Radio feud erupts over Lions star Jack Campbell's collapse coverage

Feud Emerges at Lions Flagship Radio Over Jack Campbell Coverage.

A heated on-air dispute has broken out between two hosts at 97.1 The Ticket, the Detroit Lions flagship radio station.

The conflict centers on how the station covered Lions linebacker Jack Campbell’s frightening neck injury during a game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 1.

Campbell was immobilized on a stretcher and carted off the field after a collision with Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson.

He was transported to Henry Ford Hospital.

On Nov. 4, Campbell released a statement saying he has “full movement” in his lower body and is making progress with his upper body.

Head coach Dan Campbell told reporters that positive thoughts and prayers were working.

Medical experts surveyed by USA TODAY Sports said the available information suggests Campbell may have suffered a rare condition called central cord syndrome.

Dr. Darryl Lau, a neurosurgeon at NYU Langone’s Spine Center, said the spinal cord appears intact based on public updates.

Dr. Betsy Grunch, a Georgia-based neurosurgeon, said the hyperextension of Campbell’s head and neck could damage the central spinal cord and cause swelling that affects the arms more than the legs.

Campbell is expected to miss the rest of the season.

The feud at 97.1 The Ticket began on Monday morning, Nov. 2, when morning show host Jim Costa and his team covered the injury while also discussing the Lions’ win over the Vikings.

On Monday afternoon, afternoon drive host Mike Valenti addressed the morning show’s approach.

“I want to be very sincere with my audience, the Jack Campbell injury really messed me up,” Valenti said on air.

“I like Jim Costa, I think Jim has a massive career ahead of him in radio, but I think Jim sounded like a massive J.O. this morning.”

Valenti explained why he was upset.

“Bottom line, I can’t dance about a win because I can’t get it out of my head Jack Campbell lying motionless on the field,” he said.

“And yes, it’s a big win, and no, you’re not a bad person if privately you’re celebrating it, and you should.”

“I’m watching players cry. You don’t see that. And when he was getting carted off, I can’t lie to you, man, it choked up me. It messed me up. I can’t get it out of my head.”

Valenti and Costa previously co-hosted a gambling podcast together.

Costa was initially hesitant to respond, but said the overwhelming number of messages he received on Tuesday, Nov. 3, compelled him to share his reaction.

“We were incredibly sensitive to Jack Campbell yesterday on the show, dedicating time in every hour,” Costa said.

“And I would contend that you can do both. A good show can do both.”

“Can talk both football and humanity. So I don’t know why that’s such an issue.”

Costa then addressed Valenti directly.

“Valenti hates when he’s misrepresented. Don’t do it to other people.”

“Do not make it out that I or this show was insensitive about a very scary and very real issue going on with Jack Campbell.”

“If he wants to dunk on me for a dumb sports take, I’ve had plenty, I will have plenty.”

“All of that is fair game, but it bothered me.”

“You do not need to insinuate that somehow by us talking football yesterday that we don’t care about Jack Campbell the person, or we are doing a tone-deaf radio show.”

Costa explained the reality of a four-hour morning show.

“It’s a four-hour radio show. We can say thoughts and prayers to Jack Campbell and mean it sincerely. What are we going to do or the other three hours?”

“I like Mike. I do. We have a great…”