thedenverpost--2020-08-04--Sewer pipes carrying dirty water will be a key part of National Western Center’s clean energy future

At Denver ’ s redeveloping National Western Center campus , two giant sewer pipes that carry wastewater and human byproducts to a treatment facility north of downtown soon will be put to work on a second mission : keeping buildings a nice , comfy temperature .
Officials overseeing the 250-acre campus in north Denver announced Monday that the National Western complex is primed to be home to the largest sewer heat recovery energy system in North America .
The system will harvest heat from water that goes down the drains of Denverites ’ sinks , showers , dishwashers , washing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pair of 72-inch sewer pipes that run through the campus along the South Platte River .
The closed-loop system keeps the soiled , sewer-pipe water isolated as it uses a heat pump to transfer warmth — read : energy — from that water to pipes filled with fresh water .
The heated clean water is then used to power heating and cooling machinery in buildings , National Western officials explained .
“ We ’ re making long-term decisions for this campus about how are we going to heat and cool these buildings , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ways that you can do that , ” National Western Center CEO Brad Buchanan told The Denver Post on Monday .
“ While it may not seem very romantic to look at sanitary sewer lines , in fact , there is tremendous thermal energy in them.
” Seven new buildings –almost one million square feet of space– are scheduled to be built on the National Western campus between now and 2024 as part of a $ 1 billion overhaul of the stock show hosting property .
That includes Colorado State University ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underway this spring .
The sewer heat recovery system is expected to provide 90 % of the energy needed to keep those structures warm in the winter and cool in the summer , according to Buchanan and co. Funky as it may sound , the novel system should leave the campus smelling like a rose from an environmental perspective .
Officials estimate that it will prevent 2,600 metric tons of carbon dioxide from being emitted into the atmosphere each year by circumventing the need to burn fossil fuels .
The system ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , now above-ground barriers to accessing the river from the campus , being buried .
That should also help smother some of the odor the area is known for , Buchanan said .
The innovative project is being built by EAS Energy Partners , a group that includes energy district specialist firm Enwave and Denver-based Saunders Construction .
“ We believe in the power of more sustainable cities , and we know working with partners such as the National Western Center with a shared commitment to climate action and innovation is the key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Castleberry , president and CEO of Enwave USA , said in a news release .
It will not come cheap .
EAS ’ s contract to design , build , finance and manage the system for 40 years will cost $ 185 million , Buchanan said .
That ’ s about $ 11 million more than it would cost to use conventional heating and cooling technology .
But the system has plenty of extra capacity and Buchanan is hopeful the older buildings on the campus can be retrofitted to use it .
Forthcoming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ triangle ” parcel ( now on hold because of Denver ’ s COVID-19 related budget concerns ) may also be hooked in , he said .
For Buchanan , it stands to be a model project for clean energy use .
“ I can envision a time when proximity to sanitary sewer lines , when previously considered a negative , will be flipped to become an asset and a positive , ” he said .

At Denver’s redeveloping National Western Center campus, two giant sewer pipes that carry wastewater and human byproducts to a treatment facility north of downtown soon will be put to work on a second mission: keeping buildings a nice, comfy temperature.
Officials overseeing the 250-acre campus in north Denver announced Monday that the National Western complex is primed to be home to the largest sewer heat recovery energy system in North America.
The system will harvest heat from water that goes down the drains of Denverites’ sinks, showers, dishwashers, washing machines and toilets and flows into a pair of 72-inch sewer pipes that run through the campus along the South Platte River. The closed-loop system keeps the soiled, sewer-pipe water isolated as it uses a heat pump to transfer warmth — read: energy — from that water to pipes filled with fresh water. The heated clean water is then used to power heating and cooling machinery in buildings, National Western officials explained.
“We’re making long-term decisions for this campus about how are we going to heat and cool these buildings, and there’s a lot of ways that you can do that,” National Western Center CEO Brad Buchanan told The Denver Post on Monday. “While it may not seem very romantic to look at sanitary sewer lines, in fact, there is tremendous thermal energy in them.”
Seven new buildings –almost one million square feet of space– are scheduled to be built on the National Western campus between now and 2024 as part of a $1 billion overhaul of the stock show hosting property. That includes Colorado State University’s three-building “Spur” campus that got underway this spring. The sewer heat recovery system is expected to provide 90% of the energy needed to keep those structures warm in the winter and cool in the summer, according to Buchanan and co.
Funky as it may sound, the novel system should leave the campus smelling like a rose from an environmental perspective. Officials estimate that it will prevent 2,600 metric tons of carbon dioxide from being emitted into the atmosphere each year by circumventing the need to burn fossil fuels.
The system’s construction will coincide with the two pipes, now above-ground barriers to accessing the river from the campus, being buried. That should also help smother some of the odor the area is known for, Buchanan said.
The innovative project is being built by EAS Energy Partners, a group that includes energy district specialist firm Enwave and Denver-based Saunders Construction.
“We believe in the power of more sustainable cities, and we know working with partners such as the National Western Center with a shared commitment to climate action and innovation is the key to building this future,” Doug Castleberry, president and CEO of Enwave USA, said in a news release.
It will not come cheap. EAS’s contract to design, build, finance and manage the system for 40 years will cost $185 million, Buchanan said. That’s about $11 million more than it would cost to use conventional heating and cooling technology.
But the system has plenty of extra capacity and Buchanan is hopeful the older buildings on the campus can be retrofitted to use it. Forthcoming construction on the property’s so-called “triangle” parcel (now on hold because of Denver’s COVID-19 related budget concerns) may also be hooked in, he said. For Buchanan, it stands to be a model project for clean energy use.
“I can envision a time when proximity to sanitary sewer lines, when previously considered a negative, will be flipped to become an asset and a positive,” he said.


thedenverpost--2020-08-04--Colorado consumers register fewer new autos in first half of 2020

The pandemic is taking a big bite out of automobile sales in Colorado this year , with consumers registering 16.7 % fewer new vehicles in the first half of 2020 than they did in the first half of 2019 , according to the latest Colorado Auto Outlook from the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association .
That works out to 22,286 fewer vehicles registered in the first six months of 2020 than in the same period of 2019 , with registrations of light trucks and SUVs down 12.5 % and sedan registrations off a much larger 36.5 % .
Dealerships struggled to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April due to restrictions on in-person visits and heavy job losses have kept many consumers from making large purchases , said Tim Jackson , president of CADA .
Closures of Division of Motor Vehicle offices have also created a backlog when it comes to registering vehicles .
“ I do think that the DMV offices being closed so long did delay some data .
Maybe as much as two to four percent .
I do not think any more than that .
And even at that , we will capture those in July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Nationally , auto registrations are down about 20 % , so Colorado is faring a little better than the overall average .
Some of the brands with the biggest declines in Colorado this year are Fiat , down 57.4 % ; Chrysler , down 48.2 % ; Tesla , down 40.2 % ; and Mini , down 36.6 % .
Only Lincoln , RAM and Kia registrations are up this year .
The big drop in sales , however , doesn ’ t mean dealers are sitting on a glut of inventory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The pandemic also shut down auto manufacturing lines for six to eight weeks , and that is now contributing to inventory shortages as consumer demand rebounds .
Jackson said dealers across Colorado are telling him they are nearly out of stock on their most popular models , especially pickups and SUVs .
“ One dealer told me that while they would typically have 600 to 800 new units on the ground for sale at any given time , now they only have 60 to 80 , ” he said .
That has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivery trucks or putting deposits on purchases days and weeks ahead of delivery .
“ Our industry ’ s biggest challenge today is having enough cars and trucks to sell .
None of our stores do , ” he said .
Colorado used vehicle registrations also dropped sharply in the first half of the year , according to the report .
Buyers registered 98,140 used vehicles , defined as those seven years or younger , compared to 126,199 registered in the first half of 2019 .
That represents a 22.2 % decline .

The pandemic is taking a big bite out of automobile sales in Colorado this year, with consumers registering 16.7% fewer new vehicles in the first half of 2020 than they did in the first half of 2019, according to the latest Colorado Auto Outlook from the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association.
That works out to 22,286 fewer vehicles registered in the first six months of 2020 than in the same period of 2019, with registrations of light trucks and SUVs down 12.5% and sedan registrations off a much larger 36.5%.
Dealerships struggled to sell cars and trucks in March and April due to restrictions on in-person visits and heavy job losses have kept many consumers from making large purchases, said Tim Jackson, president of CADA. Closures of Division of Motor Vehicle offices have also created a backlog when it comes to registering vehicles.
“I do think that the DMV offices being closed so long did delay some data. Maybe as much as two to four percent. I do not think any more than that. And even at that, we will capture those in July or soon after,” said Jackson.
Nationally, auto registrations are down about 20%, so Colorado is faring a little better than the overall average. Some of the brands with the biggest declines in Colorado this year are Fiat, down 57.4%; Chrysler, down 48.2%; Tesla, down 40.2%; and Mini, down 36.6%. Only Lincoln, RAM and Kia registrations are up this year.
The big drop in sales, however, doesn’t mean dealers are sitting on a glut of inventory, as happened during the last recession. The pandemic also shut down auto manufacturing lines for six to eight weeks, and that is now contributing to inventory shortages as consumer demand rebounds.
Jackson said dealers across Colorado are telling him they are nearly out of stock on their most popular models, especially pickups and SUVs.
“One dealer told me that while they would typically have 600 to 800 new units on the ground for sale at any given time, now they only have 60 to 80,” he said. That has resulted in customers buying vehicles off arriving delivery trucks or putting deposits on purchases days and weeks ahead of delivery.
“Our industry’s biggest challenge today is having enough cars and trucks to sell. None of our stores do,” he said.
Colorado used vehicle registrations also dropped sharply in the first half of the year, according to the report. Buyers registered 98,140 used vehicles, defined as those seven years or younger, compared to 126,199 registered in the first half of 2019. That represents a 22.2% decline.


thedenverpost--2020-08-04--Keeler: Garett Bolles might be luckiest man on planet. He just became Broncos’ most indispensable pl

Keeler: Garett Bolles might be luckiest man on planet. He just became Broncos’ most indispensable player.

Mark my words : When the Rapture comes , Garett Bolles will be the only soul left standing .
Imagine No .
72 , forever watching humanity ’ s blind side , just like in the movie “ I Am Legend.
” Only instead of Will Smith ’ s Robert Neville , the lonely protagonist will be the Broncos left tackle , walking the remains of a dead city , hunting for food , looking for someone to hold .
Amazing , isn ’ t it ?
How Bolles continues to prove the old Woody Allen axiom that 80 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the heck up .
That just by being there — available , as general manager John Elway calls it — he ’ s now the most invaluable player on the Broncos roster .
The one stinking piece they suddenly can ’ t live without .
Drew Lock ?
Backup quarterback Jeff Driskel has made eight career NFL starts .
I mean , he only won one of them , but still .
Pass-rushing giants Von Miller and Bradley Chubb have Malik Reed and Jeremiah Attaochu behind them .
Jurrell Casey ?
DeMarcus Walker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on his belt , 220 of which came last fall .
Thanks to right tackle Ja ’ Wuan James opting out of the 2020 season Monday , the Broncos have Calvin Anderson , Jake Rodgers , Quinn Bailey and Hunter Watts as backup tackles .
A quartet who ’ ve managed , combined , a total of one career NFL start .
We said it in the spring , when the pandemic was young .
We ’ ll say it again , now that the coronavirus is starting to nibble on the Broncos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ draft a tackle .
This is why , with 10 picks — TEN !
— you cover that aforementioned backside with something .
Anything .
For depth purposes , at worst .
Because that depth will be tested .
Because offensive tackle is one of the four most important positions on the field .
Because Bolles , your money hoss , averaged 6.7 holding calls per season from 2017-19 , and not all of those were Joe Flacco ’ s fault .
Because not all of them were miraculously cured by the coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarterback can ’ t be expected to keep pace with the Chiefs if he ’ s always on his back .
Because your new toys at wide receiver are as useless as a screen door on a submarine if said quarterback ’ s first concern is running for his life .
Because you still had no idea in the spring what you were getting from your $ 51-million starting right tackle with a bum left knee .
And now you do .
“ To the Denver community : These first two years weren @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be when arriving here , ” James said in a statement posted to social media Monday .
“ I know you don ’ t know me well ( and ) a false narrative was painted of me last year due to comments made about my injury , but I am invested in this city and my team.
” Given a contract that took up $ 8 million in cap space last fall and is slated to eat up $ 13 million in 2021 , James has bridges to rebuild all over the place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an old-school , NFL lifer for whom not being a “ gamer , ” not playing through pain , is among the most egregious of workplace sins .
Fangio can rage all he likes .
COVID-19 isn ’ t James ’ fault .
No .
70 didn ’ t hand himself a $ 12 million signing bonus .
Or $ 32 million in guaranteed money .
The Broncos ’ revolving door at right tackle is an Elway production .
An Elway problem .
Monday ’ s wounds were self-inflicted .
And maybe a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been under everybody ’ s noses the entire time .
Dalton Risner was an All-Big 12 beast at right tackle as a senior at Kansas State in 2018 , having been named that league ’ s Offensive Lineman of the Year while protecting the edge .
On paper , prepping the Wiggins native at right tackle in addition to left guard , his current starting spot , sounds like a reasonable gamble , assuming rookie guard Netane Muti — one of those 10 draft picks and hailed as a sixth-round steal — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again , if 2020 has taught us anything , it ’ s to assume at your peril .
And if every other business has been forced to get creative during the pandemic , why should the Broncos be any different ?

Mark my words: When the Rapture comes, Garett Bolles will be the only soul left standing.
Imagine No. 72, forever watching humanity’s blind side, just like in the movie “I Am Legend.” Only instead of Will Smith’s Robert Neville, the lonely protagonist will be the Broncos left tackle, walking the remains of a dead city, hunting for food, looking for someone to hold.
Sorry. Block. I meant block.
Amazing, isn’t it? How Bolles continues to prove the old Woody Allen axiom that 80 percent of success in life is just showing the heck up.
That just by being there — available, as general manager John Elway calls it — he’s now the most invaluable player on the Broncos roster. The one stinking piece they suddenly can’t live without.
Drew Lock? Backup quarterback Jeff Driskel has made eight career NFL starts. I mean, he only won one of them, but still.
Phillip Lindsay? Melvin Gordon. Royce Freeman. They’ll make do.
Pass-rushing giants Von Miller and Bradley Chubb have Malik Reed and Jeremiah Attaochu behind them.
Cornerback A.J. Bouye has Bryce Callahan, Duke Dawson Jr., De’Vante Bausby and Michael Ojemudia.
Jurrell Casey? DeMarcus Walker’s already notched 341 NFL snaps on his belt, 220 of which came last fall.
Bolles?
Thanks to right tackle Ja’Wuan James opting out of the 2020 season Monday, the Broncos have Calvin Anderson, Jake Rodgers, Quinn Bailey and Hunter Watts as backup tackles. A quartet who’ve managed, combined, a total of one career NFL start.
We said it in the spring, when the pandemic was young. We’ll say it again, now that the coronavirus is starting to nibble on the Broncos’ hindquarters.
This is why you draft a tackle.
This is why, with 10 picks — TEN! — you cover that aforementioned backside with something. Anything. For depth purposes, at worst.
Because that depth will be tested. Because offensive tackle is one of the four most important positions on the field.
Because Bolles, your money hoss, averaged 6.7 holding calls per season from 2017-19, and not all of those were Joe Flacco’s fault. Because not all of them were miraculously cured by the coming of Buzz Lightyear.
Because your verdant quarterback can’t be expected to keep pace with the Chiefs if he’s always on his back.
Because your new toys at wide receiver are as useless as a screen door on a submarine if said quarterback’s first concern is running for his life.
Because you still had no idea in the spring what you were getting from your $51-million starting right tackle with a bum left knee. And now you do.
“To the Denver community: These first two years weren’t what I expected them to be when arriving here,” James said in a statement posted to social media Monday. “I know you don’t know me well (and) a false narrative was painted of me last year due to comments made about my injury, but I am invested in this city and my team.”
Given a contract that took up $8 million in cap space last fall and is slated to eat up $13 million in 2021, James has bridges to rebuild all over the place. Starting with coach Vic Fangio, an old-school, NFL lifer for whom not being a “gamer,” not playing through pain, is among the most egregious of workplace sins.
Fangio can rage all he likes. COVID-19 isn’t James’ fault. No. 70 didn’t hand himself a $12 million signing bonus. Or $32 million in guaranteed money. The Broncos’ revolving door at right tackle is an Elway production. An Elway problem. Monday’s wounds were self-inflicted.
And maybe a potential remedy — a Plan B — has been under everybody’s noses the entire time. Dalton Risner was an All-Big 12 beast at right tackle as a senior at Kansas State in 2018, having been named that league’s Offensive Lineman of the Year while protecting the edge. On paper, prepping the Wiggins native at right tackle in addition to left guard, his current starting spot, sounds like a reasonable gamble, assuming rookie guard Netane Muti — one of those 10 draft picks and hailed as a sixth-round steal — is ready for Week 1.
Then again, if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s to assume at your peril. And if every other business has been forced to get creative during the pandemic, why should the Broncos be any different?


thedenverpost--2020-08-04--Josh Green to the Nuggets? NBA mock draft has the Arizona guard coming to Denver

The NBA draft is still two months away , but that doesn ’ t mean we can ’ t look toward the future .
In CBS Sports ’ latest mock draft , writer Colin Ward-Henninger has the Nuggets selecting Arizona guard Josh Green with the 22nd overall pick .
“ At 6-5 with a 6-10 wingspan , Josh Green should be able to slot in either on the wing or as a combo guard , ” Ward-Henninger writes .
“ He ’ s a good athlete who thrives in transition , but can also be a spot-up threat with good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be a strong creator or playmaker at the NBA level , but he is aggressive and has a great motor on both ends .
He should benefit from a more wide-open NBA style.
” The 6-foot-6 , 210-pound Australian averaged 12 points , 4.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 30 games as a freshman for the Wildcats last year .
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Broncos Mailbag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role … or even a spot on the roster ?
What the Broncos think of Hamilton will be defined when the roster is cut from 80 to 53 players .
A fourth-round pick in 2018 , he was low on the depth chart to start his rookie year until Demaryius Thomas was traded to Houston and Emmanuel Sanders tore his Achilles .
Read more… Nolan Arenado busts out of slump as Rockies rally to defeat Giants Rockies manager Bud Black is no Nostradamus , he just knows his baseball .
And he knows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homer off veteran right-hander Johnny Cueto to ignite Colorado ’ s five-run fifth inning as the Rockies rallied to beat the San Francisco Giants 7-6 .
Read more… Broncos right tackle Ja ’ Wuan James opts out of season Broncos starting right tackle Ja ’ Wuan James informed the team Monday he is opting out of this season due to coronavirus concerns .
Read more… + Rockies ’ relievers Diaz and Estevez have to reduce late-game traffic + CSU Rams conduct 150 COVID-19 tests Monday , future of football clearer by end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t include big plans : “ There ’ s just not a lot of freedom.
” + Kiszla vs. O ’ Halloran : Will Broncos fans be able to attend Denver home games in 2020 ?
+ Lunch Special : Did John Elway make bigger mistake with Ja ’ Wuan James than Paxton Lynch ?
+ Pac-12 players unify , threaten to boycott : Five things to know .
+ 7 Cardinals , 6 staff test positive for COVID-19 ; series at Detroit off .

The NBA draft is still two months away, but that doesn’t mean we can’t look toward the future.
In CBS Sports’ latest mock draft, writer Colin Ward-Henninger has the Nuggets selecting Arizona guard Josh Green with the 22nd overall pick.
“At 6-5 with a 6-10 wingspan, Josh Green should be able to slot in either on the wing or as a combo guard,” Ward-Henninger writes. “He’s a good athlete who thrives in transition, but can also be a spot-up threat with good footwork on catch-and-shoot opportunities. He may not be a strong creator or playmaker at the NBA level, but he is aggressive and has a great motor on both ends. He should benefit from a more wide-open NBA style.”
The 6-foot-6, 210-pound Australian averaged 12 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 30 games as a freshman for the Wildcats last year.
— 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.
Sports are back. Never miss a story.
Subscribe to The Denver Post.
Get started for 99¢.
Ask The Experts
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Ryan O’Halloran here.
+ Nuggets Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Singer here.
+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Chambers here.
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Patrick Saunders here.
Must-Reads
What the Broncos think of Hamilton will be defined when the roster is cut from 80 to 53 players. A fourth-round pick in 2018, he was low on the depth chart to start his rookie year until Demaryius Thomas was traded to Houston and Emmanuel Sanders tore his Achilles. Read more…
Rockies manager Bud Black is no Nostradamus, he just knows his baseball. And he knows Nolan Arenado — who hit a two-run homer off veteran right-hander Johnny Cueto to ignite Colorado’s five-run fifth inning as the Rockies rallied to beat the San Francisco Giants 7-6. Read more…
Broncos starting right tackle Ja’Wuan James informed the team Monday he is opting out of this season due to coronavirus concerns. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Nikola Jokic’s triple-double, Michael Porter Jr.’s career-high 37 fuel Nuggets over Thunder in overtime
+ Comcast, NBC Sports app violated blackout rules broadcasting Avalanche seeding game
+ Rockies’ relievers Diaz and Estevez have to reduce late-game traffic
+ Michael Porter Jr.’s text messages to Nuggets coach Michael Malone fueled 37-point eruption: “Stick with me”
+ CSU Rams conduct 150 COVID-19 tests Monday, future of football clearer by end of week
+ Avalanche off-day in Edmonton doesn’t include big plans: “There’s just not a lot of freedom.”
+ Kiszla vs. O’Halloran: Will Broncos fans be able to attend Denver home games in 2020?
+ Jake Rubley, Colorado’s top-rated senior football player, considering move to Iowa.
+ Lunch Special: Did John Elway make bigger mistake with Ja’Wuan James than Paxton Lynch?
+ CU Buffs add quarterback Drew Carter, kicker Josh Bryan to 2021 class.
+ Pac-12 players unify, threaten to boycott: Five things to know.
+ 7 Cardinals, 6 staff test positive for COVID-19; series at Detroit off.


thedenverpost--2020-08-04--Teachers rally in Colorado and nationwide on day of action

Educators in several cities rallied Monday during a national day of action to call attention to their concerns about reopening @ @ @ @ @ to rise in many parts of the country .
Though educators have held protests in @ @ @ @ @ s event marked the first unified show of force as teachers and their unions continue @ @ @ @ @ role in the debate over when and how schools should reopen .
Teachers in some @ @ @ @ @ largest school districts participated in the demonstration , including Chicago and New York City , @ @ @ @ @ Denver , Milwaukee and others .
The demonstrations come shortly after the nation ’ s @ @ @ @ @ American Federation of Teachers , said it would support protests , lawsuits and strikes over @ @ @ @ @ Florida ’ s teachers union has sued the state ’ s governor and education commissioner @ @ @ @ @ schools five days a week for in-person instruction .
Chalkbeat Colorado is a nonprofit news @ @ @ @ @ For more , visit co.chalkbeat.org .

Educators in several cities rallied Monday during a national day of action to call attention to their concerns about reopening schools as coronavirus cases continue to rise in many parts of the country.
Though educators have held protests in recent weeks, Monday’s event marked the first unified show of force as teachers and their unions continue to play an increasingly vocal role in the debate over when and how schools should reopen.
Teachers in some of the nation’s largest school districts participated in the demonstration, including Chicago and New York City, as well as Boston, Denver, Milwaukee and others.
The demonstrations come shortly after the nation’s second-largest teachers union, the American Federation of Teachers, said it would support protests, lawsuits and strikes over educator safety. Already, Florida’s teachers union has sued the state’s governor and education commissioner over an order to reopen schools five days a week for in-person instruction.
Read more at chalkbeat.org.
Chalkbeat Colorado is a nonprofit news organization covering education issues. For more, visit co.chalkbeat.org.


thedenverpost--2020-08-04--Broncos Mailbag: Does receiver DaeSean Hamilton have a role … or even a spot on the roster?

Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O ’ Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag periodically during the offseason .
You can pose a Broncos- or NFL-related question for the Broncos Mailbag here .
Follow Ryan for more daily updates on Twitter .
The Broncos already seemed to have caught one break with so many New England Patriots opting out of the season .
We ’ ve yet to see anything significant out of Denver .
Could it be that their roster stability will prove to be a major advantage ?
After Matt filed this question , starting right tackle Ja ’ Wuan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out .
As of Monday , eight Patriots players had opted out .
If James is the only projected Week 1 starter to opt out , then the Broncos won that portion of this unorthodox season .
But James ’ absence creates a depth issue at offensive tackle since Elijah Wilkinson , an experienced swing tackle , will take over on the right side .
And that will be the key to any team having success : Surviving the opt-out period without many crippling losses and then survive , day by day , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the roster .
Ryan , is there a reason why the NFL hasn ’ t moved to a bubble format like the NHL or NBA yet ?
Major League Baseball ’ s experiment has been rough .
Just seeing the Marlins hit with an outbreak has trickled down to so many other teams .
Why not have a handful of centralized stadiums host everyone ?
It ’ s not like we can attend these games ourselves .
The NFL is a completely different beast from the NHL and NBA .
Those two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so they are able to insulate at a reasonable cost .
But the key part is the length of time in the bubble .
Football players were understandably wary of being in a bubble from at least July 28 to Jan. 3 — a total of 160 days .
Hockey teams in the qualifying round of the playoffs could spend less than three weeks in the bubble if they are eliminated .
One thing the NFL has over the MLB is the lack of travel .
The Marlins and Cardinals had their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Broncos , for example , will spend eight nights in a hotel this year , the equivalent of the Rockies ’ season-opening trip .
The Broncos can fly , check into a hotel , stay within the walls of that hotel , get on the bus , play the game , get on the plane and fly home , all within 24 hours .
What ’ s DaeSean Hamilton ’ s role with the Broncos ?
I can ’ t imagine his ceiling is anything more than a No .
4 receiver after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Plus there ’ s still Tim Patrick in the mix .
Is he just the odd man out now ?
What the Broncos think of Hamilton will be defined when the roster is cut from 80 to 53 players .
A fourth-round pick in 2018 , he was low on the depth chart to start his rookie year until Demaryius Thomas was traded to Houston and Emmanuel Sanders tore his Achilles .
Last year , Hamilton had a key drop in the opener at Oakland and didn ’ t get many chances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Francisco in Week 8 .
Entering this year ’ s camp , I have Hamilton as No .
5 on the depth chart behind Courtland Sutton , Jerry Jeudy ( first-round pick ) , KJ Hamler ( second-round pick ) and Tim Patrick ( because of his special teams value ) .
And if the Broncos keep Diontae Spencer as a returner , Hamilton is now No .
6 and a game-day inactive .
If Hamilton is an inactive player , should the Broncos keep him instead of Juwann Winfree , Tyrie Cleveland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a preseason could help Hamilton stick on the roster .
What game are you looking forward to most on the schedule ?
The Broncos have a great schedule for anybody who is a football fan .
I ’ m always fascinated by the season opener ( Sept. 14 vs. Tennessee ) because coaches have game-planned for months and will unveil several new wrinkles .
Tom Brady ( Tampa Bay ) and Drew Brees ( New Orleans ) will visit Mile High for likely the final time in Weeks 3 and 12 , respectively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are circled because the Chiefs have the game ’ s best player in Patrick Mahomes and they ’ ve defeated the Broncos nine consecutive times .
How the Broncos ’ build is going will be determined by how they fare against the Chiefs .
Ryan , what ’ s your take on Drew Lock ?
What can we really expect from him this year ?
Will he be better than some of the other young quarterbacks around the league like Daniel Jones or Gardner Minshew ?
I like to believe what we saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the top half of the NFL ’ s starters , especially with a stronger line and the weapons he has at his disposal now .
Could we see a Pro Bowl appearance for him ?
My take on Lock is by going 4-1 last year , he did enough in my eyes and , more importantly , the Broncos ’ collective eyes , to enter this season as the no-doubt starter .
What ’ s Year 2 look like ?
I think Lock is set up better to succeed than Daniel Jones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jacksonville because the Broncos have better on-paper skill-position talent .
As for making the Pro Bowl , if it ’ s even played ( unlikely ) , Lock would need to have team success to get on the radar for voters .
Was giving up on Shaquil Barrett one of the biggest mistakes in John Elway ’ s run as general manager ?
He was a pass-rushing stud last year for Tampa Bay .
I know hindsight is 20-20 , but what would the Broncos have looked like if we signed him up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nelson instead of Bradley Chubb in the 2018 draft ?
Barrett was allowed to depart the Broncos as a free agent in March 2019 .
He signed a one-year deal with Tampa Bay , led the NFL with 19 1/2 sacks and was placed under the franchise tag for this season .
Barrett didn ’ t return to the Broncos because he wanted a chance to start and he knew that wasn ’ t happening so long as Von Miller and Bradley Chubb were around .
The hindsight doesn ’ t work in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pick at No .
5 and he delivered 12 sacks as a rookie .
Last year , the Broncos took Dalton Risner and they expect him to be the left guard for years .
Now that Ja ’ Wuan James has opted out of the 2020 season , what are the odds we see him or Garett Bolles in a Broncos uniform next fall ?
Interesting connection , Andrea .
If James ’ contract made sense for the Broncos to cut him after this year , then it would help Bolles staying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replace both offensive tackles in the same offseason .
But James ’ contract tolls ahead one year and the Broncos would face a $ 16 million dead cap charge if they cut him after this season .
To me , that all but guarantees him being here next year .
Does Bolles make sense on a short-term deal if he plays with more consistency this year ?
It does to me because even if James declares himself ready for 2021 , he ’ s given no reason to trust him .
Denver Post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his Broncos Mailbag periodically during the offseason .
You can pose a Broncos- or NFL-related question for the Broncos Mailbag here .
Follow Ryan for more daily updates on Twitter .

Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O’Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag periodically during the offseason.
You can pose a Broncos- or NFL-related question for the Broncos Mailbag here. Follow Ryan for more daily updates on Twitter.
The Broncos already seemed to have caught one break with so many New England Patriots opting out of the season. We’ve yet to see anything significant out of Denver. Could it be that their roster stability will prove to be a major advantage?
— Matt, East Colfax
After Matt filed this question, starting right tackle Ja’Wuan James told the Broncos he was opting out. As of Monday, eight Patriots players had opted out.
If James is the only projected Week 1 starter to opt out, then the Broncos won that portion of this unorthodox season. But James’ absence creates a depth issue at offensive tackle since Elijah Wilkinson, an experienced swing tackle, will take over on the right side.
And that will be the key to any team having success: Surviving the opt-out period without many crippling losses and then survive, day by day, the virus not putting a major dent into the roster.
Ryan, is there a reason why the NFL hasn’t moved to a bubble format like the NHL or NBA yet? Major League Baseball’s experiment has been rough. Just seeing the Marlins hit with an outbreak has trickled down to so many other teams. Why not have a handful of centralized stadiums host everyone? It’s not like we can attend these games ourselves.
— Mark Atwood, Grand Junction
The NFL is a completely different beast from the NHL and NBA. Those two sports have smaller rosters and coaching staffs, so they are able to insulate at a reasonable cost. But the key part is the length of time in the bubble.
Football players were understandably wary of being in a bubble from at least July 28 to Jan. 3 — a total of 160 days. Hockey teams in the qualifying round of the playoffs could spend less than three weeks in the bubble if they are eliminated.
One thing the NFL has over the MLB is the lack of travel. The Marlins and Cardinals had their outbreaks while on the road. The Broncos, for example, will spend eight nights in a hotel this year, the equivalent of the Rockies’ season-opening trip. The Broncos can fly, check into a hotel, stay within the walls of that hotel, get on the bus, play the game, get on the plane and fly home, all within 24 hours.
What’s DaeSean Hamilton’s role with the Broncos? I can’t imagine his ceiling is anything more than a No. 4 receiver after Denver drafted KJ Hamler and Jerry Jeudy. Plus there’s still Tim Patrick in the mix. Is he just the odd man out now?
— Carson, Rochester, N.Y.
What the Broncos think of Hamilton will be defined when the roster is cut from 80 to 53 players. A fourth-round pick in 2018, he was low on the depth chart to start his rookie year until Demaryius Thomas was traded to Houston and Emmanuel Sanders tore his Achilles. Last year, Hamilton had a key drop in the opener at Oakland and didn’t get many chances until after Sanders was traded to San Francisco in Week 8.
Entering this year’s camp, I have Hamilton as No. 5 on the depth chart behind Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy (first-round pick), KJ Hamler (second-round pick) and Tim Patrick (because of his special teams value). And if the Broncos keep Diontae Spencer as a returner, Hamilton is now No. 6 and a game-day inactive.
If Hamilton is an inactive player, should the Broncos keep him instead of Juwann Winfree, Tyrie Cleveland or Fred Brown? The lack of a preseason could help Hamilton stick on the roster.
What game are you looking forward to most on the schedule?
— Bryson, Denver
The Broncos have a great schedule for anybody who is a football fan. I’m always fascinated by the season opener (Sept. 14 vs. Tennessee) because coaches have game-planned for months and will unveil several new wrinkles.
Tom Brady (Tampa Bay) and Drew Brees (New Orleans) will visit Mile High for likely the final time in Weeks 3 and 12, respectively.
And the two Kansas City games are circled because the Chiefs have the game’s best player in Patrick Mahomes and they’ve defeated the Broncos nine consecutive times. How the Broncos’ build is going will be determined by how they fare against the Chiefs.
Ryan, what’s your take on Drew Lock? What can we really expect from him this year? Will he be better than some of the other young quarterbacks around the league like Daniel Jones or Gardner Minshew? I like to believe what we saw last year places him in the bottom of the top half of the NFL’s starters, especially with a stronger line and the weapons he has at his disposal now. Could we see a Pro Bowl appearance for him?
— Marshall Smith, Parker
My take on Lock is by going 4-1 last year, he did enough in my eyes and, more importantly, the Broncos’ collective eyes, to enter this season as the no-doubt starter.
What’s Year 2 look like? I think Lock is set up better to succeed than Daniel Jones with the Giants and Gardner Minshew with Jacksonville because the Broncos have better on-paper skill-position talent.
As for making the Pro Bowl, if it’s even played (unlikely), Lock would need to have team success to get on the radar for voters.
Was giving up on Shaquil Barrett one of the biggest mistakes in John Elway’s run as general manager? He was a pass-rushing stud last year for Tampa Bay. I know hindsight is 20-20, but what would the Broncos have looked like if we signed him up for a long-term deal and picked Quenton Nelson instead of Bradley Chubb in the 2018 draft?
— John, Aurora
Barrett was allowed to depart the Broncos as a free agent in March 2019. He signed a one-year deal with Tampa Bay, led the NFL with 19 1/2 sacks and was placed under the franchise tag for this season.
Barrett didn’t return to the Broncos because he wanted a chance to start and he knew that wasn’t happening so long as Von Miller and Bradley Chubb were around.
The hindsight doesn’t work in this example. Chubb was a no-brainer to pick at No. 5 and he delivered 12 sacks as a rookie. Last year, the Broncos took Dalton Risner and they expect him to be the left guard for years.
Now that Ja’Wuan James has opted out of the 2020 season, what are the odds we see him or Garett Bolles in a Broncos uniform next fall?
— Andrea, Denver
Interesting connection, Andrea. If James’ contract made sense for the Broncos to cut him after this year, then it would help Bolles staying here because it’s tough to replace both offensive tackles in the same offseason.
But James’ contract tolls ahead one year and the Broncos would face a $16 million dead cap charge if they cut him after this season. To me, that all but guarantees him being here next year.
Does Bolles make sense on a short-term deal if he plays with more consistency this year? It does to me because even if James declares himself ready for 2021, he’s given no reason to trust him.
Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O’Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag periodically during the offseason.
You can pose a Broncos- or NFL-related question for the Broncos Mailbag here. Follow Ryan for more daily updates on Twitter.


thedenverpost--2020-08-04--Denver weather: There’s a 50% chance for afternoon thunderstorms Tuesday

There ’ s a good chance for afternoon showers and thunderstorms in northeastern Colorado through Thursday and some storms on @ @ @ @ @ severe .
In Denver on Tuesday , there ’ s a 50 % chance of @ @ @ @ @ after 2 p.m. , according to the National Weather Service forecast .
Skies will be @ @ @ @ @ temperature will hit 90 degrees .
Winds will gust to about 20 mph .
On @ @ @ @ @ chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms will be 40 % , the weather service said @ @ @ @ @ sunny , the high temperature will top out at 88 degrees and winds will gust @ @ @ @ @ over Denver on Thursday will be mostly sunny as the high temperature climbs to 91 @ @ @ @ @ weather service .
There will be a 30 % chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms @ @ @ @ @ Eastern Plains on Tuesday and Wednesday , likely during the afternoon and evening , could @ @ @ @ @ winds .

There’s a good chance for afternoon showers and thunderstorms in northeastern Colorado through Thursday and some storms on the Eastern Plains could be severe.
In Denver on Tuesday, there’s a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m., according to the National Weather Service forecast. Skies will be mostly sunny and the high temperature will hit 90 degrees. Winds will gust to about 20 mph.
On Wednesday in Denver, the chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms will be 40%, the weather service said. Skies will be mostly sunny, the high temperature will top out at 88 degrees and winds will gust to 20 mph.
Skies over Denver on Thursday will be mostly sunny as the high temperature climbs to 91 degrees, according to the weather service. There will be a 30% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
Stormy weather over the Eastern Plains on Tuesday and Wednesday, likely during the afternoon and evening, could produce large hail and damaging winds.


thedenverpost--2020-08-04--Ask Amy: Family survivor doesn’t want to talk about it

Dear Amy : I was raised in a very dysfunctional family .
My mother had psychological issues , my brother sexually molested me as a child ( and remains a textbook sociopath ) , and my father had frequent outbursts of extreme rage .
My mother has been dead for 15 years .
I ceased all interaction with my brother then .
I continued trying to maintain a relationship with my father for 10 years , but his abuse escalated until five years ago when he physically assaulted me .
I finally decided to end that relationship , too .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , my therapist agrees that I ’ ve dealt with it well .
I ’ m happy with my decisions .
The problem is , I never know how to respond when people ask about my family .
People who know me well , don ’ t bring up the subject .
A couple of people keep prying for details or tell me ( without knowing the details ) that I need to forgive and make up , because “ family is everything.
” Then there are people I ’ ve just met @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are being sociable .
I don ’ t want to discuss this , but I also don ’ t want to lie and declare that my is family dead .
Saying that we are estranged nearly always results in some sort of lecture , judgment , or inquisition .
I can ’ t seem to find a polite way of ending the subject .
Any suggestions ?
Dear Orphaned : Estrangement is one thing , but I would call your family dynamic “ escape and survival.
” Given your childhood , survival is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help , and you are doing very well .
When you first meet people , you could answer queries by saying , “ I grew up in a little town outside of Lubbock .
I had a very rough childhood and I ’ m not in touch with my birth family.
” Some people might press further – out of curiosity or commiseration .
You can then say , “ That ’ s all I really have to say about it .
But what about you ?
Where did you grow up ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for details and insist that you “ forgive and make up , ” you can offer the extremely polite brush-off by saying , “ It sounds like you really care about this .
I ’ m doing really well , so thank you !
” Sidestepping in this way let ’ s people feel validated ( validation is often their motivation , anyway ) , and also sends the message that your childhood is not up for discussion and dissection .
Nobody gets to define “ family ” for you .
As I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of choice is made up of the people who see your frailty , understand your challenges , and – no matter what – accept you , just as you are .
Dear Amy : My 90-year-old father is making our relationship so difficult .
I want to help him as much as I can within the parameters of this COVID problem .
He enjoys getting people to bring him things , which I don ’ t mind , but it is like a game with him .
I bring him what he requests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get back home , he ’ ll ask for three or four more things .
I am a good daughter , but this is really starting to make me resentful .
He is alert , and knows what he is doing .
Not knowing how much more time we have together , I always comply , but it ’ s starting to get old , and I am beginning to distance myself .
Please help me to understand how I can make useful comments , and not be so angry .
Dear Daughter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very close by and are making several trips a day to your father ’ s house .
He obviously wants to see you and he enjoys ( and benefits from ) the stimulation of having a visitor .
If you are able where you live , you should sign him up for Meals on Wheels .
Otherwise , schedule your visits for predictable times — twice a day – and make the visits longer .
Play a game or work a puzzle with him .
I know this is hard , but – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caregivers whose loved-ones are now gone – I ’ d give anything to be annoyed again .
Dear Amy : “ Isolated ” described how challenging it has been for so many of us who are trying to protect our health during the pandemic .
Thank you for suggesting online group games , like “ Words with Friends.
” Connecting and playing together has been a true “ game changer ” for me .
Dear No Longer : So many readers have affirmed “ Isolated ’ s ” concerns ; fortunately , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Dear Amy: I was raised in a very dysfunctional family. My mother had psychological issues, my brother sexually molested me as a child (and remains a textbook sociopath), and my father had frequent outbursts of extreme rage.
My mother has been dead for 15 years. I ceased all interaction with my brother then. I continued trying to maintain a relationship with my father for 10 years, but his abuse escalated until five years ago when he physically assaulted me.
I finally decided to end that relationship, too. I’ve had counseling for this, my therapist agrees that I’ve dealt with it well. I’m happy with my decisions.
The problem is, I never know how to respond when people ask about my family. People who know me well, don’t bring up the subject. A couple of people keep prying for details or tell me (without knowing the details) that I need to forgive and make up, because “family is everything.”
Then there are people I’ve just met who ask about my family because they are being sociable.
I don’t want to discuss this, but I also don’t want to lie and declare that my is family dead.
Saying that we are estranged nearly always results in some sort of lecture, judgment, or inquisition.
I can’t seem to find a polite way of ending the subject. Any suggestions?
— Happily Orphaned in Austin
Dear Orphaned: Estrangement is one thing, but I would call your family dynamic “escape and survival.” Given your childhood, survival is a triumph. You have gotten professional help, and you are doing very well.
When you first meet people, you could answer queries by saying, “I grew up in a little town outside of Lubbock. I had a very rough childhood and I’m not in touch with my birth family.”
Some people might press further – out of curiosity or commiseration. You can then say, “That’s all I really have to say about it. But what about you? Where did you grow up?”
If people who know you pry for details and insist that you “forgive and make up,” you can offer the extremely polite brush-off by saying, “It sounds like you really care about this. I’m doing really well, so thank you!”
Sidestepping in this way let’s people feel validated (validation is often their motivation, anyway), and also sends the message that your childhood is not up for discussion and dissection.
Nobody gets to define “family” for you. As I hope you have discovered, your family of choice is made up of the people who see your frailty, understand your challenges, and – no matter what – accept you, just as you are.
Dear Amy: My 90-year-old father is making our relationship so difficult.
I want to help him as much as I can within the parameters of this COVID problem.
He enjoys getting people to bring him things, which I don’t mind, but it is like a game with him.
I bring him what he requests, and then, just when I get back home, he’ll ask for three or four more things. I am a good daughter, but this is really starting to make me resentful.
He is alert, and knows what he is doing.
Not knowing how much more time we have together, I always comply, but it’s starting to get old, and I am beginning to distance myself.
Please help me to understand how I can make useful comments, and not be so angry.
— A Loving Daughter
Dear Daughter: It sounds as if you live very close by and are making several trips a day to your father’s house.
He obviously wants to see you and he enjoys (and benefits from) the stimulation of having a visitor.
If you are able where you live, you should sign him up for Meals on Wheels. Otherwise, schedule your visits for predictable times — twice a day – and make the visits longer. Play a game or work a puzzle with him.
I know this is hard, but – speaking for my fellow “liberated” caregivers whose loved-ones are now gone – I’d give anything to be annoyed again.
Dear Amy: “Isolated” described how challenging it has been for so many of us who are trying to protect our health during the pandemic. Thank you for suggesting online group games, like “Words with Friends.” Connecting and playing together has been a true “game changer” for me.
— No Longer Alone
Dear No Longer: So many readers have affirmed “Isolated’s” concerns; fortunately, the online world has opened up solutions.
(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--2020-08-04--Brighton man arrested on drug charges after bomb squad is summoned

A man being evicted from a Brighton home was arrested Monday afternoon on suspicion of drug possession after neighbors were evacuated from their homes and a bomb squad was called to the scene .
At about 2 p.m. , Brighton police officers responded to 61 S. 17th Ave. Drive on a request for assistance from the Adams County Sheriff ’ s Office during an eviction , according to a police news release .
Deputies at the residence had found a suspected methamphetamine lab .
Detectives with the North Metro Drug Task Force and Brighton firefighters also responded and chemicals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were found .
That ’ s when the sheriff ’ s office bomb squad was called in and neighbors were evacuated .
The chemicals were determined to be non-explosive .
Drugs were found inside the home along with illegal weapons , police said .
Chad Geschwell , 46 , was arrested and booked into the Adams County Jail on suspicion of child abuse , possession of dangerous weapons , reckless endangerment , unlawful possession of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance special offender , according to a news release .

A man being evicted from a Brighton home was arrested Monday afternoon on suspicion of drug possession after neighbors were evacuated from their homes and a bomb squad was called to the scene.
At about 2 p.m., Brighton police officers responded to 61 S. 17th Ave. Drive on a request for assistance from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office during an eviction, according to a police news release. Deputies at the residence had found a suspected methamphetamine lab.
Detectives with the North Metro Drug Task Force and Brighton firefighters also responded and chemicals, not typically used to cook meth, were found. That’s when the sheriff’s office bomb squad was called in and neighbors were evacuated. The chemicals were determined to be non-explosive. Drugs were found inside the home along with illegal weapons, police said.
Chad Geschwell, 46, was arrested and booked into the Adams County Jail on suspicion of child abuse, possession of dangerous weapons, reckless endangerment, unlawful possession of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance special offender, according to a news release.


thedenverpost--2020-08-05--Kiszla: How death of Kobe Bryant changed Broncos linebacker Von Miller as football player and man

On the morning of the Pro Bowl , Broncos linebacker Von Miller awoke to news so awful he did not want to believe it was true .
Kobe Bryant dead ?
In a helicopter crash ?
“ Whenever an artist , rapper , celebrity or somebody you never thought would die ( actually ) dies , you ’ re kind of taken aback , ” Miller said Tuesday .
“ You reflect on all the great things they did and you reflect on the person they were .
It ’ s unfortunate that we ’ re like that as human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their flowers while they ’ re still here.
” The tragic death of the Black Mamba changed the happy-go-lucky Vonster forever as a football player , a teammate and a man .
“ It ’ s never too late to change , ” said Miller , shaken to his core when Bryant died far too young , a basketball legend gone , nearly seven months shy of his 42nd birthday .
Yes , Miller owns a championship ring as the MVP of Super Bowl 50 .
But he ’ s also man enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big goofball who viewed the extent of his role with the Broncos as sacking the quarterback and telling jokes .
No more .
At age 31 , Miller insists clown time is over , because there ’ s a legacy to build and no time to waste .
“ The leader I was before wasn ’ t getting it done , ” he said .
Miller hasn ’ t played in a playoff game since signing a six-year , $ 114 million contract in 2016 .
It irks him .
For all his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ required prodding to bring out his Hall of Fame talent .
Miller and I have jousted on this sticky issue constantly , almost from the day he was the second overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft .
So when asked during a Zoom conference with reporters where he discovered this new-found chip on his shoulder , Miller laughed .
Without missing a beat , he replied : “ I think Mark Kiszla creates all the chips for me.
” Well , if Miller needs me to be a bag of nacho cheese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NFL in sacks , I ’ m here for him , bruh .
During a tumultuous year that has shaken many Americans to the core , Miller survived a bout with COVID-19 that took an asthmatic linebacker ’ s breath away and marched with Broncos teammates through downtown Denver after the death of George Floyd .
But his eyes were forced wide open on the morning of Jan. 26 , as he prepared to make his ninth appearance in the Pro Bowl .
Miller learned Bryant , as well the teenage daughter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were killed in fog-shrouded California hills outside Los Angeles .
“ When it happened , especially right before the Pro Bowl , I was like , ‘ What ?
’ ” Miller said .
He took the field in Florida that sad-and-shocking day , helping the AFC to victory in a game whose outcome seemed particularly meaningless as thoughts of NFL stars drifted to a tragedy on the other side of the country .
“ We were playing , ” Miller recalled , “ and at the same time we were thinking : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ” When I asked why Bryant ’ s death touched his heart so deeply and profoundly , Miller opened a vein to let his emotions flow .
“ When he died , you focused on the type of person and athlete he was .
And you have no choice but to be motivated , ” said Miller , who has reshaped his body and remade his attitude since the Broncos ’ final game of 2019 .
While studying the essential elements of what Bryant described as a “ Mamba mentality , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ book of regrets .
He vowed to not let an NFL career or cherished friendships slip away without displaying gratitude for the sport or people who have helped mold his success .
“ I tell guys that I love them more .
I don ’ t have a problem saying : ‘ I love you .
I appreciate you , ’ because you never really know , ” Miller said .
“ Kobe was a legend , and I feel like we have a legend here ( in Denver ) with John Elway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I kind of shied away , because it was like : ‘ Elway .
Legend.
’ He walks into a room and you ’ re kind of like , ‘ Let me get out of here.
’ “ But after this , I re-focused and said , ‘ Hey , I need to spend more time around legends and see what makes these guys who they were and see the type of stuff they did.
’ And try to rub it off on me , so I can be better with my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with my family , so I can better with the people I interact with on a daily basis.
” Miller intensely watched “ The Last Dance ” on ESPN this summer and took notes on how Michael Jordan was far more obsessed with winning championships than being pals with teammates in the Chicago Bulls locker room .
“ Michael Jordan said he would never demand anything from his teammates that he wasn ’ t doing himself , ” Miller observed .
“ For me , it was like , ‘ I have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harder .
I have to get back in shape .
I have to lead more .
I have to lead better.
’ ” So here ’ s the action plan for 2020 : Less like the old Vonster , and more like Mike .
“ Last year , I didn ’ t play to my standards .
I didn ’ t play to the Sack Master ’ s standards , ” Miller said .
“ There was more for me to give .
My coaches felt like there was more for me to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel like I can give more and I can be more .
I don ’ t feel like I ’ m finished yet.
” Instead of playing for laughs , Miller wants to honor the legacy of Bryant .
Whenever the Broncos take the field , Miller vows there ’ s going to be a little Mamba inside No .
58 .
NFL quarterbacks , beware .
This is going to sting .

On the morning of the Pro Bowl, Broncos linebacker Von Miller awoke to news so awful he did not want to believe it was true. Kobe Bryant dead? In a helicopter crash?
“Whenever an artist, rapper, celebrity or somebody you never thought would die (actually) dies, you’re kind of taken aback,” Miller said Tuesday.
“You reflect on all the great things they did and you reflect on the person they were. It’s unfortunate that we’re like that as human beings, because we should give people their flowers while they’re still here.”
The tragic death of the Black Mamba changed the happy-go-lucky Vonster forever as a football player, a teammate and a man.
“It’s never too late to change,” said Miller, shaken to his core when Bryant died far too young, a basketball legend gone, nearly seven months shy of his 42nd birthday.
Yes, Miller owns a championship ring as the MVP of Super Bowl 50. But he’s also man enough to admit the old Vonster was a big goofball who viewed the extent of his role with the Broncos as sacking the quarterback and telling jokes.
No more. At age 31, Miller insists clown time is over, because there’s a legacy to build and no time to waste.
“The leader I was before wasn’t getting it done,” he said.
Miller hasn’t played in a playoff game since signing a six-year, $114 million contract in 2016. It irks him.
For all his obvious greatness, the old Vonster often required prodding to bring out his Hall of Fame talent. Miller and I have jousted on this sticky issue constantly, almost from the day he was the second overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft.
So when asked during a Zoom conference with reporters where he discovered this new-found chip on his shoulder, Miller laughed. Without missing a beat, he replied: “I think Mark Kiszla creates all the chips for me.”
Well, if Miller needs me to be a bag of nacho cheese Doritos on his shoulder to lead the NFL in sacks, I’m here for him, bruh.
During a tumultuous year that has shaken many Americans to the core, Miller survived a bout with COVID-19 that took an asthmatic linebacker’s breath away and marched with Broncos teammates through downtown Denver after the death of George Floyd.
But his eyes were forced wide open on the morning of Jan. 26, as he prepared to make his ninth appearance in the Pro Bowl. Miller learned Bryant, as well the teenage daughter of the Lakers superstar and seven others, were killed in fog-shrouded California hills outside Los Angeles.
“When it happened, especially right before the Pro Bowl, I was like, ‘What?’ ” Miller said.
He took the field in Florida that sad-and-shocking day, helping the AFC to victory in a game whose outcome seemed particularly meaningless as thoughts of NFL stars drifted to a tragedy on the other side of the country. “We were playing,” Miller recalled, “and at the same time we were thinking: ‘Is this real with Kobe?’”
When I asked why Bryant’s death touched his heart so deeply and profoundly, Miller opened a vein to let his emotions flow.
“When he died, you focused on the type of person and athlete he was. And you have no choice but to be motivated,” said Miller, who has reshaped his body and remade his attitude since the Broncos’ final game of 2019.
While studying the essential elements of what Bryant described as a “Mamba mentality,” Miller also began tearing pages from his book of regrets. He vowed to not let an NFL career or cherished friendships slip away without displaying gratitude for the sport or people who have helped mold his success.
“I tell guys that I love them more. I don’t have a problem saying: ‘I love you. I appreciate you,’ because you never really know,” Miller said.
“Kobe was a legend, and I feel like we have a legend here (in Denver) with John Elway. I felt like in years before, I kind of shied away, because it was like: ‘Elway. Legend.’ He walks into a room and you’re kind of like, ‘Let me get out of here.’
“But after this, I re-focused and said, ‘Hey, I need to spend more time around legends and see what makes these guys who they were and see the type of stuff they did.’ And try to rub it off on me, so I can be better with my teammates, so I can be better with my family, so I can better with the people I interact with on a daily basis.”
Miller intensely watched “The Last Dance” on ESPN this summer and took notes on how Michael Jordan was far more obsessed with winning championships than being pals with teammates in the Chicago Bulls locker room.
“Michael Jordan said he would never demand anything from his teammates that he wasn’t doing himself,” Miller observed. “For me, it was like, ‘I have to work harder. I have to push harder. I have to get back in shape. I have to lead more. I have to lead better.’”
So here’s the action plan for 2020: Less like the old Vonster, and more like Mike.
No more Mr. Nice Guy?
“Last year, I didn’t play to my standards. I didn’t play to the Sack Master’s standards,” Miller said. “There was more for me to give. My coaches felt like there was more for me to give. Most of all, I feel like I can give more and I can be more. I don’t feel like I’m finished yet.”
Instead of playing for laughs, Miller wants to honor the legacy of Bryant. Whenever the Broncos take the field, Miller vows there’s going to be a little Mamba inside No. 58.
NFL quarterbacks, beware. This is going to sting.


thedenverpost--2020-08-05--CU Buffs doing best to be ready for fall sports — if they happen

The Pac-12 has a schedule set for practice and competition start dates for fall sports .
Whether the coronavirus pandemic allows the fall season to actually play out remains to be seen , but Colorado athletic director Rick George said the Buffaloes are doing their best to be ready .
“ I think we ’ ve taken some great strides , ” George said Tuesday during a webinar hosted by CU about college sports in 2020 .
“ We ’ ve really learned a lot about testing .
We ’ re now into surveillance testing and how often we test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working out in our facility since June 17 and things are going really well there .
We ’ re learning as we go , but I think we feel confident that we ’ ve got great protocols in place for our student-athletes .
“ We feel like we ’ ve got a great plan if we ’ re allowed to have fans in our stadium this fall .
We ’ re going to be prepared to go , if we ’ re allowed to go.
” If they ’ re allowed to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ football coach Karl Dorrell all took part in the webinar and all three applauded CU ’ s health and safety protocols in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 .
They each also sat socially distanced and with plexiglass between them and moderator Mark Johnson .
The Buffs are preparing with workouts ongoing – but only in small groups – health and safety protocols in place and a modified , 10-game football schedule set .
They ’ re also not in full control of having a season .
George pointed out that the athletics department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as authorities from Boulder County and the state .
“ We ’ ve been working closely with all of those entities and I think we have to be collaborative in this process , ” he said .
In an effort to have a fall season , CU is emphasizing the importance of wearing masks , washing hands and social distancing .
Anybody that comes into the facilities gets a symptom check , George said , and surveillance tests are being done with athletes .
From a football standpoint , Dorrell said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have handled the situation and he believes it ’ s helping bring the team together .
Dorrell recalled the initial athletic department meeting in March with George and student-athletes .
At that time , George told them CU was looking into sending them home — a step that occurred quickly in mid-March .
“ A couple of my players … ( said ) , ‘ Can we leave now ?
’ ” Dorrell said .
“ We went from a very anxiety-ridden timeframe at the early onset of it to now they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve done such a great job of understanding our social distancing policies and understanding this bubble that we ’ re working with , how their actions outside of this building really affect the circumstances of our football team .
They understand that they have to be very protective when they ’ re not in this building , taking care of each other.
” CU administrators and coaches have been in contact with athletes throughout the COVID-19 shutdown , but George said he ’ s seeing more athletes in person lately as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up their training table meals .
“ That ’ s the thing I miss the most , ” he said of interacting with the athletes .
“ That ’ s the thing that I come to work for every day is our student-athletes and to support them , so being able to see them , knowing that they really want to compete , it gives us a lot of motivation to make sure that we provide the right things that allow them to have a chance to compete.
” DiStefano said it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases and public health guidelines to determine if there ’ s a season and how it will look .
“ Rick has done a tremendous job with his staff in making sure the student-athletes in all sports are healthy and being safe , ” DiStefano said .
If there are games this fall , George said a final determination has not been made about fan attendance .
George added that CU will follow county and state guidelines in regard to fan attendance .
CU has worked with Populous , which designed the Champions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a social-distancing plan for attendance and George said , “ I ’ ve reviewed what that looks like .
I ’ m not going to say how many people we would allow into the stadium at this point because we ’ re still focused on that but we ’ ve got a really good plan in place.
” For now having good plans in place is about the best CU can do .
“ We ’ re putting ourselves in a position where when we ’ re allowed to move forward , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George said .

The Pac-12 has a schedule set for practice and competition start dates for fall sports.
Whether the coronavirus pandemic allows the fall season to actually play out remains to be seen, but Colorado athletic director Rick George said the Buffaloes are doing their best to be ready.
“I think we’ve taken some great strides,” George said Tuesday during a webinar hosted by CU about college sports in 2020. “We’ve really learned a lot about testing. We’re now into surveillance testing and how often we test our student-athletes. Our student-athletes have been working out in our facility since June 17 and things are going really well there. We’re learning as we go, but I think we feel confident that we’ve got great protocols in place for our student-athletes.
“We feel like we’ve got a great plan if we’re allowed to have fans in our stadium this fall. We’re going to be prepared to go, if we’re allowed to go.”
If they’re allowed to go.
George, chancellor Phil DiStefano and football coach Karl Dorrell all took part in the webinar and all three applauded CU’s health and safety protocols in mitigating the spread of COVID-19. They each also sat socially distanced and with plexiglass between them and moderator Mark Johnson.
The Buffs are preparing with workouts ongoing – but only in small groups – health and safety protocols in place and a modified, 10-game football schedule set. They’re also not in full control of having a season.
George pointed out that the athletics department is working with campus officials, as well as authorities from Boulder County and the state.
“We’ve been working closely with all of those entities and I think we have to be collaborative in this process,” he said.
In an effort to have a fall season, CU is emphasizing the importance of wearing masks, washing hands and social distancing. Anybody that comes into the facilities gets a symptom check, George said, and surveillance tests are being done with athletes.
From a football standpoint, Dorrell said he’s pleased with how the players have handled the situation and he believes it’s helping bring the team together.
Dorrell recalled the initial athletic department meeting in March with George and student-athletes. At that time, George told them CU was looking into sending them home — a step that occurred quickly in mid-March.
“A couple of my players … (said), ‘Can we leave now?’” Dorrell said. “We went from a very anxiety-ridden timeframe at the early onset of it to now they’re educated about the process. They’ve done such a great job of understanding our social distancing policies and understanding this bubble that we’re working with, how their actions outside of this building really affect the circumstances of our football team. They understand that they have to be very protective when they’re not in this building, taking care of each other.”
CU administrators and coaches have been in contact with athletes throughout the COVID-19 shutdown, but George said he’s seeing more athletes in person lately as they come to the Champions Center to pick up their training table meals.
“That’s the thing I miss the most,” he said of interacting with the athletes. “That’s the thing that I come to work for every day is our student-athletes and to support them, so being able to see them, knowing that they really want to compete, it gives us a lot of motivation to make sure that we provide the right things that allow them to have a chance to compete.”
DiStefano said it will be up to the trends in COVID-19 cases and public health guidelines to determine if there’s a season and how it will look.
“Rick has done a tremendous job with his staff in making sure the student-athletes in all sports are healthy and being safe,” DiStefano said.
If there are games this fall, George said a final determination has not been made about fan attendance. George added that CU will follow county and state guidelines in regard to fan attendance.
CU has worked with Populous, which designed the Champions Center and stadium expansion, to formulate a social-distancing plan for attendance and George said, “I’ve reviewed what that looks like. I’m not going to say how many people we would allow into the stadium at this point because we’re still focused on that but we’ve got a really good plan in place.”
For now having good plans in place is about the best CU can do.
“We’re putting ourselves in a position where when we’re allowed to move forward, we’re ready to go,” George said.


thedenverpost--2020-08-05--Colorado high school football coaches disappointed with pushing sport to spring, but glad there will

Colorado high school football coaches disappointed with pushing sport to spring, but glad there will at least be a season

There will be no Friday night lights in Colorado this fall , as the state ’ s prep football season was officially moved to the spring on Tuesday as part of CHSAA ’ s approved return-to-play plan .
While each of the six prep football coaches interviewed by The Denver Post expressed disappointment in the postponement of the season amid the coronavirus pandemic , a common theme prevailed as well : At least teams now have clarity heading into the school year .
“ The bottom line is , we ’ re going to have a season and the kids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Regis Jesuit head coach Danny Filleman said .
“ Is it ideal ?
No , but what is ideal in this time right now ?
” The 2020 prep football season is slated to kick off March 4 , 2021 , with state championships tentatively scheduled for May 8 .
It will be a seven-game schedule instead of 10 games , and playoffs for each classification will be condensed to eight teams .
Coaches were prepared for fewer games , and playoff spots , but held out hope there would be games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roll with ( the condensed schedule ) , ” Grandview football coach John Schultz said .
“ I was expecting that we could do that in late September.
” Added Dakota Ridge coach Ron Woitalewicz : “ My kids are devastated , and they don ’ t understand how we were able to work out basically all summer from June 22 on , and now all of a sudden we can ’ t play football .
In their mind , they ’ re like , ‘ What has changed ? '
” Clearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past month — as well as football initially being classified as a higher-risk sport by CHSAA ’ s Resocialization Task Force — meant the scheduled kickoff of games on Aug. 27 was in trouble .
CHSAA Commissioner Rhonda Blanford-Green said the association , in collaboration with Gov .
Jared Polis ’ office and multiple other agencies and boards , believes it ultimately made the best possible decision .
“ At the end of the day , we ’ re in a pandemic and we ’ re charged with creating opportunities for our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interactions , ” Blanford-Green said .
“ The original plan was sports in their traditional seasons , but we knew we could potentially have disruptions and some cancellations .
( This plan ) gets us in front of that.
” Still , there are lingering concerns about recruiting ripple effects , especially for those seniors who needed this fall to prove their worth to colleges .
Football ’ s early signing day in December and National Signing Day in the first week of February would both come before Colorado ’ s season is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s some unknowns there , and there ’ s some things the NCAA ’ s going to have to do to in terms of the recruiting process to adjust or make exceptions to accommodate all of the states with spring football , ” Filleman said .
Blanford-Green said the issue of recruiting was not a factor in the decision to move football to the spring .
“ We were fighting for the opportunity to give football a season , ” Blanford-Green said .
“ Everybody isn ’ t looking for recruitment tape — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Holly and Springfield , go to a wide majority of our member schools .
They were concerned about us fighting for them to have a season.
” Woitalewicz also wonders if a spring season will cause some of the state ’ s top talent , such as already-committed Division I recruits , to opt out .
And he ’ s already heard chatter about players wanting to go to states that are still planning on football in the fall , although a CHSAA bylaw that is set to be voted on will discourage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ‘ I ’ m going to move to Utah , or I ’ ll just go to Kansas , ' ” Woitalewicz said .
“ But the new CHSAA bylaw , if you ’ re going to another state and play there in the fall , you can ’ t come back to Colorado and play here in the spring… Obviously CHSAA was smart enough to jump on that early.
” The other , more immediate concerns about the altered 2020-21 schedule center around club sports ’ effect on CHSAA participation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sport now slated for March through May ) and baseball ( a traditional spring sport , now pushed back and slated to finish in late June ) .
Cherry Creek baseball coach Marc Johnson fears the amended schedule — following the cancellation of the season this past spring — “ could be the death of high school baseball.
” “ I don ’ t know if they took into consideration ( the club ball factor ) , and I don ’ t understand why baseball couldn ’ t have been played in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The kids have been playing baseball basically all summer , and they ’ re playing softball this fall .
“ The problem is , if I ’ m a player , a club coach says you can play 50 games and travel and go to showcases with us , or play 16 games for your high school .
Any kid who loves the game is going to take the 50-game schedule , where you can play all the time and be exposed ( to scouts ) all over the place.
” Blanford-Green said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Season D ” of the quadrant schedule was driven by CHSAA ’ s desire to keep sports in their traditional seasons , so long as current safety guidelines allow .
And she dismissed the notion of club sports overshadowing the re-jiggered calendar .
“ I just want to remind everyone that 20 weeks ago , we had to shut down spring sports , and those athletes and those schools would ’ ve done anything to have this opportunity , ” she said .
“ These ‘ what ifs , what ifs ’ are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re moving forward and getting our kids back into athletics and activities .
”

There will be no Friday night lights in Colorado this fall, as the state’s prep football season was officially moved to the spring on Tuesday as part of CHSAA’s approved return-to-play plan.
While each of the six prep football coaches interviewed by The Denver Post expressed disappointment in the postponement of the season amid the coronavirus pandemic, a common theme prevailed as well: At least teams now have clarity heading into the school year.
“The bottom line is, we’re going to have a season and the kids are going to get to play,” Regis Jesuit head coach Danny Filleman said. “Is it ideal? No, but what is ideal in this time right now?”
The 2020 prep football season is slated to kick off March 4, 2021, with state championships tentatively scheduled for May 8. It will be a seven-game schedule instead of 10 games, and playoffs for each classification will be condensed to eight teams.
Coaches were prepared for fewer games, and playoff spots, but held out hope there would be games this fall.
“We have to roll with (the condensed schedule),” Grandview football coach John Schultz said. “I was expecting that we could do that in late September.”
Added Dakota Ridge coach Ron Woitalewicz: “My kids are devastated, and they don’t understand how we were able to work out basically all summer from June 22 on, and now all of a sudden we can’t play football. In their mind, they’re like, ‘What has changed?'”
Clearly, the state-wide flare-ups of coronavirus over the past month — as well as football initially being classified as a higher-risk sport by CHSAA’s Resocialization Task Force — meant the scheduled kickoff of games on Aug. 27 was in trouble. CHSAA Commissioner Rhonda Blanford-Green said the association, in collaboration with Gov. Jared Polis’ office and multiple other agencies and boards, believes it ultimately made the best possible decision.
“At the end of the day, we’re in a pandemic and we’re charged with creating opportunities for our kids within the state guidelines and educational interactions,” Blanford-Green said. “The original plan was sports in their traditional seasons, but we knew we could potentially have disruptions and some cancellations. (This plan) gets us in front of that.”
Still, there are lingering concerns about recruiting ripple effects, especially for those seniors who needed this fall to prove their worth to colleges. Football’s early signing day in December and National Signing Day in the first week of February would both come before Colorado’s season is slated to start.
“There’s some unknowns there, and there’s some things the NCAA’s going to have to do to in terms of the recruiting process to adjust or make exceptions to accommodate all of the states with spring football,” Filleman said.
Blanford-Green said the issue of recruiting was not a factor in the decision to move football to the spring.
“We were fighting for the opportunity to give football a season,” Blanford-Green said. “Everybody isn’t looking for recruitment tape — go to (rural schools like) Holly and Springfield, go to a wide majority of our member schools. They were concerned about us fighting for them to have a season.”
Woitalewicz also wonders if a spring season will cause some of the state’s top talent, such as already-committed Division I recruits, to opt out. And he’s already heard chatter about players wanting to go to states that are still planning on football in the fall, although a CHSAA bylaw that is set to be voted on will discourage that.
“Some kids are like, ‘I’m going to move to Utah, or I’ll just go to Kansas,'” Woitalewicz said. “But the new CHSAA bylaw, if you’re going to another state and play there in the fall, you can’t come back to Colorado and play here in the spring… Obviously CHSAA was smart enough to jump on that early.”
The other, more immediate concerns about the altered 2020-21 schedule center around club sports’ effect on CHSAA participation, particularly in volleyball (a traditional fall sport now slated for March through May) and baseball (a traditional spring sport, now pushed back and slated to finish in late June).
Cherry Creek baseball coach Marc Johnson fears the amended schedule — following the cancellation of the season this past spring — “could be the death of high school baseball.”
“I don’t know if they took into consideration (the club ball factor), and I don’t understand why baseball couldn’t have been played in the fall,” Johnson said. “The kids have been playing baseball basically all summer, and they’re playing softball this fall.
“The problem is, if I’m a player, a club coach says you can play 50 games and travel and go to showcases with us, or play 16 games for your high school. Any kid who loves the game is going to take the 50-game schedule, where you can play all the time and be exposed (to scouts) all over the place.”
Blanford-Green said the decision to put baseball in “Season D” of the quadrant schedule was driven by CHSAA’s desire to keep sports in their traditional seasons, so long as current safety guidelines allow. And she dismissed the notion of club sports overshadowing the re-jiggered calendar.
“I just want to remind everyone that 20 weeks ago, we had to shut down spring sports, and those athletes and those schools would’ve done anything to have this opportunity,” she said. “These ‘what ifs, what ifs’ are so minute compared to the fact that we’re moving forward and getting our kids back into athletics and activities.”


thedenverpost--2020-08-05--Virus-stricken Miami Marlins resume season with 18 new players

MIAMI — Scrambling for replacements following a coronavirus outbreak , the Miami Marlins added a Moran , a Morin , two pitchers named Josh Smith and a former Olympic medalist in speedskating .
Also among the 18 players joining the Marlins ’ 30-man roster as they resumed their virus-disrupted season in Baltimore on Tuesday night were outfielder Monte Harrison and right-hander Jose Guzman , highly regarded prospects reaching the majors for the first time .
Another newcomer was pitcher Richard Bleier , returning to his former ballpark after being acquired from the Orioles in a trade over the weekend .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ get back on the field , ” president of baseball operations Michael Hill said .
After the Marlins waited nine days to play following the outbreak , the start of the game was pushed back nearly an hour when their latest test results were delayed .
Starting pitchers Sandy Alcantara and Caleb Smith joined Jose Urena on the injured list , leaving the Marlins without three-fifths of their rotation .
Eight of their 12 opening-day relievers were also on the IL , as was shortstop Miguel Rojas .
With more than half the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ included infielder Eddy Alvarez a 30-year-old Miami native who won a silver medal in speedskating at the 2014 Winter Olympics and had yet to play in the majors .
And this : The Marlins technically began the game in first place in the NL East .
At 2-1 , Miami started the day with the best winning percentage in the division .
Teams are scheduled for only 60 games each this season and it ’ s possible not every club will play that many because of disruptions .
In that case , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the postseason field would be determined by winning percentage .
The Marlins ’ revamped pitching staff includes right-hander Mike Morin and left-hander Brian Moran , and right-hander Josh A. Smith and left-hander Josh D. Smith , all recently acquired veterans .
“ I won ’ t say it was a call to arms , ” Hill said .
“ It was a call in need of arms.
” The Marlins put 17 players on the injured list , and starting second baseman Isan Diaz opted out for the rest of the season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and 11 players from the team ’ s alternate training site .
Harrison was in the lineup in center field Tuesday night , as was 33-year-old newcomer Logan Forsythe as the designated hitter .
The virus infected 21 members of the Marlins ’ traveling party and forced the suspension of their season July 26 after just three games .
The roster overhaul that has followed will test a farm system much improved since Derek Jeter ’ s group bought the franchise nearly three years ago .
“ We expect to win games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been able to acquire layers of talent , and while you never anticipate having to replace 18 players , it ’ s a credit to the work we ’ ve done organizationally to build depth to absorb what we are doing today .
“ No one is making excuses .
We know we have a job to do and we ’ re ready to go .
”

MIAMI — Scrambling for replacements following a coronavirus outbreak, the Miami Marlins added a Moran, a Morin, two pitchers named Josh Smith and a former Olympic medalist in speedskating.
Also among the 18 players joining the Marlins’ 30-man roster as they resumed their virus-disrupted season in Baltimore on Tuesday night were outfielder Monte Harrison and right-hander Jose Guzman, highly regarded prospects reaching the majors for the first time.
Another newcomer was pitcher Richard Bleier, returning to his former ballpark after being acquired from the Orioles in a trade over the weekend.
“We’re just excited to get back on the field,” president of baseball operations Michael Hill said.
After the Marlins waited nine days to play following the outbreak, the start of the game was pushed back nearly an hour when their latest test results were delayed.
Starting pitchers Sandy Alcantara and Caleb Smith joined Jose Urena on the injured list, leaving the Marlins without three-fifths of their rotation. Eight of their 12 opening-day relievers were also on the IL, as was shortstop Miguel Rojas.
With more than half the team needing to be replaced, newcomers included infielder Eddy Alvarez a 30-year-old Miami native who won a silver medal in speedskating at the 2014 Winter Olympics and had yet to play in the majors.
“A tremendous story on stick-to-it-iveness,” Hill said.
And this: The Marlins technically began the game in first place in the NL East.
At 2-1, Miami started the day with the best winning percentage in the division. Teams are scheduled for only 60 games each this season and it’s possible not every club will play that many because of disruptions.
In that case, with 16 of 30 clubs making the playoffs, the postseason field would be determined by winning percentage.
The Marlins’ revamped pitching staff includes right-hander Mike Morin and left-hander Brian Moran, and right-hander Josh A. Smith and left-hander Josh D. Smith, all recently acquired veterans.
“I won’t say it was a call to arms,” Hill said. “It was a call in need of arms.”
The Marlins put 17 players on the injured list, and starting second baseman Isan Diaz opted out for the rest of the season. Replacements included seven newly acquired players, and 11 players from the team’s alternate training site.
Harrison was in the lineup in center field Tuesday night, as was 33-year-old newcomer Logan Forsythe as the designated hitter.
The virus infected 21 members of the Marlins’ traveling party and forced the suspension of their season July 26 after just three games. The roster overhaul that has followed will test a farm system much improved since Derek Jeter’s group bought the franchise nearly three years ago.
“We expect to win games,” Hill said. “We have been able to acquire layers of talent, and while you never anticipate having to replace 18 players, it’s a credit to the work we’ve done organizationally to build depth to absorb what we are doing today.
“No one is making excuses. We know we have a job to do and we’re ready to go.”


thedenverpost--2020-08-05--Frontier Airlines to furlough nearly 400 Denver workers in October

Frontier Airlines has notified nearly 1,500 flight attendants and pilots they might be furloughed in October , a tally that includes 398 employees working out of Denver International Airport .
“ Notifications went out last Friday advising up to 35 % of our flight attendants and pilots that they may be furloughed as early as October 1 , ” said Frontier spokeswoman Jennifer De La Cruz .
Nationally , Frontier Airlines notified 925 flight attendants and 559 pilots of an upcoming furlough .
In Denver , the hit skews more toward pilots , with 218 facing a furlough versus 180 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2,078 people in metro Denver .
Last month , United Airlines informed the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment that it would furlough 2,820 workers out of 7,000 at Denver International Airport , the largest reduction announced in the state since the pandemic started .
On July 30 , it said it would also permanently cut 75 administrative and management jobs in Denver .
It all adds up to Oct. 1 being a very dark day for airline workers around the country , including in Denver .
But why that day ?
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , included $ 50 billion in economic support to U.S. airlines under the Payroll Support Program .
If the airlines kept their employees on the payroll through Sept. 30 , the money they received would become a grant and not have to be repaid , said Lowell Valencia-Miller , an assistant professor of management at the University of Denver ’ s Leeds School of Business .
But passenger traffic remains depressed , something the big surge of COVID-19 cases in Florida , Texas , Arizona and California this summer didn ’ t help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air travel is heading into the slower shoulder season that stretches between Labor Day and Thanksgiving .
Normally , airlines make up for the drop in leisure travel with more business travel , but that category is even more depressed than leisure travel , Valencia-Miller said .
And Congress has expressed no appetite to extend more money to airlines in the latest round of financial support under consideration .
A second rescue isn ’ t coming .
“ The airlines are taking the steps they need to survive without external financial support , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indications that the workers will be called back quickly , as was the case with restaurant and retail workers when businesses reopened in May .
Both United and Frontier have told the state that the furloughs will last more than six months and could become permanent .
“ We anticipate that the affected Union members will be furloughed with recall rights but the furloughs are expected to be permanent or last in excess of 6 months , ” Steven Schuller , Frontier ’ s vice president of human resources , wrote in his @ @ @ @ @

Frontier Airlines has notified nearly 1,500 flight attendants and pilots they might be furloughed in October, a tally that includes 398 employees working out of Denver International Airport.
“Notifications went out last Friday advising up to 35% of our flight attendants and pilots that they may be furloughed as early as October 1,” said Frontier spokeswoman Jennifer De La Cruz.
Nationally, Frontier Airlines notified 925 flight attendants and 559 pilots of an upcoming furlough. In Denver, the hit skews more toward pilots, with 218 facing a furlough versus 180 flight attendants. The Denver-based airline employs 2,078 people in metro Denver.
Last month, United Airlines informed the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment that it would furlough 2,820 workers out of 7,000 at Denver International Airport, the largest reduction announced in the state since the pandemic started. On July 30, it said it would also permanently cut 75 administrative and management jobs in Denver.
It all adds up to Oct. 1 being a very dark day for airline workers around the country, including in Denver. But why that day?
The CARES Act, passed in late March, included $50 billion in economic support to U.S. airlines under the Payroll Support Program.
If the airlines kept their employees on the payroll through Sept. 30, the money they received would become a grant and not have to be repaid, said Lowell Valencia-Miller, an assistant professor of management at the University of Denver’s Daniels College of Business.
But passenger traffic remains depressed, something the big surge of COVID-19 cases in Florida, Texas, Arizona and California this summer didn’t help with.
As summer winds down, air travel is heading into the slower shoulder season that stretches between Labor Day and Thanksgiving. Normally, airlines make up for the drop in leisure travel with more business travel, but that category is even more depressed than leisure travel, Valencia-Miller said.
And Congress has expressed no appetite to extend more money to airlines in the latest round of financial support under consideration. A second rescue isn’t coming.
“The airlines are taking the steps they need to survive without external financial support,” said Valencia-Miller.
Nor are there indications that the workers will be called back quickly, as was the case with restaurant and retail workers when businesses reopened in May. Both United and Frontier have told the state that the furloughs will last more than six months and could become permanent.
“We anticipate that the affected Union members will be furloughed with recall rights but the furloughs are expected to be permanent or last in excess of 6 months,” Steven Schuller, Frontier’s vice president of human resources, wrote in his letter to the state.