SportsBeat KC

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

The NFL schedules are out, and who has a tougher opening month than the Chiefs? Four games, three division champions from last season and two on the road. Chiefs beat writer Herbie Teope weighs in on the good and bad of the Chiefs’ 2020 slate, and picks some matchups he’s excited about. One or two may surprise you.After a break, we’ll hear from undrafted free agent punter Tommy Townsend. It’s not often rookie punters are in the spotlight. But Townsend is the leading candidate to replace a legend, Dustin Colquitt. Hear what Townsend had to say about that prospect on SportsBeat KC.Story links:How to follow an “absolute legend?” Tasked with succeeding Colquett, Townsend will tryhttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article242546416.htmlChiefs will play in NFL opener on TNF. Here is the full schedule and all of its detailshttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article242565301.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In March, Kansas delivered its response to the NCAA’s Notice of Allegations, which consisted of five Level 1 violations against Bill Self’s men’s basketball program. On Thursday, The NCAA responded to KU’s response ... forcefully. In 92 pages, the NCAA laid out its case against the Jayhawks.Star beat writer Jesse Newell has been on top of the story through all of the filings and helps break down the NCAA’s latest salvo on this episode of The Star’s daily SportsBeat KC podcast. What’s at stake for Kansas, what are the possible outcomes and what’s next on the timeline? These topics are covered by Newell and host Blair Kerkhoff.Story links:NCAA goes hard at Bill Self. But lawyers say, “it’s only reinforced (his) resolve”Mellinger: The NCAA’s case against KU continues, and KU is continuing to fight the wrong battleNCAA fires back at KU, alleging “egregious, severe” violations by Bill Self’s program Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first Kansas City pro athletes have returned to the practice field. It wasn’t a full-go workout for Sporting KC, but they were one of a handful of Major League Soccer teams to get back to some limited action Wednesday and Thursday. And it felt great, said team captain and veteran defender Matt Besler, even as COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic precautions were exercised, too.On this episode of the daily SportsBeat KC podcast, you’ll hear from Besler, Sporting KC president and CEO Jake Reid, who discusses the financial impact of lost months of the MLS season, and soccer reporter Shaun Goodwin.Story links:Sporting KC players, including Besler, resume workouts at Pinnacle per MLS guidelinesSKC president wants to be first U.S. sports league back, KC to host games as “hub” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not the most talented team Ned Yost had managed or coached, but the 2015 World Series champion was the closest and most clutch. They proved it time and again in the playoffs and World Series, with eight of their 11 victories posted in comeback fashion.Yost joined Star columnist Vahe Gregorian and SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff in a conversation about how he, the staff and front office had to suffer through some growing pains to reach the top, and how coming up just short in the 2014 World Series served as motivation for the 2015 team.Also, Yost details the decision to return to the mound Wade Davis in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, after a 45-minute rain delay and more than an hour between pitches for his dominant closer.Story links:Ned Yost reflects on Royals’ rise, a vast 90-foot contrast, and when 2015 championship sunk inWhat we remember from the Royals ALDS-clinching Game 5 vs. Astros2015 flashback: Stories, photos, pages from Royals’ Game 5 ALDS clinching victory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs landed their second first-round pick from the 2017 draft. If this one turns out as well as the first one...The Chiefs have signed Taco Charlton. He was the 28th overall selection of the Cowboys in 2017 and Kansas City is his third team in four years. Also in that draft, quarterback Patrick Mahomes, taken 10th overall.Beat writer Herbie Teope talks Taco Charlton and other Chiefs topics like the release of longtime punter Dustin Colquitt and the upcoming NFL schedule release. After a break, you’ll hear from Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu on how he’s remaining in shape and motivated while remaining at home.Story links:Chiefs agree to terms with still-young former first round draft pick Taco CharltonChiefs 2020 schedule to be released Thursday as part of NFL Network showChiefs Tyrann Mathieu shares story of making Philip Rivers regret his trash-talking Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Royals entered the 2015 MLB playoffs with the American League’s best record, but they always seemed to play from behind in the division series against the Houston Astros. Down two games to one and trailing 6-2 as they came to bat in the top of the eighth inning of Game 4 at Minute Maid Park, the Royals and their season were headed to a crushing conclusion.Five runs and one insane rally later, the Royals were back in the driver’s seat.In this episode of our daily SportsBeat KC podcast, Kansas City Star columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian join host Blair Kerkhoff in reliving that division series. They zero in on the Royals’ Game 4 explosion, when Moose and company embodied their familiar exhortation to “keep the line moving.”Also, you’ll hear game highlights from the television broadcast that day and how the Star’s reporters on the scene in Houston described that unlikely turn of events soon after it had concluded. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does Patrick Mahomes think of the fifth-year option exercised by the Chiefs earlier this week, and of the possibility of signing an extension? Also, how much contact does Mahomes have with former teammate Alex Smith? Mahomes addressed those topics and more with reporters on Friday and the responses are here, on SportsBeat KC.Also, there’s an NFL player on the front line of combating the COVID-19 coronavirus and it’s Chiefs offensive guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, who owns a doctorate in medicine. Duvernay-Tardif is working in a long-term care facility in his native Quebec, and we hear about his challenges dealing with the pandemic while maintaining a virtual workout routine.Story links:Chiefs exercise fifth-year option on Patrick MahomesIn Laurent-Duvernay Tardif, Chiefs have the most interesting man in the NFL Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Beaty stopped being Kansas’ football coach after the 2018 season, but he and the school haven’t quite cut ties. Kansas doesn’t want to pay Beaty a $3 million buyout because the school says he violated NCAA rules. The Beaty camp has disputed the level of alleged violations and wants his contract fulfilled.KU beat writer Jesse Newell untangles the conflict at KU on SportsBeat KC with host Blair Kerkhoff. Other topics covered include the local tie to the latest additional to the Jayhawks’ basketball schedule, pay cuts for coaches and administrators and how the NCAA’s ruling to allow athletes to cash in on their name, image and likeness will impact the university.Story links:Judge: KU must hand over un-aired documentary video, Miles practice footage in lawsuitKU’s Bill Self hopes name, image, likeness rule isn’t start of “Wild, Wild, West.”KU verses Creighton in Allen Fieldhouse is a dream matchup for Eudora’s Mitch Ballock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Royals general manager Dayton Moore is an optimist by nature. Maybe he was simply looking at the bright side when he told reporters earlier this week that he believes baseball is on track to return. “I think we’re getting closer,” Moore said earlier this week. “I’m more hopeful today than I was yesterday. I think we’re really getting close to a plan than we can all rally behind and focus on....”On SportsBeat KC, Royals beat writer Lynn Worthy talks baseball, the Royals, and some of the issues the game will confront like roster size when the game (hopefully) returns.Story links:Royals general manager Dayton Moore sees light at the end of the tunnel for Major League BaseballHow Abraham Lincoln, C.S. Lewis and David vs. Goliath are buoying Royals GM Dayton MooreDoes the disjointed season make it more likely the Royals will fast track prospects?Safe at home but bored, Bubba Starling anxious to resume his fight for Royals roster spot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The business of NFL football has been on display the last few days for the Kansas City Chiefs. They wrapped up a draft and rookie free agent signing period on Sunday. The next day they released veteran punter Dustin Colquitt, who is the franchise leader in career games played and has been one of the team’s most outstanding citizens.Star columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam Mellinger join Blair Kerkhoff to talk about the draft and how local perception might different than the national view. Also how Coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach work well together. Later, you’ll hear from team Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt, who met with reporters on Saturday. He spoke to the team embracing the future as Super Bowl champion.Story links:Chiefs release Dustin Colquitt who bids farewell to teams, fans on social media accountsMellinger Minutes: Goodell shines (seriously!), Chiefs surprise, grading the gradesWhat makes Chiefs GM Brett Veach so vital to their success? Let’s start with cohesion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs draft haul of six players was widely appreciated by national critics, with most grading in the B-C range. That’s fine. Unlike nearly every team in the NFL, the Chiefs weren’t drafting to fill an immediate need with 20 of 22 starters returning from the Super Bowl championship squad.Still, there were some intriguing selections and perhaps some immediate contributors. Beat writer Herbie Teope breaks down the six drafts selections, from top pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire to seventh-rounder “BoPete Keyes” and how they might fit into the Chiefs’ quest to repeat as NFL champion.Story links:Breaking down the Chiefs’ NFL Draft haul, projecting how each player fits, plus gradesChiefs dive into the free agents. Follow along here to see who is coming aboardChiefs get good draft grades from pundits, but Pro Football Focus rips first pick Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first night of the NFL Draft didn’t offer many surprises but one involved the Kansas City Chiefs. With the No. 32 overall pick, the Chiefs not only selected a position few expected but they took a player that draft experts didn’t have at the top of their lists, LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire.Which might make this the best possible pick for the Chiefs. Edward-Helaire fits the mold of what the Chiefs want at that position with his pass catching ability and ball security. Last season, 36 percent of his rushing attempts went for touchdowns and first downs.Star columnist Sam Mellinger joined Blair Kerkhoff for a live pre-selection prediction (hint: we missed), and general manager Brett Veach and Edwards-Helaire joined Chiefs reporters on a conference call.Story links:Chiefs select LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire in first round of 2020 NFL DraftThe enduring conflict of digesting Chiefs’ first-round pick (LSU’s Edwards-Helaire)These six plays show new Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s versatility Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s NFL Draft day! Finally a live sporting event to discuss, digest, get emotional over. It begins tonight with the first round and runs Friday and Saturday. This one will be different with the event taking place in the homes of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and personnel and coaches of each of the 32 teams. It was supposed to be in Las Vegas. But the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic ended those plans.Sports in America shut down in early March, and the NFL Draft is about the first live sporting even to occur since then. We talk Chiefs’ draft possibility and beat writer Herbie Teope makes his final mock draft call for the Super Bowl champion. Also, Vahe Gregorian chats some draft history with host Blair Kerkhoff on SportsBeat KC.Story links:Patrick Mahomes said Chiefs have started “virtual OTAs” and he’s built an in-home gymChiefs pick last in the first round. Here’s are others who drafted 32nd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Running backs aren’t as popular in the NFL Draft as they once were. There might not be one taken in the first round on Thursday. What has become of the running back in the draft? With the Kansas City Chiefs selecting last in the first round, No. 32 overall, could the Super Bowl champion be in the market for a back? They haven’t selected a running back with their first-round selection since 2003.Kansas Star columnist Vahe Gregorian and Blair Kerkhoff discuss the topic on SportsBeat KC.Story links:Chiefs pick last in the first round of the NFL Draft. Here are others who were drafted 32ndNFL Draft primer: How Chiefs are approaching Thursday night kickoff of three-day event Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An NFL Draft unlike any other approaches. Commissioner Roger Goodell will be at his New York home conducting the event. Personnel from the 32 teams will be at their homes. Instead of glitzy Las Vegas, the COVID-19 pandemic has turned the draft into a remote operation. But the show goes on, and that’s great news for sports fans, longing for some live sports to follow.Also in SportsBeat KC, Chiefs beat writers Herbie Teope and Sam McDowell discuss the issues with a virtual draft and break down what the Super Bowl champion Chiefs might be seeking in Thursday’s first round. The Chiefs hold the No. 32 pick.Story links:A case for (more!) defense: how the Chiefs might bolster roster though this year’s draftDraft preview: Chiefs will still look at offense. Here are some prospect they might targetChiefs fans: We need sports. The NFL Draft is about to provide some. Join us LIVE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices