thedenverpost--2020-09-23--Hickenlooper’s party is talking about expanding Supreme Court’s size, but he isn’t – yet

With a fall vote on President Donald Trump ’ s pick for the Supreme Court all but assured , the next question is what Democrats will do to counteract a firmly conservative high court if they manage to take both the presidency and the Senate .
Many Democratic voters and some politicians are calling for major changes on the court — most notably expanding the number of justices — if and when their party regains power .
“ Nothing is off the table ” for Senate rules changes if Republicans fill the vacancy left by Ruth Bader Ginsburg so soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chuck Schumer of New York said in a weekend conference call with Democratic senators .
John Hickenlooper , the Democrat challenging Republican Sen. Cory Gardner in Colorado , isn ’ t ready to talk about how his party should respond come January .
Just as presidential candidate Joe Biden has spurned talk this week of changing the court size , Hickenlooper declined in an interview with The Denver Post on Tuesday to take a position .
“ I ’ m not going to answer your question , just because I can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through with this , ” Hickenlooper said when asked whether he believes Democrats should respond to a Trump court appointment by adding more seats to the bench .
When he ran for president in 2019 , the former Colorado governor said he could support such a move only if he thought a conservative majority on the court would seek to gut or eliminate things he considers basic civil rights .
Expanding the court wouldn ’ t be unprecedented , though it ’ s been a while .
The Supreme Court ’ s size @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of seats varied during its first 80 years from a low of six at the time the Constitution took effect in 1789 to a high of 10 during the Civil War .
The current tally of nine justices was set in an 1869 law .
Changing the number again is up for discussion because even in Democrats ’ dream election scenario — in which they flip the Senate , keep the House , and Biden defeats Trump — a 6-3 conservative court majority , featuring three justices appointed by Trump , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of policy changes that result .
How , Hickenlooper asked , can senators like Gardner vote to confirm a Supreme Court nominee so close to Election Day , when just four years ago they refused to do so some eight months before the election ?
Gardner declined through a spokesperson to be interviewed for this story .
Hickenlooper said he ’ s very “ disappointed ” in Republicans , and that he believes he can change their minds .
“ If people like myself can keep the focus on what these senators said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made to their state and to their country ( in 2016 ) , then a couple of them are going to flip , ” he said , adding , on the question of court expansion : “ As soon as I start talking about hypotheticals , however possible they are , I distract us .
We ’ ve got a very short window.
” Hickenlooper is a moderate Democrat and a folksy campaigner who believes that bipartisanship can win the day , even as Washington grows increasingly polarized .
When he was governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kasich , a Republican , forged a partnership that had some in the national press speculating about them splitting a 2020 “ unity ” ticket .
Asked if it ’ s naive to think Republicans will suddenly change course after they ’ ve so clearly stated their intent to confirm a nominee , Hickenlooper said , “ That ’ s exactly what reporters said to Kasich and I : ‘ They have the votes , they have the votes.
’ I ’ m not optimistic , but I don ’ t see what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to keep the focus laser- , laser-focused on the Senate and the decision they ’ re going to make.
” He said that if that doesn ’ t work , he ’ ll be open to talking about how a potential Democratic-majority Senate might answer in 2021 .
While running for president last year , Hickenlooper was not supportive of the idea of adding more seats to the court to undo a conservative majority .
“ I ’ m concerned by the precedent this could set .
As president I could add @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president might then add six more , ” he told The Washington Post .
At another point in 2019 , though , Hickenlooper said in a town hall , “ The one place where I might consider court packing … if the basic civil rights of this country seem at risk , I think that might be the one thing that would persuade me to , and perhaps it ’ d be on a temporary basis , but to court pack , to balance back any objective framework , to bring back the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
“ If I had ever imagined that we would see this level of assault on a woman ’ s right to control their own body , I just wouldn ’ t have believed it , ” he continued .
“ So that would be the one example where — you know , someone ’ s basic right to marry someone they ’ re in love with .
Love is love .
A woman ’ s right to her own body .
All the basic civil rights.
” It ’ s unclear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of basic civil rights is , but the examples he gave then — LGBT rights and reproductive rights , including legal abortion — are imperiled by Ginsburg ’ s death .
Roe v. Wade , which established the nationwide right to abortion , could be overturned .
That kind of move by the Supreme Court , Hickenlooper said last year in another presidential campaign stop , would make court expansion “ so tempting.
” As to whether he ’ s prepared to give into that temptation , Hickenlooper said , before ending Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be much more forthcoming once we get this thing past .
I promise .
”

With a fall vote on President Donald Trump’s pick for the Supreme Court all but assured, the next question is what Democrats will do to counteract a firmly conservative high court if they manage to take both the presidency and the Senate.
Many Democratic voters and some politicians are calling for major changes on the court — most notably expanding the number of justices — if and when their party regains power. “Nothing is off the table” for Senate rules changes if Republicans fill the vacancy left by Ruth Bader Ginsburg so soon before the election, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York said in a weekend conference call with Democratic senators.
John Hickenlooper, the Democrat challenging Republican Sen. Cory Gardner in Colorado, isn’t ready to talk about how his party should respond come January. Just as presidential candidate Joe Biden has spurned talk this week of changing the court size, Hickenlooper declined in an interview with The Denver Post on Tuesday to take a position.
“I’m not going to answer your question, just because I can’t believe they’re going to go through with this,” Hickenlooper said when asked whether he believes Democrats should respond to a Trump court appointment by adding more seats to the bench.
When he ran for president in 2019, the former Colorado governor said he could support such a move only if he thought a conservative majority on the court would seek to gut or eliminate things he considers basic civil rights.
Expanding the court wouldn’t be unprecedented, though it’s been a while. The Supreme Court’s size can be changed by legislation, and the number of seats varied during its first 80 years from a low of six at the time the Constitution took effect in 1789 to a high of 10 during the Civil War. The current tally of nine justices was set in an 1869 law.
Changing the number again is up for discussion because even in Democrats’ dream election scenario — in which they flip the Senate, keep the House, and Biden defeats Trump — a 6-3 conservative court majority, featuring three justices appointed by Trump, could easily blunt or reverse any number of policy changes that result.
How, Hickenlooper asked, can senators like Gardner vote to confirm a Supreme Court nominee so close to Election Day, when just four years ago they refused to do so some eight months before the election? Gardner declined through a spokesperson to be interviewed for this story. Hickenlooper said he’s very “disappointed” in Republicans, and that he believes he can change their minds.
“If people like myself can keep the focus on what these senators said, and what the commitment was they made to their state and to their country (in 2016), then a couple of them are going to flip,” he said, adding, on the question of court expansion: “As soon as I start talking about hypotheticals, however possible they are, I distract us. We’ve got a very short window.”
Hickenlooper is a moderate Democrat and a folksy campaigner who believes that bipartisanship can win the day, even as Washington grows increasingly polarized. When he was governor, he and then-Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a Republican, forged a partnership that had some in the national press speculating about them splitting a 2020 “unity” ticket.
Asked if it’s naive to think Republicans will suddenly change course after they’ve so clearly stated their intent to confirm a nominee, Hickenlooper said, “That’s exactly what reporters said to Kasich and I: ‘They have the votes, they have the votes.’ I’m not optimistic, but I don’t see what I lose by spending a couple weeks trying to keep the focus laser-, laser-focused on the Senate and the decision they’re going to make.”
He said that if that doesn’t work, he’ll be open to talking about how a potential Democratic-majority Senate might answer in 2021.
While running for president last year, Hickenlooper was not supportive of the idea of adding more seats to the court to undo a conservative majority.
“I’m concerned by the precedent this could set. As president I could add five seats, but the next Republican president might then add six more,” he told The Washington Post.
At another point in 2019, though, Hickenlooper said in a town hall, “The one place where I might consider court packing … if the basic civil rights of this country seem at risk, I think that might be the one thing that would persuade me to, and perhaps it’d be on a temporary basis, but to court pack, to balance back any objective framework, to bring back the appropriate balance in our judicial (branch).
“If I had ever imagined that we would see this level of assault on a woman’s right to control their own body, I just wouldn’t have believed it,” he continued. “So that would be the one example where — you know, someone’s basic right to marry someone they’re in love with. Love is love. A woman’s right to her own body. All the basic civil rights.”
It’s unclear just how broad Hickenlooper’s definition of basic civil rights is, but the examples he gave then — LGBT rights and reproductive rights, including legal abortion — are imperiled by Ginsburg’s death. Roe v. Wade, which established the nationwide right to abortion, could be overturned.
That kind of move by the Supreme Court, Hickenlooper said last year in another presidential campaign stop, would make court expansion “so tempting.”
As to whether he’s prepared to give into that temptation, Hickenlooper said, before ending Tuesday’s call, “I will be much more forthcoming once we get this thing past. I promise.”
The Associated Press contributed.


thedenverpost--2020-09-23--Jackson: How much does it matter that Jeff Driskel is Broncos’ starting quarterback Sunday? Probably

Jackson: How much does it matter that Jeff Driskel is Broncos’ starting quarterback Sunday? Probably less than you think.

