The Best of the Sports Shop

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss what trophy is the dumbest rivalry trophy and Duke vs UNC.

Bill Belichick and the North Carolina Tar Heels will host Manny Diaz and the Duke Blue Devils this weekend. The winner of the game will be awarded the Victory Bell. The trophy has been part of the rivalry since 1948, and the winning team paints the bell its school’s color—Carolina blue for UNC or Duke blue for Duke. It’s one of the ACC’s longest-running rivalry trophies. Who will win?

What is the dumbest rivalry trophy?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss NC State vs FSU tonight.

The NC State Wolfpack will host the Florida State Seminoles tonight at 8:00 PM ET at Carter-Finley Stadium. The Wolfpack, led by longtime head coach Dave Doeren in his 13th season, have been navigating an up-and-down stretch over the past couple of years. They finished 2024 with a 6-7 record and a loss in the Military Bowl, and this season they sit at 5-4 through nine games, averaging 32.4 points per game while giving up 30.6. Tonight’s matchup against Florida State gives them a chance to build momentum and prove they can contend more consistently within the ACC. Is Doeren’s job in jeopardy? Will State win tonight against FSU?

Reese, 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: New Orleans Saints or Atlanta Falcons? Cleveland Browns or Las Vegas Raiders? Philadelphia Eagles or Dallas Cowboys? The Minnesota Vikings will host the Chicago Bears this weekend. Will Geno Smith throw for more than 209 passing yards?

Reese has a vote for the Heisman Trophy Winner this year! Who are his top 5 Heisman Trophy Hopefuls? Fernando Mendoza? Ty Simpson?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss Shedeur Sanders, Steve Forbes, college basketball and more.

Who is the NFL MVP right now? 

Shedeur Sanders is making his 1st start this weekend. for the Cleveland Browns against the LAs Vegas Raiders.

Reese has a vote for the Heisman Trophy Winner this year! Who are his top 5 heisman hopefuls?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts and the Bills loss to the Texans. 

The Houston Texans beat the Buffalo Bills 23-19 in a game dominated by Houston’s defense, which sacked Josh Allen eight times and forced three turnovers, including two interceptions by Calen Bullock, the second of which sealed the win with 24 seconds left. How good are the Texans? Are the Bills contenders or pretenders? Is Josh Allen still an MVP candidate? Is Jalen Hurts underrated?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss the Texans win over the Bills last night on Thursday Night Football.

The Houston Texans beat the Buffalo Bills 23-19 in a game dominated by Houston’s defense, which sacked Josh Allen eight times and forced three turnovers, including two interceptions by Calen Bullock, the second of which sealed the win with 24 seconds left. Houston played without C.J. Stroud, but backup quarterback Davis Mills threw for 153 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with Christian Kirk and Jayden Higgins. For Buffalo, James Cook rushed for 116 yards, including a 45-yard touchdown and Ray Davis returned a kickoff 97 yards for a score just before halftime. How good are the Texans? Are the Bills contenders or pretenders?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex speak with Judge Ashleigh S. Parker.

Judge Ashleigh S. Parker joins the Sports Shop to promote her new book titled, From Broken To Brazen and to discuss her reason for writing the book and her experiences as a judge.

Judge Ashleigh S. Parker is a District Court Judge in the 10th Judicial District of Wake County, North Carolina. Before joining the bench, she served as both an Assistant Attorney General and an Assistant District Attorney. Appointed by Governor Roy Cooper, she has served on the bench since 2017. Judge Parker is the lead child support judge in Wake County and also handles abuse, neglect and dependency cases. She is deeply involved in legal education and community service, having co-founded a legal support center, teaching paralegal students, and writing on issues related to equity.

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

Dr. Stroman discusses the Duke vs UNC matchup this weekend and why we should care.

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

CL Brown discusses Mark Pope’s comments, SEC basketball, this year's men's freshman basketball class and much, much more.

Bill Belichick and the North Carolina Tar Heels will host Manny Diaz and the Duke Blue Devils this weekend. Who will win? What insight does GameDay have to offer on this matchup?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss what words we should avoid using when pursuing grants.

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss James Franklin being hired at Virginia Tech and his plan going forward. 

James Franklin was fired by Penn State in October 2025 after the team started 3-3 and suffered three straight conference losses, including a damaging defeat to Northwestern. However, Franklin is now the new head coach at Virginia Tech. What did Franklin say his role will be at Virginia Tech? What is his vision for the team and staff? What does this mean for the ACC?

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?