The Best of the Sports Shop

Reese, Kmac and Alex speak with Dr. Deborah Stroman.

Dr. Stroman discusses the controversy sparked by Luke Kornet’s criticism of the Hawks’ “Magic City Night” promotion and the broader debate over balancing NBA promotions with family-friendly values and respect for women.

Recently, Luke Kornet publicly criticized the Atlanta Hawks for planning a promotional event connected to Magic City during a game against the Orlando Magic. The team had announced a themed promotion often called “Magic City Night,” scheduled for March 16, meant to celebrate the club’s cultural influence in Atlanta. Planned elements included serving Magic City’s 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. He argued that celebrating a strip club at an NBA game conflicts 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.

His comments sparked debate around the NBA. Some fans and players supported Kornet’s concerns about respect for women, while others defended the event as a reflection of Atlanta culture and nightlife. For example, Draymond Green argued that exotic dancing is a legitimate profession and should not automatically be disrespected. Despite the controversy, the Hawks indicated they still planned to move forward with the promotion.

Reese, Kmac and Alex speak with CL Brown and GameDay Charlie.

Since the North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball secured a double bye in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament, the stakes of the regular-season finale against Duke Blue Devils men's basketball have shifted slightly, raising the question of whether star freshman Caleb Wilson should return on Saturday or continue resting. Wilson has been sidelined since Feb. 10 with a fractured left hand suffered in a loss to Miami. With UNC already locked into a top-four seed and a double bye in the conference tournament, the team now has extra time before its next postseason game, which could make resting Wilson the safer long-term decision. However, the rivalry matchup against Duke, one of college basketball’s most intense rivalries, adds emotional weight, especially if Wilson is close to returning and could provide a boost for UNC heading into March. What should Wilson do? Will he return Saturday? Should he? Who should win ACC Coach of the Year? Could Hubert Davis win? Should Jon Scheyer?

Reese, Kmac and Alex discuss the Panthers playing in the annual Hall of Fame Game this coming August, debate the Steelers’ quarterback future with Aaron Rodgers and Kyler Murray on the table, analyze the Patriots’ potential moves at wide receiver after releasing Stefon Diggs and celebrate Duke’s Cameron Boozer making history with a standout start reminiscent of the year 2000.

The Carolina Panthers will face the Arizona Cardinals on August 6 in the annual Hall of Fame Game, kicking off the NFL preseason with an exciting showcase at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. This matchup gives both teams an early look at rookies, new signings, and players fighting for roster spots before the regular season begins. Is this a good sign for the Panthers?

Aaron Rodgers is still a free agent and last played for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Since Mike Tomlin stepped down from his position as head coach of the Steelers, Mike McCarthy (Rodgers' former Green Bay Packers coach) is now the Steelers head coach. Should the Steelers try to bring back Rodgers, pursue Kyler Murray, or go a different direction?

The New England Patriots released Stefon Diggs yesterday. Why? Should they trade for the disgruntled Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown?

It is Throwback Thurday and we are throwing it back to the year 2000! Duke's Cameron Boozer is the first D1 basketball player to record at least 14 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists in their first 29 games since 2000.

Reese and Alex discuss whether UNC should bring star freshman Caleb Wilson back for the regular-season finale against Duke or play it safe and keep him sidelined with a double bye already secured.

Since the North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball secured a double bye in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament, the stakes of the regular-season finale against Duke Blue Devils men's basketball have shifted slightly, raising the question of whether star freshman Caleb Wilson should return on Saturday or continue resting. Wilson has been sidelined since Feb. 10 with a fractured left hand suffered in a loss to Miami, though he has recently progressed to individual workouts like dribbling and shooting while still avoiding contact. With UNC already locked into a top-four seed and a double bye in the conference tournament, the team now has extra time before its next postseason game, which could make resting Wilson the safer long-term decision. However, the rivalry matchup against Duke, one of college basketball’s most intense rivalries, adds emotional weight, especially if Wilson is close to returning and could provide a boost for UNC heading into March. What should Wilson do? Will he return Saturday? Should he?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss both the men's and women's upcoming ACC Tournaments.

The North Carolina defeated the Clemson Tigers 67-63 last night at the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill.  UNC securing this win, capped a perfect 18-0 home record for UNC this season. The Tar Heels will next play at Duke Blue Devils men's basketball on Saturday. How impressive have the Heels been? Is this season the best of Hubert Davis' coaching career? It is belived that Caleb Wilson will return for the Heels this weekend. Assuming he does, how will he perform?

The ACC Women's Basketball Tournament is starting today, taking place from March 4-8 at Gas South Arena in the Atlanta area. This marks the 49th edition of the tournament and the first time it has been held at a neutral site outside the Carolinas. Fifteen of the conference’s 18 teams qualified, with seeding based on regular-season conference records. The Duke Blue Devils women's basketball enter as the No. 1 seed and defending champions, while other contenders are looking to make deep runs to strengthen their postseason résumés. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish women's basketball are led by standout guard Hannah Hidalgo, who earned both ACC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors. Beyond the conference title, the stakes are high because the tournament champion receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament, with additional positioning impacting national seeding and at-large selections.

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the NFL Combine, if teams should want Kyler Murray and more.

The Arizona Cardinals have informed quarterback Kyler Murray that they plan to release him at the start of the new NFL league year on March 11, 2026, ending his seven-season tenure with the franchise after being selected No. 1 overall in 2019. The move follows a disappointing 2025 season marked by injuries and inconsistency, during which backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett saw playing time. Murray shared a farewell message on social media thanking the organization and fans, expressing regret that he was unable to deliver a championship. Once officially released, he will become a free agent and is expected to draw interest from multiple teams, including the Minnesota Vikings. Because of the structure of his contract, Arizona will still owe him significant guaranteed money, potentially allowing another team to sign him at a relatively low cost while the Cardinals absorb much of the financial impact. Should teams want Murray? Is Jayden Daniels in a similar situation as RGIII was years ago?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss UNC’s dominance at home, whether this is Hubert Davis’ best season and the kickoff of the ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament, highlighting top teams, standout players and the high stakes for NCAA positioning.

The North Carolina defeated the Clemson Tigers 67-63 last night at the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill.  UNC securing this win, capped a perfect 18-0 home record for UNC this season. The Tar Heels will next play at Duke Blue Devils men's basketball on Saturday. How impressive have the Heels been? Is this season the best of Hubert Davis' coaching career?

The ACC Women's Basketball Tournament is starting today, taking place from March 4-8 at Gas South Arena in the Atlanta area. This marks the 49th edition of the tournament and the first time it has been held at a neutral site outside the Carolinas. Fifteen of the conference’s 18 teams qualified, with seeding based on regular-season conference records. The Duke Blue Devils women's basketball enter as the No. 1 seed and defending champions, while other contenders are looking to make deep runs to strengthen their postseason résumés. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish women's basketball are led by standout guard Hannah Hidalgo, who earned both ACC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors. Beyond the conference title, the stakes are high because the tournament champion receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament, with additional positioning impacting national seeding and at-large selections.

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss Nolan Smith’s coaching success, UNC’s impressive win over Clemson and whether Duke fans are really less critical of Jon Scheyer than UNC fans are of Hubert Davis.

Former Nolan Smith, Duke University standout and national champion, has had a fantastic first season as head coach of the Tennessee State Tigers men's basketball, leading the team to a 21-9 overall record, a 15-5 mark in Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) play and a share of the regular-season championship. Because of that success, he was named OVC Coach of the Year in his debut season as a head coach. Tennessee State now has momentum and is positioned to compete for its first conference title in decades and possibly an NCAA Tournament berth.

The North Carolina defeated the Clemson Tigers 67-63 last night at the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill. It was a close, competitive ACC matchup that came down to the final minute. Luka Bogavac led UNC with a career-high 20 points, hitting six 3-pointers and playing a huge role, especially in the second half. Henri Veesaar added 13 points before fouling out late and Jarin Stevenson had a nine-point, 10-rebound double-double. UNC securing this win, capped a perfect 18-0 home record for UNC this season. The Tar Heels will next play at Duke Blue Devils men's basketball on Saturday. How impressive have the Heels been? Are Duke fans not as critical of Jon Scheyer as UNC fans are of Hubert Davis?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss UNC's win over Clemson and what it means heading into the final stretch of the ACC season.

The North Carolina defeated the Clemson Tigers 67-63 last night at the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill. It was a close, competitive ACC matchup that came down to the final minute. Luka Bogavac led UNC with a career-high 20 points, hitting six 3-pointers and playing a huge role, especially in the second half. Henri Veesaar added 13 points before fouling out late and Jarin Stevenson had a nine-point, 10-rebound double-double. Clemson stayed within striking distance throughout — RJ Godfrey scored a career-high 22 points and pulled down nine rebounds — but couldn’t close the gap in the final possessions. Bogavac hit clutch free throws in the last 12 seconds to secure the win, capping a perfect 18-0 home record for UNC this season. The Tar Heels will next play at Duke Blue Devils men's basketball on Saturday, while Clemson looks ahead to hosting Georgia Tech. How impressive have the Heels been?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss speak with longtime listener Robert Foster and his wife Mrs. Foster. 

Dr. Robert Foster is an optometrist with Legacy Eye Care, which has five locations in Virginia.