thedenverpost--2020-06-05--Colorado weather: This weekend presents high fire danger

Be wary , campers : this weekend could feature especially high fire danger .
The Storm Prediction Center ( SPC ) has put much of Colorado as either having elevated or critical fire weather conditions this weekend , largely owing to a combination of hot temperatures and windy weather expected across most of the state on both Saturday and Sunday .
On Saturday , the SPC forecast has much of eastern Colorado under either elevated or critical fire conditions .
Temperatures are forecast to spike into the 80s and 90s across eastern and southern Colorado , but it ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the primary cause for worry this weekend .
Winds gusting up to 40 mph on Saturday and perhaps as high as 50 mph on Sunday could spike fire danger both days .
Relative humidity values , a measure of the amount of moisture in the atmosphere , are expected to be very low this weekend .
That lack of moisture could help spark fires , especially across southeastern Colorado , where conditions are expected to be the hottest and windiest .
It appears Sunday could be the most dangerous fire weather day , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the back half of the weekend .
While most of the state will have some level of fire danger , the worst of it , again , is expected to be across southern and eastern Colorado .
Dry thunderstorms could also be of concern this weekend .
When storms produce lightning and wind but little to no rainfall , those storms can often spark wildfires .
This weekend ’ s set up , with unusually dry air at the surface but instability at higher levels of the atmosphere , lends to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In anticipation of the increased fire danger , the National Weather Service office in Pueblo has issued fire weather watches for this weekend for much of southeastern Colorado , including Colorado Springs .
Parts of the San Luis Valley and southwestern Colorado are also in the SPC ’ s increased fire danger category on Saturday as well .
Varying fire restrictions are already in place across a wide swath of Colorado , including Gilpin , Douglas , Park , Clear Creek , Boulder , Jefferson and Arapahoe Counties .
That list could expand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to this weekend ’ s forecast .
A growing drought has dried out soils and vegetation across the state , creating part of the background for the increased fire danger this weekend .
Temperatures and winds are expected to gradually back off early-to-mid next week , reducing fire danger for most of the state .

Be wary, campers: this weekend could feature especially high fire danger.
The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has put much of Colorado as either having elevated or critical fire weather conditions this weekend, largely owing to a combination of hot temperatures and windy weather expected across most of the state on both Saturday and Sunday.
On Saturday, the SPC forecast has much of eastern Colorado under either elevated or critical fire conditions. Temperatures are forecast to spike into the 80s and 90s across eastern and southern Colorado, but it’ll be the winds that’ll be the primary cause for worry this weekend. Winds gusting up to 40 mph on Saturday and perhaps as high as 50 mph on Sunday could spike fire danger both days.
Relative humidity values, a measure of the amount of moisture in the atmosphere, are expected to be very low this weekend. That lack of moisture could help spark fires, especially across southeastern Colorado, where conditions are expected to be the hottest and windiest.
It appears Sunday could be the most dangerous fire weather day, with the driest and windiest weather expected over the back half of the weekend. While most of the state will have some level of fire danger, the worst of it, again, is expected to be across southern and eastern Colorado.
Dry thunderstorms could also be of concern this weekend. When storms produce lightning and wind but little to no rainfall, those storms can often spark wildfires. This weekend’s set up, with unusually dry air at the surface but instability at higher levels of the atmosphere, lends to a potential danger for those dry thunderstorms.
In anticipation of the increased fire danger, the National Weather Service office in Pueblo has issued fire weather watches for this weekend for much of southeastern Colorado, including Colorado Springs.
For today – HOT! Severe thunderstorms possible mountains/valleys Saturday; Critical Fire weather conditions Saturday and Sunday. #cowx pic.twitter.com/8o2rIxZZ7u — NWS Pueblo (@NWSPueblo) June 5, 2020
Parts of the San Luis Valley and southwestern Colorado are also in the SPC’s increased fire danger category on Saturday as well.
Varying fire restrictions are already in place across a wide swath of Colorado, including Gilpin, Douglas, Park, Clear Creek, Boulder, Jefferson and Arapahoe Counties. That list could expand, and fire restrictions could increase due to this weekend’s forecast.
A growing drought has dried out soils and vegetation across the state, creating part of the background for the increased fire danger this weekend. Temperatures and winds are expected to gradually back off early-to-mid next week, reducing fire danger for most of the state.


thedenverpost--2020-06-05--MLB plan saves big-spending teams $100M each

NEW YORK — The New York Yankees , Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers would each save more than $ 100 million on player salaries as part of management ’ s proposal to start the coronavirus-delayed season than they would under the union ’ s plan , according to an analysis by The Associated Press .
Top stars accustomed to eye-popping salaries that set them apart from mere All-Stars would experience by far the steepest cuts .
Set to earn $ 36 million each , Mike Trout and Gerrit Cole would get $ 25.3 million under the union ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million under the team ’ s proposal with the chance to get back to about $ 8 million if the postseason is played .
A rookie at the minimum would get $ 396,537 from the union plan and $ 256,706 from the MLB proposal — not much more than the $ 222,222 per game Trout and Cole originally were slated to earn .
The Yankees project to pay $ 155 million to players under the union ’ s plan , according to the AP analysis based on frozen March 28 rosters , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ management ’ s proposal .
The Astros drop from $ 149 million to $ 46 million and the Dodgers from $ 147 million to $ 46 million .
Lower-spending teams save , too , but not nearly as much because their starting points are lower .
Miami is at $ 33 million under the union ’ s plan and $ 16 million under MLB ’ s .
Pittsburgh ’ s salaries would drop from $ 36 million to $ 17 million and Baltimore ’ s from $ 43 million to $ 18 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accept prorated shares of their salaries during a shortened season , part of a deal that guaranteed $ 170 million in advances and service time even if the season is scrapped .
More than 100 players gathered for a digital meeting Thursday and reaffirmed their stance against additional cuts .
A player with a $ 20 million salary , like St. Louis All-Star catcher Yadier Molina , would get be guaranteed just below $ 4 million under the MLB plan and about $ 14.1 million under the union plan .
Tampa Bay pitcher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ salary would be cut to a $ 3.2 million base under the MLB plan and $ 10.6 million under the MLB proposal .
Philadelphia catcher J.T .
Realmuto ’ s $ 10 million salary would drop to a $ 2.4 million base as part of the MLB proposal and to $ 7 million under the union plan .
Milwaukee pitcher Brett Anderson would fall from $ 5 million to $ 1.4 million in MLB ’ s plan and to $ 3.5 million in the union ’ s formula .
“ Interesting strategy of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look like the bad guys , ” Anderson tweeted after MLB made its proposal .
MLB and the union have been making plans to start the season next month in ballparks without fans , and teams say they will sustain huge losses .
In response to the union ’ s stance , MLB is considering proposing a much shorter schedule , perhaps 50 games or fewer .
The pandemic-induced stoppage has wrecked baseball ’ s finances .
MLB say that by playing in empty ballparks , teams would combine to lose $ 640,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also say they fear extending play deep into the fall , as the union proposes , would risk a second wave of the coronavirus that would prevent the postseason from being played .
Both sides have said they hope to start the season around the beginning of July , and talks may intensify next week .
Some on the players ’ side fear teams may attempt to implement a relatively short schedule , which could provoke the threat of a grievance and to play while seeking money damages .
The AP study looked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include prorated shares of signing bonuses , which are guaranteed when a contract is signed and approved by the commissioner ’ s office .
MLB offered a six-tier sliding scale of cuts starting at 10 % and rising to 90 % for the amounts of salaries above $ 10 million , followed by prorating based on an 82-game season .
Players proposed prorating for a 114-game regular season schedule stretching through October .

NEW YORK — The New York Yankees, Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers would each save more than $100 million on player salaries as part of management’s proposal to start the coronavirus-delayed season than they would under the union’s plan, according to an analysis by The Associated Press.
Top stars accustomed to eye-popping salaries that set them apart from mere All-Stars would experience by far the steepest cuts. Set to earn $36 million each, Mike Trout and Gerrit Cole would get $25.3 million under the union’s plan and a base of $5.6 million under the team’s proposal with the chance to get back to about $8 million if the postseason is played. A rookie at the minimum would get $396,537 from the union plan and $256,706 from the MLB proposal — not much more than the $222,222 per game Trout and Cole originally were slated to earn.
The Yankees project to pay $155 million to players under the union’s plan, according to the AP analysis based on frozen March 28 rosters, and spend $48 million on salary under management’s proposal. The Astros drop from $149 million to $46 million and the Dodgers from $147 million to $46 million.
Lower-spending teams save, too, but not nearly as much because their starting points are lower. Miami is at $33 million under the union’s plan and $16 million under MLB’s. Pittsburgh’s salaries would drop from $36 million to $17 million and Baltimore’s from $43 million to $18 million.
Players agreed on March 26 to accept prorated shares of their salaries during a shortened season, part of a deal that guaranteed $170 million in advances and service time even if the season is scrapped. More than 100 players gathered for a digital meeting Thursday and reaffirmed their stance against additional cuts.
A player with a $20 million salary, like St. Louis All-Star catcher Yadier Molina, would get be guaranteed just below $4 million under the MLB plan and about $14.1 million under the union plan. Tampa Bay pitcher Charlie Morton’s $15 million salary would be cut to a $3.2 million base under the MLB plan and $10.6 million under the MLB proposal.
Philadelphia catcher J.T. Realmuto’s $10 million salary would drop to a $2.4 million base as part of the MLB proposal and to $7 million under the union plan.
Milwaukee pitcher Brett Anderson would fall from $5 million to $1.4 million in MLB’s plan and to $3.5 million in the union’s formula.
“Interesting strategy of making the best most marketable players potentially look like the bad guys,” Anderson tweeted after MLB made its proposal.
MLB and the union have been making plans to start the season next month in ballparks without fans, and teams say they will sustain huge losses. In response to the union’s stance, MLB is considering proposing a much shorter schedule, perhaps 50 games or fewer.
The pandemic-induced stoppage has wrecked baseball’s finances. MLB say that by playing in empty ballparks, teams would combine to lose $640,000 for each additional regular-season game.
Teams also say they fear extending play deep into the fall, as the union proposes, would risk a second wave of the coronavirus that would prevent the postseason from being played.
Both sides have said they hope to start the season around the beginning of July, and talks may intensify next week. Some on the players’ side fear teams may attempt to implement a relatively short schedule, which could provoke the threat of a grievance and to play while seeking money damages.
The AP study looked solely at 2020 salaries and did not include prorated shares of signing bonuses, which are guaranteed when a contract is signed and approved by the commissioner’s office.
MLB offered a six-tier sliding scale of cuts starting at 10% and rising to 90% for the amounts of salaries above $10 million, followed by prorating based on an 82-game season. Players proposed prorating for a 114-game regular season schedule stretching through October.


thedenverpost--2020-06-05--New coronavirus cases, hospitalizations remain low in Colorado

The number of new coronavirus cases and hospitalizations remained relatively low Friday as Colorado approached a moment of truth : finding out whether Memorial Day celebrations interfered with that progress .
It generally takes two to three weeks for transmission at events to start showing up in the data .
Friday was the earliest any effects from the long weekend could be expected to show up .
If there are any , they could appear as late as June 15 .
New data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment showed 240 new cases diagnosed the previous day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 27,615 .
The number of new cases has generally trended down since late April .
Five deaths have reported this week among people who had COVID-19 , though that number could rise because of delayed reporting .
The total death toll rose to 1,524 among people who tested positive for the coronavirus , with the virus listed as the cause of death in 1,274 cases .
The Colorado Hospital Association reported 215 people were still being treated for COVID-19 as of Friday morning , continuing the pattern of falling hospitalizations since late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face staff shortages in the next week , but none said they were short of protective equipment or beds to care for critically ill patients .
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

The number of new coronavirus cases and hospitalizations remained relatively low Friday as Colorado approached a moment of truth: finding out whether Memorial Day celebrations interfered with that progress.
It generally takes two to three weeks for transmission at events to start showing up in the data. Friday was the earliest any effects from the long weekend could be expected to show up. If there are any, they could appear as late as June 15.
New data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment showed 240 new cases diagnosed the previous day, bringing the state’s total to 27,615. The number of new cases has generally trended down since late April.
Five deaths have reported this week among people who had COVID-19, though that number could rise because of delayed reporting. The total death toll rose to 1,524 among people who tested positive for the coronavirus, with the virus listed as the cause of death in 1,274 cases.
The Colorado Hospital Association reported 215 people were still being treated for COVID-19 as of Friday morning, continuing the pattern of falling hospitalizations since late April. Four hospitals said they could face staff shortages in the next week, but none said they were short of protective equipment or beds to care for critically ill patients.
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-06-05--Denver protests live: Updates from June 5 demonstrations following the death of George Floyd

As the Denver protests stretched into their second week , Thursday ’ s events were highlighted by young speakers who took the stage to share their feelings on the movement , and a caravan of protestors that stretched 2 1/2 miles long at one point .
Although more protests are expected Friday , Denver Mayor Michael Hancock allowed the 9 p.m. curfew to expire Friday morning .
RTD service to downtown Denver fully resumed as well .
Looking ahead to Saturday , the Denver Broncos players and coaches planned to gather at 12:30 at the State Capitol .
• June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s streets on foot and in cars for eighth day of George Floyd protests • June 3 — Denver mayor to George Floyd protesters : After talking , “ it ’ s time to get to work ” | Denver police chief promises change and accountability in town hall , but offers few specifics | Denver mayor walks backs “ murder ” comments , though others hold him to it • June 2 — Sixth day of protest over George Floyd death draws thousands to Denver for peaceful gathering • June 1 — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peaceful for several hours , tear gas deployed just after midnight to disperse remaining crowd • May 31 — For fourth night , Denver police unleash tear gas and foam bullets as marchers again defy curfew • May 30 — Tear gas flies , protesters set fires on third night of unrest in Denver | As Denver curfew arrives , George Floyd protesters cheer • May 29 — Denver police deploy flash-bangs and tear gas as second day of George Floyd protests stretches into night • May 28 — Tear gas , pepper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floyd protests Thursday night More information on police and protests • Joining crowds of Denver protesters brings risk of COVID-19 exposure .
Here ’ s how to protect yourself — and when to get tested .
• Denver police chief vows to investigate use of tear gas , projectiles on peaceful protesters • Trump declares he ’ s president of law and order , warns of military deployment as protests resume • RTD restores limited bus and light rail service to and from downtown Denver • Boarded windows , cleanup efforts in downtown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Voices from the George Floyd protest in Denver • Denver City Council members call for investigation into police use of force during George Floyd protests • Murder charge increased against ex-Minneapolis officer , 3 others charged with aiding and abetting in George Floyd ’ s death Get the latest breaking news sent straight to your inbox by signing up for email alerts .

As the Denver protests stretched into their second week, Thursday’s events were highlighted by young speakers who took the stage to share their feelings on the movement, and a caravan of protestors that stretched 2 1/2 miles long at one point.
Although more protests are expected Friday, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock allowed the 9 p.m. curfew to expire Friday morning. RTD service to downtown Denver fully resumed as well.
Looking ahead to Saturday, the Denver Broncos players and coaches planned to gather at 12:30 at the State Capitol.
Previous coverage
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Sage Wilson, center, raises her head skyward as the crowd joins together hand-in-hand to celebrate togetherness during a rally focused on unity, love, community, respect and understanding at Civic Center Park in Denver on Wednesday, June 3, 2020. Thousands showed up as speakers took the stage with impassioned speeches that sometimes turned into debates in which men and women spoke and heard one another as the masses looked on.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Denver Public Safety Director Murphy Robinson speaks about his role as both a black man and a public official who oversaw the city's response to protests in the streets of Denver during a rally focused on unity, love, community, respect and understanding at Civic Center Park in Denver on Wednesday, June 3, 2020.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Kenny White speaks up from the crowd about real change and reform after Murphy Robinson, Denver Public Safety Director, who is also a black man, during a rally focused on unity, love, community, respect and understanding in Denver on Wednesday, June 3, 2020. Organizers gave White the chance to speak his mind to the masses. He outlined that real change needs to happen rather than words about change in light of the deaths of black people at the hands of law enforcement.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Kenny White, who spoke up from the crowd about needing real change and reform after hearing Murphy Robinson, Denver Public Safety Director, right, speak his mind about overseeing the city's response to protests during a rally focused on unity, love, community, respect and understanding in Denver on Wednesday, June 3, 2020. Organizers gave White the chance to speak his mind to the masses rather than shutting his voice out. He outlined that real change needs to happen rather than words about change in light of the deaths of black people at the hands of law enforcement.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post People gather they listen to speakers during a peaceful rally focused on unity, love, community, respect and understanding at the Civic Center Park amphitheater in Denver on Wednesday, June 3, 2020.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Kwon Atlas, communications analyst for the office of Mayor Michael B. Hancock, sings "We gon' be alright," as Kendrick Lamar's 'Alright' plays after he spoke about his role in the governmental system as a black man and the need for black men and women to fill such roles to bring about the change the community needs during a rally focused on unity, love, community, respect and understanding in Denver on Wednesday, June 3, 2020.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post People gather they listen to speakers during a rally focused on unity, love, community, respect and understanding at the Civic Center Park amphitheater in Denver on Wednesday, June 3, 2020. Thousands showed up as speakers took the stage with impassioned speeches that sometimes turned into debates in which men and women spoke and heard one another as the masses looked on.
Alex Burness, The Denver Post Protestors lie with their hands behind their backs in protest of the killing of George Floyd on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at the Colorado Capitol in Denver.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post People gathered listen to speakers during a rally focused on unity, love, community, respect and understanding at the Civic Center Park amphitheater in Denver on Wednesday, June 3, 2020. Thousands showed up as speakers took the stage with impassioned speeches that sometimes turned into debates in which men and women spoke and heard one another as the masses looked on.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post People sit atop the walls as they watch speakers during a peaceful rally focused on unity, love, community, respect and understanding at the Civic Center Park amphitheater in Denver on Wednesday, June 3, 2020.
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thedenverpost--2020-06-05--Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray starts a conversation about race

Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray kept coming back to one singular word : blatant .
When processing the emotionally charged protests now sweeping the country in the wake of George Floyd ’ s murder , Murray couldn ’ t get past how fearlessly police treat black and brown people .
“ I just think about all the stories that I have growing up with my dad , ” Murray said Friday .
“ How obvious it is .
… The stuff that the cops do , the stuff that happens , what bothers us in the black community is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s blatant , I don ’ t know how to explain it .
The word is perfect .
It ’ s so out in the open , where if you can ’ t see it , then you ’ re part of the problem.
” The protests and the civil unrest have emboldened Murray .
Change , he believes , can come in the form of education , awareness and engagement .
“ Whether it ’ s your top priority , second priority , even if you don ’ t have time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has to change , ” Murray said .
“ And you have to be a part of that for it to change.
” Speaking on a conference call with local media , the first time he ’ s spoken publicly since the season was suspended on March 11 , Murray was thrilled over Thursday ’ s vote that all-but assured the season would resume in Orlando , Florida .
He answered “ Why not ?
” when asked about the Nuggets ’ chances to win a title and underscored how dangerous he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when running their pick-and-roll .
During the hiatus he , Jokic , Will Barton , Monte Morris and Vlatko Cancar remained in Denver , hopeful of a possible resumption .
But even as he ’ s stayed fit , honing his legs in the weight room and staying in rhythm during individual workouts at the Nuggets ’ team facility , Murray said he ’ s been heartened by the outpouring of attention on police brutality .
“ It ’ s mostly with the cops , when you see , they go through this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they go through the combat training and techniques , ” Murray said .
“ I feel like they can ’ t wait to use everything that they ’ ve learned , everything that they ’ ve been taught through the system , they can ’ t wait to use that , they can ’ t wait to use their power on the people , on the black community , on people that they don ’ t really think matter .
“ That ’ s why Black Lives Matter , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so blatant , they poke you , they jab you , they try to intimidate you , they try to make you do stuff under duress , under emotion .
When people act a certain way , then they use it as their excuse to do something.
” After most topics had been addressed , including Murray ’ s latest kitchen recipes , the Nuggets ’ thoughtful point guard asked the assembled media members what instances of racism they ’ d endured .
What ensued was a thoughtful back-and-forth on peoples ’ honest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their stories , Murray shared his .
He told the story of how he and his dad were driving to Orangeville Prep , his prep school in Ontario .
A police car had cut them off and when they went to pass the car , following the speed limit , they were pulled over .
“ What are the odds ?
” Murray said sarcastically .
“ We ’ re sitting there like , ‘ If we pass him , this is going to happen .
Watch .
I ’ m like ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what happens.
” Murray recounted another story where he and his dad were profiled while walking home at night after practicing basketball .
Two cops randomly asked to search them .
They were told they “ fit the description.
” “ My dad ’ s like , ‘ Were they black ?
Did they say what they were ?
’ ” the younger Murray said .
“ You could see them hesitate where they weren ’ t prepared for that question , you know ?
” Murray said that the basketball hiatus forced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pause to reflect and consider his own priorities .
“ When I see the community come together like this , it really shifts a mental switch in your head that basketball is not the only thing that matters in the world .
”

Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray kept coming back to one singular word: blatant.
When processing the emotionally charged protests now sweeping the country in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, Murray couldn’t get past how fearlessly police treat black and brown people.
“I just think about all the stories that I have growing up with my dad,” Murray said Friday. “How obvious it is. … The stuff that the cops do, the stuff that happens, what bothers us in the black community is that it’s so blatant. It’s blatant, I don’t know how to explain it. The word is perfect. It’s so out in the open, where if you can’t see it, then you’re part of the problem.”
The protests and the civil unrest have emboldened Murray. Change, he believes, can come in the form of education, awareness and engagement.
“Whether it’s your top priority, second priority, even if you don’t have time for it, it’s something that has to change,” Murray said. “And you have to be a part of that for it to change.”
Speaking on a conference call with local media, the first time he’s spoken publicly since the season was suspended on March 11, Murray was thrilled over Thursday’s vote that all-but assured the season would resume in Orlando, Florida. He answered “Why not?” when asked about the Nuggets’ chances to win a title and underscored how dangerous he felt he and Nikola Jokic could be when running their pick-and-roll.
During the hiatus he, Jokic, Will Barton, Monte Morris and Vlatko Cancar remained in Denver, hopeful of a possible resumption. But even as he’s stayed fit, honing his legs in the weight room and staying in rhythm during individual workouts at the Nuggets’ team facility, Murray said he’s been heartened by the outpouring of attention on police brutality.
“It’s mostly with the cops, when you see, they go through this training, they go through the physicals, they go through the combat training and techniques,” Murray said. “I feel like they can’t wait to use everything that they’ve learned, everything that they’ve been taught through the system, they can’t wait to use that, they can’t wait to use their power on the people, on the black community, on people that they don’t really think matter.
“That’s why Black Lives Matter,” he said. “They do stuff that is so blatant, they poke you, they jab you, they try to intimidate you, they try to make you do stuff under duress, under emotion. When people act a certain way, then they use it as their excuse to do something.”
After most topics had been addressed, including Murray’s latest kitchen recipes, the Nuggets’ thoughtful point guard asked the assembled media members what instances of racism they’d endured. What ensued was a thoughtful back-and-forth on peoples’ honest, raw stories. After several shared their stories, Murray shared his.
He told the story of how he and his dad were driving to Orangeville Prep, his prep school in Ontario. A police car had cut them off and when they went to pass the car, following the speed limit, they were pulled over.
“What are the odds?” Murray said sarcastically. “We’re sitting there like, ‘If we pass him, this is going to happen. Watch. I’m like ‘OK.’ We pass him, guess what happens.”
Tailgating, they were told.
Murray recounted another story where he and his dad were profiled while walking home at night after practicing basketball. Two cops randomly asked to search them. They were told they “fit the description.”
“My dad’s like, ‘Were they black? Did they say what they were?’” the younger Murray said. “You could see them hesitate where they weren’t prepared for that question, you know?”
Murray said that the basketball hiatus forced by the coronavirus pandemic had given him pause to reflect and consider his own priorities.
“When I see the community come together like this, it really shifts a mental switch in your head that basketball is not the only thing that matters in the world.”


thedenverpost--2020-06-06--Q&A with former Avalanche defenseman Jan Hejda

Czech Republic-born Jan Hejda concluded a nine-year , 627-game NHL career with the Avalanche in 2015 .
The shutdown defenseman spent much of his four seasons with Colorado playing with Erik Johnson on the top pairing .
Hejda , who also played for the Edmonton Oilers and Columbus Blue Jackets , lives in Denver and remains a prominent member of the hockey community as a player agent and board member with Dawg National Hockey Foundation .
Hejda : We usually go to the Czech Republic in the summer .
This year , I think my wife ( Tereza ) and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will fly there later but I ’ m staying here ( along with my daughter Natalie , 19 ) .
Travel is a little bit more difficult and I ’ m so busy here because of the situation with coronavirus and my clients .
Q : Tell me about your business of being a player agent for Edge Sports Management , which represented you as a player ?
Hejda : I love it .
It ’ s definitely more office work than I thought .
I was hoping to travel and see the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s definitely more office work .
At the same time , I ’ m still on the player ’ s side and when they win the game , score a hat trick , I feel like I ’ m part of it .
It ’ s the same way when I played — the team wins .
Q : You and many other former Avs and Colorado residents such as Pierre Turgeon , John-Michael Liles , Milan Hejduk , Kyle Quincey and John Mitchell are involved with Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation .
Is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be drawn to helping local hockey families in need ?
Hejda : Absolutely .
But I feel like I joined too late .
I joined right after I retired .
I was telling people , for NHL players , they live a little bit in a bubble and don ’ t have a real idea and understand how little can help people a lot .
When I played , I was involved in some charities , donating money , but with Dawg Nation I found out very quickly that $ 2,500 is changing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guy crying when he received a $ 4,000 check .
That ’ s the message I have for NHL players — just a little bit helps a lot .
Q : What ’ s your most memorable moment or period of time in the NHL ?
Hejda : The season Patrick Roy coached his first year .
Honestly , it was like living in a dream .
We were very confident and we always believed we could win the next game , and the next game , and even if we lost two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ This is the time we ’ re losing it , ’ we ’ d always start winning again .
The feeling in the locker room was just awesome .
Patrick Roy was a good coach and even if we were down by three goals going into the third period we still believed we were going to win .
That was a lot of fun .
That was a season I ’ ll never forget .
In the playoff ( first-round series , Game 7 overtime loss to Minnesota ) I played with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my thumb and a cast .
I feel bad that I couldn ’ t help more .
Q : I hear your son will play another year with the 11-under triple-A Colorado Thunderbirds next season , but you ’ ll step aside as coach .
Is this another classic case of a young boy not wanting to listen to his father , despite dad ’ s resume ?
Hejda : ( Laughing ) I think he needs some different opinion than mine — at least for a couple years .

