thedenverpost--2020-07-29--Editorial: Denver’s growing “Trumpvilles” must be removed for sake and safety of homeless

The city of Denver must act quickly — faster than officials are moving now — to disperse the growing camps around Civic Center park , the state Capitol , Morey Middle School , an area near Five Points and the Governor ’ s Residence .
These camps exist and are growing because of the coronavirus in two ways .
First , the virus has caused job loss and economic decline .
Second , the city ’ s humane policy is not to disperse campers when a particularly contagious , possibly airborne and often deadly disease is spreading in the community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prevention has recommended that these camps not be dispersed during the COVID-19 outbreak .
But that policy has its limits and these camps have become unhealthy in ways that are just as concerning as the novel coronavirus — a suspected outbreak of trench fever , and worries about the spread of Hepatitis A .
Moving some of these campers to locations that are soon to be identified by the city of Denver as safe camping zones will allow for more sanitary conditions without forcing people into indoor shelters where it ’ s possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Denver Post editorial board has supported the proposed creation of three of these sites — each housing about 50 tents — throughout the city .
We ’ d also be remiss if we didn ’ t address another part of these camps .
Some of those who are camping are not in fact homeless .
These individuals all have their own reasons for wanting to be in downtown Denver , but their presence is harming Colorado ’ s most vulnerable population , and it ’ s time for them to go home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place to stay at night .
We imagine some of these individuals are staying downtown to participate in the historic civil rights protests , and they are welcome to return on a daily or nightly basis to express their opposition to police brutality and systemic racism .
But by camping downtown , those who have homes are contributing to the impossible situation those who do not have homes are facing .
Those experiencing homelessness are torn between the risk of contracting the coronavirus at an indoor shelter and the known risks of urban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crime that typically occurs in unsupervised settings .
Indeed , it ’ s time for those who have homes to go home .
Those who are homeless need to be moved from these dangerous locations while the city cleans up feces , trash and rat infestations .
Efforts to criminalize homelessness or perpetually harass those living in poverty until they leave the city carry their own civil rights violations and are unethical .
We are sympathetic to concerns that the city has historically pushed Colorado ’ s homeless out of sight to “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a long history in this nation and around the world of camps for the poor .
They are called shanty towns in other countries , and during the Great Depression , they were called Hoovervilles — named for the single-term president who refused to provide direct federal aid to the American people .
Today these “ Trumpvilles ” are privatizing public spaces when Americans need to be able to enjoy their outdoor public places the most , during a time when the coronavirus has made it so Coloradans are “ Safer at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For now , that answer is temporary safe camping sites , in the future it may be tiny home villages like the one Denver announced this week , and Denverites must consider the costs and benefits of a proposed $ 40 million annual tax increase for increased housing .
To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .

The city of Denver must act quickly — faster than officials are moving now — to disperse the growing camps around Civic Center park, the state Capitol, Morey Middle School, an area near Five Points and the Governor’s Residence.
These camps exist and are growing because of the coronavirus in two ways. First, the virus has caused job loss and economic decline. Second, the city’s humane policy is not to disperse campers when a particularly contagious, possibly airborne and often deadly disease is spreading in the community. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that these camps not be dispersed during the COVID-19 outbreak. But that policy has its limits and these camps have become unhealthy in ways that are just as concerning as the novel coronavirus — a suspected outbreak of trench fever, and worries about the spread of Hepatitis A.
Moving some of these campers to locations that are soon to be identified by the city of Denver as safe camping zones will allow for more sanitary conditions without forcing people into indoor shelters where it’s possible the coronavirus is more easily transmitted. The Denver Post editorial board has supported the proposed creation of three of these sites — each housing about 50 tents — throughout the city.
We’d also be remiss if we didn’t address another part of these camps.
Some of those who are camping are not in fact homeless. These individuals all have their own reasons for wanting to be in downtown Denver, but their presence is harming Colorado’s most vulnerable population, and it’s time for them to go home or rent a hotel room or other place to stay at night.
We imagine some of these individuals are staying downtown to participate in the historic civil rights protests, and they are welcome to return on a daily or nightly basis to express their opposition to police brutality and systemic racism. But by camping downtown, those who have homes are contributing to the impossible situation those who do not have homes are facing. Those experiencing homelessness are torn between the risk of contracting the coronavirus at an indoor shelter and the known risks of urban camping: the drug abuse and violent crime that typically occurs in unsupervised settings.
Indeed, it’s time for those who have homes to go home.
Those who are homeless need to be moved from these dangerous locations while the city cleans up feces, trash and rat infestations. Efforts to criminalize homelessness or perpetually harass those living in poverty until they leave the city carry their own civil rights violations and are unethical. We are sympathetic to concerns that the city has historically pushed Colorado’s homeless out of sight to “solve” the problem.
There’s a long history in this nation and around the world of camps for the poor. They are called shanty towns in other countries, and during the Great Depression, they were called Hoovervilles — named for the single-term president who refused to provide direct federal aid to the American people.
Today these “Trumpvilles” are privatizing public spaces when Americans need to be able to enjoy their outdoor public places the most, during a time when the coronavirus has made it so Coloradans are “Safer at Home.”
There is a better answer. For now, that answer is temporary safe camping sites, in the future it may be tiny home villages like the one Denver announced this week, and Denverites must consider the costs and benefits of a proposed $40 million annual tax increase for increased housing.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-07-29--Ask Amy: October wedding creates a pandemic dilemma

Dear Amy : My daughter is scheduled to get married in October .
The state where the wedding is to take place has lifted all restrictions on these ceremonies .
She and her fiance will travel from their home state , which is currently a hot spot for COVID .
My daughter doesn ’ t want to put her life on hold .
She doesn ’ t want to wait to have the wedding or reception .
She is willing to downsize , but not ( in my opinion ) to a safe level .
I ’ m in good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considered “ at risk.
” She wants me to come and participate .
I will have to fly to get there .
I ’ m torn , as I have been social distancing and following CDC guidelines up to this point .
Any advice for me ?
Dear Reluctant : Your daughter is an adult who is making a choice that might seem to you ( and me ) to be particularly short-sighted .
Her desire “ not to put her life on hold ” is natural for an eager bride , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gathering might end up putting her guests ’ lives on “ hold , ” if you know what I mean .
The risk for transmitting the virus is particularly high for larger gatherings .
I just read an account of an outdoor charity reception that was held in Washington , D.C. , earlier this month , with all of the guests presumably educated and concerned about transmission – and nine guests came down with the virus , with one becoming seriously ill .
Weddings and funerals are particularly challenging because of the age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they would have traveled from far and wide , the emotional context of the events ( with people wanting to be physically close ) , and – with weddings – the presence of alcohol , which impairs judgment .
Given how often the pandemic landscape changes , each of us has to make the choice that is best for us , given what we know at the time .
Right now , what you know for sure is that it is very risky for you to travel and to gather with others who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” You must make the choice that is wisest for you .
Mothers want to be there for their children .
We want to give our kids what they want in life .
But understand that if you felt pressured to attend , did attend , and then became ill , your daughter would be devastated , so your choice not to attend will on some level be for her , also .
Hard as it is to face , not being there might be the best way for you to “ be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : How does one politely reply to the question : “ Can I bring my boyfriend/husband along on our girl outing ?
” This happens to me a lot .
I plan a get together with a female friend , and they ask , “ Is it OK if Ben comes along ?
” or “ Can I bring John ?
” I am married and never communicated that my husband would be included in the event .
I have made movie plans with a female friend who then asked to bring her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ met ) along .
The goal of these events is generally for women friends to catch up , see a film , shop , have fun , etc .
I like to spend time with my female friends for this purpose — not to have to entertain or listen to a guy , who changes the dynamic and makes me feel like a fifth wheel .
So when this happens , what should I say ?
Dear Wheelin ’ : Forgive me if I wax nostalgic , remembering a time when people just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , those were the days .
Of all the social activities that have paused during the pandemic , going to the movies is the one I miss the most .
This is easy .
If you issue an invitation , you get to dictate the terms , but please don ’ t blame your women friends for asking .
They ’ re only asking , and you get to answer .
If the question is : “ Is it OK if John comes along ?
” The answer should be : “ Not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my guy behind , too.
” Dear Amy : “ Left Out in Lancaster , PA , ” described the classic “ friendship triangle , ” where one person is gradually excluded .
Having been on all sides of a friendship triangle , Left Out might consider that a sexual attraction is developing between the two friends who are leaving her out .
Dear Been There : It is a distinct possibility .

Dear Amy: My daughter is scheduled to get married in October.
The state where the wedding is to take place has lifted all restrictions on these ceremonies.
She and her fiance will travel from their home state, which is currently a hot spot for COVID.
My daughter doesn’t want to put her life on hold. She doesn’t want to wait to have the wedding or reception.
She is willing to downsize, but not (in my opinion) to a safe level.
I’m in good health but at an age that is considered “at risk.”
She wants me to come and participate. I will have to fly to get there. I’m torn, as I have been social distancing and following CDC guidelines up to this point.
Any advice for me?
— Reluctant
Dear Reluctant: Your daughter is an adult who is making a choice that might seem to you (and me) to be particularly short-sighted. Her desire “not to put her life on hold” is natural for an eager bride, but her choice to pull people into a gathering might end up putting her guests’ lives on “hold,” if you know what I mean.
The risk for transmitting the virus is particularly high for larger gatherings. I just read an account of an outdoor charity reception that was held in Washington, D.C., earlier this month, with all of the guests presumably educated and concerned about transmission – and nine guests came down with the virus, with one becoming seriously ill.
Weddings and funerals are particularly challenging because of the age differential of guests, the likelihood that they would have traveled from far and wide, the emotional context of the events (with people wanting to be physically close), and – with weddings – the presence of alcohol, which impairs judgment.
Given how often the pandemic landscape changes, each of us has to make the choice that is best for us, given what we know at the time.
Right now, what you know for sure is that it is very risky for you to travel and to gather with others who have traveled from a “hot spot.”
You must make the choice that is wisest for you.
Mothers want to be there for their children. We want to give our kids what they want in life. But understand that if you felt pressured to attend, did attend, and then became ill, your daughter would be devastated, so your choice not to attend will on some level be for her, also.
Hard as it is to face, not being there might be the best way for you to “be there” for her.
Dear Amy: How does one politely reply to the question: “Can I bring my boyfriend/husband along on our girl outing?”
This happens to me a lot. I plan a get together with a female friend, and they ask, “Is it OK if Ben comes along?” or “Can I bring John?”
I am married and never communicated that my husband would be included in the event.
I have made movie plans with a female friend who then asked to bring her new boyfriend (whom I had never met) along.
The goal of these events is generally for women friends to catch up, see a film, shop, have fun, etc.
I like to spend time with my female friends for this purpose — not to have to entertain or listen to a guy, who changes the dynamic and makes me feel like a fifth wheel.
So when this happens, what should I say?
— Fifth Wheelin’
Dear Wheelin’: Forgive me if I wax nostalgic, remembering a time when people just casually went to the movies. Ah, those were the days. Of all the social activities that have paused during the pandemic, going to the movies is the one I miss the most.
This is easy. If you issue an invitation, you get to dictate the terms, but please don’t blame your women friends for asking. They’re only asking, and you get to answer.
If the question is: “Is it OK if John comes along?” The answer should be: “Not this time. I’m leaving my guy behind, too.”
Dear Amy: “Left Out in Lancaster, PA,” described the classic “friendship triangle,” where one person is gradually excluded.
Having been on all sides of a friendship triangle, Left Out might consider that a sexual attraction is developing between the two friends who are leaving her out.
— Been There
Dear Been There: It is a distinct possibility.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-07-30--Four of largest ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks in Colorado are in prisons, jails

Four of the 10 largest ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks in Colorado are in correctional facilities , and cases among people experiencing homelessness in Denver also ranked near the top .
Two of the largest outbreaks are in state prisons , and the downtown Denver detention center and Jefferson County jail also reported significant numbers of cases .
Colorado Department of Corrections spokeswoman Annie Skinner said the department ’ s facilities have conducted extensive testing so they can separate inmates who have the virus from those who don ’ t .
They also keep inmates with those in their housing unit to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff when they come to work , she said .
“ The vast majority of that testing has been for staff and inmates who are not demonstrating any symptoms , ” she said .
One potential bright spot is that most of the largest outbreaks had few or no new cases and deaths in the past week , indicating that they might be resolved in the near future .
• Sterling Correctional Facility : 605 cases , two deaths ( two new cases this week ) • JBS meatpacking plant , Greeley : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new cases ) • Steven Roberts Original Desserts , Aurora : 133 cases , one death ( one new case ) • People experiencing homelessness in Denver : 128 cases , zero deaths ( no new cases ) • Jefferson County Detention Facility , Golden : 96 cases , one death ( one new case ) Originally , the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported outbreaks tied to homeless shelters separately , but they began combining all cases among people experiencing homelessness in mid-June , an agency spokeswoman who didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ email .
Reporting this way avoids double-counting people who tested positive and visited multiple locations with outbreaks , she said .
“ It ’ s not uncommon for people experiencing homelessness to use multiple services on a daily or weekly basis .
When there are outbreaks at multiple service provider locations , it ’ s difficult to accurately determine where an individual may have been exposed to COVID-19 , ” she said .
Five of the largest current outbreaks have been going on since April , and one started in March .
Only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Buena Vista Correctional Complex , began in July .
An outbreak is considered resolved when the state health department determines the virus isn ’ t continuing to spread in that setting .
The state reported 19 new outbreaks since last Wednesday , including three residential health care facilities , three fast food restaurants , two child care centers , the Kappa Sigma fraternity at Colorado State University , the Delta County Sheriff ’ s Office and an unspecified Colorado State Patrol location .
The largest of the new outbreaks was at Alpine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thornton , which had six cases among residents and five among staff .
None of the newest outbreaks are associated with any deaths at this point , though there can be a lag of several weeks between infection and death .
Since March , 11,064 people have been infected in Colorado ’ s coronavirus outbreaks , and 1,010 have died .
Most of the deaths happened in long-term care facilities , where people at elevated risk live close together .
To view the full list of outbreaks , visit covid19.colorado.gov/data/outbreak-data .

Four of the 10 largest ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks in Colorado are in correctional facilities, and cases among people experiencing homelessness in Denver also ranked near the top.
Two of the largest outbreaks are in state prisons, and the downtown Denver detention center and Jefferson County jail also reported significant numbers of cases.
Colorado Department of Corrections spokeswoman Annie Skinner said the department’s facilities have conducted extensive testing so they can separate inmates who have the virus from those who don’t. They also keep inmates with those in their housing unit to reduce contacts, require masks and screen staff when they come to work, she said.
“The vast majority of that testing has been for staff and inmates who are not demonstrating any symptoms,” she said.
One potential bright spot is that most of the largest outbreaks had few or no new cases and deaths in the past week, indicating that they might be resolved in the near future.
Colorado’s largest ongoing outbreaks are:
Sterling Correctional Facility: 605 cases, two deaths (two new cases this week)
605 cases, two deaths (two new cases this week) Van Cise-Simonet Detention Center, Denver: 467 cases, zero deaths (27 new cases)
467 cases, zero deaths (27 new cases) JBS meatpacking plant, Greeley: 287 cases, six deaths (no new cases)
287 cases, six deaths (no new cases) Buena Vista Correctional Complex: 192 cases, zero deaths (58 new cases)
192 cases, zero deaths (58 new cases) Cherry Creek Nursing Center, Aurora: 160 cases, 34 deaths (no new cases)
160 cases, 34 deaths (no new cases) Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs: 146 cases, 26 deaths (one new case)
146 cases, 26 deaths (one new case) Steven Roberts Original Desserts, Aurora: 133 cases, one death (one new case)
133 cases, one death (one new case) People experiencing homelessness in Denver: 128 cases, zero deaths (no new cases)
128 cases, zero deaths (no new cases) Jefferson County Detention Facility, Golden: 96 cases, one death (one new case)
96 cases, one death (one new case) Laurel Manor Care Center, Colorado Springs: 86 cases, 14 deaths (no new cases)
Originally, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported outbreaks tied to homeless shelters separately, but they began combining all cases among people experiencing homelessness in mid-June, an agency spokeswoman who didn’t fully identify herself said in an email. Reporting this way avoids double-counting people who tested positive and visited multiple locations with outbreaks, she said.
“It’s not uncommon for people experiencing homelessness to use multiple services on a daily or weekly basis. When there are outbreaks at multiple service provider locations, it’s difficult to accurately determine where an individual may have been exposed to COVID-19,” she said.
Five of the largest current outbreaks have been going on since April, and one started in March. Only one of the largest outbreaks, at the Buena Vista Correctional Complex, began in July. An outbreak is considered resolved when the state health department determines the virus isn’t continuing to spread in that setting.
The state reported 19 new outbreaks since last Wednesday, including three residential health care facilities, three fast food restaurants, two child care centers, the Kappa Sigma fraternity at Colorado State University, the Delta County Sheriff’s Office and an unspecified Colorado State Patrol location.
The largest of the new outbreaks was at Alpine Living Center, a nursing home in Thornton, which had six cases among residents and five among staff. None of the newest outbreaks are associated with any deaths at this point, though there can be a lag of several weeks between infection and death.
Since March, 11,071 people have been infected in Colorado’s coronavirus outbreaks, and 1,010 have died. Most of the deaths happened in long-term care facilities, where people at elevated risk live close together.
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-07-30--Man fatally stabbed in Denver’s City Park West neighborhood is identified

A man who was stabbed to death in Denver has been identified .
Bryan Benedetti , 28 , was stabbed @ @ @ @ @ block of Lafayette Street , according to the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner .
@ @ @ @ @ Health Medical Center where he was pronounced dead .
He died from “ sharp force @ @ @ @ @ of death is a homicide .
An investigation is ongoing .
Police have not announced @ @ @ @ @ .

A man who was stabbed to death in Denver has been identified.
Bryan Benedetti, 28, was stabbed Monday night in the 1500 block of Lafayette Street, according to the medical examiner’s office. Benedetti was taken to Denver Health, where he was pronounced dead. He died from “sharp force injuries,” and his manner of death is a homicide.
An investigation is ongoing. Police have not announced an arrest in the case.


thedenverpost--2020-07-30--CU Buffs receiver K.D. Nixon not worried amid QB battle in Boulder

Quarterback transitions are difficult under any circumstances .
The change is even more complicated when the signal caller the team is trying to replace was a three-year starter ( Steven Montez ) who also happens to be the school ’ s all-time touchdown leader .
Add in a new head coach and global pandemic , and difficult transforms into absurd for the Colorado football team .
The leading candidates to replace Montez include senior Sam Noyer , junior Tyler Lytle and freshman Brendon Lewis .
Not a single college start between them .
Despite all that inexperience , senior wide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worried .
“ We ’ re steadily growing , ” Nixon said .
“ There are some days where we might have a bad day , but we not gon na call it a bad day because it ’ s a working day , we ’ re progressing so we ’ re getting better by the day every day .
Out of the three potential starters under center , Noyer technically has the most experience .
It just hasn ’ t all been at quarterback .
The senior played in 10 games in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few times at safety .
He originally planned to finish his degree and become a graduate transfer , but he opted to return to Boulder and take one last crack at becoming CU ’ s starting quarterback .
His most prolific season to date : 2017 , when he threw for 119 yards on 27 attempts .
“ He looks like he never lost it , ” Nixon said .
Noyer changed positions last year in part because of Lytle , who spent the past season as the primary backup .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and only attempted one pass , but Nixon believes Lytle ’ s intelligence and ability make him a potential replacement for Montez .
“ Everybody who ’ s being recruited around the world was the best at their high school , ” Nixon said .
“ So we all have the ability to be the best ever .
Tyler has the ability to start , but it ’ s all about mindset.
” Lewis is the biggest wild card of the three .
A consensus three-star dual-threat quarterback , according to 247Sports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nixon since arriving on campus as an early enrollee .
“ He ’ s catching on so fast , it ’ s so beautiful , ” said Nixon , who has 89 career receptions for 1,118 yards and seven touchdowns .
“ I ’ ve never had this chance to learn from a quarterback or teach a quarterback.
” While Nixon is excited to find out who will start for the Buffs under center , he is also trying to make the transition as easy as he can , for both the quarterbacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be helpful , especially since he had more passing yards last season than Lytle and Noyer combined .
“ I was able to see Montez , you know Sefo ( Liufau ) , I was able to see all the college greats in the Pac-12 and around the world , ” Nixon said .
“ Just being able to be in practice and see those guys compete , you notice those guys have the toughest job , so why not try to help ?
” Landman on team buy-in with COVID .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to the global pandemic , football teams across the nation are seeing outbreaks of COVID-19 .
So far , Colorado hasn ’ t been one of them .
“ I think players know that we ’ ve worked too hard and they have a goal of wanting to play this season , ” senior Nate Landman said .
The linebacker said the team has bought into the safety protocols put in place by the athletics department and head coach Karl Dorrell .
Close monitoring of people entering facilities and frequent sanitization are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CU athletics has been fairly unaffected compared to teams like LSU , who had an outbreak in early June , and neighboring CSU , which had one this month .
Landman also credits the speed at which CU players returned upon the announcement of voluntary workouts .
“ They don ’ t want to put that in jeopardy by going out or doing unnecessary things , ” he said .
Though Landman is happy with how the team has handled the adversity , he was particularly happy with the work exhibited by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the changes quickly , but are also taking advantage of the workouts .
“ Sometimes that ’ s a struggle with freshmen coming in , but they ’ ve been pretty impressive so far , ” he said .

Quarterback transitions are difficult under any circumstances.
The change is even more complicated when the signal caller the team is trying to replace was a three-year starter (Steven Montez) who also happens to be the school’s all-time touchdown leader.
Add in a new head coach and global pandemic, and difficult transforms into absurd for the Colorado football team.
The leading candidates to replace Montez include senior Sam Noyer, junior Tyler Lytle and freshman Brendon Lewis.
Not a single college start between them.
Despite all that inexperience, senior wide receiver K.D. Nixon isn’t worried.
“We’re steadily growing,” Nixon said. “There are some days where we might have a bad day, but we not gonna call it a bad day because it’s a working day, we’re progressing so we’re getting better by the day every day.
Out of the three potential starters under center, Noyer technically has the most experience. It just hasn’t all been at quarterback.
The senior played in 10 games in 2019, mostly on special teams and a few times at safety. He originally planned to finish his degree and become a graduate transfer, but he opted to return to Boulder and take one last crack at becoming CU’s starting quarterback. His most prolific season to date: 2017, when he threw for 119 yards on 27 attempts.
“He looks like he never lost it,” Nixon said.
Noyer changed positions last year in part because of Lytle, who spent the past season as the primary backup. The junior missed three games due to injury, and only attempted one pass, but Nixon believes Lytle’s intelligence and ability make him a potential replacement for Montez.
“Everybody who’s being recruited around the world was the best at their high school,” Nixon said. “So we all have the ability to be the best ever. Tyler has the ability to start, but it’s all about mindset.”
Lewis is the biggest wild card of the three. A consensus three-star dual-threat quarterback, according to 247Sports composite rankings, he’s impressed Nixon since arriving on campus as an early enrollee.
“He’s catching on so fast, it’s so beautiful,” said Nixon, who has 89 career receptions for 1,118 yards and seven touchdowns. “I’ve never had this chance to learn from a quarterback or teach a quarterback.”
While Nixon is excited to find out who will start for the Buffs under center, he is also trying to make the transition as easy as he can, for both the quarterbacks and the other wideouts. His experience will be helpful, especially since he had more passing yards last season than Lytle and Noyer combined.
“I was able to see Montez, you know Sefo (Liufau), I was able to see all the college greats in the Pac-12 and around the world,” Nixon said. “Just being able to be in practice and see those guys compete, you notice those guys have the toughest job, so why not try to help?”
Landman on team buy-in with COVID. With the season hanging in the balance due to the global pandemic, football teams across the nation are seeing outbreaks of COVID-19. So far, Colorado hasn’t been one of them.
“I think players know that we’ve worked too hard and they have a goal of wanting to play this season,” senior Nate Landman said.
The linebacker said the team has bought into the safety protocols put in place by the athletics department and head coach Karl Dorrell. Close monitoring of people entering facilities and frequent sanitization are just a few reasons why Landman thinks CU athletics has been fairly unaffected compared to teams like LSU, who had an outbreak in early June, and neighboring CSU, which had one this month.
Landman also credits the speed at which CU players returned upon the announcement of voluntary workouts.
“They don’t want to put that in jeopardy by going out or doing unnecessary things,” he said.
Though Landman is happy with how the team has handled the adversity, he was particularly happy with the work exhibited by the incoming freshmen, who not only adjusted to the changes quickly, but are also taking advantage of the workouts.
“Sometimes that’s a struggle with freshmen coming in, but they’ve been pretty impressive so far,” he said.


thedenverpost--2020-07-30--Rockies’ bullpen delivering in early going, despite some high-wire moments

The Rockies ’ bullpen , a disaster last season , has been a revelation this season .
At least so far , and despite some close calls .
For five games , all of them on the road , the relief corps has allowed just two runs over 16 2/3 innings .
That ’ s a nifty 1.08 ERA .
In a 5-1 victory at Oakland on Wednesday , Carlos Estevez , Jairo Diaz and Yency Almonte each tossed a scoreless inning .
But there was a cliff-hanging moment in the eighth when Diaz loaded the bases by giving up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mark Canah .
Diaz escaped by striking out Robbie Grossman , but Diaz has put himself into bases-loaded trouble twice already this season .
“ Diaz , wiggling out of jams , is not surprising , ” manager Bud Black said .
“ But if you were to ask him , he would not do it that way .
But we like the results.
” True enough , but Black also knows that Diaz and the other relievers will need cleaner innings going forward , especially when the team returns home to hitter-friendly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Diego .
“ You don ’ t want to do that all of the time , believe me , because eventually , it ’ s going to bite you , ” Black said .
Home , sweet , home .
Right-hander Jon Gray gets the honor of pitching in Friday ’ s home opener at Coors , where he was 6-2 with a 3.46 ERA in 13 games ( 12 starts ) last season .
In his career , he ’ s been better at home ( 25-10 , 4.36 ERA in 56 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18-23 , 4.52 ERA in 60 games ) .
A lot of pitchers cringe at the idea of pitching at Coors , but not Gray .
“ I don ’ t know if it ’ s just the way the atmosphere feels , the mound , the visuals … there are a lot of things I like about it , ” Gray said .
“ But just knowing that I ’ m going to out-do the other guy , knowing that our lineup is going to hit the ball , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel confident.
” Oberg update .
Right-handed set-up man Scott Oberg , on the 10-day injured list with a lower-back strain , threw a bullpen session Monday .
Although Black did not say when Oberg might return , he was pleased with how Oberg threw the ball .
“ He threw great , ” Black said .
“ He came out of that bullpen in a good spot ( and ) very confident.
” Trending : Rockies relievers have allowed just three runs in 16 2/3 innings this season , the fewest runs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Rockies relievers have been living on the edge but they have made big pitches in big moments .
As manager Bud Black has noted , that high-wire act can ’ t continue indefinitely .
Pitching probables Thursday : Off Friday : Padres RHP Garrett Richards ( 0-0 , 0.00 ERA ) at Rockies RHP Jon Gray ( 0-0 , 1.93 ) , 6:10 p.m. , ATTRM Saturday : Padres LHP Joey Lucchesi ( 10-10 , 4.18 in 2019 ) at Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland ( 1-0 , 3.00 ) , 6:10 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Davies ( 1-0 , 3.60 ) at Rockies RHP Antonio Senzatela ( 1-0 , 3.60 ) , 1:10 p.m. , ATTRM

The Rockies’ bullpen, a disaster last season, has been a revelation this season. At least so far, and despite some close calls.
For five games, all of them on the road, the relief corps has allowed just two runs over 16 2/3 innings. That’s a nifty 1.08 ERA.
In a 5-1 victory at Oakland on Wednesday, Carlos Estevez, Jairo Diaz and Yency Almonte each tossed a scoreless inning.
But there was a cliff-hanging moment in the eighth when Diaz loaded the bases by giving up a single, a walk and hitting Mark Canah. Diaz escaped by striking out Robbie Grossman, but Diaz has put himself into bases-loaded trouble twice already this season.
“Diaz, wiggling out of jams, is not surprising,” manager Bud Black said. “But if you were to ask him, he would not do it that way. But we like the results.”
True enough, but Black also knows that Diaz and the other relievers will need cleaner innings going forward, especially when the team returns home to hitter-friendly Coors Field on Friday to host San Diego.
“You don’t want to do that all of the time, believe me, because eventually, it’s going to bite you,” Black said.
Home, sweet, home. Right-hander Jon Gray gets the honor of pitching in Friday’s home opener at Coors, where he was 6-2 with a 3.46 ERA in 13 games (12 starts) last season. In his career, he’s been better at home (25-10, 4.36 ERA in 56 games) than on the road (18-23, 4.52 ERA in 60 games).
A lot of pitchers cringe at the idea of pitching at Coors, but not Gray.
“I don’t know if it’s just the way the atmosphere feels, the mound, the visuals … there are a lot of things I like about it,” Gray said. “But just knowing that I’m going to out-do the other guy, knowing that our lineup is going to hit the ball, it’s a good combination. It makes you feel confident.”
Oberg update. Right-handed set-up man Scott Oberg, on the 10-day injured list with a lower-back strain, threw a bullpen session Monday. Although Black did not say when Oberg might return, he was pleased with how Oberg threw the ball.
“He threw great,” Black said. “He came out of that bullpen in a good spot (and) very confident.”
On Deck
Trending: Rockies relievers have allowed just three runs in 16 2/3 innings this season, the fewest runs allowed in the majors.
At issue: Rockies relievers have been living on the edge but they have made big pitches in big moments. As manager Bud Black has noted, that high-wire act can’t continue indefinitely.
Pitching probables
Thursday: Off
Friday: Padres RHP Garrett Richards (0-0, 0.00 ERA) at Rockies RHP Jon Gray (0-0, 1.93), 6:10 p.m., ATTRM
Saturday: Padres LHP Joey Lucchesi (10-10, 4.18 in 2019) at Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (1-0, 3.00), 6:10 p.m., ATTRM
Sunday: Padres RHP Zach Davies (1-0, 3.60) at Rockies RHP Antonio Senzatela (1-0, 3.60), 1:10 p.m., ATTRM


thedenverpost--2020-07-30--MLB doubleheaders could get shortened to 7-inning games

Baseball players just might not want to play nine innings twice in one day during this pandemic-delayed season .
While Cleveland swept the Chicago White Sox in the first doubleheader of the season on Tuesday , union head Tony Clark called Deputy Commissioner Dan Halem and said players might want to consider shortened twinbills this year .
The players ’ association is surveying members and may propose either two seven-inning games for a twinbill of nine innings for the opener and seven for the nightcap .
Major League Baseball is checking opinions at the owner and general manager levels , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday to make a change or leave the rules the way the are .
Philadelphia and Toronto are scheduled for a doubleheader on Saturday as the Phillies resume play following a five-day layoff .
The time off was caused by waiting to make no players or staff were infected during games against the Miami Marlins last weekend .
Phillies general Matt Klentak said seven-inning games are possible for the twinbill .
“ I like nine and nine , personally , ” Yankees reliever Adam Ottavino said Wednesday .
“ I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game , Once we go seven-inning games , slippery slope there.
” Official Baseball Rules allow minor leagues to adopt a rule providing one or both games of a doubleheader be seven innings .
NCAA rules allow the options of two nine-inning games , a seven and a nine or two sevens .
The union ’ s survey was first reported by The Athletic .
“ Right now , I don ’ t think it ’ s necessary based on how this season has been set up , ” Los Angeles Angels manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubleheaders were to pile up for whatever reason , I would have it like in a contingency plan .
Given modern usage of pitchers , Maddon said the shortened game would be the equivalent of starting the games in the third inning .
He could bring in relievers earlier .
“ The sixth inning , the fifth inning play differently , ” he said .
“ You just get to that ninth inning a lot sooner .
The sixth inning , the fifth inning play differently based on the game supposed to conclude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just accelerate what you ’ re doing , just like we ’ re doing with the season .
So I get it from the perspective of expediency , if it ’ s necessary .
… I ’ m in for anything right now .
I ’ m not going to speak badly of any kind of suggestion right now that people believe is going to help us get through the season to get through the playoffs and conclude them , ” he said .
MLB already has adopted one shortening rule for 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starts with a runner on second base .
There were five extra-inning games during the first six days of the season .
Four ended in 10 innings and one in 11 .

NEW YORK — Ernie Banks famously said: “Let’s play two.”
Baseball players just might not want to play nine innings twice in one day during this pandemic-delayed season.
While Cleveland swept the Chicago White Sox in the first doubleheader of the season on Tuesday, union head Tony Clark called Deputy Commissioner Dan Halem and said players might want to consider shortened twinbills this year.
The players’ association is surveying members and may propose either two seven-inning games for a twinbill of nine innings for the opener and seven for the nightcap.
Major League Baseball is checking opinions at the owner and general manager levels, and staff hopes for a decision by Saturday to make a change or leave the rules the way the are.
Philadelphia and Toronto are scheduled for a doubleheader on Saturday as the Phillies resume play following a five-day layoff. The time off was caused by waiting to make no players or staff were infected during games against the Miami Marlins last weekend.
Phillies general Matt Klentak said seven-inning games are possible for the twinbill.
“I like nine and nine, personally,” Yankees reliever Adam Ottavino said Wednesday. “I don’t want to be marginalized out of the game, Once we go seven-inning games, slippery slope there.”
Official Baseball Rules allow minor leagues to adopt a rule providing one or both games of a doubleheader be seven innings. NCAA rules allow the options of two nine-inning games, a seven and a nine or two sevens.
The union’s survey was first reported by The Athletic.
“Right now, I don’t think it’s necessary based on how this season has been set up,” Los Angeles Angels manager Joe Maddon said. “If the doubleheaders were to pile up for whatever reason, I would have it like in a contingency plan.
Given modern usage of pitchers, Maddon said the shortened game would be the equivalent of starting the games in the third inning. He could bring in relievers earlier.
“The sixth inning, the fifth inning play differently,” he said.
“You just get to that ninth inning a lot sooner. The sixth inning, the fifth inning play differently based on the game supposed to conclude,” he said.
“You just accelerate what you’re doing, just like we’re doing with the season. So I get it from the perspective of expediency, if it’s necessary. … I’m in for anything right now. I’m not going to speak badly of any kind of suggestion right now that people believe is going to help us get through the season to get through the playoffs and conclude them,” he said.
MLB already has adopted one shortening rule for 2020: Each half of each extra inning starts with a runner on second base.
There were five extra-inning games during the first six days of the season. Four ended in 10 innings and one in 11.


thedenverpost--2020-07-29--Man sentenced to 27 years in prison for Greeley home invasion, robbery

A 20-year-old man was sentenced last week to 27 years in prison for his role in a Greeley home invasion robbery and shooting .
Brandon Steele , who pleaded guilty in July 2019 to second-degree kidnapping and first-degree burglary , was sentenced Friday in Weld County District Court , according to a district attorney ’ s news release .
On Oct. 21 , 2018 , Greeley police received a 4 a.m. phone call from a resident saying that a man was outside his home screaming for help before getting in a vehicle , which drove off , the release said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the driver , a woman , covered in blood .
Her adult son , in the passenger seat , also WAS covered in blood .
He was shot in the shoulder .
The driver ’ s 4-year-old grandson was in the back seat .
The driver told police she had been asleep in her Greeley home , along with her son and grandchild , when she was awoke by her dog ’ s growling , according to the release .
Two men were in her bedroom .
One man put a gun to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she was punched several times and dragged to the basement .
She heard scuffling upstairs and a gunshot .
The assailants stole a handgun , three cellphones other electronics and household items totaling more than $ 2,000 , the release said .
Steele is the fourth defendant to be sentenced for the incident .
One co-defendant ’ s case is pending .
He was sentenced to 17 years for kidnapping and 10 years for burglary , with the sentences ordered to run consecutively .

A 20-year-old man was sentenced last week to 27 years in prison for his role in a Greeley home invasion robbery and shooting.
Brandon Steele, who pleaded guilty in July 2019 to second-degree kidnapping and first-degree burglary, was sentenced Friday in Weld County District Court, according to a district attorney’s news release.
On Oct. 21, 2018, Greeley police received a 4 a.m. phone call from a resident saying that a man was outside his home screaming for help before getting in a vehicle, which drove off, the release said.
Officers stopped the vehicle and found the driver, a woman, covered in blood. Her adult son, in the passenger seat, also WAS covered in blood. He was shot in the shoulder. The driver’s 4-year-old grandson was in the back seat.
The driver told police she had been asleep in her Greeley home, along with her son and grandchild, when she was awoke by her dog’s growling, according to the release. Two men were in her bedroom.
One man put a gun to the victim’s face, and she was punched several times and dragged to the basement. She heard scuffling upstairs and a gunshot.
The assailants stole a handgun, three cellphones other electronics and household items totaling more than $2,000, the release said.
Steele is the fourth defendant to be sentenced for the incident. One co-defendant’s case is pending. He was sentenced to 17 years for kidnapping and 10 years for burglary, with the sentences ordered to run consecutively.


thedenverpost--2020-07-29--Dodgers’ Joe Kelly suspended 8 games for buzzing, mocking Astros

HOUSTON — Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Joe Kelly was suspended for eight games by Major League Baseball on Wednesday , a day after throwing a fastball near the head of Houston ’ s Alex Bregman and mockingly taunting Astros star Carlos Correa .
Benches cleared after Kelly ’ s actions during the sixth inning of Los Angeles ’ 5-2 win at Minute Maid Park .
The game marked the first time the teams had met since it was revealed Houston stole signs en route to a 2017 World Series title that came at the Dodgers ’ expense .
Dodgers manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Astros manager Dusty Baker was fined an undisclosed amount .
Kelly elected to appeal and can continue to play until the process is complete .
Roberts was serving his penalty Wednesday night when the Dodgers played at Houston .
Kelly , a hard thrower with a touch of wildness , has previously been suspended in his career for throwing at a batter .
An eight-game penalty in this virus-shortened 60-game season is equivalent of 22 games in 162-game season .
The lingering animosity the Dodgers felt toward the Astros — who were penalized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scam came to light — had been brewing .
It bubbled over when Bregman , a star of the Astros ’ run to their championship , came to bat in the bottom of the sixth on Tuesday night .
The Dodgers led 5-2 when Kelly , who was with Boston in 2017 and also faced Houston that postseason , zipped a 3-0 fastball behind Bregman ’ s head .
Bregman grimaced after jumping to avoid being hit , then trotted to first base .
There were two outs in the inning when Kelly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s head .
Correa , who homered and finished with three hits , took off his batting helmet and stared Kelly down before continuing the at-bat .
Kelly struck out Correa to end the inning , then stuck out his tongue and made a face in his direction .
Correa started walking toward him and the players exchanged words , prompting the benches to clear in the first such incident of this pandemic-delayed season .
There was plenty of yelling and crowding — outlawed as MLB tries to play a 60-game season amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pushing or punches thrown .
Kelly denied that he purposely threw at the Astros .
He was asked if there was any added motivation Tuesday because his Red Sox team lost to Houston in the AL Division Series in 2017 .
“ No .
When I was with the Red Sox we beat them in ’ 18 , ” he said .
“ It ’ s one of those things that I pitch competitively .
With no fans here , it ’ s easy to hear some stuff ( from the opposing dugout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apparently didn ’ t take too kind to.
” After the game , Roberts said he wasn ’ t sure if Kelly ’ s pitches were retaliation for Houston ’ s cheating .
“ I really don ’ t know , to be quite honest , ” he said .
“ I know he got behind Bregman 3-0 and lost a fastball .
I really don ’ t think there was intent behind that .
I think those guys took a little bit of offense .
Even the one to Correa , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up.
” “ Obviously the expectation going into the series that things were kind of escalated maybe a little , I don ’ t know if prematurely ’ s the word , but that ’ s kind of what happened , ” he said .
Said Baker : “ Balls get away sometimes but not that many in the big leagues.
” “ When you throw a 3-0 fastball over a guy ’ s head you ’ re flirting with ending his career , ” he said .
Baker said things really got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Kelly told Correa after the strikeout .
“ We didn ’ t say anything , ” he said .
“ We don ’ t start nothing .
But we don ’ t take nothing , either.
” Order was restored after a couple of minutes and there were no ejections , but Baker was still upset before play resumed and got in the face of an umpire .
Bregman avoided questions about the incident postgame and Correa did not speak to reporters .
Houston was punished by the commissioners ’ office in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led to the firing of general manager Jeff Luhnow and manager AJ Hinch .
Many players around the league were unhappy that no players were disciplined for their roles in the cheating .
The Dodgers had harsh words for the Astros during spring training , but Roberts said before the game that he didn ’ t think his team would retaliate .
The penalties were imposed by former pitcher Chris Young , MLB ’ s senior vice president of baseball operations .
This was his first discipline case since taking over the job @ @ @ @

HOUSTON — Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Joe Kelly was suspended for eight games by Major League Baseball on Wednesday, a day after throwing a fastball near the head of Houston’s Alex Bregman and mockingly taunting Astros star Carlos Correa.
Benches cleared after Kelly’s actions during the sixth inning of Los Angeles’ 5-2 win at Minute Maid Park. The game marked the first time the teams had met since it was revealed Houston stole signs en route to a 2017 World Series title that came at the Dodgers’ expense.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was suspended one game and Astros manager Dusty Baker was fined an undisclosed amount.
Kelly elected to appeal and can continue to play until the process is complete. Roberts was serving his penalty Wednesday night when the Dodgers played at Houston.
Kelly, a hard thrower with a touch of wildness, has previously been suspended in his career for throwing at a batter. An eight-game penalty in this virus-shortened 60-game season is equivalent of 22 games in 162-game season.
The lingering animosity the Dodgers felt toward the Astros — who were penalized by MLB in the offseason after their scam came to light — had been brewing. It bubbled over when Bregman, a star of the Astros’ run to their championship, came to bat in the bottom of the sixth on Tuesday night.
The Dodgers led 5-2 when Kelly, who was with Boston in 2017 and also faced Houston that postseason, zipped a 3-0 fastball behind Bregman’s head. Bregman grimaced after jumping to avoid being hit, then trotted to first base.
There were two outs in the inning when Kelly threw a breaking ball over Correa’s head. Correa, who homered and finished with three hits, took off his batting helmet and stared Kelly down before continuing the at-bat.
Kelly struck out Correa to end the inning, then stuck out his tongue and made a face in his direction. Correa started walking toward him and the players exchanged words, prompting the benches to clear in the first such incident of this pandemic-delayed season.
There was plenty of yelling and crowding — outlawed as MLB tries to play a 60-game season amid the pandemic — but there was no pushing or punches thrown.
Kelly denied that he purposely threw at the Astros. He was asked if there was any added motivation Tuesday because his Red Sox team lost to Houston in the AL Division Series in 2017.
“No. When I was with the Red Sox we beat them in ’18,” he said. “It’s one of those things that I pitch competitively. With no fans here, it’s easy to hear some stuff (from the opposing dugout) … there’s something they apparently didn’t take too kind to.”
After the game, Roberts said he wasn’t sure if Kelly’s pitches were retaliation for Houston’s cheating.
“I really don’t know, to be quite honest,” he said. “I know he got behind Bregman 3-0 and lost a fastball. I really don’t think there was intent behind that. I think those guys took a little bit of offense. Even the one to Correa, that was a breaking ball that just backed up.”
“Obviously the expectation going into the series that things were kind of escalated maybe a little, I don’t know if prematurely’s the word, but that’s kind of what happened,” he said.
Said Baker: “Balls get away sometimes but not that many in the big leagues.”
“When you throw a 3-0 fastball over a guy’s head you’re flirting with ending his career,” he said.
Baker said things really got out of hand because of something he said Kelly told Correa after the strikeout.
“We didn’t say anything,” he said. “We don’t start nothing. But we don’t take nothing, either.”
Order was restored after a couple of minutes and there were no ejections, but Baker was still upset before play resumed and got in the face of an umpire.
Bregman avoided questions about the incident postgame and Correa did not speak to reporters.
Houston was punished by the commissioners’ office in January for the sign-stealing scheme, which led to the firing of general manager Jeff Luhnow and manager AJ Hinch.
Many players around the league were unhappy that no players were disciplined for their roles in the cheating. The Dodgers had harsh words for the Astros during spring training, but Roberts said before the game that he didn’t think his team would retaliate.
The penalties were imposed by former pitcher Chris Young, MLB’s senior vice president of baseball operations. This was his first discipline case since taking over the job from Joe Torre.


thedenverpost--2020-07-29--Excessive-force lawsuit filed against three former Denver police officers

A lawsuit alleging police brutality by a former Denver sergeant and two other officers was filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court .
All three have resigned from the department .
The lawsuit , filed by Malow M. Mayek in federal court in Denver , also names the city of Denver in the complaint against former Sgt .
Joseph Rodarte and former officers Douglass Watson and James Martinez .
On Aug. 22 , 2018 , the three arrested Mayek , age 17 at the time , allegedly beating the unarmed teenager , who was high on LSD , breaking his nose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was charged and tried on two counts of assault for the incident and was acquitted by a Denver jury on Oct. 2 , 2019 .
Rodarte resigned from the department in June .
Rodarte , according to the lawsuit , struck Mayek multiple times with a baton , including in the face .
Watson and Martinez used a Taser on Mayek , who suffered a critical head injury , fractured nose , bone fractures in his right leg and facial cuts , among other injuries .
“ At no point during the officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did he present any threat to the officers or anyone else , ” the lawsuit claims .
Five people in Denver ’ s Ruby Hill neighborhood called police before the incident to describe Mayek as “ very high or has something wrong.
” The lawsuit claims the police response was extreme and unjustified , part of a longtime department pattern of violence and brutality .
“ Defendant Denver has a policy , custom , and practice of excessive use of force , epitomized in Defendant Rodarte ’ s more than twenty-year career with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Beyond its obligation to impose meaningful discipline on its personnel for their unconstitutional conduct , Defendant Denver has the responsibility to properly train and supervise its law enforcement officers in complying with constitutional requirements during encounters with citizens .
Systemically , Defendant Denver has failed in this responsibility and is to blame for enabling and encouraging the conduct of its officers in beating and tasing Mr. Mayek .
”

A lawsuit alleging police brutality by a former Denver sergeant and two other officers was filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court. All three have resigned from the department.
The lawsuit, filed by Malow M. Mayek in federal court in Denver, also names the city of Denver in the complaint against former Sgt. Joseph Rodarte and former officers Douglass Watson and James Martinez.
On Aug. 22, 2018, the three arrested Mayek, age 17 at the time, allegedly beating the unarmed teenager, who was high on LSD, breaking his nose and leg in the process.
Rodarte was charged and tried on two counts of assault for the incident and was acquitted by a Denver jury on Oct. 2, 2019. Rodarte resigned from the department in June.
Rodarte, according to the lawsuit, struck Mayek multiple times with a baton, including in the face. Watson and Martinez used a Taser on Mayek, who suffered a critical head injury, fractured nose, bone fractures in his right leg and facial cuts, among other injuries.
“At no point during the officers’ pursuit and apprehension of Mr. Mayek did he present any threat to the officers or anyone else,” the lawsuit claims.
Five people in Denver’s Ruby Hill neighborhood called police before the incident to describe Mayek as “very high or has something wrong.”
The lawsuit claims the police response was extreme and unjustified, part of a longtime department pattern of violence and brutality.
“Defendant Denver has a policy, custom, and practice of excessive use of force, epitomized in Defendant Rodarte’s more than twenty-year career with DPD,” the lawsuit claims. “Beyond its obligation to impose meaningful discipline on its personnel for their unconstitutional conduct, Defendant Denver has the responsibility to properly train and supervise its law enforcement officers in complying with constitutional requirements during encounters with citizens. Systemically, Defendant Denver has failed in this responsibility and is to blame for enabling and encouraging the conduct of its officers in beating and tasing Mr. Mayek.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-29--German Marquez shuts down A’s as Rockies finish off 4-1 road trip to start 2020

In manager Bud Black ’ s book of baseball , bona fide aces are a rare breed .
But it can be argued that Rockies right-hander German Marquez is working his way into the conversation .
“ He can look to the big boys around our league , and around baseball , and truly believe that he can match up with any of those guys .
There is a true conviction in his belief about his ability , and I love that , ” Black said Wednesday afternoon after the Rockies beat the A ’ s , 5-1 , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needing a hot start in the truncated 60-game season , improved to 4-1 .
Marquez , with his fastball and slider both razor-sharp , confounded the A ’ s for six innings .
He allowed one run , scattered four hits , struck out eight , walked just one and induced eight groundball outs as he improved to 1-1 and lowered his ERA to 1.54 .
Marquez ’ s lone mistake was a high fastball that Matt Chapman hammered over the left-field fence in the first .
Asked how close he is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answered : “ That ’ s a good question .
I feel good right now but I have to keep going and help the team .
But that is one of my goals that I have set .
A couple of weeks ago , I said I wanted to go the All-Star Game , win the Cy Young ( Award ) and be the ace for many years.
” Catcher Tony Wolters called Marquez “ a stud ” and said the best is yet to come .
“ I always tell German , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting a percent better .
Let ’ s go , take pride in it , ’ ” Wolters said .
“ And he does .
He ’ s enjoying the process , he ’ s not trying to skip steps .
He ’ s a sponge and he always wants to keep getting better.
” Colorado ’ s hot start rests primarily on its pitching .
Rockies starters have combined for a 2.31 ERA and the staff has allowed three or fewer runs in each of its five games , the club ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But the Rockies have also played smart , aggressive baseball .
Wednesday , shortstop Trevor Story , illustrating once again why he is one of the best all-around players in the majors , combined speed and smarts to give Colorado a 3-1 cushion in the eighth .
He led off with a single and sprinted home on Charlie Blackmon ’ s double that got away from left fielder Robbie Grossman .
As Grossman tried to corral the ball as it caromed off the wall , Story never hesitated as he rounded third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Colorado ’ s two-run ninth .
Oakland pitcher Jesus Luzardo fumbled a hard two-out come-backer that Blackmon hit , then nonchalantly tossed the ball to first .
Blackmon hustled out of the box to beat the throw , while Story motored from second base for the final run .
“ He ’ s a great example for everyone on the team , ” Wolters said .
“ He ’ s one of the guys on our team that we are constantly listening to .
He ’ s a great baseball player , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are a lot of people on each team who are looking at him and going , “ I wish I was him .
’ ”

In manager Bud Black’s book of baseball, bona fide aces are a rare breed.
But it can be argued that Rockies right-hander German Marquez is working his way into the conversation.
“He can look to the big boys around our league, and around baseball, and truly believe that he can match up with any of those guys. There is a true conviction in his belief about his ability, and I love that,” Black said Wednesday afternoon after the Rockies beat the A’s, 5-1, at the Oakland Coliseum.
The Rockies, needing a hot start in the truncated 60-game season, improved to 4-1.
Marquez, with his fastball and slider both razor-sharp, confounded the A’s for six innings. He allowed one run, scattered four hits, struck out eight, walked just one and induced eight groundball outs as he improved to 1-1 and lowered his ERA to 1.54.
Marquez’s lone mistake was a high fastball that Matt Chapman hammered over the left-field fence in the first.
Asked how close he is to becoming an ace, Marquez chuckled and answered: “That’s a good question. I feel good right now but I have to keep going and help the team. But that is one of my goals that I have set. A couple of weeks ago, I said I wanted to go the All-Star Game, win the Cy Young (Award) and be the ace for many years.”
Catcher Tony Wolters called Marquez “a stud” and said the best is yet to come.
“I always tell German, ‘Hey, each day you are getting a percent better. Let’s go, take pride in it,’ ” Wolters said. “And he does. He’s enjoying the process, he’s not trying to skip steps. He’s a sponge and he always wants to keep getting better.”
Colorado’s hot start rests primarily on its pitching. Rockies starters have combined for a 2.31 ERA and the staff has allowed three or fewer runs in each of its five games, the club’s longest streak to start a season.
But the Rockies have also played smart, aggressive baseball.
Wednesday, shortstop Trevor Story, illustrating once again why he is one of the best all-around players in the majors, combined speed and smarts to give Colorado a 3-1 cushion in the eighth. He led off with a single and sprinted home on Charlie Blackmon’s double that got away from left fielder Robbie Grossman. As Grossman tried to corral the ball as it caromed off the wall, Story never hesitated as he rounded third and scored easily.
Story struck again in Colorado’s two-run ninth. Oakland pitcher Jesus Luzardo fumbled a hard two-out come-backer that Blackmon hit, then nonchalantly tossed the ball to first. Blackmon hustled out of the box to beat the throw, while Story motored from second base for the final run.
“He’s a great example for everyone on the team,” Wolters said. “He’s one of the guys on our team that we are constantly listening to. He’s a great baseball player, and I’ll bet you there are a lot of people on each team who are looking at him and going, “I wish I was him.’ ”


thedenverpost--2020-07-29--Broncos report no positive COVID-19 results from players who were tested Tuesday

The Broncos cleared an important initial hurdle toward preparing for the regular season when none of their players were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday .
The players who reported to Broncos camp Tuesday were tested in the morning and will be tested again Friday .
If that result is negative , those players will be allowed back into the team ’ s facility on Saturday , when a program of 14 consecutive days of testing will begin .
Last week , the Broncos ’ rookies , quarterbacks and veterans who were allowed to report also had all negative tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is used for players with positive tests or who are quarantining because they came into close contact with someone who tested positive .
Teams are not allowed to indicate if a player tested positive or is in quarantine .
Players on the reserve/COVID-19 list don ’ t count against a team ’ s 80-man roster .
Earlier this offseason , outside linebacker Von Miller and safety Kareem Jackson announced they had contracted coronavirus , but both players have resumed training and reported to camp .
Teams can conduct walk-through sessions starting next week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helmets and pads until mid-August .
Coach Vic Fangio said Tuesday the “ part that ’ s been really hard and has given me a couple of headaches in the last week , ” is planning times for players to weight-train , get treatment and eat in the cafeteria while adhering to social distancing rules .
“ Those were some serious gymnastics to get that done , ” Fangio said .
When the Broncos finally practice , though , Fangio said it will mostly look the same as usual .
“ When we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the game field , we ’ re playing football , period , ” he said .
“ I don ’ t think you ’ ll see a whole lot of difference.
” One difference will be during team drills .
Usually , players not on the field for that play are huddled around their position coach .
“ They ’ re going to be spread out a little bit more than normal , ” Fangio said .
“ The drills will look relatively the same .
”

The Broncos cleared an important initial hurdle toward preparing for the regular season when none of their players were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday.
The players who reported to Broncos camp Tuesday were tested in the morning and will be tested again Friday. If that result is negative, those players will be allowed back into the team’s facility on Saturday, when a program of 14 consecutive days of testing will begin.
Last week, the Broncos’ rookies, quarterbacks and veterans who were allowed to report also had all negative tests.
A team’s reserve/COVID-19 list is used for players with positive tests or who are quarantining because they came into close contact with someone who tested positive. Teams are not allowed to indicate if a player tested positive or is in quarantine.
Players on the reserve/COVID-19 list don’t count against a team’s 80-man roster.
Earlier this offseason, outside linebacker Von Miller and safety Kareem Jackson announced they had contracted coronavirus, but both players have resumed training and reported to camp.
Teams can conduct walk-through sessions starting next week, but won’t be in helmets and pads until mid-August.
Coach Vic Fangio said Tuesday the “part that’s been really hard and has given me a couple of headaches in the last week,” is planning times for players to weight-train, get treatment and eat in the cafeteria while adhering to social distancing rules.
“Those were some serious gymnastics to get that done,” Fangio said.
When the Broncos finally practice, though, Fangio said it will mostly look the same as usual.
“When we’re on the practice field and on the game field, we’re playing football, period,” he said. “I don’t think you’ll see a whole lot of difference.”
One difference will be during team drills. Usually, players not on the field for that play are huddled around their position coach.
“They’re going to be spread out a little bit more than normal,” Fangio said. “The drills will look relatively the same.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-31--Body found in South Platte River in Adams County

A 64-year-old man , described by authorities as being homeless , was stabbed to death in Adams Countyl and investigators @ @ @ @ @ ’ s help in the case .
About 9:30 a.m. Tuesday , deputies responded to @ @ @ @ @ in the South Platte River near the 9500 block of Riverdale Road , according to @ @ @ @ @ .
The victim , identified as Bruce Alan Heil , had been stabbed in the @ @ @ @ @ living along the river in the area of the 9000 block of Riverdale Road , @ @ @ @ @ said .
An investigation is ongoing .
Anyone with information on the victim or about @ @ @ @ @ call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 ( STOP ) .

A 64-year-old man, described by authorities as being homeless, was stabbed to death in Adams Countyl and investigators are asking for the public’s help in the case.
About 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, deputies responded to a report of a body in the South Platte River near the 9500 block of Riverdale Road, according to the sheriff’s office.
The victim, identified as Bruce Alan Heil, had been stabbed in the torso. Heil had been living along the river in the area of the 9000 block of Riverdale Road, the sheriff’s office said. An investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information on the victim or about his death is asked to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 (STOP).


thedenverpost--2020-07-31--With no fans in Coors Field, Rockies aim to make home opener “as realistic as we can”

Friday night , when the Rockies host San Diego in the 2020 home opener at Coors Field , LoDo magic could strike .
You just never know with baseball .
And , although the Rockies are off to a surprising 4-1 start , there will be no fans in the stands to enhance the moment .
The coronavirus pandemic has seen to that .
There will be no single-somethings drinking beers on the party deck and no dedicated fans keeping score from their prime seats behind the Rockies ’ dugouts .
But Kent Krosbakken and his crew will be doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alive with music and piped-in crowd noise .
“ Our goal is to make it as realistic as we can , ” said Krosbakken , Rockies senior director of in-game entertainment and broadcasting .
“ Obviously that ’ s going to be really hard with no fans in the stands , but our goal is to , No .
1 , energize the players and give them that Coors Field home-field advantage.
” But Krosbakken ’ s crew also will strive to produce a baseball atmosphere for fans watching on television .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , yes , but overall it ’ s more important for the TV broadcast , ” he said .
“ So we will have somebody downstairs , monitoring the game on TV and letting us know , ‘ Hey that sounds good , or ‘ Let ’ s boost up the noise ’ or ‘ Let ’ s bring it down.
’ We want to make sure it ’ s right , not too annoying for the players.
” Walk-up songs will be played , most importantly Charlie Blackmon ’ s anthem “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which the fans chime in with the collective ending chorus of “ I don ’ t want to lose your love , TONIGHT !
” “ We ’ re going to give that a shot , ” Krosbakken .
“ We ’ ve taken a recording from last year and we are going to see if we get it synced up to where the fans are singing ‘ Tonight !
’ at the appropriate time.
” The Rockies will try — sort of — with cardboard images in the stands .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 80 former players that will sit in some of the seats behind home plate .
The alumni cutouts , featuring former stars such as Larry Walker , Todd Helton and Andres Galarraga , will be auctioned off after the season with proceeds going to the Rockies Foundation .
Prior to the first pitch , toward the end of the national anthem , four F-16 fighter jets will fly over Coors Field and fireworks will be shot off as the players take the field .
“ We are trying to make it as normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also let everyone who is in the downtown area at 6:10 p.m. know that the Rockies are home and playing ball , ” Krosbakken said .
Big crowds have always been a huge part of Rockies baseball .
In the Rockies ’ first home game in franchise history , a record 80,227 fans showed up at the old Mile High Stadium .
On June 18 , 2017 , a Father ’ s Day crowd of 48,341 at Coors Field watched Nolan Arenado complete the cycle by hitting a walk-off home run in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Francisco Giants .
Moments later , his face and jersey bloodied from a cut suffered in the wild celebration at home plate , Arenado exhorted the delirious crowd to get even louder .
“ I do miss the fans and I miss the energy from them , ” Arenado said .
“ I miss the fans at away games , too .
It ’ s been a little bit weird , but it ’ s better than not playing at all , so I ’ m having a good time.
” Manager Bud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is taking some getting used to .
“ Everything is different , ” he said .
“ You are so used to the ballpark sounding a certain way and now it just doesn ’ t .
That ’ s the thing that stands out for me and I think for all of us.
” Black said he especially noticed the absence of fans Saturday night in Texas when Rockies relievers ran into late-game trouble .
“ They were putting pressure on our bullpen , each and every inning , late in the game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you usually hear the crowd , you can really feel the crowd , ” Black said .
“ When it ’ s absent , it ’ s noticeable .
Sometimes it affects a player negatively and a lot of times it affects a player positively when they ’ re on that big stage .
You just never know.
” Pitcher Jon Gray , who ’ s scheduled to start Friday ’ s home opener , misses the energy fans provide but said the Rockies are creating their own vibe .
“ That first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Gray said , referring to Colorado ’ s opening-day loss to the Texas Rangers last Friday at the new Globe Life Field in Arlington .
“ It wasn ’ t completely dead , but there wasn ’ t a ton of energy either .
“ But then again , I like our team .
I think we have done a really good job of keeping positive energy in the dugout .
We ’ re staying fired up and on top of our game .
I think that is going to carry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the longer the season goes on , the more normal the empty stands will feel .
“ What ’ s unique about this , and different , is that we are getting used to this , ” he said .
“ We are getting used to it quickly .
It ’ s becoming our present norm .
“ It just goes to show you that , as professionals , players can adjust to something quickly and respond .
To me , that ’ s something that has been truly apparent .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no fans .
I don ’ t hear players really saying one thing or another about it , which shows me their focus is on playing baseball .
”

Friday night, when the Rockies host San Diego in the 2020 home opener at Coors Field, LoDo magic could strike. You just never know with baseball.
And, although the Rockies are off to a surprising 4-1 start, there will be no fans in the stands to enhance the moment. The coronavirus pandemic has seen to that. There will be no single-somethings drinking beers on the party deck and no dedicated fans keeping score from their prime seats behind the Rockies’ dugouts.
But Kent Krosbakken and his crew will be doing their best to make Coors Field come alive with music and piped-in crowd noise.
“Our goal is to make it as realistic as we can,” said Krosbakken, Rockies senior director of in-game entertainment and broadcasting. “Obviously that’s going to be really hard with no fans in the stands, but our goal is to, No. 1, energize the players and give them that Coors Field home-field advantage.”
But Krosbakken’s crew also will strive to produce a baseball atmosphere for fans watching on television.
“The sound is for inside the stadium, yes, but overall it’s more important for the TV broadcast,” he said. “So we will have somebody downstairs, monitoring the game on TV and letting us know, ‘Hey that sounds good, or ‘Let’s boost up the noise’ or ‘Let’s bring it down.’ We want to make sure it’s right, not too annoying for the players.”
Walk-up songs will be played, most importantly Charlie Blackmon’s anthem “Your Love” by The Outfield, in which the fans chime in with the collective ending chorus of “I don’t want to lose your love, TONIGHT!”
“We’re going to give that a shot,” Krosbakken. “We’ve taken a recording from last year and we are going to see if we get it synced up to where the fans are singing ‘Tonight!’ at the appropriate time.”
Added Blackmon, “That sounds cool, but you can’t replace a true Denver crowd.”
The Rockies will try — sort of — with cardboard images in the stands.
The team has created cutouts of more than 80 former players that will sit in some of the seats behind home plate. The alumni cutouts, featuring former stars such as Larry Walker, Todd Helton and Andres Galarraga, will be auctioned off after the season with proceeds going to the Rockies Foundation.
Prior to the first pitch, toward the end of the national anthem, four F-16 fighter jets will fly over Coors Field and fireworks will be shot off as the players take the field.
“We are trying to make it as normal as possible for opening day, but also let everyone who is in the downtown area at 6:10 p.m. know that the Rockies are home and playing ball,” Krosbakken said.
Big crowds have always been a huge part of Rockies baseball. In the Rockies’ first home game in franchise history, a record 80,227 fans showed up at the old Mile High Stadium.
On June 18, 2017, a Father’s Day crowd of 48,341 at Coors Field watched Nolan Arenado complete the cycle by hitting a walk-off home run in the Rockies’ 7-5 victory over the San Francisco Giants.
Moments later, his face and jersey bloodied from a cut suffered in the wild celebration at home plate, Arenado exhorted the delirious crowd to get even louder.
“I do miss the fans and I miss the energy from them,” Arenado said. “I miss the fans at away games, too. It’s been a little bit weird, but it’s better than not playing at all, so I’m having a good time.”
Manager Bud Black said that the new baseball normal is taking some getting used to.
“Everything is different,” he said. “You are so used to the ballpark sounding a certain way and now it just doesn’t. That’s the thing that stands out for me and I think for all of us.”
Black said he especially noticed the absence of fans Saturday night in Texas when Rockies relievers ran into late-game trouble.
“They were putting pressure on our bullpen, each and every inning, late in the game, and those are the moments where you usually hear the crowd, you can really feel the crowd,” Black said. “When it’s absent, it’s noticeable. Sometimes it affects a player negatively and a lot of times it affects a player positively when they’re on that big stage. You just never know.”
Pitcher Jon Gray, who’s scheduled to start Friday’s home opener, misses the energy fans provide but said the Rockies are creating their own vibe.
“That first game? It was a little weird,” Gray said, referring to Colorado’s opening-day loss to the Texas Rangers last Friday at the new Globe Life Field in Arlington. “It wasn’t completely dead, but there wasn’t a ton of energy either.
“But then again, I like our team. I think we have done a really good job of keeping positive energy in the dugout. We’re staying fired up and on top of our game. I think that is going to carry us a long way.”
Black added that the longer the season goes on, the more normal the empty stands will feel.
“What’s unique about this, and different, is that we are getting used to this,” he said. “We are getting used to it quickly. It’s becoming our present norm.
“It just goes to show you that, as professionals, players can adjust to something quickly and respond. To me, that’s something that has been truly apparent. I don’t hear players commenting about no fans. I don’t hear players really saying one thing or another about it, which shows me their focus is on playing baseball.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-31--Prosecutor: No charges for officer in Michael Brown’s death

CLAYTON , Mo .
— St. Louis County ’ s prosecutor announced Thursday that he will not charge the former police officer who fatally shot Michael Brown in Ferguson , Missouri , a dramatic decision that could reopen old wounds amid a renewed and intense national conversation about racial injustice and the police treatment of people of color .
Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell ’ s decision marked the third time prosecutors investigated and opted not to charge Darren Wilson , the white officer who fatally shot Brown , a Black 18-year-old , on Aug. 9 , 2014 .
A St. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wilson in November 2014 , and the U.S. Department of Justice also declined to charge him in March 2015 .
Civil rights leaders and Brown ’ s parents had hoped that Bell , the county ’ s first Black prosecutor who took office in January 2019 , would see things differently .
“ My heart breaks ” for Brown ’ s parents , a somber Bell said during a news conference .
“ I know this is not the result they were looking for and that their pain will continue forever.
” Describing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most difficult things I ’ ve had to do , ” Bell said that his office conducted a five-month , unannounced , review of witness statements , forensic reports and other evidence .
“ The question for this office was a simple one : Could we prove beyond a reasonable doubt that when Darren Wilson shot Micheal Brown he committed murder or manslaughter under Missouri law ?
After an independent and in-depth review of the evidence , we can not prove that he did , ” Bell said .
But , he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Darren Wilson.
” Wilson ’ s attorney , Jim Towey , said it was clear after three investigations that Wilson did nothing wrong .
“ We all had the same conclusion : There was no crime , ” Towey said .
“ I am just hoping that everybody gets to have some closure , particularly the Brown family , ” he said .
The shooting touched off months of unrest in Ferguson and made the St. Louis suburb synonymous with a national debate about police treatment of minority people .
The Ferguson unrest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movement that began after Trayvon Martin , a Black 17-year-old , was shot to death by a neighborhood watch volunteer in Florida in 2012 .
The issue has taken on new life since George Floyd ’ s death in Minneapolis in May after a white police officer pressed his knee into the handcuffed Black man ’ s neck for nearly eight minutes .
Ferguson is among the cities around the world that has seen protests since Floyd ’ s death .
“ This is a time for us to reflect on Michael ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s family and to honor a transformative movement that will forever be linked to his name , ” Bell said .
Brittany Packnett Cunningham , a Ferguson protester and educator who has become a national voice in the Black Lives Matter movement , said she is pained “ that there is still a gaping wound ” for Brown ’ s family .
She said she knows that the system must change .
“ I ’ m not disappointed — I ’ m fed up and ever more committed , truth be told , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Darryl Gray , a leading St. Louis activist , agreed that the system is at fault , not Bell ’ s investigation .
“ What came out of this is a recognition that the system is set up to protect police officers .
We now need to begin to address the legislation the police hide behind , ” Gray said .
Scott Roberts , senior director of criminal justice campaigns at Color Of Change , a national racial justice organization , said in a statement that Bell ’ s announcement “ perpetuates a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by allowing police to operate with impunity.
” Bell — who ran as a reform-minded prosecutor promising to eliminate cash bail for nonviolent offenders and to increase the use of programs that allow defendants to avoid jail time — faced no restrictions in re-examining Brown ’ s death .
Wilson was never charged and tried , so double jeopardy was not an issue .
There is no statute of limitations on filing murder charges .
As the news conference drew to a close , an activist who said he is a friend of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It ’ s over !
One term !
” Tory Russell , 36 , of St. Louis , screamed at the prosecuting attorney .
Police officers gently led him from the room .
Russell later told The Associated Press that he had just spoken with Michael Brown Sr. “ He is hurting , and he ’ s not accepting of this.
” The shooting happened after Wilson told Brown and a friend to get out of the street as they walked down the middle of Canfield Drive .
A scuffle between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fatal shot .
Wilson said Brown , who was not armed , came at him menacingly , forcing him to fire his gun in self-defense .
Brown ’ s body remained in the street for four hours , angering his family and nearby residents .
Bell ’ s predecessor , longtime prosecutor Bob McCulloch , was accused by critics of swaying the grand jury to its decision not to indict Wilson — an accusation he emphatically denied .
Wilson resigned days after McCulloch ’ s Nov. 24 , 2014 , announcement that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer .
The Justice Department also declined to charge Wilson , but issued a scathing report citing racial bias in Ferguson ’ s police and courts .
A consent agreement calls for sweeping reforms that are still being implemented .
Bell , a former Ferguson councilman , upset McCulloch , a staunch law-and-order prosecutor , in the 2018 Democratic primary and ran unopposed that November .
Bell , who , like McCulloch , is the son of a police officer , formed a special unit to look into officer-involved shootings like the one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of potential wrongful convictions .
Brown ’ s mother , Lesley McSpadden , asked Republican Gov .
Mike Parson to reopen the investigation of Wilson in 2018 , but Parson ’ s office said it had no legal authority to appoint a special prosecutor .
Associated Press reporter Aaron Morrison in New York City and Heather Hollingsworth in Mission , Kansas , contributed to this report .

CLAYTON, Mo. — St. Louis County’s prosecutor announced Thursday that he will not charge the former police officer who fatally shot Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, a dramatic decision that could reopen old wounds amid a renewed and intense national conversation about racial injustice and the police treatment of people of color.
Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell’s decision marked the third time prosecutors investigated and opted not to charge Darren Wilson, the white officer who fatally shot Brown, a Black 18-year-old, on Aug. 9, 2014. A St. Louis County grand jury declined to indict Wilson in November 2014, and the U.S. Department of Justice also declined to charge him in March 2015.
Civil rights leaders and Brown’s parents had hoped that Bell, the county’s first Black prosecutor who took office in January 2019, would see things differently.
“My heart breaks” for Brown’s parents, a somber Bell said during a news conference. “I know this is not the result they were looking for and that their pain will continue forever.”
Describing the announcement as “one of the most difficult things I’ve had to do,” Bell said that his office conducted a five-month, unannounced, review of witness statements, forensic reports and other evidence.
“The question for this office was a simple one: Could we prove beyond a reasonable doubt that when Darren Wilson shot Micheal Brown he committed murder or manslaughter under Missouri law? After an independent and in-depth review of the evidence, we cannot prove that he did,” Bell said.
But, he said, “our investigation does not exonerate Darren Wilson.”
Wilson’s attorney, Jim Towey, said it was clear after three investigations that Wilson did nothing wrong.
“We all had the same conclusion: There was no crime,” Towey said.
“I am just hoping that everybody gets to have some closure, particularly the Brown family,” he said.
The shooting touched off months of unrest in Ferguson and made the St. Louis suburb synonymous with a national debate about police treatment of minority people. The Ferguson unrest helped solidify the national Black Lives Matter movement that began after Trayvon Martin, a Black 17-year-old, was shot to death by a neighborhood watch volunteer in Florida in 2012.
The issue has taken on new life since George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis in May after a white police officer pressed his knee into the handcuffed Black man’s neck for nearly eight minutes. Ferguson is among the cities around the world that has seen protests since Floyd’s death.
“This is a time for us to reflect on Michael’s life, to support Michael’s family and to honor a transformative movement that will forever be linked to his name,” Bell said.
Brittany Packnett Cunningham, a Ferguson protester and educator who has become a national voice in the Black Lives Matter movement, said she is pained “that there is still a gaping wound” for Brown’s family. She said she knows that the system must change.
“I’m not disappointed — I’m fed up and ever more committed, truth be told,” Cunningham said.
The Rev. Darryl Gray, a leading St. Louis activist, agreed that the system is at fault, not Bell’s investigation.
“What came out of this is a recognition that the system is set up to protect police officers. We now need to begin to address the legislation the police hide behind,” Gray said.
Scott Roberts, senior director of criminal justice campaigns at Color Of Change, a national racial justice organization, said in a statement that Bell’s announcement “perpetuates a criminal justice system that fails Black communities by allowing police to operate with impunity.”
Bell — who ran as a reform-minded prosecutor promising to eliminate cash bail for nonviolent offenders and to increase the use of programs that allow defendants to avoid jail time — faced no restrictions in re-examining Brown’s death. Wilson was never charged and tried, so double jeopardy was not an issue. There is no statute of limitations on filing murder charges.
As the news conference drew to a close, an activist who said he is a friend of Brown’s father erupted in anger.
“It’s over! One term!” Tory Russell, 36, of St. Louis, screamed at the prosecuting attorney. Police officers gently led him from the room.
Russell later told The Associated Press that he had just spoken with Michael Brown Sr. “He is hurting, and he’s not accepting of this.”
The shooting happened after Wilson told Brown and a friend to get out of the street as they walked down the middle of Canfield Drive. A scuffle between Wilson and Brown ensued, ending with the fatal shot. Wilson said Brown, who was not armed, came at him menacingly, forcing him to fire his gun in self-defense.
Brown’s body remained in the street for four hours, angering his family and nearby residents.
Bell’s predecessor, longtime prosecutor Bob McCulloch, was accused by critics of swaying the grand jury to its decision not to indict Wilson — an accusation he emphatically denied. Wilson resigned days after McCulloch’s Nov. 24, 2014, announcement that the grand jury would not indict the officer.
The Justice Department also declined to charge Wilson, but issued a scathing report citing racial bias in Ferguson’s police and courts. A consent agreement calls for sweeping reforms that are still being implemented.
Bell, a former Ferguson councilman, upset McCulloch, a staunch law-and-order prosecutor, in the 2018 Democratic primary and ran unopposed that November.
Bell, who, like McCulloch, is the son of a police officer, formed a special unit to look into officer-involved shootings like the one in Ferguson, as well as cases of potential wrongful convictions.
Brown’s mother, Lesley McSpadden, asked Republican Gov. Mike Parson to reopen the investigation of Wilson in 2018, but Parson’s office said it had no legal authority to appoint a special prosecutor.
___
Associated Press reporter Aaron Morrison in New York City and Heather Hollingsworth in Mission, Kansas, contributed to this report.