Andres Bargnani

The lottery for the draft was this week and Toronto has the #1 pick. The one player that could seemingly has a chance at being the first pick, yet no fans really know, is Andres Bargnani.

Here he is... Straight ballin. HE IS PLAYING A TEAM CALLED BOLOGNA. YOU GOTTA BALL AGAINST BOLOGNA.

I talked to a player personnel guy once about this kid and he told me that he was the deal. He said that he saw him go up against Chris Bosh a couple of summers ago, and was very good, and scouts went nuts. I guess you could be Dirk or Tskitishvilli. It is tough because you do not want to miss out on a Nowitzki or a Ginobili, but you do not want to end up with Frederick Weiss with a high pick either.

I am out at Southland on Saturday and Monday from 12-3. Come out this weekend if you get the chance.

Tonight I am going to Sam's Town to see Rodney Carrington. I saw him a few years ago and he was hilarious. Here is a vid of him doin a song in a radio studio.

Verno

The Avenue @ Carriage Crossing

The new mall in Collierville has a store called "College Station". I will be there with Hasseltine today doing the show. Hope some of you can come check it out. Holler.

Good Afternoon

Nice day today. I got some Ipod accessories, washed the car, and got caught up doing crap I never do (i.e. cleaning something). Anyway, here are some thoughts from today...

I really don't care about the Eastern Conf. Finals. I am trying to care, but its tough. I am consumed with the Suns/ Mavs. Or as it is known by me, the best thing to happen to the NBA in 10 years.

The Raptors getting the #1 pick in interesting to me on this front... a Colangelo is now running the show and I will bet you he builds something significant there.

I read the lists and the mocks for this years draft, and the guys that I love are not consummate top 5 guys. Brandon Roy from Washington and Marcus Williams from UConn. Another great pick to me is Shelden Williams. The guy gets the ball, blocks shots, and has good moves. The team that gets that guy gets a great player. Trust me.

People will always talk about "tweeners" but a lot of the time it is crap. Watch the NBA and if you can play, they find a place for you. There is another guy like that, that will get the "tweener" label, and its P.J. Tucker from Texas. He is rated way too low on mocks now. Give me that guy.

God bless Jeff Weinberger. This was my first day off and got to check out my old buddies Fish and Jeff. Holy crap. I have nothing else to say.

Tonight... Taylor Hicks wins American Idol, Randy Johnson gets rocked again, Mavs win Game 1. If any of these are wrong, I will delete this.

In the Ipod...

The Raconteurs..... (Jack White's new band). I love anything with Jack White (White Stripes). This album isn't the White Stripes, but I dig it.

The newest Bruce Springsteen album (Seeger Sessions) ..... still love it, haven't gotten it out yet.

Elton John... Madman Across the Water..... I freely admit that I love this guy and I buy old albums and listen to them and realize that the songs that were not hits are still incredible.

Incubus.... Make Yourself... I listened to this thing too much after college so I revisited it and this CD holds up. One of my favorite songs ever, Consequence, is the third track.

Matisyahu... Youth.... I told you about this guy a long time ago, the Jewish Reggae artist and this is a great BBQ, summer CD. Can't remove it yet. Total chill.

That is enough for now. I have represented my hood, and now I feel whole.

Thanks for listening and I will be on the air tomorrow.

Verno

Throwing out First Pitch

I am throwing out the first pitch at the Redbirds game tonight. We will give tix away on the show today if you wanna go. Updated blog tommorow. No show tommorow, Cards day game.

Verno

730 ESPN IS YOUR HOME FOR CARDINAL BASEBALL

This morning on Live @ 9 on WREG we announced that 730 is now the home of the Cardinals in Memphis. Here it is (Mary Beth shaves her face?). It is around the 30 min mark and I am the one that looks 14 years old. Obviously, you know that I am ecstatic about the announcement. This is the sports entity in this town that I wanted the most. This is big for the station. Thanks for listening to the station and as we continue to grow, things will only continue to get better. I am giving away Cardinal tickets in the 5 o'clock hour today on the show. They are not easy to come by, so listen for your chance to see the new Busch Stadium in July.

Channel 3 Live @ 9 show

I am on the WREG 3 show "Live @ 9" tomorrow morning. Big announcement. Holla holla.

UNREAL! SANDY PICKS THE WINNER!

On the "Ask Sandy" segment this week, someone called in and asked Sandy for a Derby Pick. Sandy said to go with #8. He didn't even know the name, just the number. Absolutely freaking amazing. My email has "Sandy is a genius", "Oh my God, that was Sandy's pick", etc.

This guy has got it. How did I not bet everything on his pick?

Reilly on the show Friday

Rick Reilly tommorow. Sorry, times got swapped around so I had to move it to Friday. He will be on @ 3.

The Grizzlies Media Day, Rick Reilly on the show today

I hope you caught the show yesterday, as I explained what happened with Bonzi Wells last year, and why he was barred from the arena. In the midst of a conversation I was having with someone with knowledge of the situation, it came up. I realized that this covered up extremely well, and it also explained why Bonzi could no longer be here.

Let me say this about the Bonzi deal... He is killing it in the playoffs, but never forget that he is in a contract year. It is a mantra of the show to never trust the guy that plays out of his mind in a contract year. This means he has that ability and only really shows it, or plays at that extremely high level, when motivated by a contract. Besides that, after I gave you the story of him becoming violent last year, it is clear to see that he could no longer be a part of this team, nor those (Stro, Jason) who supported him.

Yesterday you heard the Jerry West audio in its entirety. At the end, it was me and Madani with him and we got some great stuff (the Bonzi deal), etc. There were more than a few interesting things from the interview.

This is what I took from it (my opinion by reading between the lines)

We need to change style of play (surprise, surprise) I was saying they were boring in November.
People blamed fans, mascots, business, concessions, etc. My old blog post reveal what the problem was.... The product (the game) was not entertaining. Period. Funny how people are jumping on that now, and I got ripped for it because they were winning.

West says he supports the coach, yet cannot help himself from talking about not playing young players and a boring style of play. These are short digs at Fratello.

He says he is daring, yet reluctant to start over. One question that I wish I had asked.... "You say that there is a disconnect and that fans do not like this (the current state), yet you say the fans would not accept starting over. What do you think the fans would accept?" Oh well, I will ask next year.

We will TRY to get better. Stars win in this league, and we need someone that everyone follows.

West does not comment on the Bonzi deal, except to say he is happy for him, because he is the one that brought him, and in the end, the one that moved him. He puts it on Fratello.

I am sure we will talk about the rest on the show.

One of my favorite sportswriters, Rick Reilly from Sports Illustrated, on the show today.

The first hour of the show is the Grizzlies Power Hour with Eric Hasseltine.

Bert Sugar and Phillip Rivers regular segments, as well as "Ask Sandy" still to come either today or tomorrow. Jim Drukenmiller called in to "Ask Sandy" last week. What a moment.

The Mattoid (hilarious Sweedish musician) in studio Friday. I cannot wait.

I will try to put audio on here when I figure it out.

Bruce Pearl interviewed Rod Barnes, this would be a great hire.

How does Jamison not cut off the baseline for LeBron?

I got the new Bruce Springsteen (The Seeger Sessions). It is all covers, and it is unreal. Tell me if the new Pearl Jam is good if you have it.

Thanks for listening, tell a friend, thanks for reading the blog.

We are close to a Cardinals deal and the new signal (don't ask) is in the FCC's hands and should be up within two weeks (for real this time, it has been more frustrating and ridiculous than anyone could have expected). A quick explanation... imagine someone builds you a house, it is all done, and you are ready to move in and its all wrong. You make the builder go back and fix everything and make it right, and then you wait while they work to get it perfect. This is what happened with our towers and signal. The signal is great on the new transmitter, I have heard it and everyone is thrilled now, even though it was supposed to be done forever ago.

Thanks for being understanding and sticking with me.

Verno

Make sure to tune in today

Lots of audio from the Grizz media day from Jerry West that you will be extremely interested in.

Audio from Mike Fratello on the season, etc.

One interesting thing that comes up to Jerry is the play of Bonzi Wells in the playoffs and he comments on that, etc.

Also, I have the story that no one has said about why Bonzi was kicked out of the arena last year. You have never heard this and will be surprised. Good Stuff.

Verno

Penske and Beckett Landscaping

There have been two services that I have used over the course of the past week that I wanted to let you know are great. Penske trucking is absolutely the choice if you are moving. I got hooked up with these guys after complaining about Uhaul a few years ago. They are all I have used ever since and I have sent a ton of listeners there with total confidence. If you are moving anything that would require a truck... get Penske.

Also, my landscaper is Beckett Landscaping. They can do anything for you and at an affordable price. You can get a hold of my guy, Tony, at 619-3485. This is who I use for my house and he is great.

Hopefully a couple of tips for you.

Verno

DWash Speculation and The Same Ole Grizz Story

This kid watched the Grizzly game last night. 0-2 and smoked by Dallas last night. That game last night was over in the second quarter. So Eddie Jones took all the players out to eat the other night... did they all get food poisoning?

The whole team stunk. The first quarter they came out and played, and then it all fell apart. I was flipping channels by the 3rd quarter. Herrington and I talked about this on the show yesterday... it is amazing how much more athletic and fast the Mavericks are. They run down loose balls, they beat everyone off the dribble, and it is embarrassing. That shriek I heard from downtown was the Grizzlies business office pondering game 3 ticket sales. At this point I am going to try to be positive... how about the Grizzlies just make this losing streak like Dimaggio's hit streak... unbreakable. How predictable was this. Break out the brooms.

Now to the Dwash speculation... I have heard from people that know that it has at least been talked about that if Darius does not go and play pro basketball, that no matter what, he would not come back to Memphis, but could play college bball again. I would have shrugged this off as total bologna yet it was backed up with an interesting option (and the source is someone close to many involved with DWash). It is no secret that Darius idolizes his father. Those close to the dad will tell you that he and Calipari are hardly good friends, and have had there differences. The option would be this... if it does not work out for him like he thinks, he would move to Florida, work out for a year, and then transfer and play at South Florida. Totally crazy? Maybe. Do people that know the situation much better than I think this is out of the question? No. I could care less either way, but it is intriguing. Maybe there is something to it...

