This song is wild fire

Wow... I was sent a video for it on youtube.com, my addiction. Mentions from Deadspin, everydayshouldbesaturday, every mesage board, etc. All I ever wanted was to have my voice heard, either that or I didn't have enough content for the show. Thank you internet for my 4 minutes of internet fame.

A guy named cbknox has put a video together for the song and put it on youtube. well done. I am sure this is my last weekend on earth once his kids are singing it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63PnSDrGHRw

ESPN's Chris Spielman Live @ It's Gameday

Former Ohio St, NFL player, current ESPN Analyst Chris Spielman will be live on remote with me today from 5-6. The store is at Meddenhall and Sanderlin.

Dont Call It A Come Back - Colonel Reb is Crying

HERE IS THE NEW SONG WE DEBUTED ON THE SHOW ON TUES.


Colonel Reb is Crying 9/26/06

T.O. attempts suicide?

The Fort Worth Star Telegram reports that T.O. tried to kill himself last night. I cannot believe this story. I talk a lot about keeping sports in perspective. This is a guy with real problems behind all of the bluster. HERE IS THE LINK.

This morning is a primary example of why 730 is making such huge gains everyday. I was driving around and the other station is talking about college bball, while Mike and Mike have been all over this story for the last hour. The other station has no idea about the biggest sports story in the world, or does not care. Now... on to more calls about UT/Memphis, talk of Byron Nelson dying, and soccer...
You have a choice... all day.

I have to admit that this part of the story is strange to say the least....

FOX 4's Lynn Kawano said a police report stated Owens ingested a large amount of prescription pain medication at about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Owens publicist called 911 at 7:47 p.m. and asked for emergency crews to respond to Owens' home near Deep Ellum.

That was incredible

I thought MNF last night was great. ESPN handled it well. I thought that perspective was kept as well as it could have been, and it made everyone that watched want to heed to the pleas of the locals, and visit New Orleans.

I have never really cared about the Saints, but I almost lost my voice when they blocked the punt and ran it in to start the game. That was a sports moment I will never forget, and those don't happen everyday.

I thought the Kornheiser speech to start the game was great.

Verno

Philanthropy (the picks)

Verno's "cupboard bare" parlay
Fl Atlantic +30 over S. Carolina
UAB -9.5 over Miss St
Wake +2.5 over Ole Miss

Verno's Ambien CR deadbolt lock of the past 25 years INFINITY STARS
CENTRAL MICHIGAN -4.5 OVER E. MICH

Gary's NAP Parlay
Nevada -7
Air Force +1
Purdue +2.5

Garys Pawn the Guitar Lock
Oregon State -25 over Idaho

Jimmy Denunzio Picks (9-1 so far this season)
Jax +7 over Colts
Minnesota +3 over Chicago
Cincy +3 over Pitts
S Fran +6 over Philly
Double Secret Triple Lock is New Orleans over Atlanta (MNF)

Bert Sugar Picks (10-4-2 this season with us)
C Mich -4 over Eastern Mich
Minnesota -3 over Purdue
Syracuse -6.5 over Miami (OH)
Bama +2 over Ark
UAB -10 over Miss St

Coyote Ugly Pick of the Week is
New England -6.5 over Denver (Coyote pick is 1-0 this season)

Rosers Pick
Kansas -4

Have a great weekend and I appreciate you listening to the show

Verno

Fridays Show

Before I get to the show, we reported yesterday on the show that the new Tigers beat writer (taking Gary's place) is a guy named Dan Wolken from Colorado Springs (he has been covering Air Force). He is young, he works very hard, and is a great writer. This is a great hire for the CA, and a great replacement for GP, who as you know, was a great beat writer for the Tigers.


It's a Packed out Friday..

Dave Richard from sportsline.com for fantasy football weekend preview, Gary Parrish and the Philanthropy (Picks) segment, Bert Sugar, Worlds Greatest Handicapper Jimmy Denunzio, etc.
I may mix in a local yokle to talk about Ryder Cup (just kidding).

I don't need to tell those of you reading this to listen to the show or the station, but make it a point to tell someone about it. Well prepared hosts, different topics on every show, the best interviews being done in the sports world... its how we roll. Word has gotten out big time as of late and all you have to do is come by our tailgate parties, etc. Thank you for listening, this is just the start. The only challenge was getting the word out, and once it does completely, its all over but the weeping and gnashing of teeth.


I am poison sumac

Grizz Power Hour

Thursday on the Grizz Power Hour from 3-4 with me and Eric Hasseltine... Grizz Director of Scouting Tony Barrone Jr. in studio. We will talk about all of his travels over the summer and what is going on with the team right now, how players look, etc.

I am also planning on saying the most intelligent thing to ever come from a human tongue on the show.

Verno

Bruce Pearl thinks ABC 24 asks horses***t questions

Click on... Pearl won't answer question. You think they would ever ask Cal this if UT went further in the tourney? Yeah right.

What my producer looks like during the show

Jon Roser, ladies and gentlemen

Feelings Through Art (Part 2)

Philanthropy (The Picks are free)

Verno's Malignant Tumor Parlay (you would rather have one than not play this)
Notre Dame -6 over Michigan
Syracuse +3 over Illinois
UAB +17 over Georgia

Verno's NFL Picks AWDIGBO (All we do is get blown out)
San Diego -11 over Titans
Baltimore -12 over Oakland

Gary's Jerrell Powe Parlay
A-- Akron -1 1/2
C-- Conn -6
T-- Texas Tech -1 1/2

Gary's Lock of the World forever and ever +10 years
G Tech -17 1/2

Coyote Ugly Pick of the Week
San Francisco +3 over St. Louis

Jimmy Denunzio (Went 5-0 last week)
Jacksonville +1 1/2
Indy -13 1/2
Baltimore -12
Wash +6 1/2

Double Secret Lock times 4
New Orleans -2 over Green Bay

Those are the picks-- good luck becoming billionaires

Verno

Bert Sugar is smart

Bert went 5-0 last week and is 80% in his picks on the show. You could do a lot worse than taking his advice. Build your war chest.

Here are Bert's Picks for this week (these are #'s he got them at in Vegas)

ECU -1 1/2 over Memphis
Boston College -7 over BYU
Boise St. -7 over Wyoming
Oregon -4 1/2 over Oklahoma
Az State -10 over Colorado
Bonus Pick----- Stanford -2 1/2 over Navy

All of the other picks from the show (Including Denunzio who went 5-0 last week) will be up tomorrow after the show.

73% of Americans say that immigration is a serious problem.The other 27% said, 'No habla ingles.'--Conan O'Brien

This makes me feel better (feelings through art)

Philanthropy

Verno's King James Lock Parlay
C--- Central Florida +23 1/2 vs. Florida
A---Auburn -20 vs. Miss State
V---Vanderbilt +16 vs. Alabama

Verno's Supersonic Plutonic Bubonic Plague Guguplex Stars Lock of the New Millenium
Idaho +17 vs. Washington State (Dennis Erickson homey)

Gary's Counting Crows Parlay
C--- Cal -7 1/2 vs. Minnesota
R---Rutgers -10 1/2 vs. Illinois
O--- Okla -16 vs. Wash
W--- Wake Forest -19 vs. Duke
S--- Stanford or San Jose St.-- you choose line is 9 1/2

Jimmy Denunzio Picks
Jacksonville -2
Ohio St +2 1/2
Chicago Bears +3 1/2
Philly +4 1/2

Triple Triple Secret Lock Pick is MNF-- Minnesota +4 1/2 vs. Washington Redskins

Bert Sugar's Picks (against spread)
Florida
Oregon
V Tech
Pitt
Georgia

Gary's Progressive (against spread) (Zombie)
Zona
Ohio St
Mich
Boston College
Indiana
East Carolina Then put it all on Oregon

Friday Show

3:30-- Dave Richard (Fantasy Football Columnist CBS Sportsline) will take your calls

4 oclock hour-- Gary Parrish, possible special guest, the picks for the weekend (where we make you millions)

5 -- Jimmy Denunzio (Self-Proclaimed Worlds Greatest Hadicapper)
5:20-- Weekly Cigar with Bert Sugar
5:40-- Chargers QB Phillip Rivers (tentative)

I will update the site with the picks before Saturday.

An Invitation

All of you are invited to attend our FIRST TIGER TAILGATE of the season. It will be @ Toby Park starting at 4 oclock, and it will go until 7pm. The Tigers play their home opener against Chattanooga. I am well aware that Ohio State and Texas are playing that night. If you are not going to the Tiger game and want to go home or some bar and watch #1 vs. #2, I still want you to come to the Tailgate.

We will have free drinks including kegs and frozen drink machines from Budweiser. We will have the Coyote girls from Coyote Ugly, and we will have free food from Central BBQ. How can you turn that down? Invite everyone you know and come out for the party. It's all free. Come say hello. Holler Holler. 730 ESPN is the King of the Tailgate. Represent.

Verno

I hate Western Michigan and I am 1/2 pt from hating Southern Miss

Philanthropy

Here are the picks from the show today

The Verno Shocker Parlay
Vandy +26 vs. Michigan
Southern Miss +20 1/2 vs. Florida

Verno's super duper trooper grilled grouper infinity stars lock of the century
Western Michigan +6 1/2 vs. Indiana

Why is this so easy?

Gary Parrish CBS Parlay
Cal -2 1/2 over UT
Bowling Green +10 1/2 vs. Wisconsin
Southern Cal -8 1/2 vs. Arkansas

Gary's South Florida screw the hurricane lock of the century katrina aid pick
Miami -3 over Florida State

Bert Sugar's Picks
Penn St -16 1/2 over Akron
Cal +2 vs. Ut (that's what he got it at)
Navy -12 1/2 over ECU
Ohio State -17 1/2 over Nothern Ill.
Nebraska -23 1/2 over La. Tech

There they are, have a safe holiday weekend.

Verno

Who wants to be a millionaire?

Today is the return of the 3 greatest handicappers in the history of western civilization.

Jimmy Denunzio from DiCaprio picks and bail bonds joins us on the show today, and you cannot afford to miss him. He is 100 percent in the last 10 years.

Gary and I will make our picks, including parlays. Parlays are the only way to make money like we make... billions this year. I will post all of the picks. If you do not listen to our picks, blame yourself when your kid has a crappy Christmas. We will do our part. We give back to the listeners by giving you the greatest picks this world has ever seen. This time of year, we don't give bums money, we give them picks. Why? Because we try to save the world.

Bert Sugar will be on the show and we will get his picks too. He will also tell us about the James Toney/ Samuel Peter fight tomorrow night.

Get ready to trade in your car and buy a Bentley, and get a new house. Listen only if you care about the future of you and your children. Otherwise, live in regret forever.

Verno

Starting on College Football

With the first game coming on Thursday night, here come the bold predictions...

Ten or so things to look for in the SEC this year...

Tennessee beats Cal in the first game by at least double-digits

Kenny Irons becomes the 5th Auburn RB to lead the league in rushing since 2000

Mitch Mustain is the starting Arkansas QB by week 3 @ Vandy

In a shocker, Florida loses one of its first 2 games (both vs. CUSA, Southern Miss and UCF)

Be surprised if Ole Miss wins 4 games

Ole Miss/ Miss State may be the "job on the line" game

Vanderbilt will not be as bad as people think without Cutler (win at least 5 and compete for bowl)

The season surprisingly becomes a really good year for QB's, and the future at Arkansas, Florida, and Georgia all look really good with Freshmen that get to play.

Miss State is better than Ole Miss.

Gary and I will be millionaires as a reflection from our super-trooper duper picks, parlays, and locks

I realize that some of these are far-fetched, but if I am wrong I will just act like I never said it

Recognize

Verno

Parrish The Thoughts... copyright pending.

I figure if I have a catchy name for the blog, I will get more readers. Thanks Gary.

Nice debut on national TV for DeAngelo against the Dolphins. 98 yd kick return and he looked warped speed. Another note on this game... I think I have watched the Titans and other crappy teams too much in the preseason, because both the Dolphins and the Panthers defenses looked much faster and better than almost everyone I have seen so far. So what happens when you put a total meathead with zero comprehension of broadcasting on the sidelines or in the booth and give him a headset? You get Tony Siragusa on Fox. Possibly the worst decision I have ever seen made by a network. He talks when he is not supposed to, he burps, he eats, and has never said an intelligent thing. This is like the Lions sticking with Matt Millen. How is he back? How? At least every single game he is on I know I will get the wonderful incite about how hot it is on the field. When is he not hot? He weighs 500 lbs. It is always hot when you are insanely obese.

I am pretty sure I am gonna go see that movie with Marky Mark in it about football, Invincible. I have heard good things, but though I have seen Mark Wahlberg in movies, and I know he is responsible for Entourage, I will never get him punching the heavy bag in a old warehouse out of my head. Come on, come on, comeon, comeon, it's such a good vibration.

I had no idea how awesome Dwight Howard was until I watched him on Team USA. Orlando has been like witness protection.

My Madden addiction is so unhealthy. I should have never bought it.

This weekend, in between Franchise mode, I will put together all of the college football prep. I know, you can hardly wait.

Has anyone ever been more inconsistent at anything than Jason Marquis is at pitching?

I am starting to think that Delina will not win Rock Star Supernova and I think it may be Lucas now. Yes, Storm Large is hot, but she won't win.

Keep it thuggy.

Verno

When permanently means nothing

Tiger basketball player Jeremy Hunt was reinstated today. You may remember that Jeremy was suspended for a domestic dispute with an ex, then reinstated, then permanently dismissed from the Tiger program for getting in a fight on Beale Street and breaking his hand (which he lied and said he did in a shooting drill). That Jeremy Hunt.

The whole Jeremy Hunt situation was a P.R. nightmare for the University. They botched it. They hired a firm for a ton of money to say they botched it.

What is more comical than the whole reinstatement is the reaction you will hear from the media in this town. The media that if it was any other school would have a totally different opinion.

I love hearing that "he's a great kid." How do you know? Because he is nice to you? You are supposed to be nice to people. I know if it was my daughter that he hit, I would cringe to hear about what a great kid he is. Yet you will hear media members say that, as if they really know. How many great kids pin down girls and beat them up? There may be some, but I have never known them. What if that was your daughter? How would you feel now? What is your answer to that? It bothers you to think of it that way, doesn't it? It challenges your thinking.

I love hearing "he did was he was supposed to do, he graduated, and he has been a model citizen." Seriously, how low are our standards? You should graduate when you get a free education and tutors to boot, you are supposed to stay out of trouble, and you should be a model citizen.

I love hearing "hopefully he learned his lesson." What lesson? That if you are good at basketball permanently can mean nothing if you act right for a while? If you can help Memphis win, chances come in packs of at least three. If you cannot, ask Simplice Njoya how many you get.

The spin is gonna be classic. Cal and the media in his pocket will say that those of us against the reinstatement hate Memphis, don't care about kids, don't understand what Jeremy would do without basketball, and don't know the kid well enough. They will say it does not bother them at all. We will hear how he served his time and has learned, etc. On the subject of not caring about kids... Keena Young had a Uhaul packed with his stuff to come to Memphis in a package deal with Kendrick Perkins and when Kendrick did not come, Keena was told to un-pack his bags and stay home. What did he do wrong? Don't we care about kids here?

I am totally in favor of second chances. Jeremy got his. He was told that he had one chance, and when he screwed up again the university sent out a message saying that he was gone forever and would no longer embarrass the Tigers. Kids make mistakes and everyone has to learn from them. The best life lesson that Jeremy can learn is for permanent to mean permanent. Reinstating him sends the message that permanent can mean nothing... If your good at basketball. This isn't just the wrong word being used, that they should not have said "permanent" as many will say.

The mistake is that they should have meant permanent.

Verno

DJ Quits Live on the Air

If you heard the show today, you may have heard the greatest resignation ever. Here is the link. It happened this past weekend on a station in Mobile. I wish we could hire her to do updates.

http://www.urbaninsite.com/replay/iquitthisbitch.mp3

Verno

Kicking it around--- Fantasy Football-- 730 ESPN

I would guess that the majority of you that are reading this have or will play fantasy football. If I put something together to produce a league sponsored by the station where we would play for prizes the station provides, how many of you would be interested? Live draft would be @ the studio on a date to be determined. The first people to email will get in when it's all put together.

Email me soon if interested... verno@730espn.com

Anthony Randolph

I admit that I do not follow recruiting, but I am very aware that many fans do. That being said, Anthony Randolph was one of the big-time recruits that the Memphis Tigers were after is not coming to Memphis.
Parrish said this today on the show. Gary has talked people close to Randolph and they told him, and the Memphis staff, that the Tigers are out. The kid is from Texas and it was gonna be a long shot to sign him from what Gary says. The kid narrowed his list and Memphis is not in it anymore. According to the people Gary talked to the list now includes Texas, Kansas, Georgetown, Cincinnati, and LSU.
Also, Gary said that two assistants (not Tigers) have told him that they thought the next move was for Calipari to hire Tiger recruit Derrick Rose's (Reggie) brother as an assistant.
I hope this is true because evidently he got kicked out of a huge AAU tournament for saying he was gonna shoot the ref. Talk about getting some calls next year at the Forum! That's Ballin.

Verno the Journalist

Antonio Burks update...

I talked to Burks today. As you know, he was scheduled to join me yesterday and did not. He expressed to me that he would perfer to not answer many of the questions that I would ask until he signed somewhere and determined his future.

There are 4 teams that he has talked with. They include Indiana, Sacramento (they would have to drop a PG for this to happen), Dallas, and Miami. If Larry Brown was still in New York, he believed that New York would be where he would have ended up. This makes sense only on the level that Brown and Calipari and extremely tight.

If the NBA does not work out, he has 2 offers from Europe. I believe that one of them was an Italian team. This much is certain, he told me that should he decide to play overseas, he would make more in one year than he did in 2 with the Grizzlies.

Verno the Reporter

these baby pandas are great looking creatures

Talladega Nights, Antonio Burks, etc.

I loved Talladega Nights. I had high expectations for this movie and I was not disappointed in the least. Will Ferrell co-wrote the movie, so you know the deal going in. What is the funniest dialogue we can come up with and deliver without laughing? It is much like Anchorman in that I will probably laugh at a ton of different jokes the next time I see it. There is no way that you could catch them all. If you are not a cyborg, you will laugh.

I get a lot of calls and emails about Antonio Burks. It is understandable considering he was a great player at Memphis, he's a homegrown kid, and was a Grizzly. Antonio is not playing for the Grizzlies. Now the question I get a lot is to ask if I have heard anything about what will happen to him. I will tell you that I have talked to people and Sacramento has interest in Burks. They would have to make a roster move, but it is a possibility. It makes some sense considering Eric Musselman is with the Kings now. Burks would be best served to get out of Memphis anyway, personally and professionally.

Tiger Woods is golf.

Did the Cardinals really win? Thank goodness Ben Sheets pulled his pectoral.

I saw that David Wright got a 6 year, 55 mil contract. If someone signs a great player I look at it in Arod terms, which is totally backwards. Is Wright worth half of Arod's deal? Of course he is, good deal.

I was glad to see NFL on NBC. I love the new crew for this. I love Costas, Collinsworth, Madden, Michaels. I bet Bettis will be good because he is likeable, and I cannot stand Sterling Sharpe. All in all, its a good crew.

Congrats to Matt Cain on the career high 12 K's.

Jeter over Big Papi for MVP? Discuss amongst yourself.

Verno

Joe Montana on the show Thursday.

3 days till Super Bowl Joe...

Today on the show--- SEC Media Days-- Day 3

Today youwill hear from...

Florida Coach Urban Meyer
Auburn Coach Tommy Tuberville
Miss St. Coach Sylvester Croom
ESPN Voice of College Football Ron Franklin

If I play the interview with Les Miles from LSU people will drive off the road because they will fall asleep. So we will not.

In what was a huge upset, I thought that Croom was the best coach I heard talk the entire week. It was not even close. He laid back in his chair, chilled out, and shot from the hip. Stunning.

Croom gave the best speech I have ever heard from a coach at Media Days. I will play it multiple times today. It was like it was from Field of Dreams or something. It happened in the radio room and it was by far the least attended coach session in the room. People really missed out on some great stuff. I will root for the guy.

There are about 3 or 4 station left here doing afternoon shows. I am one of them. I love being at media days, but I am ready to go home. I have stayed at a La Quinta in Hoover before and it was great, but this time I booked the wrong one. Never stay at the La Quinta off of exit 19 in Birmingham. The shower pressure is like pee. I am dirty, tired, and my back hurts from that stupid bed. I take my home from granted.

Listen to the show.

Verno

Today on the show-- SEC Media Days-- Day 2

Good Day 2-- you will hear from...

Tennessee Head Coach Phil Fulmer
Arkansas Head Coach Houston Nutt
Ole Miss LB Patrick Willis

Author Darren Epps (Author of Orange Crushed about Tenn Football last year)
Blue Ribbon College Football Yearbook Editor Sterling Ambrose

SEC Media Days ---- Day 1

This is the morning of day 2 in Birmingham. Yesterday, the only thing I will really remember was having Kenneth Darby (RB from Bama) say on the show that he was upset that Kenny Irons and Darren McFadden were both faster than him on NCAA 2007. I think they are faster than him in real life too.

This place is hilarious. I am always baffled at how seriously so many of the radio guys take themselves. I would guess that 50 percent have either have never kissed a girl, or at least not in the last 10-15 years.

The answers that all the coaches give are so predictable. I remember 5 or 6 years ago when I was really into sitting in a room and was in awe of the coaches and players and everything they said. I guess I am getting a little jaded, or maybe its ADD, but I get bored quickly now.

I did not get bored at all with Mike Slive (Commish of SEC) when he was on the show. I thought he was really good and guys with a lot of power intrigue me. I could talk to him about college football and its system for hours and learn a lot. Listening to him always makes me think of how uninformed people can be when they throw out their easy solutions to everything.

Today Spurrier is here. He is in a class above the rest in terms charisma. Spurrier is by far the best, Houston Nutt can be good with the Baptist minister thing, Tuberville is usually good in this setting, Mark Richt was better than I remembered, and the rest are boring.

Today is Ole Miss, Tenn, S. Carolina, and Arkansas. A much better day than yesterday when they put Vandy and Kentucky on the same day (get out the way day).

Ron Higgins says that this is the worst crop of players brought to media days since 1978. I believe him. Usually you get an Eli, or Cutler, or Cadillac, or whoever. This year there are a few names you would even recognize unless you are a big fan of the school they go to. A lack of stars here for sure.

Listen to the show.

Verno

Kyle Lowry on the show today

Grizzlies first round draft pick Kyle Lowry will join me on the show today.

Eric Hasseltine (Grizz PbP Voice) will join me today for Grizz Power Hour because we will be in Birmingham for SEC Media Days starting Wed.

Chris Herrington from the Memphis Flyer will also do his segment today.

Gary Parrish (Go read his stuff on sportsline.com) will join us from Vegas

I was at the Rookie presser this morning and we will talk about what Jerry West and the new guys had to say, as well as give you the sound from the days events.

I will be updating this blog everyday from SEC Media Days. Please read it. I will give you a dollar.

Keep it thuggy.

Verno

Closing out both sides of the trade

Yesterday when Rudy Gay joined us on the show, it closed out both sides of the trade. We were the first show to get Shane Battier on the show after the trade, and the first to get Rudy Gay after the trade. I was really impressed with the attitude and personality of Rudy Gay. He was witty and fun to talk to. Battier was the face of the Grizzlies franchise for good reason, and it will be different not seeing him in a Grizzly uni, but Rudy Gay, on first impression, seemed to be that engaging guy with charisma that people will fall in love with.

I want to thank all of you that are jumping on board with the station, and telling everyone you know. Things are picking up dramatically, and I appreciate all of you that listen. Emails to the station come in on a daily basis commenting on the station. Here is one that we got yesterday. I obviously know nothing about my competition, but I thought the example of yesterdays show was funny. This is the oppurtunity and excitement I wanted. To be a part of something fresh and new. Kevin is our GM.

Kevin,

Just wanted to let you know what a welcome relief your station has been. Sports 56, who I used to be a loyal listener and constant caller, has lately become nothing more than the new AM 790, the voice of the University of Memphis. The reason AM 790 failed was because they were all Tigers, all the time. The addition of Dave Woloshin, the radio voice of the Tigers, to go along with Greg Gaston, the television voice of the Tigers, to go along with George Lapides, the 1930's beat writer for the Tiger's, became too much for most sports fans to bear. While Chris Vernon was interviewing Rudy Gay this afternoon ( a wonderful interview by the way ), the guys at 56 were talking Tiger basketball recruiting for the year 2008. Please stay on the attack, and continue to seperate yourselves from your fast fading competition. Please continue to give us plenty of Grizzly information and other items that are not just U of M related. Unlike the written media in this city, sports talk listeners have a choice. Continue your good work and you will see more and more listeners make the switch to 730 espn radio Memphis.

Ron

Today on the show.... Gary Parrish in studio for the show, Keith Easterwood, Chris Herrington

I had to try that suit on

Represent

This is what I saw when I came to work today

My producer, Jon Roser, ladies and gentleman

Rudy Gay schduled to join us today

The newest Grizzly, Rudy Gay, is scheduled to join us on the show today (fingers crossed). Gary has his second article and mugshot up on sportsline.com.

Gary Parrish debut on Sportsline

http://sportsline.com/collegebasketball/story/9552286/1

Atta boy Gary.

I cannot stop laughing

You have to see this. I was reading a magazine last night that said to type "crying wrestling fan" into the youtube search. To see it CLICK HERE. Youtube is the best invention ever.

Moron Mike Off 3 is today at 4:20. Special celebrity judge Justin Moore (lead singer of Ingram Hill) will be on the show for the competition.

Shane Battier was great on the show yesterday. I am hunting down Rudy Gay for today to be on the Grizz Power Hour.

Bert Sugar on the show today from Vegas.

SHANE BATTIER ON THE SHOW TODAY!

Probably the first hour, if so, I will replay it in the third hour. We will get him right after his presser in Houston

MORON MIKE-OFF 2

One of the greatest moments in radio history will take place on the show on Friday. The much anticipated rematch of Jon Roser and Ladimer the Intern will take place on the show. Roser defends his microphone. Gary Parrish has set the odds, and Roser is a 6-1 favorite. Can he duplicate his timeless performance, or will the up and coming intern shock the world? We find out Friday.

Today on the show...

Eric Hasseltine (voice of Grizzlies) for the Grizzlies Power Hour

New Grizz Point Guard Kyle Lowry UPDATE: Lowry hurt in practice (did not look good) Anthony Roberson will be on instead

NBA Veteran Tony Delk

Thanks for listening... things are good

Verno

Grizz Summer League Roster, local flavor

It includes Billy Richmond and Waki Williams that played @ Memphis. No Rudy Gay because trade not official.

Antwain Barbour Kentucky
Ousmane Cisse St. Jude (HS)
Andreas Glyniadakis Greece
Junior Harrington Wingate
Alexander Johnson Florida State
Tarence Kinsey South Carolina
Kyle Lowry Villanova
Jared Newson Tennessee-Martin
Carlos Powell South Carolina
Billy Richmond Memphis
Anthony Roberson Florida
Lawrence Roberts Mississippi State
Steve ThomasMiddle Tennessee State
Hakim Warrick Syracuse
Waki Williams Memphis

I cannot stop watching videos on youtube

I have a show on Monday, no show Tuesday. We were gonna do "best of" but have no content for that.

Youtube brings me this today.....

I don't care whatever happens in sports for the next 100 years. This is not happening again.

Vince Carter strattles the 7 ft 2 in Frenchie in the Olympics.

And Gary Parrish told me about this guy he saw on Carson Daly, of course it was on youtube already, and if you like singer/songwriters, this guy is great.

David Ford, here is the carson daly performance.

Damn it feels good to be a gangster.

Verno

Grizz Director of Scouting and analaseez

Tony Barrone Jr. will be on the show today to talk about the draft, scouting, and the summer league team for the Grizz.

A quick hit on the draft. I hate to see Shane Battier go. Anyone that knows basketball knows what this guy brings to the table. He was the Grizzlies best on-ball and help defender. He makes winning plays and is totally selfless. Houston got a championship component when they acquired that guy.

On the other hand, this was a great step in the right direction for the Grizzlies. They needed to get more athletic and they did, and they needed to acquire players that could out-perform a contract, which they did. Gay and Lowry, along with Alexander Johnson, are seriously worth getting excited about. Alexander Johnson defames a guy.

An incredible Rudy Gay montage (always makes me think of Team America World Police when I use that word.)

I like what the Grizz are doing. I will bet there is more to come.

In the Ipod--- Young Jeezy (because I am from the streets), Arctic Monkeys (seemed like a good time to fire them up again), and Flyleaf (because the chick lead singer is scary)

Holla Holla

Verno

Grizz Draft and Future

I will update the site for tomorow. Until then, enjoy Herrington's Analysis of Last Night. Great read.

Jerry West is talking crazy

I have nothing else. Cannot wait for the show. As Logo would say, if you do not like the show, "to hell with you."

730 ESPN New Home For Vols in Memphis

We were proud to announce that 730 ESPN is now the home for the Vols in Memphis. This is a huge step for us as a station. First the Cardinals, then the signal boost, then the return of Mike and Mike and the addition of Jim Rome, and now having the rights to the Vols in Memphis is massive. Our programming has taken a huge leap in the last few weeks, and I am ecstatic about the future of 730 ESPN. Things are getting better all the time. The combo of the Vols and the Cardinals is a serious combo in this town. Holla Holla.

Here is the Press Release about the Vols...

730 ESPN RADIO PICKS UP THE TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS

Memphis, TN – 730-AM ESPN has completed an affiliation agreement with the Tennessee Volunteers to become its new radio broadcast partner here in Memphis. 730 ESPN will carry Vols football, including 90-minute pre-and-post game shows, as well as Tennessee Men’s basketball and select women’s basketball games.

"We are extremely excited about 730 ESPN being the new home of the Tennessee Volunteers in the Bluff City,” said Glenn Thackston, Director of Operations/Assistant GM for Host Communications/Vol Network. “In our comprehensive search for the right radio partner in Memphis, we became more and more impressed with 730 ESPN as the station's programming and coverage expanded significantly over the last several months. The Vol Network looks forward to growing with this exciting new sports station and 730 ESPN serving as the listening destination for U-T athletics in the Memphis market."

The Vol Network is one of the largest and most respected collegiate radio and television networks in the country. With 50-plus year history dating back to its founding by hall of fame announcer Lindsey Nelson and hall of fame Coach General Robert Neyland, the Vol Radio Network is made up of close to 70 radio affiliates located across the Southeast.

"When I arrived in Memphis in December, I spent two months researching which properties Memphians were most passionate about and vice versa. With all four hours of Mike and Mike in the Morning, Colin Cowherd, Jim Rome, Dan Patrick, Cardinals’ Baseball and now U-T football and basketball, we feel like we have successfully partnered with networks which match our passion for quality sports programming. This is a very exciting time for 730 ESPN,” said station program director Jon Madani.

730-AM ESPN has also agreed to air coach’s shows and select Vols’ features throughout the seasons. Tennessee opens the football season September 2nd on 730-AM ESPN.

Live from Autozone Park today

I am doing the show live from Autozone Park from 3-6.

Peter Vescey (New York Post) is on the show today. Also, I will have some Redbirds/ Cardinals guests, Gary Parrish from sportsline.com (haha), and weekly visits with Phillip Rivers and Bert Sugar.

Verno

update--- all falling apart. Vescey had a time conflict, Phillip is at the hospital with his wife becasue she is having a baby, and Bert is in Chicago. Great that this all happens 20 minutes before showtime. Ahh well... the show will be incredible now.

Congrats to Gary Parrish

If you heard the show today, you know by now that Gary is leaving the Commercial Appeal. He has accepted the National College Basketball Columnist job at cbssportsline.com. You all know how much fun we have on the show, and I honestly could not be more happy for someone. Gary is a great writer, and now the nation will know. He is staying in Memphis and on the show, and will start writing for sportsline at the start of July. Anyway, big props to Gary. I hate him for this.

Verno

Big Show, Big Show

Today on the show...

San Fransisco Giants Pitcher and Memphian Matt Cain (Last night 4 outs from no-hitter)

St. Louis Post Dispatch Columnist Bernie Miklasz (Cardinals, etc.)

Outside chance @ LaDanian Tomlinson (for real)

Call the granmammy

Verno

The times (and lineup) are a changin

Jim Rome is back on the air in Memphis, and on 730 ESPN. Mike and Mike are back too. So now we have the full show of Mike and Mike in the morning, 2 hours of Cowherd, 2 of Rome, 2 of Patrick, and then my show. I love the changes, and they coincide with the signal boost. Rome is one of those shows that people love or hate, but there is no debating that it is the biggest sports radio show in the nation, and I am glad it is on our station.

More announcements to come....

Verno

Signal done and on

The signal is up and you should notice a major difference. In Cordova, I picked up the Cardinals game, in my house, @ 7:40 at night, on a crappy radio. Thanks to those of you that have listened to the station and been patient. I have tried to keep you updated along the way the best I could, and now its a question that hopefully I will not have to answer a billion times a week. Again, thank you for listening.

Here is the release...

730 AM ESPN Radio Boosts Signal Strength

Memphis, TN - 730 ESPN Radio can now be heard all over the Mid-South. The station has completed a signal upgrade and is now transmitting from four new towers located in West Memphis, AR.
Previously, Cardinals baseball fans had expressed some frustration regarding their ability to hear the games as well as the Chris Vernon show in areas of Germantown and Collierville. The station had to await FCC approval, but that has now been received and the station began running at about four-times its previous strength as of Friday afternoon.
“It’s simply another step towards our goal of becoming the primary choice for fans of sports and entertaining talk,” said program director Jon Madani. “We will continue to listen to our fans and try to deliver for them whenever possible.”
730 ESPN Radio is currently the home of St. Louis Cardinals baseball, the af2 defending champion Memphis Xplorers and ESPN network programming like the Dan Patrick Show, Colin Cowherd and Mike and Mike in the Morning.
“Everyone loves ESPN Radio, says station manager Kevin Fry. “Now everyone can hear ESPN Radio.”

MIKE FRATELLO ON SHOW TODAY @ 3:20

If you have questions that you want asked... send them to verno@730espn.com. Thanks for listening and tell your granmammy to tune in today.

Verno

Out of Pocket

I will be back in a week. Eric Hasseltine and Jon Madani will be filling in. I will update when I get back.

Verno

Tony Barrone-- sorry for late notice

Grizzly fans-- email me if there is a question you want us to ask Tony Barrone (Dir. of player personell). chris@cvernon.com

today on the show @ 3. Replay at 5:40

Verno

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