Al Ackerman

Episode 172: Shep: LIVIN’ THE DREAM!

Matt Shepard

It’s a blast…every single day.

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

  • So how do you get to be an MLB play-by-play announcer? Guest MATT SHEPARD had a VERY unusual path to the Tigers!
  • The sports world mourns the death of one of the greatest pitchers ever. The boys reminisce on Tom Terrific.
  • The Tigers’ win streak ended at six. With five games against the Twins now on tap, is this the season’s telling point?
  • Looks like Eli’s suddenly started to watch the NBA playoffs. He did NOT like what he saw from one game in particular.
  • Bob on the NHL Playoffs: Is the great Zdeno Chara finally finished at 43 — or just finished in Boston?
  • Get ready, gamblers! Denny has his pick on Saturday’s Kentucky Derby for you — NOT! 
  • Legal sports gambling rages on. Denny updates us on what the Cubs are doing — and WHAT’S that about MJ?!
  • Big Ten(14!) football after all? President Trump will want to take credit IF that occurs — but would he deserve to?
  • MSU’s Kirk Cousins raked over the coals by the media for his ideas about COVID-19! Denny and Eli to the rescue.
  • How much would YOU pay for a presence at FL’s games? “ZERO?” Producer Brandon McAfee sez $100 but he does have limits.
  • Eli with “This Day in Sports History,” Bob’s got YOUR mailbag segment and much more right here!

Episode 169: DEXTER BUSSEY in the Battle of His LIFE!

Dexter Bussey

Typical Dexter Bussey: No complaints

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

  • One of the most popular Lions in memory, DEXTER BUSSEY, joins the boys on his career, unusual POST-career — AND his health! 
  • You’ll hear the voice of legendary sportscaster Bob Reynolds on Dex. WHAT? Never heard of BOB REYNOLDS?! It’s NOT all pretty. 
  • Not only did the Tigers actually win a GAME against Cleveland, they won the weekend series!  
  • Now what? Does Al Avila go for broke or does he start trading guys for more “prospects” - SUSPECTS - at the deadline? 
  • The PC Posse continues its takeover of sports, UNLESS, as Bob points out, you’re a black NBA player making a racist comment. 
  • And to think of Mike Milbury being “canceled” for a totally innocuous statement — whether YOU like him as a commentator or not. 
  • Resident golf mavens Eli and Denny go NUTS over what Dustin Johnson did last weekend! Does Koepka eat humble pie? 
  • Did they just hold one of the greatest events of the sports world in veritable secrecy?! Almost seems that way! 
  • Denny may not like it, but one NFL team now says there WILL be fans at ITS home games this year. 
  • Those stories, Eli with “This Day in Sports,” Bob with YOUR mailbag and much more right here!

Episode 167: SO Many Good Questions for RICH STRENGER!

Rich Strenger

You’re not going to get me to say anything negative about Bo.

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

  • U-M star, NFL vet AND an attorney? What better person to ask about EVERYTHING going on than RICH STRENGER!
  • How TERRIBLE are the Tigers? NOT so terrible that they can’t easily make the playoffs, especially WITH Casey Mize.
  • Covid-19 in MLB? The Cardinals are FINALLY playing again — WITH a convoy of 41 rental cars on the roads!  
  • The NBA Playoffs start(ed) Monday night. NO COVID issues there so far. Eli gives kudos to Adam Silver for that.
  • College football already slammed by COVID. The Big (14) won’t play — unless players and parents have THEIR way. 
  • Tuukka Rask of the Bruins has called it quits DURING the 2020 NHL playoffs! Bob says he quit on his TEAMMATES.
  • Kelly Stafford walks back her criticism of Colin Kaepernick. Eli and Denny laud her. Bob: Who cares what SHE thinks?
  • A BIG 80% of Packers ticket holders say they will NOT go to Lambeau this year! Eli and Denny: Would YOU go to a game?
  • Another week, ANOTHER Denny McLain scheme. Wait til you hear what he’s going to do now — AND with WHOM!
  • Eli has “This Day in Sports History,” Bob has YOUR mailbag — and MUCH more right here!

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

Gus Johnson

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.

Episode 128: Most loved? Most hated? Most FEARED? Our GUEST!

Former NBA Columnist Peter Vecsey

He took no prisoners. 

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

  • NBC-TV and New York Post star Peter Vecsey sets down his famous Poison Pen to join the boys on - what else?! - the NBA.
  • We gotta do it, folks - first thing EVERY show now. The latest horrors from COVID-19 AND the panic destroying our economy.
  • A “sport” still going on: video game basketball! Two young producers take three geezers by the hand and explain what THAT is!
  • Among MORE sports cancellations? Wimbledon! The British Open may be next.
  • And what if horse racing’s Triple Crown is called off? Four famous Tigers/ex-Tigers are dreading that! We’ll tell you why.
  • MORE trouble for Michigan State! THIS time it involves Tom Izzo himself and it COULD be serious.
  • Still working? Have any money coming in? How would you like to make five grand a DAY - and not HAVE to work for it?
  • That’s what’s happening for many MLB stars while the league ponders six-man starting rotations IF baseball returns soon.
  • What’s the ONE topic ALWAYS off the table among big-time athletes? Bob explains how a guy just violated it!
  • Those stories, YOUR weekly mailbag and much more right here.

Episode 124: LOVE Him? HATE Him? It’s ALL in the Game!

Bob Parker wiping forehead with his hand

Rob! Don’t Do that!

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

  • He ain’t shy! He IS opinionated, controversial, outspoken AND funny! He’s media star ROB PARKER, our guest today.
  • For once, Bob just listens! After all, with SO many FL’s moves we need to hear from guys who (strangely) still follow the team.
  • Denny’s upset. He can’t BELIEVE what’s gone on with Brady and WHERE Tom’s headed now.
  • Denny’s happy. His beloved Bears are moving on from Mitch Trubisky, just part an an amazing QB shuffle in the NFL.
  • Eli’s upset — with a few of Rick Pitino’s comments after signing on to coach Iona (whatever THAT is).
  • Hey, we gotta fill the show up SOMEHOW with no sports! Eli and Denny hope you won’t mind if they repeat a couple (great) stories.
  • RIP ex-Michigan boxing star Roger Mayweather, Floyd’s uncle, at just 58. 18 YEARS as a pro fighter?! You can guess the rest.
  • What if the 1968 Hong Kong Flu had shut down sports as the Coronavirus has? NO 31 for Denny, NO Tigers World Series!
  • Eli has checked some of our show reviews online and the results are quite flattering (to ELI) and humorous.  
  • But poor Bob! Boo-hoo, some fans are picking on him! One in particular in YOUR mailbag too. BOB “picks” right back!
  • Those stories and much more right here.

Episode 96: Now, Now, Boys! Stop Fighting! Behave Yourselves!

Baseball covered in dollar bills with red stitching

Are you guys coming over to my side in this debate?!

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

  • Strasburg, Cole and Rendon sign deals worth $824,000,000!!! Eli and Denny: SO? Bob: What about the FANS?!
  • Great news! The Toothless Tigers are FINALLY ready to rebuild! So claims Al Avila. Do you trust him? Denny doesn’t.
  • Al also sez the Tigers’ venerable UNIFORMS will look different in 2020? HUH?! HOW?
  • What was that “award” Keith Olbermann used to give? The Worst Person in the World? Do Eli and Denny have a nominee for YOU!
  • Two of MSU’s biggest names clash! Resident BOWLING expert Denny says HE knows which side HE’S on.
  • Whatever happened to ex-Michigan coach Brady Hoke? Bob explains why they WON’T be holding any benefits for him.
  • Michigan basketball? Don’t say Bob didn’t warn you about that Illinois game on the ROAD, while he RIPS the U-D!
  • Meanwhile, John Beilein’s got major problems in Cleveland. Why on EARTH did he leave the U-M?
  • Megan Rapinoe awarded SI’s SportsPERSON of the year, then really pops off at the ceremony! Was she right?
  • Those stories, our weekly mailbag featuring YOUR thoughts and much more right here!

Episode 93: Count Dennis Franklin Among UNHAPPY M Grads!

Dennis Franklin in U of M football game

It’s never gonna go away.

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

  • ANOTHER humiliating Ohio State beatdown of Michigan! Ex-star QB Dennis Franklin discusses that and MORE with us!
  • Denny has an, uh, interesting explanation for OSU’s dominance. Eli and Bob strongly disagree!
  • Did Bob overreact in saying (yelling!) that what happened Saturday was a “disgrace?” Eli thinks so.
  • Yippee! Michigan State is now “bowl eligible” after fans deserted the sunken ship for Saturday’s win.
  • But better things should be ahead for MSU basketball as a battle with Duke looms.
  • And what a job by U-M in winning a holiday tourney in the Bahamas! Now it’s #1 Louisville — on the ROAD.
  • Denny rips the Tigers’ coaching staff collective new ones on a subject he knows a LOT about!
  • Did the hockey world overreact to Calgary’s firing of ex-Wings’ assistant Bill Peters?
  • The FL’s made fools of themselves again on Thanksgiving. Who is the QB now? Bob asks, “Why not Kaepernick?!”
  • PLUS, MNF starring IMUS and McLAIN (?!), YOUR mailbag, Eli and Denny wage WAR against studio invaders and more!

Episode 91: The Life of an NFL kicker? Jason Hanson Tells All!

It starts with the snap.

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

  • Kickers are ALWAYS the best — interviews! You’ll hear that for yourself as ex-Lions’ star Jason Hanson joins the boys.
  • The FL’s play the Crummy Game of the Week vs. the PUTRID Redskins featuring TWO bungling owners, a man and WOMAN each.
  • LA and Baltimore have a key MNF matchup but a former Raven ain’t gonna help his new team! Eli and Denny are surprised.
  • College football: Bob repeats his prediction for the Michigan-Michigan State game: Michigan will ALSO “kill” Indiana!
  • And are you ready for The Big One? It’s MSU at mighty Rutgers! As usual, Mark Dantonio himself overshadows all.
  • DEATH threats to college players! Do a few nut-jobs take these games, played by mere kids, too seriously? DUH.
  • The winningest coach in Wings’ history, Mike Babcock, FIRED in Toronto! A case of history repeating itself?
  • The Pistons’ Don Casey embattled as well! Is HE to blame for the team’s pathetic lack of effort?
  • Kalamazoo’s own Derek Jeter and 18 others debut on the Hall of Fame ballot. Is it finally Sweet Lou’s time?
  • On YOUR Mailbag segment: “Dammit, take a chill pill, Eli!” Those stories and much more right here

 

Episode 83: Wow, 608 Career NHL Goals? Our Guest is Dino Ciccarelli!

Dino Ciccarelli's Jersey

“You want to score in the NHL” 

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

  • And now for our main event: Dino Ciccarelli vs Scotty Bowman! But that’s just ONE issue we’ll discuss with the ex-Wings star and HOFer.
  • The Nats are off to a 2-0 World Series lead and going home with — Anibal Sanchez on the mound?! All of Michigan thought he was DONE!
  • Is Jim Harbaugh heading back to the NFL? That COULD be based on what happens Saturday night against Notre Dame.
  • Meanwhile, MSU hosts Penn State with, as usual, bigger news made OFF the field: Malik McDowell pleads guilty to multiple charges.
  • It’s Denny’s FLs vs Bob’s New York Giants Sunday! Who ya got? Does it even matter at this point? Bob says YES! 
  • Andre Drummond and the Pistons looked sharp in their season opener. Will he leave in this, his walk year? Uh, wouldn’t YOU?
  • Eli says the NBA/China debacle will carry on a long time. But who was right and who was wrong in the brouhaha?  
  • The Wings started hot but have fallen FAST! Can Jeff Blashill bring them back — or is the team doomed as long as he’s the coach? 
  • Who knew Detroit sportscaster Al Ackerman best? The boys argue as they dish stories of Al AND of Howard Cosell.
  • In YOUR Mailbag Segment, Denny responds to one of you by saying in essence, “That’s a LIE!” Those stories and much more right here!