Sportsbeat Kc

Where should Kansas State fall in the preseason Big 12 football rankings? After all, the Wildcats are the defending conference champions. On today’s episode of SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, beat writer Kellis Robinett discusses how K-State and Big 12 football are about to play the most unique season in the league’s history. The Big 12 will be 14 strong with the addition of BYU, Central Florida, Cincinnati and Houston, and we discuss their impact on the league race. Also, two Wildcats are now looking to make an impact in the NBA. Keyontae Johnson was recently selected No. 50 overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Markquis Nowell signed a deal with the Toronto Raptors as soon as the draft concluded. How will they fare at the next level? Story link: Kansas State point guard Markquis Nowell signs with NBA team after going undrafted Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Royals recent series against the Tampa Bay Ray was quite eventful with continued success on the mount for Daniel Lynch, the end of a miserable run for Jordan Lyles and a major league record for Austin Cox. Plus, the Royals split the series against the team with baseball’s top record. Beat writer Jaylon Thompson and reporter Pete Grathoff broke down the Royals, especially the pitching, and look ahead to this week for the team. Not just the homestand against the Cleveland Guardians and Los Angeles Dodgers but also where the trade winds could push the team. Aroldis Chapman, Scott Barlow, Nicky Lopez, who else could be wearing a different uniform soon? Story link: A tattoo tale, ‘Ox’ & ‘Little Bill’: Kansas City Royals’ call-ups are living the dream Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Missouri’s quarterback for the 2023 season will be... We look to answer that question and ask more of Chris Kwiecinski and Matt Stahl, who cover the Tigers for the Columbia Daily Tribune on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast. Mizzou’s 2024 SEC football schedule, the first without divisions, is explored, and we discuss Kobe Brown’s NBA Draft possibilities, along with prospects for Coach Dennis Gates’ second season, including a stab at a starting lineup for the 2023-24 season. Brown is looking to become the first Missouri player selected in the NBA Draft since Michael Porter Jr., in 2018. Porter just completed his NBA Championship season with the Denver Nuggets. Story links: Missouri Tigers’ 2024 SEC football schedule: let’s talk potential (and possible risks) https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-missouri/article276425821.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The KU basketball season ended with a NCAA Tournament second-round thud. But the news has been mostly good for the Jayhawks since then. The roster has been bolstered by the return of Kevin McCullar and additions like Michigan transfer Hunter Dickinson. Former Jayhawks player Christian Braun won an NBA Finals championship ring with the Denver Nuggets, and KU should have two players, Gradey Dick and Jalen Wilson, selected in Thursday’s NBA Draft. Beat writers Gary Bedore and Shreyas Laddha talk about these topics and more on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast. How about some observations from open scrimmages and a projected starting lineup for next season? We have those too. Story link: KU basketball’s KJ Adams focused on developing jump shot as he prepares for new role https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article276560461.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Chiefs entered their short phase of down time with a ring ceremony at Union Station, and the next time we see the Super Bowl champions is when training camp begins at Missouri Western next month. But the work continues in the front office, especially when it comes to the Chris Jones contract negotiation. On today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, beat writer Jesse Newell breaks down the issues involving the extension. Both sides have said they’d like to get a deal done. Why hasn’t it happened, and what are the prospects of Jones-who missed off-season activities-holding out once training camp begins? Also, we discuss the roster stability, and whether the Chiefs have their starting 22 set. And did you see those rings? Story link: Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce provided input for Chiefs’ Super Bowl rings. Here’s how https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article276467056.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Chiefs organization gathered for the private celebration at Union Station, and before that we spoke with some Chiefs. On today’s show, you’ll hear from Patick Mahomes and Andy Reid. This was in the morning before the evening’s event but spoke about the meaning of the rings among other topics. We start the show with a voice from the recent past. Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy now holds the same position with the Washington Commanders. He joined several other Chiefs, like safety Juan Thornhill, now with the Cleveland Browns, and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, with the New England Patriots, in returning to celebrate the Super Bowl triumph. Bieniemy talks about the Super Bowl triumph over the Philadelphia Eagles and what he hopes to bring to his new job. Story link: Super Bowl ring bonds Chiefs, even those who have moved on from KC https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article276467931.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One final week of workouts for the Chiefs before they break for a short summer break, and on today’s SportsBeat KC podcast you’ll hear from three players, starting with tight end Travis Kelce. It’s been a busy schedule for Kelce, with the Saturday Night Live hosting duties, White House appearance and, earlier this week, throwing a first pitch at a Royals game. But he’s all business when it comes to football. Clyde Edwards-Helaire began last year as the Chiefs’ starting running back but he wasn’t on the active roster for the Super Bowl. He shares his feelings and motivation for this season. Defensive end George Karlaftis came on strong at the end of his rookie season. He explains how the game slowed down for him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A year ago this week, 16 North American sites were announced as hosts for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S., Mexico and Canada and Kansas City made the cut. Less than three years remain before the first games are played and the Kansas City effort has an executive director. Katherine Holland, who headed the city’s bid for landing the event, moves into the new role that oversees the Kansas City 2026 preparation. There are plenty of items on Holland’s to-do list. How will transportation work for the thousands of visitors expected for games and if Kansas City is selected as a base camp? How and where will the city present fan festivals? On today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, Holland discusses these topics and more. The games and the fans will be here before you know it. “Now we have to bring this to life,” Holland said. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are several reasons for the Royals last-place position in the AL Central. They’ve gotten there with inconsistent hitting and pitching, and now they’ve added another problem: fielding. They rank near the bottom in several fielding categories, and it’s not just errors. Poor decisions also have hurt the team and played a big role in Tuesday’s loss at the Miami Marlins. On today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, beat writer Jaylon Thompson and reporter Pete Grathoff discuss the defensive woes, and how the Royals can make repairs. Also, trade specuation as started and we discuss the top possibilities for the team that has plenty of holes to fill. Story link: Kansas City Royals bumble to 6-1 loss at Miami Marlins. Here’s a look at what went awry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Chiefs went where their previous Super Bowl championship teams had not gone before...to the White House. Meeting the President wasn’t a thing when they won Super Bowl IV, and the pandemic prevented the visit four years ago. The team made the most of their moment on stage and backstage, touring the White House, then heard words of praise from President Biden. On today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast, we’ll hear his comments and those of Andy Reid and team president Mark Donovan, along with the other person who spoke at the podium, Travis Kelce, if only for a few seconds. First, Star columnist Sam McDowell, who covered the event, tells us what he saw–and how he felt–on his first trip to the White House. Story link: From Whitehouse to the White House: How Mahomes, KC Chiefs left their mark in D.C. With Chiefs up next, meaning of White House visit still resonates with past KC honorees Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Chiefs are closing in on the end of organized team activities and on today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast, we hear from the coordinators. Special teams coordinator and assistant head coach Dave Toub doesn’t like the new rule that will allow the ball to be placed at the 25 with a fair catch inside the 25. Also, Toub provides updates on players the Chiefs could use at return positions. Matt Nagy is back at offensive coordinator, a position he held with the Chiefs in 2016 and 2017 before becoming head coach of the Chicago Bears. He tells us what might be different about the offense this season. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo coached up several rookies last season and faces that prospect again. He tells us who has made good early impressions. Story link: The Chiefs want to ‘stay aggressive’ after this NFL rule change. Why that’s a mistake Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May was better than April for the Royals, but not good enough to get the team out of last place in the AL Central. The Royals head into June with a 17-39 record, one of two in baseball to not reach the 20-victory plateau. What were the highlights and low points for the month? On today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast, beat writer Jaylon Thompson and editor Scott Chasen break it down and look ahead to June. One thought: As good as Salvador Perez and Zack Greinke were in May, the Royals need some of their younger players to step up in a more consistent way. Also, we start the discussion about the All-Star Game, and, who would be the Royals’ representative if they get just one roster slot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With DeAndre Hopkins on the market, how set are the Chiefs at wide receiver with Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore, Justin Watson, Rashee Rice and other candidates? The Chiefs would need to clear cap space to sign the three-time All-Pro, but should they? On today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast, the columnists share their thoughts on the Chiefs and all things sports in Kansas City. Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell discuss White House visits for KC teams, Sporting Kansas City’s resurgence, the KC Current’s new coach. And, as frequent fliers, we review the new Kansas City airport (!) and provide a suggestion on how to avoid the long line at arrivals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

DeAndre Hopkins has been among the top NFL wide receivers in his career, and he’s available after his release by the Arizona Cardinals last week. What are the chances Hopkins joins the Chiefs? According to beat writer Jesse Newell, the case against landing in Kansas City has more checks than the case for Hopkins joining Patrick Mahomes and company. Newell lays out his reason on today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast. Also discussed: Why the Chiefs are planning to enter the 2023 season without a fullback for the first time in Andy Reid’s tenure. You’ll also hear from new left tackle Donovan Smith, who spent his first eight NFL seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before signing with the Chiefs. Smith met with reporters last week during OTAs. Story link: Why new Chiefs free-agent signing believes he’ll have a bounce-back season in 2023 https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article275819531.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does Patrick Mahomes think about the NFL’s quarterback market, and his place in it? What has Nick Bolton been up to since his Super Bowl scoop-and-score? What does Andy Reid think about his new cast of wide receivers and tackles? The Chiefs spoke to reporters Wednesday and you’ll hear what they had to say on today’s episode of The Star’s SportsBeat KC podcast. Mahomes kicks off off the show. After jet-setting this offseason to the Kentucky Derby and a Formula 1 race in Miami (among other trips), he explains what keeps him grounded. Bolton, meanwhile, says he’s been impressed with the energy of safety Bryan Cook, and Reid explains why the Chiefs aren’t likely to carry a fullback this season. Story link: Patrick Mahomes not driven to be top-paid QB: ‘I worry about legacy and winning rings’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Before losing their fourth straight game, the Royals bid farewell to a player who had been in the organization for 10 years. Hunter Dozier was designated for assignment, and the Royals will eat the remainder of his contract. Dozier signed a four-year extension in 2021 and is owed about $15 million if another team doesn’t claim him. Signing a lucrative long-term extension is risk to the club and potentially the player, and as the Royals consider deals to lock up younger talent like Vinnie Pasquantino, Bobby Witt Jr., Brady Singer or MJ Melendez, the player has to be sure of the timing. Could a younger player sell himself short by signing an extension too early? On today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily podcast, columnist Sam McDowell, beat writer Jaylon Thompson and reporter Pete Grathoff discuss contract extension possibilities, along with other Royals topics, like the holes in the starting rotation and what’s happened to the bats lately. Story link: The Royals cut Hunter Dozier. Is there a lesson in his sto

Not a good weekend for Kansas City’s soccer teams. Sporting KC got trounced in its first game against expansion team Saint Louis City, and the KC Current dropped its fourth straight, and second this week, to Racing Louisville. Both teams have been fighting uphill battles throughout the season, and they’ve shown signs of solid play. Before Sporting’s loss it had going 2-0-1 and the Current posted a three-game winning streak earlier this season. On today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast, beat writer Daniel Sperry drills down on the recent results but also looks at the big picture and examines what needs to happen for both to realize their playoff aspiration. Story link Sporting Kansas City trounced by St. Louis City SC in first game of new MLS rivalry https://www.kansascity.com/sports/soccer/sporting-kc/article275623341.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Three years before the games come to Kansas City, the FIFA World Cup 2026 has new logos, a board of directors and some money earmarked from state and city governments. This was part of a press conference at GEHA Field at Arrowhead that included Missouri Gov. Mike Parson and Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly. Perhaps the biggest reveal of the event came from Kansas City mayor Quinton Lucas, who said the city will issue request for proposals on improving transportation from downtown to the airport and the Truman Sports Complex. On today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast. You’ll hear from Lucas, and Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt who took questions from reporters after their remarks. First up is Star columnist Sam McDowell who attended the event and shared his impressions. Story link: Getting KC prepped for World Cup 2026: Government, team officials outline broad plans https://www.kansascity.com/sports/article275526521.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Did Kansas State football coach Chris Klieman sign a coach-for-life contract? Eight years, $44 million is about as long-term as it can get, and with the Wildcats becoming off a Big 12 championship season it seems like a bargain for the Wildcats. On today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast, beat writer Kellis Robinett breaks down the deal and discusses not only the contract terms but where it ranks among Big 12 coaches and the statement Kansas State and Klieman made with the agreement. Also, Robinett provides the latest on the men’s basketball transfer portal. K-State is being considered by former Kansas center Ernest Udeh. Who else do the Wildcats and Coach Jerome Tang have on the radar? Story link: Chris Klieman’s massive new Kansas State contract includes many lucrative bonuses https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article275442201.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How does the new Chiefs offensive line stack up to last year’s? It might be tough to top a group that didn’t allow a sack in the Super Bowl victory. But the additions at both tackle spots were well received. That one topic covered by Chiefs beat writer Jesse Newell on today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast. The other: The Chiefs schedule. At face value it’s difficult. That’s always the case for first-place teams. We discuss the potential potholes and reveal what Las Vegas oddsmakers say is the most difficult game. After a break, you’ll hear from former Kansas State defensive end Wyatt Hubert. The former Cincinnati Bengals draft pick is trying to make his way back to the NFL after a year out of football. Hubert, part of Chiefs’ rookie mini-camp, which wrapped up last week, provides an update on his career. Story links: Chiefs schedule analysis: Best game, toughest stretch and most intriguing matchup He worked in medical sales a few months ago. Now he’s trying to make an NFL roster Learn more a