SportsBeat KC

A new era begins for Kansas Jayhawks football, and maybe it’s time to see signs of progress.New coach Lance Leipold got a late start on the job when he was hired in April, and as of midday Wednesday he still hadn’t named a starting quarterback for Friday’s opener against South Dakota. But there is nowhere to go but up for a program that went winless in nine games last season and hasn’t won more than three games in a season since 2009.KC Star beat writer Jesse Newell offers analysis on the Jayhawks, and after a break we’ll hear directly from Leipold, who met with reporters earlier in the week.Story links:This KC-area standout is expected to start - at a new position for KUKU game-by-game picks and bold predictions for 2021 season Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Behold Salvador Perez. He’s swinging baseball’s hottest bat, with home runs in five straight games. That matches a Royals record, which he can own exclusively Tuesday night. He has also tied the team mark for home runs in a month with 12.Perez has gone from being a good hitter to great this season, and we talked about why it’s happening this season on SportsBeat Live, The Star’s daily sports podcast with beat writer Lynn Worthy and columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian.Story links:Mellinger Minutes: Celebrating Salvy, Chiefs predictions and keeping secretsWith Salvador Perez mashing, we recall some of the Royals’ top offensive seasonsPerez is AL Player of the Week after historic stretch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs checked every box in their preseason finale on Friday, a 28-25 victory at home over the Minnesota Vikings. The starters on offense and defense excelled and Patrick Mahomes and company looked ready for the regular-season opener against the Cleveland Browns.But there is some work to be done before that Sept. 12 game. The roster must be trimmed from 80 to 53, and on this episode of SportsBeat KC, beat writers Sam McDowell and Herbie Teope break down what they believe will happen as the Tuesday deadline for cuts approaches.Where to players like Jody Fortson, Daurice Fountain, Cornell Powell, DeAndre Baker and Tim Ward stand? Listen to what the beat writers have to say.Story links:The Chiefs’ toughest 53-man roster decisions and our predictions for themFinal Chiefs preseason report card, and some thoughts on those impending roster moves Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

KC NWSL is on a roll, and that’s a nice change from the season’s first few months.The team picked up its second straight home victory, a 2-1 decision against Louisville this week, and now seeks its first road win of the year this weekend. In this episode of our daily SportsBeat KC podcast, soccer writer Shaun Goodwin explains how the first-year club has turned the corner.Also, Sporting KC continues to find success this season. Peter Vermes’ club earned a scoreless draw at Minnesota after playing a man down for the final 70 minutes. Goalkeeper Tim Melia was terrific, per usual.And what’s a soccer podcast in Kansas City without mentioning Daniel Salloi? A goal in this week’s MLS All-Star Game and a national team call-up? It’s been the summer of Salloi.Story links:Twice is nice: KC NWSL record second straight victory, beating LouisvilleHow KC NWSL’s Rachel Corsie was able to adapt to a new life, and soccer style in AmericaSporting KC’s Salloi scores in penalty shootout to help MLS All-Stars to victoryWith Tim Meila’s stout effort in goal, KC manages scoreless draw in Minnesota Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One preseason game remains for the Chiefs, Friday at home against the Minnesota Vikings.The Chiefs’ starters are expected to play most of the first half. After the game, it’s decision time for Andy Reid and Brett Veach. The team’s decisions makers must get the roster to 53 players by next Tuesday.Where are the roster battles? The starters are established, so the shakeups lurk down on the depth chart. The final corps of wide receivers, tight ends, defensive backs will be known soon. And their last audition is Friday.In this episode of our daily SportsBeat KC podcast, beat writer Herbie Teope speculates on the roster and discusses what he expects to see from the Chiefs in their final tuneup game.Story links:Updates on Chiefs hobbled running backs and how much starters are expected to playHow Jody Fortson put himself in position to make Chiefs’ 53-man roster Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new alliance of power conferences was formally introduced Tuesday, when commissioners Kevin Warren of the Big Ten, Jim Phillips of the ACC and George Kliavkoff of the Pac-12 met with reporters to lay out their plans for consolidating influence in the wake of the SEC’s recent power-grab of Texas and Oklahoma.Conspicuously absent from that allied group? Bob Bowlsby and the Big 12.In this episode of our daily SportsBeat KC podcast, K-State beat writer Kellis Robinett and Drew Davison, who covers TCU for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, discuss the alliance with host Blair Kerkhoff and attempt to determine what it all means for the Big 12.After a break, you’ll hear from the commissioners, who were asked directory about the future of the Big 12.Story links:What does the Big Ten, ACC and Pac-12 alliance mean for the beleaguered Big 12?The Big 12 column I’d rather not write: Options for the league’s remaining eight schools stinkWhat’s next for the Big 12 and realignment? We make some predictions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Only a few weeks of evidence is available, but what a stretch for the Royals’ rotation.With Carlos Hernandez and Daniel Lynch leading the way, they’ve won seven of eight and their starters are 5-0 in that run.On this episode of our daily SportsBeat KC podcast, which originated as SportsBeat Live stream Tuesday morning, beat writer Lynn Worthy and columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian project what this means for the future. And, speaking of next season, where will Nicky Lopez, Whit Merrifield, Adalberto Mondesi and Bobby Witt Jr. find themselves on the diamond in 2022? Plenty of flexibility there.Finally, Salvador Perez is having a career year when it seems his trajectory should be headed in a different direction.Story links:Royals win fourth in a row, Merrifield, Rivera lead the way in HoustonDaniel Lynch’s bounce back has been a big win for the organizationMellinger Minutes: Chiefs defense, over analyzing, Royals future and more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs returned from Arizona with a victory in their second preseason game, a contest where the starters played well into the second quarter. The defense was terrific for a second straight game. The starting offense put together two long drives against the Cardinals’ starter but managed only three points. No cause for concern.But there’s plenty to discuss when it comes to personnel. What will the Chiefs do at wide receiver, tight end and other positions. Roster decisions will soon have to be made and the Chiefs have many quality candidates at several positions. On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writers Herbie Teope and Sam McDowell break down the roster.Story links:That’s a show: No need for Patrick Mahomes to take more risky snapshttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article253640688.htmlChris Jones is going to be a big problem for opponentshttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article253647478.htmlChiefs starters saw more action in win over Cardinals: Observationshttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article253601118.htmlFIve things that stood out in Chiefs win over the Cardinalshttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article253645763.htmlChiefs grades: When starters played, defense dominated in victory at Arizonahttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article253640873.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Daniel Salloi continued his magical season Wednesday evening with another goal. This one, in extra time, enabled Sporting Kansas City to salvage a draw against the visiting Portland Timbers. We asked soccer writer Shaun Goodwin where he would’ve placed Salloi on a list of preseason MVP candidates.Also in this episode of SportsBeat KC, our daily sports pod: KC NWSL won its first game, then traded away its goalkeeper. Abby Smith was sent to Portland, and in comes Adrianna Franch, the Salina, Kansas native who started for the USWNT in the squad’s Olympic bronze-medal victory this month in Japan.Story links:KC NWSL new star goalkeeper Adrianna Franch is in KC for more than just soccerKC NWSL breaks through for first victorySalloi scores late as Sporting salvages draw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Starters will see more action Friday when the Chiefs play their second preseason game, It might be an entire first half of snaps for the first team offense and defense as the regular season inches closer.On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writers Herbie Teope and Sam McDowell share what they expect to see when the Chiefs travel to Arizona, and who needs to make a good second impression.Also on today’s show, the latest on Tyrann Mathieu’s contract extension and what the Chiefs might do with their wide receiver and tight end numbers.Story links:Chiefs’ camp at Missouri Western is over. Here’s a look at their final session and what’s nexthttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article253532269.htmlWhy Chiefs expect a big leap from Willie Gay in his second NFL seasonhttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article253579914.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kansas State and Kansas are preparing for football season, which kicks off in two weeks, and it’s never not basketball season at KU. But any discussion involving athletics at those schools starts with conference realignment.Among the latest news: Officials from the Big Ten, ACC and Pac-12 meeting last week without the Big 12. Not good news for schools in this part of the country.On today’s SportsBeat KC, Kellis Robinett, who covers Kansas State and KU beat writers Gary Bedore and Jesse Newell offer up the latest on conference musical chairs as it involves the Big 12. There’s also some football and basketball to discuss.Story links:Big 12 faces difficult realignment questions as ACC, Big Ten, Pac-12 talk allianceJoe Ervin once again shining for Kansas State after opt out season“He’s a generational-type athlete:” This KU Jayhawk - in a new role - is an early standout Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whit Merrifield is the Royals’ new iron man, breaking Alcides Escobar’s club record for consecutive games played. The streak stands in contrast to the status of infielder Adalberto Mondesi, who has suffered another yet injury setback.Merrifield’s streak is the leadoff topic in this episode of SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast, with beat writer Lynn Worthy and columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian.Also, it’s not longer a matter of when Bobby Witt Jr. will make his major-league debut this season, but if he will at all. We also discuss the recent Field of Dreams game between the Yankees and White Sox up in Iowa.Story links:Toughness and grit and grind: Why Merrifield is Royals’ new iron manRoyals place Greg Holland on IL and latest on Adalberto Mondesi’s injury Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Offensive line performance? Check. Defensive front pressure? Check. No injuries. Check. Those important boxes were filled by the Chiefs in their preseason opener at the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday. As a bonus, they got a late touchdown drive from reserve quarterback Shane Buechele to win the game.On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writer Sam MCDowell and columnist Vahe Gregorian break down the game, identify the standouts and the not-so-stellar moments. It starts with the offensive line, five players suited up for the Chiefs for the first time and looked solid.Story links:The Chiefs’ new offensive line can convert the boring way and that’s a complimenthttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article253500854.htmlWhy Chiefs receiver Byron Pringle deserves a closer look in prime timehttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article253501224.htmlChiefs 19, 49ers 16: What we learnedhttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article253419049.htmlFive players who stood out in Chiefs’ preseason openerhttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article253501129.htmlFirst report card of the (pre) season is in: Good enough in San Franciscohttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article253501509.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Members of the Chiefs’ new offensive line have had a few months to get acquainted and acclimate. Now they get to work as a group and battle someone besides their own teammates.The Chiefs’ 2021 preseason begins with an opener Saturday evening in San Francisco, and while there are plenty of players at several positions to watch, the offensive line is the position group that commands the most attention. The Chiefs are expected to start five new O-linemen after the team lost badly in the Super Bowl about 6 1/2 months go.Three of them will be seeing their first NFL action.In this episode of SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast, former Chiefs lineman Joe Valerio shares his thoughts on the new group and what to expect from them. Valerio played for several playoff teams in the early 1990s.The show kicks off with Star beat writer Sam McDowell breaking down what he’s seeing from the offensive line and other players at training camp, and some other key things to look for during Saturday’s game in the Bay Area.Story links:KC Chiefs players to watch in preseason openerHow much KC Chiefs starters will play in preseason openerBleav in Chiefs podcast with Joe Valerio, Jeff Fedotin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To be or not to be—at full strength. That was the question for Sporting KC’s Peter Vermes this week as his team was assigned at Leagues Cup contest in the heart of a busy stretch of MLS games. Sporting lost to Club Leon of Liga MX 6-1 at Children’s Mercy Park and on today’s SportsBeat KC, Shaun Goodwin, who covers soccer for The Star, speaks to the Cup conundrum with host Blair Kerkhoff.After a break, we discuss how close KC NWSL is to grabbing its first victory, and the transfer of Lionel Messi from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain opens the door to this discussion: Is he the best soccer player in the world...and of all-time?Story links:Was Sporting KC right to field young tam for Leagues Cup? Let’s analyze pros and conshttps://amp.kansascity.com/sports/mls/sporting-kc/article253429509.htmlKC NWSL loses on the road 3-1 to Racing Louiville: analysishttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/fc-kansas-city/article253352138.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Missouri rolled out the welcome mat to new athletic director Desiree Reed-Francois on Wednesday.Hear what she had to say on several topics, including why she was interested in the job; how her son, Jackson, had agreed to walk on to coach Cuonzo Martin’s basketball program before the Mizzou job came open; and lessons learned from one season of rowing at UCLA, even though she didn’t earn a letter.Also, you’ll hear from University of Missouri president Mun Choi and Board of Curators chairman Darryl Chatman, a former Tigers linebacker, on the hiring of Reed-Francois. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Royals-Yankees game on Monday was one for the books. All zeroes on the line score through six innings, and all runs for both teams every inning after that.The Yankees prevailed 8-6 in 11, blowing four leads along the way. It was a gritty effort by both teams.We talk about the game, and the emergence of starting pitcher Carols Hernandez plus several other topics, in this edition of The Star’s daily sports podcast, SportsBeat KC. The show started as a SportsBeat Live stream Tuesday morning with beat wrtier Lynn Worthy, columnist Sam Mellinger and host Blair Kerkhoff.Also, why is Mike Matheny going with a six-man rotation? And although the Royals are not in the postseason hunt, some players are making strong cases to be part of this team’s future.Story links:Royals rally from behind in 4 straight innings but lose in 11 to YankeesMellinger Minutes: Nicky Lopez, Big 12 mistakes, awesome SKC and football superspreaders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Well, that was quick. Two weeks after Missouri announced Jim Sterk was stepping down as athletic director, the university found a successor in Desiree Reed-Francois, who had spent the previous five years at UNLV. She’ll become the first woman to lead the Tigers’ athletic department.On today’s SportsBeat KC, Briar Napier, who has covered the Tigers for The Star, joins host Blair Kerkhoff to discuss the hiring of Reed-Francois. Also discussed: The opening of football camp. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks spent time with reporters last week and hear what they had to say about the upcoming season.Story links:Five things to know about Desiree Reed-FrancoisMissouri Tigers hire first woman as athletic director, UNLV’s Desiree Reed-Francois“We got to improve,” Eliah Drinkwitz on Missouri’s first preseason practice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One out the door, another in for Sporting Kansas City. The Gianluca Busio transfer to Venezia FC in Italy became official, and so did the team’s signing of Jose Mauri, an Argentine-Italian midfielder. We talk about both on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast, with Shaun Goodwin and Cora Hall.Also on the menu: Sporting KC has been on fire, a 4-1 triumph at LAFC as its latest conquest. Daniel Salloi continues to impress and was named to the MLS All-Star team.The USWNT, coached by Kansas City’s Vlatko Andonovski, claimed an Olympic medal but not the one they had hoped, and KC NWSL was reprented in the Olympic gold-medal match.Story links:Busio’s move to Italy is the latest of MLS homegrown talents taking the next stephttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/sporting-kc/article252951318.htmlSporting KC transfers Gianluca Busio to Italian Serie A club. Here are the detailshttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/sporting-kc/article253294653.htmlSporting KC records historic win at LAFC and is on top of the Western Conferencehttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/sporting-kc/article253267508.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast, returns to Chiefs training camp today and you’ll hear from the coordinators. Steve Spagnuolo offers up what he’s liked about the defense, giving his assessment of the young linebackers, and identifies a rookie free agent who is having a superb camp.Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy spoke of the new faces along the offensive line and the running back group. And what does he mean about a hiring sign at camp?After the coaches, you’ll hear from a Darrius Shepherd. He’s a wide receiver prospect who went to Blue Springs High and North Dakota State, where he played for current Kansas State coach Chris Klieman. He’s a hometown product trying to stick with the team he grew up cheering for.Story links:Darrius Shepherd, from Blue Springs High, fulfills childhood dream with KC ChiefsA mic-up Steve Spagnuolo on Patrick Mahomes: I’m glad he’s on our sideIf NBA considers Kansas City for expansion, guess whose hand is up? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every week brings a new set of story lines for the Big 12 since the news of Texas and Oklahoma’s impending departure to the SEC. Earlier this week the commissioners of the Big 12 and Pac-12 had a conversation about the future of their leagues and the possibility of some kind of alliance or merger.On today’s SportsBeat KC, three Big 12 beat writers Kellis Robinett, Gary Bedore and Drew Davison, who cover Kansas State, Kansas and TCU join host Blair Kerkhoff to discuss the latest happenings. Davison of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram also tells us what he heard at the Texas Senate Select Committee on the Future of College Sports earlier this week.Story links:Appealing options exist for Big 12, Pac-12 as commissioners talk realignment allianceHere’s how much money the Big 12 expects to lose without OU and Texas“A major and perpetual blow,” Big 12 commissioner speaks out on UT, OU leaving the Big 12 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So, the Royals plans for shortstop going forward have been changed. Adalberto Mondesi isn’t written in ink. General manager Dayton Moore said because of Mondesi’s history of injuries the Royals need to create depth at the position. What will the position look like in 2022?That was the leadoff topic on today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast with beat writer Lynn Worthy and columnist Vahe Gregorian, who also discussed the team’s trade deadline decisions that resulted in moving longtime Royals left-handed pitcher Danny Duffy to the Dodgers, and team home run record holder Jorge Soler to the Braves.Story links:How this season has reshaped the Royals thinking of Adalberto MondesiBefore leaving, Danny Duffy helped a stranger having a medical emergency Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Patrick Mahomes had already joined such luminaries as LeBron James, James Harden and Venus and Serena Williams as sports stars who’ve bought into pro sports franchises. For Mahomes, that happened last year, when he purchased a stake in the Royals.But Mahomes didn’t stop with one team. Within the past week, he also bought into Sporting Kansas City of Major League Soccer.Mahomes spoke about this latest purchase after a recent practice at Chiefs training camp in St., Joe, and we discussed this and many other topics on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily podcast. Beat writers Sam McDowell and Herbie Teope and columnist Vahe Gregorian dish on Mahomes and share other observations from camp at Missouri Western.The show started as a SportsBeat Live stream with comments and questions from the audience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs worked through the heat on the second day of full-squad training camp and are beginning to work out the kinks now, too.The defense seemed ahead of the offense this week, and defensive end Chris Jones moved well in his new position. You’ll hear from Jones in this episode of our daily SportsBeat KC podcast, including some of the changes he made during the offseason. Also, running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire feels ready to make big strides in his second season, and tells us why.KC Star beat writers Herbie Teope and Sam McDowell share some best highlights from practice in this show, which started out as a SportsBeat Live stream Thursday. Our next show is slated for 3 p.m. Friday here at Kansascity.com/sports.Story links:What’s behind this new health kick for Clyde Edwards-HelaireWhy Chris Jones added yoga, pilates to his offseason routine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Tyrann Mathieu contract extension continues to be a story at Chiefs training camp. The Chiefs All-Pro safety discussed his position on the prospective deal after Wednesday’s practice and you’ll hear what he had to say on today’s SportsBeat KC.The show started as a SportsBeat Live with Chiefs beat writers Herbie Teope and Sam McDowell. They share their observations from practice, detailing position battles, who’s looked good and who needs to look good.A programming note: SportsBeat Live from Chiefs training camp will continue Thursday, Friday and on Aug. 2, with the shows beginning at 3 p.m. Join us with your questions and comments.Story links:Two rookies on the O-line? Here’s who started for the Chiefs to open campChiefs’ Tyrann Mathieu continues to focus on football, not contract extensionKC Chiefs prioritize mental health as Simone Biles withdraws from Olympic all-around Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Big 12 is in a state of flux. Texas and Oklahoma have formally applied to the SEC. It’s only a matter of timing for those schools to be part of major college football’s first 16-team conference. What happens to the remaining Big 12 schools?On today’s SportsBeat KC, Kansas State beat writer Kellis Robinett (KC Star, Wichita Eagle) and TCU beat writer Drew Davison (Fort Worth Star-Telegram) join host Blair Kerkhoff in covering the Big 12 and college sports landscape. They discuss the possible options for the schools. Some could be better than others. And how basketball could look in a different Big 12.Story links:Stay or go? What are options for Big 12 leftovers once Texas, OU leave?https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/article253055588.htmlWith the Big 12 on life support, what’s next for TCU? We break down some optionshttps://www.star-telegram.com/sports/college/big-12/texas-christian-university/article253045508.htmlFormer KU football coach Mark Mangino hopes Big 12 can survive loss to OU, Texashttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article253045783.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Break up the Royals. Heck, maybe that happens with the trade deadline approaching. But what a run since the All-Star break. After dropping two of three from the Orioles, the Royals have put together a season-high six-game winning streak. They’ve done it with excellent starting pitching and power hitting from the likes of Jorge Soler and Salvador Perez.Also, with baseball’s trade deadline is approaching what should the Royals do, and what is possible trade bait? Whit Merrifield, Jorge Soler, Danny Duffy? We discuss the possibilities.Story links:Jorge Soler powers Royals to sixth consecutive win with another two-home run gameWhit Merrifield hopes he’s still with the Royals when the winning starts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs are at Missouri Western for training camp and it feels right. The team conducted camp at Arrowhead Stadium last year because of the pandemic, but they’re back in St. Joseph for the 11th time in 12 years. Coaches, quarterbacks and first-year players arrived on Friday. The veterans reported on Monday and fans are allowed to attended at mid-week.On today’s SportsBeat KC, Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes are among the Chiefs who met with reporters at camp. Reid addressed Frank Clark, vaccines, and what he wants to get out of this year’s camp. Mahomes provided an update on his health. Chiefs beat writer Herbie Teope gets the conversation started with host Blair Kerkhoff.Story links:Why Chiefs safety Juan Thornhill sees a rebound season coming this fallAndy Reid gives update on Frank Clark, camp, in wake of gun requests Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The college football festival that is SEC Media days wrapped up this week, and Missouri football coach Eli Drinkwitz was one of the stars of the show thanks to his sharp wit and sense of humor.You’ll hear Drinkwitz’s question and answer session with reporter in this episode of SportsBeat KC, The KC Star’s daily sports podcast..Star columnist Vahe Gregorian was in Hoover, Ala., to cover the event and shares his thoughts about Drinkwitz and the Tigers, who return 16 starters, including quarterback Connor Bazelak, and figure to land somewhere behind Georgia and Florida in the preseason SEC East projections.Story links:Mizzou coach Eli Drinkwitz holds court at SEC Media DaysAmid buzz around Texas, OU, other Big 12 schools should be considering options, tooSEC commissioner Greg Sankey: COVID-19 vaccinations not a political football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy Rodriguez is no longer a member of KC NWSL. Johnny Russell wasn’t penalized in the box in Sporting KC’s draw with the San Jose Earthquakes. The US Women’s National Team didn’t win (or draw) it’s Olympic opener. All of this happened over about a 30-hour stretch and we break it all down on SportsBeat KC with soccer scribes Shaun Goodwin and Briar Napier.And the U.S. Men’s National Team third straight victory at Children’s Mercy Park in Gold Cup play with Sporting’s Gianluca Busio in the starting lineup again, we discuss that as well and wonder if Busio has played his final game in a Sporting uniform.Story links:KC NWSL trades star captain A-Rod for three playersSporting KC coach Vermes blasts decision to call back penalty: “It’s disrespectful” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chiefs training camp begins Friday at Missouri Western in St. Joseph, and story lines abound. Who lines up on the right side of the offense line? How will the defensive end rotation work? Position battles, impact newcomers, it all begins when quarterbacks and first-year players report on Friday. The full squad arrives the following week.Today’s SportsBeat KC previews camp with beat writers Herbie Teope and Sam McDowell with host Blair Kerkhoff. We start by asking why Andy Reid camps tend to be different than those of other teams and the value of the most recent signing, defensive end Alex Okafor.And no Chiefs conversation these days is complete without mentioning Tyrann Mathieu’s contract progress and Frank Clark’s legal situation.Story links:With camp approaching, Chiefs turn to familiar face for pass-rush helphttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article252901563.htmlChiefs go camping: What look for, sleepers and more as practices loomhttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article252734588.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Tuesday, the Royals played at the Milwaukee Brewers. But a more interesting game happened in Papillion, Nebraska, home of the Omaha Storm Chasers.Suiting up for the Royals’ Class AAA team were top Royals prospects Bobby Witt Jr. and Nick Pratto, who were called up this week from Northwest Arkansas. Daniel Lynch was the Storm Chasers’ starter.In this episode of the daily SportsBeat KC podcast, Star columnist Sam Mellinger joins host Blair Kerkhoff to track the prospects’ progress and expectations in their new environment. Of note, this episode was recorded right before the Royals placed starting pitchers Danny Duffy and Brady Singer on the injured list.Story links:Mellinger MInutes: Royals promote Bobby Witt Jr. and PrattoHow the Royals’ Nicky Lopez got his swagger back at the plateRoyals’ Hunter Dozier opens up about root of his issues at the plateWorthy tweet 0720 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the 2020 Olympic Games were postponed until 2021, the hope was the COVID-19 pandemic would have been eradicated … or at least no longer be a major storyline.That is not the case.With competition beginning Tuesday and opening ceremonies scheduled for Friday, the Summer Games in Tokyo, a humongous city that‘s been reporting more than 1,000 new cases each day for the past week, are happening. This will be the first Olympics contested without fans present.And already, athletes are testing positive for the virus, including United States gymnast Kara Eaker from the Kansas City area.In this episode of the daily SportsBeat KC podcast, Vahe Gregorian, who has covered numerous Olympic Games, joins host Blair Kerkhoff to discuss the event and pose this question: Can we enjoy these Olympics?Story links:Alternate from U.S. Olympic women’s gymnastics team from KC tests positive for COVID-19NBC News: Tokyo 2020 sponsor Toyota pulls Olympic TV ads public support lags Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The U.S. Men’s National Team was more aggressive in Thursday night’s 6-1 Gold Cup victory over Martinique at Children’s Mercy Park. And the scoring was capped by a goal with local flavor: Sporting KC’s Gianluca Busio’s cross found the cleat of Nicholas Gioacchini, a Kansas City native.In this episode of The Star’s daily sports podcast, SportsBeat KC, Shaun Goodwin, Cora Hall and Briar Napier break down the game and what’s in store for the USMNT team with host Blair Kerkhoff.Among other topics covered: What’s coming up for Sporting KC, KC NWSL and the USWNT team coached by Kansas City’s Vlatko Andonovski in the Olympics, and why we’ve enjoyed the soccer-based TV series Ted Lasso, starring Jason Sudeikis — who’s also from Kansas City — as the show’s second season approaches.Story links:Sellout for Sunday’s U.S.-Canada Gold Cup match sign of times in rivalryKansas City players combine for storybook goal in U.S. Soccer’s 6-1 victory over MartiniqueU.S. soccer cruises to Gold Cup victory over Martinique in Kansas City Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Big 12 has completed a quarter century of competition. In those 25 years, four teams departed, two were added and eight original members have stuck it out. It hasn’t always been a one-for-all spirit but it has survived.On today’s SportsBeat KC, two columnists that have covered the conference since its inception answer the question: How well as the league served the schools they cover? Kirk Bohls has written for The Austin American-Statesman since 1973. Berry Tramel has been with The Oklahoman since 1991 and was at the Norman Transcript for more than decade before that.The Big 12 has been terrific for Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa State and others, including West Virginia. And you’ll hear from Mountaineers radio play-by-play man Tony Caridi. But how about for league bell cows Texas and Oklahoma? The experts weigh in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby said he would have loved nothing better than to end the COVID-19 pandemic conversation and speak only to this football season. But the latest spike in numbers didn’t allow for that. So football and virus precautions were the primary topics on Big 12 Media Days on Wednesday.You’ll hear from Bowlsby on today’s SportsBeat KC, also from Kansas State beat writer Kellis Robinett and Wildcats football Coach Chris Klieman on various topics. K-State looks to upgrade its receiving corps and improve its defense from last year’s 4-6 team that scored one of the season’s crazy’s outcomes when it defeated Oklahoma by scoring the game’s final 24 points.Story links:Five noteworthy things K-State football coach Chris Klieman said at Big 12 Media Dayshttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article252751168.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Royals went young and local with their first few selections in this week’s major league draft, which concluded Tuesday.KC’s first-round selection, left-handed pitcher Frank Mozzicato, was a surprise based on projections. But the Royals’ second and fourth overall picks, Blue Valley Southwest pitcher Ben Kudrna and Park Hill catcher Carter Jensen, are fairly well known around here.What does the youthful trend signal about the Royals? In this episode of The Star’s daily sports podcast, SportsBeat KC, beat writer Lynn Worthy joins columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian to discuss the draft and other events associated with All-Star week, including Salvador Perez’s terrific performance in the Home Run Derby and why Royals fans were upset with ESPN’s coverage.Story links:Royals fans rip ESPN for coverage of Salvador Perez at Home Run DerbySalvador Perez sets a record for catchers at Home Run DerbyRoyals draft Connecticut high schooler with seven pick. Here are the detailsRoyals select local high school standouts with second and third round picks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During this period of international soccer action — Euro, Copa, Gold Cup and more — the biggest world event was a conversation topic in Kansas City on Monday.The city’s bid be a host site for the 2026 World Cup got a lead image as the KC2026 Bid Committee partnered with OUTFRONT Media to create a wallscape that measures 90 x 90 feel on the north-facing side of the building at 1627 Main Street.On today’s SportsBeat KC, Sporting Kansas City director of marketing Aaron Borns and Kansas City Sports Commission president and CEO Kathy Nelson take us inside Kansas City’s World Cup bidding process.After a break, you’ll hear from Gianluca Busio, who made his USMNT debut on Sunday night in the U.S.’s 1-0 victory over Haiti in the Gold Cup opener at Children’s Mercy Park. Busio, 19, spoke to reporters on Friday about his feelings of representing the