The Knee Jerks Podcast - Eno, Nick and Big Al

The Knee Jerks - Greg Eno, Nick Milanovich and Al Beaton

Greg Eno, Nick Milanovich and Big Al Beaton are The Knee Jerks! The Knee Jerks Podcast has been on the sports beat for more 14 years, always with a Detroit attitude!

  1. Oct 19

    The Knee Jerks Podcast - October 19, 2026

    Detroit sports podcasters Greg Eno, Big Al Beaton, and Nick Milanovich are The Knee Jerks! With NBA opening day on tap for Tuesday, this week is a Detroit Pistons-centric show as we welcome back our NBA Stats Guru, Siddy Hall. We discuss the Pistons' off season moves, their outlook for 2026-27 in what should be a vastly improved East, and make NBA predictions.  Hoops topics include: Did the Pistons fix their playoff shortcomings by adding a significant amount of 3 point shooting? (John Collins, Isaiah Joe, Tauren Prince all shot +40% from 3) Will the (hopefully) improved spacing help the offense and specifically Cade Cunningham? The East looks to be the NBA's dominant conference. Did the team improve enough to stay at the top of the East? Will their significant roster depth help?  The Jalen Duren situation is settled. Can he step up his game? Admittedly, he looked great in exhibition actions.  In the second half of the episode, topics include:  The Detroit Red Wings started the season with their first 7 of  8 games at home, going 3-3-2, good for 8 points and 7th place in the Atlantic. They now head out on their first west coast swing of the season. The Wings continue to be in a ridiculous contract stalemate with Simon Edvinsson, who remains in Sweden. Meanwhile, Dylan Larkin is playing but will be traded in the nexk week, according to ESPN's John Buccigross.  Shockingly, the Wings did ink their top scorer, Alex Debrincat, to a 7-year, $91 million deal with a $13 million cap hit. The 3-2 Detroit Lions are coming off a bye week after a dominant win over the Cardinals. They are also getting healthier, as Brian Branch and Cade Mayes are both expected to play vs the Packers Sunday.  The NFC North is living up to expectations. The Lions are in last place, thanks to to the Packers and Bears at 4-2, and the Vikings undefeated at 5-0. If the playoffs started today, all 4 North teams would be in. But which teams are legit and who are frauds? Speaking contract stalemates, the Lions and Sam LaPorta have been unable to agree on a contract extension and have tabled negotiations for the season. We also play Greg's birthday game and name our Jerks of the week! Subscribe to The Knee Jerks Podcast on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Deezer, Radio Public, Gaana. We also live-stream video of every episode on YouTube and Twitch. Our homepage is TheKneeJerks.net.  Visit us on Facebook @TheKneeJerks Follow us on Twitter aka X @TheKneeJerks Nick's TwitterX: @NickMilanovich Nick;s Instagram: @CatUpATree Greg's TwitterX: @GregEno Greg's BlueSky: @GregEnoThe Knee Jerks Podcast Greg's Substack: @GregEno -  Out of Bounds  Al's BlueSky: @Albeat

