Can Lionel Hollins and the Memphis Grizzlies possibly kiss and make up?

AndreDALLAS — So the Memphis Grizzlies are seeking a new head coach after the toxic relationship between former head man Dave Joerger and the front office had become a public embarrassment, a ridiculously public shame in that it has become increasingly evident that Grizzlies majority owner Robert Pera and his crew can’t seem to get along with guys whom they employ to coach the team.

As if Joerger’s unceremonious departure last weekend wasn’t enough to send shock waves throughout the basketball-crazed Bluff City, Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace reportedly was seen meeting on Monday with Joerger’s former boss, ex-Grizz coach Lionel Hollins at Humdingers in East Memphis.

Well, what ta ya know?

WALKING IN MEMPHIS AGAIN? As if former Grizzlies coach Dave Joerger's unceremonious departure last weekend wasn't enough to send shock waves throughout the basketball-crazed Bluff City, Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace reportedly was seen meeting on Monday with Joerger's former boss, ex-Grizz coach Lionel Hollins at Humdingers in East Memphis.

WALKING IN MEMPHIS AGAIN? As if former Grizzlies coach Dave Joerger’s unceremonious departure last weekend wasn’t enough to send shock waves throughout the basketball-crazed Bluff City, Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace reportedly was seen meeting on Monday with Joerger’s former boss, ex-Grizz coach Lionel Hollins at Humdingers in East Memphis. (Getty Images Photo)

Either Wallace and Hollins were taking advantage of Humdingers’ happy hour or the restaurant’s every Monday after 4 p.m. $4.99 shrimp appetizers, or they were devising ways to appropriately rekindle a once unhealthy relationship that, like the one he had with Joerger, was an ongoing disgrace.

Hollins, to his credit, had a done a masterful job with a once downtrodden Grizz team that was in dire need of a strict, resourceful coach who could get the best out of his players, having led Memphis to a francise-record  56 wins in his final season with the team.

Joerger, to his credit, had done a rather favorable job with an upstart Grizz team that, unfortunately, has underachieved over the past two seasons.

HOLLINS AND GRIZZ GM MEET:  John Martin on Twitter: “Happening right now at Humdingers: Lionel Hollins and Chris Wallace. https://t.co/eLEv8qRUGV”

Still, truth be told, Hollins and Joerger were habitual, arrogant, smart aleck knuckleheads, both of whom also had become a source of frustration and constant turnoffs not just to the Grizzlies front office, but to many of us media members.

Which, in my estimation, makes what took place Monday night at Humdingers a huge head-scratcher, of sorts.

So could it really happen?

Could the Grizzlies and Hollins collectively place their massive egos by the wayside, refrain from the excessive verbal sparring and bad mouthing and finger pointing at each other and agree to Believe Memphis once again?

 

MIKE LOVES LIONEL --- Could the Grizzlies and Hollins collectively place their massive egos by the wayside, refrain from of the verbal sparring and bad mouthing at finger pointing at each other and agree to Believe Memphis once again? (Getty Images Photo)

MIKE LOVES LIONELCould the Grizzlies and Hollins collectively place their massive egos by the wayside, refrain from of the verbal sparring and bad mouthing at finger pointing at each other and agree to Believe Memphis once again? (Getty Images Photo)

Is the 62-year-old Hollins the right guy at this point to reassume the head coaching duties of a struggling Memphis franchise that looks virtually nothing like the one he guided to the Western Conference Finals three years ago?

Or should the Grizzlies simply go with the proven success that is former Indiana Pacers head man Frank Vogel and dismiss the compelling notion of bringing back Hollins and his customary wishy washy disposition?

Either way, countless Memphians sense the Grizzlies are about to inherit a slam dunk hire amid Joerger’s dismissal.

How ironic that I will soon return to Memphis because of my recent marriage.

Conversely, if the Grizzlies bring back Hollins, here’s hoping their marriage, too, becomes a loving, fruitful one this time around.