They say being a backup quarterback is the easiest job in sports .
The quarterback doesn ’ t break a sweat and never gets hit .
No one ’ s counting on him or asking for interviews .
He has no endorsement deals .
The only time he actually exists is if something goes wrong .
There are some quarterbacks in the NFL whose injuries would make the sky fall .
Russell Wilson .
Drew Brees .
Aaron Rodgers .
Tenured QBs whose style of play has crystallized the offense .
Cornerstones whose team has been built around them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope he will be , is not in that group right now .
He has started only seven games in the NFL , has minimal on-field experience and his offseason time with his teammates has been restricted by COVID-19 .
The adjustment to a new quarterback for the Broncos isn ’ t a huge issue because nothing has been solidified .
Each receiver is still getting to know the spin , trajectory and angle of the ball as it leaves each Broncos QB ’ s hand .
Still learning the pacing and style @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Then there ’ s the “ scramble drill ” — when a play breaks down and the quarterback must scramble and look for a target .
Is he likely to run for a first down or does he want to dump it off ?
The more a receiver plays alongside a quarterback , the more he understands him .
This comes with time , but it is unconscious .
In the immediate world of Win-Now football , there are more pressing concerns .
Each receiver , tight end and running back — the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offerings Sunday — are consumed with the minutia of their own jobs .
There were times during training camp when I played that someone would ask me how Jake Plummer was looking , or how Danny Kanell , Jarious Jackson , Matt Mauck or Bradlee Van Pelt or some other quarterback was looking at practice , and I ’ d always say , “ I don ’ t know , ” because I really didn ’ t .
I wasn ’ t paying attention to that .
I know it sounds crazy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on my mind .
When a wide receiver or tight end steps to the line of scrimmage , he is thinking about the play that ’ s called , his own responsibility , and the technique he is going to use to execute it versus the defensive alignment in front of him , which is constantly shifting and being disguised .
He is also thinking of the assignments of the other offensive players , as many of the routes are tied to multi-route combinations — called concepts — all of them interdependent .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a different coverage , the assignment changes on the fly , all the way up to the snap of the ball , and continues as the receiver runs his route , impeded all the way by world-class defenders snarling in his ears .
If Noah Fant gets through all of this and finds himself running down the field with the ball spiraling his way , it really won ’ t matter who threw it .
Nate Jackson is a former Broncos ’ wide receiver/tight end who now lives in Denver .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @

They say being a backup quarterback is the easiest job in sports. The quarterback doesn’t break a sweat and never gets hit. No one’s counting on him or asking for interviews. He has no endorsement deals. The only time he actually exists is if something goes wrong.
Enter Jeff Driskel.
There are some quarterbacks in the NFL whose injuries would make the sky fall. Russell Wilson. Drew Brees. Aaron Rodgers. Tenured QBs whose style of play has crystallized the offense. Cornerstones whose team has been built around them.
Drew Lock, as much as we hope he will be, is not in that group right now. He has started only seven games in the NFL, has minimal on-field experience and his offseason time with his teammates has been restricted by COVID-19. The adjustment to a new quarterback for the Broncos isn’t a huge issue because nothing has been solidified.
Each receiver is still getting to know the spin, trajectory and angle of the ball as it leaves each Broncos QB’s hand. Still learning the pacing and style of each quarterback’s cadence. Then there’s the “scramble drill” — when a play breaks down and the quarterback must scramble and look for a target. Is he likely to run for a first down or does he want to dump it off?
The more a receiver plays alongside a quarterback, the more he understands him. This comes with time, but it is unconscious. In the immediate world of Win-Now football, there are more pressing concerns. Each receiver, tight end and running back — the men who will receive Driskel’s offerings Sunday — are consumed with the minutia of their own jobs.
There were times during training camp when I played that someone would ask me how Jake Plummer was looking, or how Danny Kanell, Jarious Jackson, Matt Mauck or Bradlee Van Pelt or some other quarterback was looking at practice, and I’d always say, “I don’t know,” because I really didn’t. I wasn’t paying attention to that. I know it sounds crazy, but I had too many other things on my mind.
When a wide receiver or tight end steps to the line of scrimmage, he is thinking about the play that’s called, his own responsibility, and the technique he is going to use to execute it versus the defensive alignment in front of him, which is constantly shifting and being disguised. He is also thinking of the assignments of the other offensive players, as many of the routes are tied to multi-route combinations — called concepts — all of them interdependent. If the defense blitzes, or rolls to a different coverage, the assignment changes on the fly, all the way up to the snap of the ball, and continues as the receiver runs his route, impeded all the way by world-class defenders snarling in his ears.
Oh, yeah, remember the snap count. Don’t jump offsides.
If Noah Fant gets through all of this and finds himself running down the field with the ball spiraling his way, it really won’t matter who threw it.
Nate Jackson is a former Broncos’ wide receiver/tight end who now lives in Denver. He works part-time at 104.3 The Fan.


thedenverpost--2020-09-23--Rockies Mailbag: Looking forward at Nolan Arenado, hands-on owner Dick Monfort, bullpen woes and mor

Rockies Mailbag: Looking forward at Nolan Arenado, hands-on owner Dick Monfort, bullpen woes and more

Denver Post sports writer Patrick Saunders with the latest installment of his Rockies Mailbag .
Pose a Rockies — or MLB — related question for the Rockies Mailbag .
Answer this multiple choice question on the early season exit for Nolan Arenado : 1 : Actually hurt not able to play ?
2 : Better not to have more negative year-end stats to impact potential trade value ?
3 : Need to evaluate either Ryan McMahon or cousin ( Josh Fuentes ) at third for any or all potential options ?
4 : GM and player relationship has hit the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
— Bob Clancy , Denver Wow , now I ’ m getting edicts and instructions from readers !
It ’ s been a tough summer .
Anyway , I ’ m going to take your questions one by one .
1 .
Arenado is hurt and the shoulder injury has bothered him more , and for much longer than any of us knew .
If the Rockies were legitimately in the playoff hunt he would have tried to play through the pain but I ’ m not sure he would have helped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for him to sit .
2 .
There is no truth to this question .
One abbreviated season is not going to diminish his trade value .
His track record trumps this slump .
He ’ s only 29 and still in the prime of his career .
3 .
Again , this is not the reason Arenado is sitting .
The Rockies know what McMahon can do and Fuentes is getting plenty of playing time at first .
4 .
I don ’ t know if you can say the relationship between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ hit the toilet.
” From what I ’ ve been told it ’ s more like a chilly co-existence .
I don ’ t think Arenado getting shut down for the season has anything to do with his relationship with the GM .
I would imagine teams won ’ t be willing to give up equal value for Arenado due to his large contract in today ’ s environment .
Any chance the Rockies keep him for another year until they get an offer they like ?
Conversely , his value goes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seems like a lose-lose situation .
— Pete , Denver Pete , as I wrote in Monday ’ s paper after Arenado sat out the home finale at Coors Field , we might have seen him play his last game in a Rockies uniform .
But the emphasis is on “ might.
” Because you ’ re right , baseball ’ s financial landscape has changed because of the coronavirus pandemic and I don ’ t know if another team will trade for Arenado and pay him $ 35 million in 2021 with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the season .
Someone I know and trust on the Rockies says it ’ s a 50-50 proposition a trade goes down .
To your point , if the Rockies are going to trade Arenado next year , it would most likely be before the trade deadline so they could get something rather than just letting Arenado walk at the end of the season .
Finally , I used to be convinced that Arenado would walk after 2021 if he didn ’ t get traded , but now I ’ m not so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ d probably not get anything to equal his current contract .
After 2021 , the Rockies would still have to pay him $ 167 million over the next five years of his current deal .
Would anyone else match that ?
I should preface this question with the acknowledgment that I am a HUGE Arenado fan , but I found Kevin Pillar ’ s comments interesting after Game 1 in San Francisco .
Do you think Arenado ’ s intensity and expectations weigh heavy on the rest of the team ?
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they played well the two days he wasn ’ t there .
They just hope his frustrations aren ’ t leaking toxins into the clubhouse .
Love the guy , just wish he would take some of the pressure off himself and play ball loose .
— Kevin , Monterey , Calif. Kevin , I think that ’ s a fair question .
For those who missed it , this is what Pillar said after Monday night ’ s game when asked about winning at San Francisco : “ I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ballpark ( Coors Field ) , facing a different team , I don ’ t know what it was .
But the feeling in the dugout before the game , even lunch with these guys in the food room , and during stretching , batting practice just felt different , for whatever reason .
“ I don ’ t know if with Nolan ( going to the IL ) , maybe the pressure of this team to perform kind of disappeared a little bit .
Guys maybe sense that the end is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one week from either going to the postseason or going home , but everyone seemed to be in a really good mood today — maybe it was the fresh air coming off the coast today.
” First of all , I don ’ t think Arenado ’ s grievance with the front office has leaked and spread to the other players .
I ’ ve actually asked a couple of players about this ( off the record ) and they told me that it is not the case .
Does Arenado ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t think so .
But his inability this season to drive in runs from the No .
3 of No .
4 spot in the order was a big reason for the struggles of Colorado ’ s offense .
A few big hits here or there from Arenado would have taken the heat of some of his teammates .
Why does it seem that Rockies ’ pitchers can not sustain respectable winning percentages for multiple years ?
The acquisitions of a relief corps — Wade Davis , Bryan Shaw and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefits .
So what now ?
One wonders if sustained winning is believable at 20th and Blake .
Thanks for covering a very difficult season on many levels .
Cheers !
— Robert Emmerling , Parker Hey Robert , the tone of your question tells me that you already have an inkling of the answer I ’ m going to give you .
I know fans don ’ t like to hear that pitching at altitude is an excuse for poor performance , but there is no denying that pitching in Denver takes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A former Rockies reliever once told me that once he left Colorado he realized that pitching at Coors was like “ pitching on the moon.
” The bottom line is that pitching in Denver is like no other challenge in baseball .
Having said that , I don ’ t think that ’ s the only reason the trip of high-priced relievers flamed out .
But I do believe that a player like Davis , who was used to having his pitches behave a certain way , started working harder to get the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ puts a huge strain on pitchers ’ arms and shoulders .
After the failures of Davis , McGee and Shaw , I wonder if quality relievers will steer clear of three-year contract with the Rockies in the future , or if the Rockies will even think about offering those kinds of deals again .
The Rockies paid $ 106 million for the trio and none of the three finished out their contracts in Colorado .
I am officially done with the Rockies .
I have been a diehard fan since the beginning .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bridich have officially blown this season and the team .
Arenado is gone , either via trade or after next season .
If Trevor Story and Charlie Blackmon are smart they will not stick around for long .
Until Monfort relinquishes control , this team will be a disaster after disaster with a sprinkle of “ wow look at us ” season in between .
OK , I am now off my soap box .
— Del , Lamar Well , Del , I let you speak your mind .
Since there really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can add is that I think it would be smart for the Rockies to go outside the organization and hire a team president to work between Monfort and Bridich and add fresh perspective to the team .
Will that happen ?
I doubt it .
Monfort is very involved with the team and I ’ m not sure he ’ ll give that up .
One prominent agent told me that Monfort is the most hands-on owner in baseball , for good and for bad .
Patrick , I know you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ articles on the team because of your relationship as a beat writer , so you may not be in a position to do this .
It seems that every time this season the Rockies have faced a crucial defensive inning , they ’ ve gotten blown out because Carlos Estevez was brought in .
Last week ’ s Dodgers ’ game — where we were tied 2-2 in the seventh and down 7-2 after he pitches 1/3 of an inning — is simply the most recent .
It seems like over and over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determined the fate of the team , his performance has not just been disappointing , it ’ s been insurmountably bad .
He doesn ’ t just give up a run or two , he gives up tons of them .
When he ’ s pulled , we aren ’ t even in the game anymore .
On offense , there are lots of culprits .
For pitching , while everybody has a bad outing here and there , it seems like his have been both extremely impactful and epically bad .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a season retrospective , I ’ d love to see if that ’ s correct .
Thanks , as always , for the great job you do covering the team I love .
— Allen , San Antonio Allen , you ’ re correct that I can ’ t hammer the team I cover , at least not like a columnist does , but I hope I ’ m reasonably tough and critical of the team .
There are those , including some people in the Rockies organization , who think I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And there are fans who think I ’ m not nearly tough enough .
I guess it depends on perspective .
Anyway , in regard to Estevez , I think he ’ s one of the biggest disappointments of the season .
He ’ s got great stuff – a fastball that reaches 98-99 mph and a hard slider – but his command got worse as the season went on .
In four appearances in July , Estevez had a 0.00 ERA and a .133 batting average against .
In 12 games in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ERA and a .308 average against .
In eight games in September he has a 20.65 ERA with a .452 average against .
Clearly , opposing hitters have been teeing off on him .
I think manager Bud Black stuck with him in high-leverage innings longer than he should have , but in defense of Black , he hasn ’ t had a lot of better options .
I ’ d like to see Brendan Rogers get another shot at playing with the Rockies this year .
Do you think he will get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Windsor , Conn .
Buddy , with just seven games left in the season ( I ’ m writing this before Tuesday night ’ s game at San Francisco ) I doubt Rogers gets another chance this year .
He remains a big question mark because he ’ s seen so little playing time at the major league level .
With all of the postponed games this season , due to COVID-19 and racial injustice , will there be time to make up all of the postponed games ?
— Judy Frieman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made up their games via doubleheaders , but the Tigers will finish up having played only 58 of 60 games .
All of the other teams , I believe , will end up playing all 60 games .
Patrick , when you mentioned a few bright spots in your Sunday column , you left out Fuentes .
Why ?
— Steve , Centennial Steve , it was simply an oversight on my part .
Which is weird because he ’ s become one of best players on the team to cover , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on his baseball roots and how ’ s he ’ s come out of the shadows to be an everyday player .
He ’ s not only performing very well at first base and at the plate , he has the kind of fun , infectious personality that can help loosen up a team .
Fuentes has certainly paid his dues and I ’ m sure it hasn ’ t been easy being referenced as “ Nolan Arenado ’ s cousin , ” but now he ’ s making his mark all on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see .
Denver Post sports writer Patrick Saunders with the latest installment of his Rockies Mailbag .
Pose a Rockies — or MLB — related question for the Rockies Mailbag .

Denver Post sports writer Patrick Saunders with the latest installment of his Rockies Mailbag.
Answer this multiple choice question on the early season exit for Nolan Arenado:
1: Actually hurt not able to play?
2: Better not to have more negative year-end stats to impact potential trade value?
3: Need to evaluate either Ryan McMahon or cousin (Josh Fuentes) at third for any or all potential options?
4: GM and player relationship has hit the toilet?
Or all of the above?
— Bob Clancy, Denver
Wow, now I’m getting edicts and instructions from readers! It’s been a tough summer.
I’m kidding. Kind of, sort of.
Anyway, I’m going to take your questions one by one.
1. Arenado is hurt and the shoulder injury has bothered him more, and for much longer than any of us knew. If the Rockies were legitimately in the playoff hunt he would have tried to play through the pain but I’m not sure he would have helped a struggling offense. It was wise for him to sit.
2. There is no truth to this question. One abbreviated season is not going to diminish his trade value. His track record trumps this slump.
3. Again, this is not the reason Arenado is sitting. The Rockies know what McMahon can do and Fuentes is getting plenty of playing time at first.
4. I don’t know if you can say the relationship between general manager Jeff Bridich and Arenado has “hit the toilet.” From what I’ve been told it’s more like a chilly co-existence. I don’t think Arenado getting shut down for the season has anything to do with his relationship with the GM.
I would imagine teams won’t be willing to give up equal value for Arenado due to his large contract in today’s environment. Any chance the Rockies keep him for another year until they get an offer they like? Conversely, his value goes down if you wait another year. Seems like a lose-lose situation.
— Pete, Denver
Pete, as I wrote in Monday’s paper after Arenado sat out the home finale at Coors Field, we might have seen him play his last game in a Rockies uniform. But the emphasis is on “might.”
Because you’re right, baseball’s financial landscape has changed because of the coronavirus pandemic and I don’t know if another team will trade for Arenado and pay him $35 million in 2021 with his contract allowing for an opt-out after the season. Someone I know and trust on the Rockies says it’s a 50-50 proposition a trade goes down.
To your point, if the Rockies are going to trade Arenado next year, it would most likely be before the trade deadline so they could get something rather than just letting Arenado walk at the end of the season.
I should preface this question with the acknowledgment that I am a HUGE Arenado fan, but I found Kevin Pillar’s comments interesting after Game 1 in San Francisco. Do you think Arenado’s intensity and expectations weigh heavy on the rest of the team?
— Kevin, Monterey, Calif.
Kevin, I think that’s a fair question. For those who missed it, this is what Pillar said after Monday night’s game when asked about winning at San Francisco:
“I don’t know if it was getting out of the ballpark (Coors Field), facing a different team, I don’t know what it was. But the feeling in the dugout before the game, even lunch with these guys in the food room, and during stretching, batting practice just felt different, for whatever reason. I don’t know if with Nolan (going to the IL), maybe the pressure of this team to perform kind of disappeared a little bit. Guys maybe sense that the end is coming, that we’re within one week from either going to the postseason or going home, but everyone seemed to be in a really good mood today — maybe it was the fresh air coming off the coast today.”
First of all, I don’t think Arenado’s grievance with the front office has leaked and spread to the other players. Does Arenado’s intensity make other players tense up? I don’t think so. But his inability this season to drive in runs from the No. 3 of No. 4 spot in the order was a big reason for the struggles of Colorado’s offense.


thedenverpost--2020-09-23--Ask Amy: Man is too resigned to nights on the couch

Dear Amy : I am approaching 70 .
My wife ( 71 ) and I have seen our marriage steadily decline into a relationship more like roommates than spouses .
We met while working together in the media .
She eventually was laid off ( for business reasons ) and took it personally .
I still work in that industry ( and have for the last 47 years ) .
My wife never wants to talk with me about work , because she ’ s still resentful about how she was pushed out years ago .
In fact , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have had zero intimacy for four years , and while she sleeps in the bed , I stay on the couch all night because she refuses to stop watching videos on her phone while I try to sleep , despite repeated requests for that to cease .
I handle the finances since she refuses to even talk about money .
She ’ s not working , nor does she want to anymore , but she spends without consideration for our bank balance ( not extravagantly , but enough to put the account into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try to show her the figures , but she doesn ’ t want to deal with it .
When I asked her , “ What about this ( marriage ) makes you want to continue it ?
” she said , “ We ’ ve put in 20-some years ” ( it ’ s 35 ) .
She ’ s only looking backward .
I focus on forward .
Because my wife only has a meager Social Security income , it would put her in a huge financial bind if I left .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ do that .
She vowed to never move in with any of our three adult children if I weren ’ t around ( death , divorce , etc. )
.
Bottom line : I believe she sees marriage with me only as a suitable alternative to being alone and completely broke .
Dear Mortified : If you two split your wife would likely not be left with only her meager Social Security income .
Your state is an “ equitable distribution ” state , meaning that the courts would look at your marital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your 35-year marriage , including your home , savings , Social Security , and retirement accounts ) and decide how to fairly distribute these assets .
You seem sincere in wanting your marriage to change , and your question to your wife ( “ What about this marriage makes you want to continue it ” ) is a great one .
It ’ s a shame her answer wasn ’ t more positive or illuminating .
I assume you are contemplating retiring soon , and this is a huge life change which will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ portray your wife as completely stuck , but you sound stuck , too .
A couples ’ counselor could help both of you to shake loose your thoughts and feelings in order to make a rational choice about your future .
You ( and your wife ) should read , “ The Relationship Cure : A 5 Step Guide to Strengthening Your Marriage , Family , and Friendships , ” by John Gottman and Joan DeClaire ( 2002 , Harmony ) .
Dear Amy : My husband of 12 years ( in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He thinks ( I believe ) that showering and using soap is enough .
It is NOT .
I have tried gentle nudges , etc.
, but am frustrated ( we sleep in the same bed ) and plain embarrassed to be close to him when we are in public together .
I purchased a clinical-strength deodorant for him a year ago that is still unopened .
Prior to the pandemic , he was a big hugger .
Now , mostly shares elbow bumps .
This problem has been going on for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moving out , I do not know what to do .
There would have been no second date had I known this would happen .
Dear Frustrated : Please don ’ t say that you would actually contemplate moving out of the household , rather than risk having a conversation with your husband about his hygiene .
Tell him – “ Honey – you absolutely must use deodorant .
I ’ m not sure why you stopped ; I ’ ve tried to hint and nudge you , but now I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NOT enough .
I ’ m now asking you directly to please use deodorant .
When the pandemic is over , people will want you to hug them again , and I want to hug you now !
” Dear Amy : A man signing his question “ Tired ” was seeking equal distribution of household chores , and that you encouraged this , too .
However , as he complained of being saddled with the domestic duties , I ’ m sure I speak for many of the women of the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our world.
” Dear Also Tired : I ’ m having the T-shirts made .

Dear Amy: I am approaching 70. My wife (71) and I have seen our marriage steadily decline into a relationship more like roommates than spouses.
We met while working together in the media. She eventually was laid off (for business reasons) and took it personally.
I still work in that industry (and have for the last 47 years).
My wife never wants to talk with me about work, because she’s still resentful about how she was pushed out years ago.
In fact, we talk very little about anything. We have had zero intimacy for four years, and while she sleeps in the bed, I stay on the couch all night because she refuses to stop watching videos on her phone while I try to sleep, despite repeated requests for that to cease.
I handle the finances since she refuses to even talk about money.
She’s not working, nor does she want to anymore, but she spends without consideration for our bank balance (not extravagantly, but enough to put the account into the red too often).
I try to show her the figures, but she doesn’t want to deal with it.
When I asked her, “What about this (marriage) makes you want to continue it?” she said, “We’ve put in 20-some years” (it’s 35).
She’s only looking backward. I focus on forward. Because my wife only has a meager Social Security income, it would put her in a huge financial bind if I left.
I’m not cruel enough to do that. She vowed to never move in with any of our three adult children if I weren’t around (death, divorce, etc.).
Bottom line: I believe she sees marriage with me only as a suitable alternative to being alone and completely broke.
— Mortified Husband in Michigan
Dear Mortified: If you two split your wife would likely not be left with only her meager Social Security income. Your state is an “equitable distribution” state, meaning that the courts would look at your marital assets (all the assets acquired during your 35-year marriage, including your home, savings, Social Security, and retirement accounts) and decide how to fairly distribute these assets.
You seem sincere in wanting your marriage to change, and your question to your wife (“What about this marriage makes you want to continue it”) is a great one. It’s a shame her answer wasn’t more positive or illuminating.
I assume you are contemplating retiring soon, and this is a huge life change which will destabilize your relationship even more. You portray your wife as completely stuck, but you sound stuck, too. A couples’ counselor could help both of you to shake loose your thoughts and feelings in order to make a rational choice about your future.
You (and your wife) should read, “The Relationship Cure: A 5 Step Guide to Strengthening Your Marriage, Family, and Friendships,” by John Gottman and Joan DeClaire (2002, Harmony).
Dear Amy: My husband of 12 years (in his 50s), suddenly stopped using deodorant.
He thinks (I believe) that showering and using soap is enough. It is NOT.
I have tried gentle nudges, etc., but am frustrated (we sleep in the same bed) and plain embarrassed to be close to him when we are in public together.
I purchased a clinical-strength deodorant for him a year ago that is still unopened.
Prior to the pandemic, he was a big hugger. Now, mostly shares elbow bumps. This problem has been going on for over a year now.
Short of moving out, I do not know what to do. There would have been no second date had I known this would happen.
— Frustrated
Dear Frustrated: Please don’t say that you would actually contemplate moving out of the household, rather than risk having a conversation with your husband about his hygiene.
Tell him – “Honey – you absolutely must use deodorant. I’m not sure why you stopped; I’ve tried to hint and nudge you, but now I’m telling you: soap and water are NOT enough. I’m now asking you directly to please use deodorant. When the pandemic is over, people will want you to hug them again, and I want to hug you now!”
Dear Amy: A man signing his question “Tired” was seeking equal distribution of household chores, and that you encouraged this, too.
However, as he complained of being saddled with the domestic duties, I’m sure I speak for many of the women of the world when I say: “Welcome to our world.”
— Also Tired
Dear Also Tired: I’m having the T-shirts made.
(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--2020-09-24--Kiszla: The best Broncos can hope to get from this lost NFL season is Clemson quarterback Trevor Law

Kiszla: The best Broncos can hope to get from this lost NFL season is Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence

Can somebody please find coach Vic Fangio a mask he likes , maybe something with orange and blue spangles , so Uncle Vic won ’ t get docked another $ 100,000 in fines ?
As long as you ’ re up , would you mind also grabbing me a blindfold ?
These beat-up Broncos are done at 0-2 .
I ’ ve seen enough .
But like momma always said , it will all work out for the best , so long as Denver gets Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the 2021 NFL draft .
John Elway has been looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took over as architect of this Denver roster nearly a decade ago .
Well , at long last , here is Elway ’ s chance .
“ When you look at Trevor Lawrence , he is a generational talent .
He is John Elway , ” former NFL general manager Mike Tannebaum , who ran the Jets from 2006-2012 , told ESPN in the spring .
No offense to Drew Lock , who has quickly proven to be a competent if injury-prone pro quarterback .
But Lock is no Lawrence , widely considered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andrew Luck .
With a 31-1 record as Clemson ’ s starter , Lawrence could well win another national championship with the Tigers ( if the pandemic allows ) and become the prohibitive favorite to be selected No .
1 overall in the draft .
After two games , is it too early for Denver to tank ?
Yes , if you listen to the Broncos .
“ We ’ re not hitting the panic button , ” cornerback Bryce Callahan said Wednesday .
But it ’ s certainly not too early to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Broncos are currently favored to win only three of their remaining 14 games , according to the simulations spewed out by the computer at FiveThirtyEight .
While there are probably a whole bunch of 3-and-outs between now and a last-place finish in the AFC West for the Broncos , I would take a 4-12 record right now .
Then I ’ d trade the No .
4 overall pick and linebacker Von Miller for the privilege of moving atop the draft board , where the selection of Lawrence could finally start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ championship contention .
This franchise is in a fog , with no clear vision on how to get back to elite status .
Hey , the same could probably be said of Uncle Vic .
In fact , Fangio said the reason he got hit with a six-figure fine for failure to consistently wear a mask over his nose and mouth on the sideline during the loss at Pittsburgh was because his glasses kept fogging up .
I don ’ t particularly like wearing a mask either , Uncle Vic .
Who does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the press box during Broncos games ( at least until the hot dogs are served at halftime ) .
“ I ’ m wearing ( a mask ) because the NFL says we have to wear it , ” Fangio said , “ and I ’ m a loyal employee of the NFL.
” During three seasons playing for the top college football program in America , Jerry Jeudy lost four times .
That ’ s right .
He lost four games total with the Crimson Tide .
As a rookie with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five before Halloween “ I am not liking losing , coming from Alabama , ” Jeudy said .
Nobody expected the Broncos to be legit contenders in 2020 .
But how could anybody have possibly anticipated this season to take such a bad turn so quickly ?
It ’ s not so much that they ’ ve dropped two winnable games in frustrating ways that bad NFL teams seem to invent .
The real sense of dread results from Denver ’ s most dangerous offensive player ( Courtland Sutton ) and most talented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injuries that will require extensive rehabilitation .
The next three months figure to be more about honoring the grind than chasing glory for the Broncos .
For starters , Fangio vows to pay more attention to all those death-by-inches details , like not letting his mask slip on the sideline .
“ I ’ m going to do my best to do better , ” said Fangio , with all the enthusiasm of a kid who promises to eat his peas and carrots .
There ’ s no masking all the issues on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Broncos , though .
Of course , these players won ’ t quit .
But what ’ s the point of another 7-9 or 6-10 season for Denver ?
Although by the time he returns from injury the team could be headed into the bye week with a 1-6 record , Lock has the capability to be a solid quarterback in this league .
But his ceiling is closer to Jake Plummer than Patrick Mahomes .
And since when was good enough considered acceptable in Broncos Country ?
This team ’ s lone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is to win rings .
Something has got to change for this franchise in a dramatic way .
That ’ s not what I ’ m suggesting , because there ’ s no need to tank .
This Broncos team is bad enough to lose 12 or 13 games without even trying .

Can somebody please find coach Vic Fangio a mask he likes, maybe something with orange and blue spangles, so Uncle Vic won’t get docked another $100,000 in fines?
As long as you’re up, would you mind also grabbing me a blindfold? These beat-up Broncos are done at 0-2. I’ve seen enough.
But like momma always said, it will all work out for the best, so long as Denver gets Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the 2021 NFL draft.
John Elway has been looking for John Elway, ever since he took over as architect of this Denver roster nearly a decade ago. Well, at long last, here is Elway’s chance.
“When you look at Trevor Lawrence, he is a generational talent. He is John Elway,” former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum, who ran the Jets from 2006-2012, told ESPN in the spring.
No offense to Drew Lock, who has quickly proven to be a competent if injury-prone pro quarterback. But Lock is no Lawrence, widely considered to be the best QB prospect since Andrew Luck. With a 31-1 record as Clemson’s starter, Lawrence could well win another national championship with the Tigers (if the pandemic allows) and become the prohibitive favorite to be selected No. 1 overall in the draft.
After two games, is it too early for Denver to tank? Yes, if you listen to the Broncos.
“We’re not hitting the panic button,” cornerback Bryce Callahan said Wednesday.
But it’s certainly not too early to start dreaming and scheming for next year.
The Broncos are currently favored to win only three of their remaining 14 games, according to the simulations spewed out by the computer at FiveThirtyEight.
While there are probably a whole bunch of 3-and-outs between now and a last-place finish in the AFC West for the Broncos, I would take a 4-12 record right now. Then I’d trade the No. 4 overall pick and linebacker Von Miller for the privilege of moving atop the draft board, where the selection of Lawrence could finally start the Broncos back on the road to championship contention.
This franchise is in a fog, with no clear vision on how to get back to elite status. Hey, the same could probably be said of Uncle Vic.
In fact, Fangio said the reason he got hit with a six-figure fine for failure to consistently wear a mask over his nose and mouth on the sideline during the loss at Pittsburgh was because his glasses kept fogging up.
I don’t particularly like wearing a mask either, Uncle Vic. Who does? But I never take mine off in the press box during Broncos games (at least until the hot dogs are served at halftime).
“I’m wearing (a mask) because the NFL says we have to wear it,” Fangio said, “and I’m a loyal employee of the NFL.”
During three seasons playing for the top college football program in America, Jerry Jeudy lost four times. That’s right. He lost four games total with the Crimson Tide. As a rookie with the Broncos, Jeudy could easily lose five before Halloween
“I am not liking losing, coming from Alabama,” Jeudy said.
Nobody expected the Broncos to be legit contenders in 2020. But how could anybody have possibly anticipated this season to take such a bad turn so quickly?
It’s not so much that they’ve dropped two winnable games in frustrating ways that bad NFL teams seem to invent. The real sense of dread results from Denver’s most dangerous offensive player (Courtland Sutton) and most talented defender (Miller) being lost to injuries that will require extensive rehabilitation.
The next three months figure to be more about honoring the grind than chasing glory for the Broncos.
For starters, Fangio vows to pay more attention to all those death-by-inches details, like not letting his mask slip on the sideline.
“I’m going to do my best to do better,” said Fangio, with all the enthusiasm of a kid who promises to eat his peas and carrots.
There’s no masking all the issues on both sides of the football for the Broncos, though.
Of course, these players won’t quit. But what’s the point of another 7-9 or 6-10 season for Denver?
Although by the time he returns from injury the team could be headed into the bye week with a 1-6 record, Lock has the capability to be a solid quarterback in this league. But his ceiling is closer to Jake Plummer than Patrick Mahomes.
And since when was good enough considered acceptable in Broncos Country? This team’s lone goal, as Elway constantly reminds us, is to win rings. Something has got to change for this franchise in a dramatic way.
Tank for Trevor?
That’s not what I’m suggesting, because there’s no need to tank.
This Broncos team is bad enough to lose 12 or 13 games without even trying.


thedenverpost--2020-09-24--Louisville police officer shot amid Breonna Taylor protests

LOUISVILLE , Ky. — Hours after a Kentucky grand jury brought no charges against Louisville police for the killing of Breonna Taylor and protesters took to the streets , authorities said an officer had been shot Wednesday night during the demonstrations expressing anger over the deaths of Black people at the hands of police .
Several shots rang out as protesters in downtown Louisville tried to avoid police blockades , moving down an alleyway as officers lobbed pepper balls .
People covered their ears , ran away and frantically looked for places to hide .
Police with long guns swarmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gear and military-style vehicles blocked off roadways .
The condition of the officer is unclear , and police have not yet released more details .
The violence comes after prosecutors said two officers who fired their weapons at Taylor , a Black woman , were justified in using force to protect themselves after they faced gunfire from her boyfriend .
The only charges were three counts of wanton endangerment against fired Officer Brett Hankison for shooting into a home next to Taylor ’ s with people inside .
The FBI is still investigating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the raid at Taylor ’ s home on March 13 .
Ben Crump , a lawyer for Taylor ’ s family , denounced the decision as “ outrageous and offensive , ” and protesters shouting , “ No justice , no peace !
” immediately marched through the streets .
Scuffles broke out between police and protesters , and some were arrested .
Officers fired flash bangs and a few small fires burned in a square that ’ s been at the center of protests , but it had largely cleared out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marched through other parts of downtown Louisville .
Dozens of patrol cars blocked the city ’ s major thoroughfare and more police arrived after the officer was shot .
Demonstrators also marched in cities like New York , Chicago , Washington , D.C. , Atlanta and Philadelphia .
Taylor , an emergency medical worker , was shot multiple times by white officers who entered her home on a no-knock warrant during a narcotics investigation .
State Attorney General Daniel Cameron , however , said the investigation showed the officers announced themselves before entering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home was connected to a suspect who did not live there , and no drugs were found inside .
Along with the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota , Taylor ’ s case became a major touchstone for nationwide protests that have drawn attention to entrenched racism and demanded police reform .
Taylor ’ s image has been painted on streets , emblazoned on protest signs and silk-screened on T-shirts worn by celebrities .
Several prominent African American celebrities joined those urging that the officers be charged .
The announcement drew sadness , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not go further .
The wanton endangerment charges each carry a sentence of up to five years .
Morgan Julianna Lee , a high school student in Charlotte , North Carolina , watched the announcement at home .
“ It ’ s almost like a slap in the face , ” the 15-year-old said by phone .
“ If I , as a Black woman , ever need justice , I will never get it.
” Gov .
Andy Beshear , a Democrat , said he authorized a limited deployment of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the state attorney general , to post online all the evidence that could be released without affecting the charges filed .
“ Those that are currently feeling frustration , feeling hurt , they deserve to know more , ” he said .
The case exposed the wide gulf between public opinion on justice for those who kill Black Americans and the laws under which those officers are charged , which regularly favor police and do not often result in steep criminal accusations .
At a news conference , Cameron spoke to that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meant to respond to every sorrow and grief.
” “ But my heart breaks for the loss of Miss Taylor .
… My mother , if something was to happen to me , would find it very hard , ” he added , choking up .
But Cameron , who is the state ’ s first Black attorney general , said the officers acted in self-defense after Taylor ’ s boyfriend fired at them .
He added that Hankison and the two other officers who entered Taylor ’ s apartment announced themselves before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the warrant as “ no knock , ” according to the investigation .
The city has since banned such warrants .
“ According to Kentucky law , the use of force by ( Officers Jonathan ) Mattingly and ( Myles ) Cosgrove was justified to protect themselves , ” he said .
“ This justification bars us from pursuing criminal charges in Miss Breonna Taylor ’ s death.
” Cameron said an FBI crime lab determined that Cosgrove fired the bullet that killed Taylor .
Taylor ’ s boyfriend , Kenneth Walker , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hitting Mattingly .
Walker told police he heard knocking but didn ’ t know who was coming in and fired in self-defense .
Cameron , who is a Republican , is a protégé of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and has been tagged by some as his heir apparent .
His was also one of 20 names on President Donald Trump ’ s list to fill a future Supreme Court vacancy .
At a news conference , Trump read a statement from Cameron saying “ justice is not often easy.
” He praised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case and the governor calling up of the National Guard .
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden told reporters that he didn ’ t have enough information on the decision to comment fully but warned protesters to stay peaceful .
“ Do not sully her memory or her mother ’ s by engaging in any violence , ” he said .
Kamala Harris , Biden ’ s running mate and a former prosecutor , also told reporters she hadn ’ t fully read the decision .
“ But there ’ s no question that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yesterday , today and tomorrow , so I ’ ll review it , ” she said .
Hankison was fired on June 23 .
A termination letter sent by interim Louisville Police Chief Robert Schroeder said he had violated procedures by showing “ extreme indifference to the value of human life ” when he “ wantonly and blindly ” fired his weapon .
Mattingly , Cosgrove and the detective who sought the warrant , Joshua Jaynes , were placed administrative reassignment .
Last week , the city settled a lawsuit against the three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Tamika Palmer , agreeing to pay her $ 12 million and enact police reforms .
Lovan reported from Frankfort , Kentucky .
Associated Press writers Bruce Schreiner and Rebecca Reynolds Yonker in Louisville , Kentucky , Kevin Freking in Washington , Aaron Morrison in New York and Haleluya Hadero in Lancaster , Pennsylvania , contributed .
Hudsbeth Blackburn is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative .
Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clarify that , according to the investigation , officers did not execute the warrant as a no-knock warrant , not that they didn ’ t use a no-knock warrant .
This story has been edited to clarify that the shots fired by Hankison entered another home with people inside , not several homes .

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Anger, frustration and sadness over the decision not to charge Kentucky police officers for Breonna Taylor’s death poured into America’s streets as protesters lashed out at a criminal justice system they say is stacked against Black people. Violence seized the demonstrations in her hometown of Louisville as gunfire rang out and wounded two police officers.
Activists, celebrities and everyday Americans have been calling for charges since Taylor, an emergency medical worker, was shot multiple times by white officers who entered her home during a narcotics investigation in March. While the officers had a no-knock warrant, the investigation showed they announced themselves before entering, said state Attorney General Daniel Cameron, a Republican and the state’s first Black top prosecutor.
A grand jury returned three charges of wanton endangerment Wednesday against fired Officer Brett Hankison over shooting into a home next to Taylor’s with people inside.
Hundreds of demonstrators chanted Taylor’s name and marched in cities including New York, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Las Vegas and Portland, Oregon. People gathered in downtown Chicago’s Millennium Park, chanting demands for justice as drivers on Michigan Avenue honked their horns. Police in Atlanta unleashed chemical agents and made arrests after some protesters tried to climb on a SWAT vehicle. In Wisconsin, peaceful marchers blocked traffic on an interstate and spoke about Taylor on the steps of the state Capitol.
Nearly 100 people were arrested in Louisville, police said, after what had been peaceful protests. Police said vehicles were damaged, fires were set in garbage cans and several stores were looted. Two officers were shot, and Interim Police Chief Robert Schroeder said both are expected to recover. One was undergoing surgery. Schroeder said a suspect was in custody, offering no details about whether that person was participating in the protests.
Taylor’s case has exposed the wide gulf between public opinion on justice for those who kill Black Americans and the laws under which those officers are charged, which regularly favor police and do not often result in steep criminal accusations.
Carmen Jones has protested in downtown Louisville every day for nearly three months. She said she feels despair after the grand jury’s decision and doesn’t know what’s coming.
“We’re tired of being hashtags. We’re tired of paying for history in our blood and our bodies and being told to respond to this violence and aggression with peace,” she said. “We did it the Martin way for the entire summer, and it got us nowhere. Maybe it’s time to do things the Malcolm way.”
Jones said she still hopes their demonstrations will lead to systemwide change in the U.S., but the decision in Taylor’s case makes her feel like her life doesn’t matter in America.
“I don’t think I’ll sleep the same ever again, cause it would happen to any of us,” she said. “The system does not care about Black people. The system chews Black people up and spits us out.”
Along with George Floyd, a Black man killed by police in Minneapolis in May, Taylor’s name became a rallying cry during nationwide protests that called attention to entrenched racism and demanded police reform. Her image is painted on streets, emblazoned on protest signs and silk-screened on T-shirts worn by celebrities.
The FBI is still investigating potential violations of federal law in connection with the raid at Taylor’s home on March 13.
After the announcement, Ben Crump, a lawyer for Taylor’s family, denounced the decision as “outrageous and offensive.” Protesters shouting, “No justice, no peace!” took to the streets, while others sat quietly and wept.
Morgan Julianna Lee, a high school student in Charlotte, North Carolina, watched the announcement at home.
“It’s almost like a slap in the face,” the 15-year-old said by phone. “If I, as a Black woman, ever need justice, I will never get it.”
Authorities themselves expressed dismay. At a news conference, Cameron, the attorney general, said, “Criminal law is not meant to respond to every sorrow and grief.”
“But my heart breaks for the loss of Miss Taylor. … My mother, if something was to happen to me, would find it very hard,” he added, choking up.
However, Cameron said the officers acted in self-defense after Taylor’s boyfriend fired at them. Kenneth Walker told police he heard knocking but didn’t know who was coming in and fired in self-defense.
The warrant was connected to a suspect who did not live there, and no drugs were found inside. The city has since banned such warrants.
“According to Kentucky law, the use of force by (Officers Jonathan) Mattingly and (Myles) Cosgrove was justified to protect themselves,” Cameron said. “This justification bars us from pursuing criminal charges in Miss Breonna Taylor’s death.”
President Donald Trump read a statement from Cameron, saying “justice is not often easy.” He later tweeted that he was “praying for the two police officers that were shot.”
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and his running mate, Kamala Harris, called for policing reform.
Biden says that while a federal investigation continues, “we do not need to wait for the final judgment of that investigation to do more to deliver justice for Breonna.” He said the country should start by addressing excessive force, banning chokeholds and overhauling no-knock warrants.
“We must never stop speaking Breonna’s name as we work to reform our justice system, including overhauling no-knock warrants,” Harris said on Twitter.
Hankison was fired on June 23. The three wanton endangerment charges he faces each carry a sentence of up to five years. A termination letter said he had violated procedures by showing “extreme indifference to the value of human life” when he “wantonly and blindly” fired his weapon.
CNN reported that his attorney, David Leightty, declined to comment.
Last week, the city settled a lawsuit against the three officers brought by Taylor’s mother, Tamika Palmer, agreeing to pay her $12 million and enact police reforms.


thedenverpost--2020-09-24--Westbound lanes of I-70 in Glenwood Canyon to reopen after wildfire closure

Westbound traffic , on the northern deck of Interstate 70 through Glenwood Canyon , will reopen Friday after a long closure because of the Grizzly Peak fire .
Drivers can expect continued lane closures through the canyon but the head-to-head traffic detour is coming to an end , the Colorado Department of Transportation said in a news release .
CDOT crews have been steadily working on repairing the road surface from fire damage , which included rock and debris slides .
The interstate was shut down in both directions between Glenwood Springs and Gypsum on Aug. 10 , the day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Aug. 24 , a limited reopening happened in what were the traditional eastbound lanes , with lower highway speeds and oncoming traffic to allow travel in both directions .
It was the longest-ever closure for that stretch — two weeks — of the heavily trafficked east-west corridor , forcing motorists to detour to the north via Interstate 80 or the south on U.S. 285 and U.S. 50 .
“ Our local communities and statewide travelers know the vital role that I-70 in Glenwood Canyon plays in our state ’ s transportation network @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lew in the release .
“ For Colorado , this project helps to improve the longevity of this critical infrastructure and ensure the safe , multimodal movement of people and goods.
” The stretch of highway was already undergoing major repairs and upkeep when the wildfire struck .
COVID-19 concerns also played a role in how highway officials were able to respond to the shutdown .
“ Despite all the challenges this project has faced , the engineering and contracting team have been able to deliver impressive progress , ” said CDOT Region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is a great example of partnership and leadership at its finest .
”

Westbound traffic, on the northern deck of Interstate 70 through Glenwood Canyon, will reopen Friday after a long construction project closure that was interrupted by the Grizzly Creek fire.
Drivers can expect continued lane closures through the canyon but the head-to-head traffic detour is coming to an end, the Colorado Department of Transportation said in a news release.
A construction project, the Glenwood Canyon Surface Improvements, was already underway when the interstate in the canyon was shut down in both directions between Glenwood Springs and Gypsum on Aug. 10, the day the wildfire erupted. On Aug. 24, a limited reopening happened in what were the traditional eastbound lanes, with lower highway speeds and oncoming traffic to allow travel in both directions.
CDOT crews worked on repairing some fire-caused road surface damage, which included rock and debris slides.
The fire caused the longest-ever closure for that stretch — two weeks — of the heavily trafficked east-west corridor, forcing motorists to detour to the north via Interstate 80 or the south on U.S. 285 and U.S. 50.
“Our local communities and statewide travelers know the vital role that I-70 in Glenwood Canyon plays in our state’s transportation network,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew in the release. “For Colorado, this project helps to improve the longevity of this critical infrastructure and ensure the safe, multimodal movement of people and goods.”
The stretch of highway was already undergoing major repairs and upkeep when the wildfire struck. COVID-19 concerns also played a role in how highway officials were able to respond to the shutdown. The construction project was scheduled to finish in October, but CDOT crews and contractors finished ahead of schedule despite multiple challenges including wildfire and COVID-19 concerns.
“Despite all the challenges this project has faced, the engineering and contracting team have been able to deliver impressive progress,” said CDOT Region 3 Transportation Director Michael Goolsby. “This is a great example of partnership and leadership at its finest.”
Updated 1:50 p.m. Sept. 24, 2020 This story has been corrected to report that the closure was due to construction.


thedenverpost--2020-09-23--Legal sports betting jumps 117% in Colorado in August compared to July

Legal Colorado sports betting wagers made a huge increase — 117 % — in August , the fourth month of legalization , according to the Colorado Department of Revenue ’ s Division of Gaming .
August figures for sports betting wagering and taxes were released and the whooping increase is compared to the month of July figures , according to a news release .
“ The total handle for both retail and online sports betting wagers in Colorado in August ” totaled $ 128,646,209 , the release said .
Total taxes collected from the Net Sports Betting Proceeds were $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total wagers , both retail and online , in August were : Basketball wagering took 29.6 % of the total stake .
The National Basketball Association , National Hockey League and Major League baseball were all in play in August .
The NBA and NHL in play because of COVID-19 rescheduling .
Twelve betting categories are part of the August monthly summary , which did not include “ football.
” The National Football League ’ s 2020 season kicked off in September .
In November of 2019 Colorado voters passed Proposition DD , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state to place legal bets .
Legalized , regulated sports betting began on May 1 .

Legal Colorado sports betting wagers made a huge increase — 117% — in August, the fourth month of legalization, according to the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Division of Gaming.
August figures for sports betting wagering and taxes were released and the whooping increase is compared to the month of July figures, according to a news release.
“The total handle for both retail and online sports betting wagers in Colorado in August” totaled $128,646,209, the release said. Total taxes collected from the Net Sports Betting Proceeds were $189,461.
The top three sports by total wagers, both retail and online, in August were:
Basketball with $38,040,027
Baseball with $22,789,309
Ice hockey with $13,594,062
Basketball wagering took 29.6% of the total stake.
The National Basketball Association, National Hockey League and Major League baseball were all in play in August. The NBA and NHL in play because of COVID-19 rescheduling.
Twelve betting categories are part of the August monthly summary, which did not include “football.” The National Football League’s 2020 season kicked off in September.
In November of 2019 Colorado voters passed Proposition DD, paving the way for gamblers in the state to place legal bets. Legalized, regulated sports betting began on May 1.


thedenverpost--2020-09-23--Nuggets coach Michael Malone explains the shared trait between Jamal Murray, LeBron James and Chris

Nuggets coach Michael Malone explains the shared trait between Jamal Murray, LeBron James and Chris Paul

LAKE BUENA VISTA , Fla. – When Michael Malone shared with reporters a small slice of his relationship with Jamal Murray late Tuesday night after the Nuggets ’ Game 3 win over the Lakers , he was actually tying a thread to his decades around the NBA .
After last year ’ s heartbreaking playoff loss in Game 7 against Portland , the Nuggets ’ coach told Murray he needed him to be more consistent .
Every relationship a coach has is different , and not all players want to hear the negative .
What makes Murray different , Malone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s funny , when I go back to my five years as an assistant coach in Cleveland , that was part of my relationship with LeBron ( James ) , ” Malone recalled .
“ I was unafraid to coach him , to hold him accountable if he wasn ’ t doing his job .
( That ’ s ) the reason , I think , Chris Paul and I hit it off ( in New Orleans ) .
Then as a head coach , I think of DeMarcus Cousins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through to DeMarcus ?
’ Now Jamal Murray .
I think great players inherently want to be coached , held accountable .
They want somebody to help them become the best players they can be , maximize all their talents and potential.
” Everyone from Nuggets president of basketball operations Tim Connelly to Malone has ridden Murray hard .
It ’ s because of the rare talent and mental makeup they see in him .
It was only last summer that some questioned the Nuggets giving Murray a five-year , $ 170 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Murray had been inconsistent , at best , in his 14-game playoff debut .
But he was still only 22 at the time .
“ When you look at it , Jamal Murray , how he ’ s played in these 17 Playoff games , for a guy that has never been an All-Star , understandably so , is really remarkable , ” Malone said .
“ For him to take advantage of this stage , kind of what Nikola ( Jokic ) did last year in his first experience in the postseason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finding a player who wants to be coached hard ) is too rare , but I think it speaks to Jamal ’ s desire to be not a good player , not an All-Star , but a superstar.
” Murray ’ s two clutch 3-pointers late in Game 3 helped the Nuggets avoid what would ’ ve likely been an insurmountable 3-0 deficit in the Western Conference Finals .
His 28-point , 12-assist , eight-rebound line shows how much more of a complete basketball player he has become .
As the highest draft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a team stacked with second-rounders , Nuggets players take pride in their circuitous paths to the Conference Finals .
Malone knows that the team ’ s story , coming back from two 3-1 playoff deficits , is inspirational for anyone who wants to listen .
“ Every NBA roster has talent , ” Malone said .
“ What separates the teams that are still here from maybe some of the others is not talent , it ’ s the intangibles .
I think we ’ ve proven time and time again that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that his mother has been going to a doctor for an undisclosed reason .
“ It gives her a kind of new life battling what she ’ s going through , ” Malone said .
“ I think my mother ’ s story , there ’ s probably a lot of people out there who look at us and say , We ’ re the SAT question : Which team doesn ’ t belong ?
It is the Denver Nuggets .
The Lakers , Boston .
That is basketball royalty .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ championships .
What does Denver have ?
We have a group that fights , represents a lot of people from all across this country.
” Even rookie Michael Porter Jr. , whose playoff debut has led to a berth in the Conference Finals , senses something special .
“ I ’ ve gotten some texts from people I haven ’ t gotten texts from for a long time , just how we are an encouragement to them and we are inspiring them to keep fighting , ” Porter said .
“ It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to people all around the world .
It ’ s definitely something special that we ’ re a part of , and we ’ re going to try to keep it going .
”

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – When Michael Malone shared with reporters a small slice of his relationship with Jamal Murray late Tuesday night after the Nuggets’ Game 3 win over the Lakers, he was actually tying a thread to his decades around the NBA.
After last year’s heartbreaking playoff loss in Game 7 against Portland, the Nuggets’ coach told Murray he needed him to be more consistent. Every relationship a coach has is different, and not all players want to hear the negative.
What makes Murray different, Malone said, is that he does.
“It’s funny, when I go back to my five years as an assistant coach in Cleveland, that was part of my relationship with LeBron (James),” Malone recalled. “I was unafraid to coach him, to hold him accountable if he wasn’t doing his job. (That’s) the reason, I think, Chris Paul and I hit it off (in New Orleans). Then as a head coach, I think of DeMarcus Cousins. ‘How did Coach Malone get through to DeMarcus?’ Now Jamal Murray. I think great players inherently want to be coached, held accountable. They want somebody to help them become the best players they can be, maximize all their talents and potential.”
Everyone from Nuggets president of basketball operations Tim Connelly to Malone has ridden Murray hard. It’s because of the rare talent and mental makeup they see in him. It was only last summer that some questioned the Nuggets giving Murray a five-year, $170 million max contract. At that point, Murray had been inconsistent, at best, in his 14-game playoff debut. But he was still only 22 at the time.
“When you look at it, Jamal Murray, how he’s played in these 17 Playoff games, for a guy that has never been an All-Star, understandably so, is really remarkable,” Malone said. “For him to take advantage of this stage, kind of what Nikola (Jokic) did last year in his first experience in the postseason. I don’t think (finding a player who wants to be coached hard) is too rare, but I think it speaks to Jamal’s desire to be not a good player, not an All-Star, but a superstar.”
Murray’s two clutch 3-pointers late in Game 3 helped the Nuggets avoid what would’ve likely been an insurmountable 3-0 deficit in the Western Conference Finals. His 28-point, 12-assist, eight-rebound line shows how much more of a complete basketball player he has become.
As the highest draft pick (No. 7) on a team stacked with second-rounders, Nuggets players take pride in their circuitous paths to the Conference Finals. Malone knows that the team’s story, coming back from two 3-1 playoff deficits, is inspirational for anyone who wants to listen.
“Every NBA roster has talent,” Malone said. “What separates the teams that are still here from maybe some of the others is not talent, it’s the intangibles. I think we’ve proven time and time again that we are a special group.”
Malone relayed that his mother has been going to a doctor for an undisclosed reason.
“It gives her a kind of new life battling what she’s going through,” Malone said. “I think my mother’s story, there’s probably a lot of people out there who look at us and say, We’re the SAT question: Which team doesn’t belong? It is the Denver Nuggets. The Lakers, Boston. That is basketball royalty. It’s the Miami Heat. They have championships. What does Denver have? We have a group that fights, represents a lot of people from all across this country.”
Even rookie Michael Porter Jr., whose playoff debut has led to a berth in the Conference Finals, senses something special.
“I’ve gotten some texts from people I haven’t gotten texts from for a long time, just how we are an encouragement to them and we are inspiring them to keep fighting,” Porter said. “It’s crazy how sports can do that to people all around the world. It’s definitely something special that we’re a part of, and we’re going to try to keep it going.”


thedenverpost--2020-09-23--Rockies’ David Dahl goes on injured list; Scott Oberg has surgery for blood clots

It ’ s probably safe to say that no Rockies player wants to bid 2020 goodbye more than outfielder David @ @ @ @ @ all-star season in 2019 , hopes were high that Dahl would become a force in @ @ @ @ @ but a left shoulder injury that has bothered him since January finally landed him on @ @ @ @ @ , ending his season with six games to go .
Also , manager Bud Black @ @ @ @ @ Oberg underwent surgery on Wednesday for thoracic outlet syndrome in hopes of preventing blood clots @ @ @ @ @ have shut down his seasons three times in the last four years .
Black said @ @ @ @ @ be able to participate in spring training in 2021 .
To fill Dahl ’ s @ @ @ @ @ the Rockies selected the contract of right-handed pitcher Tommy Doyle from their alternate training site @ @ @ @ @ updated

It’s probably safe to say that no Rockies player wants to bid 2020 goodbye more than outfielder David Dahl.
Coming off an all-star season in 2019, hopes were high that Dahl would become a force in Colorado’s lineup, but a left shoulder injury that has bothered him since January finally landed him on the 45-day injured list Wednesday, ending his season with six games to go.
Dahl said that because he’s spent so much of his career being injured, he decided not to report the injury when he began throwing in January.
“I figured that I’d been on the (IL) a lot, and I needed to figure this thing out on my own and push through this,” Dahl said.
But that plan backfired and now Dahl, who said he feels a sharp pain in his shoulder, especially when he throws, is scheduled to meet with Dr. Jeffery Dugas, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Birmingham, Ala. on Monday. Tests will be performed to see what’s causing Dahl’s shoulder pain.
To fill Dahl’s spot on the roster, the Rockies selected the contract of right-handed pitcher Tommy Doyle from their alternate training site.
Dahl, 26, has been plagued by injuries and has never been able to play a full big-league season to showcase his considerable talents.
“I’m really frustrated. Obviously, stuff keeps happening,” he said. “I feel like I put the work in and I work hard. Hopefully, good things will happen eventually. You’ve just got to keep going and get through it.
“Because I know can be a good player. I know I’ve had success while I’ve been up here. It’s a matter of availability and being out there on the field. But I’ve got to really sit down the offseason and kind of figure out what I need to do as far as figuring out my body.”
Dahl appeared in a career-high 100 games last season, hitting .302 with 16 home runs and 61 RBIs but a high-ankle sprain ended his season on Aug. 3. Dahl was excited about 2020 but said that he believes the shoulder pain might have led to two bouts with oblique soreness, one that kept him out of action during summer camp and one that landed him on the injured list on Aug. 19.
“I think with the way my shoulder was feeling I was starting to compensate for it,” he said. “And I started getting some oblique issues.”
When Dahl went on the IL, he told the team about his shoulder injury and he received a cortisone shot, that Dahl said, “didn’t really work.”
“So I just kept trying to play through it, with the playoff push,” he said. “I was really, really trying. But you know, at the end of the day, I was really hurting. I was (stinking) and I was hurting the team more than helping when I was out there.”
Dahl played in 24 games but had just 99 plate appearances. He hit .183 (17-for-93) with no home runs, two doubles and two triples.
“This has been an unsettling year for David, with the shutdown in March and then the re-start,” manager Bud Black said. “I think so many players were putting initial pressure on themselves to produce numbers, knowing that it was shortened season.”
Dahl’s injury history is, unfortunately, a big part of his resume. He missed the entire 2017 season with a stress reaction in a rib that also created a back issue. In 2018 — before his nine home runs and 27 RBIs in September helped propel Colorado to the postseason — he fractured his right foot when he fouled a pitch off it on May 30 and didn’t return to play until Aug. 5.
The injury bug bit Dahl in the minors, too. He missed most of his 2013 season in Class A with a hamstring injury and had to have his spleen removed in 2015 after he collided with a teammate while chasing a flyball during a Double-A game.
“It’s just been kind of freaky things, just kind of bad luck,” Dahl said. “I’ve just got to figure this part of it out. Next year, I’ll be 27. You’ve got to be available to play.”
Oberg undergoes surgery. Black also announced that right-handed reliever Scott Oberg underwent surgery on Wednesday for thoracic outlet syndrome in hopes of preventing blood clots in his right arm that have shut down his season three times in the last four years. Black said he hopes that Oberg will be able to participate in spring training in 2021.
On Deck
Rockies RHP Chi Chi Gonzalez (0-2, 7.53) at Giants TBD
1:45 p.m. Thursday, Oracle Park
TV: AT&T SportsNet
Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 AM
Gonzalez will make his final start of the season and wants to make a strong impression as he looks toward 2021. The right-hander is coming off a loss at Los Angeles where the Dodgers reached him for three runs on four hits, including a solo home run, across five innings. Gonzalez is 0-2 with a 5.54 ERA in three career starts vs. the Giants. In his only previous start at Oracle Park, he pitched five innings, giving up three runs on six hits in the Giants’ 4-2 victory.
Trending: Left fielder Raimel Tapia had batted leadoff in 29 games this season (entering Wednesday night’s game), batting .291 with three doubles, one triple, one home run, seven RBIs and a .344 on-base percentage.
At issue: Second baseman Ryan McMahon, now playing third base because Nolan Arenado is on the injured list, has a 36.5 strikeout percentage, which is the fifth-highest in the majors and the highest in the National League.
Pitching Probables
Friday (doubleheader): Rockies RHP Antonio Senzatela (5-2, 3.13) at Diamondbacks RHP Zac Gallen (2-2, 3.00), 4:40 p.m., ATTRM / Rockies TBD at Diamondbacks RHP Taylor Clarke (2-0, 6.51), 7:40 p.m., ATTRM
Saturday: Rockies TBD at Diamondbacks RHP Luke Weaver (1-8, 6.51), 6:10 p.m., ATTM
Sunday: Rockies TBD at Diamondbacks LHP Madison Bumgarner (0-4, 7.36). 1:10 p.m., ATTRM


thedenverpost--2020-09-23--Adams County deputy faces misdemeanor charge in child abuse case

An Adams County Sheriff ’ s deputy faces a misdemeanor charge in a child abuse case , according to the @ @ @ @ @ .
Robert Joseph Slater Sheetz , 30 , of Brighton , was arrested after police @ @ @ @ @ s Hospital , on Sept. 18 , for a child abuse report involving his infant @ @ @ @ @ her face , the DA ’ s office said in a news release Wednesday .
@ @ @ @ @ the baby to the hospital that morning from the family residence in Brighton , ” @ @ @ @ @ A physician concluded that the infant had suffered non-accidental trauma.
” Sheetz has been charged @ @ @ @ @ or reckless child abuse resulting in injury , a Class 1 misdemeanor , the DA @ @ @ @ @ He was advised of the charge Wednesday in Adams County Court .
His next court @ @ @ @ @ 5 .

An Adams County Sheriff’s deputy faces a misdemeanor charge in a child abuse case, according to the district attorney’s office.
Robert Joseph Slater Sheetz, 30, of Brighton, was arrested after police were called to Children’s Hospital, on Sept. 18, for a child abuse report involving his infant daughter who had injuries to her face, the DA’s office said in a news release Wednesday.
“Her mother had taken the baby to the hospital that morning from the family residence in Brighton,” the release said. “A physician concluded that the infant had suffered non-accidental trauma.”
Sheetz has been charged with one count of knowing or reckless child abuse resulting in injury, a Class 1 misdemeanor, the DA’s office said.
He was advised of the charge Wednesday in Adams County Court. His next court appearance is scheduled on Nov. 5.


thedenverpost--2020-09-23--Fort Collins man suspected of sexual assault of a child

A Fort Collins man has been arrested for sexually assaulting a child he met on social media , police said @ @ @ @ @ , is being held on suspicion of sexual assault on a child , enticement of @ @ @ @ @ exploitation of a child , according to a police department news release .
In April @ @ @ @ @ Fort Collins to visit family and she met the suspect at that time through social @ @ @ @ @ “ He arranged to meet the victim in person on several occasions and engaged in @ @ @ @ @ release said .
Carranza-Estrada convinced the victim to send him sexually explicit photos , police @ @ @ @ @ arrested last week and booked into the Larimer County Jail .
“ Unfortunately , we @ @ @ @ @ that start with social media , ” said Sergeant Heather Moore , in the release @ @ @ @ @ use grooming behaviors to earn trust , create a false sense of intimacy , then @ @ @ @ @ long-term impacts .
”

A Fort Collins man has been arrested for sexually assaulting a child he met on social media, police said.
Abraham Carranza-Estrada, 23, is being held on suspicion of sexual assault on a child, enticement of a child, and sexual exploitation of a child, according to a police department news release.
In April, the victim came to Fort Collins to visit family and she met the suspect at that time through social media, police said.
“He arranged to meet the victim in person on several occasions and engaged in sexual activity,” the release said.
Carranza-Estrada convinced the victim to send him sexually explicit photos, police said. The suspect was arrested last week and booked into the Larimer County Jail.
“Unfortunately, we investigate a lot of cases that start with social media,” said Sergeant Heather Moore, in the release. “Sexual predators often use grooming behaviors to earn trust, create a false sense of intimacy, then engage in damaging acts with long-term impacts.”


thedenverpost--2020-09-23--Florida seeks investigation on Mike Bloomberg donation on voting

TALLAHASSEE , Fla. — Florida ’ s attorney general asked state and federal law enforcement on Wednesday to investigate possible election law violations after billionaire and former Democratic presidential candidate Mike Bloomberg helped raise more than $ 16 million for Florida felons to pay their debts so they can vote in the presidential election .
Attorney General Ashley Moody sent letters to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the FBI saying that further investigation is warranted .
Gov .
Ron DeSantis had asked Moody to review allegations that Bloomberg and the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition had violated the law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Moody are both Republicans .
“ I have instructed the Statewide Prosecutor to work with law enforcement and any Statewide Grand Jury that the Governor may call , ” Moody said in a written statement .
In 2018 , voters approved a constitutional amendment to restore most felons ’ voting rights once they ’ ve completed their sentences .
The exception was for murderers and sex offenders .
But when crafting the law to implement the amendment , the Republican-dominated Legislature said that rights wouldn ’ t be restored until all fines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Bloomberg announced this week that he raised more than $ 16 million to help pay off the financial obligations for felons so they can vote .
While the coalition says it doesn ’ t target people based on their political affiliation , Moody is questioning whether the donation violates laws that prohibit giving people incentives to vote .
Spokespeople for Bloomberg and DeSantis didn ’ t immediately reply to phone calls seeking comment .
A federal appellate court ruled on Sept. 11 that in addition to serving their sentences , Florida felons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal fees before they can regain their right to vote .
The case could have broad implications for the November elections .
Florida has 29 electoral college votes that are crucial to President Donald Trump ’ s hopes of staying in the White House .
Moody ’ s letter was sent on the same day DeSantis and the independently elected Cabinet , acting as the state clemency board , decided not to act on a pardon petition sought by Florida Rights Restoration Coalition President Desmond Meade .
Moody is a Cabinet member , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s request for a pardon .
DeSantis said he wanted more time to review his case .
The money Bloomberg raised is targeted for felons who registered to vote while the law was in question and who owe $ 1,500 or less .
That accounts for about 31,100 people , his staffers said .
In a state that decided the 2000 presidential election by 537 votes , that could be critical in a year when polls show Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden in a dead heat .
The Florida Rights Restitution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before Bloomberg made calls to raise almost $ 17 million more , according to Bloomberg staffers .
Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried , Florida ’ s only statewide elected Democrat and a member of the Cabinet , criticized the decision to investigate Bloomberg .
“ Florida Republicans will stop at nothing to prevent people from voting , and this is another ploy to suppress the voices of those trying to regain their right to vote , ” Fried said in a statement .
Whether Mike Bloomberg , John Legend or Lebron James , these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not being pardoned Wednesday , Meade said the clemency process is supposed to be about recognizing that people have turned their lives around and contributed to society , and he feels he ’ s done that .
“ They said they weren ’ t going to go into retrying the past , but it feels like there was a slight attempt to do so , ” Meade said .
“ In spite of whatever I ’ ve done in the past , I ’ ve clearly demonstrated over the last 20 years that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to giving back to society , to make my community a better place , to bring people together.
” Meade has his voting rights , but he is hoping to have all his civil rights restored .
He served prison time for drug charges and other offenses , but began turning his life around when he was released in 2005 .
He earned a law degree , but can ’ t work as a lawyer because of felony convictions .
That ’ s one of the reasons he wants his rights restored .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive director , has also had his voting rights restored and the clemency board restored his other civil rights Wednesday .
But he lamented that Meade wasn ’ t given the same privilege .
He noted that Meade was selected on Time magazine ’ s 2019 list of most influential people in the world and chosen as the University of Florida ’ s Bob Graham Center for Public Service ’ s “ Floridian of the Year.
” Graham is a former governor and U.S .
Senator .
“ Here ’ s a guy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unable to practice law , ” Volz said .
“ It just seems like , then what is enough ?
” The question of satisfying financial obligations before voting rights are restored continues to be battled in court .
On Sept. 11 , a federal appeals court reversed a lower court ruling that gave Florida felons the right to vote regardless of outstanding restitution , court fees and fines .

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida’s attorney general asked state and federal law enforcement on Wednesday to investigate possible election law violations after billionaire and former Democratic presidential candidate Mike Bloomberg helped raise more than $16 million for Florida felons to pay their debts so they can vote in the presidential election.
Attorney General Ashley Moody sent letters to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the FBI saying that further investigation is warranted. Gov. Ron DeSantis had asked Moody to review allegations that Bloomberg and the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition had violated the law by offering incentives for voting. DeSantis and Moody are both Republicans.
“I have instructed the Statewide Prosecutor to work with law enforcement and any Statewide Grand Jury that the Governor may call,” Moody said in a written statement.
In 2018, voters approved a constitutional amendment to restore most felons’ voting rights once they’ve completed their sentences. The exception was for murderers and sex offenders. But when crafting the law to implement the amendment, the Republican-dominated Legislature said that rights wouldn’t be restored until all fines, court fees and restitution were paid.
Bloomberg announced this week that he raised more than $16 million to help pay off the financial obligations for felons so they can vote. While the coalition says it doesn’t target people based on their political affiliation, Moody is questioning whether the donation violates laws that prohibit giving people incentives to vote.
Spokespeople for Bloomberg and DeSantis didn’t immediately reply to phone calls seeking comment.
A federal appellate court ruled on Sept. 11 that in addition to serving their sentences, Florida felons must pay all fines, restitution and legal fees before they can regain their right to vote. The case could have broad implications for the November elections. Florida has 29 electoral college votes that are crucial to President Donald Trump’s hopes of staying in the White House.
Moody’s letter was sent on the same day DeSantis and the independently elected Cabinet, acting as the state clemency board, decided not to act on a pardon petition sought by Florida Rights Restoration Coalition President Desmond Meade. Moody is a Cabinet member, but declined to vote on Meade’s request for a pardon. DeSantis said he wanted more time to review his case.
The money Bloomberg raised is targeted for felons who registered to vote while the law was in question and who owe $1,500 or less. That accounts for about 31,100 people, his staffers said. In a state that decided the 2000 presidential election by 537 votes, that could be critical in a year when polls show Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden in a dead heat.
The Florida Rights Restitution Coalition had raised about $5 million before Bloomberg made calls to raise almost $17 million more, according to Bloomberg staffers.
Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, Florida’s only statewide elected Democrat and a member of the Cabinet, criticized the decision to investigate Bloomberg.
“Florida Republicans will stop at nothing to prevent people from voting, and this is another ploy to suppress the voices of those trying to regain their right to vote,” Fried said in a statement. Whether Mike Bloomberg, John Legend or Lebron James, these are are contributions made legally.”
After not being pardoned Wednesday, Meade said the clemency process is supposed to be about recognizing that people have turned their lives around and contributed to society, and he feels he’s done that.
“They said they weren’t going to go into retrying the past, but it feels like there was a slight attempt to do so,” Meade said. “In spite of whatever I’ve done in the past, I’ve clearly demonstrated over the last 20 years that my life has been committed and dedicated to giving back to society, to make my community a better place, to bring people together.”
Meade has his voting rights, but he is hoping to have all his civil rights restored. He served prison time for drug charges and other offenses, but began turning his life around when he was released in 2005. He earned a law degree, but can’t work as a lawyer because of felony convictions. That’s one of the reasons he wants his rights restored.
Neil Volz, the group’s executive director, has also had his voting rights restored and the clemency board restored his other civil rights Wednesday. But he lamented that Meade wasn’t given the same privilege. He noted that Meade was selected on Time magazine’s 2019 list of most influential people in the world and chosen as the University of Florida’s Bob Graham Center for Public Service’s “Floridian of the Year.” Graham is a former governor and U.S. Senator.
“Here’s a guy who got his law degree and is unable to practice law,” Volz said. “It just seems like, then what is enough?”
The question of satisfying financial obligations before voting rights are restored continues to be battled in court. On Sept. 11, a federal appeals court reversed a lower court ruling that gave Florida felons the right to vote regardless of outstanding restitution, court fees and fines.