thedenverpost--2020-07-07--“Extraordinary series of bad decisions”: Denver police officer fired for filing false report, coveri

“Extraordinary series of bad decisions”: Denver police officer fired for filing false report, covering up car chase

A Denver police officer was fired for “ an extraordinary series of bad decisions ” that included an unauthorized car chase , failing to turn on his body camera during the chase , failing to notify the department that the chased car crashed into a innocent person ’ s garage , trying to conceal damage to his own car with white out and lying in his reports in an attempt to cover up the entire incident .
Officer Nicholas Mauro “ so significantly violated the public trust that the only appropriate penalty for this rule violation is termination , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dulacki wrote in Mauro ’ s discipline letter .
Another officer , Aldo Salayandia , will serve a 22-day unpaid suspension for participating in the chase , failing to intervene in Mauro ’ s misconduct and failing to report the misconduct to a supervisor .
Mauro was working patrol on Nov. 19 , 2019 , when he saw an SUV with a broken tail light get on Interstate 70 .
He followed the SUV as it exited onto Havana Street and continued to match its speed , at one point reaching 99 mph @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lights or siren .
Mauro then called Salayandia , who was nearby , and told the officer to look for the SUV as it traveled down East 56th Avenue .
Salayandia followed the SUV as well , until it crashed into the garage door of a home on Laredo Street .
Both officers approached the SUV , but nobody was inside .
Mauro reached into the SUV to turn it off , but the SUV instead reversed down the driveway and struck Mauro ’ s car .
The homeowner told the officers she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car .
Mauro later told the woman via text to file an accident report online , even though policy mandated that he should take a report himself .
Mauro then logged a false report that he simply found the vehicle damaged on the side of the road , several blocks from the woman ’ s house .
He also logged a request that the vehicle be towed from the scene , not mentioning the chase , the crash or the damage to the woman ’ s house or his own patrol car .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he covered up damage to his car with white out , according to the disciplinary letter .
The woman tried to file a report online , but wasn ’ t able to so she called dispatch and a corporal came to take her statement and watch video of the incident she retrieved from her doorbell camera .
During his follow-up , the corporal found that Mauro lied in his report , failed to report the SUV crashing into the garage and failed to report the accident regarding his own patrol car .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Salayandia said he should have taken the lead on the situation , even though he had one less year on the force than Mauro .
Salayandia joined the department in 2016 and Mauro joined in 2015 .
Mauro , in his interview with internal affairs , acknowledged that he made bad decisions and that he lied to avoid consequences .
“ Officer Mauro said he started to panic and that he was scared because he knew the repercussions of what had happened , ” the letter states .
Mauro said that he did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t want it to show him pursuing the vehicle .
He said he told the homeowner that the license plate on the SUV was fake because he didn ’ t want her to include the plate number in her online report , as it might connect the crash to his false report .
He said he lied about finding the damaged SUV because he “ feared repercussions.
” Dulacki found that Mauro violated the department ’ s policy by chasing a vehicle for a traffic violation , failing to file required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the reports he did file .
“ The totality of these actions and decisions is appalling , ” Dulacki wrote in Mauro ’ s discipline letter .

A Denver police officer was fired for “an extraordinary series of bad decisions” that included an unauthorized car chase, failing to turn on his body camera during the chase, failing to notify the department that the chased car crashed into a innocent person’s garage, trying to conceal damage to his own car with white out and lying in his reports in an attempt to cover up the entire incident.
Officer Nicholas Mauro “so significantly violated the public trust that the only appropriate penalty for this rule violation is termination,” Deputy Director of Denver Public Safety Mary Dulacki wrote in Mauro’s discipline letter.
Another officer, Aldo Salayandia, will serve a 22-day unpaid suspension for participating in the chase, failing to intervene in Mauro’s misconduct and failing to report the misconduct to a supervisor.
Mauro was working patrol on Nov. 19, 2019, when he saw an SUV with a broken tail light get on Interstate 70. He followed the SUV as it exited onto Havana Street and continued to match its speed, at one point reaching 99 mph. He did not turn on his lights or siren.
Mauro then called Salayandia, who was nearby, and told the officer to look for the SUV as it traveled down East 56th Avenue. Salayandia followed the SUV as well, until it crashed into the garage door of a home on Laredo Street. Both officers approached the SUV, but nobody was inside. Mauro reached into the SUV to turn it off, but the SUV instead reversed down the driveway and struck Mauro’s car.
That’s when the lying began.
The homeowner told the officers she didn’t own or recognize the car. Mauro later told the woman via text to file an accident report online, even though policy mandated that he should take a report himself.
Mauro then logged a false report that he simply found the vehicle damaged on the side of the road, several blocks from the woman’s house. He also logged a request that the vehicle be towed from the scene, not mentioning the chase, the crash or the damage to the woman’s house or his own patrol car.
When he returned to the police station, he covered up damage to his car with white out, according to the disciplinary letter.
The woman tried to file a report online, but wasn’t able to so she called dispatch and a corporal came to take her statement and watch video of the incident she retrieved from her doorbell camera. During his follow-up, the corporal found that Mauro lied in his report, failed to report the SUV crashing into the garage and failed to report the accident regarding his own patrol car.
In an interview with internal affairs, Salayandia said he should have taken the lead on the situation, even though he had one less year on the force than Mauro. Salayandia joined the department in 2016 and Mauro joined in 2015.
Mauro, in his interview with internal affairs, acknowledged that he made bad decisions and that he lied to avoid consequences.
“Officer Mauro said he started to panic and that he was scared because he knew the repercussions of what had happened,” the letter states.
Mauro said that he did not activate his body camera because he didn’t want it to show him pursuing the vehicle. He said he told the homeowner that the license plate on the SUV was fake because he didn’t want her to include the plate number in her online report, as it might connect the crash to his false report. He said he lied about finding the damaged SUV because he “feared repercussions.”
Dulacki found that Mauro violated the department’s policy by chasing a vehicle for a traffic violation, failing to file required reports and lying about the entire situation in the reports he did file.
“The totality of these actions and decisions is appalling,” Dulacki wrote in Mauro’s discipline letter.


thedenverpost--2020-07-08--Rockies’ Carlos Estevez poised for big leap forward in 2020

If you ’ re searching for a breakout Rockies relief pitcher this season , he ’ s not hard to find .
Right-hander Carlos Estevez stands 6-foot-6 and tips the scales at more than 270 pounds .
A baseball is swallowed up in his huge hand .
Add in a 98 mph fastball , 88 mph slider , an occasional 90 mph changeup and a big shot of confidence , and Estevez projects as a key bullpen arm late in games .
Make no mistake about it , the Rockies need him to live up to lofty expectations .
Estevez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up when the coronavirus shut down baseball in mid-March .
Now he ’ s got to regain his mojo in a short amount of time .
“ Honestly , at the point where everything shut down , I was feeling ready to start the season , and that ’ s an unfortunate thing , ” said Estévez , who led the Rockies with 71 appearances last season and posted a 3.75 ERA , second-lowest on the team to Scott Oberg ’ s 2.25 .
For Estevez , 2018 was essentially a lost year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a right elbow strain and inconsistent performance .
But what Estevez did last year made a believer out of manager Bud Black .
“ There were things he needed to do to get more consistent , as far as controlling the running game and working on his delivery so that he would make more consistent pitches , ” Black said Tuesday .
“ Last year he put it all together , especially in the second half .
The number of appearances that he had tells me he ’ s a big and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot during the course of a season.
” Swing time .
The Rockies open the season in just 17 days and live batting practice has made it clear that the pitchers are well ahead of hitters , but hitting coach Dave Magadan says it ’ s possible to get ready in a hurry .
“ In 1990 , it was a short spring training ( because of a labor lockout ) , and I had my best year as a player , ” said Magadan , who hit .328 with the New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 95 we had a really short spring training coming back , because of the strike .
“ For me , it was two weeks .
By the time I signed out of the free-agent camp , it was two weeks .
I signed and ( joined ) Houston in Kissimmee ( Fla. ) .
I had one of my best years.
” He hit .313 and drove in 51 runs for the Astros that year at age 32 .
Footnotes .
Right-hander German Marquez nearly drilled Nolan Arenado in the head during live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pitch got away from him because he was getting tired .
… For the first four days of camp , the Rockies practiced in the morning and afternoon , but with temperatures expected to approach 100 degrees , the club will practice in the late afternoon and evening from Thursday through Sunday .

