For over two decades, Tony Reali has been the judge, jury, and executioner as the scorekeeper and longtime host of Around the Horn. On Tuesday, he showcased a more tender side while paying tribute to Justin Tinsley’s late grandmother, Clementine Marshall, who passed away at the age of 93. Tinsley, a weekly panelist since 2021, was absent from the show, which he announced via an Instagram post.
Even in Tinsley’s absence, Reali communicated that the entire Around the Horn family was thinking of him during this challenging time. At the close of the show, Reali shared a heartfelt tribute, referring to Clementine as the “show’s grandmother” who shared a special bond with her grandson through “late night NBA watching” and “hot takes on Jerry Jones.”
“A moment now for family,” Reali stated. “We dedicate today’s show to the wonderful life and lasting memory of Clementine Marshall. Our show’s grandmother and Justin Tinsley’s ‘Mama Clemmy.’ To know Justin is to know Mama Clemmy. You’ve heard him mention her in many answers and FaceTimes, but that is just part of their story. They were a dynasty, winning every school science fair for 13 years in Chesterfield County, Virginia. The Phil Jackson and Michael Jordan of the local school board.” He continued, “Their bond over late-night NBA games and Jerry Jones hot takes made Mama Clemmy Justin’s best friend and guardian angel for life. An educator of science at the historic Peabody School in Petersburg, Virginia, she undoubtedly left a significant impact on her students. Mrs. Marshall was 93, and we honor her life along with her wishes for Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Breast Cancer Awareness, sharing our hearts and love with Justin and his family.”
Tinsley expressed his gratitude for Reali’s emotional tribute on social media, thanking him and producers Aaron Solomon and Joshua Bard. He wrote, “This tribute to my grandma legitimately brought me to tears. A trillion thank yous over to Tony Reali, Aaron Solomon, Josh Bard, and the entire Around the Horn family. To my first best friend, I love you. I miss you. But I thank God I had you for nearly 39 years. Rest well.”
This tribute to my grandma legitimately brought me to tears. A trillion thank you’s over to @TonyReali, @asolomon6, @joshbard and the entire @AroundtheHorn family.
To my first best friend, I love you. I miss you. But I thank God I had you for nearly 39 years. Rest well 🙏🏽❤️🥹 pic.twitter.com/QaFprUvWyo
— Justin Tinsley (@JustinTinsley) January 28, 2025
Losing a loved one is always tough, but having a strong support system from colleagues, as Tinsley seems to receive from his Around the Horn family, definitely helps ease the burden.