Better yet, here’s hoping they can kiss and make up.


Andre Johnson is a senior writer for MemphiSport. Based in Dallas, Texas, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division. To reach Johnson, send an email to memphi[email protected]. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

Throwback Thursday: Wrestling Trivia Tonight!

kamala_kimcheeWhat better day than Throwback Thursday to have Pro Wrestling Trivia with Kevin Cerrito?  Belltime is at 8PM tonight at The Green Beetle.

Kevin billed it as “trivia too big for WrestleMania.”  He could be right because there’s no telling what we will see in tonight’s Costume Contest!  That’s right – dress as your favorite wrestler!

Prizes include Lucha Libre tickets for September 19th in Memphis, Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame T-shirts and more.  View the official invite here.

This week’s classic clip comes with a trivia question of its own.  Who played the role of Kamala’s manager Kim Chee?  I’ll leave you with footage from the Ugandan Giant Kamala at the Mid-South Coliseum.

Don’t forget:  Roundhouse Revival 2 comes your way on Sunday October 4th at Mid-South Coliseum!  This is a FREE event and will feature pro wrestling!  Main event of the afternoon will be Dustin Starr with Maria vs. Derrick King!  For more info, click here.

Dustin Starr is an active sports entertainer and regular contributor to MemphiSport and Cerrito Live. Follow him @DustinStarr.

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Throwback Thursday: National Dog Day

As many of you know, yesterday was National Dog Day.  We couldn’t scroll through a social media channel without seeing images of dogs to celebrate the social holiday.  There were nearly 5 million posts on Instagram alone with the hashtag – #NationalDogDay.

Naturally, being a wrestling fan from Memphis – I had a few other dogs on my mind.

For this week’s Throwback Thursday, I not only do I have a classic clip to share – but I have a bonus clip, as well.  The first comes to us from September 21st, 1992 inside Mid-South Coliseum.  The late, great Junkyard Dog was crowned USWA Unified World Heavyweight Champion with a victory of “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert.

JYD will always be remember as one of the greatest “dogs” of all time.  But National Dog Day couldn’t go on without mentioning my friend and Memphis Wrestling legend Moondog Spot.  For those of you who think Moondog Spot was only big in Memphis – here’s a bonus clip from February 15th, 1987 where he squared off against King Harley Race on WWF Wrestling Challenge.

I’ll be joining Kevin Cerrito this Saturday to find out who his favorite “dog” of all-time is, as well as recapping the biggest party of the summer – Summer Slam.  Cerrito Live airs every Saturday from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm CT on on Sports 56 & 87.7 FM .

Delta Fair:  Memphis Wild Fire Wrestling will be live at the Delta Fair on September 5th & 6th with wrestling shows at 1PM & 5PM each day.  Wrestling will take place indoors at Agricenter Memphis and will be a part of the fair admission.

Scheduled to appear:  Jerry “The King” Lawler, “Superstar” Bill Dundee, Derrick King & of course the Power Couple – Dustin Starr & Maria.  For more info, click here.

Don’t forget:  Pro Wrestling Trivia with Kevin Cerrito is back at The Green Beetle on September 10th at 8PM .  Test your knowledge against other wrestling fans to see if you have what it takes to bring home the title!  Also, dress as your favorite wrestler and win a prize in the Costume Contest!  View the official event invite here.

(photo cred: WMC Action News 5)

Dustin Starr is an active sports entertainer and regular contributor to MemphiSport and Cerrito Live. Follow him @DustinStarr.

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Throwback Thursday: Dave Brown Says Goodbye

Earlier this week, WMC Action News 5 announced that Dave Brown will retire as Chief Meteorologist on August 31st, 2015.  Dave served the Mid-South as Chief Meteorologist since 1977.  To say he will be missed would be an understatement.

As good of a weatherman as Dave was, many would argue that he was an even better wrestling announcer.  Dave hosted Memphis Wrestling from 1967 to 2002.  For 25 of those years, he co-hosted with the legendary Lance Russell.  Many have called this duo the greatest broadcast team of all time.

For this week’s Throwback Thursday, let’s take you back to “Memphis Wrestling Memories” with both Lance and Dave.  WMC aired this special just last year (2014) – but Lance and Dave talk us thru many great Memphis Wrestling classics.

 

Lance Russell will join us on Cerrito Live this Saturday to discuss Dave’s retirement.  I’m sure Lance will have a few stories to share about Dave Brown “The Weather Clown”, as well.  Along with Lance, Joe Cronin will join us to breakdown this Sunday’s WWE Summer Slam.

Cerrito Live airs every Saturday from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm CT on on Sports 56 & 87.7 FM .

Oman Arena, Jackson, TN:  Catch Lance & Dave together on Saturday October 24th at Oman Arena.  Also scheduled for the Main Event – Jerry Lawler vs Terry Funk.  For more info, click here.

Don’t forget:  Pro Wrestling Trivia with Kevin Cerrito is back at The Green Beetle on September 10th at 8PM .  Test your knowledge against other wrestling fans to see if you have what it takes to bring home the title!  Also, dress as your favorite wrestler and win a prize in the Costume Contest!  View the official event invite here.

(photo cred: WMC Action News 5)

Dustin Starr is an active sports entertainer and regular contributor to MemphiSport and Cerrito Live. Follow him @DustinStarr.

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Throwback Thursday: Happy Birthday Handsome Jimmy

Memphis Wrestling legend and WWE Hall of Famer “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant celebrates his 73rd Birthday today.  On behalf of everyone at MemphiSport.com – we wish “The Boogie Woogie Man” a very Happy Birthday!

With it being Handsome Jimbo’s Birthday and all – why not take a look at some ole Jimmy Valiant footage for this week’s Throwback Thursday?

This week’s clip reminds us all just how cool and before his time “Handsome” Jimmy really was.  The charismatic promo man proved that he could not only wrestle and talk trash – but he could rock ‘n roll too!  Check this out from 1978.

Remember when Maria attempted to slap “Handsome” Jimmy?  Mercy, daddy!

September 10th @ 8PM:  Pro Wrestling Trivia with Kevin Cerrito is back at The Green Beetle.  Test your knowledge against other wrestling fans to see if you have what it takes to bring home the title!  Also, dress as your favorite wrestler and win a prize in the Costume Contest!  View the official event invite here.

Dustin Starr is an active sports entertainer and regular contributor to MemphiSport and Cerrito Live. Follow him @DustinStarr.

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2015 M Awards: Favorite Team

May 25, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies shooting guard Tony Allen (9) Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley (11) Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) and Memphis Grizzlies power forward Zach Randolph (50) take a walk off the court in game three of the Western Conference finals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs at FedEx Forum. San Antonio Spurs defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 104-93, and lead the series 3-0.  Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

Now it is official. After years of spirited conversation, debate, and full fledged arguments we know which team runs Hoop City.  Memphis was  “Tiger Town” for so long that most doubted that this day would ever happen.  The Memphis Grizzlies are now the favorite team in Memphis, politely knocking the Tigers basketball program from the tops of the ranks.  What is more impressive is that Justin Fuente and the University of Memphis football team (fresh off of an American Athletic Conference Championship) leapfrogged Tigers basketball also.

Memphis Grizzlies, First Place: 68%
University of Memphis Football, Second Place:13.4%
University of Memphis Basketball, Third Place: 11.2%

Visit MemphiSport.com daily from July 13th to July 18th for this year’s Big Brothers Big Sisters M Awards winners.  The M Awards are presented by the 18th Annual Sports Ball Black-Tie Tennis Shoe Gala.

SPORTS BALL: BUY TIX TO THE SPORTS BALL BLACK-TIE TENNIS SHOE GALA BENEFITING BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS

MORE WINNERS: VIEW ALL OF THE M AWARDS WINNERS ANNOUNCED SO FAR

2015 M Awards: Favorite Coach

Memphis Grizzlies head coach Dave Joerger directs his players in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday, March 11, 2014, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

After one of the best seasons in Memphis Grizzlies franchise history Coach Dave Joerger takes home the crown of Favorite Coach. He narrowly knocked off Justin Fuente, who provided the city of Memphis with the best football season in recent memory (possibly ever).

Dave Joerger, First Place: 38.3%
Justin Fuente, Second Place:34.3%
Josh Pastner, Third Place: 15.4%

Visit MemphiSport.com daily from July 13th to July 18th for this year’s Big Brothers Big Sisters M Awards winners.  The M Awards are presented by the 18th Annual Sports Ball Black-Tie Tennis Shoe Gala.

SPORTS BALL: BUY TIX TO THE SPORTS BALL BLACK-TIE TENNIS SHOE GALA BENEFITING BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS

MORE WINNERS: VIEW ALL OF THE M AWARDS WINNERS ANNOUNCED SO FAR

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2015 M Awards: Favorite Athlete

marc flexMarc Gasol had a season for the ages this past year.  He became the first Memphis Grizzlies player ever to not only start a NBA All-Star Game, but he was also the first Grizz player ever to make First Team All NBA.  Now he is taken home the M Award for Favorite Athlete.  It is a good thing Memphians will get to enjoy their favorite Gasol for another five years.

Marc Gasol, First Place: 25.1%
Zach Randolph, Second Place: 20.1%
Mike Conley, Third Place: 17.3%

Visit MemphiSport.com daily from July 13th to July 18th for this year’s Big Brothers Big Sisters M Awards winners.  The M Awards are presented by the 18th Annual Sports Ball Black-Tie Tennis Shoe Gala.

SPORTS BALL: BUY TIX TO THE SPORTS BALL BLACK-TIE TENNIS SHOE GALA BENEFITING BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS

MORE WINNERS: VIEW ALL OF THE M AWARDS WINNERS ANNOUNCED SO FAR

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2015 M Awards: Best Local Sports Twitter

grindfatherThere is a lot to like about Tony Allen.  He is the heart of the Memphis Grizzlies, plays tenacious defense, and has the best Twitter account in the Mid-South.  If you need proof of this fact, you need to check this article out.  Justin Timberlake came in a close second thanks in large part to #WigSnatch.

@aa000G9, First Place: 26.2%
@JTimberlake,Second Place: 22.1%
@geoff_calkins, Third Place: 20.3%

Visit MemphiSport.com daily from July 13th to July 18th for this year’s Big Brothers Big Sisters M Awards winners.  The M Awards are presented by the 18th Annual Sports Ball Black-Tie Tennis Shoe Gala.

SPORTS BALL: BUY TIX TO THE SPORTS BALL BLACK-TIE TENNIS SHOE GALA BENEFITING BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS

MORE WINNERS: VIEW ALL OF THE M AWARDS WINNERS ANNOUNCED SO FAR

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2015 M Awards: Best Dressed

marc-gasolSeeing Marc Gasol in a Grizz jersey makes every Grizzlies fan happy.  There was a brief period of time when we did not know if Marc would return Memphis.  The good thing is Marc will remain in the Bluff City for at least another five year’s.

Marc Gasol in a Grizzlies jersey, First Place: 29.1%
Mike Conley in his mask, Second Place: 24.6%
Tony Allen in his robe, Third Place: 23.5%

Visit MemphiSport.com daily from July 13th to July 18th for this year’s Big Brothers Big Sisters M Awards winners.  The M Awards are presented by the 18th Annual Sports Ball Black-Tie Tennis Shoe Gala.

SPORTS BALL: BUY TIX TO THE SPORTS BALL BLACK-TIE TENNIS SHOE GALA BENEFITING BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS

MORE WINNERS: VIEW ALL OF THE M AWARDS WINNERS ANNOUNCED SO FAR

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