thedenverpost--2020-12-05--It’s time for a digital detox. (You know you need it.)

By Brian X. Chen , The New York Times Co .
When is enough enough ?
Even though the presidential election is over , we ’ re still doomscrolling through gloomy news about the coronavirus surge .
The rest of your daily routine is probably something like mine while stuck at home in the pandemic : Divided among streaming movies on Netflix , watching home improvement videos on YouTube and playing video games .
All of these activities involve staring at a screen .
There has to be more to life than this .
With the holiday season upon us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take a breather and consider a digital detox .
No , that doesn ’ t mean quitting the internet cold turkey .
No one would expect that from us right now .
Think of it as going on a diet and replacing bad habits with healthier ones to give our weary eyes some much needed downtime from tech .
“ There ’ s lots of great things to do online , but moderation is often the best rule for life , and it ’ s no different when it comes to screens , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ professor at San Diego State University and the author of “ iGen , ” a book about younger generations growing up in the smartphone era .
Too much screen time can take a toll on our mental health , depriving us of sleep and more productive tasks , experts said .
I , for one , am experiencing this .
Before the pandemic , my average daily screen time on my phone was 3 1/2 hours .
Over the past eight months , that has nearly doubled .
So I turned to psychology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limits to finding alternatives to being glued to our phones , here ’ s what we can do .
Come up with a plan Not all screen time is bad — after all , many students are attending school via videoconferencing apps .
So Step One is assessing which parts of screen time feel toxic and make you unhappy .
That could be reading the news or scrolling through Twitter and Facebook .
Step Two is creating a realistic plan to minimize consumption of the bad stuff .
You could set modest goals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 minutes a day for reading news on weekends .
If that feels doable , shorten the time limit and make it a daily goal .
Repetition will help you form new habits .
That ’ s easier said than done .
Adam Gazzaley , a neuroscientist and co-author of the book “ The Distracted Mind : Ancient Brains in a High-Tech World , ” recommended creating calendar events for just about everything , including browsing the web and taking breaks .
This helps create structure .
For example , you could block @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 10 minutes , and 20 minutes from 1 p.m. for riding the exercise bike .
If you feel tempted to pick up your phone during your exercise break , you would be aware that any screen time would be violating the time you dedicated to exercise .
Most important , treat screen time as if it were a piece of candy that you occasionally allow yourself to indulge .
Don ’ t think of it as taking a break as that may do the opposite of relaxing you .
“ Not all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ If you take a break and go into social media or a news program , it can get hard to get out of that rabbit hole.
” We need to recharge our phones overnight , but that doesn ’ t mean the devices need to be next to us while we sleep .
Many studies have shown that people who keep phones in their bedrooms sleep more poorly , according to Twenge .
Smartphones are harmful to our slumber in many ways .
The blue light from screens can trick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daytime , and some content we consume — especially news — can be psychologically stimulating and keep us awake .
So it ’ s best not to look at phones within an hour before bed .
What ’ s more , the phone ’ s proximity could tempt you to wake up and check it in the middle of the night .
“ My No .
1 piece of advice is no phones in the bedroom overnight — this is for adults and teens , ” Twenge said .
“ Have a charging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our bedrooms , we can create other No-Phone Zones .
The dinner table , for example , is a prime opportunity for families to agree to put phones away for at least 30 minutes and reconnect .
Tech products have designed many mechanisms to keep us glued to our screens .
Facebook and Twitter , for example , made their timelines so that you could scroll endlessly through updates , maximizing the amount of time you spend on their sites .
Adam Alter , a marketing professor at New York University ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the book “ Irresistible : The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked , ” said that tech companies employed techniques in behavioral psychology that make us addicted to their products .
— Artificial goals .
Similar to video games , social media sites create goals to keep users engaged .
Those include the number of likes and followers we accrue on Facebook or Twitter .
The problem ?
The goals are never fulfilled .
— Friction-free media .
YouTube automatically plays the next recommended video , not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Before there was a natural end to every experience , ” like reading the last page of a book , he said .
“ One of the biggest things tech companies have done was to remove stopping cues.
” What to do ?
For starters , we can resist the hooks by making our phones less intrusive .
Turn off notifications for all apps except those that are essential for work and keeping in touch with people you care about .
If you feel strongly addicted , take an extreme measure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Alter said .
There ’ s also a simpler exercise .
We can remind ourselves that outside of work , a lot of what we do online doesn ’ t matter , and it ’ s time that can be better spent elsewhere .
“ The difference between getting 10 likes and 20 likes , it ’ s all just meaningless , ” Alter said .

By Brian X. Chen, The New York Times Co.
When is enough enough?
Even though the presidential election is over, we’re still doomscrolling through gloomy news about the coronavirus surge. The rest of your daily routine is probably something like mine while stuck at home in the pandemic: Divided among streaming movies on Netflix, watching home improvement videos on YouTube and playing video games. All of these activities involve staring at a screen.
There has to be more to life than this. With the holiday season upon us, now is a good time to take a breather and consider a digital detox.
No, that doesn’t mean quitting the internet cold turkey. No one would expect that from us right now. Think of it as going on a diet and replacing bad habits with healthier ones to give our weary eyes some much needed downtime from tech.
“There’s lots of great things to do online, but moderation is often the best rule for life, and it’s no different when it comes to screens,” said Jean Twenge, a psychology professor at San Diego State University and the author of “iGen,” a book about younger generations growing up in the smartphone era.
Too much screen time can take a toll on our mental health, depriving us of sleep and more productive tasks, experts said. I, for one, am experiencing this. Before the pandemic, my average daily screen time on my phone was 3 1/2 hours. Over the past eight months, that has nearly doubled.
So I turned to psychology experts for their advice. From setting limits to finding alternatives to being glued to our phones, here’s what we can do.
Come up with a plan
Not all screen time is bad — after all, many students are attending school via videoconferencing apps. So Step One is assessing which parts of screen time feel toxic and make you unhappy. That could be reading the news or scrolling through Twitter and Facebook. Step Two is creating a realistic plan to minimize consumption of the bad stuff.
You could set modest goals, such as a time limit of 20 minutes a day for reading news on weekends. If that feels doable, shorten the time limit and make it a daily goal. Repetition will help you form new habits.
That’s easier said than done. Adam Gazzaley, a neuroscientist and co-author of the book “The Distracted Mind: Ancient Brains in a High-Tech World,” recommended creating calendar events for just about everything, including browsing the web and taking breaks. This helps create structure.
For example, you could block off 8 a.m. to read the news for 10 minutes, and 20 minutes from 1 p.m. for riding the exercise bike. If you feel tempted to pick up your phone during your exercise break, you would be aware that any screen time would be violating the time you dedicated to exercise.
Most important, treat screen time as if it were a piece of candy that you occasionally allow yourself to indulge. Don’t think of it as taking a break as that may do the opposite of relaxing you.
“Not all breaks are created equal,” Gazzaley said. “If you take a break and go into social media or a news program, it can get hard to get out of that rabbit hole.”
Create no-phone zones
We need to recharge our phones overnight, but that doesn’t mean the devices need to be next to us while we sleep. Many studies have shown that people who keep phones in their bedrooms sleep more poorly, according to Twenge.
Smartphones are harmful to our slumber in many ways. The blue light from screens can trick our brains into thinking it’s daytime, and some content we consume — especially news — can be psychologically stimulating and keep us awake. So it’s best not to look at phones within an hour before bed. What’s more, the phone’s proximity could tempt you to wake up and check it in the middle of the night.
“My No. 1 piece of advice is no phones in the bedroom overnight — this is for adults and teens,” Twenge said. “Have a charging station outside the bedroom.”
Outside of our bedrooms, we can create other No-Phone Zones. The dinner table, for example, is a prime opportunity for families to agree to put phones away for at least 30 minutes and reconnect.
Resist the hooks
Tech products have designed many mechanisms to keep us glued to our screens. Facebook and Twitter, for example, made their timelines so that you could scroll endlessly through updates, maximizing the amount of time you spend on their sites.
Adam Alter, a marketing professor at New York University’s Stern School of Business and author of the book “Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked,” said that tech companies employed techniques in behavioral psychology that make us addicted to their products.
He highlighted two major hooks:
— Artificial goals. Similar to video games, social media sites create goals to keep users engaged. Those include the number of likes and followers we accrue on Facebook or Twitter. The problem? The goals are never fulfilled.
— Friction-free media. YouTube automatically plays the next recommended video, not to mention the never-ending Facebook and Twitter scrolling. “Before there was a natural end to every experience,” like reading the last page of a book, he said. “One of the biggest things tech companies have done was to remove stopping cues.”
What to do? For starters, we can resist the hooks by making our phones less intrusive. Turn off notifications for all apps except those that are essential for work and keeping in touch with people you care about. If you feel strongly addicted, take an extreme measure and turn the phone to grayscale mode, Alter said.
There’s also a simpler exercise. We can remind ourselves that outside of work, a lot of what we do online doesn’t matter, and it’s time that can be better spent elsewhere.
“The difference between getting 10 likes and 20 likes, it’s all just meaningless,” Alter said.


thedenverpost--2020-12-05--Editorial: Cordova’s departure from Denver Public Schools should be treated as a warning

Was Denver Public Schools Superintendent Susana Cordova chased away from her hometown by an overzealous board willing to undermine a talented and qualified public servant ?
Only Cordova , who is leaving to take an assistant superintendent position in Texas , knows the answer to that question .
True to her dedication to this district she doesn ’ t seem interested in burning things down as she heads out the door ; she has remained extremely diplomatic .
However , many other qualified observers of the past two years of turmoil in Denver Public Schools have pointed their finger at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forcing Cordova ’ s departure .
Regardless of why Cordova is leaving — we ’ ll leave speculation to others — we hope the board , the teachers ’ union and district employees will treat her departure as a canary that has wilted in the coal mine , a warning sign that all is not well .
There ’ s a battle being waged across America right now over the future of our public schools and the extremes are carrying the day at the expense of our children and their futures .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which holds that schools should return to the days when teachers were trusted implicitly to do what was best for their students without excessive oversight , curriculum meddling , testing , or accountability measures .
This side is right that testing is out of control .
Also , most teachers are talented , dedicated professionals who deserve our trust and respect .
However , in Denver , we believe the anti-reformers ( those accused of pushing Cordova out ) are getting a few things very wrong .
First , more options for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing .
Charter and magnet schools have their flaws — particularly a penchant for excluding at-risk students who are often most in need of alternative school options .
But Denver Public Schools has built a system that is perhaps the most equitable in the nation ensuring that charter schools and magnet schools are open to everyone through a universal lottery system that picks students at random and even assigns priority at some schools for lower-income students .
The Denver School Board should focus on rewarding charter schools with excellent retention rates for at-risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help at-risk students find the door .
Instead , the school board has taken an easily tracked and fixed problem and blown it up to oppose all charter schools .
The state ’ s board of education recently overrode the district ’ s decision not to authorize a new high school long planned by a charter school network that has proven it can and will close the learning gap for at-risk students .
Thankfully it looks likely that northeast Denver will be getting a DSST High School on time , despite the board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s opening .
On the other end of the spectrum , advocates for school privatization and tax-breaks for the rich are disguising themselves as school choice supporters .
Let ’ s be clear : state-funded tuition vouchers will only work if they are exclusively used to open up previously out-of-reach private schools to low-income Colordans .
If people who are already able to send their children to private school are given vouchers , it ’ s really an upper-class tax break that will keep quality private schools out of reach of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advocating privatization and for-profit schools funded with state resources have pushed former reform supporters to the extreme in the other direction .
The losers in this battle are our children .
A similar dichotomy is occurring when it comes to the issue of school accountability .
The board is pushing to move away from the district ’ s unique and user-friendly school rating system and instead adopt the state ’ s one-size-fits-all system .
This is a huge mistake .
Parents should be able to find out quickly and easily how their school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can exercise choice if their neighborhood school is not a good fit .
Yes , the goal must be to have a high-quality school in every neighborhood , but unfortunately , the data shows we aren ’ t there yet .
Denver Public Schools is a shining star of America ’ s urban school districts .
Much more work needs to be done to ensure that at-risk students from less affluent parts of town get the same quality education as their more affluent peers often right across the street .
Tearing apart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do that doesn ’ t make sense — Cordova was an asset to the district .
The process to replace her must be done with great care if 2021 is to be a year of success for a district that has been hobbled by coronavirus closures .
To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .

Was Denver Public Schools Superintendent Susana Cordova chased away from her hometown by an overzealous board willing to undermine a talented and qualified public servant?
Only Cordova, who is leaving to take an assistant superintendent position in Texas, knows the answer to that question. True to her dedication to this district she doesn’t seem interested in burning things down as she heads out the door; she has remained extremely diplomatic.
However, many other qualified observers of the past two years of turmoil in Denver Public Schools have pointed their finger at the school board and teachers union for forcing Cordova’s departure.
Regardless of why Cordova is leaving — we’ll leave speculation to others — we hope the board, the teachers’ union and district employees will treat her departure as a canary that has wilted in the coal mine, a warning sign that all is not well.
There’s a battle being waged across America right now over the future of our public schools and the extremes are carrying the day at the expense of our children and their futures.
On one side, sits the anti-reform movement, which holds that schools should return to the days when teachers were trusted implicitly to do what was best for their students without excessive oversight, curriculum meddling, testing, or accountability measures. This side is right that testing is out of control. Also, most teachers are talented, dedicated professionals who deserve our trust and respect.
However, in Denver, we believe the anti-reformers (those accused of pushing Cordova out) are getting a few things very wrong.
First, more options for students and their parents are a good thing.
Charter and magnet schools have their flaws — particularly a penchant for excluding at-risk students who are often most in need of alternative school options. But Denver Public Schools has built a system that is perhaps the most equitable in the nation ensuring that charter schools and magnet schools are open to everyone through a universal lottery system that picks students at random and even assigns priority at some schools for lower-income students.
The Denver School Board should focus on rewarding charter schools with excellent retention rates for at-risk students and punishing schools that tend to help at-risk students find the door.
Instead, the school board has taken an easily tracked and fixed problem and blown it up to oppose all charter schools. The state’s board of education recently overrode the district’s decision not to authorize a new high school long planned by a charter school network that has proven it can and will close the learning gap for at-risk students. Thankfully it looks likely that northeast Denver will be getting a DSST High School on time, despite the board’s effort to delay the school’s opening.
On the other end of the spectrum, advocates for school privatization and tax-breaks for the rich are disguising themselves as school choice supporters. Let’s be clear: state-funded tuition vouchers will only work if they are exclusively used to open up previously out-of-reach private schools to low-income Colordans. If people who are already able to send their children to private school are given vouchers, it’s really an upper-class tax break that will keep quality private schools out of reach of those who truly need choice. The extremes advocating privatization and for-profit schools funded with state resources have pushed former reform supporters to the extreme in the other direction. The losers in this battle are our children.
A similar dichotomy is occurring when it comes to the issue of school accountability. The board is pushing to move away from the district’s unique and user-friendly school rating system and instead adopt the state’s one-size-fits-all system. This is a huge mistake. Parents should be able to find out quickly and easily how their school is performing relative to other schools so they can exercise choice if their neighborhood school is not a good fit.
Yes, the goal must be to have a high-quality school in every neighborhood, but unfortunately, the data shows we aren’t there yet.
Denver Public Schools is a shining star of America’s urban school districts. Much more work needs to be done to ensure that at-risk students from less affluent parts of town get the same quality education as their more affluent peers often right across the street.
Tearing apart what is working well in the district to do that doesn’t make sense — Cordova was an asset to the district. The process to replace her must be done with great care if 2021 is to be a year of success for a district that has been hobbled by coronavirus closures.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-12-05--False-negative tests let COVID-19 into a rural Colorado hospital’s long-term care unit

HUGO — On an ordinary day in mid-November , someone woke up feeling fine and went to work at a small-town nursing home on Colorado ’ s Eastern Plains , as usual .
Two weeks later , all but four of the home ’ s residents had COVID-19 .
Carrie Owens , administrator of Lincoln Community Hospital ’ s long-term care unit , said she doesn ’ t know which staff member carried the virus in without showing symptoms .
Everyone came up negative on the rapid tests they took in the week before the first resident started feeling unwell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any visitors .
“ It ’ s just my worst nightmare , ” she said , trying to hold back tears .
“ We ’ ve done our best to protect these residents.
” Outbreaks in nursing homes accounted for an outsized number of Colorado ’ s deaths in the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Over the summer , such long-term care facilities had a bit of a reprieve , as the virus circulated most in places younger people frequented .
Since spring , federal and state regulators instituted a slate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of protective equipment and activities like group dining , but they haven ’ t kept the virus out .
Colorado reported more nursing home outbreaks this week than during the previous worst point , in May .
The Lincoln Community Hospital nursing home , in Hugo , avoided the first round of outbreaks .
All staff underwent rapid tests twice a week and were checked for a fever or other symptoms at the start of each shift , and they had enough surgical masks , Owens said .
The facility wasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspection earlier this year .
Still , 11 of the 15 residents have tested positive in recent weeks , as have 12 staff members .
No deaths have been reported , and one resident remains hospitalized .
Testing and protective equipment are easier to get than they were in the spring , but it ’ s possible a person will test negative , become contagious and spread the virus for as long as a week before another test catches them , said Doug Farmer , president and CEO of the Colorado Health Care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coincided with a resurgence in the wider community .
As of Friday morning , Lincoln County had the highest rate of new infections compared to population of any U.S. county reporting data , with the equivalent of 6,705 cases for every 100,000 people , according to The Washington Post ’ s tracker .
Dr. John Fox , Lincoln County medical officer and a physician at Lincoln Community Hospital , said people may have developed a false sense of security after being relatively untouched by the virus for months , but there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spike .
Dr. Morgan Katz , an infectious disease physician who specializes in long-term care at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , said that since testing isn ’ t perfect , facilities need to stay vigilant about wearing protective equipment and maintaining distance between residents and staff .
It ’ s challenging , because residents who have cognitive impairment may not understand why they need to wear a mask or may be unable to tell staff they ’ re feeling off in the first days after infection , she said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group dining for those two presymptomatic days , that ’ s a lot of people they can spread it to , ” she said .
Nina Kohn , a professor specializing in elder law at Syracuse University , said some outbreaks could be avoided if nursing homes had consistent , full-time staff who work with only a few residents .
Many caregivers work part-time in multiple facilities , so they can spread the virus widely before realizing they ’ re sick , she said .
Lincoln Community Hospital ’ s nursing home doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ multiple facilities .
The current set-up in most nursing homes has left residents isolated from those they need most — their families — but still vulnerable to catching the virus from rotating staff , Kohn said .
“ Certainly nursing homes are very susceptible to COVID-19 , but I don ’ t think we should see this as inevitable , ” she said .
At the nursing home in Hugo , staff responded to the first cases by creating a COVID-19 unit within the nursing home , separated from the other rooms by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear how widely the virus had spread , they decided to make the entire nursing home a virus unit , and moved the four residents who don ’ t have the virus into the hospital wing , at the other end of the H-shaped building , Owens said .
Staff who tested positive but aren ’ t showing symptoms are back at work with positive patients , she said .
Owens likened living in a community where the virus is spreading to doing an art project with someone who ’ s using glitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to avoid it , you ’ ll pick some up .
Masks and other restrictions have been a hard sell , both because of the political climate and because people in Lincoln County pride themselves on being self-reliant , she said .
“ That became something people want to stand on , but , unfortunately , people are going to die on it , ” she said .
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HUGO — On an ordinary day in mid-November, someone woke up feeling fine and went to work at a small-town nursing home on Colorado’s Eastern Plains, as usual.
Two weeks later, all but four of the home’s residents had COVID-19.
Carrie Owens, administrator of Lincoln Community Hospital’s long-term care unit, said she doesn’t know which staff member carried the virus in without showing symptoms. Everyone came up negative on the rapid tests they took in the week before the first resident started feeling unwell, and they hadn’t allowed any visitors.
“It’s just my worst nightmare,” she said, trying to hold back tears. “We’ve done our best to protect these residents.”
Outbreaks in nursing homes accounted for an outsized number of Colorado’s deaths in the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the summer, such long-term care facilities had a bit of a reprieve, as the virus circulated most in places younger people frequented.
Since spring, federal and state regulators instituted a slate of rules on staff testing, use of protective equipment and activities like group dining, but they haven’t kept the virus out. Colorado reported more nursing home outbreaks this week than during the previous worst point, in May.
The Lincoln Community Hospital nursing home, in Hugo, avoided the first round of outbreaks. All staff underwent rapid tests twice a week and were checked for a fever or other symptoms at the start of each shift, and they had enough surgical masks, Owens said. The facility wasn’t cited for infection control violations in an inspection earlier this year.
Still, 11 of the 15 residents have tested positive in recent weeks, as have 12 staff members. No deaths have been reported, and one resident remains hospitalized.
Testing and protective equipment are easier to get than they were in the spring, but it’s possible a person will test negative, become contagious and spread the virus for as long as a week before another test catches them, said Doug Farmer, president and CEO of the Colorado Health Care Association.
“It’s imperfect,” he said.
Increased spread in nursing homes coincided with a resurgence in the wider community. As of Friday morning, Lincoln County had the highest rate of new infections compared to population of any U.S. county reporting data, with the equivalent of 6,705 cases for every 100,000 people, according to The Washington Post’s tracker.
Dr. John Fox, Lincoln County medical officer and a physician at Lincoln Community Hospital, said people may have developed a false sense of security after being relatively untouched by the virus for months, but there’s no one factor that explains the November spike.
“Our luck ran out,” he said.
Dr. Morgan Katz, an infectious disease physician who specializes in long-term care at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, said that since testing isn’t perfect, facilities need to stay vigilant about wearing protective equipment and maintaining distance between residents and staff. It’s challenging, because residents who have cognitive impairment may not understand why they need to wear a mask or may be unable to tell staff they’re feeling off in the first days after infection, she said.
“If that person’s going to group dining for those two presymptomatic days, that’s a lot of people they can spread it to,” she said.
Nina Kohn, a professor specializing in elder law at Syracuse University, said some outbreaks could be avoided if nursing homes had consistent, full-time staff who work with only a few residents. Many caregivers work part-time in multiple facilities, so they can spread the virus widely before realizing they’re sick, she said. Lincoln Community Hospital’s nursing home doesn’t allow staff to work in multiple facilities.
The current set-up in most nursing homes has left residents isolated from those they need most — their families — but still vulnerable to catching the virus from rotating staff, Kohn said.
“Certainly nursing homes are very susceptible to COVID-19, but I don’t think we should see this as inevitable,” she said.
At the nursing home in Hugo, staff responded to the first cases by creating a COVID-19 unit within the nursing home, separated from the other rooms by a plastic barrier. As it became clear how widely the virus had spread, they decided to make the entire nursing home a virus unit, and moved the four residents who don’t have the virus into the hospital wing, at the other end of the H-shaped building, Owens said.
Staff who tested positive but aren’t showing symptoms are back at work with positive patients, she said.
Owens likened living in a community where the virus is spreading to doing an art project with someone who’s using glitter: no matter how hard you try to avoid it, you’ll pick some up. Masks and other restrictions have been a hard sell, both because of the political climate and because people in Lincoln County pride themselves on being self-reliant, she said.
“That became something people want to stand on, but, unfortunately, people are going to die on it,” she said.
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thedenverpost--2020-12-05--Week 13 NFL Picks: Top running backs face off when Cleveland plays Tennessee

Game of the week Cleveland at Tennessee The Titans are a 5 1/2-point home favorite in this matchup of 8-3 teams .
Three of the league ’ s top nine rushers are involved — the Titans ’ Derrick Henry ( first , 1,257 yards ) and Cleveland ’ s Nick Chubb ( tied for sixth , 719 ) and Kareem Hunt ( ninth , 706 ) .
Bet on Henry .
Titans 27 , Browns 21 Lock of the week Philadelphia at Green Bay The Eagles are a 9 1/2-point underdog .
It should be 19 1/2 .
The Eagles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarterback Aaron Rodgers needs two touchdowns to become the first player in NFL history with five years of at least 35 touchdown passes .
He ’ ll have three in the first half .
Packers 41 , Eagles 20 Upset of the week Detroit at Chicago The Lions ( three-point underdog ) debut under interim coach/offensive play-caller Darrell Bevell .
The Bears have lost five consecutive games and general manager Ryan Pace/coach Matt Nagy should be on the hot seat .
The Lions celebrate Matt Patricia ’ s firing with a win .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4-7 — Giants enter December with division lead The NFC Least .
And now for our weekly update on the NFC East .
The Giants ( 4-7 ) hold the first-place tie-breaker over Washington ( 4-7 ) .
One coach who can relate is Seattle ’ s Pete Carroll , whose team won the NFC West in 2010 with a 7-9 record ( and upset New Orleans in the playoffs ) .
“ The guidelines are the guidelines , ” Carroll told New York reporters .
“ I don ’ t think it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you won .
If you win your division , you win your division .
That ’ s the way it was ( in 2010 ) , that ’ s the way it is now and I don ’ t think there ’ s any problem with it.
” Carroll is absolutely right .
Saints road warriors .
Last year , teams were 123-132-1 ( .482 ) on the road , the best mark since 1972 ( 87-90-5 , .492 ) .
This year , road teams are 85-91-1 ( .483 ) .
New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week ’ s walk-over against the Broncos and play at Atlanta on Sunday .
Thirteen teams have a winning road record this year .
49ers leave home .
Shame on the empty suits in Santa Clara ( Calif. ) County for evicting the 49ers .
Teams in the county , including Stanford and the NHL ’ s San Jose Sharks , are banned from team practices or games until Dec. 21 .
That means the 49ers will “ host ” Buffalo and Washington at the Arizona Cardinals ’ stadium and practice there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levels and you can ’ t even blame the NFL for this mess .
Buccaneers struggling .
No team needs a bye week more than Tampa Bay , which saw its defense collapse in the loss to Kansas City , joining an offense that is basically toothless .
The Buccaneers rank fifth with 42 pass plays of at least 20 yards , but they are a woeful 18-of-65 on attempts of at least 21 “ air ” yards — a rating of 52.5 that is 27th in the league .
Around the AFC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manager opening should have appeal Jaguars GM job attractive .
The Jaguars fired general manager Dave Caldwell last week , hours after the team ’ s 10th consecutive loss .
But this should be a sought-after job , especially if they get the No .
2 pick .
Caldwell was an astute evaluator of trade value and got two first-round picks from the Los Angeles Rams for cornerback Jalen Ramsey and has two selections apiece in the first , second and fourth rounds of the 2021 draft .
The Jaguars could have as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space .
The new general manager will make a decision on coach Doug Marrone and the goal should be finding an innovative offensive mind to be the head man .
This is a better job than the GM openings in Detroit and Atlanta .
Bosa breaks out .
It happened too late to keep the Los Angeles Chargers in playoff contention , but defensive end Joey Bosa had three sacks and six total tackles for lost yardage in last week ’ s loss at Buffalo .
Bosa had only 1 1/2 sacks in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ host New England on Sunday .
“ He ’ s a one-man wrecking crew , ” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said .
“ If you just look at the Buffalo game , he made plays against the run , he made plays on short yardage , he rushed the passer in passing situations , he sacked the quarterback on play-action situations .
He ’ s very instinctive , he ’ s got a tremendous motor and he plays hard.
” Darnold ’ s audition .
The Jets are 0-11 entering Sunday ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only two things left — avoiding 0-16 but also securing the top overall pick ( Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence ) .
If the Jets draft first , their decision is easy .
What would be interesting is Sam Darnold ’ s trade value ( the Broncos loved him back in 2018 ) .
Darnold is only 23 and has an 11-22 record , but he will be attractive to quarterback-needy teams outside the top five .

Game of the week
Cleveland at Tennessee
The Titans are a 5 1/2-point home favorite in this matchup of 8-3 teams. Three of the league’s top nine rushers are involved — the Titans’ Derrick Henry (first, 1,257 yards) and Cleveland’s Nick Chubb (tied for sixth, 719) and Kareem Hunt (ninth, 706). Bet on Henry.
Titans 27, Browns 21
Lock of the week
Philadelphia at Green Bay
The Eagles are a 9 1/2-point underdog. It should be 19 1/2. The Eagles can’t block anybody. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers needs two touchdowns to become the first player in NFL history with five years of at least 35 touchdown passes. He’ll have three in the first half.
Packers 41, Eagles 20
Upset of the week
Detroit at Chicago
The Lions (three-point underdog) debut under interim coach/offensive play-caller Darrell Bevell. The Bears have lost five consecutive games and general manager Ryan Pace/coach Matt Nagy should be on the hot seat. The Lions celebrate Matt Patricia’s firing with a win.
Lions 13, Bears 7
Around the NFC: First-place — and 4-7 — Giants enter December with division lead
The NFC Least. And now for our weekly update on the NFC East. The Giants (4-7) hold the first-place tie-breaker over Washington (4-7). One coach who can relate is Seattle’s Pete Carroll, whose team won the NFC West in 2010 with a 7-9 record (and upset New Orleans in the playoffs). “The guidelines are the guidelines,” Carroll told New York reporters. “I don’t think it should be judged by how many games you won. If you win your division, you win your division. That’s the way it was (in 2010), that’s the way it is now and I don’t think there’s any problem with it.” Carroll is absolutely right.
Saints road warriors. Last year, teams were 123-132-1 (.482) on the road, the best mark since 1972 (87-90-5, .492). This year, road teams are 85-91-1 (.483). New Orleans is 4-1 on the road after last week’s walk-over against the Broncos and play at Atlanta on Sunday. Thirteen teams have a winning road record this year.
49ers leave home. Shame on the empty suits in Santa Clara (Calif.) County for evicting the 49ers. Teams in the county, including Stanford and the NHL’s San Jose Sharks, are banned from team practices or games until Dec. 21. That means the 49ers will “host” Buffalo and Washington at the Arizona Cardinals’ stadium and practice there, too. Ridiculous on so many levels and you can’t even blame the NFL for this mess.
Buccaneers struggling. No team needs a bye week more than Tampa Bay, which saw its defense collapse in the loss to Kansas City, joining an offense that is basically toothless. The Buccaneers rank fifth with 42 pass plays of at least 20 yards, but they are a woeful 18-of-65 on attempts of at least 21 “air” yards — a rating of 52.5 that is 27th in the league.
Around the AFC: Despite record, Jaguars’ general manager opening should have appeal
Jaguars GM job attractive. The Jaguars fired general manager Dave Caldwell last week, hours after the team’s 10th consecutive loss. But this should be a sought-after job, especially if they get the No. 2 pick. Caldwell was an astute evaluator of trade value and got two first-round picks from the Los Angeles Rams for cornerback Jalen Ramsey and has two selections apiece in the first, second and fourth rounds of the 2021 draft. The Jaguars could have as much as $85 million in cap space. The new general manager will make a decision on coach Doug Marrone and the goal should be finding an innovative offensive mind to be the head man. This is a better job than the GM openings in Detroit and Atlanta.
Bosa breaks out. It happened too late to keep the Los Angeles Chargers in playoff contention, but defensive end Joey Bosa had three sacks and six total tackles for lost yardage in last week’s loss at Buffalo. Bosa had only 1 1/2 sacks in the previous five games. The Chargers host New England on Sunday. “He’s a one-man wrecking crew,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. “If you just look at the Buffalo game, he made plays against the run, he made plays on short yardage, he rushed the passer in passing situations, he sacked the quarterback on play-action situations. He’s very instinctive, he’s got a tremendous motor and he plays hard.”
Darnold’s audition. The Jets are 0-11 entering Sunday’s home game against Las Vegas. The only two things left — avoiding 0-16 but also securing the top overall pick (Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence). If the Jets draft first, their decision is easy. What would be interesting is Sam Darnold’s trade value (the Broncos loved him back in 2018). Darnold is only 23 and has an 11-22 record, but he will be attractive to quarterback-needy teams outside the top five.


thedenverpost--2020-12-05--Grading the Week: Sunday’s abomination of a Broncos game may be best thing to happen to franchise in

Grading the Week: Sunday’s abomination of a Broncos game may be best thing to happen to franchise in years

For a little less than 24 hours last weekend , the Denver Broncos were exciting again .
Their collection of mediocre quarterbacks was in quarantine , a wide receiver from the practice squad was getting ready to take snaps , and we had no idea what weird awaited us Sunday afternoon at Empower Field .
Sadly , the weird we got wasn ’ t exactly the weird the staff inside the Grading the Week offices was hoping for .
Sure , there were a few Wildcat snaps .
Even a couple of zany reverses .
But where was the Wishbone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , just one Phillip Lindsay pass ?
Emergency quarterback Kendall Hinton certainly tried his best against a talented New Orleans Saints defense .
Nobody at Grading the Week blames him for the awful we had to endure , even if he completed more passes to the other team ( 2 ) than he did the Broncos ( 1 ) .
But maybe , just maybe , that abomination of an NFL football game was the best thing to happen to the Broncos franchise since it won Super Bowl 50 .
How , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assume it ’ s what prompted Beth Bowlen Wallace , the second-oldest of late Broncos owner Pat Bowlen ’ s seven children , to come out three days later and call for a “ smooth and timely transition ” to new ownership .
There ’ s little doubt Pat Bowlen would ’ ve moved mountains to make sure the Broncos weren ’ t put in the precarious position the NFL placed them in last Sunday .
There ’ s even less doubt Commissioner Roger Goodell — the phoniest of fake tough guys to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve acquiesced to those demands .
Clearly , the NFL wanted to send a message with the way it treated the Broncos , and they could do it to Denver because the franchise doesn ’ t hold the sway it once did under Mr. B .
If the end result of Sunday ’ s travesty is that it forced the bickering Bowlen children to finally sell the team , then we can only consider it a rousing success .
The staff inside the Grading the Week offices weren ’ t exactly enthused when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ football coach this past offseason .
In retrospect , we may have been unduly influenced by his unspectacular run at UCLA from 2003 to ’ 07 — one that began a run of four consecutive Bruins coaches who failed to reach a Rose Bowl ( eight of the previous nine made it to Pasadena at least once ) .
But it looks like Dorrell might have learned a thing or two from his time in Westwood .
What he ’ s done in leading the Buffs to a 3-0 start this fall is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was hired in late February , held zero spring practices and had to install his vision for the Buffs amid the chaos that has been 2020 .
Three wins would ’ ve been impressive had the Buffs played 10 games .
To do it in three with a quarterback who was playing safety just last year , should put Dorrell on the short list for Associated Press College Football Coach of the Year .
If the Buffs win out and Dorrell doesn ’ t receive that honor , they might as well melt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a paper weight .

For a little less than 24 hours last weekend, the Denver Broncos were exciting again.
Their collection of mediocre quarterbacks was in quarantine, a wide receiver from the practice squad was getting ready to take snaps, and we had no idea what weird awaited us Sunday afternoon at Empower Field.
Sadly, the weird we got wasn’t exactly the weird the staff inside the Grading the Week offices was hoping for.
The Kendall Hinton Game — A-
Sure, there were a few Wildcat snaps. Even a couple of zany reverses.
But where was the Wishbone? The Statue of Liberty? Heck, just one Phillip Lindsay pass?
Emergency quarterback Kendall Hinton certainly tried his best against a talented New Orleans Saints defense. Nobody at Grading the Week blames him for the awful we had to endure, even if he completed more passes to the other team (2) than he did the Broncos (1).
But maybe, just maybe, that abomination of an NFL football game was the best thing to happen to the Broncos franchise since it won Super Bowl 50.
How, you ask?
Well, we can only assume it’s what prompted Beth Bowlen Wallace, the second-oldest of late Broncos owner Pat Bowlen’s seven children, to come out three days later and call for a “smooth and timely transition” to new ownership.
There’s little doubt Pat Bowlen would’ve moved mountains to make sure the Broncos weren’t put in the precarious position the NFL placed them in last Sunday. There’s even less doubt Commissioner Roger Goodell — the phoniest of fake tough guys to ever don a blazer — would’ve acquiesced to those demands.
Clearly, the NFL wanted to send a message with the way it treated the Broncos, and they could do it to Denver because the franchise doesn’t hold the sway it once did under Mr. B.
If the end result of Sunday’s travesty is that it forced the bickering Bowlen children to finally sell the team, then we can only consider it a rousing success.
Karl Dorrell — A+
OK, we’ll admit it.
The staff inside the Grading the Week offices weren’t exactly enthused when CU announced Dorrell as its new head football coach this past offseason.
In retrospect, we may have been unduly influenced by his unspectacular run at UCLA from 2003 to ’07 — one that began a run of four consecutive Bruins coaches who failed to reach a Rose Bowl (eight of the previous nine made it to Pasadena at least once).
But it looks like Dorrell might have learned a thing or two from his time in Westwood.
What he’s done in leading the Buffs to a 3-0 start this fall is nothing short of spectacular, considering he was hired in late February, held zero spring practices and had to install his vision for the Buffs amid the chaos that has been 2020.
Three wins would’ve been impressive had the Buffs played 10 games. To do it in three with a quarterback who was playing safety just last year, should put Dorrell on the short list for Associated Press College Football Coach of the Year.
If the Buffs win out and Dorrell doesn’t receive that honor, they might as well melt the darn thing and turn it into a paper weight.


thedenverpost--2020-12-05--Chambers: Start of NHL season nowhere in sight

The NHL and its players ’ union have a collective bargaining agreement in place and a tentative Jan. 1 start to a 2021 season .
But the Avalanche and the league ’ s 30 other teams have enough concerns about COVID-19 to push the start date back or possibly not play at all .
In other words , the NHL season is up in the air , and the Avalanche and its championship-caliber roster could be among the most affected because its window to win is now .
Despite agreeing to COVID-19 concessions for the 2020-21 season in July while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now want player escrow to grow from 20 % to 25 % and deferrals from 10 % to 20 % for the 2021 season .
Owners also suggested a Plan II : Keep 2021 escrow at 20 % but increase deferral to 26 % and escrow in years four-to-six of the CBA to between 8.5 and 9 % .
The NHL Players ’ Association was outraged at both revamped plans , given that a deal was already reached in July .
The Avs as an organization is already hurting because its owner , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sports network ( Altitude ) that hasn ’ t had contracts with Comcast or Dish Network for more than a year .
So television revenue is down , with just DirecTV as Altitude ’ s only “ Big 3 ” provider .
In addition , the NHL ’ s estimated $ 200 million TV revenue stream with NBC pales in comparison to the billions attached to the NFL , NBA and MLB .
Because of the relatively weak national TV contract , the NHL is in financial trouble without fans .
And because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S.-Canadian border , the seven Canadian teams might have to form a division and not play any U.S. teams until the travel restrictions are lifted .
So there are two more reasons why the Jan. 1 start date is in doubt .
The fact is , a large chunk of the NHL ’ s business model revolves around fans in the stands , and the Avalanche did well in that department until the 2019-20 season was paused in March .
Colorado stood eighth in home attendance last season with an average of 18,708 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 107.1 % , per ESPN .
Without fans in the stands — and no sign of that changing anytime soon — plus the owners ’ balking at the COVID concessions they agreed to in July , hockey at its highest level is in an uncertain state .

The NHL and its players’ union have a collective bargaining agreement in place and a tentative Jan. 1 start to a 2021 season. But the Avalanche and the league’s 30 other teams have enough concerns about COVID-19 to push the start date back or possibly not play at all.
In other words, the NHL season is up in the air, and the Avalanche and its championship-caliber roster could be among the most affected because its window to win is now.
Despite agreeing to COVID-19 concessions for the 2020-21 season in July while extending the CBA through 2025-26, owners now want player escrow to grow from 20% to 25% and deferrals from 10% to 20% for the 2021 season. Owners also suggested a Plan II: Keep 2021 escrow at 20% but increase deferral to 26% and escrow in years four-to-six of the CBA to between 8.5 and 9%.
The NHL Players’ Association was outraged at both revamped plans, given that a deal was already reached in July.
The Avs as an organization is already hurting because its owner, Kroenke Sports Enterprises, has a regional sports network (Altitude) that hasn’t had contracts with Comcast or Dish Network for more than a year. So television revenue is down, with just DirecTV as Altitude’s only “Big 3” provider.
In addition, the NHL’s estimated $200 million TV revenue stream with NBC pales in comparison to the billions attached to the NFL, NBA and MLB. Because of the relatively weak national TV contract, the NHL is in financial trouble without fans. And because of the non-essential travel restrictions on the U.S.-Canadian border, the seven Canadian teams might have to form a division and not play any U.S. teams until the travel restrictions are lifted.
So there are two more reasons why the Jan. 1 start date is in doubt.
The fact is, a large chunk of the NHL’s business model revolves around fans in the stands, and the Avalanche did well in that department until the 2019-20 season was paused in March. Colorado stood eighth in home attendance last season with an average of 18,708, and fourth in home capacity at 107.1%, per ESPN.
Without fans in the stands — and no sign of that changing anytime soon — plus the owners’ balking at the COVID concessions they agreed to in July, hockey at its highest level is in an uncertain state.


thedenverpost--2020-12-05--Broncos’ ineptitude on third down killing offense’s chances as Denver ranks last in NFL

It ’ s the down where quarterbacks make their money .
Where running backs earn a reputation for being able to move the sticks .
And where , this Sunday night in Kansas City , the Broncos have to convert to keep the ball out of the hands of the Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes .
It ’ s third down , which is also an Achilles ’ heel of the Denver offense this year .
The Broncos rank 30th in third-down conversions at 36.1 % , are tied for next-to-last with 30 three-and-outs and , correspondingly , rank 25th in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to change , and change quickly , if the Broncos plan to hang with the Chiefs as a two-touchdown underdog .
“ We all know it ’ s crunch time when it gets to third down , ” Broncos quarterback Drew Lock said .
“ It has to be high intensity , high focus going into those plays .
It needs to be high focus , high intensity this week in our third-down periods .
That ’ s something that I ’ ve reiterated to the guys to keep this thing rolling in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Broncos ’ struggles on “ crunch time ” downs , Kansas City has dominated .
The Chiefs rank first in third-down conversions at 50.3 % , and not surprisingly also lead the NFL in average time of possession .
It certainly helps that Mahomes has any number of players who can move the sticks , including tight end Travis Kelce ( 54 total first downs this year ) , wideout Tyreek Hill ( 47 ) and running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire ( 44 ) .
Denver tight end Noah Fant is well aware @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become a third-down staple for Kansas City .
“ Especially in that third-and-six range , those are prime tight end areas to run routes and get open , ” Fant said .
“ So , I guess ( I have ) to just keep pushing forward .
That ’ s the only thing I can say is try to keep getting better , try to get with our play calling and things like that ( improved ) and see how I fit in that… We definitely need some improvement there.
” Coach Vic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues on third downs — no doubt exacerbated by having to start four different quarterbacks this year — “ affects the entire team.
” So , too , does red zone ineptitude , as the Broncos ’ offense is 30th in touchdown percentage at 48.2 % .
“ It ’ s definitely two areas that we need to improve on , and we ’ ve had moments where we ’ ve been good at it , but we haven ’ t been consistent enough , ” Fangio said .
In only one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third-down conversion rate of at least 50 % ( 6-of-12 in the Oct. 1 win against the Jets ) .
Third-and-long situations have been especially problematic , as the Broncos have converted 57 % of the time with three or fewer yards to go , but 45 % of the time with four-to-seven yards and just 22 % of the time facing eight or more yards .
“ We get into trouble when we ’ re in those third-and-longs and that starts on first and second down — being better and being more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We can do a better job on those downs to make it easier for us on third down .
”

It’s the down where quarterbacks make their money. Where running backs earn a reputation for being able to move the sticks. And where, this Sunday night in Kansas City, the Broncos have to convert to keep the ball out of the hands of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
It’s third down, which is also an Achilles’ heel of the Denver offense this year. The Broncos rank 30th in third-down conversions at 36.1%, are tied for next-to-last with 30 three-and-outs and, correspondingly, rank 25th in average time of possession.
Things need to change, and change quickly, if the Broncos plan to hang with the Chiefs as a two-touchdown underdog.
“We all know it’s crunch time when it gets to third down,” Broncos quarterback Drew Lock said. “It has to be high intensity, high focus going into those plays. It needs to be high focus, high intensity this week in our third-down periods. That’s something that I’ve reiterated to the guys to keep this thing rolling in a positive way.”
In contrast to the Broncos’ struggles on “crunch time” downs, Kansas City has dominated. The Chiefs rank first in third-down conversions at 50.3%, and not surprisingly also lead the NFL in average time of possession. It certainly helps that Mahomes has any number of players who can move the sticks, including tight end Travis Kelce (54 total first downs this year), wideout Tyreek Hill (47) and running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (44).
Denver tight end Noah Fant is well aware of the Mahomes-to-Kelce connection that’s become a third-down staple for Kansas City.
“Especially in that third-and-six range, those are prime tight end areas to run routes and get open,” Fant said. “So, I guess (I have) to just keep pushing forward. That’s the only thing I can say is try to keep getting better, try to get with our play calling and things like that (improved) and see how I fit in that… We definitely need some improvement there.”
Coach Vic Fangio lamented that the offense’s issues on third downs — no doubt exacerbated by having to start four different quarterbacks this year — “affects the entire team.” So, too, does red zone ineptitude, as the Broncos’ offense is 30th in touchdown percentage at 48.2%.
“It’s definitely two areas that we need to improve on, and we’ve had moments where we’ve been good at it, but we haven’t been consistent enough,” Fangio said.
In only one of 11 games have the Broncos posted a third-down conversion rate of at least 50% (6-of-12 in the Oct. 1 win against the Jets). Third-and-long situations have been especially problematic, as the Broncos have converted 57% of the time with three or fewer yards to go, but 45% of the time with four-to-seven yards and just 22% of the time facing eight or more yards.
“We get into trouble when we’re in those third-and-longs and that starts on first and second down — being better and being more efficient there,” Lock said. “We can do a better job on those downs to make it easier for us on third down.”


thedenverpost--2020-12-06--Kiszla: Biggest upset of Colorado prep football season? Refusing to let COVID-19 win.

PUEBLO – The final morning of a prep football season the coronavirus couldn ’ t beat dawned with the joyful noise of Badgers howling .
During warm-ups for a championship game that kicked off at 10 a.m. , quarterback Trey Hines and his Limon High School teammates craned their necks toward the sky , screaming until they chased the COVID-19 clouds away , if only for a few hours on a crisp December day .
“ A lot of times we worry too much about wins and losses , rather than what football is and what the game does ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Limon coach Mike O ’ Dwyer said .
He led the Badgers to the 20th championship in the history of a proud Colorado town with two stoplights and 1,800 residents .
“ Not only for our team but for our school and our community , it was a big deal for us to be able to play football , ” O ’ Dwyer said .
“ It was truly a blessing for us to be able to at least go out and put on the pads.
” On a Saturday when three Colorado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the real victories could be found in each hand-painted sign in the stands and every chest bump on the field .
All the small details that make football more than a game allowed CHSAA commissioner Rhonda Blanford-Green to declare battling all the frustrations and fears of a virus-plagued season was worth the fight .
COVID has stolen more than 3,000 lives in Colorado , not to mention so many of the joys that make life worth living .
The Limon basketball team was headed to the state semifinals when the pandemic took down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So can you imagine the reaction when this same nasty virus forced the school into quarantine and shuttered the football program for two weeks near the end of the Badgers ’ regular season ?
The junior QB and his teammates persevered .
And look at them now : Hines ’ touchdown run staked Limon to a quick 14-0 lead .
The unbeatable Badgers coasted to a three-peat , beating Strasburg for the third straight year with trophies on the line .
That blocking-and-tackling stuff ?
Fundamental to any state champion .
But X @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not begin to describe what football means to good folks on the Colorado plains when a pandemic blows through town , or how a prep team can be the shoulder to cry on when a teenage boy loses his dad to a suspected suicide .
Football is the hug a linebacker gives his Strasburg teammate to squeeze out the pain of losing your final prep game .
No athlete ever forgets the bond of riding the bus home with friends for the last time .
When COVID safety precautions restrict each school to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a college stadium , football is guzzling beer on a cold Saturday morning .
“ We ’ re just two drunk uncles in a pick-up truck .
Write that down , ” said Ben Davis , standing alongside buddy Levi Quandt .
They toasted every tackle by Strasburg linebacker Blake Coombs in the cargo bed of a Ford , which offered them a bird ’ s eye view of the field from the parking lot .
More than a game ?
It is when every Durango helmet is decorated with a “ J.G.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tight-knit community to lift one of its own from the throes of a family tragedy .
“ This team is fearless , ” back-up Durango receiver Ean Goodwin told me , as fellow Demons raised happy heck in celebration of their 21-14 victory against top-ranked Roosevelt in the Class 3A final .
“ These guys mean everything to me .
They gave me somewhere to go and not think about anything except football.
” It is believed Justin Goodwin took his own life in late October .
That ’ s why the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right earhole of every helmet .
A football family gets through grief together .
“ Football is great , but it ’ s not everything , ” Durango coach David Vogt said .
“ A state championship is great , but these kids learned how to deal with a whole lot of stuff bigger than themselves during the course of this year.
” At its best , football is a cause that allows a young man to get lost in something larger than himself , allowing him to feel buoyed by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shared purpose , even when the challenges of being young and afraid return with tomorrow ’ s sunrise .
“ Our daughters , we embrace and love and we try to nurture .
Sometimes , we expect our sons to be these tough men that don ’ t need that same type of love .
That ’ s a faulty way to look at it , ” said Dave Logan , whose 28th season as the most legendary prep coach in Colorado history ended with the Class 5A showdown between his Cherry Creek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell kids you love them , put your arm around them and impact them in that way ?
I think high school boys need that .
I really do.
” During the final dozen quarters of football in a prep season that Coloradans refused to quit on , know what left a more lasting impression with me than any touchdown run ?
It was a homemade poster draped on a chain-link fence in front of the 75 fans who drove 135 miles to watch 39 young athletes representing the Strasburg Indians lose a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the friendships guaranteed to last forever .
The poster offered sage advice : Find your tribe .
Love them hard .

PUEBLO – The final morning of a prep football season the coronavirus couldn’t beat dawned with the joyful noise of Badgers howling. During warm-ups for a championship game that kicked off at 10 a.m., quarterback Trey Hines and his Limon High School teammates craned their necks toward the sky, screaming until they chased the COVID-19 clouds away, if only for a few hours on a crisp December day.
“A lot of times we worry too much about wins and losses, rather than what football is and what the game does” for the people who love it, Limon coach Mike O’Dwyer said.
He led the Badgers to the 20th championship in the history of a proud Colorado town with two stoplights and 1,800 residents. “Not only for our team but for our school and our community, it was a big deal for us to be able to play football,” O’Dwyer said. “It was truly a blessing for us to be able to at least go out and put on the pads.”
On a Saturday when three Colorado state football champions were crowned here, the real victories could be found in each hand-painted sign in the stands and every chest bump on the field. All the small details that make football more than a game allowed CHSAA commissioner Rhonda Blanford-Green to declare battling all the frustrations and fears of a virus-plagued season was worth the fight.
COVID has stolen more than 3,000 lives in Colorado, not to mention so many of the joys that make life worth living. The Limon basketball team was headed to the state semifinals when the pandemic took down the Final Four back in March. So can you imagine the reaction when this same nasty virus forced the school into quarantine and shuttered the football program for two weeks near the end of the Badgers’ regular season?
“I was freaking out,” Hines recalled.
The junior QB and his teammates persevered. And look at them now: Hines’ touchdown run staked Limon to a quick 14-0 lead. The unbeatable Badgers coasted to a three-peat, beating Strasburg for the third straight year with trophies on the line.
That blocking-and-tackling stuff? Fundamental to any state champion. But X’s and O’s cannot begin to describe what football means to good folks on the Colorado plains when a pandemic blows through town, or how a prep team can be the shoulder to cry on when a teenage boy loses his dad to a suspected suicide.
Football is love.
Football is the hug a linebacker gives his Strasburg teammate to squeeze out the pain of losing your final prep game. No athlete ever forgets the bond of riding the bus home with friends for the last time.
When COVID safety precautions restrict each school to 75 spectators scattered in the bleachers of a college stadium, football is guzzling beer on a cold Saturday morning. “We’re just two drunk uncles in a pick-up truck. Write that down,” said Ben Davis, standing alongside buddy Levi Quandt. They toasted every tackle by Strasburg linebacker Blake Coombs in the cargo bed of a Ford, which offered them a bird’s eye view of the field from the parking lot.
More than a game? It is when every Durango helmet is decorated with a “J.G.” sticker as a heartfelt vow by a tight-knit community to lift one of its own from the throes of a family tragedy.
“This team is fearless,” back-up Durango receiver Ean Goodwin told me, as fellow Demons raised happy heck in celebration of their 21-14 victory against top-ranked Roosevelt in the Class 3A final. “These guys mean everything to me. They gave me somewhere to go and not think about anything except football.”
It is believed Justin Goodwin took his own life in late October. That’s why the Demons wore the initials J.G. behind the right earhole of every helmet. A football family gets through grief together.
“Football is great, but it’s not everything,” Durango coach David Vogt said. “A state championship is great, but these kids learned how to deal with a whole lot of stuff bigger than themselves during the course of this year.”
At its best, football is a cause that allows a young man to get lost in something larger than himself, allowing him to feel buoyed by the brotherhood won through the sweat of a shared purpose, even when the challenges of being young and afraid return with tomorrow’s sunrise.
“Our daughters, we embrace and love and we try to nurture. Sometimes, we expect our sons to be these tough men that don’t need that same type of love. That’s a faulty way to look at it,” said Dave Logan, whose 28th season as the most legendary prep coach in Colorado history ended with the Class 5A showdown between his Cherry Creek Bruins and Valor Christian.
“To tell kids you love them, put your arm around them and impact them in that way? I think high school boys need that. I really do.”
During the final dozen quarters of football in a prep season that Coloradans refused to quit on, know what left a more lasting impression with me than any touchdown run?
It was a homemade poster draped on a chain-link fence in front of the 75 fans who drove 135 miles to watch 39 young athletes representing the Strasburg Indians lose a game whose pain will fade, unlike the friendships guaranteed to last forever.
The poster offered sage advice: Find your tribe. Love them hard.


thedenverpost--2020-12-06--Colorado men’s basketball schedule continues to change, will now play Tennessee on Dec. 8

The Colorado Buffaloes men ’ s basketball team has dealt with a number of schedule changes in its young 2020-21 @ @ @ @ @ Buffs cancelled their Dec. 5 game with Washington State due to COVID-19 protocols in the @ @ @ @ @ Saturday , the 2-0 Buffs added a nonconference game to their schedule and will play @ @ @ @ @ 4 p.m .
The schedule change for Colorado also resulted in canceling its game with @ @ @ @ @ game scheduled for Tuesday .
The Buffs playing host to Mines was added to take @ @ @ @ @ have been a Rocky Mountain Showdown against the Colorado State Rams .
The CU-CSU game @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 concerns in the Rams ’ program .

The Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball team has dealt with a number of schedule changes in its young 2020-21 season. Most recently the Buffs cancelled their Dec. 5 game with Washington State due to COVID-19 protocols in the Cougars’ program.
On Saturday, the 2-0 Buffs added a nonconference game to their schedule and will play at Tennessee on Tuesday at 4 p.m.
The schedule change for Colorado also resulted in canceling its game with Colorado Mines, an exhibition game scheduled for Tuesday.
The Buffs playing host to Mines was added to take the slot of what would have been a Rocky Mountain Showdown against the Colorado State Rams. The CU-CSU game was called off due to COVID-19 concerns in the Rams’ program.


thedenverpost--2020-12-06--Durango holds off Roosevelt for school’s first outright state football championship

PUEBLO — Jordan Woolverton had the green light to call his own number all season .
When it mattered most , with Durango facing third-and-long at its own 33-yard line , the four-year starting quarterback knew exactly what to do .
Audible .
Drop back .
Dart to Gage Mestas running down the seam .
The rest was history : A 67-yard touchdown strike that ultimately delivered No .
3 Durango a 21-14 victory over No .
1 Roosevelt in the Class 3A championship at CSU-Pueblo ’ s ThunderBowl , and the school ’ s first-ever outright state football title @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a man , so I checked it to a little vertical play with Gage , ” said Woolverton , who finished 8-of-11 passing for 145 yards , two touchdowns and one interception .
“ I trusted him .
I knew he was going to get to the spot that we needed him to get to , so I let that ball go and it felt amazing to get that touchdown.
” Of course , it took more than just Woolverton ’ s two touchdown hookups with Mestas ( four receptions , 105 yards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for its first state title .
The Demons ( 8-0 ) also had to beat back a Roughriders ( 7-1 ) offense that drove inside Durango territory on all four of its second-half possessions only to come away empty each time .
Woolverton intercepted a pass on the first Roosevelt drive , Demetrius Trujillo did the same on the second , and Mestas came up big late in the fourth quarter , leaping to pick off Brig Hartson ’ s goal-line pass on fourth-and-goal at the 6-yard line .
“ I saw I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me and I was like , ‘ Shoot , I ’ m just going to jump as high as I can for this ball no matter where it is , ’ ” Mestas said .
“ Thankfully , I have some sticky gloves , and came down with it.
” Hartson completed 14-of-23 passes for 197 yards , including touchdown hookups of 25 yards to Tucker Peterson and 33 yards to Keegan Sterkel .
The latter , a perfectly executed screen play , gave the Roughriders their only lead of the day — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarter .
The lead was short-lived , however , as Ben Finneseth took a draw on the Demons ’ very next offensive play and darted to a 55-yard touchdown and 14-all score at the break .
The second-half mistakes that followed — the three interceptions , as well as a dropped pass on the Riders ’ final offensive play of the game — ultimately doomed Roosevelt .
“ I love these kids , ” Roosevelt coach Lane Wasinger said with tears still in his eyes following a postgame huddle .
“ All they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and done everything that they ’ ve been asked to do , and they need to be proud of that , and I ’ m proud of them for it .
“ We ’ re a passionate football team , I ’ m a passionate , emotional coach .
We invest a lot in each other and it ’ s just tough ( to lose ) .
” There were tears on the other side , too .
Except , of course , those were years of joy .
“ To have this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his most outstanding player trophy , “ to come out with a real win through all this COVID-ness 2020 , it ’ s huge for our team .
We didn ’ t know if we were going to have a season and to come out on top is the best thing ever .
”

PUEBLO — Jordan Woolverton had the green light to call his own number all season.
When it mattered most, with Durango facing third-and-long at its own 33-yard line, the four-year starting quarterback knew exactly what to do.
Audible. Drop back. Dart to Gage Mestas running down the seam.
The rest was history: A 67-yard touchdown strike that ultimately delivered No. 3 Durango a 21-14 victory over No. 1 Roosevelt in the Class 3A championship at CSU-Pueblo’s ThunderBowl, and the school’s first-ever outright state football title.
“I saw they were in a man, so I checked it to a little vertical play with Gage,” said Woolverton, who finished 8-of-11 passing for 145 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. “I trusted him. I knew he was going to get to the spot that we needed him to get to, so I let that ball go and it felt amazing to get that touchdown.”
Of course, it took more than just Woolverton’s two touchdown hookups with Mestas (four receptions, 105 yards) to defeat a Roosevelt team going for its first state title. The Demons (8-0) also had to beat back a Roughriders (7-1) offense that drove inside Durango territory on all four of its second-half possessions only to come away empty each time.
Woolverton intercepted a pass on the first Roosevelt drive, Demetrius Trujillo did the same on the second, and Mestas came up big late in the fourth quarter, leaping to pick off Brig Hartson’s goal-line pass on fourth-and-goal at the 6-yard line.
“I saw I had one below me and one behind me and I was like, ‘Shoot, I’m just going to jump as high as I can for this ball no matter where it is,’” Mestas said. “Thankfully, I have some sticky gloves, and came down with it.”
Hartson completed 14-of-23 passes for 197 yards, including touchdown hookups of 25 yards to Tucker Peterson and 33 yards to Keegan Sterkel. The latter, a perfectly executed screen play, gave the Roughriders their only lead of the day — 14-7 with 1:40 left in the second quarter.
The lead was short-lived, however, as Ben Finneseth took a draw on the Demons’ very next offensive play and darted to a 55-yard touchdown and 14-all score at the break. The second-half mistakes that followed — the three interceptions, as well as a dropped pass on the Riders’ final offensive play of the game — ultimately doomed Roosevelt.
“I love these kids,” Roosevelt coach Lane Wasinger said with tears still in his eyes following a postgame huddle. “All they’ve done is adapt to change and done everything that they’ve been asked to do, and they need to be proud of that, and I’m proud of them for it.
“We’re a passionate football team, I’m a passionate, emotional coach. We invest a lot in each other and it’s just tough (to lose).”
There were tears on the other side, too. Except, of course, those were years of joy.
“To have this,” Mestas said, motioning to his most outstanding player trophy, “to come out with a real win through all this COVID-ness 2020, it’s huge for our team. We didn’t know if we were going to have a season and to come out on top is the best thing ever.”


thedenverpost--2020-12-06--Kellner wins in 18th DA race after recount

Republican John Kellner finally will be declared the winner in the 18th Judicial District Attorney ’ s race after a @ @ @ @ @ who ran against Democrat Amy Padden , announced the victory Saturday afternoon on Twitter .
@ @ @ @ @ to congratulate him , her campaign said in a news release .
Kellner will succeed @ @ @ @ @ who could not run for re-election because of term limits .
In her concession , @ @ @ @ @ not been certified by the Colorado Secretary of State ’ s Office but she expected @ @ @ @ @ votes .
The race had been close enough that a mandatory recount was required .

Republican John Kellner finally will be declared the winner in the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s race after a mandatory recount.
Kellner, who ran against Democrat Amy Padden, announced the victory Saturday afternoon on Twitter. Padden conceded by calling Kellner to congratulate him, her campaign said in a news release. Kellner will succeed District Attorney George Brauchler, who could not run for re-election because of term limits.
In her concession, Padden said the results had not been certified by the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office but she expected to lose by about 1,425 votes. The race had been close enough that a mandatory recount was required.
The 18th Judicial District covers Arapahoe, Douglas, Lincoln and Elbert counties.


thedenverpost--2020-12-06--Christmas tree-lighting in Bethlehem a muted, virtual event

BETHLEHEM — Only a few dozen people attended the lighting of the Christmas tree in the biblical city of Bethlehem on Saturday night , as coronavirus restrictions scaled back the annual event that is normally attended by thousands .
A small group of residents and religious leaders participated in the tree-lighting ceremony at Manger Square near the Church of the Nativity , where Christians believe Jesus was born .
Others watched it virtually due to restrictions prompted by the virus pandemic .
Some officials , including Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh , attended in person and addressed event participants watching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is receiving the new year with determination to “ confronting the ( Israeli ) occupation more firmly ” and ending the internal political division with the rival militant Hamas group .
He said the Palestinians would “ defeat the settlement ” -building in the occupied West Bank despite the pandemic .
Bethlehem Mayor Anton Salman said Christmas is being observed this year in ways like no time before .
“ We resorted to modern technology and to the virtual world to celebrate the lighting of the Christmas tree , wishing hope and optimism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Salman said .
Thousands of pilgrims and tourists typically visit Bethlehem , fill hotels and dine at restaurants during the Christmas season , bringing the area a much-needed injection of cash .

BETHLEHEM — Only a few dozen people attended the lighting of the Christmas tree in the biblical city of Bethlehem on Saturday night, as coronavirus restrictions scaled back the annual event that is normally attended by thousands.
A small group of residents and religious leaders participated in the tree-lighting ceremony at Manger Square near the Church of the Nativity, where Christians believe Jesus was born. Others watched it virtually due to restrictions prompted by the virus pandemic.
Some officials, including Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, attended in person and addressed event participants watching online.
Shtayyeh said the Palestinian leadership is receiving the new year with determination to “confronting the (Israeli) occupation more firmly” and ending the internal political division with the rival militant Hamas group. He said the Palestinians would “defeat the settlement”-building in the occupied West Bank despite the pandemic.
Bethlehem Mayor Anton Salman said Christmas is being observed this year in ways like no time before.
“We resorted to modern technology and to the virtual world to celebrate the lighting of the Christmas tree, wishing hope and optimism would flutter upon Palestine and the world,” Salman said.
Thousands of pilgrims and tourists typically visit Bethlehem, fill hotels and dine at restaurants during the Christmas season, bringing the area a much-needed injection of cash.


thedenverpost--2020-12-05--Annual Colorado Gives Day expected to raise millions for state’s non-profits

Every summer , nearly 2,000 children suffering from illnesses pack for summer camp at Roundup River Ranch near Gypsum , but this year COVID-19 forced the campers to stay home and try their best to experience camp online .
On Tuesday , in honor of Colorado Gives Day , Roundup River Ranch staff will deliver 100 boxes filled with camp activities to children so they can create art , studey science , sing songs and exercise over the holidays , said Jennifer Clark , Roundup River Ranches communications director .
It ’ s one more way to share the camping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a day when Coloradans give millions to state charities .
“ It ’ s a huge day for us , ” Clark said .
“ It ’ s a reminder that we ’ re here and available for our community so families can send their kids to camp and they don ’ t have to feel like a patient for awhile.
” The 11th annual Colorado Gives Day promotes philanthropies across Colorado through online giving .
Donations are matched through a $ 1 Million Incentive Fund made possible by Community First Foundation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Colorado Gives Day website .
In 2019 , Colorado donors gave $ 39.6 million to 2,569 nonprofits during the one-day fundraiser , Community First Foundation reported .
Non-profits range from food banks to environmental causes to education to disaster preparedness .
Donations can be arranged in advance or made Tuesday at coloradogives.org .
A search engine helps donors find non-profits in their counties or that offer the types of services they want to support .
The annual online fundraiser helps Roundup River Ranch meet its annual $ 4 million budget .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and their families at free , week-long and weekend camps , Clark said .
There , children who live with chronic illnesses or are battling acute diseases such as cancer ride horses , sling along ziplines and sing and dance around campfires .
This year , the ranch offered 2,921 camper experiences through online offerings such as group dance parties and friendship bracelet-making classes , Clark said .
While campers missed seeing each other , the ranch was able to reach out to more families since organizers did not have to worry about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ They can log in at night and the kids can make some connections , ” Clark said .
“ They can get some of the social interaction they ’ ve been missing out on by not coming to camp .
”

Every summer, nearly 2,000 children suffering from illnesses pack for summer camp at Roundup River Ranch near Gypsum, but this year COVID-19 forced the campers to stay home and try their best to experience camp online.
On Tuesday, in honor of Colorado Gives Day, Roundup River Ranch staff will deliver 100 boxes filled with camp activities to children so they can create art, studey science, sing songs and exercise over the holidays, said Jennifer Clark, Roundup River Ranches communications director. It’s one more way to share the camping experience while bringing attention to their work on a day when Coloradans give millions to state charities.
“It’s a huge day for us,” Clark said. “It’s a reminder that we’re here and available for our community so families can send their kids to camp and they don’t have to feel like a patient for awhile.”
The 11th annual Colorado Gives Day promotes philanthropies across Colorado through online giving. Donations are matched through a $1 Million Incentive Fund made possible by Community First Foundation, FirstBank and others, according to the Colorado Gives Day website.
In 2019, Colorado donors gave $39.6 million to 2,569 nonprofits during the one-day fundraiser, Community First Foundation reported. Non-profits range from food banks to environmental causes to education to disaster preparedness. Donations can be arranged in advance or made Tuesday at coloradogives.org. A search engine helps donors find non-profits in their counties or that offer the types of services they want to support.
The annual online fundraiser helps Roundup River Ranch meet its annual $4 million budget. The ranch, near Gypsum, hosts children and their families at free, week-long and weekend camps, Clark said. There, children who live with chronic illnesses or are battling acute diseases such as cancer ride horses, sling along ziplines and sing and dance around campfires.
This year, the ranch offered 2,921 camper experiences through online offerings such as group dance parties and friendship bracelet-making classes, Clark said. While campers missed seeing each other, the ranch was able to reach out to more families since organizers did not have to worry about running out of room in cabins.
“They can log in at night and the kids can make some connections,” Clark said. “They can get some of the social interaction they’ve been missing out on by not coming to camp.”


thedenverpost--2020-12-05--NBA: Teams that break virus protocols may lose games, picks

NBA teams that do not comply with league rules designed to minimize the spread of the coronavirus this season could face major penalties such as forfeiting games or draft picks , the league told its franchises Saturday .
The league also said that it and the National Basketball Players Association will discuss players , coaches and other staff “ being required to receive a coronavirus vaccine ” when it becomes available , strongly urged teams to encourage players and personnel to get flu shots , and said that effective immediately Tier 1 and Tier 2 personnel — which basically means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — must avoid bars , lounges , clubs even if food is served , most live entertainment or gaming venues , public gyms , spas and pool areas .
Also off-limits : indoor gatherings of 15 or more people .
Those rules apply both when teams are at home and when they are on the road , the NBA said .
Preseason games start Friday and the regular season begins Dec. 22 .
The protocols document , a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press , has much more detail than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams last weekend .
The rules and protocols in the updated document — which even includes examples of how seating charts on planes and buses could be set up — have been agreed upon by the NBA and the NBPA .
“ The biggest thing is obviously , from what we ’ ve been told , is the testing on the daily , ” Philadelphia forward Tobias Harris said earlier in the week as the protocols were being finalized .
“ And guys holding each other accountable to be safe and limit exposure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me , it ’ s a bit confusing because you never know .
You could go into a grocery store and you may get the virus somehow , right ?
So , I think it ’ s a fine line , but I think we have to do our best to follow protocol , keep each other safe , keep the team safe and just see how it plays out.
” Starting Sunday , the testing program — players and coaches will be checked daily , and 48 players were found to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will begin to include immediate families , if they so desire .
Teams have been told by the NBA to work with BioReference , the league ’ s testing provider , to make voluntary PCR testing available for all household members of Tier 1 and Tier 2 individuals twice a week .
The household members of those Tier 1 and Tier 2 individuals are also being urged to get flu shots .
“ We ’ re just trying to follow the guidelines , do it as best we can , ” Golden State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week .
“ It ’ s not easy , but everybody ’ s got to go through it .
We ’ re just trying to navigate our way through it.
” The league made clear in the final protocols that if teams don ’ t take the health and safety rules seriously , a serious price will be paid .
As written in the new rules : “ Protocol violations that result in COVID-19 spread that requires adjustments to the NBA game schedule or otherwise impacts any other team may subject the violating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include fines , suspensions , adjustment or loss of draft choices , and/or game forfeiture.
” The NFL has fined teams and coaches for not wearing masks and following protocols ; just in the last week , the New England Patriots were fined $ 350,000 for violations and the New Orleans Saints were fined $ 500,000 plus had a seventh-round pick taken away following a locker room celebration in which they were not wearing masks .
One key addition to the final version of the NBA protocols : Teams , when they go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freedoms and will not be forced to stay in their hotels when not practicing or playing .
The league and the union will work with teams to identify at least three eateries in all markets that will be designated as “ approved restaurants ” for meals on the road .
That doesn ’ t necessarily mean people will be limited ; members of traveling parties will be allowed by the league to “ go to any restaurant on the road , so long as the restaurant complies with all state and local laws @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though teams could also institute their own restrictions if they deem it necessary .
“ I ’ m not the CDC .
I ’ m not a doctor , ” Harris said .
“ But I ’ m going to wear my mask and follow my protocol and do what I ’ m kind of told at this point , and then hopefully we have a full season .
”

NBA teams that do not comply with league rules designed to minimize the spread of the coronavirus this season could face major penalties such as forfeiting games or draft picks, the league told its franchises Saturday.
The league also said that it and the National Basketball Players Association will discuss players, coaches and other staff “being required to receive a coronavirus vaccine” when it becomes available, strongly urged teams to encourage players and personnel to get flu shots, and said that effective immediately Tier 1 and Tier 2 personnel — which basically means players, coaches and some essential staff — must avoid bars, lounges, clubs even if food is served, most live entertainment or gaming venues, public gyms, spas and pool areas.
Also off-limits: indoor gatherings of 15 or more people. Those rules apply both when teams are at home and when they are on the road, the NBA said. Preseason games start Friday and the regular season begins Dec. 22.
The protocols document, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, has much more detail than the draft version that was distributed to teams last weekend. The rules and protocols in the updated document — which even includes examples of how seating charts on planes and buses could be set up — have been agreed upon by the NBA and the NBPA.
“The biggest thing is obviously, from what we’ve been told, is the testing on the daily,” Philadelphia forward Tobias Harris said earlier in the week as the protocols were being finalized. “And guys holding each other accountable to be safe and limit exposure from outside people or whatever. For me, it’s a bit confusing because you never know. You could go into a grocery store and you may get the virus somehow, right? So, I think it’s a fine line, but I think we have to do our best to follow protocol, keep each other safe, keep the team safe and just see how it plays out.”
Starting Sunday, the testing program — players and coaches will be checked daily, and 48 players were found to be positive before training camps even began — will begin to include immediate families, if they so desire. Teams have been told by the NBA to work with BioReference, the league’s testing provider, to make voluntary PCR testing available for all household members of Tier 1 and Tier 2 individuals twice a week. The household members of those Tier 1 and Tier 2 individuals are also being urged to get flu shots.
“We’re just trying to follow the guidelines, do it as best we can,” Golden State coach Steve Kerr said earlier in the week. “It’s not easy, but everybody’s got to go through it. We’re just trying to navigate our way through it.”
The league made clear in the final protocols that if teams don’t take the health and safety rules seriously, a serious price will be paid.
As written in the new rules: “Protocol violations that result in COVID-19 spread that requires adjustments to the NBA game schedule or otherwise impacts any other team may subject the violating team to additional penalties, which may include fines, suspensions, adjustment or loss of draft choices, and/or game forfeiture.”
The NFL has fined teams and coaches for not wearing masks and following protocols; just in the last week, the New England Patriots were fined $350,000 for violations and the New Orleans Saints were fined $500,000 plus had a seventh-round pick taken away following a locker room celebration in which they were not wearing masks.
One key addition to the final version of the NBA protocols: Teams, when they go on the road, will have some freedoms and will not be forced to stay in their hotels when not practicing or playing.
The league and the union will work with teams to identify at least three eateries in all markets that will be designated as “approved restaurants” for meals on the road. That doesn’t necessarily mean people will be limited; members of traveling parties will be allowed by the league to “go to any restaurant on the road, so long as the restaurant complies with all state and local laws or regulations related to COVID-19” — though teams could also institute their own restrictions if they deem it necessary.
“I’m not the CDC. I’m not a doctor,” Harris said. “But I’m going to wear my mask and follow my protocol and do what I’m kind of told at this point, and then hopefully we have a full season.”


thedenverpost--2020-12-05--CU Buffs vs. Arizona Wildcats live blog: Real-time updates from the college football game at Arizona

CU Buffs vs. Arizona Wildcats live blog: Real-time updates from the college football game at Arizona Stadium

Live updates , tweets , photos , analysis and more from the Colorado Buffaloes game against the Arizona Wildcats at @ @ @ @ @ Ariz. , on Dec. 5 , 2020 .
Mobile users , if you can ’ @ @ @ @ @ , tap here .

Live updates, tweets, photos, analysis and more from the Colorado Buffaloes game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Ariz., on Dec. 5, 2020.
Mobile users, if you can’t see the live blog, tap here.


thedenverpost--2020-12-05--1 in 40 Coloradans are positive for COVID-19, state modeling report says

One in 40 Coloradans are infected with the novel coronavirus , and public health experts say that does not include anyone who was exposed to the virus over the Thanksgiving holiday .
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment on Saturday released a new modeling report that shows COVID-19 infections continue to rise in the state although at a slower rate than in mid-November .
The state is seeing its highest prevalence rate since the first coronavirus case was reported in March , according to the modeling report .
An estimated 16.5 % of the state ’ s 5.8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At this pace , 2,120 people could end up hospitalized , including 665 in an ICU , because of COVID-19 , the report said .
Public health experts said Colorado residents practiced proper social distancing in the week leading to Thanksgiving and that behavior could prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed by patients .
However , with many people planning holiday gatherings and travel , health officials have been wary and are anxiously watching for outbreaks in the coming weeks .
On Saturday , CDPHE reported 3,838 new cases , and a 12.4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slightly this week .
On Saturday , the state health department reported 1,812 people were hospitalized with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 .
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado .

One in 40 Coloradans are infected with the novel coronavirus, and public health experts say that does not include anyone who was exposed to the virus over the Thanksgiving holiday.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment on Saturday released a new modeling report that shows COVID-19 infections continue to rise in the state although at a slower rate than in mid-November. The state is seeing its highest prevalence rate since the first coronavirus case was reported in March, according to the modeling report. An estimated 16.5% of the state’s 5.8 million residents have been infected to date.
At this pace, 2,120 people could end up hospitalized, including 665 in an ICU, because of COVID-19, the report said.
Public health experts said Colorado residents practiced proper social distancing in the week leading to Thanksgiving and that behavior could prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed by patients. However, with many people planning holiday gatherings and travel, health officials have been wary and are anxiously watching for outbreaks in the coming weeks.
On Saturday, CDPHE reported 3,838 new cases, and a 12.4% seven-day positivity rate.
Hospitalizations dropped slightly this week. On Saturday, the state health department reported 1,812 people were hospitalized with confirmed or suspected COVID-19.
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado.