SportsBeat KC

Baseball’s moment of full confidence arrives this week with the opening of spring training camps. Everybody has pennant hopes in the spring. Royals’ pitchers and catchers arrive on Wednesday and the full squad is scheduled to report to Surprise, Ariz., on Feb. 17. Royals beat writer Lynn Worthy breaks down the known (most of the lineup and batting order) and unknown (starting pitching spots) for the team that has lost 207 games over the previous two seasons. Is 2020 a turning point season for the Royals?Story links:Are the Royals ready for a win-now mentality under Mike Matheny?Royals betting former top prospect Maikel Franco still has substantial upsideRoyals must consider taking training wheels off top pitching prospects this springWhat are the similarities between the 2015 Royals and 2019 Chiefs?Thanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What goes into planning a Super Bowl parade? We get insight from Kathy Nelson, president and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission. Her office helped put together the show through downtown Kansas City on Wednesday, three days after the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers. Where did Kansas City get those double-decker buses, and where were they parked before the parade? Were other dates and parade routes considered? Nelson dishes out details and speaks to the other events that made this the busiest week of her career on SportsBeat KC presented by Big O Tires.Story links:Patrick Mahomes had the time of his life at the Chiefs Super Bowl paradeKC police video of car chase before celebration parade shows crowd scramblingWant the paper the Chiefs held up during the Super Bowl celebration? Here’s how to get itThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One place that is not accessible to media during a game is the field itself, and the sidelines. But there’s no escaping NFL Productions’ microphones, and this week a wonderful 40-minute program — Super Bowl 54 Mic’d Up — was released on Youtube. You hear what players and coaches think about plays, big moments, winning and losing during Super Bowl LIV Feb. 2 in Miami. We bring you some of the best of those sounds on this episode of our daily SportsBeat KC podcast, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Wednesday, Kansas City and the Chiefs let loose. The Super Bowl parade motored down Grand. According to the schedule players were supposed to ride in busses. But that didn’t last long. Soon they were on the streets, greeting fans, and in the case of quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tossing footballs. When the Chiefs got to Union Station, Travis Kelce stole the show. Here’s the recap, plus discussion by Vahe Gregornia, Sam McDowell and Blair Kerkhoff.Story links:Patrick Mahomes had time of his life at Super Bowl paradeRed Storm: Thousands brave the cold to fight for their right to partyChiefs players ditched the buses during parade to greet fans, dance on the streetsVideo shows police chase unfold along Super Bowl parade route in downtown Kansas CityThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let’s keep talking Super Bowl shall we? Yahoo Sports reporter Terez Paylor, who used to cover the Chiefs for The Star, joined his old friends for some late night Chiefs chatter. Paylor joined Herbie Teope, Sam McDowell, Vahe Gregorian and Blair Kerkhoff talking the victory over the 49ers, Patrick Mahomes and even how the Chiefs might shape up for 2020. We keep the Chiefs coversation alive between victory and parade.Story links:Chiefs Super Bowl parade map shows street closures, bathrooms and lost child centersUpdate: How to get copies of Chiefs Super Bowl Kansas City Star newspapers, reprintsChiefs Coach Andy Reid stole a play from 1948 and used it in the Super BowlThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How did the Chiefs do it? How did they for the third straight playoff game overcome a double-digit deficit to win the game, this time the Super Bowl? The Star’s Sam Mellinger, Vahe Gregorian, Herbie Teope and Sam McDowell join SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff in a breakdown of the Chiefs’ amazing 31-20 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. There were plenty of heroes, starting with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and football and sports fans across the country were thrilled for Coach Andy Reid.Story links:Mellinger: A Chiefs story 50 years coming: “Like a fantasy, and it all came true”https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article239895868.htmlGregorian: Chiefs had to suffer through dark moments before finally winning it all Sundayhttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article239871683.htmlHere’s how to get copies of Chiefs Super Bowl Kansas City Star newspapers, reprintshttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article239871683.htmlThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Super Bowl 54 edges closer and the A-Team of Herbie Teope, Sam McDowell, Vahe Gregorian and Sam Mellinger breaks down the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers. What to look for, who to watch, Patrick Mahomes vs. Jimmy Garapollo, what are the X-factors? We discuss it all on our pregame show, which began as a Facebook Live and now presented as a SportsBeat KC podcast.Story links:Patrick Mahomes’ resolve is his second weapon. It’s been that way since childhoodThe story of the Chiefs’ transformed defense is the story of the franchise’s riseNot developing a sweet tooth is critical to Chiefs’ defensive strategy in Super BowlThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kansas City Chiefs broadcasters bring voice to the team, and those voices shared in the celebration of the franchise’s first AFC championship in half a century.In this daily episode of the SportsBeat KC podcast, current Chiefs play-by-play man Mitch Holthus, national broadcaster and former Chiefs voice Kevin Harlan and Tom Hedrick, who called Chiefs games in the 1960s and was the national radio broadcaster for Super Bowls I and IV, share their feelings about these Super Bowl Chiefs.You’ll hear some of their most memorable calls. Also, Andy Reid shares insight as the Sunday showcase nears, and Super Bowl MVP Kurt Warner offers some thoughts on Patrick Mahomes.Story links:Voice of the Chiefs through the years are enjoying this long awaited Super Bowl ridePower of putting the others first made Tyrann Mathieu critical to Chiefs’ Super Bowl berthRoyals’ Dayton Moore: Kansas City fans are why the Chiefs made it to the Super BowlThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How did the Chiefs defense come together this season? General manager Brett Veach explains on SportsBeat KC at the Super Bowl. Also, Patrick Mahomes meets the media and expresses his desire to play his entire career in Kansas City. And can the Chiefs become the most popular team in North America? They’re off to a good start in Mexico and Canada with a quarterback who ranks among the game’s best, and offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardiff, who has his hometown of Montreal pulling for him.Story links:With an internationally known QB and a Canadian doctor, are the Chiefs North America’s team?Mahomes wants to play whole career in KC, plus other things Chiefs said at Super BowlWhy we love the Chiefs: Famous Kansas Citians share their passionChiefs fans in Florida suffered in solitude. The Super Bowl brought the world to themThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let’s get to the questions. The Star’s KCQ has hooked up with SportsBeat KC to answer your Chiefs questions from the Super Bowl. We cover Chiefs topics past and present, like handling the hoopla, what’s happened to LeSean McCoy and Patrick Mahomes’ odds of being the game’s MVP. After a break, Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt, who doesn’t often speak publicly, opens up to a small group of reporters about many subjects.Story links:Here’s the path the Chiefs’ Clark Hunt took to reach the best week of his public lifeTravis Kelce, George Kittle set for “some good football for tight ends” in Super BowlOn forgiving Dee Ford, who had dual roles in this Chiefs-49ers Super Bowl matchupAndy Reid says Patrick Mahomes “couldn’t pay Alex (Smith) enough” for sharing his experience49ers Elijah Lee had a security job at Chiefs camp. Now he faces them in the Super BowlThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Opening Night at the Super Bowl was quite the spectacle. The Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers met the media and others with credentials with fans looking at Marlins Park. The A-team discusses what they hear and saw, and you’ll hear some of the best comments from such Chiefs as Frank Clark, Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce.Story links:“That one hurt:” Super Bowl approaches but Chiefs still dealing with Kobe Bryant newsSix weird sights from the Chiefs portion of the Super Bowl’s opening night in MiamiCameras click, questions fly as Chiefs officially kick off Super Bowl at Opening NightThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Party in the city where the heat is on ... Welcome to Miami.”The Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers have arrived at the Super Bowl host city, and we get a jump on the conversation with The Star’s former Chiefs beat writer Terez Paylor, now a national football reporter for Yahoo Sports.Oh, and no chat with Terez would be compete without Terez’s own bagging on his hometown Lions.Also, news of Kobe Bryant’s death Sunday was stunning. Host Blair Kerkhoff remembers one of the NBA’s greatest.Story links:Patrick Mahomes, other Chiefs join KC celebrities past and present in mourning KobeRoad to the Super Bowl: How the Chiefs made it to MiamiThe Yahoo Sports NFL PodcastThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some trivia: Between Len Dawson’s last start and Patrick Mahomes’ first, there have been 29 starting quarterbacks for the Chiefs. Taking a team to the Super Bowl is such a rare thing, and we get Mahomes’ first thoughts on the task ahead since winning the AFC Championship. Also, two defensive players who will play critical roles in the Super Bowl, lineman Chris Jones and defensive back Kendall Fuller, tell us about playing in the biggest game of their lives.Will Chiefs’ Chris Jones be full for the Super Bowl: “1,000-percent,” he saysFrom Montana to Smith and plenty in between, Chiefs enjoyed some San Francisco treats at QBPatrick Mahomes’ Super Bowl run began with his longtime trainer building a better bodyThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The San Francisco 49ers rolled through the NFC playoffs to reach the Super Bowl meeting with the Chiefs. They did it with a powerful running game and great defense, and The Star’s Herbie Teope and Vahe Gregorian join host Blair Kerkhoff in a first look at the Niners on SportsBeat KC.Story links:Strange by true: Chiefs’ Coach Andy Reid’s future was shaped at San Francisco StateChiefs improved defense preparing for 49ers dynamic run game in Super Bowl LIVMitchell Schwartz: No grudge against Dee Ford, who Chiefs will see in Super BowlThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For 39 minutes and 59 seconds, Kansas’ 81-60 victory over Kansas State was about the outstanding play of KU freshman guard Christian Braun. Then the last second happened. A benches clearing brawl ended the action. The fight spilled into spectators who sit in the end zones, including some in wheelchairs. Beat writers Jesse Newell, Gary Bedore and Kellis Robinett discuss what went wrong.KU, K-State players brawl in seating area behind basket at end of Jayhawks’ victory.Bill Self calls fight with Kansas State an “embarrassment,” promises quick action“It should have been avoided:” K-State’s Bruce Weber laments final seconds before brawlThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Royals outfielder Alex Gordon is closing in on a one-year deal with the club. The seven-time Gold Glove winner and three-time All-Star is a rarity in today’s game, playing his entire career with one MLB team. Also, the Royals re-signed Jorge Soler to a one-year deal. But what does that mean for the home run champion after 2020? And we remember the late Royals owner David Glass with beat writer Lynn Worthy and columnist Vahe Gregorian.Links to stories we discussed on today’s show:David Glass’ life in Kansas City started rocky and then it go so much betterRoyals and AL home run champ Jorge Soler sign one-year deal to avoid arbitrationRoyals appear poised to bring Alex Gordon back for 2020 seasonThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Super Bowl is set and for the first time in five decades it includes the Kansas City Chiefs. Confetti was still on the field when the A-team of Herbie Teope, Sam McDowell, Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian broke down the Chiefs’ 35-24 victory in the AFC Championship Game and take a first look at the Super Bowl foe, the San Francisco 49ers.Story links:Super Bowl-bound Chiefs return to football’s biggest stage for first time in 50 yearsPatrick Mahomes and the moment that sent Chiefs to first Super Bowl in 50 yearsPatrick Mahomes, 24-year-old face of the Chiefs, is now face of the Super BowlYou knew Mahomes and the offense would be good. Defense made the difference for ChiefsTravis Kelce stole the show in Chiefs’ trophy presentation. Here’s how and whyThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the final day of workouts before the AFC Championship game, we hear from three assistant coaches who will develop the Chiefs game plan against the Titans: special teams coordinator Dave Toub, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Hear what they say about the game, the Titans and head coach Andy Reid.Story links:Why “I’d probably hug him forever” speaks for many rooting for Andy Reid nowThe Chiefs special teams made amends last week. Now they must do same agianst the Titans“People are making something out of nothing” Bieniemy says of calling playsThanks to our sponsor Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How to handle Derrick Henry … The impact of the previous meeting … Patrick Mahomes … Chiefs experience in this spot were all topics addressed by the A-Team at Big O Tires in Lee’s Summit. Herbie Teope, Sam McDowell, Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian break down the AFC Championship Game between the Chiefs and Tennessee Titans on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium.Story links:Chiefs have spark plug in Mecole Hardman who has energized teams in back to back gamesHow will this Chiefs-Titans game different from the first? Start with the quarterbackNo team has bumfuzzled Chiefs’ Andy Reid like the Titans. He’s out to change thatThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs met the media for the first time as they prepare for the AFC Championship Game against the Tennessee Titans, and you’ll hear from Patrick Mahomes, Tyrann Mathieu, Andy Reid, Anthony Hitchens and Mitchell Schwartz on their playoff path and Super Bowl dreams.Story links:Chiefs keys vs. Titans in AFC Championship Game? The mission is simple: Stop HenryChiefs-Titans players to watch: You know about Mahomes, Henry. Here are othersChiefs share stirring highlight video from playoff victory over TexansThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AFC Championship Game week is here with the Chiefs taking on the Tennessee Titans at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday. The Chiefs seek to end a 50-year drought of reaching the Super Bowl, and we ask, did last weekend’s wild victory over the Houston Texans, where the Chiefs erased a 24-point deficit to win by 20, make bad playoff karma a thing of the past? Star columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian weigh in.Story links:AFC Championship Game preview: Five things to know about the Tennessee TitansChiefs history comeback isn’t enough nowWith three touchdown catches, Travis Kelce played a huge part in Chiefs’ record comebackThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The craziest Chiefs playoff victory? It has to be. Trailing 24-0 in the second quarter, the Chiefs rallied back for a 51-31 victory over the Houston Texans in an AFC Divisional Round game at Arrowhead Stadium. Patrick Mahomes was spectacular with five touchdown pass, three to Travis Kelce and the defense came up big. It’s on to the AFC Championship Game for the second straight year and a meeting with the Tennessee Titans. We’ll have you covered all week on SportsBeat KC.Story links:“Let’s do something special:” A Patrick Mahomes speech spark Chiefs’ big comebackChiefs historic comeback isn’t enough nowChiefs safety Sorensen personifies what enabled the Chiefs to come back, beat TexansThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s not all Chiefs playoff talk this week, not when the nation’s third and fourth ranked college basketball teams meet. That happens in Lawrence on Saturday when No. 3 Kansas takes on fourth-ranked Baylor. Jesse Newell breaks down the Big 12 mega matchup. Also, the Chiefs coverage A-team gets tackles the topic of Eric Bieniemy who apparently will not get an NFL coaching job this year. We ask why, and try to provide an answer.Story links:The two words Bill Self used to spark his team...After KU’s first plan didn’t workChiefs’ Eric Bieniemy is ready for an NFL head coaching job, now more than ever beforeThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get a preview of The Star’s special section in Sunday’s print editions and currently on the kansascity.com website from columnists Vahe Gregorian, Sam Mellinger and beat writers Herbie Teope and Sam McDowell. They talked about the stories - Patrick Mahomes flying under the radar, a Royals championship feeling for the Chiefs, getting to know Chris Jones and the importance of secondary play - that help define the team’s playoff push.Story links:Chiefs’ Eric Bieniemy is ready for an NFL head coaching job, now more than ever before“Like flying bullets:” A year later, Chiefs are better prepared for speed of playoffs“Spectacular:” Former Chiefs photographer recalls covering the Super BowlChiefs are a heavy betting favorite against the Texans. Uh ohThanks our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a different Chiefs team that will take the field than the one that started the playoffs a year ago. For one thing, Patrick Mahomes has a year of postseason experience under his belt. He and Chiefs Coach Andy Reid spoke to the advantage of having been there, done that and many other topics that are part of the SportsBeat KC podcast.Story links:Chiefs-Texans prediction: Great QB battle will go to the Chiefs, Patrick MahomesThese were seven of the Chiefs most electrifying plays from the 2019 seasonChiefs-Texans players to watch: Look beyond the stars for possible difference-makersThanks to our sponsor: Big O TIres Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So, what about these Houston Texans, the Chiefs playoff opponent on Sunday? They’ve already won at Arrowhead Stadium this season and now Deshaun Watson, JJ Watt and company look to pull off the upset in the AFC Divisional Round. Aaron Reiss, a former Star reporter who now covers the Texans, provides the latest on Houston. Later, we’ll hear from Texans Coach Bill O’Brien, who spoke with media members who regularly cover the Chiefs.Mellinger MInutes: How the Chiefs might exploit the Texans, a bit about the Royals and moreThis Chiefs-Texans game will be different than the first. Here are five reasons whyEverybody will practice: Chiefs in good shape ahead of playoff game vs. TexansThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Patrick Mahomes vs. Deshaun Watson in the AFC Divisional Round is the featured matchup when the Chiefs play host to the Texans on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium. The Texans hope muscle memory kicks in. They defeated the Chiefs 31-24 in Kansas City in Week 6. Star columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian and beat writers Herbie Teople and Sam McDowell speak to the impact of that game on this one.Story links:Sam Mellinger: Chiefs lose 31-24 at home to Houston Texans, insta-reaction!Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes is part of the changing of the guard in AFC playoffsFive things to know about Chiefs’ playoff opponent: Houston TexansThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Conference basketball season has arrived in the Big 12 and SEC and Kansas, Kansas State and Missouri all face difficult challenges in their openers. Beat writers Jesse Newell, Kellis Robinett and Souichi Terada break down their teams and look ahead to league play while taking a quick look back at the previous decade.Story links:What are KU basketball’s odds to win the Big 12? Here’s what two projection sites sayK-State Q&A: Chris Klieman’s first four-star recruit, Liberty Bowl, Big 12 basketballMissouri’s depth adds layer of strength as SEC hoops opener at Kentucky approachesThanks to our sponsor, Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Like their fans, the Chiefs will be watching the AFC Wild Card round playoff games on Saturday. The playoffs start the following week for the Chiefs. Which opponent would provide the best matchup among the Patriots, Texans or Bills. Star columnist Sam Mellinger and beat writers Herbie Teope and Sam McDowell discuss that and other Chiefs topics on a SportsBeat KC podcast that originated as a Facebook Live. Also, if you can take a former Chiefs player from the 2010s and add him to the current roster, who would that be?The three priorities that guided Chiefs GM Brett Veach in making a good situation even betterSnap counts vs. Chargers: Thronhill’s injury increases Watts’ playing timePanthers, Giants ask to interview Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy for head coaching jobsIs Arrowhead jinxed? Chiefs struggles in playoffs lead some to wonderThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chiefs are the first topic of 2020. Patrick Mahomes met the media this week and discussed the team’s approach to the playoff bye week among other topics. Later, a couple of huge Chiefs fans, actors David Koechner and Rob Riggle chatted with Vahe Gregorian and Blair Kerkhoff about their fandom and the Big Slick events that benefit Children’s Mercy Hospital. Big Slick returns to Kansas City for the 11th time in June. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2010s brought incredible coaching stability to Kansas City pro sports teams and area college teams. In the second part of The Star’s decade-in-review, columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian join SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff discussing Andy Reid, Ned Yost, Peter Vermes, Bill Self, Bill Snyder and Gary Pinkel. Also, what’s in store for the 2020s? The panel offers its predictions.Story links:Chiefs Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes were meant for each otherHow Ned Yost and the Royals brought out the best in each otherPeter Vermes will be back, but Sporting KC will enact changes. Among them? SpendingFrom Naismith to Self: How eight coaches in 120 years of KU hoops got their jobsThe 18th choice for the job: Bill Snyder’s legacy via former K-State president Jon WefaldGary Pinkel transformed Mizzou football programThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No Wild Card round playoff game for the Chiefs, who felt like they won twice Sunday. They won their way out next week’s schedule with a victory over the Chargers and the Patriots upset loss to the Miami Dolphins. Star reporters Herbie Teope and Sam McDowell joined columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam Mellinger in breaking down the 31-21 victory over the LA Chargers and prospects in the postseason, which now begins for the Chiefs on Jan. 11 or 12.Story links:Chiefs handle own business against the Chargers, get gift win via Dolphins to claim No. 2 seed - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article238803193.html‘You know we’re living right.’ Chiefs take AFC No. 2 seed to begin quest in earnest - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article238801948.htmlThe Chiefs win and get a bye, but it’s not all good news. On the change now required - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/article238801788.htmlJust like last season, Chiefs running back Damien Williams rounding into playoff mode - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article238813158.htmlThe Chiefs stole the AFC’s No. 2 seed and their sideline erupted in chaos - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article238813348.htmlThanks to our sponsor Big O Tires. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The college football bowl season is in full swing and Kansas State’s postseason game approaches. Beat writer Kellis Robinett tells us what’s in store for the Wildcats when they take on Navy, the nation’s top rushing year, in the Liberty Bowl on New Year’s Eve. Also, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes met with reporters to break down Sunday’s regular-season finale against the LA Chargers and the team’s prospects heading into the playoffs.Story links:Chris Klieman losing sleep over Navy’s offense as K-State prepares for Liberty BowlChiefs’ keys vs. Chargers: Win game you should win, don’t let Austin Ekeler run wildWhy Tyrann Mathieu and the “Honey Badger” were at odds and how they came to co-existThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs conclude the 2019 season against the Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium with playoff seeding uncertainty. But some potential matchups are better than others. Sam Mellinger, Sam McDowell and Herbie Teope discuss the playoff possibilities on Facebook Live, now a SportsBeat KC podcast presented by Big O Tires. Also, who is the Chiefs MVP? The panel and viewers weigh in.Story links:Chiefs place running back Spencer Ware on injured reserve, activate Xavier Williams - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article238710293.html“You never know in this business:” Why Chiefs will play their starters in Week 17 - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article238702263.htmlMellinger Minutes: So much Chiefs, plus playoff stuff and KC’s best football players - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article238659753.htmlThanks to our sponsor Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2010s are closing. What were the biggest stories on the Kansas City sports scene in the decade? The Star’s Sam Mellinger, Vahe Gregorian and Blair Kerkhoff identified the news that shaped the sports and the region’s scene. The Chiefs, Royals and colleges are represented in this SportsBeat KC podcast, the first of two conversations about the decade. The second will be posted next Tuesday.Story links:Royals are World Series champsFor the first time since ‘83. Chiefs draft quarterback in the first round, Patrick MahomesGame on: KU, Mizzou agree to six-year resumption of men’s basketball rivalry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs walloped the Chicago Bears 26-3 on Sunday Night Football at Soldier Field and Herbie Teope, Sam McDowell, Same Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian were to talk about it. What didn’t go well for the Chiefs? The defense continued its dominant play. Patrick Mahomes threw two touchdown passes and ran for another. Harrison Butker kicked a career long 56-yard field goal. One game remains in the regular season but the Chiefs look playoff-ready and we discuss on SportsBeat KC presented by Big O Tires.Story links:Gregorian: Giving up 3 touchdowns in 5 games, Chiefs defense has gone from farce to forcehttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article238647068.htmlMellinger: What Mahomes told his teammates about his 10 count and why he did it (beyond the obvious)https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article238648493.htmlThe Chiefs at their best is a picture that includes Damien Williamshttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article238646488.htmlChiefs looking ready for playoffs after blowout road victory over Chicago Bearshttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article238638403.htmlChiefs grades: Kansas City produces a nice report card to bring home for holidayshttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article238643813.htmlThanks to our sponsor, Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No small task for Kansas City’s Vlatko Andonovski, just maintain the excellence of the world’s best women’s soccer club, the two-time defending World Cup champion U.S. women’s national team. In an interview with Star columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian and host Blair Kerkhoff on SportsBeat KC, Adonovski said he’s up to the challenge. He also discussed his days as an indoor soccer player and coach, women’s professional league coach and growing up in a soccer-centric family in Macedonia.Story links:Vlatko Adonovski’s unlikely path from Skopje to KC to leading U.S. women’s soccerU.S women’s soccer team has a new coach, Kansas City’s Vlatko AndonovskiThanks to our sponsor, Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Kansas City Chiefs added a key component in defensive lineman Terrell Suggs, the Pro Bowl rosters were released and the Chiefs take on the Chicago Bears and former assistant coach Matt Nagy on Sunday. There was plenty to discuss on when Chiefs beat writer Herbie Teope joined Star columnists Vahe Greorgian and Sam Mellinger along with host Blair Kerkhoff at Big O Tires in Olathe on Thursday.Story links:After talk with Reid, Terrell Suggs knew he wanted to play for Chiefs: “Let’s do it”Chiefs Pro Bowl reaction: Praise for selections, disappointment for snubsChicago Tribune: Why did the Chicago Bears draft Mitchell Trubisky over Deshaun Watson and Patrick Mahomes?Thanks to our sponsor, Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs claimed seven-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Terrell Suggs this week, and Suggs told reporters Wednesday he’s happy to be joining a playoff-bound team that likes to play basketball in the locker room. And quarterback Patrick Mahomes shared his thoughts on the acquisition and other topics.Also, KU beat writer Jesse Newell is covering the nation’s top-ranked team. He talked about what’s gone right the Jayhawks since their opening loss to Duke and previews KU at Villanova this weekend.Story links:Chiefs claim veteran pass rusher Terrell Suggs off waiversAlthough Ravens didn’t try to claim Terrell Suggs, their fans are mad at ChiefsKansas Jayhawks ascend to No. 1 in Associated Press men’s basketball pollThanks to our sponsor, Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Royals don’t often make a splash at baseball’s winter meetings but plant seeds for future moves. Royals beat writer Lynn Worthy joined Star columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian around the hot stove to discuss the club’s early offseason moves and project what lies ahead for the organization, including such players as Whit Merrifield, Hunter Dozier and Alex Gordon, on SportsBeat KC, presented by Big O Tires.John Sherman may want Royals run differently than how they’ve operated for past decadeRoyals set to give Ryan O’Hearn every chance to win first base job in spring trainingRoyals probably won’t rush to sign free agents, Moore said, but later deals possibleDespite Hunter Dozier’s success, Royals will explore options at third baseThanks to our sponsor, Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs defeated the Denver Broncos 23-3 on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium in a game played in a snow globe. Chiefs beat writers Herbie Teope and Sam McDowell joined columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian to break down one of the Chiefs’ most complete games of the season, even though it was played in a snowstorm. Patrick Mahomes was terrific, tight end Travis Kelce was record setting and the defense continued its rugged play of late.Story linksOff kilter for weeks, Patrick Mahomes went into a snow globe and found himselfThis version of the Chiefs is good enough to win the Super Bowl. Yes, we’re saying itChiefs safeties are leading the defensive overhaul in Kansas City. And it’s no flukeBlizzard at Arrowhead? Snow problem as Chiefs pummel Drew Lock, Denver Broncos 23-3Chiefs report card: Frightful weather but delightful game for Mahomes, defenseThanks to our sponsor, Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Kansas Jayhawks are a victory over UMKC away from probably becoming the nation’s top-ranked team. Is KU really the nation’s best? Jesse Newell breaks down the program that hasn’t lost since its opener against Duke and what lies ahead for Kansas.Also, it’s only been two games but the excitement is building for Drew Lock as the Denver Broncos’ quarterback. The former Mizzou and Lee’s Summit High standout has won his first two starts, and Cecil Lammey of 104.3 The Fan in Denver discusses what Lock’s success means for the organization.Story links:KU Coach Bill Self seeks energy for upcoming Kansas City game at Sprint CenterHow Kansas Jayhawks point guard Devon Dodson has improved in a somewhat unexpected wayHomecoming in KC: How Drew Lock turned a draft day nightmare into NFL redemptionThanks to our sponsor, Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs are AFC West champs again, but three weeks remain in the regular season, starting with Sunday’s home game against Denver. With one goal down, the Chiefs can’t begin to pursue their second — playoff success — until next month.How will the Chiefs play it? And look who is leading the Broncos’ offense: former Missouri and Lee’s Summit High quarterback Drew Lock. He’s making his third NFL start this weekend, and the Chiefs hope to hand him his first loss.Bonus chat on SportsBeat KC today: Favorite animated movie or character in honor of Lock’s Buzz Lightyear celebration.Story links:Injury-riddled season illuminates character that makes Patrick Mahomes specialHard work paying off for this Chiefs wide receiver, not to mention the offenseThanks to our sponsor, Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kansas State is going to a bowl game, as expected, but not the one the program had hoped for. What’s the reaction from the school and its fans? Kellis Robinett checks in from Manhattan to give us the latest on SportsBeat KC presented by Big O Tires.Also, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes stepped to the podium to provide his thoughts on the Broncos, Missouri and Lee’s Summit product Drew Lock, and his own team’s sluggish offense. Finally, Sporting KC made a huge move this week, signing Alan Pulido from Liga MX. We hear from Sporting KC manager Peter Vermes and Shaun Goodwin, who covered the story for The Star Wednesday.Story links:Why three Big 12 bowls snubbed K-State and how Gene Taylor hopes Wildcats fans to respondPulido’s goals in KC: MLS Cup championship, individual scoring titleFrank Clark sees specialist about stomach ailment; Patrick Mahomes’ hand improvesThanks to our sponsor, Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nothing short of winning the AFC Championship will wipe away the disappointment of last season’s ending for the Chiefs, but on Sunday they got a measure of revenge on the team that knocked them from the playoffs, the New England Patriots. The Chiefs won in 23-16, and The Star’s Herbie Teope, Vahe Gregorian, Sam McDowell and Sam Mellinger talked about it from the Gillette Stadium press box after the game on Facebook Live now presented as a SportsBeat KC podcast. They covered the ever-improving Chiefs defense, Patrick Mahomes’ hand injury, the issue with the missing equipment before the game, and several other topics.Story links:The Chiefs beat the Patriots but suddenly that’s not enoughStrange but true: Chiefs defense was pivotal in turnabout against PatriotsWhat an odd year it’s been for Patrick Mahomes, yet Chiefs are division champsDefense leads way again as Chiefs beat Brady’s Patriots in New EnglandGood grades all around, especially in pass defense, for Chiefs’ victory over PatriotsThanks to our sponsor, Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eliah Drinkwitz is the new head football coach at the University of Missouri. He came on the Tigers’ radar screen late in the process but Mizzou believes it’s found the right person for the job after Drinkwitz compiled a 12-1 record and Sun Belt Conference championship at Appalachian State.Star columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam Mellinger joined MU beat writer Souichi Terada and SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff in describing the introductory event in Columbia and speculating on Drinkwitz’s future in the SEC.Links to the stories we discussed: Drinkwitz’s first impression at Mizzou? Good. Sterk’s role in his hire? Not so muchGary Pinkel showed Mizzou what was possible in the SEC, believes Drinkwitz can follow suitFrom Eliah Drinkwitz’s salary to buyout, here are his Mizzou contract detailsAfter whirlwind weekend, Eliah Drinkwitz seizes “opportunity of a lifetime” at MizzouThanks to our sponsor, Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a college sports Friday on SportsBeat KC, and The Star’s college beat writers weigh in with the latest at Missouri, Kansas State and Kansas. Souichi Terada provides the update on Mizzou’s football coaching search. There are names. Is an announcement near? The WIldcats know they’re going bowling. But where? Kellis Robinett runs down the possibilities. Les Miles completed his first year as the KU football coach, and the Jayhawks finished with the same record as last season. But is there a different feel as Kansas enters the offseason?Where’s the A-list? Sterk’s Missouri football coaching search seems to lack wow factorHere’s a look at the four Missouri football coaching candidates on AD Jim Sterk’s listWhy K-State might play in one of the Big 12’s top bowls, or get passed over for TexasThis KU QB’s breakout year began at the Virginia Inn. It ended with a final, unselfish actThanks to our sponsor, Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s Chiefs-Patriots week, and this is a game the Chiefs have thought about since dropping the AFC Championship Game to New England in January. Young gun quarterback Patrick Mahomes faces six-time Super Bowl championship quarterback Tom Brady. The Patriots have excelled defensively, the Chiefs have looked better in recent weeks with most of their starters healthy.Herbie Teope, Sam McDowell, Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian joined Blair Kerkhoff in breaking down the game, what to look for, and how the afternoon in Foxborough might unfold on SportsBeat KC presented by Big O Tires.Story links:Still the Pats: Chiefs brush off talk of potentially declining Patriots offensePatrick Mahomes’ preparation for this weekend’s Patriots game started back in JanuaryFormer NFL running back explains why he expects Tom Brady to outplay Patrick MahomesThanks to our sponsor, Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesse Newell stops by to discuss the Jayhawks’ next game, against ranked Colorado, and reviews Kansas’ impressive performance in the Maui Invitational. Of note: how one play late in the title game against Dayton, which didn’t involve a shot or pass, helped KU win the tournament. Also, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes met the media and the primary topic was Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots and Tom Brady.Story links:How Marcus Garrett led KU against Dayton by helping team away from disaster - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article237845044.htmlSelf pleased with KU’s play so far. Where does coach rate his squad on 1-10 scale? - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article238045304.htmlPatrick Mahomes’ preparation for this weekend’s Patriots game started back in January - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article238042179.htmlThanks to our sponsor, Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Missouri is in the hunt for a new football coach and that’s the topic on SportsBeat KC. Star columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam Mellinger discuss why Barry Odom was fired and join host Blair Kerkhoff in breaking down what Mizzou athletic director Jim Sterk may be seeking in a replacement. We come up with a favorite candidate. Also, the group assigns grades to the football seasons of Kansas State and Kansas.Story links:A Battle Line Rivalry...for a coach? What’s the better job, Arkansas or Mizzou? - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-missouri/article237970634.htmlIn final days of Mizzou’s Odom tenure, near unanimous support from players, coaches - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-missouri/article237966749.htmlWhy K-State might play in one of Big 12’s top bowls, or get passed over by Texas - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article237970119.htmlThanks to our sponsor, Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices