Sportsbeat Kc

The first day of NFL Draft and with their two first round picks, the Chiefs concentrated on one side of the ball.Defense.They even engineered the draft’s first trade to move up three spots to select cornerback Mansoor Delane of LSU.On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM), Chiefs beat writer Pete Sweeney, covering the draft in Pittsburgh, breaks down the Chiefs’ evening, which concluded with their selection of Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods at No. 29.We also identify the Chiefs’ needs as the draft continues on Friday and Saturday.SportsBeat KC is the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. It’s produced by Monty Davis, Irvin Zhang, Suzanne Hogan, and Gabriella Lacey, and edited by Jeff Rosen and Scott Chasen.   

More than three years after announcing the quest for a new home for the Royals, the team unveiled plans for a ballpark in downtown. They’ll create an 85-acre stadium district in Kansas City’s Crown Center and Washington Square Park.In this special edition of SportsBeat KC, the weekly sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM), columnist Vahe Gregorian shares his thoughts on the Royals’ forthcoming new digs.Kauffman Stadium, in its 54th season, has been a popular home for the Royals. Did principal owner John Sherman get it right with Crown Center?And now both of the Truman Sports Complex tenants have announced new homes. With the Chiefs moving out of Arrowhead to a site in Wyandotte County, how much will we miss the franchises’ current status as next-door neighbors?Rundown (timestamps are approximate)0:54  — The downtown ballpark dream has come true. 10:15  — Why parking situation is on all our minds SportsBeat KC is the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. It’s produce

The NFL Draft is near.The Chiefs hold nine selections over the draft’s three days, with two picks in the first round. It’s the team’s best draft position in years — thanks to a poor finish to last season.A successful draft would help the Chiefs avoid this kind of draft position in the future.“You don’t want to be here, but we’ve gotten past that phase, and we’re in it,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said. “There’s a good number of picks we’ve got here.”On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM), Chiefs insider Pete Sweeney and columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian offer their final pre-draft thoughts, starting with what the Chiefs should do with their first-round picks.Edge rusher with their first selection? Wide receiver? Cornerback? A tackle for the offensive line? We agree on the positions of need, but not necessarily the players.It will be a fascinating draft for the Chiefs as they begin the quest to reestablish the dominance they’ve experienced throughout much of the Reid era.

Kansas City has detailed plans for a new Royals ballpark at Washington Square Park, offering to contribute $600 million to the stadium’s $1.9 billion price tag.Is this the Royals’ future? Well, a few questions remain.Star columnist Sam McDowell, who helped break the news of the stadium proposal, identified what obstacles may lie ahead on SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM).Also, a talent drain is taking shape on the Kansas basketball program. Seven players have already entered the transfer portal, with just one announcing that he was staying. And no player from another program has announced he was joining the Jayhawks.KU beat writer Shreyas Laddha discusses why for the second straight year, KU seems to be playing catch-up in the portal.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)1:15 — Is the downtown ballpark actually happening? 7:00  — What would the nearby stadium district look like? 11:55 — KU’s transfer portal madness26:22 - What else is on Blair’s radar?

Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice won’t be suspended by the NFL, plus KC picked up a former first-round cornerback in Kaiir Elam. Those two positions will be a priority when the Chiefs are on the clock for the NFL Draft later this month. Will they have an impact on the Chiefs’ plans?After the break, former professional soccer star Matt Besler talks the World Cup, and what Kansas City should expect when the games and base camps arrive in June. Besler would know — He was a starting defender on the 2014 U.S. World Cup team that emerged from the group stage to the knockout round in Brazil.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)0:15 — Rashee Rice won’t be suspended. How does that affect Chiefs’ plans?7:20  — Chiefs take flyer on former first-round cornerback14:09 — The first Kansas Citian to play in the World Cup talks the base camp experience 19:02 — Is Kansas City ready for the World Cup? 24:26 —  What else is on Blair’s radar? 

Opening day at The K was a success for the Royals, who beat the Minnesota Twins in the first home game. But only a handful of home openers at Kauffman Stadium remain for the team that’s actively looking for a new stadium. So where will it be built — and why has it taken this long? Royals principal owner John Sherman addressed those questions before Monday’s game. Star columnists San McDowell and Vahe Gregorian discussed the topic on SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM).Then, between games and base camps, at least 10 national teams will spend time in Kansas City during the FIFA World Cup. None is smaller — or perhaps more excited — than the Caribbean island nation of Curacao.By area and population, it’s the smallest country to ever qualify for the World Cup.Gilbert Martina, president of the Curacao Football Federation, told us how his team is preparing for the global stage … and Kansas City.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)1:15 — John Sherman’s latest update on a new Royals stadi

Kansas basketball’s NCAA Tournament run came to a heartbreaking end with a buzzer-beating loss to St. John’s in the second round. Now, the Jayhawks await word from Bill Self on his coaching future due to the heart issues he’s been battling since 2022.On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM), columnist Sam McDowell discusses what’s in store for the Jayhawks this offseason and how the program might handle a coaching search.Also, opening day for the Royals is Friday and beat writer Jaylon Thompson breaks down the roster, where the team has improved over last year, and how Royals players’ success in the World Baseball Classic — there were many — can carry into the upcoming season.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)1:20 — The struggles that led to KU’s early March Madness exit9:57  — Is this the end of the Bill Self era? 20:08 — The Royals players who shined at World Baseball Classic33:36 — What else is on Blair’s radar? 

Kansas freshman sensation Darryn Peterson has had anything but a dull season. At times, he’s looked like the best player in college basketball. At others, he’s frustrated fans — and possibly his coach — by missing games for any number of ailments. So what’s going on behind the scenes with Peterson? Has his NBA Draft stock fallen? And what’s the deal with the cramping that has persisted for almost the entirety of his freshman year? The Star’s Shreyas Laddha dove into these topics — and more — in a feature on the KU basketball star. We discuss Peterson’s tumultuous season on SportsBeat KC, the podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)1:16 — Why did Peterson miss so much time this season?6:45 — Peterson’s NBA future8:48 — Is KU on upset watch vs. Cal Baptist?

The Chiefs have found their backup quarterback in a trade — Justin Fields — with the hope that he doesn’t have to play in games. After all, that would mean Patrick Mahomes’ knee injury has lingered and he can’t open the season. As it is, Fields, acquired from the NY Jets, will play a critical role while Mahomes recovers.Beat writer Pete Sweeney breaks down the trade, along with other standout roster moves in free agency over the previous week and how they’ll impact the team’s approach in the NFL Draft on the latest SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR.Also, columnist Vahe Gregorian shares his thoughts on the draws for Kansas and Missouri for the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers appeared to get a kiss from the selection committee, the Jayhawks a slap.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)1:02  — What Justin Fields brings to the Chiefs 8:50 — A breakdown of Chiefs’ free agency pickups16:03 —  How Mizzou got a lucky draw. KU, not so much33:22 — What else is on Blair’s Radar?

Free agency quickly impacted the Chiefs from the opening minutes Monday. It was reported that the team had signed Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker, while resigning star tight end Travis Kelce.But with major additions also came subtractions. Gone are cornerback Jaylen Watson (Rams), safety Bryan Cook (Bengals) and backup quarterback Gardner Minshew (Cardinals).How did the Chiefs fare overall? Columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian shared their thoughts on SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR.Also, the Big 12 tournament arrives in Kansas City and Missouri heads to the SEC tournament in Nashville. What are the prospects for KU, K-State and Mizzou this week?Rundown (timestamps are approximate)1:25 — Did Chiefs overpay in signing Walker? 9:25 — Travis Kelce’s return 20:20 — KU & Mizzou’s chances in the Big 12 & SEC tournaments33:01 — What else is on Blair’s radar? 

Trent McDuffie’s time with the Kansas City Chiefs has come to a close. In a blockbuster trade Wednesday, the Chiefs traded McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams for a haul of draft picks.On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR, beat writer Pete Sweeney,  columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian react to KC trading one of its best and most popular players.How will the Chiefs replace McDuffie, an All-Pro slot cornerback who helped the Chiefs win two Super Bowls — and how does this move impact the team’s draft approach? We discuss on this special edition of SportsBeat KC.0:35 — Our reactions to the Chiefs’ haul of picks4:50  — What are the Chiefs losing by letting go of McDuffie?6:17 — The Chiefs’ secondary, as it stands10:01 — KC’s track record of developing top cornerbacks

With the Chiefs set for the No. 9 overall pick in the draft, they got an up-close look at pro football’s top prospects at the NFL Combine. Running back Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame, and edge rushers Rueben Bain of Miami and Texas Tech’s David Bailey drew plenty of attention. But will any of them be available when the Chiefs pick comes around in next month’s draft? On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR, columnist Sam McDowell and beat writer Pete Sweeney, who covered the Combine in Indianapolis, share their thoughts on the top players and what the Chiefs could be thinking with free agency starting next week.Also, as the FIFA World Cup approaches and Kansas City braces for six games, we speak with a fan of a team playing and staying here. Bas Rol lives in Amsterdam and is a huge fan of the Dutch national team. Rol — who used to live in Kansas City and still cheers on the Chiefs and Royals — breaks down what it’s like to be part of the Orange Army and Chiefs Kingdom.

The Super Bowl closes the NFL season and the NFL Combine opens the next one. The stakes are high for the Chiefs at this year’s scouting event in Indianapolis. This is where the team begins to get better.On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR, Chiefs Insider Pete Sweeney and Star columnist Sam McDowell break down what the Chiefs should look to accomplish at the Combine — and which top prospects might interest them.Also, just as the Winter Olympics wrap up, the next big international sporting competition is on the horizon. The World Baseball Classic begins next week, and the Royals are well represented with eight players spread across five teams. KC catcher Salvador Perez, who serves as a captain for Venezuela, speaks to the national pride in the event.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)0:03 – What’s the point of the NFL Combine? 11:08  — The Chiefs’ priorities at the Combine20:05 — Which Royals will be in the World Baseball Classic?22:03  — What’s on Blair’s Radar?

When it comes to FIFA World Cup base camps, Kansas City can flex. Three of the world’s top-seven teams — Argentina, England and Netherlands — have made it official: They’re summer camping in KC.On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR, columnist Sam McDowell explains how Kansas City created the conditions to land those teams — and what it means to have them and their fans coming to the Heartland.Also, Kansas State reporter Kellis Robinett goes inside the coaching change at K-State. Jerome Tang is out, and the Wildcats are in the market for a new men’s basketball coach. Complicating matters: Tang was fired with cause for postgame press conference comments, and he plans to fight the school for his $18.67 million buy out.1:07 — Why England, Argentina and the Netherlands chose KC9:37 —  The barbecue restaurant that lured Argentina to KC16:58 — Did K-State make the right call in firing Jerome Tang? 29:36 - What’s on Blair’s radar this week

Top-ranked Arizona didn’t face the potential top player in the NBA Draft when it visited Kansas on Monday Night, but it did take on a motivated KU team in a raucous environment. The Jayhawks prevailed 82-78, even without Darryn Peterson, in dramatic fashion.On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR, KU beat writers Gary Bedore and Shreyas Laddha break down the action at Allen Fieldhouse: how the Jayhawks rallied from an 11-point second-half deficit and why Bill Self was emotional about this victory.After a break, KCUR interim news director Madeline Fox discusses where Kansas City stands with FIFA World Cup base camps. National teams are beginning to identify where they want to train and lodge during their stay in North America this summer, and Kansas City finds itself in an advantageous position.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)0:51 - Beat Writers break down the electric KU game vs Arizona7:37 - KU’s To be or not be with Darryn Peterson 11:40 - What did KU prove?15:22 - What we know about W

The Royals are packing their bags and will soon be off to spring training in Surprise, Arizona. But before they leave, they greeted fans and chatted up the season at Royals Rally at Kauffman Stadium.On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR, beat writer Jaylon Thompson and columnist Vahe Gregorian dig into the upcoming season and whether the Royals can return to their playoff form of two years ago.Also, you’ll hear from Chairman and CEO John Sherman on the latest in their stadium search, GM JJ Picollo on the team’s biggest needs and first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino with his take on the shorter distances to the fences at The K this season.Then after the break, the vote heard all around the country: Vahe digs into why he didn’t vote for Bill Belichick in the recent Pro Football Hall of Fame vote after explaining it in a column last week. Rundown (timestamps are approximate)1:07 — John Sherman talks stadium update9:21 - JJ Picollo on the lessons learned last season14:20 - Vinnie Pasquantino on Th

The offensive coordinator who was part of the Chiefs staff through one of their most productive stretches is back in Kansas City. Eric Bieniemy, who had three different jobs in the past three years, has been rehired.That also means Matt Nagy, who held the job for the past three years, is out. Why the moves? On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, columnist Sam McDowell and Chiefs Insider Pete Sweeney explore the moves and discuss what it means for the Chiefs.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)0:23 — Why Eric Bieniemy? 9:13 — Who else did the Chiefs interview for OC? 18:25 — How the Chiefs’ offense got stale last season26:21 — KU vs BYU & Royals Rally 

Local college basketball has experienced some wild mood swings this season — but at the moment KU and Mizzou are feeling better about themselves than last month. K-State, not so much.On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, beat writers Shreyas Laddha and Kellis Robinett along with columnist Vahe Gregorian take the pulse of KU, K-State and Mizzou, and get into how the next few weeks might unfold.KU could go as far as oft-injured freshman sensation Darryn Peterson can take them. But how far is that, exactly? Meanwhile, Mizzou has found new life in conference play, but that part of the schedule hasn’t been so kind to K-State.

The 2026 Baseball Hall of Fame class will be announced next Tuesday. And players like former Kansas City Royals outfielder Carlos Beltran and Andruw Jones are seeking to be selected after appearing on the ballot for several years.On SportsBeat KC, three KC Star writers with Hall of Fame ballots discuss their selections.According to the Rules for Election by the Baseball Writers Association of America, voting is based on record, ability, integrity, sportsmanship, character and contributions to the team. It takes 75% of about 400 ballots cast to make the Hall.So who gets the call this year?SportsBeat KC is the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. It’s produced by Monty Davis, Irvin Zhang, Suzanne Hogan, and Gabriella Lacey, and edited by Jeff Rosen and Scott Chasen.   

The NFL playoffs are set to begin, and for the first time in more than a decade, the Chiefs won’t be part of the action.On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR, Chiefs Insider Pete Sweeney sums up a season gone wrong. The Chiefs, who have appeared in five of the past six Super Bowls, lost their final five games to finish 6-11.Questions abound: Will Travis Kelce return next season? Will Patrick Mahomes be healthy? Which free agents will the Chiefs target, and with a top ten pick in the NFL Draft, what direction will the Chiefs take?It will be a Chiefs offseason like no other in the past decade.SportsBeat KC is the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. It’s produced by Randy Mason, Monty Davis, Irvin Zhang, Suzanne Hogan, and Gabriella Lacey, and edited by Jeff Rosen and Scott Chasen.