When Lexie Johnston checked her “Ceaseless Prayer” app Tuesday, she laughed out loud. It suggested she pray for MLGW. Yes, MLGW. It’s been that kind of week in Memphis. Or that kind of week, again.
I never met Roy Herron. But I’m one of the thousands he touched. Herron — who died Sunday from injuries suffered in a Jet Ski accident earlier this month — left a legacy even more meaningful than his 26 years in public office. It’s a legacy of kindness, of showing up.
Madeline Johnson was carjacked almost a year ago. This weekend, it nearly happened again. Now this 25-year-old Memphis transplant is thinking about moving away from a city she has come to love.
“Jennifer Biggs missed The Daily Memphian lunch Friday — because she is in the hospital with Stage 4 colon cancer. But it was fitting that 70 people came together, over delicious food, to wish Biggs well. They are a part (a small part!) of the joyous community that Biggs has built with her enthusiasm, her commitment and her words.”
“I came to Memphis 27 years ago to cover sports, but, starting today, I’m going to be writing about something else. And I’m going to need your help.”
Friday may have seemed like the end of a long wait for Memphis fans. But the real suspense starts now. Herrington: Morant’s suspension, the way forward and offseason impact NBA suspends Grizzlies star Ja Morant for 25 gamesRelated stories:
Terri Bosby has presided over 50 ribbon-cuttings for the Greater Memphis Chamber this year, or more than two a week. At a difficult time in Memphis, Bosby is reminding us what determination and enthusiasm can do.
The Daily Memphian’s Geoff Calkins wins the prestigious Gary Lundy Sports Writer of the Year award; John Varlas, Drew Hill also take victories in the annual TSWA state writing contest.
Jack Sammons was as surprised as anyone by the merger of the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. He’s happy it could lead to the return of past champions like Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson. Beyond that, what does it mean for Memphis? FedEx Cup focuses on August as PGA Tour, LIV merger blindsides golf worldRelated story:
“To me, it didn’t sound like a farewell to social media. It sounded like someone in pain. ... Maybe the better question isn’t what the NBA will hand down, but how the league will help Morant go forward from here.”Related story:
How about Justin Timberlake? Leslie Jones? William, Prince of Wales? No connection to Memphis is too tenuous to be mayor. Who would you choose?
“Whenever Morant returns, and no matter what sort of discipline he serves, he should consider embracing a new role as a spokesperson against guns and gun violence.”
Ja Morant may be suspended for holding a gun. In a state where politicians have posed with guns in Christmas cards, is that entirely fair? This isn’t to suggest Morant doesn’t deserve a suspension. But there’s a bigger problem here.
Wait, Ja Morant was on social media with a handgun AGAIN? The man just got a $39 million lesson. And it turns out, he may not have learned a thing. Ja Morant suspended from team activities after new social media video flashing apparent handgunRelated story:
Hutchison School announces it will retire Eliza Fletcher’s number across all sports — and presents Meriel Rowland, a star-in four sports, with the first Eliza Wellford Fletcher No. 5 Award.
Grizzlies executive vice president Zach Kleiman said Sunday the team will have a “different approach” next season. The new approach seems to involve less talking and less youth. And, maybe, more wins?
The Los Angeles Lakers humiliated Memphis Friday to win their playoff series, 4-2. It could turn out to be a “pivotal” moment for the Grizzlies. But only if they treat it as such.
Desmond Bane said the Grizzlies would win Game 5. Now he says they’re coming back to Memphis for Game 7. After watching Bane and the Grizzlies smash the Lakers Wednesday, 116-99, maybe it’s time to trust the man.
The Grizzlies have a lot of growing up to do. That’s obvious now. Sure, they played better in Game 4. But the old man — LeBron James — is showing them what grown-up playoff basketball looks like.
The Grizzlies talk too much and win too little. That’s the prevailing theory now, right? But there is an easy way to start to change that narrative: Beat the Lakers in Game 4.
Dillon Brooks said LeBron James is getting old. But you know what’s getting old? The antics of Brooks.
LeBron James said, “I’m not here for the bulls---.” But, c’mon, LeBron. The whole basketball universe is here for this bulls---. It’s the (totally crazy) story going into Game 3.Related story:
The Grizzlies didn’t have Ja Morant against the Lakers Wednesday. But they had John Konchar. And Xavier Tillman Sr. And a roster of players who did not wish to go quietly into the good night. So now, through sheer force of will, the series is tied at 1-1.
Will Ja Morant play in Game 2? That’s the mystery of the moment. But however it turns out, there is fresh reason for hope.
The Grizzlies lost the game and they lost Ja Morant. On a no good, very bad day at FedExForum.