Greg Giannotti came to John Sterling's defense.
Sterling, 86, is coming out of retirement to return to the Yankees radio booth for the 2024 postseason, a decision that has drawn criticism from some, including Mike Francesa and Chris Russo.
Giannotti, who co-hosts a morning show with Boomer Esiason on WFAN, the Yankees' flagship network, disputed the notion that Sterling's decision unfairly victimized up-and-coming announcers Justin Shakir and Emmanuel Belbari.
“I thought that would happen. I wanted that to happen. It did happen and I think it was the right thing to do. I think the critics are misguided. The traditional meaning of someone retiring and thinking they've got the job and then coming back doesn't apply here,” Giannotti told Barrett Media.
“The way he left was different. It was a surprise. Nobody expected it. The players who have been commentating in the past, especially the younger players, Justin Shakir and Emmanuel Belbari, were lucky to get the chance. They got to commentate on a lot of games.
“They had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to call these games during the regular season and put it on their resume, something that would never have happened had John not decided to retire after the start of this season.”
Giannotti stressed that Audacy, WFAN's parent company, called Sterling and asked if he wanted to return, not the other way around.
“It's not like John went back into the booth by force and chased these guys away,” he said.
Francesa and Russo reunited Thursday to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the launch of their iconic program on WFAN afternoon drive.
Speaking about Sterling, Russo said his return “is not the right thing to do.”
“You know what? Look, I think it was a mistake having John come back,” Francesa replied.
“I think he left on a very good note. I think he was treated very well. I think it would be a mistake for him to come back. I really do.”
“If I were to give him advice, which he doesn't need from me, I would tell him: [you’d] “It would be a mistake to come back. And I don't think it's fair to the people who have played the game!”
