The Tri-State Defender - January 11-17, 2024

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January 11 - 17, 2024

VOL. 73, No. 2

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Mayor Young firmly believes Davis is the ‘right person for the job’ Sparks fly over letter from former Mayor Strickland

By James Coleman The Tri-State Defender

‘One year ago, I lost the most precious thing God ever gave me.’...

January 7 marked the anniversary of Tyre Nichols’ brutal beating at the hands of rogue Memphis Police officers. To commemorate the day, candlelight vigils were held in both Memphis and Nichols’ hometown of Sacramento. In a moment reminiscent of Mamie Till’s choice to allow reporters to see her lynched son Emmet Till in 1955, Tyre Nichol’s mother, RowVaughn Wells held up a picture of her son’s bruised and bloodied face.“Y’all see this picture, y’all see this picture,” she said. “This is my son, Tyre, this happened right here where we are standing, this is what happened to my son on January 7th.” For more photos from the vigil, see page 5. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The Tri-State Defender)

Looking for King Day Events?

By Florence Howard

Special to The Tri-State Defender

Martin Luther King Day is celebrated annually on the third Monday in January. Martin Luther King Jr. was born Jan. 15, 1929, in Atlanta. Below is a calendar of local MLK observances for this week: Jan. 11-15 – Volunteer Memphis MLK Days of Service. Volunteer Memphis is hosting its annual initiative of in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities. This year’s theme is: Get Involved in MLK Days of Service, and Care Like King!

The event kicks off on Thursday, Jan. 11, and offers five community focus events, including Youth and Education Day on Friday, Jan. 12; Health and Wellness Day on Saturday, Jan. 13; Service Sunday on Jan. 14; and Community Cleanup Day on Monday, Jan. 15. Reggie Crenshaw is the president of Volunteer Memphis. For more details, visit volunteermemphis.org.

Jan. 14 – Crosstown Theater – Freedom Celebration Concert.1350 Concourse Ave., Memphis, TN 38104. (2:30 to 4 p.m.)

Part of the Mahogany Chamber Music Series, organized by Dr. Artina McCain, this event spotlights underrepresented composers and performers. Doors open at 2 p.m.

Admission: Adults - $20, Students - $5.

Jan. 15 – National Civil Rights Museum – Free Admission. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Downtown Memphis. The MLK Birthday Celebration includes a stage on the museum plaza featuring live music with the Overton

SEE MLK ON PAGE 2

Fred Jones Jr., founder of the Southern Heritage Classic,, at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. (Courtesy photo)

Southern Heritage Classic will play at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium through 2032 TSD Newsroom Even though it won’t feature the familiar matchup between Tennessee State University and Jackson State University, the Southern Heritage Classic isn’t going anywhere any time soon.

On January 8, the City of Memphis reached an agreement with Summitt Management Corporation, which produces the event, that guarantees Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium as the venue for the Southern Heritage Classic through 2032.

SHC founder Fred Jones Jr. is pleased that a long-term agreement was reached.

“I am thankful to the City of Memphis for their support. We appreciate their diligence in

ensuring that the Southern Heritage Classic will continue to be held at the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium,” Jones said in a statement.

“It’s the place we’ve called home for decades, and we look forward to making more memories there as we bring great HBCU football to Memphis each year.”

Scheduled annually on the second Saturday in September, the Southern Heritage Classic football game is a staple in the Memphis community, showcasing thrilling matchups between prominent Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). It’s also a huge economic engine, pumping millions of dollars into the Memphis economy annually.

In 2024, the 35th Annual Southern Heritage Classic football game will be held on Saturday, September 14th, at 6 p.m.

With blue-uniformed supporters and opponents in the background Tuesday (Jan. 9), Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis, arguing her case for reappointment, fell short on 6-7 vote, during the Memphis City Council’s executive session.

The “test” vote came during a contentious discussion that included Mayor Paul Young, who took office Jan. 1, giving the city’s first female police chief a vote of confidence. The council is scheduled to take a binding yes-or-no vote on Davis’ reappointment at the next “Some of our council meeting on officers are Jan. 23. not used to “Make no mistake, all of our fates are riddiscipline at ing on us getting this the level our right,” Young said.

