Charlie LeDuff makes good and bad headlines, but doesn’t duck the tough questions when he connects with ML and Shawn over his latest scoop and the ensuing controversy that cost him his Detroit News job, while Joe quietly puts in his last day.

STRAIGHT DOPE: Charlie is sorry for a social media post that cost him his job as a Detroit News columnist, but the apology he shares with ML and Shawn aren’t for who you might think.
Charlie’s last (at least for now) column for the Detroit News accuses Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel of meddling in an investigation of a friend and political ally.
When Nessel complained about Charlie’s column, Detroit News Editor and Publisher Gary Miles defended it.
Then Charlie got, as he put it “two clever by half” and made a social media post that many folks recognize as a euphemism for the c-word. A couple days later, Charlie was a former News columnist.

ML and Shawn differ with Charlie’s position on when and where it may be appropriate to use the c-word. They all agree it’s unfortunate the controversy makes it harder to focus on the issue of politicians doing friends favors.
Social media played a role in Charlie’s undoing, leading to a debate on the pitfalls and payoffs of this new-fangled way for folks to get themselves in trouble – and to spread their message.
Shawn tells Charlie he misses his more provocative reports, like the time he drove a golf ball across Detroit. Charlie says he misses doing them, too, but adds that he hasn’t given them up.
ML, Shawn and Charlie discuss what’s next for the Pulitzer Prize-winning scribe.
Before he goes, Charlie enjoys a quick look back on his alma mater’s 49-0 drubbing of Michigan State in East Lansing last Saturday.

GEEK OF THE WEEK: The NCAA, which doesn’t get much right, is wrong again when it comes to punishing successful programs – and this time they’re not penalizing the successful program you think.

ROOM 7609: In a moment notable for its rarity, Shawn approves of ML’s decision to book The Bangles into the New Wave suite to perform “A Hazy Shade of Winter” to close out our series of New Wave tunes that doubled as movie theme songs.

FEEDBACK: ML and MSU take lots of heat from Lions fans, music critics and people who expect more from a host and a university. We welcome all your comments – and constructive criticism – at mlsoulofdetroit@gmail.com

DONATE OR SPONSOR US: Make a donation 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! We now accept donations via Venmo (and if Venmo tells you your money is going to DaisyHouseLLC, you’ve got the right link!)

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! Subscribe (and watch) the live broadcast of the show on YouTube channel Soul of Detroit. Then hit the bell so you’ll always know when we’re going to live or post new content!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”We always appreciate your feedback at mlsoulofdetroit@gmail.com