thedenverpost--2020-03-08--5A boys basketball: How Grandview ended Regis Jesuit’s Cinderella ride, advanced to Final Four

When you go from 0-9 and wheels up the ditch to a game away from the Final Four , it ’ s funny what sticks .
Ken Shaw flashed back to a moment from late December , when Regis Jesuit was still winless , and a close friend was laying a wreath of condolences around the veteran coach ’ s neck .
“ ( He ) said to me , ‘ Well , this can ’ t be too much fun , ’ ” Shaw recalled after the Raiders ’ season ended with a scrappy 48-41 setback to Grandview in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday at Denver Coliseum .
“ And I said , ‘ You know what ?
I ’ d rather be doing this and losing than not doing it.
’ I love the game .
And when you ’ ve got good kids that come to work with a good attitude , that ’ s what high school basketball is.
” Shaw ’ s won 774 career games , second in CHSAA annals among active coaches to East ’ s Rudy Carey .
The man ’ s got three big-school state titles under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seasons with Yuma and Sterling decades earlier .
With a 13-14 record , it wasn ’ t one of his best seasons — not by a longshot .
And yet it was one of his most satisfying , the winter that an iconic coach steered the 29th seed in the bracket past Monarch , past Cherry Creek , past Carey and East , and almost gate-crashed the final weekend of the state tourney .
If the Raiders were 5A ’ s Cinderella , Shaw was their fairy godmother .
“ Surprising people is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alonzo Paul , a 5-foot-7 firecracker who zipped around the Wolves ’ defense for 13 points and two assists .
“ Not a lot of people see it coming.
” “ We were not taking them lightly , ” said Wolves senior forward C.J .
Thomas , who finished with nine points and seven boards .
“ We couldn ’ t take them lightly.
” After a see-saw first half and a 10-2 Regis run to open the third period , the Wolves closed the third stanza with an 11-0 flourish , punctuated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one second left on the clock .
Ramiro ’ s dagger gave fifth-seeded Grandview a 36-31 cushion at the end of the stanza , only for the Raiders to snatch back momentum via three straight Paul points — two on a layup and one at the charity stripe — for a 40-38 lead with 3:37 left in the contest .
But Thomas ’ trey from the top of the arc with 1:54 to go kicked off a 7-0 Wolves run to close out the game and snapped a 41-41 tie .
Grandview punched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a series of game-ending stops , including a key block from senior forward Caleb McGill .
“ They ’ re just a really scrappy team , ” McGill , who chipped in 14 points and five boards , said of Regis .
“ So ( with ) all those 50-50 balls , we were just trying to take pride in getting all those , because we knew that would put us with more possessions and more opportunities at the end of the game.
” Things got so feisty that at one point , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Regis ’ Paul found himself prone on the floor , stretching out for a loose ball with one arm darn near pinned behind his back .
“ We just fought together , ” Paul explained .
“ And started fighting for each other instead of with each other.
” With that attitude , it ’ s no wonder the Raiders ’ fairy godmother was such a proud pumpkin .
Even in defeat .
“ Some people would look at this year as a tough year .
‘ Just get through it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underclassmen , ’ ” Shaw said .
“ But I enjoyed it .
I enjoyed this group .
”

When you go from 0-9 and wheels up the ditch to a game away from the Final Four, it’s funny what sticks. Ken Shaw flashed back to a moment from late December, when Regis Jesuit was still winless, and a close friend was laying a wreath of condolences around the veteran coach’s neck.
“(He) said to me, ‘Well, this can’t be too much fun,’” Shaw recalled after the Raiders’ season ended with a scrappy 48-41 setback to Grandview in the Class 5A boys basketball Great 8 on Saturday at Denver Coliseum.
“And I said, ‘You know what? I’d rather be doing this and losing than not doing it.’ I love the game. And when you’ve got good kids that come to work with a good attitude, that’s what high school basketball is.”
Shaw’s won 774 career games, second in CHSAA annals among active coaches to East’s Rudy Carey. The man’s got three big-school state titles under his belt, not to mention perfect seasons with Yuma and Sterling decades earlier. With a 13-14 record, it wasn’t one of his best seasons — not by a longshot.
And yet it was one of his most satisfying, the winter that an iconic coach steered the 29th seed in the bracket past Monarch, past Cherry Creek, past Carey and East, and almost gate-crashed the final weekend of the state tourney.
If the Raiders were 5A’s Cinderella, Shaw was their fairy godmother.
“Surprising people is fun,” said Regis junior guard Alonzo Paul, a 5-foot-7 firecracker who zipped around the Wolves’ defense for 13 points and two assists. “Not a lot of people see it coming.”
Grandview did. To a man.
“We were not taking them lightly,” said Wolves senior forward C.J. Thomas, who finished with nine points and seven boards. “We couldn’t take them lightly.”
After a see-saw first half and a 10-2 Regis run to open the third period, the Wolves closed the third stanza with an 11-0 flourish, punctuated by Lian Ramiro’s trey with one second left on the clock.
Ramiro’s dagger gave fifth-seeded Grandview a 36-31 cushion at the end of the stanza, only for the Raiders to snatch back momentum via three straight Paul points — two on a layup and one at the charity stripe — for a 40-38 lead with 3:37 left in the contest.
But Thomas’ trey from the top of the arc with 1:54 to go kicked off a 7-0 Wolves run to close out the game and snapped a 41-41 tie. Grandview punched its ticket to the Final Four behind a series of game-ending stops, including a key block from senior forward Caleb McGill.
“They’re just a really scrappy team,” McGill, who chipped in 14 points and five boards, said of Regis. “So (with) all those 50-50 balls, we were just trying to take pride in getting all those, because we knew that would put us with more possessions and more opportunities at the end of the game.”
Things got so feisty that at one point, with 3:35 left in the third quarter, Regis’ Paul found himself prone on the floor, stretching out for a loose ball with one arm darn near pinned behind his back.
“We just fought together,” Paul explained. “And started fighting for each other instead of with each other.”
With that attitude, it’s no wonder the Raiders’ fairy godmother was such a proud pumpkin. Even in defeat.
“Some people would look at this year as a tough year. ‘Just get through it, you’ve got a lot of underclassmen,’” Shaw said. “But I enjoyed it. I enjoyed this group.”


thedenverpost--2020-03-08--Kickin’ It with Kiz: If Chris Harris Jr. can’t cover Tyreek Hill, might as well join him in Chiefs u

Kickin’ It with Kiz: If Chris Harris Jr. can’t cover Tyreek Hill, might as well join him in Chiefs uniform

Chris Harris wants to be paid as a No .
1 corner while playing in the slot .
Kiz : After the Broncos acquired cornerback A.J .
Bouye from Jacksonville , Harris took to Twitter professing his love for all things Kansas City , from Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu to Oklahoma Joe ’ s barbecue .
He discovered the hard way John Elway never adored him the way Denver ’ s media does .
And who could blame Harris for wanting to sign with the reigning Super Bowl champs as a free agent ?
Heck , if you can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well join him .
Looks like Nuggets coach Michael Malone reads your column , Kiz .
And he decided to show that sports guy only the coach decides if Michael Porter Jr. gets off the Denver bench .
Kiz : After Malone complained about his team ’ s poor defense , I guess we should ’ ve seen a DNP coming for Porter in the victory at Charlotte .
But let me point out something I bet Porter also duly noted .
He scored a team-high 19 points and added eight rebounds during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in January , then plays zero minutes as Denver squeaks by the same team in March ?
Hey , if Malone wants to make an example out of Porter , that ’ s his business .
But it ’ s also how a coach can destroy trust with a young player .
Kudos for your fine column on the NFL ’ s contract negotiations between owners and players .
I am a big football fan , but adding a 17th game to the regular season probably has damaging physical ramifications for players .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Service Employees International Union , it ’ s unsettling to me when union heads ignore the health and safety of their membership .
But the NFLPA operates differently from most unions .
Both the owners and union know they will have “ fresh meat ” to replace any injured players .
This creates an unholy alliance , allowing both sides to ignore or simply pay lip service to health and safety issues .
Remember how we barely heard a peep from owners or the union on concussion issues until it became unavoidable ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeat behavior of this unfortunate alliance .
While long-term veterans get it , owners dangle a carrot in front of low-service-year players to cash in on additional pay .
Franchise owners figured the math how to get a “ yes ” vote on an unhealthy deal .
Kiz : As someone who loves football , I sometimes wonder : Are we loving football to death ?
And today ’ s parting shot is a plug for the weekly Kickin ’ It with Kiz Podcast , provided by a loyal reader of my columns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrong about the Nuggets on so many counts , as you typically are regarding the Broncos .
It stinks to have a writer for our teams that obviously does not benefit from having been an athlete himself .
I saw you recently did a podcast with pro wrestler Jon Moxley , and although I didn ’ t give it a look , I ’ d guess you have found your true niche in a contrived and frivolous sport .
Stick to pro wrestling !

Chris Harris wants to be paid as a No. 1 corner while playing in the slot.
Bo, Westminster
Kiz: After the Broncos acquired cornerback A.J. Bouye from Jacksonville, Harris took to Twitter professing his love for all things Kansas City, from Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu to Oklahoma Joe’s barbecue. He discovered the hard way John Elway never adored him the way Denver’s media does. And who could blame Harris for wanting to sign with the reigning Super Bowl champs as a free agent? Heck, if you can’t cover Tyreek Hill, might as well join him.
Looks like Nuggets coach Michael Malone reads your column, Kiz. And he decided to show that sports guy only the coach decides if Michael Porter Jr. gets off the Denver bench.
Douglas, the wily professor
Kiz: After Malone complained about his team’s poor defense, I guess we should’ve seen a DNP coming for Porter in the victory at Charlotte. But let me point out something I bet Porter also duly noted. He scored a team-high 19 points and added eight rebounds during a decisive home victory over the Hornets in January, then plays zero minutes as Denver squeaks by the same team in March? Hey, if Malone wants to make an example out of Porter, that’s his business. But it’s also how a coach can destroy trust with a young player.
Kudos for your fine column on the NFL’s contract negotiations between owners and players. I am a big football fan, but adding a 17th game to the regular season probably has damaging physical ramifications for players. As a former lead negotiator with the Service Employees International Union, it’s unsettling to me when union heads ignore the health and safety of their membership. But the NFLPA operates differently from most unions. Both the owners and union know they will have “fresh meat” to replace any injured players. This creates an unholy alliance, allowing both sides to ignore or simply pay lip service to health and safety issues. Remember how we barely heard a peep from owners or the union on concussion issues until it became unavoidable? Adding a 17th game is only a repeat behavior of this unfortunate alliance. While long-term veterans get it, owners dangle a carrot in front of low-service-year players to cash in on additional pay. Franchise owners figured the math how to get a “yes” vote on an unhealthy deal.
Dennis, sees beyond bottom line
Kiz: As someone who loves football, I sometimes wonder: Are we loving football to death?
And today’s parting shot is a plug for the weekly Kickin’ It with Kiz Podcast, provided by a loyal reader of my columns.
Kiz, you’re so wrong about the Nuggets on so many counts, as you typically are regarding the Broncos. It stinks to have a writer for our teams that obviously does not benefit from having been an athlete himself. I saw you recently did a podcast with pro wrestler Jon Moxley, and although I didn’t give it a look, I’d guess you have found your true niche in a contrived and frivolous sport. Stick to pro wrestling!
Peter, pile-drivin’ N cryin’


thedenverpost--2020-03-08--Cold snap from the arc compounding CU Buffs defensive woes

After posting the second-lowest 3-point percentage of the Tad Boyle era last season , the Colorado Buffaloes spent the offseason attempting to improve their long-range marksmanship .
For the most part , that work has been a resounding success throughout the 2019-20 season .
Yet the Buffs are struggling to thaw out from a cold snap that has struck CU at the most inopportune time .
Saturday ’ s loss at Utah was painful on a number of fronts for the Buffs , as it extended the regular season-ending losing streak to four .
It also pushed CU out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ league ’ s top four and receiving a first-round bye at the Pac-12 Conference tournament this week in Las Vegas .
Instead , the Buffs will be the sixth seed , with a first-round matchup on Wednesday against 11th-seeded Washington State ( 9:30 p.m. MT , Pac-12 Network ) .
While the team ’ s defensive slump remains the primary culprit of the Buffs ’ slide , going cold from 3-point range has put increased pressure on that struggling defense .
“ I have no problem with our effort ( at Utah ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missed some really , really good looks in the first half and the second half that didn ’ t go down , ” Boyle said .
“ When you do that , you put a lot of pressure on your defense .
I came out of the ( late ) timeout saying this was the way we ’ re supposed to win this game , we ’ ve got to win it on defense .
We weren ’ t able to do that .
It ’ s not where it needs to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four-game losing streak , the Buffs have morphed from a team set to challenge the program record for 3-point percentage to one that , if current trends continue , might brick its way out of the top-10 3-point marks in team history .
Over the past four games the Buffs have shot just .240 ( 23-for-96 ) from 3-point range , dropping the team percentage from .375 to .359 .
There is plenty of blame to go around .
Seniors Shane Gatling and Lucas Siewert combined to go 6-for-9 on 3-pointers against USC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last win before the losing streak set in .
In the four games since , the senior duo has gone 7-for-29 from the arc .
Point guard McKinley Wright IV hit a couple timely threes on Saturday at Utah , and while connecting from long range isn ’ t his primary responsibility in any game , he still is just 3-for-18 over the past three games .
Yet the player CU most needs to get back on track is D ’ Shawn Schwartz .
Earlier this year , the junior wing from Colorado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a run at Levi Knutson ’ s single-season team 3-point percentage record of .474 , as Schwartz recorded a long-range mark of .483 ( 29-for-60 ) through nonconference play .
Schwartz endured a predictable drop-off once the competition heated up with the start of the conference schedule , yet after going 3-for-5 at Oregon on Feb. 13 , Schwartz still owned a 3-point mark of .414 .
However , in the six games since , Schwartz has gone 5-for-26 from long range , dropping his season percentage to .372 overall and .286 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looks that went awry during Saturday ’ s loss at Utah , and he would have suffered his third scoreless outing in the past six games if not for a bucket on a tough chance in the lane late in the second half .
“ D ’ Shawn , he ’ s a guy early in the season was shooting 45 percent from three .
He ’ s got to be able to make shots , ” Boyle said .
“ We ’ ve got some good shooters on this team .
Shane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all good shooters .
Eli ( Parquet ) is a good shooter .
Maddox ( Daniels ) is a good shooter .
McKinley I know can make threes , we just ask him to do so much .
The guys we don ’ t ask to do as much with the ball in their hands , when they get the ball they have to be shot-ready .
“ We talked about that at halftime ( at Utah ) .
We talked about that at our timeouts .
Be shot-ready , have your legs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and knock them down when the opportunity presents itself .
But we weren ’ t able to do that enough ( at Utah ) .
We put so much pressure on our defense , and our defense wasn ’ t good enough again ( at Utah ) .
It was better , but it just wasn ’ t good enough to win a game on the road.
” Pac-12 Tournament T-Mobile Arena – Las VegasWednesday , First roundGame 1 : No .
8 Oregon State vs. No .
9 Utah , 1 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 Arizona vs. No .
12 Washington , 3:30 p.m. , Pac-12 Network Game 3 : No .
7 Stanford vs. No .
10 California , 7 p.m. , Pac-12 NetworkGame 4 : No .
6 Colorado vs. No .
11 Washington State , 9:30 p.m. , Pac-12 Network Thursday , quarterfinalsGame 5 : Game 1 winner vs. No .
1 Oregon , 1 p.m. , Pac-12 NetworkGame 6 : Game 2 winner vs. No .
4 USC , 3:30 p.m. , Pac-12 Network • Controversial finish stuns CU , pushes Buffs out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Keeler : Has CU ’ s slide doomed Tad Boyle ’ s Buffs to the NCAA Tournament ’ s 8-9 game ?
• Pac-12 is relevant : Will the TV networks treat it that wa Game 7 : Game 3 winner vs. No .
2 UCLA , 7 p.m. , Pac-12 NetworkGame 8 : Game 4 winner vs. No .
3 Arizona State , 9:30 p.m. , FS1

After posting the second-lowest 3-point percentage of the Tad Boyle era last season, the Colorado Buffaloes spent the offseason attempting to improve their long-range marksmanship.
For the most part, that work has been a resounding success throughout the 2019-20 season. Yet the Buffs are struggling to thaw out from a cold snap that has struck CU at the most inopportune time.
Saturday’s loss at Utah was painful on a number of fronts for the Buffs, as it extended the regular season-ending losing streak to four. It also pushed CU out of its season-long goal of landing in the league’s top four and receiving a first-round bye at the Pac-12 Conference tournament this week in Las Vegas.
Instead, the Buffs will be the sixth seed, with a first-round matchup on Wednesday against 11th-seeded Washington State (9:30 p.m. MT, Pac-12 Network). While the team’s defensive slump remains the primary culprit of the Buffs’ slide, going cold from 3-point range has put increased pressure on that struggling defense.
“I have no problem with our effort (at Utah) and our competitive spirit, but we missed some really, really good looks in the first half and the second half that didn’t go down,” Boyle said. “When you do that, you put a lot of pressure on your defense. I came out of the (late) timeout saying this was the way we’re supposed to win this game, we’ve got to win it on defense. We weren’t able to do that. It’s not where it needs to be from a reliability standpoint.”
During the four-game losing streak, the Buffs have morphed from a team set to challenge the program record for 3-point percentage to one that, if current trends continue, might brick its way out of the top-10 3-point marks in team history.
Over the past four games the Buffs have shot just .240 (23-for-96) from 3-point range, dropping the team percentage from .375 to .359. There is plenty of blame to go around. Seniors Shane Gatling and Lucas Siewert combined to go 6-for-9 on 3-pointers against USC on Feb. 20, the Buffs’ last win before the losing streak set in. In the four games since, the senior duo has gone 7-for-29 from the arc.
Point guard McKinley Wright IV hit a couple timely threes on Saturday at Utah, and while connecting from long range isn’t his primary responsibility in any game, he still is just 3-for-18 over the past three games. Yet the player CU most needs to get back on track is D’Shawn Schwartz.
Earlier this year, the junior wing from Colorado Springs appeared as if he might make a run at Levi Knutson’s single-season team 3-point percentage record of .474, as Schwartz recorded a long-range mark of .483 (29-for-60) through nonconference play. Schwartz endured a predictable drop-off once the competition heated up with the start of the conference schedule, yet after going 3-for-5 at Oregon on Feb. 13, Schwartz still owned a 3-point mark of .414. However, in the six games since, Schwartz has gone 5-for-26 from long range, dropping his season percentage to .372 overall and .286 in Pac-12 play.
Schwartz enjoyed several wide-open looks that went awry during Saturday’s loss at Utah, and he would have suffered his third scoreless outing in the past six games if not for a bucket on a tough chance in the lane late in the second half.
“D’Shawn, he’s a guy early in the season was shooting 45 percent from three. He’s got to be able to make shots,” Boyle said. “We’ve got some good shooters on this team. Shane, Lucas, D’Shawn, all good shooters. Eli (Parquet) is a good shooter. Maddox (Daniels) is a good shooter. McKinley I know can make threes, we just ask him to do so much. The guys we don’t ask to do as much with the ball in their hands, when they get the ball they have to be shot-ready.
“We talked about that at halftime (at Utah). We talked about that at our timeouts. Be shot-ready, have your legs set, be ready to step up and knock them down when the opportunity presents itself. But we weren’t able to do that enough (at Utah). We put so much pressure on our defense, and our defense wasn’t good enough again (at Utah). It was better, but it just wasn’t good enough to win a game on the road.”
Pac-12 Tournament T-Mobile Arena – Las VegasWednesday, First roundGame 1: No. 8 Oregon State vs. No. 9 Utah, 1 p.m., Pac-12 NetworkGame 2: No. 5 Arizona vs. No. 12 Washington, 3:30 p.m., Pac-12 Network
Game 3: No. 7 Stanford vs. No. 10 California, 7 p.m., Pac-12 NetworkGame 4: No. 6 Colorado vs. No. 11 Washington State, 9:30 p.m., Pac-12 Network
Thursday, quarterfinalsGame 5: Game 1 winner vs. No. 1 Oregon, 1 p.m., Pac-12 NetworkGame 6: Game 2 winner vs. No. 4 USC, 3:30 p.m., Pac-12 Network
Game 7: Game 3 winner vs. No. 2 UCLA, 7 p.m., Pac-12 NetworkGame 8: Game 4 winner vs. No. 3 Arizona State, 9:30 p.m., FS1
Friday, SemifinalsGame 9: Semifinal 1, 7 p.m., Pac-12 NetworkGame 10: Semifinal 2, 9:30 p.m., FS1
SaturdayGame 11: Pac-12 Championship, 8:30 p.m., FS1


thedenverpost--2020-03-08--After deadly jam on Everest, Nepal delays new safety rules

NEW DELHI — The images shocked and angered the world : hundreds of climbers trapped near Mount Everest ’ s summit , hooked to a single safety line on a ridge with a several-thousand-foot drop , their oxygen cylinders emptying until a few people died from exposure .
The traffic jam during last spring ’ s climbing season , one of the deadliest on the planet ’ s highest mountain , underlined what veteran alpinists have been saying for years : Ego , inexperienced climbers , big payouts and chronic mismanagement — including the dangerous practice of cutting corners on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into a circus at 29,000 feet .
After the season ended , Nepal ’ s government announced robust safety rules intended to weed out inexperienced climbers , reduce the number of people on Everest and prevent another pileup , which was blamed for some of the 11 deaths in 2019 .
But now , the government says the new rules will not be imposed for the coming climbing season , which begins in April and lasts through May .
Despite international scrutiny and intense pressure from climbing groups to tighten operations on Everest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ review before they can be put in place .
Kedar Bahadur Adhikari , the secretary of Nepal ’ s Tourism Ministry , said the rules , which were introduced last August , had yet to receive approvals from several government offices , including the defense , law , finance and forest ministries .
He said officials also needed to see whether Nepali expedition operators “ were OK with some of the restrictions , ” though mountaineers say the companies ’ involvement in negotiations should be limited because of their financial stakes .
Santa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nepal Mountaineering Association , an independent climbing group that manages Everest and helped draft the new safety regulations , said Nepal ’ s financial desperation was one major reason behind the delay .
He said that officials could approve the new measures in a couple of weeks if they wanted , but that government climbing permits — which cost $ 11,000 per person for Everest — provide crucial cash flow for Nepal , one of Asia ’ s poorest countries .
“ If something goes wrong , the tourism minister should be personally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nobody wants to come to Nepal to die.
” On the northern side of the mountain , which falls in China , stricter safety regulations are in place .
But there are few limits on who can get a permit to climb Everest from Nepal , where most ascents occur .
Some operators in Nepal have been accused of taking practically anybody up the mountain , regardless of skill .
Expedition teams are free to set their own dates for a climb .
Many choose a narrow window each May to avoid the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high winds , contributing to the crowding .
But restricting the number of climbing permits , Adhikari said , is among the measures that are off the table for now .
Last year , officials granted a record 381 permits , a figure that did not include hundreds of Nepali support staff .
That number has gone up steadily nearly every year since the 2000s , leaving Everest clogged and unruly , many mountaineers say .
Officials said they expected to issue more than 400 permits this season .
“ Let ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year , ” Adhikari said .
Officials did not give a timeline to adopt the other proposed rules either , including a requirement that clients of Everest climbing companies prove that they have high-altitude experience , or that they have paid at least $ 35,000 for their expedition .
That amount ensures , to some degree , that climbers have enough oxygen cylinders and mountain guides for the journey , though some veteran mountaineers said the regulation was still imperfect .
Climbers said law and order had gradually eroded on the mountain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commercialized , expeditions morphed from tiny , country-specific teams to larger groups of cash-flush foreigners , some so inexperienced that they did not know how to put on crampons , the clip-on spikes that improve traction on ice .
Budget climbing operators have mushroomed in Kathmandu , Nepal ’ s capital , offering deep discounts but cutting corners by bringing fewer oxygen cylinders for their clients to Everest , where the air is so thin that nearly every climber depends on supplemental oxygen to reach the top .
Last year , government investigators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety of recycled oxygen cylinders used on Everest .
Many cylinders were found to be filled on the black market or were so old that they leaked through their valves , putting climbers at heightened risk for cerebral edema , a deadly buildup of fluid in the brain and one of the top killers on Everest .
Practically every season , publicity stunts have also come to dominate headlines .
In 2018 , Ukrainian climbers sponsored by a European social networking site left cryptocurrency worth around $ 50,000 at the top of Everest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough ” to retrieve it .
On the way down , one of their Sherpa guides died .
Accomplished mountaineers complain that a growing crowd of Instagram-conscious adrenaline junkies , many of them with little to no climbing experience , are putting at risk the lives of Nepali support staff , who typically come from the Sherpa ethnic group .
“ The screw needs to be tightened , ” said Kami Rita Sherpa , a Nepali climber who has reached Everest ’ s summit 24 times , a world record .
“ Inexperienced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Amid the heightened focus on safety , some climbing companies said they would take stricter measures regardless of whether the government mandates them .
Mingma Sherpa , the chairman of Seven Summit Treks , said his company would require climbers to prove that they had scaled at least one other peak higher than 6,000 meters ( about 20,000 feet ) before attempting Everest .
But Lal Bahadur Jirel , a Nepali climbing guide , said incremental steps were not enough to fix an increasingly perilous situation on Everest , where summertime temperatures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Last May , Jirel and his 11-person team were caught in the traffic jam on Everest .
On a clear morning , hordes of climbers took advantage of the good weather to make a push for the top .
Climbers pushed and shoved one another to take selfies at the summit , which is about the size of two Ping-Pong tables and where oxygen levels are only a third of those at sea level .
With so many climbers clipped to a single safety line , some were unable to descend in time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They collapsed on the ridge .
After reaching the top , Jirel realized that his oxygen was running dangerously low .
On the way down , a journey that was delayed by four hours because of the crowds , he removed his gloves to replace the cylinder .
By the time he reached safety a few hours later , two of his fingers were completely numb .
A few days later , he lost them to frostbite .
Jirel said the memories of climbers aggressively pushing past him — with no concern for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how chaotic the mountain had become .
“ There is so much stupidity on Everest , ” he said .
“ And sadly , the government is doing nothing .
They just issue permits and collect royalties .
”

The New York Times News Service Syndicate

NEW DELHI — The images shocked and angered the world: hundreds of climbers trapped near Mount Everest’s summit, hooked to a single safety line on a ridge with a several-thousand-foot drop, their oxygen cylinders emptying until a few people died from exposure.
The traffic jam during last spring’s climbing season, one of the deadliest on the planet’s highest mountain, underlined what veteran alpinists have been saying for years: Ego, inexperienced climbers, big payouts and chronic mismanagement — including the dangerous practice of cutting corners on vital safety equipment — have turned Everest into a circus at 29,000 feet.
After the season ended, Nepal’s government announced robust safety rules intended to weed out inexperienced climbers, reduce the number of people on Everest and prevent another pileup, which was blamed for some of the 11 deaths in 2019.
But now, the government says the new rules will not be imposed for the coming climbing season, which begins in April and lasts through May. Despite international scrutiny and intense pressure from climbing groups to tighten operations on Everest, officials say the rules need further review before they can be put in place.
Kedar Bahadur Adhikari, the secretary of Nepal’s Tourism Ministry, said the rules, which were introduced last August, had yet to receive approvals from several government offices, including the defense, law, finance and forest ministries.
He said officials also needed to see whether Nepali expedition operators “were OK with some of the restrictions,” though mountaineers say the companies’ involvement in negotiations should be limited because of their financial stakes.
Santa Bir Lama, the president of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, an independent climbing group that manages Everest and helped draft the new safety regulations, said Nepal’s financial desperation was one major reason behind the delay.
He said that officials could approve the new measures in a couple of weeks if they wanted, but that government climbing permits — which cost $11,000 per person for Everest — provide crucial cash flow for Nepal, one of Asia’s poorest countries.
“If something goes wrong, the tourism minister should be personally responsible,” Lama said. “Nobody wants to come to Nepal to die.”
On the northern side of the mountain, which falls in China, stricter safety regulations are in place. But there are few limits on who can get a permit to climb Everest from Nepal, where most ascents occur.
Some operators in Nepal have been accused of taking practically anybody up the mountain, regardless of skill. Expedition teams are free to set their own dates for a climb. Many choose a narrow window each May to avoid the mountain’s otherwise extreme weather and high winds, contributing to the crowding.
But restricting the number of climbing permits, Adhikari said, is among the measures that are off the table for now. Last year, officials granted a record 381 permits, a figure that did not include hundreds of Nepali support staff.
That number has gone up steadily nearly every year since the 2000s, leaving Everest clogged and unruly, many mountaineers say. Officials said they expected to issue more than 400 permits this season.
“Let’s hope there’s no traffic jam this year,” Adhikari said.
Officials did not give a timeline to adopt the other proposed rules either, including a requirement that clients of Everest climbing companies prove that they have high-altitude experience, or that they have paid at least $35,000 for their expedition. That amount ensures, to some degree, that climbers have enough oxygen cylinders and mountain guides for the journey, though some veteran mountaineers said the regulation was still imperfect.
Climbers said law and order had gradually eroded on the mountain.
Over the years, as Everest commercialized, expeditions morphed from tiny, country-specific teams to larger groups of cash-flush foreigners, some so inexperienced that they did not know how to put on crampons, the clip-on spikes that improve traction on ice.
Budget climbing operators have mushroomed in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, offering deep discounts but cutting corners by bringing fewer oxygen cylinders for their clients to Everest, where the air is so thin that nearly every climber depends on supplemental oxygen to reach the top.
Last year, government investigators and news outlets raised questions about the safety of recycled oxygen cylinders used on Everest. Many cylinders were found to be filled on the black market or were so old that they leaked through their valves, putting climbers at heightened risk for cerebral edema, a deadly buildup of fluid in the brain and one of the top killers on Everest.
Practically every season, publicity stunts have also come to dominate headlines. In 2018, Ukrainian climbers sponsored by a European social networking site left cryptocurrency worth around $50,000 at the top of Everest and offered it to anyone “brave enough” to retrieve it. On the way down, one of their Sherpa guides died.
Accomplished mountaineers complain that a growing crowd of Instagram-conscious adrenaline junkies, many of them with little to no climbing experience, are putting at risk the lives of Nepali support staff, who typically come from the Sherpa ethnic group.
“The screw needs to be tightened,” said Kami Rita Sherpa, a Nepali climber who has reached Everest’s summit 24 times, a world record. “Inexperienced climbers should be barred from the mountain.”
Amid the heightened focus on safety, some climbing companies said they would take stricter measures regardless of whether the government mandates them.
Mingma Sherpa, the chairman of Seven Summit Treks, said his company would require climbers to prove that they had scaled at least one other peak higher than 6,000 meters (about 20,000 feet) before attempting Everest.
But Lal Bahadur Jirel, a Nepali climbing guide, said incremental steps were not enough to fix an increasingly perilous situation on Everest, where summertime temperatures routinely dip below zero degrees Fahrenheit.
Last May, Jirel and his 11-person team were caught in the traffic jam on Everest. On a clear morning, hordes of climbers took advantage of the good weather to make a push for the top.
The situation quickly became a free-for-all.
Climbers pushed and shoved one another to take selfies at the summit, which is about the size of two Ping-Pong tables and where oxygen levels are only a third of those at sea level. With so many climbers clipped to a single safety line, some were unable to descend in time before they ran out of oxygen. They collapsed on the ridge.
After reaching the top, Jirel realized that his oxygen was running dangerously low. On the way down, a journey that was delayed by four hours because of the crowds, he removed his gloves to replace the cylinder.
By the time he reached safety a few hours later, two of his fingers were completely numb. A few days later, he lost them to frostbite.
Jirel said the memories of climbers aggressively pushing past him — with no concern for his safety or his life — encapsulated how chaotic the mountain had become.
“There is so much stupidity on Everest,” he said. “And sadly, the government is doing nothing. They just issue permits and collect royalties.”


thedenverpost--2020-03-08--United Airlines Flight 1562 diverts to Denver after person who was sick upset passengers

Concerns about a sick passenger on a New Jersey-bound United Airlines flight Sunday afternoon prompted pilots to divert the plane @ @ @ @ @ three passengers disembarked .
Denver police assisted at the airport gate , police spokesman Kurt @ @ @ @ @ passengers left on their own .
An incident abroad the plane that piqued health concerns @ @ @ @ @ The FBI has jurisdiction over that … The FBI was there , ” Barnes said @ @ @ @ @ people who decided not to continue on the flight .
They did depart the plane @ @ @ @ @ seek their own means of transportation to get to their original destination , ” he @ @ @ @ @ was sick on the plane and these people became upset.
” DIA officials received a @ @ @ @ @ United Flight 1562 , was diverting , airport spokeswoman Alex Renteria said .
After the @ @ @ @ @ departed again at 2:06 pm .
to Newark , Renteria said .
The flight began @ @ @ @ @ west of Vail .

Concerns about a sick passenger on a New Jersey-bound United Airlines flight Sunday afternoon prompted pilots to divert the plane to Denver International Airport where three passengers disembarked.
Denver police assisted at the airport gate, police spokesman Kurt Barnes said, where the passengers left on their own.
An incident aboard the plane that piqued health concerns “occurred while in-flight. The FBI has jurisdiction over that … The FBI was there,” Barnes said.
“There were three people who decided not to continue on the flight. They did depart the plane voluntarily. They decided to seek their own means of transportation to get to their original destination,” he said.
“A person was sick on the plane and these people became upset.”
DIA officials received a notice at 1:08 p.m. that United Flight 1562, was diverting, airport spokeswoman Alex Renteria said. After the passengers disembarked, the plane departed again at 2:06 pm. to Newark, Renteria said.
The flight began at the Eagle County Regional Airport west of Vail.
FBI spokeswoman Amy Meyer said “the issue was deemed a customer service issue.”
State health officials monitoring the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus said that, “as far as we know, nobody involved had COVID-19.” United Airlines officials did not respond to queries.


thedenverpost--2020-03-08--WWE Elimination Chamber 2020: Predictions, preview, how to watch, results

World Wrestling Entertainment has one more big stop on the Road to WrestleMania .
Sunday ’ s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view will help determine some of the final pieces to the WWE ’ s biggest show of the year .
Here ’ s a look at our predictions : The Viking Raiders vs. Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins Tag-team match Who should win : The Viking Raiders .
Ryder and Hawkins had their WrestleMania moment last year , defeating The Revival for the Raw tag team championship .
But they ’ ve done little since then .
The Viking Raiders should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Viking Raiders .
Who should win : Andrade .
This feud has run for months with Andrade come out on top more often than not .
It ’ s hard to see that changing in this bout .
Who should win : Gulak .
Bryan defeating Gulak doesn ’ t help either man .
Gulak beating Bryan — even through nefarious means — pushes this feud forward and helps elevate Gulak , and perhaps Drake Maverick , who wanted a match with Bryan on Friday .
Braun Strowman ( c ) vs. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WWE Intercontinental Championship Three-on-one handicap match Who should win : Nakamura , Cesaro and Zayn .
This would be an ideal victory simply for the fact of who officially owns the title if Nakamura , Cesaro and Zayn come up victorious ?
A squabble between the three victors and Strowman could lead to a fun four-way fight in Tampa next month .
Who will win : Strowman .
The “ Monster Among Men ” destroying his opponents would not be unexpected .
Who should win : Styles .
If internet speculation is true @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course with The Undertaker in April , a win over Black would boost the hype for the match .
The Street Profits ( c ) vs. Seth Rollins and Murphy WWE Raw Tag Team Championship Tag team match Who should win : The Street Profits .
Rollins has been involved in a feud with Kevin Owens ever since he put on his Monday Night Messiah persona .
Plus the Street Profits just won the titles on Monday .
Difficult to see them already losing it in their first defense .
Who will win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and John Morrison ( c ) vs .
The New Day vs .
The Usos vs .
Heavy Machinery vs. Lucha House Party vs. Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship Elimination Chamber match Who should win : Ziggler and Roode .
After Heavy Machinery ’ s performance on SmackDown this past Friday , it feels like the pair is being set up for big win at WrestleMania .
If that ’ s the case , why not pit them against the team that ’ s been tormenting them — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Otis Dozovic .
Give Ziggler and Roode with win and a ‘ Mania loss to Otis and Tucker .
Who will win : Ziggler and Roode .
Natalya vs. Liv Morgan vs. Shayna Baszler vs. Asuka vs. Ruby Riott vs. Sarah Logan Winner earns WWE Raw women ’ s championship match at WrestleMania 36 Elimination Chamber match Who should win : Baszler .
Don ’ t get me wrong , a Ruby Riott vs. Becky Lynch match would be incredible if properly built up .
But “ The Man ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be Baszler .
The most dominant NXT women ’ s champion since Asuka , Baszler is a dream matchup against Lynch .
And the only one of the six participants who deserves a shot .

World Wrestling Entertainment has one more big stop on the Road to WrestleMania. Sunday’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view will help determine some of the final pieces to the WWE’s biggest show of the year.
Here’s a look at our predictions:
How to watch
Time: 5 p.m. MT
Date: Sunday, March 8
Place: Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia
TV: WWE Network
Pre-show
The Viking Raiders vs. Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins
Tag-team match
Who should win: The Viking Raiders.
Ryder and Hawkins had their WrestleMania moment last year, defeating The Revival for the Raw tag team championship. But they’ve done little since then. The Viking Raiders should win handily.
Who will win: The Viking Raiders.
Main card
Andrade (c) vs. Humberto Carrillo
WWE United States Championship
Singles match
Who should win: Andrade.
This feud has run for months with Andrade come out on top more often than not. It’s hard to see that changing in this bout.
Who will win: Andrade.
Daniel Bryan vs. Drew Gulak
Singles match
Who should win: Gulak.
Bryan defeating Gulak doesn’t help either man. Gulak beating Bryan — even through nefarious means — pushes this feud forward and helps elevate Gulak, and perhaps Drake Maverick, who wanted a match with Bryan on Friday.
Who will win: Gulak.
Braun Strowman (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Cesaro and Sami Zayn
WWE Intercontinental Championship
Three-on-one handicap match
Who should win: Nakamura, Cesaro and Zayn.
This would be an ideal victory simply for the fact of who officially owns the title if Nakamura, Cesaro and Zayn come up victorious? A squabble between the three victors and Strowman could lead to a fun four-way fight in Tampa next month.
Who will win: Strowman.
The “Monster Among Men” destroying his opponents would not be unexpected.
Aleister Black vs. AJ Styles
Singles match
Who should win: Styles.
If internet speculation is true and Styles is indeed on a collision course with The Undertaker in April, a win over Black would boost the hype for the match.
Who will win: Styles.
The Street Profits (c) vs. Seth Rollins and Murphy
WWE Raw Tag Team Championship
Tag team match
Who should win: The Street Profits.
Rollins has been involved in a feud with Kevin Owens ever since he put on his Monday Night Messiah persona. Plus the Street Profits just won the titles on Monday. Difficult to see them already losing it in their first defense.
Who will win: The Street Profits.
The Miz and John Morrison (c) vs. The New Day vs. The Usos vs. Heavy Machinery vs. Lucha House Party vs. Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode
WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship
Elimination Chamber match
Who should win: Ziggler and Roode.
After Heavy Machinery’s performance on SmackDown this past Friday, it feels like the pair is being set up for big win at WrestleMania. If that’s the case, why not pit them against the team that’s been tormenting them — particularly with Dolph Ziggler and Heavy Machinery’s Otis Dozovic. Give Ziggler and Roode with win and a ‘Mania loss to Otis and Tucker.
Who will win: Ziggler and Roode.
Natalya vs. Liv Morgan vs. Shayna Baszler vs. Asuka vs. Ruby Riott vs. Sarah Logan
Winner earns WWE Raw women’s championship match at WrestleMania 36
Elimination Chamber match
Who should win: Baszler.
Don’t get me wrong, a Ruby Riott vs. Becky Lynch match would be incredible if properly built up. But “The Man’s” opponent for ‘Mania is destined to be Baszler. The most dominant NXT women’s champion since Asuka, Baszler is a dream matchup against Lynch. And the only one of the six participants who deserves a shot.
Who will win: Baszler.
Results


thedenverpost--2020-03-08--Broncos Free Agent Forecast: Amari Cooper would cost big money, but have potentially huge impact

Each week , New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick will without fail deliver glowing praise for his team ’ s opponent , and last November was no different when he was asked about Dallas Cowboys receiver Amari Cooper .
“ You can start with him , ” Belichick said .
“ He ’ s got great speed , he ’ s a big-time vertical threat ( and his ) run-after-the-catch is very good .
He ’ s a sharp route runner — he can get in and out of his cuts .
… “ He can kill you on short @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the intermediate routes , which are hard to cover , and he can certainly kill you down the field in single coverage on the outside or on inside routes if you don ’ t have a middle-of-the-field defender.
” Four days later , Belichick had eventual NFL defensive player of the year Stephon Gilmore vice-grip Cooper ( no catches ) .
But that doesn ’ t mean the analysis was incorrect .
Cooper has just about every tool an elite receiver needs .
The Broncos should be intrigued by Cooper ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a passing game that has Courtland Sutton but needs more .
In one situation , Cooper may not be available .
If the players don ’ t approve the new collective bargaining agreement this week , the Cowboys could franchise tag quarterback Dan Prescott and transition tag Cooper .
Here is a look at Cooper , who has eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving in four of his five NFL seasons , after watching three of his games with Dallas : Background : Played at Alabama and was 2015 fourth overall pick by Oakland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seconds at 2015 scouting combine .
… Traded to Dallas in October 2018 for 2019 first-round selection .
… Among receivers since entering league , ranks 16th in catches ( 357 ) , 11th in yards ( 5,097 ) and seventh in touchdowns ( 33 ) .
… Nineteen 100-yard games and 23 games of at least five catches .
… Caught 79 passes for 1,189 yards and eight touchdowns in 2019 ( 845 snaps ) .
… In seven games against Broncos ( all with Oakland ) , has 27 catches for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watched : January 2019 wild card vs. Seattle ( seven catches for 106 yards in win ) , Week 5 2019 vs. Green Bay ( 11 catches for 226 yards and one touchdown in loss ) and Week 16 2019 at Philadelphia ( four catches for 24 yards in loss ) .
Catches by where he lined up in the three games ( 22 ) — wide right ( 10 ) , wide left ( four ) , slot right ( four ) , slot left ( two ) , stack left ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
Seattle : First catch went for 14 yards on out route against Shaquill Griffin in trail coverage .
… Showed good awareness on a 9-yard catch .
Ran stop route before re-grouping into out pattern when Prescott was forced to scramble .
… Gained 11 yards postcatch ( 15 ) after missed tackle .
… Catches of 34 and 27 yards in fourth quarter .
On first , middle of field opened up ( tight end ran down right seam ) .
On second , lined up slot right and used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coleman turned around and easily get open on over route .
… In all three games , what stood out is Cooper ’ s body control — can get in and out of his routes quickly and can instantly hit brakes while opponent is still backpedaling .
Green Bay : Cooper worked over cornerback Jaire Alexander .
… Gained 46 after motioning to wide right and using out-and-up move to easily get open ( 18 yards post-catch ) .
… Gained 24 on post-corner type of route vs. off coverage .
… His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step to set up go route .
… Scored 53-yard touchdown with slant-and-go ( 30 yards postcatch ) that included two missed tackles .
… Caught three passes after being used in motion .
Philadelphia : Cooper was targeted 12 times , but had only four catches ( all for 6 yards ) .
So what happened ?
Tight man coverage and some off throws by Prescott .
… In first quarter , was covered by safety Malcolm Jenkins on third-down crossing route ( pass break-up ) and cornerback Jalen Mills on second-down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ iffy throw ) .
… In third quarter , was covered well by cornerback Rasul Douglas on fade route ( throw out of bounds ) , was held up by Douglas trying to run slant and got open against zone coverage , but Prescott overthrew him .
Cooper is still a young player ( turns 26 on June 17 ) and is durable , having missed only three games .
Cooper would allow Sutton to play without safety-over-the-top attention and , conversely , also take advantage underneath if Sutton is running “ go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Cooper could be a boon for second-year tight end Noah Fant and a slot receiver to be named .
How much do the Broncos want to spend ?
Spotrac projects Cooper receiving a five-year , $ 98.6 million contract ( $ 19.7 million average ) .
The Broncos could draft a receiver 15th overall , and his entire four-year deal would be less than $ 15 million .
And does Cooper have the speed component the Broncos are believed to be interested in ?
The game tape suggests he is more apt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Each week, New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick will without fail deliver glowing praise for his team’s opponent, and last November was no different when he was asked about Dallas Cowboys receiver Amari Cooper.
“You can start with him,” Belichick said. “He’s got great speed, he’s a big-time vertical threat (and his) run-after-the-catch is very good. He’s a sharp route runner — he can get in and out of his cuts. …
“He can kill you on short catch-and-run plays. He can run all of the intermediate routes, which are hard to cover, and he can certainly kill you down the field in single coverage on the outside or on inside routes if you don’t have a middle-of-the-field defender.”
Four days later, Belichick had eventual NFL defensive player of the year Stephon Gilmore vice-grip Cooper (no catches). But that doesn’t mean the analysis was incorrect. Cooper has just about every tool an elite receiver needs.
The Broncos should be intrigued by Cooper’s skills and the dimension he can add to a passing game that has Courtland Sutton but needs more. In one situation, Cooper may not be available. If the players don’t approve the new collective bargaining agreement this week, the Cowboys could franchise tag quarterback Dan Prescott and transition tag Cooper.
Here is a look at Cooper, who has eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving in four of his five NFL seasons, after watching three of his games with Dallas:
About Cooper
Age: 25.
Height/weight: 6-foot-1/210 pounds.
Background: Played at Alabama and was 2015 fourth overall pick by Oakland. … Ran 40-yard dash in 4.42 seconds at 2015 scouting combine. … Traded to Dallas in October 2018 for 2019 first-round selection. … Among receivers since entering league, ranks 16th in catches (357), 11th in yards (5,097) and seventh in touchdowns (33). … Nineteen 100-yard games and 23 games of at least five catches. … Caught 79 passes for 1,189 yards and eight touchdowns in 2019 (845 snaps). … In seven games against Broncos (all with Oakland), has 27 catches for 276 yards and two touchdowns.
Games watched: January 2019 wild card vs. Seattle (seven catches for 106 yards in win), Week 5 2019 vs. Green Bay (11 catches for 226 yards and one touchdown in loss) and Week 16 2019 at Philadelphia (four catches for 24 yards in loss).
Game notes
Catches by where he lined up in the three games (22) — wide right (10), wide left (four), slot right (four), slot left (two), stack left (one) and stack right (one).
Seattle: First catch went for 14 yards on out route against Shaquill Griffin in trail coverage. … Showed good awareness on a 9-yard catch. Ran stop route before re-grouping into out pattern when Prescott was forced to scramble. … Gained 11 yards postcatch (15) after missed tackle. … Catches of 34 and 27 yards in fourth quarter. On first, middle of field opened up (tight end ran down right seam). On second, lined up slot right and used quick outside juke move to get Justin Coleman turned around and easily get open on over route. … In all three games, what stood out is Cooper’s body control — can get in and out of his routes quickly and can instantly hit brakes while opponent is still backpedaling.
Green Bay: Cooper worked over cornerback Jaire Alexander. … Gained 46 after motioning to wide right and using out-and-up move to easily get open (18 yards post-catch). … Gained 24 on post-corner type of route vs. off coverage. … His 27-yard catch was created by initial inside step to set up go route. … Scored 53-yard touchdown with slant-and-go (30 yards postcatch) that included two missed tackles. … Caught three passes after being used in motion.
Philadelphia: Cooper was targeted 12 times, but had only four catches (all for 6 yards). So what happened? Tight man coverage and some off throws by Prescott. … In first quarter, was covered by safety Malcolm Jenkins on third-down crossing route (pass break-up) and cornerback Jalen Mills on second-down in-breaking route (pass break-up on an iffy throw). … In third quarter, was covered well by cornerback Rasul Douglas on fade route (throw out of bounds), was held up by Douglas trying to run slant and got open against zone coverage, but Prescott overthrew him.
Case for signing …
Cooper is still a young player (turns 26 on June 17) and is durable, having missed only three games. Cooper would allow Sutton to play without safety-over-the-top attention and, conversely, also take advantage underneath if Sutton is running “go” routes to draw the safety help. Cooper could be a boon for second-year tight end Noah Fant and a slot receiver to be named.
Case against signing …
How much do the Broncos want to spend? Spotrac projects Cooper receiving a five-year, $98.6 million contract ($19.7 million average). The Broncos could draft a receiver 15th overall, and his entire four-year deal would be less than $15 million. And does Cooper have the speed component the Broncos are believed to be interested in? The game tape suggests he is more apt to stretch defenses horizontally instead of vertically.
Tuesday: New England guard Joe Thuney.


thedenverpost--2020-03-08--Longmont police chief announces retirement after quarter century of service

After a lengthy tenure with the Longmont Police Department , Chief Michael Butler announced this week that he will be retiring in May .
Butler began his career in law enforcement with the Boulder Police Department .
In 1994 , he was selected as chief of the Longmont Police Department .
For the last 11 years , he has served as the public safety chief , overseeing not just police but also the city ’ s fire department and support services .
Butler said he hoped to draw little attention to himself as he finishes out his time with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accomplished , he said , was reflective of an entire team of dedicated staff .
“ Whatever we brought about that made differences in people ’ s lives is the story of many , many people ; it is hardly about one person , ” Butler wrote in an email .
“ The story should be about the brilliantly talented and compassionate staff within public safety and about the abundance of goodness within our community.
” Those who worked with Butler , however , couldn ’ t help but acknowledge the passion he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mayor Brian Bagley said the city knew internally that Butler was planning to retire a few weeks ago .
Bagley described a two-part reaction to the announcement .
“ The first was an overwhelming sense of gratitude and trepidation that we won ’ t be able to fill his shoes with someone nearly as good , ” Bagley said .
“ The other thought was good , chief , you have earned it.
” Among Butler ’ s most memorable accomplishments were his efforts to humanize those who faced challenges in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work and advocacy in restorative justice in particular with focus on juveniles ( stand out ) , ” Bagley said , “ alongside his work for mental illness and substance abuse and addiction.
” In his tenure as chief , the Longmont Police Department made strides in addressing mental health and drug addiction issues .
In January 2017 , the Angel Initiative was launched , providing a safe place for people struggling with drug addiction to come to for help and begin the path to sobriety .
In late 2019 , Angel celebrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drug treatment .
Additional efforts include the Crisis Outreach Response and Engagement , a paramedic , mental health professional and specially trained officer , who respond to incidents involving mental health and substance abuse issues .
Another program , Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion , works to connect low-level drug offenders with an intervention program and resources .
Harold Dominguez , the city manager , who will help to oversee Butler ’ s replacement , echoed Bagley ’ s sentiment .
“ It was a sad day for me ( when I heard Mike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , you are happy when someone has a career as long as Mike and when they can enjoy the next chapter of their life .
He ’ s been a great chief and brought a new culture to Longmont , one that is rooted in engaging the public in community involvement , ” Dominguez said .
In 2015 , Butler walked select Longmont neighborhoods on Sundays in an effort to get a first-hand account of the challenges people in his community faced and talk to them about their relationship with police .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was efforts like this that made Butler ’ s time with the public safety department meaningful .
Dougherty described the walks as “ testament to ( Butler ’ s ) unflagging desire to connect with members of the community.
” “ The departure of Chief Mike Butler will leave a significant void in Longmont Public Safety , as well as Boulder County law enforcement , ” Dougherty said .
“ Chief Butler should be celebrated for his passion and commitment to working in partnership with local agencies and residents to ensure that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The city put out a request for proposal in February to hire an outside agency to help find Butler ’ s replacement .
Dominguez said he expects to be briefed next week on the time frame for potentially selecting an organization to assist with the process .
In the time Butler served as chief , the department faced some scrutiny , including an officer-involved shooting that led to the death of Jesus Ramos .
While a grand jury ruled in September 2019 that Longmont Master Police Officer Michael Kimbley should not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raised about how the Longmont Police Department handled the situation .
Butler , in a written response to the Boulder County District Attorney following the ruling , commended the grand jury for its work on the case .
Additionally , he said the department would work with the DA and a legal adviser to “ ensure that training in use of force continues to be state-of-the-art.
” He also said police staff are trained on how to respond to people in crisis .
Under Butler , the Longmont Police Department moved to encrypt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pilot program in 2018 .
The encryption means that the public can ’ t listen to police traffic using a cellphone app .
The point of the encryption was to better protect officers and sensitive victim information , according to Longmont Deputy Chief Jeff Satur .
Some Colorado media organizations , including the the Colorado Press Association , have cited concerns about scanner encryption and its impact to report timely and important news .
Looking back on his time with the police department and ahead to his retirement , Butler described the pride @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a story to be written about the remarkable possibilities of community not only in Longmont but everywhere , ” Butler said .
“ When I leave , I intend to try to tell that story .
I care deeply about those whom I serve alongside within public safety and the people within our community .
”

After a lengthy tenure with the Longmont Police Department, Chief Michael Butler announced this week that he will be retiring in May.
Butler began his career in law enforcement with the Boulder Police Department. In 1994, he was selected as chief of the Longmont Police Department. For the last 11 years, he has served as the public safety chief, overseeing not just police but also the city’s fire department and support services.
Butler said he hoped to draw little attention to himself as he finishes out his time with the department. Anything that public safety officials accomplished, he said, was reflective of an entire team of dedicated staff.
“Whatever we brought about that made differences in people’s lives is the story of many, many people; it is hardly about one person,” Butler wrote in an email. “The story should be about the brilliantly talented and compassionate staff within public safety and about the abundance of goodness within our community.”
“Overwhelming sense of gratitude”
Those who worked with Butler, however, couldn’t help but acknowledge the passion he put into his work with the force. Mayor Brian Bagley said the city knew internally that Butler was planning to retire a few weeks ago. Bagley described a two-part reaction to the announcement.
“The first was an overwhelming sense of gratitude and trepidation that we won’t be able to fill his shoes with someone nearly as good,” Bagley said. “The other thought was good, chief, you have earned it.”
Among Butler’s most memorable accomplishments were his efforts to humanize those who faced challenges in the community, Bagley said.
“His work and advocacy in restorative justice in particular with focus on juveniles (stand out),” Bagley said, “alongside his work for mental illness and substance abuse and addiction.”
In his tenure as chief, the Longmont Police Department made strides in addressing mental health and drug addiction issues. In January 2017, the Angel Initiative was launched, providing a safe place for people struggling with drug addiction to come to for help and begin the path to sobriety. In late 2019, Angel celebrated its 200th person who sought help for drug treatment.
Additional efforts include the Crisis Outreach Response and Engagement, a paramedic, mental health professional and specially trained officer, who respond to incidents involving mental health and substance abuse issues. Another program, Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion, works to connect low-level drug offenders with an intervention program and resources.
Harold Dominguez, the city manager, who will help to oversee Butler’s replacement, echoed Bagley’s sentiment.
“It was a sad day for me (when I heard Mike was retiring). At the same time, you are happy when someone has a career as long as Mike and when they can enjoy the next chapter of their life. He’s been a great chief and brought a new culture to Longmont, one that is rooted in engaging the public in community involvement,” Dominguez said.
“Unflagging desire to connect”
In 2015, Butler walked select Longmont neighborhoods on Sundays in an effort to get a first-hand account of the challenges people in his community faced and talk to them about their relationship with police.
Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty said it was efforts like this that made Butler’s time with the public safety department meaningful. Dougherty described the walks as “testament to (Butler’s) unflagging desire to connect with members of the community.”
“The departure of Chief Mike Butler will leave a significant void in Longmont Public Safety, as well as Boulder County law enforcement,” Dougherty said. “Chief Butler should be celebrated for his passion and commitment to working in partnership with local agencies and residents to ensure that Longmont is a wonderful community for all.”
The city put out a request for proposal in February to hire an outside agency to help find Butler’s replacement. Dominguez said he expects to be briefed next week on the time frame for potentially selecting an organization to assist with the process.
In the time Butler served as chief, the department faced some scrutiny, including an officer-involved shooting that led to the death of Jesus Ramos. While a grand jury ruled in September 2019 that Longmont Master Police Officer Michael Kimbley should not be charged with second-degree murder, questions were raised about how the Longmont Police Department handled the situation.
Butler, in a written response to the Boulder County District Attorney following the ruling, commended the grand jury for its work on the case. Additionally, he said the department would work with the DA and a legal adviser to “ensure that training in use of force continues to be state-of-the-art.” He also said police staff are trained on how to respond to people in crisis.
Under Butler, the Longmont Police Department moved to encrypt its police traffic channel, following a pilot program in 2018. The encryption means that the public can’t listen to police traffic using a cellphone app. The point of the encryption was to better protect officers and sensitive victim information, according to Longmont Deputy Chief Jeff Satur. Some Colorado media organizations, including the the Colorado Press Association, have cited concerns about scanner encryption and its impact to report timely and important news.
Looking back on his time with the police department and ahead to his retirement, Butler described the pride he felt for Longmont.
“There is a story to be written about the remarkable possibilities of community not only in Longmont but everywhere,” Butler said. “When I leave, I intend to try to tell that story. I care deeply about those whom I serve alongside within public safety and the people within our community.”


thedenverpost--2020-03-08--Rockslide closes U.S. Highway 40 near Steamboat Springs

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS , Colo. — A rockslide closed both directions of U.S. Highway 40 Sunday afternoon .
The slide occurred @ @ @ @ @ marker 116 east of the Yampa Valley Regional Airport near Steamboat Springs .
No injuries @ @ @ @ @ is being detoured onto County Road 27 to County Road 33 .
There is no @ @ @ @ @ highway will reopen .
Read more from our partner at thedenverchannel.com .

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. — A rockslide closed both directions of U.S. Highway 40 Sunday afternoon.
The slide occurred around 1 p.m. near mile marker 116 east of the Yampa Valley Regional Airport near Steamboat Springs.
No injuries have been reported.
Traffic is being detoured onto County Road 27 to County Road 33.
There is no estimated time on when the highway will reopen.
Read more from our partner at thedenverchannel.com.


thedenverpost--2020-03-08--No fans, no fun: Athletes uneasy over empty-arena solutions to coronavirus

SCOTTSDALE , Ariz. — As U.S. sports leagues weigh whether to bar fans from ballparks and stadiums to help stall the coronavirus outbreak , San Francisco Giants pitcher Jeff Samardzija is one of the few players who can tell them exactly what that feels like .
“ It ’ s not very fun , ” he said .
Samardzija pitched for the Chicago White Sox in a 2015 game played without fans in Baltimore due to civil unrest in the city .
It was a bizarre scene at Camden Yards — a sun-drenched stadium , empty except for the teams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ common internationally and could happen in the U.S. if there ’ s no slowdown to the spread of the COVID-19 strain that has infected more than 100,000 people worldwide .
The global virus outbreak has caused concern about cramming tens of thousands of fans in for games that technically can go on without them .
Sports leagues in Europe , Asia and the Middle East have already locked supporters out of venues , and the NBA sent a memo to its franchises Friday warning them to prepare for the possibility that it may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While U.S. sports leagues have been in regular contact with each other regarding the outbreak , MLB and the NHL have not yet issued similar notices .
Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred plans to discuss the coronavirus with team owners in a conference call Monday — the first league-wide call between clubs and the commissioner about the outbreak .
But at this stage , the league plans to open the season in 2 1/2 weeks as planned .
With the situation evolving quickly , athletes in the U.S. are becoming aware — and concerned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed doors .
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James said Friday he “ ain ’ t playing if I ain ’ t got the fans in the crowd , ” and other players also said they ’ d be disappointed to suit up for empty seats .
“ Boring .
Boring , ” Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson said .
“ We get the energy from our fans .
It would suck , man.
” Virus concerns are greater in some pockets of the country — like in Washington state , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 people diagnosed .
Fears around the outbreak have already affected sports attendance there .
The Seattle Sounders drew 33,080 fans Saturday night , the smallest crowd for an MLS regular season match in the soccer-crazed city since the club ’ s inaugural season in 2009 .
“ That would be an odd one to play in an empty stadium , ” Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer said .
“ It ’ d be like ‘ OK , we ’ re playing , but something is missing.
’ ” Washington officials are already cautioning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the biggest on the schedule is when the Mariners host the Texas Rangers for opening day March 26 .
Seattle , like all other big league clubs , has been monitoring the situation in conjunction with MLB and taken precautions around its spring training complex in Peoria , Arizona .
But Mariners vice president of communications Tim Hevly said that at this stage , “ we have no specific concerns or precautions based on what is happening in Washington.
” “ These decisions will be made by Major League Baseball with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher chair than I ’ m in , ” Seattle manager Scott Servais said .
“ It is serious , it is really serious .
Something that we do not look lightly at .
… But hopefully it gets calmed down a little bit.
” Spring training routines have been gently adjusted — hand-washing has gone up , autograph meet-and-greets with fans have been tweaked , and Servais said the Mariners have re-jiggered some dugout handshakes — but overwhelmingly , players have said they and their families have been unaffected .
All of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fans could be barred at some point .
“ It would be weird , ” said Mariners pitcher Taijuan Walker , who said he hadn ’ t played baseball without at least a few thousand fans in attendance since he was in the minor leagues .
“ Certainly you want to make the right decision for our fans , everybody that ’ s close to the game , ” Servais said .
“ We still need to play our games , if we can , but that ’ s not for me to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the decisions that are made .
We are planning on playing a complete season this year , and I ’ m sure we will.
” The International Ice Hockey Federation said Saturday it was canceling the women ’ s world hockey championships in Canada , and Division III NCAA basketball tournament games were held at an empty venue at Johns Hopkins this weekend .
The sports calendar is loaded with major events in the next few months that may also be forced to adjust , including the NCAA basketball tournament and the Masters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ d understand if officials kept fans away from Augusta National .
“ I think people would see a lot more of the golf course , ” he said .
“ It would be kind of cool .
But obviously , I ’ d rather play the Masters with people there than without .
“ It would be just like having an early tee time on the PGA Tour , anyway , ” he added .
“ I guess for a few guys , it wouldn ’ t be that much different.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also skepticism that leagues might go to such extremes .
• Coronavirus patient had ties to Denver Country Club ; risk to public considered low • States ’ patchwork of crisis plans could mean uneven COVID-19 care , but Colorado among the best • Official : White House didn ’ t want to tell seniors not to fly “ I heard ( LeBron ’ s ) comment on that , ” Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young said .
“ Not playing with fans is going to be weird .
Honestly , I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couldn ’ t play.
” Of course , it ’ s happened before .
White Sox pitcher Carlos Rodon watched most of the locked-down 2015 game in Baltimore from the bullpen , and he remembered it being so quiet , he could hear every word said by Orioles center fielder Adam Jones .
“ There was like only scouts and us , so you could just hear people talking in the dugout , ” Rodon said .
“ It was just odd because it almost echoed because there was no one in there.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ first big league game played without fans , and it was a one-off — a scheduling necessity to get the game in after rioting in Baltimore prompted by the death of Freddie Gray , a 25-year-old black man who died in police custody .
If virus-related lockouts prove necessary , it ’ s hard to see them being so isolated .
If the spread slows , the sports schedule likely will go on as planned .
If not , millions of ticket holders might be forced to stay away in cities all over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first and playing games is second , so we just need to make sure everything ’ s taken care of and wrapped up so people can come enjoy these games , ” Samardzija said .
“ But I wouldn ’ t recommend playing them in empty stadiums .
”

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — As U.S. sports leagues weigh whether to bar fans from ballparks and stadiums to help stall the coronavirus outbreak, San Francisco Giants pitcher Jeff Samardzija is one of the few players who can tell them exactly what that feels like.
“It’s not very fun,” he said.
Samardzija pitched for the Chicago White Sox in a 2015 game played without fans in Baltimore due to civil unrest in the city. It was a bizarre scene at Camden Yards — a sun-drenched stadium, empty except for the teams — but something that has already become common internationally and could happen in the U.S. if there’s no slowdown to the spread of the COVID-19 strain that has infected more than 100,000 people worldwide.
The global virus outbreak has caused concern about cramming tens of thousands of fans in for games that technically can go on without them.
Sports leagues in Europe, Asia and the Middle East have already locked supporters out of venues, and the NBA sent a memo to its franchises Friday warning them to prepare for the possibility that it may have to host games without fans.
While U.S. sports leagues have been in regular contact with each other regarding the outbreak, MLB and the NHL have not yet issued similar notices.
Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred plans to discuss the coronavirus with team owners in a conference call Monday — the first league-wide call between clubs and the commissioner about the outbreak. But at this stage, the league plans to open the season in 2 1/2 weeks as planned.
With the situation evolving quickly, athletes in the U.S. are becoming aware — and concerned — about the possibility of playing behind closed doors.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James said Friday he “ain’t playing if I ain’t got the fans in the crowd,” and other players also said they’d be disappointed to suit up for empty seats.
“Boring. Boring,” Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson said. “We get the energy from our fans. It would suck, man.”
Virus concerns are greater in some pockets of the country — like in Washington state, which has reported 16 deaths and more than 100 people diagnosed.
Fears around the outbreak have already affected sports attendance there. The Seattle Sounders drew 33,080 fans Saturday night, the smallest crowd for an MLS regular season match in the soccer-crazed city since the club’s inaugural season in 2009.
“That would be an odd one to play in an empty stadium,” Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer said. “It’d be like ‘OK, we’re playing, but something is missing.’”
Washington officials are already cautioning residents to avoid large gatherings — and one of the biggest on the schedule is when the Mariners host the Texas Rangers for opening day March 26.
Seattle, like all other big league clubs, has been monitoring the situation in conjunction with MLB and taken precautions around its spring training complex in Peoria, Arizona. But Mariners vice president of communications Tim Hevly said that at this stage, “we have no specific concerns or precautions based on what is happening in Washington.”
“These decisions will be made by Major League Baseball with the Mariner people that sit in a higher chair than I’m in,” Seattle manager Scott Servais said. “It is serious, it is really serious. Something that we do not look lightly at. … But hopefully it gets calmed down a little bit.”
Spring training routines have been gently adjusted — hand-washing has gone up, autograph meet-and-greets with fans have been tweaked, and Servais said the Mariners have re-jiggered some dugout handshakes — but overwhelmingly, players have said they and their families have been unaffected.
All of which makes it hard to fathom that fans could be barred at some point.
“It would be weird,” said Mariners pitcher Taijuan Walker, who said he hadn’t played baseball without at least a few thousand fans in attendance since he was in the minor leagues.
“Certainly you want to make the right decision for our fans, everybody that’s close to the game,” Servais said. “We still need to play our games, if we can, but that’s not for me to decide. We’ll adhere to the decisions that are made. We are planning on playing a complete season this year, and I’m sure we will.”
The International Ice Hockey Federation said Saturday it was canceling the women’s world hockey championships in Canada, and Division III NCAA basketball tournament games were held at an empty venue at Johns Hopkins this weekend.
The sports calendar is loaded with major events in the next few months that may also be forced to adjust, including the NCAA basketball tournament and the Masters.
Golf star Rory McIlroy said he’d understand if officials kept fans away from Augusta National.
“I think people would see a lot more of the golf course,” he said. “It would be kind of cool. But obviously, I’d rather play the Masters with people there than without.
“It would be just like having an early tee time on the PGA Tour, anyway,” he added. “I guess for a few guys, it wouldn’t be that much different.”
For many athletes, there’s also skepticism that leagues might go to such extremes.
“I heard (LeBron’s) comment on that,” Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young said. “Not playing with fans is going to be weird. Honestly, I don’t see that happening. I couldn’t play.”
Of course, it’s happened before. White Sox pitcher Carlos Rodon watched most of the locked-down 2015 game in Baltimore from the bullpen, and he remembered it being so quiet, he could hear every word said by Orioles center fielder Adam Jones.
“There was like only scouts and us, so you could just hear people talking in the dugout,” Rodon said. “It was just odd because it almost echoed because there was no one in there.”
That was believed to be the first big league game played without fans, and it was a one-off — a scheduling necessity to get the game in after rioting in Baltimore prompted by the death of Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old black man who died in police custody.
“A completely different situation,” Samardzija said.
If virus-related lockouts prove necessary, it’s hard to see them being so isolated. If the spread slows, the sports schedule likely will go on as planned. If not, millions of ticket holders might be forced to stay away in cities all over the country.
“Obviously health is first and playing games is second, so we just need to make sure everything’s taken care of and wrapped up so people can come enjoy these games,” Samardzija said. “But I wouldn’t recommend playing them in empty stadiums.”


thedenverpost--2020-03-08--Protests and celebrations mark Women’s Day, despite threats

NEW YORK — From the streets of Manila to the plazas of Santiago , Chile , people around the world marked International Women ’ s Day on Sunday with calls to end exploitation and increase equality .
But tensions marred some celebrations , with police reportedly using tear gas to break up a demonstration by thousands of women in Turkey and security forces arresting demonstrators at a rally in Kyrgyzstan .
“ In many different ways or forms , women are being exploited and taken advantage of , ” Arlene Brosas , the representative of a Filipino advocacy group said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the area near the presidential palace .
Protesters called for higher pay and job security , and demanded that President Rodrigo Duterte respect women ’ s rights .
Turkish riot police tear gas to disperse thousands of demonstrators who , in defiance of a government ban , tried to march along Istanbul ’ s main pedestrian street to mark International Women ’ s Day , media reports said .
Turkish authorities declared Istiklal street , near Istanbul ’ s main Taksim square , off-limits , and said the planned march down the avenue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most of them women , gathered near Istiklal regardless and tried to break through police barricades to reach it , according to the opposition Cumhuriyet newspaper and other media .
The independent T24 news website said police also fired blanks to disperse the crowd .
Several demonstrators were detained , according to Cumhuriyet .
Turkish authorities have restricted protests in the country in recent years , citing security .
Police had set up barricades on all streets leading to Istiklal and closed down the nearest subway stop .
In Pakistan , however , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country , despite petitions filed in court seeking to stop them .
The opposition was stirred in part by controversy over a slogan used in last year ’ s march : “ My Body , My Choice.
” Some conservative groups had threatened to stop this year ’ s marches by force .
But Pakistani officials pledged to protest the marchers .
The rallies are notable in a conservative country where women often do not feel safe in public places because of open harassment .
The main Islamic political party , Jamaat-e-Islami @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the march .
One of the largest demonstrations occurred in Chile , where crowds thousands flooded the streets of the capital with dancing , music and angry demands for gender equality and an end to violence against women .
“ They kill us , they rape us and nobody does anything , ” some chanted .
National police estimated 125,000 took part in the capital and nearly 35,000 in other cities , but organizers said the crowds were far larger .
Scattered clashes broke out at points when demonstrators threw rocks at police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Many protesters demanded that a proposed new constitution strengthen rights for women and thousands wore green scarves in a show of support for activists in neighboring Argentina , which is considering a proposal to legalize elective abortion .
Tens of thousands of women also marched through Paris , inveighing against the “ virus of the patriarchy.
” “ Enough impunity !
” chanted some activists , who focused on France ’ s unusually high rate of women killed by their husbands .
Last year , one woman was killed every two or three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the government is increasing efforts to crack down on domestic violence .
“ They should provide resources for shelters for women , victim of violence , real resources , human resources , also prevention programs for violent men , ” union activist Julia Parbotin said .
Thousands of women also marched in Madrid and other Spanish cities , despite concern over the spread of the new coronavirus .
A massive banner reading , “ With rights , without barriers .
Feminists without frontiers ” in Spanish was carried at the front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spanish health authorities said did not put any restrictions on the march , but recommended that anyone with symptoms similar to those of the coronavirus stay home .
At a school in East London , meanwhile , the duchess of Sussex , Meghan Markle , joined students in listening to speeches about women labor activists , and urged both girls and boys to respect the contributions of women every day of the year .
“ For young men … you have your mothers , sisters , girlfriends , friends in your life — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feeling valued and safe , ” she told the students .
But safety was in short supply at some events to mark the day .
The detonation of explosives triggered panic at a ceremony in Bamenda , an English-speaking town in the northwest of Cameroon .
Suspicions focused on separatists who had vowed to disrupt the events .
No one was killed or wounded .
Police in Bishek , the capital city of Kyrgyzstan , detained about 60 people after a group of unidentified men broke up what authorities called an unauthorized rally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s main square to express support for women ’ s and children ’ s rights .
But unidentified men barged into the gathering .
Police said people from both sides were detained , but news reports said they were primarily women .
They were released several hours later , after about 10 had been charged with resisting police , the Akipress news agency reported , citing an attorney .

NEW YORK — From the streets of Manila to the plazas of Santiago, Chile, people around the world marked International Women’s Day on Sunday with calls to end exploitation and increase equality.
But tensions marred some celebrations, with police reportedly using tear gas to break up a demonstration by thousands of women in Turkey and security forces arresting demonstrators at a rally in Kyrgyzstan.
“In many different ways or forms, women are being exploited and taken advantage of,” Arlene Brosas, the representative of a Filipino advocacy group said during a rally that drew hundreds to the area near the presidential palace. Protesters called for higher pay and job security, and demanded that President Rodrigo Duterte respect women’s rights.
Turkish riot police tear gas to disperse thousands of demonstrators who, in defiance of a government ban, tried to march along Istanbul’s main pedestrian street to mark International Women’s Day, media reports said.
Turkish authorities declared Istiklal street, near Istanbul’s main Taksim square, off-limits, and said the planned march down the avenue was unauthorized. Thousands of demonstrators, most of them women, gathered near Istiklal regardless and tried to break through police barricades to reach it, according to the opposition Cumhuriyet newspaper and other media.
The independent T24 news website said police also fired blanks to disperse the crowd.
Several demonstrators were detained, according to Cumhuriyet.
Turkish authorities have restricted protests in the country in recent years, citing security. Police had set up barricades on all streets leading to Istiklal and closed down the nearest subway stop.
In Pakistan, however, women managed to rally in cities across the country, despite petitions filed in court seeking to stop them. The opposition was stirred in part by controversy over a slogan used in last year’s march: “My Body, My Choice.”
Some conservative groups had threatened to stop this year’s marches by force. But Pakistani officials pledged to protest the marchers. The rallies are notable in a conservative country where women often do not feel safe in public places because of open harassment. The main Islamic political party, Jamaat-e-Islami, organized its own rallies to counter the march.
One of the largest demonstrations occurred in Chile, where crowds thousands flooded the streets of the capital with dancing, music and angry demands for gender equality and an end to violence against women.
“They kill us, they rape us and nobody does anything,” some chanted.
National police estimated 125,000 took part in the capital and nearly 35,000 in other cities, but organizers said the crowds were far larger. Scattered clashes broke out at points when demonstrators threw rocks at police, who responded with water cannon.
Many protesters demanded that a proposed new constitution strengthen rights for women and thousands wore green scarves in a show of support for activists in neighboring Argentina, which is considering a proposal to legalize elective abortion.
Tens of thousands of women also marched through Paris, inveighing against the “virus of the patriarchy.”
“Enough impunity!” chanted some activists, who focused on France’s unusually high rate of women killed by their husbands. Last year, one woman was killed every two or three days by a current or former partner, and the government is increasing efforts to crack down on domestic violence.
“They should provide resources for shelters for women, victim of violence, real resources, human resources, also prevention programs for violent men,” union activist Julia Parbotin said.
Thousands of women also marched in Madrid and other Spanish cities, despite concern over the spread of the new coronavirus.
A massive banner reading, “With rights, without barriers. Feminists without frontiers” in Spanish was carried at the front of the march in the capital.
Spanish health authorities said did not put any restrictions on the march, but recommended that anyone with symptoms similar to those of the coronavirus stay home.
At a school in East London, meanwhile, the duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, joined students in listening to speeches about women labor activists, and urged both girls and boys to respect the contributions of women every day of the year.
“For young men … you have your mothers, sisters, girlfriends, friends in your life — protect them. Make sure they are feeling valued and safe,” she told the students.
But safety was in short supply at some events to mark the day.
The detonation of explosives triggered panic at a ceremony in Bamenda, an English-speaking town in the northwest of Cameroon. Suspicions focused on separatists who had vowed to disrupt the events. No one was killed or wounded.
Police in Bishek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan, detained about 60 people after a group of unidentified men broke up what authorities called an unauthorized rally.
Demonstrators had gathered in the city’s main square to express support for women’s and children’s rights. But unidentified men barged into the gathering. Police said people from both sides were detained, but news reports said they were primarily women. They were released several hours later, after about 10 had been charged with resisting police, the Akipress news agency reported, citing an attorney.


thedenverpost--2020-03-08--Avalanche’s Nikita Zadorov scratched again in San Jose

SAN JOSE , Calif. — The Avalanche , which had its nine-game points streak snapped Friday in a 6-3 loss @ @ @ @ @ with the same lineup in Sunday ’ s game at SAP Center against the Sharks @ @ @ @ @ Zadorov will again be a healthy scratch — marking the third time this season for @ @ @ @ @ ( by Buffalo ) was bumped out of the lineup .
He will again be @ @ @ @ @ who has played 38 games with the Colorado Eagles of the American Hockey League this @ @ @ @ @ , was benched in Wednesday ’ s 4-3 overtime loss to Anaheim after the Ducks @ @ @ @ @ first nine shifts .
Colorado ( 40-19-8 , 88 points ) has another chance Sunday @ @ @ @ @ 40-18-10 , 90 points ) atop the Central Division and Western Conference standings .
The @ @ @ @ @ one more game than the Avs , play earlier Sunday at Chicago .

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Avalanche, which had its nine-game points streak snapped Friday in a 6-3 loss at Vancouver, will stick with the same lineup in Sunday’s game at SAP Center against the Sharks.
Thus, defenseman Nikita Zadorov will again be a healthy scratch — marking the third time this season for the former first-round draft pick (by Buffalo) was bumped out of the lineup. He will again be replaced by Kevin Connauton, who has played 38 games with the Colorado Eagles of the American Hockey League this season.
Zadorov, 24, was benched in Wednesday’s 4-3 overtime loss to Anaheim after the Ducks scored on three of his first nine shifts.
Jared Bednar sound bites after AM skate in San Jose #Avs pic.twitter.com/qrJDmCr23n — Mike Chambers (@MikeChambers) March 8, 2020
Colorado (40-19-8, 88 points) has another chance Sunday to tie St. Louis (40-18-10, 90 points) atop the Central Division and Western Conference standings. The Blues, who have played one more game than the Avs, play earlier Sunday at Chicago.