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:...

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...

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...

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/c...

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...

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’ t...

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 p...

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 discus...

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...

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/...

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. Re...

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 Mellinge...

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 d...

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 Woodlan...

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/spo...

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 tran...

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, sen...

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 st...

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...

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 hi...

Another week, another Chiefs organized activity. Beat writer Brooke Pryor and host Blair Kerkhoff recount what they saw and heard at the latest Chiefs practice. Spoiler alert: New defensive coordinator Steve “Spags” Spagnuolo has an accent and you have to listen to the podcast to hear Blair's version of it. Read the stories we discussed: Spagnuolo brings youthful energy, hands-on approach to Chief...

There’s no telling how the Kansas City Royals’ fortunes might have been altered if they hadn’t traded David Cone. Twice. Cone -- one of the best baseball players to emerge from Kansas City -- shared his life story and explores baseball issues in his new book, "Full Count: The Education of a Pitcher," written with Jack Curry. During his recent stop at Kauffman Stadium, Cone took time out to chat ab...

KU basketball did not land top recruit R.J. Hampton, who said he wasn’t interested in college basketball and is instead headed for a pro league in Australia. Host Blair Kerkhoff and beat writer Jesse Newell discuss what this means for Kansas and college basketball. Also, Silvio De Sousa’s return could mean an interesting lineup for the Jayhawks. Read the stories we discussed: Will Devon Dotson sta...

The Kansas City Chiefs' organized team activities continue with full squad workout. Well, almost full squad. Star defensive lineman Chris Jones has not attended the voluntary practice. Host Blair Kerkhoff and beat writer Brooke Pryor share their takeaways from this week's OTAs. Also, Brooke has a dilemma regarding a new family member. Read the stories we discussed: Comfortable in role with Chiefs,...

For beat writer Sam McDowell, Sporting KC's latest string of losses have been a series of missed opportunities. The bright spot: Matt Besler is back, and perhaps he doesn't get the credit he deserves. Host Blair Kerkhoff also lists some of the best high school athletes the Kansas City area has produced. Read the stories we discussed: Why Sporting KC feels more confident even as its losing streak c...