SportsBeat KC

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It’s a TV remote weekend for the Chiefs as the NFL playoffs commence. As the top seed in the AFC bracket, the Chiefs will watch games instead of playing in one. That happens in the Divisional Round the following weekend.So as the Chiefs flip around the games, who would they want to play next week? That’s our primary topic on today’s SportsBeat KC with beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell, along with columnists Vahe Gregorian.We also discuss the rise of running back Jerick McKinnon and what that means for Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and with 10 regular seasons in the books for Andy Reid as the head coach, we chat about the best players to suit up for Big Red. Who are your top five Chiefs of the past decade?Also, we now know if it’s Chiefs-Bills in the AFC Championship Game, the contest will be played at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Jan. 29 at 6 p.m. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

About the College Football Playoff Championship Game on Monday...oof.On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writer Kellis Robinett discusses Georgia’s dominance over TCU and how the Big 12’s first appearance in the title game became a debacle.Before the game there was other college football news. Announced as College Football Hall of Fame members were former Kansas State quarterback Michael Bishop and Missouri wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. Joining Maclin in the Hall will be fellow former Chiefs Eric Berry and Derrick Johnson.After a break, you’ll hear a few minutes from an interview with Tulane head coach Willie Fritz. The former Central Missouri coach led the Green Wave to an improbable victory over Southern California in the Cotton Bowl last week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The NFL playoff field is set, the games are scheduled and the Chiefs get a week off. Those developments were set in motion when the Chiefs defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 31-13 on Saturday. By winning, the Chiefs clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC and the first-round bye.Because the Buffalo Bills won on Sunday, the road to the AFC Championship won’t necessarily run through Kansas City. if the Chiefs and Bills meet for the AFC title, the game will be played at a neutral site.Those topics and other possibilities drove the conversation with Star columnist Sam McDowell and beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell after the victory over the Raiders. The outcome gave the Chiefs a 14-victory regular season for the second time in team history and made them undefeated against AFC West opponents this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The final seconds tick away in a close game against Kansas. The opponent it taking the ball to the basket, and there’s contact with the defender.Foul or no? For the past two games the answer has been no, and the Jayhawks survived both times.On today’s episode of The Star’s SportsBeat KC podcast, college basketball beat writers Gary Bedore, Kellis Robinett and Shreyas Laddha discuss the late no-calls and whether KU gets more than its share of those calls, or non-calls.Also, we discuss the arrival of what might be the most emotional game on the Kansas State schedule for first-year Wildcats coach Jerome Tang: at Baylor. Tang spent 19 years in Waco, working with Bears head coach Scott Drew and helping Baylor build its way up from the bottom of the Big 12 to a national championship.Missouri’s fast start, the next Texas head coach and other topics are also part of this podcast conversation.Story links:Big 12 refs will try to “eliminate” some physical play, per memo. Bill Self’s reactionHow Scott Drew and Jerome Tang are adjusting to live as Big 12 coaching rivals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a regular-season finish like no other in the NFL. As the Chiefs prepare to kick off Week 18 with a Saturday afternoon game at the Las Vegas Raiders, there is uncertainty about how to end the season. The Bills at Bengals game on Monday was suspended after Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest in the first quarter.On today’s SportsBeat KC podcast, Star beat writers and columnists break down not only the Chiefs-Raiders game but the NFL’s options for the regular-season and playoff schedule. Will the league have Buffalo and Cincinnati resume their game? The issue has a major impact on the Chiefs, who would clinch the top seed in the AFC playoffs if they win Saturday and the Bills and Bengals don’t resume their game.There was also team news with injuries and updates. The conversation started as a SportsBeat Live broadcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sure, we could have rolled out a SportsBeat KC podcast review of 2022 sports in and round Kansas City in, you know, 2022. But what if Kansas State had won the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Eve? That would have made anyone’s yearly sports highlight list.So Star columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell joined host Blair Kerkhoff and did the prudent thing by waiting. The Wildcats did not reward our patience, but their winning the Big 12 championship was one of the area’s biggest stories in a year full of them.A Chiefs victory for the ages, quickly followed by its most crushing defeat in the Patrick Mahomes era; the Tyreek Hill trade; Royals moves and a big decision about their future home; Kansas’ men’s basketball season ending winning streak that continued into football season; Missouri’s hot start in basketball with a new coach.And perhaps the biggest news of all...landing a piece of the planet’s biggest sporting event, the World Cup.We discuss all of those events and more plus look ahead to the moments that will shape Kansas City’s sports landscape in 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With their 27-24 victory over the Denver Broncos, the Chiefs made it 15 straight over their AFC West rival, improved to 5-0 in the division and 13-3 overall. What’s not to like about the outcome?Well, if the Super Bowl is the objective, it was a bit discomforting to see the Chiefs continue their special teams problems and for Patrick Mahomes to be off his game early in the second half.We discuss those issues on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s first sports podcast of 2023. The show with columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell along with beat writers Jesse Newell and Herbie Teope.The show began as a postgame SportsBeat Live and we discussed what the Chiefs need to accomplish to get back on a Super Bowl path, which continues on Saturday at the Las Vegas Raiders in the final regular season game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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It’s Chiefs vs. Broncos on Sunday and Denver has a new coach: Jerry Rosburg, a longtime special teams coach in the NFL and the team’s director of game management operations, was elevated earlier this week when Nathaniel Hackett was fired.What should the Chiefs expect from an interim regime? That’s a topic on today’s SportsBeat KC podcast with Star columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell and beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell.The Broncos aren’t the only AFC West team that made a big change this week. The Las Vegas Raiders have changed quarterbacks, moving on from longtime starter Derek Carr. The Raiders are the Chiefs’ Week 18 opponent.We also talk wide receivers with Mecole Hardman’s likely return, and how the Chiefs might handle the position group. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A little chilly, some broken water pipes and hotel issues, Kansas and its fans are working through the problems of the program’s first bowl game in 14 years. But they’re happy to be at the AutoZone LIberty Bowl in Memphis to meet the Arkansas Razorbacks.On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writer Sheryas Laddha breaks down the bowl experience and the game that matches a pair of 6-6 teams that were ranked during the season.The Jayhawks are ahead of schedule in Coach Lance Leipold’s second season, and Arkansas is in its second straight bowl game under Sam Pittman after missing a bowl game for four straight season.After a break, you’ll hear from the coaches from their press conferences in Memphis.By the way, this marks Kansas’ second Liberty Bowl appearance. Led by quarterback David Jaynes, KU played in the 1973 game and fell to North Carolina State 31-18. A few months later, the schools’ basketball teams reached the Final Four. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Better late than never on our Chiefs postgame conversation. The Chiefs beat the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday 24-10 and beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell discussed the game before leaving the press box to enjoy Christmas the next day.That chat is today’s SportsBeat KC podcast. It holds up. Not much has happened since we talked Chiefs. Well, there is one thing: The next opponent, the Denver Broncos, fired head coach Nathaniel Hackett on Monday. The new ownership group had seen enough with the Broncos, who started the year with new quarterback Russell Wilson, coming to Arrowhead with a 4-11 record.Jerry Rosberg, who had been a senior assistant coach and was a longtime Baltimore Ravens assistant, will lead Denver for its final two games.The Chiefs, played well against the Seahawks, and we focus on a super effort by the defense, especially the rookies the Patrick Mahomes touchdown run, and the touchdown machine that Jerick McKinnon has become. So, excuse the Christmas delay and enjoy our Chiefs takes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs look to keep pace with the Buffalo Bills in the AFC West playoff race and will meet the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.The Chiefs and Bills own 11-3 records but the Bills won the matchup earlier this season, so the Chiefs must finish with a better record.We discuss the playoff picture, Harrison Butker’s kicking woes, the potential return of Mecole Hardman and much more on today’s SportsBeat KC podcast with beat writers Jesse Newell and Herbie Teope along with columnist Vahe Gregorian.Also, the Pro Bowl rosters have been announced and seven Chiefs were selected. Any obvious snubs? Oh, and the temperature at kickoff could be in single digits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The run-up to Christmas provides Missouri Tigers athletics with a couple of high-profile contests, and we talk about both on today’s episode of SportsBeat KC, The Kansas City Star’s daily sports podcast.Star columnist Vahe Gregorian previews Thursday’s Braggin’ Rights men’s basketball game against Illinois and then shifts gears for a look at Mizzou’s bowl game against Wake Forest on Friday.Missouri and the Demon Deacons meet on the gridiron for the first time. It’s a strength-on-strength matchup featuring the Tigers’ defense against Wake’s high-flying offense. But Mizzou’s going to be missing some key defenders who’ve opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft or enter the transfer portal.In basketball, Missouri (10-1) is coming off a thrilling victory over Central Florida in which DeAndre Gholston banked in a 35-footer to beat the buzzer for the victory. The Illinois game is the start of three straight for the Tigers against ranked opponents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Moments