The Best of the Sports Shop

Kmac and Alex speak with Ian Parks to discuss his NFL picks for the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs taking place this weekend and the National Championship game on Monday night.

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: Buffalo Bills or Denver Broncos? Houston Texans or New England Patriots? Indiana Hoosiers or Miami Hurricanes? The Chicago Bears will host the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round of the NFL Playoffs. In his last game, in the Wild Card round, Caleb Williams threw for 361 yards in a win over their rival, the Green Bay Packers. Will Williams throw for more than 222.5 yards on Sunday against the Rams?

It is MLK Weekend! What are some MLK events taking place this weekend? What is MLK's legacy and what is so important about this weekend?

Kmac and Alex break down two exciting Divisional Round matchups in the NFL Playoffs taking place on Saturday.

This weekend’s Divisional Round features two intriguing matchups: the Buffalo Bills at the Denver Broncos and the San Francisco 49ers at the Seattle Seahawks, taking place on Saturday. The Bills, coming off a narrow 27‑24 Wild Card win over the Jaguars, face a tough test against the No. 1 AFC-seeded Broncos, who had a first-round bye and boast a strong defense and balanced offense. Buffalo offense, led by Josh Allen, will be challenged by Denver’s top-tier secondary, while the Broncos will likely rely on their defense to control the game. Can Josh Allen get the win over Denver?

Later in the evening, the 49ers travel to Seattle to take on the top-seeded Seahawks. San Francisco upset the Eagles in the Wild Card round, showing their competitive spirit. Seattle, at home and led by Sam Darnold, who is questionable due to injury, will look to exploit their deep receiving corps if he is healthy. Home-field advantage favors the Seahawks, but if Darnold struggles, the 49ers’ balanced offense and aggressive defense could pull off an upset. Who will win? What did Kmac and Alex think?

Kmac, Pam and Alex speak with Reverend William V. Lucas.

The Triangle MLK Jr. Committee will sponsor an event commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Reverend William V. Lucas is the current chair of the Triangle MLK Jr. Committee. He is a primary organizer and spokesperson for the various annual MLK Day events in the Raleigh-Durham area, including the prominent Interfaith Prayer Breakfast and the Memorial March. Rev. William V. Lucas details what people can expect and discusses the impact of Dr. King.

For more information visit: trianglemlk.com

Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the shocking details of the recent college basketbal point-shaving scandal. 

Federal prosecutors recently uncovered a major point-shaving scheme in college basketball involving dozens of people, including current and former players, bettors and intermediaries. According to investigators, the conspiracy spanned the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons and allegedly involved at least 39 players from 17 Division I men’s basketball programs, with more than two dozen games either fixed or targeted for manipulation. Rather than trying to change who won games, participants were accused of paying players, often $10,000 to $30,000 per game, to subtly underperform so their teams would fail to cover the betting spread. Those charged face serious federal offenses, including conspiracy, wire fraud and bribery in sporting contests and authorities say the case represents one of the largest threats to the integrity of college basketball in decades. What's next?

Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss John Harbaugh becoming the new head coach of the New York Giants. 

Former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was recently fired following an 8-9 finish and missing the playoffs. Multiple sources say Harbaugh and the New York Giants are finalizing an agreement to make him their next head coach, with the deal expected to be a five-year contract worth around $100M, placing him among the highest-paid coaches in the league. Can the Giants win right away? Is there pressure on Harbaugh to win right away? Is Harbaugh the right man for the job?

The Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs starts this weekend! Which game are you most interested in this weekend?

It is MLK Weekend! What are some MLK events taking place this weekend?

Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss a variety of community activities and plans for the weekend’s Martin Luther King Jr. commemorations and other MLK-related events happening this weekend.

Pam has to go to an event this morning at the MLK Memorial Gardens. What other MLK events are taking place this weekend?

The Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs starts this weekend! Which game are you most interested in this weekend?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss some MLK events taking place this week and how UNC Basketball has frustrated Reese.

Happy Birthday to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.! What MLK activities are coming up this week?

Last night, the North Carolina Tar Heels men’s basketball team lost to the Stanford Cardinal 95-90. UNC led for much of the night and was even up by as much as 12 points. However, Stanford rallied late behind a huge performance from guard Ebuka Okorie, who scored a career‑high 36 points and added nine assists, helping fuel the comeback. Is UNC in trouble? Can they get their rhythm back? Is Hubert Davis on the hot seat? Does Reese believe in the Heels? After last night's loss to Stanford, UNC Basketball has: Just Hit a Wall or Has Bigger Issues?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex speak with Delores Bailey and Lillian Lee.

Delores Bailey and Lillian Lee join the Sports Shop to discuss an upcoming MLK event.

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

Dr. Stroman discusses mythbusters, interracial marriages for Black athletes and the social and cultural factors, challenges, stereotypes and public reactions that influence perceptions of Black athletes dating outside their race.

Last night, the North Carolina Tar Heels men’s basketball team lost to the Stanford Cardinal 95-90. UNC led for much of the night and was even up by as much as 12 points. However,  Stanford rallied late behind a huge performance from guard Ebuka Okorie, who scored a career‑high 36 points and added nine assists, helping fuel the comeback. Is UNC in trouble? Can they get their rhythm back? Is Hubert Davis on the hot seat?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex speak with GameDay Charlie and CL Broen and they wish Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Dr. Bianka Reese a happy birthday.

Happy Birthday to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Dr. Bianka Reese!

CL Brown and GameDay Charlie join the Sports Shop to discuss all things ACC baskteball including UNC's disappointing loss to Stanford last night, Duke basketball and more.

Last night, the North Carolina Tar Heels men’s basketball team lost to the Stanford Cardinal 95-90. UNC led for much of the night and was even up by as much as 12 points. However,  Stanford rallied late behind a huge performance from guard Ebuka Okorie, who scored a career‑high 36 points and added nine assists, helping fuel the comeback. Is UNC in trouble? Can they get their rhythm back? Could UNC be out in the round of 64?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss Duke's win over Cal and UNC's loss to Stanford. 

Last night, the Duke Blue Devils defeated the California Golden Bears 71-56 on the road at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley. The game was close in the first half, but Duke pulled away in the second half with a decisive 21-5 run that put the game out of reach. Cameron Boozer led Duke with 21 points and 13 rebounds, including 11 points during the crucial second-half surge, while Isaiah Evans added 17 points to stabilize the offense. The victory improves Duke’s record to 16-1 overall and 5-0 in ACC play. How good is Cam Boozer? Is he a lock for ACC Player of the Year and National Player of the Year?

Last night, the North Carolina Tar Heels men’s basketball team lost to the Stanford Cardinals 95-90 in an ACC game at Maples Pavilion in Stanford. UNC led for much of the night and was even up by as much as 12 points. However,  Stanford rallied late behind a huge performance from guard Ebuka Okorie, who scored a career‑high 36 points and added nine assists, helping fuel the comeback. For UNC, Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar both scored 26 points, but it wasn’t enough to hold off Stanford’s hot shooting. With the loss, North Carolina dropped to 14‑3 overall and 2‑2 in ACC play, while Stanford improved to 14-4 and 3‑2. How disappointed is Reese in the Tar Heels?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss Antonio Brown, Aaron Rodgers, Mike Tomlin, John Harbaugh and more.

What will Mike Tomlin be doing next season: Coaching, Television or Taking a Break?

Mike Tomlin has stepped down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, ending a 19-season run with the franchise. His decision came shortly after the Steelers were eliminated from the playoffs with a lopsided Wild Card loss, capping several years of growing frustration over postseason struggles despite consistent regular-season success. Tomlin leaves as one of the most accomplished coaches in NFL history, having never had a losing season, winning Super Bowl XLIII, capturing multiple AFC North titles and leading the team to numerous playoff appearances. His departure marks the end of one of the longest and most stable coaching tenures in modern sports and leaves the Steelers searching for only their fourth head coach since 1969. Is Mike Tomlin the best coaching candidate available? Why did Tomlin step down? What will he do next? What type of impact did Tomlin have on his players like Antonio Brown and Aaron Rodgers? What does the Sports Shop crew think?

The Atlanta Falcons interviewed former Ravens head coach John Harbaugh for their head coaching position. But does Harbaugh know that?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the impact of Mike Tomlin’s departure on the Steelers, whether he is the top coaching candidate on the market, how his legacy compares to fellow Super Bowl-winning coach John Harbaugh and more.

Mike Tomlin has stepped down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, ending a 19-season run with the franchise. His decision came shortly after the Steelers were eliminated from the playoffs with a lopsided Wild Card loss, capping several years of growing frustration over postseason struggles despite consistent regular-season success. Tomlin leaves as one of the most accomplished coaches in NFL history, having never had a losing season, winning Super Bowl XLIII, capturing multiple AFC North titles and leading the team to numerous playoff appearances. His departure marks the end of one of the longest and most stable coaching tenures in modern sports and leaves the Steelers searching for only their fourth head coach since 1969. Is Mike Tomlin the best coaching candidate available? Why did Tomlin step down? What will he do next? Is Tomlin a candidate for the Ravens job? Is Mike Tomlin a better coach than former Ravens head coach John Harbaugh? What does the Sports Shop crew think?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss Mike Tomlin stepping down from coaching the Steelers.

Mike Tomlin has stepped down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, ending a 19-season run with the franchise. His decision came shortly after the Steelers were eliminated from the playoffs with a lopsided Wild Card loss, capping several years of growing frustration over postseason struggles despite consistent regular-season success. Tomlin leaves as one of the most accomplished coaches in NFL history, having never had a losing season, winning Super Bowl XLIII, capturing multiple AFC North titles and leading the team to numerous playoff appearances. His departure marks the end of one of the longest and most stable coaching tenures in modern sports and leaves the Steelers searching for only their fourth head coach since 1969. Is Mike Tomlin the best coaching candidate available? Why did Tomlin step down? What will he do next?

Reese, Kmac and Alex discuss the upcoming NFL Playoff matchups.

We’re down to 8 teams remaining in the NFL playoffs! Last night, the Houston Texan’s defense stifled Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steeleers and Aaron Rodgers en route to a 30-6 blowout victory. With the win, Houston advances to play New England on Sunday afternoon in the divisional round at Gillette Stadium. Who will win the NFL divisional matchups this coming weekend?

Reese, Kmac and Alex discuss the Steelers' playoff struggles and why they can't get over the hump.

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ season ended in disappointment with a 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans in the AFC Wild Card round last night, continuing a troubling trend of postseason failures. Despite finishing 10-7 and winning the AFC North, Pittsburgh once again failed to advance in the playoffs, extending its playoff win drought to 2017. The loss has intensified scrutiny on head coach Mike Tomlin, as fans and media debate whether consistent regular-season success is enough without playoff wins. The quarterback situation is also uncertain, with Aaron Rodgers’ future in question. Overall, frustration is high among the fan base and the Steelers head into the offseason facing pressure to make meaningful changes, whether at QB, within the coaching staff, or in their overall roster-building approach to finally break out of their postseason slump. Should the Steelers move on from Mike Tomlin? Should Aaron Rodgers retire? What are the Steelers doing wrong? Why can’t they get over the hump?

Reese and Alex discuss what the Pittsburgh Steelers and Mike Tomlin should do?

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ season ended in disappointment with a 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans in the AFC Wild Card round last night, continuing a troubling trend of postseason failures. Despite finishing 10-7 and winning the AFC North, Pittsburgh once again failed to advance in the playoffs, extending its playoff win drought to 2017. The loss has intensified scrutiny on head coach Mike Tomlin, as fans and media debate whether consistent regular-season success is enough without playoff wins. The quarterback situation is also uncertain, with Aaron Rodgers’ future in question. Overall, frustration is high among the fan base and the Steelers head into the offseason facing pressure to make meaningful changes, whether at QB, within the coaching staff, or in their overall roster-building approach to finally break out of their postseason slump. Should the Steelers move on from Mike Tomlin? Should Aaron Rodgers retire? How do Steelers fans feel? If Tomlin is gone, who replaces him?

Reese and Alex discuss Mike Tomlin's status and if Aaron Rodgers should retire.

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ season ended in disappointment with a 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans in the AFC Wild Card round last night, continuing a troubling trend of postseason failures. Despite finishing 10-7 and winning the AFC North, Pittsburgh once again failed to advance in the playoffs, extending its playoff win drought to 2017. The loss has intensified scrutiny on head coach Mike Tomlin, as fans and media debate whether consistent regular-season success is enough without playoff wins. The quarterback situation is also uncertain, with Aaron Rodgers’ future in question. Overall, frustration is high among the fan base and the Steelers head into the offseason facing pressure to make meaningful changes, whether at QB, within the coaching staff, or in their overall roster-building approach to finally break out of their postseason slump. Should the Steelers move on from Mike Tomlin? Should Aaron Rodgers retire?

Reese and Alex discuss if the Steelers should fire Mike Tomlin and the future of Aaron Rodgers.

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ season ended in disappointment with a 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans in the AFC Wild Card round last night, continuing a troubling trend of postseason failures. Despite finishing 10-7 and winning the AFC North, Pittsburgh once again failed to advance in the playoffs, extending its playoff win drought to 2017. The loss has intensified scrutiny on head coach Mike Tomlin, as fans and media debate whether consistent regular-season success is enough without playoff wins. The quarterback situation is also uncertain, with Aaron Rodgers’ future in question. Overall, frustration is high among the fan base and the Steelers head into the offseason facing pressure to make meaningful changes, whether at QB, within the coaching staff, or in their overall roster-building approach to finally break out of their postseason slump. Should the Steelers move on from Mike Tomlin? Should Aaron Rodgers retire?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the Panthers Wild Card weekend loss, the San Francisco 49ers win, tonight's Wild Card game and more.

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss all the latest playoff action, coaching rumors, breakout performances, including the Patriots’ dominant win over the Chargers, Drake Maye’s standout debut and the potential ripple effects for struggling teams like the Titans.

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss the Eagles loss to the 49ers yesterday in the Wild Card round.

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss the Wild Card weekend in the NFL including the Panthers loss and Bears win.

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss if Reese has been a Bryce Young supporter.

Bryce Young and the (8-9) Carolina Panthers and the (12-5) Los Angeles Rams are set to meet tomorrow in an NFC Wild Card playoff matchup that opens Wild Card Weekend. Reese claims he has supported Bryce Young consistently since even before he entered the NFL. Reese also claims he said "BY is not an NFL quarterback right now." Others claim Reese left out the "right now." Is Reese right? Has Reese been a consistent supporter of BY?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss this upcoming Wild Card weekend.

The (8-9) Carolina Panthers and the (12-5) Los Angeles Rams are set to meet tomorrow in an NFC Wild Card playoff matchup that opens Wild Card Weekend. Carolina enters as the NFC South champion and will host the game at Bank of America Stadium, earning a home playoff spot despite a (8-9) sub-.500 regular-season record. The Panthers are back in the postseason for the first time in about a decade and are coming in with confidence after defeating the Rams earlier in the season.

The Rams, meanwhile, arrive as the stronger team on paper and one of the more dangerous wild-card entrants in the field. Los Angeles finished the regular season with a much better record and features a balanced offense, a productive run game and playoff experience across the roster. The Rams are widely viewed as favorites despite being on the road, but the combination of a hostile environment, recent history between the teams, and Carolina’s momentum makes the matchup compelling. It sets up as a classic playoff contrast between an underdog division winner playing at home and a proven contender looking to make a deep postseason run. Can the Panthers beat the Rams tomorrow?