Columnist
Geoff Calkins has been chronicling Memphis and Memphis sports for more than two decades. Calkins has been named the best sports columnist in the country five times by the Associated Press sports editors, but still figures his best columns are about the people who make Memphis what it is.
There are 1122 articles by Geoff Calkins :
Ryan Silverfield declined to name a starting QB heading into Saturday’s opener against Nicholls State. It’s not the first time that has happened at Memphis — but it’s not great.
David McCandless had caught at least one fish in 335 straight days. Then a historic snowstorm hit. The story of one Memphian’s quest to keep an unlikely streak alive.
The key to Penny Hardaway’s success? It’s optimism. And if he really believes Memphis can win a national title, y’all should believe it, too.
Emoni Bates put an end to a crazy day of recruiting by announcing he’ll be attending the University of Memphis. Could one kid possibly be worth such drama? In a word: Yes.
Memphis fans discovered Wednesday that Emoni Bates is listed in the student directory. It’s the latest twist in a recruiting saga that has been understandably over the top.
Danton Barto, the all-time leading tackler in Memphis football history, has died of COVID-19. Before he died, he asked his wife to get vaccinated. The best way for Tigers fans to honor him would be to roll up their sleeves for No. 59.
On the day Emoni Bates began his official visit to Memphis, Rasheed Wallace became the newest member of Penny Hardaway. The presence of Wallace is just another reason Bates should pick the Tigers. But we went through them all.
Danton Barto, Memphis football’s all-time leading tackler, is in the hospital fighting COVID-19. He sent his wife, Shelly Beth, a text: “Get that shot for me.”
Yes, Penny Hardaway has landed big recruits before. But getting Jalen Duren is different. It could be the start of a glorious new era of Tigers basketball.
Maybe it was time for Buster Kelso to end his remarkable career as baseball coach. But he deserved one final year. Related story: Buster Kelso forced out as Christian Brothers High coach
Buster Kelso is the all-time winningest high school baseball coach in the state. He was told to clean out his baseball office last week. Related story: Calkins: After an unprecedented career, Kelso deserved better from CBHS
Bryson DeChambeau and Harris English collapsed. Abraham Ancer won in a playoff. And the last WGC in Memphis ended in stunning fashion.
Penny Hardaway has the No. 1 recruit in the country, the golf tournament has never been better, the Tigers football team has been to seven straight bowl games and Ja Morant calls FedExForum home. Has there ever been a more promising moment for Memphis sports?
Isaac Bruce will become the first Memphis player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday. He says his time at Memphis — a place he still loves — “helped make me who I am.”
At 5 p.m. Friday, a gifted center named Jalen Duren will announce his destination. If he picks Memphis, it could be the start of something big.
Isn’t Bryson DeChambeau supposed to be smart? Then why is it, when it comes to the COVID-19 vaccine, he sounds like such a dummy?
Memphis is losing its World Golf Championship event after just three years. But never fear — it’s trading up. FedEx St. Jude tournament switches from WGC to playoff openerRelated story:
For 46 years, Bob Winn has volunteered in the media center at the Memphis golf tournament. This year, heart damage and a brain bleed will keep him away. What about the event inspires such loyalty? Hint: It’s not the golf.
The Grizzlies stunned the NBA universe twice Thursday night, first by taking Ziaire Williams at No. 10, then by taking Santi Aldama at No. 40. But given the team’s recent success in the draft, should we really be surprised if the Grizzlies hit on their picks?
Memphis football is in the midst of a historic run. But will that be enough to save the program when realignment strikes again?
Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman has always said the goal is to bring an NBA title to Memphis. And if that required dealing Jonas Valanciunas, he was willing to do it. Memphis fans should be glad.
‘Jessica Ramsey could win the gold medal in shot put in Tokyo. She prepared for the challenge by (I swear) working at Insomnia Cookies on Beale Street.’
‘Memphis deserves better than to be fretting about conference realignment again. It needs the Big 12 to implode once and for all.’
The Milwaukee Bucks proved you don’t have to be in a major market to win a title. So Grizzlies fans are free to dream.
Calkins: “The only thing SEC states do better than football is ignorance. Why you should be rooting for forfeits — and fully vaccinated Vanderbilt — this season.”