If you’re searching for a breakout Rockies relief pitcher this season, he’s not hard to find.
Right-hander Carlos Estevez stands 6-foot-6 and tips the scales at more than 270 pounds. A baseball is swallowed up in his huge hand. Add in a 98 mph fastball, 88 mph slider, an occasional 90 mph changeup and a big shot of confidence, and Estevez projects as a key bullpen arm late in games. Make no mistake about it, the Rockies need him to live up to lofty expectations.
Estevez, 27, was just getting ramped up when the coronavirus shut down baseball in mid-March. Now he’s got to regain his mojo in a short amount of time.
“Honestly, at the point where everything shut down, I was feeling ready to start the season, and that’s an unfortunate thing,” said Estévez, who led the Rockies with 71 appearances last season and posted a 3.75 ERA, second-lowest on the team to Scott Oberg’s 2.25.
For Estevez, 2018 was essentially a lost year, due to a left oblique strain, a right elbow strain and inconsistent performance. But what Estevez did last year made a believer out of manager Bud Black.
“There were things he needed to do to get more consistent, as far as controlling the running game and working on his delivery so that he would make more consistent pitches,” Black said Tuesday. “Last year he put it all together, especially in the second half. The number of appearances that he had tells me he’s a big and durable big-league reliever who can be available a lot during the course of a season.”
Swing time. The Rockies open the season in just 17 days and live batting practice has made it clear that the pitchers are well ahead of hitters, but hitting coach Dave Magadan says it’s possible to get ready in a hurry.
“In 1990, it was a short spring training (because of a labor lockout), and I had my best year as a player,” said Magadan, who hit .328 with the New York Mets. “Then in ’95 we had a really short spring training coming back, because of the strike.
“For me, it was two weeks. By the time I signed out of the free-agent camp, it was two weeks. I signed and (joined) Houston in Kissimmee (Fla.). I had one of my best years.”
He hit .313 and drove in 51 runs for the Astros that year at age 32.
Footnotes. Right-hander German Marquez nearly drilled Nolan Arenado in the head during live batting practice Sunday. Marquez sheepishly said the pitch got away from him because he was getting tired. … For the first four days of camp, the Rockies practiced in the morning and afternoon, but with temperatures expected to approach 100 degrees, the club will practice in the late afternoon and evening from Thursday through Sunday.


thedenverpost--2020-07-07--Denver sheriff deputy suspended for using chokehold on jail inmate

A Denver Sheriff Department deputy will lose four days of pay for using a chokehold on a jail inmate , who was not injured .
Denver Department of Public Safety administrators determined that Deputy Shawn Rhatigan used inappropriate force when he crossed his arm over an inmate ’ s neck while transporting him to a cell .
The department bans the use of chokeholds except as a method of deadly force .
“ Deputy Rhatigan used inappropriate force on an inmate when he caused pressure to be applied to the inmate ’ s throat when it was neither reasonable nor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Safety Mary Dulacki wrote in a disciplinary letter obtained by The Denver Post through a records request .
Rhatigan denied using the chokehold and said his arm was never on the person ’ s neck during internal affairs meetings with high-ranking leaders of the sheriff ’ s department , the letter shows .
He said he moved his arm if it accidentally slipped to the man ’ s neck because “ there are too many issues with that nowadays , ” the letter states .
The inmate , who is not named in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dec. 29 while getting his fingerprints taken , including telling deputies that he would beat them up , according to the letter .
The man had been arrested for allegedly punching a Denver Health security guard in the face .
Two other deputies joined Rhatigan as the yelling continued , and Rhatigan grabbed the inmate after the man turned toward him and “ tensed up , ” according to the letter .
Rhatigan and the other deputies then took the man to a cell .
Video shows a group of five deputies walking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to walk to the cell .
Rhatigan ’ s arm crossed the front of the man ’ s neck , the video shows .
Dulacki wrote that Rhatigan should have removed his arm from the man ’ s neck immediately after other deputies responded .
The man was not injured and there are no reports he complained of not being able to breathe .
He declined to be interviewed for the internal investigation .

A Denver Sheriff Department deputy will lose four days of pay for using a chokehold on a jail inmate, who was not injured.
Denver Department of Public Safety administrators determined that Deputy Shawn Rhatigan used inappropriate force when he crossed his arm over an inmate’s neck while transporting him to a cell. The department bans the use of chokeholds except as a method of deadly force.
“Deputy Rhatigan used inappropriate force on an inmate when he caused pressure to be applied to the inmate’s throat when it was neither reasonable nor necessary,” Deputy Director of Public Safety Mary Dulacki wrote in a disciplinary letter obtained by The Denver Post through a records request.
Rhatigan denied using the chokehold and said his arm was never on the person’s neck during internal affairs meetings with high-ranking leaders of the sheriff’s department, the letter shows. He said he moved his arm if it accidentally slipped to the man’s neck because “there are too many issues with that nowadays,” the letter states.
The inmate, who is not named in the letter, was acting unruly on Dec. 29 while getting his fingerprints taken, including telling deputies that he would beat them up, according to the letter. The man had been arrested for allegedly punching a Denver Health security guard in the face.
Two other deputies joined Rhatigan as the yelling continued, and Rhatigan grabbed the inmate after the man turned toward him and “tensed up,” according to the letter. Rhatigan and the other deputies then took the man to a cell.
Video shows a group of five deputies walking with Rhatigan as he forced the man to walk to the cell. Rhatigan’s arm crossed the front of the man’s neck, the video shows.
Dulacki wrote that Rhatigan should have removed his arm from the man’s neck immediately after other deputies responded.
The man was not injured and there are no reports he complained of not being able to breathe. He declined to be interviewed for the internal investigation.


thedenverpost--2020-07-07--Rockies: Teams that handle coronavirus best have best chance to win in 2020

Steel Vengeance is the world ’ s longest hybrid roller coaster .
The thrill ride at Cedar Point , Ohio , features twists and turns , a 200-foot drop at 90 degrees and 74 miles per hour , and “ four heads-over-boots inversions through wood , steel and mayhem.
” Which , in a roundabout way , brings us to the Rockies ’ truncated 2020 season .
It promises to be more of a wild ride than a simple sprint , and the key to it all could well be the team ’ s ability to stay healthy in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that end , Rockies players have pledged to adhere to strict Major League Baseball health guidelines — wearing a mask , social distancing , following MLB protocols to the letter — believing it could give them an edge over other teams .
“ The teams that stay healthiest and handle all of this the best are the teams that have the best chance to win , ” catcher Tony Wolters said .
All-star shortstop Trevor Story said that ’ s been a major theme inside the clubhouse at Coors Field during spring training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our guys to really take it to heart , ” Story said .
“ We said , ‘ Don ’ t really think about yourself in this thing , think about your teammates.
’ Sometimes , I think , if you are doing something for someone else , I think you do a better job.
” Manager Bud Black buys into the theory that handling COVID-19 will be directly connected to wins and losses during this strange season .
“ There is something to that , for sure , ” he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ diligent on that , and I think I said it the first day and I ’ ve said it to our group .
Just that the individual commitment to this , and doing the right things , is important.
” Black also shared some thoughts on other particulars of the schedule .
The Rockies have two days off in their first week , coming after the opening three-game series at Texas and bookending their two-game series at Oakland .
“ Early in the season , it will allow us to potentially build some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fresher because the off days , ” he said .
There exists the possibility that Colorado could bypass a five-man rotation and go with four starters — German Marquez , Jon Gray , Kyle Freeland and Antonio Senzatela — out of the gate due to off days .
Soon thereafter , however , the dog days of summer start barking .
The Rockies will have just one day off in August and will play a stretch of 33 games in 34 days between July 31 and Sept. 2 .
During that stretch , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players to 28 and finally down to 26 players , although the three-player taxi squad will remain .
“ In August , that ’ ll be a tester , ” Black said .
“ August will be a challenge for the entire team .
Playing with just one off-day through August , that can be good or bad .
If you ’ re playing well , pitching well , hitting the ball , you want to keep playing , so that can be a good thing .
It could work either way .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ re playing .
“ When you get into the meat of that schedule in August , that will test our physicalness and our arms a little bit too .
”

Steel Vengeance is the world’s longest hybrid roller coaster. The thrill ride at Cedar Point, Ohio, features twists and turns, a 200-foot drop at 90 degrees and 74 miles per hour, and “four heads-over-boots inversions through wood, steel and mayhem.”
Which, in a roundabout way, brings us to the Rockies’ truncated 2020 season. It promises to be more of a wild ride than a simple sprint, and the key to it all could well be the team’s ability to stay healthy in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.
To that end, Rockies players have pledged to adhere to strict Major League Baseball health guidelines — wearing a mask, social distancing, following MLB protocols to the letter — believing it could give them an edge over other teams.
“The teams that stay healthiest and handle all of this the best are the teams that have the best chance to win,” catcher Tony Wolters said.
All-star shortstop Trevor Story said that’s been a major theme inside the clubhouse at Coors Field during spring training 2.0.
“We’ve challenged our guys to really take it to heart,” Story said. “We said, ‘Don’t really think about yourself in this thing, think about your teammates.’ Sometimes, I think, if you are doing something for someone else, I think you do a better job.”
Manager Bud Black buys into the theory that handling COVID-19 will be directly connected to wins and losses during this strange season.
“There is something to that, for sure,” he said. “And we are going to stay diligent on that, and I think I said it the first day and I’ve said it to our group. Just that the individual commitment to this, and doing the right things, is important.”
Black also shared some thoughts on other particulars of the schedule.
The Rockies have two days off in their first week, coming after the opening three-game series at Texas and bookending their two-game series at Oakland.
“Early in the season, it will allow us to potentially build some arm strength or keep (pitchers) fresher because the off days,” he said.
There exists the possibility that Colorado could bypass a five-man rotation and go with four starters — German Marquez, Jon Gray, Kyle Freeland and Antonio Senzatela — out of the gate due to off days.
Soon thereafter, however, the dog days of summer start barking. The Rockies will have just one day off in August and will play a stretch of 33 games in 34 days between July 31 and Sept. 2. During that stretch, the roster will be reduced from 30 players to 28 and finally down to 26 players, although the three-player taxi squad will remain.
“In August, that’ll be a tester,” Black said. “August will be a challenge for the entire team. Playing with just one off-day through August, that can be good or bad. If you’re playing well, pitching well, hitting the ball, you want to keep playing, so that can be a good thing. It could work either way. It all depends on how you’re playing.
“When you get into the meat of that schedule in August, that will test our physicalness and our arms a little bit too.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-07--College football in the spring? CU Buffs coach Karl Dorrell says it’s been discussed

First-year Colorado football coach Karl Dorrell had considered nearly every scenario for how the season will be played when Buffs ’ athletic director Rick George offered a new alternative .
“ That first came across my radar last night , ” Dorrell said .
“ ( George ) mentioned that from some of the discussion that they ’ ve had from an athletic director ’ s standpoint.
” Dorrell joined college football coaches from across the state — Steve Addazio ( CSU ) , Troy Calhoun ( Air Force ) , Ed McCaffrey ( UNC ) and John Wristen ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virtual roundtable discussion as part of the Colorado Springs Sports Corporations ’ annual college football kickoff event .
Among the most discussed topics on the Zoom video call were scenarios for potential schedule changes this season amid the coronavirus pandemic .
One idea appearing to gain national traction is to delay the start of college football for several months and play in the spring , allowing for safer game travel and campus environments compared to this fall .
The Ivy League is expected to announce this week that it will postpone all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spring , according to Forbes .
“ What happens if we really don ’ t kick off until February ?
” Calhoun said .
“ We may reach a point where that is best , and quite frankly , where that is best educationally , too.
” Another radical scheduling idea is eliminating nonconference games to keep games more regional .
And , for Power Five schools , to ensure opponents have the same financial resources to reduce the spread of the coronavirus .
However , within Colorado , that plan doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stressed the importance of CSU hosting rival CU in the Rams ’ on-campus stadium this season .
“ Proposing this 10-game conference only deal , I don ’ t want to see any of that , ” Addazio said .
“ Let ’ s go play them all.
” All five coaches stressed the importance of student-athlete health and welfare being the first concern and discussions on scheduling coming later .
Schedules aren ’ t expected to be finalized until at least late July .
For now , area coaches are optimistic that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We can ’ t predict how things are going to go , ” Dorrell said .
“ We ’ re hoping that the season starts on time .
That ’ s what everybody is planning to do right now .
”

First-year Colorado football coach Karl Dorrell had considered nearly every scenario for how the season will be played when Buffs’ athletic director Rick George offered a new alternative.
College football in the spring?
It’s entirely possible.
“That first came across my radar last night,” Dorrell said. “(George) mentioned that from some of the discussion that they’ve had from an athletic director’s standpoint.”
Dorrell joined college football coaches from across the state — Steve Addazio (CSU), Troy Calhoun (Air Force), Ed McCaffrey (UNC) and John Wristen (CSU-Pueblo) — on Tuesday for a virtual roundtable discussion as part of the Colorado Springs Sports Corporations’ annual college football kickoff event. Among the most discussed topics on the Zoom video call were scenarios for potential schedule changes this season amid the coronavirus pandemic.
One idea appearing to gain national traction is to delay the start of college football for several months and play in the spring, allowing for safer game travel and campus environments compared to this fall. The Ivy League is expected to announce this week that it will postpone all of its upcoming fall sports to start in the spring, according to Forbes.
“What happens if we really don’t kick off until February?” Calhoun said. “We may reach a point where that is best, and quite frankly, where that is best educationally, too.”
Another radical scheduling idea is eliminating nonconference games to keep games more regional. And, for Power Five schools, to ensure opponents have the same financial resources to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
However, within Colorado, that plan doesn’t have universal support. Addazio stressed the importance of CSU hosting rival CU in the Rams’ on-campus stadium this season.
“Proposing this 10-game conference only deal, I don’t want to see any of that,” Addazio said. “Let’s go play them all.”
All five coaches stressed the importance of student-athlete health and welfare being the first concern and discussions on scheduling coming later. Schedules aren’t expected to be finalized until at least late July. For now, area coaches are optimistic that games will be played this fall.
“We can’t predict how things are going to go,” Dorrell said. “We’re hoping that the season starts on time. That’s what everybody is planning to do right now.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-07--Colorado Convention Center expansion, halted by scandal for 18 months, gets new contractor

More than 18 months after Denver halted the expansion of the Colorado Convention Center over allegations of bid rigging , the city has selected a firm to finish the project .
Hensel Phelps will be the design/build contractor , the city announced in a release Tuesday .
The company is already working on other major city projects , holding a $ 275 million contract for work on the under-development National Western Center campus and taking the lead on the estimated $ 195 million renovation project at the Denver International Airport after DIA fired its first contractors .
The convention center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trammell Crow , was kicked off the project in December 2018 and construction bidder Mortenson Construction barred from involvement with it after the city brought to light questionable dealings between the two companies .
Both companies reached settlements over their conduct with the Colorado Attorney General ’ s Office this spring .
The convention center project will include an 80,000-square-foot multipurpose room , a rooftop terrace and lobby renovations , Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure spokesperson Nancy Kuhn said in a release .
Construction is slated to start in mid-2021 and finish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nearly half the estimated $ 233 million needed for the project comes from a measure passed by voters in 2015 , Kuhn said .
The rest comes from a mortgage-like arrangement with certificates of participation that were issued in 2018 and will be repaid with a mix of tourism and seat taxes and hotel revenue .
Since May the center has been outfitted to serve as a temporary field medical facility with several hundred beds at the ready in case hospitals overflow with cases of COVID-19 .
So far it hasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unclear for how long it might need to remain on standby for that purpose .
If the center is needed as a medical facility during construction , Denver officials will coordinate with state officials , who have taken charge of its use as a temporary hospital .
While the center is unused now , during non-pandemic years it creates jobs and a cash flow for Denver .
The expansion should create or support nearly 2,700 jobs , generate $ 195 million in labor income and about $ 475 million in sales , Kuhn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4 billion to the area ’ s gross regional product , she said .
However , it remains unclear when the convention center might revert to its normal use as coronavirus cases tick upward in Colorado and many experts anticipate a second wave of cases .
Large gatherings are still not allowed and last month Gov .
Jared Polis ordered bars to close once more .
Kuhn said the city will now negotiate with Hensel Phelps for design and buildout services , which must be approved by the City Council .
That ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @

More than 18 months after Denver halted the expansion of the Colorado Convention Center over allegations of bid rigging, the city has selected a firm to finish the project.
Hensel Phelps will be the design/build contractor, the city announced in a release Tuesday.
The company is already working on other major city projects, holding a $275 million contract for work on the under-development National Western Center campus and taking the lead on the estimated $195 million renovation project at the Denver International Airport after DIA fired its first contractors.
The convention center expansion’s original development manager, Trammell Crow, was kicked off the project in December 2018 and construction bidder Mortenson Construction barred from involvement with it after the city brought to light questionable dealings between the two companies. Both companies reached settlements over their conduct with the Colorado Attorney General’s Office this spring.
The convention center project will include an 80,000-square-foot multipurpose room, a rooftop terrace and lobby renovations, Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure spokesperson Nancy Kuhn said in a release.
Construction is slated to start in mid-2021 and finish in late 2023, she said.
Nearly half the estimated $233 million needed for the project comes from a measure passed by voters in 2015, Kuhn said. The rest comes from a mortgage-like arrangement with certificates of participation that were issued in 2018 and will be repaid with a mix of tourism and seat taxes and hotel revenue.
Since May the center has been outfitted to serve as a temporary field medical facility with several hundred beds at the ready in case hospitals overflow with cases of COVID-19. So far it hasn’t been needed, and it’s unclear for how long it might need to remain on standby for that purpose.
If the center is needed as a medical facility during construction, Denver officials will coordinate with state officials, who have taken charge of its use as a temporary hospital.
While the center is unused now, during non-pandemic years it creates jobs and a cash flow for Denver. The expansion should create or support nearly 2,700 jobs, generate $195 million in labor income and about $475 million in sales, Kuhn said. It should add approximately $4 billion to the area’s gross regional product, she said.
However, it remains unclear when the convention center might revert to its normal use as coronavirus cases tick upward in Colorado and many experts anticipate a second wave of cases. Large gatherings are still not allowed and last month Gov. Jared Polis ordered bars to close once more.
Kuhn said the city will now negotiate with Hensel Phelps for design and buildout services, which must be approved by the City Council. That’s expected to take several months.


thedenverpost--2020-07-07--COVID-19 testing site at Denver’s Pepsi Center closes early amid long lines and limited capacity

Denver ’ s coronavirus testing site at the Pepsi Center closed its gates after noon on Tuesday as demand grew so high that city officials became concerned that already limited lab capacity would further delay test results .
The early closure of the site offers the latest indication that testing capacity in Colorado remains fragile months into the COVID-19 pandemic , especially as novel coronavirus cases are surging once again in parts of the U.S. and health officials report shortages in testing supplies nationwide .
“ It is concerning , ” said Kelli Christensen , spokeswoman for the city ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t think anyone wants to go back to where we were in March.
” Even in Colorado , where coronavirus infections have increased at a slower rate than in states such as Arizona , Florida and Texas , residents report days-long delays in receiving test results .
And on Tuesday , as the temperature surpassed 90 degrees in Denver , people had to wait in their cars for more than an hour to get tested .
After city officials closed the free , drive-up site at 12:30 p.m. , more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to turn people away .
Now , the Pepsi Center site — which will reopen at 8 a.m. Wednesday — will have a limit of 2,000 tests per day , Christensen said .
Previously , the goal for testing at the site was about 1,100 tests per day Residents who have gotten tested at the Pepsi Center said it has taken as many as eight days for them to receive results despite being told by workers that it would take three to four days .
And at the state lab , which had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it can now take three to five days to get results , according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment .
“ I ’ m frustrated because what good does it do to help prevent the spread of something if results are not coming back until you are almost no longer contagious , ” said Denver resident Jordan Blakesley , who was tested at the Pepsi Center on June 29 .
When her results arrived on Tuesday , Blakesley learned she had tested positive for COVID-19 .
The recent testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , when testing capacity couldn ’ t meet demand .
Since those first weeks of the outbreak , testing has increased to the point where Denver officials have opened it to people who don ’ t have symptoms of the novel coronavirus .
At the Pepsi Center , city officials are finding that about 10 % of the people who test positive are asymptomatic , meaning they have the disease but don ’ t show any symptoms themselves .
The reopening of the Pepsi Center following the July 4 holiday weekend is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing on Tuesday .
But the site also has seen the number of people tested steadily increase since opening in late May , especially as infections surged across the U.S .
In Colorado , the number of new COVID-19 cases has slowly increased in recent weeks .
On Tuesday , the state health department announced 407 new cases , bringing the total since March to 34,664 .
Of those , 305 cases were confirmed on Monday .
And almost another 100 cases were added to last week ’ s tally , bringing it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result , the number of new coronavirus infections increased in Colorado for a third consecutive week following a steady decline since April .
More coronavirus test results are coming back positive , and the state health department is now reporting a positivity rate above 3.4 % .
This means transmission of COVID-19 is increasing and that the rise in new cases is not simply the result of more testing .
Public health officials have attributed the increase in COVID-19 cases to the state reopening and less social distancing .
Statewide , another eight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , bringing the total number of hospitalizations to 173 on Tuesday .
Hospitalizations , one of the indicators of the pandemic ’ s severity , have increased slightly as of last week .
When Molly Sterns arrived at the Pepsi Center around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday , she found a line of cars so long that it stretched along Auraria Parkway to Speer Boulevard .
Faced with such a long wait , the Denver resident kept driving without getting tested as she planned .
“ It just looked like it was overrun completely , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not experiencing symptoms , said she went to get tested because she ’ s participated in recent protests .
When she got tested for COVID-19 in late June , she said , the entire process took roughly 10 minutes .
The first signs of testing issues appeared just a week ago when city officials reduced the hours at the Pepsi Center after LabCorp , which is processing the tests , experienced a shortage in testing kits .
The city then reversed course a day later after Gov .
Jared Polis ordered 10,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with the Department of Public Safety , said that so many people were arriving at the site on Tuesday that the city could have tested as many as 4,000 people , but closed as to not further delay results .
“ People deserve their tests as quickly as we can get them , ” she said .
Kirk Scully , who also doesn ’ t have symptoms , was among those who waited in line to get tested .
Scully arrived just before 11 a.m. and didn ’ t leave until after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was expecting , ” he said , adding that he was told to still expect his test results in three to four days .
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Denver’s coronavirus testing site at the Pepsi Center closed its gates after noon on Tuesday as demand grew so high that city officials became concerned that already limited lab capacity would further delay test results.
The early closure of the site offers the latest indication that testing capacity in Colorado remains fragile months into the COVID-19 pandemic, especially as novel coronavirus cases are surging once again in parts of the U.S. and health officials report shortages in testing supplies nationwide.
“It is concerning,” said Kelli Christensen, spokeswoman for the city’s Department of Public Safety. “I don’t think anyone wants to go back to where we were in March.”
Even in Colorado, where coronavirus infections have increased at a slower rate than in states such as Arizona, Florida and Texas, residents report days-long delays in receiving test results.
And on Tuesday, as the temperature surpassed 90 degrees in Denver, people had to wait in their cars for more than an hour to get tested. After city officials closed the free, drive-up site at 12:30 p.m., more cars continued to arrive and police had to turn people away.
Now, the Pepsi Center site — which will reopen at 8 a.m. Wednesday — will have a limit of 2,000 tests per day, Christensen said. Previously, the goal for testing at the site was about 1,100 tests per day
Residents who have gotten tested at the Pepsi Center said it has taken as many as eight days for them to receive results despite being told by workers that it would take three to four days. And at the state lab, which had a turnaround of up to 48 hours, it can now take three to five days to get results, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
“I’m frustrated because what good does it do to help prevent the spread of something if results are not coming back until you are almost no longer contagious,” said Denver resident Jordan Blakesley, who was tested at the Pepsi Center on June 29.
When her results arrived on Tuesday, Blakesley learned she had tested positive for COVID-19.
Rising coronavirus infections
The recent testing difficulties echo the early months of the pandemic, when testing capacity couldn’t meet demand. Since those first weeks of the outbreak, testing has increased to the point where Denver officials have opened it to people who don’t have symptoms of the novel coronavirus.
COVID-19 basics Symptoms of COVID-19 — including fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, loss of taste and smell, and nausea — can appear between two and 14 days after exposure, the CDC says. Public health recommendations: — Wear masks that cover your mouth and nose — Stay at least 6 feet from others — Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds More guidelines: covid19.colorado.gov
At the Pepsi Center, city officials are finding that about 10% of the people who test positive are asymptomatic, meaning they have the disease but don’t show any symptoms themselves.
The reopening of the Pepsi Center following the July 4 holiday weekend is partly why demand was so high for testing on Tuesday. But the site also has seen the number of people tested steadily increase since opening in late May, especially as infections surged across the U.S.
In Colorado, the number of new COVID-19 cases has slowly increased in recent weeks. On Tuesday, the state health department announced 407 new cases, bringing the total since March to 34,664.
Of those, 305 cases were confirmed on Monday. And almost another 100 cases were added to last week’s tally, bringing it to 1,833 new infections. As a result, the number of new coronavirus infections increased in Colorado for a third consecutive week following a steady decline since April.
More coronavirus test results are coming back positive, and the state health department is now reporting a positivity rate above 3.4%. This means transmission of COVID-19 is increasing and that the rise in new cases is not simply the result of more testing. Public health officials have attributed the increase in COVID-19 cases to the state reopening and less social distancing.
Statewide, another eight people were hospitalized with confirmed coronavirus infections, bringing the total number of hospitalizations to 173 on Tuesday. Hospitalizations, one of the indicators of the pandemic’s severity, have increased slightly as of last week.
Long lines create hours-long waits
When Molly Sterns arrived at the Pepsi Center around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, she found a line of cars so long that it stretched along Auraria Parkway to Speer Boulevard. Faced with such a long wait, the Denver resident kept driving without getting tested as she planned.
“It just looked like it was overrun completely,” Sterns said.
Sterns, who is not experiencing symptoms, said she went to get tested because she’s participated in recent protests. When she got tested for COVID-19 in late June, she said, the entire process took roughly 10 minutes.
The first signs of testing issues appeared just a week ago when city officials reduced the hours at the Pepsi Center after LabCorp, which is processing the tests, experienced a shortage in testing kits. The city then reversed course a day later after Gov. Jared Polis ordered 10,000 kits delivered to the site.
Christensen, with the Department of Public Safety, said that so many people were arriving at the site on Tuesday that the city could have tested as many as 4,000 people, but closed as to not further delay results.
“People deserve their tests as quickly as we can get them,” she said.
Kirk Scully, who also doesn’t have symptoms, was among those who waited in line to get tested. Scully arrived just before 11 a.m. and didn’t leave until after 12:30 p.m.
“It was not what I was expecting,” he said, adding that he was told to still expect his test results in three to four days.
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thedenverpost--2020-07-07--Streeter Fire in Moffat County burned more than 1,000 acres Tuesday

The Streeter wildfire that started Tuesday morning north of Meeker in Moffat County has burned 1,000 acres and forced the evacuation of a coal mine .
Authorities evacuated the Colowyo Mine , which is located about 10 miles north of Meeker , according to the Moffat County Sheriff ’ s Office Facebook page .
More than 200 people work at the mine , according to Elk Ridge Mining and Reclamation company ’ s website .
The fire forced road closures , burned multiple powerline poles and threatened structures at nearby ranches .
Firefighters had zero containment as of Tuesday evening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high winds , dry land and rugged terrain , the sheriff ’ s office said .
Early reports put the fire at 25 acres when it was spotted , but the Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center reported at 2:38 p.m. on Twitter that the fire had spread to 1,088 acres .
Three hotshot firefighting crews and two other firefighting crews , including Craig Fire , are on scene .
A tanker airplane was ordered to help douse the fire just before 3 p.m. Tuesday , RMACC said on Twitter .
Colorado 13 between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was closed in both directions in Moffat County for most of the day .
The road reopened to single-lane , alternating traffic at about 6:30 p.m. , according to the Colorado Department of Transportation .
Drivers in the area should use caution and plan for additional travel time .

The Streeter wildfire that started Tuesday morning north of Meeker in Moffat County has burned 1,000 acres and forced the evacuation of a coal mine.
Authorities evacuated the Colowyo Mine, which is located about 10 miles north of Meeker, according to the Moffat County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. More than 200 people work at the mine, according to Elk Ridge Mining and Reclamation company’s website.
The fire forced road closures, burned multiple powerline poles and threatened structures at nearby ranches. Firefighters had zero containment as of Tuesday evening.
Fire suppression is difficult because of high winds, dry land and rugged terrain, the sheriff’s office said.
Early reports put the fire at 25 acres when it was spotted, but the Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center reported at 2:38 p.m. on Twitter that the fire had spread to 1,088 acres.
Three hotshot firefighting crews and two other firefighting crews, including Craig Fire, are on scene. A tanker airplane was ordered to help douse the fire just before 3 p.m. Tuesday, RMACC said on Twitter.
The fire has burned multiple power poles and has threatened structures at nearby ranches, the sheriff’s office said. High winds and Red Flag conditions hampered firefighting efforts Tuesday and containment was at zero late in the day.
Colorado 13 between Nine Mile Gap and County Road 180 was closed in both directions in Moffat County for most of the day. The road reopened to single-lane, alternating traffic at about 6:30 p.m., according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. Drivers in the area should use caution and plan for additional travel time.


thedenverpost--2020-07-07--CU Buffs’ La’Vontae Shenault arrested on DUI charge

College athletic departments across the country are pleading with their student-athletes to minimize their potential exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic by staying home as much as possible .
Colorado receiver La ’ Vontae Shenault apparently ventured out over the Fourth of July weekend , and he gained some trouble beyond the coronavirus .
As first reported by the Fort Collins Coloradoan on Tuesday morning , CU ’ s freshman receiver was arrested early Sunday morning on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs , a license violation , and driving without headlights at night .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Fort Collins Police on July 5 ( at 12:41 a.m. , according to the Coloradoan ) .
The DUI charge is a misdemeanor , while the other two charges are traffic offenses .
Shenault was released on a personal recognizance bond , and is scheduled for his next court appearance on Nov. 6 , one day ahead of the Buffs ’ scheduled home date against Washington State .
According to court records , Shenault has a prior traffic case out of Douglas County from January , and pleaded guilty in March and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mph over a 75 mph speed limit and driving while not in possession of a license .
Shenault is the younger brother of former Buffs star receiver Laviska Shenault , who was selected in the second round of the April NFL draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars .
The younger Shenault redshirted last season as a true freshman , but under current NCAA redshirt rules he still appeared in four games , though he did not record a reception .
The football team still is undergoing voluntary workouts ahead of the formal , mandatory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Shenault ’ s status with the team and any internal disciplinary action likely will not be resolved until a later date .
On Tuesday afternoon , the university released the following statement to BuffZone.com : “ We are aware of the arrest of one of our student-athletes over the weekend .
We hold all of our student-athletes to high standards of conduct , and the university and athletic department will address follow-up steps related to the matter internally as more details become clear .
”

College athletic departments across the country are pleading with their student-athletes to minimize their potential exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic by staying home as much as possible.
Colorado receiver La’Vontae Shenault apparently ventured out over the Fourth of July weekend, and he gained some trouble beyond the coronavirus.
As first reported by the Fort Collins Coloradoan on Tuesday morning, CU’s freshman receiver was arrested early Sunday morning on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, a license violation, and driving without headlights at night.
According to online court records, Shenault was arrested by Fort Collins Police on July 5 (at 12:41 a.m., according to the Coloradoan). The DUI charge is a misdemeanor, while the other two charges are traffic offenses.
Shenault was released on a personal recognizance bond, and is scheduled for his next court appearance on Nov. 6, one day ahead of the Buffs’ scheduled home date against Washington State.
According to court records, Shenault has a prior traffic case out of Douglas County from January, and pleaded guilty in March and paid fines for speeding 10 to 19 mph over a 75 mph speed limit and driving while not in possession of a license.
Shenault is the younger brother of former Buffs star receiver Laviska Shenault, who was selected in the second round of the April NFL draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. The younger Shenault redshirted last season as a true freshman, but under current NCAA redshirt rules he still appeared in four games, though he did not record a reception.
The football team still is undergoing voluntary workouts ahead of the formal, mandatory workouts that are scheduled to begin Monday. Shenault’s status with the team and any internal disciplinary action likely will not be resolved until a later date. On Tuesday afternoon, the university released the following statement to BuffZone.com:
“We are aware of the arrest of one of our student-athletes over the weekend. We hold all of our student-athletes to high standards of conduct, and the university and athletic department will address follow-up steps related to the matter internally as more details become clear.”
Camera staff writer Mitchell Byars contributed to this report.


thedenverpost--2020-07-07--Newman: MLB’s COVID-19 testing stumbles to start summer camp a red flag for 2020 season

Reality is already taking the shine off MLB ’ s “ summer camp , ” as three teams canceled their workouts to start the week and other teams pushed back practices or held players out amid delays in coronavirus testing results .
Meanwhile , in Denver , spring training 2.0 is proceeding as planned , and manager Bud Black said he doesn ’ t have any qualms about baseball ’ s re-start despite red flags around the league .
“ It ’ s unfortunate ( the testing delays ) happened to a couple clubs , and I ’ d be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a given day and we were hoping to get on the field and couldn ’ t , ” Black said .
“ In the short term , I think things will get figured out rather quickly.
” Forgive this reporter — a baseball diehard who wants to see the game as badly as Nolan Arenado wants to play it — for not quite believing Black ’ s sunny disposition regarding the league ’ s early “ summer camp ” stumbles .
As the NBA prepares to navigate the complexities of a bubble-style format @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believes flying teams to play at ballparks around the country will work , even as COVID positive tests surge nationally — and as the league is relying on one lab in Utah to expedite testing for thousands of players and coaches .
This pandemic , which to date has claimed the lives of more than 130,000 Americans , is far too serious for “ summer camp ” to be used as a figure-it-out phase .
If that continues to happen , there will be no opening day come July 23 .
As Cubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media on Monday : “ I know there ’ s going to be hiccups , but you just can ’ t hiccup with this.
” Eight MLB players have opted out of 2020 so far , including Rockies outfielder Ian Desmond , and Bryant is far from the only star still playing who has serious doubts .
The game ’ s best player , Angels outfielder Mike Trout , said last week he still doesn ’ t “ feel comfortable , ” and MLB ’ s early testing glitches surely aren ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement Monday , MLB blamed “ unforeseen delays ” in testing on the July Fourth holiday weekend and said the league does “ not expect a recurrence ” of such delays .
The Cardinals , Nationals and Astros canceled Monday ’ s workouts because of the issue .
MLB said that “ 95 % of the ( 3,740 ) tests under the Intake Screening period have been conducted , analyzed and shared with all 30 Clubs.
” But that still doesn ’ t explain the irregularities in testing across the league — testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on an every-other-day basis .
While Black said he ’ s been tested twice since Saturday , and gotten each result within 48 hours , players are saying testing protocols haven ’ t been followed uniformly across the board .
“ We ’ ve had guys here that showed up ( June 28 ) and haven ’ t gotten tested again eight , seven days later , ” Bryant said .
“ And then you don ’ t get the results for two days either , so that ’ s nine days without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want this to succeed , we ’ re going to have to figure this out.
” Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts told local reporters that he “ still ( has ) doubts ” the 2020 season will work , and that “ we got camps being shut down and people going three and four days without tests , ( so ) you just don ’ t know what ’ s going on.
” What ’ s going on is a league that put the cart before the horse .
Owners and players spent months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season , unable to come to an agreement before Commissioner Rob Manfred mandated a 60-game schedule on June 22 .
Now a season is finally on the horizon , but Monday ’ s schedule release came the same day , fittingly , that cracks began to show in the league ’ s “ summer camp ” plan .
Black said with all that ’ s going on , and with all the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic , he is keeping his focus on baseball .
“ I mean , you think about ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day ) , but again , I quickly get the doubt out of my mind because we have so much to do here to get ready , ” Black said .
“ So , you know , I try not to let that ( possibility ) consume me .
There ’ s enough to consume us here with the preparation and the work that we have to do.
” Rockies fans should like Black ’ s laser-focused approach .
But they , along with all who are hoping for a seamless MLB season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their hopes up too high .
As Athletics reliever Jake Diekman told the San Francisco Chronicle following delays in Oakland ’ s testing , “ I feel like deep down , every player has it in the back of their mind that this is all going to fall apart.
” I feel the same way every time the Rockies report to Coors Field for the riskiest sports “ summer camp ” yet .