“As I said in the becommunity, ginning, I am going or the council to be accountable to expects. … you all. If we’re not getting the results that Change is we need and deserve, uncomfortable we’ll go another way.

“Right now, I firmfor them.” ly believe we have — Memphis the right person and Police Chief I stand behind her,” Young said.

Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis’ first two Davis years have been haunted by the killing of unarmed motorist Tyre Nichols by MPD officers and a historic crime rate. She also has struggled to find acceptance from rank-and-file officers within the department.

With that backdrop, Davis faced a skeptical council. Among her biggest critics is its new chairman.

“It’s my opinion that Chief Davis had twoand-a-half years. I think that’s ample time to get it right. I just think that Memphis ultimately deserves smart and innovative policing practices that we have seen across this country,” said JB Smiley Jr. Several of those innovations were passed into law last year – spurred by the fatal bludgeoning of Nichols on Jan. 7, 2023 and who died a year ago Wednesday (Jan. 10) – via council ordinances, including the creation of a data dashboard. This will include statistics on police interactions with citizens that result in a citation, arrest, or violence. In all, six ordinances were passed to reign in what department critics called MPD over-policing.

SEE POLICE ON PAGE 2

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The Tri-State Defender

January 11 - 17, 2024

Page 2

NEWS

In first meeting, Memphis City Council approves three appointments from Mayor Young

by James Coleman The Tri-State Defender

With 17 posts to fill within the city of Memphis government, Memphis City Council members Tuesday (Jan. 9) unanimously approved three of new Mayor Paul Young’s nominees, including a holdover from the previous administration.

With same-night minutes approval, the current Memphis Fire Department Chief Gina Sweat, City Attorney Tannera Gibson and Information Services Director Eric Keane can be-

POLICE

CONTINUED FROM FRONT At the start of the council’s deliberations on Davis Tuesday, Smiley, who began his second term on the council Jan. 1, confronted Davis with a letter he received from former mayor Jim Strickland on Dec. 29, during the waning days of Strickland’s administration.

It informed the council that, on his orders, none of the ordinances were enforced by Davis.

“I never received the letter,” Davis replied.

Smiley also read from a recent Daily Memphian article featuring an interview with an unnamed MPD officer, whose claims, if true, would confirm the veracity of Strickland’s letter.

“There’s not been any directives handed down at all, whatsoever…

It’s been business as usual,” Smiley quoted.

Davis denied the allegations. Instead, she blamed officers’ confusion over whether to follow state law and the ordinance.

A council member also pointed out that Davis related that officers were

gin their duties immediately.

The procedural maneuver was requested by City of Memphis Mayor Paul Young, so the trio can begin their duties immediately.

Gibson, a partner at the Burch, Porter & Johnson law firm, will remain at the firm, but is “de-equitizing” her position while employed by the city. The practice dates to former Mayor Willie Herenton’s administration. She is also the first Black female President of the Board of the Directors of the Memphis Bar Association.

“I’ve worked with attorney Gibson

for over 12 or 13 years. When I tell you she is absolutely one of our brilliant legal minds in Memphis, Tenn; I would even say abroad. She is, in fact, a super lawyer. She does not mind leading the charge,” first-year council member and fellow attorney Janika White praised.

Gibson is joined by Keane, who leaves his position as vice president and chief information officer of FedEx Logistics and FedEx Express.

He also serves on the board of advisors to the United Nations World Food Programme. His city appointment is his first government job.

“It’s my opinion that Chief Davis had two-and-a-half years. I think that’s ample time to get it right. I just think that Memphis ultimately deserves smart and innovative policing practices.”

— JB Smiley Jr. reluctant to record data, which could include information about motorists’ sexual orientation.

Davis responded, “Some of our officers are having problems. They are not used to discipline at the level our community, or the council expects.

They’re not used to various policies and procedures that will take our department to a higher level. Change is uncomfortable for them.”

Still, with only one vote short of a simple majority, Davis does have her defenders.

Dismissing media reports, a returning member of the council blamed an unwillingness to accept new practices – and a Black female superior – for the alleged dissension in the ranks.

He also accused members of the MPD of their own ambitions.

“I know a lot of them, they’d love

Sweat, meanwhile, will return to her post as the fire chief of the Memphis Fire Department.

Prior to the vote, a council member related a recent house fire he reported to 911 that drew a quick response from the department.

“The house was boarded up and abandoned, but they operated as if they might have been a life in there.

Everything about how they operated…it was precision. It was unbelievable to watch. These professionals do their job…,” said Councilman Chase Carlisle.

With the inclusion of interim COO

“If we’re not getting the results that we need and deserve, we’ll go another way. Right now, I firmly believe we have the right person and I stand behind her.”

— Mayor Paul Young JB Smiley Jr.

to have your job.

I wouldn’t, that’s a hard job,” said Edmund Ford Sr. “Clean house with some of them. Go on and let them retire. It’s time to get away from here.

Bring in ones that really care; ones that have your back, not stab you in your back.”

Despite the newspaper article, and officer reluctance, Davis believes she can get officers to buy into her leadership and city ordinances.

“I know what is needed for this Police Department. I felt like I was brought here to make change and not just keep things the way they were,” said Davis.

After reminding Davis that her service revolver was stolen from her personal vehicle, freshman council member Jerri Green criticized her

plan for a lack of vision.

This includes ignoring the need for a local crime lab for speedier investigative results. The MPD currently sends samples and other materials to Jackson, Tenn., for analysis.

“What we have continued to ask is for a vision. And you have provided us some bullet points about tracking repeat offenders or having more DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) classes in fourth grade.

“Frankly, it’s not enough. If you were to come to me and say, ‘I want to reopen that crime lab, I need this council’s support for budget because they are going to have to drive it back-and-forth to Jackson. Being able to have a ballistics lab…so I can connect it to a crime within 48 hours.

That’s vision,” Green said.

Paul Young

Gilliam Foundation Welcomes Three New Board Members The Gilliam Foundation Inc. announced the addition of three new members to its Board of Directors: Judge Bernice Donald, Dr. Carol Johnson-Dean, and Dr. Todd Motley.

With these appointments, the Gilliam Foundation’s board now comprises nine members. The other directors are Dorrit Gilliam, chief operating officer of the Gilliam Foundation; Rev. Melvin Charles Smith, vice chairman of the Gilliam Foundation; Aurelia Kyles; Levi Frazier Jr.; Rev. Melvin Jones; and Art Gilliam.

Judge Donald is a former U.S. District Judge and a former Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, currently engaged in mediation.

Dr. Johnson-Dean previously served as Superintendent of Memphis City Schools and as interim President of LeMoyne-Owen College.

Dr. Motley, an internal medicine physician, regularly discusses health-related issues on WLOK’s daily program “Let’s Talk About It.” “The additions of Judge Donald, Dr. Johnson-Dean, and Dr. Motley will strengthen the Gilliam Foun-

The Gilliam Foundation has added new members to its board: Dr. Carol Johnson-Dean, an experienced educator and former superintendent, Dr. Todd Motley, a physician known for his health advocacy, and Judge Bernice Donald, a distinguished former U.S. District and Appeals Court Judge, now committed to mediation and community support. dation as it continues its charitable work supporting disadvantaged families in the Memphis area,” said Art Gilliam, president of Gilliam Communications Inc., the parent compa-

Antonio Adams, CFO Walter Person, and interim General Services Director Melvin Jamerson, six of the city’s top posts are filled. Interim division heads do not require council approval.

During the meeting, members had a chance to meet with the remaining nominees, who will receive their first votes during the council’s Jan. 23 meeting. They will be joined by Memphis Police Department Chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis, who failed to win reappointment approval Tuesday by vote of six yes and seven no votes during a committee meeting.

ny of WLOK Radio, WLOK Stone Soul Picnic, and WLOK Black Film Festival.

Gilliam Communications, which acquired WLOK in 1977, operates

the first and only independently owned African American radio station in Memphis. WLOK broadcasts a gospel format on AM 1340 and FM 105.

Davis defended her approach, which she called “holistic.” This includes bringing key stakeholders – schools, churches, politicians, community activists, and businesses – to work with the MPD to address systemic problems.

So did Young.

“Are there things we are going to have to do to gain trust from officers and the community? Absolutely. But I wouldn’t make this recommendation if I didn’t think we can do it,” Young said.

Voting in favor of reappointing Davis were Rhonda Logan, new members Pearl Eva Walker, Yolanda Cooper-Sutton and Janika White, and Michalyn Easter-Thomas, and Ford.

Voting against were J. Ford Canale, Jana Swearengen-Washington, Chase Carlisle, new members Philip Spinosa and Green, and Jeff Warren, and Smiley.

MLK

CONTINUED FROM FRONT High School choir and singer Gerald Richardson. The museum is located at 450 Mulberry St. Regular museum hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Jan. 15 – Online Resources. Attention Parents: While school is out, you can help your kids observe Martin Luther King Day and Dr. King’s involvement in the Civil Rights Movement with free online resources. Visit https://education. com/resources/black-history-month. Resources include a library of games, worksheets, and more, categorized by grade level.

Jan. 15 – Race for Reconciliation. The third annual Race for Reconciliation continues to highlight the “dream of unity” for Memphis. The starting place is the Halloran Centre at the Orpheum, 225 S. Main St. Indoor and outdoor activities begin at 9:30 a.m., while the 5K run and a 1-mile walk start at 11 a.m. The event showcases “that the dream of unity is alive in Memphis” and involves people from all walks of life.

Jan. 15 – 21st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration Game. Featuring the Memphis Grizzlies vs. the Golden State Warriors, 5 p.m. at FedEx Forum. Sponsors include the Memphis Grizzlies, the National Civil Rights Museum, the City of Memphis, and Shelby County Government.

PERSPECTIVE The Tri-State Defender, January 11 - 17, 2024, Page 3

From Betrayal to Empowerment: The Imperative Shift Towards a Vigorous Black Press The recent study revealed that four in five African Americans mistrust mainstream media, a large but understandable percentage particularly given how news coverage has resorted to its pre-George Floyd perceptions

by Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

The media has always been a vital pillar of democracy because it informs citizens, holds governments at all levels accountable, and provides a platform for diverse opinions and commentary. Despite its importance, journalism has struggled to remain relevant and credible in the age of political polarization and distrust in traditional outlets and newer technologies.

Mainstream media produces and disseminates news through various outlets, such as television, radio, and newspapers.

These outlets, which include CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox, and predominately white-owned publications like the New York Times, Washington Post, and others, also have websites, podcasts, social media, and aggregators. All of whom have collectively failed to report news favorable or meaningful to the 47 million descendants of Africans who call America home.

A recent Pew Research Center survey found that Black Americans are more critical of the media than any other group.

Most respondents said the media doesn’t adequately cover issues pertinent to Black America and that coverage of Black communities is often negative or biased.

The death of George Floyd under a Minneapolis police officer’s knee outraged millions and set off protests that brought many Black people into the streets in ways they never had before. As violence, property damage, and efforts to reconcile and reform the police force ebbed and flowed, Black leaders in communities across the country pressed for change and pushed the media to do more to report on and analyze what was unfolding.

Some in the industry responded to the outrage and calls for change by promising to diversify their staff and hire more journalists of color. They also pledged to shed light on the countless positive stories emanating regularly from Black neighborhoods. But experts say those pledges have been hard to keep, and the progress has ei-

ther proven slow or nonexistent.

The recent study revealed that four in five African Americans mistrust mainstream media, a large but understandable percentage, particularly given how news coverage has resorted to its pre-George Floyd perceptions.

The falsifications and broken promises of mainstream media serve as a reminder that the Black Press is still the only news source that African Americans can trust.

On March 16, 1827, in New York City, John B. Russwurm and Samuel Cornish founded Freedoms Journal, the first newspaper owned by, led by, and for Black Americans in the United States. From the beginning, the goal of the Black Press was to provide a voice for African Americans while idealistically uplifting and validating them.

By addressing topics such as women, youth, style, and social mobility, the Black Press sought to create a distinct identity among its readers. Black-owned newspapers of the time also played a critical role in the community by reporting on lynch-

ings and providing an outlet for dissenting voices.

