Category: Eli Zaret | No Filter Sports

Episode 144: From the Ol’ Farm — to Scoring a Super Bowl TD!

The only Lion of that era to win a Super Bowl!

It’s the latest No Filter Sports Podcast with Eli Zaret, Denny McLain, and Bob Page!

Our guest is the bruising fullback, TOM NOWATZKE, on his 1960’s Lions, Colts teammate Johnny U and MUCH MORE!
While pro sports leagues FIGHT during negotiations on when and how to start playing again, Eli and Bob repeat: go away til 2021.
No sports? No games to gamble on, no casinos to gamble IN! One way or another the city of Detroit may pay an awful price.
No football? Not only does Dolphins owner Stephen Ross say we WILL have an NFL season but he has unusual plans for his stadium.
Bob asks why Jim Harbaugh seemed so thrilled to recruit only a good, not great, player this week. Is it THAT bad in Ann Arbor now?
VERY different opinions among the boys over golf and last Sunday’s “The Match.” If you watched it, you were NOT alone.
The Michigan House has passed a bill allowing college athletes to make extra money on the side — and Eli’s apoplectic!
From Denny: the legendary overseas boxing match he actually went to! And does his ex-catcher Jim Price really HATE him?!
The latter question comes from YOUR mailbag segment. We’ll have that and many other top stories right here!

Episode 143: Drew Stanton’s LONG & WINDING Road

Things fell into place.

It’s the latest No Filter Sports Podcast with Eli Zaret, Denny McLain, and Bob Page!

A GREAT career as an NFL quarterback wasted as a back-up? Don’t tell that to MSU’s DREW STANTON, our guest!

Today we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for OUR freedoms as we observe Memorial Day.
It’s a special day for another reason: Eli remembers the Ali/Sonny Liston rematch on its 55th anniversary!
Bob reminds SOME people (not naming any names from THIS show!) who Brad Keselowski IS and why he matters.
Did you like the Tiger/Phil/Brady/Peyton golf outing? Didn’t even bother to watch? No worries. Eli and Denny DID.
Philip Rivers has a new job waiting for him: HIGH SCHOOL head coach in Alabama. He should NOT ask Mike Singletary for advice!
Prez Mark Schlissel’s not worried about no fans at U-M games. He won’t ALLOW football if no students are on campus!
As the NBA plots restarting in Orlando, we pay tribute to the great Jerry Sloan who died this weekend, as did Eddie Sutton.
How bad is it for the Wings? They’re officially among the “Stigmatized Seven,” awful clubs that won’t be part of summer playoffs.
Racism in hockey? It’s been an issue for a long time and now another black ex-player has come forward with HIS tales of abuse.
Those stories, Eli bitching all through our Mailbag segment while YOU enjoy it — and much more right here!

Episode 142: BROOKIE’S Got a LOT to Say!

One of the great guys in baseball.

It’s the latest No Filter Sports Podcast with Eli Zaret, Denny McLain, and Bob Page!

Small-town boy goes to Chicago — and steps right into Disco Demolition Night! Welcome to MLB, guest TOM BROOKENS!
Eli jumps all over ESPN for televising Korean baseball and — huh? A CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT?!
“Now tell me to what room I go to get my reputation back!” The lawsuit against MSU’s Mark Dantonio & others DISMISSED!
There’s news out this week on college football recruiting. Michigan fans won’t like it either.
Mike Trout’s rookie card just sold for $900,000! Denny says baseball cards are BACK — they MUST be!
Eli and Denny tell stories of Mantle and Pepitone and why it’s JOE’S pic hanging in The Denny Den, NOT Mickey’s.
IF the NFL plays this season, one equipment manufacturer thinks it has a great idea for player safety.
Meanwhile, an NFL player is suing over sexual assault. What could a WOMAN have DONE to the macho man?
Sad news for we of the Baby Boom Generation? Eli: YES! Bob: NO! EDDIE HASKELL was a two-faced jerk!
•Those stories, Eli and Denny KILL the weekend Tiger/Phil foursome, YOUR mailbag and much more right here!

Episode 141: Jimmy Carson: NHL Star to Business Star!

“I get to help a lot of families.”

It’s the latest No Filter Sports Podcast with Eli Zaret, Denny McLain, and Bob Page!

“Sorry, we just traded you — for Wayne Gretzky!” JIMMY CARSON, the only OTHER teen to score 50 in one season, is our guest!
So Denny, tell us about, ya know, that OTHER time you were almost arrested — and you had your LIFE threatened?
It was a VERY busy weekend for Eli. His beloved golf is back — well, kinda — AND he broke a Michigan law!
But Eli’s on edge. So are a LOT of people in Michigan self-quarantining. Now the FAMILY DOG seems to be on edge too!
What’s MLB gonna do now? We’re all waiting, while a big college baseball program falls victim to COVID-19.
If MLB does play this year, we know who its highest-paid player will be. Trout? Max? JV? NO! Wait’ll you hear.
And whither college football? Bob has the SECOND-worst scenario next to NO game: U-M v MSU a controlled scrimmage!
The once-beautiful Phyllis George has passed away. Eli and Denny lament but BOB points a finger!
Denny STONED for the first time ever? He STILL thinks the Packers will trade Aaron Rodgers to his treasured Bears.
And what kind of show would this be if we didn’t run down the NFL’s weekend rap sheet for you?
Those stories, YOUR mailbag featuring a certain ex-organ player warbling plus much more right here!

Episode 140: The Greatest Legend in MLB HISTORY?!

The No-Hitter in Yankee Stadium was really special.

It’s the latest No Filter Sports Podcast with Eli Zaret, Denny McLain, and Bob Page!

How did JIM ABBOTT do it?! Born without a right hand – yet became a star pitcher at U-M AND in MLB?! Jim joins the boys!
Sports are slowly coming back — but maybe not MLB. WAAYYY too many money issues, as we’ve reported previously.
So that begs the question: do people NEED sports or do MORE people HATE sports? Eli has some passionate thoughts on that.
But there’s plenty to do and watch without sports — as Denny found out during an impromptu stroll down Memory Lane!
What about the NFL? Bob details a LOT of issues that may keep IT from opening too. No more TAILGATING?!
Not guilty! A judge has dismissed the charges from the Nassar Nightmare against former MSU President Lou Anna Simon.
Meanwhile, there’s surprising news about former Spartan star linebacker, the late Mike Labinjo.
Ohio State and Michigan SCARED of a football rival? MSU, Penn St and Wisconsin too? Not YET, at least, but maybe soon?
Joe Tessitore and Booger McFarland (mercifully?) blown out of the Monday Night Football broadcast booth. NOW what?
Our producer Brand McAfee makes a SHOCKING confession about his childhood — and STILL can’t let go of it!
YOUR Mailbag may now have a theme song! You, uh, might NOT want to hear it as warbled by DENNY McLAIN, though.
Those stories and much more right here!

Episode 139: The “Spaceman” — on EVERYTHING!

One of the great characters in sports.

It’s the latest No Filter Sports Podcast with Eli Zaret, Denny McLain, and Bob Page!

You wanted to WHAT? BULLDOZE the Rocky Mountains?! It’s the one and only “SPACEMAN,” BILL LEE, on with us today!
What’s going on in sports? Almost NOTHING! But Eli, Denny and Bob still make the proverbial chicken SOUP outta chicken BLEEP.
Sports leagues planning to start again? Rumors abound every day. But HOW — and WHEN?
Human cockfighting had a big weekend anyway, though Eli calls it (and maybe YOU do too) “Ultimate Fighting Championship.”
At 53 (and apparently in need of money), Mike Tyson says he’s thinking about a comeback! How would HE do in UFC?
Whenever baseball announces it’s ready, is it possible ANOTHER issue could keep its doors closed?
MLB has now cut its draft rounds back due to COVID-19, but will that only help the rich (THE YANKEES!) get richer?
Baseball has changed SO much — and maybe not for the better. Denny rants on NOW versus THEN.
Cheating in college basketball? Biz as usual. Coach K even cheating?! Bob: “NEVER!” Eli: “Shut up, you Dukie!”
Those stories, we check in on Denny’s busy, uh, “social life,” YOUR Mailbag and much more right here!

Episode 138: NOLAN and FRANK — Oh, MY!!!

The best 1-2 punch since Spahn and Sain and pray for rain.

It’s the latest No Filter Sports Podcast with Eli Zaret, Denny McLain, and Bob Page!

From booze and broads in L.A. to “rebirth” in his hometown, Detroit’s own FRANK TANANA is our guest!
As they used to say: VCR ALERT!!! A THREE-HOUR TV special JUST on the new NFL sked! (Yippee)
There ARE certain pro sports underway in the midst of the COVID pandemic. Desperate enough yet to watch them?
Michigan and Michigan State football: Who needs EITHER? — as one famous coach seems to be implying.
Eli has more on the sex abuse scandal at U-M. A listener asks, “How is a ‘retired’ sports reporter scooping the CURRENT media?!”
Pete Rose selfish and reckless for still signing at sport shows? Bob says “B.S.!” Pete corked his bats? DENNY says “BFD!”
Eli has a confession: he actually listens to local sports radio “guy-talk!” But he still makes fun of it.
NBA issues: WHEN it returns there may be a big drop-off in play AND is K.D. still paid $$$$ if his Nets are not ALLOWED to play?
Will ESPN’s “Last Dance” NEVER end?! NOW we go from EVERYONE hating on Isiah to Sir Charles and M.J. hating on each other.
Bob details how and why Giants quarterback Phil Simms said an emphatic “NO!” to playing golf with Michael.
Eli said “YES!” to HIS golf game with comedian Tim Allen. THOSE stories, YOUR mailbag and much more right here!

Episode 137: The One and ONLY George Blaha!

May 4, 2020 01:33:03

An incredible career that started very modestly.
It’s the latest No Filter Sports Podcast with Eli Zaret, Denny McLain, and Bob Page!

He’s known all over Michigan and the NBA. For 44 years the voice of the Pistons. GEORGE BLAHA joins us today!

Will there BE an NBA season? The NFL says IT’S starting on time but, oh, the problems they’ll have!
Bob asks how owners will pay the MILLIONS they owe on guaranteed contracts with few fans and lower ticket prices.
ESPN’s latest episodes of “The Last Dance” expose more anger between MJ and Isiah.
Vegas has pitched a plan to finish the seasons for the major sports leagues. The response? Deafening silence!
But the odds ARE out for the FLs’ 2020 season. About as encouraging as news of their LATEST blown top draft pick.
MSU and U-M’s odds on winning a national championship this year? Understandable in East Lansing, HUMILIATING in Ann Arbor!
Meanwhile, what did Bo and Canham know — and when did they know it? Eli’s U-M sources have a LOT to say on the subject!
“So, Miss, I don’t know how to put this, but, uh, there’s something I’d like to ask you about your, um, physical endowments. May I?”
Those stories, a BIG thanks to all of you who are donating to the show, YOUR mailbag segment and much more right here!

Episode 136: Dave Bing, THIS is YOUR Life!

Let’s refresh some people’s memories.

It’s the latest No Filter Sports Podcast with Eli Zaret, Denny McLain, and Bob Page!

DAVE BING could have been INFAMOUS in Detroit sports instead of one of its most BELOVED figures. The Mayor joins us today!
So ya wanted Denny’s big MLB “scoop” he promised recently but never delivered? We’ve got it NOW — from another source!
MORE lawsuits involving alleged sex abuse at Michigan State, this time a big one against the NCAA itself.
It’s official: college sports’ “student-athletes” are now finally allowed to make money on outside endeavors!
Looks like Shea Patterson WON’T be making any money in the NFL. Details of his stunning fall from grace.
Quick now, Denny: if’n NASCAR come back, which good ol’ boy gonna win the CO-Cola 600? Denny: UH, who’s IN it?
Further ugliness from the Bulls-Pistons rivalry being displayed on ESPN. WHAT is Isaiah NOW claiming?!
A listener takes exception to Eli’s comments about Ernie Harwell. Eli defends himself — and Bob riffs on “the meaning of Ernie.”
Stevie Y signs two top young Swedish goalies. If STEVIE likes ’em, WE like ’em too. After all, can we FULLY trust Bernier?
Listen up, all you single gals out there! Guess who’s being BOMBARDED on a dating service now? Hint: NOT Eli. NOT Bob.
Those stories, YOUR weekly Mailbag segment – soon to be SPONSORED by YOU? – and much more right here!

Episode 135: “Local Boy Makes GOOD?” Makes BIG STAR!

On his way up he did all kinds of things!

It’s the latest No Filter Sports Podcast with Eli Zaret, Denny McLain, and Bob Page!

Did you know that national play-by-play star Gus Johnson is from Detroit AND was a great athlete in his own right? Gus Guests!
Meanwhile, Denny suddenly reveals a STUNNER about one of the most beloved play-by-play men in HISTORY!
Larry Adderley has died. Bob’s ex-colleague at WXYZ-TV a victim of Alzheimer’s — as is ANOTHER top Detroit sportscaster.
Can’t ANYONE stop these bull-bleep NFL post-draft analyses? NOBODY KNOWS who had a good or bad draft! We’ll talk in FIVE YEARS!
The ESPN coverage itself is a BIG part of the problem. But we all watched, didn’t we? Did you like what YOU saw?
What does your high school kid need to gain entrance to prestigious Tulane? A damn good jump shot! We explain.
“The Last Dance” episodes 3 and 4 aired over the weekend featuring the Bulls vs Pistons 88′ – 91′. Had enough Rodman YET?
Denny tells of once facing the hardest-throwing pitcher who ever LIVED! RIP Steve Dalkowski.
Good news! He also says there may be hope for a legendary Tigers World Series opponent whom we’d THOUGHT to be dying.
Those stories, Eli — WHAT?! — uptight about YOUR Mailbag and much more right here.