    The Knee Jerks Podcast - October 19, 2026
  2. Oct 5

    The Knee Jerks Podcast - October 5, 2026 - Ken Kal

    Detroit sports podcasters Greg Eno, Big Al Beaton, and Nick Milanovich are The Knee Jerks! This week's episode features our annual visit with Detroit Red Wings radio play-by-play man Ken Kal.  To say it's been a tumultuous off season for the Red Wings would be an understatement. Paul Woods, Ken's partner in the broadcast booth, retired after spending 40 years as the team's color analyst. He'll be replaced by a rotation of former Wings. Dylan Larkin requested a trade and had his C revoked. He's still on the team, and it doesn't appear there will be a resolution to the situation anytime soon. In June, GM Steve Yzerman was either removed or stepped down from running the team. He's now a special assistant to the owner. A search for Yzerman's replacement took most of the summer and ended up with owner Chris Ilitch changing the status of acting GM Shawn Horcroff to interim GM just days before the start of the season. A new GM may not be hired till after the end of this season. RFA Simon Edvinsson has yet to sign a new deal with Detroit, and has returned to Sweden. Latest reports claim the 22-year-old D-man would prefer to be traded. The Red Wings started the 2026-27 season 0-2, struggling mightily on offense. Ken will give us his thoughts on the controversial off season, and tell us what we can hopefully look forward to from the current crop of younger Red Wings. Topics covered in the second half of the episode include: The contract stalemate between the Detroit Pistons and their 22-year-old RFA center went down to the final hours. But saner heads prevailed. Instead of signing a $9.8m qualifying offer, which would make him a FA after next season, Duren agreed to a guaranteed 5-year, $200m deal. Duren stated that any rumors stating he wanted to leave Detroit via a sign and trade were not from him, and he wants to be a Piston for the remainder of his career. The Detroit Lions dropped to 2-2 on the season after the defense came up woefully short (again) in a nationally televised 32-26 loss to the Panthers. The Lions have the worst defense in the NFL (statistically and via the eye test). When asked about the status of DC Kelvin Sheppard, HC Dan Campbell refused to discuss his job security, saying they are looking at internal options/changes in the defense.  The Cowboys acquired CB Joey Porter Jr from the Steelers for 2nd and 6th round draft picks. Notable for the risk-averse Lions, as CB has become a position of desperate need. Campbell said the Lions had discussions on dealing for the disgruntled corner. We also play Greg's birthday game and name our Jerks of the week! Subscribe to The Knee Jerks Podcast on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Deezer, Radio Public, Gaana. We also live-stream video of every episode on YouTube and Twitch. Our homepage is TheKneeJerks.net.  Visit us on Facebook @TheKneeJerks Follow us on Twitter aka X @TheKneeJerks Nick's TwitterX: @NickMilanovich Nick;s Instagram: @CatUpATree Greg's TwitterX: @GregEno Greg's BlueSky: @GregEnoThe Knee Jerks Podcast Greg's Substack: @GregEno -  Out of Bounds  Al's BlueSky: @Albeat

    The Knee Jerks Podcast - October 5, 2026 - Ken Kal
  3. Sep 23

    The Knee Jerks Podcast - September 22, 2026

    Detroit sports podcasters Greg Eno, Big Al Beaton, and Nick Milanovich are The Knee Jerks! This week's topics include: Red Wings' Assistant GM Shawn Horcoff, who has been acting as the team's GM since Stave Yzerman was fired/promoted, was officially given the term "Interim GM" as the search for a new POHO/GM supposedly continues. Owner Chris Ilitch spoke to the News' Bob Wojnowski. Ilitch said quite a bit, but didn't say anything, unless business speak, platitudes, and word salad count. Same goes for Horcoff and Dylan Larkin when they met the media. Between the three of them, not one gave any kind of reasoning for any of their decisions.  FYI, Eno excoriated Larkin in his Substack.  Meanwhile, Larkin's trade request remains unresolved, and RFA Simon Edvinsson still doesn't have a new contract. The Red Wings are offensively challenged. Monday, they played their first exhibition game vs the Blue Jackets. The Wings did not score a goal in regulation, OT, or the shootout, losing 1-0. The Lions start their season 1-1, winning in OT against the Saints, dropping their first road game vs the Bills.  The offense is averaging 31 PPG. But the defense has struggled mightily. Through 2 games, the Lions have allowed 915 yards. The drive chart over 10 consecutive opponents' possessions was ugly (2nd half vs the Saints, 1st half vs the Bills): TD, TD, FG, TD, missed FG, TD, TD, TD, TD, TD. Yeah... HC Dan Campbell has continued to support embattled DC Kelvin Sheppard, saying, "I believe in Sheppard. I believe he's an outstanding coach." The stalemate between the Pistons and RFA Jalen Duren continues. Latest reports claim the Pistons have upped their offer to 5-years/$200 million, fully guaranteed, no team or player options. Duren reportedly wants a max deal (5/$287M), and may just plain want out of Detroit. A trade could be coming.  Deciding not to wait on Duren, the Pistons moved forward and agreed to a five-year, $155 million rookie-scale extension with All-NBA defender Ausar Thompson. After the NBA dropped a bomb on the Clippers for salary cap evasion, owner Steve Ballmer announced he would not fight/appeal the decision. At this point, odds are he's more worried about the Feds. The name change is official. After a merger between the 2 banking entities, Comerica Park is now Fifth Third Park. How original. Subscribe to The Knee Jerks Podcast on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Deezer, Radio Public, Gaana. We also live-stream video of every episode on YouTube and Twitch. Our homepage is TheKneeJerks.net.  Visit us on Facebook @TheKneeJerks Follow us on Twitter aka X @TheKneeJerks Nick's TwitterX: @NickMilanovich Nick;s Instagram: @CatUpATree Greg's TwitterX: @GregEno Greg's BlueSky: @GregEnoThe Knee Jerks Podcast Greg's Substack: @GregEno -  Out of Bounds  Al's BlueSky: @Albeat

