Tag: Charles Barkley | No Filter Sports

Episode 197: Blind Faith: Do Long-Suffering Lions Fans Have a CHOICE?

November 30, 2020 01:24:57

They were starting to mention guys already…

Welcome to No Filter Sports Podcast with “The Original Three:” Eli Zaret, Denny McLain and Bob Page!

As a young Johnny Carson asked on his 1950’s TV show every week: “Who Do You Trust?” SURELY not Sheila and Rod?!
Whom WILL the duo hire as new Lions general manager? Former star wideout Herman Moore pounds the table for an ex-teammate.
Too late to make our show taping today: Michigan football “paused” due to COVID-19! Frankly, it couldn’t have come at a better time.
While Penn State provided the LATEST embarrassment for U-M, MSU is riding high — at least until (gulp!) the Bucks hit town this week.
And Ohio State NEEDS to play this game in the midst of a veritable SEA of nationwide COVID cancellations.
Golf wackos Eli and Denny, of COURSE, watched the Phil/Steph/Peyton/Barkley extravaganza, but non-wacko Bob has a question about Sir Charles.
WHAT “wackos” watched Saturday night’s Mike Tyson-Roy Jones abomination? WE’VE got TWO of ’em right here on the show!
Tom Izzo and Coach K ready to rumble again! IF MSU is as AWESOME as it was against Notre Dame Saturday who can beat them?
The Pistons make an announcement that would have been UNTHINKABLE anywhere in sports just a few years ago.
Eli fears his “This Day in Sports” is hitting a wall. Bob has YOUR mailbag — and we’ve got much more right here!

Episode 196: From Motown to NATIONAL NFL Expert!

November 27, 2020 01:34:00

A Pro Football Hall of Fame writer!

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

COVID even postponing the SUPER BOWL? Maybe, says one of America’s top NFL writers, guest RICK GOSSELIN.
(yawn) Another Thanksgiving, another TURKEY from the Lions. Even Sheila Hamp Ford looked bored to tears!
Ford Field may have been empty but the Dallas Cowboys did allow fans for their game later. Why’s that?
What’s more, how do the woeful Lions and suddenly woeful Cowboys keep being awarded such a big showcase?
Eli a RACIST?! If so, you’d better add Bob and Denny to that list over the boys’ agreement on an overblown NFL event.
COVID SO ravaging sports now that one prominent SEC team has been driven to TOTAL desperation this weekend.
And the biggest story now that college BASKETBALL is underway is already which teams AREN’T playing.
Wins for both U-M and MSU to kick off the schedule but Bob’s much more impressed with #1 Gonzaga.
If COVID can’t do it, here’s an event that SHOULD be canceled: Saturday night’s Tyson-Jones “pillow fight!”
The WORLD may mourn Maradona but our AMERICAN boys mourn Paul Hornung with LOTSA good yarns!
Those stories, Eli’s “This Day in Sports,” Bob with YOUR mailbag and much more right here.

Episode 194: Scared of Butkus? Not a Young GREG LANDRY!

November 19, 2020 01:24:48

But you always wanted to know where he was…

It’s the latest No Filter Sports Podcast with Eli Zaret, Bob Page, Fred Heumann AND Lary Sorensen!

Okay, so maybe they weren’t “glory days,” but the Detroit Lions of our guest, GREG LANDRY, were at least FUN!
NOW, Eli says the COVID crisis has taken the “fun” element OUT of sports. Bob, Fred and Lary disagree.
Still, what a world we’re in! MSU’s football game a COVID cancelation. MSU basketball expecting cancellations.
Sports TV ratings are way down and surveys indicate most of you will not go to live events til there’s a COVID vaccine.
All those kids! What WERE the Pistons thinking about in the NBA draft, which was at least high on MUSICAL talent.
With another embarrassing loss for U-M a possibility Saturday, would the Jets try to hire Jim Harbaugh anyway?
Easy come, easy go. One airhead MLB player loses a guaranteed $24 million for taking steroids!
“This Day in Sports” finds one of our fans bravely staying at his battle station during “Malice at the Palace!”
Those stories, Lary ripped by Howard Cosell on national TV, YOUR Mailbag and much more — right here!

Episode 174: Doug English: a True LION on the Field

September 10, 2020 01:45:02

One of the league’s true warriors.

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

He didn’t win a Super Bowl. No Detroit Lion ever has (or will?), but guest DOUG ENGLISH remains one of the most popular players in team history.
It’s opening week in the NFL. Coaches upset over no fans at their home games, the threat of BLM and National Anthem protests. What a kerfuffle already!
Oh, and Bob wonders what the league will do if/WHEN a player tests positive for COVID-19. Would they panic and cancel a game on a Sunday morning?!
Few teams have the long tradition of the Detroit Tigers. So when they set a new low for futility at Milwaukee THAT was really saying something!
Now what to do with struggling Matthew Boyd? Denny: TRADE HIM. But why wouldn’t the Tigers call Denny — or Lolich or Tanana — to at least pick their brains?
Eli says the quality of the NBA Playoffs has been stellar, but Bob is among the pissed-off millions who haven’t watched a single game yet.
As if the NBA needed MORE controversy, the Stephen A. Smiths of the world cry (surprise!) “WHITE PRIVILEGE” over Steve Nash’s hiring.
The NHL Playoffs have been excellent too — for those few outside Dallas and Las Vegas who find the Stars vs the Knights in summertime compelling.
Eli has “This Day in Sports History,” Bob’s got YOUR mailbag segment — and much more right here!

