Actor Chazz Palminteri appeared on OutKick's "The Craig Carton Show" and delivered blunt sports commentary alongside personal anecdotes.
The Oscar-nominated actor and Bronx native criticized Boston Red Sox pitcher Sonny Gray while backing New York Giants quarterback JJ McCarthy.
Palminteri, a lifelong fan of New York teams, pointed to a frosty interaction with Gray during the pitcher's previous stint with the New York Yankees.
He cited Gray's 6.98 home ERA in pinstripes as proof that the pitcher struggles under high-pressure environments.
"Here's something I got to say: Sonny Gray, Sonny, you hear me, Sonny? Sonny Gray, that son of a b– –h," Palminteri said.
Palminteri recounted his past attempt to connect with the pitcher on a personal level.
"And I'll tell you why: because I went to meet with him when he was with the Yankees, and he was like, 'Ah, you know...
really?'" he said.
"I said, 'You don't, Sonny? From one Sonny to another Sonny...'
I was doing the whole bit with my restaurants. He goes, 'Well, I'm busy.'
I said, 'Okay.'"
He further questioned Gray's standing on the Boston pitching rotation and performance history in New York.
"Sonny Gray is the ace of the Boston staff. He's pitching Game 2.
Why is he not pitching Game 1? He's the ace!
You know why? He chokes," Palminteri said.
"He can't pitch. And you know what?
We're going to have to see him pitch in the Bronx. He cannot pitch in the Bronx.
Never! He was a failed Yankee."
"Every other place he goes, huge success. In the Bronx, he chokes!"
Palminteri Reflects on 'A Bronx Tale' and Backs JJ McCarthy
Shifting focus to his entertainment career, Palminteri recalled developing the 1993 film "A Bronx Tale" alongside director Robert De Niro.
The film was adapted from Palminteri's one-man stage production.
"Think of somebody saying to you right now, 'Hey, Craig, you know, I love your show. Listen, I think your life is really interesting.
Robert De Niro wants to do your life story, and he wants to play your father,'" he said.
"You would be like, 'What the f– –k?' Right?"
Palminteri highlighted the surreal realization that accompanied working closely with the acclaimed actor.
"I hit the elevator button. I'm going down the elevator, and I went, 'I just acted with Robert De Niro!'
And I said no to him for lunch! I was like, 'What the f...'"
He described processing the professional milestone immediately following their meeting.
"That's when it hit me. And then I got off the elevator and I went, 'All right, it's all right.
Come on, babe, you belong here. You waited your whole life for this.'
Then I was okay. He's on Mount Rushmore.
If you want to put four up there, he's up there."
Turning to football, Palminteri voiced support for the Giants acquiring quarterback JJ McCarthy.
He noted that early career obstacles do not preclude ultimate NFL success.
"I'm telling you, the kid's got a strong arm. Definitely better than, I hate this, Jameis Winston.
I don't like him because he's got happy feet, and he's afraid to get hit, and I could see it in his eyes.
He makes these stupid throws where you just go, 'God, he got away with that.'"
Palminteri expressed confidence in McCarthy's championship background and potential to rebound.
"I want a young arm, a young pair of legs in there. And I'm happy J.
J.' s here.
Look, the guy won the championship in high school, won the championship in college. He's a winner."
"Maybe the fame got to him a little bit, but you know what? He's been humbled.
Bing! I think he's gonna be good."
