thedenverpost--2020-06-18--No, warmer summer weather isn’t stopping coronavirus’ spread

While virologists and epidemiologists have hypothesized that summer would subdue the worst of COVID-19 ’ s transmissibility , recent case spikes in places like Arizona , Florida and Texas make it clear that the warmer summer season itself will not stop the virus from spreading .
“ At this point , we need to do more in understanding the underlying determinants of spikes—and these are complex including individual , population , and environmental determinants similar to other respiratory viruses , ” said Dr. Stefan Baral , an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University who has studied the links between the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But yes , I still do think that an element of this has to do with environmental conditions.
” To be clear : it ’ s not the warmer weather itself that ’ s boosting transmission rates and cases .
But , warmer summer weather is also not serving as the pause button for the virus ’ spread .
The spike in cases crosses several other meteorological parameters , as well : more humid places , like Florida , are seeing spikes similar to those in hot and dry places , like Arizona @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to believe that colder and drier weather does increase the virus ’ transmissibility , generally making it more seasonal and similar to the flu in that sense .
“ Thus far , I have not seen any substantial data to refute our hypothesis that low temperatures and specific humidity lead to increased risk of transmission , ” said Dr. Mohammad Sajadi , an associate professor of human virology at the University of Maryland , who has extensively studied links between the spread of coronavirus , latitude and weather .
“ At a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures are implemented and followed , the healthcare system still gets overwhelmed , ” Sajadi said .

While virologists and epidemiologists have hypothesized that summer would subdue the worst of COVID-19’s transmissibility, recent case spikes in places like Arizona, Florida and Texas make it clear that the warmer summer season itself will not stop the virus from spreading.
“At this point, we need to do more in understanding the underlying determinants of spikes—and these are complex including individual, population, and environmental determinants similar to other respiratory viruses,” said Dr. Stefan Baral, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University who has studied the links between the virus’ spread and environmental factors. “But yes, I still do think that an element of this has to do with environmental conditions.”
To be clear: it’s not the warmer weather itself that’s boosting transmission rates and cases. But, warmer summer weather is also not serving as the pause button for the virus’ spread.
The spike in cases crosses several other meteorological parameters, as well: more humid places, like Florida, are seeing spikes similar to those in hot and dry places, like Arizona and Utah.
That said, researchers continue to believe that colder and drier weather does increase the virus’ transmissibility, generally making it more seasonal and similar to the flu in that sense.
“Thus far, I have not seen any substantial data to refute our hypothesis that low temperatures and specific humidity lead to increased risk of transmission,” said Dr. Mohammad Sajadi, an associate professor of human virology at the University of Maryland, who has extensively studied links between the spread of coronavirus, latitude and weather.
“At a certain point, unless strict public health measures are implemented and followed, the healthcare system still gets overwhelmed,” Sajadi said.


thedenverpost--2020-06-18--Ask Amy: Family is fighting over transgender child

Dear Amy : My husband and I have a 7-year-old grandson that his mother has been dressing as a girl .
His mother refers to him as a “ her ” and uses a girl ’ s name .
She also wants the school to refer to him as a her ( he has been having outbursts at school ) .
My son shares custody with his ex .
The child ’ s mother feels she is doing what is right for him and argues with any other suggestions .
My grandson has seen a court-appointed therapist to make a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is at my son ’ s house or our house , he immediately changes clothes and gets upset if anyone sees him wearing girl ’ s clothes .
We have told him that if he doesn ’ t want to wear girl ’ s clothes at his mother ’ s , he must tell her .
He says he wants to wear girl ’ s clothes , but his actions say otherwise .
The mother has told us to not cut his hair — and lawyers advise us to go along with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of control – he has to lift it or hold it out of his eyes .
He has said he asked his mom to get it cut , but with COVID-19 she could not get it done .
Now his mom is saying that we are pressuring him to get it cut .
Should we get him on camera asking/saying he wants it cut ?
Should we take him to get it cut ?
Or should we just hope that she will take him ?
Yes , we would like to see his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we just want him to be able to see and not have to hold it up .
What should we do ?
Dear Gamma : You should open your arms and love this child without pressuring them ( I ’ m using the gender-neutral pronoun ) to be any different than they already are .
While with you , let the child choose and wear any clothing they want to wear on that particular day .
Don ’ t ask loaded questions , don ’ t press this child about their clothing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NOT interrogate or interview them on camera .
Just be grandparents , for goodness sake .
No child has ever needed loving , neutral , accepting grandparents more than this child does .
So take on that role and BE that .
If your grandchild ’ s hair falls into their eyes , offer to let them pick out a hat , a headband , a “ scrunchi , ” hair clips , or anything else they might want to use to hold the hair back .
And if the child doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things , that should be OK , too .
Do NOT cut the child ’ s hair .
The child ’ s father should be in charge of navigating the “ official ” aspects of this along with his ex , including any and all responses to gender/clothing/hair issues .
Things are bad enough for your grandchild that the court has appointed a therapist to step in .
All of the adults in this child ’ s life should meet with the therapist and follow the suggested guidelines .
Dear Amy : My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we see relatively often .
Over the years , we ’ ve noticed that “ John ” tends to want to control “ Laura.
” He will answer questions for her when she is clearly asked directly about a personal experience .
He sometimes seems disrespectful when she speaks her mind .
Recently , my wife texted Laura a question and the response came in from John .
We have always suspected that he reads her texts , but he actually responded for her , referring to her in the response !
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s correct number and it was not a group text .
Should we respect their relationship choices to share everything ?
Do we say nothing ?
My wife and I are willing to risk the consequence of potentially losing the friendship because quite frankly we are creeped out .
Can you help ?
Dear Creeped : Your wife should respond in a natural and honest way : “ John ?
Do you read ‘ Laura ’ s ’ texts ?
And you are answering for her ?
Is she OK ?
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that if I contact her , I hear back from her.
” Dear Amy : “ Frustrated Mom ” provided yet another example of parents who ’ ve had adult children move in without paying rent or doing simple chores around the house .
I ’ ll bet anything most of these parents never brought up the subject in the first place .
Believing that adulthood will bring with it mature thinking on the part our offspring is just begging for disappointment .

Dear Amy: My husband and I have a 7-year-old grandson that his mother has been dressing as a girl. His mother refers to him as a “her” and uses a girl’s name.
She also wants the school to refer to him as a her (he has been having outbursts at school).
My son shares custody with his ex. The child’s mother feels she is doing what is right for him and argues with any other suggestions.
My grandson has seen a court-appointed therapist to make a decision on his gender issues because when he is at my son’s house or our house, he immediately changes clothes and gets upset if anyone sees him wearing girl’s clothes.
We have told him that if he doesn’t want to wear girl’s clothes at his mother’s, he must tell her.
He says he wants to wear girl’s clothes, but his actions say otherwise. The mother has told us to not cut his hair — and lawyers advise us to go along with her. But his hair is out of control – he has to lift it or hold it out of his eyes. He has said he asked his mom to get it cut, but with COVID-19 she could not get it done. Now his mom is saying that we are pressuring him to get it cut.
Should we get him on camera asking/saying he wants it cut? Should we take him to get it cut? Or should we just hope that she will take him?
Yes, we would like to see his hair short, but at this point we just want him to be able to see and not have to hold it up.
What should we do?
— Gamma
Dear Gamma: You should open your arms and love this child without pressuring them (I’m using the gender-neutral pronoun) to be any different than they already are. While with you, let the child choose and wear any clothing they want to wear on that particular day.
Don’t ask loaded questions, don’t press this child about their clothing, hair, or anything else. Do NOT interrogate or interview them on camera. Just be grandparents, for goodness sake. No child has ever needed loving, neutral, accepting grandparents more than this child does. So take on that role and BE that.
If your grandchild’s hair falls into their eyes, offer to let them pick out a hat, a headband, a “scrunchi,” hair clips, or anything else they might want to use to hold the hair back. And if the child doesn’t want to use any of these things, that should be OK, too. Do NOT cut the child’s hair.
The child’s father should be in charge of navigating the “official” aspects of this along with his ex, including any and all responses to gender/clothing/hair issues.
Things are bad enough for your grandchild that the court has appointed a therapist to step in. All of the adults in this child’s life should meet with the therapist and follow the suggested guidelines.
Dear Amy: My wife and I have good friends whom we see relatively often.
Over the years, we’ve noticed that “John” tends to want to control “Laura.”
He will answer questions for her when she is clearly asked directly about a personal experience. He sometimes seems disrespectful when she speaks her mind.
Recently, my wife texted Laura a question and the response came in from John. We have always suspected that he reads her texts, but he actually responded for her, referring to her in the response!
We checked to make sure she had Laura’s correct number and it was not a group text. Should we respect their relationship choices to share everything? Do we say nothing?
My wife and I are willing to risk the consequence of potentially losing the friendship because quite frankly we are creeped out.
Can you help?
— Creeped Out
Dear Creeped: Your wife should respond in a natural and honest way: “John? Do you read ‘Laura’s’ texts? And you are answering for her? Is she OK? In the future, I’d prefer that if I contact her, I hear back from her.”
Dear Amy: “Frustrated Mom” provided yet another example of parents who’ve had adult children move in without paying rent or doing simple chores around the house.
I’ll bet anything most of these parents never brought up the subject in the first place. Believing that adulthood will bring with it mature thinking on the part our offspring is just begging for disappointment.
— For What it’s Worth
Dear Worth: YES!
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-06-18--Hot shot crews keep East Canyon fire west of Durango from growing

The East Canyon fire , burning in bone dry country west of Durango , stayed largely stable Wednesday as firefighters pegged the blaze at 2,568 acres and 5 % containment .
The previous day the fire had been measured at 2,700 acres with no containment , as firefighters tried to get a handle on a fire burning in steep , rugged terrain a few miles southeast of Mancos on Bureau of Land Management territory .
“ We got some additional resources , ” said Pam Wilson , a spokeswoman on the fire who said four hot shot crews came in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s amazing what 80 people can do for making progress on the ground.
” Wilson on Wednesday said there are still evacuation orders in place for nearly 40 homes in the nearby subdivisions of Elk Springs and Elk Stream Ranch in Montezuma County .
Authorities closed down U.S. 160 between Mancos and Hesperus on Monday for a few hours as winds picked up and the fire threatened to jump to the north side of the road .
No homes have been lost or damaged in the fire .
One fixed-wing aircraft , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday to fight the fire , which was started by lightning on Sunday .
“ We ’ re cautiously optimistic that we ’ re going to be able to button this up in the next week , ” Wilson said , before sounding a note of caution .
“ We have some very dry fuel — a very serious situation down here .
It could be the start of a long summer if we don ’ t get moisture soon.
” Another wildfire that started Tuesday on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had reached 220 acres in size .
The Six Shooter Fire was sparked by lightning during weekend storms .
Hot windy weather is expected to continue through most of Thursday in southwest Colorado , but winds are expected to die down in the evening , according to a Facebook page on the fire .
Click markers for details , use buttons to change what wildfires are shown .
Map data is automatically updated by government agencies and could lag real-time events .
Incident types are numbered 1-5 — a type 1 incident is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and critical infrastructure , a type 5 incident is a small wildfire with few personnel involved .
Find more information about incident types at the bottom of this page .

The East Canyon fire, burning in bone dry country west of Durango, stayed largely stable Wednesday as firefighters pegged the blaze at 2,568 acres and 5% containment.
The previous day the fire had been measured at 2,700 acres with no containment, as firefighters tried to get a handle on a fire burning in steep, rugged terrain a few miles southeast of Mancos on Bureau of Land Management territory.
“We got some additional resources,” said Pam Wilson, a spokeswoman on the fire who said four hot shot crews came in to lend a hand. “It’s amazing what 80 people can do for making progress on the ground.”
Wilson on Wednesday said there are still evacuation orders in place for nearly 40 homes in the nearby subdivisions of Elk Springs and Elk Stream Ranch in Montezuma County. Authorities closed down U.S. 160 between Mancos and Hesperus on Monday for a few hours as winds picked up and the fire threatened to jump to the north side of the road.
No homes have been lost or damaged in the fire. One fixed-wing aircraft, five tankers and three helicopters were used Wednesday to fight the fire, which was started by lightning on Sunday.
“We’re cautiously optimistic that we’re going to be able to button this up in the next week,” Wilson said, before sounding a note of caution. “We have some very dry fuel — a very serious situation down here. It could be the start of a long summer if we don’t get moisture soon.”
Another wildfire that started Tuesday on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation, south of the East Canyon fire, had reached 220 acres in size. The Six Shooter Fire was sparked by lightning during weekend storms.
Hot windy weather is expected to continue through most of Thursday in southwest Colorado, but winds are expected to die down in the evening, according to a Facebook page on the fire.
Wildfire map
Click markers for details, use buttons to change what wildfires are shown. Map data is automatically updated by government agencies and could lag real-time events. Incident types are numbered 1-5 — a type 1 incident is a large, complex wildfire affecting people and critical infrastructure, a type 5 incident is a small wildfire with few personnel involved. Find more information about incident types at the bottom of this page.


thedenverpost--2020-06-19--Dog parks, DMV set to re-open in Denver as city cautiously emerges from COVID-19

Denver continues to re-open facilities and services as the coronavirus pandemic eases , with plans to put dog parks back into action on Friday and resume in-person services at the Department of Motor Vehicles on June 29 .
Physical distancing practices will be observed within all city facilities , and employees and members of the public are required to wear face coverings while inside city buildings and facilities .
Besides dog parks re-opening Friday , the city ’ s 311 call center will resume operations on Monday , with hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m .
The Denver Sheriff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Center and Denver County Jail lobbies for scheduled video monitor visitations only , beginning June 26 .
The Denver Clerk and Recorder will reopen for in-person marriage and recording services by appointment only beginning July 1 .
In-person customer service at Excise and Licenses is already being offered by appointment only .
Appointments are also needed to visit the McNichols Civic Center building , which recently reopened to visitors .
Following safer-at-home guidelines , small groups ( currently capped at eight people or fewer ) can make appointments online for a two-hour time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Centers at Westside ( 1200 Federal , first floor ) , Montbello ( 4685 Peoria St. , Suite 251 ) and Denver International Airport ( fifth level , Main Terminal ) will open July 1 on a limited , by-appointment basis .
Jobseekers can visit workforce.development @ denvergov.org or call 720-772-1182 ( 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday ) to make an appointment .
The Department of Motor Vehicles offices will resume in-person services on June 29 .
A number of precautions to protect both customers and staff from potential COVID-19 exposure will be put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all customer-facing windows , physical distancing cues in all branch locations , increased cleaning frequency for high-traffic areas , and hand sanitizer and face mask availability for all staff and clients .
The DMV is testing a text messaging system to allow branch staff to text clients when it is their time to enter the building in order to maintain appropriate capacity in lobby areas .
People are encouraged to bring a cellphone or mobile device with them in order to receive these notifications .
Denver Public Library locations remain closed though online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accessed at www.denverlibrary.org .
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

Denver continues to re-open facilities and services as the coronavirus pandemic eases, with plans to put dog parks back into action on Friday and resume in-person services at the Department of Motor Vehicles on June 29.
Physical distancing practices will be observed within all city facilities, and employees and members of the public are required to wear face coverings while inside city buildings and facilities.
Besides dog parks re-opening Friday, the city’s 311 call center will resume operations on Monday, with hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Denver Sheriff Department will open the Van Cise-Simonet Detention Center and Denver County Jail lobbies for scheduled video monitor visitations only, beginning June 26.
The Denver Clerk and Recorder will reopen for in-person marriage and recording services by appointment only beginning July 1. In-person customer service at Excise and Licenses is already being offered by appointment only.
Appointments are also needed to visit the McNichols Civic Center building, which recently reopened to visitors. Following safer-at-home guidelines, small groups (currently capped at eight people or fewer) can make appointments online for a two-hour time slot at McNichols.
The Denver Workforce Centers at Westside (1200 Federal, first floor), Montbello (4685 Peoria St., Suite 251) and Denver International Airport (fifth level, Main Terminal) will open July 1 on a limited, by-appointment basis. Jobseekers can visit workforce.development@denvergov.org or call 720-772-1182 (8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday) to make an appointment.
The Department of Motor Vehicles offices will resume in-person services on June 29. A number of precautions to protect both customers and staff from potential COVID-19 exposure will be put in play, including glass dividers for all customer-facing windows, physical distancing cues in all branch locations, increased cleaning frequency for high-traffic areas, and hand sanitizer and face mask availability for all staff and clients.
The DMV is testing a text messaging system to allow branch staff to text clients when it is their time to enter the building in order to maintain appropriate capacity in lobby areas. People are encouraged to bring a cellphone or mobile device with them in order to receive these notifications.
Denver Public Library locations remain closed though online services and daily programming opportunities can be accessed at www.denverlibrary.org.
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-06-19--Denver DA’s decision on William DeBose police shooting sparks another wave of protests

Several hundred people marched Thursday from the Colorado State Capitol to a city building to voice their frustration over the Denver district attorney ’ s decision to clear a police officer in the May shooting death of William DeBose .
The protest included DeBose ’ s wife and his father , who addressed the crowd and insisted his son did not intend to harm officers when he fled from them during a traffic stop .
He also thanked the mass of people for supporting his family .
“ This is wrong , ” the father said in video recorded by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is dead .
He was shot for running for his life.
” On Thursday , McCann released her decision — along with officer body camera footage — and said she determined that DeBose pulled a 9 mm pistol and pointed at the officer as he fled .
Therefore , Cpl .
Ethan Antonson was justified in using lethal force , she wrote in her decision letter .
Andrea Perez , 27 , says the DA ’ s decision is wrong .
“ Beth McCann should be out of her position , ” Perez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hour of McCann releasing her decision .
Later , though , the demonstration turned into a rally for DACA , formally known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals .
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Thursday morning that a Trump administration attempt at overturning the Obama-era policy was invalid .
The court ’ s decision brought relief to the more than 15,000 people living in Colorado with DACA protection because they were brought to the U.S. illegally as children .
Still , the Supreme Court ruling allows the U.S. Department of Homeland Security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to celebrate , but it was bittersweet , ” a speaker told the crowd .
The demonstrators also marched to the Denver Justice Center and shouted outside the Downtown Detention Center before heading back toward the Capitol as rain fell .

Several hundred people marched Thursday from the Colorado State Capitol to a city building to voice their frustration over the Denver district attorney’s decision to clear a police officer in the May shooting death of William DeBose.
The protest included DeBose’s wife and his father, who addressed the crowd and insisted his son did not intend to harm officers when he fled from them during a traffic stop. He also thanked the mass of people for supporting his family.
“This is wrong,” the father said in video recorded by multiple media outlets. “My son is dead. He was shot for running for his life.”
Walter DeBose just thanked the crowd for coming and aid a few more words about his son. pic.twitter.com/MxotVFUA23 — Nathaniel Minor (@nbminor) June 18, 2020
On Thursday, McCann released her decision — along with officer body camera footage — and said she determined that DeBose pulled a 9 mm pistol and pointed at the officer as he fled. Therefore, Cpl. Ethan Antonson was justified in using lethal force, she wrote in her decision letter.
Andrea Perez, 27, says the DA’s decision is wrong. “Beth McCann should be out of her position,” Perez said.
The crowd rallied within an hour of McCann releasing her decision.
Later, though, the demonstration turned into a rally for DACA, formally known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Thursday morning that a Trump administration attempt at overturning the Obama-era policy was invalid. The court’s decision brought relief to the more than 15,000 people living in Colorado with DACA protection because they were brought to the U.S. illegally as children.
Still, the Supreme Court ruling allows the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to try again.
“We have to celebrate, but it was bittersweet,” a speaker told the crowd.
The demonstrators also marched to the Denver Justice Center and shouted outside the Downtown Detention Center before heading back toward the Capitol as rain fell.


thedenverpost--2020-06-19--Kiszla: No snowflakes allowed. Broncos Von Miller, Kareem Jackson won’t be last Broncos to get coron

Kiszla: No snowflakes allowed. Broncos Von Miller, Kareem Jackson won’t be last Broncos to get coronavirus.

Nobody wants grandma to die from COVID-19 .
But if big and strong Broncos linebacker Von Miller comes down with the coronavirus , do sports fans aching for some football really care ?
Although training camps don ’ t open for another month , the pandemic is already messing with NFL teams .
Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott and Broncos safety Kareem Jackson recently tested positive for the ’ Rona .
Nothing about football , from linemen grunting in the trenches to fans bumping fists in the stands , works particularly well with social distancing .
So this NFL season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our tolerance for risk .
Football , the same as almost every other aspect of life in 2020 , will force us to decide whether dancing with a virus that has killed more than 120,000 Americans is a thinking adult ’ s choice or irresponsible behavior .
Everywhere I look , from the guy in the Colorado high country selling tires for my ATV to the woman across the aisle yapping nonstop on a 3½-hour flight from Tampa to Denver , people express their views on risk tolerance by wearing a mask ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 ?
America doesn ’ t want to hear it .
Even if wise and kind-hearted Anthony Fauci , everybody ’ s favorite pandemic doctor , tries to warn us against counting on Drew Lock doing battle against Patrick Mahomes in October .
“ Unless players are essentially in a bubble – insulated from the community and they are tested nearly every day – it would be very hard to see how football is played this fall , ” Fauci told CNN .
Even a knucklehead like me understands why bubble math doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NBA team has a shot to keep 35 people , from players to coaches and other essential personnel , healthy under glass in Florida for 13 weeks to determine a champion .
But 35 spots doesn ’ t even begin to cover the two-deep roster of an NFL squad .
And it would be impractical , if not downright inhumane , to prohibit players and coaches to live like football monks for up to six months , from late July through Super Bowl Sunday .
We ’ re ready for some football .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ parlays .
Players and franchise owners want their money .
Television networks want their live sports programming .
So the NFL proceeds , with fingers crossed , knowing only one thing for certain : “ We ’ re going to all be in close contact with each other , ” Jackson told 9News .
“ Of course , there ’ s going to be a lot of guys coming down with it.
” Well , if we read our NFL history , from a belated reaction to the dangers of concussions to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season , the league doesn ’ t really give a flying flip about the health of its players .
Who ’ s afraid of the big , bad coronavirus , when that “ Hard Knocks ” show must go on ?
The new normal ?
There ’ s nothing normal about any of this .
During a video conference promoting the 15th season of “ Hard Knocks , ” Rams coach Sean McVay mentioned the new absurdity of life in 2020 to Chargers coach Anthony Lynn , whose team will also be featured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crazy , Coach Lynn ?
” McVay said Thursday .
“ We ’ re talking about some of this stuff and we ’ re playing football ?
I mean , we ’ re going to social distance , but we play football ?
This is really hard for me to understand all this .
I don ’ t want to be – I don ’ t get it .
I really don ’ t. ” Look , I regularly monitor the Colorado coronavirus tracker in your Denver Post , and if my math @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of the deaths associated with COVID-19 have been suffered by people under age 40 .
The risks of playing football for the Broncos seem low , and even a graybeard like myself will hop a plane to Pittsburgh if the NFL allows me in the press box during these pandemic times .
But it seems very unlikely Jackson will be the last Denver player affected by the virus .
The teams that make noise in the playoffs might be the teams that adhere most stringently to health protocols .
In the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it not make sense for the Broncos to keep a third quarterback on retainer away from team headquarters , just in case COVID-19 sneaks into the QB room ?
While the virus makes its own rules , I think it ’ s a relatively safe bet the Broncos will open the season Sept. 14 at home against Tennessee .
But should a second wave of cases crash across a large portion of the country later in the fall ?
“ Football may not happen this year , ” Fauci warns .
C ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell us that .
Broncos Country doesn ’ t want to hear it .
We need football .
Even if it kills ( some of ) us .

Nobody wants grandma to die from COVID-19. But if big and strong Broncos linebacker Von Miller comes down with the coronavirus, do sports fans aching for some football really care?
Although training camps don’t open for another month, the pandemic is already messing with NFL teams. Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott and Broncos safety Kareem Jackson recently tested positive for the ’Rona.
Who’s next?
Nothing about football, from linemen grunting in the trenches to fans bumping fists in the stands, works particularly well with social distancing. So this NFL season seems destined to be a test of our tolerance for risk.
Football, the same as almost every other aspect of life in 2020, will force us to decide whether dancing with a virus that has killed more than 120,000 Americans is a thinking adult’s choice or irresponsible behavior.
Everywhere I look, from the guy in the Colorado high country selling tires for my ATV to the woman across the aisle yapping nonstop on a 3½-hour flight from Tampa to Denver, people express their views on risk tolerance by wearing a mask (or not).
No football in 2020? America doesn’t want to hear it. Even if wise and kind-hearted Anthony Fauci, everybody’s favorite pandemic doctor, tries to warn us against counting on Drew Lock doing battle against Patrick Mahomes in October.
“Unless players are essentially in a bubble – insulated from the community and they are tested nearly every day – it would be very hard to see how football is played this fall,” Fauci told CNN.
Sorry, Doc. Locking football players in a bubble ain’t happening.
Even a knucklehead like me understands why bubble math doesn’t compute for football. An NBA team has a shot to keep 35 people, from players to coaches and other essential personnel, healthy under glass in Florida for 13 weeks to determine a champion. But 35 spots doesn’t even begin to cover the two-deep roster of an NFL squad. And it would be impractical, if not downright inhumane, to prohibit players and coaches to live like football monks for up to six months, from late July through Super Bowl Sunday.
We’re ready for some football. America wants its fantasy leagues and three-team parlays. Players and franchise owners want their money. Television networks want their live sports programming. So the NFL proceeds, with fingers crossed, knowing only one thing for certain: “We’re going to all be in close contact with each other,” Jackson told 9News. “Of course, there’s going to be a lot of guys coming down with it.”
Well, if we read our NFL history, from a belated reaction to the dangers of concussions to the recent cash-grubbing push for a 17-game regular season, the league doesn’t really give a flying flip about the health of its players. Who’s afraid of the big, bad coronavirus, when that “Hard Knocks” show must go on?
The new normal? There’s nothing normal about any of this. During a video conference promoting the 15th season of “Hard Knocks,” Rams coach Sean McVay mentioned the new absurdity of life in 2020 to Chargers coach Anthony Lynn, whose team will also be featured in the show.
“Is this crazy, Coach Lynn?” McVay said Thursday. “We’re talking about some of this stuff and we’re playing football? I mean, we’re going to social distance, but we play football? This is really hard for me to understand all this. I don’t want to be – I don’t get it. I really don’t.”
Does feeling conflicted make McVay a snowflake?
Look, I regularly monitor the Colorado coronavirus tracker in your Denver Post, and if my math is correct, no more than 1.5% of the deaths associated with COVID-19 have been suffered by people under age 40. The risks of playing football for the Broncos seem low, and even a graybeard like myself will hop a plane to Pittsburgh if the NFL allows me in the press box during these pandemic times.
But it seems very unlikely Jackson will be the last Denver player affected by the virus. The teams that make noise in the playoffs might be the teams that adhere most stringently to health protocols. In the new absurdity of football in 2020, might it not make sense for the Broncos to keep a third quarterback on retainer away from team headquarters, just in case COVID-19 sneaks into the QB room?
While the virus makes its own rules, I think it’s a relatively safe bet the Broncos will open the season Sept. 14 at home against Tennessee. But should a second wave of cases crash across a large portion of the country later in the fall?
“Football may not happen this year,” Fauci warns.
C’mon, doc. Don’t tell us that. Broncos Country doesn’t want to hear it. We need football. Even if it kills (some of) us.


thedenverpost--2020-06-19--CU budget takes $250M hit as costs of coronavirus continue to add up

