Sportsbeat Kc

July 23 marked the start of Chiefs training camp in St. Joseph. Coach Andy Reid wasted no time addressing Tyreek Hill's return and quarterback Patrick Mahomes shares what he's looking forward to this year. Plus, did columnist Vahe Gregorian call Mahomes "doughy" at one point? Host Blair Kerkhoff also has Chiefs beat writer Brooke Pryor on the show. Read related stories from The Star: Camp report: Travis Kelce returns to field at training camp with Chiefs’ QBs, rookies — https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article233062382.html Vahe Gregorian: Reality of Tyreek Hill’s return to Chiefs is to hope for best-case scenarios for all — https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article233040272.html Andy Reid shares good news on injury front as Chiefs open training camp in St. Joseph — https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article233032242.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The long-awaited news involving Chiefs receiver Tyreek Hill and possible disciplinary action from the NFL was issued on Friday. The outcome: No suspension. Chiefs beat writer Brooke Pyror offers her reaction and what it means to the Chiefs, who open training camp July 23. Reporter Laura Bauer and sports columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam Mellinger discuss the coverage of the Hill story, which took several twists and turns over the past five months. Hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. Read our related coverage: Chiefs’ Tyreek Hill won’t be suspended by NFL following league’s own investigation — www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kans…e232404222.html Poll: Do you agree with NFL’s decision to not suspend Chiefs’ Tyreek Hill? — www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-colu…e232876807.html Tyreek Hill avoiding a suspension draws mixed reaction from Chiefs, NFL fans — www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-colu…e232877887.html Patrick Mahomes on Tyreek Hill’s return to the Chiefs: ‘It’s going to be awesome’ — www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kans…e23

Missouri was the first team on stage at SEC media days this week in Alabama, and there was plenty of hype, from the potential of quarterback Kelly Bryant who transferred from Clemson, to the NCAA-levied postseason ban, which the Tigers are appealing. In an unusual move, Bryant's parents were also at media day. Alex Schiffer, The Star’s Mizzou beat writer, breaks it down with SportsBeat KC podcast host Blair Kerkhoff. Read the stories we discussed: Kelly Bryant is trying to be himself at Mizzou while trying to use Drew Lock’s advice — www.kansascity.com/sports/college/…e232692797.html MU cornerback DeMarkus Acy has found a leadership role after being blamed for Kentucky loss — www.kansascity.com/sports/college/…e232748917.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It was Kansas State’s turn in the spotlight for Big 12 Media Day at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. New coach Chris Klieman spoke of the ninth-place media projection of his Wildcats, and the players discussed what to expect from the new coaching regime. Read the stories we discussed: Chris Klieman has high hopes for K-State football despite Big 12 preseason poll — www.kansascity.com/sports/college/…e232730542.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kansas met the media on Monday at Big 12 Media Days at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, home of the Dallas Cowboys.  Coach Les Miles addressed the one-game suspension of Pooka Williams and the quarterback competition, and he and the players spoke of the Jayhawks’ prospects for the 2019 season. Let's just say everyone's spirit is pretty high. Read the stories we discussed: KU’s Miles on Pooka Williams’ suspension: “I did not make this decision but I stand by it” — www.kansascity.com/sports/college/…e232682057.html Les Miles explains how he will evaluate success at KU — www.kansas.com/sports/college/bi…cle232701547.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chiefs training camp doesn’t begin for a couple of weeks but here’s a mid-offseason projection of the team’s 53-man roster by Chiefs beat writer Brooke Pryor, Star columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam Mellinger and host Blair Kerkhoff. Plus, some favorite Chiefs stories and what quarterback Patrick Mahomes said on "Jimmy Kimmel Live." Related story: Patrick Mahomes admires Chiefs fan’s ‘ChampStamp’ tattoo during Jimmy Kimmel visit — www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-colu…e232434832.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s difficult to discuss the Royals in the present tense, so Star columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian join host Blair Kerkhoff to look at the future with Salvador Perez, Bubba Starling and Ned Yost. Also, how does Kansas City’s Women’s World Cup enthusiasm impact the city’s bid for the Men’s 2026 World Cup? Read the stories we discussed: Sam Mellinger: How the 2019 Royals can still make progress: five keys to ponder this summer — www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-colu…e232325672.html Vahe Gregorian: Power & Light: U.S. women gave us both World Cup triumph accented by Kansas City — www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-colu…e232384852.html Sal Perez’s personality shines through arduous arm rehab process for Royals star — www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-colu…e232339042.