Calkins: Former Memphis great Danton Barto intubated and fighting for his life
Danton Barto, Memphis football’s all-time leading tackler, is in the hospital fighting COVID-19. He sent his wife, Shelly Beth, a text: “Get that shot for me.”
Geoff Calkins
Columnist
Geoff Calkins has been chronicling Memphis and Memphis sports for more than two decades. He is host of "The Geoff Calkins Show" from 9-11 a.m. M-F on 92.9 FM. Calkins has been named the best sports columnist in the country five times by the Associated Press sports editors, but still figures his best columns are about the people who make Memphis what it is.
There are 1040 articles by Geoff Calkins :
-
August 2021
-
Geoff Calkins -
Premium
Geoff CalkinsCalkins: Why Jalen Duren’s decision to attend Memphis could change everything
Yes, Penny Hardaway has landed big recruits before. But getting Jalen Duren is different. It could be the start of a glorious new era of Tigers basketball.
-
Geoff Calkins Calkins: After an unprecedented career, Kelso deserved better from CBHS
Maybe it was time for Buster Kelso to end his remarkable career as baseball coach. But he deserved one final year.
Related story: Buster Kelso forced out as Christian Brothers High coach
-
Update
High School SportsBuster Kelso forced out as Christian Brothers High coach
Buster Kelso is the all-time winningest high school baseball coach in the state. He was told to clean out his baseball office last week.
Related story: Calkins: After an unprecedented career, Kelso deserved better from CBHS
-
Premium
Geoff CalkinsCalkins: After a wild day at Southwind, Memphis gets a fitting champion
Bryson DeChambeau and Harris English collapsed. Abraham Ancer won in a playoff. And the last WGC in Memphis ended in stunning fashion.
-
Premium
Geoff CalkinsCalkins: It’s a magical moment in Memphis sports
Penny Hardaway has the No. 1 recruit in the country, the golf tournament has never been better, the Tigers football team has been to seven straight bowl games and Ja Morant calls FedExForum home. Has there ever been a more promising moment for Memphis sports?
-
Premium
Spirit of MemphisCalkins: Isaac Bruce, proud Tiger, carries Memphis into Hall of Fame
Isaac Bruce will become the first Memphis player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday. He says his time at Memphis — a place he still loves — “helped make me who I am.”
-
Premium
Geoff CalkinsCalkins: It’s a big day for Penny Hardaway and Memphis sports
At 5 p.m. Friday, a gifted center named Jalen Duren will announce his destination. If he picks Memphis, it could be the start of something big.
-
Geoff Calkins Calkins: Bryson DeChambeau is unvaccinated, unrepentant — and delusional
Isn’t Bryson DeChambeau supposed to be smart? Then why is it, when it comes to the COVID-19 vaccine, he sounds like such a dummy?
-
Premium
Geoff CalkinsCalkins: Another win for Memphis, delivered by FedEx
Memphis is losing its World Golf Championship event after just three years. But never fear — it’s trading up.
Related story:
FedEx St. Jude tournament switches from WGC to playoff opener
-
Premium
Geoff CalkinsCalkins: After 46 straight years, a broken heart will keep Bob Winn from Memphis golf tournament
For 46 years, Bob Winn has volunteered in the media center at the Memphis golf tournament. This year, heart damage and a brain bleed will keep him away. What about the event inspires such loyalty? Hint: It’s not the golf.
-
-
July 2021
-
Premium
Geoff CalkinsCalkins: Just don’t be surprised if Grizzlies draft shockers work out
The Grizzlies stunned the NBA universe twice Thursday night, first by taking Ziaire Williams at No. 10, then by taking Santi Aldama at No. 40. But given the team’s recent success in the draft, should we really be surprised if the Grizzlies hit on their picks?
-
Premium
Geoff CalkinsCalkins: Memphis football is flourishing — but will it matter in the end?
Memphis football is in the midst of a historic run. But will that be enough to save the program when realignment strikes again?
-
Premium
Geoff CalkinsCalkins: Why did the Grizzlies do it? To win a championship
Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman has always said the goal is to bring an NBA title to Memphis. And if that required dealing Jonas Valanciunas, he was willing to do it. Memphis fans should be glad.
-
Premium
Spirit of MemphisCalkins: Meet Memphis’ secret Olympian
‘Jessica Ramsey could win the gold medal in shot put in Tokyo. She prepared for the challenge by (I swear) working at Insomnia Cookies on Beale Street.’
-
Premium
Geoff CalkinsCalkins: Why Memphis needs the Big 12 to die
‘Memphis deserves better than to be fretting about conference realignment again. It needs the Big 12 to implode once and for all.’
-
Premium
Geoff CalkinsCalkins: If Milwaukee can win an NBA title, why can’t Memphis?
The Milwaukee Bucks proved you don’t have to be in a major market to win a title. So Grizzlies fans are free to dream.
-
Premium
Geoff CalkinsCalkins: Rooting for forfeits — and Vandy! — in this year’s SEC
Calkins: “The only thing SEC states do better than football is ignorance. Why you should be rooting for forfeits — and fully vaccinated Vanderbilt — this season.”
-
Premium
Geoff CalkinsCalkins: On his 50th birthday, Penny Hardaway is doing what he loves
Penny Hardaway is 50! And he’s spending his birthday at an AAU tournament in North Augusta, South Carolina, because he is working to bring a title to his hometown.
-
Geoff Calkins Calkins: Isn’t it time we let Lorenzen Wright rest in peace?
Can we please stop with the nationally televised whodunits in the Lorenzen Wright case? We already know who done it. Which is why Sherra Wright, his ex-wife, is sitting in prison.
-
Premium
Spirit of MemphisCalkins: Larry Brown, the world’s best (and oldest!) assistant, is a story everyone should love
Larry Brown said his hearing aids gave him trouble at his first Memphis practice. But listen up, people. This is a basketball story to appreciate.
-
Spirit of Memphis Calkins: At the height of his career, Mike Glenn stepped away from FedEx to care for his daughter. It’s a story of sacrifice and love.
When Mike Glenn retired from FedEx at the height of his career in 2016, the news release said it was to “transition his focus full time to his family.” This is the story behind that decision, one that is hard and beautiful all at once.
-
-
June 2021
-
Premium
Geoff CalkinsCalkins: With the bridge out, will business at West Memphis firework tents still boom?
For decades, Memphians have crossed over to Arkansas to get their fireworks. That will be considerably harder with the bridge out. A report from the West Memphis fireworks tents. Will business be a dud?
-
Premium
Geoff CalkinsCalkins: Penny is staying and Larry Brown is arriving. This could be a lot of fun.
On the same day Penny Hardaway confirmed he won’t be leaving for the Orlando Magic, it was reported that Larry Brown will be joining him on the Memphis bench. Say this about Tigers basketball. It is rarely dull.
-
Premium
Geoff CalkinsCalkins: Penny or no Penny, Memphis basketball will be fine
It appears increasingly unlikely Penny Hardaway will be offered the Orlando job. But either way, Memphis basketball will endure.
-