SportsBeat KC

Jeff Gueldner started on a Kansas Jayhawks NCAA champion team, and today you hear his insights on the KU pre- and post-game broadcasts. In between? Enough to fill a book about life experiences that required strength and perseverance through difficult times.In “Without You: A Story About Thanks and Appreciation,” Gueldner writes about the challenges he’s faced in the years after his playing career, including battling back from Stage Four carcinoma cancer at age 41.“I was asked by my doctors at the time if I would be willing to counsel others who had a similar type of cancer, and I did,” Gueldner said on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast. “That kind of got the wheels turning. Can I help other people? Can I share my story?”He does, and Gueldner shares his approach to confronting other life obstacles like divorce and failed business ventures along the way.Of course there’s basketball. As a sophomore, Gueldner became a starter for the Danny Manning-led 1988 team 20 games into a season that was headed nowhere. KU was being asked about NIT dates for Allen Field House. But fortunes soon changed for the team coached by Larry Brown.A few weeks later, the Jayhawks defeated Oklahoma at Kemper Arena to win the national title.“People started to find their role and assume their role,” Gueldner said. “I was able to guard people and not screw up.”The program’s fourth NCAA championship, the second for Coach Bill Self, was captured in April as Kansas overcame the largest halftime deficit to win a title game. Gueldner was part of this run as well as a broadcaster who could relate. Few know more about battling back.Story link:For more information on Without You:jeffgueldner.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs dropped their second game this season but unlike the loss at the Indianapolis Colts in Week 3, this wasn’t an upset. Even playing at home wasn’t enough of an advantage for the Chiefs to overcome the Buffalo Bills, who prevailed 24-20.After the game, Star columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell and beat writers Jesse Newell and Herbie Teope broke down the game, and look at the key moments that turned the game in the Bills’ favor. And where do the Chiefs need to improve if there is a rematch in the playoffs?Hint: Look at the line play edges, on both sides. The Bills effectively rushed Patrick Mahomes with four lineman with old friend from his Denver Broncos days Von Miller leading the charge. The Chiefs needed to blitz to impact Josh Allen. Even then, Allen found some success against the blitz.We discuss this and other turning points on today’s SportsBeat KC podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Another week, another huge game for the Chiefs. This time it’s the Buffalo Bills, a circle-the-day opponent. This will be the fifth meeting in three seasons between the AFC powers and there could be a sixth if they meet for a third straight year in the playoffs.Patrick Mahomes vs. Josh Allen. Other starts like Travis Kelce, Stefon Diggs, Chris Jones and Von Miller could have a major impact on the game. And Chiefs won’t soon forget Bills wide receiver Gabriel Davis, who set a playoff record with four touchdowns last season at Arrowhead.But the Chiefs won that game, one of the wildest in NFL history, and they’ve knocked the Bills from the playoffs in consecutive seasons.Today’s SportsBeat KC features an interview with Jay Skurski, beat writer for the Buffalo News. Skurski has been covering the Bills since 2009 and no one knows the team better.After a break, Mahomes shares his thoughts about facing off against Allen and confronting Miller. Defensive backs coach Dave Merritt speaks to the challenges of his young crew facing perhaps the NFL’s top wide receiving tandem in Diggs and Davis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Teams with the AFC’s best records battle on Sunday when the Chiefs take on the Buffalo Bills. This is there fifth meeting in three years, and there could be a sixth in the AFC playoffs.It’s Patrick Mahomes vs. Josh Allen in a great quarterback battle, two of the NFL’s best offenses, the Bills’ top-rated defense against the Chiefs’ improving defense.On today’s SportsBeat KC podcast, Star columnist Sam McDowell and beat writer Jesse Newell break down the game and share their thoughts on the key story lines.The Chiefs are coming off an escape victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, while the Bills crushed the Pittsbiurgh Steelers. Those results help explain why Buffalo is the favorite. How rare is that? It’s the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era that he’s been an underdog in a home game that he starts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sporting Kansas City manager Peter Vermes got a head start on thinking about next season, not that he wanted to. For only the second time in the past dozen years, Sporting missed the playoffs. Tack another two weeks onto the season and SKC might have made. But it’s time to begin thinking about 2023.On today’s SBKC, Vermes discussed is the issued that slowed the 2022 team, starting with the injuries to Alan Pulido and Gadi Kinda and their ripple effect. The additions of Erik Thommy and Willie Agada provided a huge boost and they helped turn the season around over the final few weeks.The prospect of starting with a healthier squad and more depth has Vermes counting down the weeks until the 2023 season begins.But before, then there’s a matter of the World Cup. Vermes shares his thoughts on the chances of the U.S. squad and picks his winner. Also, there was the time Vermes coached against Lionel Messi, who he believes could be the greatest player ever. Guess who’s team won? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Say this for the Chiefs’ 30-29 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders at Arrowhead on Monday Night Football There was plenty to discuss.So we did. Beat writers Jesse Newell and Herbie Teope and columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian analyzed the game that proved to be one of the greatest comebacks in Chiefs history. Only three times have the Chiefs overcome a deficit more than 17 points.But with Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce anything is possible with these Chiefs. Then there was the roughing the passer penalty on Chris Jones that infuriated Andy Reid.The Raiders got a career-best 154 rushing yards from Josh Jacobs, two over the top touchdown passes from Derek Carr to Davante Adams, didn’t commit a turnover, and they got beat. That’s the NFL,,,and the Chiefs.The show started as a SportsBeat Live recorded about 90 minutes after the game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Kansas City Current broke ground on their new 11,500-seat stadium on Thursday and hundreds of fans came to celebrate with the owners, executives and players at Berkley Riverfront Park.’On today’s SportsBeat KC, you’ll hear from co-owners Angie and Chris Long, PortKC president Jon Stephens and National Women’s Soccer League commissioner Jessica Berman. They spoke with Star columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell and host Blair Kerkhoff.The Longs’ dream of their team’s own stadium is edging close to reality. Stephens speaks to the development in the Riverfront area.Berman tell us what this means not only for the league but in the soccer world. She also shares her thoughts on the the Current’s rise from last place to a playoff spot this year, and recent allegations of abuse by coaches in the league.Story link:KC Current breaks ground on new downtown stadium and thinks big about the futurehttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/kc-current/article266388076.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After convincing victories, like the Chiefs’ over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4, coaches look for nits to pick. On today’s SportsBeat KC, we give Andy Reid a hand.Beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell along with columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian say there are areas that need attention.With the next opponent, the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football at Arrowhead in mind, we also discuss the rookie class, the rushing defense, Patrick Mahomes and last week’s play-calling compared to the previous wee against the Colts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

College football’s biggest party comes to Lawrence on Saturday.ESPN’s GameDay crew will set up shop near Memorial Stadium for the first time (for football, that is — the show’s been to Lawrence 10 times for hoops) because the Kansas Jayhawks are one of the nation’s biggest surprises. The No. 19-ranked KU team takes on No. 17 TCU at 11 a.m. Saturday.In today’s episode of The Star’s SportsBeat KC podcast, KU beat writer Gary Bedore discusses the Jayhawks’ remarkable start amid a level of hype and hoopla that’s usually reserved for KU’s big men’s basketball games.Also on the podcast, Missouri has lost two straight heartbreakers and now faces another big challenge at Florida. You’ll hear from Tigers head coach Eli Drinkwitz on today’s show.And K-State beat writer Kellis Robinett shares his thoughts about the No. 20 Wildcats, who share the Big 12 lead with neighboring KU. Saturday’s visit to Iowa State for the annual Farmageddon showdown will be a challenge for the Cats, with the Cyclones plenty motivated after consecutive losses (including the one at KU last weekend). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For non playoff-bound teams like the Royals, the season ends on Wednesday. They’ll get a jump on their team’s big decisions, and for the Royals it starts with manager Mike Matheny. Will he be back next season or might he be fired?Already, six managers who started the season have either been replaced or have announced their departures. Two of them, the Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays, are in the playoffs.Matheny will have completed three seasons with the Royals without a playoff run, and the person who hired him, Dayton Moore, is no longer with the club.On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writer Lynn Worthy and columnist Vahe Gregorian break down the future of Matheny and starting pitcher Zack Grienke, who appeared in his final game of the season on Monday and finished with a solid 3.68 ERA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the first play, things were different for the Kansas City Chiefs this week. Tampa Bay fumbled away the opening kickoff, the Chiefs got a Patrick Mahomes to Travis Kelce touchdown pass two plays later and they were on their way to a 41-31 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.After the game, Star reporters and columnists on site talked about the victory with host Blair Kerkhoff. It was an all-around solid effort from a team coming off its worst game a week earlier in the loss at Indianapolis. Sunday, the offensive line was especially good, leading a running game that produced a season-best 189 yards.Mahomes and Kelce had milestone moments. L’Jarius Sneed contributed a big strip sack. The Bucs hardly used their rushing offense and were held to three yards on the ground.Enjoy the conversation, which started as a SportsBeat Live.Story link:Past Super Bowl loss? KC Chiefs look ready for next one in blasting Brady’s Tampa Bucshttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article266635356.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sporting Kansas City knows when its season ends and that’s a strange thing. SInce 2011, the year of the team’s rebrand from Wizards to SKC, the team missed the playoffs once. Now, it’s twice No postseason for Coach Peter Vermes’ club, and on today’s SportsBeat KC, Star soccer writer Daniel Sperry discusses how that happened and the decisions in store for the club.After a break, we switch to the area’s other professional soccer team, the Kansas City Current. In an amazing turnaround, the Current has clinched a spot in the NWSL playoffs. The team and be seeded anywhere from first to fifth, depending on the weekend outcomes.Wherever the Current fall on the bracket, it’s been a memorable season for the organization that will break ground on a new stadium next week.Story links:Johnny Russell named Sporting Kansas City MVPhttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/sporting-kc/article266267146.htmlThe KC Current have clinched a playoff spot. Who will they meet?https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/kc-current/article266460901.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the Chiefs shake off the upset loss at Indianapolis and turn their attention to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it’s natural to wonder if last week’s problems will follow them into Sunday Night Football.The running game bogged down and special teams were abysmal. Clock management at the end of the game also was questionable. On today’s podcast, beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell along with columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell break it all down.Also, you’ll hear the clip from Bucs defensive end Shaq Barrett that has Chiefs fans talking, the one where he said Kansas City’s offensive line is no better than the one the Bucs whipped in the Super Bowl two years ago.Story link:How this late game error, which we glossed over, was costly in loss to Coltshttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mcdowell/article266479361.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kansas State has known what it’s like to have a meaningful football season well in autumn, and after last weekend’s victory at Oklahoma, the Wildcats figure to be part of the Big 12 championship race.It’s been different at Kansas, which time of year has been about counting down the days until the first basketball game. Not this year. KU is off to a 4-0 start and coming off a victory played before a packed stadium in Lawerence.On today’s SportsBeat KC, bear writers Kellis Robinett and Gary Bedore discuss the Wildcats and Jayhawks. K-State quarterback Adrian Martinez was remarkable against the Sooners, accounting for more than 400 yards and five touchdowns.KU quarterback Jalon Daniels has been great all season and has the Jayhawks thinking of bowls, polls and other rewards that had been far beyond their reach for more than a decade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Best-selling author and former Star columnist Joe Posnanski covered the bases talking Royals and baseball with beat writer Lynn Worthy and columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell. The Dayton Moore firing, Buck O’Neil entering the Hall of Fame, baseball’s rules changes for next year were all topics.So was this Royals team. It’s the final 1 1/2 weeks of the major league season and the Royals played well enough in the previous couple of weeks to avoid losing 100 games this season. But how does the future shape up with a young lineup?And Posnanski remembers the time The Star picked its All-Metro baseball team and placed Fort Osage slugger Albert Pujols on the second team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Sunday, the Chiefs muffed a punt, missed a field goal and an extra point, dropped passes and still had a chance to defeat the Indianapolis Colts. But the Colts prevailed 20-17.Oh, did we mention Patrick Mahomes and offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy got into a spat as the team was leaving the field for halftime, and Chris Jones kept alive the Colts’ game-winning touchdown drive with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty?There’s plenty to discuss on SportsBeat KC with columnist Vahe Gregorian and beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell. The show started as a postgame SportsBeat Live. You’ll also hear from Jones on his costly penalty. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Indianapolis Colts were seen as a playoff contender headed into this season, but they’re off to a 0-1-1 start and coming off a shutout loss at Jacksonville. Abandon ship? No way. The NFL season is much too long, and a team’s fortunes can change with one game.That opportunity awaits the Colts, who play their home opener Sunday against the Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes and company are off to a fast 2-0 start and are well-rested, having not played since the previous Thursday. But they’ll be without suspended linebacker Willie Gay Jr.On today’s SportsBeat KC, we get the game breakdown from a Colts perspective. Analyst Lawrence Owen, who hosts podcasts ColtsLaw and Bleav in Colts, joins host Blair Kerkhoff to discuss the game.After a break, we get caught up on the high school football scene with prepskc.com founder Dion Clisso. It’s a big weekend for games matching schools from Missouri and Kansas.Story links:https://bleav.com/shows/bleav-in-colts/Bleav in Colts podcastPrepskc.comhttps://prepskc.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The undefeated Chiefs visit the winless Colts on Sunday, but Kansas City will be without linebacker Willie Gay Jr., who will serve the first of his four-game suspension this week.How will the Chiefs compensate for the loss? Beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell, along with columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian discuss on today’s SportsBeat KC.Darius Harris appears to be first man up, but rookie Leo Chenal is expected to see more action. Also, the Chiefs summoned linebackers Elijah Lee and Jack Cochrane from the practice squad last week.Also, the Chiefs had some trouble in short-yardage situations against the Chargers last week. Andy Reid addressed the topic this week, and you’ll hear him here. The answer starts with no quarterback sneaks for Patrick Mahomes, who injured his knee three years ago running that play.The show started as SportsBeat Live, and let this be your invitation to join us on Sunday after the Colts game. We’ll start the conversation around 5 p.m. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A weekend of opportunities awaits the college football programs at Missouri, Kansas and Kansas State, and the Tigers and Wildcats will encounter theirs on the road.Mizzou visits Auburn in the SEC opener for both schools. K-State is looking for a “sandwich” victory over the Sooners. Sandwich? Well, K-State played well in beating Mizzou two weeks ago, lousy in an upset loss to Tulane last week, and now looks to make it a sandwich with a big victory over the favored Sooners.And KU chugs along undefeated, coming off a second straight road victory, this time against Houston. The Jayhawks play host to Duke Saturday, and in this case nobody’s going to wonder on what seed line Joe Lunardi will place the winner. The traditional hoops powers are undefeated on the gridiron heading into this one.Perhaps the winner can find some nets to cut. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Royals general manager J.J. Picollo called the team’s performance this year “disappointing,” and a fan base would agree. He said that and much more on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast.Picollo joined beat writer Lynn Worthy and columnist Vahe Gregorian on the show that started as a SportsBeat Live broadcast. The topics included the development of starting pitching, the future role of Brad Keller, the young lineup and what carries into next season.Also, miserable as the season is, there are some bright spots, like the performance of starting pitcher Brady Singer and the play of rookies like Bobby Witt Jr., M.J. Melendez and Vinnie Pasquantino. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Kansas City Current are not only in the playoff chase, they’re looking to finish in one of the top two spots and gain a first-round bye on the bracket. That’s quite a change from a year ago, when they played out the string in a last-place season.That was the inaugural campaign for a team that was hustled together shortly before the season began. One year later, the Current are a force in the league: On Sunday, they got a free-kick goal from Hallie Mace in the 93rd minute to salvage a 1-1 home draw against the Portland Thorns.The outcome means the Current have lost just five of 20 games this season. On today’s episode of SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, you’ll hear from veteran midfielder Kristen Edmonds, who discusses the experience of playing for a winning club this season.After a break, executive director of communications Dani Welniak shares her thoughts on a 2022 season that included a 13-game unbeaten streak and the Current’s drive to build a new stadium for 2024 — and fill it with fans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Watsons played major roles in the Chiefs defeated the L.A. Chargers in an AFC West showdown on Thursday. Wide receiver Justin Watson got the game close with his 41-yard touchdown reception from Patrick Mahomes. Cornerback Jaylen Watson finished off the Chargers with a 99-yard interception return for a touchdown.We talk about both and much more on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, with beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell and columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian.You’ll also hear from Jaylen Watson, the rookie and seventh-round draft pick who may not make a bigger play in his career.Also, the Chargers passed up some fourth-down opportunities, something they didn’t do last season. And besides the big plays, defensive end Chris Jones and running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire came up big. We discuss it all on today’s show.Story link:On Jaylen Watson’s journey from Wendy’s to 7th-round pick to starring vs. Chargershttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article265884191.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kansas State’s resounding triumph over Missouri last weekend continues to resonate at both schools, and on today’s SportsBeat KC we look back on the impact of that game as the Wildcats and Tigers prepare for non-conference games.Also, on SportsBeat KC, Kansas looks to make it two straight upset victories on the road. The Jayhawks topped West Virginia in overtime last week and now head to Houston.Beat writers Kellis Robinett and Gary Bedore break down the Big 12 teams looking to improve to 3-0 this week. In his weekly meeting with reporters, hear how Tigers coach Eli Drinkwitz said his team was tuning out criticism.Story link:Vote now: Do you love or hate Kansas State’s new alternate football uniforms?https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article265809281.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can a Week 2 game be season-defining? It can when it’s the six-time AFC West champion Kansas City Chiefs playing host to what many believe is the top challenger in the Los Angeles Chargers.It’s been a crazy series recently. The home team has lost the last four meetings and seven of the last eight in the series (with one game played in Mexico City).On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell join columnist Sam McDowell to break down the game from a Chiefs’ angle. What does Kansas City need to do to keep the offense flowing from its opening game blowout of Arizona Cardinals? And how to the Chiefs contain Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, who has never lost in Kansas City (2-0)?Ryan Dyrud, founder and CEO of the LAFB Network and partner with Bleav in LA FB podcast network, brings the Chargers’ perspective. Herbert, Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, Derwin James helped get LA off to a good start with a victory over the Raiders last week.Story link:Here’s what the Chiefs must do to defeat the Los Angeles Chargershttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article265717651.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brady Singer is posting one of the best seasons by a Kansas City Royals starting pitcher in recent years, and it’s natural to wonder who else from the 2018 draft class will follow him to success. That year, the Royals selected four pitchers among the top 40 who were drafted. Singer, the first to reach the majors, is the first to have an accomplished season.On today’s SportsBeat KC podcast, beat writer Lynn Worthy and columnist Vahe Gregorian discuss Singer’s season and who might be next from the draft class to show promise. And, how do the Royals begin to think about their 2023 rotation? The free agent market may have to be an option.Story link:Brady Singer continues dominance over Tigers in the Kansas City Royals’ 4-0 victory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs’ 44-21 decision over the Arizona Cardinals in the season opener was a complete game victory. Patrick Mahomes led touchdown drives on the first three possessions and finished with five touchdown passes. The defense allowed one touchdown while the game was competitive, and the kicking game got through despite an ankle injury to Harrison Butker.Now, the Chiefs have a short week to prepare for their next contest, a Thursday Night Football appearance against the Los Angeles Chargers.On today’s SportsBeat KC, columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian along with beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell discuss the Chiefs’ dominance.After a break you’ll hear what Patrick Mahomes had to say about the victory and his performance.Story links:‘He’s a dog’: How Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes is making KC forget about Tyreek Hillhttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mcdowell/article265629131.htmlIn KC Chiefs’ romp over Cardinals, even Patrick Mahomes says KC defense ‘set the tempo’https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article265639911.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fridays in the fall are about high school football, and on today’s SportsBeat KC, you’ll hear from an authority on the subject in Kansas City. Dion Clisso runs the website prepskc.com. It’s the best site for results, standings, schedules, you name it’s on the site.Clisso breaks down what’s happened in the early weeks of high school and previews tonight’s big games.After a break, you’ll hear from Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes from his midweek press conference. Much of it was spent discussing his days at Texas Tech, where he was coached by Kliff Kingsbury. For the first time, Mahomes and the Chiefs will take on Kingsbury’s Arizona Cardinals in Sunday’s season opener.Story links:prepskc.comhttps://prepskc.com/At Texas Tech, vision of Arizona coach Kliff Kingsbury enabled Patrick Mahomes’ careerhttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article265449746.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some eight months after another division championship season ended in a crushing playoff loss, the Kansas City Chiefs tee it up for the 2022 season. The regular season opens Sunday at the Arizona Cardinals, and we must talk about it.On today’s SportsBeat KC podcast, beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell join columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell in breaking down everything Chiefs. We look at the position groups and wonder where the Chiefs got better or worse since last season.Is this a transition year with a load of rookies in line for starting roles and playing time? Why do Andy Reid teams fare so well in openers? What are some early season concerns? Can Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Chris Jones offer best versions of themselves?We look at the Chiefs season from all angles and respond to your questions and comments.Story link:Who will be Kansas City Chiefs’ top receiver, RB? Take our team-leader poll and tell us Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Missouri and Kansas State met on the football field for the first time in 1909 and became members of the same conference, the Missouri Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Association in 1913. Over the next century the neighbors met 97 times. That relationship ended when the Tigers joined the SEC for the 2012 football season.But they’re back on the same field Saturday when Mizzou visits Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Neither team is ranked but both overwhelmed their opening game opponent and see this game as an early season measuring stick. On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writer Kellis Robinett breaks down the matchup and the Wildcats’ role as an 8 1/2-point favorite.After a break, Gary Bedore provides an update on Kansas, which travels to West Virginia in the first Big 12 game of the season. The Jayhawks powered past an FCS opponent in the opener, and look to keep the momentum going against the Mountaineers team that won by six in this meeting in Lawrence last season. West Virginia is a 13-point favorite.Story links:Even after good vibes in victory, Missouri Tigers know they must clean up mistakesKansas State still views Missouri as football rival a decade after Tigers left Big 12KU Jayhawks vs. West Virginia Mountaineers: Five things to know entering Big 12 opener Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Kansas City Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. is having a terrific season, and in most years his numbers, like becoming the fifth rookie to hit at least 20 home runs and steal 20 bases, would make him the top candidate for the American League Rookie of the Year award.But it’s looking like an uphill challenge for Witt, with Julio Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners also posting a 20/20 season and putting up other big numbers.On today’s SportsBeat KC podcast, beat writer Lynn Worthy looks at Witt’s chances as the top rookie award along with several other topics, like how the Royals will handle players coming off the injured list this week.Story link:Kansas City Royals rally but fall short in extra innings against the Cleveland Guardians Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legal sports wagering has arrived in Kansas. Gov. Laura Kelly placed the first bet on Tuesday ($15 on the Chiefs to win the Super Bowl), and betting is happening through the state’s four casinos, including Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, Kan., and online.On today’s SportsBeat KC, columnist Sam McDowell and beat writer Kellis Robinett discuss what it means to have sports betting in the region, and even offer some of their favorite bets. Also, pay attention to college football games that match a team that has already played a game against one that hasn’t. It matters.Story links:Sports betting in Kansas is the rage (hear that, Missouri?)... Check out our first betsCollege Football Betting Preview: Best bets, teams to trust against spread in Week 1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coming off an 8-5 season with many key starters returning, Kansas State was picked to finish fifth in the Big 12. That should give the Wildcats some motivation heading into the season that begins on Saturday with a home game against South Dakota.If quarterback Adrian Martinez, the Nebraska transfer, can solidify his game, K-State should have a team that can play with any in the conference. Running back Deuce Vaughn, a preseason All-America, is a force on offense, and Felix Anudike-Azomah was the Big 12 preseason defensive player of the year.Beat writer Kellis Robinett breaks down the Wildcats and after a break you’ll hear from K-State Coach Chris Klieman.Story link:Five bold predictions and game-by-game picks for Kansas State’s 2022 football season Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Kansas Jayhawks open the football season with a Friday home game against Tennessee Tech, and could this be the year the program begins taking strides toward respectability?It’s the second season of Coach Lance Leipold, a slew of starters return, and the quarterback who led KU to victory over Texas–Jalon Daniels–will lead this team. So, yes, there’s a bit more optimism than there’s been in a while.On today’s Sportsbeat KC, beat writer Gary Bedore breaks down both sides of the ball and shares what he expects this season. After a break you’ll hear from Leipold from his press conference earlier in the week, and he’ll explain why the “or” matters on the depth chart.Story link:How Lance Leipold has stabilized, and energized, the Kansas Jayhawks football program Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the time right to consider long-term contracts to promising young Royals players like Bobby Witt Jr.? We put the question to beat writer Lynn Worthy and columnist Sam McDowell on SportsBeat KC?Long-terms deals can provide security and risk, and the Royals have been here before, although not with a rookie. From their 2014-15 pennant years, they signed Alex Gordon to an extension from that team but not others.We also discuss who the Royals should consider bringing up when rosters expand later this week, and how next year’s schedule, which includes fewer games against AL Central opponents and more against National League teams, impacts the Royals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Missouri Tigers kick off their football season on Thursday when Louisiana Tech visits Faurot FIeld for a 7 p.m. start. Plenty of unknowns follow Mizzou into the season .The quarterback, Brady Cook, will make his second career start. The defense has plenty of experience but got off to a terrible start last year and the program is on its third defensive coordinator in three years.On today’s SportsBeat KC, that coach, Blake Baker, speaks about his defense and what to look for this season. But first we hear from head coach Eli Drinkwitz. He’s beginning his third season and looking to post his first winning record in Columbia and two regular seasons of .500 football.Story link:A better start is first objective for new Missouri defensive coordinatorhttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-missouri/article265030859.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs preseason games are over, and the roster decisions will soon be finalized. On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell along with columnist Sam McDowell share their thoughts on the team’s initial 53 man roster that will be finalized by next Tuesday.Any surprises? Should the Chiefs feel sbetter at some positions more than others? What’s the impact of preseason games on a bubble candidate’s chances of making the team?Also, the Chiefs opened their preseason finale against the Green Bay Packers with a tribute to Len Dawson, who died earlier this week. Patrick Mahomes led the choir huddle, and you’ll hear from Andy Reid about the planning for the salute to the Hall of Fame quarterback.Story link:Who will make the final Kansas City Chiefs roster? Here’s our projection for the 53-man Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Dawson came to Kansas City in 1963 and soon became a sports hero. And when he was finished playing for the Chiefs, he spent decades talking about them from the broadcast booth.Dawson’s death at age 87 was announced on Wednesday by the family. On today’s show, columnist Vahe Gregorian, who conducted one of the final, lengthy interviews with Dawson, shares his memories of that day and discusses the impact of Dawson on the community and sports scene.After a break, you hear two interviews of Dawson conducted by The Star, one in 2009 the other in 2017, when Dawson knew it would be his final season in the radio booth. Also, you’ll hear from play-by-play partners Mitch Holthus and Kevin Harlan, plus a Super Bowl IV story told by former Star beat reporter Bill RIchardson.Story link:Len Dawson, Chiefs’ Hall of Fame quarterback and Kansas City sports icon, dies at 87 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Royals have outfield candidates. Plenty of them. Drew Waters became the latest to join the group, and his major debut went nicely. He drew a bases loaded walk to put the Royals ahead in a victory over the Chicago White Sox.But how will the outfield shape up for next season? That’s the topic on today’s SportsBeat KC podcast with beat writer Lynn Worthy and columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian. The rest of the season appears dedicated to getting ready for 2023, and that’s especially true in the outfield.Story link:Royals called up rookie for MLB debut. He had biggest moment of win vs. White Soxhttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article264760234.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs made an early lead hold up for a 24-14 victory over the Washington Commanders on Saturday and quarterback Patrick Mahomes was impressive once again. He led two touchdown drives on the first two possessions, often directing passes to players who weren’t primary targets a year ago. Off-season work and a rigorous training camp seem to be paying off in the passing game.On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell, along with columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian provide postgame analysis, including comments on a defense. The starters haven’t allowed a point in two preseason games.You’ll also hear from tight end Jody Fortson, who scored a pair of touchdowns Saturday, and kicker Harrison Butker. In the game, Butker missed a 53 yard field goal. But in pregame warmups he made one from 74 yards. He explained earlier this week why a change in mechanics has give him more distance.Story link:The KC Chiefs look regular-season ready: Here’s what stood out in win vs. Washingtonhttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article264700824.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

College football news never seems to end. The season is fast approaching but this week the Big Ten made a major announcement about its future television contracts. The deal, worth up to $8 billion, is the richest in college sports history and has ramifications throughout the college sports world.On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writer Kellis Robinett discusses the news and what it could mean for the Big 12 with host Blair Kerkhoff. Also making headlines this week: legal sports wagering has a launch day in Kansas and what that means for the local teams and schools; how we came about our preseason top 25 votes; and a take on running back Dylan Edwards, a Kansas State commitment who flipped to Notre Dame earlier this month.Story link:K-State Q&A: Adrian Martinez, an up-and-coming linebacker and bold Big 12 predictionshttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article264643604.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs time at Missouri Western ends today, and it’s been a productive training camp. Patrick Mahomes is getting more comfortable with his new pass receiving targets, players from the draft class have taken big strides and the defense appears more athletic and quicker.It’s difficult to say who has had the best camp. But on today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell along with columnist Sam McDowell offer their ideas on who has been the most over-hyped. It’s not to say these players had a bad camp, but maybe we’ve gone a little overboard on the acclaim.Also, we discuss kicker Harrison Butker, who has tweaked his kicking style that could produce greater distance on field goals.Story link:FIve things to watch when the Chiefs meet the Washington Commanders at Arrowheadhttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article264584316.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Quarterback battles and controversies are part of several NFL training camps. But not in Kansas City as the Chiefs hum along with Patrick Mahomes. He has challenges, like getting on the same page with three new wide receivers. But it’s been a solid and quiet training camp for Mahomes.On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writer Herbie Teope and columnist Sam McDowell discuss Mahomes’ training camp, and speculate about his 2022 season.After a break, we hear from the newest Chief, defensive tackle Danny Shelton, a space eater who bids to make an impact up front.Story link:Former 1st-round pick Danny Shelton has bounced around NFL. Can he stick with Chiefs?https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article264533146.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Quite a week for a pair of Royals rookies. Starting pitcher Brady Singer produced six scoreless innings in a victory over the Dodgers on Sunday to end a 12-game winning streak for baseball’s best team. Vinnie Pasquantino homered in that game and several others. He’s hit five bombs in the last seven games and was named AL player of the week.Performances like that make it easy to ponder the future. Also in a couple of games this season the Royals have started seven position players who qualify as rookies. Beat writer Lynn Worthy and columnist Sam McDowell discuss the Royals and their future on today’s show, which started as a SportsBeat Live.Story link:Here’s why Vinnie Pasquantino and Nick Pratto have worked as a nice combo for the KC Royalshttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article264542286.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs’ first impression was a good one. In the preseason opener, the starters and top reserves staked the Chiefs to a 14-0 halftime lead at Chicago. The Bears went on to win 19-14.We break it down on today’s SportsBeat KC. Beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell joined columnist Sam McDowell in identifying the highs and lows. Players from the most recent draft class like running back Isiah Pacheco, wide receiver Skyy Moore and defensive end George Karlaftis stood out. Others had a rough go. We discuss it all.A programming note: This is the final week of training camp at Missouri Western, which means four more days of SportsBeat Live. Join us in the conversation at 2:30 p.m., through Thursday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs first preseason game has arrived and every player has their own story to tell. On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell tak each position group and identify a player or two to keep an eye on against the Chicago Bears on Saturday.It could be a returning starter like linebacker Nick Bolton, a member of the draft class like defensive end George Karlaftis or a free agent like wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. Every player has something to prove.We’ll know Saturday who came up big and who has more work to do.Story link:Kansas City Chiefs’ preseason opener is Saturday: Here are 5 things (plus 1) to watchhttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article264413261.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Missouri has a starting quarterback. The four-candidate competition concluded earlier this week when Coach Eli Drinkwitz announced Brady Cook would get the nod for the opening game.Cook’s ability to throw with accuracy and be a threat in the running game elevated him over Tyler Macon, Jack Abraham and Sam Horn. On today’s SportsBeat KC, Coach Eli Drinkwitz discusses his choice of Cook at the news conference, and you’ll also hear from Cook, who started last season’s bowl game.Jayden Jernigan, a defenisve lineman transfer from Oklahoma State, speaks to the strides made by the TIgers defense in training camp.Story link:Missouri names Brady Cook starting quarterbackhttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-missouri/article264354521.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Days away from the Chiefs preseason opener the team released its first depth chart and it mostly read as expected. But trhere were a couple of surprises.We talk about those and on today’s SportsBeat KC with beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell along with columnist Sam McDowell.Also, Rashad Fenton returned to practice this week, bolstering the cornerback position, and find out which players defensive backs coach Dave Merritt called the “Fab FIve.”Story link:Chiefs assistant coach has this nickname for players in the secondaryhttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article264247206.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Royals’ future is now. Bobby Witt Jr., and MJ Melendez have been with the club all or most of they season. Now they’ve been joined by players like Nick Pratto, Michael Massey and Nate Eaton. The final weeks of the season are about getting them major league experience.That makes the season a little sad–it means the Royals are contending–but interesting at a time when a team with the Royals; record would be playing out the string.On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writer Lynn Worthy and columnist Vahe Gregorian discuss a team in transition. The show started as a SportsBeat Live.Story link:How rookies are revitalizing KC Royals: ‘All of us ... are falling in love with them’https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article264274446.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs made some roster noise on Sunday, cutting cornerback Deandre Baker, a former first-round draft pick who appeared in 10 games over the past two seasons in Kansas City.Also, Geron Christian, a fifth-year pro who joined the Chiefs this season, ran with the starters at right tackle. Beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell broke down those moves and added their practice observations on today’s podcast, which started as a SportsBeat Live.Chiefs training camp continues this week until the team plays its first preseason game, at the Chicago Bears on Saturday.Story link:KC Chiefs continue to try new faces at right tackle; Sunday was Geron Christian’s turn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices