? Stevens is also now in charge of finding his replacement, will he follow in the trail-blazing tradition of the Celtics and break down another barrier by choosing the first female NBA head coach? Although an advocate for that, producer Ellen Fleming is skeptical about that happening. The shakeup won’t stop at the front office either, Gasper and Forsberg discuss what could happen to a roster in need of renovations moving forward. Lastly, Forsberg might be known for his basketball acumen, but what he is truly passionate about southern fast-food chains. Email the Take 5 podcast at Take5@WCVB.com Follow Chris Gasper and WCVB on Twitter @cgasper & @WCVB

Chris Gasper sits down with legendary Boston Globe hockey writer and columnist, Kevin Paul Dupont. He tells us whether the Bruins are bona fide Stanley Cup contenders, why GM Don Sweeney deserves a stick salute for his work, and what polarizing puck-stopper Tuukka Rask can do to finally win over his critics. The noted nickname artist also tells producer Ellen Fleming how he comes up with his catchy sobriquets. KPD also delves into what the NHL plans to do with the Stanley Cup playoffs with the Canadian border still closed due to COVID-19. Email the Take 5 podcast at Take5@WCVB.com Follow Chris Gasper and WCVB on Twitter @cgasper & @WCVB

Chris Gasper sits down with legendary Boston Globe columnist and NBA guru Bob Ryan. The inimitable Ryan shares his encyclopedic knowledge of the NBA and the Celtics. He reveals who gets his nod as the greatest Celtics scorer ever and the greatest Celtics team of all-time. He also doesn’t mince words about the disappointing performance of the current Celtics, labeling them “artistically annoying” to watch. Gasper and Ryan discuss what the future looks like for Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Marcus Smart in green. Ryan also weighs in on Tom Brady's return to Foxborough and the Brady vs. Belichick debate. Producer Ellen Fleming jumps in to revisit Ryan’s time working at WCVB and wonders if Gasper is just copying Ryan’s career path completely.     Email the Take 5 podcast at Take5@WCVB.com   Follow Chris Gasper and WCVB on Twitter @cgasper & @WCVB Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Podcasts Stitcher Podbean Pandora

Chris Gasper sits down with University of Alabama football beat writer Mike Rodak of AL.com to get the scoop on the Patriots' top two draft picks. Rodak previously covered the Patriots and the Buffalo Bills for ESPN and gives us the lowdown on quarterback Mac Jones and defensive lineman Christian Barmore. Jones is a polarizing passer. Rodak reveals whether he thinks Jones will be the caliber of NFL quarterback the Patriots can win with or if he benefitted from 'Bama's embarrassment of riches. He also tells us why Jones trash-talked legendary Alabama coach Nick Saban. Rodak explains why Barmore is a late-bloomer. He also weighs in on whether Bill Belichick's willingness to roll the dice on his friend Saban's players is helping or hurting the Patriots. And he runs down the striking similarities between the Patriots and Crimson Tide programs. Producer Ellen Fleming asks about a transgression from Jones' past, and Gasper grills Rodak for not having tried Alabama-staple Dreamland BBQ. Email the Take 5 podcast at Take5@WCVB.com Follow Chris Gasper and WCVB on Twitter @CGasper & @WCVB

The 2021 Draft is almost here and who better to join Chris Gasper to talk about what really goes on as teams prep for the draft than Bob Quinn, who worked in the Patriots front office from 2000 to 2015 and was the general manager of the Detroit Lions from 2016 to 2020. The Norwood native reveals how teams stack their draft boards and the conversations that go on with Bill Belichick in the lead-up to the draft. He explains why the draft is the Super Bowl for scouts...He evaluates the best QB fits for the passer-needy Patriots and tells us the prospect who reminds him of Dak Prescott. He also details why projecting college QBs into pro football is harder than ever and gives his scouting report on ex-Pat Jimmy Garoppolo. Plus, producer Ellen Fleming makes her pitch to be a social media scout for NFL teams as they scour the socials of NFL prospects.  Email the Take 5 podcast at Take5@WCVB.com Follow Chris Gasper and WCVB on Twitter @CGasper & @WCVB Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Podcasts Stitcher Podbean Pandora    

Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge checks in for a State of the Celtics discussion. In February, Ainge famously declared that his team was not championship caliber. Has he changed his mind after the team's recent winning streak? Ainge goes to bat for Brad Stevens, who has come under fire this season, and explains why his coach isn't going anywhere with six seasons left on Brad's contract. He also reveals that Kemba Walker's knee shouldn't be a long-term concern and defends the departure of Gordon Hayward and the trading of first-round pick Desmond Bane. Plus, producer Ellen Fleming digs into Ainge's infamous Chipotle VIP status and angles for a black card of her own from the restaurant. Email the Take 5 podcast at Take5@WCVB.com Follow Chris Gasper and WCVB on Twitter @CGasper & @WCVB

We talk with Matt Porter, covering the Bruins and all things NHL for The Boston Globe. The trade deadline is quickly approaching and Porter gives his thoughts on how the Bruins could proceed, asking, “What would the Bill Belichick of hockey do?” Could the Bruins be facing a future where this is the last ride for the Bruins core? Producer Ellen Fleming thinks this could be a bridge year for the Black and Gold, and Porter shares his encounter with Drake. Email the Take 5 podcast at Take5@WCVB.com Follow Chris Gasper and WCVB on Twitter @CGasper & @WCVB

We talk with Jen McCaffrey, Red Sox beat writer for The Athletic. Alex Cora is back as Sox manager and McCaffrey says the team is banking on him being a difference-maker in the dugout. There are still big questions about this edition of the Sox, starting with the starting pitcher and the health of Eduardo Rodriguez and Chris Sale. And both Gasper and McCaffrey believe the Red Sox are downplaying and disguising a rebuild. She coins the Sox's 2021 marketing slogan, "They've got two Brock Holts." McCaffrey also answers how long the Sox will give Chaim Bloom to execute his small-market blueprint for sustainability. Lastly, producer, Ellen Fleming asks McCaffrey about potential rule changes to make baseball more appealing and less time-consuming. Gasper wants robot umps. Ellen, not so much. Email the Take 5 podcast at Take5@WCVB.com Follow Chris Gasper and WCVB on Twitter @CGasper & @WCVB

We talk with ESPN NFL Insider and former NFL scout Field Yates. Field tells Gasper and Ellen Fleming why Cam Newton and the Patriots remain a football match and why both are now set up for success in 2021 after disappointing seasons...Yates also touches on the role Tom Brady’s success with Tampa Bay played in the Pats' big offseason binge... He reveals which young QB the Pats are targeting in the NFL Draft....and also discusses how much much longer he thinks Bill Belichick wants to coach. Plus, he thrills Ellen by sharing his love for the show “Laguna Beach” and another lesser quality reality offering. Email the Take 5 podcast at Take5@WCVB.com Follow Chris Gasper and WCVB on Twitter @CGasper & @WCVB

Jim McBride has called The Boston Globe home for more than 30 years, starting as a co-op student from Suffolk University and now as Patriots beat reporter. He's here with Gasper to discuss where he thinks the Patriots are heading in a pivotal off-season, why Bill Belichick still thinks he can win with Cam Newton, the most important free agent the Patriots need to retain, and the former Patriots QB that McBride thinks could be due for a second act. Like many of us, McBride’s life was upended by the pandemic, but that didn’t stop his Patriots coverage. McBride was the only reporter traveling to cover the team for road games last season, and even he agrees that fans in the stand will help boost the Patriots' product. Email the Take 5 podcast at Take5@WCVB.com Follow Chris Gasper and WCVB on Twitter @CGasper & @WCVB

Steve Bulpett is the dean of Celtics beat writers. He spent 35 consecutive years covering the Celtics, and no one in the history of the team has covered them as a beat writer for longer. He's here with us to discuss all things NBA. This is Bulpett’s first season in almost four decades not following the team, home and away. But that doesn’t mean he doesn't still have the scoop on the Green. He shares his views on calls for Brad Stevens' job, the hero ball tendencies of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and how Danny Ainge is viewed by other NBA GMs. Like many of us, he wasn't impressed by NBA All-Star “weekend” and thinks the dunk contest is lacking. He also shares some amazing stories from the glory days of the Larry Bird Celtics when the players and the media had a lot more in common, including sharing flights and buses. Email the Take 5 podcast at Take5@WCVB.com Follow Chris Gasper and WCVB on Twitter @CGasper & @WCVB

The man, the myth, the Boston sports broadcasting legend Mike Lynch returns to give us his insights on the Celtics, Red Sox, Patriots, and the Kardashian clan. Lynchie shares his view on what's ailing the underperforming Celtics and lets you know whether they're championship contenders or pretenders. It wouldn’t be a lecture from Professor Lynch if he didn’t bring out his notebook to rattle off some stats – just hope he doesn’t break out his red pen for grading. He shares his level of optimism for the Sox and hops in the way back machine to the last time so little was expected from them and Lynchie provides his prescription for the Patriots at quarterback. Hint: It involves houndstooth. Finally, producer Ellen Fleming and Lynchie share a bond and a love of pop culture references; she just wasn't alive for any of the ones Mike makes. Email the Take 5 podcast at Take5@WCVB.com Follow Chris Gasper and WCVB on Twitter @CGasper & @WCVB

Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy stops by. He explains why the Red Sox are internally optimistic about the 2021 season despite a lot of external skepticism surrounding the team. Kennedy admits that last season's last-place finish was "a disgrace" for the club. He pushes back against the notion of the Sox operating with a small-market mentality under Chaim Bloom and becoming the "FenRays." He also discusses the outlook for having fans in the stands at Fenway Park by Opening Day. Plus, he tells us whether he foresees his friend and former Sox GM Theo Epstein returning to the Sox and producer Ellen Fleming grills Kennedy on a key aspect of ballpark operations. Email the Take 5 podcast at Take5@WCVB.com Follow Chris Gasper and WCVB on Twitter @CGasper & @WCVB

Chris Gasper is joined by ESPN NFL Front Office Insider, former GM of the New York Jets, and head of Football Operations of the Miami Dolphins Mike Tannenbaum. A Needham native, Tannenbaum has been part of the NFL since the mid-90s when Bill Belichick gave him his first shot in Cleveland. Tannenbaum explains why the Patriots are still a destination for free agents. He says the solution for Belichick at quarterback will take more than one player and reveals why teams that are looking for a QB in the 2021 NFL Draft are going to have to be more aggressive than usual or regret missing out. Gasper also asked Tannenbaum about his role in Spygate and gets him to tell us which Boston sports team he still follows religiously. It's not the one you think.Email the Take 5 podcast at Take5@WCVB.comFollow Chris Gasper and WCVB on Twitter @CGasper & @WCVB

Chris Gasper is joined by Ted Johnson, ex-Patriots linebacker and three-time Super Bowl champion. Johnson explains why Brady's Super Bowl win with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was a victory for other ex-Pats. He provides some insight into the inner workings of Bill Belichick's iron-fisted program, explains why the Bucs' victory reminded him of the Patriots' first Super Bowl win and discusses how Belichick is going to have to change his ways in the wake of Brady's triumphant departure. Plus, producer Ellen Fleming shares what disease a Jack Black character coined that Brady might have.Email the Take 5 podcast at Take5@WCVB.comFollow Chris Gasper and WCVB on Twitter @CGasper & @WCVB

Chris Gasper is joined by Greg Bedard of the Boston Sports Journal. Bedard is here to call Gasper out for being a TB12-Anon and crediting just Tom Brady for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers being in the 2021 Super Bowl. Bedard still believes the Patriots can win with any of the top 15 NFL QBs. They may be on opposite sides of the isles when it comes to the Brady vs. Belichick debate, but the two can thankfully agree on another ex-Patriots QB and his possible return. Bedard shares a very telling Brady story. Lastly, producer Ellen Fleming asks the question everyone wants to know: What foods make Greg Bedard’s Super Bowl spread game-plan?Email the Take 5 podcast at Take5@WCVB.comFollow Chris Gasper and WCVB on Twitter @CGasper & @WCVB

Chris Gasper is joined by the best-dressed guy in New England football outside of Cam Newton, Mike Giardi of the NFL Network. They break down Tom Brady making a 10th Super Bowl in 19 seasons and discuss if Brady bringing the Buccaneers to the Big Game in year one will light a fire under Bill Belichick.Also, Gasper asks certified FOG (Friend of Garoppolo) Giardi about a possible reunion between Jimmy G and the Pats…and Giardi explains why Matthew Stafford might not be clamoring to play QB in Foxborough. Producer Ellen Fleming states why the Brady vs. Belichick drama is a little overstated, but she's most passionate about the weird flex Giardi has featured in his Zoom background.Email the Take 5 podcast at Take5@WCVB.comFollow Chris Gasper and WCVB on Twitter @CGasper & @WCVB

Chris Gasper is breaking down the Celtics with Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe. America has struggled to curb COVID-19, so it shouldn’t be shocking that the virus is altering the NBA's schedule. How is the league going to move forward this season? Also, Gasper asks Himmelsbach for his thoughts on how Kemba Walker's return changes the dynamics of an already promising Celtics season. Himmelsbach recounts just how happy Danny Ainge was to draft rookie revelation Payton Pritchard and throws out a trade target for the Celtics. Producer Ellen Fleming jumps in with thoughts on the Pritchard nickname debate and reveals why James Harden would've been a bad fit for the Green — it has nothing to do with basketball.Email the Take 5 podcast at Take5@WCVB.comFollow Chris Gasper and WCVB on Twitter @CGasper & @WCVB 

Chris Gasper is talking with The Washington Post’s Michael Lee, who focuses on the intersection of gender, diversity and how sports shape our society. Players across the NBA have been passionate and outspoken advocates for racial equality and social justice, so it shouldn't be a surprise that many spoke out about a double standard after the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Gasper and Lee cover the ongoing advocacy work of pro athletes, including the landmark impact of the WNBA in a U.S. Senate race. Producer Ellen Fleming jumps in to discuss the WNBA’s campaign in support of Rev. Raphael Warnock, who defeated incumbent senator and WNBA team co-owner, Kelly Loeffler to become Georgia's first Black senator. Also, Lee tackles what he believes could happen with the NBA as players continue to be out of commission due to COVID-19.Follow Chris Gasper and WCVB on Twitter @CGasper & @WCVB

Take 5 is starting off the new year with two guests on today’s podcast and although we would all love to leave 2020 in the past, Chris Gasper will be trying to figure out what the future holds for the Boston Bruins and the New England Patriots. First, Chris is talking with CBS Sports hockey writer Pete Blackburn. They discuss the loss of Bruins legend Zdeno Chara and what that means for the Bruins aging core. Speaking of losing a legend, Chris is joined by ESPN’s Mike Reiss, who helps breakdown what happened this season with the Brady-less Patriots and what's next in an offseason of uncertainty at quarterback and with Bill Belichick's staff.Follow Chris Gasper and WCVB on Twitter @CGasper & @WCVB

Chris Gasper is joined by Take 5 producer extraordinaire Ellen Fleming. Coming off a demoralizing loss to the Miami Dolphins that eliminated them from the playoffs, the two discuss the future of the Patriots and also the demise of Chris’s #ThePath for the Patriots (R.I.P). They then finalize their thoughts on the Brady vs. Belichick debate with Ellen citing Jimmy G. With the Celtics season starting, Ellen & Chris discuss The Boston Globe Op-Ed written by the Boston Celtics regarding the use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement. Ellen recalls her experience working on Beacon Hill. They close out Take 5 for 2020 with questions from YOU, answering listener questions while touching on everything from Kristin Cavallari to Chris’s bad hairstyle choice in 2000.Follow Chris & WCVB on twitter @CGasper @WCVB

Chris Gasper is sitting down with NFL Network Insider, Ian Rapoport. The two discuss what Bill Belichick sticking with quarterback Cam Newton says about his future in Foxborough and that of Jarrett Stidham. Rapoport reveals the Patriots targeted a QB in the 2020 draft and discusses what it would take for Jimmy G to return to the Patriots. He also dives into the philosophical differences in Tampa between Tom Brady and coach Bruce Arians, and reveals how he became @Rapsheet, a Twitter sports journalism pioneer with 2.4 million followers while needling our host. Follow Chris Gasper and WCVB on Twitter @CGasper & @WCVB

Chris Gasper is the new guy at WCVB SportsCenter 5, so what better way to learn the ins and outs of Boston sports than by sitting down with the dean of Boston sports coverage, Mike Lynch. Lynchie shares how he got started in the business, his first breaking news story on live TV and his relationship with Bill Belichick that goes back decades. Lynchie seems to have been everywhere breaking Boston sports news was happening, even next door in some instances. If you are looking for one-of-a-kind, personal and surprising New England sports anecdotes, this podcast is for you. Follow Chris & WCVB on twitter @cgasper and @WCVB

Chris is talking with Chris Mannix from Sports Illustrated on how the Celtics did in the 2020 draft. Did Danny Ange overplay his hand with Gordon Hayward? Mannix gives us his thoughts. They also get into how Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are only going to get better, and what Tristan Thompson’s role on the Celtic’s might be moving forward. As for rookies, they talk about the Aaron Nesmith & Payton Pritchard deals and Gasper shares why he is frustrated with the Celtic’s drafting strategy. Lastly, producer Ellen Fleming jumps in to discuss the real sport of it all, the NBA Draft fashion and who the true winners and losers were.Follow Chris and WCVB on twitter @cgasper @WCVB

2020 has proven to be the year where history is rewritten. Last week the Miami Marlins announced that Kim Ng would be taking over as general manager, making her the first woman and first Asian-American to hold such a position in major North American professional sports. Chris Gasper talks with NBC Sports Boston's Trenni Kusnierek to discuss what this milestone moment could mean for the future of women in pro sports. We also analyze the state of the Patriots following their upset win over the Baltimore Ravens, and Trenni explains how the Summer Olympics, postponed to 2021, might change during the time of COVID-19. Follow Chris @cgasper and WCVB @WCVB on twitter.

Chris Gasper is talking with The Boston Globe’s Dan Shaughnessy this week and they start off with what is on everyone’s mind, the Red Sox bringing back Alex Cora.  Cora brings a lot to the Red Sox Franchise, but are we all just going to forget about the whole cheating scandal? Well….that’s what the Red Sox are hoping for.  Dan Shaughnessy also raises the moral dilemma that comes along with bringing Cora back: If we can forgive Cora for cheating, then what about Clemens, Rose or Bonds?  After, the two touch on the win against the New York Jet’s for the Patriots this past Monday night and Chris & Dan disagree on what that means for playoff chances. Follow Chris on twitter @CGasper and WCVB @WCVB

Chris Gasper sits down with Bert Breer from Sports Illustrated to discuss the Patriots standing pat at the trade deadline, the future of the franchise, and Bill Belichick’s excuses for a 2-5 start (Hint: He didn’t do HIS job in the Draft). They also touch on Tom Brady living his best football life in Tampa Bay and posting the QB equivalent of Instagram revenge body photos.Follow Chris & WCVB on twitter @CGasper & @WCVB 

Chris Gasper is catching up about the NFL’s Crucial Catch initiative with New England Patriots' fullback Jakob Johnson. Johnson is originally from Germany and was signed to the Patriots as part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program. He shares how cancer has affected his life through his uncle, how grateful he is to be playing American football and how he is staying focused in these turbulent times. Follow Chris & WCVB on twitter @cgasper @WCVB

Chris is chatting with his old colleague, Nora Princiotti this week….except Chris is actually the oldest in the room. They catch up on Josh Allen and discuss whether he’s the new top QB in the AFC East and his similarities to Cam Newton.  They also discuss if Nora could actually hang with the Bills Mafia (burning table dives, anyone?) and she gives her answer to the endless debate, Brady or Belichick? Most importantly, the Take 5 team breaks down ABC’s The Bachelorette and yes, it has to do with football.Follow Chris & WCVB on twitter @cgasper @WCVB - Find Nora Princiotti @NoraPrinciotti

Chris sits down this week with doctor, writer and podcaster, Doctor Jessica Flynn… you may know her as Doc Flynn.  She lends her expertise to discuss the health of players, how effective the latest NFL guidelines are to decrease spread of COVID-19, and how accurate the testing really is. Follow Chris @cgasper and @WCVB on Twitter.  You can fine Doctor Flynn @DocFlynn on twitter and check out her podcast, “Sidelined with Doc Flynn”   

Chris Gasper is joined this week with 9 year NFL veteran Darius Butler.  He gives us an inside look at The New England Patriots and a breakdown Of the atrocity that was Monday’s night game against the Kansas City Chiefs.  Butler also wasn’t shy in who he thinks wins the “Is it Tom or Bill?” debate.  Make sure you check out his Everything DB show @EverythingDB on Instagram and Youtube and check out his podcast, The Man to Man with DB & AB.Follow Chris @cgasper and Channel 5 @WCVB    

This week Chris is joined by former WCVB intern Tony Massarotti, you know him from his 98.5 The Sports Hub show, Felger & Mazz.  They discuss the Celtics’ elimination this past weekend and what the future of this young team looks like.  After, it’s onto the New England Patriots and how even without Tom Brady they won against the Las Vegas Raiders in true Patriots fashion.  Of course, what’s a discussion with Mazz without asking about the Red Sox, no matter how depressing their season was.  Most importantly, Chris & Mazz make a lifelong commitment on their hairstyles. Make sure to rate, review & subscribe.  Follow Chris @cgasper & WCVB @WCVB on twitter

Chris Gasper takes on the NBA bubble this week with the Boston Globe’s national basketball writer and Celtics reporter, Gary Washburn.  They discuss the mental toll living inside the bubble has taken, the strict COVID-19 protocols, the Celtics performance & growth, and of course – Mickey Mouse shaped rice krispie treats.

SportsCenter’s 5 Chris Gasper kicks off his debut WCVB podcast with Take 5.  This week he is sitting down with Mike Lynch to discuss everything from the Patriots season opener, to Tom Brady’s first game in a Tampa Bay uniform (or “laundry” as Chris would like to say) and they even give their thoughts on what would make a better commercial for Bill Belichick to star in.  Find Chris @cgasper & WCVB Channel 5 @WCVB on Twitter.  Listen, rate and review.