4/27/26 - Monday Full Show - The Debut of Rich, Ken and Ted Johnson!

The debut episode of WEEI Afternoons, featuring Rich Schurtenleib, Ken Laird, and three-time Super Bowl champion Ted Johnson, launches with a dynamic mix of personal reflection, sports analysis, and unfiltered banter. The hosts kick off with heartfelt recollections of their careers, including Rich’s gratitude for the original WBCN team and Ted’s memories of draft day, before diving into major sports headlines. The Red Sox’s firing of Alex Cora is dissected as a necessary but poorly communicated move that fractured clubhouse unity, with speculation about Cora’s potential self-sabotage due to philosophical clashes with ownership. The Celtics’ playoff momentum is celebrated, particularly Peyton Pritchard’s breakout performance, with the team likened to the early 2000s Spurs for their disciplined, team-oriented play—though criticized for lacking star power. The Mike Vrabel-Diana Rossini scandal is examined through both human and professional lenses, with hosts expressing empathy for Rossini and confidence in Vrabel’s job security despite the controversy. The Bruins’ disappointing playoff exit is condemned as a crisis of leadership and pride, prompting calls for a culture change. The episode also touches on broader themes, including athlete financial mismanagement, the enduring emotional power of grunge music—especially Alice in Chains’ *Dirt*—and even playful musings on psychedelic mushrooms and vacation vibes, all wrapped in a chaotic, authentic energy that defines the new show’s identity.