thedenverpost--2020-07-06--Tom Brady isn’t the only GOAT the Patriots are replacing

Succeeding Tom Brady is going to be a daunting venture whether newly acquired Cam Newton ultimately takes over for the greatest quarterback of all time , or Jarrett Stidham earns the assignment .
But that ’ s not the only challenging — and vital — mission a member of the Patriots has to undertake this coming season .
The next biggest job ?
Handling the offensive line .
Who follows Dante Scarnecchia ?
How does Bill Belichick replace the legendary coach ?
Coming in after Brady is going to be tough enough , but following Scar is no picnic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of offensive line coaches .
After offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and quarterback coach Jedd Fisch , who need to get Brady ’ s successor ready , the offensive line coach also stands high on the importance meter , especially with a new quarterback taking over .
Maybe that ’ s why Belichick is leaving the task to two people , not one .
It appears the Patriots are going with the tandem approach to handle the offensive line , with Popovich and Bricillo , who have both been in the system working under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job .
Adding to the degree of difficulty is a pandemic that made the offseason camps virtual .
Because of the situation at quarterback , getting onfield time — or not — has a ripple affect .
The Patriots can ’ t just have an ordinary line .
They have to be one of the best outfits in the league to give Newton , who is coming into a new system , and-or an unproven Stidham , the best chance to succeed .
In the case of Newton , who has had two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the 31-year-old quarterback .
Plus , he ’ s not exactly the stationary type of QB members of the Patriots line are used to having behind them .
There will be a huge adjustment to having a mobile play-caller , and what that entails for the offensive line given all the tweaks that are bound to be made with the offense .
“ You have to develop a feel for a mobile quarterback , but since they really haven ’ t blocked for a guy like that it ’ s going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offensive lineman Sebastian Vollmer .
“ Those things have to be practiced , or seen at the very least .
… OTAs would have been helpful.
” Needless to say , Popovich and Bricillo have their work cut out for them .
“ Following Scar , it ’ s almost unfair , ” said former Patriots offensive lineman and current ESPN analyst Damien Woody .
“ First off , his longevity is crazy .
And just the success he ’ s had .
I ’ ve always said Dante belongs in the Hall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that great of a coach in the National Football League .
And then , on top of that , not only are you replacing a legend , but you ’ re dealing with a pandemic at one of the most crucial positions in all of football.
” Along with having talented players , offensive line play is usually enhanced with the continuity of its line members , and building trust with the linemen next to you .
“ The one thing about an offensive line , ultimately , you have to get five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Woody .
“ The only way you usually do that , you have to rep together , you have to practice together , which you ’ re not doing in the pandemic .
So it ’ s going to be a challenge for the Patriots , and all the other teams as well .
But when you have a new O-line coach , and a pandemic , it ’ s not the best of circumstances.
” Then , there ’ s the new quarterback element .
While Stidham can use his legs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take off when necessary , that trait is more a staple of Newton ’ s game .
It ’ s a whole different animal getting in sync with a mobile quarterback , than a stay-in-the-pocket type .
That process doesn ’ t happen overnight .
Can Popovich and Bricillo meet the challenge ?
Six years ago , when Scarnecchia initially retired , Dave DeGuglielmo , aka “ Gug ” ( pronounced : Googe ) was brought in from the outside to take over .
The Patriots won a Super Bowl that year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season thanks in part to a season-ending injury to left tackle and blindside protector Nate Solder .
DeGuglielmo was fired the day after the Pats lost the AFC Championship to the Broncos .
Brady had been sacked four times in the 20-18 loss .
But even more disturbing was the fact he was hit 20 times , according to various accounts , and the hits came from everywhere .
That ’ s not how a franchise quarterback is supposed to be protected in a pivotal game .
That meant a swift exit for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , coming out of retirement to reclaim his old job .
Vollmer , who was on the team for that first transition from Scarnecchia , explained part of the difficulty was due to DeGuglielmo attempting to change the blocking scheme and players weren ’ t necessarily on board .
The other issue leading to DeGuglielmo ’ s demise dealt with the obvious : trying to replace an irreplaceable coach .
“ Scar , in my opinion , is the best offensive line coach who has coached anybody , ” said Vollmer , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Germany .
“ His technique that he developed , and the way he coached , will make you the best football player and offensive lineman you can be .
So it ’ s kind of like when Brady leaves , there ’ s no one who can replace a guy like that .
Or with Bill ( Belichick ) .
“ When you have someone who ’ s great at something , the next guy , it ’ s really not fair to compare , ” Vollmer went on .
“ However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to change the offensive line to his blocking scheme … and it wasn ’ t fair to him either , that players maybe didn ’ t buy in.
” That ’ s an interesting acknowledgement from Vollmer .
So there was a bit of clashing between DeGuglielmo and players who were weaned on Scarnecchia ’ s way , and were successful .
It was hard to move away from something that worked , even if the new coach was simply putting in his own system , which is usually how it works .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the greatest , ” said Vollmer , “ now you ’ re telling me I need to change , especially the older guys who were six and seven years in , and been to Super Bowls and stuff like that ( with Scarnecchia ) ?
It ’ s not the right attitude , but it happens .
When push comes to shove , you go back to a technique that you ’ re more comfortable with.
” Needless to say , it completely unraveled the second year .
Injuries to key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new techniques led to sloppy play .
Given Popovich has been with the team five seasons , four under Scarnecchia , and Bricillo spent his first NFL season last year working with Scar , Vollmer anticipates the system and blocking scheme will primarily remain the same — mobile quarterback not withstanding .
So some of the difficulties DeGuglielmo endured won ’ t necessarily be on the table for Scarnecchia ’ s replacements this time around , especially if the transition with the blocking schemes remains constant .
“ It won ’ t be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ If it ’ s the same technique that continues , they ’ ll be good .
I worked under Cole .
I think he ’ s going to be a good coach , plus they have a lot of talent on that offensive line , as well.
” “ Again , looking at them dealing with the pandemic , the last thing you want is wholesale changes , ” said Woody .
“ If they don ’ t deviate from what the players have already learned , that ’ s going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s going to replace Dante .
You can ’ t replace that amount of knowledge and experience .
But keeping things in place , things the players have familiarity with , is going to help them.
” The biggest adjustment for the players might prove to be getting used to having a quarterback who takes off when the moment suits him .
That was not something that was in Brady ’ s repertoire .
But with Newton , it ’ s now a feature the O-line has to get comfortable with , largely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England , Popovich was the offensive line coach/co-offensive coordinator at Minot State from 2014-15 .
Prior to that , he had stints as the offensive line coach at Fresno City College ( 2012-13 ) and Los Angeles Valley College ( 2011 ) .
He was an offensive lineman at Fresno State , earning All-America honors in 2004 .
Bricillo , meanwhile , was the offensive line coach at Youngstown State for nine years before landing in Foxboro and joining Scarnecchia ’ s staff as an assistant .
Bricillo was a center at Duquesne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the offensive line , and have prior experience being the top gun managing the line .
At the very least , that makes them relatable to the players .
And , along with maintaining the continuity of the system , Vollmer cautioned against Popovich and Bricillo trying to mimic Scarnecchia , who had a distinctive persona .
That was part of the former lineman ’ s advice to the new coaches .
“ It ’ s kind of like Bill ( Belichick ) .
If you ’ re trying to be Bill , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out .
You ’ re not Bill , ” said Vollmer .
“ And Scar , he ’ s just unique .
You can ’ t be him .
His way worked for him , and I have nothing but gratitude for that man .
But I don ’ t think you have to coach that way.
” With David Andrews returning at center after missing last season with blood clots in his lungs , and the rest of the starting line intact , assuming Joe Thuney ( $ 14.7 million franchise tag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should help Popovich and Bricillo with the challenges that lie ahead .
The starting unit , as is , stands as one of the best lines in the league .
Taking third-year left tackle Isaiah Wynn out of the equation , the other four ( Thuney , Andrews , Shaq Mason , Marcus Cannon ) have been together four seasons and won two Super Bowls .
The biggest question marks with the line come with the new coaches having to decide the best assembly of personnel to fill the backup roles .
Obviously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a new quarterback to the system , or a young quarterback starting out .
If the unit helps launch an effective run game , and gives Newton , Stidham or whoever ample time when dropping back to pass , it ’ s hard to ask for more .
“ Tom Brady has the ability to make an offensive line look better , or look good , ” said Vollmer .
“ He gets rid of the ball fast , his reads are fast , he knows the protections .
That luxury is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has registered just four NFL pass attempts , wins the job , that would likely be the case .
His inexperience will lead to some hesitation and indecision .
That won ’ t be the case with Newton , who has a pretty good trigger , and yet , isn ’ t in Brady ’ s league when it comes to making reads and delivering the ball in lightning-quick fashion .
He ’ s also getting used to a new offense , so there might be some hesitation initially .
Bottom line : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can stay healthy , and perform up to past standards , that ’ s the best recipe for success for any of the quarterbacks .
It ’ s also the ticket for Popovich and Bricillo to succeed following a legend .

Succeeding Tom Brady is going to be a daunting venture whether newly acquired Cam Newton ultimately takes over for the greatest quarterback of all time, or Jarrett Stidham earns the assignment.
But that’s not the only challenging — and vital — mission a member of the Patriots has to undertake this coming season.
The next biggest job? Handling the offensive line.
Who follows Dante Scarnecchia? How does Bill Belichick replace the legendary coach?
Coming in after Brady is going to be tough enough, but following Scar is no picnic, either. He’s the GOAT of offensive line coaches.
After offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and quarterback coach Jedd Fisch, who need to get Brady’s successor ready, the offensive line coach also stands high on the importance meter, especially with a new quarterback taking over.
Maybe that’s why Belichick is leaving the task to two people, not one.
Enter Cole Popovich and Carmen Bricillo.
It appears the Patriots are going with the tandem approach to handle the offensive line, with Popovich and Bricillo, who have both been in the system working under Scarnecchia, joining forces to tackle the job.
Adding to the degree of difficulty is a pandemic that made the offseason camps virtual. Because of the situation at quarterback, getting onfield time — or not — has a ripple affect. The Patriots can’t just have an ordinary line. They have to be one of the best outfits in the league to give Newton, who is coming into a new system, and-or an unproven Stidham, the best chance to succeed.
In the case of Newton, who has had two significant injuries, protection is a must for the 31-year-old quarterback. Plus, he’s not exactly the stationary type of QB members of the Patriots line are used to having behind them.
There will be a huge adjustment to having a mobile play-caller, and what that entails for the offensive line given all the tweaks that are bound to be made with the offense.
“You have to develop a feel for a mobile quarterback, but since they really haven’t blocked for a guy like that it’s going to be tough,” said former Patriots offensive lineman Sebastian Vollmer. “Those things have to be practiced, or seen at the very least. … OTAs would have been helpful.”
Needless to say, Popovich and Bricillo have their work cut out for them.
“Following Scar, it’s almost unfair,” said former Patriots offensive lineman and current ESPN analyst Damien Woody. “First off, his longevity is crazy. And just the success he’s had. I’ve always said Dante belongs in the Hall of Fame. He’s been that great of a coach in the National Football League. And then, on top of that, not only are you replacing a legend, but you’re dealing with a pandemic at one of the most crucial positions in all of football.”
Along with having talented players, offensive line play is usually enhanced with the continuity of its line members, and building trust with the linemen next to you.
“The one thing about an offensive line, ultimately, you have to get five guys to play as one,” said Woody. “The only way you usually do that, you have to rep together, you have to practice together, which you’re not doing in the pandemic. So it’s going to be a challenge for the Patriots, and all the other teams as well. But when you have a new O-line coach, and a pandemic, it’s not the best of circumstances.”
Then, there’s the new quarterback element. While Stidham can use his legs, and isn’t afraid to take off when necessary, that trait is more a staple of Newton’s game. It’s a whole different animal getting in sync with a mobile quarterback, than a stay-in-the-pocket type. That process doesn’t happen overnight.
Can Popovich and Bricillo meet the challenge?
First, a little background.
Six years ago, when Scarnecchia initially retired, Dave DeGuglielmo, aka “Gug” (pronounced: Googe) was brought in from the outside to take over.
The Patriots won a Super Bowl that year, but it quickly fell apart the next season thanks in part to a season-ending injury to left tackle and blindside protector Nate Solder. DeGuglielmo was fired the day after the Pats lost the AFC Championship to the Broncos. Brady had been sacked four times in the 20-18 loss. But even more disturbing was the fact he was hit 20 times, according to various accounts, and the hits came from everywhere. That’s not how a franchise quarterback is supposed to be protected in a pivotal game.
That meant a swift exit for DeGuglielmo, with Scarnecchia, in turn, coming out of retirement to reclaim his old job.
Vollmer, who was on the team for that first transition from Scarnecchia, explained part of the difficulty was due to DeGuglielmo attempting to change the blocking scheme and players weren’t necessarily on board.
The other issue leading to DeGuglielmo’s demise dealt with the obvious: trying to replace an irreplaceable coach.
“Scar, in my opinion, is the best offensive line coach who has coached anybody,” said Vollmer, who currently serves as an NFL ambassador to Germany. “His technique that he developed, and the way he coached, will make you the best football player and offensive lineman you can be. So it’s kind of like when Brady leaves, there’s no one who can replace a guy like that. Or with Bill (Belichick).
“When you have someone who’s great at something, the next guy, it’s really not fair to compare,” Vollmer went on. “However, when Gug came in, he tried to change the offensive line to his blocking scheme … and it wasn’t fair to him either, that players maybe didn’t buy in.”
That’s an interesting acknowledgement from Vollmer. So there was a bit of clashing between DeGuglielmo and players who were weaned on Scarnecchia’s way, and were successful. It was hard to move away from something that worked, even if the new coach was simply putting in his own system, which is usually how it works.
“You go from being coached by one of the greatest,” said Vollmer, “now you’re telling me I need to change, especially the older guys who were six and seven years in, and been to Super Bowls and stuff like that (with Scarnecchia)? It’s not the right attitude, but it happens. When push comes to shove, you go back to a technique that you’re more comfortable with.”
Needless to say, it completely unraveled the second year. Injuries to key players, and not fully embracing the new techniques led to sloppy play.
The point?
Given Popovich has been with the team five seasons, four under Scarnecchia, and Bricillo spent his first NFL season last year working with Scar, Vollmer anticipates the system and blocking scheme will primarily remain the same — mobile quarterback not withstanding.
So some of the difficulties DeGuglielmo endured won’t necessarily be on the table for Scarnecchia’s replacements this time around, especially if the transition with the blocking schemes remains constant.
“It won’t be as dramatic,” said Vollmer. “If it’s the same technique that continues, they’ll be good. I worked under Cole. I think he’s going to be a good coach, plus they have a lot of talent on that offensive line, as well.”
Woody agreed.
“Again, looking at them dealing with the pandemic, the last thing you want is wholesale changes,” said Woody. “If they don’t deviate from what the players have already learned, that’s going to be a big help. Nobody’s going to replace Dante. You can’t replace that amount of knowledge and experience. But keeping things in place, things the players have familiarity with, is going to help them.”
The biggest adjustment for the players might prove to be getting used to having a quarterback who takes off when the moment suits him. That was not something that was in Brady’s repertoire. But with Newton, it’s now a feature the O-line has to get comfortable with, largely through repetition.
Before arriving in New England, Popovich was the offensive line coach/co-offensive coordinator at Minot State from 2014-15. Prior to that, he had stints as the offensive line coach at Fresno City College (2012-13) and Los Angeles Valley College (2011).
He was an offensive lineman at Fresno State, earning All-America honors in 2004.
Bricillo, meanwhile, was the offensive line coach at Youngstown State for nine years before landing in Foxboro and joining Scarnecchia’s staff as an assistant. Bricillo was a center at Duquesne.
So both men have played on the offensive line, and have prior experience being the top gun managing the line.
At the very least, that makes them relatable to the players. And, along with maintaining the continuity of the system, Vollmer cautioned against Popovich and Bricillo trying to mimic Scarnecchia, who had a distinctive persona. That was part of the former lineman’s advice to the new coaches.
“It’s kind of like Bill (Belichick). If you’re trying to be Bill, that’s not going to work out. You’re not Bill,” said Vollmer. “And Scar, he’s just unique. You can’t be him. His way worked for him, and I have nothing but gratitude for that man. But I don’t think you have to coach that way.”
With David Andrews returning at center after missing last season with blood clots in his lungs, and the rest of the starting line intact, assuming Joe Thuney ($14.7 million franchise tag) isn’t traded, that should help Popovich and Bricillo with the challenges that lie ahead.
The starting unit, as is, stands as one of the best lines in the league. Taking third-year left tackle Isaiah Wynn out of the equation, the other four (Thuney, Andrews, Shaq Mason, Marcus Cannon) have been together four seasons and won two Super Bowls. The biggest question marks with the line come with the new coaches having to decide the best assembly of personnel to fill the backup roles.
Obviously, good line play is a must with a new quarterback to the system, or a young quarterback starting out. If the unit helps launch an effective run game, and gives Newton, Stidham or whoever ample time when dropping back to pass, it’s hard to ask for more.
“Tom Brady has the ability to make an offensive line look better, or look good,” said Vollmer. “He gets rid of the ball fast, his reads are fast, he knows the protections. That luxury is probably gone.”
If Stidham, who has registered just four NFL pass attempts, wins the job, that would likely be the case. His inexperience will lead to some hesitation and indecision.
That won’t be the case with Newton, who has a pretty good trigger, and yet, isn’t in Brady’s league when it comes to making reads and delivering the ball in lightning-quick fashion. He’s also getting used to a new offense, so there might be some hesitation initially.
Bottom line: If the starters on the offensive line can stay healthy, and perform up to past standards, that’s the best recipe for success for any of the quarterbacks. It’s also the ticket for Popovich and Bricillo to succeed following a legend.


thedenverpost--2020-07-06--NHL, NHLPA agree on protocols to resume season

The NHL and NHL Players ’ Association agreed Sunday on protocols to resume the season , a major step toward the return of hockey this summer .
Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly told The Associated Press there was an agreement on protocols for training camps and games and the sides are still negotiating an extension of the collective bargaining agreement , which is crucial to the process .
A person with knowledge of the situation said the return-to-play protocols would only go into effect if each side votes to approve the full package of the CBA extension and return-to-play agreement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ because CBA talks are still ongoing .
To complete a return , two-thirds of the league ’ s board of governors and majorities of the players ’ executive committee and full membership must vote in favor .
If everything is ratified , it will end a pandemic-forced shutdown that began in mid-March .
Games would resume in late July or early August with 24 teams taking part in an expanded playoffs , finishing with the Stanley Cup being awarded in October .
The agreement was first reported by TSN .
Assuming approval from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to open training camps July 13 before traveling to two “ hub ” cities for games .
Players have been able to skate and train off-ice in voluntary , small-group workouts since June 8 — nearly three months after hockey was halted March 12 with 189 regular-season games remaining .
Returning for the playoffs is seen as a stirring victory for the NHL , which like other top leagues faced the prospect of losing millions more without the television revenue tied to the postseason .
There were deep concerns about canceling the rest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests didn ’ t help : 26 players since June 8 , in addition to almost a dozen before that .
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A few players expressed concerns in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return .
“ We have obviously a unique situation right now , ” Montreal goaltender Carey Price said .
“ The NHL and the NHLPA are trying to make the best of a very difficult situation .
Moving forward I ’ d like to play , but we have a lot of questions that need to be answered and a lot of scenarios that need to be covered before I could vote yay or nay.
” Once play resumes , one player ’ s positive coronavirus test result is not expected to shut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it would isolate any player or staff member who tests positive , acknowledging an outbreak would threaten the remainder of the season .
The league will be in charge of testing players daily once they get to their game city .
“ The players will be pretty well-protected from being exposed , ” Montreal Canadiens owner Geoff Molson said during a conference call in June .
“ It ’ s going to be a completely different way for you all and us watching hockey and being around a team because players will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

The NHL and NHL Players’ Association agreed Sunday on protocols to resume the season, a major step toward the return of hockey this summer.
Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly told The Associated Press there was an agreement on protocols for training camps and games and the sides are still negotiating an extension of the collective bargaining agreement, which is crucial to the process.
A person with knowledge of the situation said the return-to-play protocols would only go into effect if each side votes to approve the full package of the CBA extension and return-to-play agreement. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because CBA talks are still ongoing.
To complete a return, two-thirds of the league’s board of governors and majorities of the players’ executive committee and full membership must vote in favor.
If everything is ratified, it will end a pandemic-forced shutdown that began in mid-March. Games would resume in late July or early August with 24 teams taking part in an expanded playoffs, finishing with the Stanley Cup being awarded in October.
The agreement was first reported by TSN.
Assuming approval from owners and players, teams are expected to open training camps July 13 before traveling to two “hub” cities for games. Players have been able to skate and train off-ice in voluntary, small-group workouts since June 8 — nearly three months after hockey was halted March 12 with 189 regular-season games remaining.
Returning for the playoffs is seen as a stirring victory for the NHL, which like other top leagues faced the prospect of losing millions more without the television revenue tied to the postseason. There were deep concerns about canceling the rest of the season and word of positive tests didn’t help: 26 players since June 8, in addition to almost a dozen before that.
Boston defenseman Matt Grzelcyk called the positive test results “eye-opening” but expected. A few players expressed concerns in recent weeks about the uncertainty surrounding a return.
“We have obviously a unique situation right now,” Montreal goaltender Carey Price said. “The NHL and the NHLPA are trying to make the best of a very difficult situation. Moving forward I’d like to play, but we have a lot of questions that need to be answered and a lot of scenarios that need to be covered before I could vote yay or nay.”
Once play resumes, one player’s positive coronavirus test result is not expected to shut down play entirely. The league has said it would isolate any player or staff member who tests positive, acknowledging an outbreak would threaten the remainder of the season.
The league will be in charge of testing players daily once they get to their game city.
“The players will be pretty well-protected from being exposed,” Montreal Canadiens owner Geoff Molson said during a conference call in June. “It’s going to be a completely different way for you all and us watching hockey and being around a team because players will be really well protected throughout the process.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-05--Naked men and drunks: England assesses the reopening of pubs

LONDON — It seems to have been more like a typical Saturday night than a drunken New Year ’ s Eve .
The reopening of pubs in England does not seem to have overwhelmed emergency services as many had feared ahead of the biggest easing of Britain ’ s coronavirus lockdown .
But one senior police officer said Sunday it was “ crystal clear ” that drunk people struggled , or ignored , social distancing rules .
For the most part , people appeared to abide by the rules and rejoiced at the chance Saturday to lift a pint in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in some places large crowds raised concerns that the deadliest outbreak in Europe may find fresh legs .
Chris Newell , a 33-year-old courier , traveled to trendy Shoreditch in east London to see friends .
“ As long as everyone ’ s keeping their distance , we ’ re going to have a few drinks and just enjoy it and try and get back to a bit of normality , ” he said .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the vast majority of people did “ the right thing ” and abided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least one meter ( over 3 feet ) apart from members of another household if other safety measures were in place such as hand sanitizers .
“ It was really good to see people out and about and largely , very largely social distancing , ” he said on Sky News .
Police forces across the country said on the whole there were no significant issues .
“ It ’ s vital that we don ’ t lose track of how far we have come and all act responsibly and play our part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Bas Javid , a commander at London ’ s Metropolitan Police .
John Apter , chair of the Police Federation , who was on patrol in the southern England city of Southampton , said it was a busy shift , one that saw officers having to deal with naked men , “ happy ” drunks as well as “ angry ” drunks .
He said the shift “ managed to cope ” but it was “ crystal clear ” that those who have imbibed one too many can not , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pubs and restaurants worked hard to get ready for the moment , spacing tables , putting some staff behind plastic counters and registering customers upon arrival .
The wearing of masks is optional though , even for staff .
Rafal Liszewski , a store manager in the London district of Soho , voiced concerns about the swelling crowds on Saturday .
“ Quickly everything got out of control and by 8-9 p.m. it was a proper street party with people dancing and drinking , ” he said .
“ Barely anyone was wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
to be honest with that many people on one street it was physically impossible.
” Some fear the British government is being overly hasty , even reckless , in sanctioning the changes .
The U.K. ’ s confirmed virus death toll of 44,220 is the third-highest in the world , behind the United States and Brazil .
The reopening of bars and restaurants in the United States and elsewhere has been blamed for a spike in new infections .
David King , a former chief scientific adviser to the British government , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it looked like the strategy is to “ maintain ” the current level of about 3,000 new coronavirus infections per day across England in order to open up sections of the economy .
“ We need to look at the fastest route out of COVID-19 and that is not the current route , and that means a better economic recovery as well , ” he told Sky News .
The four nations of the U.K. — England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland — are moving at different speeds out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England , with a population of around 56 million , have been lifted the most , triggering concerns that Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson is being unduly influenced by a desire to kickstart Britain ’ s ailing economy .
Johnson ’ s office at No .
10 Downing Street , among many other places across the U.K. , was lit up blue overnight to celebrate the 72nd anniversary of the formation of the country ’ s beloved National Health Service , which gives free health care to residents .
People across the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ p.m. to say “ Thank you ” to the hundreds of thousands of staff who have worked selflessly throughout the coronavirus pandemic .
A Spitfire , the iconic World War II fighter plane , flew over several eastern NHS hospitals , finishing over Cambridge , with the message “ Thank U NHS ” painted on its underside .
After coming down with coronavirus himself , Johnson credited NHS workers with saving his life .
He was hosting a garden party for the NHS later Sunday .

LONDON — It seems to have been more like a typical Saturday night than a drunken New Year’s Eve.
The reopening of pubs in England does not seem to have overwhelmed emergency services as many had feared ahead of the biggest easing of Britain’s coronavirus lockdown. But one senior police officer said Sunday it was “crystal clear” that drunk people struggled, or ignored, social distancing rules.
For the most part, people appeared to abide by the rules and rejoiced at the chance Saturday to lift a pint in the company of their mates. but in some places large crowds raised concerns that the deadliest outbreak in Europe may find fresh legs.
Chris Newell, a 33-year-old courier, traveled to trendy Shoreditch in east London to see friends.
“As long as everyone’s keeping their distance, we’re going to have a few drinks and just enjoy it and try and get back to a bit of normality,” he said.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the vast majority of people did “the right thing” and abided by social distancing rules to stay at least one meter (over 3 feet) apart from members of another household if other safety measures were in place such as hand sanitizers.
“It was really good to see people out and about and largely, very largely social distancing,” he said on Sky News.
Police forces across the country said on the whole there were no significant issues.
“It’s vital that we don’t lose track of how far we have come and all act responsibly and play our part to minimise the spread of coronavirus,” said Bas Javid, a commander at London’s Metropolitan Police.
John Apter, chair of the Police Federation, who was on patrol in the southern England city of Southampton, said it was a busy shift, one that saw officers having to deal with naked men, “happy” drunks as well as “angry” drunks. He said the shift “managed to cope” but it was “crystal clear” that those who have imbibed one too many cannot, or won’t, socially distance.
Pubs and restaurants worked hard to get ready for the moment, spacing tables, putting some staff behind plastic counters and registering customers upon arrival. The wearing of masks is optional though, even for staff.
Rafal Liszewski, a store manager in the London district of Soho, voiced concerns about the swelling crowds on Saturday.
“Quickly everything got out of control and by 8-9 p.m. it was a proper street party with people dancing and drinking,” he said. “Barely anyone was wearing masks and nobody respected social distancing …. to be honest with that many people on one street it was physically impossible.”
Some fear the British government is being overly hasty, even reckless, in sanctioning the changes. The U.K.’s confirmed virus death toll of 44,220 is the third-highest in the world, behind the United States and Brazil. The reopening of bars and restaurants in the United States and elsewhere has been blamed for a spike in new infections.
David King, a former chief scientific adviser to the British government, criticized the latest lockdown easing. He said it looked like the strategy is to “maintain” the current level of about 3,000 new coronavirus infections per day across England in order to open up sections of the economy.
“We need to look at the fastest route out of COVID-19 and that is not the current route, and that means a better economic recovery as well,” he told Sky News.
The four nations of the U.K. — England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — are moving at different speeds out of the coronavirus lockdown. The restrictions in England, with a population of around 56 million, have been lifted the most, triggering concerns that Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson is being unduly influenced by a desire to kickstart Britain’s ailing economy.
Johnson’s office at No. 10 Downing Street, among many other places across the U.K., was lit up blue overnight to celebrate the 72nd anniversary of the formation of the country’s beloved National Health Service, which gives free health care to residents.
People across the country paid tribute to the NHS at 5 p.m. to say “Thank you” to the hundreds of thousands of staff who have worked selflessly throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
A Spitfire, the iconic World War II fighter plane, flew over several eastern NHS hospitals, finishing over Cambridge, with the message “Thank U NHS” painted on its underside.
After coming down with coronavirus himself, Johnson credited NHS workers with saving his life. He was hosting a garden party for the NHS later Sunday.


thedenverpost--2020-07-05--Felix Hernandez opts out of MLB season, Sean Doolittle on fence

Former Cy Young Award winner Félix Hernández has joined the list of major leaguers opting out of the 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic , at least temporarily ending the 34-year-old ’ s bid to revive his career .
Stars Christian Yelich of the Milwaukee Brewers and Jose Altuve of the Houston Astros said Sunday they plan to play the 60-game season scheduled to start later this month .
Reliever Sean Doolittle , who helped Washington win the World Series last year , plans to play but says that if he feels uncomfortable , he ’ ll opt out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States has done enough to combat the pandemic to deserve a return to sports .
As baseball prepares to start its season in less than three weeks while the coronavirus continues to ravage the U.S. , there is growing unease in many clubhouses .
Even Mike Trout ’ s mother weighed in on Twitter , urging Americans to wear masks as the reigning AL MVP considers his options for the season .
In Oakland , two projected members of the Athletics ’ starting rotation , ace Mike Fiers and Jesus Luzardo , were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ straight day of the reboot of spring training because of what manager Bob Melvin called a “ pending ” issue without elaborating , aside from saying it ’ s not injury-related .
Fiers was the whistleblower of the Houston Astros ’ sign-stealing scandal who pitched his second career no-hitter last season .
He and Luzardo were workout partners in Florida during the offseason and quarantine period .
The A ’ s , who have lost the AL wild-card game the last two seasons , are not confirming positive coronavirus tests .
Oakland was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workout because intake testing results for position players were not yet available following the July 4 holiday .
The team expects to practice as a full unit Monday .
Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker said Hernández decided to opt out after he participated in workouts on Friday and Saturday at Truist Park .
The decision came a day after Snitker announced that four-time All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman , premier reliever Will Smith and two other Atlanta players tested positive for the virus .
Hernández , a six-time All-Star in 15 seasons with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Young Award , needed a fresh start following his worst season .
King Félix signed a one-year minor league deal with the defending NL East champion Braves and made a strong early impression in spring training before the pandemic delayed the season .
Minutes after Nationals manager Dave Martinez said two players out of 60 tested were positive for the virus , Doolittle lamented not having his test results back from Friday and implored baseball to “ clean this up.
” The 33-year-old said the Nationals still haven ’ t received the respirator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s a little bit disorganized , ” Doolittle said .
“ We ’ re not getting tests back in time .
They still haven ’ t sent us the PPE .
We ’ re supposed to have N95 masks , stuff like that , gowns , gloves .
We ’ re supposed to have that stuff , we don ’ t have that stuff .
Those are the things it ’ s going to take for people to stay safe enough for us to continue this season.
” Doolittle said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play .
“ There ’ s a lot of players right now trying to make decisions that might be participating in camp that aren ’ t 100 percent comfortable with where things are at right now , ” Doolittle said .
“ I ’ m planning on playing , but if at any point I start to feel unsafe , if it starts to take a toll on my mental health with all these things that we have to worry about and just kind of this cloud of uncertainty hanging over everything , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Doolittle also implored fans to take care of themselves and attempt to stop the spread of COVID-19 to make sure baseball and other sports can resume .
“ Sports are like the reward of a functional society , and we ’ re just like trying to bring it back even though we ’ ve taken none of the steps to flatten the curve or whatever you want to say , ” he said .
“ We did flatten the curve for a little bit , but we didn ’ t use that time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opened back up for Memorial Day .
We decided we ’ re done with it .
“ If there aren ’ t sports , it ’ s going to be because people are not wearing masks because the response to this has been so politicized .
We need help from the general public .
If they want to watch baseball , please wear a mask , social distance , keep washing your hands.
” Yelich , the NL MVP in 2018 , said he never thought of opting out but will support any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it was an easy call , ” he said Sunday .
“ Guys are all in different boats .
If you choose to opt out or if we ever had anybody who chose to opt out , I would fully support that decision and understand where they were coming from.
” Altuve , the 2017 AL MVP , has two daughters at home , including one who was born this summer .
Although he had concerns about returning to play , he said : “ I asked our doctors and almost everybody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be because ( the baby ) is so young .
The answer I got was they don ’ t qualify for the high-risk percentage of people .
So that ’ s why I decided to join my team.
” Indians manager Terry Francona has been staying apprised on players such as Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher David Price who have decided against playing .
“ I have a feeling that there probably are more guys than have been listed that are probably along those categories that are thinking of things like that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joey Gallo and first baseman Ronald Guzman haven ’ t taken part in the first three days of workouts .
General manager Jon Daniels said they are still in the intake testing process .
Reliever Brett Martin tested positive on intake and allowed the Rangers to disclose that Friday .
Daniels said he didn ’ t plan to announce if the team has any more positive tests .
Pittsburgh manager Derek Shelton said outfielder Socrates Brito and pitcher Blake Cederlind tested positive for the coronavirus and allowed their names to be released .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the club who have tested positive but have not granted the team permission to announce the diagnosis .
Philadelphia ace Aaron Nola is among the seven Phillies players who haven ’ t reported .
The team is not revealing who is on the COVID-19 list .
Seven players have tested positive , including the players who forced the shutdown of the team ’ s spring training complex a few weeks ago .
The Chicago White Sox said two players tested positive and are asymptomatic .
They are isolated in Chicago .
Meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeted a picture of her son with the caption : “ If Mike Trout can wear a mask running the bases , you can wear a mask going out in public , ” with the hashtag “ WearAMask.
” Trout ’ s wife , Jessica , is expecting the couple ’ s first child in August and the Los Angeles Angels slugger has said he ’ s not comfortable with the current climate and might not play .

Former Cy Young Award winner Félix Hernández has joined the list of major leaguers opting out of the 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic, at least temporarily ending the 34-year-old’s bid to revive his career.
Stars Christian Yelich of the Milwaukee Brewers and Jose Altuve of the Houston Astros said Sunday they plan to play the 60-game season scheduled to start later this month. Reliever Sean Doolittle, who helped Washington win the World Series last year, plans to play but says that if he feels uncomfortable, he’ll opt out. He also wondered if the United States has done enough to combat the pandemic to deserve a return to sports.
As baseball prepares to start its season in less than three weeks while the coronavirus continues to ravage the U.S., there is growing unease in many clubhouses. Even Mike Trout’s mother weighed in on Twitter, urging Americans to wear masks as the reigning AL MVP considers his options for the season.
In Oakland, two projected members of the Athletics’ starting rotation, ace Mike Fiers and Jesus Luzardo, were not on the field for a second straight day of the reboot of spring training because of what manager Bob Melvin called a “pending” issue without elaborating, aside from saying it’s not injury-related.
Fiers was the whistleblower of the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal who pitched his second career no-hitter last season. He and Luzardo were workout partners in Florida during the offseason and quarantine period.
The A’s, who have lost the AL wild-card game the last two seasons, are not confirming positive coronavirus tests.
Oakland was forced to push back its first full-squad workout because intake testing results for position players were not yet available following the July 4 holiday. The team expects to practice as a full unit Monday.
Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker said Hernández decided to opt out after he participated in workouts on Friday and Saturday at Truist Park. The decision came a day after Snitker announced that four-time All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman, premier reliever Will Smith and two other Atlanta players tested positive for the virus.
Hernández, a six-time All-Star in 15 seasons with Seattle who won the 2010 AL Cy Young Award, needed a fresh start following his worst season. King Félix signed a one-year minor league deal with the defending NL East champion Braves and made a strong early impression in spring training before the pandemic delayed the season.
Minutes after Nationals manager Dave Martinez said two players out of 60 tested were positive for the virus, Doolittle lamented not having his test results back from Friday and implored baseball to “clean this up.”
The 33-year-old said the Nationals still haven’t received the respirator masks they were told were coming.
“It’s a little bit disorganized,” Doolittle said. “We’re not getting tests back in time. They still haven’t sent us the PPE. We’re supposed to have N95 masks, stuff like that, gowns, gloves. We’re supposed to have that stuff, we don’t have that stuff. Those are the things it’s going to take for people to stay safe enough for us to continue this season.”
Doolittle said he’s still debating whether to play.
“There’s a lot of players right now trying to make decisions that might be participating in camp that aren’t 100 percent comfortable with where things are at right now,” Doolittle said. “I’m planning on playing, but if at any point I start to feel unsafe, if it starts to take a toll on my mental health with all these things that we have to worry about and just kind of this cloud of uncertainty hanging over everything, then I’ll opt out.”
Doolittle also implored fans to take care of themselves and attempt to stop the spread of COVID-19 to make sure baseball and other sports can resume.
“Sports are like the reward of a functional society, and we’re just like trying to bring it back even though we’ve taken none of the steps to flatten the curve or whatever you want to say,” he said. “We did flatten the curve for a little bit, but we didn’t use that time to do anything productive. We just opened back up for Memorial Day. We decided we’re done with it.
“If there aren’t sports, it’s going to be because people are not wearing masks because the response to this has been so politicized. We need help from the general public. If they want to watch baseball, please wear a mask, social distance, keep washing your hands.”
Yelich, the NL MVP in 2018, said he never thought of opting out but will support any player who does.
“For myself, it was an easy call,” he said Sunday. “Guys are all in different boats. If you choose to opt out or if we ever had anybody who chose to opt out, I would fully support that decision and understand where they were coming from.”
Altuve, the 2017 AL MVP, has two daughters at home, including one who was born this summer.
Although he had concerns about returning to play, he said: “I asked our doctors and almost everybody how high-risk my baby and my wife could be because (the baby) is so young. The answer I got was they don’t qualify for the high-risk percentage of people. So that’s why I decided to join my team.”
Indians manager Terry Francona has been staying apprised on players such as Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher David Price who have decided against playing.
“I have a feeling that there probably are more guys than have been listed that are probably along those categories that are thinking of things like that,” he said.
Rangers All-Star slugger Joey Gallo and first baseman Ronald Guzman haven’t taken part in the first three days of workouts. General manager Jon Daniels said they are still in the intake testing process. Reliever Brett Martin tested positive on intake and allowed the Rangers to disclose that Friday.
Daniels said he didn’t plan to announce if the team has any more positive tests.
Pittsburgh manager Derek Shelton said outfielder Socrates Brito and pitcher Blake Cederlind tested positive for the coronavirus and allowed their names to be released. Shelton indicated there are other players on the club who have tested positive but have not granted the team permission to announce the diagnosis.
Philadelphia ace Aaron Nola is among the seven Phillies players who haven’t reported. The team is not revealing who is on the COVID-19 list. Seven players have tested positive, including the players who forced the shutdown of the team’s spring training complex a few weeks ago.
The Chicago White Sox said two players tested positive and are asymptomatic. They are isolated in Chicago.
Meanwhile, Trout’s mother, Debbie, tweeted a picture of her son with the caption: “If Mike Trout can wear a mask running the bases, you can wear a mask going out in public,” with the hashtag “WearAMask.”
Trout’s wife, Jessica, is expecting the couple’s first child in August and the Los Angeles Angels slugger has said he’s not comfortable with the current climate and might not play.


thedenverpost--2020-07-05--Indians manager Terry Francona favors nickname change for club

CLEVELAND — Cleveland manager Terry Francona won ’ t sidestep the hot-button topic any longer .
He believes the Indians need to change their contentious nickname .
“ I think it ’ s time to move forward , ” Francona said Sunday .
Francona ’ s comments came two days after the Indians , amid a nationwide movement to erase racially insensitive symbols , released a statement saying the organization is “ committed to engaging our community and appropriate stakeholders to determine the best path forward with regard to our team name.
” The team ’ s announcement — an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — came hours after the NFL ’ s Washington Redskins said they will undergo a review of their name and logo .
The Redskins announced their decision after several sponsors , including FedEx , which owns the naming rights to the team ’ s stadium , urged the franchise to change a nickname that has been deemed offensive for decades .
Like Francona , Washington coach Ron Rivera has called for his team to change its name .
During a Zoom call following a morning workout for his team at Progressive Field , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the subject of Cleveland ’ s name or mascot .
The team removed the highly debated Chief Wahoo logo from its game jerseys and caps last year , and now will consider changing a nickname that has been in place since 1915 .
“ I ’ ve been thinking about it and been thinking about it before we put out that statement , ” he said .
“ I know in the past , when I ’ ve been asked about , whether it ’ s our name or the Chief Wahoo , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say I know that we ’ re never trying to be disrespectful .
“ And I still feel that way .
But I don ’ t think that ’ s a good enough answer today .
I think it ’ s time to move forward .
It ’ s a very difficult subject .
It ’ s also delicate.
” Francona acknowledged his own past errors in judgment .
He doesn ’ t want to be labeled as someone who can ’ t adapt or change with the times .
“ Even at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to be too old to learn or to realize that , maybe I ’ ve been ignorant of some things , and to be ashamed of it , and to try to be better , ” said the 61-year-old , who guided the Boston Red Sox to two World Series titles .
“ I ’ m glad that we ’ re going to be open to listening , because I think that ’ s probably the most important thing right now , is being willing to listen , not necessarily just talk.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ coach Brad Mills has left the club to be with his family .
Mills ’ 18-month-old grandson , Beau , drowned during spring training .
• Felix Hernandez opts out of MLB season , Sean Doolittle on fence • As the Negro Leagues celebrates its centenary , a look at how Denver was integral in erasing baseball ’ s color line • Former Rockies star DJ LeMahieu tests positive for coronavirus as part of scary day for Yankees • Rockies players report to Coors Field in better shape than expected , manager Bud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t feel comfortable about this year “ I think it was agonizing for him to leave home , ” Francona said .
“ I think it was agonizing for him to leave here .
But I know in my heart he made the right decision .
If there ’ s ever a bittersweet moment , it was staying goodbye to him yesterday because I care about him enough that I know where he needs to be .
He ’ s been , I don ’ t know if it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one is better , that ’ s the one he ’ s been.
” Francona said his coaching staff will “ divvy up ” Mills ’ duties , but many of them will fall to assistant Mike Barnett .
Mills was in charge of organizing the re-start of training camp , which was halted in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
“ No one person will replace what Millsy does and we know that , ” Francona said .
“ And he knows that .
I think it was a difficult decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hadn ’ t been so difficult because I think I know in my heart where he needs to be and that ’ s home right now.
” NOTES : Francona did not have an update on outfielder Delino DeShields Jr. , who tested positive for the coronavirus and can ’ t join the team before twice testing negative .
On Friday , team president Chris Antonetti said DeShields only had “ minor symptoms.
” … The Indians will begin playing intrasquad scrimmages on Thursday .

CLEVELAND — Cleveland manager Terry Francona won’t sidestep the hot-button topic any longer. He believes the Indians need to change their contentious nickname.
“I think it’s time to move forward,” Francona said Sunday.
Francona’s comments came two days after the Indians, amid a nationwide movement to erase racially insensitive symbols, released a statement saying the organization is “committed to engaging our community and appropriate stakeholders to determine the best path forward with regard to our team name.”
The team’s announcement — an initial step toward a possible name change — came hours after the NFL’s Washington Redskins said they will undergo a review of their name and logo. The Redskins announced their decision after several sponsors, including FedEx, which owns the naming rights to the team’s stadium, urged the franchise to change a nickname that has been deemed offensive for decades. Like Francona, Washington coach Ron Rivera has called for his team to change its name.
During a Zoom call following a morning workout for his team at Progressive Field, Francona said he will no longer sidestep the subject of Cleveland’s name or mascot. The team removed the highly debated Chief Wahoo logo from its game jerseys and caps last year, and now will consider changing a nickname that has been in place since 1915.
“I’ve been thinking about it and been thinking about it before we put out that statement,” he said. “I know in the past, when I’ve been asked about, whether it’s our name or the Chief Wahoo, I think I would usually answer and say I know that we’re never trying to be disrespectful.
“And I still feel that way. But I don’t think that’s a good enough answer today. I think it’s time to move forward. It’s a very difficult subject. It’s also delicate.”
Francona acknowledged his own past errors in judgment. He doesn’t want to be labeled as someone who can’t adapt or change with the times.
“Even at my age, you don’t want to be too old to learn or to realize that, maybe I’ve been ignorant of some things, and to be ashamed of it, and to try to be better,” said the 61-year-old, who guided the Boston Red Sox to two World Series titles. “I’m glad that we’re going to be open to listening, because I think that’s probably the most important thing right now, is being willing to listen, not necessarily just talk.”
Francona also said his longtime bench coach Brad Mills has left the club to be with his family. Mills’ 18-month-old grandson, Beau, drowned during spring training.
“I think it was agonizing for him to leave home,” Francona said. “I think it was agonizing for him to leave here. But I know in my heart he made the right decision. If there’s ever a bittersweet moment, it was staying goodbye to him yesterday because I care about him enough that I know where he needs to be. He’s been, I don’t know if it’s my left or right hand, whichever one is better, that’s the one he’s been.”
Francona said his coaching staff will “divvy up” Mills’ duties, but many of them will fall to assistant Mike Barnett. Mills was in charge of organizing the re-start of training camp, which was halted in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“No one person will replace what Millsy does and we know that,” Francona said. “And he knows that. I think it was a difficult decision for him. I almost wish it hadn’t been so difficult because I think I know in my heart where he needs to be and that’s home right now.”
NOTES: Francona did not have an update on outfielder Delino DeShields Jr., who tested positive for the coronavirus and can’t join the team before twice testing negative. On Friday, team president Chris Antonetti said DeShields only had “minor symptoms.” … The Indians will begin playing intrasquad scrimmages on Thursday.


thedenverpost--2020-07-05--Democrats, Joe Biden look to accelerate Southern political shift

ATLANTA — From Mississippi retiring its state flag to local governments removing Confederate statues from public spaces , a bipartisan push across the South is chipping away at reminders of the Civil War and Jim Crow segregation .
Now , during a national reckoning on racism , Democratic Party leaders want those symbolic changes to become part of a fundamental shift at the ballot box .
Many Southern electorates are getting younger , less white and more urban , and thus less likely to embrace President Donald Trump ’ s white identity politics .
Southern Democrats are pairing a demographically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ congressional offices with presumptive presidential nominee Joe Biden , a 77-year-old white man they believe can appeal to what remains perhaps the nation ’ s most culturally conservative region .
“ There ’ s so much opportunity for everyone in this region , ” said Jaime Harrison , Democratic challenger to South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham and a 44-year-old Black man .
Decades of economic development have coaxed new residents to the area .
That includes white people from other parts of the country , Black families returning generations after the Great Migration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and a growing Latino population .
Harrison noted that even younger native Southerners , Black and white , are less wed to hard-partisan identities than their parents and grandparents were .
“ Sometimes we get held back by leadership that ’ s still anchored in old ways , ” Harrison said .
But “ all of these changes are starting to move the dynamics in so many communities .
… That ’ s not to say we ’ re forgetting our past .
But it won ’ t be the thing that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November elections will determine the extent of the change , with competitive races in the South affecting the presidency , U.S. Senate control and the balance of power in statehouses from Raleigh , North Carolina , to Austin , Texas .
Democratic victories would redefine policy fights over expanding health insurance access and overhauling criminal justice procedures , among other matters .
The general election is also critical because voters will elect the state lawmakers who will draw legislative and congressional boundaries after the 2020 census .
Republicans , for the most part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats to frame 2020 as a redefining year .
Still , they acknowledge obvious shifts that began with suburban growth in northern Virginia and extended southward down the coastline and westward to Texas .
“ North Carolina , Georgia , Texas – these are becoming real two-party states , ” said Republican pollster Brent Buchanan , whose firm , Cygnal , aides GOP campaigns across the country .
Biden ’ s campaign manager , Jen O ’ Malley Dillon , talks eagerly of “ an expanded map ” that puts North Carolina and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Great Lakes states that sent Trump to the White House .
Georgia and Texas , she adds , will be tighter than they ’ ve been in decades .
Buchanan said GOP-run state House chambers in Georgia and Texas are up for grabs , as are Republican U.S. Senate seats in North Carolina , Georgia and perhaps Texas .
Senate contests in South Carolina , Alabama and Mississippi could be much closer than typical statewide races in those Deep South states .
“ Georgia and the South are changing faster than most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a former Georgia lawmaker and state party chair .
“ That was happening before Trump , ” Porter said , but the president “ has accelerated it.
” True two-party states in the Old Confederacy — at least beyond Florida and Virginia and occasionally North Carolina — would be relatively newfound .
For generations after post-Civil War Reconstruction , the “ Solid South ” was uniformly Democratic , white voters ’ visceral rejection of President Abraham Lincoln ’ s Republican Party .
Beginning with the 1960s civil rights movement , most whites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during Democrat Barack Obama ’ s two terms as the first Black president .
More than party identity , the common controlling force was white cultural conservatism .
“ Voters align first on principles , then on policy , ” Buchanan said .
Democrats see Biden as a party leader who can put a metro-based coalition over the top by mitigating margins beyond big cities and suburbs .
“ Biden is a safe vessel for these ( white ) voters who might have been OK with Trump when everything ’ s going well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a stable leader who ’ ll do the right thing , ” said Zac McCrary , a Democratic pollster based in Alabama and whose firm is aligned with Biden ’ s campaign .
If Biden manages the feat , it would bridge the Southern appeals of the last three Democratic presidents .
Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton were native Southerners who , with whiter , less urban electorates , attracted white moderates and Black voters .
Carter , for example , styled himself a racial progressive , yet courted Alabama Gov .
George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 1976 primary .
Carter won across the South .
Clinton , who won several Southern states in 1992 , campaigned seamlessly among Black voters yet made a show of his death penalty support by traveling back to Arkansas during the campaign for the execution of a Black inmate .
Obama won North Carolina and Virginia in 2008 , leaning more heavily on diverse cities and battleground suburbs .
Biden , putting his needle-threading attempt on display , has noted his list of potential running mates includes “ several ” Black women .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ systemic inequalities , most recently using an Independence Day address to describe American history as a “ constant push and pull between two parts of our character , the idea that all men and women — all people — are created equal and the racism that has torn us apart.
” But with civil unrest spurred by the latest police violence against Black Americans , Biden has sought a middle ground , making clear he opposes progressives ’ calls to “ defund the police.
” Confederate symbols , Biden has argued , should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mob action , and he ’ s drawn distinctions between memorials to traitorous Confederates and those to national founders who owned slaves , including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson .
Their monuments , Biden said , should be protected .
McCrary said that approach , with Biden ’ s center-left positioning on policy , should prevent a white backlash that benefits Trump .
Buchanan argued it ’ s an open question of what uneasy white Southerners choose .
“ Those voters are still scared about the direction of their country , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sees progress , even as more tangible policy fights remain .
“ Almost all of my life , the Confederate flag flew over the state Capitol dome or on the grounds of the Statehouse , ” Harrison said .
“ For my sons , they will have no memory of that .
”

ATLANTA — From Mississippi retiring its state flag to local governments removing Confederate statues from public spaces, a bipartisan push across the South is chipping away at reminders of the Civil War and Jim Crow segregation.
Now, during a national reckoning on racism, Democratic Party leaders want those symbolic changes to become part of a fundamental shift at the ballot box.
Many Southern electorates are getting younger, less white and more urban, and thus less likely to embrace President Donald Trump’s white identity politics. Southern Democrats are pairing a demographically diverse slate of candidates for state and congressional offices with presumptive presidential nominee Joe Biden, a 77-year-old white man they believe can appeal to what remains perhaps the nation’s most culturally conservative region.
“There’s so much opportunity for everyone in this region,” said Jaime Harrison, Democratic challenger to South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham and a 44-year-old Black man.
Decades of economic development have coaxed new residents to the area. That includes white people from other parts of the country, Black families returning generations after the Great Migration north during the lynching and segregation era, and a growing Latino population. Harrison noted that even younger native Southerners, Black and white, are less wed to hard-partisan identities than their parents and grandparents were.
“Sometimes we get held back by leadership that’s still anchored in old ways,” Harrison said. But “all of these changes are starting to move the dynamics in so many communities. … That’s not to say we’re forgetting our past. But it won’t be the thing that’s dragging us back.”
The November elections will determine the extent of the change, with competitive races in the South affecting the presidency, U.S. Senate control and the balance of power in statehouses from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Austin, Texas.
Democratic victories would redefine policy fights over expanding health insurance access and overhauling criminal justice procedures, among other matters. The general election is also critical because voters will elect the state lawmakers who will draw legislative and congressional boundaries after the 2020 census.
Republicans, for the most part, aren’t as quick as Democrats to frame 2020 as a redefining year. Still, they acknowledge obvious shifts that began with suburban growth in northern Virginia and extended southward down the coastline and westward to Texas.
“North Carolina, Georgia, Texas – these are becoming real two-party states,” said Republican pollster Brent Buchanan, whose firm, Cygnal, aides GOP campaigns across the country.
Biden’s campaign manager, Jen O’Malley Dillon, talks eagerly of “an expanded map” that puts North Carolina and Florida in the same toss-up category as the Great Lakes states that sent Trump to the White House. Georgia and Texas, she adds, will be tighter than they’ve been in decades.
Buchanan said GOP-run state House chambers in Georgia and Texas are up for grabs, as are Republican U.S. Senate seats in North Carolina, Georgia and perhaps Texas. Senate contests in South Carolina, Alabama and Mississippi could be much closer than typical statewide races in those Deep South states.
“Georgia and the South are changing faster than most people think,” said DuBose Porter, a former Georgia lawmaker and state party chair. “That was happening before Trump,” Porter said, but the president “has accelerated it.”
True two-party states in the Old Confederacy — at least beyond Florida and Virginia and occasionally North Carolina — would be relatively newfound. For generations after post-Civil War Reconstruction, the “Solid South” was uniformly Democratic, white voters’ visceral rejection of President Abraham Lincoln’s Republican Party. Beginning with the 1960s civil rights movement, most whites drifted to Republicans. That trend peaked during Democrat Barack Obama’s two terms as the first Black president. More than party identity, the common controlling force was white cultural conservatism.
“Voters align first on principles, then on policy,” Buchanan said.
Democrats see Biden as a party leader who can put a metro-based coalition over the top by mitigating margins beyond big cities and suburbs. “Biden is a safe vessel for these (white) voters who might have been OK with Trump when everything’s going well, but now are just looking for a stable leader who’ll do the right thing,” said Zac McCrary, a Democratic pollster based in Alabama and whose firm is aligned with Biden’s campaign.
If Biden manages the feat, it would bridge the Southern appeals of the last three Democratic presidents. Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton were native Southerners who, with whiter, less urban electorates, attracted white moderates and Black voters. Carter, for example, styled himself a racial progressive, yet courted Alabama Gov. George Wallace, a former segregationist, in the 1976 primary. Carter won across the South.
Clinton, who won several Southern states in 1992, campaigned seamlessly among Black voters yet made a show of his death penalty support by traveling back to Arkansas during the campaign for the execution of a Black inmate. Obama won North Carolina and Virginia in 2008, leaning more heavily on diverse cities and battleground suburbs.
Biden, putting his needle-threading attempt on display, has noted his list of potential running mates includes “several” Black women. He speaks about centuries of injustice and systemic inequalities, most recently using an Independence Day address to describe American history as a “constant push and pull between two parts of our character, the idea that all men and women — all people — are created equal and the racism that has torn us apart.”
But with civil unrest spurred by the latest police violence against Black Americans, Biden has sought a middle ground, making clear he opposes progressives’ calls to “defund the police.”
Confederate symbols, Biden has argued, should come down, but ideally not through mob action, and he’s drawn distinctions between memorials to traitorous Confederates and those to national founders who owned slaves, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Their monuments, Biden said, should be protected.
McCrary said that approach, with Biden’s center-left positioning on policy, should prevent a white backlash that benefits Trump. Buchanan argued it’s an open question of what uneasy white Southerners choose. “Those voters are still scared about the direction of their country,” he said.
In South Carolina, Harrison sees progress, even as more tangible policy fights remain.
“Almost all of my life, the Confederate flag flew over the state Capitol dome or on the grounds of the Statehouse,” Harrison said. “For my sons, they will have no memory of that.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-05--Keeler: How Karl Dorrell did for the CU Buffs what Mel Tucker couldn’t

Georgia and Ohio , Mel Tucker knew .
California , he could fake .
It was the Colorado kids , the locals , that sometimes drove Midnight Mel straight up a stinking wall .
“ In some cases , you ’ ve got to recruit them even harder , ” the former CU Buffs football coach told me late last January , just a few weeks before he would jump ship for Michigan State .
“ And sometimes it ’ s an even tougher sell , just because of what they ’ ve seen over there , what they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , week-in and week-out .
What they were seeing hasn ’ t necessarily been super-positive .
Out-of-state ( kids ) hadn ’ t been paying as close attention .
It ’ s one of those things where you just can ’ t take it for granted.
” You sure as heck can ’ t , which is one of the reasons why the Erik Olsen fireworks on the Fourth of July were such a big deal — and a welcome win — for Karl Dorrell , Tucker ’ s successor .
Besides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tank , Olsen is the first top 5 in-state recruit , based on the 247Sports.com composite rankings , to commit to CU since Cherry Creek ’ s Dimitri Stanley ( No .
3 ) and Valor ’ s Blake Stenstrom ( No .
5 ) came aboard in 2018 .
The Heritage tight end , ranked No .
22 at his position nationally by 247Sports for the Class of 2021 , tapped the Buffs over Washington , Stanford , UCLA and Notre Dame .
Brand names , all .
You ’ ve got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July before you can beat ‘ em from August to December .
You ’ ve got to grasp your backyard before you can start locking the gates .
You ’ ve got to recruit them harder .
Tucker was a charmer par excellence , but he didn ’ t know the territory .
Dorrell already does , from the jump .
“ When you look at his last couple of classes ( at UCLA ) , there ended up being six or seven guys drafted on those teams , ” Brandon Huffman , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the CU coach .
“ I think Dorrell , once he found his footing , started to do an exceptional job .
The problem was , what he did the first few years .
Going against Pete Carroll ( at USC ) , that was pretty much impossible.
” There ’ s no Carroll here , at least not on the recruiting front .
The albatross is recent history , damning to the last .
Four different head coaches , two different conferences and just one bowl bid over the last 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a whole lot of trust from Gen Z. Dorrell is recruiting players who had yet to be born when CU last won a league title , as a member of the Big 12 , back in 2001 .
If Oregon is Spotify and USC is vinyl , the Buffs are a CD , and 5-7 ain ’ t cool .
Even with Olsen in the fold , CU had only five commits for 2021 as of early Sunday morning , according to 247Sports , the second-fewest in the Pac-12 behind Stanford ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s kind of been the perfect storm for everything , ” Huffman said .
“ Then you throw in COVID and throw in the philosophical differences between the old staff and the new staff , I think ( they ’ re ) just the complete victim of circumstance , with timing .
“ There ’ s not a program in the country that doesn ’ t have to adjust how they ’ re doing things , locally and nationally .
Literally , everything that could go wrong for recruiting , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now.
” When it comes to college football , nothing is promised at this point , including a season .
And these gates won ’ t lock themselves .

Georgia and Ohio, Mel Tucker knew. California, he could fake. It was the Colorado kids, the locals, that sometimes drove Midnight Mel straight up a stinking wall.
“In some cases, you’ve got to recruit them even harder,” the former CU Buffs football coach told me late last January, just a few weeks before he would jump ship for Michigan State.
“And sometimes it’s an even tougher sell, just because of what they’ve seen over there, what they’re (used to) seeing every year, week-in and week-out. What they were seeing hasn’t necessarily been super-positive. Out-of-state (kids) hadn’t been paying as close attention. It’s one of those things where you just can’t take it for granted.”
You sure as heck can’t, which is one of the reasons why the Erik Olsen fireworks on the Fourth of July were such a big deal — and a welcome win — for Karl Dorrell, Tucker’s successor.
Besides being 6-foot-5 and cut like a Sherman tank, Olsen is the first top 5 in-state recruit, based on the 247Sports.com composite rankings, to commit to CU since Cherry Creek’s Dimitri Stanley (No. 3) and Valor’s Blake Stenstrom (No. 5) came aboard in 2018.
The Heritage tight end, ranked No. 22 at his position nationally by 247Sports for the Class of 2021, tapped the Buffs over Washington, Stanford, UCLA and Notre Dame. Brand names, all.
You’ve got to beat ‘em from January to July before you can beat ‘em from August to December. You’ve got to grasp your backyard before you can start locking the gates. You’ve got to recruit them harder.
Tucker was a charmer par excellence, but he didn’t know the territory. Dorrell already does, from the jump.
“When you look at his last couple of classes (at UCLA), there ended up being six or seven guys drafted on those teams,” Brandon Huffman, national recruiting editor at 247Sports, said of the CU coach. “I think Dorrell, once he found his footing, started to do an exceptional job. The problem was, what he did the first few years. Going against Pete Carroll (at USC), that was pretty much impossible.”
There’s no Carroll here, at least not on the recruiting front. The albatross is recent history, damning to the last. Four different head coaches, two different conferences and just one bowl bid over the last 12 seasons have not, understandably, engendered a whole lot of trust from Gen Z.
Dorrell is recruiting players who had yet to be born when CU last won a league title, as a member of the Big 12, back in 2001. If Oregon is Spotify and USC is vinyl, the Buffs are a CD, and 5-7 ain’t cool.
Even with Olsen in the fold, CU had only five commits for 2021 as of early Sunday morning, according to 247Sports, the second-fewest in the Pac-12 behind Stanford’s four.
Good win. Sweet win.
Long way to go.
“It’s kind of been the perfect storm for everything,” Huffman said. “Then you throw in COVID and throw in the philosophical differences between the old staff and the new staff, I think (they’re) just the complete victim of circumstance, with timing.
“There’s not a program in the country that doesn’t have to adjust how they’re doing things, locally and nationally. Literally, everything that could go wrong for recruiting, besides getting commitments, is happening right now.”
When it comes to college football, nothing is promised at this point, including a season. And these gates won’t lock themselves.


thedenverpost--2020-07-05--Colorado Rapids delay trip to Florida, await COVID-19 lab results

The Colorado Rapids on Sunday announced the club was delaying its departure to Orlando , Florida , after learning two @ @ @ @ @ had presumptive positive tests for COVID-19 .
The Rapids are set to compete in the @ @ @ @ @ Orlando this month , which would make them the first Colorado pro sports team to @ @ @ @ @ pandemic began .
The Rapids delayed their trip until Tuesday , July 7 , “ @ @ @ @ @ caution , ” the team said in a news release , as they await final @ @ @ @ @ set to take on Rocky Mountain rivals Real Salt Lake in their first match of @ @ @ @ @ July 12 at 8:30 p.m .

The Colorado Rapids on Sunday announced the club was delaying its departure to Orlando, Florida, after learning two members of its traveling party had presumptive positive tests for COVID-19.
The Rapids are set to compete in the MLS is Back tournament in Orlando this month, which would make them the first Colorado pro sports team to resume play since the coronavirus pandemic began.
The Rapids delayed their trip until Tuesday, July 7, “out of an abundance of caution,” the team said in a news release, as they await final lab results.
Colorado is set to take on Rocky Mountain rivals Real Salt Lake in their first match of the World Cup-style tournament on July 12 at 8:30 p.m.


thedenverpost--2020-07-05--Nolan Arenado Q&A: Rockies star on love of game, coronavirus, feud with front office and expections

Nolan Arenado Q&A: Rockies star on love of game, coronavirus, feud with front office and expections for 60-game season

Rockies all-star third baseman Nolan Arenado was back on the Coors Field diamond on Saturday afternoon , scooping grounders and making throws to first with the flash that has earned him seven consecutive Gold Glove awards .
His joy of being back on the field with his teammates was apparent .
Arenado said he respects the decision of some of his fellow big-league players , including teammate Ian Desmond , to bow out of the 2020 season because of health and safety concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic .
But he can ’ t hide his excitement about playing baseball again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choice to make and during these times and it must be respected , ” Arenado said .
“ Everyone has the answers nowadays , even when not knowing ( what others ) are going through .
So , respect their choice .
“ As far as playing , yes I want to play .
I ’ m 29 once in my life .
I ’ m never going to get this time back ever again .
So I ’ m going to go as hard as I can .
God has blessed me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m going to do .
My family supports me and that ’ s all that matters.
” Arenado also said that the shutdown due to COVID-19 gave him an even greater appreciation for his career .
“ Well , I guess when you get caught in a routine you just tend to think things will fall in place , and obviously they do not , ” he said .
“ This has been a big eye-opener for me .
What I appreciate is my family , ( the ) people closest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baseball .
I love to do it and it ’ s something I feel I try not to take it for granted.
” “ But this has changed my ( perspective ) , especially because it makes me appreciate being on the field , and I would like to do it for a very long time if I can .
I would love to have a career like ( Adrian ) Beltre , ( Todd ) Helton , ( Matt ) Holliday .
“ God willing , my body holds up , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a long time .
Because when it ’ s over , it ’ s over .
I guess this has been a taste of retirement and it ’ s not very good .
I don ’ t like it.
” In a wide-ranging question-and-answer session on Sunday , Arenado also talked about his expectations for the Rockies ’ 60-game season , that offseason trade controversy with general manager Jeff Bridich and much more .
Question : Do you like the Rockies ’ chances in a 60-game sprint of a season ?
Arenado : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has confidence it can do it .
What we need is confidence , especially after last year .
It won ’ t be easy by any means because there ’ s a lot of teams that have gotten good and it will be tough — especially being in the West , facing teams we usually never face .
But I do believe guys have something to prove.
” Q : You looked like you were having fun on the field Saturday during infield practice .
What were some of the things that you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Arenado : “ I miss talking to the guys , working with everyone .
Seeing ( Trevor ) Story at shortstop .
I missed being in a stadium like this .
It feels good ; it ’ s refreshing and energizing.
” Q : What kind of shape are you in as summer camp begins ?
Arenado : I ’ m in game-ready shape .
My weight is a little down — 209-ish .
It ’ s the first time ever being home in summer and working out , so I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
I would like to get to 215-217 pounds when the games start .
But have to do it the right way , without feeling sluggish .
“ I ’ ve been working .
I ’ ve done everything to be prepared .
The hardest part is timing .
I was facing live ( pitching ) but not as consistent as I needed to get where I want .
So that ’ s the only thing missing .
Hopefully , I get that down during this ( camp ) .
” Q @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during spring training , but has there been any “ clear-the-air ” discussions with general manager Jeff Bridich and the front office in regard to the trade rumors and harsh words ?
Is it necessary ?
With the serious , real-life stuff going on , has any perspective changed ?
Arenado : “ Yeah , the offseason was a little different than usual , and I think during this time being away we just feel like that ’ s the least of our worries .
Let ’ s get back to work and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All that other stuff can be for another time .
Right now , let ’ s focus on the team and on being positive , because there is so much negativity surrounding our game and our country .
I ’ m just thankful to be back on a field.
” Q : You have some talented young teammates .
Who are you excited to see this season ?
Arenado : “ I ’ m excited to see ( cousin ) Josh ( Fuentes ) .
We worked hard during the break .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I guess the guys who will make our team .
But I don ’ t know who is all making the team .
It ’ s been hard because not everyone is ( working out ) in the same group yet .
I ’ ll have a better idea when we around each other more.
” Q : Do you have any statistical goals during this three-month sprint of a season ?
Arenado : “ The main stat is winning .
I think that ’ s the goal .
Every win counts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counts like two .
As a competitor , of course , I want numbers but I think the point is that you ’ ve got to stay mentally strong during this year because it ’ s not a lot of games .
It ’ s just focusing on the team and contributing any way you can.
” Q : If you have it your way , will you play in all 60 games ?
Is that realistic ?
Arenado : God willing .
I feel good .
Staying away from getting sick , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) is what I need to do .
And what I want .
The more games you play the more comfortable you ’ ll feel.
” Q : What can you say about Trevor Story ’ s growth as a leader and a player ?
Arenado : “ He ’ s a star and he ’ s only getting better .
Story understands that people are looking up to him now because of what he has done on the field and ( because of his ) work ethic .
So he knows that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader .
I know that I look up to him also.
” Q : Have you come to grips about playing games without fans in the stands ?
Arenado : “ I think with the excitement of playing again , in the beginning , I ’ ll just be happy to be out there .
But as the season goes on it ’ s going to be weird and it ’ s going to be an adjustment .
“ I hope ( near the end of the season ) there will be fans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health expert .
I don ’ t know how that will work out .
If not , it is what it is .
The motivation will be there .
It ’ s 60 games , so I ’ m not worried about showing up for 60.
” Q : How does it feel getting up in the morning now , knowing that you get to put on a baseball uniform , knowing that there is a target date for opening the season and knowing there will be a schedule with real games ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ amazing feeling .
It ’ s always been a great feeling , but especially after what ’ s going on in our country , it feels even better .
Putting pants on and hitting pearls — it ’ s awesome .
I haven ’ t seen anything yet but I can ’ t wait for the schedule to come out and know who we open up with .
”

Rockies all-star third baseman Nolan Arenado was back on the Coors Field diamond on Saturday afternoon, scooping grounders and making throws to first with the flash that has earned him seven consecutive Gold Glove awards.
His joy of being back on the field with his teammates was apparent.
Arenado said he respects the decision of some of his fellow big-league players, including teammate Ian Desmond, to bow out of the 2020 season because of health and safety concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic. But he can’t hide his excitement about playing baseball again.
“I think everyone has a choice to make and during these times and it must be respected,” Arenado said. “Everyone has the answers nowadays, even when not knowing (what others) are going through. So, respect their choice.
“As far as playing, yes I want to play. I’m 29 once in my life. I’m never going to get this time back ever again. So I’m going to go as hard as I can. God has blessed me to play and that’s what I’m going to do. My family supports me and that’s all that matters.”
Arenado also said that the shutdown due to COVID-19 gave him an even greater appreciation for his career.
“Well, I guess when you get caught in a routine you just tend to think things will fall in place, and obviously they do not,” he said. “This has been a big eye-opener for me. What I appreciate is my family, (the) people closest to me. And, obviously, baseball. I love to do it and it’s something I feel I try not to take it for granted.”
“But this has changed my (perspective), especially because it makes me appreciate being on the field, and I would like to do it for a very long time if I can. I would love to have a career like (Adrian) Beltre, (Todd) Helton, (Matt) Holliday.
“God willing, my body holds up, but I would like to do this for a long time. Because when it’s over, it’s over. I guess this has been a taste of retirement and it’s not very good. I don’t like it.”
In a wide-ranging question-and-answer session on Sunday, Arenado also talked about his expectations for the Rockies’ 60-game season, that offseason trade controversy with general manager Jeff Bridich and much more.
Question: Do you like the Rockies’ chances in a 60-game sprint of a season?
Arenado: “I do I think every team has confidence it can do it. What we need is confidence, especially after last year. It won’t be easy by any means because there’s a lot of teams that have gotten good and it will be tough — especially being in the West, facing teams we usually never face. But I do believe guys have something to prove.”
Q: You looked like you were having fun on the field Saturday during infield practice. What were some of the things that you missed most being away from the game?
Arenado: “I miss talking to the guys, working with everyone. Seeing (Trevor) Story at shortstop. I missed being in a stadium like this. It feels good; it’s refreshing and energizing.”
Q: What kind of shape are you in as summer camp begins?
Arenado: I’m in game-ready shape. My weight is a little down — 209-ish. It’s the first time ever being home in summer and working out, so I was just burning a lot (of calories). I would like to get to 215-217 pounds when the games start. But have to do it the right way, without feeling sluggish.
“I’ve been working. I’ve done everything to be prepared. The hardest part is timing. I was facing live (pitching) but not as consistent as I needed to get where I want. So that’s the only thing missing. Hopefully, I get that down during this (camp).”
Q: We talked a lot about this during spring training, but has there been any “clear-the-air” discussions with general manager Jeff Bridich and the front office in regard to the trade rumors and harsh words? Is it necessary? With the serious, real-life stuff going on, has any perspective changed?
Arenado: “Yeah, the offseason was a little different than usual, and I think during this time being away we just feel like that’s the least of our worries. Let’s get back to work and enjoy what we are doing.
“All that other stuff can be for another time. Right now, let’s focus on the team and on being positive, because there is so much negativity surrounding our game and our country. I’m just thankful to be back on a field.”
Q: You have some talented young teammates. Who are you excited to see this season?
Arenado: “I’m excited to see (cousin) Josh (Fuentes). We worked hard during the break. And (Sam) Hilliard, Brendan Rodgers. I guess the guys who will make our team. But I don’t know who is all making the team. It’s been hard because not everyone is (working out) in the same group yet. I’ll have a better idea when we around each other more.”
Q: Do you have any statistical goals during this three-month sprint of a season?
Arenado: “The main stat is winning. I think that’s the goal. Every win counts like two wins, and every loss counts like two. As a competitor, of course, I want numbers but I think the point is that you’ve got to stay mentally strong during this year because it’s not a lot of games. It’s just focusing on the team and contributing any way you can.”
Q: If you have it your way, will you play in all 60 games? Is that realistic?
Arenado: God willing. I feel good. Staying away from getting sick, and yes, all 60 (games) is what I need to do. And what I want. The more games you play the more comfortable you’ll feel.”
Q: What can you say about Trevor Story’s growth as a leader and a player?
Arenado: “He’s a star and he’s only getting better. Story understands that people are looking up to him now because of what he has done on the field and (because of his) work ethic. So he knows that, and he wants to be a leader. I know that I look up to him also.”
Q: Have you come to grips about playing games without fans in the stands?
Arenado: “I think with the excitement of playing again, in the beginning, I’ll just be happy to be out there. But as the season goes on it’s going to be weird and it’s going to be an adjustment.
“I hope (near the end of the season) there will be fans, but I’m not the health expert. I don’t know how that will work out. If not, it is what it is. The motivation will be there. It’s 60 games, so I’m not worried about showing up for 60.”
Q: How does it feel getting up in the morning now, knowing that you get to put on a baseball uniform, knowing that there is a target date for opening the season and knowing there will be a schedule with real games?
Arenado: “It’s an amazing feeling. It’s always been a great feeling, but especially after what’s going on in our country, it feels even better. Putting pants on and hitting pearls — it’s awesome. I haven’t seen anything yet but I can’t wait for the schedule to come out and know who we open up with.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-05--Bandimere Speedway violated social distancing requirements during 4th of July race, health departmen

Bandimere Speedway violated social distancing requirements during 4th of July race, health department says

A racetrack in Morrison violated court-ordered social distancing requirements during an event attended by fans on the Fourth of July , the Jefferson County Health Department said Sunday , announcing that it would “ pursue legal actions ” against the Bandimere Speedway .
The speedway did not limit and manage the crowd size , implement social distancing requirements or adhere to state rules during the July 4 event , the health department said in a news release , the latest move in an ongoing dispute between health officials and the racetrack that started last week .
A district court judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that required the speedway to limit its crowd sizes to 175 people per activity and to follow social distancing guidelines , ensuring fans from different families stayed six feet apart .
“ While Bandimere said they would comply prior to the event , those requirements were violated , ” the health department ’ s statement said .
The health department didn ’ t provide details for the violations but said the finding was based on what staff observed at the jet car nationals event .
Bandimere officials didn ’ t immediately return a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recording on their phone line Sunday urged race-goers to practice social distancing during Saturday ’ s event , and said the event was sold out because of restrictions on crowd size .
“ The temporary restraining order is still in effect , so we need our guests and racers to maintain the required guidelines , ” the recording said .
It also noted that county health officials would be on site to monitor the event .
The race track said Friday on its Facebook page it would only allow people to sit in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked attendees to practice social distancing .
The track said masks would be optional .

A racetrack in Morrison violated court-ordered social distancing requirements during an event attended by fans on the Fourth of July, the Jefferson County Health Department said Sunday, announcing that it would “pursue legal actions” against the Bandimere Speedway.
The speedway did not limit and manage the crowd size, implement social distancing requirements or adhere to state rules during the July 4 event, the health department said in a news release, the latest move in an ongoing dispute between health officials and the racetrack that started last week.
A district court judge on Thursday issued a temporary restraining order that required the speedway to limit its crowd sizes to 175 people per activity and to follow social distancing guidelines, ensuring fans from different families stayed six feet apart.
“While Bandimere said they would comply prior to the event, those requirements were violated,” the health department’s statement said.
The health department didn’t provide details for the violations but said the finding was based on what staff observed at the jet car nationals event.
Bandimere officials didn’t immediately return a phone message Sunday seeking comment. A recording on their phone line Sunday urged race-goers to practice social distancing during Saturday’s event, and said the event was sold out because of restrictions on crowd size.
“The temporary restraining order is still in effect, so we need our guests and racers to maintain the required guidelines,” the recording said. It also noted that county health officials would be on site to monitor the event.
The race track said Friday on its Facebook page it would only allow people to sit in every other row of the grandstands and asked attendees to practice social distancing. The track said masks would be optional.
The Associated Press contributed.