Month: July 2019

Categories
Beyond the Arc Sports

Iguodala Acquisition Means Decision Time for Grizzlies

CREDIT: NBA.com

Sunday, during the first night of NBA free agency, the Memphis Grizzlies, as expected, were quiet as far as trying to sign a new player. But that didn’t mean that they weren’t active. The team acquired veteran wing Andre Iguodala in a deal with the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors were desperately trying to come off of Iguodala’s contract in an effort to make room to facilitate a sign-and-trade involving Kevin Durant and former Brooklyn Nets point guard, D’Angelo Russell. The Grizzlies were able to absorb Iguodala’s contract into their own $25 million trade exception that was created as a result of the Mike Conley trade. As compensation, the Grizzlies also received a conditional future first-round draft pick from the Warriors.  NBA.com

Andre Iguodala

The pick has very favorable protections for the Grizzlies — starting with a top four pick protection in 2024. If not conveyed, the pick becomes number-one overall protected in 2025 and is completely unprotected in 2016. Since Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green will be 36, 34, and 34 years old, respectively, in 2024, the assumption is that the Warriors will be rebuilding by the time that the trade is available. If so, the Grizzlies more than likely would be receiving a lottery pick from them.

This could be an enviable opportunity for the Grizzlies, in the event they are able to acquire a high-draft pick from a Warriors team in transition. The Grizzlies could add a young player to their own roster or they could use the pick as a trade piece between now and then. Since the Grizzlies also own a future Utah Jazz first-round draft pick, they could package the two assets along with other players to acquire a star level talent via trade. This happens often when star players decide to part ways with their team and the team lays desirable assets on the trading block to acquire or replace a missing piece.

Iguodala should definitely be able to contribute and help this rebuilding Grizzlies team — on and off the court — if that is the direction that the team decides to go. A former NBA Finals MVP, Iguodala is a proven professional and one of the best defenders and crunch-time shot makers in the league. At 35, he is past the form that once had him labeled as one of the most athletic and versatile wings in the league, but he’s still a capable contributor who can help accelerate the Grizzlies’ rebuilding process. Whether Iguodala is willing to be a part of a team that’s rebuilding is still a question mark.

One of the best outcomes would involve the Grizzlies being able to trade Iguadola to a contender for another future asset before the coming season’s trade deadline. In the event that the Grizzlies are able to obtain not only the pick that came from the Warriors, but a second draft pick for Iguadala, it would be a definite win for their new front office.

There has also been rising speculation about the Grizzlies simply buying out the $16 million remaining on the final season of Iguadala’s current contract. This would allow Iguodala to go to any team he chooses. There are reports that if the Grizzlies did agree to a buyout agreement with Iguodala, he would join Lebron James and Anthony Davis with the Lakers. This narrative has been inflated by some in the national media. If Iguodala does not, in fact, want to be a part of a rebuilding and non-contending team in Memphis, that would be understandable. My hope is that the Grizzlies don’t allow their hand to be influenced by those media narratives. Iguodala is under contract with the Grizzlies now, and, regardless of anyone else’s opinion, it’s ultimately their decision about what to do with him.

The Grizzlies may not want the blow-back of negative criticism that could come if Iguodala says he wants to be traded and the team holds him “against his will.” But, whether it is mutually agreed upon that Iguodala can be a benefit to the team or not, the hope here is that the Andre Iguodala era in Memphis — however long it lasts — is one that ends on a positive note for all.

Categories
News News Blog

Council Sides With Neighborhood Association Against Waste Site Proposal

CREDIT: Waste Connections

Waste Connections

A waste collection company whose operations border a Whitehaven community asked the Memphis City Council Tuesday for the green light to reposition the site’s layout.

Officials with Waste Connections said its proposal would have been better for the neighboring residents, but after more than an hour of debate, the council voted it down.

Currently, the 30-acre waste transfer site near Brooks Road sits right behind more than a dozen homes. It collects 900 tons of waste each day. The company said its proposal would have moved its operation further away from the residents and created a larger buffer zone.

But, members of the McCorkle Road Neighborhood Association spoke in opposition to the proposal, urging the council to vote against it. They cited a rodent-control problem, loud noises, strong odors, and possible exposure to hazardous chemicals as common concerns among the residents.

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Rita Davis, who has lived in the neighborhood for 40 years, said she lives right behind the site and can’t “tolerate it.” She said there are “rats as big as cats jumping out at you” in her backyard. She also said a “horrendous stench” comes from the facility.

“There is a horrendous problem with garbage disposal one street over from a neighborhood that’s been established since the ’60s,” Davis said. “Now, it’s like a dead zone. You can’t have fun. You can’t enjoy your backyard.”

Another resident, Yvonne Nelson, wanted the council to agree to conditions that the company would have to adhere to if its proposal was approved. Some of those requests included relocation expenses of $200,000 per household affected by the site, pest control, an odor control system, and reduced hours of operation.

Council members responded that they don’t have the legislative authority to require the company to agree to such provisions.

“We’re tired and we want you to listen to us,” Nelson said. “We live there. We live this. You came and visited for five minutes and you left.”

Adrian Bond, representing Waste Connections, said “we’ve got fact versus fiction” and “improvement versus fears.”

Bond said many of the concerns the neighbors expressed, such as proximity to the site and noise levels, would have been mitigated with the relocation. He said the company’s operations are too confined and that in order to create a larger buffer zone between residents’ houses and the site, the company needs to reposition its layout.

“The council has the opportunity to put things in place to ensure that these neighbors and Waste Connections can coexist,” Bond said. “A no vote is a travesty because it doesn’t address the issues.”

Bobby Ladley with Waste Connections said he’s been tasked with fixing the issues the neighborhoods presented, but said “I simply don’t have the room right now.” Bond added that the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Memphis Public Works, the health and fire departments, and vector control have not cited any issues or violations at Waste Connections’ site.

 Bond said the company is aware of the rodent problem, but does not believe Waste Connections is the culprit. “We never doubted there was a rodent problem,” Bond said. “Our contention is that it’s not because of Waste Connections.” Bond said the rodents are coming from a nearby vacant apartment building, which he said was verified by a pest control company.

Before the 12-1 vote, several members of the council, including Berlin Boyd and Martavious Jones, maintained that a “no” vote would not change the neighbors circumstances. “Voting no keeps everything the same,” Boyd said. “ It does not improve.”

Councilman Sherman Greer said he believed voting in favor of the proposal would be best for the residents, but instead he chose to “vote how the constituents want me to.”


“I’m going to follow you and cast a no vote,” Greer said to the neighbors. “I don’t think it helps you, though. I’m going to cast that vote the way you want, but I think it’s the wrong vote for you.”

Councilman Worth Morgan, the sole member to vote for the proposal said the case “makes the least amount of sense in terms of where the opposition is coming from.”

“These are usually things the neighbors come together and argue for,” Morgan said. “In my best judgment, this actually improves conditions in the neighborhood for y’all rather than a step backward or keeping them the same, which is what a no vote does.”

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Chairman Kemp Conrad disagreed, echoing a resident’s sentiment that “you don’t expand a house to take care of a house you currently have.”

Conrad said many of the items Waste Connections is proposing could have been done without council approval. He also questioned why there hasn’t been any outreach with the community until recently.

“Had y’all been better neighbors until this point and there was trust between you all and the neighbors, I would think they probably would support what you’re talking about doing,” Conrad said. “You would have built the goodwill needed to get support for this project. You don’t need our vote to do that and if this fails, I hope you do it.”

Councilwoman Gerre Currie said even with the proposal being voted down, there are still options the company can pursue. Currie said she and residents will work with Waste Connections to form a “harmonious relationship,” moving forward.

Categories
News News Blog

Schaffzin Named First Female Dean of U of M Law School

CREDIT: University of Memphis

University of Memphis

Katharine Traylor Schaffzin

On Tuesday, Katharine Traylor Schaffzin was named the first female to ever serve as the dean of the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law.

Schaffzin has been with the law school since 2009 and has spent most of the last year serving as the school’s interim dean.

“I am humbled and honored to serve the University of Memphis in this capacity,” said Schaffzin in a statement. “It is a privilege to partner with the exceptional faculty of the law school and to work with our dedicated staff in promoting the success of our amazing students.

“I am excited by the potential we have as a law school working together to impact the lives of our students and the legal community in Memphis and beyond. I hope to continue our community partnerships, as well as to grow new relationships, through which the law school successfully trains and develops skilled attorneys while also advocating on behalf of the greater good.”

Schaffzin joined the school 10 years ago as an assistant professor. She was the law school’s associate dean of academic affairs from 2017 to 2018 and director of faculty development from 2012 to 2017.

In 2016, Schaffzin was selected by the Faculty Senate to serve on the U of M board of trustees, where she held the role of chair of the Academic, Research and Student Success Committee.

“Dean Schaffzin recognizes the opportunities and challenges facing the law school, which is so important not just for our university, but also for our community as a whole,” said Provost Tom Nenon. “She also has a clear vision of how the law school can face those challenges and continue to grow in quality and reputation as an outstanding destination for students choosing the legal profession.”

Schaffzin said she wants to emphasize improved learning outcomes and expand the recruitment and retention of diverse students at the school.

Categories
Food & Drink Hungry Memphis

Which Wich Opening Soon

Which Wich, a Texas-based chain, is set to open on July 15th or the week after. It will be located at 975 W. Poplar in Collierville.

Which Wich’s angle is its ordering system. Customers are given a paper bag and a red sharpie. The bag lists topping and proteins, which are marked by the customer. The bag is put on a zip line. The sandwich is made and the customer is given back the bag with their name on it.

“The whole process just kind of endears them to the brand,” says Rhett Douglas, the franchisee.

The business also offers such signature sandwiches as the Cheeseburgerwich, the Brunchwich, and a Superfood Wich.

Douglas is a Memphis native, who first got turned-on to Which Wich when he was in college in Arkansas. He says he always wanted to own his own business “I kind of made an offhand comment one day about, you know, if I could open a restaurant this would definitely be the one because I see the opportunity. I see the success,” he says.

Douglas’ foray with the brand has already proved innovative. His location will be the first to serve as a combo Which Wich/Paciugo Gelato Cafe.

“When we saw that Paciugo had been acquired [by Which Wich], we thought that’s a match made in heaven. Like surely, they meant for them to go together.”

But Which Wich hadn’t considered the possibility before. The company liked the concept, and the Collierville Which Wich will serve as sort of a prototype.

The new restaurant will also feature a drive-thru with a touchscreen kiosk. (There will be a help button for those who need it.)

Douglas says his particular favorite is the Grinder. He likes to dress it with hummus and pesto. He says that’s the thing about Which Wich: It’s big on customization. If they’ve got it and you want it, they will make sure you get it.

He says he thinks it will do pretty well in Collierville. “It just seems right up their alley in terms of the market research we’ve done. For restaurant concepts, they’re wanting something new, something quick but also nutritious,” Douglas says. 

Categories
News News Blog

Record Number of Travelers Expected to Hit State Highways This Week


A record number of Tennesseans are expected to hit the road this Independence Day.

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), 985,000 drivers are expected to be on the state’s roads this week. That’s nearly 5 percent more than the number of Tennesseans that traveled this time last year.

The rise state’s rise in travelers follows the national trend, as AAA estimates a record number of Americans — 41.4 million — are expected to travel by automobile this week. That’s 1.9 million more than last year.

AAA said the busiest day for driving will likely be Wednesday.

In order to make travel smoother for the nearly 1 million drivers expected to be on the state’s highways this week, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will suspend all construction-related lane closures beginning at noon on Wednesday until 6 a.m. on Monday.

“It is estimated that 985,000 motorists will travel Tennessee’s interstates and state routes this July 4th holiday,” TDOT Commissioner Clay Bright said. “To help motorists reach their destinations safely and without unnecessary delays, we are suspending lane closures during this holiday travel time.”

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Still, workers could be present in construction zones where reduced speed limits will remain in effect. Speeding in work zones could result in a $250 to $500 fine, according to TDOT.

AAA attributes the increase in drivers in part to lower gas prices compared to this time last year.

Memphis’s average price for a gallon of regular gas decreased by about 17 cents from this time last year.

The average price for regular gas in Memphis as of Tuesday is $2.43 per gallon. That’s a little less than Nashville’s average of $2.48 per gallon and slightly more than Chattanooga’s and Knoxville’s average prices of $2.36 and $2.39 per gallon respectively.

Across the country, gas is most expensive in California where the average price per gallon is $3.77. The country’s lowest gas prices are currently just south of Memphis in Mississippi. A gallon currently averages $2.34 there.



Try AAA’s gas cost calculator to see how much your travel plans will cost you. 

Categories
News News Blog

Online Church Sues To Block Online Ordination Law

CREDIT: American Marriage Ministries

American Marriage Ministries

New ministers ordained at an in-person ordination ceremony by American Marriage Ministries last week at Shelby Farms.

The online Universal Life Church Monastery (ULCM) sued Tennessee state officials and several county clerks recently to block a new law that prevents online ordination in the state.

State lawmakers this year passed a bill that prevents online-ordained ministers from marrying couples. The new rule (Public Chapter No. 415) gives that power to a broader array of government officials. But demands more from “ministers” of any stripe. The bill took effect Monday.

”Under present law, in order to solemnize the rite of matrimony, a minister, preacher, pastor, priest, rabbi, or other spiritual leader must be ordained or otherwise designated in conformity with the customs of a church, temple, or other religious group or organization and such customs must provide for such ordination or designation by a considered, deliberate, and responsible act,” reads the bill summary.

To combat the new law, ULCM sued Tennessee Attorney General Herbert Slatery and county clerks in Hamilton (Chattanooga), Putnam (Cookeville), and Rutherford (Murfreesboro) Counties on behalf of some of the ULCM-ordained ministers who live there.

Universal Life Church

“Marriage is indeed a sacred institution, and Tennessee’s cruel decision limits who may solemnize a marriage to a select few,” reads a statement from ULCM. “The Universal Life Church Ministries’ legal challenge aims to halt and reverse this discriminatory law and restore and protect the rights of all ministers of all faiths in The Volunteer State.”

The church’s “guiding message” is that “we are all children of the same universe,” reads the statement. So, the group will not “be a silent witness to the disenfranchisement of any group.” Further, “the ULCM will not rest until its ministers and members are able to enjoy the rights and freedoms guaranteed to all citizens, not just in Tennessee but around the world.”

The suit claims the new law is in violation of the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution and the Tennessee Constitution.

Last week, the American Marriage Ministries (AMM) group ordained would-be ministers in public across Tennessee. On Monday, the group was in Memphis to perform in-person ordinations that would meet Tennessee’s new law.

”We met hundreds of ministers and AMM supporters from across the region,” reads the AMM blog. “Folks had driven in from Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas to prepare for upcoming weddings in the volunteer state.
[pullquote-1] “We heard from all backgrounds and beliefs — Agnostics, Christians, Wiccans — all united in defense of religious freedom and opposition to Public Chapter No. 415. Public outrage is growing, and at every stop we make, the crowds get larger.”

The online-only ULCM said it was disappointed in actions like these.

“The ULCM has been disheartened by the short-sighted response of some other organizations who have leapt gleefully into the laps of Tennessee lawmakers and begun offering in-person ordinations in order to appease them,” reads a statement. “Rather than acquiesce to Tennessee’s demands and compromise its religious freedom, the Universal Life Church wholeheartedly rejects this outdated notion of religion and fully intends to proudly defend its open model.”

Read ULCM’s full complaint here:

[pdf-1]

Categories
News News Blog

Downtown Business Groups Issue Conditional Support for New Tom Lee Park

CREDIT: Chris McCoy

Studio Gang

A view of Tom Lee Park from Studio Gang’s 2017 Riverfront Concept Plan.

Three major Downtown business groups said Monday they support an improved Tom Lee Park but not at the expense of Memphis in May and its revenues.

Much noise has been made about the Mississippi River Parks Partnership’s (MRPP) $60 million plan to renovate Tom Lee Park. That plan would transform the now-flat, largely featureless expanse with gentle hills, trees, and permanent structures.

Much of that noise has been made from those fearing the updated park would force the festivals to move or shrink. MRPP has said neither of those would happen.

On Monday, the Memphis Restaurant Association, Memphis Metropolitan Hotel & Lodging Association, and the Beale Street Merchants Association issued a joint statement in support of an improved park but only if it does not harm Memphis in May.

Here’s the statement in full:

“We support an improved Tom Lee Park that showcases and embraces the Mississippi River.

Together, the Memphis Restaurant Association, Memphis Metropolitan Hotel & Lodging Association, and the Beale Street Merchants Association desire a park that fits the needs of the citizens of Memphis but that also accommodates the annual activities and events associated with Memphis in May and its $137 million-dollar annual economic impact on the city of Memphis and Shelby County.
[pullquote-1] If Memphis in May events are relocated or restructured, it could have a devastating effect on Downtown businesses and cause a loss in critical tax revenue from the Memphis and Shelby County hotel/motel tax and directly impact the revenue projected to be generated through the Downtown Tourism Development Zone — funds that can not be recuperated.

Downtown Memphis offers the amenities and services our community and visitors desire when participating in Memphis in May events. We are committed to a solution that supports improvements, encourages business, is accessible, and that allows thousands of citizens and visitors to experience our riverfront.”

Categories
Food & Drink Hungry Memphis

Saddle Creek Beer Garden Opening July 4th

Friends, Memphians, countrymen, lend me your ears: The Saddle Creek Beer Garden is reopening on Thursday, July 4th!

The beer garden is near J. Crew.

Tony Westmoreland (Growlers) is taking the reins this year, with his restaurant group, Tandem Restaurant Partners, along with Ryan Gill of Doc’s.

Westmoreland says they are working with local distributors to curate the beer. Once a certain beer runs out, they will move on to a new one.

He also says that this year, there will be arcade games and more lawn games (think corn-hole).

On opening day, they have a full lineup of bands set. And the cool thing is that the Germantown fireworks can be seen from the parking lot.

Special holiday hours are 4-9 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Regular hours start on the 12th and will be 4-9 p.m. Fridays, 12-9 p.m. Saturdays, 12-6 p.m. Sundays.

Categories
Film/TV Film/TV/Etc. Blog

Music Video Monday: Bruce Newman

Music Video Monday wishes you a happy Independence Day!

Bruce Newman, best known as DJ and host of WEVL’s Folk Song Fiesta radio show, is also a singer/songwriter himself. His first music video is in the finest folk tradition of dissent and protest.

“’Reality Star’ was written as an observational commentary on the current leadership of our great country, with hope and prayer that this, too, shall pass,” Newman says.

The video is directed by Laura Jean Hocking and stars Billie Worley as…well, you’ll see.

Music Video Monday: Bruce Newman

If you would like to see your music video on Music Video Monday, email cmccoy@memphisflyer.com

Categories
Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizz Keep Valanciunus … and It’s Cool

Jonas Valanchiunas

Okay, okay. I’m fine with the Grizz keeping Jonas Valanciunus.

If you had caught me as little as two weeks ago, I was dead-set against the Grizzlies attempting to resign the veteran big man. I even had a column in the chamber where I was going to rant about it, but I never submitted it. JV had just made a decision to opt-out of the $17 million that was owed to him for the final season of his previous contract and I was in favor of he and the Grizzlies parting ways, instead of coming to terms with a new deal.

I had my reasons. I had my concerns. Some of those concerns I still have, but since then, I have given the deal a closer look, and I’ve come to the conclusion that it probably was the best move for the Grizzlies to keep Valanciunus for the three-year, $45 million deal that was reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski Sunday afternoon.

The Grizzlies made the best of the deal by not including a fourth season, which lines up with the first extension of Jaren Jackson Jr., whose contract will be structured to descend with Valanciunus’ deal, beginning at roughly $16 million in year one, followed by $15 million and then $14 million in its final year.

Valanciunus is a proven veteran center who showed well for the Grizzlies in his 19 games with the team last season. He averaged nearly 20 points and 10 rebounds per game, while becoming a focal point of the Grizzlies offense at the tail-end of the season. He’s not “young,” but he’s young enough, at 27, where he can be a nice presence alongside Jackson. His throwback bruising style allows Jackson to be more dynamic and creative, and not have to carry the load of being a rebounder and banger in the paint. JV is also good enough to help win games for the Grizzlies when Jackson is in foul trouble or Ja Morant is struggling; Valanciunus can help carry the load and get the team over the hump. This happened often enough during his limited stint last year for me to expect to see it again.

This also leads to my earlier concerns about signing him. Since JV is the type of player who is able to score inside using his size, strength, and skill, seemingly at will, could this be problematic if he starts to feel like he should be the focal point of the offense, instead of a third-option safety valve for the younger players. He is a 20 & 10 caliber player that the Grizzlies don’t particularly need to be a contributor on that level. I’m also concerned that Valanciunus might not fit with what new Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins wants to do offensively — or defensively. He’s a change of pace from any big that Jenkins has had in Atlanta or Milwaukee as an assistant coach.

Still, the bottom line is that I’m optimistic about Valanciunus’ return and I’m hoping that he continues to be the inside force that he has shown himself to be — as well as the workhorse personality that captured the attention of the fanbase and local media.

There will be games where it will be great to have him and games where he will look like he’s simply in the way, but I see the good heavily outweighing the bad. Is he the type of player that you base your coaching hire around or that you keep Mike Conley around for? No, but he could be good for taking pressure off of Jackson and great for setting strong picks for Ja Morant. And, honestly, who gets tired of seeing a big, crazy dude with a beard throwing opposing players around? I’m sold.