NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
Moderators: Jeff Van Gully, dakomish23, Capn'O, j4remi, Deeeez Knicks, NoLayupRule, mpharris36, GONYK, HerSports85
NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
- Clyde_Style
- RealGM
- Posts: 65,177
- And1: 61,547
- Joined: Jul 12, 2009
- Location: Brunsonia
NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/05/fashion/weddings/relationship-advice-from-two-who-have-withstood-the-test-of-time-and-rhyme.html?action=click&module=Well&pgtype=Homepage§ion=Weddings
Though the suits may not always complement each other, the personalities do. Walt Frazier, left, and his longtime broadcasting partner Mike Breen say the key to any relationship is to listen to each other.
Attention, couples everywhere: We’ve got some relationship advice from a New York couple who will share a familiar table in Midtown Manhattan tonight, celebrating their 20th anniversary.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z? Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick? Jessica and Jerry Seinfeld?
Nope. Nope. Nope.
Mike Breen and Walt Frazier (known as Clyde)?
Yep and yep.
However, their table will not be covered with a white linen tablecloth and candles, but rather statistics sheets, laptops and a video monitor.
Mr. Breen, 57, and Mr. Frazier, his 73-year-old partner-in-rhyme, have been a New York Knicks broadcasting team on MSG Networks for two decades.
They recently discussed the keys to maintaining their rock-solid relationship, which began on television on Feb. 5, 1999, at Orlando, back when Mr. Frazier was a precocious neophyte (a phrase he uses to describe promising rookies, which happens to be one of Mr. Breen’s favorite Frazierisms).
“To me, the most important aspects of any partnership are respect and concern,” said Mr. Frazier, an All-Star guard in his heyday — he was voted one of the 50 greatest players ever — who led the Knicks to their two N.B.A. titles, in 1970 and 1973.
“Mike and I not only have a mutual respect, but we care about each other, and each other’s families,” said Mr. Frazier, who lives in Harlem with his longtime girlfriend, Patricia James. “I know that if I had a problem personally or professionally, Mike would be the first one there for me, and vice versa.”
Rosanne Breen, who in September will celebrate an even longer time with Mr. Breen (their 30th wedding anniversary), said that listening to her husband and Mr. Frazier on the air “is like listening to a couple of relatives chatting on the phone.”
“My favorite aspect of their relationship is how kind they are to one another, and how their admiration for each other comes across specifically through humor,” Ms. Breen said. “I think at least once a broadcast there’s some sort of very organic and natural interaction between them that ends up with one of them belly laughing, and I find that makes the broadcast really pleasant to listen to.”
Mr. Frazier, who is better known to a legion of younger hoops fans for his colorful wardrobe and lyrical analysis — “The Knicks were crashing and dashing in the first half, now they’re stumbling and bumbling,” he said during a telecast earlier this season and possibly many other times this season — will again be seated alongside Mr. Breen at the Knicks broadcast table when the Detroit Pistons arrive tonight at Madison Square Garden.
Mr. Breen, a lifelong Knicks fan whose sports idol was, and still is, Mr. Frazier, said that “maintaining a sense of humor” has also been crucial to achieving their long-term success.
“We both enjoy laughing together on the air,” said Mr. Breen, who noted that an action poster of Mr. Frazier still hangs in the bedroom of the Westchester home where he grew up, and where his mother lives.
“Obviously what we are talking about is important, it’s basketball, it’s the Knicks,” said Mr. Breen, who now lives on Long Island. “But to have some fun while we’re working, that’s been a real key over the years.”
And when situations arise that are no laughing matter, they know they can agree to disagree.
“In all honesty, Mike and I have never had an argument off the air, but we’ve disagreed on-air,” Mr. Frazier said. “When that happens, we take off the headsets and remind each other that we have our own opinions, and then one of us will usually say something like, ‘Hey man, that was good,’ and we move on.”
Mr. Breen said that he and Mr. Frazier also “understand the importance of being good listeners, and knowing when to let each other speak.”
“It’s never a good idea for any two people to try and talk over one another,” Mr. Breen said. “There are certain things that I will bring up that Clyde knows I’m passionate about, and he lets me have my space.
