* As a reporter at The Detroit News, Darci McConnell (Twitter @darcimc/Facebook Darci E. McConnell) saw through Kwame Kilpatrick’s baloney. Now, as the founder, president and CEO of McConnell Communications she puts up with two new fools: Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick). Meanwhile, Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) ditches the show to do some “wet work” for “The Company.”* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: ML is update CRAZY – getting us up to speed on three crucial matters. See if you can match the issue with the clue: 1-Clark Park Outdoor Charity Hockey Game results 2-Tenant search for East Lansing rental 3-Employment status:: A. Awaiting results of drug test B. Winner! C. Strippers need not apply* ML, Marc and Darci take a deep dive into the controversy stemming from the coverage of Kobe Bryant’s death, including whether it was appropriate to mention a sexual assault allegation that was just about the only blemish on his amazing NBA career.* The conversation centers on CBS News anchor Gayle King’s interview of WNBA star and Bryant friend Lisa Leslie — and the ensuing ferocious attacks on King.* Marc asks ML and Darci to rate King’s performance as a journalist in the interview. A discussion over when is the right time to mention problems when discussing the death of a newsmaker.* Darci reflects on her time as a hard-hitting City Hall reporter at The Detroit News and how Kwame Kilpatrick tried to get her to give him a break based on their race.* Snoop Dogg’s threats to King shocked some — including a former UN Ambassador, who made some threats of her own. Darci weighs in on whether Snoop Dogg’s apology cut the mustard.* As a former obituary writer, ML opines on whether monumental figures should get a pass on their transgressions.* It’s getting deep in here: ML, Marc and Darci discuss the details of the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case, rape culture, Bryant’s apology to his accuser — and more.* ML makes an appeal to anyone willing to listen that trying to shut down a discussion by keying on what people look like, where they’re from or who they worship is not the way to build a better society.* Darci says keep it simple: Was a report fair, balanced and did the reporter try to hear from all sides? Then she opines on whether this whole debate will make us better.* ML invites Darci back — then she slips in a “Go Blue!” Will that be a deal breaker? Subscribe to the podcast to find out …* THE GREAT DEBATE: When Shawn’s away, the mice play — nicely. Which is why The Great Debate gets put on hold until next week.* GEEK OF THE WEEK: A Texas school district is “Poth Proud” of its decision to come down hard on a 16-year-old who grew his hair long to honor (and maybe provide a wig to) his 11-year-old sister after she lost her locks due to illness.* ROOM 7609: Julian Cope returns to the NuWave s...