The University of Colorado ’ s budget for the next academic year will fall 5.3 % from last year , dipping from $ 4.79 billion to $ 4.54 billion , largely due to the financial impacts of the new coronavirus .
The budget is based on the best-known information as of June 2020 , but Chief Financial Officer Todd Saliman said actual student enrollment — which will heavily impact university revenue– won ’ t be known until closer to the fall semester .
COVID-19 has thrown Colorado ’ s already fragile higher education finance situation into dire straits with less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the unexpected costs of remote education and refunding students ’ housing and dining money .
“ Our top priority was making sure we could deliver and continue to deliver a quality experience for our students , and we think we are definitely going to be able to do exactly that , ” Saliman said .
Still , students ’ and families ’ behaviors when enrolling for college are not following typical patterns , Saliman said .
At CU Boulder — the largest CU institution with more than 35,000 students in 2019 — the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ academic year is projected to remain stable , Saliman said .
The incoming class is expected to be slightly smaller than last year , offset by increased enrollment from continuing students .
Graduate student enrollments are projected to be slightly higher .
However , enrollment at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs is trending 14 % to 16 % down for the fall , according to the budget presentation regents received Thursday .
At CU Denver , which typically enrolls many students from China , the budget is projected to decline by 9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-resident enrollment .
Non-resident tuition is expected to decline by $ 17 million , according to the budget presentation .
“ It is unprecedented , ” Saliman said .
“ Usually during a recession , you ’ ll see enrollment pick up , but there is definitely more risk in terms of enrollment during this recession , especially when it comes to international students , so that ’ s one of the big differences .
There are also going to be new expense during this recession we ’ ve never had to address @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a safe , socially-distanced environment and keeping everything clean.
” The $ 250 million budget hit to CU campuses , overall , includes $ 153 million of federal money from the CARES Act emergency relief fund created in the wake of COVID-19 .
Without the federal dollars , CU ’ s budget would have suffered a $ 403 million loss , said Ken McConnellogue , CU system spokesman .
A portion of the financial blow came from a $ 140 million one-time state funding cut to CU , although Colorado universities are no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ranks 48th in the nation when it comes to state higher education funding , meaning many state academic institutions have had to make cuts , raise tuition and be more efficient in their costs for years .
To help offset the monetary strain , all campuses and the CU system office will be subject to employee furloughs , hiring delays and leaving open positions unfilled .
More than 7,700 employees across the CU campuses will be affected , saving more than $ 1.4 million , according to the presentation .
In response to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nation into a recession and strain financial resources for Americans nationwide , CU regents voted in May to hold tuition flat for nearly all students across the four campuses for the 2020-2021 school year — a move CU officials called unprecedented .

The University of Colorado’s budget for the next academic year will fall 5.3% from last year, dipping from $4.79 billion to $4.54 billion, largely due to the financial impacts of the new coronavirus.
The budget is based on the best-known information as of June 2020, but Chief Financial Officer Todd Saliman said actual student enrollment — which will heavily impact university revenue– won’t be known until closer to the fall semester.
COVID-19 has thrown Colorado’s already fragile higher education finance situation into dire straits with less state funding, questionable student enrollment and the unexpected costs of remote education and refunding students’ housing and dining money.
“Our top priority was making sure we could deliver and continue to deliver a quality experience for our students, and we think we are definitely going to be able to do exactly that,” Saliman said.
Still, students’ and families’ behaviors when enrolling for college are not following typical patterns, Saliman said.
At CU Boulder — the largest CU institution with more than 35,000 students in 2019 — the number of students enrolled during the next academic year is projected to remain stable, Saliman said. The incoming class is expected to be slightly smaller than last year, offset by increased enrollment from continuing students. Graduate student enrollments are projected to be slightly higher.
However, enrollment at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs is trending 14% to 16% down for the fall, according to the budget presentation regents received Thursday.
At CU Denver, which typically enrolls many students from China, the budget is projected to decline by 9% primarily due to a hit to non-resident enrollment. Non-resident tuition is expected to decline by $17 million, according to the budget presentation.
“It is unprecedented,” Saliman said. “Usually during a recession, you’ll see enrollment pick up, but there is definitely more risk in terms of enrollment during this recession, especially when it comes to international students, so that’s one of the big differences. There are also going to be new expense during this recession we’ve never had to address before like making sure we can maintain a safe, socially-distanced environment and keeping everything clean.”
The $250 million budget hit to CU campuses, overall, includes $153 million of federal money from the CARES Act emergency relief fund created in the wake of COVID-19. Without the federal dollars, CU’s budget would have suffered a $403 million loss, said Ken McConnellogue, CU system spokesman.
A portion of the financial blow came from a $140 million one-time state funding cut to CU, although Colorado universities are no stranger to beleaguered state funds. Colorado ranks 48th in the nation when it comes to state higher education funding, meaning many state academic institutions have had to make cuts, raise tuition and be more efficient in their costs for years.
To help offset the monetary strain, all campuses and the CU system office will be subject to employee furloughs, hiring delays and leaving open positions unfilled. More than 7,700 employees across the CU campuses will be affected, saving more than $104.8 million, according to the presentation.
In response to the new coronavirus pandemic which helped nudge the nation into a recession and strain financial resources for Americans nationwide, CU regents voted in May to hold tuition flat for nearly all students across the four campuses for the 2020-2021 school year — a move CU officials called unprecedented.
Story updated, 10 a.m., June 19: The amount of money the CU system will save through furloughs and hiring delays was corrected.


thedenverpost--2020-06-19--VIDEO: Police body-camera footage shows shooting of William DeBose

Denver police Cpl .
Ethan Antonson killed DeBose on May 1 .
Antonson told investigators that DeBose pointed a gun @ @ @ @ @ from them in the parking lot of the Rodolfo “ Corky ” Gonzales public library @ @ @ @ @ and Irving Street .
Body camera footage shows Antonson approach the couple and tell them @ @ @ @ @ and put their hands in the air .
DeBose then ran through the parking lot @ @ @ @ @ Antonson chased DeBose , who soon turns toward the officer .
Antonson fired four rounds @ @ @ @ @ DeBose ’ s hands .
It is difficult to determine whether DeBose had a gun @ @ @ @ @ body-worn camera footage , which is dark and blurry .
A metallic clank can be @ @ @ @ @ the ground and police found a loaded gun next to the young man .
Officers @ @ @ @ @ ambulance .
DeBose was pronounced dead at a local hospital .

Denver police Cpl. Ethan Antonson killed DeBose on May 1. Antonson told investigators that DeBose pointed a gun at him as he ran from them in the parking lot of the Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales public library branch at West Colfax Avenue and Irving Street.
Read the full story here.
Body camera footage shows Antonson approach the couple and tell them to stay where they are and put their hands in the air. DeBose then ran through the parking lot back toward the car. Antonson chased DeBose, who soon turns toward the officer. Antonson fired four rounds because he saw something in DeBose’s hands.
It is difficult to determine whether DeBose had a gun in his hand from the body-worn camera footage, which is dark and blurry. A metallic clank can be heard as DeBose fell to the ground and police found a loaded gun next to the young man.
Officers handcuffed DeBose and called an ambulance. DeBose was pronounced dead at a local hospital.


thedenverpost--2020-06-18--I-70 project on Vail Pass scores $60 million federal grant for improvements to notorious stretch

The Colorado Department of Transportation says it will use a $ 60.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for improvements to Vail Pass on Interstate 70 .
The improvements will take place next year on a 10 mile stretch of I-70 on the west side of Vail Pass in Eagle County .
The grant , from the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America program , will be used to build an eastbound auxiliary lane to reduce traffic hangups and to reconstruct the eastbound bridge over Polk Creek .
The project also includes widening shoulders , reconstructing a truck ramp , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crossings and installing automated anti-icing technologies , along with relocating two miles of the recreation path that currently are next to the highway .
Vail Pass was completed in 1979 and has struggled to keep up with Colorado ’ s growing population and traffic , CDOT said in a news release Thursday .
The pass is subject to extreme weather , which results in wear and tear to the highway .
It also has the highest crash rate for all of I-70 in Colorado , according to CDOT , and costs the economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hour the interstate is closed .
“ I-70 and Vail Pass in particular serve as an important gateway to outdoor recreation , like hiking , biking , and skiing , and as a vital connector for trucks and freight movement , ” U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet said in a statement .
“ I ’ m glad DOT has awarded CDOT this grant to make important safety upgrades and reduce the number of closures of West Vail Pass due to inclement weather and vehicle crashes.
” CDOT will provide a match to the INFRA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a total cost of $ 140.4 million .
Construction on Vail Pass could begin as early as summer 2021 , CDOT says .

The Colorado Department of Transportation says it will use a $60.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for improvements to Vail Pass on Interstate 70.
The improvements will take place next year on a 10 mile stretch of I-70 on the west side of Vail Pass in Eagle County.
The grant, from the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America program, will be used to build an eastbound auxiliary lane to reduce traffic hangups and to reconstruct the eastbound bridge over Polk Creek. The project also includes widening shoulders, reconstructing a truck ramp, installing dynamic message signs, providing wildlife crossings and installing automated anti-icing technologies, along with relocating two miles of the recreation path that currently are next to the highway.
Vail Pass was completed in 1979 and has struggled to keep up with Colorado’s growing population and traffic, CDOT said in a news release Thursday. The pass is subject to extreme weather, which results in wear and tear to the highway. It also has the highest crash rate for all of I-70 in Colorado, according to CDOT, and costs the economy an estimated $1 million for every hour the interstate is closed.
“I-70 and Vail Pass in particular serve as an important gateway to outdoor recreation, like hiking, biking, and skiing, and as a vital connector for trucks and freight movement,” U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet said in a statement. “I’m glad DOT has awarded CDOT this grant to make important safety upgrades and reduce the number of closures of West Vail Pass due to inclement weather and vehicle crashes.”
CDOT will provide a match to the INFRA grant of $79.7 million, for a total cost of $140.4 million. Construction on Vail Pass could begin as early as summer 2021, CDOT says.


thedenverpost--2020-06-18--State orders coal company to cease expansion of West Elk Mine into roadless area near Paonia

The company that owns and operates the West Elk Mine near Paonia was ordered by the Colorado Division of Reclamation and Mine Safety Thursday to stop building new roads in a roadless area where it plans to expand coal mining operations .
The state agency ’ s order followed a ruling from a federal court in Denver earlier this week that knocked down a legal exception that Mountain Coal Company , a subsidiary of Missouri-based Arch Coal , had used for years to mine in a protected area that otherwise would have been off-limits under a state plan protecting intact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mine safety ’ s cessation order prevents further road construction or tree removal within the protected Sunset Colorado Roadless Area , home to lynx , black bears , elk and goshawks .
Thursday ’ s order was issued following the construction of a new road in the protected area by Mountain Coal Company earlier this month , the state agency said .
Mining activities have been allowed in the Sunset roadless area in the past as a result of the “ North Fork Exception ” to the Colorado Roadless Rule .
But in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Appeals ruled that the U.S. Forest Service had not followed procedures required by the National Environmental Protection Act when it reinstated the exception in a 2016 land use plan .
The Forest Service signed off on the expansion in 2017 .
The appeals court this week ordered the exception be vacated by the District Court of Colorado , which happened on Monday .
Deck Slone , a spokesperson for Arch , said on Thursday that Mountain Coal Company ’ s roadbuilding “ is lawful ” because it is being done under rights granted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Such roadbuilding is also authorized under another exception to the Colorado Roadless Rule , which allows roadbuilding where roads are needed under rights granted by statute , ” Slone said .
“ This includes a valid lease issued under the Mineral Leasing Act.
” He said Mountain Coal Company consulted with the Forest Service before starting any work and that the agency “ did not oppose roadbuilding.
” The exception under which Mountain Coal Company operated has long been under legal challenge from environmental groups .
High Country Conservation Advocates issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s cessation order .
“ We ’ re pleased that the state is putting a stop to the coal company ’ s renegade bulldozing , which has already damaged wildlife habitat and roadless forest near the West Elk Wilderness , ” said Matt Reed , public lands director for the group .
“ We ’ ll be watching closely to make sure the coal company obeys the law.
” Mining in the Sunset roadless area would have helped Mountain Coal Company extract hundreds of millions of tons more coal from under the Gunnison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have to carve out temporary roads and clear pads to drill vents that remove methane gases from tunnels so miners could produce safely .
Thursday ’ s order does not prohibit the company from continuing its current operations below the surface at the mine .

The company that owns and operates the West Elk Mine near Paonia was ordered by the Colorado Division of Reclamation and Mine Safety Thursday to stop building new roads in a roadless area where it plans to expand coal mining operations.
The state agency’s order followed a ruling from a federal court in Denver earlier this week that knocked down a legal exception that Mountain Coal Company, a subsidiary of Missouri-based Arch Coal, had used for years to mine in a protected area that otherwise would have been off-limits under a state plan protecting intact forests.
The division of reclamation and mine safety’s cessation order prevents further road construction or tree removal within the protected Sunset Colorado Roadless Area, home to lynx, black bears, elk and goshawks. Thursday’s order was issued following the construction of a new road in the protected area by Mountain Coal Company earlier this month, the state agency said.
Mining activities have been allowed in the Sunset roadless area in the past as a result of the “North Fork Exception” to the Colorado Roadless Rule. But in March, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the U.S. Forest Service had not followed procedures required by the National Environmental Policy Act when it reinstated the exception in a 2016 land use plan.
The Forest Service signed off on the expansion in 2017.
The appeals court this week ordered the exception be vacated by the District Court of Colorado, which happened on Monday. Deck Slone, a spokesperson for Arch, said on Thursday that Mountain Coal Company’s roadbuilding “is lawful” because it is being done under rights granted by the company’s lease modifications.
“Such roadbuilding is also authorized under another exception to the Colorado Roadless Rule, which allows roadbuilding where roads are needed under rights granted by statute,” Slone said. “This includes a valid lease issued under the Mineral Leasing Act.”
He said Mountain Coal Company consulted with the Forest Service before starting any work and that the agency “did not oppose roadbuilding.”
The exception under which Mountain Coal Company operated has long been under legal challenge from environmental groups. High Country Conservation Advocates issued a statement Thursday praising the state’s cessation order.
“We’re pleased that the state is putting a stop to the coal company’s renegade bulldozing, which has already damaged wildlife habitat and roadless forest near the West Elk Wilderness,” said Matt Reed, public lands director for the group. “We’ll be watching closely to make sure the coal company obeys the law.”
Mining in the Sunset roadless area would have helped Mountain Coal Company extract hundreds of millions of tons more coal from under the Gunnison National Forest. West Elk Mine crews would have to carve out temporary roads and clear pads to drill vents that remove methane gases from tunnels so miners could produce safely.
Thursday’s order does not prohibit the company from continuing its current operations below the surface at the mine.


thedenverpost--2020-06-18--Broncos’ initial 53-man roster projection features much youth, new faces

In normal years , guessing the Broncos ’ initial 53-man roster is kind of like throwing darts at a board .
But at least through rookie camp , organized team activities and mandatory minicamp , there is an idea of who will enter camp as the favorites to make up the back of the roster .
Not this year , though .
The coronavirus pandemic wiped out the in-person offseason program so predicting the 53-man roster is a semi-flying blind exercise .
• Eighteen of the 53 players are new to the Broncos ( 33.9 % ) .
• Nineteen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their second year ( eight ) in the NFL ( 35.8 % ) .
• And the offense and defense is split evenly with 25 players apiece .
Analysis : Pretty simple .
Lock showed enough in his five starts ( 4-1 record , seven touchdowns and three interceptions ) to end 2019 to convince management he should be the no-doubt starter .
The Broncos signed Driskel ( 1-7 career starting record ) instead of trying to convince a more-experienced veteran to be the No .
2 .
If Rypien clears waivers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practice squad .
Analysis : Gordon ’ s arrival was bad news for Lindsay ( no longer the No .
1 ) and especially Freeman .
The Broncos have two years of game video on Freeman ( only 3.9 yards per carry ) and might opt to keep Bellamy as a developmental player .
Bellamy over Freeman represents choosing the unknown-and-intriguing over the experienced-but-known .
It would be interesting to see if Muhammad could ever have a change-of-pace role in an offense , but there isn ’ t room on this roster .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Broncos to keep only three tailbacks .
Analysis : Another crowded position group .
Of the five I keep on the roster , only Fant ( 40 ) and Beck ( nine ) caught passes for the Broncos last year ; Vannett was in Pittsburgh , Butt on injured reserve and Okwuegbunam in college .
Heuerman is on the bubble after Vannett ’ s arrival to be an in-line blocker .
Beck is the jack-of-all-trades player on offense .
I could see them keeping Fort , who was having a good camp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if there isn ’ t confidence that Butt ’ s knee can hold up .
This group will be defined by what kind of jump Fant makes in his second year ( 40 catches-562 yards-three touchdowns in ’ 19 ) .
Analysis : A whopping 13 players means receivers coach Zach Azzanni may have to rent out a hotel ballroom to hold his meetings .
Sutton ( 72 catches-1,112 yards-six touchdowns last year ) , Jeudy ( first-round pick ) and Hamler ( second-round pick ) are locks .
Then it gets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a final chance to show consistency ?
Does the special teams ability of Brown give him the edge ?
Are the Broncos ready to make Hamler a punt returner or do they want to stay with Spencer ?
Winfree ( a sixth-round pick last year ) and Cleveland ( a seventh-round pick this year ) could battle for one practice squad spot .
In : Garett Bolles ( LT ) , Dalton Risner ( LG ) , Lloyd Cushenberry ( C ) , Graham Glasgow ( RG ) , Ja ’ Wuan James @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OT ) , Jake Rodgers ( OT ) , Netane Muti ( G ) and Austin Schlottmann ( G/C ) .
Out : Tyler Jones ( OT ) , Patrick Morris ( C ) , Quinn Bailey ( T ) , Nico Falah ( G/C ) , Calvin Anderson ( T ) and Hunter Watts ( T ) , Analysis : It will be Bolles vs. Wilkinson at left tackle and Cushenberry vs. , well , himself at center .
Bolles remaining the starter will allow the Broncos to use Wilkinson as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a third-round rookie , shows he ’ s ready to start , it won ’ t matter what Morris does in camp .
I kept Rodgers over Bailey , Anderson and Watts because he has some experience .
Muti , a sixth-round rookie , will be a developmental guard .
Analysis : I see all but Walker as all-but-locks to be on the initial roster , Harris and Casey starting at defensive end , Purcell starting at nose tackle , Jones as a rotational player and Agim as the regular inactive .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ his rookie deal , has a final chance to show he was worth a 2017 second-round pick .
He had a great camp last year to make the team and will need to do the same this August .
I don ’ t have a true backup nose tackle on the roster figuring Casey could help there in a pinch .
Analysis : I ’ m going against the grain in choosing Tuszka , a seventh-round rookie , over Reed as the fifth outside linebacker .
Attaochu ’ s emergence as a pass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reed and Hollins down the depth chart .
It will be interesting to see if the Broncos work Hollins as a sub-package inside linebacker like last year or just leave him on the edge .
Chubb returns from a torn ACL sustained in the fourth game of ’ 19 and Miller needs to get back to double-digit sacks ( eight last year ) for the Broncos to sniff playoff contention .
Analysis : If the Broncos keep five defensive linemen , they could keep Jones as the fifth inside linebacker/core special teamer .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the edge over Jones because he has more experience playing defense .
Strnad , a fifth-round rookie , will get a chance to play on special teams , his best route to being active on gameday .
If there ’ s one position on this roster to address once rosters are cut down , this is it .
Analysis : The Broncos had only one interception by a full-time cornerback last year and Chris Harris is now with the Chargers .
Bouye excels in zone coverage and will start camp as the No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of last year with a foot injury and it ’ s critical the Broncos get him to the Sept. 14 starting gate in good order or else it ’ s probably Dawson as the nickel .
Yiadom and Bausby should consider themselves on the roster bubble if Harris ( up and down ’ 19 ) and Bassey ( undrafted free agent from Wake Forest ) have good camps .
Bassey is a practice squad candidate if he doesn ’ t make the roster .
Analysis : A strong starting duo of Jackson ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Simmons ( 93 tackles and team-high four interceptions ) .
Simmons hasn ’ t signed his franchise tender yet and the sides have until July 15 to reach a long-term contract agreement .
Marshall is a core special teamer and filled in for Jackson in the last two games of ’ 19 .
Holder , moved from cornerback to safety after the ’ 19 preseason , should merit consideration in six-defensive back personnel because of his coverage skills .
• Stadium officials outline safety measures being taken in time for Broncos ’ season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ platform Betfred that includes hospitality tent outside stadium • At stadium , Broncos preparing for all scenarios , but hope fans can attend games Analysis : Martin replaces Colby Wadman and Bobenmoyer will replace Casey Kreiter .
McManus enters his seventh season as the kicker and is in the final year of his contract .
Where the intrigue begins is at kick/punt returner and the core special teamers .
Devontae Booker ( kick returns ) signed with Las Vegas and Spencer is the incumbent punt returner .

In normal years, guessing the Broncos’ initial 53-man roster is kind of like throwing darts at a board.
But at least through rookie camp, organized team activities and mandatory minicamp, there is an idea of who will enter camp as the favorites to make up the back of the roster.
Not this year, though.
The coronavirus pandemic wiped out the in-person offseason program so predicting the 53-man roster is a semi-flying blind exercise.
The rundown …
Eighteen of the 53 players are new to the Broncos (33.9%).
Nineteen players are rookies (11) or in their second year (eight) in the NFL (35.8%).
And the offense and defense is split evenly with 25 players apiece.
Here’s the position-by-position look:
Offense
Quarterback (2)
In: Drew Lock and Jeff Driskel.
Out: Brett Rypien and Riley Neal.
Analysis: Pretty simple. Lock showed enough in his five starts (4-1 record, seven touchdowns and three interceptions) to end 2019 to convince management he should be the no-doubt starter. The Broncos signed Driskel (1-7 career starting record) instead of trying to convince a more-experienced veteran to be the No. 2. If Rypien clears waivers, he should be signed to the practice squad.
Running back (3)
In: Melvin Gordon, Phillip Lindsay and LeVante Bellamy.
Out: Royce Freeman, Khalfani Muhammad and Jeremy Cox.
Analysis: Gordon’s arrival was bad news for Lindsay (no longer the No. 1) and especially Freeman. The Broncos have two years of game video on Freeman (only 3.9 yards per carry) and might opt to keep Bellamy as a developmental player. Bellamy over Freeman represents choosing the unknown-and-intriguing over the experienced-but-known. It would be interesting to see if Muhammad could ever have a change-of-pace role in an offense, but there isn’t room on this roster. The third-down ability of Gordon will allow the Broncos to keep only three tailbacks.
Tight end (5)
In: Noah Fant, Nick Vannett, Andrew Beck (TE/FB), Albert Okwuegbunam and Jake Butt.
Out: Jeff Heuerman, Troy Fumagalli and Austin Fort.
Analysis: Another crowded position group. Of the five I keep on the roster, only Fant (40) and Beck (nine) caught passes for the Broncos last year; Vannett was in Pittsburgh, Butt on injured reserve and Okwuegbunam in college. Heuerman is on the bubble after Vannett’s arrival to be an in-line blocker. Beck is the jack-of-all-trades player on offense. I could see them keeping Fort, who was having a good camp last August when he tore his ACL, if there isn’t confidence that Butt’s knee can hold up. This group will be defined by what kind of jump Fant makes in his second year (40 catches-562 yards-three touchdowns in ’19).
Receiver (6)
In: Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, KJ Hamler, Tim Patrick, DaeSean Hamilton and Diontae Spencer.
Out: Zimari Manning, Kendall Hinton, Trinity Benson, Juwann Winfree, Kelvin McKnight, Fred Brown and Tyrie Cleveland.
Analysis: A whopping 13 players means receivers coach Zach Azzanni may have to rent out a hotel ballroom to hold his meetings. Sutton (72 catches-1,112 yards-six touchdowns last year), Jeudy (first-round pick) and Hamler (second-round pick) are locks. Then it gets interesting. Do the Broncos give Hamilton a final chance to show consistency? Does the special teams ability of Brown give him the edge? Are the Broncos ready to make Hamler a punt returner or do they want to stay with Spencer? Winfree (a sixth-round pick last year) and Cleveland (a seventh-round pick this year) could battle for one practice squad spot.
Offensive line (9)
In: Garett Bolles (LT), Dalton Risner (LG), Lloyd Cushenberry (C), Graham Glasgow (RG), Ja’Wuan James (RT), Elijah Wilkinson (OT), Jake Rodgers (OT), Netane Muti (G) and Austin Schlottmann (G/C).
Out: Tyler Jones (OT), Patrick Morris (C), Quinn Bailey (T), Nico Falah (G/C), Calvin Anderson (T) and Hunter Watts (T),
Analysis: It will be Bolles vs. Wilkinson at left tackle and Cushenberry vs., well, himself at center. Bolles remaining the starter will allow the Broncos to use Wilkinson as a backup-swing tackle/potential fill-in guard. If Cushenberry, a third-round rookie, shows he’s ready to start, it won’t matter what Morris does in camp. I kept Rodgers over Bailey, Anderson and Watts because he has some experience. Muti, a sixth-round rookie, will be a developmental guard.
Defense
Defensive line (6)
In: Shelby Harris, Jurrell Casey, Mike Purcell, Dre’Mont Jones, McTelvin Agim and DeMarcus Walker.
Out: Christian Covington, Kyle Peko, Jonathan Harris and Joel Heath.
Analysis: I see all but Walker as all-but-locks to be on the initial roster, Harris and Casey starting at defensive end, Purcell starting at nose tackle, Jones as a rotational player and Agim as the regular inactive. Walker, in the final year of his rookie deal, has a final chance to show he was worth a 2017 second-round pick. He had a great camp last year to make the team and will need to do the same this August. I don’t have a true backup nose tackle on the roster figuring Casey could help there in a pinch.
Outside linebacker (5)
In: Bradley Chubb, Von Miller, Jeremiah Attaochu, Justin Hollins and Derrek Tuszka.
Out: Malik Reed, Malik Carney and Tre’ Crawford.
Analysis: I’m going against the grain in choosing Tuszka, a seventh-round rookie, over Reed as the fifth outside linebacker. Attaochu’s emergence as a pass rusher (3 1/2 sacks) pushed Reed and Hollins down the depth chart. It will be interesting to see if the Broncos work Hollins as a sub-package inside linebacker like last year or just leave him on the edge. Chubb returns from a torn ACL sustained in the fourth game of ’19 and Miller needs to get back to double-digit sacks (eight last year) for the Broncos to sniff playoff contention.
Inside linebacker (4)
In: Alexander Johnson, Todd Davis, Josey Jewell and Justin Strnad.
Out: Joe Jones and Josh Watson.
Analysis: If the Broncos keep five defensive linemen, they could keep Jones as the fifth inside linebacker/core special teamer. But for now, I give Jewell the edge over Jones because he has more experience playing defense. Strnad, a fifth-round rookie, will get a chance to play on special teams, his best route to being active on gameday. If there’s one position on this roster to address once rosters are cut down, this is it.
Cornerback (6)
In: A.J. Bouye, Bryce Callahan, Michael Ojemudia, Isaac Yiadom, De’Vante Bausby and Duke Dawson.
Out: Davontae Harris, Essang Bassey and Shakial Taylor.
Analysis: The Broncos had only one interception by a full-time cornerback last year and Chris Harris is now with the Chargers. Bouye excels in zone coverage and will start camp as the No. 1 cornerback. Callahan missed all of last year with a foot injury and it’s critical the Broncos get him to the Sept. 14 starting gate in good order or else it’s probably Dawson as the nickel. Yiadom and Bausby should consider themselves on the roster bubble if Harris (up and down ’19) and Bassey (undrafted free agent from Wake Forest) have good camps. Bassey is a practice squad candidate if he doesn’t make the roster.
Safety (4)
In: Kareem Jackson, Justin Simmons, Trey Marshall and Alijah Holder.
Out: Douglas Coleman, P.J. Locke and Kahani Smith.
Analysis: A strong starting duo of Jackson (71 tackles in 13 games) and Simmons (93 tackles and team-high four interceptions). Simmons hasn’t signed his franchise tender yet and the sides have until July 15 to reach a long-term contract agreement. Marshall is a core special teamer and filled in for Jackson in the last two games of ’19. Holder, moved from cornerback to safety after the ’19 preseason, should merit consideration in six-defensive back personnel because of his coverage skills.
Specialists
In: Sam Martin (P), Brandon McManus (K) and Jacob Bobenmoyer (LS).
Out: Wes Farnsworth (LS).
Analysis: Martin replaces Colby Wadman and Bobenmoyer will replace Casey Kreiter. McManus enters his seventh season as the kicker and is in the final year of his contract. Where the intrigue begins is at kick/punt returner and the core special teamers. Devontae Booker (kick returns) signed with Las Vegas and Spencer is the incumbent punt returner.


thedenverpost--2020-06-18--Gov. Jared Polis warns Colorado could see increase in coronavirus cases similar to neighboring state

Gov. Jared Polis warns Colorado could see increase in coronavirus cases similar to neighboring states

Gov .
Jared Polis on Thursday cautioned that Colorado could see the number of new coronavirus cases — which so far remain relatively low — increase significantly as is happening in neighboring states .
Polis ’ remarks , which were made during one of his regular briefings on the outbreak , come as COVID-19 cases in Boulder County have surged in the past week , with more than 100 residents testing positive for the novel coronavirus following recent college parties , protests and out-of-state travel .
The governor repeatedly urged Coloradans to continue to follow public health guidelines , such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in public , citing the need for “ personal responsibility ” as the state moves to its next phase of reopening , which could soon allow larger events .
“ I ’ m worried the virus can break through here in Colorado because it has in other states , ” Polis said .
“ All that we can do to contain it is make sure that we don ’ t provide the social environment in which it thrives .
It ’ s simply a function of behavior.
” COVID-19 cases have surged in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks , but they have remained fairly low in Colorado .
On Thursday , state health officials recorded 228 new cases of the coronavirus , bringing the statewide total to 29,901 .
Fifteen more people are confirmed to have died from COVID-19 , bringing the total number of deaths to 1,417 .
“ This progress is only as good as the will of the people of Colorado , ” Polis said , adding “ We ’ re seeing a lot of cause for concern in neighboring states.
” Hospitalizations , which have remained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slightly .
There were 151 people in the hospital for the disease , down from 164 individuals the day before , according to the Colorado Hospital Association .
Symptoms of COVID-19 — including fever , cough , shortness of breath , sore throat , loss of taste and smell , and nausea — can appear between two and 14 days after exposure , according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Public health officials recommend people wear masks to cover their mouth and nose and stay at least 6 feet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to limit transmission of the disease , according to the state health department .
Since the start of the pandemic in March , 5,308 people have been hospitalized with COVID-19 and 1,638 people have died with the virus , but it hasn ’ t been confirmed as the cause of death .
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

Gov. Jared Polis on Thursday cautioned that Colorado could see the number of new coronavirus cases — which so far remain relatively low — increase significantly as is happening in neighboring states.
Polis’ remarks, which were made during one of his regular briefings on the outbreak, come as COVID-19 cases in Boulder County have surged in the past week, with more than 100 residents testing positive for the novel coronavirus following recent college parties, protests and out-of-state travel.
The governor repeatedly urged Coloradans to continue to follow public health guidelines, such as wearing a mask and social distancing in public, citing the need for “personal responsibility” as the state moves to its next phase of reopening, which could soon allow larger events.
“I’m worried the virus can break through here in Colorado because it has in other states,” Polis said. “All that we can do to contain it is make sure that we don’t provide the social environment in which it thrives. It’s simply a function of behavior.”
COVID-19 cases have surged in several Western and Southern states in recent weeks, but they have remained fairly low in Colorado. On Thursday, state health officials recorded 228 new cases of the coronavirus, bringing the statewide total to 29,901.
Fifteen more people are confirmed to have died from COVID-19, bringing the total number of deaths to 1,417.
“This progress is only as good as the will of the people of Colorado,” Polis said, adding “We’re seeing a lot of cause for concern in neighboring states.”
Hospitalizations, which have remained flat over the past week, dropped slightly. There were 151 people in the hospital for the disease, down from 164 individuals the day before, according to the Colorado Hospital Association.
Symptoms of COVID-19 — including fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, loss of taste and smell, and nausea — can appear between two and 14 days after exposure, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Public health officials recommend people wear masks to cover their mouth and nose and stay at least 6 feet from others. People also should frequently wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to limit transmission of the disease, according to the state health department.
Since the start of the pandemic in March, 5,308 people have been hospitalized with COVID-19 and 1,638 people have died with the virus, but it hasn’t been confirmed as the cause of death.
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-06-18--Alfred Williams on alleged Mike Gundy racial slur: “Why would I make that up?”

Mike Gundy still hadn ’ t called Alfred Williams as of Thursday afternoon .
But a ton of former CU Buffs have .
And they ’ re ready to back him up .
“ I ’ ve heard from teammates that I haven ’ t heard from in 25-plus years that were on the field during that time that said , ‘ I can recall the exact same thing , ’ ” Williams , the current KOA radio host and former Buffs and Broncos star said of Gundy , the Oklahoma State football coach whom he accuses of directing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ But it ’ s just incredible , man .
It ’ s incredible .
We can wait 31 years before we shine a light on this .
It ’ s unbelievable.
” The 52-year-old Gundy ’ s political and personal leanings became public discourse earlier this week when a picture of the coach wearing a One America News Network T-shirt came to light .
Several personalities on One America , or OAN for short , have mocked the Black Lives Matter movement .
The conservative news outlet has often been praised by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OAN association drew ire from his players , most notably star tailback Chuba Hubbard .
He has since apologized for the “ pain and discomfort ” he ’ d caused for wearing the shirt .
Williams and the Buffs joined that discussion Wednesday .
Ex-Bronco and current Fox Sports host Shannon Sharpe recalled the 1989 incident between Gundy and Williams during a Cowboys-Buffs football game on FS1 ’ s “ Undisputed.
” Williams recounted the tale again on the “ Big Al & JoJo Show ” later that afternoon .
According to reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s quarterback , made the slur to Williams , a CU linebacker , during the Buffs ’ 41-17 win over Oklahoma State on Nov. 11 , 1989 , in Stillwater .
In a story about the game published in The Oklahoman on Nov. 12 , 1989 , Williams and teammates Kanavis McGhee , Bruce Young and Okland Salavea said Gundy made “ racial comments.
” “ I don ’ t know ( what was said to others ) , ” Williams said .
“ I can tell you he said it to me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ account , ( that ) he said it to me.
” Former CU quarterback and current Buffs running backs coach Darian Hagan corroborated Williams ’ memory of events , and recalled Gundy avoiding CU players after the game .
“ I do remember our guys on the sideline coming off the field saying what he had said , seeking him out , ” Hagan told The Post on Thursday .
“ And he kind of avoided our team .
He avoided the whole situation .
Quarterbacks ( after games ) usually go out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the eye and wish each other luck .
And he didn ’ t do that.
” Gundy denied using the slur at the time and pointed a finger back at CU and its own controversies at the time of the contest .
Asked as to whether the incident three decades ago and Gundy ’ s political beliefs indicate a pattern of feelings toward African-Americans , Williams replied , “ I think people are trying to connect the dots .
I ’ m not in that business.
” Williams takes umbrage to Gundy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for an apology for the slurs .
As of early Thursday afternoon , he hadn ’ t received one .
“ Why would I make up a story about a guy on a team that we just beat ?
” Williams asked .
“ We were moving on to the next team , to play for a national championship .
Why would I make that up ?
”

Mike Gundy still hadn’t called Alfred Williams as of Thursday afternoon.
But a ton of former CU Buffs have. And they’re ready to back him up.
“I’ve heard from teammates that I haven’t heard from in 25-plus years that were on the field during that time that said, ‘I can recall the exact same thing,’” Williams, the current KOA radio host and former Buffs and Broncos star said of Gundy, the Oklahoma State football coach whom he accuses of directing a racial slur at him in 1989.
“But it’s just incredible, man. It’s incredible. We can wait 31 years before we shine a light on this. It’s unbelievable.”
The 52-year-old Gundy’s political and personal leanings became public discourse earlier this week when a picture of the coach wearing a One America News Network T-shirt came to light. Several personalities on One America, or OAN for short, have mocked the Black Lives Matter movement. One host called it a “farce.” The conservative news outlet has often been praised by President Donald Trump.
Gundy’s OAN association drew ire from his players, most notably star tailback Chuba Hubbard. He has since apologized for the “pain and discomfort” he’d caused for wearing the shirt.
Williams and the Buffs joined that discussion Wednesday. Ex-Bronco and current Fox Sports host Shannon Sharpe recalled the 1989 incident between Gundy and Williams during a Cowboys-Buffs football game on FS1’s “Undisputed.” Williams recounted the tale again on the “Big Al & JoJo Show” later that afternoon.
According to reports, Gundy, then Oklahoma State’s quarterback, made the slur to Williams, a CU linebacker, during the Buffs’ 41-17 win over Oklahoma State on Nov. 11, 1989, in Stillwater. In a story about the game published in The Oklahoman on Nov. 12, 1989, Williams and teammates Kanavis McGhee, Bruce Young and Okland Salavea said Gundy made “racial comments.”
“I don’t know (what was said to others),” Williams said. “I can tell you he said it to me. I can speak on a first-hand account, (that) he said it to me.”
Former CU quarterback and current Buffs running backs coach Darian Hagan corroborated Williams’ memory of events, and recalled Gundy avoiding CU players after the game.
“I do remember our guys on the sideline coming off the field saying what he had said, seeking him out,” Hagan told The Post on Thursday. “And he kind of avoided our team. He avoided the whole situation. Quarterbacks (after games) usually go out and shake hands, look each other in the eye and wish each other luck. And he didn’t do that.”
Gundy denied using the slur at the time, instead pointing a finger back at CU and its own controversies.
Asked as to whether the incident three decades ago and Gundy’s political beliefs indicate a pattern of feelings toward African-Americans, Williams replied, “I think people are trying to connect the dots. I’m not in that business.”
Williams takes umbrage to Gundy’s 1989 denial and is hoping for an apology for the slurs.
As of early Thursday afternoon, he hadn’t received one.
“Why would I make up a story about a guy on a team that we just beat?” Williams asked. “We were moving on to the next team, to play for a national championship. Why would I make that up?”


thedenverpost--2020-06-19--Denver weather: Cool with rain likely later

A brief reprieve from the heat will continue today in the metro area .
Denver residents should expect highs in @ @ @ @ @ later in the day , according to the National Weather Service forecast for the city @ @ @ @ @ develop over the mountains midday and move out over the I-25 corridor between 1 and @ @ @ @ @ in a tweet .
The northeast plains should expect storms between 3 and 7 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ Monday sunny skies will return to Denver , with a expected highs in the mid @ @ @ @ @ predicts .

A brief reprieve from the heat will continue today in the metro area.
Denver residents should expect highs in the low 70s and storms later in the day, according to the National Weather Service forecast for the city.
Thunderstorms are likely to develop over the mountains midday and move out over the I-25 corridor between 1 and 4 p.m., NWS said in a tweet. The northeast plains should expect storms between 3 and 7 p.m.
On Saturday, Sunday and Monday sunny skies will return to Denver, with a expected highs in the mid 80s, the weather service predicts.


thedenverpost--2020-06-19--Rockies Insider: How the national media graded Colorado’s 2020 MLB draft

The 2020 Major League Baseball amateur draft has come and gone .
The Rockies made a splash selecting outfielder Zac Veen with the No .
9 overall pick .
It ’ s the highest the team has ever selected an outfielder , surpassing David Dahl with the 10th overall pick in 2012 .
So what ’ s the early verdict ?
Here ’ s a look at how sports writers around the country view Colorado ’ s picks : CBS Sports ’ Mike Axisa and R.J. Anderson ( A ) : “ The Rockies landed three players on our top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Drew Romo , and right-hander Chris McMahon .
Veen could mature into a middle-of-the-order hitter ; Romo a defensive-minded reserve or second-division starter ; and McMahon either a three-pitch starter or reliever , depending on what his body permits .
Landing Veen and McMahon where they did makes this a fine haul.
” Bleacher Report ’ s Joe Tansey ( A ) : “ Colorado also got decent value with Compensatory Round A selection Drew Romo and third-round pick Sam Weatherly , but Veen and McMahon are the players who could make its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SB Nation ’ s Tyler Norton on Zac Veen ( This dude is made for Coors Field ) : “ The Rockies go with the best-available player with the ninth pick , taking prep outfielder Zac Veen .
The 18-year-old grew into his frame recently ( 6-foot-5 , 200 pounds ) , and he is the prototypical big-league slugger , perfect for today ’ s game .
He ’ s a launch-angle darling , lofting the ball with great raw power , but he ’ s prone to swing-and-miss .
Best case scenario @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outfielder.
” FantasyPro ’ s Bobby Sylvester ( A ) : Sylvester doesn ’ t have an analysis on the Rockies but did write about Padres ’ first-round pick Robert Hassell , “ The problem here is that they drafted him ahead of Zac Veen , who was widely considered the top high school bat in the country.
” ESPN ’ s Kiley McDaniel lists Zac Veen among his favorite picks : “ Veen was the consensus top prep player in the draft and narrowly edged out Robert Hassell for my top prep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a big , projectable athlete with easy actions , big power projection , now performance and promise for more.
” And Drew Romo among his head-scratchers : “ Romo has questions on his bat , and prep catchers are the next-riskiest demographic behind prep righties.
” Like what you ’ re reading ?
Share this with a friend and tell them it ’ s easy to sign up for the Rockies Insider here .
NEW 💥 If you enjoy The Denver Post ’ s sports coverage , we have a new subscription @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month for just 99¢ Case Williams , MLB draft surprise ?
Not for Rockies and others who know Douglas County ace .
Sure enough , last week the Rockies drafted the 18-year-old Williams in the fourth round , making him the 110th overall player selected .
He joined Pine Creek ’ s Ryan Warner ( third round , 2012 ) and Greeley Central ’ s Shawn Chacon ( third round , 1996 ) as the only in-state pitchers that the Rockies have selected in the first four rounds out of high school .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Major League Baseball season after all .
Positive negotiations took place Wednesday between MLB and the players ’ union with the possibility emerging for a 60-game season starting July 19 or 20 with the players receiving their full-pro-rated salaries and expanded playoffs , two major league sources confirmed .
Read more… Keeler : Rob Manfred lost PR war with MLB players — and he ’ s about to lose Rockies fans , too “ Instead of “ Take Me Out to the Ballgame ” during the seventh-inning stretch , MLB contests — hey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Entry of the Gladiators , ” played on one of those old circus calliopes .
Because this whole thing is officially a clown show now , from the top down , ” Sean Keeler writes .
Read more… + Rockies Mailbag : Who ’ s to blame for MLB ’ s mess as it tries to start 2020 season ?
+ Nolan Arenado on war of words between MLB , MLBPA as 2020 season heads toward cliff : “ I hope fans are paying attention.
” + Saunders : New Rockies catcher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Chris Iannetta .
+ Rockies get high marks for 2020 draft class that includes three high schoolers .
+ Rockies ’ pick Chris McMahon motivated by slide into draft ’ s second round .
+ MLB draft affected by significant financial jockeying , with most players selected in rounds three and beyond agreeing to bonuses under slot value .
+ As Colorado ’ s minor league cities face “ economic and cultural void , ” Grand Junction and Colorado Springs stakeholders hold out hope .
If you see something that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , thought or suggestion , email me at jbailey @ denverpost.com or tweet me @ beetbailey .

The 2020 Major League Baseball amateur draft has come and gone. The Rockies made a splash selecting outfielder Zac Veen with the No. 9 overall pick. It’s the highest the team has ever selected an outfielder, surpassing David Dahl with the 10th overall pick in 2012.
So what’s the early verdict? Here’s a look at how sports writers around the country view Colorado’s picks:
CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa and R.J. Anderson (A): “The Rockies landed three players on our top 50: outfielder Zac Veen, catcher Drew Romo, and right-hander Chris McMahon. Veen could mature into a middle-of-the-order hitter; Romo a defensive-minded reserve or second-division starter; and McMahon either a three-pitch starter or reliever, depending on what his body permits. Landing Veen and McMahon where they did makes this a fine haul.”
Bleacher Report’s Joe Tansey (A): “Colorado also got decent value with Compensatory Round A selection Drew Romo and third-round pick Sam Weatherly, but Veen and McMahon are the players who could make its draft class one of the best.”
SB Nation’s Tyler Norton on Zac Veen (This dude is made for Coors Field): “The Rockies go with the best-available player with the ninth pick, taking prep outfielder Zac Veen. The 18-year-old grew into his frame recently (6-foot-5, 200 pounds), and he is the prototypical big-league slugger, perfect for today’s game. He’s a launch-angle darling, lofting the ball with great raw power, but he’s prone to swing-and-miss. Best case scenario? He develops into an above-average corner outfielder.”
FantasyPro’s Bobby Sylvester (A): Sylvester doesn’t have an analysis on the Rockies but did write about Padres’ first-round pick Robert Hassell, “The problem here is that they drafted him ahead of Zac Veen, who was widely considered the top high school bat in the country.”
ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel lists Zac Veen among his favorite picks: “Veen was the consensus top prep player in the draft and narrowly edged out Robert Hassell for my top prep player. He checks so many boxes as a big, projectable athlete with easy actions, big power projection, now performance and promise for more.”
And Drew Romo among his head-scratchers: “Romo has questions on his bat, and prep catchers are the next-riskiest demographic behind prep righties.”
— Joe Nguyen, The Denver Post
Like what you’re reading? Share this with a friend and tell them it’s easy to sign up for the Rockies Insider here.
NEW 💥 If you enjoy The Denver Post’s sports coverage, we have a new subscription offer for you! Try the first month for just 99¢
Must-Read
Sure enough, last week the Rockies drafted the 18-year-old Williams in the fourth round, making him the 110th overall player selected. He joined Pine Creek’s Ryan Warner (third round, 2012) and Greeley Central’s Shawn Chacon (third round, 1996) as the only in-state pitchers that the Rockies have selected in the first four rounds out of high school. Read more…
There could be a 2020 Major League Baseball season after all. Positive negotiations took place Wednesday between MLB and the players’ union with the possibility emerging for a 60-game season starting July 19 or 20 with the players receiving their full-pro-rated salaries and expanded playoffs, two major league sources confirmed. Read more…
“Instead of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the seventh-inning stretch, MLB contests — hey, remember those? — should feature “Entry of the Gladiators,” played on one of those old circus calliopes. Because this whole thing is officially a clown show now, from the top down,” Sean Keeler writes. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Rockies Mailbag: Who’s to blame for MLB’s mess as it tries to start 2020 season?
+ Nolan Arenado on war of words between MLB, MLBPA as 2020 season heads toward cliff: “I hope fans are paying attention.”
+ Saunders: New Rockies catcher Drew Romo should heed some sage advice from Chris Iannetta.
+ Rockies get high marks for 2020 draft class that includes three high schoolers.
+ South Florida prep phenom Zac Veen, Rockies’ top draft pick, confident he’ll make his mark.
+ Rockies’ pick Chris McMahon motivated by slide into draft’s second round.
+ MLB draft affected by significant financial jockeying, with most players selected in rounds three and beyond agreeing to bonuses under slot value.
+ As Colorado’s minor league cities face “economic and cultural void,” Grand Junction and Colorado Springs stakeholders hold out hope.
Get in Touch
If you see something that’s cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at jbailey@denverpost.com or tweet me @beetbailey.