The Best of the Sports Shop

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss last night’s ACC Tournament action, Duke’s injury challenges and upcoming quarterfinal matchup, Bam Adebayo’s historic 83-point game and the fallout from Maxx Crosby’s voided trade.

The ACC Tournament is underway! What happened last night and what's on tap for today?

The Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball team has had an outstanding 2025-26 season, finishing with a 29-2 overall record and 17-1 in ACC play, earning the No. 1 national ranking and the ACC regular-season title under head coach Jon Scheyer. However, as the ACC Tournament begins in Charlotte, Duke has faced some setbacks. Caleb Foster is out with a fractured foot and Patrick Ngongba II is also unavailable due to foot soreness, meaning the team will have to lean more on other contributors, like Cayden Boozer. Despite the injuries, Duke holds a double bye in the tournament as the No. 1 seed and will not play until the quarterfinals tomorrow at 7 p.m. ET, where they will face the winner of the Florida State vs. California second‑round game. Will these injuries stop the Blue Devils from winning the ACC Championship?

Bam Adebayo delivered one of the most historic individual performances in NBA history last night, scoring 83 points for the Miami Heat in a 150-129 win over the Washington Wizards. Adebayo's 83 points is the second-highest single-game scoring performance in NBA history, behind only Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game in 1962 and surpasses Kobe Bryant’s famous 81-point game from 2006. How impressive was his performance?

The situation involving Maxx Crosby has turned into one of the strangest stories of the NFL offseason. The Las Vegas Raiders had reportedly agreed to a blockbuster trade that would send Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for two first-round picks, which would have been a huge move for both teams. Baltimore would have added one of the league’s elite pass rushers, while Las Vegas would have gained major draft capital to help reshape its roster. However, the deal suddenly fell apart after Crosby reportedly failed his physical with the Ravens due to concerns related to his knee following meniscus surgery. Because the physical is required for the trade to be finalized, the Ravens backed out and the deal was voided before it became official. Now Crosby is effectively back with Las Vegas while continuing his recovery, but the failed deal has raised questions around the league about his health and whether another team might still try to trade for him. What does this mean for the Raiders?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the drama surrounding Maxx Crosby’s voided trade, NC State’s chances in the ACC Tournament and just how historic Bam Adebayo’s 83-point game really was.

The situation involving Maxx Crosby has turned into one of the strangest stories of the NFL offseason. The Las Vegas Raiders had reportedly agreed to a blockbuster trade that would send Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for two first-round picks, which would have been a huge move for both teams. Baltimore would have added one of the league’s elite pass rushers, while Las Vegas would have gained major draft capital to help reshape its roster. However, the deal suddenly fell apart after Crosby reportedly failed his physical with the Ravens due to concerns related to his knee following meniscus surgery. Because the physical is required for the trade to be finalized, the Ravens backed out and the deal was voided before it became official. Now Crosby is effectively back with Las Vegas while continuing his recovery, but the failed deal has raised questions around the league about his health and whether another team might still try to trade for him. What does this mean for the Raiders?

The NC State Wolfpack men's basketball team has had an up-and-down 2025–26 season, finishing with a 19-12 overall record and 10-8 in ACC play, placing them in the middle of the pack heading into the ACC Men's Basketball Tournament in Charlotte. Standout players such as Quadir Copeland and Darrion Williams earned All-ACC recognition, highlighting NC State’s key contributors despite some uneven performances. Entering the ACC Tournament as the 7-seed, the Wolfpack are set to face the No. 15 seed Pittsburgh Panthers in a second-round matchup today at 12 p.m. ET. The tournament represents a critical opportunity for NC State to gain momentum, advance through the bracket, and secure an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Bam Adebayo delivered one of the most historic individual performances in NBA history last night, scoring 83 points for the Miami Heat in a 150-129 win over the Washington Wizards. Adebayo's 83 points is the second-highest single-game scoring performance in NBA history, behind only Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game in 1962 and surpasses Kobe Bryant’s famous 81-point game from 2006. How impressive was Adebayo's performance?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss Bam Adebayo’s historic 83-point game and where this performance ranks in NBA history.

Bam Adebayo delivered one of the most historic individual performances in NBA history last night, scoring 83 points for the Miami Heat in a 150-129 win over the Washington Wizards. Adebayo's 83 points is the second-highest single-game scoring performance in NBA history, behind only Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game in 1962 and surpasses Kobe Bryant’s famous 81-point game from 2006. Adebayo shot 20-for-43 from the field, made 7 three-pointers and shot 36-for-43 from the free-throw line, setting new NBA records for free throws attempted and made in a single game. He also contributed nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Adebayo came out blazing, scoring 31 points in the first quarter and 43 by halftime and continued his scoring barrage throughout the game.

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss Dak Prescott calling off his wedding, the latest NFL free agency moves including Tua Tagovailoa going to the Falcons and Rico Dowdle signing with the Steelers, and debate broader football questions such as how Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. will fit together in Atlanta, whether Aaron Rodgers should return or retire and which NFL team currently has the worst quarterback situation.

Dak Prescott and his fiancée, Sarah Jane Ramos, have officially called off their April 10, 2026, destination wedding in Lake Como, Italy. They informed their roughly 250 invited guests via email, describing it as a “very difficult decision” and asking for understanding and prayers. The cancellation came about five weeks before the planned ceremony, reportedly following issues in their relationship, with some sources noting a heated argument during their joint bachelor and bachelorette parties in the Bahamas may have contributed to the breakup. Rumors also emerged that Ramos may have been unwilling to sign an alleged prenup. What happened?

The NFL's free agency period has partially opened. The league’s “legal tampering” or negotiation window began at noon yesterday, allowing teams to talk with agents and negotiate contract terms with players who are about to become free agents. However, these agreements cannot be officially signed yet. The official start of free agency happens when the new NFL league year begins tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. ET, at which point contracts can be formally signed and announced by teams. 

However, several major agreements have already been reached during the opening of the NFL free-agency negotiation period. Quarterback Malik Willis agreed to a three-year deal worth about $67.5M with the Miami Dolphins after moving on from Tua Tagovailoa. How will Tua and Michael Penix Jr. fit together in Atlanta?

Also, the Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to a two-year, $12.25M deal with former Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle. Pittsburgh pursued Dowdle to replace departing running back Kenneth Gainwell, who signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Why did Dowdle leave Carolina? Should Aaron Rodgers come back for another season or retire? What's the worst quarterback situation in the NFL?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss the worst quarterback situations in the NFL, the controversy surrounding the Atlanta Hawks’ canceled Magic City Night promotion and more.

What's the worst QB situation in the NFL?

Recently, Luke Kornet publicly criticized the Atlanta Hawks for planning a promotional event connected to Magic City, a famed Atlanta adult‑entertainment club, during a game against the Orlando Magic. The team had announced a themed promotion called “Magic City Night” (originally scheduled for March 16), meant to celebrate the club’s cultural influence in Atlanta with items like its famous lemon‑pepper wings, themed merchandise and a halftime performance by Atlanta rapper T.I. The Hawks described Magic City as an iconic cultural institution because of its influence on Atlanta’s hip‑hop scene and nightlife.

Kornet objected to the promotion and urged the Hawks to cancel it, arguing that celebrating a strip club at an NBA game conflicted with the league’s family‑friendly image and could make the NBA “complicit in the potential objectification and mistreatment of women.” He said the league should focus on protecting and respecting women and maintaining an environment appropriate for all fans. Despite initial plans to proceed, the NBA ultimately intervened and canceled the Hawks’ Magic City Night promotion after receiving significant pushback from players, fans, partners, and league stakeholders. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said that canceling the event was “the right decision for the broader NBA community,” and while some elements like the T.I. halftime performance and the wings may remain, controversial components like branded merchandise have been scrapped. Do you agree with the NBA shutting down the Atlanta Hawks’ Magic City Night promotion?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss the Men's ACC Basketball Tournament and Greg Sankey comments on The Paul Finebaum Show. 

The ACC Men's Basketball Tournament begins today and runs through Saturday, March 14, 2026. The tournament opens with the first round today, followed by the second round tomorrow. The quarterfinals are played on March 12, the semifinals on March 13 and the event concludes with the championship game on March 14. All games are being held at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte. Who plays today

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankeye recently appeared on The Paul Finebaum Show and discussed topics including talks among some SEC schools about possibly breaking away from the National Collegiate Athletic Association — though he said he doesn’t think that’s the right path forward — and broader issues facing college athletics. During that appearance he also discussed NIL and other issues. What does the Sports Shop crew think?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss Duke’s historic sweep of the ACC postseason awards and the most notable NFL free agency moves, such as Tyler Linderbaum joining the Raiders, Rico Dowdle signing with the Steelers and more.