“And when he’s talking about something he’s passionate about I just sit back and let him go, and the viewer gets analysis from one of the greatest players of all-time, as beloved an athlete as we have ever had in any sport, someone who has taught the game to generations of fans.”
To Mr. Frazier, it’s all a part of the job. “A job that I can’t believe I’m getting paid to do,” he said.
“Mike’s the play-by-play man, and I’m the color analyst,” he said. “I know that he always goes first, he leads and I follow. It’s no different than having a dance partner.”
Mr. Breen and Mr. Frazier both said that at the root of every solid relationship is a solid friendship, like theirs.
“It’s hard for me to believe that the athlete I admired most when I was growing up is now my broadcast partner and best friend,” Mr. Breen said. “My wife just loves the sound of Clyde’s voice and when my kids come to the Garden and come by to say hello after games, he treats them like his own family.
“That was my dad’s favorite thing, coming by after games and hanging out with Clyde,” said Mr. Breen, whose voice went silent for a moment before cracking with emotion. “When my dad passed away, Clyde came to his wake, and the way he treated my mother that night, well, these are things you never forget, these are things that really tell you about a person.”
Mr. Frazier let his play-by-play man have his space before bringing a smile to his longtime partner’s face.
“You know, Mike, when we first started out together I remember you telling me, ‘Hey, Clyde, just be yourself, say whatever you want to say,’” Mr. Frazier said. “I know you’re regretting that now, 20 years later.”
Though the suits may not always complement each other, the personalities do. Walt Frazier, left, and his longtime broadcasting partner Mike Breen say the key to any relationship is to listen to each other.
Attention, couples everywhere: We’ve got some relationship advice from a New York couple who will share a familiar table in Midtown Manhattan tonight, celebrating their 20th anniversary.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z? Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick? Jessica and Jerry Seinfeld?
Nope. Nope. Nope.
Mike Breen and Walt Frazier (known as Clyde)?
Yep and yep.
However, their table will not be covered with a white linen tablecloth and candles, but rather statistics sheets, laptops and a video monitor.
Mr. Breen, 57, and Mr. Frazier, his 73-year-old partner-in-rhyme, have been a New York Knicks broadcasting team on MSG Networks for two decades.
They recently discussed the keys to maintaining their rock-solid relationship, which began on television on Feb. 5, 1999, at Orlando, back when Mr. Frazier was a precocious neophyte (a phrase he uses to describe promising rookies, which happens to be one of Mr. Breen’s favorite Frazierisms).
“To me, the most important aspects of any partnership are respect and concern,” said Mr. Frazier, an All-Star guard in his heyday — he was voted one of the 50 greatest players ever — who led the Knicks to their two N.B.A. titles, in 1970 and 1973.
“Mike and I not only have a mutual respect, but we care about each other, and each other’s families,” said Mr. Frazier, who lives in Harlem with his longtime girlfriend, Patricia James. “I know that if I had a problem personally or professionally, Mike would be the first one there for me, and vice versa.”
Rosanne Breen, who in September will celebrate an even longer time with Mr. Breen (their 30th wedding anniversary), said that listening to her husband and Mr. Frazier on the air “is like listening to a couple of relatives chatting on the phone.”
“My favorite aspect of their relationship is how kind they are to one another, and how their admiration for each other comes across specifically through humor,” Ms. Breen said. “I think at least once a broadcast there’s some sort of very organic and natural interaction between them that ends up with one of them belly laughing, and I find that makes the broadcast really pleasant to listen to.”
Mr. Frazier, who is better known to a legion of younger hoops fans for his colorful wardrobe and lyrical analysis — “The Knicks were crashing and dashing in the first half, now they’re stumbling and bumbling,” he said during a telecast earlier this season and possibly many other times this season — will again be seated alongside Mr. Breen at the Knicks broadcast table when the Detroit Pistons arrive tonight at Madison Square Garden.
Mr. Breen, a lifelong Knicks fan whose sports idol was, and still is, Mr. Frazier, said that “maintaining a sense of humor” has also been crucial to achieving their long-term success.
“We both enjoy laughing together on the air,” said Mr. Breen, who noted that an action poster of Mr. Frazier still hangs in the bedroom of the Westchester home where he grew up, and where his mother lives.
“Obviously what we are talking about is important, it’s basketball, it’s the Knicks,” said Mr. Breen, who now lives on Long Island. “But to have some fun while we’re working, that’s been a real key over the years.”
And when situations arise that are no laughing matter, they know they can agree to disagree.
“In all honesty, Mike and I have never had an argument off the air, but we’ve disagreed on-air,” Mr. Frazier said. “When that happens, we take off the headsets and remind each other that we have our own opinions, and then one of us will usually say something like, ‘Hey man, that was good,’ and we move on.”
Mr. Breen said that he and Mr. Frazier also “understand the importance of being good listeners, and knowing when to let each other speak.”
“It’s never a good idea for any two people to try and talk over one another,” Mr. Breen said. “There are certain things that I will bring up that Clyde knows I’m passionate about, and he lets me have my space.
“And when he’s talking about something he’s passionate about I just sit back and let him go, and the viewer gets analysis from one of the greatest players of all-time, as beloved an athlete as we have ever had in any sport, someone who has taught the game to generations of fans.”
To Mr. Frazier, it’s all a part of the job. “A job that I can’t believe I’m getting paid to do,” he said.
“Mike’s the play-by-play man, and I’m the color analyst,” he said. “I know that he always goes first, he leads and I follow. It’s no different than having a dance partner.”
Mr. Breen and Mr. Frazier both said that at the root of every solid relationship is a solid friendship, like theirs.
“It’s hard for me to believe that the athlete I admired most when I was growing up is now my broadcast partner and best friend,” Mr. Breen said. “My wife just loves the sound of Clyde’s voice and when my kids come to the Garden and come by to say hello after games, he treats them like his own family.
“That was my dad’s favorite thing, coming by after games and hanging out with Clyde,” said Mr. Breen, whose voice went silent for a moment before cracking with emotion. “When my dad passed away, Clyde came to his wake, and the way he treated my mother that night, well, these are things you never forget, these are things that really tell you about a person.”
Mr. Frazier let his play-by-play man have his space before bringing a smile to his longtime partner’s face.
“You know, Mike, when we first started out together I remember you telling me, ‘Hey, Clyde, just be yourself, say whatever you want to say,’” Mr. Frazier said. “I know you’re regretting that now, 20 years later.”
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
- magnumt
- Retired Mod
- Posts: 49,372
- And1: 15,046
- Joined: Jan 27, 2004
- Location: Gott'a Stick To My Girls Like Glue, Ain't No No. 2 Here...Sean Paul Style, Baby Gyrl!!!
- Contact:
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
Really?
--Mags
--Mags
BAF 1.0 - Wizards: Year 2
PG: Kemba Walker (32) / Rivers (16) / Felton
SG: Evan Fournier (28) / Evans (20) / Dotson
SF: Gordon Hayward (36)/ Delly (12) / Dudley
PF: Kevin Love (36) / Frye (12) / Ellenson
C: Pau Gasol (32) / Noah (16) / Felicio
magnumt6
PG: Kemba Walker (32) / Rivers (16) / Felton
SG: Evan Fournier (28) / Evans (20) / Dotson
SF: Gordon Hayward (36)/ Delly (12) / Dudley
PF: Kevin Love (36) / Frye (12) / Ellenson
C: Pau Gasol (32) / Noah (16) / Felicio
magnumt6
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
- HarthorneWingo
- RealGM
- Posts: 91,046
- And1: 55,883
- Joined: May 16, 2005
- Location: In Your Head, USA
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
It's heartening to hear that there are people who actually care about other people.
Free Palestine
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
-
- Sixth Man
- Posts: 1,855
- And1: 1,628
- Joined: Jul 29, 2014
- Location: BK to the Fullest
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
One pro that we have as Knicks fans is that we have the illustrious Breen&Clyde combo. Truly a special pairing.
Patience
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
- magnumt
- Retired Mod
- Posts: 49,372
- And1: 15,046
- Joined: Jan 27, 2004
- Location: Gott'a Stick To My Girls Like Glue, Ain't No No. 2 Here...Sean Paul Style, Baby Gyrl!!!
- Contact:
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
HarthorneWingo wrote:It's heartening to hear that there are people who actually care about other people.
This is NY fool. We give ZERO **** about other dudes!
--Mags
P.S. Clyde, I'm just fuqing with you.
BAF 1.0 - Wizards: Year 2
PG: Kemba Walker (32) / Rivers (16) / Felton
SG: Evan Fournier (28) / Evans (20) / Dotson
SF: Gordon Hayward (36)/ Delly (12) / Dudley
PF: Kevin Love (36) / Frye (12) / Ellenson
C: Pau Gasol (32) / Noah (16) / Felicio
magnumt6
PG: Kemba Walker (32) / Rivers (16) / Felton
SG: Evan Fournier (28) / Evans (20) / Dotson
SF: Gordon Hayward (36)/ Delly (12) / Dudley
PF: Kevin Love (36) / Frye (12) / Ellenson
C: Pau Gasol (32) / Noah (16) / Felicio
magnumt6
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
- HarthorneWingo
- RealGM
- Posts: 91,046
- And1: 55,883
- Joined: May 16, 2005
- Location: In Your Head, USA
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
magnumt wrote:HarthorneWingo wrote:It's heartening to hear that there are people who actually care about other people.
This is NU fool. We give ZERO **** about other dudes!
--Mags
P.S. Clude, I'm just fuqing with you.
But I spent 30 years in the City of Brotherly Love. C'mon, how about a bro-hug?
Free Palestine
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
- magnumt
- Retired Mod
- Posts: 49,372
- And1: 15,046
- Joined: Jan 27, 2004
- Location: Gott'a Stick To My Girls Like Glue, Ain't No No. 2 Here...Sean Paul Style, Baby Gyrl!!!
- Contact:
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
HarthorneWingo wrote:magnumt wrote:HarthorneWingo wrote:It's heartening to hear that there are people who actually care about other people.
This is NU fool. We give ZERO **** about other dudes!
--Mags
P.S. Clude, I'm just fuqing with you.
But I spent 30 years in the City of Brotherly Love. C'mon, how about a bro-hug?
Man fuq Philly.
Fuq Dallas
Fuq Boston
How about THAT for a hug. Fugazy.
--Mags
BAF 1.0 - Wizards: Year 2
PG: Kemba Walker (32) / Rivers (16) / Felton
SG: Evan Fournier (28) / Evans (20) / Dotson
SF: Gordon Hayward (36)/ Delly (12) / Dudley
PF: Kevin Love (36) / Frye (12) / Ellenson
C: Pau Gasol (32) / Noah (16) / Felicio
magnumt6
PG: Kemba Walker (32) / Rivers (16) / Felton
SG: Evan Fournier (28) / Evans (20) / Dotson
SF: Gordon Hayward (36)/ Delly (12) / Dudley
PF: Kevin Love (36) / Frye (12) / Ellenson
C: Pau Gasol (32) / Noah (16) / Felicio
magnumt6
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
- HarthorneWingo
- RealGM
- Posts: 91,046
- And1: 55,883
- Joined: May 16, 2005
- Location: In Your Head, USA
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
-
- Lead Assistant
- Posts: 5,934
- And1: 6,961
- Joined: Feb 21, 2015
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
Damn Frazier is 73? We need to win a title soon man. He's broadcasted this mess for almost 2 decades.
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
- HarthorneWingo
- RealGM
- Posts: 91,046
- And1: 55,883
- Joined: May 16, 2005
- Location: In Your Head, USA
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
Spree2Houston wrote:Damn Frazier is 73? We need to win a title soon man. He's broadcasted this mess for almost 2 decades.
Clyde is still at his playing weight and stays in great shape. 73 is the new 50. I'm 182 years old and look at me. I'll slam dunk your azz.
Free Palestine
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
- Chanel Bomber
- RealGM
- Posts: 22,212
- And1: 37,528
- Joined: Sep 20, 2018
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
Pure class, both of them. The best in the business too.
I hope they can see another championship at the Garden before their professional careers are over. They deserve it.
I hope they can see another championship at the Garden before their professional careers are over. They deserve it.
