The Best of the Sports Shop

Pam, Hump and Alex discuss Roger Goodell's comments about Charlotte hosting the Super Bowl and Angel Reese and Olivia Miles being selected as WNBA all-stars.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says Charlotte has the potential to host a Super Bowl in the future, but the city still has work to do before it can become a realistic candidate. Speaking at an event announcing a 20-year extension of Bank of America's naming rights partnership with Bank of America Stadium, Goodell praised Charlotte's rapid growth and said it is "certainly Super Bowl quality" if that growth continues. He also pointed to the planned $1.3B renovation of Bank of America Stadium. However, Goodell noted that Charlotte will need additional hotel capacity and supporting infrastructure before it can successfully host the league's biggest game. Could this happen?

The 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend takes place in Chicago, featuring events at Wintrust Arena and the United Center. The midseason showcase runs from July 23 to July 25, 2026. Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese was named a 2026 WNBA All-Star reserve, marking her selection to the event in each of her first three professional seasons. Some critics believe Reese should have been a starter instead of a reserve. Are they right? Minnesota Lynx rookie sensation Olivia Miles is the only first-year player named a 2026 WNBA All-Star starter. How good is she?

Pam, Hump and Alex discuss LeBron James' looming free agency decision becoming the biggest offseason storyline, they recap the final day of the 2026 SEC Football Media Days, highlighting what Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian had to say about the Longhorns' expectations and more.

With LeBron James entering the final chapter of his legendary NBA career, his free agency has become the league's biggest offseason storyline. After departing the Los Angeles Lakers, James is weighing his next move, and the decision is so significant that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the league can't finalize its 2026-27 schedule, including opening week and Christmas Day matchups, until LeBron chooses his next team. Why is LeBron's decision bothering so many people?

The 2026 SEC Football Media Days concluded yesterday. The four-day college football "talking season" took place in Tampa, Florida, running from July 20 through July 23. Each day, head coaches and star players from various Southeastern Conference teams took the main stage to discuss the upcoming season. Yesterday, Thursday, July 23, Arkansas, LSU, Mississippi State, and Texas spoke with the media. What did Texas' Steve Sarkisian say about the team and upcoming season?

If you were a betting person, who would you put your money on to win the Heisman: Jeremiah Smith, Arch Manning, Trinidad Chambliss or Dante Moore? Is Darian Mensah in the conversation?

Pam, Hump and Alex discuss the NCAT's homecoming.

GHOE, which stands for the "Greatest Homecoming on Earth," is the renowned annual homecoming celebration at North Carolina A&T State University. The 100th centennial edition will take place in Greensboro, North Carolina, from October 25 to November 1, 2026, with the biggest festivities scheduled for Saturday, October 31, which also falls on Halloween. More than 200,000 people are expected to attend the weeklong celebration, highlighted by the annual homecoming parade, the Aggies football game and a major hip-hop concert.

If you were a betting person, who would you put your money on to win the Heisman: Jeremiah Smith, Arch Manning, Trinidad Chambliss or Dante Moore? Is Darian Mensah in the conversation?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex speak with Wade Harris and Julian Gamble.

It's Firebirds Friday! Wade Harris is the CEO, Director of Player Development and the Managing Partner of the Carolina Firebirds, formerly the Raleigh Firebirds. Gamble is a power forward/center on the Firebirds in TBL (The Basketball League).

Pam, Hump and Alex discuss Nic Scourton tearing his ACL and predict how many games the Panthers will win this season.

The Carolina Panthers suffered a major setback on the opening day of training camp when second-year outside linebacker Nic Scourton was carted off the field after injuring his right knee during team drills. Initial evaluations confirmed that Scourton tore his ACL, ending what had been expected to be a breakout 2026 season after he recorded 47 tackles and a team-leading five sacks as a rookie. Head coach Dave Canales and every player stopped to embrace Scourton before he was taken for medical evaluation. His absence leaves a significant hole in Carolina's pass rush, forcing other Panthers players to step up. How big of a loss is this for the Panthers? How many games will the Panthers win this season?

Pam, Hump and Alex discuss SEC Media Days.

Pam, Dr. Deborah Stroman and Alex discuss Caitlin Clark's recent technical foul controversy, her role as one of the WNBA's biggest stars, and whether her competitive attitude has become a distraction or part of what makes her such a compelling player. They also debate whether Clark or A'ja Wilson should be considered the face of the WNBA and what qualities define the league's true ambassador.

Caitlin Clark received her seventh technical foul of the season recently, leaving her one away from an automatic one-game suspension. This latest suspension has reignited questions about whether her on-court demeanor is becoming a distraction. While her competitive fire is a major part of what makes her a star, repeated confrontations with officials can overshadow her talent and influence. As one of the league's most recognizable players, and now a cover athlete for a major video game like NBA 2K, does Clark carry an added responsibility as a public face of the WNBA? Is Caitlin Clark the face of the WNBA or is it the reigning star, A'ja Wilson, whose sustained excellence and leadership have also made her a compelling face of the WNBA?

Pam, Dr. Deborah Stroman, and Alex discuss a wide range of topics connecting mental health, sports, and current events, while taking calls and hearing perspectives from listeners.

The conversation includes reflections on the importance of mental wellness, the pressures athletes and public figures face, and recent developments in the sports world, including Ryan Clark's layoff and the impact of career transitions on mental health. Dr. Deborah Stroman provides insight, answers questions, and addresses comments from callers, offering thoughtful perspectives on resilience, stress, identity, and maintaining mental well-being during challenging moments.

Pam, Dr. Deborah Stroman and Alex discuss BIPOC Mental Health Month, the importance of mental health awareness, and strategies for promoting wellness, men's mental health and brain health, access to support communities and more.

BIPOC Mental Health Month, observed each July, highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing the unique mental health challenges faced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities. The observance raises awareness about barriers to mental health care, including stigma, cultural differences, lack of access, and historical inequities that can impact well-being. It also celebrates the resilience, strength, and contributions of BIPOC communities while encouraging open conversations about mental health. By promoting culturally responsive care, education, and support, BIPOC Mental Health Month serves as a reminder that mental health resources should be accessible, inclusive, and supportive for everyone.

To contact Dr. Stroman email her: info@dstroman.com

Pam, Dr. Deborah Stroman and Alex speak with George Lynch. 

George Lynch is one of the most accomplished players in University of North Carolina basketball history. A four-year standout from 1989 to 1993 under Hall of Fame coach Dean Smith, Lynch helped lead the Tar Heels to the 1993 NCAA Championship and earned ACC Player of the Year honors as a senior. Renowned for his defense, rebounding, and leadership, he remains among UNC's all-time greats.

Lynch was selected 12th overall in the 1993 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers and enjoyed a successful 12-year NBA career. Today, he continues to impact the game through coaching, mentoring, and community involvement, carrying forward the values that defined his career on and off the court.

Pam, Dr. Deborah Stroman and Alex discuss Mike Wilbon's reaction to LeBron James' free agency decision, whether LeBron is creating unnecessary drama or simply showing his continued influence on the NBA and what his next move means for the league at age 41.

With LeBron James entering the final chapter of his legendary NBA career, his free agency has become the league's biggest offseason storyline. After departing the Los Angeles Lakers, James is weighing his next move, and the decision is so significant that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the league can't finalize its 2026-27 schedule, including opening week and Christmas Day matchups, until LeBron chooses his next team. Mike Wilbon recently went off on Pardon The Interruption related to the topic of LeBron's decision. What did he say? Is LeBron James milking free agency to create drama and garner attention? How important is LeBron James to the NBA? What does this say about his value to the league at age 41? Where should he play next?

Pam, Dr. Deborah Stroman and Alex discuss the biggest takeaways from Day 2 of SEC Football Media Days, including Pete Golding's comments on tampering and his relationship with Lane Kiffin and how Kalen DeBoer is navigating the challenge of succeeding Nick Saban at Alabama.

The 2026 SEC Football Media Days are underway in Tampa, Florida, as coaches and players preview the upcoming season. The SEC once again enters the year loaded with national championship contenders, while several middle-tier programs look capable of pulling off major upsets. Yesterday, Alabama, Florida, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M spoke to the media. SEC Media Days produced plenty of storylines, including Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding addressing tampering in college football, his relationship with former Rebels coach Lane Kiffin while making headlines with his candid remarks about the current state of college football. Meanwhile, Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer continued to embrace the challenge of following Nick Saban, emphasizing culture, development, and maintaining the Crimson Tide's championship standard. 

TBS Technologies sponsored by Toshiba is now the studio sponsor of the Sports Shop!

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the SEC preseason rankings, Alabama and Auburn’s outlooks, potential contenders and the restaurant that will display Reese’s Hall of Fame jersey.

The 2026 SEC Football Media Days are underway in Tampa, Florida, as coaches and players preview the upcoming season. The SEC once again enters the year loaded with national championship contenders, while several middle-tier programs look capable of pulling off major upsets. The preseason media poll has sparked plenty of debate: Are the rankings accurate? Is Alabama ranked too low? What do we think about Auburn and Alabama?

Which restaurant is hanging up Reese's Hall of Fame jersey?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss whether the Miami Heat's LeBron James "leak" was truly an accident, where the NBA superstar is most likely to land and which destination makes the most sense for the next chapter of his career.

Yesterday, the Miami Heat sparked widespread speculation after briefly posting a YouTube livestream titled "LeBron James Introductory Press Conference | July 27, 2026," leading many fans to believe the franchise had accidentally leaked James' return to Miami. The team quickly removed the video and later said it was an internal mistake created while preparing for multiple free agency scenarios, not confirmation that James had signed. Do you believe the Miami Heat? Where is LeBron going? Where should he go?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss Alabama's football roster, the confidence level in Alabama this coming season, SEC Media Days and more.

The Alabama Crimson Tide football program seemingly has a starting QB competetition that remains an active battle between senior Austin Mack and sophomore Keelon Russell heading into fall camp. Mack brings extensive system experience, while Russell, a former five-star recruit, flashed elite playmaking ability during the spring. Both quarterbacks are competing for the top spot. Who does Reese want under center? Alabama head football coach Kalen DeBoer has been under fire for Alabama's lack of toughness. Is the criticism fair? Does Alabama have something to prove this season? How confident are Reese and Kmac in the Alabama Crimson Tide?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss Alabama's quarterback battle between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell, whether Kalen DeBoer is facing justified criticism over the Crimson Tide's toughness and what Alabama must prove heading into a pivotal season.

The Alabama Crimson Tide football program seemingly has a starting QB competetition that remains an active battle between senior Austin Mack and sophomore Keelon Russell heading into fall camp. Mack brings extensive system experience, while Russell, a former five-star recruit, flashed elite playmaking ability during the spring. Both quarterbacks are competing for the top spot. Who does Reese want under center? Alabama head football coach Kalen DeBoer has been under fire for Alabama's lack of toughness. Is the criticism fair? Does Alabama have something to prove this season?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss ESPN's latest round of layoffs following its takeover of NFL Network, Bryce Young's confidence in the Panthers despite an injury-riddled offseason and the impact of Taylor Moton's indefinite absence as Carolina prepares for the 2026 season.

After officially absorbing NFL Network, ESPN has been making some major changes. The network has laid off on-air talent in addition to off-air employees, according to reports, starting with the news Monday that longtime analyst Ryan Clark would not be returning. The cuts, according to The Athletic, are part of "broader cuts" at Disney, which owns ESPN. Layoffs were expected to include NFL Network personalities, with Disney and ESPN now in control of the network. Who are the latest cuts? Who's next?

As the NFL season approaches, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young says he isn't worried about the Panthers' offense despite missing key playmakers during offseason workouts, emphasizing that injuries are part of the NFL and the extra reps have helped other receivers build chemistry with him. What has Bryce Young learned so far in his career? What should we expect from the Panthers next season?

Panthers starting right tackle Taylor Moton has been sidelined indefinitely after doctors diagnosed a blood clot in his lung in late June. How significant of an injury is this?

Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss whether college sports need federal legislation, the 2026 SEC preseason rankings and the conference's growing influence over the future of the NCAA.

The 2026 SEC Football Media Days are underway in Tampa, Florida, as coaches and players preview the upcoming season. The SEC once again enters the year loaded with national championship contenders, while several middle-tier programs look capable of pulling off major upsets. The preseason media poll has sparked plenty of debate: Are the rankings accurate? Is Alabama ranked too low? And is Kalen DeBoer already on the hot seat?

The crew also examines the SEC's increasing power in shaping the future of college athletics. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has acknowledged that the possibility of the conference breaking away from the NCAA is "very real," but says his preferred solution is federal legislation, specifically the Protect College Sports Act, which would create national standards for athlete compensation and strengthen NCAA enforcement. Is federal legislation the best path forward, or is the SEC headed toward a future outside the NCAA?

Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss ESPN firing Ryan Clark.

Yesterday, ESPN fired longtime NFL analyst Ryan Clark as part of a wider round of network layoffs. In a highly controversial move, producers informed Clark of his dismissal during a commercial break of NFL Live—a show on which he was actively appearing—due to leaks, and he did not return to finish the broadcast. Executives reportedly soured on Clark recently, with the ousting attributed to his behavioral issues and on-air clashes with colleagues, including a heated altercation with Peter Schrager on Get Up. Despite winning an Emmy as a studio analyst in 2023, Clark is now off the network ahead of their highly anticipated broadcast of the upcoming Super Bowl. What happened? Is this fair?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss Aaron Rodgers seemingly reconciling with his family.

Aaron Rodgers appears to have reconciled with much of his estranged family after more than a decade of public distance. The veteran quarterback recently shared photos on Instagram with his parents, Ed and Darla Rodgers, and his brother Luke, captioning the post, "Another bonding week #fam," suggesting the family has mended relationships that had been fractured for years. What happened?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss LeBron James' massive influence on the NBA as his free agency holds up the league's 2026-27 schedule, what it says about his value at age 41, where he should play next and whether Dak Prescott is right to believe this is finally the Dallas Cowboys' year to win the Super Bowl.

With LeBron James entering the final chapter of his legendary NBA career, his free agency has become the league's biggest offseason storyline. After departing the Los Angeles Lakers, James is weighing his next move, and the decision is so significant that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the league can't finalize its 2026-27 schedule, including opening week and Christmas Day matchups, until LeBron chooses his next team. Rich Paul spoke recently on his podcast, Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul stating, "we’re not going to be rushed." How important is LeBron James to the NBA? What does this say about his value to the league at age 41? Where should he play next?

Dak Prescott recently spoke highly of his Dallas Cowboys teammates stating he believes this is the year for the Cowboys to win the Super Bowl. Is he right?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss SEC Football Media Days, comments from SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, the firing of Ryan Clark and much more.

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the WNBA suspending Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello after her “protected species” comment about Angel Reese, the backlash surrounding the remark, Brondello’s apology, Reese’s response to the situation and also Dak Precott statting he believes the Cowboys will win the Super Bowl.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott said recently that he believes this is the year for the Cowboys to win the Super Bowl. Is this the year?

Kmac, Pam and Alex dissect their interviews with Fran Brown and Dabo Swinney from the 2026 ACC Football Kickoff.

The Sports Shop was live from Charlotte, North Carolina, at the 2026 ACC Football Kickoff, held July 15–17 at the Hilton Charlotte Uptown. All 17 ACC head coaches and more than 50 of the conference's top student-athletes gathered to officially launch the new football season. The Sports Shop with Reese & Kmac was on site, connecting with fans, coaches, and brands throughout the event.

The crew spoke with coaches, players, and key figures from around the ACC. In this segment, Reese and Pam recap their experience and highlight conversations with some of the biggest names at the event, including Clemson head football coach Dabo Swinney and Syracuse head football coach Fran Brown. What did they have to say?

Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss Rex Ryan's criticism of Shedeur Sanders.

Former NFL head coach Rex Ryan is once again criticizing Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders, this time over the quarterback's recent offseason photoshoot and social media hype video. Last September, Ryan questioned Sanders' preparation, suggesting he wasn't studying the playbook and calling it an embarrassment that he wasn't the Browns' starting quarterback. Now, Ryan is taking issue with an offseason video featuring luxury cars, designer clothing, private jets, and high-end training clips. He argued that Sanders should spend less time building his brand and more time proving himself on the field, saying a young quarterback who has yet to establish himself in the NFL shouldn't be showcasing a lavish lifestyle. Ryan also questioned Sanders' priorities, suggesting the second-year quarterback should be focused on winning Cleveland's starting job rather than promoting his image. The comments have reignited the ongoing debate surrounding Sanders, whose celebrity status and social media presence continue to generate as much attention as his football career. Is Ryan's criticism fair or should he mind his business?