thedenverpost--2020-10-11--Post Premium: Top stories for Oct. 5-11, 2020

As I type , ballots are headed to mailboxes across Colorado .
No matter whose side you come down on , you ’ re probably more than ready to vote for president .
But how much do you know about the rest of the ballot ?
I ’ m that nerdy political journalist who is always saying local races are at least as important as who ’ s on top of the ticket .
The Denver Post has begun rolling out well over a hundred stories , explainers and Q & As to help you with the rest of your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday ’ s paper , reporters Alex Burness and Justin Wingerter take a look at where Senate candidates Cory Gardner and John Hickenlooper stand on 13 issues that matter to Coloradans , and reporter John Aguilar takes a deep dive into the pros and cons of the state assigning its electors based on the national popular vote .
Our print voter guide — which includes Q & As for a couple of key races and explainers of the statewide issues — is also in today ’ s paper , with far more information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our online voter guide .
Let me know what else we can do to help you by emailing candrews @ denverpost.com .
Gardner vs. Hickenlooper : Colorado ’ s U.S. Senate candidates on 13 issues Five don ’ t-miss stories from last week Colorado voter guide roundup : Stories , explainers and endorsements on candidates and ballot measures Just to ensure nothing gets lost in the shuffle , here ’ s a roundup of stories , explainers and endorsements about what ’ s on the ballot Nov. 3 .
And a reminder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Post Editorial Board , which is a separate entity from the newsroom .
Read More… Adams County district judge says she ’ s a victim of racial and professional bias to push her off the bench An Adams County district judge facing ouster says nearly from the day she began , she ’ s been the target of a relentless campaign of racial and professional bias by peers and members of the commission tasked with reviewing her judicial performance .
Read More… Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold a frequent target of criticism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ short but tumultuous years , Jena Griswold has transformed Colorado ’ s typically low-key secretary of state position into something of a national spectacle .
And Griswold , 36 , is just fine with that .
Read More… Why Colorado high school seniors are grateful , after almost punting on fall football because of coronavirus , to be playing in October You never forget where you were .
Ever .
You don ’ t forget the moment life opened the door and the thing you loved most walked back in from the cold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : 60 impact players staying or going in 2020 Putting your Colorado garden to bed for the winter Autumn weather so far is resembling summer , other than the brief cold snap last month .
Along with recent 80-degree days , there are dangerous fires still burning in parts of the state .
The city of Fort Collins is on water restrictions because of drought , the Cameron Peak fire and the maintenance project on the Horsetooth Reservoir .
Read More… See more great photos like this on The Denver Post ’ s @ @ @

As I type, ballots are headed to mailboxes across Colorado. No matter whose side you come down on, you’re probably more than ready to vote for president. But how much do you know about the rest of the ballot? I’m that nerdy political journalist who is always saying local races are at least as important as who’s on top of the ticket.
The Denver Post has begun rolling out well over a hundred stories, explainers and Q&As to help you with the rest of your ballot in the coming weeks. In Sunday’s paper, reporters Alex Burness and Justin Wingerter take a look at where Senate candidates Cory Gardner and John Hickenlooper stand on 13 issues that matter to Coloradans, and reporter John Aguilar takes a deep dive into the pros and cons of the state assigning its electors based on the national popular vote.
Our print voter guide — which includes Q&As for a couple of key races and explainers of the statewide issues — is also in today’s paper, with far more information a click away whenever you need it in our online voter guide. Let me know what else we can do to help you by emailing candrews@denverpost.com.
— Cindi Andrews, The Denver Post
Five don’t-miss stories from last week
Just to ensure nothing gets lost in the shuffle, here’s a roundup of stories, explainers and endorsements about what’s on the ballot Nov. 3. And a reminder: Endorsements are made by The Denver Post Editorial Board, which is a separate entity from the newsroom. Read More…
An Adams County district judge facing ouster says nearly from the day she began, she’s been the target of a relentless campaign of racial and professional bias by peers and members of the commission tasked with reviewing her judicial performance. Read More…
In two short but tumultuous years, Jena Griswold has transformed Colorado’s typically low-key secretary of state position into something of a national spectacle.
And Griswold, 36, is just fine with that. Read More…
You never forget where you were. Ever. You don’t forget the moment life opened the door and the thing you loved most walked back in from the cold. Read More…
Autumn weather so far is resembling summer, other than the brief cold snap last month.
Along with recent 80-degree days, there are dangerous fires still burning in parts of the state. The city of Fort Collins is on water restrictions because of drought, the Cameron Peak fire and the maintenance project on the Horsetooth Reservoir. Read More…
Photo of the week
See more great photos like this on The Denver Post’s Instagram account.


thedenverpost--2020-10-11--Broncos rookie Lloyd Cushenberry settling in at center: “I want to prove people wrong who have start

Broncos rookie Lloyd Cushenberry settling in at center: “I want to prove people wrong who have started doubting me.”

The Broncos drafted Lloyd Cushenberry in the third round this year and , following a brief training camp competition that wasn ’ t much of a competition at all , handed the 23-year-old center the keys to the offensive line .
So it ’ s not entirely unexpected Cushenberry evaluated the first quarter of his rookie season as “ up-and-down.
” But the former LSU star made no excuses for his erratic start to a coronavirus season stacked against rapid rookie acclimation .
“ I feel like I have the confidence to succeed , ” Cushenberry said .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , getting guys in the right spot , and the things I ’ m working on are bettering my technique and just being more physical and playing fast .
That ’ s where I ’ ve got to get — it ’ s no excuse that I ’ m a rookie , and I didn ’ t have a preseason or whatever .
“ I ’ m expected to do these things , and I ’ ve got to go out on Monday and show what I can do .
I want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me or have started staying some ( negative ) things.
” The center ’ s yielded nine disruptions this season ( 3½ sacks , 5½ knockdowns and no pressures ) as well as 1½ bad run plays , per Denver Post game charting , but has not been penalized .
He and cornerback Michael Ojemudia headline a heavily-leaned-upon rookie class that ’ s played 1,288 total snaps through Week 4 , second-most in the league behind the Jaguars .
Cushenberry described Monday ’ s Week 5 matchup against the Patriots at Gillette Stadium @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Broncos are even more fueled to bring their season back to relevance by the fact that “ we felt like we let the first two games slip away from us.
” “ Even though we didn ’ t play to the best of our ability ( the first two weeks ) , we were still in the game and could ’ ve won it at the end — we felt like we should have , ” Cushenberry said .
“ So we want to start stacking wins and get this thing rolling , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we can ’ t get down and start going in the tank right now.
” Cushenberry ’ s focus has also been on improving in one-on-one matchups and finishing of plays .
As for the mental part , including his responsibilities to make pre-snap calls , teammates believe in Cushenberry ’ s potential .
“ He ’ s getting more comfortable in the offense , ” running back Phillip Lindsay said .
“ It ’ s hard to be a center , and a rookie center at that , because you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the field .
But he ’ s been doing a great job , and we just have to continue to rally around him and help him out… But he ’ s been holding his own , and he ’ s only going to get better as time goes on.
” The center said a culture of accountability within the offensive line room is helping to accelerate his growth , as is the opportunity to learn from a Hall of Famer in offensive line coach Mike Munchak .
Cushenberry also cited a budding relationship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who stepped into a starting role after Elijah Wilkinson was placed on injured reserve .
“ I ’ ve been trying to pick his brain , because he ’ s been in the league 11 years , and in order to do that , you ’ ve got to have a great routine , great mindset , great work ethic , ” Cushenberry said .
“ That ’ s what I ’ m trying to do .
He ’ s also from Louisiana , too , so we have a lot of similarities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be in the same position as him — 35 years old , still playing , teaching rookies .
”

The Broncos drafted Lloyd Cushenberry in the third round this year and, following a brief training camp competition that wasn’t much of a competition at all, handed the 23-year-old center the keys to the offensive line.
So it’s not entirely unexpected Cushenberry evaluated the first quarter of his rookie season as “up-and-down.” But the former LSU standout made no excuses for his up-and-down start to a season made more difficult for rookies due to the lack of off-season practices due to coronavirus.
“I feel like I have the confidence to succeed,” Cushenberry said. “I know what I have to do mentally, getting guys in the right spot, and the things I’m working on are bettering my technique and being more physical and playing fast. That’s where I’ve got to get — it’s no excuse that I’m a rookie, and I didn’t have a preseason or whatever.
“I’m expected to do these things… I want to prove people wrong who have started doubting me or have started staying some (negative) things.”
The center’ has yielded nine disruptions this season (3½ sacks, 5½ knockdowns and no pressures) as well as 1½ bad run plays, per Denver Post game charting, but has not been penalized. He and cornerback Michael Ojemudia headline a heavily-leaned-upon rookie class that played 1,288 total snaps through Week 4, second-most in the league behind the Jaguars.
Cushenberry describes Sunday’s matchup against the Patriots at Gillette Stadium as “huge,” noting the Broncos are even more fueled to bring their season back to relevance by the fact that “we felt like we let the first two games slip away from us.”
“Even though we didn’t play to the best of our ability (the first two weeks), we were still in the game and could’ve won it at the end — we felt like we should have,” Cushenberry said. “So we want to start stacking wins and get this thing rolling, because it’s a long season and we can’t get down and start going in the tank.”
Cushenberry’s focus has also been on improving during one-on-one matchups and finishing blocks. As for the mental part, including his responsibilities to make pre-snap calls, teammates believe in Cushenberry’s potential.
“He’s getting more comfortable in the offense,” running back Phillip Lindsay said. “It’s hard to be a center, and a rookie center at that, because you have to command a lot of things on the field. But he’s been doing a great job, and we have to continue to rally around him and help him out… But he’s been holding his own, and he’s only going to get better as time goes on.”
Cushenbery said a culture of accountability within the offensive line room is helping to accelerate his growth, as is the opportunity to learn from a Hall of Famer in offensive line coach Mike Munchak. Cushenberry also cited a budding relationship with veteran right tackle Demar Dotson, who stepped into a starting role after Elijah Wilkinson was placed on injured reserve.
“I’ve been trying to pick his brain, because he’s been in the league 11 years, and in order to do that, you’ve got to have a great routine, great mindset, great work ethic,” Cushenberry said. “That’s what I’m trying to do. He’s also from Louisiana, too, so we have a lot of similarities. Hopefully in the future I can be in the same position as him — 35 years old, still playing, teaching rookies.”


thedenverpost--2020-10-11--Deaths in Colorado rose 20% during first 6 months of pandemic, reflecting COVID-19’s broader toll on

Deaths in Colorado rose 20% during first 6 months of pandemic, reflecting COVID-19’s broader toll on health

The number of deaths in Colorado jumped 20 % during the first six months of the coronavirus pandemic as at least 3,788 more residents died than would be expected , reflecting the outbreak ’ s grim toll on human life even beyond those killed directly by the virus .
The increase in fatalities is largely due to the respiratory disease COVID-19 , which has become the fourth leading cause of death in the state .
But other causes — including overdoses , cirrhosis , heart disease , diabetes and Alzheimer ’ s — also saw significant spikes , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denver Post .
“ The pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives , including every aspect of our health care and our health , ” said Dr. Matthew Wynia , director of the Center for Bioethics and Humanities at the University of Colorado .
Overall , an estimated 22,723 Coloradans died between March and August , which is up from the 18,935 deaths the state recorded on average for the same period during the three years prior , according to provisional death-certificate data from the state Department of Public Health and Environment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death-certificate data so it ’ s possible the number of fatalities during the first six months of the pandemic could still rise further .
The possible reasons for the increase in deaths beyond previously reported coronavirus fatalities varies .
Some people may have died from COVID-19 , but were never diagnosed because testing , especially during the early days of the pandemic , was limited .
Other deaths may include people who delayed getting care because they were afraid to visit a hospital or doctor ’ s office .
Measuring the impacts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death toll , is complex and it ’ s unclear how many of the fatalities are from missed COVID-19 diagnoses or because people delayed care .
Deaths increased across a broad range of illnesses and diseases , an indication of the sweeping changes the pandemic has wrought on everyday life .
And at the same time , deaths have declined in some areas where people have predicted they would increase .
For example , suicides dropped 2 % over previous years , to 639 deaths , in the first six months of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Public health experts said looking at deaths , including those indirectly tied to the novel coronavirus , provides a greater understanding of the impact the pandemic .
“ It is valuable information because it gives you sort of the standard look at deaths and helps you understand what some of the bias , the gaps are in our other surveillance system , ” said Dr. Lisa Miller , professor of epidemiology at the Colorado School of Public Health .
Of the excess deaths , at least 1,627 were Coloradans who died from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than the state Department of Public Health and Environment ’ s count of such fatalities , which sits just below 2,000 — a figure that , unlike the death-certificate data , includes non-residents who died from the disease while in the state .
When it comes to non-COVID deaths , drug overdoses saw the largest increase despite making up a small portion of fatalities .
Between March and August , 597 Coloradans died of overdoses , which is up 40 % from the 3-year-average of 424 deaths , according to the state data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be an indicator of how job loss and social distancing during the pandemic are affecting people , said Dr. Christian Hopfer , medical director for the UCHealth Center for Dependency , Addiction and Rehabilitation .
“ Social isolation is a big stressor , ” he said .
Public health experts said the rise of deaths from heart disease , cerebrovascular diseases — which include strokes — and Alzheimer ’ s disease could include people who died from COVID-19 , but were were not tested .
Public health and medical experts long have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While the novel coronavirus often first affects the lungs , the disease also can cause kidneys to fail and create blood clots that cause strokes and heart attacks .
“ There were deaths early on that actually were COVID and were attributed to something else because we had no testing , ” Wynia said .
There were 1,053 deaths from Alzheimer ’ s disease , which is 26 % above the 3-year-average of 835 , during the six months that ended in August , according to the health department data .
Just over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 11 % above the average , while 1,054 deaths were caused by cerebrovascular diseases , which is 8.6 % above the average , according to the data .
Deaths from heart and cerebrovascular diseases increases could also reflect the fact that people did not immediately seek help for severe conditions because they are afraid to go to hospitals during the pandemic .
“ We were seeing really sick people who were sitting at home for many , many days , ” said Dr. Richard Zane , UCHealth chief innovation officer and chair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Medicine , adding , “ Two months ago , it was tragic and it is still persistent , but it ’ s not as dire as it was.
” Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

The number of deaths in Colorado jumped 20% during the first six months of the coronavirus pandemic as at least 3,788 more residents died than would be expected, reflecting the outbreak’s grim toll on human life even beyond those killed directly by the virus.
The increase in fatalities is largely due to the respiratory disease COVID-19, which has become the fourth leading cause of death in the state.
But other causes — including overdoses, cirrhosis, heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s — also saw significant spikes, according to an analysis of state data by The Denver Post.
“The pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives, including every aspect of our health care and our health,” said Dr. Matthew Wynia, director of the Center for Bioethics and Humanities at the University of Colorado.
Overall, an estimated 22,723 Coloradans died between March and August, which is up from the 18,935 deaths the state recorded on average for the same period during the three years prior, according to provisional death-certificate data from the state Department of Public Health and Environment.
There’s a lag in death-certificate data so it’s possible the number of fatalities during the first six months of the pandemic could still rise further.
The possible reasons for the increase in deaths beyond previously reported coronavirus fatalities varies.
Some people may have died from COVID-19, but were never diagnosed because testing, especially during the early days of the pandemic, was limited. Other deaths may include people who delayed getting care because they were afraid to visit a hospital or doctor’s office.
Measuring the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, including its indirect death toll, is complex and it’s unclear how many of the fatalities are from missed COVID-19 diagnoses or because people delayed care.
Deaths increased across a broad range of illnesses and diseases, an indication of the sweeping changes the pandemic has wrought on everyday life. And at the same time, deaths have declined in some areas where people have predicted they would increase.
For example, suicides dropped 2% over previous years, to 639 deaths, in the first six months of the pandemic, according to the death-certificate data.
Deaths during the pandemic The leading causes of death among Coloradans during the first six months of the pandemic:
1. Cancer
2. Heart disease
3. Chronic lower respiratory diseases/COPD
4. COVID-19
5. Unintentional injuries
Causes of death that have seen increases during the first six months of the pandemic:
Drug overdoses: Up 40%
Chronic liver disease/cirrhosis: Up 29%
Alzheimer’s: Up 26%
Diabetes: Up 17%
Heart disease: Up 11%
Cerebrovascular disease: Up 8.6%
Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Public health experts said looking at deaths, including those indirectly tied to the novel coronavirus, provides a greater understanding of the impact the pandemic.
“It is valuable information because it gives you sort of the standard look at deaths and helps you understand what some of the bias, the gaps are in our other surveillance system,” said Dr. Lisa Miller, professor of epidemiology at the Colorado School of Public Health.
Of the excess deaths, at least 1,627 were Coloradans who died from COVID-19 complications. This number is lower than the state Department of Public Health and Environment’s count of such fatalities, which sits just below 2,000 — a figure that, unlike the death-certificate data, includes non-residents who died from the disease while in the state.
When it comes to non-COVID deaths, drug overdoses saw the largest increase despite making up a small portion of fatalities.
Between March and August, 597 Coloradans died of overdoses, which is up 40% from the 3-year-average of 424 deaths, according to the state data.
The rise in drug overdose deaths could be an indicator of how job loss and social distancing during the pandemic are affecting people, said Dr. Christian Hopfer, medical director for the UCHealth Center for Dependency, Addiction and Rehabilitation.
“Social isolation is a big stressor,” he said.
Public health experts said the rise of deaths from heart disease, cerebrovascular diseases — which include strokes — and Alzheimer’s disease could include people who died from COVID-19, but were were not tested.
Public health and medical experts long have said COVID-19 deaths may be undercounted. While the novel coronavirus often first affects the lungs, the disease also can cause kidneys to fail and create blood clots that cause strokes and heart attacks.
“There were deaths early on that actually were COVID and were attributed to something else because we had no testing,” Wynia said.
There were 1,053 deaths from Alzheimer’s disease, which is 26% above the 3-year-average of 835, during the six months that ended in August, according to the health department data.
Just over 3,920 deaths were caused by heart disease, 11% above the average, while 1,054 deaths were caused by cerebrovascular diseases, which is 8.6% above the average, according to the data.
Deaths from heart and cerebrovascular diseases increases could also reflect the fact that people did not immediately seek help for severe conditions because they are afraid to go to hospitals during the pandemic.
“We were seeing really sick people who were sitting at home for many, many days,” said Dr. Richard Zane, UCHealth chief innovation officer and chair of emergency medicine with the School of Medicine, adding, “Two months ago, it was tragic and it is still persistent, but it’s not as dire as it was.”
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-10-11--Football and COVID-19: How Pomona High School navigated one of the weirdest openers in school histor

Football and COVID-19: How Pomona High School navigated one of the weirdest openers in school history

“ Hey up there .
Hey !
Can you social distance so we don ’ t get kicked out ?
” A pack of Pomona cheerleaders that had been filing into the metal bleachers froze , then scattered like mice .
One cheer squad was in the stands .
Another stood on boxes placed roughly 20 yards behind the north end zone at the NAAC , dancing from a distance .
The sidelines looked more like a courtyard wedding than a football game .
Instead of a long bench , 11 chairs were lined up in two rows , spaced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ambient noise other than the public address system was the constant , gentle buzzing of a small drone overhead .
What stunned Jay Madden the most during his season opener wasn ’ t that he could actually hear himself think .
It was that he could suddenly hear everybody else think , too .
“ You could pretty much hear everybody talking , ” the longtime Pomona coach reflected .
“ If the coaches were coaching , you could hear every word they ’ d say .
Even though there weren ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weird.
” Everything was weird .
Befitting 2020 , the first major Class 5A showdown in the metro , Panthers vs. Chaparral on a hazy Thursday evening , felt like it was being played just west of the Twilight Zone .
Fans were seated in two-to-three-person pods along zig-zagging , alternating rows .
Players brought their own water , hauled their own bags .
Locker rooms were verboten .
The Wolverines , the road team , held their pregame , halftime and postgame meetings in or behind the south end zone .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side .
The only shelter at field level was a set of porta-potties standing along the northeast corner of the facility .
“ So it was interesting , how that halftime looked , ” Chaparral athletic director Rob Johnson said with a grin .
“ It just doesn ’ t feel the same for them.
” It felt a heck of a lot better than the alternative , mind you .
“ Ralston ( Valley ) just got shut down , ” Madden announced to Pomona principal Andy Giese just before the National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
With that , the coach clasped his hands together in a quickie prayer and rolled his eyes skyward .
In The Year of COVID-19 , when you ’ re trying to play football , you ’ ll take any help from Higher Powers that you can get .
That the game — Pomona , ranked No .
5 in CHSAANow ’ s preseason poll , rolled 35-0 — went off without serious incident was something of a small miracle in and of itself .
Especially given the run-up .
The Wolverines brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 31 .
Most played both ways .
Pomona started a 5-foot-8 wideout at quarterback , Jack Pospisil , and the kid spent the better part of the next three hours zipping past Chaparral defenders the way the mechanical rabbit does a pack of greyhounds .
“ We had six linemen suited up , ” Madden said .
“ If anybody got hurt , we were done.
” The Panthers also ran wild without one of their stars , starting left tackle Aaron Karas , a 6-foot-5 mountain of a teen who was under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t practice .
They were short two starting cornerbacks and their top safety .
“ A running back had to step in at corner and play every snap , ” Madden said .
“ So that was a little bit more difficult.
” Just not as difficult as the few days prior .
The Friday afternoon before the opener , Madden got a call , and his heart sank : One of the Pomona reserves had recorded a positive COVID test after Thursday ’ s practice .
While Madden had made a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practice separately for this very reason , the latter had been practicing with the freshmen at the time , a gambit that had just sent 50 backups into quarantine for 14 days .
“ We didn ’ t even know if we were going to have buses until seven days before the game , ” Madden recalled .
“ We didn ’ t know how many kids could get on the buses .
And the rules kept changing .
I have no problem with following the rules , but I need to know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good job of getting as much information as he could.
” The Panthers had their temperatures taken before they got on and off the buses .
Favoring discretion , they ’ d done comparatively little live tackling in the weeks leading up to the opener .
Madden said they ’ d hit embarrassingly little , given the sudden roster shortage , in the week immediately leading up to the opener .
“ I think we ’ re all a little beat up , all tired , for sure , ” senior guard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that our O-line , after that second or third drive ( Thursday ) , where we were just driving and driving , we were just gassed .
But I think with them out , we ’ ve just got to be healthy .
Be smart .
Especially at practice and stuff like that .
Keep our bodies right.
” The Wolverines , meanwhile , had also struggled to keep healthy bodies upright .
Chaparral turned up with the No .
1 and No .
2 quarterbacks on its depth chart in quarantine .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , coach Jeff Ketron was forced to finish the contest with his fourth option behind center .
“ Hopefully , it starts to settle down , people will figure it out , and do things a little bit smarter , ” Johnson said .
“ When they go home and hang out with their friends — how are we doing that , what kind of ( stuff ) are we getting into ?
They weren ’ t really thinking through that and now , all of sudden , it hits them : ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playing , so now I ’ ve got to probably think a little bit more about what I ’ m doing.
’ ” If COVID tore into Pomona ’ s depth from the bottom up , Chaparral was getting bit from the top down .
“ Actually , mercy-wise , we were one case away from varsity football going out and potentially school going on a two-week break , ” Johnson said .
“ Every day , every other day , it seems like we have a new case that we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s all ( we ) deal with every day , is dealing with quarantines .
That ’ s kind of our new job : We ’ re quarantine cops.
” The buzzing stopped .
The crowd , sparse and spartan , applauded the effort and made for the exits .
The 31 Panthers , job done , jogged to the south side of the stands to salute them in kind .
“ Masks or helmets on !
” Madden shouted as troops turned and marched the other direction , forming a semi-circle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zone .
Long way to go .
Be smart .
Be safe .
“ No access to the building , ” Madden reminded his kids as they separated to retrieve their belongings .
“ Just get your bags and go home .
Who ’ s going home with their parents ?
” When the buses pulled back into the high school late Thursday night , Madden looked out at the student lot .
To the spot where the players ’ peers would ordinarily , traditionally be waiting to celebrate their return .
Silence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back with us and waits for us in the student parking lot .
That didn ’ t happen , ” Madden said .
“ Usually , that ’ s a big deal.
” “ But I ’ ll bet , if you ask any kid out here if it ’ s worth it , with everything leading up to it ?
” Johnson said .
“ I ’ ll bet you every one of them would say , ‘ Yeah , we ’ ll do it all over again .
We ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go .
’ ”

“Hey up there. Hey! Can you social distance so we don’t get kicked out?”
A pack of Pomona cheerleaders that had been filing into the metal bleachers froze, then scattered like mice.
“Thannnnnnnk you.”
One cheer squad was in the stands. Another stood on boxes placed roughly 20 yards behind the north end zone at the NAAC, dancing from a distance.
The sidelines looked more like a courtyard wedding than a football game. Instead of a long bench, 11 chairs were lined up in two rows, spaced about two feet apart. The loudest ambient noise other than the public address system was the constant, gentle buzzing of a small drone overhead.
What stunned Jay Madden the most during his season opener wasn’t that he could actually hear himself think. It was that he could suddenly hear everybody else think, too.
“You could pretty much hear everybody talking,” the longtime Pomona coach reflected. “If the coaches were coaching, you could hear every word they’d say. Even though there weren’t a lot of people, that was weird.”
Everything was weird. Befitting 2020, the first major Class 5A showdown in the metro, Panthers vs. Chaparral on a hazy Thursday evening, felt like it was being played just west of the Twilight Zone.
Fans were seated in two-to-three-person pods along zig-zagging, alternating rows. Players brought their own water, hauled their own bags. Locker rooms were verboten.
The Wolverines, the road team, held their pregame, halftime and postgame meetings in or behind the south end zone. The Panthers did the same on the north side. The only shelter at field level was a set of porta-potties standing along the northeast corner of the facility.
“So it was interesting, how that halftime looked,” Chaparral athletic director Rob Johnson said with a grin. “It just doesn’t feel the same for them.”
It felt a heck of a lot better than the alternative, mind you.
“Ralston (Valley) just got shut down,” Madden announced to Pomona principal Andy Giese just before the National Anthem. “Pine Creek got it.
“Every game, you gotta go …”
With that, the coach clasped his hands together in a quickie prayer and rolled his eyes skyward. In The Year of COVID-19, when you’re trying to play football, you’ll take any help from Higher Powers that you can get.
* * *
That the game — Pomona, ranked No. 5 in CHSAANow’s preseason poll, rolled 35-0 — went off without serious incident was something of a small miracle in and of itself. Especially given the run-up.
The Wolverines brought 48 players. Madden suited up just 31. Most played both ways. Pomona started a 5-foot-8 wideout at quarterback, Jack Pospisil, and the kid spent the better part of the next three hours zipping past Chaparral defenders the way the mechanical rabbit does a pack of greyhounds.
“We had six linemen suited up,” Madden said. “If anybody got hurt, we were done.”
The Panthers also ran wild without one of their stars, starting left tackle Aaron Karas, a 6-foot-5 mountain of a teen who was under coronavirus quarantine for the week and couldn’t practice. They were short two starting cornerbacks and their top safety.
“A running back had to step in at corner and play every snap,” Madden said. “So that was a little bit more difficult.”
Just not as difficult as the few days prior. The Friday afternoon before the opener, Madden got a call, and his heart sank: One of Pomona’s reserves had recorded a positive COVID test after Thursday’s practice.
While Madden had made a point to have the varsity and JV practice separately for this very reason, the latter had been practicing with the freshmen at the time, a gambit that had just sent 50 backups into quarantine for 14 days.
“We didn’t even know if we were going to have buses until seven days before the game,” Madden recalled. “We didn’t know how many kids could get on the buses. And the rules kept changing. I have no problem with following the rules, but I need to know what they are. Our AD did a good job of getting as much information as he could.”
The Panthers had their temperatures taken before they got on and off the buses. Favoring discretion, they’d done comparatively little live tackling in the weeks leading up to the opener. Madden said they’d hit embarrassingly little, given the sudden roster shortage, in the week immediately leading up to the opener.
“I think we’re all a little beat up, all tired, for sure,” senior guard Romin Jimenez said. “I know that our O-line, after that second or third drive (Thursday), where we were just driving and driving, we were just gassed. But I think with them out, we’ve just got to be healthy. Be smart. Especially at practice and stuff like that. Keep our bodies right.”
The Wolverines, meanwhile, also struggled to keep healthy bodies upright. Chaparral turned up with the No. 1 and No. 2 quarterbacks on its depth chart in quarantine. After the third-string signal-caller got dinged up, coach Jeff Ketron was forced to finish the contest with his fourth option behind center.
“Hopefully, it starts to settle down, people will figure it out, and do things a little bit smarter,” Johnson said.
“When they go home and hang out with their friends — how are we doing that, what kind of (stuff) are we getting into? They weren’t really thinking through that and now, all of sudden, it hits them: ‘Oh, now I’m not playing, so now I’ve got to probably think a little bit more about what I’m doing.’”
If COVID tore into Pomona’s depth from the bottom up, Chaparral was getting bit from the top down.
“Actually, mercy-wise, we were one case away from varsity football going out and potentially school going on a two-week break,” Johnson said.
“Every day, every other day, it seems like we have a new case that we’re trying to deal with. So it’s all (we) deal with every day, is dealing with quarantines. That’s kind of our new job: We’re quarantine cops.”
* * *
The buzzing stopped. The crowd, sparse and spartan, applauded the effort and made for the exits. The 31 Panthers, job done, jogged to the south side of the stands to salute them in kind.
“DOG! SOLDIERS!” they barked. “DOG! SOLDIERS!”
“Masks or helmets on!” Madden shouted as troops turned and marched the other direction, forming a semi-circle around their coach near the north end zone.
Long way to go. Be smart. Be safe.
“No access to the building,” Madden reminded his kids as they separated to retrieve their belongings. “Just get your bags and go home. Who’s going home with their parents?”
When the buses pulled back into the high school late Thursday night, Madden looked out at the student lot. To the spot where the players’ peers would ordinarily, traditionally be waiting to celebrate their return. Silence.
“Usually the student section comes back with us and waits for us in the student parking lot. That didn’t happen,” Madden said. “Usually, that’s a big deal.”
Weird, weird night. The weirdest.
“But I’ll bet, if you ask any kid out here if it’s worth it, with everything leading up to it?” Johnson said. “I’ll bet you every one of them would say, ‘Yeah, we’ll do it all over again. We’ll do it next week. Here we go.’”


thedenverpost--2020-10-11--Broncos Insider: Denver aims to break five-game losing streak against Patriots at Gillette Stadium

As the Broncos take on New England on Sunday looking for their second win of the season , they ’ ll enter a stadium where they haven ’ t had any recent success .
Denver has lost five straight road games to the Patriots , with the Broncos ’ last win in Foxborough coming via a 17-7 triumph on Sept. 24 , 2006 .
In that victory at Gillette Stadium , the Broncos ’ defense held Tom Brady at bay and the Patriots gained just 50 yards on the ground as New England was unable to score until early in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wideout Javon Walker had two touchdown catches off the hand of Jake Plummer , and Walker finished with 130 yards receiving .
Here ’ s a look at the Broncos ’ past five losses in New England , in which Denver ’ s been outscored 194-90 : The Broncos led 7-3 early on but then crumbled in the second quarter as the Patriots put up 24 points , including two Tom Brady touchdown passes and a Julian Edelman punt return to the house .
Brady and Peyton Manning dueled in an instant-classic on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 24-0 halftime deficit , with Stephen Gostkowski ’ s 31-yard field goal in OT the difference .
Not even as close as the score indicates , the Patriots led 31-7 late in the third quarter before a couple garbage-time touchdown passes by Manning got Denver within respectability .
Brady put the rout on early with two first-quarter touchdown passes , and after a Denver touchdown run , the Patriots rattled off 28 unanswered points to end Tim Tebow ’ s time with the Broncos .
Brady was out for the year due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patriots dominated anyways , with Randy Moss ’ two touchdowns pacing the way while Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler threw two picks .
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As the Broncos take on New England on Sunday looking for their second win of the season in a game that’s been postponed twice due to coronavirus, they’ll enter a stadium where they haven’t had any recent success.
Denver has lost five straight road games to the Patriots, with the Broncos’ last win in Foxborough coming via a 17-7 triumph on Sept. 24, 2006.
In that victory at Gillette Stadium, the Broncos’ defense held Tom Brady at bay and the Patriots gained just 50 yards on the ground as New England was unable to score until early in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, Denver wideout Javon Walker had two touchdown catches off the hand of Jake Plummer, and Walker finished with 130 yards receiving.
Here’s a look at the Broncos’ past five losses in New England, in which Denver’s been outscored 194-90:
Nov. 2, 2014: New England 43, Denver 21
The Broncos led 7-3 early on but then crumbled in the second quarter as the Patriots put up 24 points, including two Tom Brady touchdown passes and a Julian Edelman punt return to the house.
Nov. 24, 2013: New England 34, Denver 31
Brady and Peyton Manning dueled in an instant-classic on Sunday Night Football as the Patriots erased a 24-0 halftime deficit, with Stephen Gostkowski’s 31-yard field goal in OT the difference.
Oct. 7, 2012: New England 31, Denver 21
Not even as close as the score indicates, the Patriots led 31-7 late in the third quarter before a couple garbage-time touchdown passes by Manning got Denver within respectability.
Jan. 14, 2012 (AFC divisional game): New England 45, Denver 10
Brady put the rout on early with two first-quarter touchdown passes, and after a Denver touchdown run, the Patriots rattled off 28 unanswered points to end Tim Tebow’s time with the Broncos.
Oct. 20, 2008: New England 41, Denver 7
Brady was out for the year due to a knee injury, but the Patriots dominated anyways, with Randy Moss’ two touchdowns pacing the way while Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler threw two picks.
— Kyle Newman, The Denver Post
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thedenverpost--2020-10-11--Ask Amy: Wife says COVID means NO contact, including hugging

Dear Amy : My wife is afraid to touch me since the pandemic started .
I even took the COVID test and the antibodies test to reassure her .
I have tested negative both times .
And yet my wife maintains — no hugging and ( of course ) no sex .
Dear Lonely : Are you sure this is about COVID ?
I ask because , just as the pandemic has turned all of our lives upside down , it has also offered a rationale for simply refusing to do things you don ’ t want to do .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ basically ) formed a “ germ pod ” together with both of you in the same household and maintaining sound hygiene , both limiting outside interaction , and both wearing masks and social distancing while you are out , then I would say that her behavior is NOT normal .
It isn ’ t rational , anyway .
The idea is to follow CDC guidelines ( and common sense ) to maintain a safe household and to minimize any chance of the virus entering your orbit .
The pandemic has thrown most people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the pandemic has triggered extreme anxieties and obsessions .
Fortunately , therapeutic help is readily available by phone or video chat .
There are many ways to connect for help ; you can check psychologytoday.com/us/therapists for a helpful list of therapists , categorized by location and specialties .
I think it is also obvious — and necessary — for you to do some self-reflection ; might there be a reason ( or reasons ) other than the pandemic for your wife to keep her distance ?
Dear Amy : I love my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attention during their childhood .
My sister ( their mother ) , passed away and I kept in touch by attending graduations , visiting them in their relocated cities , and paying for entertainment and meals when we were together .
My nieces are now adults ( late-20s/early 30s ) and I continued to stay in touch , however , they have made no effort to reciprocate .
They never return phone calls , visit , send holiday greetings , etc .
In fact , when I advised one niece that I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my call ( after she said “ she ’ d call me back later ” ) , she explained that younger people just say that and it doesn ’ t really mean that they ’ ll call later .
Additionally , she suggested that I should contact her in advance so she could “ block out some time to talk.
” It seemed I had interrupted her important television viewing .
This same niece had a graphic design business .
I put in an order , but never received my order because she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ orders and she said she “ assumed ” I would understand .
I have determined that I will no longer put myself out for them .
My family members tell me that as the older member of the family , I should look past their behavior .
Additionally , they say that young people just don ’ t want to be with older family members .
Dear Aunt : Yes , it is time for you to back away a little bit .
It is pretty typical for adults at this stage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ building their own lives , seeing the needs of others as distractions rather than invitations to connect .
Many people in your nieces ’ age group seem to treat talking on the phone as an unwelcome intrusion .
Millennials have told me that they sometimes have a kneejerk reaction when they see a call coming in , thinking it is actually rude of people to call them , when they really should send a text .
Nobody leaves messages , and voice mail messages are seldom returned .
This does not excuse your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way to handle this would be to occasionally text them to say , “ Hey , I was thinking about you today ; I ’ m just checking in to see how you ’ re doing.
” I don ’ t believe that young people as a group “ don ’ t want to be with ” older people , but no one likes to be — or feel — pressured .
If you give them more space , they may instinctively draw a little closer to you over time .
Give less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They may not , but you won ’ t be so resentful .
Dear Amy : “ Frustrated ” said her husband ’ s underarms had become “ stinky.
” She wanted him to use deodorant .
I couldn ’ t believe that you agreed with her .
Deodorant should not be necessary if your body is healthy .
I hope you don ’ t use it .
Dear Healthy : This really is not about deodorant , but about a spouse talking to her husband about his body odor .

Dear Amy: My wife is afraid to touch me since the pandemic started.
I even took the COVID test and the antibodies test to reassure her. I have tested negative both times. And yet my wife maintains — no hugging and (of course) no sex.
Is this normal?
— Lonely Husband
Dear Lonely: Are you sure this is about COVID? I ask because, just as the pandemic has turned all of our lives upside down, it has also offered a rationale for simply refusing to do things you don’t want to do.
If you and your wife have (basically) formed a “germ pod” together with both of you in the same household and maintaining sound hygiene, both limiting outside interaction, and both wearing masks and social distancing while you are out, then I would say that her behavior is NOT normal. It isn’t rational, anyway. The idea is to follow CDC guidelines (and common sense) to maintain a safe household and to minimize any chance of the virus entering your orbit.
The pandemic has thrown most people somewhat off course. For some people, the pandemic has triggered extreme anxieties and obsessions. Fortunately, therapeutic help is readily available by phone or video chat. There are many ways to connect for help; you can check psychologytoday.com/us/therapists for a helpful list of therapists, categorized by location and specialties.
I think it is also obvious — and necessary — for you to do some self-reflection; might there be a reason (or reasons) other than the pandemic for your wife to keep her distance?
Dear Amy: I love my two nieces. I lavished them with attention during their childhood. My sister (their mother), passed away and I kept in touch by attending graduations, visiting them in their relocated cities, and paying for entertainment and meals when we were together.
My nieces are now adults (late-20s/early 30s) and I continued to stay in touch, however, they have made no effort to reciprocate. They never return phone calls, visit, send holiday greetings, etc.
In fact, when I advised one niece that I was hurt that she didn’t return my call (after she said “she’d call me back later”), she explained that younger people just say that and it doesn’t really mean that they’ll call later.
Additionally, she suggested that I should contact her in advance so she could “block out some time to talk.” It seemed I had interrupted her important television viewing. This same niece had a graphic design business. I put in an order, but never received my order because she was “too busy” fulfilling others’ orders and she said she “assumed” I would understand.
I have determined that I will no longer put myself out for them. My family members tell me that as the older member of the family, I should look past their behavior. Additionally, they say that young people just don’t want to be with older family members.
Your advice?
— Agonized Aunt
Dear Aunt: Yes, it is time for you to back away a little bit.
It is pretty typical for adults at this stage of life to be wrapped up in building their own lives, seeing the needs of others as distractions rather than invitations to connect.
Many people in your nieces’ age group seem to treat talking on the phone as an unwelcome intrusion. Millennials have told me that they sometimes have a kneejerk reaction when they see a call coming in, thinking it is actually rude of people to call them, when they really should send a text. Nobody leaves messages, and voice mail messages are seldom returned.
This does not excuse your nieces’ rudeness toward you.
One way to handle this would be to occasionally text them to say, “Hey, I was thinking about you today; I’m just checking in to see how you’re doing.”
I don’t believe that young people as a group “don’t want to be with” older people, but no one likes to be — or feel — pressured.
If you give them more space, they may instinctively draw a little closer to you over time. Give less, and they may give more. They may not, but you won’t be so resentful.
Dear Amy: “Frustrated” said her husband’s underarms had become “stinky.” She wanted him to use deodorant. I couldn’t believe that you agreed with her.
Deodorant should not be necessary if your body is healthy. I hope you don’t use it.
— Healthy
Dear Healthy: This really is not about deodorant, but about a spouse talking to her husband about his body odor.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-10-12--Stolen vehicle suspect shot by Grand Junction police officer

A suspect of a stolen vehicle was shot by a Grand Junction police officer Sunday after they had initially struck @ @ @ @ @ .
At about 12:36 p.m. , the Grand Junction Regional Communications Center received a call @ @ @ @ @ the stolen vehicle .
Grand Junction officers were able to locate it near 29 1/2 @ @ @ @ @ One of the officers was hit by the vehicle while trying to contact the driver @ @ @ @ @ shot by Grand Junction police .
The officer struck by the vehicle was treated for @ @ @ @ @ who was shot is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a local hospital .
Details @ @ @ @ @ officers involved have yet to be released .
The Mesa County Sheriff ’ s Office @ @ @ @ @ the officer-involved shooting on behalf of the 21st Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team .
@ @ @ @ @ about the incident is being asked to call the witness tipline at 970-244-3526 .

A suspect of a stolen vehicle was shot by a Grand Junction police officer Sunday after they had initially struck the officer with the vehicle.
At about 12:36 p.m., the Grand Junction Regional Communications Center received a call on a possible location of the stolen vehicle. Grand Junction officers were able to locate it near 29 1/2 Road and Parkway Drive. One of the officers was hit by the vehicle while trying to contact the driver. One suspect was then shot by Grand Junction police.
The officer struck by the vehicle was treated for minor injuries. The suspect who was shot is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a local hospital. Details on the suspect and the officers involved have yet to be released.
The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting on behalf of the 21st Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team.
Anyone with video or information about the incident is being asked to call the witness tipline at 970-244-3526.


thedenverpost--2020-10-12--Kiszla: Broncos suffer because clowns in charge at NFL headquarters have no clue how to deal with CO

Kiszla: Broncos suffer because clowns in charge at NFL headquarters have no clue how to deal with COVID

BOSTON — With no clue how to deal with COVID-19 , the clowns in charge at NFL headquarters hit the panic button before sunrise in Broncos Country .
So it ’ s a good thing Denver coach Vic Fangio is an early riser , or else he would ’ ve learned the league was aborting the team ’ s trip to New England while still wearing his pajamas .
“ I found out this morning roughly about 6:45 or 7 a.m. ” Fangio said Sunday , when he arrived at team headquarters before dawn , with suitcase ready to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the league and they told me what was going on.
” When the phone rings at 6:45 in the morning , is it ever good news ?
The knuckleheads at the NFL told Fangio the Broncos could unpack their bags , because the game against the Patriots was being postponed for a second time within 72 hours due to a pandemic that refuses to play by pro football ’ s rules .
It seems as if every day of 2020 , torn asunder by COVID , brings some new form of chaos in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what I don ’ t get : Why does it seem as if NFL commissioner Roger Goodell ’ s idea of crisis management is to light his pants on fire ?
After a week in which quarterback Cam Newton and cornerback Stephon Gilmore , perhaps New England ’ s two most valuable players , got sent to quarantine with the virus , the NFL ’ s flimsy plan to play this game as a Monday matinee went up in smoke when it was discovered yet another Pats player tested positive over the weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Broncos , to say nothing of the sanctity for their now-trashed bye week , seems secondary to cramming 16 regular-season games on television between now and the first weekend in January .
After hearing untrustworthy , shifting orders to shut up and take a seat in the back of this clown car , Denver players are slowly beginning to realize they ’ re being taken for a ride .
“ Ain ’ t no way we practiced all week and they canceled our game , ” Broncos running back Melvin Gordon tweeted at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team plane was scheduled for take off from Colorado .
Yes , it ’ s a bummer that through no fault of their own , COVID-19 will require at least three of the Broncos ’ remaining dozen games to be rescheduled .
The hasty alterations will even require the team to play on Nov. 1 , instead of taking a week off to heal football wounds .
Fangio , however , doesn ’ t want to hear any belly-aching .
“ In a weird way , I ’ m kind of happy to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because you see who the whiners are , who the ( complainers ) are and who can ’ t handle adversity , ” Fangio said .
“ I ’ m going to try hard that the Denver Broncos don ’ t fall into any of those categories.
” Let me second Fangio ’ s emotions , for two primary reasons .
No .
1 : How many Americans have lost their jobs since the COVID outbreak began sweeping the country in March ?
Answer : more than 20 million , nearly half still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me to be upset the Broncos had to practice football for week in preparation of a game the virus wouldn ’ t allow to be played as originally scheduled ?
Sorry .
Ain ’ t happening .
No .
2 : The Broncos caught a break by delaying their trip to New England until next weekend .
Quarterback Drew Lock , recovering from a shoulder injury , was not going to suit up Monday , no matter how much Lock or football operations director John Elway lobbied Fangio to put the young QB @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rescheduled Broncos-Pats showdown now seems more likely to feature Lock vs. Newton , instead of Brett Rypien vs. Jarrett Stidham .
That ’ s a win-win for everybody who truly loves football .
There ’ s more virus trouble lurking for the Broncos and the NFL , though .
The next time COVID appears , it could be in the Denver locker room , despite the team ’ s best efforts .
My suggestion last week that this Broncos-Pats game should be called off was resisted by mask-deniers that blasted me as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added Denver should refuse to get on the plane to New England , kicker Brandon McManus noted players are contractually obligated to follow the league ’ s marching orders “ Can ’ t refuse to play , ” McManus reminded me .
• Kiszla : Why the Avs are frugal in Cup quest , Von Miller might be done with Broncos and Nolan Arenado could be stuck in bad Rockies marriage • Kickin ’ It with Kiz : Are those dastardly Patriots better at gaming NFL system than the Broncos ?
• Kiszla @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Broncos .
Tough injuries .
Bad schedule changes .
Coach Vic Fangio vows : “ I ’ m not going to let anything emotionally hijack me.
” • Kiszla : Call off the game .
If football is a brotherhood , Broncos should refuse to play Sunday in New England .
• Kiszla : With frosh Brendon Lewis the best choice as starting QB , is CU coach Karl Dorrell nuts to think Buffs can compete for the Pac-12 championship ?
Well , something needs to change , even if demanding change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Milwaukee Bucks and LeBron James altered the course of these NBA playoffs in response to shock and displeasure about the shooting of Jacob Blake .
Are the brave , strong men who block and tackle in the NFL going to stand back and be treated like sheep helplessly caught in this pandemic storm ?
NFL players need to take charge , because the league is slow to take their health seriously , whether concussions or COVID is the issue .
What ’ s more , if we want to see a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs to erect a bubble for the playoffs .
From a practical standpoint , contigencies have to be put in place for the remainder of the regular season , because the wiggle room has been elminated from Denver ’ s schedule .
And , as Fangio noted , “ We can ’ t go play double-headers.
” Instead of hosting a footballl game Monday between the Broncos and Patriots on a crisp autumn evening , Gillette Stadium will go dark .
Won ’ t somebody please show Goodell the light on COVID , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ save this NFL season ?

BOSTON — With no clue how to deal with COVID-19, the clowns in charge at NFL headquarters hit the panic button before sunrise in Broncos Country. So it’s a good thing Denver coach Vic Fangio is an early riser, or else he would’ve learned the league was aborting the team’s trip to New England while still wearing his pajamas.
“I found out this morning roughly about 6:45 or 7 a.m.” Fangio said Sunday, when he arrived at team headquarters before dawn, with suitcase ready to go. “I got a call from the league and they told me what was going on.”
When the phone rings at 6:45 in the morning, is it ever good news?
The knuckleheads at the NFL told Fangio the Broncos could unpack their bags, because the game against the Patriots was being postponed for a second time within 72 hours due to a pandemic that refuses to play by pro football’s rules.
It seems as if every day of 2020, torn asunder by COVID, brings some new form of chaos in our lives. But here’s what I don’t get: Why does it seem as if NFL commissioner Roger Goodell’s idea of crisis management is to light his pants on fire?
After a week in which quarterback Cam Newton and cornerback Stephon Gilmore, perhaps New England’s two most valuable players, got sent to quarantine with the virus, the NFL’s flimsy plan to play this game as a Monday matinee went up in smoke when it was discovered yet another Pats player tested positive over the weekend.
The health and safety of the Broncos, to say nothing of the sanctity for their now-trashed bye week, seems secondary to cramming 16 regular-season games on television between now and the first weekend in January. After hearing untrustworthy, shifting orders to shut up and take a seat in the back of this clown car, Denver players are slowly beginning to realize they’re being taken for a ride.
“Ain’t no way we practiced all week and they canceled our game,” Broncos running back Melvin Gordon tweeted at 7:24 a.m., only hours before the team plane was scheduled for take off from Colorado.
Yes, it’s a bummer that through no fault of their own, COVID-19 will require at least three of the Broncos’ remaining dozen games to be rescheduled. The hasty alterations will even require the team to play on Nov. 1, instead of taking a week off to heal football wounds.
Fangio, however, doesn’t want to hear any belly-aching.
“In a weird way, I’m kind of happy to see some of this stuff happen, because you see who the whiners are, who the (complainers) are and who can’t handle adversity,” Fangio said. “I’m going to try hard that the Denver Broncos don’t fall into any of those categories.”
Let me second Fangio’s emotions, for two primary reasons.
No. 1: How many Americans have lost their jobs since the COVID outbreak began sweeping the country in March? Answer: more than 20 million, nearly half still looking for work. And you want me to be upset the Broncos had to practice football for week in preparation of a game the virus wouldn’t allow to be played as originally scheduled? Sorry. Ain’t happening.
No. 2: The Broncos caught a break by delaying their trip to New England until next weekend. Quarterback Drew Lock, recovering from a shoulder injury, was not going to suit up Monday, no matter how much Lock or football operations director John Elway lobbied Fangio to put the young QB in Denver’s huddle. The rescheduled Broncos-Pats showdown now seems more likely to feature Lock vs. Newton, instead of Brett Rypien vs. Jarrett Stidham. That’s a win-win for everybody who truly loves football.
There’s more virus trouble lurking for the Broncos and the NFL, though. The next time COVID appears, it could be in the Denver locker room, despite the team’s best efforts.
My suggestion last week that this Broncos-Pats game should be called off was resisted by mask-deniers that blasted me as a fear-mongering “Corona Bro.” When I added Denver should refuse to get on the plane to New England, kicker Brandon McManus noted players are contractually obligated to follow the league’s marching orders
“Can’t refuse to play,” McManus reminded me.
Well, something needs to change, even if demanding change is difficult and fraught with economic risk. The Milwaukee Bucks and LeBron James altered the course of these NBA playoffs in response to shock and displeasure about the shooting of Jacob Blake. Are the brave, strong men who block and tackle in the NFL going to stand back and be treated like sheep helplessly caught in this pandemic storm?
NFL players need to take charge, because the league is slow to take their health seriously, whether concussions or COVID is the issue. What’s more, if we want to see a Super Bowl champion crowned, the league needs to erect a bubble for the playoffs. From a practical standpoint, contigencies have to be put in place for the remainder of the regular season, because the wiggle room has been elminated from Denver’s schedule. And, as Fangio noted, “We can’t go play double-headers.”
Instead of hosting a footballl game Monday between the Broncos and Patriots on a crisp autumn evening, Gillette Stadium will go dark.
Won’t somebody please show Goodell the light on COVID, before it’s too late to save this NFL season?


thedenverpost--2020-10-12--Chase Elliott wins at Roval as champ Kyle Busch bounced from NASCAR playoffs

CONCORD , N.C. — Kyle Busch , leading a race he had to win , not once believed he was driving toward a season-saving victory .
He doesn ’ t even think he can get to victory lane this year .
“ Do we even have a shot to win ?
I don ’ t think we have a shot , ” Busch said after he was eliminated from the playoffs Sunday .
NASCAR will crown a new champion this year and the worst season of Busch ’ s career extended to mark the earliest the reigning Cup champion has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2014 .
Chase Elliott won on the hybrid road course-oval at Charlotte Motor Speedway , where Busch and three others were trimmed from title contention .
It was Elliott ’ s fourth straight road course victory dating to last season .
Elliott is in the round of eight for the fourth consecutive year and still seeking his first appearance in the championship final four .
“ We ’ ve been fortunate to get to the round of eight the last couple years , that ’ s kind of been the stopping point , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re just eyes ahead trying to assert ourselves amongst the next group.
” Busch , meanwhile , won ’ t be in the title-deciding finale for the first time in six years .
He needed his first win of the season to advance , a tall ask in this bumpy year .
He seemed good as done when a flat tire at the end of the second stage should have ended his chances .
He seemed resigned when he keyed his mic and said , “ Good job this year , guys , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gibbs Racing crew .
He still somehow recovered and was third when he gambled on not pitting to take over the lead .
His fate was in his hands but Busch knew he didn ’ t have a chance .
“ We were trying something , anything , ” Busch said .
“ I didn ’ t have anything for nobody.
” All those things have certainly been discussed and I ’ m sure we ’ ll keep discussing .
Busch led just one lap after the restart before both teammate Erik Jones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Toyota began to fade .
Busch finished 30th .
There are only four races remaining for him to extend his streak to 16 consecutive seasons with at least one victory .
He acknowledged the mental toll of this disappointing year and didn ’ t rule out personnel changes for his team .
“ There have certainly been times this year were I ’ ve thought , ‘ Man , there was something wrong with me .
I ’ m not doing it right , I don ’ t know what I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I don ’ t know what to think , but certainly it would be nice to score a win .
To have a win for this year , that would be the consolation prize for the way this year has gone.
” Austin Dillon in a Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing , and Stewart-Haas Racing teammates Clint Bowyer and Aric Almirola in Fords also were eliminated .
Bowyer , who this week said he ’ s retiring at the end of the season and will move to the television booth , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half of the race without power steering .
Elliott , meanwhile , won for the second consecutive year at “ The Roval ” and third time this season .
It ’ s his second win this season at Charlotte — he won on the oval in May when NASCAR resumed racing during the pandemic .
Elliott will try to take that momentum into the round of eight , which he advanced to for the fourth-straight year .
Elliott has never made it to the championship finale .
“ Best way to get into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Elliott said .
“ Looking forward to the opportunity and looking to make some noise.
” Elliott advanced along with Denny Hamlin and Kurt Busch , who won the first two races of the second round , along with Kevin Harvick , Martin Truex Jr. , Joey Logano and Alex Bowman .
Bowman battled anxiety through the race as he worried Kyle Busch would win bump him from the playoffs .
When Busch didn ’ t pit , Bowman nervously asked his Hendrick Motorsports team if he was about to be eliminated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , stressful .
It ’ s a cutoff week , stressful .
You ’ re surrounded in points by champions of the sport , extra stressful , ” Bowman said .
“ You ’ re trying to beat Kyle Busch , and it ’ s going to rain .
It ’ s like how many stressful elements can you add to one thing ?
It didn ’ t matter as Elliott took control of the race to win in his Hendrick Chevrolet and proved to be the best active road course racer in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I feel like road courses have been fortunate to us the last few trips , but I feel like we just try to get a little better every time and tweak on the small things , ” Elliott said .
Logano finished second in a Ford and was followed by Erik Jones , who is not in the playoffs , in a Toyota .
Kurt Busch was fourth in a Chevrolet .
The playoff race at hometown Charlotte was the first time this season the speedway could allow spectators and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two rain-soaked days .
The Xfinity Series race on Saturday was run in a deluge and there was considerable angst about a repeat of that slippery show on Sunday .
Drivers stressed over the potential conditions , particularly as heavy rains soaked the speedway in the hours leading into the race .
Conditions that certainly would have qualified as dangerous ultimately lifted , the rain stopped and held off until after Elliott ’ s victory celebration , when a tornado warning was called for the next county over .
NASCAR did insist all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the first time they were used in official Cup competition in at least 60 years .
Although the track was puddled in some places , damp in others , the conditions didn ’ t come close to Saturday ’ s blinding storm .
Charlotte brought it additional lights because it was too dark through the infield during the Xfinity race but they were not needed despite all the consternation .

CONCORD, N.C. — Kyle Busch, leading a race he had to win, not once believed he was driving toward a season-saving victory. He doesn’t even think he can get to victory lane this year.
“Do we even have a shot to win? I don’t think we have a shot,” Busch said after he was eliminated from the playoffs Sunday.
NASCAR will crown a new champion this year and the worst season of Busch’s career extended to mark the earliest the reigning Cup champion has been eliminated since the format debuted in 2014.
Chase Elliott won on the hybrid road course-oval at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where Busch and three others were trimmed from title contention. It was Elliott’s fourth straight road course victory dating to last season.
Elliott is in the round of eight for the fourth consecutive year and still seeking his first appearance in the championship final four.
“We’ve been fortunate to get to the round of eight the last couple years, that’s kind of been the stopping point,” Elliott said. “We’re just eyes ahead trying to assert ourselves amongst the next group.”
Busch, meanwhile, won’t be in the title-deciding finale for the first time in six years. He needed his first win of the season to advance, a tall ask in this bumpy year. He seemed good as done when a flat tire at the end of the second stage should have ended his chances.
He seemed resigned when he keyed his mic and said, “Good job this year, guys,” to his No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing crew. He still somehow recovered and was third when he gambled on not pitting to take over the lead.
His fate was in his hands but Busch knew he didn’t have a chance.
“We were trying something, anything,” Busch said. “I didn’t have anything for nobody.”
All those things have certainly been discussed and I’m sure we’ll keep discussing.
Busch led just one lap after the restart before both teammate Erik Jones and Elliott passed him and then his Toyota began to fade. Busch finished 30th. There are only four races remaining for him to extend his streak to 16 consecutive seasons with at least one victory.
He acknowledged the mental toll of this disappointing year and didn’t rule out personnel changes for his team.
“There have certainly been times this year were I’ve thought, ‘Man, there was something wrong with me. I’m not doing it right, I don’t know what I’m doing,’” Busch said. “I don’t know what to think, but certainly it would be nice to score a win. To have a win for this year, that would be the consolation prize for the way this year has gone.”
Austin Dillon in a Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing, and Stewart-Haas Racing teammates Clint Bowyer and Aric Almirola in Fords also were eliminated. Bowyer, who this week said he’s retiring at the end of the season and will move to the television booth, was treated for exhaustion after driving the second half of the race without power steering.
Elliott, meanwhile, won for the second consecutive year at “The Roval” and third time this season. It’s his second win this season at Charlotte — he won on the oval in May when NASCAR resumed racing during the pandemic.
Elliott will try to take that momentum into the round of eight, which he advanced to for the fourth-straight year. Elliott has never made it to the championship finale.
“Best way to get into the next round is to win,” Elliott said. “Looking forward to the opportunity and looking to make some noise.”
Elliott advanced along with Denny Hamlin and Kurt Busch, who won the first two races of the second round, along with Kevin Harvick, Martin Truex Jr., Joey Logano and Alex Bowman.
Bowman battled anxiety through the race as he worried Kyle Busch would win bump him from the playoffs. When Busch didn’t pit, Bowman nervously asked his Hendrick Motorsports team if he was about to be eliminated.
“You come to the Roval, stressful. It’s a cutoff week, stressful. You’re surrounded in points by champions of the sport, extra stressful,” Bowman said. “You’re trying to beat Kyle Busch, and it’s going to rain. It’s like how many stressful elements can you add to one thing?
It didn’t matter as Elliott took control of the race to win in his Hendrick Chevrolet and proved to be the best active road course racer in NASCAR with a 42% winning percentage.
“I feel like road courses have been fortunate to us the last few trips, but I feel like we just try to get a little better every time and tweak on the small things,” Elliott said.
Logano finished second in a Ford and was followed by Erik Jones, who is not in the playoffs, in a Toyota. Kurt Busch was fourth in a Chevrolet.
The playoff race at hometown Charlotte was the first time this season the speedway could allow spectators and the allotted 7,000 seats were sold out for two rain-soaked days. The Xfinity Series race on Saturday was run in a deluge and there was considerable angst about a repeat of that slippery show on Sunday.
Drivers stressed over the potential conditions, particularly as heavy rains soaked the speedway in the hours leading into the race. Conditions that certainly would have qualified as dangerous ultimately lifted, the rain stopped and held off until after Elliott’s victory celebration, when a tornado warning was called for the next county over.
NASCAR did insist all teams start the race on rain tires, the first time they were used in official Cup competition in at least 60 years. Although the track was puddled in some places, damp in others, the conditions didn’t come close to Saturday’s blinding storm.
Charlotte brought it additional lights because it was too dark through the infield during the Xfinity race but they were not needed despite all the consternation.


thedenverpost--2020-10-12--Sabres agree to sign Taylor Hall to 1-year deal, AP source says

BUFFALO , N.Y. — Taylor Hall is betting on himself and choosing a surprising destination .
Hall agreed Sunday night to sign an $ 8 million , one-year deal with the Buffalo Sabres , according to a person with direct knowledge of the move .
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the contract had not been announced .
Hall joins his fourth NHL organization since being the No .
1 pick in the 2010 draft .
He ’ s reuniting with Sabres coach Ralph Krueger , for whom he played the 2013 lockout-shortened season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hall ’ s third team in two years after the New Jersey Devils traded him to the Arizona Coyotes in the middle of last season .
The 28-year-old has played in just five career playoff games .
The 2018 Hart Trophy winner as the NHL MVP , Hall was regarded to be the top forward available on the free agent market once it opened Friday .
• Kiszla : Why the Avs are frugal in Cup quest , Von Miller might be done with Broncos and Nolan Arenado could be stuck in bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season to begin in 2021 , and it could be an experiment He has topped 20 goals five times , including posting career bests with 39 goals and 93 points in 2017-18 with the Devils .
The Coyotes acquired Hall in December in bid to use the remainder of the season to convince the pending free-agent to stay in Arizona .
In Buffalo , he joins a team in need of a major boost coming off a season in which the Sabres extended their franchise-worst playoff drought to a ninth year .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ active streak and one short of matching the league record .

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Taylor Hall is betting on himself and choosing a surprising destination.
Hall agreed Sunday night to sign an $8 million, one-year deal with the Buffalo Sabres, according to a person with direct knowledge of the move. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the contract had not been announced.
Hall joins his fourth NHL organization since being the No. 1 pick in the 2010 draft. He’s reuniting with Sabres coach Ralph Krueger, for whom he played the 2013 lockout-shortened season with the Edmonton Oilers.
Buffalo is Hall’s third team in two years after the New Jersey Devils traded him to the Arizona Coyotes in the middle of last season. The 28-year-old has played in just five career playoff games.
The 2018 Hart Trophy winner as the NHL MVP, Hall was regarded to be the top forward available on the free agent market once it opened Friday.
He has topped 20 goals five times, including posting career bests with 39 goals and 93 points in 2017-18 with the Devils.
The Coyotes acquired Hall in December in bid to use the remainder of the season to convince the pending free-agent to stay in Arizona.
In Buffalo, he joins a team in need of a major boost coming off a season in which the Sabres extended their franchise-worst playoff drought to a ninth year. It’s the NHL’s longest active streak and one short of matching the league record.
AP Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno contributed to this report.


thedenverpost--2020-10-11--Four injured in three separate shootings in Denver overnight

A person was shot in the face during an alleged road rage incident on Interstate 25 early Sunday morning — @ @ @ @ @ in three shootings in a five-hour period .
Denver police responded to the first shooting @ @ @ @ @ 9:30 p.m. Saturday in the area of East 33rd Avenue and North Holly Street in @ @ @ @ @ adult men were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries , police said .
About 1 a.m. Sunday @ @ @ @ @ more shootings .
One occurred in the northbound lanes of I-25 between the Colfax Avenue @ @ @ @ @ an alleged road rage incident , in which one person ’ s face was grazed @ @ @ @ @ declined to give more information about the incident Sunday .
The third shooting happened at @ @ @ @ @ in the Five Points neighborhood .
One adult man was hospitalized , police said .
@ @ @ @ @ in the any of the shootings as of Sunday afternoon .

A person was shot in the face during an alleged road rage incident on Interstate 25 early Sunday morning — one of four people injured in three shootings in a five-hour period.
Denver police responded to the first shooting of the overnight period about 9:30 p.m. Saturday in the area of East 33rd Avenue and North Holly Street in Northeast Park Hill. Two adult men were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
About 1 a.m. Sunday, police responded to two more shootings. One occurred in the northbound lanes of I-25 between the Colfax Avenue and Sixth Avenue exits during an alleged road rage incident, in which one person’s face was grazed by a bullet. Police declined to give more information about the incident Sunday.
The third shooting happened at 24th Street and Arapahoe Street in the Five Points neighborhood. One adult man was hospitalized, police said.
No arrests had been made in the any of the shootings as of Sunday afternoon.


thedenverpost--2020-10-11--Chambers: Avalanche victorious in Nikita Zadorov-for-Brandon Saad trade

Nikita Zadorov was an effective big-hitting shutdown defenseman for the Avalanche .
The 25-year-old is a member of the Chicago Blackhawks now because the Avs became tired of his inconsistent play and they probably didn ’ t want to deal with another contract negotiation for the restricted free agent .
Zadorov , 6-foot-6 and 236 pounds , was probably destined to get traded this offseason , and Colorado found the means to do that and also win Saturday ’ s trade that sent scoring forward Brandon Saad to the Avs .
Young depth defenseman Anton Lindholm and Dennis Gilbert were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gilbert coming to Colorado .
Saad , who carries a $ 5 million cap hit ( Chicago retained $ 1 million ) , can become an unrestricted free agent after next season , but the Avs are OK with that because they probably only want to pay him for one year — before proposed new contracts for Gabe Landeskog and Cale Makar kick in .
Think of Saad as Taylor Hall , the formerly prized free-agent forward who signed a one-year , $ 8 million contract with the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday because they already got a player of very similar ilk .
Hall , 28 , is a six-time , 20-goal scorer .
Saad , who turns 28 this month , has reached 20 goals five times .
They both are 6-foot-1 left-shot wingers who stand around 205 pounds .
Saad will slot in at left wing with first-line center Nathan MacKinnon and right winger Mikko Rantanen , or at either wing on Nazem Kadri ’ s line , with Andre Burakovsky or Valeri Nichushkin .
Saad could also get plenty of minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Compher and Joonas Donskoi .
The Avs still need to get tougher , and meaner , this offseason — particularly because Zadorov provided those things , at times .
What ’ s missing is a gritty forward like Kyle Clifford ( who signed with St. Louis on Sunday ) or Matt Martin ( who remains available ) to play with Pierre-Edouard Bellemare and Matt Calvert on the fourth line .
• Chambers : Next NHL season to begin in 2021 , and it could be an experiment • Avalanche trades Nikita Zadorov to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brandon Saad • Grading the Week : As Avalanche bides its time in free agency , a plea for Corey Crawford goes unanswered The Avs might further tinker with their defensive corps , or not .
Maybe they are confident that 2019 first-round draft pick Bo Byram , 19 , is ready for a full-time NHL role and can partner with veteran Erik Johnson .
Johnson is under contract along with Sam Girard , Ian Cole , Conor Timmins and Makar .
Ryan Graves is a restricted free agent scheduled for salary arbitration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the back end with Johnson , Cole and Graves ?
Time will tell if they go out and try to replace Zadorov ’ s size .
Zadorov was always an enjoyable personality to work with .
I enjoyed writing about the Russian fashionista ’ s black , gold-starred Gucci sockless shoes during the 2018 playoffs and his remarkable return to practice just three days after undergoing jaw surgery that required two plates and nine screws last fall .

Nikita Zadorov was an effective big-hitting shutdown defenseman for the Avalanche.
At times.
The 25-year-old is a member of the Chicago Blackhawks now because the Avs became tired of his inconsistent play and they probably didn’t want to deal with another contract negotiation for the restricted free agent.
Zadorov, 6-foot-6 and 236 pounds, was probably destined to get traded this offseason, and Colorado found the means to do that and also win Saturday’s trade that sent scoring forward Brandon Saad to the Avs. Young depth defensemen Anton Lindholm and Dennis Gilbert were also in the four-player trade, with Gilbert coming to Colorado.
Saad, who carries a $5 million cap hit (Chicago retained $1 million), can become an unrestricted free agent after next season, but the Avs are OK with that because they probably only want to pay him for one year — before proposed new contracts for Gabe Landeskog and Cale Makar kick in. Think of Saad as Taylor Hall, the formerly prized free-agent forward who signed a one-year, $8 million contract with the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday.
The Avs probably exited the Hall sweepstakes Sunday because they already got a player of very similar ilk. Hall, 28, is a six-time 20-goal scorer. Saad, who turns 28 this month, has reached 20 goals five times. They both are 6-foot-1 left-shot wingers who stand around 205 pounds.
Saad will slot in at left wing with first-line center Nathan MacKinnon and right winger Mikko Rantanen, or at either wing on Nazem Kadri’s line, with Andre Burakovsky or Valeri Nichushkin. Saad could also get plenty of minutes on the third line with J.T. Compher and Joonas Donskoi.
The Avs still need to get tougher, and meaner, this offseason — particularly because Zadorov provided those things, at times. What’s missing is a gritty forward like Kyle Clifford (who signed with St. Louis on Sunday) or Matt Martin (who remains available) to play with Pierre-Edouard Bellemare and Matt Calvert on the fourth line.
The Avs might further tinker with their defensive corps, or not. Maybe they are confident that 2019 first-round draft pick Bo Byram, 19, is ready for a full-time NHL role and can partner with veteran Erik Johnson. Johnson is under contract along with Sam Girard, Ian Cole, Conor Timmins and Makar. Ryan Graves is a restricted free agent scheduled for salary arbitration.
Are the Avs tough enough on the back end with Johnson, Cole and Graves? Time will tell if they go out and try to replace Zadorov’s size.
Zadorov was always an enjoyable personality to work with. I enjoyed writing about the Russian fashionista’s black, gold-starred Gucci sockless shoes during the 2018 playoffs and his remarkable return to practice just three days after undergoing jaw surgery that required two plates and nine screws last fall.
Good luck in Chicago, Big Z.


thedenverpost--2020-10-11--Trump claims he’s free of virus, ready for campaign trail

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Sunday declared he was ready to return to the campaign trail despite unanswered questions about his health on the eve of a Florida rally meant to kick off the stretch run before Election Day .
His impending return comes after the White House doctor said he was no longer at risk of transmitting the coronavirus but did not say explicitly whether Trump had tested negative for it .
The president insisted he was now “ immune ” from the virus , a claim that was impossible to prove and added to the unknowns about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m immune , ” Trump said in an interview on Fox News Channel ’ s “ Sunday Morning Futures.
” “ The president is in very good shape to fight the battles.
” In a memo released Saturday night by the White House , Navy Cmdr .
Dr. Sean Conley said Trump met the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for safely discontinuing isolation and that by “ currently recognized standards ” he was no longer considered a transmission risk .
The memo did not declare Trump had tested negative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests — like the PCR test cited in the doctor ’ s statements — detect virus in swab samples taken from the nose and throat .
Some medical experts had been skeptical that Trump could be declared free of the risk of transmitting the virus so early in the course of his illness .
Just 10 days since an initial diagnosis of infection , there was no way to know for certain that someone was no longer contagious , they said .
His return to full-fledged rallies will be in Florida on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president facing stubborn deficits in the polls .
The Trump campaign and White House has not indicated that any additional safety measures will be taken to prevent the transmission of the virus among those traveling on Air Force One , at the event site or at rallies scheduled for Pennsylvania and Iowa later in the week .
Campaign officials have signaled that Trump will be traveling nearly every day the rest of the campaign , and sometimes making more than one stop , an aggressive schedule for a 74-year-old who was hospitalized just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again dominating the national discourse , the Trump campaign has released an ad featuring Dr. Anthony Fauci praising the president ’ s leadership — but the nation ’ s leading infectious disease expert on Sunday objected to being included .
“ The comments attributed to me without my permission in the GOP campaign ad were taken out of context , ” Fauci said in a statement , adding that he was talking broadly about public health officials ’ response to the pandemic .
“ In my five decades of public service , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tim Murtaugh , Trump campaign communications director , responded by saying that “ these are Dr. Fauci ’ s own words ” and said they were praising the administration ’ s response .
On Sunday , Trump asserted in a tweet that he had “ total and complete sign off from White House Doctors ” to fully return to the campaign trail , insisting he can no longer spread the disease to others and was impervious to getting sick again .
That ’ s far from certain , and Twitter later flagged his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there ’ s evidence that reinfection in unlikely for at least three months even for those with a mild case of COVID-19 , very few diseases leave people completely immune for life .
Antibodies are only one piece of the body ’ s defenses , and they naturally wane over time .
“ Certainly it ’ s presumptuous to say it ’ s a lifetime , ” said Dr. Albert Ko , an infectious disease specialist and department chairman at the Yale School of Public Health .
As to whether Trump could still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House appeared to be following CDC guidelines for when it is appropriate to end isolation after mild to moderate cases of COVID-19 .
But Ko cautioned that those who have had severe cases of the diseases should isolate for 20 days .
He noted that Trump was treated with the steroid dexamethasone , which is normally reserved for patients with severe COVID .
Dr. Marc Lipsitch , an infectious disease expert at the Harvard School of Public Health , said the doctor ’ s letter does not provide enough information to be assured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others .
He noted that Trump ’ s use of steroids could prolong viral shedding so the CDC ’ s 10-day standard may or may not apply .
“ It is a judgment call , ” he said .
The White House memo followed Trump ’ s first public appearance since returning to the White House after being treated for the coronavirus at a military hospital .
Hundreds of people gathered Saturday afternoon on the South Lawn for a Trump address on his support for law enforcement from a White House balcony .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he emerged on the balcony to address the crowd on the lawn below , his first step back onto the public stage with just more than three weeks to go until Election Day .
He flouted , once more , the safety recommendations of his own government days after acknowledging that he was on the brink of “ bad things ” from the virus and claiming that his bout with the illness brought him a better understanding of it .
His return was a brief one .
With bandages visible on his hands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump spoke for 18 minutes , far less than his normal hour-plus rallies .
He appeared healthy , if perhaps a little hoarse , as he delivered what was , for all intents and purposes , a short version of his campaign speech despite the executive mansion setting .
“ I ’ m feeling great , ” Trump told the crowd , before declaring that the pandemic , which has killed more than 210,000 Americans , was “ disappearing ” despite signs of surging cases in several states .
In either an act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials organized the event just steps from the Rose Garden , where exactly two weeks ago the president held another large gathering to formally announce his nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court .
That gathering is now being eyed as a possible COVID-19 superspreader as more than two dozen people in attendance have contracted the virus .

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Sunday declared he was ready to return to the campaign trail despite unanswered questions about his health on the eve of a Florida rally meant to kick off the stretch run before Election Day.
His impending return comes after the White House doctor said he was no longer at risk of transmitting the coronavirus but did not say explicitly whether Trump had tested negative for it. The president insisted he was now “immune” from the virus, a claim that was impossible to prove and added to the unknowns about the president’s health.
“I’m immune,” Trump said in an interview on Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures.” “The president is in very good shape to fight the battles.”
In a memo released Saturday night by the White House, Navy Cmdr. Dr. Sean Conley said Trump met the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for safely discontinuing isolation and that by “currently recognized standards” he was no longer considered a transmission risk. The memo did not declare Trump had tested negative for the virus.
But sensitive lab tests — like the PCR test cited in the doctor’s statements — detect virus in swab samples taken from the nose and throat. Some medical experts had been skeptical that Trump could be declared free of the risk of transmitting the virus so early in the course of his illness. Just 10 days since an initial diagnosis of infection, there was no way to know for certain that someone was no longer contagious, they said.
His return to full-fledged rallies will be in Florida on Monday, a comeback that comes with the president facing stubborn deficits in the polls. The Trump campaign and White House has not indicated that any additional safety measures will be taken to prevent the transmission of the virus among those traveling on Air Force One, at the event site or at rallies scheduled for Pennsylvania and Iowa later in the week.
Campaign officials have signaled that Trump will be traveling nearly every day the rest of the campaign, and sometimes making more than one stop, an aggressive schedule for a 74-year-old who was hospitalized just days ago.
And with the virus again dominating the national discourse, the Trump campaign has released an ad featuring Dr. Anthony Fauci praising the president’s leadership — but the nation’s leading infectious disease expert on Sunday objected to being included.
“The comments attributed to me without my permission in the GOP campaign ad were taken out of context,” Fauci said in a statement, adding that he was talking broadly about public health officials’ response to the pandemic. “In my five decades of public service, I have never publicly endorsed political candidates.”
Tim Murtaugh, Trump campaign communications director, responded by saying that “these are Dr. Fauci’s own words” and said they were praising the administration’s response.
On Sunday, Trump asserted in a tweet that he had “total and complete sign off from White House Doctors” to fully return to the campaign trail, insisting he can no longer spread the disease to others and was impervious to getting sick again.
That’s far from certain, and Twitter later flagged his tweet with a fact-check warning.
While there’s evidence that reinfection in unlikely for at least three months even for those with a mild case of COVID-19, very few diseases leave people completely immune for life. Antibodies are only one piece of the body’s defenses, and they naturally wane over time.
“Certainly it’s presumptuous to say it’s a lifetime,” said Dr. Albert Ko, an infectious disease specialist and department chairman at the Yale School of Public Health.
As to whether Trump could still be contagious, Ko said the White House appeared to be following CDC guidelines for when it is appropriate to end isolation after mild to moderate cases of COVID-19.
But Ko cautioned that those who have had severe cases of the diseases should isolate for 20 days. He noted that Trump was treated with the steroid dexamethasone, which is normally reserved for patients with severe COVID.
Dr. Marc Lipsitch, an infectious disease expert at the Harvard School of Public Health, said the doctor’s letter does not provide enough information to be assured that Trump is no longer infectious to others. He noted that Trump’s use of steroids could prolong viral shedding so the CDC’s 10-day standard may or may not apply.
“It is a judgment call,” he said.
The White House memo followed Trump’s first public appearance since returning to the White House after being treated for the coronavirus at a military hospital. Hundreds of people gathered Saturday afternoon on the South Lawn for a Trump address on his support for law enforcement from a White House balcony.
Trump took off a mask moments after he emerged on the balcony to address the crowd on the lawn below, his first step back onto the public stage with just more than three weeks to go until Election Day. He flouted, once more, the safety recommendations of his own government days after acknowledging that he was on the brink of “bad things” from the virus and claiming that his bout with the illness brought him a better understanding of it.
His return was a brief one. With bandages visible on his hands, likely from an intravenous injection, Trump spoke for 18 minutes, far less than his normal hour-plus rallies. He appeared healthy, if perhaps a little hoarse, as he delivered what was, for all intents and purposes, a short version of his campaign speech despite the executive mansion setting.
“I’m feeling great,” Trump told the crowd, before declaring that the pandemic, which has killed more than 210,000 Americans, was “disappearing” despite signs of surging cases in several states.
In either an act of defiance or simply tempting fate, officials organized the event just steps from the Rose Garden, where exactly two weeks ago the president held another large gathering to formally announce his nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. That gathering is now being eyed as a possible COVID-19 superspreader as more than two dozen people in attendance have contracted the virus.