SportsBeat KC

Sporting Kansas City didn’t require a victory to advance in the MLS is Back Tournament. A draw would have done the trick, and even a loss might have sent them through. But Sporting left no doubt in a 2-0 triumph over Real Salt Lake in a match that started at 8 a.m. Wednesday morning.Before one minute had elapsed, Sporting was on the board thanks to Johnny Russell’s goal, and the rest of the game continued to break Kansas City’s way. On this episode of The Star’s daily SportsBeat KC podcast, reporter Shaun Goodwin breaks down the game and what happens next in the tournament with host Blair Kerkhoff. Also, you’ll hear from coach Peter Vermes and some of the Sporting players.Story links:Russell’s early wakeup call helps propel Sporting KC on to MLS is Back knockout roundsFrom navigating COVID to keeping players hydrated, this man is crucial for Sporting KC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Big 12 Tournament at Sprint Center ended on March 11. The next major sporting event in Kansas City will happen 134 days later. The Super Start Battery 400 presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts at Kansas Speedway is Thursday. No fans will be in the stands for the race originally scheduled to run on May 31 but postponed because of the pandemic. But with five races over three days there will be some economic impact in the region.Kansas Speedway President Pat Warren chatted with SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff about re-starting the action at the track and where the sport goes from here.After a break, we’ll continue the media conversation with Chiefs coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach. They spoke Monday during the Chris Jones contract extension news conference, and Veach addresses Jones’ value as a versatile player and Reid details the first few days of training camp.Story links:As NASCAR arrives in Kansas City, Richard Chlidress Racing may be discovering its magic of oldKansas Speedway makes call: No fans for July races due to COVID concernsStrange training camp at hand for Chiefs: These guys are going to be tested often Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week, the Chiefs and Chris Jones announced a new four-year contract, and the deal is worth up to $85 million. On Monday, Jones, Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach spoke to the negotiation and signing that allowed the team to retain Jones on a long-term basis instead of a one-year franchise tag.Jones explains what the contract means to him, and Reid speaks to the importance of Jones to the defending Super Bowl champion. Veach digs down into the negotiation and how events like Patrick Mahomes’ contract and the coronavirus pandemic played a role in the process.Story links:Chiefs, Chris Jones agree to terms on four-year deal worth $85 million with $60 million guaranteedChiefs pay homage to liquor store clerk who broke news of Patrick Mahomes’ deal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The heightened sense of anticipation for Sporting KC’s opener made the loss last weekend feel like a gut-punch.Sporting surrendered two goals in extra time and fell to Minnesota 2-1. But onward we go in the MLS is Back Tournament. Sporting meets Colorado in Orlando Friday, and reporter Shaun Goodwin breaks down what must happen for SKC to return to the victory column on this episode of The Star’s daily SportsBeat KC podcast with host Blair Kerkhoff.After a break, SKC coach Peter Vermes shares his thoughts on the next game, the previous one and what it’s been like for his team to live in the MLS bubble in Orlando. “We would be bored out of our minds if we were back in Kansas City just training every day with no goal, objective, in mind,” Vermes said.Story links:Sporting KC trio helps lead movement for change in how Black people are viewed, treatedWith new keeper in goal, Sporting KC must guard against a couple of things Friday night Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No one knows what major college football is look like this fall, or if there will be a college football season. Two conferences, the Big Ten and Pac-12, have eliminated non-conference games. Others are gathering more information. On SportsBeat KC, beat writers Kellis Robinett, Gary Bedore and Souichi Terada talk discuss how Kansas State, Kansas and Missouri are handling the COVID-19 pandemic and what may be next.After a break, we steal Kellis’ idea of naming the most successful professional athletes who attended those schools. Topping the Kansas State list was Hall of Fame basketball player Mitch RIchmond with star running back Darren Sproles second. Who were the best future pros at Missouri and Kansas? We discuss.Story links:K-State Countdown: Ranking the top 10 professional athletes in Wildcats historyMizzou football’s Eli Drinkwitz has a simple message for fans: Wear a maskSelf: KU hoop players’ arrival delayed two weeks because of spiking COVID-19 cases around the country Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Royals are another day closer to Opening Day and getting a little healthier. Catcher Salvador Perez participated in his first scrimmage on Tuesday and singled in his first at-bat. There will be three exhibition games in three days starting on Monday before the regular-season opener Friday.Beat writer Lynn Worthy and Star columnist Sam Mellinger join Blair Kerkhoff on SportsBeat KC to talk baseball and how the Royals are shaping up for the shortened season. After a break you’ll hear from pitcher Tim Hill, a left reliever who despite health concerns, decided not to opt out on the season.Story links:Salvador Perez rejoins Royals’ camp after being cleared of COVID-19https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article244232232.htmlDanny Duffy will start Royals’ season opener for third time in his careerhttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article244224172.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It happened with a day to spare. Chris Jones remains a member of the Kansas City Chiefs with news that he and his camp agreed to a four-year deal Tuesday worth up to $85 million. The deadline to get a long-term deal done was Wednesday.Thus, the Chiefs’ tremendous offseason continues, and the A-Team of Herbie Teope, Sam McDowell, Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian join host Blair Kerkhoff to break down the news on this episode of The Star’s daily SportsBeat KC podcast.After a break, you’ll hear why Jones is one of the most popular players in the locker room.Story links:Chiefs, Chris Jones agree to terms on four-year deal worth $85 million, with $60 million guaranteedChris Jones has emerged as Chiefs star. But there’s tension back home in MIssissippi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Monday, Washington’s NFL team announced it was dropping the nickname “Redskins.” Other teams with Native American-related nicknames are examining their imagery and branding. The Kansas City Chiefs have made no statement about this, but Star columnist Vahe Gregorian spoke to college professors who are Native Americans about this topic. As one of the professors said “That’s probably the most hurtful thing. That people don’t want to pay attention to what we have to say.”On SportsBeat KC, Gregorian chats with host Blair Kerkhoff about how the column came about and the reaction to it. After a break, you’ll hear from Sporting KC Coach Peter Vermes, who met with the media following the team’s heart-breaking 2-1 loss to Minnesota in the MLS is Back Tournament opener on Sunday.Story links:It’s time for the Chiefs to diffuse the cultural offenses they enable and reflecthttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article244153762.htmlSporting KC blows 1-0 lead, loses starting keeper, loses to Minnesota 2-1 on two late goalshttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/sporting-kc/article244181062.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Soccer is the first professional team sport to return to action in the U.S., and Sporting KC gets back into action on Sunday against Minnesota. All Major League Soccer games are being played in Orlando, and re-starting competition isn’t the only message from the players.A group called Black Players for Change, which include’s Sporting’s Khiry Shelton, made its first public demonstration before Wednesday’s first game in the MLS is Back Tournament. More than 170 players participated, some wearing “Silence is Violence” T-shirts, took part in the pregame protest. Sporting is expected to deliver a message before its opening game.In a press conference setting in Orlando, Shelton, Matt Besler and Sporting KC coach Peter Vermes spoke to the re-start and demonstrations, as did Star beat writer Shaun Goodwin on SportsBeat KC with host Blair Kerkhoff.Story links:Sporting KC has set up camp at for MLS is Back, ready to playKansas City’s bid takes next step to bring 2026 World Cup to heart of North America Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Kansas City Royals are nearly one week into their restart, and they’ve hit a few snags along the way. Three front-line players have tested positive for COVID-19. But unlike other major league teams, there have been no opt-outs among the Royals, and new manager Mike Mathney said the team is taking the right approach into the season.Royals beat writer Lynn Worthy has attended this week’s scrimmages and breaks down the re-start on SportsBeat KC with host Blair Kerkhoff. You’ll also hear from Whit Merrifield on why he believed it was important to return this season when other major league players have chosen to sit out, and from Matheny on why he believes the Royals are built for a short season sprint.Story links:Why the Royals are looking at this 60-game season as a “chance to do something special”Two more Royals players test positive for COVID-19 coronavirus, joining Salvador PerezWhit Merrifield said he had an obligation to his KC Royals family despite pandemic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A topic that had been bubbling nationally for the past week or so was disrupted in Kansas City when Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes signed a 10-year contract extension on Monday. But sports nicknames that are based in Native American heritage is back on the table.The Washington Redskins and Cleveland Indians are considering changes. What kind of conversation should the Chiefs be having?Star columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian join host Blair Kerkhoff on SportsBeat KC, The Kansas City Star’s daily sports podcast, to discuss how we got here, what changes the Chiefs should consider, what is the potential pushback, how the colleges have been ahead of the pros on this issue, and project what we might see from the teams.Story links:Redskins, Indians considering name changes. Is it time for the Chiefs to make a change?How an offensive sign rekindled better relations between Chiefs, Native Americans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Monday, they bought champagne, posed for photographs and signed the paperwork. On Tuesday, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes talked about the richest contract in U.S. sports history, along with head coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach. SportsBeat KC, The Kansas City Star’s daily sports podcast, has the entire conversation, including a few questions at the end posed by comedian David Koechner.Mahomes speaks to why he sought to sign a lengthy deal. Veach details how the contract came together and when the process started. Reid explains what signing the quarterback who has won an MVP award and Super Bowl in his first two years as a starter means for his future.Story links:“A perfect place for me:” Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City have always been ideal marriageMellinger Minutes: On Patrick Mahomes’ money, sports and the virus. Plus Chris JonesPatrick Mahomes’ current and former teammates were thrilled for him Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He’s now the half-billion dollar athlete.The Kansas City Chiefs announced at contract extension for Patrick Mahomes on Monday, a new deal that folds in the final two years of his rookie contract and tacks on 10 more for a total of $503 million. This makes Mahomes the highest paid athlete in sports.What does this mean for the Chiefs going forward like the future of Andy Reid, the contract of Chris Jones? We cover the entire field on SportsBeat KC with Chiefs beat writer Herbie Teope, columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian and host Blair Kerkhoff.Story links:Chiefs, Mahomes strike 10-year, half-billion deal, richest contract in pro sports historyMahomes new deal is a record, and the Chiefs have been right about him every stepPatrick Mahomes’ 10-year contract is the best sports news for any team, anywhere latelyPatrick Mahomes breathes the rarified financial air of the highest paid athlete in the worldChiefs fans are thrilled by the news of Patrick Mahomes’ monster contract extensionA liquor story employee scooped everyone on Patrick Mahomes’ extension with the Chiefs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chris Jones story took another twist this week with his tweet that hints of his sitting out the 2020 season instead of playing on the franchise tag. Jones dropped the name Le’Veon Bell, the running back to sat out the 2018 season, declining to play for the Steelers when the used a franchise tag on him for a second straight year.On SportsBeat KC, Chiefs beat writers Herbie Teope and Sam McDowell break down the Jones’ contract situation and cover other topics like the reduced preseason schedule, who is also up for new contracts by next year and how Chiefs and other NFL players are handling the potential for increased injuries after not working out together as a team in the spring.Story links:Chiefs fans have mixed reaction to Chris Jones’ threat to sit out the 2020 seasonNFL to cue preseason in half. Here’s what that would mean for the ChiefsChiefs’ Sammy Watkins, Tanoh Kpassagnon among notable players entering contract year Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kansas State joined the growing list of college football programs to take a stand against racism when the team threatened a boycott in response to a crude social media post that mocked the killing of George Floyd by a white Minneapolis police officer. The university and the athletic department posted action plans on Thursday that include social justice programs.On Sportsbeat KC, K-State beat writer Kellis Robinett breaks down the series of events that started less than a week ago, starting with the student’s post, the football team’s reaction and that of university president Gen. Richard Myers. Also, we look at what’s happening at other college football programs around the nation.Story links:“We cannot violate the law:” Kansas State won’t expel student who made racist tweetJune 2020 will go down as month of college football activism....and social changeAfter his own experiences with racism, Zac Diles supports K-State football boycott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last Saturday marked 37 years since the tragic death of former Chiefs running back Joe Delaney, who drowned trying to save kids who had gone under in a Louisiana pond. Delaney had completed two NFL seasons and had been named the 1981 AFC offensive player of the year. He was bound for stardom.On the anniversary of Delaney’s death, a memorial was erected in his honor in Monroe, the city where he died in his home state of Louisiana. Sports columnist Vahe Gregorian attended the ceremony and recounts the weekend’s activities on this episode of The Star’s daily SportsBeat KC podcast with host Blair Kerkhoff.Story links:Chiefs’ Joe Delaney properly memorialized in Louisiana. Chiefs should follow suit in KCPush to memorialize Chiefs hero Joe Delaney prompts national outpouring of generosity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Monday was a day to tip your cap. To baseball teams like the Royals, for putting together rosters that number up to 60, and to the Negro Leagues. We talk about both on SportsBeat KC.Royals beat writer Lynn Worthy shares thoughts on the team’s roster that will open the summer training camp, and notes a surprise selection.We open with a conversation with former Star columnist Joe Posnanski, a driving force behind charitable movement that debuted on social media on Monday. TippingYourCap.com was launched to raise awareness and funds for the Negro Leagues Museum, which celebrates 100 years in 2020. The Negro League was founded at the Paseo YMCA on 18th and Vine.Had the baseball season come off as scheduled, last Saturday, major league players would have taken a moment to salute the Negro League with a collective cap tip before the game. Without baseball, the tribute went virtual and included many outside the game, including the four living former U.S. Presidents.Story links:Royals include youngster Bobby Witt Jr., in 60-player pool for spring training 2.0Celebs tip cap to Negro Leagues heritage as 100-year tribute grows, even amid COVIDRoyals’ Mike Matheny knows each game counts more, but his approach remains the same Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A couple of weeks ago, Star columnist Vahe Gregorian and I started talking about hosting a video discussion around the subject of race in sports. We wondered if we could find some Kansas City-area sports leaders interested in joining us.Calls went out to a half-dozen people — six was our limit because of issues with technology and timing — and all six quickly responded in the affirmative. The show took place on Thursday.On today’s episode of The Star’s daily SportsBeat KC podcast, we talk about how the program came together. After a break, you’ll hear the entire forum with panelists Tyrann Mathieu of the Chiefs, Royals general manager Dayton Moore, basketball coaches Bill Self of Kansas and Cuonzo Martin of Missouri, Kansas State basketball player Christianna Carr and Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.Story links:Chiefs’ Mathieu, Royals’ Moore, KU, K-State, Mizzou figures open up about race and sportsStar forum on race and sports evoked candid and moving conversation with All-Star panelEven decades later, the story of the Chiefs’ Abner Haynes and race remains instructive Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Baseball didn’t settle its labor issues but that’s a story for another time. The game is returning, in a 60-game sprint to the postseason. Several other changes will mark the most unusual season in the game’s history, and we talk about them with Royals beat writer Lynn Worthy and Star columnist Sam Mellinger on SportsBeat KC.Are the Royals in a position to take advantage of the changes? Players like catcher Salvador Perez and shortstop Adalberto Mondesi have taken advantage of the additional down time to recover from surgery. What else is there to like about the Royals in a 2020 pennant burst?Story links:Royals GM Dayton Moore says KC’s 60-man player pool won’t include surprisesRoyals owner and CEO John Sherman: Let’s play baseball!Baseball’s long-awaited return: It’ll be fun despite the idiots in charge of the sport Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs wrapped up their organized team activities last week, and it was an OTAs unlike any other.Players on the team didn’t work out together because of the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, and on this episode of The Star’s daily SportsBeat KC podcast we try to determine what that means for the Super Bowl champions in a conversation between beat writers Herbie Teope and Sam McDowell and host Blair Kerkhoff.With so many returning starters, the Chiefs may not have as many burning questions as other NFL teams, but there are a few. The biggest unknown for all teams involves how they’re handling health and safety concerns. One advantage for the NFL: It can observe how other sports are returning to action before the league’s teams begin training camps in late July.Story links:With virtual offseason over, Chiefs face some unanswered questions before training campThe betting public is hammering Chiefs wagers right now. Here are the ones they likeJoin us: Chiefs’ Mathieu, Royals’ Moore, KU’s Self, Mizzou’s Martin to talk race, sportsThe Kansas City Chiefs are the team to beat, but this team is looking to close the gap Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You could almost feel the virtual fist pumps from Kansas fans when news broke last week that basketball coach Bill Self has threatened a lawsuit against the NCAA. KU and the NCAA haven’t held anything back in their dueling public statements involving the NCAA’s investigation into the basketball program.But on today’s SportsBeat KC, KU beat writer Jesse Newell provides a deeper explanation into the lawsuit threat, and why KU might hope it doesn’t come to that. Later, football is the topic and Kansas got some good news on the COVID-19 health front when it came to athletes returning to campus. But fingers are crossed.Story links:KU basketball’s Bill Self considering legal action against the NCAA: Letter from attorneySome KU fans support Bill Self’s possible legal action against the NCAAKU tested 196 in football program for COVID-19; the numbers are encouraging so far Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

College football workouts are under way, and it hasn’t gone well in some places.A handful of schools have reported a high number of positive tests for COVID-19, including Kansas State and Clemson. Workouts have been suspended at K-State. Beat writers Kellis Robinett of the Wichita Eagle and Kansas City Star and Matt Connolly of The State in Columbia, S.C., talk about how the programs are dealing with the issue and what’s in store for the Wildcats and Tigers, and what it could mean for the start of the college football season.After a break, you’ll hear a clip from the ESPY awards on Sunday night. No team of the year was presented, which is an award the Kansas City Chiefs might have been favored to win. But the conversation about the topic among Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and four super fans and members of the Screen Actors Guild—Heidi Gardner, David Koeckner, Rob Riggle and Eric Stonestreet—have fun discussing the matter.Story links:Kansas State suspends all football workouts as more players test positive for COVID-19https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article243686637.html23 Clemson football players have tested positive for coronavirus, school sayshttps://www.thestate.com/sports/college/acc/clemson-university/article243671727.htmlKC television stars help Mahomes, Kelce honor Andy Reid’s first Super Bowl at the ESPYshttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/for-petes-sake/article243703552.htmlHow will stadiums and arenas change as they reopen. KC architects are showing the wayhttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/article243666357.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We waited all week to talk about baseball’s return, but MLB and its union have run out of week.On this episode of The Star’s daily SportsBeat KC podcast, columnist Sam Mellinger checks in to discuss where the owners and players stand at the moment and how the players made a winning public relations move this week. Sam also wonders if the Royals can be a model franchise once — or if — a settlement is reached. Also, host Blair Kerkhoff reveals his favorite Korean baseball team.Not all is lost on the baseball front. After a break, we’ll hear story told by perhaps the greatest ambassador the game has ever known. The late Buck O’Neil tells the tale of Satchel Paige facing Josh Gibson in a critical moment during the 1942 Negro Leagues World Series.Story links:Royals owner John Sherman is working “24/7” to get baseball back on the fieldWhy it’s so devastating that MLB’s incapable of loving its fans as much as they love itAs baseball self-destructs, heart of game is re-opened at Negro Leagues Museum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Through protests and a pandemic preparation for the 2020-21 sports calendar continues at Missouri. On SportsBeat KC, Tigers beat writer Souichi Terada joins host Blair Kerkhoff to provide updates on football and sports plans after hearing from coaches, including Eli Drinkwitz, and athletic director Jim Sterk. The tone is optimistic even if Mizzou, like all other schools, can’t make specific plans about fans returning to the stadium.Also, former football coach Gary Pinkel made the ballot for the College Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. What are his chances of becoming a first-ballot hall of famer?Story links:Why Mizzou football assistant Casey Woods had to hitchhike to the KC suburbsMizzou football coach Eli Drinkwitz discusses return...and which shirt to wearThe winningest football coach in Missouri history is up for this honor for the first time Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kansas is facing potential trouble with its men’s basketball program, and the Jayhawks’ football team just completed a decade of futility. But generally speaking, KU fans feel good about their teams and coaches, according to a survey conducted by The Star.In this episode of our daily Kansas City sports podcast, beat writer Jesse Newell breaks down the findings and survey process itself with SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff, including what fans think of basketball