Czech Republic-born Jan Hejda concluded a nine-year, 627-game NHL career with the Avalanche in 2015. The shutdown defenseman spent much of his four seasons with Colorado playing with Erik Johnson on the top pairing. Hejda, who also played for the Edmonton Oilers and Columbus Blue Jackets, lives in Denver and remains a prominent member of the hockey community as a player agent and board member with Dawg National Hockey Foundation.
Q: How’s family life in the coronavirus pandemic?
Hejda: We usually go to the Czech Republic in the summer. This year, I think my wife (Tereza) and my son (Mathias, 11) will fly there later but I’m staying here (along with my daughter Natalie, 19). Travel is a little bit more difficult and I’m so busy here because of the situation with coronavirus and my clients.
Q: Tell me about your business of being a player agent for Edge Sports Management, which represented you as a player?
Hejda: I love it. It’s definitely more office work than I thought. I was hoping to travel and see the players playing more, but it’s definitely more office work. At the same time, I’m still on the player’s side and when they win the game, score a hat trick, I feel like I’m part of it. It’s the same way when I played — the team wins.
Q: You and many other former Avs and Colorado residents such as Pierre Turgeon, John-Michael Liles, Milan Hejduk, Kyle Quincey and John Mitchell are involved with Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation. Is it natural for the former NHLers to be drawn to helping local hockey families in need?
Hejda: Absolutely. But I feel like I joined too late. I joined right after I retired. I was telling people, for NHL players, they live a little bit in a bubble and don’t have a real idea and understand how little can help people a lot. When I played, I was involved in some charities, donating money, but with Dawg Nation I found out very quickly that $2,500 is changing a life. I saw a 140-pound guy crying when he received a $4,000 check. That’s the message I have for NHL players — just a little bit helps a lot.
Q: What’s your most memorable moment or period of time in the NHL?
Hejda: The season Patrick Roy coached his first year. Honestly, it was like living in a dream. We were very confident and we always believed we could win the next game, and the next game, and even if we lost two or three games I would think, ‘This is the time we’re losing it,’ we’d always start winning again. The feeling in the locker room was just awesome. Patrick Roy was a good coach and even if we were down by three goals going into the third period we still believed we were going to win. That was a lot of fun. That was a season I’ll never forget. In the playoff (first-round series, Game 7 overtime loss to Minnesota) I played with a broken thumb and three pins through my thumb and a cast. I feel bad that I couldn’t help more.
Q: I hear your son will play another year with the 11-under triple-A Colorado Thunderbirds next season, but you’ll step aside as coach. Is this another classic case of a young boy not wanting to listen to his father, despite dad’s resume?
Hejda: (Laughing) I think he needs some different opinion than mine — at least for a couple years.


thedenverpost--2020-06-06--More Colorado hotels to lay off hundreds of already furloughed workers

Uncertain of what the future holds , more Colorado hotels are converting furloughs into layoffs as they wait for the state ’ s order limiting large group gatherings to lift .
In the past couple of days , the Westin Denver Downtown , the Hyatt Denver , Westin Denver International Airport , the Ritz Carlton Denver and Bachelor Gulch , the Sheraton Denver Downtown , and the W Aspen have informed the Colorado Department of Labor that they won ’ t bring back workers as quickly as planned and will convert furloughs into layoffs .
More than 1,700 individuals are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We were hopeful that the restrictions and associated loss in revenue would be temporary , ” Mark Stiebeling , general manager of the Grant Hyatt Denver informed the state in a letter under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act .
“ With such a significant reduction in our business in a rapidly evolving situation , we have to make painful choices that would have seemed unthinkable just a short time ago.
” For the Grand Hyatt , that means laying off 314 furloughed workers .
After June 20 , those workers won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health insurance coverage .
The chances they will remain connected to the hotel diminish over time .
Hotels were considered essential businesses under the state ’ s stay-at-home order to contain the spread of the pandemic , and some remained open , despite a daunting drop in occupancy , which fell to 16.8 % in April statewide , down from 66.3 % a year earlier .
But group meetings and events , not leisure travel , are the big moneymakers for many hotels , accounting for 60 % of revenues on average and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said Amie Mayhew , president and CEO of the Colorado Hotel and Lodging Association .
Outside of restaurants , churches , gyms and pools , Colorado continues to limit gatherings to 10 or fewer people to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus .
Absent a viable treatment or vaccine to prevent COVID-19 , it is uncertain when authorities will get comfortable having hundreds of people mingle under one roof for hours on end .
The CHLA sent Gov .
Polis a letter this week pressing the administration to provide long-term guidance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distant date , months out , would be better than dropping restrictions a few days in advance , which has been the usual approach .
“ We aren ’ t asking to host meetings today , ” she said .
“ It ’ s not having an ability to know what we can do later this year .
We need to work with our clients to plan for our events.
” And what if the outbreak flares up again or there is a second wave this fall , as some epidemiologists predict ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ If there was a spike in cases , the meetings might not happen .
At least we can plan for it and deal with it down the road , ” she said .
Mayhew said there isn ’ t a precise count on how many hotels and motels remain closed in the state .
A recent survey found more than half weren ’ t accepting guests .
The hotel industry directly employs about 100,000 people in the state , and estimates are that 70 % of those workers are sidelined , Mayhew said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those furloughs and temporary layoffs risk becoming permanent .
Hotel properties already have the highest default rates in commercial real estate , at 20 % , increasing the odds that they will land in foreclosure .
Not everything is bleak in the hospitality industry .
Relaxed standards on road trips have helped boost occupancy at roadside motels .
And some signature Colorado properties such as the Gaylord Rockies Resort in Aurora and The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs plan to reopen on a limited capacity this month , with a focus on attracting @ @ @

Uncertain of what the future holds, more Colorado hotels are converting furloughs into layoffs as they wait for the state’s order limiting large group gatherings to lift.
In the past couple of days, the Westin Denver Downtown, the Hyatt Denver, Westin Denver International Airport, the Ritz Carlton Denver and Bachelor Gulch, the Sheraton Denver Downtown, and the W Aspen have informed the Colorado Department of Labor that they won’t bring back workers as quickly as planned and will convert furloughs into layoffs. More than 1,700 individuals are impacted in the latest round.
“We were hopeful that the restrictions and associated loss in revenue would be temporary,” Mark Stiebeling, general manager of the Grant Hyatt Denver informed the state in a letter under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act. “With such a significant reduction in our business in a rapidly evolving situation, we have to make painful choices that would have seemed unthinkable just a short time ago.”
For the Grand Hyatt, that means laying off 314 furloughed workers. After June 20, those workers won’t receive benefits, such as health insurance coverage. The chances they will remain connected to the hotel diminish over time.
Hotels were considered essential businesses under the state’s stay-at-home order to contain the spread of the pandemic, and some remained open, despite a daunting drop in occupancy, which fell to 16.8% in April statewide, down from 66.3% a year earlier.
But group meetings and events, not leisure travel, are the big moneymakers for many hotels, accounting for 60% of revenues on average and 90% or more at some properties, said Amie Mayhew, president and CEO of the Colorado Hotel and Lodging Association.
Outside of restaurants, churches, gyms and pools, Colorado continues to limit gatherings to 10 or fewer people to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. Absent a viable treatment or vaccine to prevent COVID-19, it is uncertain when authorities will get comfortable having hundreds of people mingle under one roof for hours on end.
The CHLA sent Gov. Polis a letter this week pressing the administration to provide long-term guidance on group gatherings. Even setting a distant date, months out, would be better than dropping restrictions a few days in advance, which has been the usual approach.
“We aren’t asking to host meetings today,” she said. “It’s not having an ability to know what we can do later this year. We need to work with our clients to plan for our events.”
And what if the outbreak flares up again or there is a second wave this fall, as some epidemiologists predict?
“We know something might change. If there was a spike in cases, the meetings might not happen. At least we can plan for it and deal with it down the road,” she said.
Mayhew said there isn’t a precise count on how many hotels and motels remain closed in the state. A recent survey found more than half weren’t accepting guests. The hotel industry directly employs about 100,000 people in the state, and estimates are that 70% of those workers are sidelined, Mayhew said.
As time goes on, more of those furloughs and temporary layoffs risk becoming permanent. Hotel properties already have the highest default rates in commercial real estate, at 20%, increasing the odds that they will land in foreclosure.
Not everything is bleak in the hospitality industry. Relaxed standards on road trips have helped boost occupancy at roadside motels. And some signature Colorado properties such as the Gaylord Rockies Resort in Aurora and The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs plan to reopen on a limited capacity this month, with a focus on attracting local guests.


thedenverpost--2020-06-06--U.S. government chose plastic for stimulus payments, when many were expecting paper checks

Colorado residents have thrown away government-issued debit cards loaded with thousands of dollars , and they describe a frustrating process when it comes to trying to get the money restored .
“ I was devastated when I realized that I had thrown away $ 2,400 , ” said Arvada resident Melody Sexton .
“ When I tried to keep calling the toll-free number , it was not helpful at all.
” The U.S. Treasury Department , through its vendor MetaBank , recently sent out millions of Visa debit cards with up to $ 1,200 per person in economic impact payments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country .
The cards are coming in nondescript white envelopes with an Omaha return address from Money Network Cardholder Services , a name unfamiliar to most people .
The cards are going out to taxpayers who didn ’ t receive their EIP via a direct deposit .
Warned to be on the lookout for COVID-19 scams and expecting a direct deposit or paper check , people across the country have discarded the prepaid debit cards as junk mail .
After publishing a story on the EIP Card last Saturday , The Denver Post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who tossed out the envelopes , were about to toss them out or were struggling to get help with the cards .
Some shredded the cards immediately .
Others put them in a pile on the desk and waited to find out if they were legitimate , a case where procrastination paid off .
One Golden retiree described putting the mailer in the recycling bin , which is picked up every two weeks .
Realizing his mistakes days later , he dumped the bin ’ s contents out on his patio and began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ card .
Erin Dolin , a spokeswoman for MetaBank , directed people to an extensive Q & A section at eipcard.com/faq that should answer almost any question that comes up .
Here is what it advises .
“ If your Card is discarded or destroyed , it is important that you call Customer Service at 1.800.240.8100 ( TTY : 1.800.241.9100 ) immediately and select the “ Lost/Stolen ” option.
” Cards will be deactivated to prevent anyone else from using them , and a replacement card will be ordered .
The first reissued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there is a $ 7.50 charge , MetaBank said .
Some people are hitting option 1 , which is used to activate a card or reach a live customer service representative .
But that option will request a card number , something that someone who threw away the card can ’ t offer and will frustrate them .
Option 2 is for lost or stolen cards , but it doesn ’ t provide a customer service representative .
That option will request the last six digits of the caller ’ s Social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if a couple filed their taxes jointly , there could be some confusion about whose information to provide .
It should be for the head of the household on the tax return , something MetaBank has tried to clarify .
Sexton provided the information requested under her husband ’ s name , which the system accepted .
But then she didn ’ t receive confirmation that a replacement card was coming .
She has no clue if the effort worked or not .
Here ’ s another predicament .
Some people may not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mailer .
If personal information is entered and it doesn ’ t line up with a card that was issued , callers are told to contact the IRS website , which is irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments .
That IRS website helps people determine if they are eligible for a payment , which should be everyone who filed taxes in 2018 or 2019 , and who came in under the income cutoff , which is $ 99,000 per individual filer and $ 198,000 per couple filing jointly .
There is also an income range where the full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That explains why some individuals are receiving less than $ 1,200 .
MetaBank isn ’ t trying to rip them off or pocket a big fee .
One reason the U.S. Treasury used debit cards was that it lacked the capacity to print the millions of EIP checks required quickly .
Plastic cards offered a quicker option , but one that is not sitting well with many people .
“ I would have preferred paper , ” Sexton said .

Colorado residents have thrown away government-issued debit cards loaded with thousands of dollars, and they describe a frustrating process when it comes to trying to get the money restored.
“I was devastated when I realized that I had thrown away $2,400,” said Arvada resident Melody Sexton. “When I tried to keep calling the toll-free number, it was not helpful at all.”
The U.S. Treasury Department, through its vendor MetaBank, recently sent out millions of Visa debit cards with up to $1,200 per person in economic impact payments (EIP) to households across the country. The cards are coming in nondescript white envelopes with an Omaha return address from Money Network Cardholder Services, a name unfamiliar to most people.
The cards are going out to taxpayers who didn’t receive their EIP via a direct deposit. Warned to be on the lookout for COVID-19 scams and expecting a direct deposit or paper check, people across the country have discarded the prepaid debit cards as junk mail.
After publishing a story on the EIP Card last Saturday, The Denver Post heard from more than a dozen readers who tossed out the envelopes, were about to toss them out or were struggling to get help with the cards.
Some shredded the cards immediately. Others put them in a pile on the desk and waited to find out if they were legitimate, a case where procrastination paid off.
One Golden retiree described putting the mailer in the recycling bin, which is picked up every two weeks. Realizing his mistakes days later, he dumped the bin’s contents out on his patio and began a treasure hunt, eventually finding the card.
Erin Dolin, a spokeswoman for MetaBank, directed people to an extensive Q&A section at eipcard.com/faq that should answer almost any question that comes up. Here is what it advises.
“If your Card is discarded or destroyed, it is important that you call Customer Service at 1.800.240.8100 (TTY: 1.800.241.9100) immediately and select the “Lost/Stolen” option.”
Cards will be deactivated to prevent anyone else from using them, and a replacement card will be ordered. The first reissued card is free, and after that, there is a $7.50 charge, MetaBank said.
Some people are hitting option 1, which is used to activate a card or reach a live customer service representative. But that option will request a card number, something that someone who threw away the card can’t offer and will frustrate them.
Option 2 is for lost or stolen cards, but it doesn’t provide a customer service representative. That option will request the last six digits of the caller’s Social Security number and ZIP code. But if a couple filed their taxes jointly, there could be some confusion about whose information to provide. It should be for the head of the household on the tax return, something MetaBank has tried to clarify.
Sexton provided the information requested under her husband’s name, which the system accepted. But then she didn’t receive confirmation that a replacement card was coming. She has no clue if the effort worked or not.
Here’s another predicament. Some people may not be sure whether they threw out the mailer. If personal information is entered and it doesn’t line up with a card that was issued, callers are told to contact the IRS website, which is irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments.
That IRS website helps people determine if they are eligible for a payment, which should be everyone who filed taxes in 2018 or 2019, and who came in under the income cutoff, which is $99,000 per individual filer and $198,000 per couple filing jointly.
There is also an income range where the full $1,200 payment gets phased out. That explains why some individuals are receiving less than $1,200. MetaBank isn’t trying to rip them off or pocket a big fee.
One reason the U.S. Treasury used debit cards was that it lacked the capacity to print the millions of EIP checks required quickly. Plastic cards offered a quicker option, but one that is not sitting well with many people.
“I would have preferred paper,” Sexton said.


thedenverpost--2020-06-06--Chambers: NHL’s summer-long Stanley Cup playoffs this year could become permanent

Playing Stanley Cup playoff hockey through the summer months might not be a one-time affair .
I ’ m hearing the NHL is looking into permanently beginning its 6 1/2-month regular season in late November or early December — or possibly not until January .
The league likes the idea of growing the game after the NFL and NBA seasons are complete and when baseball is traditionally the only major sport in-season .
Because of the coronavirus pandemic , that ’ s the plan to complete the 2019-20 season , and , according to former Avalanche general manager Francois Giguere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begin the 2020-21 season until 2021 when it is allowed to have fans in attendance .
Thus , this summer and the next , the Stanley Cup playoffs could be played through the summer .
If it works well , expect the schedule to stick .
Former NBC and Avalanche broadcaster Brian Engblom also told me a single-year season played throughout the summer could become permanent .
And he doesn ’ t believe keeping arenas properly refrigerated in warm-weather climates would be a problem .
Engblom now works in the Tampa Bay Lightning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t hear of any ice problems in 2015 when the Lightning hosted Stanley Cup Final games in June .
And there didn ’ t seem to be an ice issue in 2018 when the Vegas Golden Knights hosted Final games in the desert .
“ I don ’ t think ice would be that big a factor as far as I can see , ” Engblom said .
In Denver , just imagine an Avalanche-Rockies double-header in August , with the hockey team positioned in the playoffs and the baseball club looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ High City would be buzzing .
In due time .
The St. Louis Blues aren ’ t urging their players to voluntarily report to the club ’ s practice facility Monday when the NHL allows players to train in small groups to officially begin Phase 2 of its four-part return-to-play plan .
In fact , the defending Stanley Cup champions are telling players to continue to do what they ’ ve been doing , according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch .
“ I have talked with the players and they will tell us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Blues general manager Doug Armstrong told the Post-Dispatch .
“ If they feel comfortable training as they are ( currently ) , they should .
When they want us to open , we will.
” The Avalanche might have the same approach , given that official training camps won ’ t open until July 10 at the earliest .
Per multiple Twitter followers , many Avs have been seen skating at a rink in Lakewood .
As of Friday , no Colorado players have requested ice at the club ’ s practice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to a rink manager .
Regardless of where players have their small-group captain ’ s practices , they have nearly a month before training camp .
The Blues and probably other teams believe that ’ s plenty of time to get ready for full team practices next month .

Playing Stanley Cup playoff hockey through the summer months might not be a one-time affair. I’m hearing the NHL is looking into permanently beginning its 6 1/2-month regular season in late November or early December — or possibly not until January.
The league likes the idea of growing the game after the NFL and NBA seasons are complete and when baseball is traditionally the only major sport in-season. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, that’s the plan to complete the 2019-20 season, and, according to former Avalanche general manager Francois Giguere, the league probably won’t begin the 2020-21 season until 2021 when it is allowed to have fans in attendance.
Thus, this summer and the next, the Stanley Cup playoffs could be played through the summer. If it works well, expect the schedule to stick.
Former NBC and Avalanche broadcaster Brian Engblom also told me a single-year season played throughout the summer could become permanent. And he doesn’t believe keeping arenas properly refrigerated in warm-weather climates would be a problem.
Engblom now works in the Tampa Bay Lightning’s television booth. He didn’t hear of any ice problems in 2015 when the Lightning hosted Stanley Cup Final games in June. And there didn’t seem to be an ice issue in 2018 when the Vegas Golden Knights hosted Final games in the desert.
“I don’t think ice would be that big a factor as far as I can see,” Engblom said.
In Denver, just imagine an Avalanche-Rockies double-header in August, with the hockey team positioned in the playoffs and the baseball club looking to make the postseason.
The Mile High City would be buzzing.
In due time. The St. Louis Blues aren’t urging their players to voluntarily report to the club’s practice facility Monday when the NHL allows players to train in small groups to officially begin Phase 2 of its four-part return-to-play plan. In fact, the defending Stanley Cup champions are telling players to continue to do what they’ve been doing, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
“I have talked with the players and they will tell us when they think we should open,” Blues general manager Doug Armstrong told the Post-Dispatch. “If they feel comfortable training as they are (currently), they should. When they want us to open, we will.”
The Avalanche might have the same approach, given that official training camps won’t open until July 10 at the earliest. Per multiple Twitter followers, many Avs have been seen skating at a rink in Lakewood. As of Friday, no Colorado players have requested ice at the club’s practice facility, Family Sports Center in Centennial, according to a rink manager.
Regardless of where players have their small-group captain’s practices, they have nearly a month before training camp. The Blues and probably other teams believe that’s plenty of time to get ready for full team practices next month.


thedenverpost--2020-06-06--Q&A: Denver Mayor Michael Hancock on George Floyd, racial bias and the police budget

In the space of a few days , the scenes at Denver ’ s George Floyd protests went from chaotic and scary to crowded but peaceful .
Mayor Michael Hancock says that has everything to do with the protesters and is not a change in approach .
Though Denver Post reporters covering the protests have observed a shift in positioning and aggressiveness from police , the mayor insisted in an interview that the city ’ s strategy hasn ’ t changed .
With calm restored to the streets , Hancock spoke with The Post for 15 minutes Thursday about his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ youth , his support for city police today and his skepticism toward those who seek to defund public safety .
The following conversation has been edited for brevity and clarity .
I ’ m sure you heard what your aide , Kwon Atlas , said about firing cops , and that Public Safety Director Murphy Robinson quickly said that wasn ’ t going to happen .
Where do you come down on the remarks Atlas made ?
Let ’ s be clear about something first and foremast – I ’ m not at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers in this city .
This is a flippant comment by a young staff member .
It ’ s a teachable moment for him .
One of the things we ’ ve seen not only in Denver but across this country is people have made statements that they ’ ve had to come back and say , “ I was caught up in the emotion , and I said something I probably shouldn ’ t have.
” So Kwon has been talked to .
He is a bright young man that allowed his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so , with that said , we ’ re not confused about who can hire or dismiss a police officer in this city .
I ’ ve always said we ’ re going to do everything we can to hold officers accountable for the intentional errors they make , particularly when they result in putting people in danger and costing lives .
We hold true to that and we ’ ll continue to do that , but let ’ s not make more out of this than what it is : that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and said some things that he probably shouldn ’ t have said .
You ’ ve mentioned that you share in the outrage we see in the street over the death of George Floyd , and clearly this moment has resonated with a lot of people .
Why do you think that is ?
Well , I think for one , this was very real .
We actually watched , up close and personal , someone die on video .
Not understanding why the officer and officers who were present couldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his life , and he made it very clear : “ I can ’ t breathe.
” To all of us watching the video , it didn ’ t seem like there was much of a struggle going on other than to find a way to breathe .
So that was difficult to watch .
I think it moved a lot of people , doesn ’ t matter what race you come from , what side of law enforcement you ’ re on , because I ’ ve talked to a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just as moved and disappointed and pissed off by what they saw as I was , as you were , as the people who were standing there .
The realness of the video made it difficult for all of us .
But also acknowledging that we have , across this nation , seen and heard of such horrific incidents occurring .
Many have been caught on video .
Philando Castile — one that I can never get out of my head .
As a black man I recognize and I know many other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have got to stop this senseless loss of life at the hands of law enforcement .
When you were growing up , how did you view the police ?
Just like a lot of young boys , you grow up wanting to be a police officer .
I saw a video of myself when I was in college , and I ’ d gone through an exercise where I was hypnotized .
They took my back to when I was 8 .
And they asked me as a little 8-year-old what I wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted to be a cop .
I think the vast majority of 8-year-old boys , if you ask what they want to be when they grow up , they either want to be a professional sports athlete or a police officer , and I was no different .
I grew up , and at some point it begins to change .
You see the disposition and the unfortunate mistrust between the African American community and police departments .
Quite frankly , it ’ s a chasm that we have never addressed appropriately as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have a healthy respect for police officers today because I ’ ve had a closer interaction with them over my adult life , but I ’ ll tell you there was a time when I had a very difficult view of police officers .
But it is about bridging understanding through familiarity , and that ’ s something I think is extremely important and that I ’ m very dedicated to .
When was the time that you had a “ difficult ” view of police ?
In my teenage years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a young man out doing things I probably shouldn ’ t have been doing .
But also I had more interaction with cops being pulled over as a young driver , not understanding why I was being stopped .
I had an officer explain to me I was being pulled over because I was in the wrong neighborhood , and he wondered why .
Policing ’ s changed , and it ’ s because people have leaned in and demanded changes , have demanded levels of excellence , have demanded different standards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I think that ’ s helped make a difference .
We still have a long way to go , with George Floyd , Philando Castile , many others , including those in our city who have lost their lives at the hands of law enforcement .
It strikes me that there are two camps right now : One is saying we need to reform policing , and others say we need to burn it down , start from scratch , reimagine what policing can be .
Which camp do you fall into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have to be mutually exclusive .
I think that , without arriving at a destination in terms of “ you have to tear it down , ” I think we need to have serious conversations about what type of policing as a community we want .
Denver has , to some extent , under my administration , gone through those conversations , and as a result we ’ ve changed a lot of our use-of-force policies .
We ’ ve changed some of our tactics that officers use when engaging , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bringing more support , including mental health support , as well as de-escalation tactics , in our city .
Now , are we where we want to be ?
No .
But we ’ re a long way from where we started in 2011 .
And unfortunately it ’ s taken some tragedies to where we ’ ve leaned in and said we ’ ve got to make some changes .
But we have done that within the police department , and we ’ ve done that in terms of our engagement with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still got a lot of work to do .
I know Chief ( Paul ) Pazen , Director Robinson and I are committed to doing those things .
What specific policy changes do you plan to make , or push for , regarding police accountability and police tactics ?
I think it ’ s maybe too early to know specifically all the things .
But there are a couple things we ’ re doing .
One , we ’ re taking a look at the matrix that has been referred to in terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to determine where we are with regards to those .
I ’ ll tell you Denver is pretty much at six and a half of the eight that we ’ ve at least looked at , but they also don ’ t have everything that we ’ ve done .
So we ’ re going to update it , see where we are and see how we can get all the way to where we are completely at eight .
These are the same metrics that Pres .
Obama has talked about recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these marches and demonstrations around the country .
Secondly , I ’ ve got to tell you that one of the passions I have is that as a nation we have not addressed the disease of racism and bigotry , which leads to bias , and it leads to biased policing .
I am committed to us finding a way for us as a community , as a society , but starting right here in Denver , Colorado , to look more in-depth at our own implicit biases that lead to unfortunate interactions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community .
And so one of the things I ’ m already working on is how we do that , what it looks like , and quite frankly I ’ m finding that while pieces are being done around the country , no one has consolidated research , strategy development and training all in one location .
It ’ s ongoing and evolving along with the evolution of culture and expectations around policing , law enforcement , but also general interactions with the public .
These are the same issues that teachers deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care professionals deal with , the same issues that people who call the police on black men just because they walk into an apartment building and don ’ t look like they belong deal with .
It ’ s the same issues that we ’ ve got to be more courageous as a society about addressing .
We will never deal with the issues that took the life of George Floyd if we do not confront , and really , really go into the laboratory to find a cause and the solution , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our community .
I ’ m curious whether you think part of the solution involves the budget .
Of Denver ’ s $ 1.5 billion budget for this year , $ 588 million goes to the Department of Safety .
Does the city need to re-evaluate those numbers ?
You know , we evaluate every day and every year around budget season .
You ’ re looking at a city that ’ s been one of the fastest-growing cities in the country over the last 10 years , and more than 90 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
How do we make sure that we are able to patrol and keep the people of Denver safe ?
You don ’ t grow that quickly without having to find a way to keep people safe , and also not see a commensurate rise in crime in the city , which we have seen .
The reality is this is an evaluation we do every year .
The question is : Can you balance it with investments in other areas ?
And we have tried to do that as well .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were no social workers riding in cars with police officers .
Today you have almost 30 people who sit second-seat with police officers in cars , abating the lack of translation and interpretation of what someone might be going through , and allowing for the mental health professionals and clinicians to assume control of a situation that would otherwise turn deadly , or end up having someone in jail .
Those types of investments might find themselves in a safety budget , but it doesn ’ t necessarily mean it ’ s about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have to look more closely at the $ 500-plus million that you ’ re articulating .
So , with all that said , you haven ’ t made any commitments to yourself or colleagues about adjusting the budget ?
Not today .
We ’ re facing a $ 226 million gap that all agencies are having to cut .
The reality is we ’ re going to work and do everything we can to keep the city safe , make sure we have the right complement of law enforcement on the street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cuts in police in our city , I ’ ll ask the question : When your family is in trouble , when there is a challenge with regards to maybe a burglary at your home , or you ’ re being physically threatened , who are you going to call if we don ’ t have the right complement of law enforcement ?
And so we ’ ve got to keep those numbers up if we ’ re going to remain committed to keeping the people of Denver safe .
In the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their distance at the protests there ’ s been zero unrest among protesters .
In retrospect , was the amount of force in the first few days a mistake ?
Let me just say this : I watched and was involved and monitoring action on the street from Day One .
There was a decided change in the tone of the protesters from day to night in the first few days , where officers had the same tactics that you see today where they just stood back and really managed the perimeter .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ deadly weapons being introduced in the night time .
Not much changed , as we move toward today , except for the tone of the demonstrators .
What you see are peaceful demonstrations occurring today because the demonstrators took it upon themselves .
They stopped people who picked up bricks .
People try to tag , they ’ re saying , “ Stop , we ’ re not doing that here.
” It allowed for Chief Pazen , Director Robinson , other members of the cabinet , including myself , to get out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have been peaceful .
So , yeah , we ’ re glad that our officers have been able to stay in their posts without coming under projectiles direct in their way and allow these protests to continue peacefully .

In the space of a few days, the scenes at Denver’s George Floyd protests went from chaotic and scary to crowded but peaceful.
Mayor Michael Hancock says that has everything to do with the protesters and is not a change in approach. Though Denver Post reporters covering the protests have observed a shift in positioning and aggressiveness from police, the mayor insisted in an interview that the city’s strategy hasn’t changed.
With calm restored to the streets, Hancock spoke with The Post for 15 minutes Thursday about his evolving views on law enforcement as a youth, his support for city police today and his skepticism toward those who seek to defund public safety.
The following conversation has been edited for brevity and clarity.
I’m sure you heard what your aide, Kwon Atlas, said about firing cops, and that Public Safety Director Murphy Robinson quickly said that wasn’t going to happen. Where do you come down on the remarks Atlas made?
Let’s be clear about something first and foremast – I’m not at all confused about who can dismiss police officers in this city. This is a flippant comment by a young staff member. It’s a teachable moment for him. One of the things we’ve seen not only in Denver but across this country is people have made statements that they’ve had to come back and say, “I was caught up in the emotion, and I said something I probably shouldn’t have.” So Kwon has been talked to. He is a bright young man that allowed his emotions to get to him. And so, with that said, we’re not confused about who can hire or dismiss a police officer in this city.
I’ve always said we’re going to do everything we can to hold officers accountable for the intentional errors they make, particularly when they result in putting people in danger and costing lives. We hold true to that and we’ll continue to do that, but let’s not make more out of this than what it is: that a staffer got caught up in his emotions and said some things that he probably shouldn’t have said.
You’ve mentioned that you share in the outrage we see in the street over the death of George Floyd, and clearly this moment has resonated with a lot of people. Why do you think that is?
Well, I think for one, this was very real. We actually watched, up close and personal, someone die on video. Not understanding why the officer and officers who were present couldn’t recognize that this gentleman was pleading for his life, and he made it very clear: “I can’t breathe.” To all of us watching the video, it didn’t seem like there was much of a struggle going on other than to find a way to breathe. So that was difficult to watch. I think it moved a lot of people, doesn’t matter what race you come from, what side of law enforcement you’re on, because I’ve talked to a lot of police officers across the country who are just as moved and disappointed and pissed off by what they saw as I was, as you were, as the people who were standing there. The realness of the video made it difficult for all of us.
But also acknowledging that we have, across this nation, seen and heard of such horrific incidents occurring. Many have been caught on video. Philando Castile — one that I can never get out of my head. As a black man I recognize and I know many other people empathize with the fact that we have got to stop this senseless loss of life at the hands of law enforcement.
When you were growing up, how did you view the police?
Just like a lot of young boys, you grow up wanting to be a police officer. I saw a video of myself when I was in college, and I’d gone through an exercise where I was hypnotized. They took me back to when I was 8. And they asked me as a little 8-year-old what I wanted to be, and I said I wanted to be a cop. I think the vast majority of 8-year-old boys, if you ask what they want to be when they grow up, they either want to be a professional sports athlete or a police officer, and I was no different.
I grew up, and at some point it begins to change. You see the disposition and the unfortunate mistrust between the African American community and police departments. Quite frankly, it’s a chasm that we have never addressed appropriately as a society, and it grows. I have a healthy respect for police officers today because I’ve had a closer interaction with them over my adult life, but I’ll tell you there was a time when I had a very difficult view of police officers. But it is about bridging understanding through familiarity, and that’s something I think is extremely important and that I’m very dedicated to.
When was the time that you had a “difficult” view of police?
In my teenage years, particularly in my latter teenage years, as a young man out doing things I probably shouldn’t have been doing. But also I had more interaction with cops being pulled over as a young driver, not understanding why I was being stopped. I had an officer explain to me I was being pulled over because I was in the wrong neighborhood, and he wondered why.
Policing’s changed, and it’s because people have leaned in and demanded changes, have demanded levels of excellence, have demanded different standards when you interact with our community, and I think that’s helped make a difference. We still have a long way to go, with George Floyd, Philando Castile, many others, including those in our city who have lost their lives at the hands of law enforcement.
It strikes me that there are two camps right now: One is saying we need to reform policing, and others say we need to burn it down, start from scratch, reimagine what policing can be. Which camp do you fall into?
I don’t know that they have to be mutually exclusive. I think that, without arriving at a destination in terms of “you have to tear it down,” I think we need to have serious conversations about what type of policing as a community we want. Denver has, to some extent, under my administration, gone through those conversations, and as a result we’ve changed a lot of our use-of-force policies. We’ve changed some of our tactics that officers use when engaging, and we have fallen on the side of bringing more support, including mental health support, as well as de-escalation tactics, in our city.
Now, are we where we want to be? No. But we’re a long way from where we started in 2011. And unfortunately it’s taken some tragedies to where we’ve leaned in and said we’ve got to make some changes. But we have done that within the police department, and we’ve done that in terms of our engagement with the community, and we’ve still got a lot of work to do. I know Chief (Paul) Pazen, Director Robinson and I are committed to doing those things.
What specific policy changes do you plan to make, or push for, regarding police accountability and police tactics?
I think it’s maybe too early to know specifically all the things.
But there are a couple things we’re doing. One, we’re taking a look at the matrix that has been referred to in terms the eight metrics around 21st-century policing, to determine where we are with regards to those. I’ll tell you Denver is pretty much at six and a half of the eight that we’ve at least looked at, but they also don’t have everything that we’ve done. So we’re going to update it, see where we are and see how we can get all the way to where we are completely at eight. These are the same metrics that Pres. Obama has talked about recently, as well as many people at these marches and demonstrations around the country.
Secondly, I’ve got to tell you that one of the passions I have is that as a nation we have not addressed the disease of racism and bigotry, which leads to bias, and it leads to biased policing. I am committed to us finding a way for us as a community, as a society, but starting right here in Denver, Colorado, to look more in-depth at our own implicit biases that lead to unfortunate interactions between law enforcement and people in the community. And so one of the things I’m already working on is how we do that, what it looks like, and quite frankly I’m finding that while pieces are being done around the country, no one has consolidated research, strategy development and training all in one location. It’s ongoing and evolving along with the evolution of culture and expectations around policing, law enforcement, but also general interactions with the public.
These are the same issues that teachers deal with, the same issues that health care professionals deal with, the same issues that people who call the police on black men just because they walk into an apartment building and don’t look like they belong deal with. It’s the same issues that we’ve got to be more courageous as a society about addressing. We will never deal with the issues that took the life of George Floyd if we do not confront, and really, really go into the laboratory to find a cause and the solution, the vaccine for prejudice and racism in our community.
I’m curious whether you think part of the solution involves the budget. Of Denver’s $1.5 billion budget for this year, $588 million goes to the Department of Safety. Does the city need to re-evaluate those numbers?
You know, we evaluate every day and every year around budget season. You’re looking at a city that’s been one of the fastest-growing cities in the country over the last 10 years, and more than 90% of that budget is built on personnel. How do we make sure that we are able to patrol and keep the people of Denver safe? You don’t grow that quickly without having to find a way to keep people safe, and also not see a commensurate rise in crime in the city, which we have seen.
The reality is this is an evaluation we do every year. The question is: Can you balance it with investments in other areas? And we have tried to do that as well. For example, when I became mayor there were no social workers riding in cars with police officers. Today you have almost 30 people who sit second-seat with police officers in cars, abating the lack of translation and interpretation of what someone might be going through, and allowing for the mental health professionals and clinicians to assume control of a situation that would otherwise turn deadly, or end up having someone in jail. Those types of investments might find themselves in a safety budget, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s about law and order taking place. So you have to look more closely at the $500-plus million that you’re articulating.
So, with all that said, you haven’t made any commitments to yourself or colleagues about adjusting the budget?
Not today. We’re facing a $226 million gap that all agencies are having to cut. The reality is we’re going to work and do everything we can to keep the city safe, make sure we have the right complement of law enforcement on the street. To those who call for drastic cuts in police in our city, I’ll ask the question: When your family is in trouble, when there is a challenge with regards to maybe a burglary at your home, or you’re being physically threatened, who are you going to call if we don’t have the right complement of law enforcement? And so we’ve got to keep those numbers up if we’re going to remain committed to keeping the people of Denver safe.
In the last couple days, when police have kept their distance at the protests there’s been zero unrest among protesters. In retrospect, was the amount of force in the first few days a mistake?
Let me just say this: I watched and was involved and monitoring action on the street from Day One. There was a decided change in the tone of the protesters from day to night in the first few days, where officers had the same tactics that you see today where they just stood back and really managed the perimeter. We saw bottles, rocks, very deadly weapons being introduced in the night time.
Not much changed, as we move toward today, except for the tone of the demonstrators. What you see are peaceful demonstrations occurring today because the demonstrators took it upon themselves. They stopped people who picked up bricks. People try to tag, they’re saying, “Stop, we’re not doing that here.” It allowed for Chief Pazen, Director Robinson, other members of the cabinet, including myself, to get out and walk with the demonstrators, and they have been peaceful.
So, yeah, we’re glad that our officers have been able to stay in their posts without coming under projectiles direct in their way and allow these protests to continue peacefully.


thedenverpost--2020-06-06--Kiszla: “When something like this happens,” Nuggets star Jamal Murray says, “you can’t shut up and d

Kiszla: “When something like this happens,” Nuggets star Jamal Murray says, “you can’t shut up and dribble.”

The murder of George Floyd , whose death has sparked protests around the globe , infuriates Nuggets guard Jamal Murray .
“ When something as blatant as this happens , you can ’ t shut up and dribble , ” Murray said Friday .
Outrage over the police brutality that killed Floyd has spread like fire in the streets of NBA cities , where protests have grown too loud to ignore .
This anger roiling inside Murray is deeply personal , etched in emotional scars from policemen that harassed him as a young man in Canada .
We live in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the speed of 5G .
And make no mistake , Murray ’ s take on how racist cops bait blacks is hot and raw .
“ They can ’ t wait to use their power on the people , on the black community , on people they don ’ t really think matter , ” Murray said , during a Zoom press conference .
“ That ’ s why Black Lives Matter .
( The police ) do stuff that is so blatant .
They poke you , they jab you , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then the conversation took a turn I didn ’ t see coming .
Something spontaneous and altogether wonderful happened .
A 23-year-old NBA guard displayed wisdom beyond his years .
What could ’ ve unraveled into just another story of pain and outrage staked bold , new ground in a place where maybe meaningful change in America can actually happen .
Twenty minutes into the press conference , after rapid-fire media questions that had covered topics ranging from the Nuggets ’ championship swagger to Floyd ’ s horrifying death to Murray ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guard turned the chat on its head , refusing to let the session end until he asked a question of his own .
“ Have any of you guys ever experienced , seen or been in touch with any racism stuff that has happened to you in your lives ?
Murray said .
Then he sat back and listened .
It was a more impressive move by a player known as “ The Blue Arrow ” than when Murray dropped 48 points on the Boston Celtics in November 2018 , or when a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wilson with a dunk shortly before the coronavirus shut down the league in March .
What Murray did was simple and powerful .
True champs have more than game .
His move to prompt discussion was beautiful , because what America needs now , every bit as vital as grace , justice or demands for long-overdue change , are people willing to humbly shut their mouths long enough to open their ears and hearts with empathy for fellow Americans .
That ’ s the change this country needs most .
We can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult times together , without first knowing where each other is coming from .
Murray listened intently , asked keen follow-up questions , eagerly tried to understand what prejudice means to reporters on the call that are Asian , white , black , gay , Hispanic , Millennial and Boomer .
The stories Murray heard overturned rocks , revealing the dark underside of America : A racial slur that slammed a child still stings in adulthood , and the recent shock of being blamed by strangers for a pandemic whose birthplace was in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Murray listened to the lingering anxiety of a daughter who saw her father unjustly jailed , and how a bi-racial woman looks back at how her self-image was bruised by adolescent peer pressure to straighten her Afro .
While we like to think sports are a great meritocracy , there was also an anecdote of how prejudice frayed the unity of a struggling basketball team that once counted a current Denver broadcaster as a member .
“ Everything is good when you ’ re winning , ” Murray acknowledged .
“ But true @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The undeniable take-away from the discussion he moderated ?
Prejudice , in one form or another , touches us all .
And Murray wanted to hear it all , before sharing frightening childhood experiences of bad cops harassing him and his Jamaican-born father , memories that make him feel the knee that snuffed out the life of Floyd on his own neck .
“ Not every cop is bad , not every white person is bad or racist , ” Murray said .
Better understanding begins with better listening .
Murray dropped a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be thankful for the assist .
It requires more discipline to seek knowledge than be heard .
“ I know it ’ s not an easy topic , ” said Murray , who also understands transforming righteous outrage into meaningful progress is going to be tricky .
After the chanting in our city streets fades away and protesters go home , effective action plans will be the work of difficult , face-to-face cooperation born of tolerance of an America that looks different than us and sees this nation differently than we do .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Murray said , “ because we want change .
”

The murder of George Floyd, whose death has sparked protests around the globe, infuriates Nuggets guard Jamal Murray.
“When something as blatant as this happens, you can’t shut up and dribble,” Murray said Friday.
Outrage over the police brutality that killed Floyd has spread like fire in the streets of NBA cities, where protests have grown too loud to ignore. This anger roiling inside Murray is deeply personal, etched in emotional scars from policemen that harassed him as a young man in Canada.
We live in a society where inflammatory words go viral at the speed of 5G. And make no mistake, Murray’s take on how racist cops bait blacks is hot and raw.
“They can’t wait to use their power on the people, on the black community, on people they don’t really think matter,” Murray said, during a Zoom press conference. “That’s why Black Lives Matter. (The police) do stuff that is so blatant. They poke you, they jab you, they try to intimidate you.”
But then the conversation took a turn I didn’t see coming. Something spontaneous and altogether wonderful happened. A 23-year-old NBA guard displayed wisdom beyond his years. What could’ve unraveled into just another story of pain and outrage staked bold, new ground in a place where maybe meaningful change in America can actually happen.
Twenty minutes into the press conference, after rapid-fire media questions that had covered topics ranging from the Nuggets’ championship swagger to Floyd’s horrifying death to Murray’s pandemic beard, this young Denver point guard turned the chat on its head, refusing to let the session end until he asked a question of his own.
“Have any of you guys ever experienced, seen or been in touch with any racism stuff that has happened to you in your lives? Murray said.
Then he sat back and listened. It was a more impressive move by a player known as “The Blue Arrow” than when Murray dropped 48 points on the Boston Celtics in November 2018, or when a 6-foot-4 guard posterized Bucks forward D.J. Wilson with a dunk shortly before the coronavirus shut down the league in March.
What Murray did was simple and powerful. True champs have more than game. His move to prompt discussion was beautiful, because what America needs now, every bit as vital as grace, justice or demands for long-overdue change, are people willing to humbly shut their mouths long enough to open their ears and hearts with empathy for fellow Americans.
That’s the change this country needs most. We can’t move forward and get through these difficult times together, without first knowing where each other is coming from.
Murray listened intently, asked keen follow-up questions, eagerly tried to understand what prejudice means to reporters on the call that are Asian, white, black, gay, Hispanic, Millennial and Boomer.
The very personal stories of journalists that Murray heard overturned rocks, revealing the dark underside of America. He was told of an ethnic slur that slammed a child and still stings in adulthood, as well as the recent shock of being blamed by strangers for a pandemic whose birthplace was in China.
Murray heard the lingering anxiety of a daughter who saw her father unjustly jailed, and why a bi-racial woman looks back at how her self-image was bruised in adolescence by peer pressure to straighten her Afro. While we like to think sports are a great meritocracy, there was also an anecdote of how prejudice frayed the unity of a struggling basketball team that once counted a current Denver broadcaster as a member.
“Everything is good when you’re winning,” Murray acknowledged. “But true colors come out when you lose.”
The undeniable take-away from the discussion he moderated? Prejudice, in one form or another, touches us all.
And Murray wanted to hear it all, before sharing frightening childhood experiences of bad cops harassing him and his Jamaican-born father, memories that make him feel the knee that snuffed out the life of Floyd on his own neck.
“Not every cop is bad, not every white person is bad or racist,” Murray said.
Better understanding begins with better listening. Murray dropped a sweet dime, and we all should be thankful for the assist. It requires more discipline to seek knowledge than be heard.
“I know it’s not an easy topic,” said Murray, who also understands transforming righteous outrage into meaningful progress is going to be tricky.
After the chanting in our city streets fades away and protesters go home, effective action plans will be the work of difficult, face-to-face cooperation born of tolerance of an America that looks different than us and sees this nation differently than we do.
“We want to have these conversations,” Murray said, “because we want change.”