WJR

Episode 179: Will the REAL Detroit Lions Please Stand Up?!

Matt Prater

The broadcasters sounded very surprised they won.

It’s the latest No Filter Sports Podcast with Bob Page, Denny McLain, and Fred Heumann filling in for Eli!

  • Praise for the Lions — from BOB? Yes! GUTSY win Sunday at AZ, though Denny and Fred AREN’T as impressed.
  • At 65, actor JEFF DANIELS REMAINS a Lions fan, according to Fox’s pre-game show. Bob wonders why, Denny says he KNOWS why.
  • And, boy, was Denny in a good mood today! His beloved Bears have apparently dumped his favorite whipping boy — at last.
  • The Tigers ended the short season 25-35, JUST as bad as last year at the same point. So are things STILL pointing down or UP?
  • But who’s gonna be the next manager of the Tigers? BOTH Bob and Fred pound the table, “Get A.J. NOW!”
  • The MLB Playoffs are here. OBVIOUSLY, the Yankees and Dodgers are going to the Series, right? WRONG say the boys.
  • Detroit’s own DJ LeMahieu becomes the first player in baseball’s modern era to win a batting title in each league!
  • The Stanley Cup Finals are about to wrap up while the NBA Playoffs are about to BEGIN. Denny predicts — huh?!
  • The Wings’ Stevie Y made a trade over the weekend. Bob claims he actually made a STEAL!
  • Big news from the ring. With boxing expert Eli not here, our OTHER expert, producer Brandon McAfee tells us about it.
  • And did you hear about the Michigan girl who — on the first swing of the first match of her high school golf career …?!
  • Those stories, YOUR mailbag segment and MUCH more coming up right here.

Episode 178: Welcome, Lary! THIS is How We Roll!

Lary Sorensen

Good luck?!

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

  • Ex-MLB and U-M pitcher Lary Sorensen will have a role in many of our future shows. Did HE get an earful today as the boys fuss and FEUD! 
  • First — a fiery exchange over new Lions’ boss Sheila Ford Hamp. As usual, it’s Eli and Denny vs. Bob with “let’s give her a chance!” vs. “what a joke!” 
  • Then later, a REALLY “fiery exchange” between Denny and Bob over baseball!
  • Denny also continues to insist the FL’s will NOT fire Matt Patricia this year. Eli: hold the phone on that one with an 0-4 start looming.
  • The legendary Gale Sayers passed away this week at 77. Was he the first great BLACK halfback ever?
  • Sayers was arguably THE greatest running back PERIOD. So, who was MLB’s greatest starting pitcher? Bob says only that nobody’s ever been BETTER than de Grom.
  • With the Tigers’ season essentially over for some time, what to do about Miggy SUDDENLY looking like MIGGY again? 
  • A listener wonders where on EARTH Denny got his “scoop” that the Tigers would name Lance Parrish to replace Gardy?
  • Get ready for a whopping 16 teams in the MLB playoffs — permanently — or even more! Ya like that idea?
  • Since Denny has ZERO interest in hockey, that must mean none of YOU cares about hockey — right? Bob still pays tribute to two famous Michigan hockey products.
  • Eli has “This Day in Sports History” then wages another battle with Bob over YOUR Mailbag. WHEW! What a DAY! Those stories and more right here. Be ready!

Episode 176: D Mac: Amazing Story, GREAT Interview!

Daren McCarty

I bleed red and white. 

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

  • “The game’s too fast. I don’t think I could’ve played now.” One of the most popular players in Wings’ history, guest DARREN McCARTY, has a LOT to say with us!
  • Guest HOST Fred Heumann has covered The Big Ten(14) for many years so HE has a lot to say about conference football suddenly — huh? — being back ON now?
  • Michigan QB Dylan McCaffrey is just the latest college player to opt out of the season. But the boys agree: this AIN’T about COVID-19.
  • With a near-certain loss at Green Bay Sunday, Bob takes a peek at the FLs’ schedule and MAY yet get Denny to flip-flop on a coaching change.
  • Yep, Mr. Heumann should fit right in with THIS show. Wait’ll you hear him utterly DESTROY Matt Patricia!
  • So, are we watching football games on TV — or oh-so-hot young women hosting a fashion show?! Shame on gals like Maria Taylor? No. Shame on The Empty Suits.
  • Eek! Oh, NO! It’s (gulp) those big bullies, the Cleveland Indians, licking their chops over the Tigers series this weekend — but all is NOT lost for the future.
  • Ever researched why those famous figures are on the front of “Sgt Peppers?” How about also researching why DIFFERENT famous figures are now “seated” at Comerica?
  • Bob gets us up to speed on the NBA and NHL playoffs. Denny responds to him, “Who cares?! NOBODY’S gonna watch!”
  • The U.S. Open is underway — right after the U.S. Open just ENDED Sunday! This time it’s GOLF. Denny, ahem, claims to have nearly tamed fabled Winged Foot.
  • With Eli off, we’ll save his “This Day in Sports” for Monday’s show, but Bob’s got YOUR mailbag and WE’VE got 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 168: Tom Izzo: Coach of the PISTONS?!

Frank Izzo

I think he regrets not taking that job.

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

  • Eli’s on vacation so veteran sportscaster FRED HEUMANN joins us with some big opinions and stories!
  • Casey Mize makes his LONG-awaited MLB debut! MOST of us thought he did well. NOT Denny!
  • Al Avila says on a Friday that Mize and the other kids are NOT ready. By MONDAY they ARE?! Bob thinks he knows why.
  • Thom Brennaman commits the ultimate TV/radio sin: not so much WHAT he said, it’s the cardinal rule he FORGOT!
  • Fernando Tatis Jr. hits a grand slam on a 3-0 count with his team up by SEVEN in the 8th inning — and the feces hits the fan!
  • The NFL is now considering a postseason “bubble” which has worked for the NBA and NHL.
  • Most of COLLEGE football is not going to play at all. Players, parents and one prominent medical expert are VERY unhappy.
  • A potentially GREAT Michigan O-lineman has already seen enough. HE’S heading to the pros!
  • One of the legal world’s greatest truisms: how much “justice” can you afford? In Robert Kraft’s case, a LOT!
  • Those stories, “This Day in Sports” — just for Denny McLain, YOUR mailbag and much more right here.

Episode 160: 50 YEARS in Detroit Sportscasting!

Ron Cameron

The one! The only! The magic one!

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

  • LOOK! Up in the sky! It’s a BIRD! It’s a PLANE! NO, it’s SUPERFAN Ron Cameron! A TRUE Detroit original.
  • Eli’s not with us, off on a well-deserved family vacation, so it’s just Denny and Bob stirring up all the —- today!
  • MLB is back. Kinda. And the guys are NOT happy about the Tigers’ apparently throwing in the towel already!
  • Are YOU looking forward to watching a bastardized short season in empty stadiums or arenas?
  • Bob’s solution to allowing fans in at games remains logical. He’s CRESTFALLEN sports execs aren’t listening to him.
  • If fans WERE allowed to attend live games, would many stay away anyway over political and social protests?
  • The team without a town! Should the Toronto Blue Jays come knocking at YOUR door, would you let ’em in?
  • Denny says WHAT? “They’re gonna be pretty good this year!” And he’s talking about — WHOM?!
  • College football remains a mess due to COVID (what doesn’t?) but MSU may have just set a bad precedent.
  • Fans of The Mailbag finally have their ardent demand met: a much LONGER segment with no Eli around!
  • And is an NBA ROOKIE trying to run his new team’s front office?! These stories and much more right here.

Episode 154: GREAT boxer. Greater GENTLEMAN!

Boxer Hilmer Kenty

Detroit’s first champion since Joe Louis.

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

  • Ex-world champ HILMER KENTY joins us to discuss his career, Emanuel Steward, the Kronk, the current state of boxing and more!
  • A big 50th anniversary this week for Denny AND for Bob who reminisce about the night he came back from his MLB suspension.
  • And just to set the record straight, Mr. Giacalone, what did you DO to poor Denny to help end his career? Oh? REALLY?!
  • The Tigers have done WHAT? PARTNERED with a gambling sports book?! Denny: “I was SUSPENDED for doing the same thing!”  
  • Baseball, uh, “spring training” has resumed, but Eli says we STILL don’t know what the season sked looks like.
  • P.C. Madness: we now learn from The Lunatics that “Honest Abe” apparently WASN’T so “honest.” HIS statue must go too!
  • Tag! YER it — or maybe yer NOT! Conflicting COVID tests all over now allow one PGA tour player into this week’s Detroit stop.
  • Ya say it doesn’t matter? Ya say prep superstar Emoni Bates won’t ever actually PLAY for MSU? Bob explains why it DOES matter.
  • Our Detroit radio affiliate WDFN is gone, suddenly changed to another format. Denny and Bob: sorry to hear it. Eli: SCREW radio!
  • Mr. Z also has This Day in Sports and a SHOCKING statement about YOUR weekly mailbag segment. It’s all right here!

Episode 137: The One and ONLY George Blaha!

George Blaha

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!

Dave Bing

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!

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.