Keith "Bad" Appling featuring Former Critics

Send us a text message ! This episode traces the heartbreaking fall of Keith “Bad” Appling, once one of Detroit’s most electrifying young basketball stars. The hosts take listeners back to Appling’s early days at Pershing High School, where he dominated the court, shattered records, and earned statewide admiration. His talent carried him to Michigan State University, where he was expected to rise even higher — until a series of personal struggles and increasingly destructive choices began to pull him off course. With their signature mix of Michigan pride, dark humor, and grounded storytelling, the hosts walk through the slow unraveling of Appling’s life: the instability, the legal trouble, and the tragic decisions that ultimately ended his career and freedom. The episode avoids sensationalism, focusing instead on the human cost of a hometown hero’s decline and the community left stunned in the aftermath. After the true‑crime deep dive, the show shifts into its musical spotlight, featuring the Michigan band Former Critics. Their track closes the episode on a reflective, emotional note — the show’s trademark way of offering listeners a moment of release after a heavy story. Leaving you with a happy ending and on a good note, as always. This week we are featuring Former Critics: Bandcamp: https://formercritics.bandcamp.com/track/ring-of-salt Written by Your Highness Hosted by Ron and Mary Boot Hosted by the Boot Productions Outro by Lewi P Reach out to us, we would love to hear from you! Support the show Support the Show:https://www.buzzsprout.com/1387693/supporters/new Feeling Tipsy??? https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theboots Merch: https://michigan-murders-music.myspreadshop.com/