Michigan Football: Local Radio Host Makes Disturbing Comments About Rivalry Game
The rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State has always been heated, but things have seemingly taken a dark turn in recent years. One of the lowest points in the history of the rivalry occurred last year in Ann Arbor, when a group of Spartans assaulted two Wolverines following Michigan's 29-7 victory.
The conduct by several Spartans led to eight suspensions, and eventually criminal charges against seven Michigan State players. Six members of Mel Tuckers football program were charged with aggravated assault, while another was charged with one count of felonious assault as a result of their actions that night.
In the days and weeks that followed the game, the discussion surrounding the rivalry had become so toxic that many were questioning whether or not the Wolverines and the Spartans should even play the rivalry game in 2023.
Not only will Michigan and Michigan State meet in East Lansing on Oct. 21, it was recently reported that the game itself will be played in primetime at 7:30 - leading one local radio host to issue a bizarre and dangerous take. Mike Valenti, host of the Mike Valenti show on 97.1 The Ticket, used his massive platform to paint a disturbing picture of physical violence for any Wolverines who plan on attending that game this fall.
“Here’s the PSA I would offer and it’s not hyperbole," Valenti said. "I’m being real with you because people are nuts and I don’t condone what all people do. But I’m just telling you friendly advice if you’re a Michigan fan, don’t be there. Don’t be there. Don’t bring the women and children. Don’t be there. Don’t show up in your egregious butter themed t-shirt garb. Don’t be there. It’s the equivalent of playing stupid games and winning stupid prizes.
“That is going to be arguably the most hostile environment this rivalry’s ever had. Ever. Ever… it will be a tinder box. Don’t be there. Find something else to do somewhere other than East Lansing. I would never, if I was a Michigan fan, be at that game, because there’s decent odds you’ll be eating a battery. I don’t condone it, I ain’t telling people to behave that way. But I know what Spartan fans are feeling and how that’s going to go down after what happened last year. And how MSU got railroaded. Yeah, that is not a place to be. Don’t bring the kids.”
It's one thing if some random superfan on social media issues (or fakes) threats of violence, but it's another thing when a host of the biggest sports radio show in the state uses language like Valenti used on Wednesday. Instead of calling for folks to be better, instead of using his platform to try and tone down the dangerous rhetoric, Valenti, a Michigan State alum, actually leaned into the dangerous rhetoric head-first by adding to it.