Reality is already taking the shine off MLB’s “summer camp,” as three teams canceled their workouts to start the week and other teams pushed back practices or held players out amid delays in coronavirus testing results.
Meanwhile, in Denver, spring training 2.0 is proceeding as planned, and manager Bud Black said he doesn’t have any qualms about baseball’s re-start despite red flags around the league.
“It’s unfortunate (the testing delays) happened to a couple clubs, and I’d be bummed if it happened to us on a given day and we were hoping to get on the field and couldn’t,” Black said. “In the short term, I think things will get figured out rather quickly.”
Forgive this reporter — a baseball diehard who wants to see the game as badly as Nolan Arenado wants to play it — for not quite believing Black’s sunny disposition regarding the league’s early “summer camp” stumbles.
As the NBA prepares to navigate the complexities of a bubble-style format to conclude its season, MLB boldly believes flying teams to play at ballparks around the country will work, even as COVID positive tests surge nationally — and as the league is relying on one lab in Utah to expedite testing for thousands of players and coaches.
This pandemic, which to date has claimed the lives of more than 130,000 Americans, is far too serious for “summer camp” to be used as a figure-it-out phase. If that continues to happen, there will be no opening day come July 23.
As Cubs all-star Kris Bryant pointed out to Chicago media on Monday: “I know there’s going to be hiccups, but you just can’t hiccup with this.”
Eight MLB players have opted out of 2020 so far, including Rockies outfielder Ian Desmond, and Bryant is far from the only star still playing who has serious doubts. The game’s best player, Angels outfielder Mike Trout, said last week he still doesn’t “feel comfortable,” and MLB’s early testing glitches surely aren’t easing players’ concerns.
In a statement Monday, MLB blamed “unforeseen delays” in testing on the July Fourth holiday weekend and said the league does “not expect a recurrence” of such delays. The Cardinals, Nationals and Astros canceled Monday’s workouts because of the issue. MLB said that “95% of the (3,740) tests under the Intake Screening period have been conducted, analyzed and shared with all 30 Clubs.”
But that still doesn’t explain the irregularities in testing across the league — testing which is now supposed to be happening on an every-other-day basis. While Black said he’s been tested twice since Saturday, and gotten each result within 48 hours, players are saying testing protocols haven’t been followed uniformly across the board.
“We’ve had guys here that showed up (June 28) and haven’t gotten tested again eight, seven days later,” Bryant said. “And then you don’t get the results for two days either, so that’s nine days without knowing. I think if you really want this to succeed, we’re going to have to figure this out.”
Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts told local reporters that he “still (has) doubts” the 2020 season will work, and that “we got camps being shut down and people going three and four days without tests, (so) you just don’t know what’s going on.”
What’s going on is a league that put the cart before the horse. Owners and players spent months arguing over the financial piece of the season, unable to come to an agreement before Commissioner Rob Manfred mandated a 60-game schedule on June 22. Now a season is finally on the horizon, but Monday’s schedule release came the same day, fittingly, that cracks began to show in the league’s “summer camp” plan.
Black said with all that’s going on, and with all the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, he is keeping his focus on baseball.
“I mean, you think about (the possibility of not getting to opening day), but again, I quickly get the doubt out of my mind because we have so much to do here to get ready,” Black said. “So, you know, I try not to let that (possibility) consume me. There’s enough to consume us here with the preparation and the work that we have to do.”
Rockies fans should like Black’s laser-focused approach. But they, along with all who are hoping for a seamless MLB season this year, shouldn’t get their hopes up too high. As Athletics reliever Jake Diekman told the San Francisco Chronicle following delays in Oakland’s testing, “I feel like deep down, every player has it in the back of their mind that this is all going to fall apart.”
I feel the same way every time the Rockies report to Coors Field for the riskiest sports “summer camp” yet.


thedenverpost--2020-07-07--Calvin Booth named Denver Nuggets general manager

The worst-kept secret in the Denver Nuggets ’ front office was finally revealed Tuesday , as the franchise announced Calvin Booth as its next general manager .
Booth replaces Arturas Karnisovas , who left this spring to take a job as executive vice president of basketball operations for the Chicago Bulls .
Booth had long been rumored to be Karnisovas ’ replacement , but it wasn ’ t official until Tuesday .
“ Calvin is one of the brightest basketball minds in our league , ” Nuggets president of basketball operations Tim Connelly said in a news release .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as part of our organization and are extremely excited for his new role.
” Booth has spent three season with the Nuggets after being hired as assistant general manager in 2017 .
The 44-year-old played a role in the drafting of Monte Morris , Michael Porter Jr. , Bol Bol and Vlatko Cancar.
, according to the franchise , as the Nuggets ascended to Western Conference contender status during his time with the team .
Booth previously spent four seasons working in the Minnesota Timberwolves ’ front office ( 2013-17 ) , starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level of director of player personnel .
He was also a scout for the New Orleans Pelicans from 2012-13 .
The Penn State product had a 10-year NBA career with seven franchises , appearing in 366 games with averages of 3.3 points , 2.8 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game .
He was drafted 35th overall in the 1999 NBA draft by the Washington Wizards after a four-year run with the Nittany Lions that saw him named the Big Ten ’ s defensive player of the year in 1998 .

The worst-kept secret in the Denver Nuggets’ front office was finally revealed Tuesday, as the franchise announced Calvin Booth as its next general manager.
Booth replaces Arturas Karnisovas, who left this spring to take a job as executive vice president of basketball operations for the Chicago Bulls. Booth had long been rumored to be Karnisovas’ replacement, but it wasn’t official until Tuesday.
“Calvin is one of the brightest basketball minds in our league,” Nuggets president of basketball operations Tim Connelly said in a news release. “We are very fortunate to have him as part of our organization and are extremely excited for his new role.”
Booth has spent three season with the Nuggets after being hired as assistant general manager in 2017.
The 44-year-old played a role in the drafting of Monte Morris, Michael Porter Jr., Bol Bol and Vlatko Cancar., according to the franchise, as the Nuggets ascended to Western Conference contender status during his time with the team.
Booth previously spent four seasons working in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ front office (2013-17), starting as a scout before rising to the level of director of player personnel. He was also a scout for the New Orleans Pelicans from 2012-13.
The Penn State product had a 10-year NBA career with seven franchises, appearing in 366 games with averages of 3.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game. He was drafted 35th overall in the 1999 NBA draft by the Washington Wizards after a four-year run with the Nittany Lions that saw him named the Big Ten’s defensive player of the year in 1998.


thedenverpost--2020-07-08--Wadhams: Tipton ignored the thunder in Colorado’s 3rd District then lightning struck

