thedenverpost--2020-07-29--Bud Black proud of how Rockies are handling coronavirus pandemic

Major League Baseball is staring at its first major crisis of a season being threatened by the coronavirus pandemic .
The Miami Marlins ’ season has been temporarily paused until at least Monday as they remain quarantined in Philadelphia following the latest round of COVID-19 testing .
At least 15 players , and two staff members , tested positive during the weekend series at Philadelphia .
On the other side of the continent , where the Rockies played at the Oakland A ’ s Tuesday night , the shockwave was felt .
“ It ’ s affected the baseball community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ To see what ’ s happened to the Marlins , that ’ s tough news , that ’ s bad news .
Hopefully — with what they are calling a pause , right ?
— they can bounce back , and some of these tests will come back negative and they can get back on the field.
” Black has repeatedly praised the Rockies ’ strict adherence to MLB ’ s health protocols .
He did so again Tuesday .
“ It ’ s been outstanding to watch our players , our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strength guys , our baseball operations team , go through this with strict compliance , ” he said .
“ I ’ m proud of our organization.
” Rockies all-star right fielder Charlie Blackmon , who has recovered from a mild case of COVID-19 in time to play in the first four games of the season , echoed Black ’ s comments .
“ I think the Rockies are working hard to stay safe and ensure we have baseball this summer , ” Blackmon said .
“ I hate to hear about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all recover safely.
” Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez , who underwent a heart procedure last September , has acknowledged his fear about the virus .
“ I ’ m going to be honest with you , I ’ m scared .
I really am , ” Martinez told the media on Monday .
“ I go from ( the ballpark ) , home , back here every day , that ’ s all I do .
I wash my hands , I went from 47 times a day to probably 99 times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I go .
But there ’ s always that concern , you know.
” Martinez is 55 , while Black is 63 .
A number of the Rockies ’ coaches and staff are over 50 , including third-base coach Stu Cole ( 54 ) , first-base coach Ron Gideon ( 56 ) and pitching coach Steve Foster ( 53 ) .
Black said that the Rockies ’ older coaches are paying close attention to safety protocols .
“ We ’ re watching out for each other , ” Black said .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through this with a positive mindset , that we ’ re going to keep playing , and we ’ re going keep going , keep moving forward.
” Shaw ’ s redemption .
Right-handed reliever Bryan Shaw , released by the Rockies on July 17 , is now pitching for Seattle .
He said that his struggles in two seasons with Colorado were due , in part , to an inability to adjust to pitching in Denver ’ s mile-high altitude .
“ I got there and the sliders didn ’ t work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It didn ’ t matter what we did .
We tried to tinker with it .
We tried to change it .
We tried to do different stuff and it just basically fell by the wayside .
“ So , basically , I became a cutter-primary ( pitcher ) with kind of a little cement-mixer slider that didn ’ t really do anything .
I think that attributed a lot to the adverse results that I had .
Stemming from that , we tried to do some different things to create that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stuff in the mechanical side which then kind of just messed with everything a little bit .
It just kind of snowballed there.
” Asked about those comments , Black acknowledged that Shaw didn ’ t meet expectations in Colorado , but said that Shaw gave it his best shot .
“ My initial thought was , Bryan was going to continue to throw how he did in Cleveland , ” Black said .
“ They were outstanding .
I thought it was a great fit with us , and there were moments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threw the ball great .
“ He didn ’ t lose any velocity , the movement on his pitches were still comparable .
He just had , for me , a hard time consistently locating the ball … getting the ball in good spots .
But Bryan never wavered in his competitiveness.
” Shaw signed a three-year , $ 27 million contract prior to the 2018 season .
But he posted a 5.61 ERA in two seasons , looking nothing like the pitcher he was in Cleveland , where he ’ s posted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nine innings in 387 appearances over five seasons .
Brothers in arms .
Atlanta lefty Tyler Matzek , the Rockies ’ first-round pick in 2009 , whose career was derailed by a case of the yips , made his first appearance since 2015 in the eighth inning Sunday .
He faced four hitters in a scoreless outing .
“ It felt great to be back out there , ” Matzek said .
“ It was a moment I had been using as motivation for years.
” Matzek ’ s comeback appearance came a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who battled his own case of the yips , pitched for the first time since 2013 .
Matzek and Bard know each other from Bard ’ s stint as a mental skills coach with Arizona .
“ I ’ m so happy for ‘ Bardo , ’ Matzek said .
“ Great dude.
” Marquez was Colorado ’ s opening-day starter for the first time .
Now he wants to be an ace .
He certainly looked the part on Friday at Texas when he allowed one run on two hits with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2/3 innings .
The right-hander is making his second career start against the A ’ s , his first in Oakland .
On July 29 , 2018 at Coors Field , he held the A ’ s to two runs on five hits and fanned eight across 7 2/3 innings in Colorado ’ s victory .
Montas also threw on opening day for the first time , getting a no-decision in the A ’ s 7-3 , 10-inning win over the Angels .
He gave up one run on three hits , struck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ innings .
He ’ s faced the Rockies once , taking the loss in a 3-2 Colorado victory on July 29 , 2018 at Coors .
He lasted just 4 1/3 innings , giving up three runs on eight hits .
He pitched well in 16 starts last season ( 9-2 , 2.63 ERA ) but was suspended for 80 games for violating Major League Baseball ’ s drug policy .
Opponents batted just .230 against Montas last season .
Trending : Rockies pitchers allowed just five runs in the opening three-game series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an opening series and their fewest in any series since 2018 .
At issue : Starting second baseman Ryan McMahon is off to a slow start .
Entering Tuesday night ’ s game at Oakland , he was 0-for-10 with seven strikeouts .
Pitching probables Thursday : Off Friday : Padres RHP Garrett Richards ( 0-0 , 0.00 ) at Rockies RHP Jon Gray ( 0-0 , 1.93 ) , 6:10 p.m. , ATTRM Saturday : Padres LHP Joey Lucchesi ( 10-10 , 4.18 in 2019 ) at Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ATTRM

Major League Baseball is staring at its first major crisis of a season being threatened by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Miami Marlins’ season has been temporarily paused until at least Monday as they remain quarantined in Philadelphia following the latest round of COVID-19 testing. At least 15 players, and two staff members, tested positive during the weekend series at Philadelphia.
On the other side of the continent, where the Rockies played at the Oakland A’s Tuesday night, the shockwave was felt.
“It’s affected the baseball community,” manager Bud Black said. “To see what’s happened to the Marlins, that’s tough news, that’s bad news. Hopefully — with what they are calling a pause, right? — they can bounce back, and some of these tests will come back negative and they can get back on the field.”
Black has repeatedly praised the Rockies’ strict adherence to MLB’s health protocols. He did so again Tuesday.
“It’s been outstanding to watch our players, our coaching staff, our trainers, our strength guys, our baseball operations team, go through this with strict compliance,” he said. “I’m proud of our organization.”
Rockies all-star right fielder Charlie Blackmon, who has recovered from a mild case of COVID-19 in time to play in the first four games of the season, echoed Black’s comments.
“I think the Rockies are working hard to stay safe and ensure we have baseball this summer,” Blackmon said. “I hate to hear about the Marlins’ situation and I hope they all recover safely.”
Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez, who underwent a heart procedure last September, has acknowledged his fear about the virus.
“I’m going to be honest with you, I’m scared. I really am,” Martinez told the media on Monday. “I go from (the ballpark), home, back here every day, that’s all I do. I wash my hands, I went from 47 times a day to probably 99 times a day. Wear my mask everywhere I go. But there’s always that concern, you know.”
Martinez is 55, while Black is 63. A number of the Rockies’ coaches and staff are over 50, including third-base coach Stu Cole (54), first-base coach Ron Gideon (56) and pitching coach Steve Foster (53). Black said that the Rockies’ older coaches are paying close attention to safety protocols.
“We’re watching out for each other,” Black said. “We’re going to continue to go through this with a positive mindset, that we’re going to keep playing, and we’re going keep going, keep moving forward.”
Shaw’s redemption. Right-handed reliever Bryan Shaw, released by the Rockies on July 17, is now pitching for Seattle. He said that his struggles in two seasons with Colorado were due, in part, to an inability to adjust to pitching in Denver’s mile-high altitude.
“I got there and the sliders didn’t work,” he told Seattle media. “It didn’t matter what we did. We tried to tinker with it. We tried to change it. We tried to do different stuff and it just basically fell by the wayside.
“So, basically, I became a cutter-primary (pitcher) with kind of a little cement-mixer slider that didn’t really do anything. I think that attributed a lot to the adverse results that I had. Stemming from that, we tried to do some different things to create that movement on the slider and create different stuff in the mechanical side which then kind of just messed with everything a little bit. It just kind of snowballed there.”
Asked about those comments, Black acknowledged that Shaw didn’t meet expectations in Colorado, but said that Shaw gave it his best shot.
“My initial thought was, Bryan was going to continue to throw how he did in Cleveland,” Black said. “They were outstanding. I thought it was a great fit with us, and there were moments — there were spurts — where Bryan threw the ball great.
“He didn’t lose any velocity, the movement on his pitches were still comparable. He just had, for me, a hard time consistently locating the ball … getting the ball in good spots. But Bryan never wavered in his competitiveness.”
Shaw signed a three-year, $27 million contract prior to the 2018 season. But he posted a 5.61 ERA in two seasons, looking nothing like the pitcher he was in Cleveland, where he’s posted a 3.11 ERA and 8.4 strikeouts per nine innings in 387 appearances over five seasons.
Brothers in arms. Atlanta lefty Tyler Matzek, the Rockies’ first-round pick in 2009, whose career was derailed by a case of the yips, made his first appearance since 2015 in the eighth inning Sunday. He faced four hitters in a scoreless outing.
“It felt great to be back out there,” Matzek said. “It was a moment I had been using as motivation for years.”
Matzek’s comeback appearance came a day after the Rockies’ Daniel Bard, who battled his own case of the yips, pitched for the first time since 2013. Matzek and Bard know each other from Bard’s stint as a mental skills coach with Arizona.
“I’m so happy for ‘Bardo,’ Matzek said. “Great dude.”
On Deck
Rockies RHP German Marquez (0-1, 1.59) at A’s RHP Frankie Montas (0-0, 2.25)
1:40 p.m. Wednesday, Oakland Coliseum
TV: AT&T SportsNet
Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM
Marquez was Colorado’s opening-day starter for the first time. Now he wants to be an ace. He certainly looked the part on Friday at Texas when he allowed one run on two hits with six strikeouts and three walks over 5 2/3 innings. The right-hander is making his second career start against the A’s, his first in Oakland. On July 29, 2018 at Coors Field, he held the A’s to two runs on five hits and fanned eight across 7 2/3 innings in Colorado’s victory.
Montas also threw on opening day for the first time, getting a no-decision in the A’s 7-3, 10-inning win over the Angels. He gave up one run on three hits, struck out five and walked three in four innings. He’s faced the Rockies once, taking the loss in a 3-2 Colorado victory on July 29, 2018 at Coors. He lasted just 4 1/3 innings, giving up three runs on eight hits. He pitched well in 16 starts last season (9-2, 2.63 ERA) but was suspended for 80 games for violating Major League Baseball’s drug policy. Opponents batted just .230 against Montas last season.
Trending: Rockies pitchers allowed just five runs in the opening three-game series at Texas, their fewest ever in an opening series and their fewest in any series since 2018.
At issue: Starting second baseman Ryan McMahon is off to a slow start. Entering Tuesday night’s game at Oakland, he was 0-for-10 with seven strikeouts.
Pitching probables
Thursday: Off
Friday: Padres RHP Garrett Richards (0-0, 0.00) at Rockies RHP Jon Gray (0-0, 1.93), 6:10 p.m., ATTRM
Saturday: Padres LHP Joey Lucchesi (10-10, 4.18 in 2019) at Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (1-0, 3.00), 6:10 p.m., ATTRM