The Black Press also helped to ignite such epochal movements as the Harlem Renaissance and Black Power, and it played a central role in the later struggle for civil rights.

“It’s too bad we are still talking about these issues. But our leaders and Black people are speaking louder,” Ann Breedlove, who marched on Washington more than 60 years ago with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and again to observe its anniversary in 2023, told NBC News during the most recent march.

“We’re tired — sick and tired — of asking for justice. It’s time to fight back. I’m a great-grandmother who remembers the Ku Klux Klan raiding our house and us having to get under the bed when they came on their horses. Today is different. That’s not happening. But we still are getting it in different ways.”

“Our voices are going to be louder than the politicians,” she added, “who are not doing what they need to do to help us.”

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The Tri-State Defender

January 11 - 17, 2024

NEWS

Page 4

“Many federal requirements could still apply to Tennessee schools even if the state rejected federal K-12 dollars, creating questions that would likely be resolved in court.”

Tennessee senators’ report highlights risks of rejecting federal education funding

by Marta W. Aldrich Chalkbeat

Senate members of a joint legislative panel that looked into whether Tennessee should reject more than $1 billion in federal education funding released their own report Tuesday, citing disagreements with House colleagues.

The 12-page report said Tennessee could not make new investments toward other needs if it opts out of federal education funding and tries to fill the gap with state revenues.

The report also noted numerous other avenues for Tennessee to pursue to resolve conflicts between federal and state interests, and it brought up uncertainties created by taking the unprecedented step of saying no to U.S. money.

“Many federal requirements could still apply to Tennessee schools even if the state rejected federal K-12 dollars, creating questions that would likely be resolved in court,” the report said.

In essence, the senators’ report laid out why no state has ever taken the step of rejecting federal funding for its students and schools, even though several such as Oklahoma and Utah have considered it.

The U.S. contribution, for which Tennessee citizens pay taxes, makes up about a tenth of the state’s budget for education — about the same as with other states.

Most federal money supports low-income students, English language learners, and students with disabilities.

Sen. Jon Lundberg, the Bristol Republican who co-chaired the 10-member panel, called the report “preliminary” as he and four other senators submitted the document to Lt. Gov. Randy McNally and House Speaker Cameron Sexton.

“At this time, the House and Senate have not agreed to mutual recommendations,” they wrote in an accompanying letter.

Rep. Debra Moody, the Covington Republican who co-chaired the panel with Lundberg, did not immediately respond when asked whether the House members would submit their own report or comment on any disagreements.

But Sexton, who floated the idea nearly a year ago for Tennessee to look into the possibilities, said through an aide that a separate House report is coming.

“The House agreed with [the] Senate’s

State officials testify on Nov. 15, 2023, before a special legislative panel examining the feasibility of Tennessee rejecting more than $1 billion in federal funding for its schools and students to avoid federal requirements.

(Photos: Marta W. Aldrich/Chalkbeat)

Rep. Debra Moody and Sen. Jon Lundberg, both Republicans, co-chaired the joint legislative panel that conducted hearings in November. options for consideration. However, the Senate would not agree with the House’s actionable recommendations moving forward,” said a statement from Sexton’s office.

The Crossville Republican, who is a likely candidate for governor in 2026, had complained about testing requirements and other federal strings attached to acceptance of federal dollars, but has yet to provide a list of the other strings he finds objectionable.

Education advocates have suggested that objections from Sexton and the legis-

lature’s GOP supermajority are related to current “culture wars” about curriculum and the rights of transgender students to use school bathrooms or join sports teams consistent with their gender identity, which may not correspond with their sex assigned at birth.

A year ago, Sexton said Tennessee could tap into $3.2 billion in new recurring state revenues, which would more than cover any lost federal funds for education. But those numbers were based on budget information at that time. State revenues have since flattened.

“Tennessee likely has room in the budget to reject and replace recurring federal funding in K-12 education, but at the expense of other potential investments,” the report said.

The senators also noted that the amount of federal money that Tennessee receives totals more than any of the recurring increases for education over the last decade.

