thedenverpost--2020-06-03--Broncos player makes it onto Pro Football Focus’ top 50 list

Pro Football Focus unveiled Nos .
11-50 of its annual top 50 NFL players list entering the new season and the one member of the Broncos is among the group .
Linebacker Von Miller is ranked No .
25 on the list , falling from his position of No .
11 in 2019 and No .
8 in 2018 .
Cornerback Chris Harris Jr. also made both those previous lists .
Miller earned a PFF overall rating of at 90.0 in each of his first eight seasons in the league before falling to a 79.3 in 2019 .
He also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the fewest since an injury limited him to just five sacks in nine games in 2013 .
Green Bay Packers tackle David Bakhtiari , who used to play with the Colorado Buffaloes , came in on the list at No .
42 .
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+ Broncos Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Ryan O ’ Halloran here .
+ Nuggets Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Mike Singer here .
+ Avs Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Mike Chambers here .
+ Rockies Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Patrick Saunders here .
Kiszla : In America ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hero can no longer just stick to sports — and neither can we Broncos Country is united in orange .
But like every NFL team in cities nationwide , when the game ’ s over , the dangerous chasm between what it means to be black and white in America remains .
Read more… Skill to overshadow will when NHL resumes with 24-team playoffs While the reformated , 24-team 2020 playoffs might lead to more games played by the champion , each team will enter the fray at nearly 100 % health due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic .
So , from the outset of this unusual proposed summer series , it will be more about skill than will .
Read more… As Nuggets coach Michael Malone watched TV and saw the racial unrest unfurl across the country Monday night , he felt compelled , as a face of the franchise , to say something .
Read more… + Broncos safety Kareem Jackson : “ We have to put some action behind our words ” + Wes Unseld , NBA Rookie of Year and MVP in 1969 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vic Fangio speaks following George Floyd death : “ This is a societal issue we all have to join in to correct.
” + Tiger Woods speaks out for 1st time since George Floyd ’ s death .
+ Former tennis star James Blake still shaken by encounter with cop in 2015 .
+ Gyms may soon reopen in Colorado if the state approves proposed guidance .
If you see something that ’ s cause for question or have a comment , thought or suggestion , email me at dboniface @ denverpost.com or @ @ @ @ @

Pro Football Focus unveiled Nos. 11-50 of its annual top 50 NFL players list entering the new season and the one member of the Broncos is among the group.
Linebacker Von Miller is ranked No. 25 on the list, falling from his position of No. 11 in 2019 and No. 8 in 2018. Cornerback Chris Harris Jr. also made both those previous lists.
Miller earned a PFF overall rating of at 90.0 in each of his first eight seasons in the league before falling to a 79.3 in 2019. He also posted just eight sacks in 15 games, the fewest since an injury limited him to just five sacks in nine games in 2013.
Green Bay Packers tackle David Bakhtiari, who used to play with the Colorado Buffaloes, came in on the list at No. 42.
— Joe Nguyen, The Denver Post
If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette, tell a friend it’s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup. If you have any questions or suggestions, hit me up on Twitter @joenguyen or by email.
A special offer for Sports Omelette readers! Subscribe to The Denver Post’s sports coverage for just 99¢ for the first month and only $6.99/month thereafter. Cancel anytime.
Ask The Experts
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Ryan O’Halloran here.
+ Nuggets Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Singer here.
+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Chambers here.
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Patrick Saunders here.
Must-Read
Broncos Country is united in orange. But like every NFL team in cities nationwide, when the game’s over, the dangerous chasm between what it means to be black and white in America remains. Read more…
While the reformated, 24-team 2020 playoffs might lead to more games played by the champion, each team will enter the fray at nearly 100% health due to the season being shuttered due to the coronavirus pandemic. So, from the outset of this unusual proposed summer series, it will be more about skill than will. Read more…
As Nuggets coach Michael Malone watched TV and saw the racial unrest unfurl across the country Monday night, he felt compelled, as a face of the franchise, to say something. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Broncos safety Kareem Jackson: “We have to put some action behind our words”
+ Wes Unseld, NBA Rookie of Year and MVP in 1969, dies at 74.
+ Broncos coach Vic Fangio speaks following George Floyd death: “This is a societal issue we all have to join in to correct.”
+ Tiger Woods speaks out for 1st time since George Floyd’s death.
+ Former tennis star James Blake still shaken by encounter with cop in 2015.
+ Gyms may soon reopen in Colorado if the state approves proposed guidance.
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--2020-06-03--Ask Amy: Couple argues over emotional affair

Dear Amy : My marriage of nearly 40 years has been crumbling for a couple of years now , primarily due to my frustration with my husband ’ s negative attitude toward life .
( I tend to be joyful . )
Now that we are both retired and home , it has hit the proverbial fan .
“ Barney ” is on his phone a lot .
He keeps it glued to his side .
I wondered what he was up to , so I checked our phone bill ( not his phone ) and discovered he has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school at least 350 times a month , sometimes over 30 times a day for the last two years .
I think this has a lot to do with our problems .
I confronted him and he popped a cork , furious that I checked the phone bill for his text usage .
He says I ’ ve “ broken his trust.
” I told him this is indicative of an emotional affair , and he swears that since they don ’ t talk about anything sexual , I am wrong .
All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why he doesn ’ t talk to me ( and blames me for not talking to him ) , and he is texting this woman .
Can this be an emotional affair if they only talk about their day-to-day activities ?
I say yes , he says no .
I welcome your opinion .
He reads your column daily .
Dear Untexted : Perhaps you have a friend that you text dozens of times a day , but I doubt it .
If you did have a friend that you texted continuously for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time not communicating with your husband ) , he would very rightly wonder what in the Sam Hill was going on .
You did not violate his privacy by checking the phone bill .
Presumably , it ’ s your phone bill , too .
While he might consider the contents of his texts private , the details contained on the bill are not .
Also , I wish “ Barney ” had been paying closer attention to this space over the years .
Emotional affairs are different from sexual affairs .
Emotional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sometimes about their partners ) , while excluding their partners .
These relationships are every bit as insidious and destructive to a marriage as a sexual relationship .
Barney ’ s anger about your discovery is a “ tell.
” If it was no big deal , then he would show you his text thread , and revel in his innocence .
He could handle this – and recommit to your relationship – by coming clean about this friendship and being emotionally honest with you about it .
Dear Amy : This past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s boyfriend , “ Thomas ” to live with her until he finds a new place .
It is now five months later , and we have heard nothing about him moving out .
We have learned that he owes $ 3,500 to his previous landlord , owes money to a bank for loan repayment , and owes the IRS over $ 10,000 in back taxes .
My fiancee and I have purchased a home and are moving there in two months .
Her daughter is coming with us and I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too .
He only has a part-time job , and seems to enjoy smoking pot in his free time .
This is unacceptable .
I told him I want him having a full-time job ( doing whatever ) and $ 450 in rent per month .
Honestly , I really want him gone , but I do not want to upset my future stepdaughter .
What should I do ?
Dear Busted : Here ’ s what you shouldn ’ t do : Lay down a lot of specific expectations and demands .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t faze “ Thomas , ” you certainly won ’ t .
If he owes a previous landlord a substantial sum , why would you even consider becoming his landlord ?
He has a history of running up debt and bailing .
Don ’ t get tied up financially with this very bad bet .
You and your fianceé are moving into a new home .
This is the ideal time to say , “ We ’ re moving — but Thomas , you ’ re not.
” Yes , your future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will likely pressure you .
But cohabiting with this guy will ultimately be worse for your relationship ( with him , and with each other ) than delivering the tough love now .
Dear Amy : I want to echo others who have pointed out why liquor stores are considered “ essential ” businesses .
Anyone who lives with an alcoholic knows that sudden withdrawal is a nightmare and potentially dangerous .
Dear Recovered : Thank you so much for emphasizing this point .
I ’ m sorry I missed it when I @ @ @ @ @

Dear Amy: My marriage of nearly 40 years has been crumbling for a couple of years now, primarily due to my frustration with my husband’s negative attitude toward life. (I tend to be joyful.)
Now that we are both retired and home, it has hit the proverbial fan.
“Barney” is on his phone a lot. He keeps it glued to his side. I wondered what he was up to, so I checked our phone bill (not his phone) and discovered he has been texting a woman he knew from high school at least 350 times a month, sometimes over 30 times a day for the last two years.
I think this has a lot to do with our problems. I confronted him and he popped a cork, furious that I checked the phone bill for his text usage.
He says I’ve “broken his trust.” I told him this is indicative of an emotional affair, and he swears that since they don’t talk about anything sexual, I am wrong.
All this time I’ve been wondering why he doesn’t talk to me (and blames me for not talking to him), and he is texting this woman.
Can this be an emotional affair if they only talk about their day-to-day activities? I say yes, he says no. I welcome your opinion. He reads your column daily.
— Untexted in Texas
Dear Untexted: Perhaps you have a friend that you text dozens of times a day, but I doubt it.
If you did have a friend that you texted continuously for two years (while at the same time not communicating with your husband), he would very rightly wonder what in the Sam Hill was going on.
You did not violate his privacy by checking the phone bill. Presumably, it’s your phone bill, too. While he might consider the contents of his texts private, the details contained on the bill are not.
Also, I wish “Barney” had been paying closer attention to this space over the years. Emotional affairs are different from sexual affairs. Emotional affairs grow when people share intimacies (sometimes about their partners), while excluding their partners. These relationships are every bit as insidious and destructive to a marriage as a sexual relationship.
Barney’s anger about your discovery is a “tell.” If it was no big deal, then he would show you his text thread, and revel in his innocence.
He could handle this – and recommit to your relationship – by coming clean about this friendship and being emotionally honest with you about it.
Dear Amy: This past January, my fiancee allowed her daughter’s boyfriend, “Thomas” to live with her until he finds a new place.
It is now five months later, and we have heard nothing about him moving out. We have learned that he owes $3,500 to his previous landlord, owes money to a bank for loan repayment, and owes the IRS over $10,000 in back taxes.
My fiancee and I have purchased a home and are moving there in two months.
Her daughter is coming with us and I am under some pressure to allow him, too. He only has a part-time job, and seems to enjoy smoking pot in his free time.
This is unacceptable. I told him I want him having a full-time job (doing whatever) and $450 in rent per month.
Honestly, I really want him gone, but I do not want to upset my future stepdaughter.
What should I do?
— Busted
Dear Busted: Here’s what you shouldn’t do: Lay down a lot of specific expectations and demands. Why? Because if the IRS doesn’t faze “Thomas,” you certainly won’t.
If he owes a previous landlord a substantial sum, why would you even consider becoming his landlord? He has a history of running up debt and bailing.
Don’t get tied up financially with this very bad bet. You and your fianceé are moving into a new home. This is the ideal time to say, “We’re moving — but Thomas, you’re not.”
Yes, your future stepdaughter (and possibly her mother) will likely pressure you. But cohabiting with this guy will ultimately be worse for your relationship (with him, and with each other) than delivering the tough love now.
Dear Amy: I want to echo others who have pointed out why liquor stores are considered “essential” businesses.
Anyone who lives with an alcoholic knows that sudden withdrawal is a nightmare and potentially dangerous.
— Been There, Recovered
Dear Recovered: Thank you so much for emphasizing this point. I’m sorry I missed it when I responded to this query.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-06-03--Denver Public Schools to begin conversation about role of police in schools

Following nationwide protests of racist policing , the Denver school district is expected to begin a conversation about the role @ @ @ @ @ schools — with some district leaders pushing to remove them entirely .
School board member @ @ @ @ @ that board members and Denver Public Schools Superintendent Susana Cordova would gather Friday morning “ @ @ @ @ @ Denver Public Schools and the Denver Police Department.
” He said in his tweet that @ @ @ @ @ Jennifer Bacon would ask the community to help them draft a resolution that would end @ @ @ @ @ with the city “ as it relates to police in schools.
” Bacon could not @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Our schools will no longer be ground zero for the school to prison @ @ @ @ @ .

Following nationwide protests of racist policing, the Denver school district is expected to begin a conversation about the role of police officers in Denver schools — with some district leaders pushing to remove them entirely.
School board member Tay Anderson tweeted Tuesday evening that board members and Denver Public Schools Superintendent Susana Cordova would gather Friday morning “to announce the future of Denver Public Schools and the Denver Police Department.”
He said in his tweet that he and board Vice President Jennifer Bacon would ask the community to help them draft a resolution that would end the district’s agreement with the city “as it relates to police in schools.” Bacon could not immediately be reached Tuesday evening.
“Our schools will no longer be ground zero for the school to prison pipeline!” Anderson tweeted.
Read the full story at chalkbeat.org.
Chalkbeat Colorado is a nonprofit news organization covering education issues. For more, visit co.chalkbeat.org.


thedenverpost--2020-06-04--Denver mayor walks backs “murder” comments, though others hold him to it

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock ’ s office sought to pull back his comments made last week during television interview that Denver police officers had murdered three people , saying he misspoke .
Those comments and the reversal come as Denver and the rest of the country continue to protest racism in America ’ s justice system .
As those protests ramped up in Denver , Hancock recalled three high-profile killings in Denver in an interview with 9News .
When asked if he thought Marvin Booker , Jessica Hernandez and Michael Marshall had been murdered , the mayor replied , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ murdered by police officers , ” Hancock told the station ’ s Kyle Clark .
Days later , however , a spokesperson for the mayor walked the comments back , saying Hancock instead meant to say that Booker , Hernandez and Marshall had been “ killed ” by police officers .
Hancock was not immediately available for comment .
Backlash arose swiftly on social media .
Some claimed that Hancock ’ s initial remarks likely offended Denver ’ s law enforcement , prompting the change .
Others dismissed the back and forth .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ uttered the names at all .
Others , including Booker ’ s family , rejected the change of wording .
“ For Hancock to have his epiphany moment , a moment of truth , a moment of integrity and a moment of honesty .
Well , there are some things you can ’ t walk back no matter how hard you try , ” said Spencer Booker , Marvin Booker ’ s brother .
Jail deputies killed Booker , a homeless street preacher , in 2010 after they restrained and shocked him with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civil rights trial a jury found deputies liable for Booker ’ s death , and the city agreed to pay the family a $ 6 million settlement .
Denver police shot and killed Hernandez , 17 , after she was found in a stolen car and tried to flee .
Officers opened fire , killing Hernandez , who was not armed .
The city paid the Hernandez family a $ 1 million settlement .
Jail deputies killed Marshall , after pinning his face to the floor and applying pressure to his body for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he fell limp and vomited .
The city paid $ 4.6 million to Marshall ’ s family .
All three deaths evoke painful memories for many .
The names and stories of Booker , Hernandez and Marshall have been recalled in recent days as the protests swelled .
For Spencer Booker and his wife , Gail Booker , the wound never closed .
They will not feel closure until the five deputies involved are charged and convicted , they said .
The couple wrote to Denver District Attorney Beth McCann Wednesday , citing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her to file murder charges .
McCann in 2017 launched a grand jury probe into obstruction of justice and evidence tampering into Booker ’ s case .
The grand jury ’ s findings were not made public when the probe ended in 2018 .
But the case can not be reopened again , McCann said .
“ What happened to Mr. Marvin Booker was heartbreaking , and I think about him and his family often , ” McCann wrote in a statement .
“ I have the utmost respect for the Booker family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a result of their tragedy .
I will respond to them directly.
” In the general public , Hancock ’ s initial comments drew mixed reactions on social media , some condemned law enforcement .
Others said the mayor turned on Denver ’ s police and deputies .
Police Chief Paul Pazen would not say whether he spoke with Hancock about the comments and a spokesperson for the city attorney said he would not be able to comment on any discussion between that office and the mayor .
“ When asked about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of local law enforcement , the mayor used the term “ murdered , ” when what he meant was “ killed , ” Marchetta told a 9News reporter .
“ To thine own self be true and the people will respect you more , sir , ” Spencer Booker said .
“ The people will rally behind you like never before .
But to walk it back , we now know that you ’ re a lying politician.
” Qusair Mohamedbhai , the attorney who represented the Hernandez family , said he and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back .
“ It was refreshing that the name of Jessica Hernandez was on his tongue and that her death has stuck with him personally for as long as it has , ” Mohamedbhai said .
The recent protests represent an emotional challenge for the Hernandez family , Mohamedbhai said .
They understand the protests are necessary and look to the positive changes that have followed Hernandez ’ s death , including a changed in Denver police policy that forbids officers to shoot at moving cars .
“ They ’ re happy that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evoked , hopefully for a good cause .
Her loved ones and family miss her terribly , ” Mohamedbhai said .

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock’s office sought to pull back his comments made last week during a television interview that Denver police officers had murdered three people, saying he misspoke.
Those comments and the reversal come as Denver and the rest of the country continue to protest racism in America’s justice system. As those protests ramped up in Denver, Hancock recalled three high-profile killings in Denver in an interview with 9News. When asked if he thought Marvin Booker, Jessica Hernandez and Michael Marshall had been murdered, the mayor replied, “Those individuals were, yes, murdered by police officers,” Hancock told the station’s Kyle Clark.
Days later, however, a spokesperson for the mayor walked the comments back, saying Hancock instead meant to say that Booker, Hernandez and Marshall had been “killed” by police officers. Hancock was not immediately available for comment.
Backlash arose swiftly on social media. Some claimed that Hancock’s initial remarks likely offended Denver’s law enforcement, prompting the change. Others dismissed the back and forth, instead saying they found comfort that Hancock uttered the names at all.
Others, including Booker’s family, rejected the change of wording.
“For Hancock to have his epiphany moment, a moment of truth, a moment of integrity and a moment of honesty. Well, there are some things you can’t walk back no matter how hard you try,” said Spencer Booker, Marvin Booker’s brother.
Jail deputies killed Booker, a homeless street preacher, in 2010 after they restrained and shocked him with a Taser. In a 2014 federal civil rights trial, a jury found deputies liable for Booker’s death, and the city agreed to pay the family a $6 million settlement.
Denver police shot and killed Hernandez, 17, after she was found in a stolen car and tried to flee. Officers opened fire, killing Hernandez, who was not armed. The city paid the Hernandez family a $1 million settlement.
Jail deputies killed Marshall, after pinning his face to the floor and applying pressure to his body for more than 10 minutes, even after he fell limp and vomited. The city paid $4.6 million to Marshall’s family.
All three deaths evoke painful memories for many. The names and stories of Booker, Hernandez and Marshall have been recalled in recent days as the protests swelled.
This is the view from the police accountability legislation announcement from Colorado State Capitol. Family of Michael Marshall calls for new investigation into his death across the street in the Denver jail. #copolitics #9News pic.twitter.com/ycll9D5HAY pic.twitter.com/JFLGlXT8Le — Franco (@FrancoandMarco) June 2, 2020
For Spencer Booker and his wife, Gail Booker, the wound never closed. They will not feel closure until the five deputies involved are charged and convicted, they said. The couple wrote to Denver District Attorney Beth McCann Wednesday, citing Hancock’s recent comments and asking her to file murder charges.
McCann in 2017 launched a grand jury probe into obstruction of justice and evidence tampering into Booker’s case. The grand jury’s findings were not made public when the probe ended in 2018. But the case cannot be reopened again, McCann said.
“What happened to Mr. Marvin Booker was heartbreaking, and I think about him and his family often,” McCann wrote in a statement. “I have the utmost respect for the Booker family and can only imagine their continued pain as a result of their tragedy. I will respond to them directly.”
In the general public, Hancock’s initial comments drew mixed reactions on social media, some condemned law enforcement. Others said the mayor turned on Denver’s police and deputies.
NEW: Denver @MayorHancock says Marvin Booker, Michael Marshall, and Jessie Hernandez were murdered by Denver officers. The mayor quickly called George Floyd's death a "murder" but I believe it's the first time he's said that about those years-old Denver cases. #9NEWS #HeyNext pic.twitter.com/cmh40GWxEv — Kyle Clark (@KyleClark) May 30, 2020
Police Chief Paul Pazen would not say whether he spoke with Hancock about the comments and a spokesperson for the city attorney said he would not be able to comment on any discussion between that office and the mayor.
Tuesday, Theresa Marchetta, a spokesperson for Hancock recanted the mayor’s previous comments.
NEW: Spokeswoman for @MayorHancock walks back his use of the term “murder” for the deaths of Michael Marshall, Marvin Booker and Jessica Hernandez at the hands of Denver law enforcement. She says he meant “killed,” and not the legal meaning of murder. #9News pic.twitter.com/JYngsvVOk9 — Marshall Zelinger (@Marshall9News) June 2, 2020
“When asked about cases of tragic deaths at the hands of local law enforcement, the mayor used the term “murdered,” when what he meant was “killed,” Marchetta told a 9News reporter.
Spencer Booker asked Hancock to reconsider his walk back.
“To thine own self be true and the people will respect you more, sir,” Spencer Booker said. “The people will rally behind you like never before. But to walk it back, we now know that you’re a lying politician.”
Remembering their names
Qusair Mohamedbhai, the attorney who represented the Hernandez family, said he and the family are indifferent to the walk back.
“It was refreshing that the name of Jessica Hernandez was on his tongue and that her death has stuck with him personally for as long as it has,” Mohamedbhai said.
The recent protests represent an emotional challenge for the Hernandez family, Mohamedbhai said. They understand the protests are necessary and look to the positive changes that have followed Hernandez’s death, including a changed in Denver police policy that forbids officers to shoot at moving cars.
“They’re happy that their daughter’s memory is being evoked, hopefully for a good cause. Her loved ones and family miss her terribly,” Mohamedbhai said.


thedenverpost--2020-06-04--Kiszla: Her grandma beat COVID-19. So shooting a sweet 67 at the Colorado Open? That’s easy.

With her putter making birdies sing and the snow-capped Rocky Mountains shining in the distance , Jennifer Kupcho reminded me how splendid golf can be during a time when everything beautiful we took for granted now feels fragile and uncertain .
“ It would be really cool to get my first professional win … It ’ s definitely a big priority , ” Kupcho said Wednesday , after shooting a sweet 67 , which put her in second place on the leaderboard through one round of the CoBank Colorado Open .
At the tender age of 23 , Kupcho has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ female golfer ever to come out of Colorado .
Last year , she won inaugural Augusta National Women ’ s Amateur , as well as more than $ 500,000 a rookie on the LPGA Tour .
Her 2019 read like a fairy tale .
But as she was introduced on the first tee at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club , the gallery that welcomed her home consisted of nobody except Mom and Dad , who both cheered from behind the masks necessary in these weird , pandemic times .
“ We wanted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kupcho , grateful to attend the first major sporting event in this state since the pandemic shut everything down in March .
The coronavirus has ripped out pages of the sports calendar and rewritten the rules of how the games we love are played .
Being staged without fans , the 26th women ’ s Colorado Open defines the new normal .
“ Slow day in pro sports ?
” asked Mike Kupcho , wondering if a sportswriter that zings John Elway for a living somehow got lost in the tall grass of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Never been so happy to be on a golf course in my life , as this chance to see your daughter play , ” I replied .
And it was the absolute truth , despite a newspaper career that has blessed me with the opportunity to hear the Masters roar like a rock concert on Easter Sunday and see Tiger Woods win the British Open at St. Andrews .
Like every fan in Colorado , I ’ ve been starving for the unique thrill that is live sports .
So for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delicious as a bacon cheeseburger .
When Kupcho took out a 3-wood and blasted a shot 265 yards over cattails dancing in a water hazard to land her golf ball softly on the green of a par-5 , it gave me goose bumps not felt in nearly three months .
“ It was nice to have my parents out here with me , ” Jennifer said .
“ They haven ’ t been able to watch me play in a tournament since I don ’ t know when.
” And what a thrill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grandparents , nonagenarians cooped up by the coronavirus , to see a loved one ’ s name in headlines of the sports page .
“ They read The Post every day and get so excited anytime they see their granddaughter ’ s name in the paper , ” Janet Kupcho said .
This pandemic can hit home so hard it can rattle the foundation of any Colorado household .
Although Mike Kupcho doesn ’ t swing a driver as sweetly as his daughter , he does possess the skills of a 12-handicapper .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But after a rough seven-month stretch in which his sister and father both passed away , topped off by his 84-year-old mother surviving a bout with COVID-19 inside a local memory-care facility where other residents died , Mike was so emotionally spent that something as familiar as a 8-iron was beginning to feel oddly foreign in his hands .
So during a recent practice round for the Colorado Open , it ’ s understandable why he stood on the No .
17 tee alongside a daughter he taught the game , staring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pin , with the harsh realization he was a mere 12 strokes shy of an embarrassing score of 100 , with two tricky holes left to play .
“ How you doing , Dad ?
” asked Jennifer , with love .
Her father grabbed that old reliable old 8-iron and feathered a shot onto the green of the par-3 , then sank a putt for birdie .
He marched to No .
18 tee , doing the pessimistic math that eventually messes with every golfer ’ s head , figuring he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ And I used all nine strokes , including three putts , to break 100 , ” said Mike , chuckling at his struggle .
“ But I did what I needed to do .
I made it happen.
” In 2020 , isn ’ t that a new definition of beauty ?
In these crazy pandemic times , merely finding any way to survive and move on should be recorded on the scorecard as a major victory .

With her putter making birdies sing and the snow-capped Rocky Mountains shining in the distance, Jennifer Kupcho reminded me how splendid golf can be during a time when everything beautiful we took for granted now feels fragile and uncertain.
“It would be really cool to get my first professional win … It’s definitely a big priority,” Kupcho said Wednesday, after shooting a sweet 67, which put her in second place on the leaderboard through one round of the CoBank Colorado Open.
At the tender age of 23, Kupcho has already staked a claim as the best female golfer ever to come out of Colorado. Last year, she won inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur, as well as more than $500,000 a rookie on the LPGA Tour. Her 2019 read like a fairy tale.
But as she was introduced on the first tee at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club, the gallery that welcomed her home consisted of nobody except Mom and Dad, who both cheered from behind the masks necessary in these weird, pandemic times.
“We wanted to follow the rules,” said Janet Kupcho, grateful to attend the first major sporting event in this state since the pandemic shut everything down in March.
The coronavirus has ripped out pages of the sports calendar and rewritten the rules of how the games we love are played. Being staged without fans, the 26th women’s Colorado Open defines the new normal.
“Slow day in pro sports?” asked Mike Kupcho, wondering if a sportswriter that zings John Elway for a living somehow got lost in the tall grass of an 18-hole track near Denver International Airport.
“Never been so happy to be on a golf course in my life, as this chance to see your daughter play,” I replied.
And it was the absolute truth, despite a newspaper career that has blessed me with the opportunity to hear the Masters roar like a rock concert on Easter Sunday and see Tiger Woods win the British Open at St. Andrews. Like every fan in Colorado, I’ve been starving for the unique thrill that is live sports. So for me, this local tournament is as delicious as a bacon cheeseburger.
When Kupcho took out a 3-wood and blasted a shot 265 yards over cattails dancing in a water hazard to land her golf ball softly on the green of a par-5, it gave me goose bumps not felt in nearly three months.
“It was nice to have my parents out here with me,” Jennifer said. “They haven’t been able to watch me play in a tournament since I don’t know when.”
And what a thrill it will also be for her maternal grandparents, nonagenarians cooped up by the coronavirus, to see a loved one’s name in headlines of the sports page. “They read The Post every day and get so excited anytime they see their granddaughter’s name in the paper,” Janet Kupcho said.
This pandemic can hit home so hard it can rattle the foundation of any Colorado household.
Although Mike Kupcho doesn’t swing a driver as sweetly as his daughter, he does possess the skills of a 12-handicapper. And that’s not too shabby. But after a rough seven-month stretch in which his sister and father both passed away, topped off by his 84-year-old mother surviving a bout with COVID-19 inside a local memory-care facility where other residents died, Mike was so emotionally spent that something as familiar as a 8-iron was beginning to feel oddly foreign in his hands.
So during a recent practice round for the Colorado Open, it’s understandable why he stood on the No. 17 tee alongside a daughter he taught the game, staring at the 195 yards between him and the pin, with the harsh realization he was a mere 12 strokes shy of an embarrassing score of 100, with two tricky holes left to play.
“How you doing, Dad?” asked Jennifer, with love.
Her father grabbed that old reliable old 8-iron and feathered a shot onto the green of the par-3, then sank a putt for birdie. He marched to No. 18 tee, doing the pessimistic math that eventually messes with every golfer’s head, figuring he still had nine strokes to shoot 99.
“And I used all nine strokes, including three putts, to break 100,” said Mike, chuckling at his struggle. “But I did what I needed to do. I made it happen.”
In 2020, isn’t that a new definition of beauty?
In these crazy pandemic times, merely finding any way to survive and move on should be recorded on the scorecard as a major victory.


thedenverpost--2020-06-04--Drew Brees’ anthem comments draw backlash from teammates, others

NEW ORLEANS — Drew Brees was criticized sharply by fellow high-profile athletes including some of his own teammates on Wednesday after the Saints ’ quarterback reiterated his opposition to kneeling during the National Anthem .
In an interview with Yahoo , Brees was asked to revisit former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick ’ s 2016 protest against police brutality against minorities , in which Kaepernick knelt during the National Anthem before games .
“ I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States , ” Brees began , adding that the national anthem reminds him of two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during World War II .
“ In many cases , it brings me to tears thinking about all that has been sacrificed , and not just in the military , but for that matter , those throughout the Civil Rights movements of the ’ 60s , and all that has been endured by so many people up until this point.
” Critical responses to Brees ’ statements appeared on social media from major professional athletes including the Los Angeles Lakers ’ LeBron James and Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins .
Jenkins was Brees ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bowl in the 2009 season , but spent the past six seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles before returning to New Orleans this offseason .
Brees has said he supports those protesting police brutality but that he does not see the national anthem as the proper forum for that .
In 2017 , Brees participated with teammates who knelt before the national anthem , but then stood in unison when the anthem was played .

NEW ORLEANS — Drew Brees was criticized sharply by fellow high-profile athletes including some of his own teammates on Wednesday after the Saints’ quarterback reiterated his opposition to kneeling during the National Anthem.
In an interview with Yahoo, Brees was asked to revisit former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick‘s 2016 protest against police brutality against minorities, in which Kaepernick knelt during the National Anthem before games.
“I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States,” Brees began, adding that the national anthem reminds him of two grandfathers who served in the armed forces during World War II. “In many cases, it brings me to tears thinking about all that has been sacrificed, and not just in the military, but for that matter, those throughout the Civil Rights movements of the ’60s, and all that has been endured by so many people up until this point.”
Critical responses to Brees’ statements appeared on social media from major professional athletes including the Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James and Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins.
Jenkins was Brees’ teammate when the Saints won the Super Bowl in the 2009 season, but spent the past six seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles before returning to New Orleans this offseason.
Brees has said he supports those protesting police brutality but that he does not see the national anthem as the proper forum for that. In 2017, Brees participated with teammates who knelt before the national anthem, but then stood in unison when the anthem was played.


thedenverpost--2020-06-04--Thousands gather in Denver for seventh straight day of George Floyd protests

Despite threatening weather , a diverse crowd of thousands gathered in downtown Denver again Wednesday to protest the death of George Floyd .
Aurora residents Stormye Everett , 30 , and Quaneisha Collins , 29 said it was first time they were able to get child care to attend .
“ We ’ re just saying be nice to us , ” Everett said , “ so we ’ re not targeted and hunted down .
You can hate me from afar , but don ’ t kill me.
” Another African-American , Denver Mayor Michael Hancock , also put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowd marched down the 16th Street Mall , Starbucks employees handed out water and chanted “ hands up , don ’ t shoot !
” along with marchers .
Another chant reflected current efforts by Colorado lawmakers to pass a police reform bill : “ When I say change , you say policy !
Change !
Policy !
Change !
Policy !
” The protests have gotten larger and more organized , with the addition of more first-aid stations each night .
A young man was grilling chicken , hot dogs and pork @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organizers spoke from the Civic Center ampitheater stage using donated mics and speakers .
It was Denver ’ s fifth night under a curfew ordered by Hancock after the first days of protests resulted in rocks and bottles being thrown at police and graffiti and vandalism of downtown buildings .
Police , in turn , deployed tear gas , foam bullets , pepper balls and smoke bombs to disperse crowds and deter protesters .
But Monday and Tuesday , police held off on using force until after midnight , by which time most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police use of force has diminished , the crowds have grown .
Thousands have turned out , starting in the afternoon , to rally and to march in memory of Floyd , Elijah McClain , Breonna Taylor and local men killed by police .
The marchers have covered vast swaths of the downtown area , including the 16th Street Mall , Civic Center and Five Points .
More than 350 people have been arrested since Thursday on various charges .
Denver ’ s Police Chief Paul Pazen said Monday the department will investigate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after eyewitnesses reported peaceful protesters and observers getting hit with foam bullets and pepper balls at demonstrations A vigil is scheduled for 7 p.m. June 9 at Civic Center Park to honor Floyd on the day of his Houston funeral .
Candles will be provided , and attendees are asked to join in a gathering of unity and peace , according to the organizing Facebook page .

Mayor Michael Hancock joined thousands of protesters on Denver’s streets Wednesday, asking them if they’re ready to get to work on the issues that brought them there.
“It’s easy to march. It’s easy to talk. But the real success of this movement is when it’s over,” the African-American mayor said. “If we’re all tired of talking then, yes, it’s time to get to work.”
Hancock received a mostly warm reception at the seventh day of city protests over the death of George Floyd at police hands in Minneapolis last week. Others cheered when a speaker called out Colorado Gov. Jared Polis for not attending any of the protests.
Kwon Atlas, an aide to Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, spoke at length about his experience growing up black and encountering racism. He promised the crowd that “cops are going to start getting fired.” Denver fired an officer Tuesday for posting “Let’s start a riot” on an Instagram photo. In all of 2019, only two city cops were fired.
“We are going to start making change,” Atlas said.
Public Safety Director Murphy Robinson quickly responded via Twitter: “The Denver Police Department is working tirelessly to make sure our demonstrations are safe and accessible to all who want to join. It is not the job of the mayor’s aides nor do they have the authority to decide who gets disciplined in the department of public safety.”
Despite threatening weather, a diverse crowd of thousands returned downtown early Wednesday evening to protest Floyd’s death.
The protests have gotten larger and calmer. They also have gotten more organized, with the addition of more first-aid stations each night. Organizers spoke from the Civic Center amphitheater stage using donated microphones and speakers. A young man was grilling chicken, hot dogs and pork for protesters, and several members of the Brothers of Brass band played along with the chants.
As the crowd marched down the 16th Street Mall, Starbucks employees handed out water and chanted “hands up, don’t shoot!” along with marchers.
Another chant reflected current efforts by Colorado lawmakers to pass a police reform bill: “When I say change, you say policy! Change! Policy! Change! Policy!”
Aurora residents Stormye Everett, 30, and Quaneisha Collins, 29, said it was first time they were able to get child care to attend one of the protests.
“We’re just saying be nice to us,” Everett said, “so we’re not targeted and hunted down. You can hate me from afar, but don’t kill me.”
It was Denver’s fifth night under a curfew ordered by Hancock after the first days of protests resulted in rocks and bottles being thrown at police and graffiti and vandalism of downtown buildings. Police, in turn, deployed tear gas, foam bullets, pepper balls and smoke bombs to disperse crowds and deter protesters.
But Monday and Tuesday, police held off on using force until after midnight, by which time most protesters had gone home.
As the police use of force has diminished, the crowds have grown. Thousands have turned out, starting in the afternoon, to rally and to march in memory of Floyd, Elijah McClain, Breonna Taylor and local men killed by police.
The marchers have covered vast swaths of the downtown area, including the 16th Street Mall, Civic Center and Five Points.
More than 350 people have been arrested since Thursday on various charges.
Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen, who walked briefly with protesters Monday, said the department will investigate allegations of force after eyewitnesses reported peaceful protesters and observers getting hit with foam bullets and pepper balls at demonstrations.
A vigil is scheduled for 7 p.m. June 9 at Civic Center Park to honor Floyd on the day of his Houston funeral. Candles will be provided, and attendees are asked to join in a gathering of unity and peace, according to the organizing Facebook page.


thedenverpost--2020-06-04--Air quality near Greeley school found to be in compliance with health standards

An investigation into elevated levels of benzene , a cancer-causing agent , in the air near a Greeley school has found no health risks for students or nearby residents , but state officials recommend several measures going forward , including continued monitoring of the site .
The area scrutinized is around Bella Romero Academy 4-8 Campus .
An 11-well oil and gas industrial pad , operated by Extraction Oil and Gas , is located 1,200 feet from the school .
The recently completed health consultation , assessing levels of volatile organic compounds ( VOCs ) measured late last year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Public Health and Environment has evaluated air samples measured near the school , according to a CDPHE news release .
The most recent study concludes that “ VOC levels were below those known to result in either short-term or long-term non-cancer health impacts , including harmful effects on blood cells and the immune system , ” the release said .
“ Additionally , cancer risks due to VOC levels were below EPA ’ s limit of unacceptable risk for excess cancer from environmental exposures.
” Health officials used data from the Colorado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and health guidelines were exceeded one time , for one hour , in the 1,900 hours of sampling in 2019 .
The measured benzene level , however , was well below those associated with harmful health effects .
All other measurements for short-term health impacts were below federal and state health-based standards , the release said .
• Extraction Oil and Gas develop a plan to communicate with the school and residents in the event of an emergency .
• The Greeley-Evans 6 School District monitor students for less serious health impacts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should consult with the department to assess any trends .
“ While the health consultation can offer the community some general reassurances , we aren ’ t dismissing any of the community feedback we ’ ve received .
We continue to seek out ways to monitor and improve air quality in the area , ” said John Putnam , director of Environmental Programs at CDPHE , in the release .
“ We take these recommendations seriously and continue to recommend monitoring ” of the oil and gas site near the school .
Extraction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late in the afternoon on Wednesday for comment .
The health department continues to collect air quality data at the school and is monitoring VOC levels .
Another report is expected in the fall .

