The American Conference held its annual football media days late last week in Charlotte, North Carolina, and when it did, Frank Bonner II and Tim Buckley were there to report on what was said.

Two topics dominated the news.

One was Memphis’ latest failed effort to join the Big 12.

The other, unfortunately, centered on a matter that occurred last season, distracting from the presence of new quarterback Brendon Lewis and returning defensive end William Whitlow Jr., along with coach Ryan Silverfield. The incident involved news that a former Tigers defensive back had shared information about the program’s secondary with UTSA’s quarterback prior to the Roadrunners’ victory over Memphis, an outcome that ended a four-game winning streak and severely dented the league title-game hopes of Silverfield’s team.

Bonner and Buckley wrote multiple pieces on both subjects and brought home several other stories to be shared in the days to come as the Tigers’ open their 2025 preseason camp Wednesday and an Aug. 30 season-opener against Chattanooga around the corner.

Meanwhile, Parth Upadhyaya and John Martin both wrote more about the Big 12 bid, including Upadhyaya’s story about how basketball attendance last season showed why the Tigers are so hungry to get into a power conference. Martin also weighed in on what oddsmakers have to say about the Tigers football team’s chances this season. And Upadhyaya was on hand Tuesday for basketball team point guard Sincere Parker’s latest court appearance.

Also Tuesday, Samuel Hardiman from news side had an important piece on the City of Memphis’ planned $55 million renovation of AutoZone Park, home of the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds, and potential redevelopment of the area around the stadium.

In the preps world, John Varlas continued his series of preseason previews and reported on the sad news that Joshua Henderson, a Bolton High football player, died a few weeks after collapsing during a July 7 practice.

Here’s a look at some of the staff’s top work from the week: — Deputy sports editor Tim Buckley

Stay in the action by following the Daily Memphian Sports Facebook page. If you’re a Daily Memphian subscriber, we appreciate your support. If not, consider signing up for unlimited access to all of our sports coverage.

Tigers' defensive details shared with rival quarterback downplayed By Frank Bonner II

American commissioner admires Memphis' ambition in Big 12 proposal By Frank Bonner II

Memphis is itching to get into a power conference. Basketball attendance shows why. By Parth Upadhyaya

Buckley: Finally someone from Memphis addresses Big 12 proposal By Tim Buckley

City plans $55M AutoZone Park renovation, mixed-use development By Samuel Hardiman

Martin: It's time to call the Big East By John Martin

Martin: Can Memphis football beat the odds? By John Martin

Memphis guard Parker had 'right to defend himself' says his lawyer By Parth Upadhyaya

Prep football 2025: New faces, new challenges for Houston By John Varlas

Hospitalized Bolton football player dies By John Varlas

.....