Last week’s attack on the U.S. Capitol left us with images seared on our brains, and it touched even the sports world, which usually can provide a respite, however brief.

But Collierville basketball coach Scott Robinson had a personal connection to what transpired, and our columnist, Geoff Calkins, tells the story.

Out of the darkness, though, are two stories that inspired: An 8-year-old boy who found a unique way to thank the people at St. Jude, and a Memphis nonprofit organization devoted to criminal justice reform that received a $200,000 grant from the NFL.

Back to the sports world: The Grizzlies are persevering through an injury-riddled start to the season, Memphis quarterback Brady White won a prestigious national award, and the Tigers basketball team has spent 17 days without game action because two of its opponents had COVID-19 issues. The hope is the Jan. 14 game against SMU at FedExForum will take place.

In these chaotic, heartbreaking times, hold on to hope that things will get better.

Which also means … wear those masks! (Think of them as nose warmers.) - Sports editor Elaine Sung

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.

Scott Robinson, the basketball coach at Collierville High School, became close with Howard Liebengood at Memphis. He sent Liebengood a text after the Capitol was attacked. Now Robinson is mourning his friend.

Jonah McCoy, 8, is a patient at St. Jude. He could teach us a thing or two.  By Geoff Calkins

The Memphis quarterback adds the “academic Heisman” to his already loaded résumé. By Steven Johnson

For White and the Liberty Bowl, it was love at first sight. On Saturday, White plans to bid farewell with another win.  By Geoff Calkins

Grizzlies, facing Cavaliers for the second time in five days, were led by Dillon Brooks (21 points, seven rebounds). Related story: Box score: Grizzlies 101, Cavaliers 91 By Chris Herrington

The NFL has granted $200,000 to Just City as part of the league’s social justice initiative. The money is important – but so is the message the money sends. By Geoff Calkins

Chris Herrington: The absence of Grizzlies’ stars provides a chance to observe the trends of some players who are in outsized roles. By Chris Herrington

Xavier Tillman Sr. will have an expanded role to fill if Jonas Valanciunas misses time due to health and safety protocols.  By Drew Hill

Charter school eyes state tournament after missing opportunity in 2020.  By John Varlas

The Tigers are bringing in Rice special teams coach Drew Svoboda. By Steven Johnson

While recovering from his ankle injury, Ja Morant has purposely asked to sit close to the floor so he can bring the energy off the bench to his teammates.  By Drew Hill

The Tigers are hoping to get a game during that span, but in the meantime, it’s a chance to work on their new offense. By Danielle Lerner

.....