Columnist
Geoff Calkins has been chronicling Memphis and Memphis sports for more than two decades. He is host of "The Geoff Calkins Show" from 9-11 a.m. M-F on 92.9 FM. Calkins has been named the best sports columnist in the country five times by the Associated Press sports editors, but still figures his best columns are about the people who make Memphis what it is.
There are 1023 articles by Geoff Calkins :
You know the Memphis NBA team is named the Grizzlies because they moved from Vancouver. But why did the Vancouver team have that name?
The Central High jazz band did it. They defeated bands from across the country — and around the world — to win the Essentially Ellington contest in New York. And, yes, there were many tears.
“John Calipari is game to return to Memphis this fall to play an exhibition game to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital? That sounds like an fine idea. It’s just time.” Calipari’s Razorbacks working to schedule exhibition game in MemphisRelated content:
Ollie Liddell, the director of bands at Central High, wasn’t sure how his jazz band would get to the Essentially Ellington contest at Lincoln Center. Then Memphians came through for him.
The Central High jazz band continued to blaze through New York, advancing to the finals of the Essentially Ellington contest. Said Ollie Liddell, the band’s director: “We play with the spirt of the city, man.”
Eric Daniels is a combat veteran who once failed sixth, seventh and eighth grades. He’s also one of 2,759 students who will receive a diploma from the University of Memphis Saturday.
Kim Jameson is a Memphian who founded a program at Christian Brothers University to help people with autism succeed not just at college but in life.
The city can feel like it’s in crisis. The country can feel like it’s in crisis. And Monday, we all woke up to the news that Clayborn Temple had burned down.Related content:
It was going to be a magnificent night for Memphis. Then Ja Morant and the Grizzlies crashed to the earth.
The Thunder absolutely destroyed the Grizzlies in Games 1 and 2. So what reason is there to believe in Memphis? I’m glad you asked.
When Ja Morant sprang off his bum ankle to slam the ball home against the Mavericks on Friday night, it wasn’t just a dunk — it was an unmistakable statement of intent.
Memphis NBA fans are facing an unprecedented dilemma Friday: Is it better if the Grizzlies win or lose? Herrington: Grizzlies have at least one game left, but may have already taken the lossRelated content:
The Grizzlies have a massive opportunity when they meet the Golden State Warriors Tuesday night. Now all they have to do is win. Related content:
No, the Grizzlies didn’t want to be playing the Warriors in a play-in game. But if you looked around FedExForum Sunday, there was plenty of hope.
Ja Morant likes to cast himself as a victim far too often. But in the great — OK, ridiculous — finger-gun controversy of 2025? He may have a point.Related content:
The Grizzlies got scorched by Steph Curry (52 points) as the Warriors passed them in the standings. So is there anything to feel good about? Actually, yes!
After an “insane” 48 hours, the Grizzlies lost to the Lakers, 134-127. So how can interim coach Tuomas Iisalo make it better? By doing one important thing.
The St. Louis Cardinals and the Memphis Redbirds threw a memorable 25th birthday party for AutoZone Park Monday night. What comes next for the beautiful ballpark? Related content:
“Penny Hardaway hasn’t had the success he would have wanted at Memphis. But given the changing basketball universe, his presence matters more than it ever has.”
Memphis Tigers basketball had an important season of redemption. But the ending? “Just heartbreaking,” PJ Haggerty said. Memphis season slips away in NCAA Tournament loss to Colorado StateRelated content:
Memphis Tigers coach Penny Hardaway tried his best not to makes excuses after the loss in the NCAA Tournament. But his answers revealed how he truly felt.
The Memphis program was built on special seasons. Penny Hardaway knows he has a chance to deliver another to the city he loves. Memphis' Hunter not playing in NCAA 1st-round game vs. Colorado State Memphis' Dante Harris unsure about status for Colorado StateRelated content:
Penny Hardaway and the players had a lot to say at Thursday’s media day in Seattle as the Tigers prepare for Friday’s NCAA Tournament first-round game against Colorado State.
Eleven-year-old Maci Barrett gave Penny Hardaway a bracelet expressing her support for the coach. Now FedEx is flying Maci and her family to Seattle for the NCAA Tournament.
Maybe we shouldn’t have been surprised the Memphis Tigers are a No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament. They’ve certainly earned the respect.