Oscar-nominated actor and Bronx native Chazz Palminteri recently appeared on a sports program, where he openly discussed his views on MLB pitcher Sonny Gray, expressed support for the New York Giants' acquisition of quarterback J.J. McCarthy, and reminisced about his professional relationship with Robert De Niro.
Critique of Pitcher Sonny Gray
Palminteri, a devoted New York sports enthusiast, recounted a memorable, albeit chilly, personal interaction with current Boston Red Sox pitcher Sonny Gray during Gray's tenure with the New York Yankees.
"Here's something I got to say: Sonny Gray, Sonny, you hear me, Sonny? Sonny Gray, that son of a b––h," Palminteri declared during the segment.
"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?' 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.'"
Palminteri highlighted Gray's challenging 6.98 home ERA while playing for the Yankees, suggesting the right-hander struggles under high-pressure situations.
"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!" Palminteri questioned. "You know why? He chokes. 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!"
Reflecting on 'A Bronx Tale' and Robert De Niro
Shifting focus to his Hollywood career, Palminteri detailed a pivotal moment when he realized his life was undergoing a significant transformation. This occurred while he was developing the 1993 film "A Bronx Tale" alongside Robert De Niro, who directed the gangster drama. Palminteri was responsible for writing the story, adapting it from his acclaimed one-man stage performance.
"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.' You would be like, 'What the f––k?' Right?" Palminteri recalled, illustrating the profound nature of the news.
He continued, describing his reaction immediately after learning of De Niro's involvement: "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!" Palminteri joked about his disbelief. "I was like, 'What the f ...'"
"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."
Support for Quarterback J.J. McCarthy
In a surprising turn, Palminteri voiced his support for the New York Giants' recent selection of backup quarterback J.J. McCarthy, a move that has sparked considerable debate. Palminteri asserted that early career challenges do not necessarily dictate a player's ultimate potential, citing examples of athletes like Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield who experienced initial setbacks before finding 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," Palminteri stated, criticizing Winston. "He makes these stupid throws where you just go, 'God, he got away with that.'"
"I want a young arm, a young pair of legs in there. And I'm happy J.J.'s here," Palminteri added. "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."