The Duke Blue Devils men's basketball dominated the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) postseason awards, becoming the first team in conference history to sweep the major honors. Freshman star Cameron Boozer won both ACC Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year, while teammate Maliq Brown earned Defensive Player of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year. Head coach Jon Scheyer was named ACC Coach of the Year after leading Duke to a dominant season and the conference’s top seed. Several other Blue Devils also received recognition, including Isaiah Evans (All-ACC Third Team) and Dame Sarr (All-Defensive Team). Were there any snubs or surprises?

The NFL's “legal tampering” or negotiation window began at noon yesterday, allowing teams to talk with agents and negotiate contract terms with players who are about to become free agents. However, these agreements cannot be officially signed yet. Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum reportedly agreed to a three-year, $81M contract with Reese's Las Vegas Raiders after previously playing for the Baltimore Ravens. Also, the Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to a two-year, $12.25M deal with former Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle. Pittsburgh pursued Dowdle to replace departing running back Kenneth Gainwell, who signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and to bolster a backfield that includes Jaylen Warren and emerging second-year back Kaleb Johnson. Why did Dowdle leave Carolina?

In addition, star running back and Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III has agreed to terms with the Kansas City Chiefs. Walker agreed to a three‑year contract reportedly worth up to $45M, making it one of the richest free‑agent deals ever for a running back. What were the best and most surprising free agency moves yesterday?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss the recent NFL Free Agent signings. 

The National Football League (NFL) free agency period has partially opened. The league’s “legal tampering” or negotiation window began at noon yesterday, allowing teams to talk with agents and negotiate contract terms with players who are about to become free agents. However, these agreements cannot be officially signed yet. The official start of free agency happens when the new NFL league year begins tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. ET, at which point contracts can be formally signed and announced by teams. 

However, several major agreements have already been reached during the opening of the NFL free-agency negotiation period. Quarterback Malik Willis agreed to a three-year deal worth about $67.5M with the Miami Dolphins after moving on from Tua Tagovailoa. Veteran wide receiver Mike Evans reached a three-year agreement with the San Francisco 49ers, ending his long tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum reportedly agreed to a three-year, $81M contract with Reese's Las Vegas Raiders after previously playing for the Baltimore Ravens. In addition, star running back and Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III has agreed to terms with the Kansas City Chiefs. Walker agreed to a three‑year contract reportedly worth up to $45M, making it one of the richest free‑agent deals ever for a running back. What were the best and most surprising free agency moves yesterday?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss Tua Tagovailoa being released by the Dolphins and what teams should pursue him.

The Tua Tagovailoa has been released by the Miami Dolphins, with the team using a post–June 1 designation. This allows Miami to spread an NFL‑record $99M in dead cap over two years instead of taking the full salary‑cap hit in a single season. Tagovailoa, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, had been Miami’s starter for six seasons. The Dolphins previously tried to trade him, but his large contract—including a four‑year, $212.4M extension with substantial guarantees—made a deal difficult to finalize. The team’s new general manager, Jon-Eric Sullivan, said the organization is moving in a “new direction at the quarterback position” while acknowledging Tagovailoa’s contributions. Once officially released, he will become a free agent, able to sign with any team, likely on a smaller contract given the guarantees already paid. Where is the best destination for Tua? Where should he go? What teams should pursue him?

Reese, Kmac, Pam, and Alex break down the women’s ACC Tournament and discuss how ACC teams might fare in the NCAA Tournament.

The women’s ACC Basketball Tournament has concluded and Pam was on-site in Duluth, Georgia, covering the action for the Sports Shop! The Duke Blue Devils captured the championship with a 70-65 overtime victory over the Louisville Cardinals in the title game. Duke overcame a late deficit, tied the game in regulation and then pulled ahead in overtime to claim their second straight ACC Tournament title. Taina Mair earned tournament MVP honors with 19 points and 12 rebounds, while Riley Nelson hit a clutch three-pointer in overtime to secure the win. With the victory, Duke improved to 24-8, claimed their 10th ACC Tournament title and became the first back-to-back champion since NC State in 2020–21.

Now, the conversation turns to the NCAA Tournament: How do ACC teams stack up? Can they compete for a national title? Which teams have the best chance to make a deep run?