The Best of the Sports Shop

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex speak with Rob Maitland.

Rob MAitland joins the Sports Shop to discuss the Triangle curling club, how to participate and much more.

Rob Maitland is a lawyer, mediator and business coach based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and he is also an active Rotarian with a strong passion for curling. His professional background includes coaching individuals toward self-employment and personal growth, while his personal interests include golf, boating, and curling. Maitland became involved in curling through a Rotary Club outing to the Triangle Curling Club in Durham, which sparked his enthusiasm for the sport. His engagement with both Rotary and curling deepened over time, ultimately leading to his role as President of the International Curling Fellowship of Rotarians (ICFR) for the 2024–2026 term. The ICFR is a global organization that brings together Rotarians who share a love for curling, and Maitland contributes both as a leader and as a competitor. He has participated in international curling events, including the ICFR World Championships in Dumfries, Scotland, where he represented East Chapel Hill as the Lead on his team. Through his leadership and participation, Maitland helps strengthen the relationship between Rotary fellowship and international curling, promoting camaraderie, sportsmanship, and global connection.

For more information visit: rotarycurling.com

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss this year's college basketball freshman class.

From AJ Dybantsa, to Caleb Wilson, to Cam Boozer, this year's freshman class is special. Is this year’s college basketball freshman class as good as we think? Is it the best ever?

Which player is more underappreciated with their sport: Russell Westbrook or Dak Prescott?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss LeBron James' season debut last night.

Last night, LeBron James made his long-awaited season debut for the Los Angeles Lakers after missing the first 14 games with a sciatica issue. He played about 30 minutes, finishing with 11 points, 3 rebounds and 12 assists becoming the first player in NBA history to appear in 23 consecutive seasons. He also hit two three-pointers, moving past Reggie Miller into sixth place on the NBA’s all-time three-point list as the Lakers defeated the Utah Jazz 140-126. How did LeBron James look last night in his debut? Is LeBron the greatest of all time? Why doesn’t Reese like LeBron?

The College Football Playoff Rankings are out! Where is Alabama? Is Alabama ranked too high, too low, or just right?

Which player is more underappreciated with their sport: Russell Westbrook or Dak Prescott?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss this week’s edition of ‘5 Where The Talent Resides’.

The thirteenth week of ‘5 Where The Talent Resides’ is here! What 5 athletes are featured today?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss Lane Kiffin, the wins of Duke and UNC and more.

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss the college football playoff rankings and Alabama football. 

The College Football Playoff Rankings are out! Where is Alabama? Is Alabama ranked too high, too low, or just right?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss the Detroit Pistons win streak, LeBron James' debut and more.

The Detroit Pistons are 13-2 and sit atop the Eastern Conference. They have won 11 consecutive games. How good are the Pistons?

Last night, LeBron James made his long-awaited season debut for the Los Angeles Lakers after missing the first 14 games with a sciatica issue. He played about 30 minutes, finishing with 11 points, 3 rebounds and 12 assists becoming the first player in NBA history to appear in 23 consecutive seasons. He also hit two three-pointers, moving past Reggie Miller into sixth place on the NBA’s all-time three-point list as the Lakers defeated the Utah Jazz 140-126. How did LeBron James look last night in his debut? Is LeBron the greatest of all time? Why doesn’t Reese like LeBron?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the ethics of AI musicians.

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the state of the Chiefs, Raiders and more.

The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 33-16 last night on Monday Night Football. It was also an emotional night for the team, their first game since the passing of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, with players and coaches paying tribute before kickoff. The win moved the Cowboys to 4-5-1 on the season. With the loss, the Raiders drop to 2-8. How does Reese feel about his Raiders?

The Kansas City Chiefs are 5-5 after losing to the Denver Broncos 22-19 over the weekend. Reese is throwing in the towel on his Chiefs. Are the Chiefs done? Can they still make the playoffs?

Reese, Pam and Alex speak with Coach Rick High.

Coach Rick High joins the Sports Shop to discuss a Community Health Day at Southeast Raleigh High School.

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss NC State's win over VCU and more.

Last night, NC State defeated VCU 85-79 in a non-conference matchup. Darrion Williams led the way with 28 points, while Tre Holloman added 25 points. Matt Able contributed 12 points off the bench, and former Tar Heel Ven-Allen Lubin grabbed 9 rebounds and scored 11 points. Despite committing 17 turnovers, NC State overcame them, largely thanks to their consistency at the free throw line. This victory marked NC State’s first November win while ranked in the Top 25 in 13 years, giving the team an encouraging start to the season. How good is NC State?

Also, congratulations to D Woods who is now a doctor!

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss the Cowboys win over the Raiders.

The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 33-16 last night on Monday Night Football. Dak Prescott led the way completing 25 of 33 passes for 268 yards and four touchdowns, each to a different receiver. George Pickens was his top target, hauling in nine receptions for 144 yards and a score, while Javonte Williams added 93 rushing yards to balance the offense. Dallas’ defense was strong throughout, forcing key turnovers and keeping the Raiders’ offense under control. It was also an emotional night for the team, their first game since the passing of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, with players and coaches paying tribute before kickoff. The win moved the Cowboys to 4-5-1 on the season. How does Pam feel about her Cowboys?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss Shedeur Sanders' NFL debut.

Yesterday, Shedeur Sanders made his NFL debut for the Cleveland Browns after starter Dillon Gabriel left the game with a concussion. Sanders struggled in his first appearance, completing only 4 of 16 passes for 47 yards and throwing an interception. He added 16 rushing yards on three carries, but the offense failed to score after he entered the game, and the Browns ultimately lost 23-16. How would you grade Sanders’ debut?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the viral video circulating involving a Texas DPS trooper and South Carolina’s Nyck Harbor, what led to the heated exchange, what consequences should follow and more.

During the South Carolina vs Texas A&M game on Saturday, a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper confronted South Carolina’s Nyck Harbor after Harbor had scored an 80-yard touchdown. As Harbor and teammate Oscar Adaway III walked through the tunnel, the trooper deliberately moved between them, bumped into them, then turned around to point at and shout at Harbor, an incident that was captured on video and quickly went viral. Following the backlash, DPS sent the trooper home from the game and announced that the Office of Inspector General would investigate the confrontation . The situation drew widespread public criticism, including from LeBron James, who publicly called for the trooper’s suspension. Why did this happen? What should be the response?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss why Reese does not like Michael Penix Jr.

Reese doesn’t like Lamar Jackson. Reese does not like Josh Allen. But why has Michael Penix Jr replaced Josh Allen on Reese's “hate” list?

The Atlanta Falcons are 3-7 and sit 3rd in the NFC South division. Who is more at fault: Michael Penix Jr. or Raheem Morris?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss Alabama's loss to Oklahoma and more.

Apparently, it's Accountability Monday! The Alabama Crimson Tide lost to the Oklahoma Sooners over the weekend. What else happened?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss the Eagles win over the Lions, the state of the Chiefs and more.

The Eagles beat the Lions 16-9 last night with Jalen Hurts scoring the game’s only touchdown on a 1-yard push play just before halftime. Philadelphia’s offense struggled overall as Hurts threw for only 135 yards, Saquon Barkley rushed for 83 yards, while A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith combined for just 57 receiving yards. Detroit’s offense repeatedly stalled, going 0-for-5 on fourth down, while the Eagles’ defense pressured Jared Goff consistently and dominated key momentsThe win moved the Eagles to 8-2 on the season. What happened?

The Kansas City Chiefs are 5-5 after losing to the Denver Broncos 22-19 yesterday. Reese is throwing in the towel on his Chiefs. Are the Chiefs done? Can they still make the playoffs?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss their Good Looks and Bad Looks on this Good Look Bad Look Monday.

It’s Good Look Bad Look Monday! How was your weekend?

The Eagles won, the Chiefs lost, Alabama lost…..but how did your team do?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex speak with DeMaurice Smith.

DeMaurice Smith joins the Sports Shop to discuss his new book, “Turf Wars,” his role and experience with the NFL and much more.

DeMaurice “De” Smith is a former Executive Director of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). In 2009, Smith was unanimously elected to lead the NFLPA, guiding the union through major labor negotiations, including the 2011 and 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreements. His tenure emphasized improved player health and safety standards, enhanced benefits for retired players and expanded licensing and business opportunities for athletes. Smith stepped down in 2023 after more than a decade of influence, leaving a significant impact on player rights, labor relations and the business of professional football. Smith has a book titled, “Turf Wars.”

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss how secure Aaron Glenn’s coaching position really is and whether the NFL is facing a broader problem with the development of young quarterbacks.

The New England Patriots defeated the New York Jets 27-14 on Thursday night Football last night. The loss drops the Jets to 2-8. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye played efficiently, throwing for 281 yards and a touchdown while completing 25 of 34 passes. For the Jets, Justin Fields struggled throwing for 116 yards, completing 15 of 26 passes and adding a rushing score. Is Aaron Glenn’s job in jeopardy? How long will Glenn be the coach? Does the NFL have a problem with young quarterbacks?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex speak with Ian Parks and discuss his NFL picks for this weekend. 

Ian Parks from Always Bet On Black w/ Ian Parks joins the Sports Shop to share his picks in the NFL. Who will win this weekend: Carolina Panthers or Atlanta Falcons? Cincinnati Bengals or Pittsburgh Steelers? Kansas City Chiefs or Denver Broncos? The Minnesota Vikings will host the Chicago Bears this weekend. Will Caleb Williams throw for more than 226.5 passing yards?

What else is going on this weekend?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex speak with Wade Harris and Bishop Dr. Marico Dove and Cornelius Toliver.

It is Firebirds Friday! Wade Harris is the CEO, Director of Player Development and the Managing Partner of the Raleigh Firebirds. Dr. Joe Stevenson is a pastor at Macedonia New Life Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. Dr. Stevenson is the chaplin for the Raleigh Firebirds.

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the CIAA Football Championship, the sports weekend and more.

The 55th annual CIAA Football Championship is set for this weekend, Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Durham County Memorial Stadium in Durham, North Carolina, marking the first time since 2015 that the game is held in the city. The matchup features Virginia Union University (VUU), the #1 seed and two-time defending champions unbeaten in conference play, against Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU), the #2 seed making their first championship appearance since 1972. Will you be there?

What other games are going on this weekend?

What can we expect from our guest today, DeMaurice Smith?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss the Patriots win over the Jets.

The New England Patriots defeated the New York Jets 27-14 on Thursday night. The Jets opened the game with a touchdown on a short run by Justin Fields, but the Patriots responded behind a breakout performance from rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson, who scored three total touchdowns, two on the ground and one through the air. Quarterback Drake Maye also played efficiently, throwing for 281 yards and a touchdown while completing 25 of 34 passes. Although the Jets managed to pull within one score in the second half, the Patriots controlled the fourth quarter and pulled away. The win extended New England’s streak to eight games and improved their record to 9-2, marking their longest winning run since 2019, while the Jets fell to 2-8. Is Drake Maye the MVP? Are the Patriots legit?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex speak with CL Brown.

CL Brown joins the Sports Shop to discuss ACC basketball and ACC Football. Is this year's Lousiville basketball team the best Louisville team since 2017 with Rick Pitino? UNC's Caleb Wilson is ranked the 8th best freshman. Is he ranked too low?

Who will win the ACC in Football? Could it be Duke?