Coach Pastner tries to change the mood (The Audio)

Memphis coach Josh Pastner came on the show yesterday (after the news came down) to get everybody feeling better about Memphis basketball. The perpetually positive coach preached the gospel of moving forward. Here it is if you missed it...

Memphis coach Josh Pastner on The Chris Vernon Show (8-20-09)

Rock for Love 3

This weekend is Rock for Love 3 (benefit for the Church Health Center). There are 3 shows over the course of Friday and Saturday. Friday night @ the Hi-Tone (Gary Parrish is emcee), Saturday during the day (I will emcee) free show @ Shangri-La Records- I am also gonna do a remote out there, and Saturday night (Al Kapone emcee) @ the Hi-Tone again. This is gonna be a tremendous event for a great cause. There are a ton of bands scheduled and there is no feasible way that you will not have fun if you check it out. Hope to see you there.

Bill Romanowski (The Audio)- Usain Bolt clean?

We started the weekly segment with Romo today. This week we talked about Usain Bolt and the world record, NFL news, etc.

Romo is never one to mince words, and regarding Bolt-- "in my opinion, there is no way on earth that he is natural. I would bet my life on it." Listen to his reasoning below...

Bill Romanowski on The Chris Vernon Show (8-17-09)

Bobby Bowden on the show (The Audio)

Bobby Bowden is entering his 34th season as the coach at Florida State. He joined us on the show on Friday to talk about possibly having to vacate wins, how coaching, recruiting, performance enhancing drugs, the Myron Rolle story, etc. He is always fantastic on the show. Check it.

Bobby Bowden on The Chris Vernon Show (8-14-09)

Perfect

The report came out tonight that Michael Vick is going to be playing for the Eagles. Thank goodness. The team I dislike the most signs the convicted felon. Philadelphia has the fans with the least amount of class (see: cheering when Michael Irvin laid motionless on the turf), and now they have the biggest creepo in the league. The perfect marriage as far as I am concerned.

Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace (The Audio)

Chris Wallace joined us for the weekly segment on Wednesday live from his parents house in West Virginia. We talked about leaving your stuff at your parents house, Jason Williams, recent Grizz workouts, restricted free agency, etc. Remember, the bit is brought to you by Jason's Deli @ Poplar/Highland and if you mention the show or the segment when you get to the register... you get your drink for free. Also, thanks to Joseph for the pic.

Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace on The Chris Vernon Show (8-12-09)

Comedian Greg Giraldo on the show (The Audio)

Greg Giraldo had joined us on the show on Wednesday to talk about Comedy Central roasts, how he got into comedy, his new Comedy Central special, etc.

The special airs this Sunday night at 9pm central if you want to check it out. Here is the audio from the show...

Comedian Greg Giraldo on The Chris Vernon Show (8-12-09)

Teflon Don makes us officially Memphis

It took some years, but we finally became certified this weekend when I got this song in my inbox. I have always felt like we were nothing in Memphis until someone rapped about us. Memphis rapper Teflon Don (check him on itunes) did a song about the show. Watch out, it's a club-banger. Represent.

730 Fox Sports (The Song) -- Teflon Don

Oh No! National media is on to us!

Tom Ziller (who writes for the AOL Fanhouse) has been very good to the Grizzlies in the past. He has been one of the few national media members that have defended the Grizzlies. But Ziller, much like anyone with a brain, has seen what the Grizzlies are up to. Defenders of the way Heisley runs this team have gone from looking like homers to looking like lunatics. Ziller writes...

Grizzlies Find a Way Around Minimum Salary Requirement

Romo makes return to show (The Audio)

Bill Romanowski joins us on the show all through the football season. He made his first appearance of the year on the show today to talk about a ton of different subjects. He tells us why Rashard Lewis is full of crap (with chemistry lesson included), talks about Cutler, Crabtree, Rod Woodson in HOF, etc. Check it.

Bill Romanowski on The Chris Vernon Show (8-7-09)

Hooray! The Grizzlies make money!

When the team was winning, the team lost money.
When the team is the worst in the NBA over the last three years, they have found a way to make money. Who cares about becoming a national laughingstock?
What great motivation to become a legitimate franchise that wins games and puts a great product on the floor.
Party at the moon tower.
This is great. Now when I argue with my friends of other NBA teams I will always be able to trump them. I can just say, "oh yeah, well my team is in the black!" Check mate.
I have been a sports fan my entire life and have never known how much money has been made or lost by my favorite teams. I have never cared.
I don't know any other sports fan that has ever cared about how much money their team made or lost.
Memphis Grizzlies: Rootin for revenue!

Help the show

We need to defend the crown. Take a second and vote for the station and the show in the Memphis Flyer's Best of Memphis awards. Voting closes soon. If you click the link and vote for someone else your computer will get the worst virus ever and will become beyond repair. As always, thank you for listening and supporting the show.

Vote Here

ps- write in Toms BBQ, it is criminal that they are not on the list

Josh Pastner on the schedule (The Audio)

Memphis coach Josh Pastner joined us on the show on Thursday to talk about the announcement of the Tiger schedule, etc. Audio below.

Memphis coach Josh Pastner on The Chris Vernon Show (8-6-09)

Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace (The Audio)

Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace joined us for his weekly segment on Wednesday. We took calls and it got kind of "grizzly". Booo, bad joke. In addition to the calls, Wallace addressed the Marcus Williams and JWill situations, as well as what would happen with the last roster spot.

Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace on The Chris Vernon Show (8-5-09)

The UT Photo Shoot Video

We have gotten a ton of response on the segment we did yesterday on the Vols photo shoot video that was on youtube. Here is the video, and the accompanying segment we did on the video.
.

The Chris Vernon Show (UT photo shoot segment)

Come on Roser, seriously?

How does someone sleep with that number of frozen entrees stacked on them? This is getting absurd.

Sonny Vaccaro (The Audio)

Sonny joined us for his weekly bit on Friday. The conversation was primarily about his class action lawsuit (with Ed O'Bannon) against the NCAA. Here is the New York Times article on the suit.

Sonny Vaccaro on The Chris Vernon Show (7-31-09)

Sound of Memphis: The Bulletproof Vests (The Audio)

Every week on the show we do the Shangri-La Records "Sound of Memphis" segment. We highlight a Memphis band and talk about different shows coming up around town. Yesterday, we had a band in studio called The Bulletproof Vests. They were the first band to bring an amp in studio and play an electric guitar. It worked, and our faces were melted. They were great.

The Bulletproof Vests (live in studio) on The Chris Vernon Show (7-30-09)

for more on the band, or to download their album for free, check out http://www.thebulletproofvests.blogspot.com/.

Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace weekly segment (The Audio)

Chris Wallace joined us for his weekly segment on Wednesday. The conversation was about the possible signing of Marcus Williams, the pulling of the qualifying offer for Hakim Warrick, Rudy Gay's extension, the roster going forward, etc.
There is a special place in heaven for Wallace (for having to defend inexplicable Heisley moves.)

Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace on The Chris Vernon Show (7-29-09)

The truth regarding Hakim Warrick

I know there is still a segment of Grizzlies fans that have been completely brainwashed. You don't have to read this.
No matter what the basketball people say publicly, they thought Warrick was coming back. They wanted to bring him back. Warrick was cheap and a good value for what he could bring to the table off the bench. This decision came down from the top. Warrick's agent even was quoted as saying that in the ESPN article. Money over basketball. Why on earth do you think that Heisley was the one quoted in the CA article on the situation? Where does that happen? Not in good franchises.
It is pretty clear that with the Iverson idea, and the Warrick move, that Heisley will do what he wants despite what his basketball people think.
It is two years running that I have been talking about the problematic way in which the franchise is being run. Even those that didn't want to believe me are starting to see what is going on here. Heisley has found a loophole in the system that he can expose for profit. If you can stay a decent bit under the cap, you can facilitate all the real franchises that want to improve their teams and get kicked back some money.
But here is the rub... you stay under the cap, you will not be good. So if you are a fan of money laundering, you will love the Grizzlies. If you love basketball, hope for the best. Depressing.
Pulling the qualifying offer for Warrick just makes no sense, unless you understand what the number one goal for the Grizzlies is.

The Show Intros (the songs)

Every week we get a bunch of questions about the songs we play coming back from breaks. I have been asked many times to figure out a way to publish what the songs are. Well, I finally figured out a good way to do it (an Itunes mix). I will try to get the lists of the music we have used in the past. Anyway, if you have ever wondered "what song is that?".. here they are. This is a playlist of the songs currently being used on the show. Dig it.

The Chris Vernon Show Intros playlist (IMix)

Luke Winn, Twitter, and the song that will not leave my head

Luke Winn (@lukewinn) is a college basketball writer for Sports Illustrated. I follow Luke on twitter because in addition to being a fantastic basketball writer, I know him. You would not have to know him to know how much he loves music, as he mentions songs and bands in his articles quite a bit. Anyway, about two weeks ago, Luke puts this tweet up about some song that he cannot stop putting on playlists on his Ipod. He puts a link up to the song, and so I go and listen to it.
I had never heard of the band (Yeasayer) or the song (Tightrope) and evidently it was on some benefit album. The friggin song has been in my head for 2 straight weeks. I found myself having to go to youtube to see what these guys looked like. I bet I have listened to it 250 times and I still have no idea why. Everyone has different tastes when it comes to music, and I suppose that it is entirely possible that you could think it is awful. Maybe you can listen to it one time and never again. As for me, it has been a really long time since I listened to a song as many times as this one. Luke Winn is to credit/blame.

Zach Randolph in studio (The Audio)

Zach Randolph joined us in studio on the show on Tuesday. Audio below.

Zach Randolph in studio on The Chris Vernon Show (7-21-09)

Zach Randolph scheduled to be in studio

The newest member of the Memphis Grizzlies, Z-Bo himself, is scheduled to join us in studio in the 4 oclock hour. Check it.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you

Thank you to all of you that voted for the M Awards. Here is the online version of the magazine. For the third year in the row we won favorite show and favorite personality. I honestly don't know what is wrong with you people though. I tell you to vote for Herrington's blog, and you vote for this one? Now I feel like I have to put some work into this blog. Anyway, thank you to all of you that voted. That was nice.

Jamie Foxx on the show (The Audio)

What a thrill. Around 5 oclock today on the show Jamie Foxx called in. Probably the most famous person we have ever had on the air. His Barack Obama impression is by far the best I have ever heard. He was great.

Here is the audio if you missed it...

Jamie Foxx on The Chris Vernon Show (7-17-09)

A show moment that will live forever

If you missed the last segment of the show on Thursday, you missed history. We had our "Sound of Memphis" segment which features local bands, and this week was Jeffrey James and The Haul (cd release party @ Hi-Tone tonight). Anyway, one of the members of the band (Luke) knew how to play Purple Rain on the guitar (and we even had a trumpet chiming in). Harry has always claimed that he does the greatest karaoke performance of this classic song. So this all led to an impromptu performance the likes of which human ears have never been witness. Brace yourself.

Harry sings Purple Rain live on the show. (The Audio)

Josh Pastner and Chris Wallace (The Audio)

Memphis coach Josh Pastner joined us on the show today. If you missed it, you can find out who once snubbed Pastner when he requested their autograph.

Memphis Coach Josh Pastner on The Chris Vernon Show (7-15-09)

Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace joined us live from Vegas where the Grizzlies are playing summer league games. We talked about the rookies, the league, etc.

Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace on The Chris Vernon Show (7-15-09)

The Ronald McDonald House Auction

Today, it is going on all day. On-air and online. Please help us with this. It only takes a second to register and you can win some great sports memorabilia while donating to a great cause.
All kinds of great autographed items available. 100% of the proceeds go to Ronald McDonald House.
Also up for bid is a chance to play TPC Southwind with me and Penny Hardaway.
Please help us raise some money for a great cause.

http://auctions.readysetauction.com/ronaldmcdonaldhouse/home

Early college football lines

Vinnie Verno thinks this is going to be the easiest season ever
Already have 15 games of the year
From the Golden Nugget

Early College Football Lines

A-I (The Song)

A-I by Jon Roser on The Chris Vernon Show 7-9-09

Iverson???

Chris Broussard was on ESPN this morning saying that the Grizzlies were still in talks with Allen Iverson about coming to Memphis. I called around and was told that there was a 60% chance of it happening. Make of that what you will. Maybe the will sign him after all. I would not be surprised if Heisley likes the idea because I would imagine that there would be a huge return on investment. Tickets sales, merch, etc. The guy would make you money. As for basketball? Who knows?

Zach Randolph: Where Amazing Happens

Zach Randolph to Memphis

The LA Times has reported that the Grizzlies are going to trade Q. Richardson in a deal for Zach Randolph. I hate to say I told you so...

I have been saying over and over that I thought this is what the Grizzlies were going to do after they were not able to get a deal done on draft night. Of everything brought up, Randolph was always the least expensive option. The guy can play but, of course, there are major red flags.

The Heisley apologists will point to the fact that the team is taking on salary (never mind that they have). The larger point is that this yet another example of the team doing something where the accounting comes before the basketball.
This may work out basketball wise. I personally cannot wait to hear Heisley's defenders talk about how Zach Randolph fits into the "three year plan." Of course it makes no sense whatsoever. Or how about their stated "up-tempo, defensive team" that they want? Come on.
You know what also may work out basketball wise? Lionel Hollins. But that is not the major reason he was hired.

Intent matters. Why are the Grizzlies signing Randolph? Because he only has two years left on his deal. That is why. Why did they sign up Lionel Hollins to coach the team on an 18-month low dollar deal? Because he would take the job.

It is so transparent. I hope Randolph is amazing and is a model citizen, and that Lionel Hollins is one of the greatest ever. Maybe it will all work out wonderfully.

What cannot be denied is that basketball is not the priority in the moves they make.

It is a fundamental question. What matters most to the Grizzlies organization?

You know the answer.

Grizzlies draft picks in studio (The Audio)

Hasheem Thabeet, DeMarre Carroll, and Sam Young in studio (6-29-09)

(The Audio)

Ok, let's try this again

All 3 Grizzlies draft picks will be in studio today @ 3pm. Check it.

Let the refuting begin

Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel makes sense of the Beasley offer. The Grizzlies made the offer, not the Heat.

Did the Heat offer Beasley for the #2?

How will the Grizzlies damage control?

Now that the blog post on the CA's website of all of the draft day trades that were offered has become an article in the actual paper, what will the Grizzlies do?
Is someone going to refute some of the specific deals, and say that they were not on the table?
How can they deal with this? Will they just ignore it? They can't, right?
What will the other teams say? Are they going to refute the offers that they are reported to have made?
I have to imagine that this is really, really rough for the front office. Somebody told the CA all of these possible trades and now teams everywhere are going to be upset with the Grizzlies. You might hear a possible trade that did not happen here or there (like the Randolph thing), but you never read an article like the one today that lists every trade proposal like that. I am stunned that someone gave up all of that information on the record, and allowed it to be put out there for the world to see.
I will be interested to see what comes of this.
I will bet someone is not having a good day over in Grizzlyland.

In terms of what I put on the blog yesterday...
The Randolph report that I made earlier in the day... I had heard Randolph's name being mentioned in a deal on the night of the draft from Herrington, and strangely enough, from one of my emailers.
On Friday morning, Michael Heisley said in an interview that he had a trade that would have put over $20 million on the books. So, with Randolph on the brain, I asked around and it was confirmed to me that Randolph was who he was talking about. Then I got the details, which were different than the version in the CA. My version was correct.

I actually think that they might still go after Randolph.

Not wanting Beasley? Come on.

I have been as critical of the the Grizzlies as anyone, but I am not going to be ripping them for not getting Michael Beasley for the #2 pick, or Mario Chalmers for the 27th pick, because I happen to know that those deals (as they were reported) were not on the table.

Let us just use our brains for a moment...

Blake Griffin was the #1 pick in the draft. Michael Beasley was the better player, in the same league as the kid a year ago. The Grizzlies desperately need to get a power forward. If it seems crazy that they would rather have Thabeet than Beasley, that is because it is.

The Heat gave up 2 million dollars and 2 picks to get Mario Chalmers last year and he had a good rookie year. Now they are gonna trade him for the 27th pick? Come on. And then the Grizzlies come out today 5 times and say their biggest need is backup PG? Come on.

I am sure that there were a lot of offers for picks on draft night, but Beasley for 2 and Chalmers for 27. Come on. If it sounds absurd, that is because it is.

I will not rip them (which I would), because those deals (as they were reported) did not exist.

The Draft Party (the pictures)

Thanks again to all of you that came out to our 2nd annual Chris Vernon Show NBA Draft party. Kent Holt from Jason's Deli came by the show today and gave us the check to give to the Grizzlies House @ St. Jude. We raised almost $1400. Thank you for making this happen. The place was absolutely slammed, see if you can pick yourself out in one of the pictures if you were there...

NBA DRAFT PARTY PICS

Holy crap, did the front office spill the beans to the CA

Wow.

The CA has all kinds of deals that were offered for the #2 pick. My goodness.
check this out.

had a chance at Stoudemire? Beasley?

I can't even speak.

CVERNON.COM EXCLUSIVE: Trade that didnt happen

Last night, I am told at the last minute Clippers owner Donald Sterling killed a trade last night that would have sent Zach Randolph to the Grizzlies for a package that included M. Jaric and G. Buckner.

The good news is that Heisley was clearly willing to take on money. That is at least exciting.

update: I am told they wanted Darko, and the Grizz offered Jaric and Sterling said he would not pay Jaric another dime. That was the deal breaker from what I was told.

The draft picks in studio, summer league addition

Thabeet, Carroll, and Young will be in studio today some time between 4:30-6. This should be fun. Check it.

Also, I was told that my boy Jeff Adrien has been signed up for the Grizzlies summer league team. Seriously. Thabeet and Adrien again.

There is no spinning this

I want to thank all of you that came to the draft party tonight @ Jason's Deli. Also, thanks to our presenting sponsor Coors Light. The place was packed the whole night and we raised a bunch of money for the Grizzlies house @ St. Jude.

Now, to the subject that must be addressed. Tonight was absurd. For this franchise to exercise the #2 pick on Hasheem Thabeet will go down as a critical error for a franchise that cannot afford to make one. I like the last 2 picks just fine, but this draft will be judged on the #2 pick. And by the way, they passed on my boy Blair (twice!), and he gets to go get a ring with San Antonio in his first year. I cannot believe all of this happened tonight, and I cannot wait to hear all of the justification. Tonight was a chance to do something inspiring, and in that respect it was a total failure. You use the #2 pick on a guy that "will compete" for the center position with Marc Gasol? They won 24 friggin games!!!!!

Tonight was an embarrassment. There is no spinning this. They had a chance to inspire people and be aggressive in building a real team. Call for tickets... 888-BUST

There is a zero percent chance that people will not look back on this draft in 5 years and not laugh about who the Grizzlies passed up to draft Thabeet.

They blew it.

If you are reading this....

Stop and immediately head to Jason's Deli on Poplar/ Highland. What is wrong with you?

Draft Party 1 day away...

Today we are live @ Buffalo Wild Wings (Hacks Cross location) and we will be giving away a huge trip to Vegas.

Tomorrow is the 2nd Annual Chris Vernon Show Draft Party
presented by Coors Light
Jasons Deli (Poplar/Highland)
Free Beer, Free Food
Show from 3-6 and then the draft on two projectors
we are going to be raising money ($5 donation requested)- for Grizzlies House @ St. Jude Hospital

Don't miss this event. You may see my head explode live in person.

Thanks to listener Tim D. for sending this in.

Listener contributions to the cause

listener Jordan wants to crank back up the Love Train

Roser's new song... Please don't draft Hasheem Thabeet

The Draft Party

Thanks to D. Sparks for the logo, and grizzfans.com for putting together a video
talented listeners for sure

Verno's Grizzlies Draft Notes

I got back in town last night, got up this morning, and went down to the Forum for the workouts. Here are some thoughts (warning!- this may cause weeping and gnashing of teeth)...

Sorry Rubio fans... Rubio has nobody in the organization pushing hard for him (no big fans), Thabeet certainly does. In fact, I was told that Heisley was in town yesterday and had his private jet take Hollins, Wallace, Johnny Davis, and Barone Sr. to LA to meet with Thabeet. So they were in LA yesterday meeting with Thabeet because he was going to cancel his workout this morning. I guess they just decided they were gonna go to him if he would not come here.
I have this terrible fear that the Grizzlies are about to draft slawdog millionaire himself on Thursday night. On the tail of Calkins column this morning in the CA, there were conversations to be had about Ricky Rubio. I got the impression that, for whatever reason, people involved in the decision making process have convinced themselves that Rubio is not gonna be a great player. Almost like they have convinced themselves of something to make it easier to not take him. Three weeks ago I had someone with the Grizzlies tell me that he would be an all-star one day, today I was told "he can't score." Same person said both things. Like I said, I think they have convinced themselves of something to make not taking him easier.
I am not sure that Rubio is gonna be great, but I would take him and trade him because I think that is the best way to improve the team. Because even if I don't think he will be great, someone else does.
Some of you will not like to hear this, but trust me when I tell you that I would be totally and completely shocked if Ricky Rubio is in a Grizzlies uniform next year. If I had to bet today, I would put my money on Thabeet being the pick. I need to go vomit now.
I think we need to start the "Trade Train" just so we don't get Thabeet.

This morning was supposed to be Thabeet, Jordan Hill, and Demar DeRozan. Thabeet cancelled the workout because of a "hurt shoulder."
Of course, there is nothing wrong with his shoulder. His agent was simply posturing in the hopes that Memphis will not take him. That is why, as I wrote above, they went to go talk to him yesterday.

I heard a lot of the "why would a guy not want to be the #2 pick in the draft, even if it is Memphis?"
This is a fair and legitimate question when it comes to the both Rubio and Thabeet, who are considered to be the second and third players taken in this draft. *Curry would not come in either. So at least 3 top players in the draft are trying to dissuade the Grizz from selecting them.
Why?
You and I both know there are plenty of reasons that this franchise has become an undesirable destination. No fans, no proper power structure, lack of endorsements, lack of winning, you can go on and on.
But what makes Memphis any worse than Minnesota, or Oklahoma City, or Sacramento? I believe that it is perceived (or real) lack of commitment to winning. I don't think those teams lose because they value the great bottom line over a great basketball product. The Gasol trade sent a massive signal to everyone in the league that the Grizzlies are more concerned with money than basketball. I tried to tell everybody this when it happened. They have done virtually nothing since to prove otherwise. The Grizzlies fielded the lowest payroll in the league last year, and it was much worse than it even appeared. Their "effective payroll" as I would call it was less than 40$ million. The rest was just contracts to be bought out. I would be surprised if any other team has ever bought out over a fourth of their payroll.

I never get the impression that people think that the Thunder, the Kings, or the Wolves don't care about winning. They may not make the best moves all the time, but they are trying to make moves to help them win. Intent counts. Why is a team making this move? The answer for the Grizzlies has been over and over again... to save money.

I don't think anyone in the league (agent, player, or observer) believes that the most important thing to the Memphis Grizzlies is building a great basketball team. So therein lies the problem... winning gets you paid.
Agents are concerned about the second contract because that is where the money is. Guys on winning teams get paid. They are on TV and they are in the playoffs, and the money comes.
Even the role guys get paid. The Gerald Wallaces, the Raja Bells, the Turiafs, the Arizas, and the Boris Diaws of the world. I could go on and on. Guys on winning teams stand to gain so much more than guys on losing teams. I am not saying that guys on losing teams can't get good deals. What I am saying is that guys on winning teams have a much. much better chance.
Just look at the case of Hakim Warrick and Dahntay Jones. Right now, who do you think is perceived as the more valuable player for a team? I am interested to see the contracts that those two guys get. Playing for a winner changes everything.

So to the question of why someone would try to keep their client from getting more money and being the #2 pick in the draft... it is much better in the long run to be in an organization where winning basketball games is at least a priority. The Grizzlies have not proven that it is here.

Hiatus

will be back to doing the show, bloggin, and tweetin on June 22nd.

Brandon Jennings: Rubio is all hype

Brandon Jennings put Rubio on blast. This is so great. I have talked about Jennings in the past on this blog, and in fact wrote "I get the sense he will win everyone over in the workouts before the draft." Well, he has. I don't know how anyone with a set of eyes could watch youtube videos of he and Rubio and not be more impressed with Jennings. (Jennings Youtube)
I see Jennings with his head above the rim, I see Rubio making moves on 35 yr old white guys with hair on their back when I watch videos. Now I get Jennings saying that the dude is bogus. Brandon Jennings is winning people over by the day and he is winning me over by the way he talks. This is hysterical (clearly Johnny Flynn thinks it is hilarious too). I love it.
You could take the guy who was the #1 high school player in the nation in his class almost every year and you would get an all-star. Jennings was the #1 player in his class. If he is not great, he will be the exception to the rule.

Brandon Jennings on Ricky Rubio: "I think the dude is all hype."

Mark this date down (The Draft Party)

June 25th is the NBA Draft, and that means that June 25th is the draft party. Last year was great, and this year will be even bigger and better.
We finalized the details today and I could not be more thrilled at how this all worked out.
There will still be free food and free drinks for all of our listeners. We secured Coors Light as a presenting sponsor today. We are also planning to have 2 projection screens this year.
The only difference is that this year we are going to be raising money for the Grizzlies House (where families can stay when they have children at St. Jude). $5 donation.

Details:

The 2nd Annual Chris Vernon Show NBA Draft Party
Jason's Deli (poplar/highland location)
June 25th (from 3pm-the draft ends)
presented by Coors Light

Grizz workout tomorrow mornin

will include Antonio Anderson (Memphis), Jack McClinton (Miami), Jermaine Taylor (UCF), and Terrance Roderick (UAB). Last workout this week I think. Next week will be the big time prospects-- all working out against chairs and brooms. wooohooo.

Help the show

People always ask me, Chris, how can I help the show? Actually, nobody has ever said that. But you can help if you are willing. The M Awards guys contacted me and told me that voting for the awards ends at the end of the week. It only takes a minute to vote. If you will take a moment and go vote for the show, we would appreciate it. This always helps us out, and we are going for a 3-peat.
If you are not going to vote for the show, but click on the link, your computer will get a virus that cannot be repaired and your house will explode. Also, vote for Herrington's blog (his is better than this one), and anyone else that is involved in the show.

The M Awards ballot

Grizzlies start workouts in morning

I am gonna try to catch some of the workouts and give my thoughts on the show. The Monday workout will include Josh Carter (Tex Am), Chris Johnson and Garrett Temple (LSU), Wes Matthews (Marquette), and Stephon Jackson (Utep).

Go check out a new Grizzlies website

www.grizzfans.com

really nice site by one of our listeners, Jenkz
you can tell a lot of work has been put into this

Humiliation, meet Chris Vernon

I am pretty sure I would rather die than do the Monday show. I hate the Fakers. I hate the Nuggets. I hate Roser. I hate myself. Anybody know how to lose 30 lbs in 24 hours?

Johnny Calipari (The Video)

Roser drops his new hit "Johnny Calipari"

"Johnny Calipari" as performed by Jon Roser on The Chris Vernon Show

Is RC Johnson embarrassed? (I would be)

Coach Cal uses Memphis to recruit a great class to Kentucky.

He gets Memphis to agree to releases for players that no other school allows.

He gets his "dream job" and a crazy salary while getting you to sit on major violation allegations.

Cal smoked RC like a strawberry swisha sweet.

Just say no to Thabeet

Thanks to Jenkz for the pic

Master P in studio (The Audio)

Master P was with us in studio on Thursday to talk about gold ceilings, his charity work in Memphis, athletes and blowing money, almost making the NBA, etc. He was great radio. Check it.

Master P on The Chris Vernon Show (5-21-09)

#2 Pick

Well, we fell just short of getting the number one pick, but now comes the fun. The trade possibilities with the second pick are absolutely endless. The 2 and Rudy for #1? The 2 for David Lee and the #8? I will have traded this pick three million times by the time the draft comes around. As one Grizzlies front office member told me...."We have the holy grail of flexibility." The number 2 is probably the best sports talk pick ever. Dig it.

NBA Draft Lottery Party on Tuesday night

We are doing the show live @ Buffalo Wild Wings (Poplar/ Highland location) on Tuesday. Get there early and secure your seat. We will be there from 3-6, then watching the lottery, and then the Fakers/Nuggets game 1 is on. The Grizzlies broadcast crew, dance team, and street team, will all be there giving stuff away- and I think they may have some big surprises in store if the Grizzlies get the #1 pick. Get there.

Sonny Vaccaro weekly segment (the audio)

Sonny was on the front page of the USA Today sports section this week. We talked about that article and his fight against the NCAA, etc.

Sonny Vaccaro on The Chris Vernon Show (5-15-09)

Also, the show is on Twitter as of last weekend...

www.twitter.com/chrisvernonshow

Roser's new song (Why Grizzlies?)

The worldwide debut of Roser's new song happened today on the show. If you missed it...

"Why Grizzlies?" by Jon Roser

Bill Russell on the show (The Audio)

Bill Russell was on the show today. This was one of the great thrills I have had in radio. The man is one of the real legends in the sports world. It started slow, but when it got going the interview turned into one of my favorites. If you missed it, here it is...

Bill Russell on The Chris Vernon Show (5-13-09)

RC Johnson dodges the biggest bullet ever

Just imagine if Tim Floyd would have taken the Memphis job. Yahoo! is dropping bombs lately.
Source: Floyd gave cash to Mayo handler

Bill Russell on the show on Wednesday.

This is big. Bill Russell will be on the show tomorrow. 5 time MVP, 11 time champion, HOFer.

Darryl Strawberry, Selena Roberts on show today

Strawberry will be talking about his life story at 4:25. Selena Roberts on her A-ROD book at 5:25. Check it.

The Chris Vernon Show is on Twitter

This will be a first. I have never been on Myspace, or Facebook, or anything that connects me to anyone else (except for this blog). I am going to put the show on Twitter though. I read a few articles about it this weekend, and I hear about it on every single sporting event I watch now, so I figured we should get with the times. It seems like a fairly easy way to connect to the listeners that like the show.
We will update the page with the guests that we have scheduled, ticket giveaways, news we hear about (I will try to break a story on this thing), Vinnie Verno picks, and totally hysterical and indispensable commentary. I would hope that if you like the show, you will like the Twitter page. I read where John Mayer has like a million followers, our goal is 10 (not million, just 10).

www.twitter.com/ChrisVernonShow

Sonny Vaccaro was shot out of a cannon

Sonny Vaccaro joined us on the show on Friday for his regular spot at 5 pm and he was in rare form. Sonny was mentioned in the LA Times article earlier this week about the recruiting of Renardo Sidney, and then called one of the "Five guys you meet in recruiting hell" by Pat Forde in an article on the situation. I led with this. Oh dear. What follows is Sonny going off on the media, Pat Forde, and the situation. Sonny also said he would be in the news next week. Could it be that John Wall is going to Europe? I had to delay him on the air, on the audio here there is no delay. Sonny was rollin. Check it.

Sonny Vaccaro on The Chris Vernon Show (5-8-09)

Witness

Tony Mandarich, Jayson Stark on Friday show

We are on an author run on the show lately. Selena Roberts will join us on Monday to talk about her new Arod book. Monica Seles joined us to talk about her new book this past Monday, and if you missed it you can check the podcast if you wish. On Friday, there are two more authors that are going to join us. Tony Mandarich has a book about his life, addictions, and recovery that has come out in conjunction with the 20th anniversary of the day he was drafted. Jayson Stark has a new one the chronicles the Phillies championship run last year. Both will be on the Friday show.

Eddie House wins post-game comment of postseason so far

The Parlor Mob

Last week on the show I talked about a Memphis band called The Dirty Streets. They are a young band in town that is generating a lot of buzz from people that regularly go to shows. They were described to me as "imagine kids that had not listened to music in the past 30 years." They are playing at the Hi Tone on Monday night and I decided that I have to see these guys. Anyway, I was looking at the flyer and noticed that they were playing with some other bands. One of the bands was called "The Parlor Mob" and I went to look them up and see what they were like. Unreal. That is what they were like. How have I never heard of this band before? So long story long, I was planning to go check out the show anyway just to see The Dirty Streets, but I am pretty convinced that I will also be checking out my new favorite band and having my face melted in the process. Check this

Called my shot... Bert will get the business on Friday

Bring on Floyd Jr. Manny P. is a beast. Where was Smokey from Friday when you need him?

Friday Show (Sugar, Denunzio, Vacarro)

Bert Sugar will join us at 3:45 live from Vegas for Pacquio/Hatton fight.
Jimmy Denunzio (World's Greatest Handicapper) will join us live from Kentucky to break down the Derby.
Sonny Vacarro will be in his usual spot at 5:05.

Glynn Cyprien, Craig Brewer (The Audio)

New Memphis Tigers bball assistant Glynn Cyprien appeared on the show today to talk about getting the job, recruiting, etc. (Segment 3)

Memphis film director Craig Brewer joined us in studio in the last hour of the show to talk about the premiere of his new project Five $ Cover on MTV. (Segments 7,8,9)

Both interviews are available in the splashcast player at http://www.730foxsports.com/ (bottom right corner). The show is broken into segments so you can scroll to any of them. Check it.

Craig Brewer in studio Thursday

Craig (Director of Hustle and Flow, Black Snake Moan) will be in studio in the last hour of the show on Thursday. The new Craig Brewer project, Five Dollar Cover, will premiere at the Paradiso on Thursday night and premiere on MTV Friday night. You can check out the Five Dollar Cover website HERE.

Chris Wallace on blast, Sonny Vaccaro now a regular

Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace has been a weekly guest on the show since he got the job with the team. Unfortunately, Mr. Wallace has decided to make some questionable decisions regarding his treatment of me and Roser. He has failed to defend us when given the chance, and then committed the egregious crime of defaming us in our own studio when on with Geoff and Gary. You mess with the bulls, you get the horns. We go for the jugular. Therefore, when Wallace came to the studio on Wednesday, we had our response ready. Now he knows. You can here the entire segment (his reaction and response) by checking the podcast at http://www.730foxsports.com/. Here is the song if you missed it...

Hey Roser! (Chris Wallace on blast)

Also, on another programming note, Sonny Vacarro (coming of his brilliant performance on the show on Friday) has agreed to be a Chris Vernon Show regular and will be on at 5 oclock every Friday. I am absolutely thrilled about this. The guy is tremendous radio every single time. Should be fun.

Sonny was certainly in the news today. NEW YORK TIMES ARTICLE

Grizzlies Media Game Video

So the Grizzlies put up the video of the media game and just sent me the link. Of course, my trash talk is featured prominently and was spectacular as always. I did my best to play along, and how am I rewarded? With them showing two clips of Verno the Great from the entire game... one is of one of the two shots I missed the entire game, and one is of a chase down foul at the end of the game. So let me get this right... I dominate everyone, lead the game in scoring, back up all my talk, and this is my reward? Depriving the public of my greatness? I guess I will just have to put out my own mixtape of my performance. Grizzlies.com --- Where injustice happens.

Here is the video.

Willis Wilson, John Parker Wilson on the show

Two Wilson's were on the show.
New Memphis Tigers Basketball Assistant Coach Willis Wilson called from the office and was on at 5 oclock.
Former Alabama QB John Parker Wilson is getting ready for the NFL Draft and was on the show in the 4 oclock hour.
Jeff Goodman was on for his weekly spot in the last segment of the first hour.
The audio is available @ www.730foxsports.com. Scroll to the bottom of the page and the shows are podcasted everyday.

Sonny Vaccaro, Andy Dolich on show (The Audio)

Sonny came on the show and was as fantastic as he always is. We are working on him being on the show every Friday. He talked about the Brandon Jennings and the results of him playing in Europe,(as well as how good Jennings is compared to the likes of Ricky Rubio), the John Wall situation (with him telling us where he thinks Wall will be last year), and draft prospects. He was sensational. It was one of my favorite interviews of the year.

Sonny Vaccaro on The Chris Vernon Show (4-17-09)

A man who used to be a regular on the show, Andy Dolich, was back in town for the weekend. Andy was the President of Business Ops for the Grizzlies for the first 7 years here, and is now the C.O.O. of the San Francisco 49ers. He joined us in studio, where he talked about the position the Grizzlies are in and was extremely honest about everything, including what he would do if he were still here. He also outlines the mistakes that were made with the team. It was very interesting to hear his view on things as a former big-wig with the team.

Andy Dolich on The Chris Vernon Show (4-17-09)

Sonny Vaccaro scheduled for show today

Sonny was recently featured on Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel in a story about Brandon Jennings. Sonny brokered the deal that sent Jennings (the number 1 high school player in the nation) to Europe this past year. Sonny was also interviewed by Parrish about the John Wall situation. Sonny will join us on the show today, and we will talk about these stories, as well as the upcoming draft class. Jennnings intrigues me tremendously because the guy did not have a great season in Europe, but I sense he will win over everybody in the workouts before the draft. Check out this video of the kid in high school. All highlight videos look good, but this falls in the "holy crap" category.

Cardinal batting stances (Batting Stance Guy)

Batting Stance Guy is one of my favorites. Willie McGee slays me everytime.

Cardinals start killing Cubs on Thursday

This guy cannot remember the Cubs winning a World Series..

Mavs Jason Terry on Coach Josh Pastner...

“All the former U of A guys, he would get 800 thumbs up from us. I’ve talked to A.J. Bramlett, Mike Bibby, Richard Jefferson and Luke Walton about this and they all know what Josh has meant to that program all these years,” Terry told GoAZCats.com last week before the school hired Xavier’s Sean Miller. “Abdul Gaddy would have stayed if Josh or Lute Olson was on the staff last year. As far as recruiting, Josh Pastner is your guy, he’s the one who is going to make it happen, and he has so many connections across the south, throughout the whole west coast, and all across the country. He should be our coach.”

Nice endorsement.

Tigers Coach Josh Pastner (The Audio)

Coach Pastner came on the show today after being named the new head coach at Memphis. We talked about everything I could think of. The audio is below if you missed it. Also, the entire show is always available in full form at http://www.730foxsports.com/.

Tigers Head Coach Josh Pastner on The Chris Vernon Show (4-7-09)

and the best email of the day went to Conway's little brother. He sent me the following...

From the NCAA Dictionary

Point Leonard (point leh-nerd) - n. The point at which an AD on a coaching search, running out of options, suddenly realizes, "Oh my God, we're actually thinking about hiring Leonard Hamilton!!"; at which point, he throws his hands up, and promotes the assistant coach.

"R. C. Johnson arrived at Point Leonard on Monday."

New Tiger Coach Josh Pastner on the show

Tigers coach Josh Pastner will be on the show today in the second segment of the 4 oclock hour. Check it.

Hired

Thanks to listener David for the poster

It's a new day...Hire

It is over: Bruce Pearl staying in Knoxville

Pretty depressing. Fun idea while it lasted. Here is the story...
PEARL STAYING A VOL

Oh dear... now the story is that not only did he not turn a deal down, but he was never talked to? Please, please let this not be true. I think I am going to be throwing up for the rest of the night.

Memphis film director Craig Brewer on Cal

Craig (director of Hustle and Flow, Blake Snake Moan) called me this morning to tell me that he has a web channel on youtube and that he has a new video up about Coach Cal leaving. He also told me that 5 Dollar Cover (show for MTV) will be starting at the beginning of April. It is gonna be huge for the Memphis music scene. Craig is puttting new videos up on the site all the time.
He will be coming in studio soon. Anyway, here is a link to Craig's channel...
My Brewtube

Listener David created the above and sent it to me today.

Appearance on the Dan Patrick Show

I was on with Dan for the second time this week (Thanks Dan, thanks Paulie!) talking about the Cal situation. If you want to check it out...

Segment on The Dan Patrick Show 4-1-09

I think it will be pretty easy to find both segments in their podcast player.

You hire Bruce Pearl

If you want to make the perfect hire in Memphis, you hire Bruce Pearl. You hire Cal's nemesis, you pay him a ton of money, and you establish what Memphis basketball is by stealing away the UT coach. What a feather in the Memphis cap that would be. It would be an incredible way to deal with this crap that has gone done with Cal leaving. Get on board, get the news out-- throw 3 million at Bruce Pearl and get him here. Absolute home run hire. He would come here at the right price, I promise you.