Calkins: Ja Morant stuck up for Memphis. Now, how about you?
Ja Morant took on ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith and his misperceptions of Memphis. But Smith isn’t the only one talking trash.
Calkins: Hope House is a Memphis success story. Why are its leaders so worried now?
When you hear about the country’s “social safety net,” this is it: Hope House. Multiplied by thousands of small, committed organizations in cities across America. Federal funding cuts have Hope House’s leaders worried about Memphis.
Herrington: Zach Edey injury adds to already challenging Grizzlies summer
The Memphis Grizzlies now find themselves in the familiar but unwelcome territory of having injury concerns with both their starting and backup centers. But Zach Edey’s injury raises larger concerns.
Calkins: Why Santi Aldama asked a local kid to sing ‘Feliz Navidad.’ (It was for a good cause.)
Henry Douglas, age 8, decided to sing songs to generate contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. So who should make a request? Santi Aldama, from Spain.
-
Geoff Calkins
Calkins: Everyone loved Reggie Barnes — which is how he reshaped Memphis sports
Archie Manning said Reggie Barnes “had a gift for bringing people together.” For the better part of five decades, Barnes — who died Monday — used that gift to promote Memphis sports.
-
Premium 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.”
-
Premium Memphis Tigers Basketball
Calkins: 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.”
Related content:
Calipari’s Razorbacks working to schedule exhibition game in Memphis
-
Premium Spirit of Memphis
Calkins: 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.”
-
Premium Geoff Calkins
Calkins: 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.
-
Premium Geoff Calkins
Calkins: 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.
-
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.
-
Premium Geoff Calkins
Calkins: 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.
Related content:
-
Premium Geoff Calkins
Calkins: 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.
-
Premium Memphis Grizzlies
Calkins: 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.
-
Premium Geoff Calkins
Calkins: 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.
-
Premium Memphis Grizzlies
Memphians 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?
Related content:
Herrington: Grizzlies have at least one game left, but may have already taken the loss
-
Premium Geoff Calkins
Calkins: 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.
Related content:
-
Premium Geoff Calkins
Calkins: 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.
Related content:
-
Premium Geoff Calkins
Calkins: 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!
-
Premium Geoff Calkins
Calkins: 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?
Related content:
-
Premium Memphis Tigers Basketball
Calkins: 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.”
-
Premium Geoff Calkins
Calkins: 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.
Related content:
Memphis season slips away in NCAA Tournament loss to Colorado State
-
Premium Geoff Calkins
Calkins: 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.
Related content:
Memphis' Hunter not playing in NCAA 1st-round game vs. Colorado State
Memphis' Dante Harris unsure about status for Colorado State
-
Premium Geoff Calkins
Calkins: 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.
-
Premium Memphis Tigers Basketball
Calkins: The Tigers are No. 1 again! (But even better, they’re No. 5)
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.
-
Premium Geoff Calkins
Calkins: How an 11-year-old girl helped inspire Hardaway’s greatest season
Penny Hardaway was named American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year Tuesday. Is that because an 11-year-old girl gave him an unexpected gift? OK, maybe not. But he did just ask her for two more.
-
Premium Memphis Tigers Basketball
Calkins: ‘What a difference a year makes,’ says Penny Hardaway — as he cuts down the net
After seven years, Penny Hardaway was finally able to celebrate a regular-season title at Memphis Friday night. He was finally able to cut down a net in the city he loves so much.
-
Premium Geoff Calkins
Calkins: How do you celebrate turning 50? If you’re Memphis Pom, you dance.
Memphis Pom is 50! Time flies when you’re having fun. So how is the group going to celebrate? With a reunion dance at Friday’s game, of course.
-
Premium Geoff Calkins
Calkins: As Shadyac steps down, it’s a critical moment for St. Jude
Richard Shadyac Jr. helped transform St. Jude into the most trusted brand in the world. His departure after 16 years is a moment of celebration — and uncertainty, too.
Related content:
Calkins: Richard Shadyac Jr. on his legacy, the future, Memphis — and some sports stuff, too
RSS