The Best of the Sports Shop

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex speak with Wade Harris and Julian Gamble.

It's Firebirds Friday! Wade Harris is the CEO, Director of Player Development and the Managing Partner of the Carolina Firebirds, formerly the Raleigh Firebirds. Gamble is a power forward/center on the Firebirds in TBL (The Basketball League).

Pam, Hump and Alex discuss Nic Scourton tearing his ACL and predict how many games the Panthers will win this season.

The Carolina Panthers suffered a major setback on the opening day of training camp when second-year outside linebacker Nic Scourton was carted off the field after injuring his right knee during team drills. Initial evaluations confirmed that Scourton tore his ACL, ending what had been expected to be a breakout 2026 season after he recorded 47 tackles and a team-leading five sacks as a rookie. Head coach Dave Canales and every player stopped to embrace Scourton before he was taken for medical evaluation. His absence leaves a significant hole in Carolina's pass rush, forcing other Panthers players to step up. How big of a loss is this for the Panthers? How many games will the Panthers win this season?

Pam, Hump and Alex discuss SEC Media Days.

Pam, Dr. Deborah Stroman and Alex discuss Caitlin Clark's recent technical foul controversy, her role as one of the WNBA's biggest stars, and whether her competitive attitude has become a distraction or part of what makes her such a compelling player. They also debate whether Clark or A'ja Wilson should be considered the face of the WNBA and what qualities define the league's true ambassador.

Caitlin Clark received her seventh technical foul of the season recently, leaving her one away from an automatic one-game suspension. This latest suspension has reignited questions about whether her on-court demeanor is becoming a distraction. While her competitive fire is a major part of what makes her a star, repeated confrontations with officials can overshadow her talent and influence. As one of the league's most recognizable players, and now a cover athlete for a major video game like NBA 2K, does Clark carry an added responsibility as a public face of the WNBA? Is Caitlin Clark the face of the WNBA or is it the reigning star, A'ja Wilson, whose sustained excellence and leadership have also made her a compelling face of the WNBA?

Pam, Dr. Deborah Stroman, and Alex discuss a wide range of topics connecting mental health, sports, and current events, while taking calls and hearing perspectives from listeners.

The conversation includes reflections on the importance of mental wellness, the pressures athletes and public figures face, and recent developments in the sports world, including Ryan Clark's layoff and the impact of career transitions on mental health. Dr. Deborah Stroman provides insight, answers questions, and addresses comments from callers, offering thoughtful perspectives on resilience, stress, identity, and maintaining mental well-being during challenging moments.

Pam, Dr. Deborah Stroman and Alex discuss BIPOC Mental Health Month, the importance of mental health awareness, and strategies for promoting wellness, men's mental health and brain health, access to support communities and more.

BIPOC Mental Health Month, observed each July, highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing the unique mental health challenges faced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities. The observance raises awareness about barriers to mental health care, including stigma, cultural differences, lack of access, and historical inequities that can impact well-being. It also celebrates the resilience, strength, and contributions of BIPOC communities while encouraging open conversations about mental health. By promoting culturally responsive care, education, and support, BIPOC Mental Health Month serves as a reminder that mental health resources should be accessible, inclusive, and supportive for everyone.

To contact Dr. Stroman email her: [email protected]

Pam, Dr. Deborah Stroman and Alex speak with George Lynch. 

George Lynch is one of the most accomplished players in University of North Carolina basketball history. A four-year standout from 1989 to 1993 under Hall of Fame coach Dean Smith, Lynch helped lead the Tar Heels to the 1993 NCAA Championship and earned ACC Player of the Year honors as a senior. Renowned for his defense, rebounding, and leadership, he remains among UNC's all-time greats.

Lynch was selected 12th overall in the 1993 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers and enjoyed a successful 12-year NBA career. Today, he continues to impact the game through coaching, mentoring, and community involvement, carrying forward the values that defined his career on and off the court.

Pam, Dr. Deborah Stroman and Alex discuss Mike Wilbon's reaction to LeBron James' free agency decision, whether LeBron is creating unnecessary drama or simply showing his continued influence on the NBA and what his next move means for the league at age 41.

With LeBron James entering the final chapter of his legendary NBA career, his free agency has become the league's biggest offseason storyline. After departing the Los Angeles Lakers, James is weighing his next move, and the decision is so significant that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the league can't finalize its 2026-27 schedule, including opening week and Christmas Day matchups, until LeBron chooses his next team. Mike Wilbon recently went off on Pardon The Interruption related to the topic of LeBron's decision. What did he say? Is LeBron James milking free agency to create drama and garner attention? How important is LeBron James to the NBA? What does this say about his value to the league at age 41? Where should he play next?

Pam, Dr. Deborah Stroman and Alex discuss the biggest takeaways from Day 2 of SEC Football Media Days, including Pete Golding's comments on tampering and his relationship with Lane Kiffin and how Kalen DeBoer is navigating the challenge of succeeding Nick Saban at Alabama.

The 2026 SEC Football Media Days are underway in Tampa, Florida, as coaches and players preview the upcoming season. The SEC once again enters the year loaded with national championship contenders, while several middle-tier programs look capable of pulling off major upsets. Yesterday, Alabama, Florida, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M spoke to the media. SEC Media Days produced plenty of storylines, including Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding addressing tampering in college football, his relationship with former Rebels coach Lane Kiffin while making headlines with his candid remarks about the current state of college football. Meanwhile, Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer continued to embrace the challenge of following Nick Saban, emphasizing culture, development, and maintaining the Crimson Tide's championship standard. 

TBS Technologies sponsored by Toshiba is now the studio sponsor of the Sports Shop!

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the SEC preseason rankings, Alabama and Auburn’s outlooks, potential contenders and the restaurant that will display Reese’s Hall of Fame jersey.

The 2026 SEC Football Media Days are underway in Tampa, Florida, as coaches and players preview the upcoming season. The SEC once again enters the year loaded with national championship contenders, while several middle-tier programs look capable of pulling off major upsets. The preseason media poll has sparked plenty of debate: Are the rankings accurate? Is Alabama ranked too low? What do we think about Auburn and Alabama?

Which restaurant is hanging up Reese's Hall of Fame jersey?