The Drive with Tim Donnelly

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey offered an odd take on conference realignment saying that we should do away with it. Dennis Cox & Brian Murphy find it funny that he feels this way after the SEC picked up Texas and Oklahoma. They also discuss the likelihood of an ACC team wanting to join the SEC. Also, the NBA Draft is less than two weeks away. Looking back at the top picks of the last twelve year...

North Carolina State Senator Jim Perry discusses what was different last year compared to this year regarding the sports gambling bill passing. He shares what he envisions for sports books at PNC Arena and the economic impact that would come from casinos being built in the eastern part of the state. He also provides an answer on if NC State or UNC would ever dismiss from the ACC in regards to conf...

During the Daily CheckDown, Chris Lea & Dennis Cox discuss how this framework for NIL compensation should work, Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals, Game 3 of the NBA Finals, and Chris Paul being placed on waivers for the Phoenix Suns. Paul can either be signed back to the Suns or with another team. Chris Lea believes the best option is to remain with the Suns, and Dennis Cox thinks the Memphis G...

For Four of a Kind, Chris Lea & Dennis Cox discuss professional athletes who are always hurt in honor of Carolina Panthers' cornerback Jaycee Horn being injured once again. During "Hit It & Quit It" they discuss Game 3 of the NBA Finals, Bryce Young taking first teams reps, Dalvin Cook's release, Chris Paul being placed on waivers, and Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals.  Also, new NCAA...

Lumberton's NC very own, Ivan Lopez, 14 years old is getting ready to sign a professional sports contract today with the New England Revolution. Some might say he's the next sports star from North Carolina. Chris Lea & Dennis Cox ask Ivan how this process began and what his future holds. Also, North Carolina is delaying NIL for high school athletes and Jack Swarbrick is stepping down in 2024 a...

The Carolina Panthers are in their final weeks of OTA's before minicamps begin. Rookie quarterback Bryce Young has been receiving first-team snaps which was the plan all along, but why should fans be excited about this? Chris Lea & Dennis Cox discuss why fans should be excited about the competence around the organization right now. Also, Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn is injured once...

During the Daily CheckDown, Chris Lea & Dennis Cox discuss how we've heard from certain players regarding the merger of LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, but how does the merger affect local tournaments and championships here in North Carolina? Trey Parker, an NC State commit has decided to reclassify and stay at overtime elite for another year. He'll now join the roster in 2024. Also, We're one step...

For Four of a Kind, Chris Lea & Dennis Cox discuss professional wrestler's death that impacted them the most in honor of the Iron Sheik passing away at 81. During "Hit It & Quit It" they discuss sports gambling passing, Zion Williamson expecting his first child, Trey Parker reclassifying, Don Waddell on potentially adding new players to the roster this offseason and more. Also, WWE SmackDo...

Earlier today, it was announced that NC State commit Trey Parker is reclassifying to 2024 and will attend overtime elite. Chris Lea and Dennis Dox explain how State's situation is different than UNC's commit with Simeon Wilcher reclassifying and how it benefits Kevin Keatts's roster and what the strategy needs to be for Hubert Davis.  Also, if you're the Charlotte Hornets, are you selecting D...

The North Carolina sports gambling bill continues to make progress as it's now been passed by the North Carolina House. Governor Roy Cooper will now have ten days to sign it. Chris Lea & Dennis Cox discuss the reclassification of NC State commit Trey Parker and how greed and money are more important than the individual to LIV Golf. Also, the Carolina Hurricanes were one round away from the Sta...

During the "Daily Checkdown" Dennis Cox & Pat Welter discuss UNC basketball losing 4-star recruit Simeon Wilcher, Brennan Armstrong being named the starting quarterback for NC State, Duke baseball continued success, and Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals. Also, what has changed over the past year that has led to the merging of the PGA Tour and LIV Golf?

For the Four of a Kind, Dennis Cox & Pat Welter discuss famous mergers and unions they've enjoyed. During "Hit It & Quit It" they discuss UNC basketball set to lose a 4-star recruit, Brennan Armstrong being named the starter for NC State, the merger of the PGA Tour and LIV golf, and more. Also, with the merger with the PGA Tour, is LIV Golf now going to be financially in control?  &nb...

In an exclusive interview that NC State football head coach Dave Doeren held with thewolfpackeronline.com, he announced that Virginia transfer Brennan Armstrong was named the starter for the upcoming season. What does this mean for MJ Morris as far as his future with the program?  Also, this past weekend Duke baseball advanced to the Super Regionals in the NCAA tournament. Chris Edwards, the...

The PGA Tour has agreed to merge with its rival LIV Golf. The deal's announcement has caught not only fans of the sport by surprise but the players as well. Dennis Cox & Pat Welter, WRAL Sports, share their reaction to the merging and where pro athletes draw the line personally accepting "dirty" money. Also, Brett Knese, WRAL News, is live at Lonnie Poole Golf Course in Raleigh to ask local go...

For the Four of a Kind, Chris Lea & Dennis Cox discuss proper summer swimming pool etiquette. Also, for the Daily Checkdown, Chris & Dennis share their thoughts on Wake Forest baseball dominating in the NCAA Baseball Tournament Regional, if Duke baseball can advance, NBA Finals Game 2 with the Miami Heat defeating the Denver Nuggets, and more. 

What's the Carolina Panthers' biggest need: No. 1 wide receiver, or short-yardage running back? Dennis Cox and Chris Lea debate what's the best thing for the Carolina Panthers and QB Bryce Young on offense.

Dennis Cox & Chris Lea get into a larger discussion about the future of how we watch sports with Diamond Sports Group, owner of Bally Sports and subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcasting, having filed for bankruptcy and in many cases turning over TV rights back over to several teams across MLB, NHL, and NBA. Plus, with the emergence of streaming platforms and WWE's deal with Twitch, Dennis & Chr...

Daron Vaught of USA Baseball shared his thoughts on the NCAA Baseball Tournament Regionals, including how Wake Forest baseball doesn't have a weakness, and how surprised he was that neither NC State baseball, Campbell baseball, nor UNC baseball made it through the regionals. Plus, the Miami Heat defeated the Denver Nuggets 111-108 to win Game 2 of the NBA Finals to even the series, 1-1. 

The NCAA baseball tournament began today as four local schools have already concluded games in their regionals. NC State defeated Campbell 5-1 as LuJame Groover III hit two solo home runs. UNC-Wilmington had an early lead against Duke, but the Blue Devils were able to rally and defeat the Seahawks 12-3. How will East Carolina favor Virginia and North Carolina against Iowa? 

Dennis Cox & Brian Murphy “Hit It & Quit It” on various topics of sports such as the NCAA college baseball tournament, Game 1 of the NBA Finals, SEC conference schedule, Panthers OTAs, and Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals. Also, The Soccer Tournament at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary has been a success in terms of the event itself. The success of this event and others in the area...

What's the latest on the votes for the North Carolina sports gambling bill? When does voting start, and why would it possibly be delayed? Philip Isley, Chairman of the Centennial Authority joined Dennis Cox & Brian Murphy to discuss where a sportsbook could be located onsite at PNC Arena. He also shares what the conversation has been like with the Carolina Hurricanes in terms of long-term leas...

As the NCAA Tournament begins for baseball today, what's happening with our local teams in North Carolina? Dennis Cox & Brian Murphy also recap the Denver Nuggets' win over the Miami Heat in Game 1 of the NBA Finals last night. Also, Dallas United withdrew from The Soccer Tournament at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary due to a West Ham player facing a racial slur during one of yesterday's matches.&...

Game 1 of the NBA Finals takes place tonight between the Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets. The Heat are coming off their Game 7 win over the Boston Celtics just three days ago. The Denver Nuggets have had the last ten days off. Dennis Cox & Mark Bergin preview the game and what the Miami Heat need to do to stop Nikola Jokic. 

Today is the first day of the Soccer Tournament at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary. This is another example of the Triangle Area being a destination place for big events. Chris Lea, WRAL Sports joins Dennis Cox & Mark Bergin to discuss what the games have been like so far and which star he's most excited to see play.  Also, Dennis & Mark "Hit It & Quit It" on various topics of sports...

The House has agreed with Senate to changes to the North Carolina sports betting bill. What's more likely to occur, having online sports gambling on Jan. 8th or mid-June? Brian Murphy, WRAL sports investigative reporter provides an update on the bill and what the key differences are between what was considered last year and this year’s bill. He also shares that sports books could be placed i...