thedenverpost--2020-06-07--Underestimated but undeterred: Colorado State legend Becky Hammon is on a path like no other

Editor ’ s note : Last of a five-part series on Colorado basketball icons .
Today : Becky Hammon The resistance , in the form of obstacles shirked and ceilings shattered , is what makes Becky Hammon ’ s story special .
To get to where she ’ s at now , as the first full-time female assistant coach in NBA history , Hammon had to carve her own path .
The unassuming point guard from Rapid City , South Dakota didn ’ t have any major college programs interested in her .
Despite her heady play and gifted ability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of hours shooting on the weathered hoop in her driveway – she had a huge disadvantage standing at 5-foot-6 .
But former Colorado State assistant Kari Gallegos-Doering recalled seeing her for the first time .
It was at a weekend showcase in Denver , and major programs were represented .
“ And so there was a kid named Nikki Weddle , ” Gallegos-Doering remembered .
“ Everybody was there to watch Nikki.
” But Hammon , who happened to be on Weddle ’ s team , kept elevating her teammates and dicing her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another assistant coach who had watched the showcase , both were struck by Hammon ’ s basketball IQ .
“ We were both like , ‘ Who was this little player from South Dakota that was playing with Nikki ?
” Gallegos-Doering said .
“ My gosh.
” Hammon was later invited to a more prestigious showcase in Indiana , where she was selected to the event ’ s all-star team .
Gallegos-Doering had an inkling of what might be coming , even as Hammon took on bigger-name players , including high school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there making them look bad , ” she said .
“ Putting moves on them , going to the rim , finishing the way she did , and the girls are running down the floor shaking their head.
” Proximity and comfort landed her at Colorado State , where Hammon helped turn a middling program into a WAC powerhouse , leading the Rams to three NCAA tournaments and the Sweet 16 in 1999 .
She owns the school ’ s career record for points , 3-pointers and assists , and her 2,740 points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in conference history .
Her tenure , marked by clever finishes , no-look passes and an infectious energy , helped stuff Moby Arena to capacity .
As a freshman , Hammon had predicted to her teammates that they ’ d eventually be playing to sellout crowds .
“ You look for somebody who has that hunger , just that magic , ” Gallegos-Doering said .
“ I always said Becky has mojo .
She ’ s just flat-out got something special .
Michael Jordan has that mojo .
You can ’ t explain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guard it .
You can ’ t buy it .
You can ’ t try and practice it .
Some people have it , and she had it and she still has it .
She ’ s where she ’ s at because of it.
” And yet the three-time All-American was still overlooked in the WNBA draft .
She garnered an invitation to training camp with the New York Liberty and only survived the roster cuts after earning the respect of veterans such as Teresa Weatherspoon and Vickie Johnson .
Sue Bird @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 out of Connecticut three years later , remembers exactly where she was when the two first crossed paths .
Former Liberty and UConn star Rebecca Lobo organized a dinner that Bird attended while she was still in college .
“ As a basketball player growing up in New York and seeing somebody , a professional athlete who played for the Liberty , I was almost in awe , ” Bird said .
“ I was like ‘ Oh , ( wow ) this is Becky Hammon.
’ ” That was the type @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
With New York , Hammon went to three WNBA finals and made three All-Star teams , morphing from an integral role player to a burgeoning star .
Once she was traded to San Antonio in 2007 , more All-Star appearances followed and the Stars reached their only Finals appearance in franchise history .
She flourished in tight spaces and her precise handle made her a nightmare to stop in the open court .
Hammon now ranks fourth all-time in WNBA history for 3-pointers made and fifth all-time in assists .
Though Bird @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hammon has her enduring respect .
( Hammon did not respond to numerous attempts requesting comment for this story ) .
“ She ’ s someone that I think early on in her career she got underestimated , but she ’ s a killer , ” Bird said .
“ I think at her size , that ’ s probably a big reason she got underestimated .
But my favorite part of her game , I think a lot of people are going to watch her and see the shooting , which was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guard her out there , but , man , when she got in the lane , I don ’ t know that there ’ s a player that ’ s more fun to watch than Becky when she would drive into the lane .
You had to base your entire scouting report around that.
” Bird said Hammon ’ s finishing was reminiscent of Brooklyn ’ s Kyrie Irving , “ The spins … Becky ’ s the exact same , ” Bird said .
“ But she was doing it before him.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ respect comes in .
Not only did her peers – from both the WNBA and NBA – recognize her talent , but she revealed a lot of her mettle when she was left off the U.S. Olympic team in 2008 .
Though snubbed by her country , Hammon was already playing in Russia during the WNBA offseason and accepted a spot on its national team .
She even became a Russian citizen , which , to Bird , who also played there , meant an advantage .
“ I think all athletes we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , and it was also a business opportunity , ” Bird said .
The fact that Hammon could play as a European made her more attractive to teams because there are limits to how many Americans can play on a team .
“ So , that presents even more opportunity in terms of teams , which is more money , right ?
” Bird explained .
“ You have more people who can sign you , it ’ s going to become a bidding war .
So I think for Becky it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sense .
She got ( grief ) for it , which I think was totally unwarranted .
“ My favorite part of that Olympics was when the national anthem played for the U.S. ( during the gold medal ceremony ) , Becky had her hand on her heart , ” Bird said .
“ Becky sang along .
It wasn ’ t that she wasn ’ t American anymore.
” But Russia had medaled , too .
Hammon beamed at the ceremony , gripping her bronze medal with pride .
She ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s fair to assume that Hammon ’ s breadth of experiences , in addition to her success , were what first got the attention of Spurs ’ coach Gregg Popovich .
A chance encounter between the two on the way home from the 2012 London Olympics started the conversation .
By the end of their flight , Popovich was considering hiring her as an assistant .
While Hammon was rehabbing a torn ACL in 2013 , Popovich allowed her to sit in on practices .
Practices soon became film sessions , and before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pop .
“ That ’ s when I knew , if I had an opportunity , I wanted to put her on staff , ” Popovich told The New Yorker .
In 2014 , he did .
This was no gimmick or publicity stunt .
Popovich said he didn ’ t play that game .
Former Spurs wing Danny Green said there were growing pains but Hammon learned quickly .
She needed to digest scouting reports , learn NBA personnel and develop organic relationships with the veteran Spurs .
“ It doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like it to , but we had so many vets that respected her , ” Green said .
“ Not just as a coach but as a player.
” Green , a two-time NBA champion with the Spurs and the Raptors , lauded Hammon as a coach .
One of the five best he ’ s ever had , assistant or otherwise , he said .
“ It wasn ’ t like , ‘ Oh , this is Becky , or that ’ s our female coach , ’ ” Green said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or Coach Hammon or Becky ’ , she ’ s got some good stuff , see Becky about this or talk to her about that.
” But what made her so appealing to Popovich – and to those who knew her at Colorado State and in the WNBA – is her affability .
Hammon has the ability to connect .
“ She ’ s always been the type of person that transcends , ” said Gallegos-Doering .
“ I always said , if anybody ’ s going to be the barrier breaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how to work with different types of people , it would be Becky .
Money on it , hands down .
It ’ s Becky.
” Added Bird : “ She ’ s really funny…We joke about movies , but then also she doesn ’ t miss a beat with what ’ s happening around her.
” That ’ s an essential quality for Popovich , whose wit makes his biting tongue palatable .
“ You have to do some dinners with Pop , ” Green said .
“ But you also have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trash talk ) and give it back .
… The biggest thing is he wants to see if you can stand up for yourself , have a sense of humor and obviously be able to handle a bottle of wine .
But also , understand the game , understand life and how his mind works and be able to have your own input without being scared to say something.
” “ She ’ s gon na make a great 30 for 30 someday , ” Gallegos-Doering said .
“ She really is .
@

Editor’s note: Last of a five-part series on Colorado basketball icons. Today: Becky Hammon
By definition, trailblazers don’t take traditional routes.
The resistance, in the form of obstacles shirked and ceilings shattered, is what makes Becky Hammon’s story special. To get to where she’s at now, as the first full-time female assistant coach in NBA history, Hammon had to carve her own path.
The unassuming point guard from Rapid City, South Dakota didn’t have any major college programs interested in her. Despite her heady play and gifted ability to finish at the rim – born of hours shooting on the weathered hoop in her driveway – she had a huge disadvantage standing at 5-foot-6.
But former Colorado State assistant Kari Gallegos-Doering recalled seeing her for the first time. It was at a weekend showcase in Denver, and major programs were represented.
“And so there was a kid named Nikki Weddle,” Gallegos-Doering remembered. “Everybody was there to watch Nikki.”
But Hammon, who happened to be on Weddle’s team, kept elevating her teammates and dicing her opponents. When Gallegos-Doering compared notes with another assistant coach who had watched the showcase, both were struck by Hammon’s basketball IQ.
“We were both like, ‘Who was this little player from South Dakota that was playing with Nikki?” Gallegos-Doering said. “My gosh.”
Hammon was later invited to a more prestigious showcase in Indiana, where she was selected to the event’s all-star team. Gallegos-Doering had an inkling of what might be coming, even as Hammon took on bigger-name players, including high school All-Americans.
“She’s out there making them look bad,” she said. “Putting moves on them, going to the rim, finishing the way she did, and the girls are running down the floor shaking their head.”
Proximity and comfort landed her at Colorado State, where Hammon helped turn a middling program into a WAC powerhouse, leading the Rams to three NCAA tournaments and the Sweet 16 in 1999. She owns the school’s career record for points, 3-pointers and assists, and her 2,740 points ranks first, male or female, in conference history.
Her tenure, marked by clever finishes, no-look passes and an infectious energy, helped stuff Moby Arena to capacity. As a freshman, Hammon had predicted to her teammates that they’d eventually be playing to sellout crowds.
“You look for somebody who has that hunger, just that magic,” Gallegos-Doering said. “I always said Becky has mojo. She’s just flat-out got something special. Michael Jordan has that mojo. You can’t explain it, you certainly can’t guard it. You can’t buy it. You can’t try and practice it. Some people have it, and she had it and she still has it. She’s where she’s at because of it.”
* * *
And yet the three-time All-American was still overlooked in the WNBA draft. She garnered an invitation to training camp with the New York Liberty and only survived the roster cuts after earning the respect of veterans such as Teresa Weatherspoon and Vickie Johnson.
Sue Bird, who would be drafted No. 1 out of Connecticut three years later, remembers exactly where she was when the two first crossed paths. Former Liberty and UConn star Rebecca Lobo organized a dinner that Bird attended while she was still in college.
“As a basketball player growing up in New York and seeing somebody, a professional athlete who played for the Liberty, I was almost in awe,” Bird said. “I was like ‘Oh, (wow) this is Becky Hammon.’”
That was the type of admiration Hammon inspired among her peers. With New York, Hammon went to three WNBA finals and made three All-Star teams, morphing from an integral role player to a burgeoning star. Once she was traded to San Antonio in 2007, more All-Star appearances followed and the Stars reached their only Finals appearance in franchise history. She flourished in tight spaces and her precise handle made her a nightmare to stop in the open court.
Hammon now ranks fourth all-time in WNBA history for 3-pointers made and fifth all-time in assists. Though Bird has the edge in both categories, Hammon has her enduring respect. (Hammon did not respond to numerous attempts requesting comment for this story).
“She’s someone that I think early on in her career she got underestimated, but she’s a killer,” Bird said. “I think at her size, that’s probably a big reason she got underestimated. But my favorite part of her game, I think a lot of people are going to watch her and see the shooting, which was deep and consistent, you had to guard her out there, but, man, when she got in the lane, I don’t know that there’s a player that’s more fun to watch than Becky when she would drive into the lane. You had to base your entire scouting report around that.”
Bird said Hammon’s finishing was reminiscent of Brooklyn’s Kyrie Irving,
“The spins … Becky’s the exact same,” Bird said. “But she was doing it before him.”
And that’s where the respect comes in. Not only did her peers – from both the WNBA and NBA – recognize her talent, but she revealed a lot of her mettle when she was left off the U.S. Olympic team in 2008. Though snubbed by her country, Hammon was already playing in Russia during the WNBA offseason and accepted a spot on its national team. She even became a Russian citizen, which, to Bird, who also played there, meant an advantage.
“I think all athletes we dream of (playing in the Olympics), and it was also a business opportunity,” Bird said.
The fact that Hammon could play as a European made her more attractive to teams because there are limits to how many Americans can play on a team.
“So, that presents even more opportunity in terms of teams, which is more money, right?” Bird explained. “You have more people who can sign you, it’s going to become a bidding war. So I think for Becky it checked a lot of boxes that made sense. She got (grief) for it, which I think was totally unwarranted.
“My favorite part of that Olympics was when the national anthem played for the U.S. (during the gold medal ceremony), Becky had her hand on her heart,” Bird said. “Becky sang along. It wasn’t that she wasn’t American anymore.”
But Russia had medaled, too. Hammon beamed at the ceremony, gripping her bronze medal with pride. She’d done it her way.
* * *
It’s fair to assume that Hammon’s breadth of experiences, in addition to her success, were what first got the attention of Spurs’ coach Gregg Popovich. A chance encounter between the two on the way home from the 2012 London Olympics started the conversation. By the end of their flight, Popovich was considering hiring her as an assistant.
While Hammon was rehabbing a torn ACL in 2013, Popovich allowed her to sit in on practices. Practices soon became film sessions, and before long, Hammon was willing to challenge Pop.
“That’s when I knew, if I had an opportunity, I wanted to put her on staff,” Popovich told The New Yorker.
In 2014, he did. This was no gimmick or publicity stunt. Popovich said he didn’t play that game.
Former Spurs wing Danny Green said there were growing pains but Hammon learned quickly. She needed to digest scouting reports, learn NBA personnel and develop organic relationships with the veteran Spurs.
“It doesn’t go as smoothly as they would like it to, but we had so many vets that respected her,” Green said. “Not just as a coach but as a player.”
Green, a two-time NBA champion with the Spurs and the Raptors, lauded Hammon as a coach. One of the five best he’s ever had, assistant or otherwise, he said.
“It wasn’t like, ‘Oh, this is Becky, or that’s our female coach,’” Green said. “It was like, ‘Coach, or Coach Hammon or Becky’, she’s got some good stuff, see Becky about this or talk to her about that.”
But what made her so appealing to Popovich – and to those who knew her at Colorado State and in the WNBA – is her affability. Hammon has the ability to connect.
“She’s always been the type of person that transcends,” said Gallegos-Doering. “I always said, if anybody’s going to be the barrier breaker because they can get along and know how to work with different types of people, it would be Becky. Money on it, hands down. It’s Becky.”
Added Bird: “She’s really funny…We joke about movies, but then also she doesn’t miss a beat with what’s happening around her.”
That’s an essential quality for Popovich, whose wit makes his biting tongue palatable.
“You have to do some dinners with Pop,” Green said. “But you also have to be able to take his (trash talk) and give it back. … The biggest thing is he wants to see if you can stand up for yourself, have a sense of humor and obviously be able to handle a bottle of wine. But also, understand the game, understand life and how his mind works and be able to have your own input without being scared to say something.”
Hammon never was.
“She’s gonna make a great 30 for 30 someday,” Gallegos-Doering said. “She really is.”


thedenverpost--2020-06-07--Colorado school finance act advances, but with many questions about proposed property tax change

If you think Colorado ’ s school funding picture looks bad this year , just wait until next year .
@ @ @ @ @ of the House K.C .
Becker made Saturday to members of the House Education Committee @ @ @ @ @ tax change should be included in the Public School Finance Act .
The change wouldn @ @ @ @ @ extra revenue this year or next , but it would create a mechanism that future @ @ @ @ @ more of the cost of K-12 education to school districts and local taxpayers .
The @ @ @ @ @ to send the School Finance Act to the House , with just one Republican joining @ @ @ @ @ The bill still needs to pass the full House and the Senate before going to @ @ @ @ @ .
Visit Chalkbeat for the rest of the story .

