Sportsbeat Kc

What’s new with the Chiefs? No more Mahomes Magic Crunch, players taking to social media to make their free agent statements, and the collective bargaining agreement voting this week. The NFL off-season is about to get busy with free agency and franchise tagging dates approaching. Chiefs beat writer Sam McDowell helps break it down on SportsBeat KC.Also, Kansas State floundered for most of the regular season. But the Wildcats played their best game in weeks in the season finale victory over Iowa State. Does mean the Wildcats carry momentum into their Big 12 tournament opener on Wednesday against Kansas State? Hear what Kansas State beat writer Kellis Robinett has to say.Story links:Patrick Mahomes’ cereal will be leaving shevles despite massive salesSammy Watkins tweets of “next adventure” and Chiefs fans hope that means his vacationKansas State hoping to make history at Big 12 Tournament after lousy regular season Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let’s see, over the past five days, Kansas announced its 307-page response to the NCAA Notice of Allegations, won at Texas Tech to capture the outright Big 12 championship, and had players honored by the conference, including center Udoka Azubuike as player of the year. Quite a stretch for the Jayhawks, and Kansas City Star columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian break down what it all means on SportsBeat KC. Next stop for KU and the rest of the conference: the Big 12 Tournament at Sprint Center.Story links:Jayhawks pick up two top individual honors from Big 12 coachesKansas Jayhawks hold off Texas Tech and win Big 12 championship outrightHere are five notable sections from KU’s response to its NCAA notice of allegations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kansas issued its response to the NCAA’s Notice of Allegations issued in September and it was forceful. No spirit of cooperation here. KU will fight each of the five Level I allegations against the men’s basketball program, including head coach Bill Self and assistant Kurtis Townsend. KU beat writer Jesse Newell helps us make sense of the Kansas response on SportsBeat KC.Also, the KC Roos women’s basketball program made history on Thursday. The team headed by third-year coach Jacie Hoyt won on Thursday night to clinch the outright Western Athletic Conference championship. It’s first league title for either basketball program since joining a conference in 1994. We hear from Hoyt and players Awal Ajak and Ericka Mattingly.Story links:KU, Self respond to NCAA allegations: “Misguided, unprecedented, and meritless”Sam Mellinger: KU basketball vs. the NCAA: a bloody war with no winnersKansas City Roos women’s basketball team envisioned a conference championship, then won it Learn more about your ad choices. Visit m

Udoka Azubuike was a beast. The Kansas senior center finished with 31 points, 14 rebounds and five blocked shots in his final game at Allen Fieldhouse as the Jayhawks defeated TCU to capture no worse than a share of the Big 12 championship. Kansas had trouble pulling away from the hot-shooting Horned Frogs and needed all of Azubuike’s production. Does KU have what it takes to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament? Sam Mellinger and Jesse Newell join Blair Kerkhoff on SportsBeat KC to discuss Kansas and the Big 12.Story links:Why the Big 12 title meant so much to KU’s point guard, on verge of Bill Self-era historyKansas Jayhawks win Big 12 title. Their greatest challenge starts nowKU’s Moss, Azubuike speak to fans after win over TCU: “Let’s go to Atlanta” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On SportsBeat KC, college basketball leads off with a conversation with the winningest men’s coach over the previous four years. Ben McCollum speaks to what has made his Northwest Missouri State program, the NCAA Division II champion in two of the past three years and the current top-ranked team, so successful.What makes NFL prospects successful? To those who play safety or linebacker it’s emulating the Chiefs’ Tyrann Mathieu. We heard a lot about that at the NFL Combine last week, and Mathieu was asked about his game as a model.Story links:College basketball’s most successful program? Check out Northwest Missouri StatePower of putting others first made Tyrann Mathieu crucial to Chiefs’ Super Both berth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs could be forced to make some difficult decisions regarding free agents for 2020 because of the salary cap. But what if the NFL cap spikes the following year? Could that change the Chiefs approach with such players as defensive lineman Chris Jones? Star columnist Sam Mellinger speaks to this and other Chiefs issues on SportsBeat KC. Also, Sam weighs in on Kansas, the nation’s unanimously top-ranked basketball team entering the final week of the regular season.Story links:Mellinger Minutes: New Chiefs are Chief’n, what matters with Royals and college hoopsFansided: NFL salary cap to spike to $240 million in 2021KU’s Azubuike sheds boot, will do everything he can to heal in time for TCU game Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The NFL Combine is over and it’s on to the next NFL off-season thing, free agency. Star beat writers Herbie Teope and Sam McDowell spent last week in Indianapolis talking to prospects, team personnel and agents and share their thoughts on SportsBeat KC. Also, Kansas City hosted the annual Committee of 101 Awards on Saturday. It’s the city’s salute to pro football and brought such stars as Lamar Jackson, Stephon Gilmore and Michael Thomas to town. The 50th annual event also saluted the Super Bowl champion Chiefs, and hear what Jackson and Ravens Coach John Harbaugh had to say about their AFC rival.Story links:If Chiefs seek an every down linebacker in draft, NFL combine has mid-round optionsAn Olathe North grad is on the verge of becoming a top 10 pick in the NFL DraftA night to celebrate pro football in Kansas City, Chiefs and Mahomes drew bulk of the praise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The nation’s top-ranked team returns to action on Saturday when Kansas visits Kansas State in the 293rd Sunflower Showdown. Although KU is tied for first in the Big 12 and the Wildcats are buried in last place, emotions run high for this game, evidenced by the brawl that punctuated their meeting last month in Lawrence. KU beat writers Jesse Newel and Gary Bedore talk about the contest and other topics with host Blair Kerkhoff on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast.Story links:Kansas Coach Bill Self expects K-State crowd to be “turned up” for Saturday’s rematchIf KU basketball gets an overall No. 1 seed, Bill Self would have a choice to makeK-State basketball on the verge of making history for all the wrong reasons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a busy SportsBeat KC episode. Star columnist Sam Mellinger joins host Blair Kerkhoff to look ahead of Saturday’s Sunflower Showdown from a Kansas State perspective. The WIldcats are in last place a year after winning the Big 12. What does that mean for K-State Coach Bruce Weber.Mellinger is fresh off a trip to spring training, where he scored an exclusive interview with Royals catcher Salvador Perez. The perennial Gold Glover had some surprising things to say about his future in Kansas City.Also, you’ll hear from Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons. His stock is soaring as an NFL prospect and he played his high school football at Olathe North. SImmons was lightly recruited by area schools. How did that happen? Star reporter Sam McDowell was part of the interview group looking for answers.Story links:Royals catcher Salvador Perez is back, and different: “Having seen him this focused.”K-State basketball on the verge of making history for all the wrong reasons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone

The NFL Combine is underway and that means Chiefs are stepping to the podium. General manager Brett Veach addressed the contract decisions involving Chris Jones, Sammy Watkins and others. Also, with a handful of spring training games in the books, the Royals have gotten looks from former star reliever Greg Holland and outfield prospect Khalil Lee. How did they perform? Beat writer Lynn Worthy checks in from Surprise, Arizona, on SportsBeat KC.Story links:Here’s what Chiefs’ Brett Veach said about Chris Jones’ contract, other mattersChiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will not need knee surgery, Andy Reid saysGreg Holland has solid first outing in return to Royals as KC faces Hosmer’s PadresThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Missouri has steadied the ship in basketball. The Tigers are 3-2 in their past five games, a run that includes their first successive SEC triumphs. Is it enough for Mizzou to begin thinking about a postseason appearance? Beat writer Souichi Terada and columnists Vahe Gregorian discuss coach Cuonzo Martin’s group and take an early look ahead to spring football, which begins in less than two weeks, on SportsBeat KC.Story links:What must Mizzou do to win on the road? Tigers need to get over the humpDespite loss, Missouri’s Kobe Brown turns in career day at ArkansasMissouri basketball buried by three-pointers in streak-snapping loss to ArkansasThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The NFL Scouting Combine is like speed dating. Teams get to know prospects quickly through scouting and interviews and have to make a decision about a relationship over the next few weeks.The Super Bowl champion Chiefs join 31 other teams at the event in Indianapolis, some of which will be televised by the NFL in primetime, and covering the combine are The Star’s Herbie Teope and Sam McDowell. Before heading out, they joined Blair Kerkhoff on SportsBeat KC.Story links:Action away from NFL Scouting Combine workouts essential for Chiefs in draft processChiefs offensive line rated well in one area, could use improvement in anotherNFL dynasties start somewhere. We look back at five to see if Chiefs can join themThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Third-ranked Kansas has won 11 straight games and stands 12-1 in the Big 12. But that’s not good enough to lead the league. Top-ranked Baylor rides a 23-game winning streak into Saturday’s game against the Jayhawks in Waco, Texas. They’re two of the nation’s top defensive teams, and Baylor has already won in Lawrence. What are the factors that will decide this college basketball game of the year? KU beat writer Jesse Newell breaks down the game with SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff.Story links:Versatile KU forward David McCormick explains efficiency with both handshttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article240383141.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s one thing to watch a college basketball game but if your team is having a good season, you want to know where it might stand in the NCAA Tournament selection pecking order. That’s where Joe Lunardi comes in. Lunardi has been projecting brackets since the mid-1990s and has helped turn bracketology into its own sport for ESPN. Many project brackets. No one is more popular than Lunardi, How does he do it? What are his concerns? And how did bracketology come up during a golf outing in Ireland?Story links:Joe Lunardi on the slice of March Madness he helped create, bracketologyESPN’s bracketology Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Tuesday’s heart-stopping triumph against Mississippi, Missouri has won three of four and is playing its best basketball of the season. Reasons for the improvement? Start with the terrific play of point guard Xavier Pinson, who has scored 60 in the previous two games.On the opposite track is Kansas State, which can’t buy a victory these days. The Wildcats take a five-game losing streak into Wednesday’s game at Texas Tech.Beat writers Souichi Terada and Kellis Robinett check in to talk about their teams on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast.Story links:“I felt untouchable:” How Mizzou’s Xavier Pinson dominated MississippiAs Mizzou hoops heat up, Tigers enter critical stretch with SEC standing at stakeWhy K-State Coach Bruce Weber is considering a new starting five against Texas TechWhy Bruce Weber thinks Kansas State is due for some good luck after latest Big 12 lossThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Herbie Teope likes to call it, “speculation season” in the NFL as commenced. As Sam McDowell responds, “When is it not speculation season?” But free agency for the Chiefs has been a popular topic since their Super Bowl victory, and the Chiefs beat writers join SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff and discussing the futures of players like Chris Jones, Bashaud Breeland, Sammy Watkins, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Kendall Fuller, Mike Pennel and more.Story links:Without much salary cap space, Chiefs will need creativity to manage 2020 rosterDefensive line stood tall in playoff run, specially with sacks, but changes loomThe Chiefs good Chris Jones problem and what KC can do about this off seasonThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The latest AP basketball poll is out with no change at the top. Baylor is first, Kansas is third, meaning their meeting on Saturday in Waco will be the biggest game of the college basketball season. The Bears are bidding to become the first 18-0 team in Big 12 history, while the Jayhawks also are having a FInal Four-type season. How did they get here, and what does their success mean for the Big 12?Story links:Kansas Jayhawks having a top-seed type of season but chasing Baylor in Big 12https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/article240354226.htmlMarcus Morris No. 22 jersey to be retired in KU rafters Monday nighthttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article240324576.htmlWith old friend Svi in the stands, Marcus Garrett sparks Kansas Jayhawks’ big win over OUhttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article240244676.htmlBaylor Bears’ men’s basketballhttps://baylorbears.com/sports/mens-basketballThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires! Learn more a

A baseball milestone birthday was celebrated this week. The Negro Leagues turned 100, and the occasion was recognized in the place of its birth. On Feb. 13, 1920 the Negro National League was formed at the Paseo YMCA in Kansas City, and this week that’s where baseball commissioner Rob Manfred, Royals owner John Sherman and Negro Leagues Baseball Museum president Bob Kendrick joined others to celebrate the birthday. SportsBeat KC was there to record their tributes.Story links:Negro Leagues at 100: A story of resiliency, courage and America to be shared foreverA year with the Negro Leagues: Players visit iconic KC museum to connect past, presentThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After trailing for most of the game, Kansas picked up a huge victory on Wednesday, defeating West Virginia 58-49. The Jayhawks dominated down the stretch getting get play from Marcus Garrett, Isaiah Moss and Devon Dotson. KU beat writer Jesse Newell breaks down the game and discusses the Marcus Morris jersey retirement on Monday on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast.Story links:KU’s defense has been stellar, especially in last two Big 12 road victoriesA pretty good guess what went into Marcus Garrett’s best steal vs. WVUKU basketball will retire Marcus Morris’ jersey this month, Bill Self announcesThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chiefs are the topic for Star sports columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian. Last week’s Super Bowl championship held deeper meaning for the city than just a championship celebration, and is there a way for the Chiefs to be financially creative and not only sign quarterback Patrick Mahomes to the NFL’s most lucrative contract but also find a way to give defensive lineman Chris Jones a deal he’s earned?Story links:Mellinger Minutes: Time for wasp? Keeping the Chiefs together...and the Royals?Pelosi pays up on Super Bowl bet as Cleaver predicts championship repeatChiefs fans left a reminder of Super Bowl LIV victory at Hank Stram’s graveThanks to our sponsor: Big O Tires! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices