thedenverpost--2020-12-04--Kiszla: Undaunted by dynasty being built by LeBron, Nuggets star Nikola Jokic says: “I don’t care ab

Kiszla: Undaunted by dynasty being built by LeBron, Nuggets star Nikola Jokic says: “I don’t care about the Lakers”

Hey , we all know the NBA is LeBron James ’ league .
He rules everything .
Not content to be the best player , King James is also the most influential roster-builder in the game .
But that won ’ t stop the feisty , little Nuggets from giving James a noogie while trying to knock off the King ’ s crown .
“ To be honest , ” center Nikola Jokic said Thursday , “ I don ’ t care about the Lakers.
” Although it was barely 65 days between Denver ’ s playoff elimination in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Lakers and the start of training camp in this crazy COVID-19 time , I missed the Joker .
Didn ’ t you ?
When I tried to ask Jokic to evaluate where the Nuggets now stood in their competitive relationship to the mighty , champion Lakers , he was having none of it .
And that ’ s part of what makes Joker so endearing .
Yes , Denver ’ s all-star center understands he is not James .
But that doesn ’ t mean he has to kiss the King ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smile on this chilly December day ?
Oozing pride and delight , newlywed Jokic scrambled to show off his wedding ring to journalists on a Zoom call .
This dude is a treasure .
We ’ re lucky to have him in Denver for reasons that go beyond all those triple-doubles .
But know what ’ s funny ?
Lots of folks in the NBA still have trouble taking Joker and his team seriously , despite a magical playoff run in the Disney bubble that saw Denver erase 3-1 series deficits to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As the Clippers report to training camp , however , it seems the same players that got coach Doc Rivers fired still have trouble accepting their defeat against Denver .
“ I think it hurt people being up 3-1 , ” Clippers forward Marcus Morris said .
“ It ’ s not about the losing , it ’ s about how we lost .
And I think that ’ s the biggest motivation for this team , because at the end of the day , that team wasn ’ t better than us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nuggets don ’ t get no respect .
So what else is new ?
“ Even now , they are talking about how Clippers lost , they don ’ t think about how Nuggets won , ” said Jokic , who gave his views without knowledge about Morris ’ low opinion of Denver .
“ We don ’ t care that nobody gives us some kind of whatever , respect .
We ’ re going to be there .
We were in tough situations last year .
We fight.
” Before their championship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went out and got better , adding talented veterans Dennis Schroder , Montrezl Harrell and Marc Gasol to the band in La La Land .
It seems the wily old King is building one last dynasty .
And the Nuggets ?
They got disrespected by free agent Jerami Grant , who dumped a championship contender in Denver for money and a bigger role in Detroit Rock City .
“ Certainly was a bit surprising and disappointing , ” said Tim Connelly , Nuggets president of basketball operations .
When the predictions start rolling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t be favored to make a return trip to the Western Conference Finals .
Don ’ t expect the Nuggets , however , to curtsy in the presence of James , the Clippers or anybody else who blocks their path to a championship .
“ Just because someone doesn ’ t give us respect , doesn ’ t mean that we take their opinions , ” Jokic said .
“ We know what we ’ re capable of.
” Joker is the underdog in all of us .
In the world where he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against him .
But Joker doesn ’ t give a hoot .
“ Are we going to be better ?
Are we going to be worse ?
” said Jokic , grateful to be healthy and hooping as the coronavirus pandemic rages on .
“ I ’ m just looking forward to see how we ’ re going to do this season , in all these weird times .
”

Hey, we all know the NBA is LeBron James’ league. He rules everything. Not content to be the best player, King James is also the most influential roster-builder in the game. But that won’t stop the feisty, little Nuggets from giving James a noogie while trying to knock off the King’s crown.
“To be honest,” center Nikola Jokic said Thursday, “I don’t care about the Lakers.”
Although it was barely 65 days between Denver’s playoff elimination in the Western Conference Finals at the hand of the Lakers and the start of training camp in this crazy COVID-19 time, I missed the Joker. Didn’t you?
When I tried to ask Jokic to evaluate where the Nuggets now stood in their competitive relationship to the mighty, champion Lakers, he was having none of it. And that’s part of what makes Joker so endearing. Yes, Denver’s all-star center understands he is not James. But that doesn’t mean he has to kiss the King’s ring.
The warmest reason to smile on this chilly December day? Oozing pride and delight, newlywed Jokic scrambled to show off his wedding ring to journalists on a Zoom call. This dude is a treasure. We’re lucky to have him in Denver for reasons that go beyond all those triple-doubles.
But know what’s funny? Lots of folks in the NBA still have trouble taking Joker and his team seriously, despite a magical playoff run in the Disney bubble that saw Denver erase 3-1 series deficits to the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers.
As the Clippers report to training camp, however, it seems the same players that got coach Doc Rivers fired still have trouble accepting their defeat against Denver.
“I think it hurt people being up 3-1,” Clippers forward Marcus Morris said. “It’s not about the losing, it’s about how we lost. And I think that’s the biggest motivation for this team, because at the end of the day, that team wasn’t better than us. We all knew that.”
The Nuggets don’t get no respect. So what else is new?
“Even now, they are talking about how Clippers lost, they don’t think about how Nuggets won,” said Jokic, who gave his views without knowledge about Morris’ low opinion of Denver. “We don’t care that nobody gives us some kind of whatever, respect. We’re going to be there. We were in tough situations last year. We fight.”
Before their championship banner could be raised, the Lakers went out and got better, adding talented veterans Dennis Schroder, Montrezl Harrell and Marc Gasol to the band in La La Land. It seems the wily old King is building one last dynasty.
And the Nuggets? They got disrespected by free agent Jerami Grant, who dumped a championship contender in Denver for money and a bigger role in Detroit Rock City.
“Certainly was a bit surprising and disappointing,” said Tim Connelly, Nuggets president of basketball operations.
When the predictions start rolling in, we know Denver won’t be favored to make a return trip to the Western Conference Finals. Don’t expect the Nuggets, however, to curtsy in the presence of James, the Clippers or anybody else who blocks their path to a championship.
“Just because someone doesn’t give us respect, doesn’t mean that we take their opinions,” Jokic said. “We know what we’re capable of.”
Joker is the underdog in all of us.
In the world where he works, maybe the odds are stacked against him. But Joker doesn’t give a hoot.
“Are we going to be better? Are we going to be worse?” said Jokic, grateful to be healthy and hooping as the coronavirus pandemic rages on. “I’m just looking forward to see how we’re going to do this season, in all these weird times.”


thedenverpost--2020-12-04--Among first acts, Biden to call for 100 days of mask-wearing

WASHINGTON — Joe Biden said Thursday that he will ask Americans to commit to 100 days of wearing masks as one of his first acts as president , stopping just short of the nationwide mandate he ’ s pushed before to stop the spread of the coronavirus .
The move marks a notable shift from President Donald Trump , whose own skepticism of mask-wearing has contributed to a politicization of the issue .
That ’ s made many people reticent to embrace a practice that public health experts say is one of the easiest ways to manage the pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The president-elect has frequently emphasized mask-wearing as a “ patriotic duty ” and during the campaign floated the idea of instituting a nationwide mask mandate , which he later acknowledged would be beyond the ability of the president to enforce .
Speaking with CNN ’ s Jake Tapper , Biden said he would make the request of Americans on Inauguration Day , Jan. 20 .
“ On the first day I ’ m inaugurated , I ’ m going to ask the public for 100 days to mask .
Just 100 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 days .
And I think we ’ ll see a significant reduction ” in the virus , Biden said .
Biden also said he asked Dr. Anthony Fauci to stay on in his administration , “ in the exact same role he ’ s had for the past several presidents , ” as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , the nation ’ s top infectious-disease expert .
The president-elect said he ’ s asked Fauci to be a “ chief medical adviser ” as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Regarding a coronavirus vaccine , Biden said he ’ d be “ happy ” to get inoculated in public to assuage any concerns about its efficacy and safety .
Three former presidents — Barack Obama , George W. Bush and Bill Clinton — have said they ’ d also get vaccinated publicly to show that it ’ s safe .
“ People have lost faith in the ability of the vaccine to work , ” Biden said , adding that “ it matters what a president and the vice president do.
” In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in on reports that Trump is considering pardons of himself and his allies .
“ It concerns me in terms of what kind of precedent it sets and how the rest of the world looks at us as a nation of laws and justice , ” Biden said .
Biden committed that his Justice Department will “ operate independently ” and that whoever he chooses to lead the department will have the “ independent capacity to decide who gets investigated.
” “ You ’ re not going to see in our administration that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are you going to see in our administration the approach to making policy by tweets , ” he said .
Vice President-elect Kamala Harris added that any decision coming out of the Department of Justice “ should be based on facts , should be based on the law — it should not be influenced by politics .
”

WASHINGTON — Joe Biden said Thursday that he will ask Americans to commit to 100 days of wearing masks as one of his first acts as president, stopping just short of the nationwide mandate he’s pushed before to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
The move marks a notable shift from President Donald Trump, whose own skepticism of mask-wearing has contributed to a politicization of the issue. That’s made many people reticent to embrace a practice that public health experts say is one of the easiest ways to manage the pandemic, which has killed more than 275,000 Americans.
The president-elect has frequently emphasized mask-wearing as a “patriotic duty” and during the campaign floated the idea of instituting a nationwide mask mandate, which he later acknowledged would be beyond the ability of the president to enforce.
Speaking with CNN’s Jake Tapper, Biden said he would make the request of Americans on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20.
“On the first day I’m inaugurated, I’m going to ask the public for 100 days to mask. Just 100 days to mask — not forever, just 100 days. And I think we’ll see a significant reduction” in the virus, Biden said.
Biden also said he asked Dr. Anthony Fauci to stay on in his administration, “in the exact same role he’s had for the past several presidents,” as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the nation’s top infectious-disease expert.
The president-elect said he’s asked Fauci to be a “chief medical adviser” as well as part of his COVID-19 advisory team.
Regarding a coronavirus vaccine, Biden said he’d be “happy” to get inoculated in public to assuage any concerns about its efficacy and safety. Three former presidents — Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton — have said they’d also get vaccinated publicly to show that it’s safe.
“People have lost faith in the ability of the vaccine to work,” Biden said, adding that “it matters what a president and the vice president do.”
In the same interview, Biden also weighed in on reports that Trump is considering pardons of himself and his allies.
“It concerns me in terms of what kind of precedent it sets and how the rest of the world looks at us as a nation of laws and justice,” Biden said.
Biden committed that his Justice Department will “operate independently” and that whoever he chooses to lead the department will have the “independent capacity to decide who gets investigated.”
“You’re not going to see in our administration that kind of approach to pardons, nor are you going to see in our administration the approach to making policy by tweets,” he said.
Vice President-elect Kamala Harris added that any decision coming out of the Department of Justice “should be based on facts, should be based on the law — it should not be influenced by politics.”


thedenverpost--2020-12-04--No criminal charges against former managing partner of Buffalo Exchange

A man who was investigated by Denver police on sexual assault allegations will not face criminal charges .
Patrick Todd @ @ @ @ @ franchise managing partner with Buffalo Exchange , a vintage clothing retailer , was investigated in @ @ @ @ @ allegations of employee abuse surfaced on an Instagram account .
“ Regarding Mr. Colletti…we refused @ @ @ @ @ not believe we could prove it beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury , ” @ @ @ @ @ DA ’ s spokeswoman .
People identifying themselves as former employees of Buffalo Exchange locations @ @ @ @ @ the accusations .
Denver police on Thursday said that a criminal investigation was handed over @ @ @ @ @ was no arrest and the case has been closed , ” said Christine Downs , @ @ @ @ @ case could be reopened if new or additional evidence is presented , Downs said .

A man who was investigated by Denver police on sexual assault allegations will not face criminal charges.
Patrick Todd Colletti, a former Colorado franchise managing partner with Buffalo Exchange, a vintage clothing retailer, was investigated in July after dozens of anonymous allegations of employee abuse surfaced on an Instagram account.
“Regarding Mr. Colletti…we refused this case because we did not believe we could prove it beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury,” said Carolyn Tyler, a DA’s spokeswoman.
People identifying themselves as former employees of Buffalo Exchange locations in Denver and Boulder levied the accusations.
Denver police on Thursday said that a criminal investigation was handed over to prosecutors.
“There was no arrest and the case has been closed,” said Christine Downs, a DPD spokeswoman.
The case could be reopened if new or additional evidence is presented, Downs said.


thedenverpost--2020-12-04--Palmer Ridge, behind explosive passing game, seeks fourth-straight state title as Class 4A football

Palmer Ridge, behind explosive passing game, seeks fourth-straight state title as Class 4A football newcomers

Palmer Ridge became a Class 3A football juggernaut with three consecutive Colorado state championships before moving up to 4A this season .
Might bigger and better competition derail the Bears ’ dynasty ?
No chance .
Palmer Ridge is one win away from a fourth straight state title .
“ We always love a challenge and love competition , ” senior Palmer Ridge wide receiver Kaden Dudley said .
“ We came into this season knowing it was going to be a lot more difficult and a lot more challenging .
… It ’ s been super fun playing in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the doubters wrong that we ’ ve had along this path.
” The No .
2 Bears ( 6-0 ) face No .
4 Loveland ( 8-0 ) for a significant contrast in styles .
Loveland ’ s run-first approach produces results with 340 ground yards per game and 16 rushing touchdowns from senior running back Zack Rakowsky .
The Palmer Ridge recipe for success ?
Air it out .
“ We like to throw the ball , ” Dudley said .
The speedy 6-foot , 190-pound wide receiver would know .
Dudley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prospect in the state for the Class of 2021 , per 247Sports , with more than 1,500 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns over three varsity seasons at Palmer Ridge .
Dudley committed to Boise State this summer and he ’ s not the only Bears pass catcher who will play at the next level , either .
Cameron Jones , a senior tight end , has multiple preferred walk-on and small school scholarship offers .
Senior wide receiver Marcellus Reed is committed to Division-II powerhouse Pitt State .
Anthony Costanzo , a lengthy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offers from Colorado and Colorado State .
And additional underclassmen have also flashed talent .
It ’ s a wealth of receiving options for senior quarterback Luke McAllister — a 4,300-yard career passer committed to play up the road at CSU next fall .
“ We ’ ve all been with Luke for a long time , so the chemistry is just amazing , ” Dudley said .
“ When they try to double-up on one of us , it just leaves one of the other ones open , ” Dudley continued .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our receivers will have a super big game .
That ’ s what we ’ re used to that this point .
Every receiver has a role and the route concepts we have built-in to the playbook allow for someone to get open.
” Palmer Ridge coach Tom Pulford is quick to credit the improved play of his offensive line and growth at every position on the roster for why the Bears are in position for a fourth title .
But Pulford says that his “ wide receiver corps is the strength @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just gawdy statistics .
“ We ’ ve maybe had receiving corps in the past that have had an equal amount of talent , but maybe didn ’ t have that brotherhood and love for each other that is as strong as the one we have right now , ” Pulford said .
“ This year posed unique opportunities for kids to respond to adversity.
” Palmer Ridge sat out two games this season with a 14-day quarantine period for the entire team and bounced back with double-digit victories in each of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenge is outdueling a Loveland defense that has forced 20 turnovers over eight games .
The 4A newcomers are ready for the challenge .
“ To be able to have our offense on display against a really great team , ” Dudley said , “ I think it will open a lot of eyes as to what we have going on at Palmer Ridge .
”

Palmer Ridge became a Class 3A football juggernaut with three consecutive Colorado state championships before moving up to 4A this season. Might bigger and better competition derail the Bears’ dynasty?
No chance. Palmer Ridge is one win away from a fourth straight state title.
“We always love a challenge and love competition,” senior Palmer Ridge wide receiver Kaden Dudley said. “We came into this season knowing it was going to be a lot more difficult and a lot more challenging. … It’s been super fun playing in 4A this year proving a lot of the doubters wrong that we’ve had along this path.”
The No. 2 Bears (6-0) face No. 4 Loveland (8-0) for a significant contrast in styles. Loveland’s run-first approach produces results with 340 ground yards per game and 16 rushing touchdowns from senior running back Zack Rakowsky. The Palmer Ridge recipe for success? Air it out.
“We like to throw the ball,” Dudley said.
The speedy 6-foot, 190-pound wide receiver would know. Dudley is considered the No. 11 college prospect in the state for the Class of 2021, per 247Sports, with more than 1,500 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns over three varsity seasons at Palmer Ridge. Dudley committed to Boise State this summer and he’s not the only Bears pass catcher who will play at the next level, either.
Cameron Jones, a senior tight end, has multiple preferred walk-on and small school scholarship offers. Senior wide receiver Marcellus Reed is committed to Division-II powerhouse Pitt State. Anthony Costanzo, a lengthy 6-foot-3 junior wide receiver, holds scholarship offers from Colorado and Colorado State. And additional underclassmen have also flashed talent.
It’s a wealth of receiving options for senior quarterback Luke McAllister — a 4,300-yard career passer committed to play up the road at CSU next fall.
“We’ve all been with Luke for a long time, so the chemistry is just amazing,” Dudley said.
“When they try to double-up on one of us, it just leaves one of the other ones open,” Dudley continued. “Each week, a different one of our receivers will have a super big game. That’s what we’re used to that this point. Every receiver has a role and the route concepts we have built-in to the playbook allow for someone to get open.”
Palmer Ridge coach Tom Pulford is quick to credit the improved play of his offensive line and growth at every position on the roster for why the Bears are in position for a fourth title. But Pulford says that his “wide receiver corps is the strength of our team.”
For reasons beyond just gawdy statistics.
“We’ve maybe had receiving corps in the past that have had an equal amount of talent, but maybe didn’t have that brotherhood and love for each other that is as strong as the one we have right now,” Pulford said. “This year posed unique opportunities for kids to respond to adversity.”
Palmer Ridge sat out two games this season with a 14-day quarantine period for the entire team and bounced back with double-digit victories in each of their playoff games. The Bears’ final challenge is outdueling a Loveland defense that has forced 20 turnovers over eight games. The 4A newcomers are ready for the challenge.
“To be able to have our offense on display against a really great team,” Dudley said, “I think it will open a lot of eyes as to what we have going on at Palmer Ridge.”


thedenverpost--2020-12-04--Rockies acquire lefty reliever Yoan Aybar from Red Sox

Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich said Wednesday that a left-handed reliever was “ certainly something that was missing from the team last year.
” Thursday , the Rockies made a minor move to try and rectify the problem by trading for Boston Red Sox minor league lefty Yoan Aybar .
He has been added to Colorado ’ s 40-man roster , which now stands at 38 players .
In exchange for Aybar , the Rockies traded minor league infielder Christian Koss , who was ranked as the club ’ s 29th prospect by Baseball America .
Aybar , 23 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July 2013 out of the Dominican Republic and began his professional career as an outfielder .
Since he was converted to a pitcher in 2018 , he ’ s gone 3-4 with a 4.45 ERA in 61 relief appearances .
He finished the 2019 season with high-A Salem , posting a 1.80 ERA in four games .
His fastball has reached 100 mph and he struck out 11.1 batters per nine innings in 2019 , though he also walked 6.5 batters per nine .
He did not pitch in 2020 because of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ selected by the Rockies in the 12th round of the 2019 draft out of the University of California-Irvine .
He made a strong first impression with Grand Junction in the rookie-level Pioneer League in 2019 .
He was named MiLB.com ’ s Pioneer League player of the month for July and twice earned the league ’ s player-of-the-week honors .
In 53 games for Grand Junction , Koss hit .332 , with 11 home runs , 51 RBIs , 10 stolen bases and a 1.050 OPS .

Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich said Wednesday that a left-handed reliever was “certainly something that was missing from the team last year.”
Thursday, the Rockies made a minor move to try and rectify the problem by trading for Boston Red Sox minor league lefty Yoan Aybar. He has been added to Colorado’s 40-man roster, which now stands at 38 players.
In exchange for Aybar, the Rockies traded minor league infielder Christian Koss, who was ranked as the club’s 29th prospect by Baseball America.
Aybar, 23, was signed by the Red Sox in July 2013 out of the Dominican Republic and began his professional career as an outfielder. Since he was converted to a pitcher in 2018, he’s gone 3-4 with a 4.45 ERA in 61 relief appearances. He finished the 2019 season with high-A Salem, posting a 1.80 ERA in four games. His fastball has reached 100 mph and he struck out 11.1 batters per nine innings in 2019, though he also walked 6.5 batters per nine. He did not pitch in 2020 because of the pandemic.
Koss, 22, was selected by the Rockies in the 12th round of the 2019 draft out of the University of California-Irvine. He made a strong first impression with Grand Junction in the rookie-level Pioneer League in 2019. He was named MiLB.com’s Pioneer League player of the month for July and twice earned the league’s player-of-the-week honors. In 53 games for Grand Junction, Koss hit .332, with 11 home runs, 51 RBIs, 10 stolen bases and a 1.050 OPS.


thedenverpost--2020-12-04--Broncos podcast: Denver faces long odds in snapping 10-game skid to super-powered Chiefs

In this edition of the 1st-and-Orange podcast sponsored by SportsBetting.com , Denver Post beat writers Kyle Newman and Ryan O @ @ @ @ @ ’ Week 13 showdown against the Chiefs in which Denver is a two-touchdown underdog .
@ @ @ @ @ leading into the AFC West bout at Arrowhead Stadium .
Plus , discussion on quarterbacks @ @ @ @ @ , the most recent update in the team ’ s ownership saga , a review @ @ @ @ @ blowout loss to New Orleans , and much more analysis .
• 🔊 Broncos podcast @ @ @ @ @ Week 12 home game as Saints come to Denver • 🔊 Broncos podcast : Denver @ @ @ @ @ .500 with road win in Atlanta Subscribe to our Broncos Insider newsletter to get the @ @ @ @ @ to your inbox .

In this edition of the 1st-and-Orange podcast sponsored by SportsBetting.com, Denver Post beat writers Kyle Newman and Ryan O’Halloran preview the Broncos’ Week 13 showdown against the Chiefs in which Denver is a two-touchdown underdog.
The duo provides injury updates leading into the AFC West bout at Arrowhead Stadium. Plus, discussion on quarterbacks Drew Lock and Patrick Mahomes, the most recent update in the team’s ownership saga, a review of the Broncos’ quarterback-less blowout loss to New Orleans, and much more analysis.
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thedenverpost--2020-12-03--Rockies’ streak of rising payrolls likely ending in 2021

The business of baseball is rocky for the Rockies .
Owner Dick Monfort wrote in a recent letter to season-ticket holders that “ there will be nothing normal about this offseason as the industry faces a new economic reality , ” in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic .
General manager Jeff Bridich echoed that thought Wednesday after the Rockies non-tendered outfielder David Dahl , catcher Tony Wolters and right-hander Chi Chi Gonzalez .
“ It ’ s fluid right now , but we know that it ’ s not the same , ” Bridich said when asked if the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We are not going to be having the same sort of growth-minded outlook that we ’ ve had with the payroll over the last number of years .
We have some business decisions to make and we will have to continue to make those , most likely.
” The Rockies ’ had a projected $ 150.5 million payroll for 2020 , the 12th-highest in the majors , and that would have set a franchise record , had it not been for the pandemic .
It also would have marked the seventh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s payroll increased , according to Cot ’ s Baseball Contracts .
Wolter ’ s farewell .
During his five seasons with the Rockies , Wolters was well-liked by his teammates and become a fan favorite , who ’ ll remember him for his hustle and for one of the biggest hits in franchise history .
Wolters hit a game-winning , RBI single in the 13th inning of Colorado ’ s 2-1 over the Cubs in the 2018 wild-card playoff game .
“ I will always look back on my time with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wolters said .
“ This is the team where I made my major league debut and have experienced many of the firsts of my career .
The fans have been incredible to both me and my family .
For that , among other things , I am incredibly grateful .
“ However , I am excited for this next chapter and what it will bring .
This is just another opportunity for me to learn from , work hard at , and make a difference in a new city.
” No comment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the media , Bridich was asked about the status of third baseman Nolan Arenado ’ s injured left shoulder , and also about any communication he might have had with Arenado since the end of the season .
“ My understanding is that his shoulder ( rehab ) is going well , ” Bridich said .
“ But otherwise , there ’ s really nothing to discuss in terms of the second part of your question .
”

The business of baseball is rocky for the Rockies.
Owner Dick Monfort wrote in a recent letter to season-ticket holders that “there will be nothing normal about this offseason as the industry faces a new economic reality,” in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. General manager Jeff Bridich echoed that thought Wednesday after the Rockies non-tendered outfielder David Dahl, catcher Tony Wolters and right-hander Chi Chi Gonzalez.
“It’s fluid right now, but we know that it’s not the same,” Bridich said when asked if the club’s 2021 payroll would shrink. “We are not going to be having the same sort of growth-minded outlook that we’ve had with the payroll over the last number of years. We have some business decisions to make and we will have to continue to make those, most likely.”
The Rockies’ had a projected $150.5 million payroll for 2020, the 12th-highest in the majors, and that would have set a franchise record, had it not been for the pandemic. It also would have marked the seventh consecutive season in which the club’s payroll increased, according to Cot’s Baseball Contracts.
Wolter’s farewell. During his five seasons with the Rockies, Wolters was well-liked by his teammates and become a fan favorite, who’ll remember him for his hustle and for one of the biggest hits in franchise history. Wolters hit a game-winning, RBI single in the 13th inning of Colorado’s 2-1 over the Cubs in the 2018 wild-card playoff game.
“I will always look back on my time with the Colorado Rockies with fond memories,” Wolters said. “This is the team where I made my major league debut and have experienced many of the firsts of my career. The fans have been incredible to both me and my family. For that, among other things, I am incredibly grateful.
“However, I am excited for this next chapter and what it will bring. This is just another opportunity for me to learn from, work hard at, and make a difference in a new city.”
No comment. During Wednesday’s conference call with the media, Bridich was asked about the status of third baseman Nolan Arenado’s injured left shoulder, and also about any communication he might have had with Arenado since the end of the season.
“My understanding is that his shoulder (rehab) is going well,” Bridich said. “But otherwise, there’s really nothing to discuss in terms of the second part of your question.”


thedenverpost--2020-12-03--CU Buffs’ Christian Gonzalez learning on the fly

As soon as Colorado coaches named Christian Gonzalez a starter , he knew he needed to be ready .
“ I knew that was going to happen coming in , especially if I was playing early , ” said Gonzalez , a 6-foot-2 , 200-pound corner who has started all three games for the Buffs ( 3-0 , 2-0 Pac-12 ) .
“ They ’ re going to target the true freshman .
That ’ s always the go-to.
” Through three games , Gonzalez has been targeted more often than anyone in CU ’ s secondary .
While he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including three pass interference penalties in the first two games – Gonzalez is developing , and has yet to give up a touchdown .
“ It was a blessing just being able to play and start and be with the team , ” he said .
“ Those penalties got to me , but I just learned to push them on and move to the next play .
“ ( Quarterbacks targeting a freshman ) was in the back of my head , but it ’ s really just football .
I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forever .
Nothing really different .
Just play and don ’ t think.
” One of the top players in CU ’ s 2020 recruiting class , Gonzalez , from The Colony ( Texas ) High School , had a four-star rating and originally committed to Purdue .
He was a star on both sides of the ball , piling up 17 pass breakups and three interceptions on defense , along with 65 catches for 956 yards and 12 touchdowns on offense .
• No fans to be allowed at Rose Bowl for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep rolling vs. Arizona • Pac-12 midseason report : Oregon State , Colorado and Washington take home our top awards • No .
2 Irish earn spot in ACC title game after cancellation • CU Buffs need RB depth to show up , give Jarek Broussard support CU coaches were impressed from the start of preseason camp in October and decided to let him have on-the-job training on game day .
Even with the growing pains , Gonzalez has stood out and he was one of few players on CU ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mentioned last week , when the Trojans were planning to play the Buffs ; the game that was later canceled .
As he strives to get even better , Gonzalez is leaning on veterans , such as junior Mekhi Blackmon ; his coaches ; and studying film .
“ It ’ s a big step that I didn ’ t really do that much in high school , ” he said of watching film .
“ That ’ s a huge thing in college is watching film .
The more I watch of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see what I need to do , what footwork I need to fix .
It ’ s very helpful.
” Senior linebacker Nate Landman has garnered plenty of deserved attention during his career , and especially this week .
He was named Walter Camp and Bronko Nagurski national defensive player of the week , as well as Pac-12 defensive player of the week .
Quietly , outside linebacker Carson Wells has been dominating , too .
Wells is third on the team with 15 tackles , but leads the team with seven tackles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He ’ s also second on the team with four pass breakups , tied for the lead with three QB pressures and has one of the Buffs ’ two interceptions .
“ He ’ s kind of in the shadows , ” CU head coach Karl Dorrell said .
“ But , Carson Wells is playing as good as anybody on our defense right now .
He ’ s got good production .
Obviously Nate is on fire right now , but I would say Carson , he has done a tremendous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In addition to playing his position well , Wells has been valuable with on-field communication and helping others along , too , Dorrell said .
“ He ’ s playing really , really well , ” he said .
“ We ’ re hoping he continues to do the things he ’ s doing because he ’ s making a name for himself , as well.
” Senior receiver KD Nixon spent the first two games of the season standing on the sidelines , nursing a hamstring injury , but made his season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with four catches for 26 yards .
“ Being able to be back is a blessing , ” he said .
“ Not the year that I wanted ( with starting late ) , but you can ’ t question God ; 2020 has been a year full of out of nowhere things , so you ’ ve just got to push through it.
” With Nixon out early this season , he ’ s watched several other receivers step up , including Dimitri Stanley ( 13 catches for 202 yards ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ catches for 124 ) and Brenden Rice ( five catches for 59 ) .
“ I ’ m extremely proud of them , ” Nixon said .
“ I ’ m the best cheerleader on the team .
I always want to see everyone eat and that ’ s just the mindset we carry from high school and I ’ m going to always carry .
It ’ s a lot of blessings for everybody to do their best , but also we ’ ve got to do way better .
We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can to contribute to the team that I know we can.
” On Thursday , the Pac-12 announced a partnership with the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl for this season .
A team from the Pac-12 will match up with an SEC team on Dec. 31 at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth , Texas .
The announcement comes after four other Pac-12 bowls have been canceled ( Las Vegas , Sun , Holiday and Redbox ) .
… CU has scored in every quarter this season .
It ’ s the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have scored in each of the first 12 quarters of a season ; that year they scored in the first 16 .
… The Buffs will wear gold helmets with white jerseys and pants at Arizona .
CU has worn gold helmets in every game this season .
Since debuting its four different helmet colors ( gold , black , gray and white ) in 2015 , this is the first time CU has worn the same helmet four games in a row .

As soon as Colorado coaches named Christian Gonzalez a starter, he knew he needed to be ready.
Opposing quarterbacks like testing true freshmen playing at cornerback.
“I knew that was going to happen coming in, especially if I was playing early,” said Gonzalez, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound corner who has started all three games for the Buffs (3-0, 2-0 Pac-12). “They’re going to target the true freshman. That’s always the go-to.”
Through three games, Gonzalez has been targeted more often than anyone in CU’s secondary. While he’s had some growing pains – including three pass interference penalties in the first two games – Gonzalez is developing, and has yet to give up a touchdown.
“It was a blessing just being able to play and start and be with the team,” he said. “Those penalties got to me, but I just learned to push them on and move to the next play.
“(Quarterbacks targeting a freshman) was in the back of my head, but it’s really just football. I’ve been playing this game since … forever. Nothing really different. Just play and don’t think.”
One of the top players in CU’s 2020 recruiting class, Gonzalez, from The Colony (Texas) High School, had a four-star rating and originally committed to Purdue. He was a star on both sides of the ball, piling up 17 pass breakups and three interceptions on defense, along with 65 catches for 956 yards and 12 touchdowns on offense.
CU coaches were impressed from the start of preseason camp in October and decided to let him have on-the-job training on game day.
Even with the growing pains, Gonzalez has stood out and he was one of few players on CU’s defense that Southern California coach Clay Helton mentioned last week, when the Trojans were planning to play the Buffs; the game that was later canceled.
As he strives to get even better, Gonzalez is leaning on veterans, such as junior Mekhi Blackmon; his coaches; and studying film.
“It’s a big step that I didn’t really do that much in high school,” he said of watching film. “That’s a huge thing in college is watching film. The more I watch of it, it’s easier to see what I need to do, what footwork I need to fix. It’s very helpful.”
Wells dominating
Senior linebacker Nate Landman has garnered plenty of deserved attention during his career, and especially this week. He was named Walter Camp and Bronko Nagurski national defensive player of the week, as well as Pac-12 defensive player of the week.
Quietly, outside linebacker Carson Wells has been dominating, too. Wells is third on the team with 15 tackles, but leads the team with seven tackles for loss (including two sacks). He’s also second on the team with four pass breakups, tied for the lead with three QB pressures and has one of the Buffs’ two interceptions.
“He’s kind of in the shadows,” CU head coach Karl Dorrell said. “But, Carson Wells is playing as good as anybody on our defense right now. He’s got good production. Obviously Nate is on fire right now, but I would say Carson, he has done a tremendous job in these first few games.”
In addition to playing his position well, Wells has been valuable with on-field communication and helping others along, too, Dorrell said.
“He’s playing really, really well,” he said. “We’re hoping he continues to do the things he’s doing because he’s making a name for himself, as well.”
Back in the fold
Senior receiver KD Nixon spent the first two games of the season standing on the sidelines, nursing a hamstring injury, but made his season debut last week against San Diego State, with four catches for 26 yards.
“Being able to be back is a blessing,” he said. “Not the year that I wanted (with starting late), but you can’t question God; 2020 has been a year full of out of nowhere things, so you’ve just got to push through it.”
With Nixon out early this season, he’s watched several other receivers step up, including Dimitri Stanley (13 catches for 202 yards), La’Vontae Shenault (nine catches for 124) and Brenden Rice (five catches for 59).
“I’m extremely proud of them,” Nixon said. “I’m the best cheerleader on the team. I always want to see everyone eat and that’s just the mindset we carry from high school and I’m going to always carry. It’s a lot of blessings for everybody to do their best, but also we’ve got to do way better. We’re not doing as much as we can to contribute to the team that I know we can.”
Notable
On Thursday, the Pac-12 announced a partnership with the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl for this season. A team from the Pac-12 will match up with an SEC team on Dec. 31 at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. The announcement comes after four other Pac-12 bowls have been canceled (Las Vegas, Sun, Holiday and Redbox). … CU has scored in every quarter this season. It’s the first time since 1998 that the Buffs have scored in each of the first 12 quarters of a season; that year they scored in the first 16. … The Buffs will wear gold helmets with white jerseys and pants at Arizona. CU has worn gold helmets in every game this season. Since debuting its four different helmet colors (gold, black, gray and white) in 2015, this is the first time CU has worn the same helmet four games in a row.


thedenverpost--2020-12-04--U.S. hiring slows sharply to 245,000 jobs as virus intensifies

WASHINGTON — America ’ s employers sharply scaled back their hiring last month as the viral pandemic accelerated across the country , adding 245,000 jobs , the fewest since April and the fifth straight monthly slowdown .
At the same time , the unemployment rate fell to a still-high 6.7 % , from 6.9 % in October , the Labor Department said .
November ’ s job gain was down from 610,000 in October .
Friday ’ s report of another slowdown in hiring was the latest evidence that the job market and the economy are faltering in the face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily records for confirmed infections .
Before the pandemic , last month ’ s gains would have been considered healthy .
But the U.S. economy is still roughly 10 million jobs below its pre-pandemic level , with a rising proportion of the unemployed describing their jobs as gone for good .
Faster hiring is needed to ensure that people who were laid off during the pandemic recession can quickly get back to work .
Two enhanced federal unemployment benefits programs are set to expire at the end of December — just as viral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shutting down outdoor dining and many public events .
Unless Congress enacts another rescue aid package , more than 9 million unemployed people will be left without any jobless aid , state or federal , beginning after Christmas .
Friday ’ s report coincides with renewed efforts in Congress to reach a deal on a new rescue aid package .
A bipartisan group of senators has proposed a $ 900 billion plan that would include expanded unemployment benefits , more small business loans and aid to state and local governments .
But there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The gravest threat to the economy remains the raging virus , and most experts say any economic recovery depends on how fast an effective vaccine can be widely distributed and used .
U.S. deaths from the coronavirus topped 3,100 Wednesday , a new high , with more than 100,000 Americans hospitalized with the disease , also a record , and new daily cases topping 200,000 .
In response , at least 12 states have imposed new restrictions on businesses in the past month , according to an Associated Press tally .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic recovery is stumbling .
Consumer spending grew in October at the slowest pace in six months .
Seated diners at restaurants are declining again , according to data from the reservations website OpenTable .
And a Fed report on business conditions found that growth cooled last month in several Midwest regions and in the Fed ’ s Philadelphia district .
Still , the full impact of the worsening pandemic may not be evident in Friday ’ s jobs report , which measures hiring trends in the middle of the month .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later in November .
As a result , some economists say the worst consequences of the pandemic won ’ t appear until the December jobs report is issued in early January .

WASHINGTON — America’s employers sharply scaled back their hiring last month as the viral pandemic accelerated across the country, adding 245,000 jobs, the fewest since April and the fifth straight monthly slowdown.
At the same time, the unemployment rate fell to a still-high 6.7%, from 6.9% in October, the Labor Department said. November’s job gain was down from 610,000 in October.
Friday’s report of another slowdown in hiring was the latest evidence that the job market and the economy are faltering in the face of a virus that has been shattering daily records for confirmed infections.
Before the pandemic, last month’s gains would have been considered healthy. But the U.S. economy is still roughly 10 million jobs below its pre-pandemic level, with a rising proportion of the unemployed describing their jobs as gone for good. Faster hiring is needed to ensure that people who were laid off during the pandemic recession can quickly get back to work.
Two enhanced federal unemployment benefits programs are set to expire at the end of December — just as viral cases are surging and colder weather is shutting down outdoor dining and many public events. Unless Congress enacts another rescue aid package, more than 9 million unemployed people will be left without any jobless aid, state or federal, beginning after Christmas.
Friday’s report coincides with renewed efforts in Congress to reach a deal on a new rescue aid package. A bipartisan group of senators has proposed a $900 billion plan that would include expanded unemployment benefits, more small business loans and aid to state and local governments. But there are no signs of any imminent agreement.
The gravest threat to the economy remains the raging virus, and most experts say any economic recovery depends on how fast an effective vaccine can be widely distributed and used. U.S. deaths from the coronavirus topped 3,100 Wednesday, a new high, with more than 100,000 Americans hospitalized with the disease, also a record, and new daily cases topping 200,000. In response, at least 12 states have imposed new restrictions on businesses in the past month, according to an Associated Press tally.
For now, there are signs that the economic recovery is stumbling. Consumer spending grew in October at the slowest pace in six months. Seated diners at restaurants are declining again, according to data from the reservations website OpenTable. And a Fed report on business conditions found that growth cooled last month in several Midwest regions and in the Fed’s Philadelphia district.
Still, the full impact of the worsening pandemic may not be evident in Friday’s jobs report, which measures hiring trends in the middle of the month. Some state restrictions weren’t imposed until later in November. As a result, some economists say the worst consequences of the pandemic won’t appear until the December jobs report is issued in early January.


thedenverpost--2020-12-04--Aurora body camera video shows police asking medics to give powerful drugs to suspect to calm him

AURORA — Newly released police body camera video obtained by Denver7 Investigates shows an officer encouraging paramedics to give sedatives @ @ @ @ @ him down .
It took more than three months for the Aurora Police Department to @ @ @ @ @ open records request .
An officer is heard on the body camera video telling paramedics @ @ @ @ @ give him some juice to go to sleep.
” Minutes later , Aurora Fire paramedics @ @ @ @ @ , a rapid tranquilizer .
The incident happened in March 2019 — five months before @ @ @ @ @ police custody .

AURORA — Newly released police body camera video obtained by Denver7 Investigates shows an officer encouraging paramedics to give sedatives to a suspect to calm him down.
It took more than three months for the Aurora Police Department to release the video through an open records request.
An officer is heard on the body camera video telling paramedics, “Let’s give him some juice to go to sleep.”
Minutes later, Aurora Fire paramedics inject the suspect with ketamine, a rapid tranquilizer.
The incident happened in March 2019 — five months before Elijah McClain died in Aurora police custody.
Read more at thedenverchannel.com.


thedenverpost--2020-12-04--Survey: 60% of Colorado voter respondents say they plan to get the COVID-19 vaccine

Only 60 % of surveyed Colorado voters in the November election plan to take the COVID-19 vaccine once it becomes available , according to poll results released by Healthier Colorado on Thursday .
To reach herd immunity , that percent needs to be closer to 70 , according to Healthier Colorado .
Magellan Strategies and Keating Research conducted the survey of 1,008 people via text and online Nov. 18-24 , with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.09 percentage points .
The sample was weighted to represent the turnout demographics of the 2020 general election .
The survey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receive an FDA-approved vaccine for the coronavirus at no cost to them when it became available .
Of those who responded , 21 % said they would not take the vaccine and 19 % said they were unsure .
The responses were different across party lines — 3 out of 4 Democratic voter participants , 76 % , said they would take the vaccine , compared with 42 % of Republican voter participants .
Although 38 % of Republican voters said they would not get the vaccine , 20 % indicated they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Democrats .
Responses also showed divides among age groups , with those 65 and older more likely to get the vaccine than any other group at 70 % of respondents in that group .
Voters who had household incomes of $ 100,000 or more also indicated more of a likelihood than other income levels to get the vaccine at 71 % .
Black and Hispanic or Latino voters , 52 % and 56 % respectively , are less likely to get the vaccine than white voters at 61 % , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Black and Hispanic or Latino voters so that analysts could draw conclusions from results within those subgroups .
“ It ’ s going to be up to us here in Colorado to set the record straight on COVID-19 vaccines , ” said Jake Williams , executive director of Healthier Colorado , in a release .
“ The polling shows that we have work to do in building confidence in these vaccines , and our economic recovery depends upon our ability to do so .
Fake news is a pandemic in itself , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sake of people ’ s health and our economy.
” The survey also asked voters about housing affordability , with 47 % of respondents saying the cost of housing isn ’ t affordable , with renters most affected , and Black and Hispanic or Latino respondents struggling more than white families .
Additionally , respondents weighed in on the governor ’ s approval rating — 55 % said they have a favorable opinion of Gov .
Jared Polis , compared with 36 % unfavorable , 6 % having heard of him but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 3 % never hearing of him .
To see more questions and survey results , go to www.healthiercolorado.org .
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

Only 60% of surveyed Colorado voters in the November election plan to take the COVID-19 vaccine once it becomes available, according to poll results released by Healthier Colorado on Thursday.
To reach herd immunity, that percent needs to be closer to 70, according to Healthier Colorado.
Magellan Strategies and Keating Research conducted the survey of 1,008 people via text and online Nov. 18-24, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.09 percentage points. The sample was weighted to represent the turnout demographics of the 2020 general election.
The survey asked participants whether they would plan to receive an FDA-approved vaccine for the coronavirus at no cost to them when it became available. Of those who responded, 21% said they would not take the vaccine and 19% said they were unsure. The responses were different across party lines — 3 out of 4 Democratic voter participants, 76%, said they would take the vaccine, compared with 42% of Republican voter participants. Although 38% of Republican voters said they would not get the vaccine, 20% indicated they were still unsure. It was 15% for Democrats.
Responses also showed divides among age groups, with those 65 and older more likely to get the vaccine than any other group at 70% of respondents in that group. Voters who had household incomes of $100,000 or more also indicated more of a likelihood than other income levels to get the vaccine at 71%. Black and Hispanic or Latino voters, 52% and 56% respectively, are less likely to get the vaccine than white voters at 61%, according to the results. The survey included oversamples of Black and Hispanic or Latino voters so that analysts could draw conclusions from results within those subgroups.
“It’s going to be up to us here in Colorado to set the record straight on COVID-19 vaccines,” said Jake Williams, executive director of Healthier Colorado, in a release. “The polling shows that we have work to do in building confidence in these vaccines, and our economic recovery depends upon our ability to do so. Fake news is a pandemic in itself, and we need to fight it for the sake of people’s health and our economy.”
The survey also asked voters about housing affordability, with 47% of respondents saying the cost of housing isn’t affordable, with renters most affected, and Black and Hispanic or Latino respondents struggling more than white families.
Additionally, respondents weighed in on the governor’s approval rating — 55% said they have a favorable opinion of Gov. Jared Polis, compared with 36% unfavorable, 6% having heard of him but don’t have an opinion, and 3% never hearing of him.
To see more questions and survey results, go to www.healthiercolorado.org.
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-12-04--With $10 billion in PPP loans doled out in Colorado, some business owners feel left out in the cold.

With $10 billion in PPP loans doled out in Colorado, some business owners feel left out in the cold. One got a check for $54.

When Jeff Zepp , owner of American 3D Printing in Evergreen , received his loan under the Paycheck Protection Program this spring , his first reaction was , “ Is that all they gave me ?
” followed by , “ Why did I bother ?
” “ It was a slap in the face .
Why did I go through all the hoops , ” he remembers asking himself after seeing only $ 100 deposited into his business account .
The CARES Act provided $ 659 billion for emergency small-business loans , administered through the U.S. Small Business Administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers employed and relieve the pressure on state unemployment insurance programs .
If used primarily to cover payroll expenses , the loans were forgivable .
Given the tax dollars involved , the SBA normally makes loan information public .
But it withheld identifying information on borrowers of PPP loans of under $ 150,000 , only releasing the data this week following a court order .
The database named names , including Zepp , one of nine Colorado borrowers who received $ 100 or less .
In Colorado , there were 95,114 loans totaling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 150,000 versus 13,402 loans totaling $ 7.3 billion at $ 150,000 or above .
Judging by how quickly loans were approved , it seems the program and participating lenders gave preference to the biggest borrowers .
For example , those receiving loans of $ 1 million or more had an average approval date of April 14 in Colorado , nearly a full month ahead of those receiving loans of under $ 10,000 .
Yet , when it came down to the greatest benefit for the dollars lent , small borrowers required less money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took loans of more than $ 150,000 saved one job for each $ 12,364 borrowed in Colorado , while those below that threshold saved one job for each $ 8,220 borrowed .
Looking at borrowers above $ 1 million , it cost the federal government $ 14,039 per job saved in Colorado , while the 26,052 borrowers who received loans of $ 10,000 or less saved one job per $ 4,422 borrowed .
Some of that discrepancy reflects the higher wages paid at larger companies .
And the jobs that applicants said they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those actually saved when the tally is taken in loan forgiveness applications .
But on the whole , it appears the smaller the enterprise , the more efficient job it did at saving jobs given the money received .
“ More effort should have been put forward in getting the loans to Main Street businesses .
Not only would those employees benefit but the community as a whole , ” said Tony Gagliardi , state director of the National Federation of Independent Business .
A dollar spent at local business returns about 70 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community versus only 30 cents on the dollar for money spent at a national chain or big-box retailer , Gagliardi said .
Eleven businesses in Colorado took out the maximum $ 10 million loan allowed under the PPP .
They included Service Systems Associates , The Western Sugar Cooperative , Navajo Transitional Energy Co. , Omnitrax Holdings Combined Inc. , Boston Market , Alvarado Concepts , MAC Acquisition and Snooze Import Export .
They all reported saving 500 jobs , except for MAC Acquisition LLC , a Denver-based affiliate of Romanos Macaroni Grill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for $ 10 million borrowed .
At the other extreme was Marguerite Shipman , the self-employed owner of Events By Marguerite .
Shipman had hoped to borrow $ 1,000 or more to cope with the sudden collapse of her wedding and events planning business .
She ended up getting only $ 54 , the second-lowest amount reported in the state .
“ The PPP helped a lot of people , but it is disappointing that some huge companies got big loans but small businesses that needed it the most got the short end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Her total loan was less than her hourly rate , and it took her several hours of work to pull together the required financial information and apply .
Shalimar Gibson , owner of Spic ‘ N Span Housekeeping in Lakewood , said she has no recollection of ever receiving the $ 100 the SBA claims it lent her .
Until contacted , she thought she had been declined , but acknowledges the amount was so small it might have slipped her notice .
Gibson said about three-quarters of her cleaning business went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 , canceled jobs this spring .
Afraid she might lose her eight contractor cleaners , she began paying them out of her savings .
The contractors were told to apply for PPP funds directly , but they struggled with the process or they were denied .
“ It still makes my heart flutter to think about getting help and then having to go into debt , ” she said .
The data shows the broad array of businesses reached in Colorado and nationally .
Full-service restaurants were the largest category of PPP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 542.5 million in loans .
Physician and medical offices were the next biggest borrowers at $ 310.1 million .
Construction-related businesses , dental offices , engineering services , limited-service restaurants , new car dealers , hotels , lawyers , real estate agents and religious organizations also borrowed heavily from the program in Colorado .
Gagliardi said NFIB surveys found that four out of five small businesses applied for a PPP loan and almost all applicants received a loan , although it wasn ’ t always for the amount they had hoped to receive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in getting funds , about a third of borrowers said they were very satisfied with the PPP and only a small number were dissatisfied , he said .
And about half of members surveyed said they will need more assistance in the coming year , a share that is likely to only grow as shutdowns resulting from the rising wave of COVID-19 cases weigh on the economy .

When Jeff Zepp, owner of American 3D Printing in Evergreen, received his loan under the Paycheck Protection Program this spring, his first reaction was, “Is that all they gave me?” followed by, “Why did I bother?”
“It was a slap in the face. Why did I go through all the hoops,” he remembers asking himself after seeing only $100 deposited into his business account.
The CARES Act provided $659 billion for emergency small-business loans, administered through the U.S. Small Business Administration. The loans were designed to keep workers employed and relieve the pressure on state unemployment insurance programs. If used primarily to cover payroll expenses, the loans were forgivable.
Given the tax dollars involved, the SBA normally makes loan information public. But it withheld identifying information on borrowers of PPP loans of under $150,000, only releasing the data this week following a court order. The database named names, including Zepp, one of nine Colorado borrowers who received $100 or less.
In Colorado, there were 95,114 loans totaling $3.07 billion made for under $150,000 versus 13,402 loans totaling $7.3 billion at $150,000 or above.
Judging by how quickly loans were approved, it seems the program and participating lenders gave preference to the biggest borrowers. For example, those receiving loans of $1 million or more had an average approval date of April 14 in Colorado, nearly a full month ahead of those receiving loans of under $10,000.
Yet, when it came down to the greatest benefit for the dollars lent, small borrowers required less money for each job saved. Borrowers who took loans of more than $150,000 saved one job for each $12,364 borrowed in Colorado, while those below that threshold saved one job for each $8,220 borrowed.
Looking at borrowers above $1 million, it cost the federal government $14,039 per job saved in Colorado, while the 26,052 borrowers who received loans of $10,000 or less saved one job per $4,422 borrowed.
Some of that discrepancy reflects the higher wages paid at larger companies. And the jobs that applicants said they would save may end up differing from those actually saved when the tally is taken in loan forgiveness applications. But on the whole, it appears the smaller the enterprise, the more efficient job it did at saving jobs given the money received.
“More effort should have been put forward in getting the loans to Main Street businesses. Not only would those employees benefit but the community as a whole,” said Tony Gagliardi, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business.
A dollar spent at local business returns about 70 cents on average back to the local community versus only 30 cents on the dollar for money spent at a national chain or big-box retailer, Gagliardi said.
Eleven businesses in Colorado took out the maximum $10 million loan allowed under the PPP. They included Service Systems Associates, The Western Sugar Cooperative, Navajo Transitional Energy Co., Omnitrax Holdings Combined Inc., Boston Market, Alvarado Concepts, MAC Acquisition and Snooze Import Export.
They all reported saving 500 jobs, except for MAC Acquisition LLC, a Denver-based affiliate of Romanos Macaroni Grill, which listed only 36 jobs saved for $10 million borrowed.
At the other extreme was Marguerite Shipman, the self-employed owner of Events By Marguerite. Shipman had hoped to borrow $1,000 or more to cope with the sudden collapse of her wedding and events planning business. She ended up getting only $54, the second-lowest amount reported in the state.
“The PPP helped a lot of people, but it is disappointing that some huge companies got big loans but small businesses that needed it the most got the short end of the stick,” Shipman said. Her total loan was less than her hourly rate, and it took her several hours of work to pull together the required financial information and apply.
Shalimar Gibson, owner of Spic ‘N Span Housekeeping in Lakewood, said she has no recollection of ever receiving the $100 the SBA claims it lent her. Until contacted, she thought she had been declined, but acknowledges the amount was so small it might have slipped her notice.
Gibson said about three-quarters of her cleaning business went away after clients, afraid of catching COVID-19, canceled jobs this spring. Afraid she might lose her eight contractor cleaners, she began paying them out of her savings. The contractors were told to apply for PPP funds directly, but they struggled with the process or they were denied.
“It still makes my heart flutter to think about getting help and then having to go into debt,” she said.
The data shows the broad array of businesses reached in Colorado and nationally. Full-service restaurants were the largest category of PPP borrowers in Colorado, taking out $542.5 million in loans. Physician and medical offices were the next biggest borrowers at $310.1 million.
Construction-related businesses, dental offices, engineering services, limited-service restaurants, new car dealers, hotels, lawyers, real estate agents and religious organizations also borrowed heavily from the program in Colorado.
Gagliardi said NFIB surveys found that four out of five small businesses applied for a PPP loan and almost all applicants received a loan, although it wasn’t always for the amount they had hoped to receive.
Despite the initial hiccups and delays in getting funds, about a third of borrowers said they were very satisfied with the PPP and only a small number were dissatisfied, he said.
And about half of members surveyed said they will need more assistance in the coming year, a share that is likely to only grow as shutdowns resulting from the rising wave of COVID-19 cases weigh on the economy.


thedenverpost--2020-12-04--Elected as a reformer, Jefferson County’s incoming district attorney is pushing out the office’s top

Elected as a reformer, Jefferson County’s incoming district attorney is pushing out the office’s top prosecutors

Alexis King convinced voters in Jefferson and Gilpin counties that she should be their next district attorney on the promise that she ’ d reform the prosecutor ’ s office — and she hasn ’ t waited to be sworn in to make sweeping changes .
King will cut 10 people from the First Judicial District Attorney ’ s Office when she takes charge in January , she acknowledged in a brief interview Thursday .
Those losing their jobs include six senior prosecutors and three deputy district attorneys , those involved told The Denver Post , wiping away decades of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ At the end of the day , it ’ s about ensuring that we are bringing and performing ethical prosecutions , protecting public safety , that are also aligned with my values and making sure we have a workplace that is open to all identities , ” King said Thursday , adding the dismissals are “ 100 % ” part of her effort to reform the office as she , a Democrat , takes the reigns from Republican incumbent Pete Weir .
It ’ s not unusual for incoming district attorneys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from their predecessors — to replace some top leadership as they come into office , and with half of Colorado ’ s elected district attorneys replaced in November ’ s election , it ’ s a scenario many offices are dealing with as new leaders with new ideas take charge of criminal justice in their judicial districts .
In the Eighth Judicial District , including Larimer and Jackson counties , Gordon McLaughlin is the first Democrat elected district attorney since the 1970s .
He told four attorneys they will be out of jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ district attorneys and two deputy district attorneys , out of a staff of 40 full-time prosecutors , he said Thursday .
“ A new administration needs a leadership team in place that believes in their philosophy , ” he said .
“ The voters of Larimer County voted overwhelmingly for a new direction.
” Those being fired by King took issue with her methods .
Most were informed in quick phone calls , they told The Post , and King didn ’ t make any effort to discuss her new vision with prosecutors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ willing to fall in line before she told them they couldn ’ t keep their jobs .
“ They have families , kids in college or headed to college , and to ax them with no conversation or discussion , or ability to speak to her about her concerns , whatever they may be , I can ’ t imagine a worse way to come into a new office , ” said Assistant District Attorney Charles Tingle , who is among the senior staff King is replacing .
“ It ’ s devastating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call with Steve Jensen , a chief deputy district attorney who has worked in the office for 33 years , King said he didn ’ t fit with her “ vision of inclusivity , ” he said .
Another chief deputy was told the office was going in a “ new direction ” and he was no longer welcome .
King , who worked in the First Judicial District Attorney ’ s Office for a decade before leaving in 2017 to become a magistrate judge , said she was already familiar with her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so she didn ’ t need to wait to make her decisions .
She informed prosecutors by phone because she is working remotely due to the novel coronavirus .
“ I certainly had enough information , as did my transition team , to make qualified decisions that were in line with ( our ) goals and values , ” she said .
George Brauchler , who was elected district attorney in the 18th Judicial District in 2012 , said he ’ s not surprised to see the leadership changes King is making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn the ship , ” he said .
“ And you don ’ t turn the ship by changing out just the captain.
” When he was first elected , he told 10 staff members , mostly senior prosecutors , that he wouldn ’ t keep them on , he said , letting them know in face-to-face meetings after a round of interviews with all senior staff .
“ The people I let go were not insignificant , not people who didn ’ t have storied and long careers in prosecution , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vantage point , they ’ d been in the office for three terms of the DA , and they were just in a place where it was like , ‘ Look , I just have different ideas about prosecution , and I don ’ t think I can rally you at this stage of your career , ’ so I moved them on.
” But , he added , it is less typical to see an incoming district attorney let go of deputy district attorneys , who are lower-level lawyers who spend most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” in court and typically don ’ t have any supervisory roles .
One of the deputy district attorneys King picked out , Chris Ponce , said he ’ s never met King and has been racking his brain for what he might have done that prompted her to call him Tuesday and tell him there ’ s no place for him in her “ vision of inclusiveness.
” Ponce , who is one of just a handful of Hispanic prosecutors in the office , thinks she might have learned about a letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Council objecting to some training the organization offered on white fragility and systemic racism .
Ponce has been with the district attorney ’ s office for less than a year ; he moved with his wife and two kids from Weld County to take the job because he ’ s always wanted to work in Jefferson County , he said .
The family dug into savings to break into the Denver real estate market .
They ’ re a one-income household , and now he ’ s in a completely unexpected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have no policy-making power at all , ” he said .
“ I just go to court and prosecute cases .
I have no management responsibilities… It ’ s just an incredible hardship during COVID , having just had a baby , and needing health insurance and everything else.
” In the 17th Judicial District , which includes Adams and Broomfield counties , District Attorney-elect Brian Mason has at this point announced only two personnel changes , naming Jess Redman , currently assistant district attorney to Dave Young , as his assistant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assistant district attorney position for Tiffany Sorice , a Westminster municipal judge .
“ My transition strategy has been to really listen first and do this top-to-bottom review to figure out what the office is doing well and where the areas are that we need to improve , ” he said .
“ I ’ m certainly working on building my management team , but a lot of those decisions I am going to hold off on until I have the full results of the transition team ’ s work.
” Some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keeping worried about how the office would handle upcoming major jury trials after they depart .
“ You ’ re talking about hundreds of combined years of experience with analyzing cases and making decisions , and that can be hard to replace , ” Jensen said .
“ …To think that , with some exceptions , someone with one or two years of experience can do what someone with a decade or more can do would be naïve.
” But , he said , every new district attorney has “ the right to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comfortable with who they think will follow their vision , ” and he ’ s known he could be cut with each transition of the five district attorneys he ’ s served under , both Republican and Democrat .
King said she ’ s confident the district attorney ’ s office will continue to carry out its duties effectively , noting she ’ s cut just 10 of nearly 200 employees .
About 70 of those employees are prosecutors , according to the district attorney ’ s website .
“ There is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” she said , “ and we ’ re looking forward to not only letting them thrive , but also giving the opportunity for folks in the office with talent to really excel .
”

Alexis King convinced voters in Jefferson and Gilpin counties that she should be their next district attorney on the promise that she’d reform the prosecutor’s office — and she hasn’t waited to be sworn in to make sweeping changes.
King will cut 10 people from the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office when she takes charge in January, she acknowledged in a brief interview Thursday. Those losing their jobs include six senior prosecutors and three deputy district attorneys, those involved told The Denver Post, wiping away decades of experience and senior leadership in the office.
“At the end of the day, it’s about ensuring that we are bringing and performing ethical prosecutions, protecting public safety, that are also aligned with my values and making sure we have a workplace that is open to all identities,” King said Thursday, adding the dismissals are “100%” part of her effort to reform the office as she, a Democrat, takes the reins from Republican incumbent Pete Weir.
It’s not unusual for incoming district attorneys — especially those with very different approaches from their predecessors — to replace some top leadership as they come into office, and with half of Colorado’s elected district attorneys replaced in November’s election, it’s a scenario many offices are dealing with as new leaders with new ideas take charge of criminal justice in their judicial districts.
In the Eighth Judicial District, including Larimer and Jackson counties, Gordon McLaughlin is the first Democrat elected district attorney since the 1970s. He told four attorneys they will be out of jobs in January, including two chief deputy district attorneys and two deputy district attorneys, out of a staff of 40 full-time prosecutors, he said Thursday.
“A new administration needs a leadership team in place that believes in their philosophy,” he said. “The voters of Larimer County voted overwhelmingly for a new direction.”
Those being fired by King took issue with her methods. Most were informed in quick phone calls, they told The Post, and King didn’t make any effort to discuss her new vision with prosecutors to see whether they’d be willing to fall in line before she told them they couldn’t keep their jobs.
“They have families, kids in college or headed to college, and to ax them with no conversation or discussion, or ability to speak to her about her concerns, whatever they may be, I can’t imagine a worse way to come into a new office,” said Assistant District Attorney Charles Tingle, who is among the senior staff King is replacing. “It’s devastating for morale.”
In a brief phone call with Steve Jensen, a chief deputy district attorney who has worked in the office for 33 years, King said he didn’t fit with her “vision of inclusivity,” he said. Another chief deputy was told the office was going in a “new direction” and he was no longer welcome.
King, who worked in the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office for a decade before leaving in 2017 to become a magistrate judge, said she was already familiar with her colleagues and the way the office worked, so she didn’t need to wait to make her decisions. She informed prosecutors by phone because she is working remotely due to the novel coronavirus.
“I certainly had enough information, as did my transition team, to make qualified decisions that were in line with (our) goals and values,” she said.
George Brauchler, who was elected district attorney in the 18th Judicial District in 2012, said he’s not surprised to see the leadership changes King is making.
“I imagine she wants to turn the ship,” he said. “And you don’t turn the ship by changing out just the captain.”
When he was first elected, he told 10 staff members, mostly senior prosecutors, that he wouldn’t keep them on, he said, letting them know in face-to-face meetings after a round of interviews with all senior staff.
“The people I let go were not insignificant, not people who didn’t have storied and long careers in prosecution,” he said. “But from my vantage point, they’d been in the office for three terms of the DA, and they were just in a place where it was like, ‘Look, I just have different ideas about prosecution, and I don’t think I can rally you at this stage of your career,’ so I moved them on.”
But, he added, it is less typical to see an incoming district attorney let go of deputy district attorneys, who are lower-level lawyers who spend most of their time “in the trenches” in court and typically don’t have any supervisory roles.
One of the deputy district attorneys King picked out, Chris Ponce, said he’s never met King and has been racking his brain for what he might have done that prompted her to call him Tuesday and tell him there’s no place for him in her “vision of inclusiveness.” Ponce, who is one of just a handful of Hispanic prosecutors in the office, thinks she might have learned about a letter he wrote to the Colorado District Attorney’s Council objecting to some training the organization offered on white fragility and systemic racism.
Ponce has been with the district attorney’s office for less than a year; he moved with his wife and two kids from Weld County to take the job because he’s always wanted to work in Jefferson County, he said. The family dug into savings to break into the Denver real estate market.
They’re a one-income household, and now he’s in a completely unexpected financial bind, he said.
“I have no policy-making power at all,” he said. “I just go to court and prosecute cases. I have no management responsibilities… It’s just an incredible hardship during COVID, having just had a baby, and needing health insurance and everything else.”
In the 17th Judicial District, which includes Adams and Broomfield counties, District Attorney-elect Brian Mason has at this point announced only two personnel changes, naming Jess Redman, currently assistant district attorney to Dave Young, as his assistant district attorney, and creating a second assistant district attorney position for Tiffany Sorice, a Westminster municipal judge.
“My transition strategy has been to really listen first and do this top-to-bottom review to figure out what the office is doing well and where the areas are that we need to improve,” he said. “I’m certainly working on building my management team, but a lot of those decisions I am going to hold off on until I have the full results of the transition team’s work.”
Some of the senior prosecutors that King is not keeping worried about how the office would handle upcoming major jury trials after they depart.
“You’re talking about hundreds of combined years of experience with analyzing cases and making decisions, and that can be hard to replace,” Jensen said. “…To think that, with some exceptions, someone with one or two years of experience can do what someone with a decade or more can do would be naïve.”
But, he said, every new district attorney has “the right to have people come in who they feel comfortable with who they think will follow their vision,” and he’s known he could be cut with each transition of the five district attorneys he’s served under, both Republican and Democrat.
King said she’s confident the district attorney’s office will continue to carry out its duties effectively, noting she’s cut just 10 of nearly 200 employees. About 70 of those employees are prosecutors, according to the district attorney’s website.
“There is a lot of talent in that office,” she said, “and we’re looking forward to not only letting them thrive, but also giving the opportunity for folks in the office with talent to really excel.”


thedenverpost--2020-12-04--Broncos scouting report: How Denver matches up against Chiefs and predictions

1 .
Kansas City ’ s firepower .
The Chiefs have won six straight games heading into Sunday ’ s primetime bout , and their offense is hitting on all cylinders behind quarterback Patrick Mahomes , wideout Tyreek Hill and tight end Travis Kelce .
The latter two are ranked in the top three in the league in receiving yards .
With too many weapons to reasonably contain , the Broncos ’ defense faces a tall task in keeping Kansas City from an 11th consecutive win over Denver .
2 .
Drew Lock ’ s play .
After being sidelined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Orleans for failing to adhere to proper COVID-19 mask protocols , Lock needs to bounce back .
Lock has thrown 11 interceptions over the six games since he returned from a shoulder injury , and another pick-laden performance will likely have the Broncos on the wrong end of another blowout .
3 .
Time of possession .
The Chiefs rank first in the NFL in that category with an average of 30:17 each game , while the Broncos rank 26th at 28:16 .
Every minute you can keep the ball out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which means the Denver run game has to be more consistent ( Phillip Lindsay is questionable with a knee injury ) and the Broncos have to be better on third down ( Denver is 30th at 36.1 % , Kansas City first at 50.3 % ) .
Who has the edge ?
Rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire has been a revelation for the Kansas City rushing attack even though he ’ s only gone over 100 yards once this year .
The Denver run D , which misses the presence of starting nose tackle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has been going in reverse and allowed a season-high 229 rushing yards last week against New Orleans .
With Hill , Kelce , Mecole Hardman and Demarcus Robinson — not to mention a pair of backs who can catch — Mahomes ’ arsenal has made him nearly unstoppable over the past three seasons .
That won ’ t change Sunday , especially against a Denver secondary missing one of its top cornerbacks in Bryce Callahan ( foot injury ) .
With Lindsay questionable , it ’ s likely up to Melvin Gordon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carry the load .
Denver ’ s O-line must exploit Kansas City ’ s weakness ( tied for 23rd in average rushing yards allowed at 128.2 ) and use the ground game to capitalize in the red zone , where the Chiefs rank last in scoring percentage at 74.1 % .
Denver ’ s passing attack has been mediocre for the past few weeks .
Lock surely can ’ t do worse than practice squad-wideout-turned-starting-quarterback Kendall Hinton , who threw more interceptions against the Saints ( two ) than completions ( one ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for fourth with 12 picks .
Last week , Brandon McManus ’ 58-yard field goal prevented Denver ’ s first-ever home shutout .
Beyond McManus and the directional punting of Sam Martin , Denver ’ s special teams has been subpar .
K.C.
’ s units have also been inconsistent , ranking in the bottom 10 in punt return average , punt return average against and kickoff return average against .
Kansas City leads by 21 points entering the fourth quarter before the Broncos score two touchdowns for the backdoor cover .
Kansas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the one-sided rivalry , with first-half touchdowns by Hill , Kelce and Edwards-Helaire putting the game out of reach early .
How sad is the state of Dove Valley ?
If the Broncos can stay within two TDs of Kansas City , it will be considered a victory .
New this week : A quarterback !
Maybe two !
Baby steps , people .
Baby steps .

Denver Broncos (4-7) at Kansas City Chiefs (10-1), Sunday, 6:20 p.m. MST, Arrowhead Stadium, CBS, 850 AM, 94.1 FM, 103.5 FM
3 Things to watch
1. Kansas City’s firepower. The Chiefs have won six straight games heading into Sunday’s primetime bout, and their offense is hitting on all cylinders behind quarterback Patrick Mahomes, wideout Tyreek Hill and tight end Travis Kelce. The latter two are ranked in the top three in the league in receiving yards. With too many weapons to reasonably contain, the Broncos’ defense faces a tall task in keeping Kansas City from an 11th consecutive win over Denver.
2. Drew Lock’s play. After being sidelined for last week’s loss to New Orleans for failing to adhere to proper COVID-19 mask protocols, Lock needs to bounce back. Lock has thrown 11 interceptions over the six games since he returned from a shoulder injury, and another pick-laden performance will likely have the Broncos on the wrong end of another blowout.
3. Time of possession. The Chiefs rank first in the NFL in that category with an average of 30:17 each game, while the Broncos rank 26th at 28:16. Every minute you can keep the ball out of Mahomes’ hands is an important one, which means the Denver run game has to be more consistent (Phillip Lindsay is questionable with a knee injury) and the Broncos have to be better on third down (Denver is 30th at 36.1%, Kansas City first at 50.3%).
Who has the edge?
When the Chiefs run
Rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire has been a revelation for the Kansas City rushing attack even though he’s only gone over 100 yards once this year. The Denver run D, which misses the presence of starting nose tackle Mike Purcell (season-ending foot injury), has been going in reverse and allowed a season-high 229 rushing yards last week against New Orleans.
Edge: Chiefs
When the Chiefs pass
With Hill, Kelce, Mecole Hardman and Demarcus Robinson — not to mention a pair of backs who can catch — Mahomes’ arsenal has made him nearly unstoppable over the past three seasons. That won’t change Sunday, especially against a Denver secondary missing one of its top cornerbacks in Bryce Callahan (foot injury).
Edge: Chiefs
When the Broncos run
With Lindsay questionable, it’s likely up to Melvin Gordon (team-leading 554 rushing yards) to carry the load. Denver’s O-line must exploit Kansas City’s weakness (tied for 23rd in average rushing yards allowed at 128.2) and use the ground game to capitalize in the red zone, where the Chiefs rank last in scoring percentage at 74.1%.
Edge: Broncos
When the Broncos pass
Denver’s passing attack has been mediocre for the past few weeks. Lock surely can’t do worse than practice squad-wideout-turned-starting-quarterback Kendall Hinton, who threw more interceptions against the Saints (two) than completions (one). KC’s secondary is tied for fourth with 12 picks.
Edge: Chiefs
Special teams
Last week, Brandon McManus’ 58-yard field goal prevented Denver’s first-ever home shutout. Beyond McManus and the directional punting of Sam Martin, Denver’s special teams has been subpar. K.C.’s units have also been inconsistent, ranking in the bottom 10 in punt return average, punt return average against and kickoff return average against.
Edge: Even
Post predictions
Ryan O’Halloran, beat writer: Chiefs 37, Broncos 24
Kansas City leads by 21 points entering the fourth quarter before the Broncos score two touchdowns for the backdoor cover.
Kyle Newman, beat writer: Chiefs 38, Broncos 10
Kansas City rolls to its fifth straight blowout in the one-sided rivalry, with first-half touchdowns by Hill, Kelce and Edwards-Helaire putting the game out of reach early.
Mark Kiszla, columnist: Chiefs 31, Broncos 20
How sad is the state of Dove Valley? If the Broncos can stay within two TDs of Kansas City, it will be considered a victory.
Sean Keeler, columnist: Chiefs 28, Broncos 13
New this week: A quarterback! Maybe two! Baby steps, people. Baby steps.


thedenverpost--2020-12-04--Pick 6: Odds on Nikola Jokic’s season stats, if Jose Canseco will fight Logan Paul

The NBA season is just around the corner .
I know , it was like yesterday we were watching the playoffs .
• Broncos were 6-point underdogs to the Saints before losing their QBs .
Here ’ s what they are now .
• Pick 6 : Odds Nate Robinson beats Jake Paul in boxing , Nuggets ’ R.J. Hampton wins rookie of the year • Pick 6 : Odds Jerry Jeudy will win rookie of the year , Rapids win MLS Cup , Nathan MacKinnon wins MVP • PointsBet sportsbook , which will base its U.S. headquarters in Denver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pick 6 : Odds on next host of “ Jeopardy , ” Broncos ’ chance at the No .
1 pick , Jets stay winless all year The Nuggets are , well , a few months older .
Will Jamal Murray crack 20 points a game next year ( odds lean yes ) ?
Will Nikola Jokic set career-high averages in points and assists ( odds lean yes ) ?
Is it Michael Porter Jr. ’ s time to shine ( again , odds lean yes ) ?
Here ’ s a look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world of sports .
The over-under for Nuggets center Nikola Jokic ’ s assists per game during the 2020-21 NBA regular season , according to BetOnline .
Jokic ’ s career high is 7.3 during the 2018-19 season .
The odds in which Nuggets guard Jamal Murray will average more than 20.5 points during the 2020-21 NBA regular season , according to BetOnline .
The points spread in which the Chiefs are favored to beat the Broncos by , according to BetMGM .
The over-under for total points scored between the two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head coach Michael Malone will win the NBA coach of the year award next season , according to Bovada .
He has the eighth-best odds .
Brooklyn Nets ’ first-year coach Steve Nash is favored at +800 .
The odds former major leaguer Jose Canseco will fight either Jake or Logan Paul in a boxing match in 2021 , according to BetOnline .
The odds the Jets will finish the season 0-16 , according to BetMGM .
Meanwhile , the Steelers are at +400 to finish undefeated .

The NBA season is just around the corner. I know, it was like yesterday we were watching the playoffs.
The Nuggets are, well, a few months older.
Will Jamal Murray crack 20 points a game next year (odds lean yes)? Will Nikola Jokic set career-high averages in points and assists (odds lean yes)? Is it Michael Porter Jr.’s time to shine (again, odds lean yes)?
Here’s a look at some of the current odds in the world of sports.
7.5
The over-under for Nuggets center Nikola Jokic’s assists per game during the 2020-21 NBA regular season, according to BetOnline. Jokic’s career high is 7.3 during the 2018-19 season.
-135
The odds in which Nuggets guard Jamal Murray will average more than 20.5 points during the 2020-21 NBA regular season, according to BetOnline.
13.5
The points spread in which the Chiefs are favored to beat the Broncos by, according to BetMGM. The over-under for total points scored between the two teams are 50.5.
+1,600
The odds Nuggets head coach Michael Malone will win the NBA coach of the year award next season, according to Bovada. He has the eighth-best odds. Brooklyn Nets’ first-year coach Steve Nash is favored at +800.
+500
The odds former major leaguer Jose Canseco will fight either Jake or Logan Paul in a boxing match in 2021, according to BetOnline.
+140
The odds the Jets will finish the season 0-16, according to BetMGM. Meanwhile, the Steelers are at +400 to finish undefeated.