NBC Charlotte Sports Podcast

Brandt Bronico is a North Carolina native, Charlotte 49er, and now one of the first players on the Charlotte FC roster as the MLS comes to the Queen City in 2022. Brandt joins the podcast to discuss how thrilled he is to play pro soccer in Charlotte, why he thinks the MLS will be a hit here, and how he got his agent to get him traded to play for Charlotte FC!   More sports news from WCNC Charlotte: https://www.wcnc.com/sports  Follow Nick Carboni on Twitter: https://twitter.com/nickcarboniwcnc 

In this week’s special episode, WCNC Sports Director Nick Carboni leads a mock draft war room with Julian Council (Locked On Panthers), Eugene Robinson (NFL veteran) and John Ellis (One Panthers Place). With 10 minutes on the clock, the group tries to simulate the discussion the Carolina Panthers will have as they discuss what to do with the No. 8 overall pick. Will they take another quarterback, Justin Fields? Will they take a defensive player? Will they trade out of the Top 10? Each member of the group has a role to play as they debate what to do.

Former West Charlotte HS star basketball player Justin Gray joins WCNC Charlotte’s Off the Clock podcast one week into his new job as the head coach at Western Carolina University. Gray talks to Sports Director Nick Carboni about growing up on Beatties Ford Road, his stellar collegiate career at Wake Forest where he was teammates and friends with Chris Paul, and his basketball journey which took him to over a dozen teams overseas in Europe and Asia.   Follow more sports updates from WCNC Charlotte online: https://www.wcnc.com/sports

Joe Cox was one of the best high school football players in the United States, when he played for the record-breaking Independence teams in Charlotte in the early 2000s. He then went on to play college at the University of Georgia, and is now back home and on staff for the Charlotte 49ers. He joins the WCNC Off the Clock podcast to discuss chasing perfection in high school, lessons learned in college, and his coaching journey.

Charlotte resident Samuel Grubbs is a content creator with 7 million TikTok followers. Turner Sports called him ahead of the NCAA Tournament and challenged him to make a Rube Goldberg-style, chain-reaction puzzle for the beginning of March Madness coverage. Grubbs details how he did it, the odd items he had to acquire and the 16,000-square foot warehouse in Charlotte that he used to make it happen – all just before the deadline.

Gardner-Webb basketball coach Tim Craft joins Off the Clock with Nick Carboni to talk about the NCAA Tournament, and the Runnin’ Bulldogs dealing with a pandemic season. Two years ago Craft and his team cut down the nets as the Big South champion, and nearly upset No. 1 Virginia in the NCAA Tournament.  For the biggest sports news from across the Carolinas, follow Nick on Twitter @NickCarboniWCNC

Michael McDowell won the 2021 Daytona 500 for his first career NASCAR Cup Series win in 358 starts. McDowell, driver of the No. 34 Love's Ford for Front Row Motorsports, talks with WCNC Charlotte's Nick Carboni about transitioning that Daytona victory into a strong start to the season.  After four races, McDowell sits 9th in the NASCAR championship standings and is a lock for the playoffs by virtue of winning the season opener at Daytona. He joins Off the Clock with Nick Carboni before Sunday's Instacart 500 at Phoenix Raceway to discuss his strong start and where he believes his team could wind up when the dust settles on 2021.  For the latest Charlotte sports updates, including breaking news about the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets and college sports, follow Nick on Twitter, @NickCarboniWCNC. 

National championship-winning player Matt Doherty joins Nick Carboni to discuss his playing career at the University of North Carolina! During this conversation, Doherty also talks about his time coaching the Tar Heels and Notre Dame.  Nick and Matt also discuss his new book, "Rebound." 

We're just days away from the 2021 Daytona 500 and another NASCAR season. Team Penske driver Ryan Blaney joins Nick Carboni to discuss how it would feel to win the Daytona 500 and being in the driver's seat at the end of a chaotic race. Blaney, who has a reputation for some of the most recognizable facial hair in NASCAR might have some competition from his good pal, and defending champion, Chase Elliott. What's Blaney think about Chase's new look?

Charlotte native and PGA Tour major winner Davis Love III joins the podcast after being named U.S. captain for the 2022 Presidents Cup at Quail Hollow. He talks about his Carolina roots, why he thinks this will be the best Presidents Cup ever, and getting the news from Tiger Woods.

Carolina Panthers GM Scott Fitterer joins the Off The Clock podcast just after taking the job. During this interview with WCNC Charlotte's Nick Carboni, Fitterer discusses how to build a sustained winning franchise in Carolina, the attributes he looks for when scouting NFL quarterbacks and his team-building philosophy.  Fitterer also discusses how he plans to work with head coach Matt Rhule. 

Carolina Panthers linebacker Jermaine Carter Jr., joins the show to discuss the team’s 2020 NFL season, his improved play, his relationship with coach Matt Rhule, and his love/hate relationship with the nickname ‘Pee Wee.’

John Ellis of One Panther Place joins the WCNC Charlotte Off The Clock podcast to wrap up the 2020 Carolina season, and look ahead to 2021. After a dismal finish to the year, what is Teddy Bridgewater's future with Carolina, and could the team draft a QB? What can we expect from a new general manager in terms of roster construction and draft selection?    For the latest Panthers news, alerts and updates, follow Nick Carboni on Twitter @NickCarboniWCNC. 

Charlotte Hornets reporter Rod Boone is back on the beat, with a brand new website. He joins the show to discuss expectations for LaMelo Ball, and the 2020-21 season. 

Central Cabarrus standout and current NBA point guard Ish Smith joins the podcast to discuss the upcoming season, what life was like in the NBA Bubble, his days at Wake Forest, and if Charlotte hoops is underrated.

On the day of the NBA Draft, Charlotte native and Kansas guard Devon Dotson joins the podcast to talk about his emotions before he’s likely selected, his days in Charlotte and what move he’s planning to put on former high school teammate Grant Williams, now with the Boston Celtics. As usual, several Charlotte-area prospects are slated to be selected in the NBA Draft on Wednesday night. Here are the players, and where they may be drafted. Patrick Williams College: Florida State High School: West Charlotte Williams is on the rise up many Mock Drafts, now hovering inside the Top 10. The 6-foot-8 forward played just one season for the Seminoles but made his mark as the ACC Sixth Man of the Year, averaging 9.2 points per game, and shooting 46 percent from the field. According to NBA.com, "Patrick Williams is an athletic forward with prototypical tools for an NBA forward and a budding offensive game." Devon Dotson College: Kansas High School: Providence Day Dotson will become the second former Providence Day star drafted in as many years, following Grant Williams' selection by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft. Dotson, a speedy, 6-foot-2, point guard, led the Jayhawks to the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, which was ultimately canceled. "He’s an unbelievable competitor," said Bill Self, Dotson's coach at Kansas. "He liked it when it counted the most and when it was the hardest."   

For Charlotte’s Richie Shaffer – receiving the first copy of his book was not unlike another monumental moment in his life. TO BUY SHAFFER'S BOOK, CLICK HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Eight-Earth-Novel-Richie-Shaffer-ebook/dp/B08L39FDBB Shaffer retired last year from pro baseball – and just one year later is a published science fiction author. "If you told me six or seven years ago I’d have a full-fledged SciFi epic I’d say you’re crazy," he said. "It’s not something I ever pictured being capable of accomplishing.” “Honestly it felt very similar to when I got called up for the very first time," said Shaffer. "This was something that was a challenge unlike anything I’ve ever done.” Shaffer starred at Providence High School and then Clemson – then went on to be a first-round pick by Tampa Bay – and spent two seasons in the Major Leagues with the Rays. Storybook stuff – complete with hitting a home run at Fenway Park. “I almost think I enjoy that one more than my first home run because if I’m being completely honest," he said, "because what kid doesn’t hit the ball over the monster, right?” Shaffer was looking for a relaxing escape from the daily grind of pro baseball life – and eventually – he found it in writing. In hotel rooms, on long bus rides, and on team flights. He wrote and wrote. “Every day after games I would write another page, another chapter, with no intention of writing a book it just really helped me calm down," Shaffer said. "Then I looked up a year later and I basically had this first draft of like 400 pages I was like oh my gosh!” The Eight of Earth focuses on a world created in Shaffer’s mind "Basically the nugget of the story is what would humans be like if they weren’t raised by humans and they were raised in a different civilization? What parts of humanity are innate and what part are learned through culture and society,” Shaffer explained. And while it is SciFi at its core – it has heart. “It’s very human and has a lot of heart to it," he said. "It’s about people needing to care for one another to get through life because life can be difficult no matter what the situation is.”READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/sports/charlotte-baseball-player-writes-sci-fi-book/275-54fcbd8e-1cd6-4c0d-b503-354fd413252c

Charlotte 49ers great and Pittsburgh Steelers rookie Alex Highsmith joins the show fresh off his first-career interception off Lamar Jackson. Highsmith talks about being a part of the NFL’s only unbeaten team, and his days with the Charlotte 49ers, which started with humble beginnings.  

This week, Charlotte 49ers baseball coach and Charlotte native Robert Woodard joins the show to discuss building momentum from the team’s shortened spring season, and about his days pitching for the University of North Carolina, where he remains the program’s all-time winningest pitcher, leading the Tar Heels to multiple College World Series appearances. 

Hornets guard and Tar Heels great Joel Berry II joins the show to talk about the Hornets two-week bubble, fighting through pain to bring UNC the 2017 National Championship, and his affinity for playing NBA 2K.

2012 NASCAR Cup series champion and 2020 Coca-Cola 600 winner Brad Keselowski joins the show where Nick reveals that his new neighbor his Panthers star Christian McCaffrey. Keselowski also talks about this weekend’s ROVAL 400 on WCNC Charlotte, possibly racing in the rain, and chasing his second championship.

This week, the President of Performance Racing Network (PRN) Doug Rice joins the show to talk about this Sunday’s ROVAL 400 on WCNC Charlotte. Who does he think will win? Why he wants to see the race run in the rain. And how we’ll look back at a wild 2020 in NASCAR.

This week, ESPN’s National Recruiting Director and Charlotte resident Paul Biancardi joins the show. He tells us about recruiting a young LeBron James, and gives insight on some of the players the Hornets might pick at No. 3 in the NBA Draft, including the polarizing LaMelo Ball.

The former Charlotte 49ers and North Carolina Tar Heels greats join the show to discuss growing up in Charlotte, their record-setting college careers, navigating life in the pros, and updates on their football journeys.

Charlotte Independence goalkeeper Brandon Miller joins WCNC Charlotte Sports Director Nick Carboni to discuss the team’s recent big wins, his soccer journey, and being a voice of change. Off the Clock with Carboni is a weekly conversation with some of the biggest names in sports across the Carolinas, as they share their story, in their own words. 

This week, Charlotte native Brenton Bersin joins Nick to talk about living his NFL dream on his hometown team, his first TD catch, the magical Super Bowl run in 2015 and Cam Newton’s nicknames for Carolina Panthers teammates.    For the latest Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets and sports news from the Carolinas, follow Nick Carboni on Twitter at @NickCarboniWCNC. 

Charlotte native and NASCAR driver William Byron talks about idolizing Jimmie Johnson and then becoming his teammate, what Queen City streets he’d love to drive the No. 24 car down and this weekend’s big race at Daytona on WCNC Charlotte. Byron is one of three drivers fighting for a spot in NASCAR's Cup Series playoffs who doesn't have to win at Daytona, but he's had success at the 2.5-mile oval early in his career. 

Charlotte Knights manager and Gastonia native Wes Helms is currently running the Chicago White Sox taxi squad as MLB operates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Helms joins Off The Clock to discuss that, growing up in Gastonia, playing for his childhood team, the Atlanta Braves, and death-defying at-bats against Randy Johnson.   Follow Nick Carboni on Twitter at @NickCarboniWCNC for the latest breaking sports news and analysis as it happens. 

What was it like to be in the NBA the night the league shut down on March 11? Charlotte Hornets radio play-by-play voice John Focke joins the show to discuss that strange night, his journey to becoming the voice of the Hornets, mountain getaways and more. Focke tells us how he’s staying sharp as a broadcaster during the long layoff, and who will make the next, Devonte’ Graham-like improvement.

On this week's show, Nick Carbon is joined by former NFL defensive back and Carolina Panthers analyst, Eugene Robinson. Eugene tells us about his favorite chicken wings in Charlotte and tells a great PG-13 story about Brett Favre during his time with the Green Bay Packers that you won't hear anywhere else! And while Eugene was playing in Washington, he tells us why he started playing the saxophone and how it might've led to the best trade that happened to him in the NFL. Plus, Nick and Eugene talk about the 2020 NFL season, why trainers could be the most important pieces of the offseason and what practice squad players can do to make an active roster this year. Eugene also talks about his relationship with the late Reggie White and how he became a member of the Carolina Panthers and the first time he met former team owner Jerry Richardson. 

Off the Clock with Nick Carboni is the premier podcast for Charlotte sports fans! The idea is to entertain and have informative conversations with some of the biggest names in Charlotte sports. From the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Hornets to NASCAR and college football, Nick will have the biggest stars and best stories fans have never heard! The show airs every Friday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and wherever your favorite podcasts are found. 

It's official: Matt Rhule is the head coach of the Carolina Panthers. So what are the expectations for a first-time NFL head coach? Nick Carboni is joined by CarolinaHuddle.com founder Jeremy Igo to break down Rhule's introductory press conference and give their predictions on what will happen in 2020! 

On this week's episode, Nick Carboni is joined by Jeremy Igo of CarolinaHuddle.com to recap the Panthers' 34-27 win over Jacksonville and all things Christian McCaffrey. Run CMC was untouchable against the Jags and set a new Panthers record with his 84-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. (0:10) What did Igo post on Twitter that sent Panthers fans into a frenzy about Cam? (6:15) Is Christian McCaffrey doing more than any other player in Panthers history? (10:05) Do you trust the offensive line? (12:50) Why it was the right time to expand the Hall of Honor, (19:30) and Nick shares an interesting historical nugget that could determine the winner of this week's game vs Tampa Bay before the teams even arrive in London. (24:15) Is Kyle Allen good enough to lead the Panthers on a playoff run, or is it simply a matter of keeping it between the lines before Cam gets back healthy?

Cam Newton's status for Week 3 vs the Arizona Cardinals is unknown after he aggravated a foot injury he suffered in the preseason. Head coach Ron Rivera said the team will take it day by day, but backup QB Kyle Allen is prepared to start if Cam can't go. NBC Charlotte's Nick Carboni is joined by Jeremy Igo of Carolina Huddle to talk about Cam's injury, what it means for the team moving forward and if it could lead to major changes for the Panthers. 

Panthers QB Cam Newton missed practice Tuesday after re-aggravating his sprained foot vs. the Bucs. NBC Charlotte Sports Director Nick Carboni and Carolina Huddle’s Jeremy Igo discuss his future, Ron Rivera’s future, and if Kyle Allen can win games while Cam is out.  

The Panthers opened the regular season with a 30-27 loss against the Rams. Nick Carboni is joined by WCNC's Ashley Stroehlein and Jeremy Igo of Carolina Huddle to break down what went wrong and how the Panthers can rebound with a win over Tampa Bay Thursday night. (1:45) Cam wasn't his usual self in the loss. Are there concerns about his future? (4:58) Though it might feel that way to some, the sky isn't falling for the Panthers. What do they need to do Thursday to make fans happy? (8:55) It wasn't all bad, the hosts talk about what they were encouraged by in Week 1 and what can be viewed as a positive for the Panthers. (11:00) We'll play some over/under for this week and (27:45) we offer up our predictions for Week 2's date with Tampa Bay. 

The NFL is back! With a new season upon us, the Carolina Panthers kick things off by hosting the defending NFC champion Rams. Nick Carboni is joined by WCNC's Ashley Stroehlein and Jeremy Igo of Carolina Huddle as they talk all things Panthers! (03:15)Will the Rams suffer from a Super Bowl hangover? (05:15) Should we have concerns about Cam Newton's health? (08:42) When all is said and done Sunday night, what will Monday's headlines be after week 1? (12:30) Plus, Nick wants to know if it's a good idea to start Brian Burns in his first career game and (17:55) the panel offers their score predictions for Sunday's big game. 

We're just days away from the start of college football in the Carolinas and Nick Carboni's guest is Mack Brown, head coach of the University of North Carolina. After winning a national championship at Texas, Mack spent the last few seasons as an analyst at ESPN before returning to coaching at North Carolina, where he was very successful in the 1990s. (6:08) How has Charlotte changed when it comes to recruiting since his first tenure at UNC? (9:45) Just how important is the season opener against South Carolina as a prove-it game for the Heels? (10:15) And Mack Brown explains why working for ESPN helped rekindle his passion for coaching and prepared him for his big return. Catch all the high school action from across the Carolinas on NBC Charlotte's Friday Night Frenzy at 11:15 p.m.!

Panthers cornerback James Bradberry enters his fourth season with the team and sits down with WCNC sports director Nick Carboni. They talk about his upcoming contract situation, his first three years in the league, growing up with Jameis Winston, swimming, cooking and more.

On this episode, Nick Carboni sits down with South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Will Muschamp ahead of 2019 SEC Media Days. Entering his fourth season at South Carolina, Muschamp has had the best three-year run to start a tenure in Gamecocks history but his team has struggled against their elite rivals. Muschamp discusses facing his old mentor, Mack Brown, in the season opener vs North Carolina and goes into detail about how the state-of-the-art football facility will bring success on and off the field for the program. 

On the latest NBC Charlotte Sports Podcast episode, The Charlotte Observer’s Rick Bonnell (2:04-15:45) on Kemba Walker’s upcoming free agency, and who’s to blame for the situation that Hornets are in. Dale Earnhardt Jr. (17:20-30:27), discusses NASCAR’s return to NBC, the ROVAL improvements, and the strangest car he’s ever raced. NASCAR.com’s Zack Albert (31:56-49:52) dissects the dominance of Joe Gibbs Racing and Team Penske, and who can stop them this season. He also discusses how gambling, e-sports, scheduling and the Gen-7 can shape the future of the sport.

NBA free agency is just around the corner and the Charlotte Hornets have a big decision to make when it comes to Kemba Walker. After earning All-NBA honors, Walker is now eligible for a "supermax" contract. Is the extra money the difference? Nick Carboni goes 1-on-1 with Jared Weiss of The Athletic, who spoke to Kemba on a recent trip to Tokyo. He offers his insight into Kemba's thinking and chances of re-signing. Plus, TJ Rives of Tampa Bay Bucs Radio talks about how newly signed defensive tackle Gerald McCoy will impact the Carolina Panthers defense. 

Locked On Hornets’ Doug Branson and Nick Carboni discuss the Hornets dilemma with what to do with Hornets star Kemba Walker, who could be owed $221 million over the next five seasons.

After a blowout win over Alabama, are the Clemson Tigers the best team of all-time? Beat writer Eric Boynton of the Spartanburg Herald-Journal discusses Clemson's status as the premier program in America and how the future could be even brighter for the Tigers. And if eligible, would Trevor Lawrence be the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft?

Kelsey Riggs is joined by Panthers linebackers Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly. How much did Davis influence Kuechly's career? And Davis details how emotional his final home game in a Panthers uniform will be. Plus, former NFL team doctor David Chao joins the show to discuss Cam Newton's shoulder injury.

On this episode of the NBC Charlotte Sports podcast, sports director Nick Carboni is joined by Charlotte Hornets legend Muggsy Bogues, who discusses his career in Charlotte, what it's like to have your own bobblehead and a funny story about a haircut that delayed production of the hit movie "Space Jam." Plus, Nick is joined by Jeremy Igo of Carolina Huddle to answer your Panthers questions and Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer calls in.