The Valley Verdict

The Valley Verdict
  • 5.0 (5)
  • SPORTS
  • UPDATED DAILY

The Valley Verdict delivers the final word on everything happening in the Arizona sports world. ​This is the only podcast completely devoted to passionate, full coverage of the major Phoenix market teams, including the Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks, and ASU football and basketball. ​Hosted by David Murphey, broadcasting from the land of the Big Sky in Billings, Montana, we offer in-depth analysis, game breakdowns, and a unique perspective on the teams that matter most to the Valley of the Sun. If it’s happening in Arizona sports, we’ve got the verdict.

  1. 1D AGO

    The 24-Hour Recovery & The White Flag Debate: Carroll, Hazen, and the Suns' Legitimacy

    From the incredible 24-hour turnaround of Corbin Carroll’s surgery to a high-stakes debate on the Phoenix Suns' true identity, Episode 638 analyzes the resilience and the reality of Arizona sports. We break down the "Machine" mindset at Salt River Fields and address the tough questions being asked by the local media as the Suns head into the All-Star break. In this episode: 00:00 - Welcome 10:21 - D-backs: The Corbin Carroll Standard The 24-Hour Recovery: Torey Lovullo reveals that Corbin Carroll was already back at work just 24 hours after surgery on his hamate bone. We analyze what this "Machine" mindset says about the face of the franchise. The WBC Frustration: Corbin speaks to the media about the mental side of his injury and the disappointment of missing out on the World Basketball Classic. The Executive View: Mike Hazen joins MLB Network to discuss the Spring Training progress and the massive opportunity now sitting in front of Jordan Lawlar and the young core. The Development Factor: Torey joins ESPN to discuss why player development remains the heartbeat of this organization. 24:36 - Suns: Threat or White Flag? The White Flag Debate: We react to Bickley & Marotta asking if the Suns quietly "waved the white flag" heading into the All-Star break. We analyze the logic behind the "Injury Management" decisions and if it was a surrender or a necessity. The Legitimacy Question: Burns & Gambo ask, "Are we sleeping on the Suns or are they a legit threat?" We break down the data from the recent home-stand and look at whether this team has the "Closing Instinct" required for a deep playoff run. Follow The Valley Verdict: Facebook: [@thevalleyverdict] Instagram: [@thevalleyverdictpodcast] YouTube: [@thevalleyverdict]

    51 min

  2. 2D AGO

    The Corbin Silver Lining & The 27-Point Beef: Suns, D-backs, and the Discipline Gap

    From a major "Silver Lining" regarding Corbin Carroll’s injury to a high-intensity "Who’s Got the Beef?" segment on the Suns' home-court meltdown, Episode 636 analyzes the state of the Valley. We break down Mike Hazen’s accountability standard, Jordan Ott’s playoff roadmap, and the discipline gap that has Dillon Brooks staring at a suspension. In this episode: 00:00 - Welcome 15:14 - D-backs: The Carroll Crisis & The Road Back The Update: Andrew Saalfrank speaks to the media and provides his timeline for return to the bullpen.The National Stage: Torey Lovullo joins MLB Network to address the mindset shift in Spring Training and the reality of the Corbin Carroll injury.The Silver Lining: We react to Nolan Arenado’s perspective on Carroll’s injury—why he believes a proper rehab keeps this from being a season-ending disaster and why this specific injury is more common than fans think. 32:30 - WHO'S GOT THE BEEF? The 27-Point Chain Reaction The Beef: I break down why the Suns didn't just lose to the Thunder; they lost because they couldn't close the door on the Mavericks.The "Squint" Factor: We react to Jordan Ott’s viral interaction with Duane Rankin regarding the 44-to-9 free throw disparity and how that officiating logic forced a workload that gassed the starters for the OKC blowout. 43:20 - Suns: The Post-Break Roadmap Thunder Post-Mortem: A deep dive into the 136-109 loss at home. We look at the "Trust Gap" and the fatigue of losing 4 of the last 5 at the Mortgage Matchup Center.The 27-Game Sprint: Jordan Ott speaks on the opportunity the Suns have post-All-Star break to solidify a playoff spot.The Discipline Gap: Dillon Brooks addresses his 16th technical foul. Unless rescinded, the Suns will be without their enforcer for the Spurs matchup on the 19th. We analyze the cost of "playing on the edge." Follow The Valley Verdict:Facebook: [@thevalleyverdict]Instagram: [@thevalleyverdictpodcast]YouTube: [@thevalleyverdict]

    1h 9m

  3. 3D AGO

    The Corbin Carroll Crisis & The Retail Gavel: Spring Training, Suns, and Logic

    From the devastating heartbreak of a Spring Training injury to a logic-driven gavel-drop on professional etiquette, Episode 636 covers the full spectrum of the Valley. We bridge the gap between the Diamondbacks' reporting day and the Phoenix Suns' high-octane win over the Mavs, all while auditing the distinction between being a candidate and being a customer. In this episode: 00:00 - Welcome 06:56 - THE ABSOLUTE VERDICT: The Retail Logic The Interviewee vs. The Customer: I break down a personal experience at Men’s Wearhouse that challenges social "norms." We audit the logic of being productive post-interview and why an employer's inability to distinguish between a candidate and a consumer is a massive red flag. 27:15 - Diamondbacks: Spring Training & Breaking News The Reporting Day: Torey Lovullo, Mike Hazen, and the staff address the new approach for 2026. We hear from Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk on their road back from the IL. The Crisis: We react to the breaking news that Corbin Carroll suffered a "significant" injury during batting practice. We analyze what this means for the roster and Mike Hazen’s aggressive approach to the spring. 1:04:57 - ASU Basketball: Taking Care of the Pokes The Sun Devils secure an 85-76 win at home against Oklahoma State. We hear from Bobby Hurley on the team's resilience and the momentum shift needed as the schedule tightens in the Big 12. 1:19:00 - Suns: Statement Win Over the Mavs The 120-111 Victory: A high-energy breakdown of the win over Dallas. We hear from Oso and Mark Williams on the court, Jalen Green on the radio, and the locker room reaction from Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks. We analyze how the "Ott Standard" held firm against a premier Western Conference rival. Follow The Valley Verdict: Facebook: [@thevalleyverdict] Instagram: [@thevalleyverdictpodcast] YouTube: [@thevalleyverdict]

    1h 57m

  4. 4D AGO

    The Legacy Anchor & The Trust Gap: Edge, Fitz, and the Suns' Mental Hurdle

    The wait for the Gold Jacket is over, but the friction in the Valley is just beginning. From the "Trust Gap" hindering the Phoenix Suns' offense to the "Absolute Audit" of a Hall of Fame legacy that some fans are trying to rewrite, Episode 635 holds the state accountable to the data. We bridge the gap between Larry Fitzgerald’s immortality and the current mental roadblocks facing Jalen Green and the Suns. In this episode: 00:00 - Welcome 10:40 - The NFC West Hierarchy: Cards vs. Seahawks Bickley & Marotta pose the question: "The Seahawks are Super Bowl champs, but where does that leave the Arizona Cardinals?" We analyze the "Super Bowl Gap" and where the Cardinals actually sit in the division hierarchy as the Mike LaFleur era begins. 34:54 - Respect the Gold Jacket: Edgerrin James on Wolf & Luke The Teammate's Perspective: Edge joins the show to talk about the Larry Fitzgerald coronation and his own time in the desert. The "Turtle" Rebuttal: I address a specific social media claim that Edge was the "worst ever" in Arizona. We pull the receipts on his 337-carry workload to prove that "past his prime" does not mean "soft." 43:12 - Suns: The "Awkward" Offense Burns & Gambo ask: "Did the offense feel awkward with Devin Booker and Jalen Green back in the lineup?" We look at the reality of back-to-back home losses and why the Suns have suddenly dropped three games at the Mortgage Matchup Center this February. 52:56 - The Trust Gap: Jalen Green’s Mental Hurdle The Hamstring Shadow: Jalen Green admits to Duane Rankin that his hesitancy on drives isn't a "health" issue—it's a "trust" issue. We break down the post-practice media session and analyze the process of trusting the body after a recurring injury. 1:16:31 - The Valley Pulse: Top 3 Edition #3. The WM Phoenix Open Vibe Check: Why seeing the Cardinals' pillars at TPC Scottsdale is the ultimate "Social Capital" receipt. #2. The Mike LaFleur Pedigree: TheMcVay/Shanahan DNA officially enters the building. #1. The Immortal #11: Why Larry Fitzgerald's first-ballot status secures his place as the Valley's "Gold Standard." Follow The Valley Verdict: Facebook: [@thevalleyverdict] Instagram: [@thevalleyverdictpodcast] YouTube: [@thevalleyverdict]

    1h 24m

  5. FEB 7

    The Gold Jacket & The Glass House (Part 2)

    In a massive 4-hour Saturday special, we clear the deck on a historic week in Arizona sports. From the introductory press conference of Mike LaFleur to the first-ballot coronation of Larry Fitzgerald, we break down the pedigree, the loyalty, and the logic behind the Valley's biggest stories. PART 1: THE HIRE & THE HERITAGE 00:00 - Welcome 11:07 - The 2-Minute Warning Rapid-fire recap: The high-scoring shootout in Portland and the 4th-quarter collapse against the Warriors. Plus, ASU takes care of business in Salt Lake City. 13:26 - THE ABSOLUTE VERDICT: The One-Club King In light of the HOF news, we look at the future. Why Devin Booker (in season 11) is the only athlete in the Valley with the DNA to inherit the Fitzgerald mantle of lifelong loyalty. 19:35 - THE HIRE: The Mike LaFleur Era Begins The Podium Energy: Breaking down the intro presser and the Matt LaFleur "Family Scrum." Locker Room Buy-In: Reaction from Mack Wilson Sr. and Michael Wilson. The Pro-AM Report: Tyler Drake catches up with Trey McBride, Budda Baker, and Zaven Collins at the WM Phoenix Open for their raw reaction to the hire. The Media Cycle: Reactions from Wolf & Luke and Bickley & Marotta. PART 2: THE LEGEND & THE LAPSE 2:48:40 - THE LEGEND: Larry Fitzgerald HOF The Reveal: The NFL Honors audio and the emotional Randy Moss surprise (The Ballboy to the Hall). The Inner Circle: Cam Cox (12 News) with exclusive 1-on-1s with Larry and Larry Sr. The Legacy Question: Reacting to Wolf & Luke: "How will the Valley remember Larry Fitzgerald?" 3:28:50 - THE CALL OUT: Larry Fitzgerald RE-SPECT: High-intensity, Pantera-style tribute to the GOAT. The 48-year wait since Larry Wilson (1978) is over. 3:31:48 - SUNS POST-MORTEM: The 4th Quarter Reality The Jordan Ott Perspective: Breaking down the post-game sound and the practice availability regarding the Warriors collapse. The Bounce Back: Jordan Goodwin joins Burns & Gambo to discuss the locker room's mental state heading into the 76ers matchup. Follow The Valley Verdict: Facebook: [@thevalleyverdict] Instagram: [@thevalleyverdictpodcast] YouTube: [@thevalleyverdict]

    17 min

  6. FEB 7

    The Gold Jacket & The Glass House (Part 1)

    In a massive 4-hour Saturday special, we clear the deck on a historic week in Arizona sports. From the introductory press conference of Mike LaFleur to the first-ballot coronation of Larry Fitzgerald, we break down the pedigree, the loyalty, and the logic behind the Valley's biggest stories. PART 1: THE HIRE & THE HERITAGE 00:00 - Welcome 11:07 - The 2-Minute Warning Rapid-fire recap: The high-scoring shootout in Portland and the 4th-quarter collapse against the Warriors. Plus, ASU takes care of business in Salt Lake City. 13:26 - THE ABSOLUTE VERDICT: The One-Club King In light of the HOF news, we look at the future. Why Devin Booker (in season 11) is the only athlete in the Valley with the DNA to inherit the Fitzgerald mantle of lifelong loyalty. 19:35 - THE HIRE: The Mike LaFleur Era Begins The Podium Energy: Breaking down the intro presser and the Matt LaFleur "Family Scrum." Locker Room Buy-In: Reaction from Mack Wilson Sr. and Michael Wilson. The Pro-AM Report: Tyler Drake catches up with Trey McBride, Budda Baker, and Zaven Collins at the WM Phoenix Open for their raw reaction to the hire. The Media Cycle: Reactions from Wolf & Luke and Bickley & Marotta. PART 2: THE LEGEND & THE LAPSE 2:48:40 - THE LEGEND: Larry Fitzgerald HOF The Reveal: The NFL Honors audio and the emotional Randy Moss surprise (The Ballboy to the Hall). The Inner Circle: Cam Cox (12 News) with exclusive 1-on-1s with Larry and Larry Sr. The Legacy Question: Reacting to Wolf & Luke: "How will the Valley remember Larry Fitzgerald?" 3:28:50 - THE CALL OUT: Larry Fitzgerald RE-SPECT: High-intensity, Pantera-style tribute to the GOAT. The 48-year wait since Larry Wilson (1978) is over. 3:31:48 - SUNS POST-MORTEM: The 4th Quarter Reality The Jordan Ott Perspective: Breaking down the post-game sound and the practice availability regarding the Warriors collapse. The Bounce Back: Jordan Goodwin joins Burns & Gambo to discuss the locker room's mental state heading into the 76ers matchup. Follow The Valley Verdict: Facebook: [@thevalleyverdict] Instagram: [@thevalleyverdictpodcast] YouTube: [@thevalleyverdict]

    3h 57m

  7. FEB 3

    The Cardinals are the NFL’s Laughing Stock: The Absolute Verdict | Mike LaFleur’s Pedigree

    The 27-day wait for a head coach is over, but the questions are just beginning. From the Phoenix Suns' rollercoaster weekend to the Arizona Cardinals settling for a "Plan B" hire in the middle of a same-day fire drill, The Valley Verdict holds the organization accountable to the data. In this episode: 00:00 - Welcome 15:43 - The 2-Minute Warning: We recap a wild weekend in 120 seconds. We track the Suns' back-to-back wins over Detroit and Cleveland, the reality check against the Clippers, and the "halftime hope" that faded for ASU in the Territorial Showdown against #1 UofA. Plus, the breaking news of the Mike LaFleur hire. 18:08 - THE ABSOLUTE VERDICT: The Scramble for Plan B The Same-Day Optics: Klint Kubiak says "No" to the Valley and "Yes" to Vegas. We discuss the fire drill that led to the Mike LaFleur hire just hours later. The Theo Mackie Receipt: We break down the statistical proof of ineptitude. Why family-owned teams without an outside President make the playoffs only 28% of the time compared to 48.5% for those that do. The Price of a Winner: Would you trade Darius Robinson and Max Melton for Sean Payton? We explain why we’d do it 10 times out of 10 to fix the culture. 27:26 - Personnel Study: Mike LaFleur The Dual-Tree Hybrid: We trace LaFleur's journey from the Shanahan lab in Atlanta to the McVay lab in LA. The Brotherly Blueprint: How the connection between Matt and Mike LaFleur creates a "shared DNA" system that Kyler Murray has to master. The Adaptation Challenge: Can a coach who has spent his career with Matt Ryan and Matthew Stafford adapt his scheme to the most unique athlete in the NFL? 37:32 - Media Reactions: The 98.7 Counter-Punch Wolf & Luke: What should Mike LaFleur’s actual plan be for Kyler Murray? Burns & Gambo: The comparison is in. Can Mike LaFleur replicate the cultural and structural success of Jordan Ott in his first season? The Verdict: Is hiring Mike LaFleur the day your top choice rejects you a sign of a "deliberate process," or is it officially time to call the Cardinals a joke? 👇 Follow The Valley Verdict: Facebook: [@thevalleyverdict] Instagram: [@thevalleyverdictpodcast] YouTube: [@thevalleyverdict]

    1h 20m

  8. JAN 29

    The Ott Standard: 72 Paint Points | Cardinals Carousel: LaFleur, Rivera, & Kubiak

    The Valley didn't slow down while we were away. From a massive "Identity Win" for the Suns to the Cardinals becoming one of the final two teams in the NFL without a head coach, Episode 632 breaks down the structure and the chaos. CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Welcome 10:10 - The 2-Minute Warning: Recapping the Suns' 5-Game Stretch 13:50 - Cardinals Coaching Carousel: McDermott, LaFleur, & Rivera 1:10:40 - Suns Analysis: The Ott Standard & Next Man Up Mentality 1:55:20 - The Valley Pulse: Top 5 Stories (ASU, Odum, & The Carousel) IN THIS EPISODE: Cardinals Coaching Carousel: The McDermott Factor: Lorenzo Alexander (Bills/Cards) weighs in on Sean McDermott. The Dinner Date: Did Mike LaFleur just become the favorite? We discuss the reported dinner interview and the massive shift in betting odds. Under the Radar: Ron Rivera’s "stealth" interview—what does the veteran presence mean? The Kubiak Question: Is Klint Kubiak the missing piece for Kyler Murray? One of Two: Arizona and Las Vegas are the only seats left. We discuss why the Cardinals are content with being last. Suns: The Ott Standard: Media Reactions: We hear from Mark Williams and Head Coach Jordan Ott’s assessment of the "Next Man Up" mentality. 72 Points in the Paint: How the Suns dominated the interior without Booker, Green, or Gillespie. We break down the 53-point combined effort from Dillon Brooks and Mark Williams. The Valley Pulse: 5. The Spinning Carousel: The isolation of being the last team searching. 4. Mo Odum’s Masterclass: The 33-point savior for ASU. 3. 72 Points in the Paint: The definitive identity stat of the season. 2. The "Next Man Up" Blueprint: Why the Suns' depth is no longer a theory. 1. The Ott Standard: Why Jordan Ott and his staff are the most important momentum-shifters in Arizona right now. The Verdict: Is a win without Devin Booker the ultimate proof that Jordan Ott's system is the real star of the Valley? 👇 Follow The Valley Verdict: Facebook: [@thevalleyverdict] Instagram: [@thevalleyverdictpodcast] YouTube: [@thevalleyverdict]

    2h 4m
See All (639)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The Valley Verdict delivers the final word on everything happening in the Arizona sports world. ​This is the only podcast completely devoted to passionate, full coverage of the major Phoenix market teams, including the Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks, and ASU football and basketball. ​Hosted by David Murphey, broadcasting from the land of the Big Sky in Billings, Montana, we offer in-depth analysis, game breakdowns, and a unique perspective on the teams that matter most to the Valley of the Sun. If it’s happening in Arizona sports, we’ve got the verdict.

Information

  • Creator
    The Valley Verdict
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    639
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Valley Verdict
  • Show Website
    The Valley Verdict