The Best of the Sports Shop

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the NFL not hiring any Black head coaches during this coaching cycle.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell recently spoke about the NFL hiring zero Black head coaches during this coaching cycle. Why did this happen? Is the Rooney Rule effective at all? Are expectations for meaningful change too high, or is the league falling short of real accountability? Are we expecting too much?

There are 3 teams with 8 wins in the ACC. Who is truly the 2nd best team? Is it the NC State Wolfpack?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the blockbuster NBA trade of James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers, what it means for both Cleveland and the Clippers and the growing uncertainty surrounding Ja Morant’s future with the Memphis Grizzlies following Jaren Jackson Jr.’s trade to the Utah Jazz.

The Los Angeles Clippers agreed to send the 11-time All-Star guard James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers, with the Cavaliers sending Darius Garland and a second-round draft pick to the Clippers in return. The deal, reported by multiple outlets, marks Harden’s move back to the Eastern Conference amid the 2026 NBA trade deadline as Cleveland looks to bolster its roster for a deeper playoff run while the Clippers get a younger All-Star point guard and future draft capital. Is this a good move? Will Harden help Cleveland get over the hump?

There is growing speculation around the league about whether Ja Morant could be traded before the NBA trade deadline on Thursday. Reports indicate that the Memphis Grizzlies have listened to offers and some rival teams believe a deal is a real possibility as Memphis evaluates its long-term direction following the trade of star forward Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz in a blockbuster eight-player deal. That move significantly increased Memphis’s draft capital and signaled a clear commitment to a rebuild, leaving the Grizzlies with one of the largest collections of future first-round picks in the league. With much of the former core dismantled, Morant’s future in Memphis is now uncertain.What will happen?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss college basketball, NC State's win over SMU and if NC State should be in the top 25.

The NC State Wolfpack men’s basketball team is having a strong season, with an overall record around 17-6 and an 8‑2 mark in ACC play, placing them near the top of the conference standings. Last night, NC State defeated SMU 84‑83 in a thrilling road game continuing their strong start to the season. The win improves the Wolfpack’s record and keeps them in contention for a top spot in the ACC, while SMU fell just short despite a strong performance on their home court.

Under first-year head coach Will Wade, the team has shown significant improvement this season, with standout performances from Williams and Copeland helping the Wolfpack earn key wins and remain competitive in both conference and non-conference play. Looking ahead, NC State is well-positioned to compete for a top seed in the ACC Tournament, which would strengthen their chances for a high NCAA Tournament bid. Should NC State be in the top 25? How good are they? Are they the second best team in the ACC?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss NC State's win over SMU last night.

The NC State Wolfpack men’s basketball team is having a strong season, with an overall record around 17‑6 and an 8‑2 mark in ACC play, placing them near the top of the conference standings. Last night, NC State defeated SMU 84‑83 in a thrilling road game continuing their strong start to the season. The win improves the Wolfpack’s record and keeps them in contention for a top spot in the ACC, while SMU fell just short despite a strong performance on their home court.

Under first-year head coach Will Wade, the team has shown significant improvement this season, with standout performances from Williams and Copeland helping the Wolfpack earn key wins and remain competitive in both conference and non-conference play. Looking ahead, NC State is well-positioned to compete for a top seed in the ACC Tournament, which would strengthen their chances for a high NCAA Tournament bid. Should NC State be in the top 25? How good are they? Are they the second best team in the ACC?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex speak with Clarence Birkhead.

Clarence F. Birkhead is the Sheriff of Durham County, North Carolina, bringing more than four decades of experience in law enforcement and public service to his role. A native of Asheboro, he began his career in 1984 as a deputy sheriff in Randolph County before joining Duke University’s Public Safety Department in 1988, where he spent 17 years rising through the ranks and ultimately serving as Chief of Police. After leading the police department in Hillsborough and working in security and consulting roles, Birkhead was elected Durham County Sheriff in 2018, becoming the first African‑American to hold the position and later earning reelection to a second term.

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex speak with our first Salute To Champion, attorney, comedian and motivational speaker Roderick G. Allison.

Rodrick Allison is a 2026 Salute To Champions Recipient! Roderick G. Allison is known as an attorney, comedian, motivational speaker and entertainer from North Carolina. He earned his bachelor’s degree as Class Valedictorian from North Carolina Central University and his Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill School of Law before founding his own law practice, The Allison Office, in Creedmoor, NC, where he represents clients in areas such as personal injury, traffic law, wills, and non-profit law. Alongside his legal career, Allison has gained national recognition as a clean comedian and professional speaker, performing for churches, colleges, corporations and organizations across the U.S. and internationally with a style that blends humor and inspiration.

https://www.nccu.edu/bot/rallison001

For more information visit: https://rodofgodcomedy.com/

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss who the Rookie of the Year in the NBA should be and Robert Kraft not making the Hall of Fame.

Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel and some other rookies have been balling. The Charlotte Hornets have been playing strong basketball lately as the team has gone on a seven-game winning streak, marking their longest win streak in about a decade. This surge has turned a record of around 23-28 into a legitimate push toward the play-in picture in the Eastern Conference. Analysts are calling the Hornets one of the NBA’s hottest teams, thanks to contributions from young stars like LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, and Brandon Miller. Who is the Rookie of the Year: Kon Knueppel, Cooper Flagg or someone else?

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft was not selected for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026, according to multiple reports. Kraft, a first-time finalist in the contributor category, did not receive enough votes from the 50-member selection committee to make this year’s class, which will be officially announced later this week at the NFL Honors ceremony. Should Kraft and Belichick have made it?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss what's going on with Bad Bunny, Kid Rock, the Super Bowl halftime shows and Roger Goodell's comments on the state of the NFL.

Bad Bunny is set to headline the official NFL Super Bowl halftime performance this Sunday, a choice that has drawn both widespread praise and criticism, largely because he is a Puerto Rican artist who performs mostly in Spanish and has been outspoken on social and political issues. In response, the conservative group Turning Point USA announced a competing event called the “All-American Halftime Show,” which will stream during halftime and feature Kid Rock as the headliner alongside several country artists. Which will you be watching?

In his recent state of the league address ahead of Super Bowl LX, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell described the league as healthy and evolving, while acknowledging several ongoing challenges. Goodell spoke about diversity in coaching and leadership, potentially expanding the regular season to 18 games, the NFL’s global growth strategy and more. What did he say?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the UNC Lady Tar Heels win over the NC State Lady Wolfpack and UNC's win over Syracuse last night.

The North Carolina Tar Heels beat the Syracuse Orange 87-77 last night in a game that was much closer at the end than it looked for most of the night. The Tar Heels dominated early and built a huge lead, going up by as many as 32 points in the second half behind strong performances from Caleb Wilson, who had 22 points and 9 rebounds and Henri Veesaar, who posted 17 points and 11 rebounds. Syracuse didn’t quit, though, staging a late comeback that cut the deficit to six points in the final minute, but UNC was able to close it out at the free-throw line. The win extended UNC’s winning streak and kept them perfect at home, while Syracuse dropped another ACC game despite the strong finish. How do Reese and Pam feel about the near collapse by the Tar Heels?

The UNC Lady Tar Heels defeated the NC State Lady Wolfpack 61-59 last night in a back-and-forth rivalry matchup. The victory gave UNC a big road win in ACC play, while NC State came up just short despite a strong late push.

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss UNC's win over Syracuse last night.

The North Carolina Tar Heels beat the Syracuse Orange 87-77 last night in a game that was much closer at the end than it looked for most of the night. The Tar Heels dominated early and built a huge lead, going up by as many as 32 points in the second half behind strong performances from Caleb Wilson, who had 22 points and 9 rebounds and Henri Veesaar, who posted 17 points and 11 rebounds. Syracuse didn’t quit, though, staging a late comeback that cut the deficit to six points in the final minute, but UNC was able to close it out at the free-throw line. The win extended UNC’s winning streak and kept them perfect at home, while Syracuse dropped another ACC game despite the strong finish. How do Reese and Pam feel about the near collapse by the Tar Heels?