Episode 162: Former Pistons Star Makes REAL Good!

July 30, 2020 01:32:08

I don’t want anybody to know what I’m doing!

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

“How to Succeed in Business WITH Really Trying?” What a life ex-Pistons star JOHN MENGELT has had! “Crash” joins the boys.
Eli comes up with an interesting stat: as of Thursday we were already 1/10th through the MLB season!
Fantastic start for the Tigers’ Jacoby Jones. Will he someday become a big star? Eli: Maybe Denny: NO! Bob: YES!
Miguel Cabrera is slow. Uh, HOW slow IS he? Pathetically slow – and perhaps washed up too!
Joe Kelly of the Dodgers was slapped with an eight-game suspension after headhunting the Astros. Fair?
Oh. You haven’t been watching MLB games? Had enough of COVID issues, eh? Don’t worry. It’s all FAKE — says one NBA player.
Racism, real or not, is cutting a swath through the U.S. Will one of the Big Ten’s best-known coaches be a victim?
MANY alleged victims file a lawsuit charging that Bo Schembechler WAS guilty in the U-M sex abuse scandal.
Those stories, Eli has “This Day in Sports History,” Bob has YOUR mailbag segment and much more right here!

Episode 149: The GREAT Rod Carew

June 15, 2020 01:35:43

No easy out.

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

Baseball Hall of Famer ROD CAREW joins the boys to talk about his amazing career, amazing new HEART & more!
So Jim Nantz began Saturday’s PGA telecast with a tribute to George Floyd? Bob asks where the Tour’s BEEN all these years!
Is Rob Manfred going to save MLB’s season by FORCING the players and owners to (finally) get started?
The NBA has a plan to come back, but Kyrie Irving says it SHOULDN’T until “Black Lives Matter” is accomplished!
No word from the NHL on its restart as one star coach asks how an NFL comeback’s possible with “social distancing.”
What if Gibby’s World Series homers had been played in EMPTY STADIUMS?! Eli on board with Bob: there MUST be fans!
ESPN’s doc on the steroid-laden 1998 home-run race premieres. Why are McGuire & Bonds welcome in MLB but not Sosa?
Mr. Z always has terrific stories about Allen Iverson who just turned 45. You won’t believe what happens when he turns 55!
What happened 55 YEARS ago? Denny: ROD CAREW broke in? Uh, NO, Denny! He finally got the answer.
Those stories, YOUR Mailbag segment and much more right here!

Episode 145: The Remarkable Life of Trixie!

June 1, 2020 01:39:54

He wore the Tigers uniform fo 28 years…more than anyone in team history.

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

The man who wore a Tigers uni longer than any? DICK TRACEWSKI — also Koufax’s roommate in L.A. — is our guest!
What NOW for MLB? Well, the post-season’s probably gonna be FRIGID! IF they DO play.
Minor League Baseball in a HEAP of trouble but one Florida club has a unique way of making money now anyway!
The NBA and NHL resuming? Eli asks how many even care about sports anymore, especially with all the trouble in the U.S.
COVID-19 talk is everywhere and one of the NHL’s top young star’s career may be in jeopardy due to the pandemic.
No caddies allowed on the LPGA? MLS at war over when and if it can start playing soccer again? Yet the coast MAY be nearly clear.
For instance, Korean MLB could serve as a model for baseball to return. It’s had no outbreaks since resuming play.
LOOK! Denny is now ready for 1967 to begin — JUST in time for 2020 as he asks Eli for advice about (GASP!) marijuana!
Detroiter Brad Keselowski has won his second straight NASCAR race. Denny recalls interviewing him when Brad was THREE!
How do you go through $44 million and wind up broke? Ask baseball’s Esteban Loaiza AND Mike Tyson among others!
Watching the Lance Armstrong doc on ESPN these days? Bob: He’s a lying SOB. NO! Eli to Bob: Aren’t you being a hypocrite?
A silly fan’s suggestion in YOUR Mailbag to (GULP!) get rid of BOB and hire — SERIOUSLY?! Those stories and more right here!

Drew Stanton in MSU uniform preparing a throw.

Episode 143: Drew Stanton’s LONG & WINDING Road

May 25, 2020 01:28:54

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 138: NOLAN and FRANK — Oh, MY!!!

May 7, 2020 01:25:26

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!

Black and white stylized photo of Ron LeFlore

Episode 123: Our Ron LeFlore Interview? All You THOUGHT It’d Be!

March 16, 2020 1:29:16

I’ll believe it when I hear it…

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

Whaddya know? He DID finally make it on the show! And YOU won’t wanna miss the boys’ chat with RON LeFLORE!.
Life without sports is BORING! Or is it? Eli, Denny and Bob haven’t missed it much — so far.
As the Coronavirus pandemic (PANIC!) reaches new lows we highlight news from the sports world:
The NFL’s CBA has been approved — but do we really need even MORE football?!
Another day, another Tom Brady story. The latest claims Bill Belichick MAY be cutting off his nose to spite his face.
Rick Pitino is the new head coach WHERE?! IONA?! Bob explains what that is and WHY Pitino probably did this.
Ex-Tiger Ruppert Jones and many others want to know what we’ll be talking about with no sports going on.
Well, Rupe, when the going gets tough, the tough …! Eli and Denny have the, uh, latest from women’s soccer and gymnastics.
As always, we hear from our listeners in YOUR mailbag segment.
Oh, and what else was it that we wanted to mention? Hmmm … oh, yeah! Happy 70th birthday to Eli Zaret!
Those stories and much more right here.