ESPN scoop-machine Dan Wetzel reveals how he spent his Christmas vacation breaking big stories about the Michigan Wolverines.

STRAIGHT DOPE: ML and Marc are back in the studio with one of their favorite guests -- but before Dan Wetzel shares how he spent his holidays writing about outgoing Michigan Wolverine football coach Sherrone Moore and his replacement Kyle Whittingham, ML goes ham on Great Wolf Lodge.

Marc invited Dan on to talk about how his Christmas vacation got interrupted by the eruptions in Ann Arbor, but Dan observes that college sports reporters, like crime reporters in Chicago, never have slow news days.

Dan tells a tale about how he and a colleague broke a big story while one of them was whitewater rafting while hosting a bachelor's party. ML observes that they were lucky he was on the river, because phones aren't allowed at most bachelor parties.

Just about everyone Dan and ML knows has complained that the media sat on the Sherrone Moore affair story. The scribes explain WHY it can take time to report on what starts as a rumor.

What do the Sherrone Moore affair and Kwame Kilpatrick text message stories have in common? Get the bell ready -- it's not what you think!

Dan and ML discuss what it takes for a RESPONSIBLE reporter to feel they have enough information to publish a story. ML says social media "journalists" brag about the few stories they get right, while the mainstream media gets crucified for getting even one detail wrong.

Marc asks Dan about covering the portal, college football's version of speed dating, which ML says seems a lot more like the free agency period in professional sports. Dan explains how it works.
Looking for a great gift for a friend, relative or even someone you don’t particularly like?

A Free Press subscription is a bargain! Hit this link to get a deal.

Please support the show by becoming a Soulmate. For as little as $5 a month, you can enjoy benefits like early access to new episodes, the video version of the show, no insertion ads and access to our monthly bonus episode. Sign up here: Get more from ML Soul of Detroit on Patreon

GEEK OF THE WEEK: ML cites the journalism maxim "There's no excuse for kicking someone when they're down," then kicks the always down New York Jets for a controversy involving a kicker.

ROOM 7609: Marc suggests hair-tastic New Wave keyboard player Howard Jones to express our feelings about our ill colleagues: "Things Can Only Get Better." Please send us your suggestion for a song — along with a great story — to mlsoulofdetroit@gmail.com

OUR BENEFACTORS: Several listeners heeded our year-end call for financial support by either becoming part of our Patreon supporters group the Soulmates or by making a one-time gift. Thank you to Peg, Zach, Alberto, Dan, Val and 76Verve!

The holidays have passed, but we're still making this special offer: For a $500 donation, you can join us in the studio and sit in on a show.
For as little as $5 a month, you can become a Soumate by joining our Patreon supporters club and get perks by supporting the show! Use this link: https://www.patreon.com/MLSoulofDetroit

FEEDBACK: Janet's question about who ML (and Shawn) consider REAL journalists triggers a spirited conversation, as well as a tribute to Pat "The Book" Caputo, the legendary 97.1 FM (The Ticket) sports talk show host and former Oakland Press sports columnist. We welcome all your questions, comments – and constructive criticism – at mlsoulofdetroit@gmail.com

DONATE OR SPONSOR US: Support us on Patreon or make a donation via Venmo or PayPal at mlsoulofdetroit.com. Or drop us a line at mlsoulofdetroit@gmail.com to find out how cheap and easy it is to advertise on our show!

LISTEN AND LEARN: Find out more about the podcast at www.mlsoulofdetroit.com, where you’ll find previous episodes and so much more!

SUBSCRIBE/SHARE/RATE/WATCH: Subscribe to the podcast at iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or wherever quality podcasts are found!
When you check out the podcast, remember to rate it (even if you hate it)!!! Your endorsement is very powerful!
Get podcast news on Twitter @elrick or on Facebook at “ML Elrick”

Useful Idiots - January 6, 2026