    The Knee Jerks Podcast - September 22, 2026
  4. Sep 8

    The Knee Jerks Podcast - September 8, 2026

    Detroit sports podcasters Greg Eno, Big Al Beaton, and Nick Milanovich are The Knee Jerks! Greg, Nick, and Big Al have returned from summer hiatus. During our absence, there's been plenty happening in the Detroit sports scene.  Topics discussed include: The Detroit Red Wings owner Chris Ilitch either fired GM Steve Yzerman, promoted him into an advisory role, or Yzerman stepped down. No one knows, as no one is talking. With less than two weeks before training camp, the franchise has no GM. Reportedly, Assistant GM Steve Horcoff is running day-to-day operations. The Wings' GM search has been the most locked down in memory. Other than an announcement the team hired a search firm, and Detroit Tigers GM Jeff Greenberg (former Associate GM of the Blackhawks) removing his name from consideration, any candidates mentioned have been pure media speculation. Did the University of Michigan hire Grandpa RichRod? After a VERY ugly and controversial miracle week one win over WMU, the jury is out on Kyle Whittingham's fit in the Wolverines' program. Meanwhile, $12M sophomore Bryce Underwood looked as if he regressed after an underwhelming freshman season. The Detroit Lions kickoff their season Sunday against the Saints. If the sign of a good team is the fanbase loudly arguing over bench players - in this case cutting 4/5 WR PR Greg Dortch and who will be the RB2 in place of injured Isiah Pacheco, then the Lions should be a good team. The Lions made Gibbs the highest paid RB in NFL history with a 3-year, $67.5 M contract extension. Branch and fellow S Kerby Joseph will start the season on the PUP list. Though the most worrisome injury is C Cade Mays, who is expected to be out half the season with a hand issue. The Detroit Tigers traded Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize at the deadline for prospects. They proceeded to make a run, actually sitting in the third Wild Card spot for a day or so...then the wheels feel off. Weird stat of the season - The Tigers have the third best run differential in the AL at +51. Yet they are playing out the string with a 56-68 W/L record despite their Pythagorean W/L record of 78-66. The Detroit Pistons and C Jalen Duren remain at loggerheads in regard to a new contract. There are rumors of an agreement of a $40M AAV deal is coming, but it has not been confirmed.  As always, we play Greg's Birthday game and name our respective Jerk of the Week! Subscribe to The Knee Jerks Podcast on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Deezer, Radio Public, Gaana. We also live-stream video of every episode on YouTube and Twitch. Our homepage is TheKneeJerks.net.  Visit us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter aka X Nick's TwitterX: @NickMilanovich Nick;s Instagram: @CatUpATree Greg's TwitterX: @GregEno Greg's BlueSky: @GregEnoThe Knee Jerks Podcast Greg's Substack: @GregEno -  Out of Bounds  Al's BlueSky: @Albeat

  5. Jul 13

    The Knee Jerks Podcast - July 13, 2026

    Detroit sports podcasters Greg Eno, Big Al Beaton, and Nick Milanovich are The Knee Jerks! Traditionally, this is the slowest sports period of the year. But there is still plenty on the docket this week. The Detroit Tigers hit the All-Star break with a 44-52 record, good for 4th place, 6.5 GB in AL_Central and 3.5 GB (but 7 teams to leapfrog) in the wild card. 3 Tigers made the AL All-Star roster - Riley Green (starting in LF), C Dillon Dingler and ROY candidate SS Kevin McGongigle. McG is the the youngest Tigers' AS since Mark Fidrych in 1976. Also named to the AL roster as a "Legends Pick" was injured SP Justin Verlander. JV then announced this would be his final year, as he plans to retire at season's end. On the Tarik Skubal front, Bob Nightengale reported that Skubal badly wants to remain with the Tigers for the rest of the season and has no interest in being traded. He's also on record saying he wants the Tigers to be buyers at the deadline.  At the University of Michigan, big changes.  Head basketball coach Dusty May, admitting he was tired of NIL deals and the recruiting grind, left for the NBA to coach the Dallas Mavericks. May's top assistant Mike Boynton Jr., who spent 7 seasons as HC at OK St (Cade Cunningham played for him), was at first named interim coach, but was then given a 2-year deal to be Michigan's hoop boss. Meanwhile. after a long, expensive investigation, with results expected to be released Thursday, it's reported the university is preparing a buyout package for long under fire AD Warde Manuel.  We seem to have 2 stalemates in town. Pistons C Jalen Duren has yet to sign a new contract extension as the market for his services has seemingly dried up. He could still sign a 1-year qualifying offer which would make him a FA after the season,  On the other winter team, Red Wings C Dylan Larkin, who asked to be traded, is still a Wing, He may be one for some time to come. Reportedly, Larkin has not expanded his 3 team wish list and GM Steve Yzerman has yet to receive a trade offer he feels worthwhile.  It's reported the Wings are likely losing Patrick Kane in FA, along with his 16 G and 51 P.  In FA, the Red Wings signed 33-year-old winger Viktor Arvidsson to a 2-year, $10 million deal. 21 of his 25 goals with Boston last season came 5 v 5, which was a massive weakness for Detroit. Detroit also signed 27-year-old G Daniil Tarasov to a 1-year, $2 million contract. In 33 games for the Panthers last  season, he posted a 13-15-3 record with a 3.05 GAA and a .895 S%. He is expected to backup starter John Gibson, with top G prospects Michal Postava and Trey Augustine sharing duties in Grand Rapids. The Wings also traded a 2027 7th round and 2029 3rd round pick to Vegas for checking forward Keegan Kolesar, who will slot in as a 4th line grit guy. In the World Cup, the USMNT, despite ALL THE HYPE, once again was knocked out in the round of 16, losing 4-1 to Belgium. More and more, it appears making the knockout round, but moving no further, is the USMNT ceiling.  As always, we play Greg's Birthday game and name our respective Jerk of the Week! Subscribe to The Knee Jerks Podcast on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Deezer, Radio Public, Gaana. We also live-stream video of every episode on YouTube and Twitch. Our homepage is TheKneeJerks.net.  Visit us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter aka X Nick's TwitterX: @NickMilanovich Nick;s Instagram: @CatUpATree Greg's TwitterX: @GregEno Greg's BlueSky: @GregEno Greg's Substack: @GregEno -  Out of Bounds  Al's BlueSky: @Albeat

    The Knee Jerks Podcast - July 13, 2026
  6. Jun 29

    The Knee Jerks Podcast - June 29, 2026 - Emptying the outhouse

    Detroit sports podcasters Greg Eno, Big Al Beaton, and Nick Milanovich are The Knee Jerks! This week our show is heavy on what has been happening off the is happening off the field/court/ice. The Detroit Pistons traded up in the draft to pick a guard out of Stanford, Ebuka Okorie. As part of the convoluted deal, Detroit traded the beloved Isaiah "Beef Stew" Stewart. Also acquired was OKC wing Isaiah Joe, a 41% shooter from distance. Rumors of a sign and trade involving RFA Jalen Duren have been floated as well  Today, the DOJ charged Malik Beasley with bribery and fraud related to illegal sports gambling schemes to manipulate Beasley's performance during NBA games. This finally shuts up the "bring him back" pipe dreaming fans. Just before recording started tonight, news broke that the Pistons plan to sign Kevin Heurter to a 3-year deal worth $27M. Rumors also abound the team could move on from Duncan Robinson. Meanwhile, with the Detroit Red Wings, the Dylan Larkin trade request situation remains at a standstill. But GM Steve Yzerman did trade goalie Sebastian Cossa, who had fallen out of favor with the organization, to Utah for the 23rd overall pick in this years NHL Draft. The Wings used the pick to take a home run swing on a skilled, scoring left wing in JP Hulbert, a high ceiling, low floor prospect.  In Allen Park, the Detroit Lions were left scrambling. Terrion Arnold, who was inked in as a starter at CB this fall, was arrested on kidnapping and armed robbery charges. Today, bail was set at $1M. The Lions proceeded to release Arnold this afternoon. As always, we play Greg's Birthday game and name our respective Jerk of the Week! Subscribe to The Knee Jerks Podcast on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Deezer, Radio Public, Gaana. We also live-stream video of every episode on YouTube and Twitch. Our homepage is TheKneeJerks.net.  Follow us on Twitter/X: @TheKneeJerks Nick's TwitterX: @NickMilanovich Nick;s Instagram: @CatUpATree Greg's TwitterX: @GregEno Greg's BlueSky: @GregEno Greg's Substack: Out of Bounds  Al's BlueSky: @Albeat

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Greg Eno, Nick Milanovich and Big Al Beaton are The Knee Jerks! The Knee Jerks Podcast has been on the sports beat for more 14 years, always with a Detroit attitude!