It’s also larger than the budgets of all but just a few state agencies, such as TennCare, transportation, education, and corrections.

Lundberg released the report just as the General Assembly reconvened its 2024 session, meeting a Jan. 9 deadline set by Sexton and McNally when they appointed the joint panel in September.

He told Chalkbeat later Tuesday that he stands by the report and refused to make changes requested by Sexton’s office.

“We determined it was best to release a Senate report that was solid, based on the testimony we heard and the information we were given,” said Lundberg, who declined to detail the points of contention.

Lundberg, who also chairs the Senate Education Committee, praised the work of the joint legislative panel for clearly identifying the state’s funding sources for education and their related mandates.

“Frankly there are fewer federal strings than I anticipated,” he said.

During four days of testimony in November, the panel heard mostly fact-finding presentations from established nonpartisan researchers, school district leaders, and state officials.

On the fifth day, at the request of House members, the group also heard from representatives of two conservative groups who urged the state to pursue forgoing federal funding. None of the Senate members were present for that final testimony. They said scheduling conflicts prevented them from attending.

The legislative panel declined to hear from Tennessee parents or advocacy groups about how federally funded education programs are run or affect their children.

Last week, several legislative leaders told Chalkbeat they did not expect any new legislation this year out of last year’s hearings.

(Marta Aldrich is a senior correspondent and covers the statehouse for Chalkbeat Tennessee. Contact her at maldrich@ chalkbeat.org)

The Tri-State Defender

January 11 - 17, 2024

NEWS

Dozens participate in vigil marking anniversary of Tyre Nichols’ fatal beating

by Memphis Police

O

n January 7, 2023, Tyre Nichols was mercilessly beaten by rogue Memphis police officers in a South Memphis neighborhood. He died a few days later.

One year later, candlelight vigils were held in Memphis, Nichols’ hometown of Sacramento, and in other cities seeking to keep the flames lit on police reform. And at the core of all these incidents, there is a mourning mother.

“One year ago today, I lost the most precious thing God ever gave me,” said RowVaughn Wells, Nichols’ mother.

And in a moment reminiscent of Mamie Till’s choice to allow reporters to see her lynched son Emmet Till in 1955, Wells held up a picture of her son’s bruised and bloodied face.

“Y’all see this picture, y’all see this picture,” she said. “This is my son, Tyre, this happened right here where we are standing, this is what happened to my son on January 7th.”

Newly inaugurated Memphis Mayor Paul Young attended the vigil as did Chief of Police CJ Davis were also present.

(Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/ The Tri-State Defender)

Page 5

SPORTS The Tri-State Defender, January 11 - 17, 2024, Page 6

ANALYSIS

With Ja Morant injured and out for season, should the Memphis Grizzlies blow it up?

by Lee Eric Smith lesmith@tsdmemphis.com

Just as the Memphis Grizzlies and their fans were starting to believe Ja Morant would lead the team to The Play-In Tournament, news broke on Monday that Morant needs shoulder surgery and will miss the rest of the season.

Morant injured himself over the weekend during practice — which finally explains to fans why he was wearing a sling over his arm as the Grizzlies defeated the Phoenix Suns Sunday night.

It’s shocking, but not surprising.

Shocking, because Morant’s return from a 25-game suspension immediately rejuvenated what was beginning to feel like a lost season. The team won four straight upon his return and went 6-3 in games since his return.

It’s also not surprising because . . . it’s an injury. Of course. Why wouldn’t another injury come and visit itself on this snakebitten NBA season? Steven Adams was ruled out during preseason. Brandon Clarke is still healing from an Achilles injury.

Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, Derrick Rose and Ziaire Williams — all rotation players — have missed serious time this season. So, of course, Ja Morant won’t be able to help put Memphis back in the playoff conversation. That would be too much like right.

For those of you counting at home,

the Grizzlies now have only TWO starters from last year’s roster available: Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. The question is: What now?

Lee Eric What should Smith you expect from your Memphis Grizzlies going forward? Here are my first three thoughts: NO QUIT IN THEM: First of all, whether it’s wise or not, this Memphis Grizzlies team is determined to compete, regardless of who’s on the floor. Head Coach Taylor Jenkins has built a culture of hard work and accountability. That “next man up” mentality is real, and he will get his team to play hard most nights. That will win them some games, but in the rough-and-tumble Western Conference, on most nights it may not be enough.

DYNAMIC DUO: Needless to say, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. now become the focal point of the Grizzlies attack for the remainder of the season. An unexpected benefit of Morant’s absences (suspension, previous injuries), is that both players have gotten used to being “the man,” both individually and collectively. They have good chemistry and assuming they get help from the role

players, the duo should give the Grizzlies a chance to win on most nights.

And when Morant returns, it should mean an even more potent “Big 3” for Memphis. But will the extra workload wear them out?

EXTENDED GARBAGE TIME: As injuries often do, it means more playing time for guys on the bench.

We’re already in the midst of a breakout season for Vince Williams Jr., who is helping to fill the defensive hole left when Dillon Brooks departed in the offseason. Nothing helps players develop skills and confidence like minutes in the game. Players like Ziaire Williams, David Roddy Jr. and John Konchar should get some extended run.

This will serve two purposes. Obviously, the Grizzlies want to see who can play well and fit in with the core group of Morant, Bane, Jackson and Adams. But the extended playing time will also help market players in potential deals to shore up the roster for next fall. I don’t expect Memphis to make a HUGE splash before next month’s trade deadline, but look for them to make some minor moves that bring in some young veterans and some draft picks.

TO TANK OR NOT TO TANK: Given the hole that the Grizzlies would have to climb out of just to make the Play-In Tournament — a tall task this season even WITH Morant — it’s a legit question as to whether Memphis should position itself for the NBA Draft. I think it’s a

This may or may not be the actual play that Ja Morant injured his shoulder, during the Grizzlies’ thrilling 127-113 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. But as exhilarating as his style of play is, it often puts him in awkward positions like this — that lead to injury.

(Photo: Terry Davis) little too early to tell. While Morant’s return get’s all the credit, quietly the team’s recent resurgence coincides with relatively good health — Smart, Kennard and Rose all returned from injury since Morant’s return. Having your best players healthy will help you win games — in fact, Memphis beat Phoenix Sunday without Morant.

I think that between their relative health, and the struggles of teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors, Memphis will stay in contention for the Play-In Tournament for the forseeable future.

It’s unlikely, but if things fall right, Memphis could make the Play-In. But there will be a threshold where it makes more sense to try to stack

ping-pong balls for the Lottery. With the new weighted system in place — the same one that vaulted Memphis up to the No. 2 pick (and Morant) in 2019 — tanking doesn’t make as much sense as it used to. But if Memphis finds itself out of Play-In Contention by March, don’t be surprised to see less of Bane and Jackson, and more of Santi Aldama and David Roddy — if they haven’t been traded by then.

In any case, Morant’s injury makes this NBA season much less mesmerizing for NBA fans — and even moreso for Grizzlies fans. But don’t take your eyes off of them yet. Bane and Jackson are capable of carrying this team and playing some thrilling ball while doing it.

Quinerly wins it for Tigers vs. SMU, 62-59

In back-to-back games, Jahvon Quinerly drained game winning three pointers for the Tigers — first, against Tulsa, and then Sunday against SMU. Jones with the monster slam.

Jahvon Quinerly’s late-game heroics lifted the Memphis Tigers to a thrilling 62-59 victory over SMU. Despite a sluggish start and trailing at halftime, the Tigers rallied back, propelled by Quinerly’s clutch shooting, which included a decisive three-pointer in the game’s closing seconds. This win extends the Tigers’ streak to eight and boosts their season record to 13-2.

Head Coach Penny Hardaway praised the team’s resilience, especially in overcoming the first-half deficit and a significant injury to key player Caleb Mills. Despite Mills’ absence, the Tigers showcased their depth with notable performances from Quinerly, who scored 11 points, and lead scorer David Jones, who put up 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds.

(Photos: William Weeks/Tri-State Defender)

David Jones makes a drive to the basket.

Tiger guard Jayhlon Young shows off his handles on a drive to the basket.