United States for the first time.Story links:Sporting KC’s Busio adapting, impressing at USMNT Gold Cup camp ahead of Sunday’s matchU.S. Men’s National Team opens Gold Cup soccer run in Kansas City with win over Haiti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reaction to our list of the top 25 greatest games in Kansas City sports history has been strong. The story was posted on KansasCity.com last weekend and appeared in the Tuesday editions of The Star and many generally agreed with the choices and enjoyed the trip down memory lane.A common thought among those who disagreed was our omission of Chiefs regular season games. One was included: The Joe Montana-led victory at Denver on Monday Night Football in 1994. We consider several more.On today’s SportsBeat KC, Pete Grathoff and host Blair Kerkhoff discuss the list with columnist Vahe Gregorian and Chiefs beat writer Sam McDowell. The podcast was recorded before the stories appeared in the newspaper and on the website.Story link:Check out these 25 best ever games involving Kansas City-area teams. What did we miss?https://www.kansascity.com/sports/article252521933.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kansas City will feel like the nation’s soccer center over the next couple of weeks.Sporting Kansas City remains molten-hot, collecting a 2-0 victory at the Los Angeles Galaxy last weekend. KC NWSL didn’t just earn a 1-1 draw with FC Gotham, it did so in style with a goal by Mariana Larroquette that made ESPN’s top plays highlights for the day.Add to that the arrival of Gold Cup group play at Children’s Mercy Park starting Sunday with the U.S. Men’s National Team, and it’s a packed schedule. We talk about all of it on this episode of the daily SportsBeat KC podcast with guests Shaun Goodwin, Cora Hall and Briar Napier.Story links:KC NWSL breaks skid, gains point on Larroquette goal from distance that tied Gotham 1-1Sporting KC scores two late, earns three points at LA Galaxy and takes lead in West raceGold Cup games in KC: It’s homecoming for this U.S. Men’s National Team player Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Kansas Jayhawks didn’t add a new player to their basketball roster over the past week, they simply kept the ones who were eligible to return. And those players could push KU to a preseason No. 1 ranking.The latest to withdraw their names from the NBA Draft consideration are Ochai Agbaji and Arizona State transfer Remy Martin. Late last week, Jalen Wilson made the same decision.The conclusion: KU will be loaded for 2021-22.On today’s episide of SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast, beat writers Jesse Newell and Gary Bedore discuss recent news and what it means for the Jayhawks and coach Bill Self.Story links:Remy Martin’s dad says it’s disappointing NBA didn’t invite son to G League campMarcus Garrett likes KU’s chances in 2021-22: “Best team in the country now.”Ochai Agbaji withdraws from NBA Draft and will return to KU Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Catching up with the Royals means breaking down the latest news. Andrew Benintendi is back, or at least he was for one game. Brad Keller and Mike Minor pitched well the previous two games but the Royals lost them both. Salvador Perez is in the Home Run Derby, and Bobby Witt Jr. and Nick Pratto will be in the Futures Game.Looking ahead, what should the Royals objectives be now that the season has crossed the midway point? In last place in the AL Central, is it time to look ahead to 2022 and start reshaping the lineup and rotation?On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writer Lynn Worthy and columnist Vahe Gregorian discuss that topic and more with host Blair Kerkhoff.Story links:Reds get to Mike Minor quickly in seventh, and Royals lose series openerRoyals general manager Dayton Moore on losing: “I’m not making excuses for anybody.”Check out these 25 best-ever games involving Kansas City-area teams What did we miss? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is a Kansas City and baseball treasure ... and so is its, president Bob Kendrick. Fortunate are those whose tours through the building at 18th and Vine are led by this man.And now, Kendrick and the museum are bringing its history to the digital world.Negro Leagues 101 is a daily video collection that commemorates the 101st anniversary of the establishment of the Negro Leagues. Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association don’t often see eye to eye, but they do for this project.On today’s episode of SportsBeat KC, our landmark 500th in The Star’s daily KC sports podcast series, Kendrick sits down with host Blair Kerkhoff to discuss that project and other topics, too, such as the importance of incorporating Negro Leagues numbers into MLB’s stats. And no conversation with Bob would be complete without discussing Buck O’Neill.Story links:Black Diamonds: Podcast showcasing Negro League historyNegro Leagues 101 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sporting Kansas City can’t seem to lose these days. And they’re winning dramatically with their tendency to fall behind early. It helps to have players like Gianluca Busio, who has been named to the national team that will play in the Gold Cup next week.On today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s soccer coverage team of Shaun Goodwin, Briar Napier and Cora Hall join host Blair Kerkhoff to discuss Busio and what might be his short future with Sporting KC as he’s getting more interest from European clubs. Also, KC NWSL is getting closer to victory but can’t get over the hump.We wrap up talking the compelling Euro 2020 and one of the group has a strong rooting interest. (Hint: He’s from Liverpool).Story links:Sporting KC’s Busio gets the call, will play for U.S. at home later this monthWomen’s soccer fandom in KC, where advocacy, inclusion, devotion take front-row seats Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs are off running camps and playing charity basketball games in this time between mandatory mini-camp and training camp but the conversation never ends. On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writer Sam McDowell and columnist Vahe Gregorian discuss Frank Clark and the defensive end position, and what is like to be the NFL favorite according to oddsmakers.Yes, the Chiefs are the top choice, and this stretch of expectation is new to Kansas City sports fans. Our teams have won championships but they’ve rarely been widely acknowledged as the league’s best. It’s a different feeling, a superiority complex? How will the Chiefs and their fans handle it?Story links:Thanks to Travis Kelce, Chiefs fans will get free beer this fallhttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/for-petes-sake/article252434048.htmlTyreek Hill and Chiefs teammates put on show at charity basketball gamehttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/for-petes-sake/article252415623.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Change has come to the Kansas City Royals. Nothing major, but manager Mike Matheny moved Jorge Soler to No. 2 in the batting order and created a hybrid responsibility for Danny Duffy. On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writer Lynn Worthy and columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam Mellinger break down the moves with host Blair Kerkhoff.Also, the championship round of the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, provides the opportunity to discuss Vanderbilt starting pitcher Kumar Rocket, a popular choice for the Royals in mock brackets. The baseball draft starts on July 11.Story links:Emmanuel Rivera makes an immediate mark for Royals in major league debutRoyals jostle lineup, batting order in hopes of igniting offense against Red SoxMellinger Minutes: Let’s have an honest conversation about the Royals. Also: nonsense Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every time he pulls on a USA shirt, U.S. Women’s National Team coach Vlatko Andonovksi feels pressure. He wouldn’t have it any other way.Andonovski is preparing the national women’s soccer team for the Olympics next month in Tokyo, a competition the U.S. is favored to win. That’s the case no matter the event, but the stakes are higher for the two-time defending World Cup champions. In the previous Olympics, the U.S. didn’t reach the podium.Andonovski, who calls Kansas City home and coach’s the city’s former NWSL team to two league championships, spoke with Star columnist Vahe Gregorian and SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff earlier this month about the excitement of the task, the pressure, his life in Kansas City and more.The interview was recorded before the 18-member Olympic team was selected. The final roster was announced last week and here to introduce it on today’s show is none other than Coach Ted Lasso and his AFC Richmond assistant Coach Beard. Actors Jason Sudikis and Brandon Hunt had the honors on social media last week.Story links:He’s Vlatko: How a Kansas City treasure will represent U.S., city at Olympics in TokyoVlatko Andonovski names 2020 U..S Olympics Women’s soccer team Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was a 3-1 final-score week for Kansas City soccer teams. Sporting Kansas City came out on top, while KC NWSL did not.In this episode of SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast, we talk about both teams’ results with Shaun Goodwin, Cora Hall and Briar Napier.Once again, Daniel Salloi was the story for Sporting KC. He played one of his best games yet on Wednesday, befuddling the Colorado Rapids with two goals and an assist.KC NWSL, meanwhile, got on the board at home for the first time in the regular season and took a rare lead with Marianna Larroquette’s goal. But the Orlando Pride quickly responded, then scored twice more in the second half.We talk about these games, the teams’ upcoming schedules and take a stab at who will win Euro 2020.Story links:Daniel Salloi’s two goals and an assist push Sporting Kansas City past Colorado Rapids.Peter Vermes’ connection to Hungarian soccer about more than signings, family storiesKC NWSL scores first home goal of the season, but a former KC star lifts Pride Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Name, image and likeness...expanded College Football Playoff...Supreme Court ruling, so many changes are coming to college sports. How will they impact the schools?Kansas State beat writer Kellis Robinett and SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff discuss the changes and how it affects the Wildcats on today’s show.K-State, like many schools, has been active in the transfer portal, and the odd path of a football newcomer appears to have concluded with good news for the WIldcats.Story links:Previous Supreme Court case against NCAA created conditions for latest conditionsK-State Q&A: Thoughts on more football transfers and Manhattan’s recruiting appealWildcats, Tigers and even Jayhawks in College Football Playoff? It would have happened Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chiefs defensive end Frank Clark has been arrested twice in the off-season with similar circumstances. In March and last Sunday he was stopped while driving in California and both times a gun was visible in the vehicle. That’s a felony in California. Both times, Clark posted a $35,000 bond.Next is consideration of the incidents by the team and the NFL, which can suspend a player. Unlawful possession of a weapon outside the workplace is covered under the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy.Beat writer Sam McDowell speaks with SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff about the incidents. McDowell is covering the news for The Star and has spoken to the Los Angeles Police Department, along with gathering comments from the NFL and Chiefs.Story links:NFL reviewing Frank Clark gun arrests. What we know about his situationhttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article252279428.htmlNFL Personal Conduct Policyhttps://www.gloriaallred.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/1200518/2021/01/Commissioner-Goodell-NFL-Personal-Conduct-Policy-09-29-14.pdf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices