Detroit Tigers

In this file photo from January 2026, University of Michigan football head coach Kyle Whittingham is standing, holding a microphone, while greets the crowd during an NCAA basketball game between Michigan and Southern California in Ann Arbor.

Sports

John U. Bacon: Tigers are still hot, Larkin's still here, and college football's still "irrational"

Doug Tribou, John U. Bacon, Christopher G. Johnson

Will the Tigers keep winning after trading away star players? Will the Red Wings trade their captain? Michigan Public sports commentator John U. Bacon weighs in.

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal makes his way to the bullpen prior to a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, in Chicago.

Sports

John U. Bacon: Goodbyes to Skubal and Mize, Red Wings say hello Horcoff

Caoilinn Goss, John U. Bacon, Christopher G. Johnson

Michigan Public sports commentator John U. Bacon talks Tigers MLB trade deadline decisions and the new interim general manager to replace Yzerman.

Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal throws against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning of a baseball game, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, in Detroit.

Sports

Tigers trade away Cy Young ace Tarik Skubal in blockbuster deadline deal

The Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired the biggest prize on the trade deadline market, getting two-time reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers.

Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal in uniform gives high-fives to teammates in the dugout during a game, with fans visible in the stadium seats behind them.

Sports

John U. Bacon: A bittersweet Báez return and Skubal's inevitable exit

Katheryne Friske, Caoilinn Goss

Michigan Public sports commentator John U. Bacon talks Manuel's $7.14 million buyout, a rogue squirrel at Comerica Park, and the looming MLB trade deadline.

FILE - The then-Detroit Red Wings executive VP/general manager Steve Yzerman speaks to the media following their NHL hockey season, Friday, April 19, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)

Sports

John U. Bacon on Yzerman's record, Skubal's future, and Manuel's "nine lives"

Doug Tribou, John U. Bacon, Caoilinn Goss

Michigan Public commentator John U. Bacon looks at changes in the Detroit Red Wings' front office, and the controversy over a report on University of Michigan athletics.

Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander in Detroit Tigers baseball cap and uniform looks to the right, arms crossed, with fans in the background.

Sports

John U. Bacon: Verlander to retire, Guskiewicz decides to stay, and Pistons play "musical chairs"

Christopher G. Johnson, John U. Bacon, Caoilinn Goss

Michigan Public sports commentator John U. Bacon on bittersweet Tigers news, no news from the U of M independent investigation, and presidential whiplash for MSU.

A Detroit Tigers pitcher wearing number 35 throws a pitch during a baseball game, with a crowd visible in the background.

Sports

Legendary Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander plans to retire at the end of this season

Steve Carmody

Verlander has been struggling with injuries this season, and is currently on the Tigers’ 60 day injured list. But his struggles in 2026 will probably not dim his chances of receiving a plaque in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.

A crowd celebrates on a basketball court with people wearing Michigan apparel and a large Michigan "M" sign overhead, surrounded by confetti. Dusty May stands in front holding his index finger high over his head in a "number one" gesture.

Sports

John U. Bacon: Wolverines lose May; Wings set to lose Larkin; Tigers just lose

Doug Tribou, John U. Bacon, Caoilinn Goss

Michigan Public commentator John U. Bacon discusses coach Dusty May's departure from Michigan, NBA Draft news, and a new setback for Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander.

Sports

John U. Bacon: Verlander returns, Batt leaves, and Izzo has some choice words

Doug Tribou, John U. Bacon, Caoilinn Goss

Michigan Public sports commentator John U. Bacon discusses the return of Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander and the latest changes in Michigan State's athletic department.

Detroit Red Wings' Dylan Larkin in a red and white uniform skates on the ice while controlling the puck with his stick during a game.

Sports

John U. Bacon on Tigers' turnaround; Red Wings' options after Larkin's trade demand

Doug Tribou, John U. Bacon, Caoilinn Goss

Michigan Public commentator John U. Bacon looks at the Detroit Tigers' June turnaround, the Red Wings' dilemma after Dylan Larkin's trade demand, and more sports news.