The stakes have never been higher for Ryan Silverfield and Memphis football. Why 2022 will be one of the most important seasons in program history. 

A former Memphian just won more than half a million dollars at the World Series of Poker. But the best part of his story? He’s alive because of St. Jude. 

For decades, now, University of Memphis fans have dreamed of making it into a power conference. Is that dream now officially dead? If so, what does the future hold?

Matt Terhune couldn’t get himself to pick up his pencil and start a new art project. Until he saw a photo of Morant with 2-year-old daughter Kaari. What followed is a story about Twitter, art, basketball and — this is the important part — love.

Morant’s extension means he’ll be here when the Grizzlies and the city and county negotiate the guts of a new FedExForum lease. All of which makes him the most important Grizzly at the most important moment in the city’s NBA history. Just another reason to thank Ja.

Ja Morant didn’t just sign a rich new contract to stay with the Grizzlies. He committed to Memphis as “home.” That’s a credit to him and to the Grizzlies front office. Here’s how that came to pass.

Ernest Withers was an iconic civil rights photographer — and an FBI informant. A new podcast revisits the complicated, painful tale.

The Grizzlies picked the players they really wanted Thursday night. It’s cool that one of them — Tennessee point guard Kennedy Chandler — happens to be from around here. 

George Cates won’t be here to see Friday’s official opening of the Overton Park 9. He died in a plane crash a year ago. But when you play the course, you’ll see his good work. And you’ll honor him with your smiles.

Memphis football coach Ryan Silverfield stopped by the Veterans Administration Medical Center Tuesday as part of “the sweetest, most meaningful ticket-distribution program you may know nothing about.”

Brian Young moved to Memphis to stage the Tyson-Lewis fight. It was a huge success. But what happened next might be the best part of the story. Without ever expecting it, Young became a dad of five.

Related story:

On Father’s Day, remembering what it means to have a stepdad by Eric Barnes

“LIV Golf exists to whitewash murder and human rights violations in Saudi Arabia. The FedEx St. Jude Championship raises money for St. Jude. Which side do you want to support? This really isn’t hard.”

You’ll never guess where Elliot Perry is being honored Tuesday night. At the Museum of Modern Art, in New York. It’s the latest accomplishment for one of the greatest, humblest Memphians.

Penny Hardaway has now added the former AAC Coach of the Year along with Kendric Davis (former AAC Player of the Year). That’s impressive work for the coach of a program facing possible NCAA sanctions. It speaks to Hardaway’s resilience, above all.

Twenty years ago, Mike Tyson fought Lennox Lewis at The Pyramid. It was a defining moment for sports in Memphis. And it was a hell of a lot of fun. 

Steve Spurrier returned to Memphis on Sunday to accept the AutoZone Liberty Bowl’s Distinguished Citizen Award. Some of his biggest triumphs involved Memphis. They may not be what you think.

“There’s no telling if Penny Hardaway’s new restaurant will live up to expectations. But it should be better than Cal’s!”

Lester Quinones is keeping his name in the NBA draft. But the guy sure had an impact at Memphis. He was a lot more than an air guitar and short shorts.

Why is it so hard to say goodbye to our dogs? I asked Scott Morris, who is still saddened by the recent loss of Sidney, the best dog ever. He says the secret is love.

It was “Mr. Bruce Day” at Immaculate Conception Cathedral School Friday. And if you don’t know what that means, let me tell you. Because we all could use it today. 

Ja Morant is going to sign his contract extension, Kyle Anderson and Tyus Jones seem unlikely to return, and Steven Adams thinks “duckmaster” would be a fine thing to put in a Tinder profile. What we learned from the Grizzlies’ postseason news conferences. 

The Grizzlies ended their season with a loss to the Warriors Friday. Was it the best season ever? Maybe. It was absolutely the most fun. 

Make no mistake, Memphis is partnering with the city in a “transformational renovation” of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in order to get to a better conference. Will it work?