Calkins: Will the Grizzlies fall victim to the gun referendum fight? – Local news, sports, business and restaurants from Memphis

“I have no doubt the Grizzlies will get what they need.”

— Memphis City Council President JB Smiley Jr.

Do you know the problem with the statement?

It almost feels like a challenge.

Maybe Smiley is right.

“State will not appeal 'Memphis' error,” says Tennessee Attorney General

Perhaps Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton and the state legislature will not punish the city for the gun control referendum by denying it the funding needed to keep the Grizzlies in the country long-term.

Maybe they are not so petty and vindictive.

But that could be!

And the fact that Smiley publicly stated that the Grizzlies would not pay the price is unlikely to help matters.