thedenverpost--2020-07-29--Denver woman sentenced to 19 years in federal prison for six bank robberies

A 22-year-old Denver woman was sentenced on Tuesday to 19 years in federal prison for six bank robberies , some of which were armed robberies .
Jenifer Adriana Lopez-Ramirez committed two bank robberies after she had been arrested as a suspect in four prior bank robberies , according to a U.S. Attorney ’ s Office , District of Colorado , news release .
On May 3 , 2019 , Lopez-Ramirez robbed First Citizens Bank , 9848 Zenith Meridian Drive , Englewood , handing a demand note to a teller and fleeing with cash , according to facts stipulated in her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she robbed a UMB Bank , 8190 S. University Blvd.
, Centennial , brandishing a firearm in the robbery .
On May 9 , 2019 , she robbed a First Bank , 8901 E. Hampden Ave. , Denver , using a demand note but not showing a weapon .
Two days later , Lopez-Ramirez robbed a Bellco Credit Union , 3890 Quebec St. , Denver .
Lopez-Ramirez brandished a firearm during the robbery and became impatient , going behind the counter and taking cash from the draw , according to the news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took a GPS tracker .
Officers , using the GPS tracker , followed her and Lopez-Ramirez , driving a vehicle , reached speeds of 100 mph attempting to evade police , the release said .
She crashed into a vehicle , injuring that driver , and was arrested .
On May 20 , 2019 , she was released from Denver County Jail on conditions , including wearing a GPS ankle monitor .
Five days later , the monitor was removed and Lopez-Ramirez became a fugitive .
On June 4 , 2019 , Lopez-Ramirez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1389 S. Havana St. , Aurora .
Six days later , she robbed a TCF Bank , 18520 Green Valley Blvd.
, Denver , again brandishing a gun and racking the slide .
About 10 days after the TCF robbery , Lopez-Ramirez was arrested for shoplifting and her fugitive status was discovered .
“ Lopez-Ramirez ’ s greed drove her to become a serial bank robber , and she continued her crime spree even after being arrested and released , ” U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn said in the news release .
“ Her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over , and she will now have almost two decades in federal prison to think about her actions.
” Lopez-Ramirez was charged by indictment on June 5 , 2019 , and she pleaded guilty on Feb. 4 , 2020 .
She was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Raymond P. Moore .
Following her prison term , Lopez-Ramirez will serve three years of supervised release .
In addition , she was ordered to pay restitution to the U.S. government as the banks were federally insured .

A 22-year-old Denver woman was sentenced on Tuesday to 19 years in federal prison for six bank robberies, some of which were armed robberies.
Jenifer Adriana Lopez-Ramirez committed two bank robberies after she had been arrested as a suspect in four prior bank robberies, according to a U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Colorado, news release.
On May 3, 2019, Lopez-Ramirez robbed First Citizens Bank, 9848 Zenith Meridian Drive, Englewood, handing a demand note to a teller and fleeing with cash, according to facts stipulated in her plea agreement. About 90 minutes later, she robbed a UMB Bank, 8190 S. University Blvd., Centennial, brandishing a firearm in the robbery.
On May 9, 2019, she robbed a First Bank, 8901 E. Hampden Ave., Denver, using a demand note but not showing a weapon. Two days later, Lopez-Ramirez robbed a Bellco Credit Union, 3890 Quebec St., Denver. Lopez-Ramirez brandished a firearm during the robbery and became impatient, going behind the counter and taking cash from the draw, according to the news release. She also, unknowingly, took a GPS tracker.
Officers, using the GPS tracker, followed her and Lopez-Ramirez, driving a vehicle, reached speeds of 100 mph attempting to evade police, the release said. She crashed into a vehicle, injuring that driver, and was arrested.
On May 20, 2019, she was released from Denver County Jail on conditions, including wearing a GPS ankle monitor. Five days later, the monitor was removed and Lopez-Ramirez became a fugitive.
On June 4, 2019, Lopez-Ramirez robbed a Bank of the West, 1389 S. Havana St., Aurora. Six days later, she robbed a TCF Bank, 18520 Green Valley Blvd., Denver, again brandishing a gun and racking the slide.
About 10 days after the TCF robbery, Lopez-Ramirez was arrested for shoplifting and her fugitive status was discovered.
“Lopez-Ramirez’s greed drove her to become a serial bank robber, and she continued her crime spree even after being arrested and released,” U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn said in the news release. “Her career as an armed bank robber is over, and she will now have almost two decades in federal prison to think about her actions.”
Lopez-Ramirez was charged by indictment on June 5, 2019, and she pleaded guilty on Feb. 4, 2020. She was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Raymond P. Moore.
Following her prison term, Lopez-Ramirez will serve three years of supervised release. In addition, she was ordered to pay restitution to the U.S. government as the banks were federally insured.


thedenverpost--2020-07-29--Kiszla: Strange new challenge for Broncos in season of coronavirus? “They’re young men and they have

Kiszla: Strange new challenge for Broncos in season of coronavirus? “They’re young men and they have urges,” coach Vic Fangio says.

The biggest threat to Denver ’ s success in the wild AFC West is not Kansas City quarterback Patrick “ Money ” Mahomes .
Far more challenging : wine , women and all that jazz that can tempt Broncos into the unmerciful grip of a COVID-19 outbreak capable of bringing down the team ’ s playoff aspirations .
“ They ’ re young men and they have urges , ” Broncos ’ coach Vic Fangio said Tuesday .
During this strange season , the coronavirus changes everything .
Masks are in .
Urges are out .
The year 2020 is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asking young , rich and handsome players to live like football monks for the next six months .
“ You do not have the freedom that you normally used to have , ” said Fangio .
He ’ s unable to babysit players 24/7 .
So Uncle Vic must gently scold the Broncos on their way out the door from the team ’ s Dove Valley Headquarters .
Now , more than ever , in this age of social-distancing , the NFL is the No Fun League .
On a player ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to slip away for 24 hours of R & R , whether the mission is a quick dinner at Momma ’ s house in Texas or to beat the house at blackjack at a casino in the hills .
“ When you ’ re not here , when you ’ re outside our building and fields , ” Fangio said , “ you can ’ t go to the bars , the restaurants , can ’ t be around people you don ’ t know , can be in gatherings of too many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into putting themselves under house arrest from now until the Super Bowl .
“ These players , more than ever , have to be more dedicated to the cause of what we ’ re trying to do , and that ’ s to win football games , ” Broncos football operations honcho John Elway said .
As odd as it might seem , Fangio ’ s job security might be as dependent on how convincingly Uncle Vic persuades players to stay out of harm ’ s way on their weekly day off as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on any given NFL Sunday .
Without benefit of a bubble where the NHL and NBA sequester players for no more than three months , can the Broncos reasonably be expected to harness their urge to chase bright lights until after the first of next year ?
“ I think a lot of them are prepared to rein themselves in .
I really do , and I hope I ’ m right because all it takes is one or two for something where things go wrong , ” franchise president Joe Ellis said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their craft .
They ’ re as sick and tired of losing as any Bronomaniac who watches games in a man cave painted orange and blue .
But athletes are also as susceptible to going stir-crazy from the COVID clampdowns we ’ ve all endured since March as the rest of us .
What good is having a Bentley collect dust in the garage if a player can ’ t take it out for a night on the town ?
Abstinence might make the heart grow fonder and the body stronger , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday night .
Look no further than the example of Los Angeles Clippers guard Lou Williams , sent to his room in the NBA bubble and put in timeout for 10 days of quarantine , after being busted for an unauthorized visit to an Atlanta strip club .
Sometimes , even a dedicated athlete gets a hankering for chicken wings too powerful to ignore .
The NFL has threatened players who contract coronavirus through high-risk activities , defined as everything from dancing at a house party to singing hymns in a crowded church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paychecks .
“ We can ’ t control what happens when they go home .
We ’ re not going to babysit them and spy on them or anything like that .
They ’ re grown-ups.
, ” Ellis said .
“ We ’ ll just ask them to conduct themselves appropriately to take care of themselves such as they ’ ll be taking care of the whole organization , their teammates specifically and their coaches.
” I will let epidemiologists wring hands about the dangers of blocking , tackling and huddling on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ask me , this might be the one and only year in league history when playing football does not pose the most serious health risk to working in the NFL .
As Broncos linebacker Von Miller has shown us , a finely trained athlete can certainly beat the coronavirus .
But a player that gets sick during a night of partying could cause a locker-room COVID-19 outbreak potent enough to derail a team ’ s Super Bowl dreams .
To make the playoffs , the Broncos have to live like football monks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus , there ’ s a new definition of being a good teammate :

The biggest threat to Denver’s success in the wild AFC West is not Kansas City quarterback Patrick “Money” Mahomes. Far more challenging: wine, women and all that jazz that can tempt Broncos into the unmerciful grip of a COVID-19 outbreak capable of bringing down the team’s playoff aspirations.
“They’re young men and they have urges,” Broncos’ coach Vic Fangio said Tuesday.
During this strange season, the coronavirus changes everything.
Masks are in. Urges are out. The year 2020 is a party pooper.
The Broncos are asking young, rich and handsome players to live like football monks for the next six months.
“You do not have the freedom that you normally used to have,” said Fangio. He’s unable to babysit players 24/7. So Uncle Vic must gently scold the Broncos on their way out the door from the team’s Dove Valley headquarters.
Now, more than ever, in this age of social-distancing, the NFL is the No Fun League. On a player’s day off, it’s verboten to slip away for 24 hours of R&R, whether the mission is a quick dinner at Momma’s house in Texas or to beat the house at blackjack at a casino in the hills.
“When you’re not here, when you’re outside our building and fields,” Fangio said, “you can’t go to the bars, the restaurants, can’t be around people you don’t know, can be in gatherings of too many people…”
The strategy: Guilt players into putting themselves under house arrest from now until the Super Bowl.
“These players, more than ever, have to be more dedicated to the cause of what we’re trying to do, and that’s to win football games,” Broncos football operations honcho John Elway said.
As odd as it might seem, Fangio’s job security might be as dependent on how convincingly Uncle Vic persuades players to stay out of harm’s way on their weekly day off as how effectively he coaches ’em up on any given NFL Sunday.
Without benefit of a bubble where the NHL and NBA sequester players for no more than three months, can the Broncos reasonably be expected to harness their urge to chase bright lights until after the first of next year?
“I think a lot of them are prepared to rein themselves in. I really do, and I hope I’m right because all it takes is one or two for something where things go wrong,” franchise president Joe Ellis said.
Denver players are pros dedicated to their craft. They’re as sick and tired of losing as any Bronomaniac who watches games in a man cave painted orange and blue. But athletes are also as susceptible to going stir-crazy from the COVID clampdowns we’ve all endured since March as the rest of us.
What good is having a Bentley collect dust in the garage if a player can’t take it out for a night on the town? Abstinence might make the heart grow fonder and the body stronger, but it also makes for a really dull Tuesday night.
Look no further than the example of Los Angeles Clippers guard Lou Williams, sent to his room in the NBA bubble and put in timeout for 10 days of quarantine, after being busted for an unauthorized visit to an Atlanta strip club. Sometimes, even a dedicated athlete gets a hankering for chicken wings too powerful to ignore.
The NFL has threatened players who contract coronavirus through high-risk activities, defined as everything from dancing at a house party to singing hymns in a crowded church, with disciple that could include docked paychecks.
“We can’t control what happens when they go home. We’re not going to babysit them and spy on them or anything like that. They’re grown-ups,” Ellis said. “We’ll just ask them to conduct themselves appropriately to take care of themselves such as they’ll be taking care of the whole organization, their teammates specifically and their coaches.”
I will let epidemiologists wring hands about the dangers of blocking, tackling and huddling on game day. But, if you ask me, this might be the one and only year in league history when playing football does not pose the most serious health risk to working in the NFL.
As Broncos linebacker Von Miller has shown us, a finely trained athlete can certainly beat the coronavirus. But a player who gets sick during a night of partying could cause a locker-room COVID-19 outbreak potent enough to derail a team’s Super Bowl dreams.
To make the playoffs, the Broncos have to live like football monks. In this strange NFL year of the virus, there’s a new definition of being a good teammate:
Don’t swipe right.


thedenverpost--2020-07-29--Man shot dead in Denver triple shooting is identified

A man shot dead in Denver last week has been identified .
Tonio Stallworth , 32 , was shot at @ @ @ @ @ in the 1400 block of Broadway , according to the Denver Office of the Medical @ @ @ @ @ dead at Denver Health Medical Center .
He died of multiple gunshot wounds and his @ @ @ @ @ homicide .
Two other men were shot in the incident , which happened between Civic @ @ @ @ @ tents were put up by people who have no home .
Police continue to look @ @ @ @ @ triple shooting .
The other two victims have survived , police said .

A man shot dead in Denver last week has been identified.
Tonio Stallworth, 32, was shot at about 4:30 p.m. on Thursday in the 1400 block of Broadway, according to the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner. Stallworth was pronounced dead at Denver Health Medical Center. He died of multiple gunshot wounds and his manner of death is a homicide.
Two other men were shot in the incident, which happened between Civic Center and the Capitol where tents were put up by people who have no home. Police continue to look for a suspect in the triple shooting.
The other two victims have survived, police said.


thedenverpost--2020-07-29--Biden’s notes: “Do not hold grudges” against Kamala Harris

WILMINGTON , Del .
— Joe Biden was uncharacteristically tight-lipped on Tuesday about the final stretch of his search for a vice president .
But the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee seemed prepared to talk about at least one leading contender : California Sen. Kamala Harris .
As he took questions from reporters on Tuesday , Biden held notes that were captured by an Associated Press photographer .
Harris ’ name was scrawled across the top , followed by five talking points .
“ Do not hold grudges.
” “ Campaigned with me & Jill.
” “ Talented.
” “ Great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for her.
” Those are all observations Biden has made about Harris before .
But they take on new significance following a recent Politico report that one of Biden ’ s closest friends and a co-chair of his vice presidential vetting committee , former Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd , still harbors concerns about Harris ’ tough debate stage performance and that she hasn ’ t expressed regret .
The comments attributed to Dodd have drawn condemnation , especially from influential Democratic women who maintain that Harris is being held to a standard that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running for president .
The debate-stage skirmish was one of the seminal moments of the Democratic primary .
Harris , who is Black , said Biden made “ very hurtful ” comments about his past work with segregationist senators before she slammed his opposition to busing as schools began to integrate .
“ There was a little girl in California who was a part of the second class to integrate her public schools , and she was bused to school every day , ” she said .
“ And that little girl was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called her comments “ a mischaracterization of my position.
” Their relationship has become considerably more amicable .
Biden has praised Harris publicly many times and noted that he ’ s thought highly of her personally and professionally since she became close to his late son , Beau Biden , when both were state attorneys general .
It is common for high-profile politicians to take notes with them to the podium , either handwritten additions to formal remarks or a bullet-point list like what Biden held on stationery featuring his full name : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , early in the coronavirus pandemic , President Donald Trump ’ s notes were photographed to show “ Chinese ” written over “ corona , ” part of the president ’ s efforts to blame the pandemic on a foreign adversary .
Last year , as Trump faced impeachment for pressuring Ukraine officials to help his reelection by finding dirt on Biden , the president had notes that read : “ I want nothing ” and “ I want no quid pro quo.
” Biden ’ s list , at the least , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tensions around his relationship with Harris .
As reflected in his notes , Harris has become a reliable surrogate for Biden , appearing with him in online fundraisers amid the unusual social distancing standards forced on the campaign by the COVID-19 pandemic .
As recently as last week , Harris headlined her own event for Biden , one focused on the Raleigh area in North Carolina , a battleground state where Harris ’ dual appeal to Black voters and college-educated white women could boost Democrats ’ prospects .
Biden ultimately did not field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesperson for Harris did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
In just his third extended news conference in four months , Biden also sidestepped specific questions about the timing of his decision on a running mate , an approach reflected in another entry on Biden ’ s notepad .
Under the heading “ VP , ” Biden wrote “ highly qualified ” and “ diverse group , ” signifying his intention not to tease out any more details .
Beyond vice presidential politics , Biden ’ s topics included the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ General William Barr testifying Tuesday on Capitol Hill .
His notes did not name Barr , but Biden referenced “ the people ’ s lawyer … not the president ’ s lawyer , ” echoing his previous assertions that Barr has used his post as the latter .
On the “ Last 100 days ” of the campaign , Biden wrote that he ’ d be “ offering clearest contrast , ” “ tell the truth , ” “ take responsibility ” and “ listen to the scientists ” – all swipes at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ original three-part slogan of Biden ’ s campaign : “ Restore soul ” of the nation , “ Rebuild MC ” ( the middle class ) and “ unite country .
”

WILMINGTON, Del. — Joe Biden was uncharacteristically tight-lipped on Tuesday about the final stretch of his search for a vice president. But the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee seemed prepared to talk about at least one leading contender: California Sen. Kamala Harris.
As he took questions from reporters on Tuesday, Biden held notes that were captured by an Associated Press photographer. Harris’ name was scrawled across the top, followed by five talking points.
“Do not hold grudges.” “Campaigned with me & Jill.” “Talented.” “Great help to campaign.” “Great respect for her.”
Those are all observations Biden has made about Harris before. But they take on new significance following a recent Politico report that one of Biden’s closest friends and a co-chair of his vice presidential vetting committee, former Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd, still harbors concerns about Harris’ tough debate stage performance and that she hasn’t expressed regret.
The comments attributed to Dodd have drawn condemnation, especially from influential Democratic women who maintain that Harris is being held to a standard that wouldn’t apply to a man running for president.
The debate-stage skirmish was one of the seminal moments of the Democratic primary. Harris, who is Black, said Biden made “very hurtful” comments about his past work with segregationist senators before she slammed his opposition to busing as schools began to integrate.
“There was a little girl in California who was a part of the second class to integrate her public schools, and she was bused to school every day,” she said. “And that little girl was me.”
At the time, Biden called her comments “a mischaracterization of my position.”
Their relationship has become considerably more amicable.
Biden has praised Harris publicly many times and noted that he’s thought highly of her personally and professionally since she became close to his late son, Beau Biden, when both were state attorneys general.
It is common for high-profile politicians to take notes with them to the podium, either handwritten additions to formal remarks or a bullet-point list like what Biden held on stationery featuring his full name: Joseph R. Biden Jr.
In March, early in the coronavirus pandemic, President Donald Trump’s notes were photographed to show “Chinese” written over “corona,” part of the president’s efforts to blame the pandemic on a foreign adversary. Last year, as Trump faced impeachment for pressuring Ukraine officials to help his reelection by finding dirt on Biden, the president had notes that read: “I want nothing” and “I want no quid pro quo.”
Biden’s list, at the least, suggests that he wants to defuse any tensions around his relationship with Harris. As reflected in his notes, Harris has become a reliable surrogate for Biden, appearing with him in online fundraisers amid the unusual social distancing standards forced on the campaign by the COVID-19 pandemic. As recently as last week, Harris headlined her own event for Biden, one focused on the Raleigh area in North Carolina, a battleground state where Harris’ dual appeal to Black voters and college-educated white women could boost Democrats’ prospects.
Biden ultimately did not field a question specifically about Harris. A spokesperson for Harris did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
In just his third extended news conference in four months, Biden also sidestepped specific questions about the timing of his decision on a running mate, an approach reflected in another entry on Biden’s notepad. Under the heading “VP,” Biden wrote “highly qualified” and “diverse group,” signifying his intention not to tease out any more details.
Beyond vice presidential politics, Biden’s topics included the Justice Department, an allusion to Attorney General William Barr testifying Tuesday on Capitol Hill. His notes did not name Barr, but Biden referenced “the people’s lawyer … not the president’s lawyer,” echoing his previous assertions that Barr has used his post as the latter.
On the “Last 100 days” of the campaign, Biden wrote that he’d be “offering clearest contrast,” “tell the truth,” “take responsibility” and “listen to the scientists” – all swipes at Trump.
The list also included the original three-part slogan of Biden’s campaign: “Restore soul” of the nation, “Rebuild MC” (the middle class) and “unite country.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-29--Two Aurora police officers and a suspect shot in exchange of gunfire remain in hospitals

The two Aurora Police Department officers wounded in Denver in a shootout remained hospitalized on Tuesday .
A robbery suspect @ @ @ @ @ exchange of gunfire also remained hospitalized .
The officer-involved shooting happened Monday night in Denver @ @ @ @ @ neighborhood in the 4700 block of Argonne Street , police said .
The Aurora officers @ @ @ @ @ with the FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force , were following an armed-robbery suspect @ @ @ @ @ man when he ran .
The suspect attempted to steal a vehicle to flee and @ @ @ @ @ officers have non-critical injuries , said Matthew Longshore , an Aurora police spokesman .
They @ @ @ @ @ The suspect , who was in critical condition on Monday night , remained in the @ @ @ @ @ Jay Casillas , a Denver police spokesman .
The suspect has not been identified .

The two Aurora Police Department officers wounded in Denver in a shootout remained hospitalized on Tuesday.
A robbery suspect who was injured in the exchange of gunfire also remained hospitalized.
The officer-involved shooting happened Monday night in Denver’s Green Valley Ranch neighborhood in the 4700 block of Argonne Street, police said.
The Aurora officers, who were on assignment with the FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force, were following an armed-robbery suspect and tried to contact the man when he ran. The suspect attempted to steal a vehicle to flee and the shootout followed.
Both officers have non-critical injuries, said Matthew Longshore, an Aurora police spokesman. They have not been identified.
The suspect, who was in critical condition on Monday night, remained in the hospital on Tuesday, said Jay Casillas, a Denver police spokesman. The suspect has not been identified.
The incident remains under investigation.


thedenverpost--2020-07-28--Gov. Jared Polis: “I’m calling on Coloradans not to be stupid”

Coloradans who attend large events , don ’ t wear masks and don ’ t follow social-distancing guidelines are not only putting themselves but others at risk , Gov .
Jared Polis said Tuesday in response to concerns about a large event in Weld County over the weekend .
A concert and rodeo in Weld County on Sunday drew about 2,000 people during the coronavirus pandemic in a county that has resisted the governor ’ s orders for wearing masks and other restrictions to prevent the spread of the deadly virus .
Although county commissioners may believe they don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governor , Polis rejected the claim at a news conference Tuesday , saying it ’ s the law and the way to fight it is through the courts .
The event ultimately ended after the landowner found out how many people were there , having only approved a limited gathering on the property .
Polis on Tuesday likened attending such an event to driving drunk , which puts others at risk , rather than doing something dangerous in one ’ s own home such as juggling knives .
“ Attending large gatherings doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but also puts your job and your family and your loved ones at risk , ” Polis said .
“ No government policy can force anybody not to be stupid , but I ’ m calling on Coloradans not to be stupid.
” He added that he doesn ’ t lay the blame only on Weld County commissioners or the sheriff ’ s office but those who attend such gatherings and parties .

Coloradans who attend large events, don’t wear masks and don’t follow social-distancing guidelines are not only putting themselves but others at risk, Gov. Jared Polis said Tuesday in response to concerns about a large event in Weld County over the weekend.
A concert and rodeo in Weld County on Sunday drew about 2,000 people during the coronavirus pandemic in a county that has resisted the governor’s orders for wearing masks and other restrictions to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.
Although county commissioners may believe they don’t have to enforce orders from the governor, Polis rejected the claim at a news conference Tuesday, saying it’s the law and the way to fight it is through the courts.
The event ultimately ended after the landowner found out how many people were there, having only approved a limited gathering on the property.
Polis on Tuesday likened attending such an event to driving drunk, which puts others at risk, rather than doing something dangerous in one’s own home such as juggling knives.
“Attending large gatherings doesn’t just put yourself at risk but also puts your job and your family and your loved ones at risk,” Polis said. “No government policy can force anybody not to be stupid, but I’m calling on Coloradans not to be stupid.”
He added that he doesn’t lay the blame only on Weld County commissioners or the sheriff’s office but those who attend such gatherings and parties.


thedenverpost--2020-07-28--Avalanche likely to follow in pregame unity before Wednesday’s exhibition

The Avalanche and Minnesota Wild on Wednesday might follow suit to what was established Tuesday in Toronto , where the NHL produced its first hockey game in 139 days .
A show of unity kicked off the 24-team playoff exhibition opener between the Pittsburgh Penguins and rival Philadelphia Flyers at Scotiabank Arena .
During the Canadian and American national anthems , players from both teams split up and stood on the two blue lines in protest of the world unrest regarding police brutality and racial inequality .
The Avs were returning to their hotel in Edmonton at the time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I saw a picture of it on Twitter , ” Avs defenseman Ryan Graves said of the beginning of the Penguins-Flyers game .
“ I thought it was a nice show of unity .
It ’ s nice to see guys sticking together .
The hockey community is a good community .
It ’ s tight-knit , and guys care about each other and people in general .
I ’ m not sure what will happen here but it ’ s nice to see people showing their support for whatever cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw a picture from Toronto on Instagram .
“ We were chatting about different things you can do to show support and create awareness , and that ’ s exactly what they were doing , especially when you see two teams like Philly and Pittsburgh — who have been big rivals for years — standing side-by-side , ” Calvert said .
“ I think you ’ re lucky a line brawl didn ’ t break out there.
” The Avs face the rival Wild in both teams ’ lone exhibition game at 12:30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Edmonton , host of the Western Conference playoffs .
Players are likely to show unity in some manner .
The Boston Bruins announced they will lock arms with each other during the anthems when they face the Columbus Blue Jackets in Thursday ’ s exhibition in Toronto , where the Eastern Conference playoffs will unfold .
Footnotes .
Sans young defenseman Sam Girard , the Avalanche practiced for the second time during its third day in Edmonton .
Coach Jared Bednar said Girard should return to skating Wednesday but has yet to announce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously said his top-12 forwards and top-six D will be in the lineup , and goalies Philipp Grubauer and Pavel Francouz are expected to split time in net….Wednesday ’ s exhibition will be covered locally by Altitude , and subject to blackout , and also shown on NHL Network and NHL.TV .
The Avs and Wild both open play Sunday , but Minnesota will begin a five-game qualifying series against Vancouver while Colorado — which has a bye in the play-in round — plays St. Louis in a three-game round-robin tournament for seeding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tournament .
… The Avs are 2-2 against the Wild this season .

The Avalanche and Minnesota Wild on Wednesday might follow suit to what was established Tuesday in Toronto, where the NHL produced its first hockey game in 139 days.
A show of unity kicked off the 24-team playoff exhibition opener between the Pittsburgh Penguins and rival Philadelphia Flyers at Scotiabank Arena. During the Canadian and American national anthems, players from both teams split up and stood on the two blue lines in protest of the world unrest regarding police brutality and racial inequality.
The Avs were returning to their hotel in Edmonton at the time, following practice at a local community rink.
“I saw a picture of it on Twitter,” Avs defenseman Ryan Graves said of the beginning of the Penguins-Flyers game. “I thought it was a nice show of unity. It’s nice to see guys sticking together. The hockey community is a good community. It’s tight-knit, and guys care about each other and people in general. I’m not sure what will happen here but it’s nice to see people showing their support for whatever cause they believe in.”
Teammate Matt Calvert saw a picture from Toronto on Instagram. “We were chatting about different things you can do to show support and create awareness, and that’s exactly what they were doing, especially when you see two teams like Philly and Pittsburgh — who have been big rivals for years — standing side-by-side,” Calvert said. “I think you’re lucky a line brawl didn’t break out there.”
The Avs face the rival Wild in both teams’ lone exhibition game at 12:30 p.m. MT Wednesday from Rogers Place in Edmonton, host of the Western Conference playoffs. Players are likely to show unity in some manner.
The Boston Bruins announced they will lock arms with each other during the anthems when they face the Columbus Blue Jackets in Thursday’s exhibition in Toronto, where the Eastern Conference playoffs will unfold.
Footnotes. Sans young defenseman Sam Girard, the Avalanche practiced for the second time during its third day in Edmonton. Coach Jared Bednar said Girard should return to skating Wednesday but has yet to announce his 22-player lineup against Minnesota. Bednar previously said his top-12 forwards and top-six D will be in the lineup, and goalies Philipp Grubauer and Pavel Francouz are expected to split time in net….Wednesday’s exhibition will be covered locally by Altitude, and subject to blackout, and also shown on NHL Network and NHL.TV. The Avs and Wild both open play Sunday, but Minnesota will begin a five-game qualifying series against Vancouver while Colorado — which has a bye in the play-in round — plays St. Louis in a three-game round-robin tournament for seeding to begin the traditional 16-team, best-of-seven tournament. … The Avs are 2-2 against the Wild this season.


thedenverpost--2020-07-28--Broncos coach Vic Fangio senses new “hunger, attitude” in outside linebacker Von Miller

