Valenti and Rico tackled a multitude of topics on today's show. They started things off with a question posed to the new Maple Leafs GM that made them question whether Detroit sports media as a whole is too soft towards the players/teams. Then, they discussed their concern levels over the Tigers, with Tarik Skubal set to miss multiple months, before talking about U of D men's basketball's postseason ban. The guys wrapped up the show with a preview of Cavs-Pistons Game 1.
HOUR 1: Should Detroit Sports Media Be More Hard On The Teams? + In Football Today
05/05/2026 | 38 mins.
The guys reacted to a question posed to new Maple Leafs GM John Chayka in his introductory press conference, wondering why these types of hard-hitting questions are not asked to Detroit sports figures. Then, they wrapped up the first hour with the candidates for DPOY in the NFL in 2026.
HOUR 2: Are You Concerned About The Tigers Without Skubal?
05/05/2026 | 40 mins.
Mike and Rico had a conversation in the second hour on whether they're on the "ledge" when it comes to their anxiousness about the Tigers without Tarik Skubal for multiple months.
HOUR 3: In Football Today + University Of Detroit Men's Basketball Team Banned From Postseason
05/05/2026 | 31 mins.
The guys opened the third hour with the 2026 NFL OROY candidates. Then, they had some thoughts on the state of NIL/college sports following Detroit Mercy men's basketball being banned from the postseason.
HOUR 4: Previewing Cavs-Pistons Game 1
05/05/2026 | 31 mins.
Valenti and Rico spent the final hour discussing their expectations and biggest keys for Cavs-Pistons game 1.
The Valenti Show with Rico is Detroit’s must-listen daily sports show — where strong opinions meet smart analysis. Hosted by Mike Valenti and Rico Beard, The Valenti Show brings unfiltered takes on the biggest national stories and dives deep into all-things-Detroit sports: the Lions, Tigers, Pistons, Red Wings, Michigan and Michigan State. Whether it's NFL drama, playoff stakes or college football storylines, Valenti and Rico tell it like it is — no fluff, no fan service, just real talk. Catch The Valenti Show with Rico live Monday through Friday 2pm - 6pm EST on 97.1 The Ticket (WXYT). Full episodes, individual hours and show highlights drop daily wherever you get your podcasts.
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