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Host Blair Kerkhoff reports on location from downtown Kansas City’s Power & Light District, which hosted a watch party for Tuesday’s Women’s World Cup semifinals. Hundreds cheered on the USA team, who beat England 2-1. Blair talks to fans and to David Ficklin, executive director of the Kansas City 2026 FIFA World Cup Bid, about what Tuesday’s crowds mean for the bid. Read the stories we discussed: KC’s Power & Light District soccer watch parties back U.S. women’s team, men’s bid —https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/article232189962.html Here are highlights from the United States’ 2-1 win over England at the World Cup — https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/for-petes-sake/article232195062.html Kansas City ramps up bid to host games at Arrowhead during 2026 World Cup — https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/sporting-kc/article227247869.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Whit Merrifield is the Royals’ All-Star Game representative. Star columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian discuss whether baseball got the selection right. Also, Sam talks about how sports wagering seems destined to become law in Missouri. Host Blair Kerkhoff also pays tribute to former Star editor Adam Darby, who died of cancer in June at age 49. Read the stories we discussed:  Vahe Gregorian: Whit Merrifield’s roots explain his unyielding path to stardom with Royals at age 30 — https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article227414959.html Sam Mellinger: The challenges and potential of legalized sports betting in Kansas and Missouri — https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article232103957.html Adam Demian Darby — https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/kansascity/obituary.aspx?n=adam-demian-darby&pid=193210611 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Star’s Royals beat writer Lynn Worthy provides updates on Hunter Dozier’s big return, moves on the pitching staff, the Class AAA All-Star call for Bubba Starling and who gets the Royals’ All-Star spot and could there be more than one? With host Blair Kerkhoff. Read the stories we discussed: Royals offense whiffs against Indians’ Trevor Bauer in series finale —https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article231978027.html Former Gardner Edgerton standout Bubba Starling chosen for Triple-A All-Star Game — https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article231982897.html Hunter Dozier’s grand slam powers Royals to ninth-inning rally over Indians — https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article231958208.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s never not basketball season at Kansas as the weekend commitment of guard Tre White proved. Also, several former Jayhawks recently returned to Lawrence for alumni functions, including the most decorated player in recent years, Frank Mason.  And will KU be one of the schools soon to receive a Notice of Allegations from the NCAA? Beat writer Jesse Newell and host Blair Kerkhoff break it down. Read the stories we discussed: Tre White, highly touted sophomore guard from Milwaukee, commits to KU basketball — https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article231883463.html Frank Mason scores 33 in alumni game, speaks about uncertain future with Kings — https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article231829303.html NCAA official: 6 schools could face punishment related to basketball investigation — https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article231490333.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is an important week for Kansas City to show its soccer bona fides to the world a year away from the site selection for the 2026 Men’s World Cup. The U.S. Men’s National Team plays at Children’s Mercy Park on Wednesday and a good crowd is expected. The U.S. Women continue their quest for a championship, and Sporting KC picked up a huge road victory on Sunday. The Star's columnist Sam Mellinger and soccer beat writer Sam McDowell chat with host Blair Kerkhoff about all things soccer. Read the stories we discussed: Finally: Sporting KC grabs first road victory of 2019, makes a move in playoff race — https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/sporting-kc/article231880303.html Bayern Munich-AC Milan match in KC moving to Children’s Mercy Park. Here are the details — https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/sporting-kc/article231463518.html Sam Mellinger: The importance about hearing ‘Yes” about the World Cup — https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article213111079.html Learn more about yo

Just days after the Toronto Raptors won the NBA championship, the draft has arrived.  Missouri beat writer Alex Schiffer is at the draft site in Brooklyn and breaks down the top projected choices and the local possibilities with host Blair Kerkhoff. Plus, they talk about the ever-changing Missouri basketball roster and what to expect next season — coach Cuonzo Martin's third. Read the stories we discussed: Who will get minutes for Missouri basketball next season? A look at the Tigers’ options — https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-missouri/article231431973.html “I felt invincible” Missouri’s Jontay Porter explains how he re-tore ACL during rehab — https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-missouri/article230477924.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Local pro teams aren’t winning, but Kansas Citians enjoyed watching success elsewhere in sports, with big TV ratings for Gary Woodland’s U.S. Open title, the Women’s World Cup and even the parade for the Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues. Host Blair Kerkhoff and columnist Vahe Gregorian revel in the fun, along with everyone else. Read the stories we discussed: Pebble chalk Jayhawk: Gary Woodland breaks through for first major victory at U.S. Open - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article231627573.html Gary Woodland: From Washburn basketball to U.S. Open champion - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/golf/article231631213.html KC’s Blues fans pack The Blue Line as Blues claim Stanley Cup with 4-1 win over Bruins - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nhl/article231453168.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Kansas City Chiefs wrapped up minicamp on Thursday feeling positive about the work throughout the spring. Chiefs beat writer Brooke Pryor and host Blair Kerkhoff recall the good and bad of camp, and discuss the immediate future of holdout Chris Jones. Read the stories we discussed: Sam Mellinger: Chiefs star Chris Jones’ holdout and what it means for his future - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article231516413.html Travis Kelce is still rehabbing but says he’ll be “full go” by Chiefs training camp - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article231511903.html Andy Reid’s advice before break: Don’t come back on crutches - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article231532938.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After the NCAA Tournament loss, Kansas was facing a rebuilding job. It’s happened quickly. Kansas beat writer Jesse Newell drops by the studio to discuss the latest developments and takes a stab with host Blair Kerkhoff at picking some of the greatest one- and two-year players in KU basketball history. Read the stories we discussed: KU basketball team gains an outside shooter in Iowa graduate transfer Isaiah Moss https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article231392503.html Why accepting a reduced role could be Isaiah Moss’ best chance for success at KU https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article231398853.html Jalen Wilson headed to KU, top-50 player in 2019 recruiting class announces - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article231462708.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the Stanley Cup finals and NBA Finals winding down, Kansas City Star sports columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam Mellinger make the case (or not) for Kansas City as an NBA or NHL city. Once upon a time, both leagues called Kansas City and Kemper Arena home. Also, the columnists and host Blair Kerkhoff break down the latest Tyreek Hill news, attempt to find meaning in the Royals’ losing ways, send best wishes for a speedy recovery to Big Papi (David Ortiz) and conclude with Sam’s favorite KC Star enterprise. Read the stories we discussed: Vahe Gregorian: Blues’ season has lifted a city, but chance to win Stanley Cup will wait until Game 7 - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article231368563.html Best of the best: Presenting the KC Star’s 2019 Scholar-Athletes from across the Metro - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/high-school/article231068258.html Where do Kansas City TV sports ratings rank nationally? Crunching the numbers - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/article1306

The Chiefs finished OTAs - organized team activities - on Thursday. Next stop: mandatory mini-camp. In between, quarterback Patrick Mahomes will participate in the Big Slick charity softball game, where he might be the biggest celebrity in the celebrity-driven event. Chiefs beat writer Brooke Pryor and host Blair Kerkhoff cover the gamut, plus an inspirational clip from Tyrann Mathieu. Read the stories we discussed: Patrick Mahomes cleared to play in Big Slick charity softball game -https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article231271158.html Chiefs coach Brendan Daly bleeds for football. Now his blood boils for KC’s defense - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article231225613.html Training camp is ETA for Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article231267388.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kansas State beat writer Kellis Robinett didn’t make every stop on this year's K-State Catbacker Tour, but he made a few and tells host Blair Kerkhoff what he learned about football and basketball along the way. Bonus: Why Kellis chooses tacos over pancakes for tailgating and why the Manhattan Special -- made with a special fruit juice -- is the "best way" to make light beer taste better. Read the stories we discussed: K-State Q&A: Xavier’s Sneed’s return, football predictions and breakfast tacos - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article230995958.html Why K-State football coach Chris Klieman won’t hesitate to play freshmen next season - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article231127013.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The woe-some Royals had a reason to celebrate Monday when the team drafted high school shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., with the No. 2 overall pick. Host Blair Kerkhoff talks with Star columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian about Witt’s impact -- and why he's not going to be the Patrick Mahomes of the Royals. Also, Royals beat writer Lynn Worthy calls in from Dallas, where he interviewed Witt and his father, former major league pitcher Bobby Witt. Read the stories we discussed: Mellinger Minutes: Bobby Witt Jr., Ned Yost, Patrick Mahomes and dad’n - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article231156763.html Royals grab Texas prep Bobby Witt Jr., No. 2 overall and add Florida infielder and Arizona State pitcher - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article231133413.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices