SportsBeat KC

The Kansas City Star

About

A podcast about the biggest sports stories in and around Kansas City. Covering Chiefs, Royals, Sporting KC, University of Kansas, University of Missouri, Kansas State University and more. Hosted by Blair Kerkhoff.

Available on

Community

1161 episodes

Let’s count the many things to like in Chiefs’ Swift and decisive victory

For a blowout victory there was quite the commotion surrounding the Chiefs’ 41-10 victory over the Chicago Bears on Sunday. Call it the Taylor Swift affect. There was Swift, sitting next to Travis Kelce’s mother during the game, and the pop star and tight end walked out of Arrowhead together afterwards. As if the defending Super Bowl champion needs more attention. Ready or not, they’re about to get it, and we discuss that and football on this edition of SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, with beat writer Jesse Newell. There are plenty of Chiefs topics to cover, and we get into the importance of establishing the run, having the makings of an excellence defense and much more. Oh, and are NFL officials picking on Chiefs tackle Jawaan Taylor? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

34m
Sep 26
Why Patrick Mahomes’ new big deal is a big deal for Chiefs quarterback

After the Chiefs won the first Super Bowl with Patrick Mahomes, the team made him the game’s highest paid player. History has repeated itself. Mahomes, coming off his next Super Bowl triumph, has a restructured deal that pushes him back to the top of the earnings list. On SportsBeat KC, Star columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell discuss the new agreement and its importance to Mahomes and the Chiefs. We also break down the Chiefs’ 17-9 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, an effort that was led by the defense, and look ahead to Sunday’s home game against the Chicago Bears. Story link: Patrick Mahomes has a restructured deal with the Chiefs. Here are the details https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article279481654.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

31m
Sep 19
Podcast: The remarkable coaching career of Bill Snyder, who transformed Kansas State

For the first time since 2010, Kansas State will visit Missouri on Saturday in a meeting of former Big Eight/Big 12 rivals, and the setting should bring back some happy memories for former Wildcats coach Bill Snyder. His teams won six of nine meetings played on Faurot Field. After engineering one of the greatest program turnarounds in college football history, Snyder stepped down from his Hall of Fame career after the 2018 season. He recently sat down with The Star’s Blair Kerkhoff to discuss his life in football, how he came to K-State, some of the remarkable players and games in program history and more. The conversation is presented in a podcast and Q&A. There’s another Snyder connection to Saturday’s game: He attended Missouri...briefly. Snyder grew up in St. Joseph, and looked to play football for the Tigers. It didn’t work out and after a year he enrolled at William Jewell, where the seeds were planted for an incredible coaching tenure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 6m
Sep 14
Who was the winner in the contract holdout, Chris Jones or Chiefs?

Chris Jones is signed for this season and will be with the Chiefs in practice this week and at their game on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. His holdout cost him fines and game check and the maximum value of his deal, with incentives, is $25.2 million. But it’s not a long-term deal, and it might be challenging for Jones to hit all of his incentives. So, who got the better of the deal? On today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, beat writer Jesse Newell and columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian break down the contract and what it means for the Chiefs and Jones. Also, the crew breaks down the issues in the Chiefs’ opening game loss to the Detroit Lions and looks ahead at Sunday’s game at the Jacksonville Jaguars. Did missing Travis Kelce make that much difference? Yes it did. Story link: Holdout ends as Kansas City Chiefs star Chris Jones agrees to contract: details https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article279221469.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

36m
Sep 12
Impact of Chris Jones’ absence and bold predictions for the Chiefs’ season

The Chiefs’ season has arrived, but not Chris Jones. The Chiefs now face the hard reality of meeting the Detroit Lions in their season opener Thursday without their top defensive player, and the short- and possible long-term impacts of his absence are the focus of SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast. Beat writer Jesse Newell joins columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian in discussing where Jones and the Chiefs go from here. The defense is weakened, but by how much? Who steps up at the position, and who could take on an enhanced leadership role on that side of the ball? Also, the eve of the season opener is projection time. We speculate on such topics as who might lead the Chiefs in receiving yards and which player from the most recent draft class will make the biggest contributions. Story link: Skyy Moore expects this Chiefs role in 2023: ’I’m excited to just show the world’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

43m
Sep 05
K-State, Mizzou, KU look for bowls and beyond as football season kicks off

College football season is back and area colleges should all get off to good starts. Kansas State, Missouri and Kansas each played in a bowl game last season, and returning to the postseason is at least the objective for all of them this season. On SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, the beat writers check in to preview their teams, offer strengths and weaknesses and provide a projected final record. Kellis Robinett covers the defending Big 12 champion Wildcats, who return quarterback Will Howard. Chris Kwiecinski covers Mizzou for the Columbia Tribune, and Shreyas Laddha follows the Jayhawks. Spoiler alert: All have the teams they cover headed to another bowl game this season. Story links: Kansas State vs. Southeast Missouri: 5 things to know https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article278605079.html Kansas vs. Missouri State: 5 things to know https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article278673024.html Missouri: Game by game predictions, and five bold predictions https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-missouri/article278419829.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

42m
Aug 29
Podcast: What happens with Chris Jones and Chiefs’ upcoming roster decisions?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

41m
Aug 23
Here’s what should concern the Kansas City Chiefs entering their second preseason game

It hasn’t been a good few days for the Chiefs. They opened the preseason with a sluggish performance by the starters and a costly turnover by the reserves to seal a loss at New Orleans. Now, injuries are making news. Beat writer Jesse Newell breaks down the recent developments on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast. We cover the ups and downs of the game against the Saints and look ahead to Saturday evening’s second preseason game, at the Arizona Cardinals (7 p.m. kickoff). And we of course discuss the latest news: The Chiefs on Tuesday announced that they have placed tight end Jody Fortson on IR, effectively ending his season. Three Chiefs receivers left the practice field with injuries Tuesday. All of this, and defensive tackle Chris Jones continues his holdout. Story link: Three Chiefs wide receivers injured at training camp, including Justyn Ross Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

31m
Aug 15
Brett Veach: For Chris Jones, ending career as Chief would be ‘best resolution’

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach remains confident that a deal will get done with All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones, he told The Star earlier this week. You’ll hear his optimism on today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast. Veach sat down with The Star’s Chiefs coverage crew, including columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian and beat writer Jesse Newell, and discussed the Jones situation. “For all parties the best resolution would be for (Jones) to end his career here as a Chief,” Veach said. Also hear how the Chiefs had the Jones contract extension in mind when they made the Tyreek Hill trade in 2022, and what Veach has to say about the idea of trading Jones. After a break, we switch to the Royals, who recently rolled up a season-best seven-game winning streak, led by shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. Through the run came the trade deadline, and Royals beat writer Jaylon Thompson shares his thoughts on the Royals moves. Story link: Chris Jones ‘deserves a big contract,’ Chiefs’ Brett Veach says. Where do things stand? https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article278014703.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

29m
Aug 08
Whose star is rising (or falling) at Chiefs camp? Also, Kleiman talks K-State prospects

The Chiefs couldn’t avoid the injury bug hitting NFL training camps. Defensive back Nazeeh Johnson, who had been rising up the depth chart, suffered a torn ACL and is lost for the season. On today’s episode of SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, beat writer Jesse Newell discusses the impact of that injury and other topics. Johnson was one of five defensive backs selected by the Chiefs in the 2022 NFL Draft. He didn’t play a defensive snap last season, but he did see reps this summer with the first-team defense, earning praise from head coach Andy Reid and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Also, although it’s only been a few days of practice in pads, it’s not too early to offer observations about who has stood out. Among those making a good early impression is undrafted running back Deneric Prince. After a break, we stay with football but switch teams: Kansas State coach Chris Klieman spent time with beat writer Kellis Robinett during Big 12 media days, and today you’ll hear that conversation. Klieman discusses this season’s prospects for the defending Big 12 champion Wildcats, including how K-State will adjust to losing star running back Deuce Vaughn and defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah (who’s now with the Chiefs). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

36m
Aug 01
Discussing how Chiefs carry on without Chris Jones (holdout), Kadarius Toney (injury)

The Chiefs road to repeating as NFL champions is off to a bumpy start. A few days into training camp, defensive star Chris Jones has officially become a holdout, and wide receiver Kadarius Toney suffered a knee injury almost as soon as he stepped on the field. We discuss these issues and more on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, from training camp at Missouri Western. with beat writer Jesse Newell and columnist Vahe Gregorian. Andy Reid and the Chiefs gave the impression talks were going smoothly with Jones’ camp and it would be a matter of time before an agreement was reached. What are the team’s options, and do they include a trade? Toney, who caught a touchdown pass and set up another with a record-setting punt return in the Super Bowl victory, has been injury prone, and now it’s up to others to step up. The Chiefs’ wide receiver competition will be among the team’s most watched in the preseason. Story link: Here are the Chiefs options with Chris Jones. You might not like them https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mcdowell/article277580888.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

40m
Jul 25
Are you ready for some Chiefs football? And KC’s Vlatko leads the USWNT

Training camp opens for the Chiefs this week and all the questions left unanswered at the end of the off-season activities last month...remain unanswered. But we’re a little closer to resolution when it comes to starters, roster moves and the big one, a new contract for Chris Jones. On today’s SportsBeat KC podcast, beat writer Jesse Newell discusses the biggest issues facing the Super Bowl champions as quarterbacks, rookies and others arrive to camp early. The rest of the veterans report later this week. You’ll hear from Patrick Mahomes, who met with reporters as he checked into the dorm at Missouri Western in St. Joseph. The Super Bowl and NFL MVP addresses his leadership role and participation in the popular Netflix series, “Quarterbacks.” After a break, we switch gears to the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which opens this week in Australia and New Zealand. The U.S. is looking to extend its World Cup winning streak to three and enters this event with a new coach, Kansas City’s Vladko Andonovski. Star columnist Vahe Gregorian recently caught up with Andonovski and you’ll hear that interview. Story links: Patrick Mahomes hopes Netflix gave you a peek of his life. We learned something else https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mcdowell/article277443638.html Magical dynamic between Chiefs coach Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes has room to grow https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article277439118.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

45m
Jul 19
Big 12 football and the four conference newcomers + NBA awaits these top Cats

Where should Kansas State fall in the preseason Big 12 football rankings? After all, the Wildcats are the defending conference champions. On today’s episode of SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, beat writer Kellis Robinett discusses how K-State and Big 12 football are about to play the most unique season in the league’s history. The Big 12 will be 14 strong with the addition of BYU, Central Florida, Cincinnati and Houston, and we discuss their impact on the league race. Also, two Wildcats are now looking to make an impact in the NBA. Keyontae Johnson was recently selected No. 50 overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Markquis Nowell signed a deal with the Toronto Raptors as soon as the draft concluded. How will they fare at the next level? Story link: Kansas State point guard Markquis Nowell signs with NBA team after going undrafted Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

32m
Jun 28
Podcast: In recent series with Rays, pitching made news for Royals, in good ways

The Royals recent series against the Tampa Bay Ray was quite eventful with continued success on the mount for Daniel Lynch, the end of a miserable run for Jordan Lyles and a major league record for Austin Cox. Plus, the Royals split the series against the team with baseball’s top record. Beat writer Jaylon Thompson and reporter Pete Grathoff broke down the Royals, especially the pitching, and look ahead to this week for the team. Not just the homestand against the Cleveland Guardians and Los Angeles Dodgers but also where the trade winds could push the team. Aroldis Chapman, Scott Barlow, Nicky Lopez, who else could be wearing a different uniform soon? Story link: A tattoo tale, ‘Ox’ & ‘Little Bill’: Kansas City Royals’ call-ups are living the dream Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

31m
Jun 27
Podcast: Breaking down Mizzou quarterbacks, Kobe Brown’s NBA Draft prospects

Missouri’s quarterback for the 2023 season will be... We look to answer that question and ask more of Chris Kwiecinski and Matt Stahl, who cover the Tigers for the Columbia Daily Tribune on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast. Mizzou’s 2024 SEC football schedule, the first without divisions, is explored, and we discuss Kobe Brown’s NBA Draft possibilities, along with prospects for Coach Dennis Gates’ second season, including a stab at a starting lineup for the 2023-24 season. Brown is looking to become the first Missouri player selected in the NBA Draft since Michael Porter Jr., in 2018. Porter just completed his NBA Championship season with the Denver Nuggets. Story links: Missouri Tigers’ 2024 SEC football schedule: let’s talk potential (and possible risks) https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-missouri/article276425821.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

37m
Jun 22
Podcast: Breaking down KU hoop roster, workouts, NBA Draft & another Braun on the way

The KU basketball season ended with a NCAA Tournament second-round thud. But the news has been mostly good for the Jayhawks since then. The roster has been bolstered by the return of Kevin McCullar and additions like Michigan transfer Hunter Dickinson. Former Jayhawks player Christian Braun won an NBA Finals championship ring with the Denver Nuggets, and KU should have two players, Gradey Dick and Jalen Wilson, selected in Thursday’s NBA Draft. Beat writers Gary Bedore and Shreyas Laddha talk about these topics and more on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast. How about some observations from open scrimmages and a projected starting lineup for next season? We have those too. Story link: KU basketball’s KJ Adams focused on developing jump shot as he prepares for new role https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article276560461.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

38m
Jun 21
Podcast: Sizing up Chiefs Super Bowl bling and Chris Jones’ contract as team breaks

The Chiefs entered their short phase of down time with a ring ceremony at Union Station, and the next time we see the Super Bowl champions is when training camp begins at Missouri Western next month. But the work continues in the front office, especially when it comes to the Chris Jones contract negotiation. On today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, beat writer Jesse Newell breaks down the issues involving the extension. Both sides have said they’d like to get a deal done. Why hasn’t it happened, and what are the prospects of Jones-who missed off-season activities-holding out once training camp begins? Also, we discuss the roster stability, and whether the Chiefs have their starting 22 set. And did you see those rings? Story link: Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce provided input for Chiefs’ Super Bowl rings. Here’s how https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article276467056.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

31m
Jun 20
Podcast: Mahomes, Reid on rings, end of OTAs, Netflix series & a Bieniemy cameo

The Chiefs organization gathered for the private celebration at Union Station, and before that we spoke with some Chiefs. On today’s show, you’ll hear from Patick Mahomes and Andy Reid. This was in the morning before the evening’s event but spoke about the meaning of the rings among other topics. We start the show with a voice from the recent past. Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy now holds the same position with the Washington Commanders. He joined several other Chiefs, like safety Juan Thornhill, now with the Cleveland Browns, and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, with the New England Patriots, in returning to celebrate the Super Bowl triumph. Bieniemy talks about the Super Bowl triumph over the Philadelphia Eagles and what he hopes to bring to his new job. Story link: Super Bowl ring bonds Chiefs, even those who have moved on from KC https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article276467931.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

37m
Jun 16
Podcast: Talking Chiefs and motivation with Kelce, Edwards-Helaire, Karlaftis

One final week of workouts for the Chiefs before they break for a short summer break, and on today’s SportsBeat KC podcast you’ll hear from three players, starting with tight end Travis Kelce. It’s been a busy schedule for Kelce, with the Saturday Night Live hosting duties, White House appearance and, earlier this week, throwing a first pitch at a Royals game. But he’s all business when it comes to football. Clyde Edwards-Helaire began last year as the Chiefs’ starting running back but he wasn’t on the active roster for the Super Bowl. He shares his feelings and motivation for this season. Defensive end George Karlaftis came on strong at the end of his rookie season. He explains how the game slowed down for him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

30m
Jun 14
Podcast: “Now we have to bring this to life,” says new KC2026 World Cup director

A year ago this week, 16 North American sites were announced as hosts for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S., Mexico and Canada and Kansas City made the cut. Less than three years remain before the first games are played and the Kansas City effort has an executive director. Katherine Holland, who headed the city’s bid for landing the event, moves into the new role that oversees the Kansas City 2026 preparation. There are plenty of items on Holland’s to-do list. How will transportation work for the thousands of visitors expected for games and if Kansas City is selected as a base camp? How and where will the city present fan festivals? On today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, Holland discusses these topics and more. The games and the fans will be here before you know it. “Now we have to bring this to life,” Holland said. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

29m
Jun 13
Podcast: To the list of things the KC Royals need to fix add glove work

There are several reasons for the Royals last-place position in the AL Central. They’ve gotten there with inconsistent hitting and pitching, and now they’ve added another problem: fielding. They rank near the bottom in several fielding categories, and it’s not just errors. Poor decisions also have hurt the team and played a big role in Tuesday’s loss at the Miami Marlins. On today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, beat writer Jaylon Thompson and reporter Pete Grathoff discuss the defensive woes, and how the Royals can make repairs. Also, trade specuation as started and we discuss the top possibilities for the team that has plenty of holes to fill. Story link: Kansas City Royals bumble to 6-1 loss at Miami Marlins. Here’s a look at what went awry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

30m
Jun 07
Podcast: How three-time Super Bowl champion Chiefs enjoyed first White House visit

The Chiefs went where their previous Super Bowl championship teams had not gone before...to the White House. Meeting the President wasn’t a thing when they won Super Bowl IV, and the pandemic prevented the visit four years ago. The team made the most of their moment on stage and backstage, touring the White House, then heard words of praise from President Biden. On today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast, we’ll hear his comments and those of Andy Reid and team president Mark Donovan, along with the other person who spoke at the podium, Travis Kelce, if only for a few seconds. First, Star columnist Sam McDowell, who covered the event, tells us what he saw–and how he felt–on his first trip to the White House. Story link: From Whitehouse to the White House: How Mahomes, KC Chiefs left their mark in D.C. With Chiefs up next, meaning of White House visit still resonates with past KC honorees Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

31m
Jun 06
SportsBeat KC podcast: Breaking down new rules and newcomers with Chiefs coordinators

The Chiefs are closing in on the end of organized team activities and on today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast, we hear from the coordinators. Special teams coordinator and assistant head coach Dave Toub doesn’t like the new rule that will allow the ball to be placed at the 25 with a fair catch inside the 25. Also, Toub provides updates on players the Chiefs could use at return positions. Matt Nagy is back at offensive coordinator, a position he held with the Chiefs in 2016 and 2017 before becoming head coach of the Chicago Bears. He tells us what might be different about the offense this season. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo coached up several rookies last season and faces that prospect again. He tells us who has made good early impressions. Story link: The Chiefs want to ‘stay aggressive’ after this NFL rule change. Why that’s a mistake Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

28m
Jun 02
SportsBeat KC podcast: Royals show improvement in May but there’s a long way to go

May was better than April for the Royals, but not good enough to get the team out of last place in the AL Central. The Royals head into June with a 17-39 record, one of two in baseball to not reach the 20-victory plateau. What were the highlights and low points for the month? On today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast, beat writer Jaylon Thompson and editor Scott Chasen break it down and look ahead to June. One thought: As good as Salvador Perez and Zack Greinke were in May, the Royals need some of their younger players to step up in a more consistent way. Also, we start the discussion about the All-Star Game, and, who would be the Royals’ representative if they get just one roster slot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

31m
Jun 01
Podcast: Star columnists cover Chiefs, soccer, White House visits & new KC airport

With DeAndre Hopkins on the market, how set are the Chiefs at wide receiver with Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore, Justin Watson, Rashee Rice and other candidates? The Chiefs would need to clear cap space to sign the three-time All-Pro, but should they? On today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast, the columnists share their thoughts on the Chiefs and all things sports in Kansas City. Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell discuss White House visits for KC teams, Sporting Kansas City’s resurgence, the KC Current’s new coach. And, as frequent fliers, we review the new Kansas City airport (!) and provide a suggestion on how to avoid the long line at arrivals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

42m
May 31
SportsBeat KC podcast: The chances of DeAndre Hopkins joining the Chiefs are...

DeAndre Hopkins has been among the top NFL wide receivers in his career, and he’s available after his release by the Arizona Cardinals last week. What are the chances Hopkins joins the Chiefs? According to beat writer Jesse Newell, the case against landing in Kansas City has more checks than the case for Hopkins joining Patrick Mahomes and company. Newell lays out his reason on today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast. Also discussed: Why the Chiefs are planning to enter the 2023 season without a fullback for the first time in Andy Reid’s tenure. You’ll also hear from new left tackle Donovan Smith, who spent his first eight NFL seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before signing with the Chiefs. Smith met with reporters last week during OTAs. Story link: Why new Chiefs free-agent signing believes he’ll have a bounce-back season in 2023 https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article275819531.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

33m
May 30
Chiefs’ Mahomes on NFL QB contracts (including his own), plus Bolton & Reid | Podcast

What does Patrick Mahomes think about the NFL’s quarterback market, and his place in it? What has Nick Bolton been up to since his Super Bowl scoop-and-score? What does Andy Reid think about his new cast of wide receivers and tackles? The Chiefs spoke to reporters Wednesday and you’ll hear what they had to say on today’s episode of The Star’s SportsBeat KC podcast. Mahomes kicks off off the show. After jet-setting this offseason to the Kentucky Derby and a Formula 1 race in Miami (among other trips), he explains what keeps him grounded. Bolton, meanwhile, says he’s been impressed with the energy of safety Bryan Cook, and Reid explains why the Chiefs aren’t likely to carry a fullback this season. Story link: Patrick Mahomes not driven to be top-paid QB: ‘I worry about legacy and winning rings’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

32m
May 24
Podcast: The risk and rewards of long term contracts that the Royals must consider

Before losing their fourth straight game, the Royals bid farewell to a player who had been in the organization for 10 years. Hunter Dozier was designated for assignment, and the Royals will eat the remainder of his contract. Dozier signed a four-year extension in 2021 and is owed about $15 million if another team doesn’t claim him. Signing a lucrative long-term extension is risk to the club and potentially the player, and as the Royals consider deals to lock up younger talent like Vinnie Pasquantino, Bobby Witt Jr., Brady Singer or MJ Melendez, the player has to be sure of the timing. Could a younger player sell himself short by signing an extension too early? On today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily podcast, columnist Sam McDowell, beat writer Jaylon Thompson and reporter Pete Grathoff discuss contract extension possibilities, along with other Royals topics, like the holes in the starting rotation and what’s happened to the bats lately. Story link: The Royals cut Hunter Dozier. Is there a lesson in his story? Maybe. But ideally not. https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mcdowell/article275685726.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

32m
May 23
Bad weekend but time to dig out for Sporting KC, Current: SportsBeat KC podcast

Not a good weekend for Kansas City’s soccer teams. Sporting KC got trounced in its first game against expansion team Saint Louis City, and the KC Current dropped its fourth straight, and second this week, to Racing Louisville. Both teams have been fighting uphill battles throughout the season, and they’ve shown signs of solid play. Before Sporting’s loss it had going 2-0-1 and the Current posted a three-game winning streak earlier this season. On today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast, beat writer Daniel Sperry drills down on the recent results but also looks at the big picture and examines what needs to happen for both to realize their playoff aspiration. Story link Sporting Kansas City trounced by St. Louis City SC in first game of new MLS rivalry https://www.kansascity.com/sports/soccer/sporting-kc/article275623341.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

31m
May 22
Podcast: How FIFA World Cup 2026 and Kansas City can work for each other

Three years before the games come to Kansas City, the FIFA World Cup 2026 has new logos, a board of directors and some money earmarked from state and city governments. This was part of a press conference at GEHA Field at Arrowhead that included Missouri Gov. Mike Parson and Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly. Perhaps the biggest reveal of the event came from Kansas City mayor Quinton Lucas, who said the city will issue request for proposals on improving transportation from downtown to the airport and the Truman Sports Complex. On today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s daily sports podcast. You’ll hear from Lucas, and Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt who took questions from reporters after their remarks. First up is Star columnist Sam McDowell who attended the event and shared his impressions. Story link: Getting KC prepped for World Cup 2026: Government, team officials outline broad plans https://www.kansascity.com/sports/article275526521.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

24m
May 18