The Morning Rush

On Friday's Rush, Tony C bids farewell as he retires from the radio business after 26 years (1:21:36 mark). Before he goes, Tony recaps the Steelers' preseason win and Washington's preseason loss from Thursday night. Tony also comments on the sorry state of the Nationals, Orioles, and Pirates, who COMBINED haven't won a game since Saturday. Tony gives credit where credit is due, as Major League Baseball did an outstanding job with its Field of Dreams game. And Joe Shuta has one final Rush Friday Feature, as he catches up with former Pirates closer and current Pirates analyst Matt Capps (0:56:45).

On Thursday's Rush, Tony C and Mike do their final show together. Just when you thought things couldn't get worse for the Pirates, they do. The guys talk about how crazy it was after the all the years they worked in newspaper, their paths finally crossed in radio. Tony and Mike look forward to the Field of Dreams game in Dyersville, Iowa, between the Yankees and White Sox, and working off of that, they discuss their favorite baseball movies of all-time. And they give a brief preview of tonight's NFL preseason games involving the Steelers and Washington Football Team.

On Wednesday's Rush, Tony C and Mike Burke discuss just how sorry the Orioles and Pirates have been during their six-game losing streaks. As Tony's final days on the show wind down, Frankfort head coach Kevin Whiteman calls in with some kind words, which leads Tony and Mike into a discussion about their experiences -- both good and bad -- with coaches over the years. On the heels of Mike Lange retiring as voice of the Penguins, Mike tells us who the sports voices of his youth were. And the guys talk about Valparaiso's new nickname ... one guy likes it, the other does not.

On Tuesday's Rush, Tony C celebrates the career of long-time Penguins announcer Mike Lange, who announced his retirement on Monday after 46 years with the team. Tony gives this thoughts on Lamar Jackson, who is still on the fence about getting the Covid vaccine even thought he's tested positive twice in the last 8 months. Also on The Rush: Luka and the Mavs agree to a landmark contract extension When will Fields see the field for the Bears? The Saints are a mess Look out for the White Sox in the American League

On Monday's Rush, Tony C announces that this is the final week of the show, as he has decided to retire from the radio biz. Tony recaps an absolutely miserable weekend for the Nationals, Orioles, and Pirates, and wonders why anybody would tune in to watch them anymore. We remember the life and career of Bobby Bowden, who passed away Sunday at 91, and the up-and-down relationship he had with fans during his time at West Virginia. And it was a busy few days in Canton with not one, but two Hall of Fame induction ceremonies, and black-and-gold was definitely the theme of the weekend.  

On Friday's Rush, Tony C looks at the Hall of Fame game between the Steelers and Cowboys in Canton. Vaccinations continue to be a big issue in the NFL, as the Washington Football Team pleads with its players to get the shots. Joe Shuta has another Rush Friday Feature, as he catches up with 1972 gold medal winner Dave Wottle (0:46:08 mark). And we hear from one Pac 12 athletic director who says the conference doesn't need to rush into any major changes in the wake of the Oklahoma/Texas news.

On Thursday's Rush, Tony C and Mike Burke discuss a bad night for the Orioles, Pirates, and Nationals. The guys talk about the changes they have seen over the years in both newspaper and radio as technology began to take over. Tony and Mike look at tonight's Hall of Fame game between the Steelers and Cowboys. And the Washington Football Team bans all Native American garb from practices and games.

On Wednesday's Rush, Tony C and Mike Burke talk about the crazy comeback win for the Pirates over the Brewers. The guys take a stroll down memory lane with the old Houston Oilers, and we hear a story from Dave Wannstedt about how the Steelers almost became "America's Team." Could the Big 12 and Pac 12 possibly merge after Oklahoma and Texas join the SEC, and where would that leave West Virginia? If you thought Tyler Glasnow was mad at Major League Baseball over its handling of sticky substances, the news out of Tampa Bay won't make him any happier.

On Tuesday's Rush, Tony C is joined in studio by Mike Burke, as the guys discuss the Orioles' rather quiet trade deadline. Does this mean the O's are close to turning the corner and playing winning baseball in the next few years? The guys also discuss the Nationals blowing things up by trading away 30 percent of the roster to bolster their farm system. Burke makes a very solid case in defense of Joe Flacco's years in Baltimore, and the guys discuss one of the more exciting moments at PNC Park -- the Johnny Cueto playoff game -- and how Tony wasn't there to see it. The guys also discuss beer, bad Olympic sports, and is there any division in football with cities that mirror each other more than the AFC North?

On Monday's Rush, Tony C returns to the big chair to talk about everything he missed while on vacation, including the Nationals punting on the season and the Olympics getting underway. Tony reasserts his claim that I-95 is the worst highway in America, and he's convinced everybody does the "vacation countdown". Tony also discusses two big-name NBA players opting out of their deals to become free agents, and an NHL player is accused of betting on games -- including his own team -- and trying to throw games for gambling profit.

On Thursday's Rush, Tony C and Mike Burke talk about the O's getting walked off by the Rays, and the Pirates getting swept by the worst team in baseball. The Penguins losing Brandon Tanev in the expansion draft hit Tony a different kind of way. The guys talk about big news in college sports, as Texas and Oklahoma reportedly want out of the Big 12 and into the SEC. Also on The Rush: Bobby Bowden diagnosed with terminal illness Is Giannis the new face of the NBA? Do some titles just feel better than others?

On Wednesday's Rush, Tony C and Mike Burke discuss the sorry state of the Pirates, who seem to have no direction or plan in place. The guys also discuss the history-making all-female broadcast crew for Tuesday night's Orioles-Rays game. Also on The Rush: Giannis delivers and NBA title to Milwaukee Who are the favorites to win next season's championship? An Alabama QB is close to making $1 million in endorsements before starting a game Are the Nationals primed for a second-half surge?

On Tuesday's Rush, Tony C and Mike Burke talk about some of their more unique experiences at the ol' ball game. The guys also discuss the upcoming Summer Games in Tokyo -- which are already having Covid issues again -- and whether or not they are excited for the Games. Also on The Rush: Could Oakland lose another professional franchise? Are runs up because spin rates are down? Who wins Game 6 of the NBA Finals tonight? Are Power 5 commissioners strong-arming football players into getting vaccinated for the upcoming season?

On Monday's Rush, Tony C is back from an extended weekend hanging out with his boys, and he's feeling every bit of it. Tony recaps a crazy weekend that included the Nationals' game being suspended because of a shooting outside of the park, and the Pirates scoring three runs off a hit that rolled 10 feet. Tony looks at the protected/unprotected lists for the Capitals and Penguins for the upcoming expansion draft. And Tony discusses the history-making victory by Colin Morikawa at The Open Championship, and Major League Baseball drops the hammer on another idiot fan.

On Wednesday's Rush, Tony C is back in studio with Mike Burke, and the guys talk about Tuesday night's All-Star Game in Colorado. With the second half of the season beginning, that means the trade deadline is right around the corner. Tony and Mike know the Orioles and Pirates will be sellers, but who goes? The guys also talk about the good old days when the O's and Bucs made the playoffs. And the guys give their thoughts on MLB getting rid of 7-inning doubleheaders and putting a man on second in extra innings, and what does Shohei Ohtani not speaking English have to do with his ability to play baseball? The answer: Nothing.

On Tuesday's Rush, it's the return of the venerable one, Mike Burke, as he joins Tony C back on the Rush. The guys talk about what it was like during the pandemic, and how it's great to finally feel some sense of normalcy ... and how, exactly, did Mike LOSE weight during the pandemic? Tony and Mike talk about the Home Run Derby and the great showing by Juan Soto and Trey Mancini. They also discuss how the All-Star Game just doesn't do it for them anymore, and what has changed over the years. And should the U.S. men's basketball team be worried after losing back-to-back exhibition games to Nigeria and Australia?

On Monday's Rush, Tony C takes a look at how the Pirates, Nationals, and Orioles wrapped up the first half of the season, and who could be playing for someone else after the trade deadline.' Tony also runs down who the Bucs, O's, and Nats took in the first round of the MLB draft. Tony breaks down Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the Bucks and Suns. And Tony looks at an exciting finish to Euro 2020 between England and Italy, and the ugly online incidents that followed.

On Friday's Rush, Tony C takes a look at the Big 12 preseason football poll and ESPN's first power index of the year ... and wouldn't you know, Alabama is No. 1. Tony breaks down Game 2 of the NBA Finals, as the Suns hold serve at home against the Bucks. The Summer Games in Tokyo will go down with zero fans in attendance. And Joe Shuta has another Rush Friday Feature, as he catches up with ... Tony C! It's another edition of "Ask Tony" on the RFF (0:55:20 mark).

On Thursday's Rush, Tony C recaps the Lightning's 1-0 win over Montreal to claim their second straight Stanley Cup title. Tony also previews Game 2 of the NBA Finals in Phoenix. In an unprecedented move, Tony talks both soccer and tennis in the same hour, as England beat Denmark in the Euro 2020 semifinals (but not without some controversy), and could it be the end of era in men's tennis after Roger Federer got bounced in straight sets at Wimbledon? And Tony says it's time -- once and for all -- to stop the Ed Reed vs. Troy Polamalu debate, because there is none.

On Wednesday's Rush, a very tired and cranky Tony C breaks down Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Bucks and Suns: Giannis took the court for Milwaukee, but was it enough to steal home-court advantage? Tony thinks players -- particularly in basketball -- don't take playing defense seriously enough. A Florida-based chain of MMA gyms is offering big-time money to Miami, Fla. football players to advertise the gyms on social media ... Tony C says you asked for it, you got it. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver gives his "State of the Association" address before Game 1 of the finals, and says the play-in tournament is here to stay ... Tony is fine with that, but one major tweak needs to be made.

On Tuesday's Rush, Tony C returns from the long July 4th weekend (fingers intact) to discuss the Pirates and Ben Gamel going off on the Braves at PNC Park. Tony breaks down Montreal's season-saving overtime victory over the Lightning in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final. Tony also previews Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Bucks and Suns. Milwaukee will likely be without Giannis, adding him to the list of superstars Phoenix has been able to avoid this postseason due to injury. Speaking of injury, Tony doesn't buy the notion that the quick turnaround from last NBA season to this one is the reason so many players have been hurt.

On Friday's Rush, Tony C discusses Adam Frazier getting voted in as the National League's starting second baseman for this year's All-Star game, and Tony thinks two Pirates should be going to Colorado. Joe Shuta has another Rush Friday Feature, as he catches up with former Allegany High standout and Major League pitcher Aaron Laffey (0:46:45 mark). Tony says the NFL's punishment for the Washington Football Team wasn't nearly enough. And the Name, Image, and Likeness laws kicked in on July 1, allowing college athletes to make money on themselves, and one player wasted no time in signing a $20,000 deal. Tony wonders which Pitt, WVU, and Maryland football players would have raked in the most money if they were able to make money off their name and likeness?

On Wednesday's Rush, Tony C can't believe Ka'ai Tom broke up German Marquez's no-hitter on Tuesday night, and he also can't believe the offensive ineptitude (even for the Pirates) at Coors Field. The Hawks get an improbable Game 4 win without Trae Young. Tony talks about the NIL laws that will go into effect on July 1 that could change the college sports landscape. And Mississippi State is one win away in the College World Series from taking itself off a very ignominious list.

On Tuesday's Rush, Tony C talks about the red-hot homer streak Kyle Schwarber has been on lately. Tony recaps Game 5 of the NBA's Western Conference Finals, and Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. Four of the seven coaching vacancies have been filled in the NBA, leaving the Pelicans, Magic, and Wizards still in need of a coach ... could Becky Hammon fill one of the spots? Vandy is one win away from another College World Series title, and one of the better wide receivers in Broncos history calls it quits.

On Monday's Rush, Tony C talks about a pair of rookies making a big-time splash for the Pirates on Sunday. Tony recaps Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Bucks and Hawks, and the Trail Blazers hire a new head coach. Tony previews Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Canadiens and Lightning. TC reacts to the NCAA's decision to send NC State home from the College World Series. And a decision by the Make-A-Wish Foundation (which has since been overturned) sets Tony off.

On Friday's Rush, Tony C talks about the resurgence of the Nationals and the continuing plight of the Orioles. Joe Shuta has another Rush Friday Feature, as he catches up with former Pirates pitcher and broadcaster Jim Rooker, who has some strong thoughts on the state of baseball (0:57:00 mark). The Clippers get back into the Western Conference Finals, and the Canadiens stun the Golden Knights to reach their first Stanley Cup Final since 1993. And Tony talks about the Steelers releasing Pro Bowl guard David DeCastro, and what that means for the offensive line heading into training camp.

On Wednesday's Rush, Tony C talks about the drama between the Phillies' Joe Girardi and the Nationals' Max Scherzer ... Max had a right to be upset, because Girardi should have known better. Speaking of drama, Tony breaks down the dramatic finish to Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals between the Clips and Suns. For the first time since 1970, the Pistons will have the top overall pick in the NBA Draft ... so who will they take? And Tony has no problem with student-athletes in college getting paid, but please don't tell him they are being exploited by the NCAA.

On Tuesday's Rush, Tony C understands why so many people want to blame Ben Simmons for the 76ers' flameout against the Hawks, but it wasn't all his fault. Tony looks at the Lightning's dominating Game 5 win over the Islanders. Tony gives his thoughts on the Raiders' Carl Nassib becoming the first active NFL player to come out as gay. The Supreme Court deals a major blow to the NCAA. Tony says this is another domino to fall as we get closer to outright paying athletes in college.

On Monday's Rush, Tony C is starting to see a lot of Clint Hurdle in Derek Shelton ... and that's not a good thing. Tony breaks down the Hawks' stunning Game 7 win over the Sixers in Philly. John Rahm wins the U.S. Open in dramatic fashion. And the Bills' Cole Beasley is making waves when it comes to getting vaccinated.

On Friday's Rush, Tony C recaps the Bucks' big Game 6 win over the Nets, and the Lightning's Game 3 win over the Islanders. Joe Shuta has another Rush Friday Feature, as he catches up with former Major Leaguer Dmitri Young (0:45:46 mark). And Tony combines the rosters of the Pirates and Orioles to form the Pitts Poorioles. He takes the best player from each position to see how competitive the team would be. Could it compete for a division title? Wild card? Even have a winning record? (1:06:06 mark).

On Thursday's Rush, Tony C discusses just how dreadful the Pirates and Orioles really are ... but hey, at least they're not the Diamondbacks. Frankfort, Moorefield, Keyser, Northern, and Allegany all looked to advance in the high school baseball and softball playoffs ... only two did. The 76ers pull off an epic collapse against the Hawks, and the Jazz blow a golden opportunity against the Clippers. The Wizards are in the market for a new coach. Is Tony C turning into a *gasp* beer snob?

On Wednesday's Rush, Tony C rejoices as Gov. Larry Hogan announces the end of the state of emergency in Maryland, and Tony says it's time to start moving forward. Tony recaps the Nets' improbable win over the Bucks, who should be embarrassed for losing game 5. Tyler Glasnow blames Major League Baseball for his recent injury, and Tony says MLB once again proves its incompetence and inconsistency when enforcing its own rules. And Tony simply can't take over-the-top hockey broadcasters anymore, including one in particular.

On Tuesday's Rush, Tony C continues to be frustrated by failing technology, as his laptop goes belly up 20 minutes into the show. Tony wonders if the Orioles and Pirates combined their rosters, would they even compete for a wild card spot? Tony recaps Monday night's playoff action on the ice and the NBA hardwood. We hear from West Virginia University President E. Gordon Gee, who appeared on Talkline with Hoppy Kercheval on Monday. Gee is part of the College Football Playoff management committee, which will vote on CFP expansion next week. And Major League Baseball will be "cracking down" on players caught with foreign substances.

On Monday's Rush, Tony C loses his mind over the most Monday-ist Monday in the history of Mondays. Tony gives a few lessons on party planning and philosophy after his son's graduation party over the weekend was a success. Tony can't believe how quickly the Nets-Bucks series has turned around, and he says Nikola Jokic deserved better treatment than what he got on Sunday. Derek Shelton over-manages the Pirates to another loss. And how many bridges does Le'Veon Bell have left before he burns them all?

On Friday's Rush, Tony C discusses the Bucks getting back into their series with an ugly win over the Nets in Milwaukee. Tony gives his thoughts on the new proposal to expand the College Football Playoff from 4 to 12 teams. Joe Shuta has another Rush Friday Feature, as he talks with Altoona Curve GM Derek Martin (0:48:00 mark). And legendary college football coach Bo Schembechler is accused of looking the other way after complaints of abuse involving a former team doctor.

On Thursday's Rush, Tony C runs down the playoff action on the ice and NBA hardwood. Tony thinks a dek hockey rink would be perfect to help the game of hockey grow in the area. Gerrit Cole faces Josh Donaldson and gets the better of him ... it's a day that ends in "Y" so we talk more about the drama in Green Bay. And Tony says he is turning into something he never swore he would .... a craft beer guy!  

On Wednesday's Rush, Tony C recaps the night on the ice and NBA hardwood, with two playoff games in each league. Aaron Rodgers did not report to mandatory minicamp, and some players say publicly they have his back. Tony saw something during last night's Pirates game that he had never seen before, and it wasn't good for the Pirates. And the Yankees' Gerrit Cole gave a long answer to a simple "yes or no" question about him using foreign substances while pitching.

On Tuesday's Rush, Tony C opens the show in a bad mood because his headphones don't work ... again. Tony wonders when the Pirates and Orioles will stop tearing down and start rebuilding. Major League Baseball is going to start cracking down on pitchers who use illegal substances on baseballs. Tony looks at the Nets' blowout win over the Bucks ... Can Milwaukee get back into the series?

On Monday's Rush, Tony C breaks down the NBA playoff games from Sunday, including Game 7 between the Mavs and Clips. Tony can't believe people would pay real money to see that farce of a fight between Logan Paul and Floyd Mayweather. Tony looks at the trade that sent Julio Jones from Atlanta to Tennessee. John Rahm got a raw deal at the Memorial. And Tony laments his diminishing cornhole playing skills.

On Friday's Rush, Tony C talks about how great it was to see Ke'Bryan Hayes back in the Pirates' lineup. He is also underwhelmed by WVU's non-conference basketball schedule. Tony breaks down the NBA and NHL playoff action from Thursday night, including Lebron and the Lakers getting bounced by the Suns. Joe Shuta has another Rush Friday Feature, as he caught up with former Major Leaguer Lyle Overbay (0:51:48 mark). And Mike Krzyzewski spoke publicly for the first time since the news broke that he was retiring after the upcoming season.

On Thursday's Rush, Tony C talks about the Wizards getting bounced from the playoffs. We had another ugly on-ice incident in the Stanley Cup playoffs ... will the NHL screw this one up too? Coach K announces he's calling it quits after this season. And the Celtics are forced to play musical chairs a day after their season came to an end.

On Wednesday's Rush, Tony C talks about the Orioles finally snapping their losing streak ... the show of young talent in the Nats-Braves game ... and the abysmal lineup the Pirates trotted out on Tuesday night. Tony recaps the night on the NBA playoff hardwood, including a tremendous effort by Portland's Dame Lillard (in a losing cause). Big Ben speaks publicly for the first time since last year's playoff loss, and he says it was his idea to take a pay cut. And Tony talks about his son graduating high school, and how it is hit him harder than he thought it would.

On Tuesday's Rush, Tony C is joined by Adam Bittner (@fugimaster24) to talk about another first-round collapse for the Penguins and the drama surrounding Robert Morris University and its hockey programs (1:01:06 mark). Tony discusses the Wizards staving off elimination for at least one game, and we have yet another edition of “Fans Behaving Badly”. The Orioles are reaching lows we haven't seen from them in more than three decades. Tony also talks about another collapse by the Maple Leafs, and he sees both sides of the Naomi Osaka situation at the French Open.

On Friday's Rush, Tony C opens the show talking about one of the worst plays he has ever seen on a baseball diamond … and of course, it was the Pirates who pulled it off. Tony applauds the NBA for dropping the hammer on idiot fans in three separate incidents on Wednesday night, but Tony says the hammer needs to be bigger. Joe Shuta has another Rush Friday Feature, as he chats with autograph collector and authenticator Kevin Keating (0:46:24 mark). And a former Mountaineer has an impressive Major League debut for the Blue Jays.

On Thursday's Rush, Tony C opens up discussing how difficult it is talking about teams that constantly lose. The Wizards get blown out by the 76ers, and Russell Westbrook blows up in another edition of "Fans Behaving Badly". The Penguins suffered their third straight first-round playoff exit, and Tony thinks big changes are coming. The Pens' loss wasn't the worst hockey news of the day, as Robert Morris University stunned everyone by dropping its very successful men's and women's hockey team. And should high school coaches get year-round contracts?

On Wednesday's Rush, Tony C recaps all of the NBA and Stanley Cup playoff action from Tuesday night. Tony discusses Alex Ovechkin's desire to retire a Capital, and he examines two franchise-altering decisions made by the Caps and Penguins in the last few years. The Aaron Rodgers drama continues in Green Bay .... we just don't know what the problem is because Aaron won't tell anybody. Cam Heyward comes to the defense of his quarterback. And Eugene Chung speaks publicly for the first time since he was allegedly told he "wasn't the right minority" during a job interview, but he refuses to point fingers.

On Tuesday's Rush, Tony C breaks down the Penguins' double-OT loss to the Islanders that put them on the brink of another first-round elimination. Tony looks at the night in the NBA playoffs, and talks about the clear double-standard the league has with its superstars and everybody else. Aaron Rodgers talks about the drama in Green Bay, and Julio Jones sparks some drama in Atlanta. And Tony talks about embarking on yet another weight-loss journey.

On Monday's Rush, Tony C recaps the Wizards' Game 1 loss to the 76ers in Philadelphia. Tony also recaps the Capitals' loss to the Bruins in Game 5 of their series, thus bringing to an end another disappointing season in the Alex Ovechkin era.  Speaking of Ovechkin, he is now set to be a free agent, so where do the Caps go from here? Tony talks about Phil Mickelson winning one for the old guys, and he also goes over an absolutely dreadful series for the Pirates against the Braves.

On Friday's Rush, Tony C recaps the Wizards' blowout win over the Pacers to clinch the 8th seed in the East. The Pens and Islanders play a wild one on the Island. Tony recaps the first round of the PGA Championship. Joe Shuta has another Rush Friday Feature, as he catches up with former Orioles' infielder Kiko Garcia (44:05 mark). And the Jaguars officially sign Tim Tebow … but will he even make the team?

On Thursday's Rush, Tony C discusses some changes in attendance at Nationals Park. The Orioles' Chris Davis continues to live down to his contract. Tony recaps the Capitals' double-OT loss to the Bruins, and says it wasn't all Samsonov's fault. We had yet another no-hitter on Wednesday night -- the 6th in MLB this season -- providing more proof that Major League hitters are terrible. And Tony is 100 percent on the side of Tony LaRussa in the latest battle of Old School vs. New School.

On Wednesday's Rush, Tony C recaps the Wizards' loss to the Celtics and the Pacers' destruction of the Hornets in the Eastern Conference play-in games. We had another no-hitter in Major League Baseball -- the fifth already this season -- which is more proof that big-league offenses are the worst we've seen in a long time. And the Penguins get a great bounce-back game from Tristan Jarry in Game 2 against the Islanders.