An investigation into elevated levels of benzene, a cancer-causing agent, in the air near a Greeley school has found no health risks for students or nearby residents, but state officials recommend several measures going forward, including continued monitoring of the site.
The area scrutinized is around Bella Romero Academy 4-8 Campus. An 11-well oil and gas industrial pad, operated by Extraction Oil and Gas, is located 1,200 feet from the school.
The recently completed health consultation, assessing levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) measured late last year, marks the third time the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has evaluated air samples measured near the school, according to a CDPHE news release.
The most recent study concludes that “VOC levels were below those known to result in either short-term or long-term non-cancer health impacts, including harmful effects on blood cells and the immune system,” the release said. “Additionally, cancer risks due to VOC levels were below EPA’s limit of unacceptable risk for excess cancer from environmental exposures.”
Health officials used data from the Colorado Air Monitoring Mobile Lab (CAMML) and health guidelines were exceeded one time, for one hour, in the 1,900 hours of sampling in 2019. The measured benzene level, however, was well below those associated with harmful health effects.
All other measurements for short-term health impacts were below federal and state health-based standards, the release said.
Current CDPHE recommendations include:
Extraction Oil and Gas develop a plan to communicate with the school and residents in the event of an emergency.
The Greeley-Evans 6 School District monitor students for less serious health impacts, such as headaches.
The school should consult with the department to assess any trends.
“While the health consultation can offer the community some general reassurances, we aren’t dismissing any of the community feedback we’ve received. We continue to seek out ways to monitor and improve air quality in the area,” said John Putnam, director of Environmental Programs at CDPHE, in the release. “We take these recommendations seriously and continue to recommend monitoring” of the oil and gas site near the school.
Extraction Oil and Gas could not be reached late in the afternoon on Wednesday for comment.
The health department continues to collect air quality data at the school and is monitoring VOC levels. Another report is expected in the fall.


thedenverpost--2020-06-04--Man’s body discovered in Jackson County

Man’s body discovered in Jackson County

Homicide investigators are asking for the public ’ s help in identifying the body of a man found on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ ’ s deputies were called to an area off of Colorado 125 , south of @ @ @ @ @ found the body near the Trail 1226 trailhead , according to a Colorado Bureau of @ @ @ @ @ discovery is being investigated as a homicide .
The body is described as that of @ @ @ @ @ hair who was in his 20s or 30s , about 5-foot-10 and 165 pounds .
@ @ @ @ @ state and national identification databases but have not found a match .
Anyone with information @ @ @ @ @ CBI at 303-239-4148 .

Homicide investigators are asking for the public’s help in identifying the body of a man found on Saturday in Jackson County.
Sheriff’s deputies were called to an area off of Colorado 125, south of Rand, where a passer-by found the body near the Trail 1226 trailhead, according to a Colorado Bureau of Investigation news release.
The discovery is being investigated as a homicide. The body is described as that of a white man with brown hair who was in his 20s or 30s, about 5-foot-10 and 165 pounds.
Investigators have searched local, state and national identification databases but have not found a match.
Anyone with information is asked to call the CBI at 303-239-4148.


thedenverpost--2020-06-04--Denver police held 3 black children at gunpoint, handcuffed their unarmed father, attorney says

A Denver police sergeant last month held three black children at gunpoint in broad daylight and handcuffed their unarmed father after receiving a 911 call that a black man in a grocery store parking lot had a gun , according the Killmer , Lane & Newman law firm .
The Denver Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment , but civil rights attorney David Lane said Chief Paul Pazen asked to have a meeting about the incident .
According to an account provided by Lane ’ s firm , Naphtali Israel walked his three stepdaughters — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to his car after buying them treats on May 7 at a Safeway at 14th Avenue and Krameria Street in Denver , then returned to the store to finish shopping .
Denver police received a 911 call from the grocery store asking officers to drop by because someone reported a black man in a white hoodie sitting in a Cadillac by himself with a gun , according to Lane ’ s firm .
“ Indeed , it is VERY important to understand that sitting in a car with a gun is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of any sort , ” Lane ’ s firm wrote in the news release .
While Israel was still shopping , security footage provided by Killmer , Lane & Newman shows a Denver sergeant drive up and point his gun for about 15 seconds at the three children in the car — which matched the description from the 911 call — and not reholster the weapon for about two minutes .
That video footage has no audio , but according to Lane , the 14-year-old said the sergeant ordered her to “ take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steering wheel !
” Lane said did not know the name of the officer who pulled his gun .
When Israel came back out of the store , police body camera footage — also provided by Killmer , Lane & Newman — shows him handcuffed and searched for a weapon , which he did not have .
“ We got a call that you have a gun , ” an officer can be heard saying on the body cam footage .
Israel can be heard explaining to police that he didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was ridiculous .
“ When we get a call , this is how we have to do it , ” one of the officers can be heard saying .
Israel told The Denver Post he had just returned from the hospital with his newborn baby and fiancée , and took his older children grocery shopping so his partner could have some time alone with her infant .
When his toddler began getting restless in the store , he said he bought his children snacks and took them back to the car , telling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get some air .
As he checked out , a woman ran inside the store and said she needed to find a father because his children were being held at gunpoint .
Israel ran outside , where he was then handcuffed and searched .
“ I was just shopping at Safeway , and I end up with guns pulled on my children , ” Israel said .
“ I don ’ t know why someone would say I had a gun , but even if I did , it ’ s not illegal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ store , the only thing I could think about was my children ’ s lives .
I approached the situation as calm as possible , but yet still officers grabbed their weapons .
These things should not happen.
” Israel said his 14-year-old is now in therapy and the family is seeking therapy for the 7-year-old , as well .
The 44-year-old father said he had to have a talk with his children after the incident informing them that they need to be more aware of the situations they ’ re in because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to comply with police orders in any situation — even if they feel like they ’ re being mistreated .
Israel said he has been paying attention to the thousands of protesters who have gathered around Colorado in the past week to decry the death of George Floyd , who died May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes .
“ I am definitely for the stance of the protests , ” Israel said .
“ I think that the police , in general , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I believe they ’ ve been pounding on a glass window constantly until it broke .
“ People have been taking peaceful protests , taking a knee , some type of peaceful reform — and time after time , someone unarmed ended up dead .
Someone at a traffic stop ended up dead , ” he said .
“ Now that there ’ s looting and violence and chaos , you ’ re so upset about this saying , ‘ Why are they not peaceful ?
Why is this looting happening ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on , your stance was the same stance .
‘ Why is he taking a knee ?
’ Enough is enough .
”

A Denver police sergeant last month held three black children at gunpoint in broad daylight and handcuffed their unarmed father after receiving a 911 call that a black man in a grocery store parking lot had a gun, according the Killmer, Lane & Newman law firm.
The Denver Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but civil rights attorney David Lane said Chief Paul Pazen asked to have a meeting about the incident.
According to an account provided by Lane’s firm, Naphtali Israel walked his three stepdaughters — ages 2, 7 and 14 — back to his car after buying them treats on May 7 at a Safeway at 14th Avenue and Krameria Street in Denver, then returned to the store to finish shopping.
Denver police received a 911 call from the grocery store asking officers to drop by because someone reported a black man in a white hoodie sitting in a Cadillac by himself with a gun, according to Lane’s firm.
“Indeed, it is VERY important to understand that sitting in a car with a gun is not a crime, violation or petty offense of any sort,” Lane’s firm wrote in the news release.
While Israel was still shopping, security footage provided by Killmer, Lane & Newman shows a Denver sergeant drive up and point his gun for about 15 seconds at the three children in the car — which matched the description from the 911 call — and not reholster the weapon for about two minutes.
That video footage has no audio, but according to Lane, the 14-year-old said the sergeant ordered her to “take her (expletive) hands off the steering wheel!”
Lane said did not know the name of the officer who pulled his gun.
When Israel came back out of the store, police body camera footage — also provided by Killmer, Lane & Newman — shows him handcuffed and searched for a weapon, which he did not have. “We got a call that you have a gun,” an officer can be heard saying on the body cam footage.
Israel can be heard explaining to police that he didn’t have a gun and that the situation was ridiculous.
“When we get a call, this is how we have to do it,” one of the officers can be heard saying.
Israel told The Denver Post he had just returned from the hospital with his newborn baby and fiancée, and took his older children grocery shopping so his partner could have some time alone with her infant.
When his toddler began getting restless in the store, he said he bought his children snacks and took them back to the car, telling them to leave the door open to get some air.
As he checked out, a woman ran inside the store and said she needed to find a father because his children were being held at gunpoint.
Israel ran outside, where he was then handcuffed and searched.
“I was just shopping at Safeway, and I end up with guns pulled on my children,” Israel said. “I don’t know why someone would say I had a gun, but even if I did, it’s not illegal. When I came out of that store, the only thing I could think about was my children’s lives. I approached the situation as calm as possible, but yet still officers grabbed their weapons. These things should not happen.”
Israel said his 14-year-old is now in therapy and the family is seeking therapy for the 7-year-old, as well.
The 44-year-old father said he had to have a talk with his children after the incident informing them that they need to be more aware of the situations they’re in because of the color of their skin and need to comply with police orders in any situation — even if they feel like they’re being mistreated.
“I hope justice prevails,” Israel said.
Israel said he has been paying attention to the thousands of protesters who have gathered around Colorado in the past week to decry the death of George Floyd, who died May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.
“I am definitely for the stance of the protests,” Israel said. “I think that the police, in general, not only have been begging for this, I believe they’ve been pounding on a glass window constantly until it broke.
“People have been taking peaceful protests, taking a knee, some type of peaceful reform — and time after time, someone unarmed ended up dead. Someone at a traffic stop ended up dead,” he said. “Now that there’s looting and violence and chaos, you’re so upset about this saying, ‘Why are they not peaceful? Why is this looting happening?’ When there was peaceful situations going on, your stance was the same stance. ‘Why is he taking a knee?’ Enough is enough.”


thedenverpost--2020-06-03--Gutted Colorado budget passes its first test on party-line vote