after Argentina’s game-winning penalty kick hit the back of the net to defeat France in the World Cup final, thoughts turned to the next World Cup, the 2026 event to be held in 16 North American cities, including Kansas City.On today’s SportsBeat KC podcast, Star columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell sat down with three Kansas City officials who attended the World Cup in Qatar: Kansas City Sports Commission and VisitKC president Kathy Nelson, Kansas City deputy city manager and executive director of convention and entertainment facilities of Kansas City Kimiko Gilmore, and Joe Reardon, Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce president and former Kansas City, Kan., mayor.They spoke of their experiences at the World Cup and vision for the event in Kansas City, which is the smallest U.S. market serving as a host city.First, you’ll hear a conversation with Gregorian, who spoke to the enormity of the World Cup in Kansas City and how it will translate here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs outgained the Houston Texans 502 yards to 219, held an overwhelming advantage in first downs (33-18) and controlled the ball for 10 minutes longer than their hosts. Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes completed 20 straight passes in Sunday’s game at NRG Stadium.So why the Chiefs need overtime to record a 30-24 victory over a team that dropped to 1-12-1 this season? Let’s count the ways: Two fumbles, 10 penalties and a missed field goal and extra point, for starters.The Chiefs bumbled enough to keep the game close. But in the end they found a way to get it done. A big play by the defense, forcing and recovering a fumble, and Jerick McKinnon’s 26-yard touchdown run in overtime made the difference.On today’s SportsBeat KC podcast, we cover it all with columnist Vahe Gregorian and beat writer Herbie Teope. This wasn’t a championship performance from the Chiefs, but it was good enough to clinch their seventh straight AFC West title.And in the end, that’s the most important takeaway for a team that nearly gave it away twice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ty Zentner had a smile on his face as he prepared to kick the 31-yard field goal in overtime that would give Kansas State the victory over TCU in the Big 12 Championship Game. What was he thinking?On today’s SportsBeat KC, Zentner provides the answer and much more in a conversation with beat writer Kellis Robinett and host Blair Kerkhoff.It’s been a wild ride for the Kansas State kicker who came to place-kicking late in his career. Zentner was an all-around athlete in Shawnee Hights High in Topeka, including goalkeeper on the soccer team. He was a punter and keep kickoff specialst throughout most of his college career at Butler County Community College and K-State.But when Zentner became the full-time place kicker for the Wildcats in late October, he’s been, well, perfect. He’s made all nine field goals and 29 extra points. Next stop: Caesars Superdome, where Kansas State takes on Alabama on New Year’s Eve.After a break, Robinett, who owns a winning record with his college football wagers against the spread this season, discusses the early bowl games. Here’s how to factor in changes in rosters and coaching staffs when considering bowl wagers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs head to Houston on Sunday with a chance to clinch their seventh straight AFC West title, and the division dominance is an amazing thing. But the past two games have shown some flaws. The Chiefs split games with Cincinnati and Denver and have had issues on the defensive side and with turnovers.On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell and columnist Sam McDowell break down the Chiefs, warts and all. We discuss Patrick Mahomes’ recent performances and discuss his league MVP chances. We also get into the issues in the secondary.The Chiefs have been so good for several years that the standards are the NFL’s highest: Super Bowl or disappointment. What needs to improve for the Chiefs to reach that bar? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Royals conducted the first program on their new stadium/entertainment district “listening tour,” on Tuesday. About 300 came to event held at the Plexpod Westport Commons. A lineup that started with Royals chairman and CEO John Sherman made their pitches for about an hour, then took submitted questions for 45 minutes.The presentation covered many details, although it was short on certain specifics. Left unanswered about the proposed $2 billion project are the specific breakdown between private and public contributions and a timetable.Among the revelations: The cost would be split between the ballpark and entertainment district, about $1 billion each. And, according to Populous, the architectural design firm, the cost to maintain Kauffman Stadium with a new lease would be the same as building a new stadium.The event hosted by Royals announcer Ryan Lefebvre wasn’t available via broadcast or livestream, so you’ll hear it here on SportsBeat KC. The speaker lineup after Sherman bats leadoff:Sarah Tourville, Royals senior vice-president, business operationsBrooks Sherman, Royals senior vice-president, Chief Operating OfficerSarah Dempster, principal, PopulousEarl Santee, global chair and founder of PopulousAdam Sachs, Royals vice president and chief legal officerSharita Hutton, Royals senior director, communicationCary Hirschstein, partner, HR&A AdvisorsHost: Ryan Lefebvre Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The good news first. In defeating the Denver Broncos on Sunday, the Chiefs improved to 10-3 and won their 14th straight over the AFC West rival. The final score was 34-28.But the Chiefs led this game 27-0 and seemed on their way to a blowout victory. Three Patrick Mahomes interceptions and some shaky defense brought Denver back into the game.On today’s SportsBeat KC podcast, Star columnist Sam McDowell and beat writer Jesse Newell break down the game’s ebbs and flows. What tells us more about their Chiefs; jumping to the big lead, or losing nearly all of it.The show started as a SportsBeat Live broadcast about 30 minutes after the game.Story link:Chiefs grades: On the way to making the honor roll, the Chiefs fooled around and barely passed.https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article269880312.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of college basketball’s top rivalries–Kansas vs. Missouri–continues on Saturday, and we’re here to break it down. The current state of the programs, the history, Norm Stewart, we talk about it all on today’s SportsBeat KC.Star columnist Vahe Gregorian joins beat writers Gary Bedore and Shreyas Laddha to preview the game that begins at 4:15 p.m. on Saturday and will be televised by ESPN.Mizzou is 9-0 under new coach Dennis Gates and roster full of transfers. Kansas, the defending NCAA champion, is ranked sixth at 8-1. The Jayhawks overwhelmed Missouri in last year’s first meeting in a decade in an incredible atmosphere at Allen Fieldhouse. Mizzou Arena should be just as frenzied on Saturday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The assumption for several weeks has been the Chiefs are the top team in the AFC, if not the NFL. Is that still true after the team’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals last weekend? The outcome dropped the Chiefs to 9-3 and they no longer have the top seed in the AFC playoff picture.If that’s the case, how do the Chiefs get back to the top, and what issues did the Bengals expose? We discuss that and more on today’s SportsBeat KC with the reporters and columnists who cover the team for The Star.The Chiefs remaining schedule, starting with Sunday’s game at Denver, looks manageable, so the Chiefs could eventually work their way back to the top seed. But against some of the top teams in the AFC this season–Cincinnati, Buffalo and Tennessee–the Chiefs have struggled. It’s never too early to begin thinking, or fretting over, playoff matchups. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kansas State won a conference championship, then joined Missouri and Kansas in learning its bowl destination.SportsBeat KC tells the huge weekend in college football in podcast form. You’ll hear comments from K-State coach Chris Klieman and players Daniel Green, Deuce Vaughn, Will Howard and Felix Anudike-Uzomah after their stirring 31-28 victory over TCU for the Wildcats’ first Big 12 championship in a decade.The Wildcats are headed to the Sugar Bowl to face Alabama. Also with their suitcases packed are the Tigers and Jayhawks.Mizzou is headed to the Gazparilla Bowl to meet Wake Forest and Kansas to the Liberty Bowl to play Arkansas. You may have heard about a poential Mizzou-KU matchup in a bowl game last week. Missouri Coach Eli Drinkwitz addresses that topic, and Kansas coach Lance Leipold talks about the unexpected success of Kansas in his second season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So much for the Chiefs circling the Bengals game on the schedule.The team that defeated Kansas City twice last year — and knocked them from the playoffs — did it again. Cincinnati defeated the Chiefs 27-24, winning the matchup for the third time in 17 games.The Chiefs had won 26 straight games in November and December until Sunday.On today’s episode of The Star’s SportsBeat KC podcast, beat writer Herbie Teope joins host Blair Kerkhoff to discuss the game. It shifted momentum a few times, the time last swinging toward the Bengals after Travis Kelce lost a fourth-quarter fumble. We also discussed what the outcome means for the NFL playoff picture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kansas rolled to a big victory over Seton Hall in the Big 12/Big East Battle on Thursday with the Jayhawks getting double-figure scoring from six players. The victory capped a 2-0 week for KU after suffering its first loss of the season.On today’s show new beat writer Shreyas Laddha discusses the game and more. Laddha joined The Star this week and offers his first impressions of the defending NCAA champion. We also discuss some bowl game possibilities for the football team.After a break, you’ll hear from Bill Self as he broke down the Seton Hall game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since Patrick Mahomes became a starter, two teams have defeated him twice in one season. The first was the New England Patriots in 2018. The next was the Cincinnati Bengals last year. Both times, the second losses came in the AFC Championship Game, and both came in overtime,But there was something different about the Bengals’ loss. The Chiefs were in control of that game in the first half, only to fall apart after the break. Mahomes played his worst half in a Chiefs uniform. We’ll see that outcome motivates the Chiefs on Sunday when they travel to Cincinnati in a game with major playoff implications.On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell and columnist Vahe Gregorian break down Chiefs-Bengals and discuss the Chiefs running back situation among other topics. The show started as a SportsBeat Live broadcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the first time since 2003, Kansas State is playing in a Big 12 Championship Game. The Wildcats can only hope this one will go as well.Two decades ago, K-State throttled then top-ranked Oklahoma at Arrowhead Stadium. This time, the opponent is undefeated TCU angling for a spot in the College Football Playoff. The game is Saturday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Tex.In between those games, Kansas State picked up another Big 12 championship, in 2012, but there wasn’t a title game then.On today’s SportsBeat KC podcast beat writer Kellis Robinett breaks down the matchup and discusses how the Wildcats can reverse the regular-season loss to the Horned Frogs and what the bowl implications are for both teams.Story link:K-State may use QB Adrian Martinez in unique ways against TCU at Big 12 championshiphttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article269326407.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plenty of good and some concerns for the Chiefs in their 26-10 triumph over the L.A. Rams on Sunday. The outcome was never in doubt. The Patrick Mahomes-to-Travis Kelce connection produced another impressive touchdown. The Chiefs’ 9-2 record remains the best in the AFC.But the Chiefs didn’t get touchdowns on five of six trips to the red zone, one of the failures on a Patrick Mahomes end zone interception. And another muffed punt by rookie Skyy Moore may mean his days on that duty are numbered.On today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s coverage team of beat writers Jesse Newell and Herbie Teope along with columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian, sort out Sunday’s contest and look ahead to the remaining schedule starting with this week’s game at the Cincinnati Bengals.The show started as a SportsBeat Live broadcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s high school football playoffs semifinal weekend in Kansas and for Class 6 in Missouri, and Dion Clisso of PrepsKC.com is here to break it down.Great matchups include Liberty North against Christian Brothers College of St. Louis and Lee’s Summit North against DeSmet in Missouri Class 6. Could there be an All-Kansas City championship game?Kansas 6A features teams reaching the semifinals in class for the first time: Gardner-Edgerton against Olathe Northwest.In Kansas 5A, Mill Valley, which hasn’t surrendered a score in the playoffs, takes on a Blue Valley Southwest squad that scored 69 last week. Then, there’s there all-private school clash in Kansas 4A with Bishop Miege meeting Aquinas.After a break, you’ll hear from Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes from his weekly news conference with reporters. Mahomes spoke of his new weapon, wide receiver Kadarius Toney and the challenge of facing the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday Night Football.Story link:PrepsKC.comhttps://prepskc.com/playoffs.php?year=2022&state=K&class=5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The last best chance for keeping the Chiefs from winning a seventh straight AFC West title happens on Sunday Night Football, when Kansas City visits the L.A. Chargers.The Chiefs hold a two-game lead over the Chargers and have beaten them once already. Win this one and only an epic collapse would prevent the Chiefs from taking the division yet again.But there are some concerns. Three Chiefs wide receivers have missed practice time with injuries this week, and on today’s episode of The Star’s SportsBeat KC podcast, beat writer Herbie Teope advises us to pay close attention to JuJu Smith Schuster’s progress.Also, beat writer Jesse Newell shares his thoughts about the emergence of newly added receiver Kadarius Toney, and we discuss the role-changes at running back, especially with Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Isiah Pacheco. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a letter to fans and media, Royals owner John Sherman laid out his vision for a new downtown ballpark and entertainment district, complete with a price tag–$2 billion–and renderings.There is plenty to determine, starting with more specifics on funding and a timetable. On today’s SportsBeat KC podcast, Star columnist Vahe Gregorian and beat writer Lynn Worthy explore those questions and more.What seems more clear now than at any other time, the Royals are determined to move downtown.After a break, we discuss the team’s resigning of first baseman Ryan O’Hearn, and did the Royals get the choices right for player and pitcher of the year, Bobby Witt Jr., and Brady Singer?Story links:Read Royals owner John Sherman’s letter about proposed $2 billion downtown stadium, districthttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article268796187.html#subtopperhttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article268797387.htmlWhat Royals owner John Sherman’s open letter did, didn’t say about downtown ballpark Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kansas State has an inside track in the race to be TCU’s opponent in the Big 12 Championship Game. The Wildcats can clinch a spot this weekend.For that to happen, the Cats would have to win at West Virginia and Texas would need to lose at Kansas. Easier still: K-State would also be in with two straight wins, meaning at WVU and against. KU the following week.K-State’s Big 12 title-game chances have see-sawed in recent weeks, but one common thread is the performance of backup quarterback WIll Howard. The Wildcats’ offense runs better with Howard under center than it does with starter Adrian Martinez at the controls, and that’s in spite of the fact Martinez is having a good season.Injuries have forced coach Chris Klieman to make some pivotal decisions about playing time. On today’s episode of The Star’s SportsBeat KC podcast, beat writer Kellis Robinett speculates about where the Cats will go from here.Also, we talk K-State basketball and the return to action of Keyontae Johnson. Once an SEC preseason player of the year at Florida, Johnson has missed most of the past two seasons while recovering from a heart ailment. He was named the Big 12’s newcomer of the week and is off to a great start in 2022-23. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The possibility of a defeat for a team that loses the turnover battle by three, falls victim to an opening onside kick and misses and extra point has to be high. But the Chiefs also did many things well and defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-17 on Sunday.We unpacked most of it on The Star’s postgame show, SportsBeat Live, which you’ll hear today presented as a podcast. Columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian along with beat writer Herbie Teope broke down the game and extended the Chiefs’ lead in the AFC West.From Patrick Mahomes’ four touchdown passes...the play of new wide receiver Kadarius Toney...Carlos Dunlap’s 100th career sack...the dangerous hit absorbed by JuJu Smith-Schuster that didn’t draw a penalty were primary topics for the show.What we didn’t cover and will save for Thursday’s SportsBeat Live: The Chiefs didn’t commit a penalty for the fourth time in franchise history, the superb play of Chris Jones and Sunday’s game marked the first time the Jaguars haven’t led in a game this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The high school football playoffs have reached the quarterfinal stage, and Dion Clisso of PrepsKC.com is here to break down the key matchups in Missouri and Kansas.Is Liberty North vulnerable as the region’s top team against Park Hill South in Class 6? Which of the newcomers to the late rounds will emerge in Kansas 6A? Clsso breaks down these story lines and games.After a break, you’ll hear from Patrick Mahomes from his weekly media session. He speaks about throwing a person record 68 passes against the Titans and his decision making when it came to scrambling. Mahomes picked up another person best in that department with 63 rushing yards but he didn’t like all of his calls“There were definitely some decisions that I missed some throws that were out there,” Mahomes said.Story link:Here’s the week’s schedule of high school football playoff games in Missouri and Kansashttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/high-school/article268416272.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tell me I’m wrong to believe Chiefs fans should be more concerned about the victory over the Tennessee Titans than the loss to the Buffalo Bills. We start today’s SportsBeat KC podcast with Star columnist Sam McDowell and beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell with that topic.But there’s plenty more to discuss as the Chiefs play host to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, when Andy Reid will be taking on a former assistant coach Doug Pederson. We break down the Chiefs running back position and why it’s been difficult to get traction at times this season.The show started as a SportsBeat Live broadcast and several audience members weighed in with good questions, like the impact in the locker room of Ronald Jones Jr., asking for a trade, and the slow progress of rookie wide receiver Skyy Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Three games remain in the Big 12 regular season and Kansas State and Kansas remain in the conference championship race. The Wildcats figured to be here, but it’s an epic season from the Jayhawks. Beat writers Kellis Robinett and Gary Bedore break down the teams they cover on today’s SportsBeat KC.For K-State, the plot thickens at quarterback. In last weekend’s loss to Texas, Coach Chris Klieman returned to Adrian Martinez, who had been out with an injury. In stepped Will Howard and looked good. How will Kansas State handle the position going forward?Also, the Wildcats opened the basketball season with three able bodies on the bench, ticketed for redshirt seasons. We have the explanation.KU opened defense of its NCAA title season with a solid offensive performance that was not witnessed by Bill Self, who was serving the first of his school-imposed four-game suspension. Where was Self’s game-day hangout?The Jayhawks’ football team put together an impressive performance in defeated Oklahoma State last weekend to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2008. Gary tells us why Potter Lake was part of the celebration tour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The college sports crossroads season is upon us. Regular-season football is in its final month as basketball season tips off. On today’s SportsBeat KC, Missouri is the focus of this junction.Mizzou is coming off a disappointing football loss, which has been this season’s theme in conference games. But head coach Eli Drinkwitz and defensive coordinator Blake Baker received contract extensions last week. We talk about those developments with Chris Gervino of the Tiger Radio Network, the sideline reporter in football and color analyst for men’s basektball.We pick up the basketball conversation with interviews from Missouri’s recent media day. You’ll hear about season aspiration from new coach Dennis Gates; preseason All-SEC forward Kobe Brown on playing with a group of new teammates; and freshman Aidan Shaw from Overland Park and how he sees himself fitting in this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs got big numbers from Patrick Mahomes and needed all of them to outlast the Tennessee Titans 20-17 in overtime on Sunday Night Football.On today’s SportsBeat KC, Star columnist Vahe Gregorian and beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell break down the game, and engage in a spirited debate over how concerned the Chiefs should be with the performance.Does it matter how a victory was achieved when it comes to thinking about the playoffs? The Chiefs’ triumph kept them atop the AFC West and they share the conference’s best record with the Buffalo Bills. But Sunday’s game also exposed some cracks along the offensive line, and unfixed, will that limit the Chiefs?Also, the Chiefs’ defense came up big, especially in the second half, and if you haven’t seen the catch by Noah Gray to keep alive the game-winning field-goal drive Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs were off last week but they stayed busy. Wide receiver Kadarius Toney joined the team. Cornerback Rashad Fenton departed. Injured players like rookie cornerback Trent McDuffie and defensive end Mike Danna worked their way back, while the Chiefs worked out with suspended end Frank Clark.We talk about it all and then some on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast with columnist Sam McDowell, and beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell, who join host Blair Kerkhoff. The show started as a SportsBeat KC live stream.Also, as Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans approaches, we wonder why the Chiefs are now at 12 1/2 point favorite against the team with the same record (5-2). And the Chiefs have had little success against Tennessee in Andy Reid’s career.Finally, the bye week presents a good time to evaluate the rookie class, especially with the Chiefs’ large collection of first-year players. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New Royals manager Matt Quatraro was introduced at Kauffman Stadium on Thursday by team executive vice-president for baseball operations J.J. PIcollo, and shared ideas of his new team and his first job as a major league manager.“It’s surreal still,” Quatraro. “There is so much work ahead.”Yes, there is for a franchise that finished last in the AL Central with a 65-97 record.The Royals face the future with a manager who comes from his position as bench coach of the Tampa Bay Rays and previously served with the Cleveland Guardians. Those are successful small market franchises the Royals see as models.But executive vice-president for baseball operations J.J. Picollo emphasized the Royals weren’t interviewing the franchise but the candidate. You’ll hear from Quatraro and Picollo, who met with a small group of reporters after the press conference. You’ll hear from both on today’s SportsBeat KC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two starters — Jalen Wilson and DeJuan Harris — return from the Kansas Jayhawks hoops team that bathed in a confetti shower on the court in New Orleans.On today’s episode of The Star’s SportsBeat KC podcast, KU beat writer Gary Bedore previews the 2022-23 team that recently unfurled another NCAA championship banner at Allen Fieldhouse. Who will join Wilson, Harris and Texas Tech transfer Kevin McCullar in the Jayhawks’ starting lineup, and how deep will Bill Self go with his playing rotation?After a break, you’ll hear from Self, who met with reporters last week. He spoke about the pressure this team faces while providing insights about the roster. KU opens the season Thursday with an exhibition game against Pittsburg State, coached by former KU guard Jeff Boschee, and plays regular-season games against Omaha and North Dakota State before meeting Duke in the Champions Classic on Nov. 15.Story link:Is KU a contender for repeat NCAA basketball title? One preseason poll is skeptical Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s fair to say Kansas State responded well to its first Big 12 loss. The Wildcats followed their loss at TCU by demolishing Oklahoma State 48-0. Next up is another conference showdown with Texas visiting K-State.On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writer Kellis Robinett breaks down Kansas State in the Big 12 race and shares his thoughts with what the Wildcats should do at quarterback: Stay with backup Will Howard, who was carried off the field after a four-touchdown performance against the Cowboys, or return to starter Adrian Martinez.After a break, Robinett and host Blair Kerkhoff discuss the meaning of the Big 12’s new television agreement with ESPN and Fox Sports. The six-year deal kicks in for the 2025-26 season and will pay the conference $380 million per year. That’s a big windfall for the 12 members, including newcomers Houston, Cincinnati, Brigham Young and Central Florida. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Missouri men’s basketball starts over this year with new coach Dennis Gates, and the women’s basketball program looks to get over last year’s disappointing NCAA Tournament snub under women’s coach Robin Pingeton.You’ll hear from both on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast. Gates, who replaced Cuonzo Martin, explains why he reached out to Martin and other former Mizzou coaches–including legend Norm Stewart–after taking the job.Pingeton speaks to how her team can be motivated by the crushing omission from last year’s omission. Both spoke with host Blair Kerkhoff at a Tiger Club event at Westport Flea Market last week.“It’s been a really good six months post-March 13, 2022,” Pingeton said of the selection show. “That date is posted in our locker room. It was probably one of my toughest days as a coach.”Also, you’ll hear from Star columnist Vahe Gregorian, who recently explored Gates’ career in a column and discusses the Tigers’ basketball and football seasons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Kansas City Current’s spot in the NWSL Championship Game is an amazing accomplishment in the moment and over the past two seasons.They had to win both playoff games on the road to reach the final on Saturday in Washington D.C. against the Portland Thorns. And it’s the second year of the team’s existence. The team has been know as the Current only this season. The franchise came together in such a hurry last year that it was known as KC NWSL.On today’s SportsBeat KC, Coach Matt Potter and star midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta share their thoughts on the team and this season.Also, Star columnist Vahe Gregorian and beat writer Daniel Sperry discuss what has made this organization such a success on and off the field.Kickoff Saturday is 7 p.m., and the game will be televised by CBS (Ch. 5)Story link:How the Kansas City Current and Portland Thorns match up ahead of Saturday’s NWSL finalhttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/kc-current/article267942267.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You ya got in the high school football playoffs in Missouri and Kansas? Liberty North? Center? Kearney? Olathe North? Mill Valley? All have had excellent seasons and are among the favorites in their classifications.But anything can happen in the postseason, and on today’s SportsBeat KC podcast, Dion Clisson, the managing editor of prepskc.com breaks it down.He discusses the brackets and top contenders on both sides of the state line, and gets into the changes he’d consider making to improve the competitiveness of the competition.Here are the defending state champions:MissouriClass 6: Christian Brothers CollegeClass 5: Webb CityClass 4: SmithvilleClass 3: St. Mary’sClass 2: Lutheran St. CharlesClass 1: East BuchananKansas6A: Blue Valley Northwest5A: Mill Valley4A: St. James3A: Andale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The college football is on to the second half of its season, and dreams remain alive.Missouri, coming off its first SEC victory, needs to find three victories in its final five games to become bowl eligible. The Tigers visit No. 25 South Carolina on Saturday and Jeremiah Holloway, part of the Gamecocks’ coverage team for The State in Columbia, S.C., breaks down the game and South Carolina’s four-game winning streak.Kansas State lost its first Big 12 last week to TCU and faces another big challenge when No. 9 Oklahoma State visits. Beat writer Kellis Robinett provides updates on the Wildcats’ injury situation and discusses the Big 12 race.Kansas remains one victory away from bowl eligibility. The Jayhawks don’t play this weekend but beat writer Gary Bedore discusses KU’s postseason prospects. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs broke open a game that had been close at halftime Sunday and rolled to a 44-23 victory at the San Francisco 49ers.It happened with dominating play on the offensive side and big plays on defense, including the season’s first safety. The Chiefs bounce into their bye week in a familiar position, leading the AFC West.Sunday marked the third time this season the Chiefs won a game after trailing by double-digits. The 49ers scored the first 10 points Sunday.Today’s SportsBeat KC podcast breaks down the Chiefs’ impressive triumph, focusing on the play of Mecole Hardman, who recorded the first multi-touchdown game of his career; Patrick Mahomes, with his fifth best passing total; and a defense led by Chris Jones and Frank Clark.Columnist Vahe Gregorian and beat writer Herbie Teope led a lively conversation that began as a SportsBeat Live postgame show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The unofficial start to college basketball season is a conference media day, and the Big 12 and SEC held theirs this week. On today’s SportsBeat KC, we hear from a first-time head coach, another who is coaching in the Power Five for the first time, and one coming off the NCAA Championship.That Kansas coach Bill Self. He kicks things off by discussing what the national championship means to the conference that has produced many great players and coaches but historically has come up short on NCAA titles. KU’s marked two in a row for the Big 12.Kansas State coach Jerome Tang speaks about his new job and how his time as a Baylor assistant helped prepare him.Missouri’s Dennis Gates, who spent the past three years at Cleveland State, tells us what attracted him to Columbia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Silly season is starting a bit early in the NFL. Rumor have been flying about the next destinations for players like Odell Beckham Jr., and Christian McCaffery. Chiefs fans are part of the whirlwind, and so is tight end Travis Kelce, who restuctured his contract to clear cap space. Bring Beckham to Kansas City, Kelce hinted on his podcast this week.Separating what might and what should happen on today’s SportsBeat KC are beat writers Jesse Newell and Herbie Teope along with columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian. There are bigger needs for this team than wide receiver, they say.The pass rush and pass blocking issues were amplified in last week’s lost to the Bills, and now the Chiefs take on the NFL’s top ranked defense at the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.Also, the group gets into the lack of production from the Chiefs’ rookie class, and why there is plenty of season remaining for improvement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Big 12 game of the year every week is getting fun. This week it’s No. 17 Kansas State at No. 8 TCU in a game that matches the league’s two undefeated teams.Today’s SportsBeat KC might as well SportsBeat KC/DFW because we’re talking to the beat writers for both teams, Steven Johnson, who covers the Horned Frogs for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, and Kellis Robinett of the WIchita Eagle and Kansas City Star. He’s a long time Kansas State beat writer.They break down the game, sharing their thoughts on what’s happened so far and what might happen Saturday in Fort Worth.After a break, new Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark answers questions from reporters from Big 12 basketball media day this week in Kansas City, He spoke about the near and long term future of the league and how it plans to go forward without Texas and Oklahoma without losing TV revenue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices