SportsBeat KC

Position players arrived at Royals training camp in Surprise, Ariz., on Monday, but the team’s pitchers and catchers had already been there for several days.Starter Danny Duffy explains his uniform-number switch to No. 30 and how excited he is to potentially pitch in front of fans this season. Relievers Greg Holland and Wade Davis talk about their Royals reunion — they were part of one of the best bullpen’s in postseason history in 2014 and 2015.And starter Brad Keller brings it home and can’t use the word “buzz” enough to describe the feeling in the Royals’ clubhouse. A common thread among these veterans: They’re impressed with the Royals’ young arms.Story links:The 2014-2015 Royals have a special place in the hearts of Greg Holland, Wade DavisRoyals’ Danny Duffy humbled by chance to honor friend and former teammate Yordano VenturaWade Davis, even has a Royals legend, has something to prove this spring Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s SportsBeat KC, Jesse Newell discusses his idea for an alternative to the NCAA Tournament selection committee: Take it out of the conference room in favor of a point-system called “wins above bubble.”An advantage of the wins-above-bubble system: The result likely would look like the committee’s, but teams would know exactly where they stand before every game.After a break, you’ll hear an interview with Negro Leagues Baseball Museum president Bob Kendrick. KC Star sports columnist Vahe Gregorian talks with Kendrick about a gift the museum received from the late Penny Marshall, who played Laverne in the sitcom “Laverne & Shirley” and directed such movies as “A League of Their Own.”Story link:It’s time to get rid of the NCAA basketball selection committee. Here’s how to replace it Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re talkin’ baseball .... Royals baseball on SportsBeat KC. Spring training camp has opened in Surprise, Ariz., with pitchers and catchers reporting and the full squad will be there soon.Beat writer Lynn Worthy and columnist Sam Mellinger joined host Blair Kerkhoff on a show that originated as a SportsBeat Live, where your questions and comments were addressed. Now it’s a podcast.Today, we review the Royals’ off-season changes and wonder if the projections of a victory total somewhere in the 70s is an accurate measure for this season.Story links:The 2021 Royals in 1,000 words (give or take). Plenty to like, and big questionsRoyals’ Mike Matheny intent on limiting COVID-19, contact tracing in spring camp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Herbie Teope calls it “speculation season,” and that will be the case for weeks when it comes to the NFL. Free agency, the draft, contract restructuring, this is the time rosters are reshaped and the Chiefs will have plenty of decisions to make.Teope joined fellow beat writer Sam McDowell and SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff in addressing some of the personnel decisions facing the Chiefs on today’s podcast. We focused on the offensive side, and there are plenty of players deserving of, well, speculation.The offensive line figures to get plenty of attention. Same with wide receivers after Tyreek Hill and tight ends after Travis Kelce. Who will the Chiefs look to keep? Teope and McDowell break it down. We’ll check in with the defense and special teams soon.Story link:Mellinger Minutes: The new-new Chiefs off-season priorities and (finally) the Royalshttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article249269245.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Sunflower Showdown returns, a day later than originally scheduled. This is the 2020-21 season and fitting in games anywhere on the schedule is the important thing.KU is riding a three-game winning streak, K-State a 12-game losing streak and the Jayhawks won the earlier meeting by 23 . But Sunflower Showdown games tend to be competitive in Manhattan.Beat writers Jesse Newell, Gary Bedore and Kellis Robinett break down the latest edition of KU-K-State, and cover several other topics on SportsBeat KC with host Blair Kerkhoff.Story links:NCAA case “hanging over our heads” has affected Jayhawks’ recruiting, Self saysNijel Pack makes compelling case as for Kansas State’s best freshman of the Bruce Weber era Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A week later, the Chiefs’ Super Bowl loss to the Bucs doesn’t feel much different. It remains a stunning and puzzling outcome. But it’s time to look ahead now, and columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam Mellinger do that on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast hosted by Blair Kerkhoff.What areas should the Chiefs address and where should they stand pat in the offseason? Two years ago, they made sweeping changes, especially on defense. After last season, their desire to return as much talent as possible was the source of the “Run It Back” campaign. What direction is best for this team now?After a break, we’ll talk about the trade that brought left fielder Andrew Benintendi to the Royals. The price was steep, but the Royals dealt potential upside for established credentials.Story links:Patrick Mahomes was motivated after winning a Super Bow. Defeat will inspire him more.Mellinger podcast: Tell your friends you love them and Terez Paylor memories from Brett Veach Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The NCAA Tournament credentials continue to build for Missouri and Kansas.Mizzou followed one of its best weeks of the year by laying an egg at Mississippi. The Tigers look to get back on track Saturday against Arkansas.Kansas had lost five of seven but has now put together a two-game winning streak and visits Iowa State, the same team the Jayhawks trounced Thursday, on Saturday.Beat writers Souichi Terada, Jesse Newell and Gary Bedore break down their teams and what’s at stake in the final weeks of the regular season.Story links:“Some guys didn’t show up:” How Mizzou’s lackluster defense doomed them at Ole MissHow an NBA mentality helped them to their blowout of Iowa StateBryce Thompson returns from injury, provides spark in Jayhawks victory over Iowa State Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Royals have a new left fielder. In a trade that involved three teams, the Royals acquired Andrew Benintendi from the Red Sox while parting ways with outfielders Franchy Cordero and Khalil Lee. The Mets get Lee.It’s the latest move that indicates the Royals are in a win-now mode. Benintendi joins fellow newcomers Carlos Santana, Michael Taylor and Mike Minor on the roster while parting with players still chasing their upside.Beat writer Lynn Worthy joins SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff to discuss the move on today’s show, and after a break you’ll hear from Benintendi and Royals general manager Dayton Moore.Story links:Royals acquire Andrew Benintendi from Boston in three-team tradeRoyals left fielder Andrew Benintendi shares many of Alex Gordon’s defensive qualities Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s SportsBeat KC, we remember Terez Paylor, The Kansas City Star sportswriter who left us much too soon. He died on Monday at age 37.The tributes from across the journalism world have been overwhelming, and today some of his former colleagues at The Star got together on a zoom call to recall what we loved and admired about Terez.You’ll hear from Sam Mellinger, Vahe Gregorian, Herbie Teope, Sam McDowell and Blair Kerkhoff. We could have talked to dozens more who worked with Terez during his 12 years at The Star or three years at Yahoo Sports. Everyone has a fond memory.These are ours.Story links:A fellow beat writer pays tribute to ‘little brother’ and range buddy Terez Paylorhttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article249150045.htmlOn the beauty and joy of Terez Paylor, a teammate who will always be in our heartshttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article249125055.htmlMourning the passing of our friend Terez, who leaves us with so many loving memorieshttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article249129035.htmlOne of a kind: Friends, colleagues what made Terez so specialhttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article249123685.htmlFormer Kansas City Star sportswriter Terez Paylor dies at 37https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article249126880.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The pain of the Super Bowl loss continues for the Chiefs. On Monday, Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid provided their second day thoughts on the 31-9 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Mahomes discussed the most lopsided defeat of his young pro career and how that will help motivate him. He also takes us inside a play that could have been spectacular, the incomplete pass to Darrel Williams when Mahomes threw the ball while parallel to the turf.After a break you’ll hear from Andy Reid on several topics, including the officiating in Sunday’s game and comments on Britt Reid.Story links:Flyin’ Mahomes explains how he got off amazing uncaught pass to Williams in Super Bowl“Odor of alcoholic beverages:” See key details in Britt Reid search warrant documents.Patrick Mahomes was motivated after winning a Super Bowl. Defeat will inspire him moreSuper Bowl LV did not expose the Chiefs. But it did reinforce their most urgent need Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Chiefs took a 3-0 lead against Tampa Bay in the Super Bowl, but it was all downhill from there. Penalties, turnovers, poor execution — you name it, the Chiefs were guilty of it Sunday night.The disappointment will last long into the offseason.The Star’s coverage team of columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam Mellinger and beat writers Sam McDowell and Herbie Teope unpacked what went wrong in a post-game episode of SportsBeat Live, presented now as a SportsBeat KC podcast. The audience came through with some great questions and comments.Story links:What went wrong in Chiefs’ Super Bowl loss: Penalties, pressure and moreChiefs’ Reid on son’s crash that injured girl: “My heart bleeds for everyone involved”Amid anguish of last few days, Chiefs own desolate end to this could have been seasonMahomes’ Chiefs never looked so bad. The work starts now to make sure they don’t againChiefs report card: The Super Bowl is pass-fail, and you know this went Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the final SportsBeat KC podcast before the Super Bowl!Today’s pod features a Chiefs player who isn’t with the team this season but played a major role last year. Offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardiff, who has a medical degree, opted out this season to help fight COVID-19. Duvernay-Tardif spoke with KC Star columnist Vahe Gregorian, whose column appears on kansascity.com today and in Sunday’s print editions of The Star.After a break, we’ll hear from Chiefs coach Andy Reid. Listen until the end for his special message to former Chiefs coach Marty Schottenheimer.Story links: On eve of Super Bowl he’ll watch alone, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif reflects on opt-outA year ago they asked Andy Reid if he’ll ever win. Now they ask if he’ll ever stop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s SportsBeat KC gets in some final words before the Super Bowl. The Star’s coverage team of Sam McDowell, Vahe Gregorian and Sam Mellinger joined host Blair Kerkhoff to talk about the keys to Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and what kind of statistics to keep an eye on as the game unfolds. Beat writer Herbie Teope was on assignment.Updates on injuries and haircut safety are also provided.And we discuss the Chiefs’ tenure of former coach Marty Schottenheimer who entered hospice care earlier this week. The Chiefs as a piece of Kansas City culture with the ear-ringing crowds at Arrowhead Stadium and the extraordinary tailgating started with the success of Schottenheimer’s teams of the 1990s.Story links:Two Kansas City Chiefs landed on reserve/covid list because of barber’s positive testFormer Chiefs, Browns coach Marty Schottenheimer moved to hospiceWhy the Chiefs haven’t lost faith in Mecole Hardman (He hasn’t either) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s Tampa Bay day on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast. On today’s show we visit two journalists with the Tampa Bay Times. Joey Knight covers the Bucs and breaks down the game from a Tampa Bay perspective. Also, Sharon Kennedy Wynne is the TImes’ family, entertainment and events editor. She provides a pulse of the region that is hosting the nation’s most popular championship in the most unusual of times.Also on today’s show, Chiefs president Mark Donovan met with reporters on Tuesday and said that the team and city are exploring the idea of Arrowhead Stadium as a COVID-19 vaccination center, like it was a polling place in November, and he shared some thoughts about how the team and NFL are handling the reduced number of tickets for the limited capacity event.Story linksWhat was the turning point of the Bucs’ season? Take your pickFor Super Bowl visitors, a guide to Tampa Bay’s socially distanced attractionsArrowhead Stadium as a vaccination site in Kansas City? It could happen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The quarterback matchup is biggest topic for the biggest game of the year. Patrick Mahomes is off to the best start to a career in NFL history and takes on the best body of work the game has seen in Tom Brady. The quarterbacks spoke glowingly about each other and covered many other topics on Monday as Super Bowl festivities kicked off.During zoom interviews, Mahomes’ spoke about his motivation, the Bucs’ defense and in a question from a kid reporter, we learned about his spirit animal. Brady spoke of his career, his relationship with Bill Belichick and much more.You’ll hear from Mahomes first, then Brady on today’s episode of SportsBeat KC, The Kansas City Star’s daily sports podcast that’s devoting this week to the Super Bowl.Story links:Big homes, fast cars, growing families: What Brady and Mahomes have in common (and don’t)Mellinger Minutes: Nerdy Super Bowl breakdown, key to beating Brady and whoopee cushionsAdd it up and all signs point to a close game between Chiefs, Bucs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Super Bowl week has arrived, and we kick it off with a SportsBeat KC podcast. Star columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian joined beat writer Sam McDowell and host Blair Kerkhoff along with viewers to the SportsBeat Live program in breaking down the Chiefs’ game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and answering questions.How will the reworked Chiefs offensive line perform? How big is the Buccaneers’ home field advantage? Does Tampa Bay present a bigger challenge to the Chiefs than last year’s Super Bowl opponent, the San Francisco 49ers?Follow the Super Bowl coverage all week in pages of The Star, on KansasCity.com, the SportsBeat KC podcast and Friday’s Mellinger Minutes for Your Ears, along with the loads of video produced by The Star’s production team.Story links:Seven important decisions that dragged the Chiefs from 2-14 to back-to-back Super BowlsThe quest for another Super Bowl began immediately after the Chiefs won the last oneTwo new Chiefs Super Bowl sections hit Sunday. And you can still get the poster edition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kansas, Missouri and Kansas State are participating in the Big 12-SEC Challenge this weekend, and they all have their own challenges.The Jayhawks are looking for an identity, especially on the offensive end. The Tigers seek consistency, having followed their terrific victory at Tennessee with a loss at Auburn. Kansas State needs, well, everything. Beat writers Jesse Newell, Gary Bedore, Souichi Terada and Kellis Robinett cover it all on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast.Football is also part of the conversation as Mizzou and KU made coaching staff news this week.Story links:KU’s Bill Self wary of Tennessee’s defensive challenge heading into SEC/Big 12 Challenge gameJayhawks lose offensive coordinator to Conference USA school. Here’s the impactEarly thoughts from Mizzou’s Steve Wilks and what his defense might look likeK-State Q&A: Bruce Weber, basketball struggles, football transfers and more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re getting you ready for the Super Bowl on today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast. Columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam Mellinger joined beat writer Herbie Teope and host Blair Kerkhoff on today’s show. Beat writer Sam McDowell was on assignment.Patrick Mahomes versus Tom Brady, the Chiefs’ makeshift offensive line against the Buccaneers terrific pass rush that sacked Aaron Rodgers five times in last week’s NFC Championship and Kansas City’s playoff-ready defense were among the topics.Also, we close the book on Eric Bieniemy’s quest to become a NFL head coach this season. The final opening, with the Houston Texans, reportedly will be filled by former Chiefs assistant David Culley.The show started as a SportsBeat Live with your questions and comments and is now presented as a SportsBeat KC podcast.Story links:NFL Network analyst: Texans passing on Eric Bieniemy puts Chiefs in a unique positionHere’s what the Vegas odds say about the Chiefs-Buccaneers Super Bowl matchup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The subject is the Super Bowl, but it’s also college basketball, baseball, the NHL, cancer research and so many other topics, because when you talk to ESPN basketball analyst Dick Vitale, the conversation takes many interesting turns.But the Super Bowl is the primary focus because the pro teams in Tampa Bay have no bigger fan than Vitale, who lives in the region. Those fans have had a great year, with the NHL’s Lightning winning the Stanley Cup and the Rays reaching the World Series in 2020. Now the Tom Brady-led Buccaneers will meet the Patrick Mahomes-led Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl.On this episode of The Star’s daily sports podcast, Vitale speaks with SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff about how the good times are rolling in Tampa Bay.Story links:The Lost season: A look at What the 2020 National Championship Could Have Been Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs’ “Run It Back” tour continues with a second straight AFC championship and Super Bowl appearance and SportsBeat KC will follow that lead and run back postgame interviews from Sunday’s triumph over the Buffalo Bills on today’s show.You’ll hear from Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Mecole Hardman, Tyrann Mathieu and general manager Brett Veach on the 38-24 victory over the Bills and a look ahead at the Super Bowl meeting with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The interviews were conducted moments after the team celebrated winning the Lamar Hunt Trophy as AFC champs.Story links:Against gravity of the past, chaos of COVID, Chiefs’ Super Bowl encore is a feat in itselfPhotos: See action from the Chiefs’ AFC Championship Game victory over the Buffalo BillsMayor and Chiefs agree: If Kansas City wins the Super Bowl, COVID means no parade, for nowMic’d-up video shows Chiefs stars encouraging Mecole Hardman after muffed punt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Next stop: Tampa, Florida, and the Super Bowl.The Chiefs are going to the big game for the second straight year after defeating the Buffalo Bills 38-24 in the AFC Championship Game. Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill and the offense were sensational. The defense was ultra-aggressive. After falling behind 9-0, the Chiefs dominated.The game and the Super Bowl matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was the topic on a postgame SportsBeat Live, now a SportsBeat KC podcast. Columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian joined beat writers Herbie Teope and Sam McDowell and host Blair Kerkhoff to talk all things Chiefs.Story links:Chiefs return to the Super Bowl. Next: Tom Brady’s BucsGet used to this KC: Patrick Mahomes leads Chiefs to another Super BowlSuper again. Chiefs Patrick Mahomes makes agony of postseasons past a fading memoryThe sudden inevitability of the Kansas City Chiefs and a run back to the Super BowlHere’s the Chiefs AFC Championship Game report card. Welcome back dominant offense Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs’ coaches and select players delivered their final comments before Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the Buffalo Bills Friday, and a bit of critical news emerged: Patrick Mahomes is out of the NFL’s concussion protocol and ready to play Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium.You’ll hear from Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Dan Sorensen and Frank Clark along with Andy Reid in this episode of our daily sports podcast, SportsBeat KC. They break down Sunday’s game, talk about the closeness of the locker room, what they think of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy not yet having a head-coaching job, and much more.Story links:Patrick Mahomes to play Sunday. Here’s what he said about passing the concussion protocolMahomes has been gifted motivation he definitely did not needPlayoff payoff for Darrel Williams, and now the Chief have more options at running back Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Three years, three AFC Championship Games for the Chiefs. On Sunday, the Buffalo Bills arrive at Arrowhead Stadium for a 5:40 p.m. kickoff and this one comes with its own set of questions: Patrick Mahomes’ health, the meaning of these teams’ regular-season game in Week 6, and the Bills’ hot hand over the past three months.Star columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam Mellinger, along with beat writers Sam McDowell and Herbie Teope, join host Blair Kerkhoff in covering all the angles for this game (including their predictions). Viewers joined us with their questions and comments on a livestreamed show that started as a SportsBeat Live and is now presented here as a SportsBeat KC podcast.Story links:Desire to be great: Why Chiefs’ Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill are elite receiving targetsWhen it comes to conference title game experience, Chiefs have big edge over BillsChiefs’ keys vs. Bills: What Andy Reid and Co., need to do to reach Super Bowl again Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s the latest on Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ injury? Andy Reid provided the update Wednesday and you’ll hear it on SportsBeat KC, the Kansas City Star’s daily sports podcast.You’ll also hear from backup quarterback Chad Henne on how he remains prepared; defensive tackle Chris Jones on the difference between the Buffalo Bills now and when the Chiefs met them during the regular season; Tyreek Hill on what motivates him to be a great wide receiver; and offensive tackle Eric Fisher. Criticism about the pass protection in the late-season Falcons’ game must have been so harsh, Fisher says he has no memory of the game. Things have gotten better since then.Story links:Patrick Mahomes returns to practice Wednesday ahead of AFC Championship GameWill Bills’ use the same defensive strategy against the Chiefs, hoping for a different result? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kansas never led second-ranked Baylor Monday night and the Bears quickly opened a big lead. But the Jayhawks battled back a couple of times, reducing the deficit to as few as five in the late stages before falling 77-69.Beat writers Jesse Newell and Gary Bedore break down, as Bedore says, a “moderately alarming” second straight Big 12 loss for KU.After a break, you’ll hear what Andy Reid had to say the day after the Chiefs’ victory over the Browns in the Divisional Round. Pay close attention to how he describes the injury to Patrick Mahomes. Reid never says Mahomes suffered a concussion, only that he’s in the concussion protocol.Semantics? Gamesmanship? We’ll know more on Mahomes’ status this week.Story links:Kansas loses back to back Big 12 games as No. 2 Baylor pulls away on Big MondayHere’s something for Bill Self to consider following KU Jayhawks loss to BaylorChiefs won’t say Patrick Mahomes has a concussion. Here’s why he’s still in protocolA day later, Chiefs still not verifying that Patrick Mahomes suffered a concussion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs have now won playoff games in three consecutive years, but it wasn’t easy to get No. 3 on Sunday. After taking a 16-point lead over the Cleveland Browns, the Chiefs hung on to post a 22-17 triumph in the AFC Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs and will now face the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium.The Star’s coverage team of columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian and beat writers Herbie Teope and Sam McDowell joined host Blair Kerkhoff to break down the wild Chiefs-Browns contest on SportsBeat Live, presented here as a SportsBeat KC podcast.The Patrick Mahomes injury, Chad Henne’s relief appearance, Andy Reid’s play-calls, the play of the defense ... plus your questions and comments. It’s all covered here.Story links:The Chiefs won without Patrick Mahomes. Is this what exorcising demons looks like?Even with Mahomes out, Chiefs showed #HenneThingIsPossible in beating BrownsGive defense its due following Chiefs’ 22-17 playoff victory over Cleveland BrownsWhat we learned as Chiefs lost Mahomes to head injury in beating Browns“In good spirits:” Here’s what Chiefs players are saying about Mahomes’ head injury Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kansas goes into Saturday’s game against Iowa State two games back in the loss column in the Big 12 race. Have the Jayhawks reached the point where playing for the league championship could become a secondary consideration as they spend the rest of the season preparing for the NCAA Tournament?Beat writers Jesse Newell and Gary Bedore break down that notion on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast with host Blair Kerkhoff.Also, Kansas State sent its 2021 football home opener to Arlington, Texas. Good move? And who’s next from K-State in the College Football Hall of Fame after Darren Sproles got the call this week? Kellis Robinett has the answers.Story links:Why KU basketball—just this year—should shift its focus away from Big 12 titleKU’s Bryce Thompson has surgery on right index finger. He’ll be out several weeksMoney was a factor: Why K-State moved Stanford game off campus to AT&T StadiumK-State Q&A: Why legendary QB Michael Bishop belongs in the college Hall of Fame Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The broader topics of the Chiefs-Browns Divisional Round playoff game were discussed earlier in the week on SportsBeat KC. Today’s program drills down into the game itself. How will the teams’ defend each other? Where can they take advantage?Star columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian joined beat writer Sam McDowell and host Blair Kerkhoff to break down the game at Arrowhead Stadium. It’s the fourth time in five years the Chiefs have reached this round of the playoffs and they’re attempting to advance to the AFC Championship for the third straight year.Story links:How AFC playoffs became Andy Reid Invitational and what that says about his careerTravis Kelce knows what it’s like to be a Cleveland sports fan, but not on SundayHow and why Patrick Mahomes layered his preparation for the playoffs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What was Patrick Mahomes doing while waiting to learn the identity of the Chiefs’ first playoff opponent? What play did Tyreek Hill regret most from the 2020 regular season? How is Travis Kelce handling the attention from friends in his Cleveland hometown as the Chiefs prepare to meet the Browns Sunday in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs?Those questions — and many more — were asked and answered Wednesday when Chiefs players met the media for the first time during playoff week. The entire interviews are presented on today’s episode of the daily SportsBeat KC podcast.Story links:Mahomes and the young guys: Nothing like AFC playoff quarterbacks to make the rest of us feel olderThe Chiefs can make AFC playoff history with a victory over the BrownsChiefs keys vs. Browns: Bottle up Browns’ backfield and go after Cleveland’s secondary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Michael MacCambridge comes by his Chiefs fandom naturally. He grew up in Kansas City and worked at Arrowhead Stadium for a couple of years. He’s written several books, among them a biography of Chiefs founder Lamar Hunt and ‘69 Chiefs: A Team, a Season and the Birth of Modern Kansas City.Also, Chiefs Kingdom: The Official Story of the 2019 Championship Season.Who better to break down the current and past Chiefs teams than MacCambridge? He chatted with Star columnist Vahe Gregorian and SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff about previous playoff seasons, this weekend’s Division Round game against the Browns and several more topics.Links:Michael MacCambridge books via AmazonVahe Gregorian: Here’s hoping Kareem Hunt’s ‘personal’ quip doesn’t mean he’s in denial about his behavior. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kareem Hunt ... John Dorsey ... Mahomes-Mayfield ... The storylines are rich for Sunday’s Division Round playoff game between the Chiefs and Cleveland Browns at Arrowhead Stadium.SportsBeat KC takes a comprehensive first look at the matchup with Star columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian, beat writer Sam McDowell and host Blair Kerkhoff. The discussion started as a Monday morning SportsBeat Live session, with questions and comments from viewers.Should Hunt hold a grudge against the Chiefs? What talent did Dorsey acquire during his tenure as general manager for the Chiefs, and now the Browns? And did you see how punts came back to haunt some teams and coaches during Wild Card weekend?All this and much more with the A-Team on SportsBeat KC.Story links:Here’s a first look at Chiefs-Browns Divisional Round matchupCelebrating Browns’ win, Kareem Hunt says of facing Chiefs, “Next week (is) personal.”Home field was no advantage in NFL this season. Will it be for Chiefs in the playoffs? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Kansas made a 54-point turnaround between Big 12 games. Missouri had a 29-point reversal in the same game.Kansas State? Just looking for a victory.College basketball is the topic on this episode of the daily SportsBeat KC podcast with host Blair Kerkhoff. Beat writers Gary Bedore and Jesse Newell (Kansas), Souichi Terada (Missouri) and Kellis Robinett (Kansas State) share updates and analysis about the teams.Story links:KU’s Bill Self pleased with fluid offense in TCU game. “I thought we shared it.”Self found a Devon Dodson clone in KU’s victory TCU. It’s not who you thinkWhere it went wrong for Mizzou in puzzling loss at Mississippi StateLack of experience, depth shows during Kansas State’s road loss at Texas Tech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The NFL playoffs start this weekend without the Chiefs, a reward for being the AFC’s top seed. The Chiefs will watch games between the Bills-Colts, Titans-Ravens and Browns-Steelers. What’s the best matchup for the Chiefs? Beat writer Herbie Teope and columnist Vahe Gregorian join SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff to discuss.Also, covered: the MVP race and Patrick Mahomes’ place in it; Eric Bieniemy’s future; who will and won’t play for the Chiefs when their playoff chase begins the following week, and more.Story links:If ‘deserve’ means anything, Eric Bieniemy must get chance at NFL head coaching jobChiefs place rookie defensive end Mike Danna on reserve/COVID-19 listThe Chiefs’ best moments of the season, ranked, before this year’s NFL playoffs begin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bob Davis was the Voice of the Jayhawks from 1984-2016, so you know he’s got some stories to tell. And he’s told them, in a book, “The Dream is Real, My Life on the Airwaves. The collaboration between Davis and Jeff Bollig is available online and through Dillion’s stores.Davis spoke with SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff about his years at KU and his career that started in Hays, Kan., included a 13-year run with the Royals. Davis was on the call for some of the biggest moments in Kansas’ sports history, and you’ll hear a couple of them here.Story link:“The Dream is Real:” Bob Davis, former voice of Jayhawks (and Royals) has a new book Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The interview process once again has started for Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. On Monday, he interviewed virtually for the head coaching positions with the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions. The Jets also plan to interview him. With four other openings in the NFL, the coaching carousel has begun.This is Bieniemy’s third year interviewing for a top job. Will he follow the paths of former Chiefs offensive coordinators Doug Pederson and Matt Nagy, now head coaches? Andy Reid thinks so and shared his feeling with reporters on Monday. You’ll hear them and other thoughts from Reid on SportsBeat KC with host Blair Kerkhoff.After a break, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and safety Tyrann Mathieu describe the challenges of playing through the COVID-19 pandemic season.Story links:Chiefs corner DeAndre Baker has successful surgery on broken femur, Andy Reid saysAFC Playoff primer: A quick look at the seven teams vying for Super Bowl LV berth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Close the book on the Chiefs’ regular season. Sunday’s 38-21 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers leaves the Chiefs record at 14-2, the best in franchise history.Among those who didn’t play for the Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, Eric Fisher, Tyrann Mathieu, Chris Jones and Frank Clark. Several reserves like, running back Darwin Thompson, wide receiver Byron Pringle and defensive end Tim Ward played well. So don’t get caught up in the result.The Star’s Vahe Gregorian, Sam Mellinger, Herbie Teope and Sam McDowell joined host Blair Kerkhoff on SportsBeat Live to discuss the game, and the playoffs as the Chiefs head into the postseason with the top seed.Story links:The Chiefs earned this break. What comes next will be tough...and define their legacyFor Chiefs, 2020 was great, but now it’s all about “What have you done lately?”Regular season done, playoffs up next. What we learned as Chiefs lost to the ChargersThe Chiefs played mostly backups Sunday and Darwin Thompson stood out. Who else?Chiefs report card: Senior skip day is over, the final exam period as arrived Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs play host to the Los Angeles Chargers in their regular-season finale Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium, and Andy Reid has decided some starters, like quarterback Patrick Mahomes, will sit this one out. Chad Henne is getting the nod in his place.Star columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian, along with beat writers Herbie Teope and Sam McDowell, prognosticate who will and won’t play and break down Reid’s history of resting starters.Plus viewers weigh in on the Chiefs ... it’s all here in this episode of SportsBeat Live, now presented as the KC Star’s final daily sports podcast of 2020.Story links:Chiefs’ Tyreek Hill among six players not practicing Wednesday ahead of season finaleWhat can we expect with Chad Henne in charge of Chiefs offense on Sunday Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The finish line for 2020 here. What will 2021 bring in sports?At least initially, more of the same when it comes to navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, with empty or mostly empty stadiums and arenas and altered schedules in some sports, like college basketball.But familiar also means more