K-12 education would take a nearly 10 % hit and higher education would lose more than a quarter of its state support under the budget that passed the Colorado House on Wednesday .
The budget , which had to be cut more than 21 % overall , now moves to the Senate .
Lawmakers are struggling with a projected $ 3.3 billion state revenue shortfall due to the coronavirus pandemic , although federal relief money will help with some education and other spending cuts .
K-12 education makes up more than a third of the state budget .
The House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a party-line vote of 41-23 .
The Democrat-controlled chamber was set to approve the budget late last week but had to postpone after closing the Capitol for two days amid protests sparked by the death of George Floyd .
Though Democrats voted to pass the bill , they shared frustration with Republicans about having to make the cuts in the first place .
“ People are going to see this in their daily lives , whether it ’ s through reduced transportation projects , through reduced substance use disorder funding , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chair of the Joint Budget Committee and a Commerce City Democrat .
“ There are so many areas where we ’ ve made huge progress … all wiped out .
It ’ s going to take us years to get back to the level we ’ d gotten to.
” Republicans proposed dozens of amendments such as to sex education and the state ’ s civil rights commission , among others .
Lawmakers debated amendments for hours Tuesday before the final vote Wednesday .
The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the budget passed Wednesday for increased Medicaid caseloads — the largest spending hike .
The budget crisis also has lawmakers shelving most bills that come with price tags in the second week after their May 26 return to the Capitol .
Some of the bills Democrats expected to pass this year that are now off the table include a new public health insurance option and a statewide paid family and medical leave program .
State budget writers expect that budgeting will be even more difficult in the following budget year and potentially beyond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more next year , ” said Rep. Daneya Esgar , D-Pueblo , who chairs the budget committee .
“ There ’ s no revenue coming in right now .
This year hurts .
If we don ’ t figure out solutions to the problems we have in our budget , constitutionally , next year ’ s going to hurt a lot more.
” A bipartisan effort to ask voters to repeal the Gallagher Amendment could be that constitutional solution .
The state is also freeing up hundreds of millions of dollars in one-time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including from the state ’ s reserves .
It ’ s also allowing money from the marijuana tax fund to be appropriated the year it ’ s accrued .
Such extra sources of money won ’ t necessarily be available in coming years , Sen. Bob Rankin , R-Carbondale , said .
“ I ’ m concerned about that.
” Lawmakers are expected to receive an updated revenue forecast later this month , Rankin said — another source of worry .
Republicans — and even Democrats — are also unhappy that Gov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal relief money without input from the Joint Budget Committee .
“ It ’ s been difficult to reconcile that money in the manner which it ’ s being spent with the budgeting process , ” Rankin said .

K-12 education would take a nearly 10% hit and higher education would lose more than a quarter of its state support under the budget that passed the Colorado House on Wednesday.
The budget, which had to be cut more than 21% overall, now moves to the Senate.
Lawmakers are struggling with a projected $3.3 billion state revenue shortfall due to the coronavirus pandemic, although federal relief money will help with some education and other spending cuts. K-12 education makes up more than a third of the state budget.
The House gave final approval to the budget Wednesday on a party-line vote of 41-23. The Democrat-controlled chamber was set to approve the budget late last week but had to postpone after closing the Capitol for two days amid protests sparked by the death of George Floyd.
Though Democrats voted to pass the bill, they shared frustration with Republicans about having to make the cuts in the first place.
“People are going to see this in their daily lives, whether it’s through reduced transportation projects, through reduced substance use disorder funding,” said Sen. Dominick Moreno, , vice chair of the Joint Budget Committee and a Commerce City Democrat. “There are so many areas where we’ve made huge progress … all wiped out. It’s going to take us years to get back to the level we’d gotten to.”
Republicans proposed dozens of amendments such as to sex education and the state’s civil rights commission, among others. Lawmakers debated amendments for hours Tuesday before the final vote Wednesday.
The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing received an 11.2% increase in funding in the budget passed Wednesday for increased Medicaid caseloads — the largest spending hike.
The budget crisis also has lawmakers shelving most bills that come with price tags in the second week after their May 26 return to the Capitol. Some of the bills Democrats expected to pass this year that are now off the table include a new public health insurance option and a statewide paid family and medical leave program.
State budget writers expect that budgeting will be even more difficult in the following budget year and potentially beyond.
“We might have to cut more next year,” said Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, who chairs the budget committee. “There’s no revenue coming in right now. This year hurts. If we don’t figure out solutions to the problems we have in our budget, constitutionally, next year’s going to hurt a lot more.”
A bipartisan effort to ask voters to repeal the Gallagher Amendment could be that constitutional solution.
The state is also freeing up hundreds of millions of dollars in one-time money to help in the present crisis, including from the state’s reserves. It’s also allowing money from the marijuana tax fund to be appropriated the year it’s accrued.
Such extra sources of money won’t necessarily be available in coming years, Sen. Bob Rankin, R-Carbondale, said. “I’m concerned about that.”
Lawmakers are expected to receive an updated revenue forecast later this month, Rankin said — another source of worry.
Republicans — and even Democrats — are also unhappy that Gov. Jared Polis allocated some of the federal relief money without input from the Joint Budget Committee.
“It’s been difficult to reconcile that money in the manner which it’s being spent with the budgeting process,” Rankin said.


thedenverpost--2020-06-03--Colorado coronavirus cases cross 27,000, as hospitalizations continue to fall

Hospitalizations in Colorado from the new coronavirus continued to fall Wednesday , as case counts crossed the 27,000 line .
The Colorado Hospital Association reported 261 people were hospitalized due to COVID-19 as of Wednesday , the lowest level seen since late March .
The number of people in Colorado hospitals with COVID-like symptoms , but no diagnosis yet , was 127 .
Those cases “ under investigation ” have bounced between 100 and 130 since late May .
So far , the state has recorded 27,060 cases and 4,443 total hospitalizations , according to the Colorado Department of Public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16 % of those known to have the virus needed hospital-level care .
Most of those who were hospitalized have eventually left .
The hospital association has recorded 3,959 people discharged or transferred to a lower level of care , like a rehabilitation facility , since mid-April .
The death toll also increased Wednesday , though that likely reflected some delayed reporting .
CDPHE reported 1,254 people died of complications of the new virus — up 26 from the number reported Tuesday — and another 1,494 died with the virus in their system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directly attributed to it .
That ’ s up 20 from the day before .
One death was reported to have occurred on Tuesday .
There ’ s a lag in reporting , so new deaths reported by state health officials on a given day didn ’ t all necessarily occur the day before .
The number of people tested for the virus rose to 194,697 , meaning about 14 % tested positive .
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Hospitalizations in Colorado from the new coronavirus continued to fall Wednesday, as case counts crossed the 27,000 line.
The Colorado Hospital Association reported 261 people were hospitalized due to COVID-19 as of Wednesday, the lowest level seen since late March. The number of people in Colorado hospitals with COVID-like symptoms, but no diagnosis yet, was 127. Those cases “under investigation” have bounced between 100 and 130 since late May.
So far, the state has recorded 27,060 cases and 4,443 total hospitalizations, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. That means about 16% of those known to have the virus needed hospital-level care.
Most of those who were hospitalized have eventually left. The hospital association has recorded 3,959 people discharged or transferred to a lower level of care, like a rehabilitation facility, since mid-April.
The death toll also increased Wednesday, though that likely reflected some delayed reporting. CDPHE reported 1,254 people died of complications of the new virus — up 26 from the number reported Tuesday — and another 1,494 died with the virus in their system, but their deaths weren’t directly attributed to it. That’s up 20 from the day before. One death was reported to have occurred on Tuesday.
There’s a lag in reporting, so new deaths reported by state health officials on a given day didn’t all necessarily occur the day before.
The number of people tested for the virus rose to 194,697, meaning about 14% tested positive.
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thedenverpost--2020-06-03--This rare cloud showed up over the Front Range Wednesday, but what does it mean?

To most , the skies over Boulder on Wednesday morning may have looked like a strange form of cloud confetti .
But the relatively rare type of spotted clouds that showed up gave a strong hint about the stormy weather to come later in the day on Wednesday .
So what caused the altocumulus floccus that appeared overhead on Wednesday , and why were they significant ?
For starters , these clouds offered a strong clue about the stormy weather that developed later in the day on Wednesday .
“ Normally ( during the ) morning , the atmosphere is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depending on what ’ s above that you can have instability there .
We were a lot more unstable in the mid levels than what we see normally , ” said Lisa Kriederman , a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Boulder .
“ That instability there and some moisture moving in aloft , that can really show that instability due to the bubbly look of the clouds.
” In short , the atmosphere usually is more tranquil during the morning .
After a long night of cooler temperatures due to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often at its calmest point of the day during the morning hours , even during the stormier spring and summer months .
The altocumulus floccus clouds , though , showed that a combination of instability ( due to the puffy nature of the clouds ) and moisture ( the clouds already being there ) were already present by Wednesday morning .
“ They show that there is instability in the atmosphere , ” Kriederman said .
If you break down altocumulus floccus into the three subgroups of the word , and you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and pattern of the cloud , in addition to what it could mean .
Alto is in reference to the cloud ’ s higher altitude , and cumulus are the puffy , cotton ball-esque clouds that can sometimes morph into afternoon thunderstorms .
Floccus indicates a tuft-like nature to the clouds ( floccus means a lock of wool in Latin ) .
Add it all together , and you have what showed up over the skies of Boulder on Wednesday morning .
While these types of clouds can appear during the spring and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rare during the morning .
And if you see them during the early part of the day , prepare : it ’ s also usually a sign of a stormy afternoon to come .

To most, the skies over Boulder on Wednesday morning may have looked like a strange form of cloud confetti. But the relatively rare type of spotted clouds that showed up gave a strong hint about the stormy weather to come later in the day on Wednesday.
So what caused the altocumulus floccus that appeared overhead on Wednesday, and why were they significant? For starters, these clouds offered a strong clue about the stormy weather that developed later in the day on Wednesday.
“Normally (during the) morning, the atmosphere is more of a stable regime, and depending on what’s above that you can have instability there. We were a lot more unstable in the mid levels than what we see normally,” said Lisa Kriederman, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Boulder. “That instability there and some moisture moving in aloft, that can really show that instability due to the bubbly look of the clouds.”
In short, the atmosphere usually is more tranquil during the morning. After a long night of cooler temperatures due to a lack of sunlight, the atmosphere is often at its calmest point of the day during the morning hours, even during the stormier spring and summer months.
The altocumulus floccus clouds, though, showed that a combination of instability (due to the puffy nature of the clouds) and moisture (the clouds already being there) were already present by Wednesday morning.
“They show that there is instability in the atmosphere,” Kriederman said.
If you break down altocumulus floccus into the three subgroups of the word, and you can begin to understand the shape, height and pattern of the cloud, in addition to what it could mean. Alto is in reference to the cloud’s higher altitude, and cumulus are the puffy, cotton ball-esque clouds that can sometimes morph into afternoon thunderstorms. Floccus indicates a tuft-like nature to the clouds (floccus means a lock of wool in Latin). Add it all together, and you have what showed up over the skies of Boulder on Wednesday morning.
While these types of clouds can appear during the spring and summer months, they’re somewhat rare during the morning. And if you see them during the early part of the day, prepare: it’s also usually a sign of a stormy afternoon to come.


thedenverpost--2020-06-04--Denver weather: Afternoon thunderstorms in northeastern Colorado expected to intensify

The threat of isolated afternoon and evening thunderstorms is expected to intensify over northeastern Colorado the next few days with hail and strong , damaging winds possible in some areas .
Afternoon thunderstorms Thursday through Saturday , including in the Denver metro area , are expected to be “ strong to severe , ” according to the National Weather Service .
In Denver on Thursday , skies will be mostly sunny and the high temperature will top out at 92 degrees , according to the weather service forecast .
There ’ s a 20 % chance of showers and thunderstorms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gust to about 18 mph .
On Friday , skies will be mostly sunny again , with a high temperature near 94 degrees , the weather service said .
Afternoon winds will gust to 20 mph and there ’ s a 20 % chance for precipitation .
The chance for afternoon showers and storms increase to 30 % on Saturday in Denver and the high temperature will top out at 92 degrees under partly sunny skies , according to the weather service .
An approaching upper level weather disturbance will create very windy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also increase wildland fire danger for the three-day period , the weather service said .
Sunday ’ s weather in Denver is expected to be sunny and breezy with a high temperature of 94 degrees .

The threat of isolated afternoon and evening thunderstorms is expected to intensify over northeastern Colorado the next few days with hail and strong, damaging winds possible in some areas.
Afternoon thunderstorms Thursday through Saturday, including in the Denver metro area, are expected to be “strong to severe,” according to the National Weather Service.
In Denver on Thursday, skies will be mostly sunny and the high temperature will top out at 92 degrees, according to the weather service forecast. There’s a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. and southwest winds will gust to about 18 mph.
On Friday, skies will be mostly sunny again, with a high temperature near 94 degrees, the weather service said. Afternoon winds will gust to 20 mph and there’s a 20% chance for precipitation.
The chance for afternoon showers and storms increase to 30% on Saturday in Denver and the high temperature will top out at 92 degrees under partly sunny skies, according to the weather service.
An approaching upper level weather disturbance will create very windy conditions Saturday through Monday, which will also increase wildland fire danger for the three-day period, the weather service said.
Sunday’s weather in Denver is expected to be sunny and breezy with a high temperature of 94 degrees.


thedenverpost--2020-06-04--Keeler: Denver showed its true colors the morning after George Floyd protests

The line stretched two city blocks this-a-way and two city blocks that-a-way .
Britt Diehl counted roughly 1,000 souls in all , families of all creeds and ethnicities , armed with nothing more than face masks , bottled water , clear eyes and full hearts .
United by garbage bags , they marched from Skyline Park to the steps of the Capitol .
Then Little Five Points .
LoHi .
The Golden Triangle .
Uptown .
“ You can ’ t see that I ’ m smiling , ” a volunteer with the Downtown Denver Partnership gushed Wednesday morning , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mask.
” We show duty to justice , to George Floyd , after dark .
We show our duty to our neighbors at dawn , when the zombified remains of the 16th Street Mall wipes the sleep from its eyes .
“ This was something for people who were trying to figure out a way to come together for a lot of different reasons , ” noted Diehl , a manager for executive office and special projects with the Partnership .
“ If you think about it , for a group of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve been able to come back to their community and make a difference.
” Starting at 7 a.m. , the group had cracked the four-digit mark within an hour .
Wednesday saw the first of two 2-hour volunteer shifts this week , with the second slated for Friday morning , for which the Partnership solicited companies and organizations for people to help clean up , spruce up and cheer up a downtown that ’ s become collateral damage .
We ’ ll be picking up debris , removing graffiti , passing out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heat , the Partnership memo read , and beautifying storefronts .
Amy Friedman , one of 75 blue-shirted volunteers from Denver Health and Hospital Authority , landed debris duty .
As shocking as the social distancing caused by COVID-19 was to the system , the waves of rage near the Capitol this past week in response to the death of Floyd while in the custody of Minneapolis police hit even closer to home .
A Colorado native , Friedman used to work in the policy-and-research department for former Gov .
Roy Romer .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything like this , ” recalled Friedman , chief experience officer with Denver Health .
“ It ’ s a little bit of a shock .
But it ’ s a sign of what happened , it ’ s the culmination of so many things , of a lot of tragedies over the past year .
But seeing everyone come together has been fantastic .
This is why I love living in Denver .
There ’ s just a sense of community here.
” We show our duty to humanity , to reform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duty to service at dawn , when the slate is wiped clean , the easel pure , and the blank page awaits .
• PHOTOS : Denver officials join in seventh day of demonstrations after the killing of George Floyd • PHOTOS : Coloradans turn out for a sixth night of George Floyd protests • PHOTOS : A fourth day of demonstrations in Denver after the killing of George Floyd • Denver mayor walks backs “ murder ” comments , though others hold him to it • Denver mayor to George Floyd protesters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s time to get to work ” Just before 8 in the morning Wednesday , somewhere along California , Friedman ’ s boss , Denver Health CEO Robin Wittenstein , was picking up trash when she happened upon an orphaned wallet , lying on the sidewalk .
So she scanned at the ID inside and looked up .
The gentleman in the photo was still within shouting distance .
She read the driver ’ s license again .
“ So I gave him his wallet back , ” she said .
“ His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walking down the street .
That could ruin your day .
That makes for a very bad day.
” Gary Mantelli has seen mostly bad days for basically a week now , ever since the boards went up at his West of Surrender restaurant , a relatively new Mall watering hole , last Friday night .
“ We thought that ( plywood ) would be the safest way to protect the building , ” said Mantelli , who launched the establishment last September and kept it closed Wednesday .
“ After COVID , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of resources to go replace anything.
” Since the coronavirus nuked pretty much every walk-in , sit-down business on the continent in mid-March , Mantelli said his restaurant is “ doing single digits in terms of the percentage of ( business ) we expected .
It ’ s very sad.
” On 13th and Broadway , roughly a block from the Capitol , a petite woman in a gray hoodie — her friend called her “ Sara ” — was scribbling passages of careful notes on lined notebook paper .
She wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ glance at a small painting of bright reds and yellows that rested on a concrete step , an abstract landscape on which the South Platte River split the horizon .
Sara is among the homeless camping out near the Capitol , when she can .
For about a week , she ’ s been an unwilling audience , night after night , to some of the most chilling scenes in Colfax history .
“ It ’ s been like the movie ‘ The Purge , ’ ” Sarah said softly .
“ ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s film montage was kinder .
More than a dozen staff members at the History Colorado museum turned up to re-secure foam and pieces of plastic sheeting that protected the windows .
Volunteers spray-painted over the lewd language that had been written on the building .
A few blocks away , some in the Partnership group pasted artwork on boarded-up windows , giving rows of plywood , at the least , a dash of color .
“ We were hearing from a lot of different people , asking if we could come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city , ” Diehl said .
We came up with the idea on a Monday afternoon .
And in just about 36 hours later , we pulled this off.
” From 6 feet out , you could just make out a smile , clear as the daybreak .
Even from beneath the mask .

The line stretched two city blocks this-a-way and two city blocks that-a-way. Britt Diehl counted roughly 1,000 souls in all, families of all creeds and ethnicities, armed with nothing more than face masks, bottled water, clear eyes and full hearts.
United by garbage bags, they marched from Skyline Park to the steps of the Capitol. Then Little Five Points. LoHi. The Golden Triangle. Uptown.
“You can’t see that I’m smiling,” a volunteer with the Downtown Denver Partnership gushed Wednesday morning, “because I’m wearing this mask.”
We show duty to justice, to George Floyd, after dark. We show our duty to our neighbors at dawn, when the zombified remains of the 16th Street Mall wipes the sleep from its eyes.
“This was something for people who were trying to figure out a way to come together for a lot of different reasons,” noted Diehl, a manager for executive office and special projects with the Partnership. “If you think about it, for a group of people, this is the first time they’ve been able to come back to their community and make a difference.”
Starting at 7 a.m., the group had cracked the four-digit mark within an hour. Wednesday saw the first of two 2-hour volunteer shifts this week, with the second slated for Friday morning, for which the Partnership solicited companies and organizations for people to help clean up, spruce up and cheer up a downtown that’s become collateral damage.
We’ll be picking up debris, removing graffiti, passing out water to workers making repairs in the heat, the Partnership memo read, and beautifying storefronts.
Amy Friedman, one of 75 blue-shirted volunteers from Denver Health and Hospital Authority, landed debris duty. As shocking as the social distancing caused by COVID-19 was to the system, the waves of rage near the Capitol this past week in response to the death of Floyd while in the custody of Minneapolis police hit even closer to home. A Colorado native, Friedman used to work in the policy-and-research department for former Gov. Roy Romer.
“I don’t remember seeing anything like this,” recalled Friedman, chief experience officer with Denver Health. “It’s a little bit of a shock. But it’s a sign of what happened, it’s the culmination of so many things, of a lot of tragedies over the past year. But seeing everyone come together has been fantastic. This is why I love living in Denver. There’s just a sense of community here.”
We show our duty to humanity, to reform, after dark. We show our duty to service at dawn, when the slate is wiped clean, the easel pure, and the blank page awaits.
Just before 8 in the morning Wednesday, somewhere along California, Friedman’s boss, Denver Health CEO Robin Wittenstein, was picking up trash when she happened upon an orphaned wallet, lying on the sidewalk.
So she scanned at the ID inside and looked up. The gentleman in the photo was still within shouting distance.
She read the driver’s license again.
“Heyyy,” Wittenstein cried. “Are you Michael?”
Michael stopped. He was.
“So I gave him his wallet back,” she said. “His picture matched. It was just somebody walking down the street. That could ruin your day. That makes for a very bad day.”
Gary Mantelli has seen mostly bad days for basically a week now, ever since the boards went up at his West of Surrender restaurant, a relatively new Mall watering hole, last Friday night.
“We thought that (plywood) would be the safest way to protect the building,” said Mantelli, who launched the establishment last September and kept it closed Wednesday. “After COVID, we just don’t have a lot of resources to go replace anything.”
Since the coronavirus nuked pretty much every walk-in, sit-down business on the continent in mid-March, Mantelli said his restaurant is “doing single digits in terms of the percentage of (business) we expected. It’s very sad.”
On 13th and Broadway, roughly a block from the Capitol, a petite woman in a gray hoodie — her friend called her “Sara” — was scribbling passages of careful notes on lined notebook paper. She wrote furiously, only occasionally looking up to glance at a small painting of bright reds and yellows that rested on a concrete step, an abstract landscape on which the South Platte River split the horizon.
Sara is among the homeless camping out near the Capitol, when she can. For about a week, she’s been an unwilling audience, night after night, to some of the most chilling scenes in Colfax history.
“It’s been like the movie ‘The Purge,’” Sarah said softly. “’Without the killing.’”
Wednesday’s film montage was kinder. More than a dozen staff members at the History Colorado museum turned up to re-secure foam and pieces of plastic sheeting that protected the windows. Volunteers spray-painted over the lewd language that had been written on the building. A few blocks away, some in the Partnership group pasted artwork on boarded-up windows, giving endless rows of plywood, at the least, a dash of color.
“We were hearing from a lot of different people, asking if we could come together and do something positive for the city,” Diehl said. “We came up with the idea on a Monday afternoon. And in just about 36 hours later, we pulled this off.”
From 6 feet out, you could just make out a smile, clear as the daybreak. Even from beneath the mask.


thedenverpost--2020-06-04--Christian McCaffrey is one of NFL’s best, according to Pro Football Focus

Christian McCaffrey had one heckuva 2019 season and it didn ’ t go unnoticed .
The former Valor Christian star and now Carolina Panthers running back came in at No .
10 on Pro Football Focus ’ top 50 players entering the 2020 NFL season on Wednesday .
“ Christian McCaffrey is the perfect running back for today ’ s NFL , ” PFF ’ s Sam Monson writes .
“ One of the few players with the skills to line up as a wide receiver but also repeatedly carry the ball between the tackles , he has been the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of seasons.
” It ’ s a big leap for the All-Pro , who didn ’ t even land on the 2019 list .
McCaffrey , 23 , finished last season with 1,387 yards rushing and 1,005 yards receiving — only the third player in NFL history to record a 1,000-1,000 year .
He also tallied 19 touchdowns for Carolina .
He signed a four-year , $ 64 million extension with the Panthers in April .
He isn ’ t the only player with Colorado ties on the list .
Broncos star linebacker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25 and Packers offensive tackle — and former CU Buffs star — David Bakhtiari is No .
42 .
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Christian McCaffrey had one heckuva 2019 season and it didn’t go unnoticed.
The former Valor Christian star and now Carolina Panthers running back came in at No. 10 on Pro Football Focus’ top 50 players entering the 2020 NFL season on Wednesday.
“Christian McCaffrey is the perfect running back for today’s NFL,” PFF’s Sam Monson writes. “One of the few players with the skills to line up as a wide receiver but also repeatedly carry the ball between the tackles, he has been the Panthers’ offense for the past couple of seasons.”
It’s a big leap for the All-Pro, who didn’t even land on the 2019 list.
McCaffrey, 23, finished last season with 1,387 yards rushing and 1,005 yards receiving — only the third player in NFL history to record a 1,000-1,000 year. He also tallied 19 touchdowns for Carolina. He signed a four-year, $64 million extension with the Panthers in April.
He isn’t the only player with Colorado ties on the list. Broncos star linebacker Von Miller came in at No. 25 and Packers offensive tackle — and former CU Buffs star — David Bakhtiari is No. 42.
— Joe Nguyen, The Denver Post
If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette, tell a friend it’s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup. If you have any questions or suggestions, hit me up on Twitter @joenguyen or by email.
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thedenverpost--2020-06-04--Fat Lever: Nuggets don’t have to rally around Michael Porter Jr.’s tweets, but they should rally aro

Fat Lever: Nuggets don’t have to rally around Michael Porter Jr.’s tweets, but they should rally around MPJ

When it comes to George Floyd , Fat Lever is rooting for justice .
When it comes to Michael Porter Jr. , the Nuggets legend is rooting for cooler heads .
And for the Denver locker room to rally around its young forward .
“ I think everyone is coming at it differently , especially when you don ’ t know a person , ” Lever , the former Nuggets point guard , said of MPJ , whose tweets last regarding the Minneapolis policemen who had Floyd in custody when he was killed drew the ire of current and former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( MPJ ) from a distance , fair enough , ” said Lever , 59 , a fixture of the Nuggets ’ backcourt from 1984-90 .
“ ( You need ) to be understanding of his comments , though , once you get to know him and to get to know him better and understand where he ’ s coming from.
” Porter Jr. came from his heart , posting on Twitter last week that the horrific death of the 46-year-old Floyd while in the custody of the Minneapolis police on May 25 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his followers to , “ as hard as it is , pray ( for the officers ) instead of hate them … pray that God changes their hearts.
” That last sentiment was roundly criticized on social media , most notably by the Knicks ’ Maurice Harkless , the 76ers ’ Mike Scott and the Clippers ’ Lou Williams .
But assuming the NBA resumes its season as expected this summer , Lever said he would be surprised , even in a “ bubble ” environment , if Porter Jr. ’ s peers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t think it ’ s going to get to the point of hashing out his comments on the court , ” Lever said .
“ I don ’ t think so .
Everyone has said something they may regret and have a different opinion on .
And everyone is entitled to their opinion .
“ I was surprised ( to see ) a young player of his stature say something like that .
But I think it ’ s a step , as far as growth for him , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things and to get a better understanding of the past.
” The 12-year NBA veteran said he would advise MPJ , who averaged 7.5 points in 14 minutes per game as a 21-year-old rookie , to confer with his older teammates on their advice on how best to bring about change in Denver — and how his voice could advance the cause .
“ Going forward , I ’ d love to see a lot of veteran players in their own cities , and in their NBA cities , have a dialogue with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Lever , who was raised in Arkansas and Arizona .
“ And with some of the city and community leaders , to get an idea of what the players are going through and what the players are experiencing .
“ A lot of us went through it .
I grew up in the South , and I experienced it .
And I ’ m sure others experienced it as well .
So tell that story .
Not necessarily relive it , but just share it with the school systems and the community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think we ’ re just not sharing the full message and getting the full message .
“ Because it ’ s not just about sports .
It ’ s about everything that we do .
”

When it comes to George Floyd, Fat Lever is rooting for justice. When it comes to Michael Porter Jr., the Nuggets legend is rooting for cooler heads. And for the Denver locker room to rally around its young forward.
“I think everyone is coming at it differently, especially when you don’t know a person,” Lever, the former Nuggets point guard, said of MPJ, whose tweets last regarding the Minneapolis policemen who had Floyd in custody when he was killed drew the ire of current and former NBA players.
“And to criticize (MPJ) from a distance, fair enough,” said Lever, 59, a fixture of the Nuggets’ backcourt from 1984-90. “(You need) to be understanding of his comments, though, once you get to know him and to get to know him better and understand where he’s coming from.”
Porter Jr. came from his heart, posting on Twitter last week that the horrific death of the 46-year-old Floyd while in the custody of the Minneapolis police on May 25 was “murder,” then asking his followers to, “as hard as it is, pray (for the officers) instead of hate them … pray that God changes their hearts.”
That last sentiment was roundly criticized on social media, most notably by the Knicks’ Maurice Harkless, the 76ers’ Mike Scott and the Clippers’ Lou Williams. But assuming the NBA resumes its season as expected this summer, Lever said he would be surprised, even in a “bubble” environment, if Porter Jr.’s peers continue to hold a grudge.
“I don’t think it’s going to get to the point of hashing out his comments on the court,” Lever said. “I don’t think so. Everyone has said something they may regret and have a different opinion on. And everyone is entitled to their opinion.
“I was surprised (to see) a young player of his stature say something like that. But I think it’s a step, as far as growth for him, to be able to now carry forward with things and to get a better understanding of the past.”
The 12-year NBA veteran said he would advise MPJ, who averaged 7.5 points in 14 minutes per game as a 21-year-old rookie, to confer with his older teammates on their advice on how best to bring about change in Denver — and how his voice could advance the cause.
“Going forward, I’d love to see a lot of veteran players in their own cities, and in their NBA cities, have a dialogue with some of the young players,” said Lever, who was raised in Arkansas and Arizona. “And with some of the city and community leaders, to get an idea of what the players are going through and what the players are experiencing.
“A lot of us went through it. I grew up in the South, and I experienced it. And I’m sure others experienced it as well. So tell that story. Not necessarily relive it, but just share it with the school systems and the community. When it comes to sports, I think we’re just not sharing the full message and getting the full message.
“Because it’s not just about sports. It’s about everything that we do.”