SportsBeat KC

Latest Episodes:

From NBA’s Lakers to NWSL’s Current, the water’s just fine for new KC team president Jun 01, 2022

Show notes

Allison Howard left her job with one of the world’s most recognizable professional sports brands in the Los Angeles Lakers to become president of a team that’s looking to create its identity, the Kansas City Current.

On today’s SportsBeat KC, Howard sits down with host Blair Kerkhoff to discuss her move to the Heartland and the challenges she faces with the NWSL team in its second season.

After a break, Star soccer writer Daniel Sperry discusses the troubles of Sporting Kansas City. One of Major League Soccer’s most successful franchises finds itself at the bottom of the Western Conference standing. What’s gone wrong for Peter Vermes’ club and what must Sporting do to reverse fortune?

Story links:

In latest sign of ambitions, KC Current hires Los Angeles Lakers exec as president

https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article261714712.html

Sporting KC falls into Western Conference cellar with 1-0 home loss to Vancouver

https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/sporting-kc/article261718137.html

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When does the future become present for the Kansas City Royals? SportsBeat KC podcast May 31, 2022

Show notes

The Kansas City Royals have bottomed out, at least in the standings. They join the Cincinnati Reds as the owner of baseball’s worst record at 16-31 headed into Tuesday night’s game at Cleveland.

The only way to go is up, right?

But what does that look like, and when does the future become the present?

We discussed the Royals season on SportsBeat Live with beat writer Lynn Worthy and columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian. Listen to it on today’s podcast.

Royals records in May

2022: 9-19 (one game remaining)

2021: 11-17

2020: didn’t play in May because of COVID

2019: 10-18

2018: 13-15

2017: 15-14

2016: 17-11

2015: 14-12

2014: 12-17

2013: 8-20

Story links:

Kansas City Royals GM Picollo: Pasquantino and Pratto getting closer, but not there yet

The Kansas City Royals have been disappointing. Here’s what needs to come next

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As Chiefs OTAs open, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce open up on several topics: Podcast May 26, 2022

Show notes

OTAs are underway for the Chiefs, and on Thursday it was time to play catch-up with Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.

On today’s episode of the SportsBeat KC podcast, you’ll hear from them all on a wide range of subjects, from newcomers to the roster, to Mahomes’ hosting of players in Texas, to the recent mass-shooting tragedies.

You’ll also hear Mahomes talk some smack involving “The Match” — the upcoming golf event in which he’ll participate alongside Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers and Josh Allen — and Kelce, who speaks to fellow tight end George Kittle’s comments about how Kelce is wildly underpaid.

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Touring with the Catbackers; K-State coaches take originally intended approach to NIL: Podcast May 25, 2022

Show notes

The Catbackers Tour rolled into Kansas City, bringing Kansas State coaches and athletes into a pep-rally like setting at Children’s Mercy Park. New men’s basketball coach Jerome Tang, assistant head football coach Van Malone and women’s basketball coach Jeff Mittie were the headliners.

On today’s SportsBeat KC, you’ll hear from some coaches and players. These events also serve as media opportunities, and the school officials spoke to such issues as name, image and likeness and the recruiting calendar.

Beat writer Kellis Robinett opens the show with his take on what’s happening in Kansas State athletics, and a look-ahead to next year’s football and basketball seasons.

2022 K-State football schedule

Sept. 3 South Dakota

Sept. 10 Missouri

Sept. 17 Tulane

Sept. 24 at Oklahoma

Oct. 1 Texas Tech

Oct. 8 at Iowa State

Oct. 22 at TCU

Oct. 29 Oklahoma State

Nov. 5 Texas

Nov. 12 at Baylor

Nov. 19 at West Virginia

Nov 26 Kansas

Story links:

Jerome Tang throws shade at former K-State coaching staff, vows to improve recruiting

Kansas State lands juco linebacker who held a scholarship offer from USC

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Is it time to re-start the Kansas City Royals’ rebuild? SportsBeat KC podcast May 24, 2022

Show notes

The first game of the MLB season’s second quarter ended like the final game of the first for the Royals: A loss after gaining a sizable lead. Sunday it happened against the Minnesota Twins, when the Royals lost 7-6, squandering a six-run lead after seven innings. On Monday, the Royals jumped on Arizona for four first-inning runs but couldn’t make it hold up in a 9-5 loss.

So it’s five straight losses and tied for last place in the AL Central for the Royals. Frustrations mount, but are there any quick fixes? It may be time to charge a rebuilding process with some younger players at the expense of veterans like first baseman Carlos Santana.

Beat writer Lynn Worthy and columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell share their thoughts on what may be in store for the Royals. The show started as a SportsBeat Live.

Royals’ record after 40 games since 2018

(excluding shortened 2020 season)

2022: 14-26

2021: 18-22 (74-88 final record)

2019: 14-26 (59-103)

2018: 13-27 (58-104)

Story links:

Royals start fast but can’t keep pace as Zack Greinke gives up 7 in loss at Arizona

Royals’ 7-6 loss to the Twins may have been a breaking point for Kansas City fans

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Breaking down Kansas City Chiefs’ defense ahead of OTAs, especially this position May 23, 2022

Show notes

The Chiefs begin OTAs this week, kicking off a final, month-long offseason program before a break. Veterans and rookies will be in camp, and although players won’t be in pads, the Chiefs should begin to see their starters and position rotations take shape.

Perhaps the position group with the most uncertainty is defensive end. The Chiefs addressed it in the draft by selecting George Karlaftis. But they lost Melvin Ingram, who signed a free agent deal with the Miami Dolphins. Another player who might have fit the bill, Jadeveon Clowney, is returning to the Cleveland Browns.

Are the Chiefs set with the position rounded out by Mike Danna and Joshua Kaindoh?

Beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell break down the defense heading into OTAs and tell us who they’ll be keeping an eye on as the weeks unfold.

Story links:

Newcomers to KC Chiefs’ defense will fight for jobs: more early roster predictions

Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed’s vehicle shot up in Louisiana hometown

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SportsBeat KC: Getting up to date on some Kansas Jayhawks past, present and future May 20, 2022

Show notes

The NCAA championship remains fresh in the memory for Kansas but the next season has arrived. The roster is taking shape with decisions by players to turn pro and others through the transfer portal.

On today’s SportsBeat KC, KU beat writer Gary Bedore provides the updates on players like Christian Braun and Jalen Wilson, plus the status of transfer targets like Tyrese Hunter and Kevin McCullar. Spoiler alert: One has committed to the Jayhawks.

Also: KU players in the NBA playoffs, look who graduated and more.

Story links:

Kansas Jayhawks’ Bill Self comments on NBA Draft status of Christian Braun, Jalen Wilson

https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article261622307.html

Former Kansas Jayhawk Andrew Wiggins praised by Steph Curry after Warriors win

https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article261599002.html

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SportsBeat KC: Want to bet Chiefs, Royals, Jayhawks, Tigers, Wildcats? Soon you can...in Kansas May 18, 2022

Show notes

Want to bet on Patrick Mahomes’ touchdown pass total in a game, or Kansas State-Oklahoma football, or Kansas basketball against Duke in the Champions Classic?

You won’t have to leave Kansas to do that now that sports betting was signed into law last week by Gov. Laura Kelly. Now, Kansas is one of 30 states with legal sports wagering. It will take a few weeks, perhaps months to get it up and running but soon Kansans won’t have to travel to another state to make a wager.

On today’s SportsBeat KC, beat writer Jesse Newell and Kellis Robinett discuss the ramifications of local sports wagering and share some of their favorite types of sports bets.

Story links:

Sports betting is legal in Kansas. Here’s what you need to know

Legal Sports Report - Kansas - website

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SportsBeat KC: Royals shake up staff by firing hitting coach. That addresses half the problem May 17, 2022

Show notes

The first big change from the Royals disappointing season came Monday when hitting coach Terry Bradshaw was fired and Alec Zumwalt took over the position. Are more moves on the horizon?

Perhaps, if the Royals don’t show signs of improvement soon. On today’s SportsBeat KC, columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell discuss the recent events with host Blair Kerkhoff and their impact.

The show started as a SportsBeat Live.

Royals hitting coaches since 2009

2009-2012 Kevin Seitzer

2013 Jack Maloof, George Brett, Pedro Grifol

2014 Grifol, Dale Sveum

2015-17 Sevum

2018-2022 Terry Bradshaw

2022 Alec Zumwalt

Story links:

Firing of hitting coach reflects Kansas City Royals’ broader issues, need for urgency

Kansas City Royals’ firing of hitting coach proves a change in front office operations

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With Melvin Ingram’s departure, a Chiefs position of need becomes a scramble: Podcast May 16, 2022

Show notes

Defensive end was already a position of need for the Chiefs. Now that Melvin Ingram has signed with the Dolphins, the heat is turned up on general manager Brett Veach to solidify the position and address the team’s pass rushing needs.

On today’s SportsBeat KC podcast, beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell discuss defensive end and other positions the Chiefs could target before next season.

Also, you’ll hear from Chiefs rookie offensive lineman Damian Kinnard, the fifth-round draft selection from Kentucky who can play guard and tackle.

Finally, we switch sports and bring you a clip from an interview after Sporting KC’s lopsided loss at Portland on Saturday night. Johnny Russell couldn’t hide the disappointment and embarrassment from the defeat.

Story links:

Melvin Ingram signs with the Miami Dolphins. Where with the Chiefs turn next?

Sporting KC captain Johnny Russell rips team’s showing after meltdown in Portland

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