The Best of the Sports Shop

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex speak with Allen Mason.

Allen Mason is a development and business professional based in Durham, North Carolina, with more than 20 years of experience in leadership, sales and marketing. A graduate of Elizabeth City State University, he has been affiliated with Dynasty5, LLC and has remained actively engaged with his alma mater through career and community initiatives. In addition to his business work, Mason has served as an Account Manager with the American Red Cross North Carolina Region, where he has supported community outreach efforts, including initiatives focused on sickle cell awareness.

For more information: redcrossblood.org or email Allen @allen.mason@redcross.org or call: 9842149709

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss if the Big 10 has become the best conference in college football.

A Big Ten team has won the College Football Playoff national championship in each of the last three seasons. Does that make the Big Ten the best conference in college football?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss if the Big 10 is the best college football conference, today's Raleigh American Red Cross Blood Drive and they look at North Carolina A&T's football schedule this upcoming season.

The Sports Shop crew is broadcasting live in Raleigh, North Carolina at 100 N Peartree Ln to promote and support the Raleigh American Red Cross Blood Drive. The Drive is from 9am-2pm today.

The college football season is almost here! What does North Carolina A&T's football schedule look like? Is the Big 10 the best of the college football conferences?

Reese, Kmac, Pam, and Alex discuss criticism of the Alabama Crimson Tide football program and whether the program has truly fallen from its former glory. Is this just Alabama hate, or is the criticism justified?

With the college football season rapidly approaching, the crew also previews what to expect from HBCU football programs this year and debates whether too many HBCU athletes are choosing to transfer to or attend PWIs instead.

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the expectations for UNC and NC State this upcoming football season.

Bill Belichick and the North Carolina Tar Heels are projected to finish 15th in the ACC. Will Belichick finish last in the ACC? The NC State Wolfpack are projected to finish 7th in the ACC. Do we expect anything new from NC State or will it be the same old thing? What has NC State done to hurt Kmac?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss Baker Mayfield's contract dispute and today's American Red Cross Blood Drive.

The Sports Shop crew is broadcasting live in Raleigh, North Carolina at 100 N Peartree Ln to promote and support the Raleigh American Red Cross Blood Drive. The Drive is from 9am-2pm today.

Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are currently at odds over a contract extension. Mayfield said he feels disrespected after the two sides failed to reach a new deal before training camp. Entering the final year of his three-year, $100M contract, he has said he won't negotiate during the season and will instead focus on helping the Buccaneers win. Tampa Bay is also facing stalled contract talks with defensive tackle Vita Vea, leaving the long-term futures of both players uncertain. Is Baker being reasonable? Is Mayfield worth what he's asking for? Is Tampa Bay in trouble?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the UNC Tar Heels Football program, Mike Lombardi being placed on administrative leave and they revisit yesterday's conversation on Tuskegee University's controversial updated student dress code.

Tuskegee University updated its student dress code for the Fall 2026 semester to prohibit bonnets, du-rags, bedroom slippers and revealing clothing in academic and dining areas. Announced by President Dr. Mark A. Brown, the policy also requires students to bring a professional business suit and proper shoes for professional events. Is this fair?

The University of North Carolina has placed football general manager Mike Lombardi on paid administrative leave while it investigates a human resources complaint filed by a former football staff member. The university has not disclosed the nature of the complaint, citing personnel policies, and said it will not comment further while the investigation is ongoing. Lombardi, a longtime NFL executive and one of head coach Bill Belichick's closest advisers, has played a key role in helping build an NFL-style football operation at UNC since Belichick's arrival. His leave comes as the Tar Heels prepare for the 2026 season following a disappointing 4-8 campaign in Belichick's first year, adding another layer of uncertainty and scrutiny to the football program. What happened? How bad of a look is this for the Tar Heels? Bill Belichick will speak to the media today. What will he say?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the UNC Tar Heels Football program, Mike Lombardi being placed on administrative leave and they revisit yesterday's conversation on Tuskegee University's controversial updated student dress code.

Tuskegee University updated its student dress code for the Fall 2026 semester to prohibit bonnets, du-rags, bedroom slippers and revealing clothing in academic and dining areas. Announced by President Dr. Mark A. Brown, the policy also requires students to bring a professional business suit and proper shoes for professional events. Is this fair?

The University of North Carolina has placed football general manager Mike Lombardi on paid administrative leave while it investigates a human resources complaint filed by a former football staff member. The university has not disclosed the nature of the complaint, citing personnel policies, and said it will not comment further while the investigation is ongoing. Lombardi, a longtime NFL executive and one of head coach Bill Belichick's closest advisers, has played a key role in helping build an NFL-style football operation at UNC since Belichick's arrival. His leave comes as the Tar Heels prepare for the 2026 season following a disappointing 4-8 campaign in Belichick's first year, adding another layer of uncertainty and scrutiny to the football program. What happened? How bad of a look is this for the Tar Heels? Bill Belichick will speak to the media today. What will he say?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the latest headlines from around the sports world.

LeBron James made one of the biggest moves of the 2026 NBA offseason by leaving the Los Angeles Lakers to sign a two-year veteran-minimum contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. After years of waiting for LeBron to leave Los Angeles, is Kmac really switching up...... like Reese?

The crew also reacts to Falcons running back Bijan Robinson and Lions star Jahmyr Gibbs holding in at training camp as they negotiate contract extensions that could exceed $20M per season, potentially making one of them the NFL's highest-paid running back. Plus, they weigh in on the Washington Commanders, the Atlanta Falcons' quarterback situation, the Las Vegas Raiders and Ohio State superstar Jeremiah Smith.

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss preseason ACC rankings and how Miami is seemingly the best team in the ACC.

Miami has been picked as the preseason favorite to win the 2026 ACC football championship after receiving the most votes from more than 185 media members at this year's ACC Football Kickoff. Hurricanes quarterback Darian Mensah was also named the 2026 ACC Preseason Player of the Year, while Miami led all conference programs with nine selections to the Preseason All-ACC Team, showcasing the team's depth and lofty expectations entering the season. Is Miami really that good, or is the hype getting ahead of reality?

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

Dr. Stroman discusses the University of North Carolina placing football general manager Mike Lombardi on paid administrative leave while the school investigates a human resources complaint filed by a former football staff member. She also weighs in on Tuskegee University's updated Fall 2026 student dress code, which bans bonnets, du-rags, bedroom slippers and revealing clothing in academic and dining areas while requiring students to own professional business attire for certain events. Plus, with LeBron James leaving the Los Angeles Lakers to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, Dr. Stroman shares whether he is the most accomplished athlete ever to play in Philadelphia and offers her perspective on what his arrival means for the city, the franchise and the NBA. What does she think about all this?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss and debate Tuskegee University's new dress code banning bonnets, du-rags, bedroom slippers and other casual attire in academic and dining spaces, whether the policy promotes professionalism or unfairly targets students' personal expression and if colleges should have the authority to enforce dress standards on campus.

Tuskegee University updated its student dress code for the Fall 2026 semester to prohibit bonnets, du-rags, bedroom slippers and revealing clothing in academic and dining areas. Announced by President Dr. Mark A. Brown, the policy also requires students to bring a professional business suit and proper shoes for professional events. Is this fair?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss the situation involvong North Carolina GM Mike Lombardi being placed football on paid administrative leave and how it impacts Bill Belichick and the UNC Football program.

The University of North Carolina has placed football general manager Mike Lombardi on paid administrative leave while it investigates a human resources complaint filed by a former football staff member. The university has not disclosed the nature of the complaint, citing personnel policies, and said it will not comment further while the investigation is ongoing. Lombardi, a longtime NFL executive and one of head coach Bill Belichick's closest advisers, has played a key role in helping build an NFL-style football operation at UNC since Belichick's arrival. His leave comes as the Tar Heels prepare for the 2026 season following a disappointing 4-8 campaign in Belichick's first year, adding another layer of uncertainty and scrutiny to the football program. What happened? How bad of a look is this for the Tar Heels?

Reese, Pam and Alex speak with James from Raleigh as he delivers a sermon to the Sports Shop and they discuss Kyle Shanahan revealing he was at fault for a serious head-on car crash that left him with multiple injuries, why the incident went largely unreported for weeks and whether the lack of coverage was a sign of respect for his privacy or an example of media negligence.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan recently revealed that he was at fault for a serious head-on car crash earlier this month after dropping his phone while driving and looking down to retrieve it. His vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with another SUV, leaving Shanahan with a severe concussion, a broken nose, three broken ribs, a broken left hand, and more than 40 stitches to his face. The other driver suffered only minor injuries. The incident initially caused confusion because a California traffic database incorrectly listed the other driver as being at fault, but Shanahan publicly corrected the record, saying he wanted to ensure the woman involved was not unfairly blamed. This went unreported for a while... is not reporting this respectful or is it media negligence?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss UNC placing football GM Mike Lombardi on administrative leave amid an HR investigation, whether the situation is a bad look for Bill Belichick and the Tar Heels, whether Bronny James should try to force a move to Philadelphia to play with his dad LeBron James, plus which NFL teams face the toughest strength of schedule in 2026.

The University of North Carolina has placed football general manager Mike Lombardi on paid administrative leave while it investigates a human resources complaint filed by a former football staff member. The university has not disclosed the nature of the complaint, citing personnel policies, and said it will not comment further while the investigation is ongoing. Lombardi, a longtime NFL executive and one of head coach Bill Belichick's closest advisers, has played a key role in helping build an NFL-style football operation at UNC since Belichick's arrival. His leave comes as the Tar Heels prepare for the 2026 season following a disappointing 4-8 campaign in Belichick's first year, adding another layer of uncertainty and scrutiny to the football program. What happened? How bad of a look is this for the Tar Heels?

LeBron James made one of the biggest moves of the 2026 NBA offseason by leaving the Los Angeles Lakers and signing with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year veteran-minimum contract with a player option. However, his son, Bronny James is still a Los Angeles Laker. Should Bronny try to force his way to Philly?

Also, which NFL teams have the toughest strength of schedule?

Reese, Pam and Alex speak with some callers and discuss the latest in college football including The Big Ten's 24-team College Football Playoff proposal.

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss an event Reese went to last night.

Last night, Reese went to Winston-Salem to attend to the International Black Film Festival. How was Reese's experience?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss the situation involvong North Carolina GM Mike Lombardi being placed football on paid administrative leave and LeBron James is the most accomplished athlete in Philly sports history.

LeBron James made one of the biggest moves of the 2026 NBA offseason by leaving the Los Angeles Lakers and signing with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year veteran-minimum contract with a player option. He said his decision was motivated by the opportunity to compete for another NBA championship rather than financial reasons. His signing has made the 76ers one of the NBA's top title contenders and marks the start of his record-extending 24th NBA season. With the addition of James, is LeBron James the most accomplished athlete to perform in Philadelphia?

The University of North Carolina has placed football general manager Mike Lombardi on paid administrative leave while it investigates a human resources complaint filed by a former football staff member. The university has not disclosed the nature of the complaint, citing personnel policies, and said it will not comment further while the investigation is ongoing. Lombardi, a longtime NFL executive and one of head coach Bill Belichick's closest advisers, has played a key role in helping build an NFL-style football operation at UNC since Belichick's arrival. His leave comes as the Tar Heels prepare for the 2026 season following a disappointing 4-8 campaign in Belichick's first year, adding another layer of uncertainty and scrutiny to the football program. What happened? How bad of a look is this for the Tar Heels?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss Philadelphia 76ers and whether his arrival makes him the most accomplished athlete to ever play in Philadelphia and they also break down “The Basketball 100” list from The Athletic, which ranks the 100 greatest NBA players of all time, including Grant Hill at No. 84 and Vince Carter at No. 85, and discuss whether there are any issues or surprises with the rankings.

LeBron James made one of the biggest moves of the 2026 NBA offseason by leaving the Los Angeles Lakers and signing with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year veteran-minimum contract with a player option. He said his decision was motivated by the opportunity to compete for another NBA championship rather than financial reasons. His signing has made the 76ers one of the NBA's top title contenders and marks the start of his record-extending 24th NBA season. With the addition of James, is LeBron James the most accomplished athlete to perform in Philadelphia?

“The Basketball 100” is the definitive ranking of the 100 greatest NBA players of all time from The Athletic’s team of award-winning writers and analysts, including veteran columnists David Aldridge and John Hollinger. Grant Hill is listed at 84 and Vince Carter is listed at 85. Any issues with list?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss a U.S. Secret Service agent and two other men being charged in connection with an alleged hazing incident involving the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity that left two pledges seriously injured. They break down the allegations, the charges the men are facing, and the impact of the incident on the fraternity’s reputation. Our very own Erroll Reese, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, shares his disappointment and perspective on the situation.

LeBron James made one of the biggest moves of the 2026 NBA offseason by leaving the Los Angeles Lakers and signing with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year veteran-minimum contract with a player option. He said his decision was motivated by the opportunity to compete for another NBA championship rather than financial reasons. His signing has made the 76ers one of the NBA's top title contenders and marks the start of his record-extending 24th NBA season. With the addition of James, is LeBron James the most accomplished athlete to perform in Philadelphia?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss the arrest of Eric Bieniemy’s son, break down what happened, the charges he is facing, the condition of Mia Bieniemy and how this difficult situation impacts the Bieniemy family and the Kansas City Chiefs organization.

The son of Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach Eric Bieniemy has been arrested and charged in connection with the shooting of his mother, Mia Bieniemy, in Ashburn, Virginia. Authorities say Elijah Zion Bieniemy, 27, faces charges of malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and discharging a firearm inside a dwelling. Mia Bieniemy, 57, was hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds but was reported to be in stable condition. Eric Bieniemy was away with the Chiefs at training camp when the incident occurred, and the team has expressed support for the family while the investigation continues.

Reese, Pam and Alex debate if LeBron James is the most accomplished, most influential athlete to play for Philadelphia.

LeBron James made one of the biggest moves of the 2026 NBA offseason by leaving the Los Angeles Lakers and signing with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year veteran-minimum contract with a player option. He said his decision was motivated by the opportunity to compete for another NBA championship rather than financial reasons. His signing has made the 76ers one of the NBA's top title contenders and marks the start of his record-extending 24th NBA season. With the addition of James, is LeBron James the most accomplished athlete to perform in Philadelphia?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss UNC GM Mike Lombardi being placed on administrative leave.

The University of North Carolina has placed football general manager Mike Lombardi on paid administrative leave while it investigates a human resources complaint filed by a former football staff member. The university has not disclosed the nature of the complaint, citing personnel policies, and said it will not comment further while the investigation is ongoing. Lombardi, a longtime NFL executive and one of head coach Bill Belichick's closest advisers, has played a key role in helping build an NFL-style football operation at UNC since Belichick's arrival. His leave comes as the Tar Heels prepare for the 2026 season following a disappointing 4-8 campaign in Belichick's first year, adding another layer of uncertainty and scrutiny to the football program. What happened? How bad of a look is this for the Tar Heels?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss WNBA All Star weekend, LeBron James signing with the 76ers, Kyle Shanahan's accident and more.

LeBron James made one of the biggest moves of the 2026 NBA offseason by leaving the Los Angeles Lakers and signing with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year veteran-minimum contract with a player option. He said his decision was motivated by the opportunity to compete for another NBA championship rather than financial reasons. James was drawn to Philadelphia because of the chance to play alongside stars Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Jaylen Brown on a championship-caliber team. His signing has made the 76ers one of the NBA's top title contenders and marks the start of his record-extending 24th NBA season. With the addition of James, are the Sixers the favorite to win the NBA Championship? Why didn't LeBron go to Cleveland or Miami? Is LeBron ring chasing?

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan will have a limited role at the start of training camp after suffering injuries in a car accident earlier this month. Shanahan was involved in a crash near his home on July 14 and suffered a concussion, three broken ribs, a broken hand, a broken nose, and facial injuries that required more than 40 stitches. When will he be back?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss Ryan Clark's controversial departure from ESPN, his comments on The Pivot podcast, and whether he was treated unfairly, along with Michael Lombardi being placed on administrative leave by UNC.

Last week, ESPN parted ways with longtime NFL analyst Ryan Clark as part of a broader round of network layoffs. Clark learned of the decision during a commercial break while appearing on NFL Live after concerns that news of his departure would leak before he could be notified, and he did not return to finish the broadcast. In the days that followed, Clark addressed the situation on The Pivot podcast, where he became emotional and insisted he was "fired," not laid off, claiming ESPN used the larger layoffs to mask a decision that had already been made. What happened? Was Clark treated unfairly?

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has placed Michael Lombardi, general manager for the UNC football program, on paid administrative leave "effective immediately." UNC's vice chancellor Dean Stoyer did not share the reason in Monday's announcement but released the following statement: "As is standard procedure with personnel matters, leadership, staff, and student-athletes are prohibited from addressing this topic further, and has no reflection on the merits."