Bad writer for http://www.theknicksaredoomed.com
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
- Im Coming Home
- RealGM
- Posts: 25,401
- And1: 17,222
- Joined: Dec 08, 2009
- Location: The Island
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
So wholesome
RGM Knicks BAF- Houston Rockets
PG: Cunningham | Suggs |
SG: Au Thompson | Rupert |
SF: Griffin | Reddish
PF: Avdija | Prince| Bertans
C: Lively II | Smith
PG: Cunningham | Suggs |
SG: Au Thompson | Rupert |
SF: Griffin | Reddish
PF: Avdija | Prince| Bertans
C: Lively II | Smith
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
- thebuzzardman
- RealGM
- Posts: 74,313
- And1: 82,484
- Joined: Jun 24, 2006
- Location: Villanovknicks
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
HarthorneWingo wrote:Spree2Houston wrote:Damn Frazier is 73? We need to win a title soon man. He's broadcasted this mess for almost 2 decades.
Clyde is still at his playing weight and stays in great shape. 73 is the new 50. I'm 182 years old and look at me. I'll slam dunk your azz.
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
- thebuzzardman
- RealGM
- Posts: 74,313
- And1: 82,484
- Joined: Jun 24, 2006
- Location: Villanovknicks
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
I just skimmed the article but I gleaned that the key to a successful relationship is to be stuck in a sh*tty job together.
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
- Clyde_Style
- RealGM
- Posts: 65,177
- And1: 61,547
- Joined: Jul 12, 2009
- Location: Brunsonia
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
magnumt wrote:HarthorneWingo wrote:It's heartening to hear that there are people who actually care about other people.
This is NY fool. We give ZERO **** about other dudes!
--Mags
P.S. Clyde, I'm just fuqing with you.
You ing me bro?
Spoiler:
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
- Clyde_Style
- RealGM
- Posts: 65,177
- And1: 61,547
- Joined: Jul 12, 2009
- Location: Brunsonia
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
thebuzzardman wrote:HarthorneWingo wrote:Spree2Houston wrote:Damn Frazier is 73? We need to win a title soon man. He's broadcasted this mess for almost 2 decades.
Clyde is still at his playing weight and stays in great shape. 73 is the new 50. I'm 182 years old and look at me. I'll slam dunk your azz.
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
-
- Lead Assistant
- Posts: 5,237
- And1: 7,437
- Joined: Dec 18, 2016
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
One of the few joys I've had in my 19 years as a Knicks fan is hearing Clyde call games year in and year out. I hope he continues calling games for years to come
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
-
- RealGM
- Posts: 22,054
- And1: 9,634
- Joined: Jul 23, 2003
- Location: Winning now since 1973
- Contact:
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
Congrats to Clyde & Mike. Not gonna lie tho... I still miss Marv & John Andraise.
"Sell the team. Sell the team. Sell the team."
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
- Capn'O
- Senior Mod - Knicks
- Posts: 80,883
- And1: 91,773
- Joined: Dec 16, 2005
- Location: Bone Goal
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
cgmw wrote:Congrats to Clyde & Mike. Not gonna lie tho... I still miss Marv & John Andraise.
Our broadcasting team has always been second to none.
BAF Clippers
PG: CP3 | SGA
SG: SGA | Big Ragu
SF: J Brown | Dorture Chamber
PF: Gordon | Niang
C: Capela | Sharpe
Deep Bench - Forrest | Oladipo | Fernando | Young | Svi | Cody Martin
PG: CP3 | SGA
SG: SGA | Big Ragu
SF: J Brown | Dorture Chamber
PF: Gordon | Niang
C: Capela | Sharpe
Deep Bench - Forrest | Oladipo | Fernando | Young | Svi | Cody Martin
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
-
- RealGM
- Posts: 18,678
- And1: 5,759
- Joined: Aug 19, 2006
Re: NY Times: Relationship Advice From Two Who Have Withstood the Test of Time and Rhyme
We are truly lucky as fans to have these 2 announce our games. The best duo in the NBA. Even though our product on the floor sucks, Clyde and Breen always make it enjoyable to watch and listen to on TV. Love listening to these two guys!