coach Bill Self, football coach Les Miles and athletic director Jeff Long. Newell and Kerkhoff also talk about KU fans’ feelings about possible NCAA punishment and attending sporting events during the pandemic.Story links:Survey: Most KU fans believe NCAA punishment is coming. Do they still support Self?Here’s how much KU has been billed by lawyers while defending itself in the Beaty lawsuit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The voices of college athletes are being heard.This week, one of the nation’s top running backs, Oklahoma State’s Chuba Hubbard, expressed anger at Cowboys coach Mike Gundy for wearing a T-shirt touting a news outlet that’s labeled the Black Lives Matter movement as a farce. And some Black football players at Texas have called on the school to drop its “Eyes of Texas” song because of historically racist undertones.In this episode of The Star’s daily SportsBeat KC podcast, sports columnist Vahe Gregorian and host Blair Kerkhoff discuss what’s happening on campuses across the country and how athletes feel empowered to speak up against traditions, symbols and even coaches who seemingly don’t respect their views.Also, Vahe tells us where he spent his Tuesday morning and we discuss the College Football Hall of Fame ballot unveiled Tuesday. Among those appearing on the ballot for the first time are former Kansas State and Olathe North star Darren Sproles and Missouri coach Gary Pinkel.Story links:Mike Gundy faces backlash from multiple Oklahoma State players for wearing OAN shirtAustin American Statesman: Could we envision Texas sports without “The Eyes...”The winningest coach in Mizzou football history is up for this honor for the first time Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Baseball wrapped up the strangest of drafts and undrafted free agent signings over the past few days and the Royals like where they stand. College pitching again was the emphasis, as three of the six drafted players and three of the undrafted free agents were college pitchers.Also, the Royals appeared to have benefitted from their position announced last month that all minor leaguers would be paid this year. One undrafted free agent shared his story with Royals Lynn Worthy on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast.Story links:Asa Lacy, the Royals’ top draft pick, was dubbed a first rounder at the ripe old age of 8Royals’ Whit Merrifield embraces potential return of baseball as MLB and MLBPA trade barbs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve seen auto racing, mixed-martial arts and golf return to action in the U.S. Now we have a definitive date for the first return of a team-sports league in America.As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Major League Soccer will open the MLS is Back Tournament on July 8, with all games played, minus fans, at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex — Disney World — in Orlando. Teams have been placed in groups to begin the competition, with Sporting Kansas City drawing regional rivals Real Salt Lake, the Colorado Rapids and Minnesota United FC.Soccer reporter Shaun Goodwin joins SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff in this episode of The Star’s daily podcast to talk about the challenges facing Sporting KC and the rest of MLS. Later, you’ll hear from Sporting KC coach Peter Vermes about how to re-start a team that began the year 2-0 ... and a season.Story links:MLS is Back Tournament draw is out: Sporting KC faces RSL, Minnesota, Colorado firstA very Sporting anniversary: 20 years of Peter Vermes changing soccer in Kansas City Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let’s talk baseball, and not the feud between players and owners about when to start the season. Major League Baseball is holding its draft and the Royals had two picks on the first day. They selected Texas A&M left-handed pitcher Asa Lacy and Baylor shortstop Nick Loftin.Royals beat writer Lynn Worthy breaks down the picks, and describes how Lacy, believed to be off the board when the Royals drafted at No. 4, was available to them. Later, you’ll hear from Royals assistant general manager-amateur scouting Lonnie Goldberg and general manager Dayton Moore on how the first day of the draft unfolded.Story links:Royals take highly regarded college left Asa Lacy with No. 4 overall pick and Baylor shortstop Nick Loftin at No. 32Here are highlights of Royals’ first round pick, Asa Lacy of Texas A&M Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was a Chiefs press conference unlike any other. Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes and Tyrann Mathieu used nearly all of their time talking to Kansas City reporters about race and social injustice. You’ll hear all of them, and everything they had to say, here on SportsBeat KC.These folks were thrilled after winning the Super Bowl four months ago. They were just as passionate on the topics on this day. Reid’s opening statement went longer than five minutes. “Let’s make this place greater than it already is,” he said. “We have a chance to do that.”Mahomes spoke to his responsibility as a young star. “I’ve been given this platform and I have to make sure I can do whatever I can to make the world a better place. I’ve always believed when people do things together for the right thing, change happens.”Making the world a better place for Mahomes and Mathieu means getting involved in voter registration. They’ll have a meeting with Chiefs officials next week, including CEO and Chairman Clark Hunt about this action.“If we can make voting cool, a trendy thing, we’re really setting these kids up for a great future,” Mathieu said.It’s all here on SportsBeat KC, the Kansas City Star’s daily sports podcast.Story links:“Enough is enough:” Patrick Mahomes said he will use his platform to speak out“Absolutely they matter:” Andy Reid gives ardent speech on Black Lives Matter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some of college basketball’s most prominent coaches got together last week for a forum called “Using Your Platform as a Coach During This Critical Time.” Coaches like Kentucky’s John Calipari, Houston’s Kelvin Sampson and South Carolina’s Frank Martin spoke to that.But also much more. They each addressed how they felt when seeing the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer, and some shared their experiences after having their car stopped by a policeman. You’ll hear from Calipari, Sampson, Martin, Penn State’s Pat Chambers, former Oregon coach Ernie Kent and panel moderator Ron Hunter.Story links:www.NABC.com: Using your platform as a coach during this critical timeSuper Bowl XXII MVP (Doug Williams) praises Patrick Mahomes for speaking out on racial justiceNow in the NBA, former Jayhawks Oubre, Mason attend protests in Phoenix, Milwaukee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recently, The Star has use the pause in sports action to review and rank the greatest sports moments and people in the Kansas City sports scene, events and personalities that helps shape the area’s history. Opinions and contributions came from several sources, including sportswriters.One, Randy Covitz, covered it all at The Star from 1981 until he retired in 2015. Hear what he had to say about the choices of such calls as “65 Toss Power Trap” from Super Bowl IV as the greatest moment and the Lin Elliott Game as the biggest disappointment.Story links:Ten moments when Kansas City sports broke our heartsIn our countdown, these are the five biggest plays in Kansas City sports historyRanking the top 50 most influential people in Kansas City sports history Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Missouri coaches and athletes joined the the anti-racism demonstrations this week but in a different way. Football coach Eli Drinkwitz, assistants and several players were joined by athletic director Jim Sterk, basketball coaches Cunozo Martin and Robin Pingeton and university system president Mun Choi and local police officers in a march from the Columns to the Boone County Courthouse, where they knelt for 8 minutes, 46 seconds, the length of time a Minneapolis police officer had his knee on George Floyd’s neck.. Later, 62 Missouri football players registered to vote.Mizzou beat writer Souichi Terada joins SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff to talk about this week’s events at Missouri, and later in the podcast you’ll hear Drinkwitz explain how the week unfolded and the impact of the nation-wide demonstrations impacted on his outlook of social justice.Story links:“It’s not us vs. them:” What the peaceful march meant for Mizzou footballMizzou football to return June 8 for voluntary workouts. Here’s how that will lookMizzou reverses course, plans to test all student athletes for COVID-19 as they arrive Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The biggest NFL story to come out of the nation-wide protests is happening now. In an interview, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees repeated a stance he’s had about standing for the national anthem before games. Brees said anything but standing at attention is disrespectful.The kneeling that took place before games three years ago over racism and social injustice could happen this year in light of the protests that have swept the nation. Brees’ teammates and others around the NFL, including members of the Chiefs, took to social media, to criticize Brees, who issued an apology on Thursday.On SportsBeat KC, Chiefs beat writer Herbie Teope joins host Blair Kerkhoff to talk about the events of the past two days. Teope covered the Saints from 2016-19. He knows the team, the players and the locker room dynamics. And as a 20-year veteran of the Army, Teope brings a unique perspective.Story links:Saints’ Drew Brees pens apology for comments about flag, national anthemTyrann Mathieu, other Chiefs players blast Saints’ Drew Brees over flag commentNola.com: Drew Brees apologies, says his comments were “insensitive” and “completely missed the mark” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the first time in nearly three decades the Chiefs won’t leave the metro area for training camp. The NFL is requiring teams to use their training facilities this summer because of health concerns related to COVID-19. The team or NFL hasn’t said fans couldn’t attend...yet. But if fans aren’t allowed or attendance is limited that would be a blow to the fan base that figured to arrive in record numbers this year to watch the Super Bowl champions.Chiefs beat writer Sam McDowell talks about a training camp that won’t happen at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph on SportsBeat KC with host Blair Kerkhoff. After a break, we hear from new assistant coach Andy Hill. The former longtime Mizzou assistant has joined the staff of the team he grew up rooting for in Trenton, Mo., and chatted with reporters last week about his new role.Story links:No St. Joseph for Chiefs as NFL tells teams to hold training camp at homeOnce a Chiefs final cut, Andy Hill has a fresh start with them nowPatrick Mahomes shares hopeful but determined message about George Floyd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The role of teams and high profile athletes in times of protest and unrest is the topic on today’s SportsBeat KC. Kansas City Star columnist Vahe Gregorian and Star news reporter Glenn Rice join host Blair Kerkhoff in discussing the protest scene in Kansas City and how some of the Chiefs and other teams have reacted to the developing story.Also, what was Kansas City’s response to previous moments of unrest and confrontation? Rice recalls the city in 1968 in the aftermath of Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination and more recently the Chiefs and city’s response to the NFL’s reaction to Colin Kaepernick’s take-a-knee protest three years ago.Plus we hear audio from Big 12 men’s basketball coaches in a message of unity and from NBA player Malcolm Brogdon, who spoke to protesters in his Atlanta hometown.Story links:Monday protest in Kansas City: More tear gas, at least 20 arrests follow mayor’s marchRoyals say they “stand in solidarity and peaceful protest” with black communityChiefs players, Royals players, Sporting, other teams share #BlackoutTuesday postsBig 12 men’s hoop coaches use teamwork to issue anti-racism statement via videoMellinger Minutes: There’s sports stuff here. Even some positive! But first real lifeChiefs tweet 0602Royals tweet 0602Big 12 tweetSporting KC tweet 0602 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Royals made news on Friday with the organization saying it would continue to pay its minor league players, more than 200 of them, throughout the summer. The minor league season is in doubt because of COVID-19. Also, general manager Dayton Moore said that Royals employees would avoid furloughs and layoffs even with baseball’s future uncertain.We’ll hear from Moore, Royals beat writer Lynn Worthy and Star columnist Sam Mellinger on this move that has received overwhelmingly positive reviews in the sport, and talk about the future of the baseball season on SportsBeat KC with host Blair Kerkhoff.Story links:Royals won’t layoff or furlough baseball operations employees despite MLB uncertaintyRoyals will pay their minor-league players, won’t cut any, despite new MLB mini-trend Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chiefs first-round draft pick, Clyde Edwards-Helaire is confident he’s doing all he can from his Louisiana home to prepare for life NFL. He also has some non-football passions that’s helping pass the time until he can arrive in Kansas City. You might be surprised to hear what’s keeping him busy.Chiefs’ fans know about the non-football interest of veteran offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz. He loves to cook, and Schwartz shares what he’s been up to in the kitchen and Edwards-Helaire talks football on SportsBeat KC.Story links:The Chiefs have a crowd at running back. Will it be Edwards-Helarie, Williams or committee?For Chiefs, other teams, concerns about NFL’s return go beyond coronavirus protocols Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The college football calendar is starting to populate with dates toward a return, with major conferences like the Big 12 establishing reporting days for players. On-campus team activities can start as soon as June 15.Teams will proceed with caution, but these are important first steps back for college sports, which have been shelved since mid-March, when the COVID-19 pandemic reached a crisis pitch.What will the return of sports on college campuses look like, and what are the concerns? On this episode of The Star’s daily SportsBeat KC podcast, Big 12 beat writers Jesse Newell (who covers Kansas) and Kellis Robinett (Kansas State) of The Star and Wichita Eagle are joined by TCU reporter Drew Davison of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram in breaking down college football’s knowns ... and unknowns.Story links:KU Athletics announces across-the-board pay cuts, furloughs in response to COVID-19What happens if KU or K-State football games get canceled next season?Being a season ticket holder might not guarantee a season at TCU football games this fall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone has their list of greatest plays or moments in Kansas City sports history, or least their favorites. The Star is putting together a list that asks the question: Do you remember where you were when this play happened? It could be from a Chiefs Super Bowl, a Royals World Series, a Final Four or bowl game. But it was that moment that likely changed the outcome and led to a huge victory.The Star’s Pete Grathoff, who with SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff, launched the list this week, and they’re joined by columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian. Sam also explains his recent project, the top 50 most influential people in Kansas City sports history.Story links:Counting down biggest plays in KC sports history: 11-15Counting down biggest plays in KC sports history 16-20Counting down biggest plays in KC sports history 21-25Counting down the biggest moments, plays that shaped Kansas City sports historyRanking the top 50 most influential people in KC sports history. Yes, all time Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Game 1 of the 2015 World Series arrived on the same day as the death of Edinson Volquez’s father, Danio. The news reached Royals general manager Dayton Moore, who relayed it to manager Ned Yost, before Volquez knew. With game time approaching and Volquez slated to take the ball for the Royals, a decision was needed. Would the team let Volquez know?The team made the call in consultation with the Volquez family. Edinson wouldn’t be told. He pitched six solid innings and the Royals went on to win in 14 innings. On today’s SportsBeat KC, Yost recounts the hours before the game and what communication was happening behind the scenes with Star columnist Vahe Gregorian and host Blair Kerkhoff.Story links:In postseason of epic Royals comebacks, none were more poignant than Edinson Volquez’sRelive the crowing of the 2015 Royals: Here’s how they won it in Game 5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One shot at a fourth-and-15 from the kicking team’s 25 instead of an onside kick when trailing?Give the Chiefs some of that. That proposal is on the board, and Chiefs coach Andy Reid was asked about it Friday. Reid’s response: He’s old-school enough to not want the change and smart enough to know that with Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs would have an advantage in that situation.Reid covered several other topics on this episode of The Star’s daily SportsBeat KC podcast, including the prospect of playing without fans, how the Chiefs’ coaches can begin to make evaluations on players they’ve only seen work out via tape thus far and the importance of staying in touch with guys virtually, given the circumstances.Story links:Andy Reid, Super Bowl champion Chiefs prepare for....whatever comes nextMake it, take it? NFL proposal could give Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes more possessions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Royals had pushed through the Houston Astros in the division series and the Toronto Blue Jays to win the American League. It was on to the World Series for the second straight year. The series tone was set in Game 1 against the New York Mets. Alex Gordon’s dramatic home run in the ninth sent the game to extra innings and the Royals won in 14. In five games, they captured the second World Series championship for the franchise.Star columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian along with SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkkhoff were part of the coverage team, and so was Royals beat writer Andy McCullough. In his two years in Kansas City, McCullough, who now works for The Athletic, covered two World Series. On today’s episode, he joins his former colleagues in remembering the Royals of 2014 and 2015 with an emphasis on the 2015 World Series and a Game 5 performance every bit as clutch as Eric Hosmer scoring from third base in the ninth to tie the game.Story links:Reliving the crowing of the 2015 Royals. Here’s how they won it in World Series Game 5In a postseason of epic Royals comebacks, none were more poignant than Edinson Volquez’sThat time the Royals changed Kansas City’s relationship with baseball foreverAndy McCullough: “It was time to win. Inside the Royals’ trade for James Shields and Wade Davis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the first time since Super Bowl week, Chiefs coordinators Eric Bieniemy, Steve Spagnuolo and Dave Toub met the media, and there was plenty of ground to cover. Bieniemy’s offense returns nearly all the firepower from last season and has added first-round draft pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire.On defense, the Chiefs selected linebacker Willie Gay in the second around and picked up a former first-round defensive end Taco Charlton. What plans does Spagnuolo have for them? And as special teams coordinator, Toub gets to work with players on both sides of the ball. Hear all of the coordinators on SportsBeat KC.Story links:How the Chiefs will handle their backfield with Clyde Edwards-Helaire in the mixChiefs’ Eric Bieniemy is focused more on doing his job than changes to NFL’s Rooney RuleChiefs’ Dave Toub anticipates “true” competition between new punters Newsome, Townsend Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The college basketball season abruptly because of the COVID-19 pandemic but the business of college hoops continues. Missouri Coach Cuonzo Martin chatted with Star beat reporter Souichi Terada and SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff about the Tigers’ season, what to expect next year and how Martin is communicating with his team in a shutdown environment.Also, student-athletes will soon be able to take advantage of their name, imagine and likeness. How will Martin and Mizzou use this new reality in recruiting?Story links:Mizzou basketball: Martin discuss NCAA’s ‘likeness’ rule, what he’s reading and moreMissouri basketball lands Class of ‘21 commitment from three-star guard in SpringfieldWith football season uncertain, Mizzou’s Jim Sterk talks potential path to return Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Where else would the heartbeat of the College Football Playoff be but Prairie Village? That’s where Bill Hancock lives, and he’s the executive director of the organization that operates college football’s national championship. Recently, Star columnist and SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff visited Hancock, on his driveway. We pulled up chairs, maintaining social distancing.We talked about college football in the COVID-19 world, how Hancock and the CFP staff is making things works away from the suburban Dallas home office and where Bill and his wife Nicki where—and about to go—when they heard the news that sports were being shutdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My eyes have always enjoyed Mellinger MInutes, you know the Tuesday column on steroids by the Kansas City Star’s Sam Mellinger. Now, I get to add a sense: Mellinger MInutes for Your Ears. Sam and producer Savanna Smith have been putting together this podcast since late March and it’s been terrific stuff. Sam’s landed some great guests and he answers your sports questions.This week Royals third base coach Mike Jirschele visits with Sam about the two biggest decisions in his career involving sending/holding a runner. You know them: holding up Alex Gordon in the ninth inning of Game 7 in the 2014 World Series, and sending home Lorenzo Cain in the eighth inning of Game 7 in the 2015 American League Championship Series.And there’s this thing about Arby’s fish sandwiches.All the subscriber-exclusive episodes are available at www.kansascity.com/mellingerpodcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs will have the same identity and same hunger for 2020 that they brought into their Super Bowl championship season.That’s the sense from Pro Bowl tight end Travis Kelce. He covered several topics this week, including enjoying the Super Bowl afterglow, dealing with Covid-19 and the inspiration for his stage performance at the Union Station portion of the Super Bowl parade. Remember, Kelce fights ... for your right ... to parrrrrttttaaayyyy. He even gave reporters on a midweek Zoom call a tour of his expansive shoe closet.After a break on this episode of The Star’s daily SportsBeat KC podcast, we spend a few minutes with new Chiefs defensive end Taco Charlton. The former first-round pick is on his third team in four years, and the one-time Michigan teammate of Frank Clark hopes this will be his most productive stop.Story links:Why Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is more prepared for a virtual off season than mostNow on third team as a former first rounder, Chiefs’ Taco Charlton eyes rebound in KC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1980, the sports world was focused on Kansas City and George Brett. Could he become the first player since Ted Williams in 1941 to hit .400 in a season. Brett came as close as anyone, carrying a .400 batting average as late as mid-September before “settling” for a .390 average.Brett recalls that summer of fun and some frustration on SportsBeat KC with Star columnist Vahe Gregorian and host Blair Kerkhoff. Brett started slowly that season but it was about this time 40 years ago that he heated up, and by mid-August he topped .400 for the first time. Then things got crazy.Story link:About to turn 67, Royals icon George Brett reflects on 50 years with franchise and KC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2015 American League Championship Series matched the Royals against the Toronto Blue Jays, and although Kansas City never trailed in the series the six-game set was filled with huge moments, clutch plays and intense drama.The comeback that started with a misplay pop fly in Game 2, the Lorenzo Cain dash around the bases and Wade Davis’ closer role extended by rain in Game 6 were some of the memorable moments relived on SportsBeat KC with columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian and Blair Kerkhoff.Story links:Relive the crowning of the 2015 Royals: Here’s a flashback to ALCS Game 2Relive the crowning of the 2015 Royals: Here’s a flashback to ALCS Game 1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices