The Valenti Show

Full Show: Should Pistons pursue Kevin Durant in response to LeBron joining 76ers? Jul 24, 2026 9268 It's a Happy Summer Friday edition of the Valenti Show, with Brendan Schabath filling in for Rico. The show kicks off with reaction to the stunning news that LeBron James has signed with the rival Philadelphia 76ers. It's not good for the Pistons, whose relatively quiet offseason is coming into sharper focus in an increasingly competitive Eastern Conference. Jalen Duren appears to be no closer to

Hour 1: The Pistons' core simply isn't good enough ... Is it? Jul 24, 2026 2557 The first hour of Friday's show is spent discussing LeBron James' stunning decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. Mike and Brendan Schabath think it exposes the Pistons' relative weakness, and highlights an underwhelming offseason in which the team only marginally improved. Jalen Duren's ongoing contract negotiations feel like a bitter pill to swallow in light of the day's developments.

Hour 2: The market for Jalen Duren just isn't what he thinks it is Jul 24, 2026 2523 In the wake of LeBron signing with the 76ers, Mike and Brendan continue to be cranky about public contract squabbling of Tarik Skubal and Jalen Duren. While Skubal seems to put his foot in his mouth routinely, Duren simply seems to be out of touch with how the rest of the NBA values his services. His pursuit of a max contract extension from the Pistons is a non-starter for Valenti.

Hour 3: Adult-only flights / Stop taking babies onto planes Jul 24, 2026 1680 Things get a little squirrely in the third hour of Friday's show, as the guys air their grievances about airports and the overall flying experience. Valenti has had it with infants on planes and says his parents stopped travelling for many years when he was a child. Plus, a riveting installment of 'Who Said It?'

Hour 4: Debating Kevin Durant's cryptic IG post and trade rumors Jul 24, 2026 2495 The crew breaks down Kevin Durant's cryptic Instagram picture with Cade Cunningham, mysteriously posted on the very day LeBron announced his move to Philly. Could KD be hinting at a trade to the Detroit Pistons, and more importantly, is the front office willing to give up young foundational pieces like Jalen Duren or Ausar Thompson to make it happen? Tune in for a heated, candid debate on whether

Is Kevin Durant hinting that he wants to join Cade Cunningham in Detroit? Jul 24, 2026 667 Mike and Brendan Schabath react to some interesting social media activity from the mercurial perennial NBA All-Star.

LeBron James to the Sixers is DEFCON 1 for the Pistons Jul 24, 2026 579 Mike would have rather seen LeBron sign with Golden State or even Miami over Philly. Now the Sixers have one of the best starting fives in the NBA -- if not the best. The question is, does this make you more upset about the Pistons offseason? Or less, because it's not even worth getting upset over in the face of this kind of conference rival. 'Everyone is playing for second,' Mike says.

Valenti: 'I know I'm on an island' in regard to Jalen Duren Jul 24, 2026 648 Jalen Duren is reportedly seeking $57 million per year from the Pistons, but Mike says he wouldn't even extend the four-year veteran for $40 million per year. Valenti is unswayed by Duren's age and All-NBA accolades and says Duren could easily be replaced.

Who are you more fed up with: Tarik Skubal or Jalen Duren? Jul 24, 2026 704 Mike and Brendan react to new reporting on Jalen Duren's contract demands. Apparently the young center wants a max deal of five years and $287 million. The guys are unimpressed, as they think Duren has not earned that type of deal, and Duren is quickly entering Tarik Skubal terriroty in terms of the seemingly unending uncertainty about his future. Which player are you more annoyed by at this point

Is the Pistons' window closed now that the East is getting stronger? Jul 24, 2026 617 The conversations continues about the 76ers' league-shaking move to sign LeBron James to a two-year, $8 million contract. It doesn't look great for the Pistons, who never seemed to in the mix for the living legend's services. Do they have another move up their sleeve to build the supporting cast around Cade Cunningham? And have they missed their window, coming off a 64-win season, to reach and eve

LeBron James is a Sixer, and the Pistons are screwed Jul 24, 2026 678 Mike and Brendan Schabath, in for Rico, react to the breaking news of LeBron James signing a two-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. The guys agree that it doesn't bode well for the Detroit Pistons and star Cade Cunningham. General manager Trajan Langdon's apparent passivity in upgrading the roster this offseason is looking like a disaster.

FULL SHOW: Thursday, July 23rd Jul 23, 2026 9075 Mike opened up the show incensed about a USA Today column about Caitlin Clark that was controversial, to say the least. The guys shifted gears to discuss the lack of information surrounding the Red Wings' GM search before giving their thoughts on the SEC potentially leaving the NCAA. They spent the entire last hour of the show with their immediate reactions to Tarik Skubal speaking yet again about

HOUR 1: Awful USA Today Caitlin Clark Column, CFB Blitz, Duren/Pistons Thoughts Jul 23, 2026 2490 Mike felt compelled to begin the show with his thoughts on a USA Today column from Nancy Armour about Caitlin Clark's flopping. He expanded on how he feels that this is part of a bigger issue with sports media before the guys did a CFB Blitz and discussed what NBA executives have to say about Jalen Duren not having a contract yet.

HOUR 2: Lack Of Red Wings GM Search News + Which NFL QB Would You Want In The Last 2 Minutes? Jul 23, 2026 2347 Mike and Rico opened the second hour with their thoughts on the lack of updates on the hiring process for the new Red Wings GM. They discussed whether the job is even desirable and then changed course topic-wise with a conversation about the QBs they'd rather have with the ball over Caleb Williams.

HOUR 3: Weird BBQ Recipes + Is The SEC Set To Leave The NCAA? Jul 23, 2026 1777 The guys went through some wild BBQ recipes and then dove into the recent news about the SEC potentially leaving the NCAA.

HOUR 4: Tarik Skubal Speaks AGAIN & The Guys + Listeners React Jul 23, 2026 2460 Tarik Skubal spoke as the guys were in the midst of a conversation about him, so naturally they spent the rest of the hour with their reactions to his comments.

The People React To Skubal's Recent Comments Jul 23, 2026 436 Mike and Rico let the listeners voice their frustrations about Tarik Skubal speaking again about not wanting the Tigers to sell at the deadline.

Oh Boy, Skubal Has Spoken Again Jul 23, 2026 515 Valenti is irate that Tarik Skubal can't keep his mouth closed.

Is The SEC News A Microcosm Of What Will Happen With CFB? Jul 23, 2026 435 What would the fallout be if the SEC left the NCAA?

Will The SEC Actually Leave The NCAA? Jul 23, 2026 710 The guys discuss the big news of last week concerning the SEC potentially breaking from the NCAA.

Would You Try These Wild BBQ Recipes? Jul 23, 2026 628 The guys talk about some unconventional things to barbecue.

Which QBs In The NFL Would You Want With The Ball Late-Game More Than Caleb Williams? Jul 23, 2026 645 Valenti and Rico upend their Red Wings talk for a conversation about Caleb Williams/other NFL QBs.

The Reasons Why We Haven't Gotten An Update On The Red Wings GM Search Jul 23, 2026 846 Why haven't we heard anything regarding the Red Wings' search for a new GM?

Is The Red Wings GM Role Even An Attractive Job? Jul 23, 2026 498 Mike and Rico discuss whether there's any appeal to the Red Wings' open GM role.

What Do Rival NBA Executives Think About Jalen Duren? Jul 23, 2026 634 The guys react to an article from The Athletic where rival NBA executives were asked about the value of Jalen Duren amidst his contract standoff with the Pistons.

2026 CFP Dark Horses | College Football Blitz Jul 23, 2026 600 Which teams could shock the CFB world by making the CFP with the new expanded format?

Is There An Issue With Sports Media Coverage? Jul 23, 2026 361 This Caitlin Clark column has Mike rethinking everything about sports media.

Reacting To ABSURD USA Today Column Critical Of Caitlin Clark Jul 23, 2026 895 Valenti is in disbelief over a USA Today column by Nancy Armour about Caitlin Clark.

FULL SHOW: Wednesday, July 22nd Jul 22, 2026 8525 Valenti and Rico spent the vast majority of today's show reacting to Tarik Skubal's recent tone-deaf comments and an article from Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic detailing Scott Harris' thought process in trade discussions. They mixed in some football along the way as well.

HOUR 1: Addressing Skubal's Tone-Deaf Comments/Ken Rosenthal's Article + CFB Blitz Jul 22, 2026 2463 Tarik Skubal said some interesting things and the guys had some interesting responses to him. Plus, Ken Rosenthal's article about the Tigers/Skubal trade situation raised some eyebrows about the asking price from Scott Harris and the Tigers. The guys wrapped up the first hour with a CFB Blitz.

HOUR 2: Skubal Continued + Fair Or Foul With Framber Valdez? Jul 22, 2026 2383 Mike and Rico carried the Skubal conversation into the second hour. They took a bunch more of your calls before shifting to discuss Framber Valdez and whether that signing is approaching some of the worst in the tenure of Scott Harris.

HOUR 3: In Football Today + Interesting Nugget Regarding Potential Comp Pick For Skubal Jul 22, 2026 1891 The guys mixed in some football to begin the hour, talking about a few best bets for the 2026 NFL season. Then, Paul Serra had an interesting clarification regarding the potential comp pick the Tigers would receive if they lost Skubal in free agency.

HOUR 4: Resetting The Skubal Conversation + Taking A Few More Of Your Calls Jul 22, 2026 1787 Valenti and Rico put a bow on today's show with some final thoughts + calls on Tarik Skubal's comments and Ken Rosenthal's insightful article on the situation. Then, they were joined by Wojo & Rico in cross-talk.

Hearing From A Few More Of The People On The Skubal Topic Jul 22, 2026 687 Some of the listeners chime in on the multiple questions at hand today with Tarik Skubal.

The MULTIPLE Questions Surrounding Skubal Revisited Jul 22, 2026 678 Mike and Rico begin the final hour by resetting the Skubal topic, adjusting their conversation to include the comp pick information provided by Paul Serra in the previous hour.

Paul Serra Clarifies A Few Things Regarding A Potential Comp Pick With Skubal Jul 22, 2026 722 The Tigers better hope Tarik Skubal signs for a large sum of money if they keep him and he leaves in free agency.

2026 NFL Season Best Bets | In Football Today Jul 22, 2026 665 David joins the guys equipped with some best bets for the upcoming NFL season.

How Tone-Deaf Were Skubal's Comments? Jul 22, 2026 645 The guys address Skubal's comments about fan interactions and criticism and speak to the people on this topic.

Is This A Fair Point From Valenti About Framber Valdez? Jul 22, 2026 457 Mike thinks the Valdez signing is looking worse by the day.

Is Scott Harris Asking For Too Much For Skubal? Jul 22, 2026 623 Valenti and Rico liken Scott Harris' plan for trying to trade Tarik Skubal to Steve Yzerman's with Dylan Larkin.

College Football Dark Horse Contenders | CFB Blitz Jul 22, 2026 509 David joins with a few schools that could be dark-horse candidates to make the CFP.

Your Reactions To Skubal's Comments On Injury, Criticism, & More Jul 22, 2026 534 Mike and Rico get the people in on their Skubal conversation for the first time this show.

Have Skubal's Latest Comments Put You Over The Top With Him? Jul 22, 2026 601 The guys try to make sense of all of the revelations from Skubal's latest interview.

Valenti Is Even More Outraged After Hearing Skubal's Comments About Injury + Trade Jul 22, 2026 815 Mike has a lot to say to begin today's show about Skubal's comments regarding his elbow injury and more.

FULL SHOW: Tuesday, July 21st Jul 21, 2026 8794 Valenti and Rico spent the first half of the show in a conversation stemming from the World Cup expansion in 2030 about greed in sports and which league has ruined itself the most. They mixed in a few different topics in the third hour before reacting to some conflicting reports regarding Tarik Skubal's future with the Tigers ahead of the trade deadline.

HOUR 1: The Sport That Has Ruined Itself The Most + Start, Bench, Cut Jul 21, 2026 2577 The guys reacted to the news that FIFA will be expanding the World Cup in 2030, which prompted a conversation about greed in sports, specifically which league has ruined its product the most. Then, they did a "Start, Bench, Cut" to round out the first hour.

HOUR 2: Sports That Have Ruined Itself Continued Jul 21, 2026 2436 Valenti and Rico carried over their first hour topic into the second, speaking more of the people via your calls and texts.

HOUR 3: In Football Today + A Unique Way To Cook Ribs + LeBron's Looming Decision Jul 21, 2026 2009 David had a list from Sports Illustrated with 14 different teams that could win the Super Bowl, which the guys reacted to to begin the third hour. Then, Mike was informed of a different way to cook ribs called party ribs, which prompted a larger discussion about this before they speculated about LeBron's incoming free agency decision.

HOUR 4: Conflicting Skubal Reports + Would The Tigers Be Prepared To Buy If They Keep Him? Jul 21, 2026 1769 The guys had no choice but to address some conflicting reports about whether the Tigers plan to trade Tarik Skubal before the trade deadline.

Will The Tigers Move Skubal? The Listeners Respond Jul 21, 2026 677 Mike and Rico take a few of your calls on the conflicting reports on Skubal's future with the Tigers.

What's With The Conflicting Skubal Reports? Jul 21, 2026 794 The guys reluctantly react to some comments from Jeff Passan and other MLB insiders regarding the future of Tarik Skubal with the Tigers.

The Latest On LeBron: Where Will He End Up? Jul 21, 2026 688 The guys speculate about LeBron's looming free agency decision.

Is This An Acceptable Way To Cook Ribs? Jul 21, 2026 634 Mike doesn't understand how some people cook ribs this certain way.

Can All Of These Teams Potentially Win The Super Bowl? | In Football Today Jul 21, 2026 684 David has a list from Sports Illustrated of 14 teams that can actually win the Super Bowl. The guys discuss whether they approve of each team.

More Of The People Chime In On The Sport That Has Ruined Itself The Most Jul 21, 2026 766 Mike and Rico take more of your calls on their main topic today.

How Have Sports Leagues Ruined Their Product? Jul 21, 2026 637 With the guys resigned to the fact that most leagues have ruined themselves, they talk about some specific examples as to why they think so, league by league.

Start, Bench, Cut | 7-21-26 Jul 21, 2026 416 Paul Serra has the guys participate in a "Start, Bench, Cut" game.

Listeners Chime In With The Sport That Has Ruined Itself The Most Jul 21, 2026 734 Valenti and Rico hear from some of the people on the sport they think has ruined itself due to greed the most.

Have College Sports Ruined Themselves More Than Any Pro Sports? Jul 21, 2026 683 The guys compare college sports and pro sports in terms of how they've changed because of greed.

What Sport Has Ruined Itself The Most? Jul 21, 2026 753 Mike and Rico set up this wide-ranging topic to begin today's show.

Best of college sports on 97.1 The Ticket: Warde Manuel is out at Michigan, but there is a major catch Jul 21, 2026 2126 The Ticket team reacts to breaking news that Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel will step down at the end of the calendar year. The guys tear into the university’s handling of the decision, questioning why Manuel is being kept on for five more months amid the ongoing fallout and controversy.

FULL SHOW: Monday, July 20th Jul 20, 2026 8157 Valenti and Rico kicked off this week of shows with the report of a potential hold-in from Jahmyr Gibbs in order to receive an extension from the Lions. They covered this topic until they addressed the big news that Warde Manuel plans to step down from his role as Michigan Athletic Director in December, breaking down all the different angles regarding it. Then, they returned to their ongoing Skuba

HOUR 1: Will The Lions Pay Gibbs Before Training Camp? + Can We Say That? Part 1 + Warde Manuel Stepping Down Jul 20, 2026 2423 With Mike back after missing Friday's show, the guys returned to Jon Jansen's report regarding a potential hold-in by Jahmyr Gibbs in order to secure a new extension from the Lions. They debated whether the Pro Bowl running back deserves to get a big payday before they did the first "Can We Say That?" Then, the guys began the conversation regarding the Michigan investigation/Warde Manuel's plans t

HOUR 2: Warde Manuel & Where The Blame Actually Lies Amidst More Michigan Controversy Jul 20, 2026 2320 Valenti and Rico continued to address the inevitable when it comes to the news that Michigan AD Warde Manuel plans to step down in December. Somehow, U of M absolved Manuel of any wrongdoing in the investigation into Michigan athletics, and the guys struggled to comprehend this lack of accountability by anyone involved.

HOUR 3: Can We Say That? Part 2 + Skubal Trade Talk Revisited Jul 20, 2026 1765 The guys did part 2 of "Can We Say That?" to open the third hour. Then, they had no choice but to touch on the latest with a potential Tarik Skubal trade before the MLB Trade Deadline.

HOUR 4: Valenti's New Outlook On Gibbs + More Of Your Reactions To Potential Stand Off Jul 20, 2026 1645 Mike shared his indifference regarding a Lions extension of Jahmyr Gibbs. The guys expanded some more on this topic and then were joined by Wojo & Riger in cross-talk to wrap up the show.

More Reactions To A Potential Standoff Between Jahmyr Gibbs And The Lions Jul 20, 2026 645 Mike and Rico read and respond to your texts about today's Jahmyr Gibbs topic.

Valenti Has(?) Come Around On Whether To Extend Jahmyr Gibbs Jul 20, 2026 718 Mike thinks the Lions need to resolve the Gibbs situation one way or another before training camp begins.

The Guys (Reluctantly) Return To The Skubal Conversation Jul 20, 2026 631 Mike is still adamant about the Tigers making a bold move when it comes to either trading Skubal or going all-in at the trade deadline.

Can We Say That? Part 2 | 7-20-26 Jul 20, 2026 812 Mike reacts to Cam Skattebo's potentially disastrous backflip in part 2 of today's "Can We Say That?"

Taking Your Calls On Warde Manuel Stepping Down (In December) Jul 20, 2026 391 The guys go to the people on Warde Manuel.

Expanding On Warde Manuel's Complicitness Jul 20, 2026 610 The guys answer a few texts, which get them to dive deeper into the rabbit hole of Warde Manuel's tenure at Michigan.

How Is Warde Manuel Being Fired If Michigan Says He Didn't Do Anything? Jul 20, 2026 662 The University of Michigan isn't making much sense to the guys.

The Guys Struggle To Make Sense Of Michigan's Lack Of Accountability Jul 20, 2026 656 Who is at fault for all of the issues surrounding Michigan athletics?

Reacting To Warde Manuel Announcing He'll Step Down As Michigan AD In December Jul 20, 2026 479 Valenti and Rico have plenty of thoughts regarding today's huge Warde Manuel news.

Can We Say That? Part 1 | 7-20-26 Jul 20, 2026 619 The guys do part 1 of today's "Can We Say That?" segments.

Will The Potential Jahmyr Gibbs Situation Get Resolved Before The Regular Season? Jul 20, 2026 620 Mike and Rico discuss the likelihood that a Jahmyr Gibbs hold-in would continue into the regular season.

Valenti Does NOT Want The Lions To Give In To Jahmyr Gibbs Jul 20, 2026 702 Mike responds to the report from Jon Jansen that Jahmyr Gibbs may hold out or in to begin training camp.

Best Of The Valenti Show On 97.1 The Ticket: Warde Manuel Controversy, Home Run Derby Thoughts, & More! Jul 19, 2026 3062 Mike and Rico react to the latest reports surrounding Warde Manuel's time at Michigan potentially coming to an end. Plus, they discuss the Home Run Derby, speculate on who could replace Steve Yzerman, and much more!

Best of Red Wings on 97.1 The Ticket: Yzerman out as Red Wings GM, what's next? Jul 18, 2026 5183 The Detroit Red Wings made major breaking news this week as Steve Yzerman is no longer the GM. Costa and Jansen, Karsch and Anderson and the Valenti Show with Rico all talk about the huge news and what exactly is next for the Detroit Red Wings?

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