Spirit of Memphis
Calkins: Jes Shea’s van exploded — with her in it. Here’s what she’s learned.
Jes Shea leaned down to light the cookstove in her Sprinter van. Then the world went “BOOM.”
Geoff Calkins
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 1047 articles by Geoff Calkins :
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May 2025
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Memphis GrizzliesAsk the Memphian: Why is the Memphis NBA team named the Grizzlies? (There’s more to it than you think.)
You know the Memphis NBA team is named the Grizzlies because they moved from Vancouver. But why did the Vancouver team have that name?
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MusicCalkins: Incredibly, the Central High jazz band did it. They won the whole thing.
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.
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Memphis Tigers BasketballCalkins: An event to honor the John Calipari era in Memphis? It’s just time.
“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.”
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Calipari’s Razorbacks working to schedule exhibition game in Memphis
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Geoff CalkinsCalkins: Central’s jazz band is playing Lincoln Center. And it’s thanks to y’all.
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.
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Spirit of MemphisCalkins: Central High lights up the stage — and advances to finals in New York.
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.”
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Geoff CalkinsCalkins: He’s a combat veteran who used to think he was dumb. Now he’s graduating from Memphis — with honors.
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.
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Geoff Calkins Calkins: RFK said kids with autism will never hold a job? Don’t tell this Memphian.
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.
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Geoff CalkinsCalkins: On Clayborn Temple’s final day, shaken Memphians came to pay their respects
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.
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April 2025
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Geoff CalkinsCalkins: Ja went high and they went low. That’s how a magnificent night fell apart.
It was going to be a magnificent night for Memphis. Then Ja Morant and the Grizzlies crashed to the earth.
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Memphis GrizzliesCalkins: You don’t have to believe in the Grizzlies’ chances. Just believe in yourselves.
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.
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Geoff CalkinsCalkins: Ja Morant lifts Grizzlies over Mavs and into playoffs
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.
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Memphis GrizzliesMemphians should absolutely pull for the Grizzlies to win Friday. Right?!?
Memphis NBA fans are facing an unprecedented dilemma Friday: Is it better if the Grizzlies win or lose?
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Herrington: Grizzlies have at least one game left, but may have already taken the loss
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Geoff CalkinsCalkins: How can the Grizzlies save the season? Just beat the hated Warriors.
The Grizzlies have a massive opportunity when they meet the Golden State Warriors Tuesday night. Now all they have to do is win.
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Memphis GrizzliesCalkins: No, this is not what Grizzlies fans wanted. But here’s where to find hope.
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.
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Geoff CalkinsCalkins: Morant should lay down his (fake) weapons. But it’s the NBA that misfired.
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.
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Geoff CalkinsCalkins: Yes, the Grizzlies lost again. But all may not be lost!
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!
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March 2025
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Memphis GrizzliesCalkins: It was an ‘insane’ two days for the Grizzlies. Can it lead to better things?
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.
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Geoff CalkinsCalkins: The Cardinals helped celebrate 25 years in AutoZone Park. Will there be 25 more?
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?
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Memphis Tigers BasketballCalkins: Why the future is dicey for Memphis basketball — and why Hardaway matters even more
“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.”
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Geoff CalkinsCalkins: A season of redemption comes to a ‘heartbreaking’ end
Memphis Tigers basketball had an important season of redemption. But the ending? “Just heartbreaking,” PJ Haggerty said.
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Memphis season slips away in NCAA Tournament loss to Colorado State
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Memphis Tigers BasketballScenes from Seattle: Did Penny Hardaway know it would go this way?
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.
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Geoff CalkinsCalkins: Tigers have successful season — what happens next could make it special
The Memphis program was built on special seasons. Penny Hardaway knows he has a chance to deliver another to the city he loves.
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Memphis' Hunter not playing in NCAA 1st-round game vs. Colorado State
Memphis' Dante Harris unsure about status for Colorado State
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Memphis Tigers BasketballScenes from Seattle: More Tiger Tournament tales
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.
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Geoff CalkinsCalkins: Remember that girl who gave Hardaway a bracelet? She’s Seattle-bound — courtesy of FedEx
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.
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