Verno

Grizz/ Mavs game 1 etc.

What a load of crap that was last night. It is a mantra of the program that as a fan, all you can expect is that your team gives it everything they have got. If it is not good enough, so be it. You want to feel like they left it all on the court. The Grizzlies did not. Totally unacceptable.

Pau is Pau. I did not expect much different. He has had a great season and is an excellent player, but you cannot put the burden of carrying a team on him in the postseason. You never will be able to. Some may consider it a knock, but K.G. is the same way, so take it for what it is worth. I take this first part back, his first half was actully worse than I expected, that is usually when he is good.

Dirk was the real All-Star. Big time players come up big.

Atkins is Atkins. He is a decent backup point guard. Awful last night.

I have long said that the guys I want on my team are the guys I would like to take to a street fight (not talent wise, attitude wise). There are two guys I would take off this Grizzly team-- Shane and Eddie.

Miller may be the better 6th man, but the Mavs use theirs better (Stackhouse).

When one team has more talent, you can bridge the gap somewhat with hustle. Dallas was the team that played with more heart, desire, and passion. That is freaking sad.

Verno

Herrington comes up big

Great Grizzlies/ Mavs Preview from Chris Herrington (Show contributor, Memphis Flyer Grizz writer)

You can read it here.

I will be back with my thoughts on Game 1 after the game.

Verno

Todays Show

Former Grizz Assistant (Son of Hubie) Brendan Brown on the show for the first hour to breakdown the playoffs. Sorry for no post on the playoffs yet, having Brendan Brown makes up for it.

Also on the show... Gary Parrish, Phillip Rivers, Bert Sugar, and bologna.

Verno

Grizzlies Playoff Schedule

I will post tommorow on the series and what to look for. Today we have the Grizz Power Hour with Grizz PBP man Eric Hasseltine from 3-4. Who guards Dirk?

Here is the breakdown
Dallas vs. Memphis
Game 1 - Sun April 23 Memphis at Dallas 8:30PM TNT
Game 2 - Wed April 26 Memphis at Dallas 7:00PM TNT
Game 3 - Sat April 29 Dallas at Memphis 4:30PM TNT
Game 4 - Mon May 1 Dallas at Memphis TBD TBD TBD
Game 5 * Wed May 3 Memphis at Dallas TBD TBD TBD
Game 6 * Fri May 5 Dallas at Memphis TBD TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sun May 7 Memphis at Dallas TBD TBD TBD

Ingram Hill on the show yesterday

Justin Moore, the lead singer of Memphis band Ingram Hill, was on the show yesterday and played a couple of songs for everyone. They are playing at Newby's on Friday in a charity event for the Phoenix Club and the Boys and Girls Club of Memphis.

There are a lot of kids here displaced because of Katrina, and the Boys and Girls Club needs your help to be able to maintain their help for all the new children here in Memphis. You can get tickets @ newbysmemphis.com or check out ingamhillmusic.com for more info.

They had 2 top 25 Billboard nationwide hits on the last album, new album out at the end of August. I bet this one blows them up.

I will try to get the clips up soon.

Verno

Thanks Albert

That a boy Pujols. 3 jacks yesterday saved the series for the Cardinals. It would have been brutal to lose 2 of 3 to Cincinnati. The pen still stinks, but Albert made up for it.

I went to the Redbirds game on Friday and they won a game. If William Macy was the Cooler, I am the Heater. They lose 9 straight and I am not there, then I go to the game and they win, you splain it. I really didn't care if they won, and to be honest, I end up talking the whole time and mildly paying attention. I never have a bad time there, ever. Autozone Park is still a jewel. Most arenas get uncool pretty quickly, but not that place.

Over the weekend thoughts...

When is Bonds gonna start hitting? Is ESPN really gonna show me every single ab if he stays a sub .200 hitter?

I spent Easter watching every baseball game I could on that Directv package I bought. I watched the Boston/ Seattle game, and with all the roids talk constantly surrounding baseball I questions pretty much everyone.

Which leads me to this... Adrian Beltre. This guy hit 48 HR's and batted in 121, while hitting .334 two years ago. He was a machine. He was locked and was killing the ball every game. I watched that guy yesterday and he was horrific. He had no chance at the plate. What could it be? You tell me. All I know is that is not the same guy at the plate at all.

Adrian Beltre
AVG. HR RBI SLG
2004 .334 48 121 .629
2005 .255 19 87 .413

This year he is hitting .119 (or less) and has 0 RBI's. And some say they don't help...

Everyone is starting to get really confident the Grizz will win a playoff game this year because the playoffs are close (did they feel this way a month ago?). Hubie's 50 win team was a better team than this team. I saw them get swept. I will be surprised if the Grizz win more than 1 game against Dallas. Just keepin it real.

I hear that if Shawne Williams leaves, he will sign with super-agent Arn Tellum. I have seen Shawne recently and he wasn't hanging with guys that are telling him to stay in school.

When is Chris Shelton gonna stop hitting homeruns? Seriously.

In the Ipod...

Matisyahu (Youth)
David Gray (Lost songs 91-95)
Ben Harper (Both sides of a Loaded Gun)
White Stripes (Elephant)

It's never about the money here.

Verno

WARNING: EMOTIONAL POST Why are you smiling....ever.

We are less than 2 weeks into the season and I already hate you Izzy. Get injured.

Dirk's Second Career

Here is the song that we we played on the show today. I will pray relentlessly that the Grizzlies play the Mavs in the playoffs so we can play this everyday.

dirk_nowitzki-courtside.mp3

Grizzly Power Hour with Eric Hasseltine today @ 3. Holler.

Verno

Cal stays and the T Wolves are bums

All is well that ends well? It went on too long and it got too personal, but in the end, it worked out. Coach Cal is staying in Memphis. This situation could and should have been avoided if

a. The administration would have made it more of a priority (i.e. not having to cancel meetings), and if

b. Cal had an agent (don't negotiated face to face with your boss, it becomes personal and emotional).

But, in the end, the Tigers have their coach back. Pat Forde has a great article about coaches and salaries that mentions John's situation. You can read it here.

The T Wolves are tanking the season on purpose in order to ensure that they keep their lottery pick in tact and don't lose it to the Clippers. What is even worse is that they are tanking to try to keep the pick after making a seriously ridiculous trade (Cassell for Jaric). They brought a glorified NBDL team into the Forum last night and left KG, Ricky Davis, and Anthony Carter at home.

random thoughts...

I watch Bonds on Bonds, and, I admit, I like to watch it.

Anna Benson is incredibly overrated.

If you are a guy, and you wore capri pants (ever), stab yourself today to atone for your sins.

My inclination is that Leinhart will be a Titan, Vince Young will be a Cardinal, and Deangelo will be a Viking.

My father carries around the picture of the kid who came with his wallet. R.D.

Verno

The Masters, the weekend, Latrell Sprewell, and the Greatest Video ever

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Jerry West speaks the truth

"That's when you need everybody on the same page," West said. "It makes a significant difference when the fans get behind you. We need that and we need to play at a higher pace than we've been playing."

Thank you Jerry. We have spent an enormous amount of time on the show talking about this exact subject. The product is why people come to the games, the "main attraction" is the actual game, and the actual games are boring on a regular basis. Win or lose, you are regularly getting a tough game to watch.

You have to have a product that people enjoy watching. Look at the teams that were down at one time that now have a ton of excitement and fans. Dallas, Phoenix, Sacramento, etc. They have gotten big players, which certainly helps, but they also all play an exciting brand of basketball. Golden State is not very good this year, but they are drawing better than they have in a long time. Why? Because they are fun to watch. The Grizzlies need to be more fun to watch, especially in a small market, and Jerry seems to get it.

Stream of consciousness...

I am pretty sure I am the only person in the world that will watch the World Baseball Classic

Yesterday Deangelo Williams and Brodie Croyle joined us on the show. I will try to replay Deangelo today because it was on very late notice.

I said yesterday on the show that I would bank on Shane Battier being invited to the Olympic team, and he has. After we saw that Bruce Bowen was invited and that they wanted these type of guys, it makes sense. Coach K in charge, it was a no brainer. SHANE WILL BE ON THE SHOW TOMORROW.

We have gotten a ton of calls at the station saying that the signal is significantly better. That is good.

I would not draft Vince Young. You have to be able to deliver a pass, under pressure, from the pocket, accurately. He has not proven he can do this. If you are a major threat running, and not a major threat passing, a team should not mortgage the future on this player. The timeline for effectiveness is low, no matter what you got on the Wonderlic.

Surely the NFL will not have a work stoppage, will they?

In the Ipod...

Master of Puppets, Metallica
I feel like beating someone up. I probably can't, but this music makes me feel like I could.

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
This guy sounds exactly like David Byrne from the Talking Heads. If you like the Talking Heads, you will like these guys. I stumbled on it looking for something else on ITunes.

Kill Bill 2 Soundtrack
One of my favorite movies, and the soundtrack is good. I don't know what half of the songs are saying, but I like them.

Thanks for listening to the show, tell a friend.

My name is Jonas, I am carrying the wheel.

Verno

Pau Gasol, Harlan T. Bobo, and whatever

So I get my Sunday morning paper yesterday, open up the sports section, and what do I find? An article by Don Wade entitled "Go easy on Gasol." Why do I have to read this same article every few months? This particular one was written to Gasol bashers, and it is the same premise as all of these types... He is the best we have got, so lay off.

WAKE UP! That is why he takes more heat. The most hilarious part was the opinion that if you are gonna rip into Pau, then you better rip into Lorenzen, and Bobby, etc.

