Best Of The Valenti Show w/ Rico On 97.1 The Ticket: J Batt's Departure From MSU, Where Tigers Need To Be By ASG, & More!
06/21/2026 | 33 mins.
Mike and Rico react to J Batt's departure from MSU after only 1 year as athletic director. Plus, they dish on where the Tigers need to be by the All-Star game for them not to have to sell at the deadline and, inspired by the Knicks championship parade, discuss what a hypothetical Lions Super Bowl parade would look like.
Full Show: From a Lions parade dream to the Pistons' biggest flaw
06/18/2026 | 2h 16 mins.
This episode explores the passionate cycle of hope and frustration for Detroit sports fans, painting a vivid picture of a hypothetical Lions Super Bowl parade while exposing the major flaws in the Pistons' "core three" strategy. The guys also dive into the controversial NHL rumors surrounding Mike Babcock and analyze why local GMs need to stop playing it safe.
Hour 2: Detroit sports need to stop falling in love with mediocre players
06/18/2026 | 40 mins.
In hour two, the guys react to Pistons president Trajan Langdon's comments about the team's future, breaking down why building around an offensively limited "core" will only hold Cade Cunningham back. They also critique a broader trend in Detroit sports culture of settling for nostalgia and mediocrity instead of making aggressive moves to build a true contender.
Hour 3: Ranking the most overhyped NFL teams this year
06/18/2026 | 31 mins.
From breaking down the NFL's most overhyped teams to dissecting Justin Verlander's brutally honest injury update, we’re cutting right through the sports media hype. Plus, we debate the Pistons' rebuilding core and completely derail the studio roasting Rico’s highly questionable childhood memories.
Hour 4: Why the Oilers hiring Mike Babcock makes zero sense
06/18/2026 | 24 mins.
We break down the baffling rumors of the Oilers eyeing Mike Babcock and why it could officially trigger a Connor McDavid exit, alongside a heated reality check on the fading patience for Detroit's front offices. Plus, a hilarious $25 million World Cup blunder in Dallas proves that maybe your local sports teams don't have it the absolute worst.
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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