Chiefs success, Royals optimism, Kansas basketball winning ... and how about those Missouri Tigers? Star columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian don their forecasting caps and look ahead to a year that comes with hope that sports can do the sort of silly things — make us care about games and laundry, for instance, and keep us up at night with anticipation — when we’re living in a healthy environment.Oh, and will the Chiefs win the Super Bowl? We project that one, too.Story links:Mellinger Minutes: Chiefs deserve (need) rest, Mahomes stuggles (?), and a 14-1 teamRamifications of who plays this week loom large, but Chiefs’ Reid gets benefit of doubt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Missouri Tigers somehow got in 10 football games this season. There won’t be an 11th.The team’s current bout with COVID-19 arrive too late to overcome, so Mizzou had to bow out of the Music City Bowl against Iowa, which had been scheduled for Wednesday in Nashville.This was to be the final chapter of an unexpectedly good season for the Tigers, who finished 5-5 and cracked the College Football Playoff rankings for one week in Eli Drinkwitz’s first season.Beat writer Souichi Terada discusses the decision here and takes a peek at Mizzou’s next basketball game, scheduled for Wednesday against Tennessee. After a break in this edition of The Star’s daily sports podcast, you’ll hear from Drinkwitz on the disappointment of not playing in the postseason.Story links:Mizzou’s COVID-19 timeline, and what prompted the Tigers to drop out of the Music City BowlMizzou football, with COVID-19 numbers rising, drops out of this week’s Music City Bowl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two things have been true about the Chiefs for the past two months. Their games are close and they win them.So it was Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. The Chiefs survived 17-14 when Atlanta kicker Younghoe Koo, who had made 27 straight field goal attempts, missed from 39 yards. The kick appeared to be blown off course and the winds of fortune have been with the Chiefs all season.They clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs with the triumph, and we talked about it on SportsBeat KC with Sam Mellinger, Vahe Gregorian, Sam McDowell and Herbie Teope.Story links:The Chiefs won and secured the AFC’s No. 1 seed but that’s not what we’re talking aboutOn a day Kelce set glittery records, grit and tough play defined his gameAndy Reid confronts the decision every coach craves: play or rest starters in Week 17The Chiefs keep winning close games. A good sign or something ominous?What we learned as Chiefs scraped past Atlanta Falcons, secure coveted AFC playoff bye Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Somehow, sports managed to get through 2020.Most seasons were reduced; some major events, like the NCAA Tournament, were canceled. The COVID-19 pandemic created havoc on schedules like nothing since World War II, or the previous pandemic 100 years ago. Seasons were played largely without fans or at greatly reduced capacity.Also enduring, SportsBeat KC. The Star’s daily sports podcast carried on. It’s time to look back at some of the events that shaped a truly historic year in sports. Today’s show recalls some of the year’s headline events, starting with perhaps the biggest in Kansas City’s sports history: the Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory.After that, everything it seemed, was affected by COVID-19. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do with the starters in Week 17 if the Chiefs beat the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday and clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC? That was among the topics discussed in this SportsBeat Live session with Vahe Gregorian, Sam McDowell and Herbie Teope, along with host Blair Kerkhoff.Presented here in podcast form, reporters and columnists who regularly cover the Chiefs analyze the team’s plans for a possible lineup without linebacker Anthony Hitchens (who’s on the NFL’s COVID-19 list) and injured running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire.Plus, we respond to reader questions and comments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christmas week typically would be a slow time in college sports. But the pandemic has shuffled schedules and there is plenty to discuss, like Kansas’ big basketball game tonight against West Virginia, Missouri’s bowl destination and the announcement by quarterback Skylar Thompson that he was returning to Kansas State next season.Beat writers Jesse Newell, Gary Bedore, Souichi Terada and Kellis Robinett weigh in on these stories and more with host Blair Kerkhoff on SportsBeat KC.Story links:Quick scout: Here’s the luck (?) factor in KU-West Virginia matchupMizzou Tigers headed to Music City Bowl to face Iowa on Dec. 30Skylar Thompson’s return will add intrigue to Kansas State’s quarterback situation next season Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs followed a familiar script in their 32-29 victory over the New Orleans Saints. They took an early lead, didn’t hold on to it, got it back, stretched it out, then hung on at the end.Also familiar: They beat a terrific team away from home to improve to 8-0 in road games for the first time in franchise history. We talked about it with you on SportsBeat Live with Sam Mellinger, Vahe Gregorian, Sam McDowell and Herbie Teope along with host Blair Kerkhoff. Now it’s a SportsBeat KC podcast.Hear how we broke down this team that is having an amazing season.Story links:Still winning: Why this victory over the Saints was Chiefs’ most impressive yetAs seen again vs. Saints, Chiefs’ holding on is more beauty mark than fatal flawHow the Chiefs solved their red zone issues: By being themselves. Here’s what we meanWhat we learned: Chiefs took Saints best punch and still walked away winnersThere’s no place like...the road when it comes to Andy Reid’s Chiefs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It took big plays on both ends of the floor in the final 14 second,s but KU won its 30th conference opener Thursday with a one-point victory at Texas Tech. KC product Ochai Agbaji finished with 23 points, including the game-winner, and was the Jayhawks’ offensive star.Beat writers Gary Bedore and Jesse Newell break down the game, and especially the Jayhawks’ final flurry, on this episode of SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast, with host Blair Kerkhoff. Also explored are the progress of the NCAA case against the Jayhawks and how the KU football program fared on national signing day.Story links:Kansas beat Texas Tech in thriller on late hoop by Agbaji and final defensive stopWhy Bill Self put his hands on his head just before KU game-winner vs. Texas TechAD says KU basketball’s NCAA case timeline has been altered. Here’s whyKU Jayhawks football, led by local standout, lands strong Signing Day class Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chiefs at Saints. It’s been circled on the calendar since the schedule was released in anticipation of both teams having good seasons. They haven’t disappointed. if the season ended today, the Chiefs (12-1) would be the top seed in the AFC and the Saints (10-3) the No. 2 seed in the NFC.The A-Team of Vahe Gregorian, Sam McDowell, Sam Mellinger and Herbie Teope joined SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff to talk about Sunday’s game in New Orleans. Among the topics: injuries along the Chiefs offensive line, especially at tackle, the monster season by tight end Travis Kelce and how will this contest play out?It started as a SportsBeat Live with plenty of questions and comments from the audience. Just like that, it’s a SportsBeat KC podcast.Story links:Here’s how Chiefs’ Reid, Saints’ Payton keep their offenses at the top of the NFLPatrick Mahomes in a Saints uniform? Almost. Chiefs made their move just in timeHow Travis Kelce’s work with Operation Breakthrough reflects breakthrough of his own Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kansas State’s basketball season seemed to bottom out a week ago with a loss to Division II Fort Hays State. Since then the Wildcats have won twice, including Tuesday’s victory at Iowa State in the Big 12 opener.What’s changed? A players only meeting and a lineup shift seems to have done the trick. Beat writer Kellis Robinett has the update.Missouri hoops is soaring. The Tigers are coming of their biggest victory in years, a triumph over sixth-ranked Illinois and have jumped into the top 25. Souichi Terada tells us what’s in store for Mizzou on the court and previews Saturday’s season football finale against Mississippi State.Plus, it’s signing date. How do incoming classes at Missouri and Kansas State rank?Story links:Kansas State signing date updatesMizzou signing day updatesK-State opens Big 12 play with surprising road upset against Iowa StateMizzou enters AP top 25 for first time under Cuonzo Martin after Braggin’ Rights victory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Baseball scrapped its winter meetings, which were scheduled for Dallas last week, because of COVID-19. But that doesn’t means teams haven’t been busy ... and the Royals have been among the most active. This week they announced the signing of reliever Greg Holland.Last week, it was Carlos Santana, who had a terrific career with Cleveland — and against Kansas City. Before that, pitcher Mike Minor and outfielder Michael Taylor were signed. In this episode of our daily sports podcast, KC Star beat writer Lynn Worthy stops by to break down the moves and catches us up on other Royals news with SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff.Story links:Royals re-sign veteran relief pitcher Greg Holland as anchor for young bullpenRoyals’ Salvador Perez adds AL Comeback Player of the Year to his list of honorsRoyals projected 2021 Opening Day lineup after the Carlos Santana signing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs know how to make things interesting, don’t they? They fell behind 10-0 and lost the fourth quarter 17-3. But their 30-0 advantage in the second and third quarter added up to a six-point victory that meant a 12-1 record for the first time in franchise history and a fifth straight AFC West championship.The A-Team of Sam McDowell, Herbie Teope, Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian joined SportsBeat Live host Blair Kerkhoff and the audience to success what was assuredly the worst quarter in Patrick Mahomes’ career, the big plays by the defense and special teams and what it means to be the division champion...again.Story links:The layered reasons why the imperfect Kansas City Chiefs remain Super Bowl favoritesMahomes’ adventurous reminds us that he’s human. And he amazes us anywayThe Dolphins game-planned for Tyreek Hill and he still burned them. Here’s howWhat we learned as the Chiefs dug out of an early hole of their own making in MiamiGrading the Chiefs: So many contributed but let’s give props to the defense Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As of Friday morning, nine college football games, including Michigan at Ohio State, had been canceled, and number of college basketball games postponed or canceled on Saturday was approaching 20. But one college town is stoked for its football and basketball games that day: Columbia, Missouri.The football Tigers are 5-3 and ranked No. 25 in the College Football Playoff poll. They meet ninth-ranked Georgia at 11 a.m. Mizzou won a coin flip and the right to host the St. Louis-based Braggin Rights game with Illinois. Missouri is undefeated. The Illini, coming off a 15-point victory at Duke, are sixth.Beat writer Souichi Terada and columnist Vahe Gregorian join SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff to discuss the big day in Mizzou sports. Fingers crossed the games will be played as re-scheduled.Story links:Mizzou football gets to measure season’s strides with game against SEC foe GeorgiaHow Mizzou basketball passed class in a comeback victory over Liberty Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices