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?

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“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.”

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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. 

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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. 

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.

There was a growl towel on every seat in FedExForum Saturday. Which means it is that time in Memphis, once again. “It never gets old, man,” said Jaren Jackson Jr. “It’s still hype every single time.”

Ja Morant filed a countersuit against Joshua Holloway. Which is certainly his legal right. But if he wants his reputation, he doesn’t need more lawyers. He just needs to beat LeBron James.

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Dillon Brooks said he “wouldn’t mind” playing LeBron James in a seven-game series. Well, duh. The Grizzlies have a chance to bounce James from the playoffs and redefine themselves in the process. Who wouldn’t mind doing that?

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The Lakers host the Timberwolves Tuesday for the right to meet the Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs. I think I speak for Grizzlies fans everywhere when I say: “Go T-Wolves!”

Is it a scandal that law enforcement officials didn’t throw themselves into investigating a superstar basketball player whose behavior was plainly over the line? No. It would have been unusual if they had.

Anne Boyd celebrated her 90th birthday with her first Grizzlies game at FedExForum. That says a lot about her. And a lot about what the Grizzlies have come to mean to this city over the past 22 years. 

The Grizzlies set a franchise record by winning their 33rd home game Tuesday. Not bad for a team that was supposed to be in disarray not long ago. How did they do it? “This is the closest team I’ve ever been a part of,” said Desmond Bane.