Accept the current reality and deal with it .
That was the message delivered Tuesday by Broncos general manager John Elway during his annual camp-opening media availability .
The coronavirus forced the cancellation of all on-field/in-person offseason activities , the entire four-game preseason and means the Broncos won ’ t be in pads until mid-August .
But the Broncos are in the same situation as their 31 NFL rivals so now isn ’ t the time for a pity party .
“ The ultimate thing we have to do is deal with it and accept that this is the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand as a football team , the times are different and we ’ re going to have to live by different rules , ” Elway said .
“ How we handle that as an organization and a football team is going to determine , in a lot of ways , how much success we have .
This is not something that ’ s going away in the next month.
” Hours after the team ’ s veterans returned to the facility for their initial COVID-19 tests , Elway and coach Vic Fangio had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many topics .
What ’ s the story : Entering last year , outside linebacker Von Miller averaged 13.3 sacks in his seven full seasons , but he was limited to eight sacks in 858 snaps last year .
After overcoming coronavirus , Miller returned to training and has recently posted tweets and Instagram videos showing off his progress .
Now 31 , Miller has two years left on his contract , but the Broncos can create $ 13.875 million in cap space by cutting him next March .
Fangio said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in contact through the offseason .
He sent me some videos and pictures and I do think — I haven ’ t seen him with my own eyes , but from everything I hear and know , he ’ s had a helluva offseason .
I ’ m anxious to see him .
He ’ s put some weight on .
He ’ s worked extremely hard .
I do sense he has a hunger to his game and to his attitude that I don ’ t think he ’ s had in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wow , talk about a compliment wrapped around some criticism .
If Fangio is saying for media consumption that No .
58 was lacking some fire last year , imagine what he ’ s told him privately .
But good for Fangio , who knows the Broncos ’ best chance is a return-to-dominance by Miller , who wants to be a one-franchise player and should realize that his performance this year could determine that .
What ’ s the story : For the first time in his tenure , Elway was unable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was placed under the franchise tag .
The Broncos and safety Justin Simmons couldn ’ t strike a deal before the July 15 deadline .
Simmons will earn $ 11.441 million this year .
Elway said : “ We worked with Justin .
There were some concerns on our side as far as what is going to go on and where the salary cap will be and having discussions with ( president/CEO ) Joe ( Ellis ) as far as how much guaranteed money we wanted to get to — that was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we had .
And plus , our numbers were far apart , too .
Hopefully , we can get something done in the offseason next year and make him a Bronco for a long time because he ’ s the type of person we want here.
” Analysis : We always thought the financial uncertainty of this season ( reduced or no ticket revenue ) would impact long-term talks and Elway confirmed it .
If Simmons was looking for top-five safety money ( at least $ 14 million per year ) , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t want to go there yet .
But if plays every defensive snap for the third consecutive year , matches or exceeds his 2019 interception total ( four ) and the Broncos have team success , Simmons will be in for a big pay day via another franchise tag or a multi-year deal .
What ’ s the story : The Broncos ’ pass rush was fractured when outside linebacker Bradley Chubb sustained a torn ACL late in the Week 4 loss to Jacksonville last year .
Because he was a rehabilitating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Broncos ’ facility during the coronavirus shutdown .
Fangio said : “ He ’ s done well in his rehab .
The key for him , too , is he ’ s doing well mentally .
He never let the grind and ups and downs of rehab get to him .
He fought through it .
We ’ ll watch him and we anticipate him being out there practicing early on .
He ’ s not 100 % , but I think he ’ s pretty ( darn ) close.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right away next month and not start on the physically unable to perform list is great news for the Broncos .
His return plus the acquisition of defensive end Jurrell Casey should boost the pass rush .
What ’ s the story : When the Broncos open against Tennessee , they could have as many as six first- or second-year players starting on offense — quarterback Drew Lock , left guard Dalton Risner , center Lloyd Cushenberry , tight end Noah Fant and receivers Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler .
They will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ ( We ) don ’ t think we can expect , with no offseason , for us to come out and be hitting on all cylinders .
I know we ’ ve spent a lot of time in Zoom meetings , but there is nothing like being on the practice field so it ’ s going to be a slow build .
Drew did play well for five games , but it was only five games and he didn ’ t have the ( normal ) offseason this year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very , very important.
” Analysis : Will the Broncos lean on running backs Melvin Gordon and Phillip Lindsay and their defense in the early going this year ?
It sure sounds like that is Elway ’ s ideal scenario .

Accept the current reality and deal with it.
That was the message delivered Tuesday by Broncos general manager John Elway during his annual camp-opening media availability. The coronavirus forced the cancellation of all on-field/in-person offseason activities, the entire four-game preseason and means the Broncos won’t be in pads until mid-August.
But the Broncos are in the same situation as their 31 NFL rivals so now isn’t the time for a pity party.
“The ultimate thing we have to do is deal with it and accept that this is the way it’s going to be and understand as a football team, the times are different and we’re going to have to live by different rules,” Elway said. “How we handle that as an organization and a football team is going to determine, in a lot of ways, how much success we have. This is not something that’s going away in the next month.”
Hours after the team’s veterans returned to the facility for their initial COVID-19 tests, Elway and coach Vic Fangio had video conferences with the media and covered many topics.
Miller’s hunger
What’s the story: Entering last year, outside linebacker Von Miller averaged 13.3 sacks in his seven full seasons, but he was limited to eight sacks in 858 snaps last year. After overcoming coronavirus, Miller returned to training and has recently posted tweets and Instagram videos showing off his progress. Now 31, Miller has two years left on his contract, but the Broncos can create $13.875 million in cap space by cutting him next March.
Fangio said: “(Miller) and I have kept in contact through the offseason. He sent me some videos and pictures and I do think — I haven’t seen him with my own eyes, but from everything I hear and know, he’s had a helluva offseason. I’m anxious to see him. He’s put some weight on. He’s worked extremely hard. I do sense he has a hunger to his game and to his attitude that I don’t think he’s had in the last few years.”
Analysis: Wow, talk about a compliment wrapped around some criticism. If Fangio is saying for media consumption that No. 58 was lacking some fire last year, imagine what he’s told him privately. But good for Fangio, who knows the Broncos’ best chance is a return-to-dominance by Miller, who wants to be a one-franchise player and should realize that his performance this year could determine that.
Simmons contract talks
What’s the story: For the first time in his tenure, Elway was unable to secure a long-term contract with a player who was placed under the franchise tag. The Broncos and safety Justin Simmons couldn’t strike a deal before the July 15 deadline. Simmons will earn $11.441 million this year.
Elway said: “We worked with Justin. There were some concerns on our side as far as what is going to go on and where the salary cap will be and having discussions with (president/CEO) Joe (Ellis) as far as how much guaranteed money we wanted to get to — that was a concern with all of the unknowns we had. And plus, our numbers were far apart, too. Hopefully, we can get something done in the offseason next year and make him a Bronco for a long time because he’s the type of person we want here.”
Analysis: We always thought the financial uncertainty of this season (reduced or no ticket revenue) would impact long-term talks and Elway confirmed it. If Simmons was looking for top-five safety money (at least $14 million per year), there’s no wonder the Broncos didn’t want to go there yet. But if he plays every defensive snap for the third consecutive year, matches or exceeds his 2019 interception total (four) and the Broncos have team success, Simmons will be in for a big pay day via another franchise tag or a multi-year deal.
Chubb’s progress
What’s the story: The Broncos’ pass rush was fractured when outside linebacker Bradley Chubb sustained a torn ACL late in the Week 4 loss to Jacksonville last year. Because he was a rehabilitating player, Chubb was allowed to train at the Broncos’ facility during the coronavirus shutdown.
Fangio said: “He’s done well in his rehab. The key for him, too, is he’s doing well mentally. He never let the grind and ups and downs of rehab get to him. He fought through it. We’ll watch him and we anticipate him being out there practicing early on. He’s not 100%, but I think he’s pretty (darn) close.”
Analysis: Chubb being available to practice right away next month and not start on the physically unable to perform list is great news for the Broncos. His return plus the acquisition of defensive end Jurrell Casey should boost the pass rush.
”Tempered” expectations
What’s the story: When the Broncos open against Tennessee, they could have as many as six first- or second-year players starting on offense — quarterback Drew Lock, left guard Dalton Risner, center Lloyd Cushenberry, tight end Noah Fant and receivers Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler. They will have to be productive right away.
Elway said: “(We) don’t think we can expect, with no offseason, for us to come out and be hitting on all cylinders. I know we’ve spent a lot of time in Zoom meetings, but there is nothing like being on the practice field so it’s going to be a slow build. Drew did play well for five games, but it was only five games and he didn’t have the (normal) offseason this year, which for young football players is always very, very important.”
Analysis: Will the Broncos lean on running backs Melvin Gordon and Phillip Lindsay and their defense in the early going this year? It sure sounds like that is Elway’s ideal scenario.


thedenverpost--2020-07-28--Denver coroner identifies two men killed in Park Hill shooting

Two men shot to death Saturday night in The Holly in Park Hill have been identified by the Denver Office @ @ @ @ @ The dead are Leland Hines , 42 , and Dowan Alexander , 39 .
Both @ @ @ @ @ according to a medical examiner ’ s news release .
Hines was pronounced dead at @ @ @ @ @ was pronounced dead on scene .
The men were killed in a shooting that occurred @ @ @ @ @ the 3200 block of Hudson Street .
A third man and two women were injured @ @ @ @ @ said .
No arrests have been made .
Anyone with information about the shooting is @ @ @ @ @ ) 913-7867 .

Two men shot to death Saturday night in The Holly in Park Hill have been identified by the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner.
The dead are Leland Hines, 42, and Dowan Alexander, 39. Both deaths were ruled homicides, according to a medical examiner’s news release. Hines was pronounced dead at Denver Health, and Alexander was pronounced dead on scene.
The men were killed in a shooting that occurred before 10 p.m. Saturday in the 3200 block of Hudson Street. A third man and two women were injured in the shooting, police said. No arrests have been made.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call (720) 913-7867.


thedenverpost--2020-07-29--For these kids, 2020 has been the opposite of a choose-your-own-adventure story

BURKE , Va. — On a recent car ride , my sons , Billy and Jimmy , were discussing an interactive “ Minecraft ” show on Netflix that allowed them to choose the direction of the story .
I said it sounded like a “ Choose Your Own Adventure ” book , an artifact of my 1980s childhood .
Then Billy , who ’ s 10 years old , surprised me .
He had heard of “ Choose Your Own Adventure.
” “ My friend had one .
He said I could read it when he was done , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough for me to know what he would say next .
“ That was right before the virus , ” he said .
For my kids , 2020 has been the opposite of a choose-your-own-adventure story .
Their options have dwindled .
Windows of opportunity have appeared to crack open , only to slam in their faces .
As the debate rages over whether U.S. schools should reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic , the way Billy learned about “ Choose Your Own Adventure ” demonstrates the intangible harm that comes with kids being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like him can learn the curriculum virtually , complete worksheets and projects , and take tests .
But nothing can replace the knowledge and experience he gains from being around his peers five days a week and sharing their intellectual curiosity .
It ’ s not the school part he hates .
It ’ s the virtual part .
Our school district , in Fairfax County , Virginia , was the first in the Washington area to commit to a hybrid model for the fall , allowing parents to choose between full-time virtual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in-person instruction .
When I told Billy about the two-day-a-week plan , he was overjoyed — because he had assumed he wouldn ’ t get to go to school at all .
Ultimately , he was right .
The school board abandoned the hybrid model last week .
I told the boys at the breakfast table .
Billy slapped his hand against his thigh and walked away in disgust .
It was the latest cruel twist in my kids ’ pandemic lives , another adventure they can ’ t choose .
Little League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the possibility of a much-delayed spring season for months before announcing its cancellation .
The fall season is supposed to start in August , with mask-wearing and social-distancing requirements similar to what we ’ ve seen in major league dugouts .
After I told the boys they could play , the league blindsided us with a new restriction : Kids have to be 7 years old by Aug. 31 to participate this year .
No exceptions .
Jimmy turns 7 in mid-September .
Most of his would-be teammates can play this fall , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I gave him the news , he sobbed uncontrollably .
This time last year , Billy was coming off the most exhilarating month of his life , his first time on a Little League All-Star team .
Both boys were going to camp five days a week .
Billy learned to fish .
Jimmy played soccer and basketball and spotted bald eagles nesting above a lake .
This year , they wake up and go straight to the TV , their tablets or a video-game console while my wife and I work .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to break up the monotony .
Sometimes we can ’ t .
The boys understand the need to sacrifice and be vigilant about preventing the spread of the virus .
They have accepted disappointment while mostly maintaining their good cheer .
But the sacrifices are profound for them , much more so than me giving up live music , sports or travel for a year or two .
They ’ ll never be in fourth and fifth grade , or kindergarten and first grade , again .
They feel the losses more deeply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in ways I can ’ t see .
I know the pandemic will affect their mental health and their view of the world for years or decades to come , and I feel powerless .
If the only adventure they can choose is to push a button on a remote control , then we are failing them .
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado .

BURKE, Va. — On a recent car ride, my sons, Billy and Jimmy, were discussing an interactive “Minecraft” show on Netflix that allowed them to choose the direction of the story. I said it sounded like a “Choose Your Own Adventure” book, an artifact of my 1980s childhood.
Then Billy, who’s 10 years old, surprised me. He had heard of “Choose Your Own Adventure.”
“My friend had one. He said I could read it when he was done,” Billy said. He paused, long enough for me to know what he would say next.
“That was right before the virus,” he said.
For my kids, 2020 has been the opposite of a choose-your-own-adventure story. Their options have dwindled. Windows of opportunity have appeared to crack open, only to slam in their faces.
As the debate rages over whether U.S. schools should reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic, the way Billy learned about “Choose Your Own Adventure” demonstrates the intangible harm that comes with kids being away from school. A rising fifth-grader like him can learn the curriculum virtually, complete worksheets and projects, and take tests. But nothing can replace the knowledge and experience he gains from being around his peers five days a week and sharing their intellectual curiosity.
“I hate virtual school,” Billy said.
It’s not the school part he hates. It’s the virtual part.
Our school district, in Fairfax County, Virginia, was the first in the Washington area to commit to a hybrid model for the fall, allowing parents to choose between full-time virtual school or two days a week of in-person instruction. When I told Billy about the two-day-a-week plan, he was overjoyed — because he had assumed he wouldn’t get to go to school at all.
Ultimately, he was right. The school board abandoned the hybrid model last week. I told the boys at the breakfast table. Billy slapped his hand against his thigh and walked away in disgust.
It was the latest cruel twist in my kids’ pandemic lives, another adventure they can’t choose.
Little League baseball, their favorite sport, teased the possibility of a much-delayed spring season for months before announcing its cancellation. The fall season is supposed to start in August, with mask-wearing and social-distancing requirements similar to what we’ve seen in major league dugouts.
After I told the boys they could play, the league blindsided us with a new restriction: Kids have to be 7 years old by Aug. 31 to participate this year. No exceptions.
Jimmy turns 7 in mid-September. Most of his would-be teammates can play this fall, but he can’t. When I gave him the news, he sobbed uncontrollably.
This time last year, Billy was coming off the most exhilarating month of his life, his first time on a Little League All-Star team. Both boys were going to camp five days a week. Billy learned to fish. Jimmy played soccer and basketball and spotted bald eagles nesting above a lake.
This year, they wake up and go straight to the TV, their tablets or a video-game console while my wife and I work. Sometimes we can do something with them to break up the monotony. Sometimes we can’t.
The boys understand the need to sacrifice and be vigilant about preventing the spread of the virus. They have accepted disappointment while mostly maintaining their good cheer.
But the sacrifices are profound for them, much more so than me giving up live music, sports or travel for a year or two. They’ll never be in fourth and fifth grade, or kindergarten and first grade, again. They feel the losses more deeply, and the uncertainty gnaws at them in ways I can’t see. I know the pandemic will affect their mental health and their view of the world for years or decades to come, and I feel powerless.
If the only adventure they can choose is to push a button on a remote control, then we are failing them.
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thedenverpost--2020-07-29--George Floyd’s family gathers in Virginia to unveil hologram

RICHMOND , Va. — The family of George Floyd witnessed the unveiling of a hologram in Virginia Tuesday night , where flickering lights came together to create an image of Floyd ’ s head and shoulders transposed over the Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee statue .
The event in Richmond on historic Monument Avenue was the first public unveiling of the George Floyd Hologram Memorial Project .
A press release says the project aims to “ transform spaces that were formerly occupied by racist symbols of America ’ s dark Confederate past into a message of hope , solidarity and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man who died after being pinned to the ground by a white police officer in Minneapolis in May , sparking protests across the country calling for criminal justice reform across the nation .
The Richmond-Times Dispatch reported that the project ’ s week-long tour will take it to a number of cities in North Carolina and Georgia mirroring the route of the 1961 Freedom Rides .
The hologram features a myriad of lights that swarm like fireflies to form into a 3-D image of Floyd , with his name depicted around his image @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and The George Floyd Foundation .

RICHMOND, Va. — The family of George Floyd witnessed the unveiling of a hologram in Virginia Tuesday night, where flickering lights came together to create an image of Floyd’s head and shoulders transposed over the Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee statue.
The event in Richmond on historic Monument Avenue was the first public unveiling of the George Floyd Hologram Memorial Project. A press release says the project aims to “transform spaces that were formerly occupied by racist symbols of America’s dark Confederate past into a message of hope, solidarity and forward-thinking change.”
Floyd was a Black man who died after being pinned to the ground by a white police officer in Minneapolis in May, sparking protests across the country calling for criminal justice reform across the nation. The Richmond-Times Dispatch reported that the project’s week-long tour will take it to a number of cities in North Carolina and Georgia mirroring the route of the 1961 Freedom Rides.
The hologram features a myriad of lights that swarm like fireflies to form into a 3-D image of Floyd, with his name depicted around his image. The tour is organized by Change.org and The George Floyd Foundation.


thedenverpost--2020-07-29--Denver weather: Pattern of sunny mornings, afternoon showers continues

Denver ’ s weather pattern will continue its repetitious mode of sunny mornings followed by a chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms through the weekend and into next week .
On Wednesday , Denver skies will be sunny with only a 10 % chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms as the high temperature tops out at 91 degrees , according to the National Weather Service forecast .
Severe weather , however , is possible in the northeastern corner of Colorado on Wednesday and Thursday , according to the weather service .
Severe storms , with damaging winds and locally heavy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Akron and in areas along a line east between the two Eastern Plains locales .
Precipitation should start clearing out of the area on Thursday night .
“ Meanwhile , only isolated thunderstorms with gusty winds and light rainfall can be expected ” over the rest of the plains and along the Front Range , the weather service said .
In Denver on Thursday and Friday , there ’ s a 30 % chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms , according to the weather service , with the high temperature topping out both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be mostly sunny .
On Saturday in the city , there ’ s a slight chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms , skies will be sunny and the high temperature hits 87 degrees .
The weather is expected to be a bit warmer starting Sunday and into next week , with highs climbing into the 90s , and isolated storms along the Front Range .

Denver’s weather pattern will continue its repetitious mode of sunny mornings followed by a chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms through the weekend and into next week.
On Wednesday, Denver skies will be sunny with only a 10% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms as the high temperature tops out at 91 degrees, according to the National Weather Service forecast.
Severe weather, however, is possible in the northeastern corner of Colorado on Wednesday and Thursday, according to the weather service. Severe storms, with damaging winds and locally heavy rains, could strike from Sterling to Akron and in areas along a line east between the two Eastern Plains locales. Precipitation should start clearing out of the area on Thursday night.
“Meanwhile, only isolated thunderstorms with gusty winds and light rainfall can be expected” over the rest of the plains and along the Front Range, the weather service said.
In Denver on Thursday and Friday, there’s a 30% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, according to the weather service, with the high temperature topping out both days in the mid-80s. Skies will be mostly sunny.
On Saturday in the city, there’s a slight chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, skies will be sunny and the high temperature hits 87 degrees.
The weather is expected to be a bit warmer starting Sunday and into next week, with highs climbing into the 90s, and isolated storms along the Front Range.


thedenverpost--2020-07-29--Denver’s war on plastics: Another casualty of COVID-19

Denver City Councilman Jolon Clark doesn ’ t get his war just yet .
Known for his penchant for environmentally friendly policies , Clark celebrated late last year when he and his colleagues approved a plastic bag fee .
He hoped the measure would encourage recycling , reduce the amount of single-use plastics hitting Denver ’ s landfills and spark a war on plastics .
The war could then extend toward styrofoam containers and other single-use materials , he said .
But then the coronavirus pandemic hit , delaying not only Clark ’ s war and the start of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trash and recycling for the city ’ s solid waste division , pushing its staff to the limit .
City officials have also paused talks of launching a pay-as-you-throw garbage collection system as well , among other things .
“ Like many things the COVID has brought to its knees , ” Clark said with a sad laugh .
The need for these measures hasn ’ t gone away , he said .
Rather , it ’ s increased .
But the city missed the opportunity .
Now facing an economic crisis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launch a new program — not in the short term , anyway — and residents can ’ t afford any changes on their utility bills .
Indeed , Denverites are throwing more trash into their home containers , recycling at a higher rate and composting more , said Charlotte Pitt , interim director of Denver ’ s Solid Waste Division .
“ People are now staying at home , working at home , getting more stuff delivered , ” Pitt said .
“ It ’ s just natural that we ’ re going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , through the halfway point of the year , Denverites in single-family residences and small apartment buildings threw away 10 % more trash , said Nancy Kuhn , spokesperson for the city ’ s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure .
Recycling is up 22 % and composting is up 47 % .
Translated into weight , Denverites threw away 8,128 more tons of trash , recycled 3,984 tons and composted 1,591 tons , Kuhn said .
Even extra trash — monthly pickups for bigger bags , furniture , mattresses and more — is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kuhn said .
These increases are likely offset by a decrease in commercial trash and recycling , Pitt noted .
But that commercial trash and recycling is picked up by private companies , so the residential increases have led to more work for Denver crews .
Because there ’ s less traffic on the roads , the crews have been able to manage the extra workload , Pitt said .
However , they have needed to make adjustments .
Before the pandemic , crews would go around the city picking up so-called extra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every four weeks .
More loads of extra trash means more trips back and forth from the landfill , Kuhn said .
To cope , crews have transitioned into smaller , more manageable routes for extra trash pickups .
In addition , crews have been forced to reduce extra-trash pickups to every eight weeks instead of every four weeks , Kuhn said .
So far , those are the most significant changes the division has needed to cope with the added work load , but if the trend continues for much longer or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and staff to handle the tonnage , Pitt said .
She welcomed the boost in recycling and composting and noted the diversion rate is currently around 24 % , meaning that nearly a quarter of the city ’ s waste is captured for recycling .
But that figure could be much higher had a pay-as-you-throw system been in place before the pandemic hit , underscoring a need for the change at some point in the future , Clark said .
The idea is to change behavior , financially incentivizing recycling and throwing away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ department is already working to change those behaviors by encouraging people to be mindful of the single-use plastics they rely on and looking to recycle materials whenever possible .
But a pay-as-you-throw trash system would further encourage those behavior changes , she acknowledged .
The conversation isn ’ t over , Pitt said .
It ’ s only on hold .
And there ’ s still up to a year and a half worth of work before a new system could begin .
Within the next six months , Pitt said she anticipates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how best to launch such a new system .

Denver City Councilman Jolon Clark doesn’t get his war just yet.
Known for his penchant for environmentally friendly policies, Clark celebrated late last year when he and his colleagues approved a plastic bag fee.
He hoped the measure would encourage recycling, reduce the amount of single-use plastics hitting Denver’s landfills and spark a war on plastics. The war could then extend toward styrofoam containers and other single-use materials, he said.
But then the coronavirus pandemic hit, delaying not only Clark’s war and the start of the plastic bag fees but also generating more trash and recycling for the city’s solid waste division, pushing its staff to the limit. City officials have also paused talks of launching a pay-as-you-throw garbage collection system as well, among other things.
“Like many things the COVID has brought to its knees,” Clark said with a sad laugh.
The need for these measures hasn’t gone away, he said. Rather, it’s increased. But the city missed the opportunity. Now facing an economic crisis, Denver likely can’t afford to launch a new program — not in the short term, anyway — and residents can’t afford any changes on their utility bills.
So they’ll wait, Clark said.
Indeed, Denverites are throwing more trash into their home containers, recycling at a higher rate and composting more, said Charlotte Pitt, interim director of Denver’s Solid Waste Division.
“People are now staying at home, working at home, getting more stuff delivered,” Pitt said. “It’s just natural that we’re going to see more waste.”
In all, through the halfway point of the year, Denverites in single-family residences and small apartment buildings threw away 10% more trash, said Nancy Kuhn, spokesperson for the city’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. Recycling is up 22% and composting is up 47%.
Translated into weight, Denverites threw away 8,128 more tons of trash, recycled 3,984 tons and composted 1,591 tons, Kuhn said.
Even extra trash — monthly pickups for bigger bags, furniture, mattresses and more — is up 27% or 2,343 tons, Kuhn said.
These increases are likely offset by a decrease in commercial trash and recycling, Pitt noted.
But that commercial trash and recycling is picked up by private companies, so the residential increases have led to more work for Denver crews.
Because there’s less traffic on the roads, the crews have been able to manage the extra workload, Pitt said.
However, they have needed to make adjustments.
Before the pandemic, crews would go around the city picking up so-called extra trash — like furniture and appliances — every four weeks.
More loads of extra trash means more trips back and forth from the landfill, Kuhn said. To cope, crews have transitioned into smaller, more manageable routes for extra trash pickups.
In addition, crews have been forced to reduce extra-trash pickups to every eight weeks instead of every four weeks, Kuhn said.
So far, those are the most significant changes the division has needed to cope with the added work load, but if the trend continues for much longer or increases, it will need more cash and staff to handle the tonnage, Pitt said.
“It’s very tight,” Pitt said.
She welcomed the boost in recycling and composting and noted the diversion rate is currently around 24%, meaning that nearly a quarter of the city’s waste is captured for recycling.
But that figure could be much higher had a pay-as-you-throw system been in place before the pandemic hit, underscoring a need for the change at some point in the future, Clark said. The idea is to change behavior, financially incentivizing recycling and throwing away less.
Pitt agreed and said her department is already working to change those behaviors by encouraging people to be mindful of the single-use plastics they rely on and looking to recycle materials whenever possible. But a pay-as-you-throw trash system would further encourage those behavior changes, she acknowledged.
The conversation isn’t over, Pitt said. It’s only on hold. And there’s still up to a year and a half worth of work before a new system could begin.
Within the next six months, Pitt said she anticipates her team will resume community conversations about how best to launch such a new system.


thedenverpost--2020-07-29--Broncos Position Preview: New punter, long snapper join kicker Brandon McManus on special teams

Overview : Changes during the offseason left only kicker Brandon McManus among the Broncos ’ long snapper-holder-kicker combination .
Last year , the Broncos finished 21st in veteran writer Rick Gosselin ’ s annual special teams rankings ( computed by using 22 statistical categories ) .
Who ’ s back : Brandon McManus ( K ) and Diontae Spencer ( KR/PR ) .
In the final year of his contract , McManus is back for a seventh season with the Broncos .
Last year , he was 25 of 26 on point-after attempts and 29 of 34 on field goals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the preseason , Spencer averaged 8.0 yards on 26 punt returns and 29.1 yards on 15 kick returns .
Who ’ s gone : Casey Kreiter ( LS , signed with the New York Giants ) and Colby Wadman ( P , free agent ) .
Who ’ s new : Sam Martin ( P , signed from Detroit ) , Jacob Bobenmoyer ( LS , free agent ) and Wes Farnsworth ( LS , free agent ) .
Pressure ’ s on .. : Martin .
The Broncos gave up on Wadman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days of free agency and he will be the team ’ s fourth different Week 1 punter in as many years .
The Broncos have finished 22nd , 28th and 27th the last three years in net punting average , meaning inconsistent punts combined with poor coverage .
Martin ’ s home games will be outdoors for the first time ( seven years with Lions ) .
He has a career net average of 40.9 yards and 175 punts inside the 20-yard line in 106 games .
Camp competition : Spencer vs. KJ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kick returns and 12th in punt returns , suggesting Spencer was a more-than-serviceable option .
But in addition to drafting Jerry Jeudy in the first round , the Broncos added Hamler in the second round .
There are only so many spots at receiver .
If the coaching staff believes Hamler is ready for return duties ( he averaged 5.5 yards on punt returns and 21.4 yards on kick returns last year for Penn State ) , Spencer could be the odd player out .
Key statistic : 82.5 % .
The field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the regular season/playoffs for McManus since he joined the Broncos in 2014 , second-best in franchise history .
Quote : “ I think the one thing you ’ re going to find with Sam is consistency .
Some people would call it boring .
I love boring because he does the same thing all the time so it ’ s easy to game-plan on our end and it ’ s hard to game-plan on the other end.
” — special teams coordinator Tom McMahon on Martin .
Final thought : In addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , training camp will be a crash course for the Broncos to figure out who their leaders will be among the core special team players .
Andy Janovich was traded to Cleveland and Devontae Booker signed with Las Vegas .
The Broncos do return Trey Marshall ( 313 special teams snaps last year ) .

Tenth in a series previewing the Broncos’ position groups entering training camp:
Overview: Changes during the offseason left only kicker Brandon McManus among the Broncos’ long snapper-holder-kicker combination. Last year, the Broncos finished 21st in veteran writer Rick Gosselin’s annual special teams rankings (computed by using 22 statistical categories).
Who’s back: Brandon McManus (K) and Diontae Spencer (KR/PR). In the final year of his contract, McManus is back for a seventh season with the Broncos. Last year, he was 25 of 26 on point-after attempts and 29 of 34 on field goals. Added via waivers from Pittsburgh after the preseason, Spencer averaged 8.0 yards on 26 punt returns and 29.1 yards on 15 kick returns.
Who’s gone: Casey Kreiter (LS, signed with the New York Giants) and Colby Wadman (P, free agent).
Who’s new: Sam Martin (P, signed from Detroit), Jacob Bobenmoyer (LS, free agent) and Wes Farnsworth (LS, free agent).
Pressure’s on ..: Martin. The Broncos gave up on Wadman when they signed Martin in the opening days of free agency and he will be the team’s fourth different Week 1 punter in as many years. The Broncos have finished 22nd, 28th and 27th the last three years in net punting average, meaning inconsistent punts combined with poor coverage. Martin’s home games will be outdoors for the first time (seven years with Lions). He has a career net average of 40.9 yards and 175 punts inside the 20-yard line in 106 games.
Camp competition: Spencer vs. KJ Hamler. The Broncos finished third in kick returns and 12th in punt returns, suggesting Spencer was a more-than-serviceable option. But in addition to drafting Jerry Jeudy in the first round, the Broncos added Hamler in the second round. There are only so many spots at receiver. If the coaching staff believes Hamler is ready for return duties (he averaged 5.5 yards on punt returns and 21.4 yards on kick returns last year for Penn State), Spencer could be the odd player out.
Key statistic: 82.5%. The field goal percentage (161 of 193) in the regular season/playoffs for McManus since he joined the Broncos in 2014, second-best in franchise history.
Quote: “I think the one thing you’re going to find with Sam is consistency. Some people would call it boring. I love boring because he does the same thing all the time so it’s easy to game-plan on our end and it’s hard to game-plan on the other end.” — special teams coordinator Tom McMahon on Martin.
Final thought: In addition to the new punter and long snapper, training camp will be a crash course for the Broncos to figure out who their leaders will be among the core special team players. Andy Janovich was traded to Cleveland and Devontae Booker signed with Las Vegas. The Broncos do return Trey Marshall (313 special teams snaps last year).


thedenverpost--2020-07-29--Isaiah Stewart to the Nuggets? CBS Sports’ NBA mock draft has Washington forward coming to Denver.

After seeing that lineup last week in which the Nuggets put out three 7-footers on the floor , it seems like Denver has a logical move to make in the NBA draft : Get .
Bigger .
At least that ’ s what it seems like with the latest mock draft from Kyle Boone of CBS Sports , who has the Nuggets selecting Washington forward Isaiah Stewart with the No .
21 overall pick .
The 6-foot-9 , 250-pound Stewart averaged 17 points , 8.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks last season as a freshman for the Huskies .
“ Despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stewart has a new-age impact on winning as an energizing big who can block shots , finish around the rim and score it efficiently , ” Boone writes .
“ As a freshman at UW last season he ranked third among all Pac-12 players in Player Efficiency Rating ( PER ) , and led the league in total rebounds .
He ’ s shown some touch as a shooter , too , and potentially with development could become a floor-spacer.
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After seeing that lineup last week in which the Nuggets put out three 7-footers on the floor, it seems like Denver has a logical move to make in the NBA draft: Get. Bigger.
At least that’s what it seems like with the latest mock draft from Kyle Boone of CBS Sports, who has the Nuggets selecting Washington forward Isaiah Stewart with the No. 21 overall pick.
The 6-foot-9, 250-pound Stewart averaged 17 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks last season as a freshman for the Huskies.
“Despite his throwback style of play, Isaiah Stewart has a new-age impact on winning as an energizing big who can block shots, finish around the rim and score it efficiently,” Boone writes. “As a freshman at UW last season he ranked third among all Pac-12 players in Player Efficiency Rating (PER), and led the league in total rebounds. He’s shown some touch as a shooter, too, and potentially with development could become a floor-spacer.”
— Joe Nguyen, The Denver Post
If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette, tell a friend it’s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup. If you have any questions or suggestions, hit me up on Twitter @joenguyen or by email.
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thedenverpost--2020-07-29--Work on I-70 near I-76 exchange could cause long weekend delays in August

Pavement repair work on eastbound Interstate 70 near Wadsworth Boulevard and the Interstate 76 exchange could result in 30-minute delays @ @ @ @ @ .
“ While impacts should be minimal during the weeknights , there could be up @ @ @ @ @ weekends , ” according to a Colorado Department of Transportation news release .
Significant repairs @ @ @ @ @ near the I-76 exchange and on eastbound I-70 from Garrison Street to Wadsworth Boulevard in @ @ @ @ @ weeknights involves removing deteriorated sections of roadway and preparing for resurfacing .
Roadway sections will @ @ @ @ @ .
“ While work will be restricted to nights during the weekdays , there will @ @ @ @ @ day and night over the weekends , ” CDOT said .
“ Lane closures will @ @ @ @ @ half-hour delays during August weekends.
” The work , scheduled to end the morning of @ @ @ @ @ and schedule is subject to change depending on weather conditions and other possible factors .

Pavement repair work on eastbound Interstate 70 near Wadsworth Boulevard and the Interstate 76 exchange could result in 30-minute delays for motorists on August weekends.
“While impacts should be minimal during the weeknights, there could be up to half-hour delays during the weekends,” according to a Colorado Department of Transportation news release.
Significant repairs are scheduled on eastbound I-70 near the I-76 exchange and on eastbound I-70 from Garrison Street to Wadsworth Boulevard in August.
Road work during weeknights involves removing deteriorated sections of roadway and preparing for resurfacing. Roadway sections will be paved during the weekends.
“While work will be restricted to nights during the weekdays, there will be lane closures during the day and night over the weekends,” CDOT said. “Lane closures will impact travel with up to half-hour delays during August weekends.”
The work, scheduled to end the morning of Sunday, Aug. 23, and schedule is subject to change depending on weather conditions and other possible factors.


thedenverpost--2020-07-29--Secure Savings Plan could save Colorado taxpayers $10 billion over the long haul

Colorado Treasurer Dave Young laid out the roadmap for the state ’ s new Secure Savings Plan , which he said will take at least two years to get up and running , but could save taxpayers $ 10 billion over the long haul by boosting the retirement assets of workers in the state .
“ We are very sensitive to the challenges that businesses face in the current economic crisis .
We want to do this in a thoughtful way , ” Young said during a video call Tuesday .
The first major milestone comes Sept. 15 , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current study board with an operating board , which Young will also chair .
Those interested in serving on the board can contact Leah Marvin-Riley in the Treasurer ’ s Office .
The new board will then appoint an executive director to run the program .
The board and new executive director will issue requests for proposals to find private firms to administer the plan and manage the money collected .
“ We want to make sure we select the right entities for managing the program , ” Young said , noting that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ heavy load ” of the program .
Following the advice of Oregon ’ s Treasurer , Colorado will implement the program in waves .
Oregon had six waves , starting with the largest small businesses .
Young said that in hindsight was excessive .
Colorado will likely roll out a plan in three waves , with financial support available to cover added payroll costs for the smallest employers .
Businesses that are new — younger than 2 years old — or with fewer than five employees will be exempt .
So will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan .
More than 900,000 workers in Colorado lack access to a retirement plan at work , and while they in theory could set up an IRA account on their own , few are doing so , according to supporters of the new program .
“ There are huge barriers to offering these types of plans .
Administration is expensive for small businesses , ” said state Sen. Brittany Pettersen , D-Lakewood , who also was on the call .
Young workers in particular stand to see the greatest benefit .
Pettersen said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a retirement plan at work or have minimal retirement savings , a shortfall that is more severe among young women and people of color .
But younger workers also have more time to see their assets appreciate , provided they start saving .
“ Millennials are more likely to have numerous careers over their lifetimes .
This is a great option for us , ” said Pettersen , who co-sponsored the bill that authorized the program .
Employees in the plan will have 5 % of their pay automatically deducted and diverted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adjust that share up or down , including going to zero .
Financial education will be another important component of the program , Young said .
And the plans are portable , meaning workers can take them from job to job .
Young said a study the board commissioned estimated the state would have to spend $ 10 billion in social assistance to support underfunded retirees over 15 years if it did nothing .
Rather than drawing on state support , workers in the plan would draw down their accumulated assets in retirement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revenues .
“ When they ( workers ) are sustainable in retirement , they are paying taxes on their retirement savings , lessening the load on other taxpayers , ” he said .

Colorado Treasurer Dave Young laid out the roadmap for the state’s new Secure Savings Plan, which he said will take at least two years to get up and running, but could save taxpayers $10 billion over the long haul by boosting the retirement assets of workers in the state.
“We are very sensitive to the challenges that businesses face in the current economic crisis. We want to do this in a thoughtful way,” Young said during a video call Tuesday.
The first major milestone comes Sept. 15, when Gov. Jared Polis will replace the current study board with an operating board, which Young will also chair. Those interested in serving on the board can contact Leah Marvin-Riley in the Treasurer’s Office. The new board will then appoint an executive director to run the program.
The board and new executive director will issue requests for proposals to find private firms to administer the plan and manage the money collected.
“We want to make sure we select the right entities for managing the program,” Young said, noting that those two outside vendors will carry the “heavy load” of the program.
Following the advice of Oregon’s Treasurer, Colorado will implement the program in waves. Oregon had six waves, starting with the largest small businesses. Young said that in hindsight was excessive. Colorado will likely roll out a plan in three waves, with financial support available to cover added payroll costs for the smallest employers.
Businesses that are new — younger than 2 years old — or with fewer than five employees will be exempt. So will all employers who currently offer a retirement plan.
More than 900,000 workers in Colorado lack access to a retirement plan at work, and while they in theory could set up an IRA account on their own, few are doing so, according to supporters of the new program.
“There are huge barriers to offering these types of plans. Administration is expensive for small businesses,” said state Sen. Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood, who also was on the call.
Young workers in particular stand to see the greatest benefit. Pettersen said about half of millennials lack access to a retirement plan at work or have minimal retirement savings, a shortfall that is more severe among young women and people of color. But younger workers also have more time to see their assets appreciate, provided they start saving.
“Millennials are more likely to have numerous careers over their lifetimes. This is a great option for us,” said Pettersen, who co-sponsored the bill that authorized the program.
Employees in the plan will have 5% of their pay automatically deducted and diverted to a Roth IRA account. They can adjust that share up or down, including going to zero. Financial education will be another important component of the program, Young said. And the plans are portable, meaning workers can take them from job to job.
Young said a study the board commissioned estimated the state would have to spend $10 billion in social assistance to support underfunded retirees over 15 years if it did nothing. Rather than drawing on state support, workers in the plan would draw down their accumulated assets in retirement and contribute to state and local tax revenues.
“When they (workers) are sustainable in retirement, they are paying taxes on their retirement savings, lessening the load on other taxpayers,” he said.