If you think Colorado’s school funding picture looks bad this year, just wait until next year.
That was the case Speaker of the House K.C. Becker made Saturday to members of the House Education Committee for why a complicated property tax change should be included in the Public School Finance Act.
The change wouldn’t bring in any extra revenue this year or next, but it would create a mechanism that future legislators could use to shift more of the cost of K-12 education to school districts and local taxpayers.
The House Education Committee voted 9-4 to send the School Finance Act to the House, with just one Republican joining Democrats in voting yes. The bill still needs to pass the full House and the Senate before going to the governor’s desk.
Visit Chalkbeat for the rest of the story.


thedenverpost--2020-06-07--Why Broncos fans are going to fall in love with KJ Hamler — instantly

You ’ ll hear him .
You ’ ll hear him just before you smell the burn , right after the comet ’ s tail tickles your nose .
KJ Hamler brings the kind of trash to the party that puts a B-movie marathon to shame .
The only thing quicker than the kid ’ s yap is his feet .
“ On the way to the game , he ’ s so focused , ” explained Jeff Phillips , the Broncos rookie receiver ’ s position coach at St. Mary ’ s Prep in Orchard Lake Village , Mich. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Lord.
” You couldn ’ t check me in a phone booth .
Dude nailed Phillips with that last one .
“ He ’ ll start to crack jokes on me , making fun of me , ” Phillips chuckled .
“ I ’ m one of those 30-somethings that went bald .
He ’ d ask me where the hair went .
“ In practice , he ’ d try to get me to come out there .
I played a while ago .
There was a time I would go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kids .
I ’ m 39 .
I know when not to do it.
” “ He told one kid .
‘ You ( stink ) , ’ ” longtime mentor and youth coach Reggie Wynns said .
“ He said , ‘ I don ’ t know why you ’ re trying to guard me .
You ( stink ) .
’ “ He doesn ’ t talk trash like Michael Jordan .
But he ’ s a competitor .
He ’ s a player .
He ’ s a good guy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Always got his gab.
” Always pestering .
Always looking for a dig .
And a laugh .
This from a guy who used to lug around a “ Looney Tunes ” backpack and considers Bugs Bunny to be his spirit animal .
At Penn State , the newest Broncos speedster once used a campus emergency call box to ask for help because he ’ d gotten lost on campus and was late for a meeting .
Or so the legend goes .
You couldn ’ t make KJ Hamler up if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I ’ ve been the underdog my entire life , ” Hamler said .
“ I ’ ve always had something to prove just because of my size , so I had to develop in other areas to help out .
“ The ‘ dog ’ mentality is something I do on and off the field .
I don ’ t take anything from anybody .
I don ’ t back down to anybody .
It ’ s like a David-and-Goliath story .
I ’ m the smallest guy , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give you everything I ’ ve got.
” Wynns has about 100 Hamler stories .
None of them are boring .
Heck , most of them are even printable .
But if you want to get to the soul of KJ Hamler , if you want to see what makes the kid tick , Wynns rolls the clock back to about six summers ago , when the 5-foot-9 wideout was a precocious 10th-grader-to-be .
Hamler refers to Green Bay Packers receiver and former Michigan standout Devin Funchess , five years his senior , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pair having both grown up in suburban Detroit as part of Wynns ’ Rising Stars recruiting program .
So Funchess decides one off-season to bring one of his cocksure Wolverines teammates , Jabrill Peppers , back to the old neighborhood to run and train with the local kids .
When the 5-11 Peppers saw that he was assigned the not-quite-5-8-at-the-time Hamler , he took one look at the skinny receiver across the line and figured he was in for a soft afternoon .
“ Jabrill was like , ‘ Oh , shoot , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going play with ?
’ ” Wynns recalled .
“ And he ran by him , ” Phillips said .
“ ( Peppers ) tried to get him off the line .
He couldn ’ t do it.
” The next time they got matched up 1-on-1 , Wynns said , Peppers “ tried to just beat him up .
I said , ‘ Well , you ’ ve got to go through that.
’ ” The higher you set the bar , the more determined Hamler is to raise it .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) camp at Wayne State in June 2016 , Hamler and Ambry Thomas , then a Michigan commit , went after each other like a pair of mama badgers .
If the future Broncos wideout dropped a ball , he plopped down and did 10 push-ups on the spot .
“ He was always a good student , always worked hard , and that has always been his strong point , ” Wynns said .
“ If he had a bad game , he was going to have a better game the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work his butt off .
He hated losing.
” Hamler lost two of his best friends within an 18-month span .
In March 2017 , Solomon Bonner Jr. , just 14 , died from what authorities described as an accidental gunshot wound during a card game .
In August 2015 , Wynns ’ son Eric , a wide receiver at Saginaw Valley State , was killed in a 1-car crash while driving back to school .
“ My son was probably the same size as KJ , ” Reggie Wynns said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ KJ just followed him around .
“ Eric loved him .
Eric loved KJ , really loved KJ .
Took him under his wing , route-running with him .
It was tough .
( KJ ) just used every bit of energy , that negative energy , painful energy , just to be great.
” “ It focused him more , ” Phillips said .
“ It gave him more of a drive.
” Deep down , beneath the bluster and the burn , Hamler is a details ninja .
A free thinker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an artist ’ s eye .
At one point , Hamler taught himself to draw , freehand , pencil sketches of whatever tickled his muse .
Football players , usually .
Football anything .
That ’ s as close to introverted as Hamler gets .
The quick wit , like the quick feet , were gifts inherited from mom and dad .
Latonya Gooding , Hamler ’ s mother , is a natural in front of the camera .
She started posting birthday rap videos for KJ three years ago , a long-distance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while at the IMG Academy in Florida , half a country away from home .
Dad picks out the beat .
Mom writes and performs the lyrics .
“ But that ’ s going to be the last one in the NFL , ” Gooding cracked .
“ Now they ’ re going to kill him when he goes to training camp .
They ’ re going to blaze him if we do one for 21 ( next month ) .
“ Our personalities — especially mine — are really KJ ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What you see is what you get.
” If the birthday raps are any indication , Broncos fans are getting a cat they ’ re going to fall in love with .
Instantly .

You’ll hear him. You’ll hear him just before you smell the burn, right after the comet’s tail tickles your nose.
KJ Hamler brings the kind of trash to the party that puts a B-movie marathon to shame. The only thing quicker than the kid’s yap is his feet.
“On the way to the game, he’s so focused,” explained Jeff Phillips, the Broncos rookie receiver’s position coach at St. Mary’s Prep in Orchard Lake Village, Mich. “But after the game? Oh, Lord.”
You can’t guard me.
You couldn’t check me in a phone booth.
Hey, where’d your hair go?
Dude nailed Phillips with that last one.
“He’ll start to crack jokes on me, making fun of me,” Phillips chuckled. “I’m one of those 30-somethings that went bald. He’d ask me where the hair went. In practice, he’d try to get me to come out there. I played a while ago. There was a time I would go out and (run) with the kids. I’m 39. I know when not to do it.”
What’s the matter, coach? Scared?
“He told one kid. ‘You (stink),’” longtime mentor and youth coach Reggie Wynns said. “He said, ‘I don’t know why you’re trying to guard me. You (stink).’
“He doesn’t talk trash like Michael Jordan. But he’s a competitor. He’s a player. He’s a good guy to watch. Always running his mouth. Always got his gab.”
Always pestering. Always looking for a dig. And a laugh. This from a guy who used to lug around a “Looney Tunes” backpack and considers Bugs Bunny to be his spirit animal.
At Penn State, the newest Broncos speedster once used a campus emergency call box to ask for help because he’d gotten lost on campus and was late for a meeting. Or so the legend goes.
You couldn’t make KJ Hamler up if you tried. Let alone catch him.
“I’ve been the underdog my entire life,” Hamler said. “I’ve always had something to prove just because of my size, so I had to develop in other areas to help out.
“The ‘dog’ mentality is something I do on and off the field. I don’t take anything from anybody. I don’t back down to anybody. It’s like a David-and-Goliath story. I’m the smallest guy, the smallest frame. But I’ll give you everything I’ve got.”
* * *
Wynns has about 100 Hamler stories. None of them are boring. Heck, most of them are even printable.
But if you want to get to the soul of KJ Hamler, if you want to see what makes the kid tick, Wynns rolls the clock back to about six summers ago, when the 5-foot-9 wideout was a precocious 10th-grader-to-be.
Hamler refers to Green Bay Packers receiver and former Michigan standout Devin Funchess, five years his senior, as a “godbrother,” the pair having both grown up in suburban Detroit as part of Wynns’ Rising Stars recruiting program.
So Funchess decides one off-season to bring one of his cocksure Wolverines teammates, Jabrill Peppers, back to the old neighborhood to run and train with the local kids. When the 5-11 Peppers saw that he was assigned the not-quite-5-8-at-the-time Hamler, he took one look at the skinny receiver across the line and figured he was in for a soft afternoon.
“Jabrill was like, ‘Oh, shoot, this is the guy I’m going play with?’” Wynns recalled.
“And he ran by him,” Phillips said. “(Peppers) tried to get him off the line. He couldn’t do it.”
The next time they got matched up 1-on-1, Wynns said, Peppers “tried to just beat him up. I said, ‘Well, you’ve got to go through that.’”
The higher you set the bar, the more determined he is to raise it. At the Sound Mind Sound Body camp at Wayne State in June 2016, Hamler and Ambry Thomas, then a Michigan commit, went after each other like a pair of mama badgers. If the future Broncos wideout dropped a ball, he plopped down and did 10 push-ups on the spot.
“He was always a good student, always worked hard, and that has always been his strong point,” Wynns said. “If he had a bad game, he was going to have a better game the next (week). He was going to work his butt off. He hated losing.”
* * *
Hamler lost two of his best friends within an 18-month span. In March 2017, Solomon Bonner Jr., just 14, died from what authorities described as an accidental gunshot wound during a card game. In August 2015, Wynns’ son Eric, a wide receiver at Saginaw Valley State, was killed in a 1-car crash while driving back to school.
“My son was probably the same size as KJ,” Reggie Wynns said. “When he would train here, KJ just followed him around.
“Eric loved him. Eric loved KJ, really loved KJ. Took him under his wing, route-running with him. It was tough. (KJ) just used every bit of energy, that negative energy, painful energy, just to be great.”
“It focused him more,” Phillips said. “It gave him more of a drive.”
Deep down, beneath the bluster and the burn, Hamler is a details ninja. A free thinker with a poet’s heart and an artist’s eye.
At one point, Hamler taught himself to draw, freehand, pencil sketches of whatever tickled his muse. Football players, usually. Football anything.
That’s as close to introverted as Hamler gets. The quick wit, like the quick feet, were gifts inherited from mom and dad.
Latonya Gooding, Hamler’s mother, is a natural in front of the camera. She started posting birthday rap videos for KJ three years ago, a long-distance dedication to celebrate her son turning 18 while at the IMG Academy in Florida, half a country away from home.
Dad picks out the beat. Mom writes and performs the lyrics.
“But that’s going to be the last one in the NFL,” Gooding cracked. “Now they’re going to kill him when he goes to training camp. They’re going to blaze him if we do one for 21 (next month).
“Our personalities — especially mine — are really KJ’s. We’re just fun people. What you see is what you get.”
If the birthday raps are any indication, Broncos fans are getting a cat they’re going to fall in love with. Instantly.


thedenverpost--2020-06-07--The local softball legend of Laurin Krings: A behemoth home run, a state strikeout record and a perf

The local softball legend of Laurin Krings: A behemoth home run, a state strikeout record and a perfect game

The local legend of Laurin Krings was born at a regional tournament game in 2017 , where the then-sophomore cranked an almost 400-foot home run over the fence , past a parking lot and onto the roof of an elementary school .
That legend of the Missouri commit and two-time Gatorade state softball player of the year grew in 2018 , when the right-hander set an unofficial state record with 392 strikeouts .
And the legend was cemented in Krings ’ senior season , when the Loveland standout again recorded over 300 K ’ s and tossed a perfect game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dominant performances puts Krings among the state ’ s best prep softball players , alongside Rock Canyon ’ s Katie Dack ( Texas A & M ) and Columbine ’ s Korbe Otis , a Louisville commit who led the Rebels to the Class 5A state title in the fall .
“ I think she ’ s one of the top five best players in the whole Midwest , ” said her club coach , Larry Swift , of Nebraska Gold .
“ Being a two-way athlete , throwing 70-plus miles per hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then , you have to consider the bat is equally as powerful.
” Beyond her riseball , Krings ’ pitching repertoire also features a screwball , curveball/drop ball , changeup and backdoor curve .
But she didn ’ t need much besides the fastball and breaking ball to dominate high school hitters , accumulating a 65-17 record with a 0.98 ERA and 943 strikeouts in her career .
“ The defense hardly ever had to make a play , ” Loveland coach Mike Felton said .
“ About 700 times in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there.
” In Krings ’ perfect game against Rampart on October 19 of last year , she struck out the first 20 batters she faced before getting the final out via ground ball .
Not a bad cherry on the top of a record-setting prep career that Krings admits even she didn ’ t see coming .
“ I didn ’ t expect this sort of success coming in high school , because I was just playing the game to have fun , ” Krings said .
“ But playing for Nebraska Gold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summers ) helped a lot and helped me raise my game back in Colorado.
” Elana Gerhard , Krings ’ catcher since both players were eight years old , said her pitcher always had the tools .
But the dominance displayed over the past couple seasons — in which Krings also did adequate damage in the box , as the corner infielder/outfielder hit a combined .480 with 26 homers — was a result of a noticeable change in swagger .
“ Her junior and senior year , when she really started to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she had in herself , ” said Gerhard , a Hastings College commit .
“ She started to believe , and know , how talented she was… “ In that way she ’ s grown into the player she is .
She ’ s always had a high level of talent , but her maturity and composure in the box and on the mound has really improved.
” That maturity was tested during Krings ’ senior season , in which she racked up 38 intentional walks in 28 games .
The free passes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stretch of the regular season and into state , where Krings began the tournament with five intentional walks against Legacy , whom she had beaten single-handedly with a pair of solo home runs earlier in the year .
“ Basically the whole second half of her senior year , she didn ’ t get to hit , ” Felton said .
“ She ’ d walk up to the batter ’ s box , and sure enough the other coach would come out and point down to first .
Of course , all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And that became the routine for her.
” And , as the strikeouts mounted with Krings on the mound , the opposition became so desperate to avoid the K that bunting against the Indians became commonplace .
Felton estimates Loveland fielded an average of seven bunts a game in 2019 as the team made a quarterfinal run .
Now having clearly proven herself as a women-among-girls in high school play , the 18-year-old Krings hopes to make an impact as a two-way player at the next level in what is widely considered college @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SEC .
“ I ’ m definitely going to try to earn some time as a freshman , ” Krings said .

The local legend of Laurin Krings was born at a regional tournament game in 2017, where the then-sophomore cranked an almost 400-foot home run over the fence, past a parking lot and onto the roof of an elementary school.
That legend of the Missouri commit and two-time Gatorade state softball player of the year grew in 2018, when the right-hander set an unofficial state record with 392 strikeouts.
And the legend was cemented in Krings’ senior season, when the Loveland standout again recorded over 300 K’s and tossed a perfect game at regionals.
Such an accumulation of dominant performances puts Krings among the state’s best prep softball players, alongside Rock Canyon’s Katie Dack (Texas A&M) and Columbine’s Korbe Otis, a Louisville commit who led the Rebels to the Class 5A state title in the fall.
“I think she’s one of the top five best players in the whole Midwest,” said her club coach, Larry Swift, of Nebraska Gold. “Being a two-way athlete, throwing 70-plus miles per hour with the placement of her pitches — and then, you have to consider the bat is equally as powerful.”
Beyond her riseball, Krings’ pitching repertoire also features a screwball, curveball/drop ball, changeup and backdoor curve. But she didn’t need much besides the fastball and breaking ball to dominate high school hitters, accumulating a 65-17 record with a 0.98 ERA and 943 strikeouts in her career.
“The defense hardly ever had to make a play,” Loveland coach Mike Felton said. “About 700 times in the last couple seasons, they just stood there.”
In Krings’ perfect game against Rampart on October 19 of last year, she struck out the first 20 batters she faced before getting the final out via ground ball. Not a bad cherry on the top of a record-setting prep career that Krings admits even she didn’t see coming.
“I didn’t expect this sort of success coming in high school, because I was just playing the game to have fun,” Krings said. “But playing for Nebraska Gold in premier tournaments (the last couple summers) helped a lot and helped me raise my game back in Colorado.”
Elana Gerhard, Krings’ catcher since both players were eight years old, said her pitcher always had the tools. But the dominance displayed over the past couple seasons — in which Krings also did adequate damage in the box, as the corner infielder/outfielder hit a combined .480 with 26 homers — was a result of a noticeable change in swagger.
“Her junior and senior year, when she really started to take charge, there was a growing confidence she had in herself,” said Gerhard, a Hastings College commit. “She started to believe, and know, how talented she was…
“In that way she’s grown into the player she is. She’s always had a high level of talent, but her maturity and composure in the box and on the mound has really improved.”
That maturity was tested during Krings’ senior season, in which she racked up 38 intentional walks in 28 games. The free passes to avoid her power escalated down the stretch of the regular season and into state, where Krings began the tournament with five intentional walks against Legacy, whom she had beaten single-handedly with a pair of solo home runs earlier in the year.
“Basically the whole second half of her senior year, she didn’t get to hit,” Felton said. “She’d walk up to the batter’s box, and sure enough the other coach would come out and point down to first. Of course, all of our fans would start booing. And that became the routine for her.”
And, as the strikeouts mounted with Krings on the mound, the opposition became so desperate to avoid the K that bunting against the Indians became commonplace. Felton estimates Loveland fielded an average of seven bunts a game in 2019 as the team made a quarterfinal run.
Now having clearly proven herself as a women-among-girls in high school play, the 18-year-old Krings hopes to make an impact as a two-way player at the next level in what is widely considered college softball’s best conference, the SEC.
“I’m definitely going to try to earn some time as a freshman,” Krings said.


thedenverpost--2020-06-07--Broncos Insider: Five players Denver needs to bounce back, or break out, in 2020

The Broncos enter 2020 with arguably the most playoff promise since Peyton Manning retired .
Denver ’ s fortunes this season depend largely upon a handful of players emerging as big-time contributors .
So who is most likely to bounce back this fall , and who is most likely to break out ?
A look at five Broncos players in each category : Bradley Chubb , OLB — An obvious pick , Chubb missed the last 12 games of 2019 with a left ACL injury after setting the franchise rookie record for sacks in 2018 .
Year three should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RT — After knee issues ( a torn MCL and partially torn meniscus ) limited James to just 63 snaps across three games last year , the Broncos are counting on a healthy James to anchor the right side .
Bryce Callahan , CB — Like James , Callahan ’ s 2019 was a wash , as he didn ’ t play at all in his first year in Denver due to a foot injury .
He ’ s expected to be the starting outside corner in base packages opposite newcomer A.J .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Broncos declining Bolles ’ fifth-year option for 2021 sent him a clear message : It ’ s put up or shut up time .
He ’ ll have competition from Elijah Wilkinson for the job , which could push him to finally find consistency .
Von Miller , OLB — Miller made his eighth Pro Bowl last year but was held to eight sacks in 15 games , his lowest career total since 2013 , when he had five sacks .
Vonster may be hungrier for QBs than normal this year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ right ?
For the Broncos to get to where they want to go — showing the vaunted Chiefs they can at least keep pace in the division , and somehow making the playoffs — Lock must turn in a strong second season .
Noah Fant , TE — After catching 40 passes for 562 yards and three touchdowns as a rookie , Fant is set up to thrive in the system of new offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur .
Plus , Fant took large leaps of growth throughout 2019 .
Jerry Jeudy , WR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last year because opposing secondaries zeroed in on him .
But the speedy , dynamic Jeudy changes all that , and the first-round pick could be in for a big rookie year .
Lloyd Cushenberry , C — Another Broncos draft pick expected to start immediately , Cushenberry ’ s quick acclimation to the NFL from LSU will impact whether Lock and new running back Melvin Gordon can find their rhythms .
Alexander Johnson , ILB — If last year ’ s impressions were any indication , Johnson could be Denver ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to further emerge on a talented linebacking unit alongside Chubb and Miller .
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The lack of a normal offseason program has reminded Broncos coach Vic Fangio of the 2011 lockout and he hopes that experience will benefit his team when they are allowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Broncos fans are going to fall in love with KJ Hamler — instantly The only thing quicker than the feet of KJ Hamler , the Broncos ’ speedy rookie out of Penn State , is his wit .
Read more… For nine minutes , Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton was motionless .
For nine minutes , he rested on one knee , looking down at the ground .
For nine minutes on Saturday , a city ’ s professional football team and its citizens joined as one .
Read more… + Broncos Mailbag : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be the odd men out ?
+ Kiszla vs. O ’ Halloran : How many touchdowns will Broncos receiver KJ Hamler score as a rookie ?
+ Keeler : Will Vic Fangio ’ s comments on race and the NFL divide the Broncos locker room ?
+ NFL players both eager and anxious to return during coronavirus pandemic + Broncos GM John Elway will “ fully support ” players using their influence to create change + Broncos grinding away during virtual offseason program , unsure of when they will return to practice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We have to put some action behind our words ” + Broncos coach Vic Fangio clarifies comment about racism and discrimination in NFL + Broncos podcast : Reviewing Vic Fangio and Kareem Jackson ’ s comments on racism and discrimination , plus more analysis + Want to chat about the Broncos ?
Ask to join our closed discussion group on Facebook .
If you see something that ’ s cause for question or have a comment , thought or suggestion , email me at dboniface @ denverpost.com or tweet me @ danielboniface @

The Broncos enter 2020 with arguably the most playoff promise since Peyton Manning retired. Denver’s fortunes this season depend largely upon a handful of players emerging as big-time contributors.
So who is most likely to bounce back this fall, and who is most likely to break out? A look at five Broncos players in each category:
Bounce-back contenders
Bradley Chubb, OLB — An obvious pick, Chubb missed the last 12 games of 2019 with a left ACL injury after setting the franchise rookie record for sacks in 2018. Year three should be monstrous.
Ja’Wuan James, RT — After knee issues (a torn MCL and partially torn meniscus) limited James to just 63 snaps across three games last year, the Broncos are counting on a healthy James to anchor the right side.
Bryce Callahan, CB — Like James, Callahan’s 2019 was a wash, as he didn’t play at all in his first year in Denver due to a foot injury. He’s expected to be the starting outside corner in base packages opposite newcomer A.J. Bouye.
Garett Bolles, LT — The Broncos declining Bolles’ fifth-year option for 2021 sent him a clear message: It’s put up or shut up time. He’ll have competition from Elijah Wilkinson for the job, which could push him to finally find consistency.
Von Miller, OLB — Miller made his eighth Pro Bowl last year but was held to eight sacks in 15 games, his lowest career total since 2013, when he had five sacks. Vonster may be hungrier for QBs than normal this year.
Break-out contenders
Drew Lock, QB — Duh, right? For the Broncos to get to where they want to go — showing the vaunted Chiefs they can at least keep pace in the division, and somehow making the playoffs — Lock must turn in a strong second season.
Noah Fant, TE — After catching 40 passes for 562 yards and three touchdowns as a rookie, Fant is set up to thrive in the system of new offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur. Plus, Fant took large leaps of growth throughout 2019.
Jerry Jeudy, WR — Courtland Sutton was contained at times last year because opposing secondaries zeroed in on him. But the speedy, dynamic Jeudy changes all that, and the first-round pick could be in for a big rookie year.
Lloyd Cushenberry, C — Another Broncos draft pick expected to start immediately, Cushenberry’s quick acclimation to the NFL from LSU will impact whether Lock and new running back Melvin Gordon can find their rhythms.
Alexander Johnson, ILB — If last year’s impressions were any indication, Johnson could be Denver’s latest diamond-in-the-rough undrafted signing. Expect him to further emerge on a talented linebacking unit alongside Chubb and Miller.
— Kyle Newman, The Denver Post
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What’s on tap?
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Ask the Expert
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Tap here to ask Ryan O’Halloran.
Must-Read
The lack of a normal offseason program has reminded Broncos coach Vic Fangio of the 2011 lockout and he hopes that experience will benefit his team when they are allowed to start training camp. Read more…
The only thing quicker than the feet of KJ Hamler, the Broncos’ speedy rookie out of Penn State, is his wit. Read more…
For nine minutes, Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton was motionless. For nine minutes, he rested on one knee, looking down at the ground. For nine minutes on Saturday, a city’s professional football team and its citizens joined as one. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Broncos Mailbag: Six or seven receivers — and who will be the odd men out?
+ Kiszla vs. O’Halloran: How many touchdowns will Broncos receiver KJ Hamler score as a rookie?
+ Keeler: Will Vic Fangio’s comments on race and the NFL divide the Broncos locker room?
+ NFL players both eager and anxious to return during coronavirus pandemic
+ Broncos GM John Elway will “fully support” players using their influence to create change
+ Broncos grinding away during virtual offseason program, unsure of when they will return to practice field
+ Broncos safety Kareem Jackson: “We have to put some action behind our words”
+ Broncos coach Vic Fangio clarifies comment about racism and discrimination in NFL
+ Broncos’ rookie Michael Ojemudia shows strong upside at cornerback
+ Broncos podcast: Reviewing Vic Fangio and Kareem Jackson’s comments on racism and discrimination, plus more analysis
+ Want to chat about the Broncos? Ask to join our closed discussion group on Facebook.
Get in Touch
If you see something that’s cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at dboniface@denverpost.com or tweet me @danielboniface.


thedenverpost--2020-06-07--NFL Journal: Current shutdown reminds Fangio of 2011 lockout

The lack of a normal offseason program has reminded Broncos coach Vic Fangio of the 2011 lockout and he hopes that experience will benefit his team when they are allowed to start training camp .
“ I ’ m not too worked up or worried about where we ’ re at vs. where we could be , ” he said .
“ From a football standpoint , it ’ s very similar to ( 2011 ) .
” The coronavirus pandemic shut down the NFL in mid-March and players are still prohibited from entering the team facility .
The main @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams are allowed to have video conference meetings .
Nine years ago ?
Nothing .
The condensed timeline of July 2011 was wild when looking back .
July 25 : The new collective bargaining agreement was finalized .
July 26 : Facilities opened , rosters increased to 90 players ( from 80 ) , teams could begin signing draft picks and college free agents and they could begin negotiating with other team ’ s free agents .
July 29 : Teams could sign unrestricted free agents , but those players couldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the San Francisco 49ers ’ new defensive coordinator for new coach Jim Harbaugh .
“ We didn ’ t meet our players until training camp started , ” he said .
“ We did fine that year ( 13-3 ) .
I don ’ t see it as a big issue.
” In 2011 , teams still played a full preseason , which allowed them to trim the roster down with a full body of evidence .
That may not happen this year .
Lock leading sessions .
Fangio said on Tuesday that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throwing sessions away from the Broncos ’ facility .
Tight end/fullback Andrew Beck said the gatherings have been beneficial .
“ Right now , the best we ’ ve been able to do is see ( the plays ) on tape and then walking through them and talking through them as a small group , ” Beck said on Thursday .
“ Getting together with Drew and ( tight end ) Noah ( Fant ) and ( running back ) Phillip ( Lindsay ) has shown up , a small group working through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bucs plan ?
Tampa Bay coach Bruce Arians told reporters his offense is moving toward “ 12 ” personnel ( 1RB/2WR/2TE ) as the base personnel package .
The Buccaneers have Rob Gronkowski , O.J .
Howard and Cameron Brate as their top tight ends .
By trading fullback Andy Janovich in March , the Broncos semi-declared that they will be a one-back team .
Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur could get Fant and Nick Vannett on the field at the same time .
He could use Vannett as an in-line player next to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to probe favorable match-ups .
Atwater collection .
Prior to entering the Pro Football Hall of Fame , inductees provide memorabilia to be displayed in Canton , Ohio .
Former Broncos safety Steve Atwater has donated seven items : One game ball ( January 1999 AFC title game win over the New York Jets ) , two helmets ( Arkansas and Broncos ) and five jerseys ( 1994 Pro Bowl , orange and blue Broncos and red and white from Arkansas ) .
Floyd Little fundraiser .
A college teammate of former Broncos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Little started a Go Fund Me drive last week after revealing Little is fighting cancer .
As of Friday afternoon , 332 donors have donated more than $ 68,000 toward the goal of $ 250,000 .
Top receiver sidelined .
Clemson ’ s Justyn Ross was already being projected as a first-round pick in next year ’ s draft following 112 catches for 1,865 yards and 17 touchdowns in his first two years .
But he has been ruled out for the upcoming season because of what coach Dabo Swinney called a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ross has had since birth .
He was scheduled for surgery on Friday .
Kuechly ’ s new chapter .
Retired Carolina linebacker Luke Kuechly has quickly moved to his second career , staying with the Panthers as a pro scout .
“ I think it will be different in the sense that we ’ re not necessarily looking for scheme as we are players , ” he told the team ’ s website .
“ Are the players good ?
What ’ s their skill set ?
What are they good at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a guy like ( running back ) Christian ( McCaffrey ) .
It ’ s like , ‘ All right , he ’ s really explosive , he ’ s dangerous in the open field , he catches the ball extremely well out of the backfield ( and ) he ’ s a match-up problem for linebackers.
’ I think it ’ s going to be more like that .
”

The lack of a normal offseason program has reminded Broncos coach Vic Fangio of the 2011 lockout and he hopes that experience will benefit his team when they are allowed to start training camp.
“I’m not too worked up or worried about where we’re at vs. where we could be,” he said. “From a football standpoint, it’s very similar to (2011).”
The coronavirus pandemic shut down the NFL in mid-March and players are still prohibited from entering the team facility. The main difference between 2011 and this year is teams are allowed to have video conference meetings. Nine years ago? Nothing.
The condensed timeline of July 2011 was wild when looking back.
July 25: The new collective bargaining agreement was finalized.
July 26: Facilities opened, rosters increased to 90 players (from 80), teams could begin signing draft picks and college free agents and they could begin negotiating with other team’s free agents.
July 28: The start of unpadded practices.
July 29: Teams could sign unrestricted free agents, but those players couldn’t practice until Aug. 4.
Fangio was the San Francisco 49ers’ new defensive coordinator for new coach Jim Harbaugh.
“We didn’t meet our players until training camp started,” he said. “We did fine that year (13-3). I don’t see it as a big issue.”
In 2011, teams still played a full preseason, which allowed them to trim the roster down with a full body of evidence. That may not happen this year.
Lock leading sessions. Fangio said on Tuesday that quarterback Drew Lock was gathering teammates for throwing sessions away from the Broncos’ facility. Tight end/fullback Andrew Beck said the gatherings have been beneficial.
“Right now, the best we’ve been able to do is see (the plays) on tape and then walking through them and talking through them as a small group,” Beck said on Thursday. “Getting together with Drew and (tight end) Noah (Fant) and (running back) Phillip (Lindsay) has shown up, a small group working through each play to remember it.”
Mirroring Bucs plan? Tampa Bay coach Bruce Arians told reporters his offense is moving toward “12” personnel (1RB/2WR/2TE) as the base personnel package. The Buccaneers have Rob Gronkowski, O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate as their top tight ends.
By trading fullback Andy Janovich in March, the Broncos semi-declared that they will be a one-back team. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur could get Fant and Nick Vannett on the field at the same time. He could use Vannett as an in-line player next to the offensive tackle and move Fant around to probe favorable match-ups.
Atwater collection. Prior to entering the Pro Football Hall of Fame, inductees provide memorabilia to be displayed in Canton, Ohio. Former Broncos safety Steve Atwater has donated seven items: One game ball (January 1999 AFC title game win over the New York Jets), two helmets (Arkansas and Broncos) and five jerseys (1994 Pro Bowl, orange and blue Broncos and red and white from Arkansas).
Floyd Little fundraiser. A college teammate of former Broncos running back/Pro Football Hall of Famer Floyd Little started a Go Fund Me drive last week after revealing Little is fighting cancer. As of Friday afternoon, 332 donors have donated more than $68,000 toward the goal of $250,000.
Around the NFL
Top receiver sidelined. Clemson’s Justyn Ross was already being projected as a first-round pick in next year’s draft following 112 catches for 1,865 yards and 17 touchdowns in his first two years. But he has been ruled out for the upcoming season because of what coach Dabo Swinney called a “congenital fusion” in his spine that Ross has had since birth. He was scheduled for surgery on Friday.
Kuechly’s new chapter. Retired Carolina linebacker Luke Kuechly has quickly moved to his second career, staying with the Panthers as a pro scout. “I think it will be different in the sense that we’re not necessarily looking for scheme as we are players,” he told the team’s website. “Are the players good? What’s their skill set? What are they good at? Say we’re looking at a guy like (running back) Christian (McCaffrey). It’s like, ‘All right, he’s really explosive, he’s dangerous in the open field, he catches the ball extremely well out of the backfield (and) he’s a match-up problem for linebackers.’ I think it’s going to be more like that.”


thedenverpost--2020-06-07--What’s next for Denver police? Calls for reform of city’s police mount as protests continue

For four days , Denver police gassed or fired pepper balls and foam munitions at hundreds of protesters , and while some pelted officers with rocks and told them to die , many others struck by the weapons were peaceful in their calls for an end to police violence .
Now , the two sides will have to work together — or face off again — in city council chambers and community town halls to address the mounting calls for systemic and cultural changes at the Denver Police Department .
The first days of anguished , impassioned protest in Denver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minneapolis police have maintained momentum for more than a week .
Since the first days where vandalism and looting marred the message , protesters have shifted focus to killings by police in Colorado and have started talking about changes they say need to happen in the Mile High City .
The demands vary in breadth and specificity and come from many groups , including longtime activists who say this moment is like none before in the city ’ s history .
“ You can ’ t just link arms and take a knee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that people are complaining about , or not address the trauma that was instilled in people those nights ” that police used less-than-lethal weapons on the public , said Lisa Calderón , a longtime Denver community leader and chief of staff for Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca .
“ And that is what ’ s different .
They didn ’ t just do it to us , people of color .
They did it to a whole lot of white people who now understand our outrage at this kind of conduct.
” Denver ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chief Paul Pazen has promised accountability and change , but he hasn ’ t offered details on what he ’ d like to see .
His boss , Murphy Robinson , public safety executive director , said if he were to rebuild the idea of policing , he would start by addressing some of its earliest roots in the United States : violently controlling enslaved people and capturing those who escaped .
“ I don ’ t think we have to restart the police department from scratch to do that .
I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Robinson , who worked as a police officer for more than six years , said .
“ I would refocus a police officers ’ job from the ultimate purpose of jailing people to how do we utilize them in a capacity to bring life to someone , ” he said .
Robinson plans on holding a “ demands meeting ” in the next few weeks to hear from community members what change they would like to see .
He also wants to hear from police officers , he said .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meetings is not enough to rebuild community trust .
“ But investigating complaints is like putting a bandaid on a bigger issue , ” he said .
“ We have to get to a point where we ’ re implementing policy and standards that are keeping these complaints from happening in the first place.
” The Rev .
Quincy Shannon , a pastor at New Hope Baptist Church , has led several days of demonstrations in Denver and has met with Pazen and Robinson to talk about needed changes .
Police need more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better access to police disciplinary records , especially for officers with multiple violations , he said .
“ We can only go up from here , ” Shannon said .
Democratic state lawmakers , led by Denver ’ s Rep. Leslie Herod , have introduced a broad police reform bill that would have a drastic impact in Colorado .
On a local level , these are some of the other changes suggested by city leaders , protesters , and community activists in interviews , public meetings , community town halls and during protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city ’ s Citizen Oversight Board issued a letter with 15 reform suggestions , including adding more civilian roles to patrol and overhauling the the Civil Service Commission , which hears disciplinary appeals .
• CdeBaca floated the idea of banning police use of tear gas • The Denver Creative Industries Alliance issued a list of demands , including that all officers should be evaluated for bias and that police unions should foot the bill for excessive force lawsuits .
• Two Denver Public Schools board members want to end the school district @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school resource officers .
• Robinson said he would like the power to quickly fire an officer in extreme circumstances , circumventing the bureaucracy of civil service rules .
Many in the community are advocating drastic reductions to the police department ’ s $ 254 million budget as the city eyes where it can make necessary slashes to address the loss of revenue caused by COVID-19 .
Hundreds of protesters with Black Lives Matter 5280 drove to Mayor Michael Hancock ’ s house on Thursday to demand that he defund the police , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ riot gear .
CdeBaca and Councilwoman Stacie Gilmore also have voiced support for redirecting some of the police department ’ s budget to other community resources .
For a 30 year old who earns Denver ’ s median income of about $ 63,000 and does not own a house , about $ 183 of the $ 468 estimated city taxes they pay goes to the Department of Public Safety , or about 40 % of their tax money , according to the city ’ s calculator .
About $ 77 of that goes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest amount received by any city department listed on the calculator app .
In comparison , $ 4.72 goes to affordable housing issues , $ 3.24 to community and behavioral health services , and 35 cents to homeless services .
“ It ’ s easy to say we ’ re going to take money and use it somewhere else , but harder to implement , ” Robinson said about calls for reductions to the police budget .
Katina Banks , chairwoman of the Citizen Oversight Board , said the group was working prior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participation in the law enforcement disciplinary process .
The board is scheduled to meet June 19 , though Banks said the board is discussing meeting sooner in response to the protests .
She encouraged people to send their ideas .
“ This is a moment that calls for bold action , ” Banks said .
“ It ’ s an opportunity to really shift our mindset and change the way that law enforcement operate and improve on those issues and areas like independence , participation and transparency.
” Pazen and Hancock have touted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy as the product of community and police collaboration .
But the road to that policy was rocky and the city at first did not include community members in the discussion .
“ We had to fight to get at that table .
And then we had to fight to get heard , ” Calderón , who served on the advisory committee , said .
While the policy may be strong compared to those of other metro-area departments and goes beyond the national legal standards , it means little when it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t necessarily in the policy , ” Calderón said .
“ It was in the implementation.
” Between 2016 and 2019 , four Denver police officers were fired for misconduct , according to the 2019 annual report from the Office of the Independent Monitor .
The officers were fired for falsely reporting a sexual assault that did not happen , sexually harassing an intern , lying about a use of force incident , and lying about drinking and handling a department-issued gun .
Twenty-six others resigned or retired before they could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denver police Commander Jeff Martinez had barely slept for five days as he drove his unmarked police car around central Denver on Tuesday , checking on bleary officers blocking traffic for protests that continued that night past 11 p.m .
Almost every officer who has been working on the front lines of the protest has been hit with rocks or other objects lobbed their way , Martinez said .
It will be crucial in the months ahead for the department to strengthen community relationships .
“ We don ’ t have to completely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But we also have to work really hard to find the trust again.
” During the protests , he was able to have a conversation about police issues and shake hands with some who had been screaming at him and other officers .
“ It just shows that we can come to a consensus , and they were basically tell me ‘ f- you ’ and ‘ go die , ' ” Martinez said .
Pazen has committed to multiple community meetings to hear concerns and ideas for change .
Martinez also said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on its community outreach and continue its efforts to hire officers from diverse backgrounds that reflect the city ’ s demographics , especially people who grew up here .
“ We ’ ll listen to our community , ” he said .
“ We ’ ll do everything we can to strengthen our bonds with them again.
” The two unions representing line-level Denver police officers — the Police Protective Association and the Fraternal Order of Police Denver Lodge # 41 — either did not respond or declined an interview request with The @ @ @ @ @ @

For four days, Denver police gassed or fired pepper balls and foam munitions at hundreds of protesters, and while some pelted officers with rocks and told them to die, many others struck by the weapons were peaceful in their calls for an end to police violence.
Now, the two sides will have to work together — or face off again — in city council chambers and community town halls to address the mounting calls for systemic and cultural changes at the Denver Police Department.
The first days of anguished, impassioned protest in Denver over the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police have maintained momentum for more than a week. Since the first days where vandalism and looting marred the message, protesters have shifted focus to killings by police in Colorado and have started talking about changes they say need to happen in the Mile High City. The demands vary in breadth and specificity and come from many groups, including longtime activists who say this moment is like none before in the city’s history.
“You can’t just link arms and take a knee and then continue the same abusive conduct that people are complaining about, or not address the trauma that was instilled in people those nights” that police used less-than-lethal weapons on the public, said Lisa Calderón, a longtime Denver community leader and chief of staff for Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca. “And that is what’s different. They didn’t just do it to us, people of color. They did it to a whole lot of white people who now understand our outrage at this kind of conduct.”
Denver’s leaders say they are listening. Police Chief Paul Pazen has promised accountability and change, but he hasn’t offered details on what he’d like to see. His boss, Murphy Robinson, public safety executive director, said if he were to rebuild the idea of policing, he would start by addressing some of its earliest roots in the United States: violently controlling enslaved people and capturing those who escaped.
“I don’t think we have to restart the police department from scratch to do that. I think we can do some drastic changes now,” Robinson, who worked as a police officer for more than six years, said.
“I would refocus a police officers’ job from the ultimate purpose of jailing people to how do we utilize them in a capacity to bring life to someone,” he said.
What’s next
Robinson plans on holding a “demands meeting” in the next few weeks to hear from community members what change they would like to see. He also wants to hear from police officers, he said. But he acknowledged that holding town halls and meetings is not enough to rebuild community trust.
“But investigating complaints is like putting a bandaid on a bigger issue,” he said. “We have to get to a point where we’re implementing policy and standards that are keeping these complaints from happening in the first place.”
The Rev. Quincy Shannon, a pastor at New Hope Baptist Church, has led several days of demonstrations in Denver and has met with Pazen and Robinson to talk about needed changes. Police need more cultural competency training and the public needs better access to police disciplinary records, especially for officers with multiple violations, he said.
“We can only go up from here,” Shannon said.
Democratic state lawmakers, led by Denver’s Rep. Leslie Herod, have introduced a broad police reform bill that would have a drastic impact in Colorado. On a local level, these are some of the other changes suggested by city leaders, protesters, and community activists in interviews, public meetings, community town halls and during protests over the past week:
Many in the community are advocating drastic reductions to the police department’s $254 million budget as the city eyes where it can make necessary slashes to address the loss of revenue caused by COVID-19. Hundreds of protesters with Black Lives Matter 5280 drove to Mayor Michael Hancock’s house on Thursday to demand that he defund the police, and they were met with officers in riot gear. CdeBaca and Councilwoman Stacie Gilmore also have voiced support for redirecting some of the police department’s budget to other community resources.
For a 30 year old who earns Denver’s median income of about $63,000 and does not own a house, about $183 of the $468 estimated city taxes they pay goes to the Department of Public Safety, or about 40% of their tax money, according to the city’s calculator. About $77 of that goes directly to the police department, the largest amount received by any city department listed on the calculator app.
In comparison, $4.72 goes to affordable housing issues, $3.24 to community and behavioral health services, and 35 cents to homeless services.
“It’s easy to say we’re going to take money and use it somewhere else, but harder to implement,” Robinson said about calls for reductions to the police budget.
Katina Banks, chairwoman of the Citizen Oversight Board, said the group was working prior to the protests to allow more citizen participation in the law enforcement disciplinary process. The board is scheduled to meet June 19, though Banks said the board is discussing meeting sooner in response to the protests. She encouraged people to send their ideas.
“This is a moment that calls for bold action,” Banks said. “It’s an opportunity to really shift our mindset and change the way that law enforcement operate and improve on those issues and areas like independence, participation and transparency.”
Past reforms
Pazen and Hancock have touted the city’s use of force policy as the product of community and police collaboration. But the road to that policy was rocky and the city at first did not include community members in the discussion.
“We had to fight to get at that table. And then we had to fight to get heard,” Calderón, who served on the advisory committee, said.
While the policy may be strong compared to those of other metro-area departments and goes beyond the national legal standards, it means little when it’s not enforced.
“The flaw isn’t necessarily in the policy,” Calderón said. “It was in the implementation.”
Between 2016 and 2019, four Denver police officers were fired for misconduct, according to the 2019 annual report from the Office of the Independent Monitor. The officers were fired for falsely reporting a sexual assault that did not happen, sexually harassing an intern, lying about a use of force incident, and lying about drinking and handling a department-issued gun.
Twenty-six others resigned or retired before they could be disciplined, according to the report.
‘They don’t know my true heart’
Denver police Commander Jeff Martinez had barely slept for five days as he drove his unmarked police car around central Denver on Tuesday, checking on bleary officers blocking traffic for protests that continued that night past 11 p.m.
Almost every officer who has been working on the front lines of the protest has been hit with rocks or other objects lobbed their way, Martinez said. It will be crucial in the months ahead for the department to strengthen community relationships.
“We don’t have to completely rebuild,” Martinez said. “But we also have to work really hard to find the trust again.”
During the protests, he was able to have a conversation about police issues and shake hands with some who had been screaming at him and other officers. “It just shows that we can come to a consensus, and they were basically tell me ‘f- you’ and ‘go die,'” Martinez said.
Pazen has committed to multiple community meetings to hear concerns and ideas for change. Martinez also said the department will have to double down on its community outreach and continue its efforts to hire officers from diverse backgrounds that reflect the city’s demographics, especially people who grew up here.
“We’ll listen to our community,” he said. “We’ll do everything we can to strengthen our bonds with them again.”
The two unions representing line-level Denver police officers — the Police Protective Association and the Fraternal Order of Police Denver Lodge #41 — either did not respond or declined an interview request with The Denver Post for this article.