Have you ever read another paper in your life? When it is 3-2, bases loaded, Yankees tied, and Arod is at the plate, if he strikes out, he has choked, and it is front page news. If Rueben Sierra does, so what? That is what comes along with being the big money guy. READ THIS CAREFULLY PAU LOVERS........ THAT IS WHY PAU IS PAID MORE, MORE IS EXPECTED OF HIM. The day Bobby Jackson is paid 14 mil a year, and the franchise is built around him, you will hear the same from fans.

Now I will imagine that I am considered a "Gasol Basher." Why? Because I praise AND criticize. Truly a novel idea. He was a bearded animal that was killing it at the beginning of the year, and then he was same old Pau. There is no fairness when it comes to him in the paper, because he is an incredibly likeable guy. No one has ever ripped him in that paper, ever. All the fans that are watching the same game, that are hard on him, all see something different I suppose.

All you ever read is how he is the best we have here and people should back off. There is praise and criticism, and one is obsolete in our paper. Unless. of course, it is someone they do not want to make mad, or do not care about making mad.

The best part about the recent Pau love is when it was written.

Pau was incredible on Saturday night, absolutely awesome (see how this works). He won that game for the Grizzlies. He took over and absolutely looked like an All-Star
.
The problem is that the article was written before the Grizzlies won that game. Who knows if it was after the Clipper game, where Elton Brand looked like the only All-Star on the court, or even before that. Either way the timing is high comedy. The guy can play like crap, the team can be losing at a rapid pace, and we read "Go easy on Gasol." Thank God some of us understand fans and fairness.


In the IPOD

Harlan T. Bobo.... Too Much Love
This CD is unreal. I read the article in the Playbook on Friday about this guy, and I went and got the CD. I was blown away. This is the best CD by a Memphis artist I think I have ever heard (and I love Cory Branan and Lucero). The second track "you left your door unlocked" is one of the best songs I have heard in a long time. This guy was the best kept secret around here. I know the Flyer had written about him, and given him high praise before, but I missed it. Cory Branan had told me I needed to see this guy a long time ago, now I know why. I absolutely love this record. Great break-up album.

Ryan Adams... Heartbreaker
After telling Gary about the Harlan CD, he told me that if I wanted to hear another break-up masterpiece, that I needed to get this record. He was right. I am not sure what it is, but I love hearing someone else's misery. I guess most of us have been through it, so it resonates.

Oasis... What's the story? (morning glory)
When all of the songs became hits, it wore me out. Now I pop in this music years and years later and I realize that I cannot deny it. This is one of my favorites. It got played out too much, but it is great. "Don't look back in anger" is one of my favorite songs of all-time.

Stream of consciousness

An usher stopped me last night at the Grizzlies game and said, "Chris, you are right, I have been here for 4 years, and this year is boring basketball, these crowds are dead."

It is my mantra that the Grizzlies and many teams are overcoached. This is never more evident than last night when the Grizzlies played the Houston Rockets. It is 100% totally absurd that Jeff Van Gundy throws the clamps on a team that has a roster built to run. Rafer Alston (he is only good in open court game), Stromile Swift (half-court basketball renders him useless), David Wesley (great pure shooter who could get a ton of 3's in transition), and I could go right down the roster.

Even more puzzling is the fact that you have Yao and McGrady, two young guys in their prime, and they walk up the court to play in a game where they have twice the amount of contested shots as opposed to if they were running. The Rockets have been hobbled by injury, but this is how they do it with a full compliment of players also, and I will never understand.

On a side note.... A report came out today that Yao is not even the first or second highest selling jersey in China. 1. McGrady 2. Iverson 3. Yao

The Tigers are getting better, I think, but it hurts that we have to wait until March 2nd to see them play anyone but Popsicle State.

Everyone keeps telling me that the signal is better.

How can I get excited about this Super Bowl? The commercials? No story lines and no real big time stars. The only story to me is Big Ben possibly winning in his second year. Other than that, this is blah.

My buddy is in the Dominican and he sent me a text message yesterday saying that Bartolo Colon was in the airport throwing out money while kids were diving on the ground to pick it up. He said it was like Dominican Santa was in town. I wish I could throw money on the ground.

In the Ipod rotation...

Artic Monkeys (Whatever people say I am, that is what I'm not) ... I downloaded it because it is the #1 record in the UK. Diggin it.

Ingram Hill (Junes Picture Show)... Memphis band, Memphis alum and lead singer Justin on the show Friday.

Lucero (Tennessee) ... another Memphis band, I love this album, their first one.

Respect.

Verno

Full Blog update tommorow mornin

Greatest single NBA performance?

What happened last night may very well be the best performance in NBA history. In fact, I think it probably is. You have to consider that Wilt was a monster in comparison to his competition, and he was a center hitting all high % shots. Kobe has a lot of haters, in fact, he blows every other athlete away in this department. He shoots too much...
He is a ball hog...
He broke up the best thing going...
blah, blah, blah...

The real deal is that whether you like the guy or not, he is one of the greatest basketball players to ever lace em up. He is carrying a bad team. People want to talk about how he does not make his teammates better. How about the fact that they are over .500 and without him they would have won 4 games? In addition to that, he may very well become the greatest offensive player ever before it is all said and done. It will take a while for this to sink in, but 81 is as ridiculous as it gets... I think.

I was easy to predict Plummer screwing up badly in a big spot, but Delhomme? I would not have guessed that.

Take away 70% of a teams offense (Steve Smith), and you win.

After watching the Tatupu kid for Seattle, it struck me that this will turn out being one of the best defensive draft classes ever. Tatupu, Derrick Johnson, Shawn Merriman, DeMarcus Ware, Marcus Spears, Antrell Rolle, Carlos Rogers, Thomas Davis, Luis Castillo, Bryant McFadden. It has been unreal.

The Grizzlies broke their losing steak behind Mike Miller. Miller for sixth man of the year.

If it comes down to Carmelo vs. Pau for the All-Star game, Carmelo deserves it. He has been lights out for the last few weeks... oh yeah, and he is better.

The Tigers game on Saturday was visual NyQuil. 50-something fouls, that is goofy.

In the Ipod rotation....

Flipsyde.. We the People (saw them on Conan)
Stevie Wonder... Collection
Cody Chesnutt... The Headphone Masterpiece

Cal says shoot the 3.... chuck and duck

Today on the show--

Hopefully... John Sterling (fill-in for Nets pbp) Yankee PBP voice Nets win....dahhhhhhhhh... Nets win

Gary Parrish, The Return of Jimmy Denunzio (World's Greatest handicapper), Stats Norsworthy (third hour)

Have a great weekend -- I will post the picks before the games

Verno

Today Was A Good Day

As Ice Cube once did... Mike Miller decided to mess around and drop a triple-double. I have been saying for a long time that Miller should be the guy getting the second most amount of shots on this team. Pau gets more, and then it should be Miller. He is the best shooter on this team, and one of the best in the NBA. Beyond that, he is totally selfless, and I am glad that he got some credit last night nationally. The Kings are terrible. They made their run at a championship a few years ago, broke it up, and now they are a team with no chance.

Warrick was a nice revelation last night and I would love to see the Warrick/ Pau combo in the frontcourt more in the future (In the year 2000).

Gary had the gory details of how bad the new CUSA is in his article today...

The gory details
6 — Wins by the University of Memphis against teams from the six power conferences
5 — Combined wins by the rest of C-USA against the six power conferences
18 — C-USA's RPI ranking among the Division 1's 32 conferences
7 — C-USA teams with records at or below .500 heading into league play
4-9 — C-USA's record against the Sun Belt Conference (including Memphis's win over MTSU)
5-5 — C-USA's record against the Southland Conference (including Memphis's win over Lamar)

Horrific. I am not sure if they will get two teams in, unless Memphis blows the conference tourney.

At least one Packers source is saying that LenDale White will not make it past them (No. 5). Also, many believe that after Bush, White will be the second back taken. Interesting, considering the first two backs taken last year should have been from the same team (Benson ended up going before Carnell).

Welcome to the ACC Boston College... 0-3 so far.

Read Larry David's column on Brokeback Mountain...

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/editorialcommentary/story/CCCC9D69A0FE5A99862570ED00372109?OpenDocument

Thanks for checkin in

Verno

Stream of consciousness...

The Grizzlies have to get a point guard in order to have the ability to do anything come playoff time. I like Anthony Johnson as a guy that you might be able to get in a big deal that enables Artest to go somewhere else. Hubie always loved Johnson. I miss having Hubela around. We went from the press post game press conferences in the world, to the worst.

The Tigers have to have Darius Washington and Shawne Williams playing at a high level in order to make a deep tournament run. Also, against the big dogs, they need Dorsey to stay out of foul trouble, which seems highly unlikely.

Herman Edwards is no better than any player that demands a trade. The NFL must do something about coaches and their ability to bolt.

Marcus Vick will not be drafted. He must have read the classic How to blow an potential NFL career by Maurice Clarrett.

Why can't JJ Reddick be Jeff Hornacek? Of course, whitey is compared to whitey.

The Jets should hire the Magini guy away from Belichick.

Brodie Croyle was great on the show yesterday. We will catch up with him as we get closer to the draft.

45 in four straight games? Kobe is killing it. People say he is a ball hog. HE HAS TO BE. Who is he gonna pass to? Brian Cook? Best off-season acquisition is just like I said... Phil Jackson. Where are all the people that said Larry Brown was the much better coach to take over a sub-par team?

Shawn Marion is the most underrated player in the NBA.

Sometimes I feel like I am the only person in the world not watching Dancing with the Stars.

Never start playing Hot Shots Golf Fore on Playstation. It will consume you.

I wish Mitch Hedberg was still around.

Check the blog, it will be updated.

Thanks for listening.

Verno

Sorry for the layoff at the beginning of year

I have been getting things straight still with the move to the afternoon. Regular blog entries will be back by tommorow morning. Thanks for checking in.

In the Ipod rotation now-- new Fiona Apple (maybe I earned gay points) it's great... new The Darkness album (return of Rock and Roll)

Oh the anticipation....

Brodie Croyle on the show today, Memphis fball recruiting nugs, Gary, hopefully Michael Holley, etc.

Represent

Verno

Thanks for a great year

I appreciate every one of you.

Chris

Today at the PAMPER PARLOUR

IF YOU HAVE THE OPPURTUNITY, PLEASE COME BY THE PAMPER PARLOUR TODAY. I WILL BE THERE FROM 3 TO 6 PM. IT IS THE PERFECT PLACE TO GET A GIFT FOR THE WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE FOR CHRISTMAS.

IT IS AT THE CORNER OF POPLAR AND KIRBY PKWY, RIGHT NEXT TO THE BORDERS. WE WILL BE GIVING AWAY A TON OF PRIZES AND GIFT CERTIFICATES, AND THE ESPN GIRLS AND THE CREW WILL BE OUT THERE. HIT US UP ON THE WAY HOME FROM WORK.

ERIC HASSELTINE WILL BE WITH ME FROM 3-4 PM ON SITE.
GARY IN THE 4 OCLOCK HOUR.
COLIN COWHERD AND BERT SUGAR IN THE 5 OCLOCK HOUR.

THANKS FOR LISTENING AND I HOPE YOU CAN MAKE IT OUT TO THE PAMPER PARLOUR.

Verno

Chad Johnson back and ready for the weekend

Who is funnier than this guy? This is from the CINCY Paper....

Also today, wide receiver Chad Johnson said he might use a prop in a possible end zone celebration against the Bills.“This Saturday, I'll be back to my old self,” Johnson said.
“With Christmas being the day after, you can look forward to the celebration being part of something that has to do with Christmas.”Asked good-naturedly for details, Johnson then said, “You know there are a lot of deer in the area. Don't laugh. There are a lot of deer in the area of Cincinnati, so if you see a deer come out the, don’t say I didn't tell you.

“I'm serious. I hit him. He's bandaged up, but he's going to come out. Don't laugh. Y'all think I'm playing. Trust me, I've got Rudolph. His nose is red. … No, on the highway I hit a deer. I kept him. He's at home in the garage. I'm going to use him for the celebration this weekend. He's a prop.

They might suspend me for the last game, but I think this one is worth it.“He's limping, but he's alive. He's all right. This is going to be the greatest celebration of all-time, man. I actually use an animal.“I'll probably get in trouble with the Humane Society, everybody. It wasn't my fault: He ran in the road.”

THE PICKS

Verno's CAP parlay of century

Cincy -7 over Detroit
Arizona -1 over Houston
Pittsburgh -4 over Minn

So Simple

Verno's Solar System + Galaxy, Buy a Telescope and count the stars, Lock of Ever
Dallas +3 over Washington

Gary's Darrell Russell Memorial Parlay
Oakland -3 over Cleveland
Tampa +4 1/2 over New England

Garys Lock of the Century (HORRIBLE PICK__ I DO NOT ENDORSE THIS)
Texas -14 1/2 over Tennessee (College BBALL)


GARY AND I HAVE AN APOLOGY BET ON TENN. VS. TEXAS
I HAVE TENN, GARY HAS TEXAS
WHOEVER LOSES READS A HAND WRITTEN APOLOGY WRITTEN BY OTHER AT 4:20 ON MONDAY

Gary has no idea what he is getting into.

Rule 1-- never get in a land war in Asia
Rule 2-- never question Chris Vernon's sports brain

Holler

TODAY AT COLLECTORS CORNER

Big Giveaways... stop by on your way home from work. On Poplar and Kirby next to Borders

3-4pm will be the Grizzlies Power Hour with pbp voice Eric Hasseltine

Gary will be on in the 4 oclock hour as always (believe it or not will be played)

Bert Sugar in the 5 oclock hour

Verno

Tuesday Show

Clark Kellogg from CBS and Indiana pacers color commentary

Gary Parrish as always

Square Table with Jon Madani from the Sports Brothers, and Eric Hasseltine (from 5-6pm)

Thanks for listening and tell your friends we moved to the afternoon

Verno

Meet The LeBron's

diggin it http://www.nike.com/nikebasketball/usa/?promoID=usbb_ad_120705_espn

on at 3 starting Monday-- tell your gran mammy

lucky for us

gary sent me this article on fri. afternoon and took the Iowa pick off the board
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=2252668

whew-- we could have lost 8 billion

Also, when word came of kerry collins not starting.. that was then off the board

This is all total common sense... we can't do everything for you

Happy holidays and your welcome ahahahahahahahhaa

Verno

I am on at 3 starting today

The Picks

Verno's N.O. Parlay-- Vegas says NO, you say yes
New York Giants -9
Oakland -3

Gary's PM Parlay (in honor of the move to prime time)
Pittsburgh -6
Minnesota -7

Verno's Solar System + Galaxy Lock
New England -4

Gary's Lock of Century
College BBall Friday ... Iowa +3

This is so freaking easy it is absurd. Santa has come early childrens. I feel like we are stealing. Represent.

Verno

Read the Front Page of the Site

movin to drive time homeys. i am poison sumac.

This Liberty Bowl crap is messed up

The Liberty Bowl has been a great friend to Memphis and CUSA.... blah, blah, blah, blah

Fact 1... All Memphians were subject to the Liberty Bowl officials bragging about this new clause that would allow them to pick the team of their choice... not necessarily the champion

Fact 2... That was b.s.

Fact 3... The Liberty Bowl did not have that choice. They had a seperate contract with ESPN that demanded a champion (WHICH OF COURSE WAS INTENTIONALLY NEVER MENTIONED)

Fact 4... Liberty Bowl officials have been on the radio every week for the football season and never mentioned it.

Fact 5... Don't mention the ESPN contract so that you can keep hope alive for Memphis fans and maybe sell some more tickets to Memphians holding out hope

Fact 6... Liberty Bowl officials go on and talk about how much they have done for Memphis and CUSA, deflecting the fact that they let people believe Memphis was a chance.

Fact 7... I don't think Memphis should be in the Liberty Bowl, and it should have been clear that it would have taken extraordinary circumstances to make that happen.

Here, I will be a homer.... The Liberty Bowl is great, I believe everyone involved, Fresno and Tulsa is a great matchup, the Liberty Bowl is Memphis' best friend and mine too.
How retarded.

Verno

Picks update

Gary took Orlando off the board when i relayed him inside information that Stevie Francis would not play. Wow.. glad we got that off the board. It would be a shame for 1 game to cost us billions.

Verno

The Picks

Verno's CAT parlay (because Cat's lap milk, and milk stands for Money I Love Koolio, I think.
Central Fl -1 over Tulsa
Arizona -3 over San Fransisco
Tampa -3 over New Orleans

Gary's Jermaine Taylor Knock Out Parlay
Jax -3 over Cleveland
Tampa -3 over New Orleans
Kansas City +1 over Denver
Orlando +8 against Grizzle

The Solar City Lock and Lock of the Year (Verno's and Gary's) are THE SAME $$$$$$$$$$$
Minnesota -2 over Lions

It is so simple to make millions. Happy Holidays

Verno

I am so smart

there is no entry... i just wanted to remind you

Laziness and zone defense

The announcers last night said that "maybe it's that Dwash is not playing, Memphis is without their leader." Also, "they are taking Lamar lightly after the Duke game." These are certainly possible reasons, but the real reasons were laziness, and Lamar was getting back in a zone after made baskets. The tough part is making the buckets, but if you do, and you can set back up in a zone, the Tigers have had trouble so far. It slows the game down. If I am an opponent, I zone up every chance I get and take my chances. That being said, the Tigers are talented enough to overcome that against bad teams. Against the good ones.... we'll see. Bama played zone much more in the second half and played much better.

Why is ESPN the only one that is crazy enough to believe Michael Irvin?

It's Mariucci's fault, right Millen?

Noel Mazzone has the best gig in America. Maybe I got him fired when he was on the show before the Arkansas game and he asked me when I was going to get out of Arkansas. I told him I was trying to get to Memphis but he may have heard that there is a fence around it. Noel breaks out in laughter... Noel is now gone. He can thank me later. I love the guy, and he is going to be our college football analyst starting soon. I am paying him $250,000 of Ole Miss money to do it.

Omar and the Mets are getting a fantasy team.

The 72 Dolphins are going to be everywhere soon. I wish they would get a life.

Check out the Arkansas coach taunting the LSU player in Friday's game. Thanks Doug for the link. Classyshibest.gif‎(712KB)‎

Check out Jeremy Shockey.. sure that he has won. Hilarious... http://sportsbybrooks.com/jeremyshockey.gif

Have a great day.... Verno.

The Picks

The Picks for the Holidays are as follows...

Verno's Solar System Lock of the Century x8

Carolina -4 over Bills

Gary's Lock of a Lifetime

Georgia -4 over G. Tech

Verno's FAT parlay

Fresno -15 over Nevada

Arkansas +17 over LSU

Texas -26 over Texas A&m

Gary's T.O. parlay

utep -7 over smu

oklahoma -18 over Okla St.

Have fun becoming a part of the Forbe's List

Verno

Bingo

Got one right... thank God I don't have to erase that post. Fresno in... thanks for listening to 730 ESPN. I am clearly the hardest-hitting journalist out there, bringing you the news when it breaks with the help of my blind dog Job. Good lookin out Job.
Verno

Fresno in the Liberty Bowl?

I was told that Fresno is going to be invited to the Liberty Bowl and will accept. If it happens, I told you. If it doesn't, I will erase this message and act like I never said it. If it happens, and they play UCF, they will beat them to death. Massacre at the Liberty Bowl.

Love,

Verno

Pittsnogled

West Virginia got Pittsnogled. The guy blew it by missing free throw after free throw. WV had #2 Texas on the ropes and missed all their FT's down the stretch. It was a classic basketball game, esp. for it being this early in the year. You may wonder why I am even talking about this, but I have watched a ton of college bball today. Gonzaga looked awesome against Maryland, and Texas won their game (which they should not have). Both will be great home games for Memphis.

The Picks

Verno's Solar System Lock (unlimited stars)

Carolina -3 over the Bears

Baby Meteor Lockity Lock --- Giants -7 over the Eagles

Gary's Gay Lock of the Century is Houston +6 over the Chiefs

Gary's ParGay

Ohio St -3

Marshall -6

Oregon -13

Verno's Greatest Parlay in history of Western Civilization

Arkansas -13 Vandy +12 N. Dame -34 1/2

Have Fun makin Billions of dollars---- Verno and Gary-- makin Holiday wishes come true since October

Bacon

It is so clear to me that bacon is superior to sausage. Gary and I had this debate today and I encourage you to vote on the poll on the front page of the site. How can anyone prefer sausage? You vote, and we can decide who you side with on this.

Gary is in Bama for the game tonight and will give you his thoughts on the game and the atmosphere tomorrow. I picked the Tigers to beat Bama, and then beat UCLA, and then get beat by Duke. This is a big game for these guys, especially the young guys that Gary has told you, are not used to losing. Maybe they won't have to deal with it for a week.

Bacon,

Verno

Call me crazy

But I am betting that the Tigers take on Duke in the NIT finals on Thanksgiving weekend. I did not see Alabama play, but I know that Gottfried thinks it will take them a while, and they beat Miami Ohio by wearing them down and that will not happen against Memphis.

I did see UCLA last night and thought as I watched them play New Mexico State that the Tigers could absolutely beat them.

I thought this team look unbelievable last night, and gave everyone real reason to believe this is year will be different.

A chink in the under armour

Deangelo Williams should not have said that Coach West held him out of the game. False. He did not, he held himself out.

Deangelo Williams should not have said that "I wanted to play, it was the coach that said I wasn't ready." Untrue. If you believe Tommy, which I absolutely do.

Fans want to think that you would have died to get out on that field, that you could not stand not playing. That it killed you to not be out there against UT on that stage. That's not the impression anyone has gotten... not even the die-hards.

He should not have said that "it's difficult to tell depending on who you are playing."
That sends the message that he was scared, right or wrong, that's what it says. That's fine, he has a career to worry about, but he is on a team now that desperately needs him to try if he can and to not push it off on Tommy as if he was the reason.

Tommy was furious, trust me on this. He thought his guy could go, and he didn't. It really bothered him and that is why he reacted as he did.

Crazed fans can blame the media all they want, but this is not the media. The media helped build this guy into a massive name and local hero. When it's sugar it's sugar...

The kid screwed up. Be nutty if you like, but the truth in this situation is not pretty.

Great kid, great ambassador, great player. He bailed. It adds up to everyone with a brain at this point.

There is now a chink in the under armour.

Verno

The Picks

Only for people that want to be filthy rich

Verno's Lock of my Sock sitting on a Rock Pick of infinity days
Arkansas + 1 1/2

Gary's Lock of Infinity Days Squared
Georgia -3

Gary's Anti-Greg Roberts Parlay
USC -18 1/2
Vandy -11 1/2

Verno's WAC parlay
Western Michigan -3
Arizona -8
Carolina Panters -9

Have fun being a holiday millionaire.

Verno

Elton John and the weekend that was

I got real lucky on Friday when I got a chance to see Elton John at the Forum. The guy was awesome and the sound in the Forum is unreal. By far the best sound of any place in town, and infinitely better than the tin can that was the Pyramid. Elton John puts on a killer show.... very impressive.

Sports notes...

Tennessee is now the best 3-5 team in the nation I guess.

It's been an awful season for the Vols, but give them Auburn's schedule and they are they would be 7-2.

How about Vandy vs. Tenn. for a chance to go to a bowl. And it should be a good game.

Bama is going to lose. They did not look good at all on Saurday.

I have been thinking about this, and haven't heard any Grizzly experts mention...

Pau's time off in the summer is beneficial in a two-fold way. It was good for the rest, which everyone sites, but it was also good to not play the style of international basketball. It is a less physical game and not playing there keeps that out of your system. I have been blown away by his aggressiveness. I hope he sustains this.

LeBron James is the best ticket in sports.

maketsakilidisthemascot.com anyone listening yet?

Arizona Coach Mike Stoops will get an extension soon. It's the way of the world now.

Why was Andre Allen suspended? As punishment?

Did Dick Vermeil cry when Larry Johnson scored... I couldn't see a good camera shot.

Thanks for listening.

Verno

The Picks-- only if you want millions

Gary's Three V Parlay
Virginia -35 over Temple
Vandy +19 over Florida
V Tech -6 1/2 over Miami

Verno's College Football Two Team Dream
Mich St -5 over Purdue
Alabama -16 over Miss St.

also take the Grizz -2 tonight over Orlando (easy money) hahahaha

Gary's Super Duper Trooper Double Double Triple Lock of the Millienium + another decade
UNLV +12 over BYU

Verno's Lock with no name (it's so big this time)
Giants -10 1/2 over 49ers

CAUTION-- THESE ARE NOT FOR FUNZIES, THESE ARE FOR SERIOUS BALLERS THAT WANT TO BE SUPA-BALLAS. BET IRRESPONSIBLY AND WIN,

LOVE, CHRIS AND GARY

THE PICKS

Gary's SUPER DUPER TROOPER DOUBLE DOUBLE LOCK OF THE QTR. CENTURY
MICHIGAN -3 OVER NORTHWESTERN

Verno's LOCK WITH NO NAME (B/C IT'S SO BIG)
MIAMI DOLPHINS +2 OVER NEW ORLEANS

Gary's TV Parlay
Tenn -13 1/2 over S. Carolina
Clemson +3 over G. Tech
Illinois +21 over Wisconsin

Verno's Fisher DeBerry Parlay
Missouri -6 over Kansas
Ohio State -5 1/2 over Minnesota
Miss St PK over Kentucky

if you are feeling like a billionare add Texas -36 over OK. State

ONLY BET THESE IF YOU WANT MILLIONS

Gene Keady

One of the all-time great college basketball coaches, Gene Keady, will be on the show on Thurs. I have read his book and he is a lot different than I think you would expect. He will be on at 9 oclock tommorow morning, at the top of the show. Check it out. As always we will have Bert Sugar and Keith Easterwood, and I am trying to track down one of Keady's all-time favorites, Brian Cardinal.

Holla

Bradie James, Greg Doyel, and Goodfellas

Cowboys starting LB Bradie James joined us on the show on Tuesday. As it turned out, Bradie is not only a great football player, but also a great interview. He was funny, charismatic, the whole 9. The highlight was when I asked Bradie what you do when Larry Allen wants to beat the crap out of Jose Cortez... He appropriately said "laugh." We will absolutely get him on again as the season goes on. Now if that defense can only play the entire game, the Cowboys will be really good.


CBS Sportsline national bball writer Greg Doyel is going to join Gary and I every Tuesday at 9:20 from now on. Greg is a great writer and he always has something to say. We are really excited to have him as part of the show.


Goodfellas was named the best movie of all time by a British Film magazine. I really liked Goodfellas, but it is not the best movie of all time. Its great, I would watch it again, but it is not the best movie of all time. I am still deciding what is.

Thanks for listening. The 730 Tailgate brought to you by Coors Light will be on and poppin again at Toby Field before the UAB game next Tues night. I don't care who you are a fan of, you should be at this game, and you have to see this Tailgate party. We had our first one before the ECU game and it was the most people I have ever seen come through a sports radio promotion in this town, and it was our first one. I will tell you that Gary and I will be there, and would love for you to come by and say hi and join the bash.

Verno

Thad

Thaddeus Young announced today that he was committing to Georgia Tech. Gary was live on site for the press conference, andThad joined me on the show right after the announcement. The most celebrated high school recruit to come out of Memphis since Penny is going to play his college basketball in Atlanta. There are a lot of great reasons to go to G. Tech and I wish the kid the best. I know that the whole "Team Thaddeus" has really put a damper on all of this, and what could have been a feel good story... but I still feel good for the kid. He is a phenom on the basketball court, and he is a great kid in addition to that. If you heard him on the air, it was "yes sir" this and "yes sir" that. He is a great basketball player, a great student, and by all accounts, a great kid. I will be rooting for him at G. Tech, despite all the negativity that his camp created.

I would have loved to see him in a Memphis uni, playing for the hometown school, but this may be best for him. It is hard to play in your hometown sometimes, as evident by everyone but Burks either leaving, or getting in trouble at some point... and Burks was even on the cliff for a minute with Cal.

Thaddeus Young

We will have the news as soon as it drops as to where Thad is going to school. Tune in at 10 o clock, and find out. Gary will be on site.

Verno

THE PICKS

WARNING-- THESE PICKS ARE NOT FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES-- THESE ARE STRICTLY FOR THOSE THAT KNOW THAT BETTING IS THE ONLY WAY TO MAKE A LOT OF MONEY--- IF YOU WANT TO BE A MILLIONARE-- PLAY THESE-- IF NOT, KEEP ON TRIPPIN AND YOUR KIDS WILL BE HUNGRY AND THIRSTY SOON AND YOU WILL HAVE
TO EXPLAIN... NOT US



GARY'S SUPER DUPER TROOPER DOUBLE-DOUBLE LOCK OF THE DECADE
UTEP -13 OVER MARSHALL

VERNO'S LOCK WITH NO NAME (BECAUSE IT IS SOOOOO BIG)
RUTGERS -3 1/2 OVER UCONN

GARY'S THADDEUS YOUNG PARLAY
KENTUCKY +10 1/2 OVER OLE MISS
ARKANSAS +19 1/2 OVER GEORGIA

VERNO'S MILLIONARE'S PARLAY
FL. STATE -29 1/2 OVER DUKE
TEXAS A&M -4 1/2 OVER K STATE
AUBURN +6 1/2 OVER LSU
ARIZONA ST. -10 OVER STANFORD
ARKANSAS ST. -8 OVER FLA. ATL.

BERT SUGARS 5 PICKS
NAVY
S CAROLINA
RUTGERS (NICE BERT)
OHIO
MTSU

GO CRAZY FOLKS, GO CRAZY

I don't know if my heart can take it... Pujols crapped on that pitch... back to the Lou for 2

What a Weekend

This weekend was as good as it gets. The USC/ Notre Dame game was one of the greatest games ever played. It defined "instant classic."

Commercial Appeal Sports Editor Gary Robinson will be joining Gary and I on the show every Monday at 9:40 am starting today. Please feel free to call in with any questions you have about the paper, Gary will be answering them. 888-730-ESPN

I was impressed with the attendance for Memphis Madness and Kareem Cooper became my favorite player. Antonio Anderson reminds me of Burks with his build and smile. I hope he plays as well as Burks did.

Good to hear that Jerry West agreed on his extension. That is the best off-season move that the Grizz could have made. He is not done here.

I hate the Astros now. That home plate umpire was employed by them, I know it.

Pujols lost that game by running home on Reggie's crap hit down third.

Someone tell Brad Lidge to stop being Mariano Rivera.

Ole Miss should have beaten Alabama. Alabama was bad, Ole Miss looked a lot better.

I like Brady Quinn as a pro every bit as much as I like Matt Leinhart. Call me crazy.

How can Mike Tice keep his job? Is Dante still good without Moss? HAHAHA. called that one.

Mo Avery for Heisman. He may just save the Memphis season.

Who would have ever thought that the Big Ten plays the most exciting football?

Bert Sugar's new show Ringside on ESPN Classic is awesome. Check it out.

Thanks for listening.

Verno

THE PICKS

BERT SUGAR'S 5 PICKS
1. FLORIDA STATE
2. UCONN
3. SMU
4. N. TEXAS
5. TULSA


VERNO'S LOCK WITH NO NAME (BECAUSE IT IS SO BIG)
AUBURN -7 1/2

GARY'S SUPER DUPER TROOPER DOUBLE DOUBLE LOCK OF THE YEAR
USC -12

GARY'S TRIPLE M PARLAY
MINNESOTA
MICHIGAN
MISSOURI

VERNO'S BAMA BAMA CALL YOUR GRAN-MAMMA PARLAY OF THE CENTURY
BAMA -13
AUBURN -7 1/2
UAB -3


HAVE FUN... AND REMEMBER... ONLY BET THESE PARLAYS IF YOU DESPERATELY NEED MILLIONS OF DOLLARS


VERNO

"Those guys are some damn ballers"

That was Tommy West's quote today on the show about when he was talking about his kicker and punter. Tommy was extremely candid about the team, the season, and the adjustments that need to be made. I never cease to be amazed with how he handles direct questioning of decisions that he makes regarding the football team. He is seemingly never defensive and explains the deal.

Tommy told us that the plane that they were to take to the game on Friday had an engine blow up, so they are flying to Houston on Saturday morning. At some point you just have to laugh.

maketsakilidisthemascot.com

Last night we began our Grizzlies coverage with a pre and post game from Alfreds. Swing by before the games and say hi to Kendall, grab some ESPN gear, and see the smokin ESPN girls. Also, before the game, the girls are handing out drink passes for after the game at Alfreds.

If you have not already, please go to 730espn.com and register to be a P1 listener. The reponse has been unreal and thank you to all of you for your kind comments regarding my switch, the station, and the addition of Gary. The towers are up and the signal will get boosted soon. We are already streaming at the website.

Thanks for listening.

represent your hood all my players

Verno

Tommy West, Bert Sugar, and Senor Easterwood

Thursdays show will consist of Tommy West, Bert, and Keith. I am excited to get Tommy on the show to talk about this season and many of the points that we, and the fans, have discussed. Tommy will be on at 10:20 tommorow morning.

Today we had some good ones. Grant Wahl from SI was great, fake Jerry Jones was a riot, and Derrick Kellogg was good as usual.

I did go to the Tigers basketball practice yesterday and they have some serious athletes. Players will not be the problem, it will be all the other stuff, like every year. You could certainly argue that this is the best group they have had, but that DuJuan year with Wags, Wise, Massey, Barron, Scoot, Burks, etc. was awesome too, and we all remember what happen then. Its always response and chemistry with this team. They will always have players.

Verno

Grant Wahl, fake Jerry Jones, and Derrick Kellogg

Do not miss todays show. Grant Wahl from SI will join us to talk about his article on Darius Washington. Fake Jerry Jones is a riot. Tiger Assistant coach Derrick Kellogg will also join us on the show. At 11:00..... The Haters.

Easynow.

Monday, Monday

It is Tommy West's responsibility to fix the problems with the Memphis defense. If everyone wants to blame Joe Lee Dunn, that is fine by me, but remember that it is Tommy who has the record next to his name. It is also Tommy that gets paid the big bucks. Coach West is a great guy and I guess that is why Joe Lee is getting killed and Tommy is in the clear. He was a defensive coordinator and if he thinks things need to be changed scheme or a change in players... its his call.

In the end, I am sorry, but there is not a D Coor in America that can make some of those guys good cover corners. There is one that can help them out more, and Tommy needs to get in the mix if he already has not.

At least Avery CAN throw.........

Maybe the next team that gets a look from a better conference one day is the team that just beat the Tigers.... That Florida market is nice to have.

Verno

High School Football and all of the Picks

I went to the Ridgeway/Millington game last night and it was the first high school football game that I have been to in a long time. Ridgeway looks great, and their RB Aaron Crawford has some ridiculous stats. He has way over 1000 yds already and I saw him run for 234 on Friday. It seems like its toss right and then the kid turns the corner for a huge gain. He is worth watching if you get a chance.

Here are the picks from the show this week...

Verno and Gary

My Lock with no name (because it is so big) Tenn -2 1/2 over Georgia

Gary's double double super trooper lock Texas -14 over Oklahoma

Verno and Gary 3 team parlay (so you can make ends meet).. Tenn, Texas, T Tech

Bert Sugar's guaranteed losers (bet against).... Kentucky, Vandy, Louisville, Penn St., Northwestern

Jimmy DeNuncio's picks (for whatever reason).... Cowboys, Steelers, Saints, (36* lock is Carolina)

Have a great weekend

Verno

Reggie Sanders and Seal

Gary said today that Reggie Sanders looked like Seal. You decide...

I clearly feel that this is a unfair comparison for Reggie. Also, Seal never had 6 RBI's.

I wanted to thank all of you that entered the Maxim Bud Light contest. Congrats to our winner Hank.

The Maxim party Thurs. night will be the bash of all bashes. Hope if you didn't win our contest (i.e. if your name is not Hank) that maybe you got an invite.

Keep it real. Oh, by the way, is harsh punishment always called 'throwing under the bus?' That seems a little extreme. Throwing someone under the bus would, to me, signify that you over-punished someone to make yourself look good. I never have thought that over-punishment would lead to more problems with players. Is it possible that not drawing the line with stiff punishment would lead to players feeling that they can get away with more? I think there is proof of the latter.

Verno

A small favor i ask of you

Please go to the website we just launched... www.730espn.com

Click on contests and register to be a P1 listener. Its easy and it is free. Tommorow on the program, we will give you the oppurtunity to call in and win VIP passes to the exclusive Memphis Maxim party... but you have to be registered as a P1 to win. We are the ONLY place in town where you can get hooked up to go to the greatest party to ever hit Memphis.

Today on the show Gary and I talked about the Grizzlies media days, curtains, mustaches, baseball playoffs, etc.

Jason Whitten will be on the show this week.

Sunday as I am driving in my car, trying to get the football scores....

Forget that I am an employee, as a sports fan I was so glad to have ESPN 730 to go to. One sports station had a colon infomercial, one had stocks talk, and 730 had actual scores and analysis on the games that were going on.

I don't have to tell you though. Thanks for listening.

Verno

p.s. Gary is always wrong

WE ARE STREAMING

www.730espn.com

Sorry for the pause in action

I have been so glad that I was able to add Gary to the show. The show has been a blast the past few weeks and things are really picking up thanks to you, the listeners.

Gary had the line of the day. I said I could not believe that Jerry West would not do the Mark Blount and Gerald Green for Lorenzen Wright deal that was reported in the paper. I said that I would take Corrie Blount and Gerald Green for Lorenzen, to which Gary followed with... "I would take A blunt and Gerald Green for Lorenzen." I agreed.

I went over to media days for the Grizzle on my nizzle and did not learn much I did not know to be honest. It is always pretty standard. I did ask Jerry West about the Gerald Green trade and he said that it was absolutely false and that they never even talked to the Celtics about a deal for Green. Either West is lying, or it was bad info.

Antonio Burks told me that the Jeremy Hunt deal was messed up and that he was with him when the altercation on Beale took place. Burks said that a bouncer was pushing Jeremy's head up against the wall and busted his ear and that is was messed up, that Jeremy wasn't in the wrong. He also told me to put him on the show to tell it... I will try.

Fratello said that Tsakalidis needs to "earn" minutes.

Translation... "Chris Vernon is a genius, the guy should just be the mascot."

Thanks for listening and I will be updating this daily... I promise.

Verno

Holy Crap

This Tiger stuff dropping in the morning is rough. Not good news for Tiger fans.

Gary Parrish

Gary is going to join the show full-time starting Monday. I could not be more excited to get Gary on board. As you know, Gary is a fantastic writer and I have a blast when we do the show together. It begins Monday.... Gary helps me get closer to world domination. Thought I would let you guys know first.

Bert Sugar and Spencer Tillman on the Friday show.

Get to Blue Coast Burrito on Friday for lunch, I will be there until 1.

Verno

Crap-- I guess I am an idiot

So the conversation took a weird turn today when Gary was on with me and I argued the fact that Jenny from Forrest Gump did not die of AIDS. I guess people knew this, but I never thought about it until today.


I got this email from Tony...

So Forrest and Jenny are talking in the park.....she says, "Forest, I'm sick". He says, "Is it a cough, due to cold?" She says "no Forest,it's a virus, something new, and they don't know what to do about it". This point in the movie was set in the early '80s because later hertombstone reads she died in something like 1983 or something. Verno, come on man, give it up.

This really dissapoints me. I guess the goof is me. Man, hard to say.



Verno

Some Weekend Notes

I was dead on about Dante Culpepper and will continue to be. Moss turned Jeff George, Todd Bouman, Gus Ferotte, Bubby Brister, Brad Johnson, and a carbon-dated Randall Cunningham into 300 yard passers. Cunningham was working at a tile place in Vegas, out of football, and came back and won a league MVP passing to Moss. Moss will now make Collins a stat monster.

USC was incredible against Ark. How do you win the T.O.P by 10 minutes and lose by 53? How do you have the ball over 13 minutes of the 1st qtr and get down 28-7? If I didn't see it I would have said it was impossible.

Vandy may not be in the bottom half of the SEC? Ole Miss and Ark. wins already. I still think they beat one of the big dogs. Maybe Georgia?

Watching Sterling Sharpe call the Sunday night game with Mike Tirico made me miss Mike, Paul, and Theisman. Sterling Sharpe is like Shannon Sharpe without the great wit. I think all little brothers are the funnier ones.

Memphis may have a really tough time against Tulsa. Who could have imagined that? Tulsa beat N Texas 54-2. I guess after playing Oklahoma and Minnesota, N Texas looks a lot different. Its why I love tough non-conference schedules for have-not conference teams.

I am glad Notre Dame has that NBC contract, they are a blast to watch. Quinn throws it 60 times?

Nice wide open offense for Nebraska. They average 3.9 yards per pass in a 7-6 thriller over Pitt. They averaged more than that with the option! God, they suck, and they are 3-0.

I would be surprised if Mike Tice makes it 2 more weeks as Vikings coach.

USC just scored again.....

Verno

Thanks and here are the picks

Thanks to all of you that came out to Blue Coast Burrito today. As always, the show can be instant offense, and the place was packed. Thank you. I will be out there every Friday from 9a-1p. The ESPN Girls are on hand and we have prizes and ticket giveaways.

Bert Sugar gives his guaranteed losers every week on the show. Bert says these are his picks for this week...

BET AGAINST THESE, THEY ARE LOSERS

Pitt (bet Nebraska)
Buffalo (bet Rutgers)
N. Carolina (bet Wisconsin)
Army (bet Baylor)
Nevada-Reno (bet UCLA)

My 5 bazzilion star lock of the century--- of which we are 2-0 this season

is ....... Idaho +14 against Washington

I have done 25,000 hours of research for this game.. either that or I closed my eyes and put a pen down and it landed on Idaho.

Either way, if it is wrong you get picks for eternity for free

Keep the peace, Go Dores

Verno

Please accept my apology

I really apologize for not posting on the blog. I ran into a really busy time and getting this up has been lost in the shuffle. I appreciate that you read this, and have let me know that it is time to get back to work on the site.

The towers have the groundwork done and it should be less than a few weeks before the flamethrower is in tact. That will certainly fix many of the problems that i am emailed with. You should be able to pick up this station anywhere very soon.

Streaming on the web within 2 weeks will be available.

We have moved to our temp space on Beale while our studios are being built and the temp space is unbelievable. First class.

I have been working on getting something done for the show and an announcement is forthcoming on a wonderful addition.

I will post my picks for the weekend and Bert Sugars Loser Picks tommorow. Stay tuned for that.

Thank you to all of you for listening and coming to the website. This has been grassroots for a minute, but there is coming a time, very soon where your gran-mammy will know about 730.

Come join me for luch at Blue Coast Burrito tommorow (Friday). We will be there with the ESPN girls, tickets, and ESPN schwag until 1pm. It is off Highland, on Walker, across from RP Tracks, right by the University.

Verno the Gr-gr-gr-gr-eat.

What a day.

Enjoy college fball this weekend. On Monday we will be in the Highland Hundred parking lot giving away ESPN gear and food from Blue Coast Burrito. We are excited to become more involved in the community and the local school by becoming one of the corporate members of a club that we have a lot of respect for. Please stop by, get some free stuff, and say hello.

We will be out there by 10:30 or 11 am.

Continue to pray for all of those affected by Katrina.

Chris

VERNO'S 20 THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN THE SEC 2005

1. GERALD RIGGS WILL LEAD THE SEC IN RUSHING THIS YEAR. 5.7 YPC LAST YR.

2. THE IRON BOWL WILL DECIDE THE WEST CHAMPION (WON'T BE LSU)

3. DJ SHOCKLEY WILL NOT START EVERY GAME FOR GEORGIA

4. GEORGIA WILL BE THE BIG DISSAPOINTMENT TEAM... LOST TOO MUCH, QB STRUGGLES

5. UT WILL BEAT OLE MISS BY AT LEAST 3 TD'S ON OCT. 1ST

6. ARKANSAS WILL NOT GET BLOWN OUT AT USC

7. JEMARCUS RUSSELL WILL STILL LOOK WEIRD THROWING THE BALL

8. MICHAEL SPURLOCK WILL LOSE HIS STARTING JOB BY THE 3RD GAME (WYOMING)

9. RICH BROOKS WILL BE FIRED (MAYBE AFTER THE NOV 12TH VANDY GAME)

10. TENN. WILL WIN THE EAST, AUBURN OR BAMA WIN THE WEST

11. VANDY WILL GET A HUGE UPSET WIN THIS YEAR

12. YOU WILL KNOW ABOUT VANDY LB MOSES OSEMWEGIE (WATCH HIM PLAY)

13. YOU WILL KNOW ABOUT ARKANSAS WR MARCUS MONK (FREAK OF NATURE)

14. ALABAMA WILL BE THE SURPRISE TEAM THIS YEAR (9 RETURNING STARTERS ON 2ND NAT. D)

15. SPURRIER AND SOUTH CAROLINA WILL GET A WIN OVER ONE OF THE EAST BIG DOGS

16. ARKANSAS WILL START ANOTHER BOWL STREAK (6 YR STREAK ENDED LAST YR.)

17. BRODIE CROYLE WILL HAVE THE BEST STATS OF ANY BAMA QB IN OVER 20 YRS

18. THE AUBURN/ LSU GAME WILL BE ANOTHER DEFENSIVE BATTLE

19. MISS. ST.'S SEC ROAD LOSING STREAK WILL END AT 19 WITH A WIN OCT. 29TH AT KENTUCKY

20. LOUISVILLE WILL BEAT KENTUCKY BY 30

Case of the Mondays

Well, we got to the trailer to do the show this morning only to realize that our humble abode got popped by lightning over the weekend, knocking out the phones. 3 Hours, no guests, no calls. Thank God I had overly prepared, because that was certainly different. Even I get tired of hearing myself talk. Well, sometimes. HAHAHAHA. In all seriousness, I remember telling you long ago that when I first started in radio at the other station, I was working one day on the board when the lines went dead and it was a day of the worst shows I had ever heard, outside of Lapides. George doesn't rely on calls and is always prepared for whatever he is going to do. That was a real lesson to me. I realized the value and difference of those that are prepared, and those that are not.

I gave the 20 Things To Look for This Year in the SEC (My List, I didn't just read what someone else wrote). They will be on the front page for you to find and you can keep up with them and rag me when I am wrong.

Thanks for listening. Gary is on tommorow. We have some big station promotions coming up, and there should be a surprise one at the end of this week. I will let you know the when and where's.

Verno

Thursday includes Easterwood and Sugar

Today on the show, we will have "inside hoops" with Keith Easterwood and our weekly cigar with Bert Sugar. Got some calls out for some NFL guys, maybe we will land one of those too.

I am sure that Easterwood and I will talk about local bbal recruit Brandon Powell announcing that he will be going to Florida and if that will affect the Tigers attempt to lure Thaddeus Young.

Keith will be on at 9:30 and will answer questions if you have them.
877-730-espn (3776)

Verno

Tuesday and Wednesday with G Peezie

Gary Parrish is now with me on Tues. and Wed. Gary is a great addition to Tuesdays show and I love having him around. Today we had ESPN.COM national columnist Pat Forde on the show to talk about his column on the Huggins saga. Cincy bball has been a joke and an embarrasment for the school, so really it comes as no surprise to me that Huggins got the axe. Say what you want about their president, but she has some serious guts.

The show is really gaining steam, word of the station is getting out, and I thank you.

Turnin it out from a trailer and 1 tower.
Web Streaming will be up in the next 2 weeks... maybe sooner.


Verno

ESPN 730 at the Grand Casino

The girls and I went to the Grand for the World Series of Poker event this past Sunday. Tara, Carly, and Jamie took this pic with WSOP greats Scotty Nguyen and Robert Williamson III. Make sure you get out to our next huge ESPN bash at the Redbirds game on Sept. 2nd. The details are on the homepage.

SEMI BIG NEWS MONDAY (Pierre and Roberson)

We broke some more news today on the show when we told you that Pierre Niles has withdrawn from Ridgeway High School. Pierre is one the best high school bball players in the nation, and a part of one of the best classes in a long time. At this point, though Pierre is not in school, the word is that he will go to a prep school (maybe IMG). I hate to see that Pierre is not going to finish school playing bball in the Memphis area, but I hope he can get his academics straight.
It puzzles me that we see this happening with another huge bball player that is enrolled in a Memphis City School. Is it them? Is it the schools? The guardians? It is probably a bad combo of all three. I hope this kid gets things straight, because by all accounts, he is really good kid with a tremendous future in basketball. Thanks to Keith Easterwood for helping us with this story. Another Memphis high school great goes somewhere else to get eligible. Depressing.

I had Scotty Nguyen on the show. Scotty is a former World Series of Poker champion and is playing down at the WSOP event at the Grand Casino this week. He was an absolute trip. Good interview, hilarious guy.

The other news we brought to you on the show today is that Anthony Roberson signed a 2 year deal with the Grizzlies. He told us when I had him on the show today. An innocent question about his status of making the team turned into a good little nugget. A 2 year deal does not mean that you are coming to camp to get cut. I would be real surprised if this doesn't mean the end of Antonio Burks in a Grizz uni.

You keep listening and we will keep bringing you what you want to know. Guests, news, opinions. We are one step ahead. Tell a friend.

Turnin it out from a trailer hooked to one tower.........

Verno

The cat problem and Friday

I have stray cats outside of my house that sleep on my car and walk all over it. I asked for you to help me solve my problem. You called in with everything from shooting, to tazing, to spraying water on them. Thanks for being no help.... hahahaha.

We talked to AF2 COY Danton Bartow and they have their championship game at the DCC tonight. We also talked about Tim Thompson, Randy Moss, etc. Keith Easterwood called in and said he was more confident than yesterday that a Memphis/ Kentucky deal will get done.

Have a great weekend. I will be at the Grand Casino from 3-5 on Sunday for a remote from the World Series of Poker. Come by and meet the players, take in the action, and get free ESPN gear.

Verno

Look what we stirred up today

I had Keith Easterwood on the show today and he said that he believes that Kentucky is the big non-conference game that the Tigers will be getting on the schedule. Obviously, this was possibly huge news to everyone. I know that Keith typically knows more about the local happenings in bball around this region than anyone. The university has validated that they have been in talks with Kentucky, but nothing has been signed. Everyone is now scrambling to find out if this is true, to get the inside scoop. What we do know is that, in addition to Arizona (which has been mentioned), that Cal has talked about scheduling another Top 10 program. Keith said that the school was Kentucky, and it adds up. Cal can't confirm yet because, if something goes wrong, then it's like "What happened to Kentucky?" but they are trying to get this done and I commend Cal and his staff at working like dogs to get a great non-conference schedule. I hope it turns out that Memphis does sign a deal with Kentucky... it would be amazing. Duke, Carolina, Kentucky... if you get any of those three... it's huge.

There is no denying that we dictated other shows. Thanks for listening.

Easterwood also let us know that he believes that Pierre Niles will be a Tiger, but it will be a year. Keith will be on every Thurs. at 9:30.

Bringin you what you want to hear from 1 tower, wait till we have 4. HAHAHAHAHA.

thanks for listening, calling, and emailing the show... tell a friend about 730 ESPN

Verno

Gary Parrish Wed. and Thurs. Guests

Gary and I talked a lot about the Tiger bball game against UT that ws announced in the paper this morning. It is my contention that it will be the highest attended of the non-conference games this year. Gary says it will be the Texas game. Gary is wrong. I will win the bet. The Tenn. game is a rivalry, at least somewhat. I contend that Ole Miss and Tenn. now become more exciting because the conf. rivals are gone. It is all the fans have left in terms of a rivalry. Many of you work with UT or Ole Miss fans. How many Texas fans? Regardless of rank. That's why I feel the way I do. We also talked about Tim Thompson back in coaching and whatever else came to our minds.

Got good news on the towers.... they are ahead of schedule.

Thurs. I will have Keith Easterwood on at 9:30 for Inside Hoops. I will also be joined by Bert Sugar for the "Weekly Cigar with Bert Sugar", and Sporting News NBA writer Sean Deveney.

Verno

Tim Thompson, Mike Miller, and the show

I had Tim Thompson on the show today. After reading Sunday's article about the former Melrose coach taking over at Fayette-Ware, I had to talk to him. Look at some of these gems from the self-professed P-Diddy of this here caoching game.

"I'm a great coach, and I'll fire yo' (butt)," Thompson boasts

"Everybody in Memphis is running the run-and-shoot now," he says. "But they forget, we got the recipe. We the Colonel." MY FAVORITE QUOTE IN THE HISTORY OF MEMPHIS

"It's the system," Thompson said. "People don't understand that. Coming from Melrose, it was like, 'He's got a lot of great players. Da da da da da.'
"Now we'll show 'em it was the system. (New England Patriots coach Bill) Belichick is going to win, baby. I don't care where he go. It's his system."

As you can see, Tim can drop a quote with the best of them. I know Tim screwed up and did some things he shouldn't have, but he paid for it. He has helped save a ton of kids out of the ghetto, he re-united an entire community, and he is a great football coach. I can't wait to see what he does at a school that has lost 28 straight. We will definitely catch up with Tim again.

We also talked with Mike Miller. Mike is a great guy, and I am glad that he is a part of the nucleus of this Grizz team.

Dennis Dodd (CBS Sportsline) joined us to talk about college football, and was good as always.

I've got no producer and we are killing it. Amazing. I had heard it wasn't me.

Gary will be joining me on Tuesdays also, looking for more sponsors, get in touch with me.

Verno

Anthony Reyes is the Man

Holding serve, we were able to track down Anthony Reyes the day after he struck out 15 for the Redbirds. If you have not seen this guy pitch, find out when he is starting and get down to Autozone Park. He is filthy. I have seen the likes of Ankiel, Bud Smith, Danny Haren, and the likes come through Memphis, and Reyes might just be the best. Before you scoff, those that I just named were, at a time, as good as it got on the AAA level. Reyes came on the show and talked about winning his MLB debut last week for the Cardinals, and about mowing down 15 batters in his AAA start on Sunday. There are guys that come through Memphis that you have a chance to see for a limited time... go see Reyes.

Tuesday on the show, Gary Parrish will join me, as well as Dennis Dodd from CBS Sportsline and one of the new Grizzlies... Jones, Stoudamire, or Jackson.

I went to the presser on Monday and not much came from it, but I do have clips I got with the Logo afterwards that I will play tommorow.

Email me if there are any guests you are interested in seeing.

Tell a friend about ESPN 730.

Verno

The weekend that was

I started the weekend on Friday by going to the Highland Hundred banquet. I was really impressed with the event once again. Tommy West was a good speaker as always and the new president is a friend of mine, Jim Pennington. It sure is a lot different than it was a few years ago. Thanks to easy Ed Scheeler and Jimmy P, you guys are always great to me.

Saturday I went to the two dollar movie (which is now 2.50) to see Cinderella Man. It didn't do well at the box office, but it is a great flick. It really details the depression and one of the best stories in the history of sports. Check it out when it comes out on video soon.

The ESPN 730 crew was out at the 50 in 50 event. I hope you saw them and got a t-shirt if you were out there. We have got some great looking t-shirts, and next time we are out and about I will let you know and you can get one.

I will go the the Grizzly presser with the new players on Monday and let you know how it went.

Get the word out. ESPN 730.

Verno

Thursday check-in

Today we had a packed show. We heard from Bert Sugar, Newsday's Wally Matthews, Houston Nutt, Jesse Weeks from the Riverbend Links, Chargers QB Phillip Rivers, and local bball guru Keith Easterwood.

I am really happy to let you know that Keith is going to be a regular on the program, and nobody knows more about the local basketball scene than Keith.

Keith said that he expected these names on the Tiger recruit list... Willie Kemp, Hasim Bailey, Sonny Weems, John Mandelove, Stanley Robinson. I probably spelled all of those wrong. Keith also said that the Tigers have a good shot at Thaddeus Young, and Derrick Character will decide at the last minute whether it will be Louisville or Memphis.

The Tigers should not sign a home and home with Sun Belt team. Period. The new contracts with MTSU and Ark. St. are outrageous to me.

Thanks for checking the blog and I will be here tommorow.

Verno

I need to correct the SEC Media Days start date

We are sending out a press release soon, but I wanted to let you know that we are launching with local programming on Monday August 1st (less than a week). I will be on from 9-noon everyday. That is all I can say right now, but please go to your radio and program one of your channels to 730 am. Thanks for checking the blog...

Verno

Bonzi deal

I would have given the guy away for a bag of Zapp's potato chips, I like the deal. I really like Snyder and I have always liked Bobby Jackson.

FAQ's

When do you go on the air?

It looks like the launch date will be mid-to-late July, but for sure by SEC Media Days in Birmingham. While I miss being on the air, this is fine by me. If there was one month of the year that I could sit out, this would be it. I don't have to tell you this if you are listening to it. It also gives me time to get to Bristol, work with Rick Scott, and continue to work on designing the new show.

What the heck is up with the signal?

This is what happens. Simmons Media (the company) buys a signal that can be boosted. As you are reading this, there is a tech crew working on getting the 4 new towers up. The signal will be really good in the entire greater Memphis area, and should reach even those of you further away. There is really no way to know for sure until everything gets done.

What happens to Gary, Ron, Bert Sugar, etc.?

Gary is sticking with me. Gary is not only a great asset to the show, he is a good friend. Gary helped me a ton in making my decision, and he knows that one of my concerns was making sure we could keep what we have built with Gary Parrish Wenesdays. Ledbetter stays with us for that. Tillery has been given a gig at Sports 56 doing the morning show. I loved working with Ron, who is also a good friend, and I am happy for him. I would never wish getting up at 4:30 in the morning on anyone. Bert Sugar will be a weekly guest on the show, he is the best. Jim Denton and the other regulars come too.

What about the guests?

Hahaahahahahaha. "Oh, Chris is leaving, but he wasn't responsible for his guests." This is a great subject. I told you from the start that we will have the best guests in Memphis sports radio. That will never change. As long as I am in that seat, it's like Vince Carter in the dunk contest, it's over. We will have some of the best producers you can find with me in this endeavor, so the guests, now with the ESPN affiliation, only get bigger and better.

How do I get a job at ESPN 730?

email me your info and desires, and I will pass them on. I have already told many of you that asked that there will be internships available.


I will update this tomorrow. Feel free to ask anything else, and I will get you the answers.