KCUR and The Kansas City Star

SportsBeat KC

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Kansas City’s biggest sports stories of the week, for the diehards and the casual fans alike. A podcast covering the Chiefs, Royals, Sporting, Current, Missouri and Kansas college teams, and more. Hosted by longtime Kansas City Star sports reporter Blair Kerkhoff and produced by KCUR Studios.

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KCUR and The Kansas City Star

Episodes

The Royals’ Nicky Lopez, the Chiefs’ next phase and Brooks Koepka's smooch tweeted around the world 20.05.2019 35:19

Columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian stop by the studio to recap the weekend and look ahead with host Blair Kerkhoff. They cover the Royals' home run drought and newcomer Nicky Lopez; what Sam discovered on his trip to New Orleans, home of Chiefs' Tyrann Mathieu; and what happened after Brooks Koepka seemed to diss the kiss offered by his girlfriend Jena Sims. Read the stories we discussed:...

NBA Draft Combine notes; Mizzou’s Jontay Porter on how he reinjured his ACL 16.05.2019 28:12

Mizzou beat writer Alex Schiffer is in Chicago for the NBA Draft Combine and got to talk to Jontay Porter, the former Missouri Tigers forward and draft hopeful. Schiffer recounts that conversation and much more in his phoner with SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff. Read the stories we discussed: ‘I felt invincible’: Mizzou’s Jontay Porter explains how he re-tore ACL during rehab - https://www.kansa...

Should KU play big or go small? That's the question for Bill Self’s Jayhawks 15.05.2019 32:15

From Udoka Azubuike to dunks to moving the 3-point line, University of Kansas is looking at an interesting upcoming season. KU beat writer Jesse Newell calls in to host Blair Kerkhoff for a wide-ranging discussion. Read the stories we discussed: Four guards to two bigs? Here’s the style Bill Self sees his team playing in 2019-2020 - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-ka...

Breaking down the Royals: What's wrong and what's great 14.05.2019 46:16

The Royals finished the first quarter of the season with the AL’s worst record — but it's not all bad. Host Blair Kerkhoff talks with Royals beat writer Lynn Worthy and columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian. Read the stories we discussed: This is the Royals at 40 (games): The promise, the frustration and the future - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article23...

Remembering former Chiefs coach Gunther Cunningham: his intensity, his stories 13.05.2019 15:15

Former Chiefs coach/defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham died over the weekend at age 72. Host Blair Kerkhoff and columnist Sam Mellinger recall Cunningham's time in Kansas City, from how he yelled a fan to how he found out he was fired on the Internet. Read the stories we discussed: Joe Posnanski: Remembering Gunther, a Chiefs icon who took coaching to another level in KC - https://www.kansas...

A visit to Tyreek Hill’s hometown of Pearson, Georgia, adds to Chiefs receiver’s complicated story 10.05.2019 29:12

Vahe Gregorian visited Tyreek Hill’s hometown of Pearson, Georgia, to learn more about the troubled Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver. Host Blair Kerkhoff talks to Vahe about what he found. Read the stories we discussed: Tyreek Hill’s Georgia hometown grapples with hope, doubt about the Chiefs receiver - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article230130679.html Tyreek...

KC legends George Brett, Tom Watson and their ALS golf classic 08.05.2019 21:07

Host Blair Kerkhoff and columnist Vahe Gregorian attended this year's Joe McGuff ALS Golf Classic fundraiser hosted by sports icons George Brett and Tom Watson. Read the stories we discussed: A special day for George Brett, Tom Watson and an honored guest in fight against ALS - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article230094169.html The Jane Fonda and Pam Callahan connection...

What we saw and heard at Chiefs’ rookie minicamp 07.05.2019 22:17

Host Blair Kerkhoff and Chiefs beat writer Brooke Pryor stood in the sun over three days at Chiefs' rookie minicamp, and here's what they saw. Read the stories we discussed: Chiefs top draft pick impresses Andy Reid at Chiefs minicamp - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article229995924.html Rookie running back Darwin Thompson brings versatility, chiseled physique to Chiefs...

How Tyreek Hill’s letter to NFL changes the conversation -- a chat 04.05.2019 16:00

This episode features a portion of a Facebook Live discussion between A-Team members Brooke Pryor, Blair Kerkhoff about Sam Mellinger about the latest Tyreek Hill news. Tyreek Hill’s attorney, in letter to NFL, disputes claims that Chiefs star abused son - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article229949674.html Why would Cyrstal Espinal cover for Tyreek Hill? Lots of reasons...

Kansas colleges: Bill Self’s future with KU and guessing K-State’s next starting five 03.05.2019 32:50

Today host Blair Kerkhoff talks with University of Kansas beat writer Jesse Newell and Kansas State beat writer Kellis Robinett. Read the stories we discussed: Sophomore standout J.T. Thor to make unofficial recruiting visit to KU on Thursday - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article229928884.html Chris Beard’s new deal tops Bill Self’s by one measurement, but...

The Royals’ highs and lows; Jamaal Charles retiring as a Chief 01.05.2019 31:32

Royals beat writer Lynn Worthy chats with host Blair Kerkhoff about the team's slow start to the season. Also, Vahe Gregorian is here to talk about Jamaal Charles, who is signing a 1-day contract to retire as a Kansas City Chief. Read the stories we discussed: Cornerstone Alex Gordon fighting the good fight against father time - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article22972...

NFL Draft: Breaking down the Chiefs’ picks, Drew Lock’s future with the Broncos 29.04.2019 47:15

Host Blair Kerkhoff goes over the Chiefs draft picks with columnist Sam Mellinger and beat writer Brooke Pryor. Also, Mizzou beat writer Alex Schiffer followed Drew Lock to Nashville and shares his thoughts on bringing the draft to Kansas City. Read the stories we discussed: Grading the NFL Draft: Chiefs get high marks for second, third round, UDFAs - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-c...

All about KU: The Adidas contract, Udoka Azubuike’s return and more 25.04.2019 34:22

Host Blair Kerkhoff talks with University of Kansas beat writer Jesse Newell and columnist Sam Mellinger about the school's contract with Adidas, Udoka Azubuike’s return and more KU sports news. Read the stories we discussed: KU Athletics, undeterred by FBI probe, signs lucrative contract extension with Adidas - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article229625079...

Tyreek Hill doesn’t face criminal charges but NFL, Chiefs may face a decision 24.04.2019 31:10

The Johnson County District Attorney announced Wednesday that there will be no criminal charges for Kansas City Chiefs’ Tyreek Hill but that does not mean exoneration. Investigative reporter Laura Bauer, Chiefs beat writer Brooke Pryor, and columnist Vahe Gregorian are in the studio to talk with host Blair Kerkhoff about this breaking news story. Read the stories we discussed: No charges against C...

What the Frank Clark trade means for the Chiefs, plus Mizzou’s Drew Lock 23.04.2019 40:38

Host Blair Kerkhoff talks to Brooke Pryor and Vahe Gregorian about the Chiefs' latest moves. And Mizzou beat writer Alex Schiffer calls in to talk about Drew Lock's draft prospects. Read the stories we discussed: The Chiefs’ defensive makeover is essentially complete with big trade for Frank Clark - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article229593999.html Chiefs add...

Baseball’s unwritten rules and looking at Chiefs ahead of the draft 18.04.2019 28:12

Vahe Gregorian joins host Blair Kerkhoff to discuss the Royals/White Sox skirmish from Wednesday. Also, Brooke Pryor chats about Chiefs schedule, the pressure on GM Brett Veach and her recent wedding. Read the stories we discussed: Brad Keller fastball that ‘got away’ leads to Royals, White Sox benches clearing - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article229385439.html Chiefs...

Catching up with the Kansas City Chiefs and Sporting KC 16.04.2019 28:02

Blair Kerkhoff chats with Vahe Gregorian about the Chiefs. Also, Sam McDowell stops by to talk about Sporting KC and the team's recent match against the Red Bulls. Read the stories we discussed: Tyreek Hill's future remains unclear as he participated in Chiefs' offseason program - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article229294504.html Former Kansas City Chiefs tig...

Royals season starts and the Final Four is set 01.04.2019 32:14

Blair Kerkhoff welcomes Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian to the show to discuss the 2-1 start to the Royals season and the Final Four field being set after Auburn took down Kentucky at the Sprint Center. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy New (League) Year: Free agency, draft decisions and Tyreek Hill 20.03.2019 46:39

Sam Mellinger, Blair Kerkhoff and Brooke Pryor return for the first A-Team podcast of the new league year to discuss the Chiefs free agency moves — including the release of Eric Berry and Justin Houston — along with NFL Draft strategies and the latest in the investigation involving Tyreek Hill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

KU basketball and the 'give-a-bleep' meter 27.02.2019 31:12

The Star's Jesse Newell is joined by Nick Schwerdt of Rock Chalk Sports Talk and 1320 KLWN radio in Lawrence. The two discuss KU's chances of extending The Streak, how this roster differs from past ones and the likelihood the Jayhawks win their next two games on the road. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The elephant in the room with KU basketball 13.02.2019 40:24

The Star's Jesse Newell is joined by Nick Schwerdt of Rock Chalk Sports Talk and 1320 KLWN radio in Lawrence. The two discuss Nick's increasing optimism with the Jayhawks, the situation with Lagerald Vick and the odds of K-State winning the Big 12 outright. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The NCAA ruling and impact to Mizzou football 13.02.2019 24:49

Alex Schiffer and Blair Kerkhoff of The Kansas City Star discuss the NCAA's ruling on Missouri in its academic fraud case, its impact on the football program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chiefs-Patriots AFC Championship Preview With The A-Team 17.01.2019 44:52

The Star's Brooke Pryor, Lynn Worthy, Sam Mellinger, Vahe Gregorian and Blair Kerkhoff preview the Chiefs AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots at Arrowhead Stadium. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rating our personal confidence in the KU basketball team 16.01.2019 38:31

The Star's Jesse Newell is joined by Nick Schwerdt of Rock Chalk Sports Talk and 1320 KLWN radio in Lawrence. The two discuss KU's defensive ceiling, the emergence of Ochai Agbaji and the struggles of Quentin Grimes. They also gauge the Big 12 race about one-third of the way into the schedule. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NFL Draft talk on Drew Lock, Albert O, and recapping both hoops games vs. Tennessee 10.01.2019 37:13

The Kansas City Star's Alex Schiffer and Blair Kerkhoff recap both Missouri's basketball teams games against Tennessee and the aftermath that followed the women's game, talk NFL Draft stock on Drew Lock and Albert Okwuegbunam and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices