Oscar-nominated actor and Bronx native Chazz Palminteri delivered blunt sports commentary during an appearance on OutKick’s “The Craig Carton Show.” He launched a scathing critique of pitcher Sonny Gray while voicing strong support for New York football.
Palminteri, a lifelong fan of New York sports teams, recounted a frosty personal encounter with Gray during the pitcher’s tenure with the New York Yankees. The actor pointed to Gray’s 6.98 home ERA in pinstripes as definitive proof that the right-hander struggles under the high-pressure environment of the Bronx.
“Here’s something I got to say: Sonny Gray, Sonny, you hear me, Sonny? Sonny Gray, that son of a b- -h,” said Palminteri during the broadcast. The actor detailed an attempt to connect with Gray personally by referencing his own restaurant business, only to be rebuffed by the pitcher. Palminteri further questioned Gray’s performance, arguing that his past failures under pressure make him ill-suited for big games.
Shifting Focus to Hollywood and ‘A Bronx Tale’
Transitioning from sports to entertainment, Palminteri reflected on the surreal experience of developing his 1993 hit film “A Bronx Tale” alongside legendary director and co-star Robert De Niro. The movie was adapted directly from Palminteri’s successful one-man stage production.
Recalling the moment De Niro first expressed interest in his life story, Palminteri joked about his bewildered reaction. He described riding down an elevator after meeting the cinematic icon and realizing the magnitude of the milestone, ultimately concluding that De Niro belongs firmly on the “Mount Rushmore” of acting greats.
Backing JJ McCarthy and New York Football
In a surprising pivot back to the gridiron, Palminteri offered an enthusiastic endorsement of the acquisition of quarterback JJ McCarthy. Addressing critics of the young signal-caller, Palminteri argued that early-career struggles do not dictate a player’s ultimate ceiling, drawing comparisons to quarterbacks who overcame initial adversity to find success.
“I’m telling you, the kid’s got a strong arm,” Palminteri stated, contrasting McCarthy favorably against veterans with inconsistent styles. Praising McCarthy’s extensive winning pedigree at both the high school and collegiate levels, the actor expressed confidence that the young quarterback has been properly humbled and is poised for a strong future in the NFL.