While the Democratic race for the U.S. Senate dominated our recent primary , a thunderstorm was roiling in Colorado ’ s 3rd Congressional District and , indeed , lightning struck on election night .
Congressman Scott Tipton , a respected-conservative-10-year-incumbent Republican who was endorsed by President Donald Trump , was defeated by a young businesswoman and gun rights activist from Rifle , Lauren Boebert , in one of the biggest political upsets in decades .
The last time an incumbent member of Congress from Colorado was unseated in a primary election was in 1972 .
Legendary Democratic Congressman Wayne Aspinall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1948 and known for funding western water projects as the powerful chairman of the House Interior Committee , was defeated by a college professor and environmental activist , Alan Merson , who went on to lose in November .
That election came on the heels of an earlier primary upset in 1970 when the 20-year Democratic incumbent , Congressman Byron Rogers of Denver , was defeated by anti-Vietnam war activist Craig Barnes who went on to lose to District Attorney Mike McKevitt , the last Republican to represent the 1st Congressional District @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political turmoil of the late 1960 ’ s and early 1970 ’ s when the Vietnam War and later the Watergate scandal turned American politics upside down , including here in Colorado .
Fifty years later , both parties are again seeing ideologically driven primary challenges to long term incumbents and Colorado has now joined the trend .
Boebert vaulted into the public arena by driving 250 miles to Denver with a gun strapped on her hip to publicly confront Democratic presidential candidate Beto O ’ Rourke who had proclaimed “ Hell yes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your AR-15 , your AK-47 ” in a desperate last-ditch move to revive his failing candidacy .
Boebert declared “ Hell no , you ’ re not.
” Shortly thereafter Boebert declared her Republican candidacy for Congress at her restaurant and bar in Rifle , Shooters Grill , where she and her servers wear guns on their hips .
She aggressively sought out interviews on conservative radio shows while traveling the district talking to local media .
Seldom has a first-time candidate become as media savvy in such a short period of time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forced small businesses like Shooters Grill to shut down .
Citing her employees ’ livelihoods , she defiantly reopened resulting in a showdown with the Garfield County Health Department where she was again forced to close .
Suddenly , she was the voice of frustrated small business owners and their loyal employees who watched the heavy hand of government cripple or even destroy their life endeavors .
The statewide primary for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate became so heated after former Gov .
John Hickenlooper was found by the Colorado Ethics Commission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ethics laws that the 3rd District Republican primary was under the radar just when Boebert ’ s campaign was picking up steam .
Tipton had several hundred thousand dollars in the bank but his campaign chose to air very little media and to send very little mail .
Nor did they aggressively use social media to promote his candidacy in the primary .
The campaign essentially ceded the field to Boebert who clearly inspired a much higher Republican turnout than in 2018 that benefited her .
In fact , it was the only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ primary turnout exceeded the Democrats .
The 3rd Congressional District is a sprawling stretch of land from Walden to Craig to Cortez to Pueblo encompassing 29 counties .
Since congressional redistricting in 1981 , the 3rd District has largely had the same geographical configuration consisting of most of the Western Slope , the San Luis Valley , and Pueblo County .
Tipton unsuccessfully challenged Democratic Congressman John Salazar in 2006 but he was appointed to fill a vacancy in the Colorado House of Representatives in 2007 setting the stage for a rematch in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wave , Tipton aggressively attacked Salazar ’ s votes for the Obama economic stimulus bill and Obamacare and he unseated Salazar .
That same year , state Rep. Cory Gardner unseated Democratic incumbent Congresswoman Betsy Markey in the Fourth Congressional District which was the first time since 1964 two incumbent members of Congress were defeated for re-election in the same year .
Boebert will now face former state Rep. Diane Mitsch Bush , a sociologist from Steamboat Springs , who lost to Tipton two years ago .
Mitsch Bush will attempt to campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record is on the left .
She not only supports gun control ; she supports the main tenets of the Green New Deal and Medicare for All promoted by Democratic Socialists such as Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Only two Democrats have won the seat over the past 35 years .
State Rep. Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Ignacio unseated Republican Congressman Mike Strang of Carbondale in 1986 .
Congressman Campbell was elected to the Senate in 1992 as a Democrat but switched parties to Republican in 1995 .
After Republican Congressman Scott McInnis did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Salazar , a farmer from Conejos County , won the open seat in 2004 while his brother , Attorney General Ken Salazar , was being elected to the U.S. Senate that same year .
Mitsch Bush is certainly not in the same tradition of the two Democrats who have held the seat , Campbell and Salazar , who by any measure were not from the party ’ s left wing .
Donald Trump carried the 3rd District in 2016 by a 52-40 margin over Hillary Clinton , and he specifically carried heavily Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenges going into the general election : First , while she quite skillfully campaigned on broad national themes for change as the candidate truly in the mold of President Trump despite his endorsement of Tipton , Boebert must now diligently address issues specific to the rural , natural-resource-dominated district such as public lands , mining , oil and gas production , water rights , agriculture , rural economic development and others .
Scott Tipton and his congressional predecessors were dogged advocates for the district and Boebert will have to go beyond the Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put her in stark contrast to Mitsch Bush .
Second , Washington , D.C. leftist groups are already unfairly and inaccurately painting her as a right-wing extremist ; she must not be pulled into discussions of conspiracy theories such as QAnon .
Finally , a note about Congressman Scott Tipton as he exits the political stage in 2020 .
Tipton was one of the youngest delegates to the 1976 Republican National Convention , the last time a national convention ’ s outcome was in doubt .
He voted for former Gov .
Ronald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who had ascended to the presidency when Richard Nixon resigned .
By doing so , the young Tipton put himself in the forefront of a major shake-up and revival of the Republican Party in the aftermath of Watergate .
Ford narrowly won the nomination but it set the stage for Reagan ’ s run in 1980 , his overwhelming defeat of President Jimmy Carter , and his very successful and consequential presidency .
Forty-four years later , Tipton would be defeated by another young conservative leader .
Politics is nothing if not dynamic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ironic .
Dick Wadhams is a Republican political consultant and a former Colorado Republican state chairman .
To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .

While the Democratic race for the U.S. Senate dominated our recent primary, a thunderstorm was roiling in Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District and, indeed, lightning struck on election night.
Congressman Scott Tipton, a respected-conservative-10-year-incumbent Republican who was endorsed by President Donald Trump, was defeated by a young businesswoman and gun rights activist from Rifle, Lauren Boebert, in one of the biggest political upsets in decades.
The last time an incumbent member of Congress from Colorado was unseated in a primary election was in 1972. Legendary Democratic Congressman Wayne Aspinall of Palisade, who was first elected in 1948 and known for funding western water projects as the powerful chairman of the House Interior Committee, was defeated by a college professor and environmental activist, Alan Merson, who went on to lose in November.
That election came on the heels of an earlier primary upset in 1970 when the 20-year Democratic incumbent, Congressman Byron Rogers of Denver, was defeated by anti-Vietnam war activist Craig Barnes who went on to lose to District Attorney Mike McKevitt, the last Republican to represent the 1st Congressional District.
Those two primary upsets reflected the political turmoil of the late 1960’s and early 1970’s when the Vietnam War and later the Watergate scandal turned American politics upside down, including here in Colorado.
Fifty years later, both parties are again seeing ideologically driven primary challenges to long term incumbents and Colorado has now joined the trend.
Boebert vaulted into the public arena by driving 250 miles to Denver with a gun strapped on her hip to publicly confront Democratic presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke who had proclaimed “Hell yes, we’re going to take your AR-15, your AK-47” in a desperate last-ditch move to revive his failing candidacy. Boebert declared “Hell no, you’re not.”
Shortly thereafter Boebert declared her Republican candidacy for Congress at her restaurant and bar in Rifle, Shooters Grill, where she and her servers wear guns on their hips. She aggressively sought out interviews on conservative radio shows while traveling the district talking to local media. Seldom has a first-time candidate become as media savvy in such a short period of time as Boebert did.
The coronavirus pandemic forced small businesses like Shooters Grill to shut down. Citing her employees’ livelihoods, she defiantly reopened resulting in a showdown with the Garfield County Health Department where she was again forced to close. Suddenly, she was the voice of frustrated small business owners and their loyal employees who watched the heavy hand of government cripple or even destroy their life endeavors.
The statewide primary for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate became so heated after former Gov. John Hickenlooper was found by the Colorado Ethics Commission in late May to have violated state ethics laws that the 3rd District Republican primary was under the radar just when Boebert’s campaign was picking up steam.
Tipton had several hundred thousand dollars in the bank but his campaign chose to air very little media and to send very little mail. Nor did they aggressively use social media to promote his candidacy in the primary. The campaign essentially ceded the field to Boebert who clearly inspired a much higher Republican turnout than in 2018 that benefited her. In fact, it was the only district in the state where the Republican primary turnout exceeded the Democrats.
The 3rd Congressional District is a sprawling stretch of land from Walden to Craig to Cortez to Pueblo encompassing 29 counties. Since congressional redistricting in 1981, the 3rd District has largely had the same geographical configuration consisting of most of the Western Slope, the San Luis Valley, and Pueblo County.
Tipton unsuccessfully challenged Democratic Congressman John Salazar in 2006 but he was appointed to fill a vacancy in the Colorado House of Representatives in 2007 setting the stage for a rematch in 2010. Bolstered by the Tea Party wave, Tipton aggressively attacked Salazar’s votes for the Obama economic stimulus bill and Obamacare and he unseated Salazar.
That same year, state Rep. Cory Gardner unseated Democratic incumbent Congresswoman Betsy Markey in the Fourth Congressional District which was the first time since 1964 two incumbent members of Congress were defeated for re-election in the same year.
Boebert will now face former state Rep. Diane Mitsch Bush, a sociologist from Steamboat Springs, who lost to Tipton two years ago. Mitsch Bush will attempt to campaign as a moderate even though her legislative record is on the left. She not only supports gun control; she supports the main tenets of the Green New Deal and Medicare for All promoted by Democratic Socialists such as Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Only two Democrats have won the seat over the past 35 years. State Rep. Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Ignacio unseated Republican Congressman Mike Strang of Carbondale in 1986. Congressman Campbell was elected to the Senate in 1992 as a Democrat but switched parties to Republican in 1995.
After Republican Congressman Scott McInnis did not seek reelection, Democratic state Rep. John Salazar, a farmer from Conejos County, won the open seat in 2004 while his brother, Attorney General Ken Salazar, was being elected to the U.S. Senate that same year.
Mitsch Bush is certainly not in the same tradition of the two Democrats who have held the seat, Campbell and Salazar, who by any measure were not from the party’s left wing. Donald Trump carried the 3rd District in 2016 by a 52-40 margin over Hillary Clinton, and he specifically carried heavily Democratic Pueblo as well.
Boebert has two challenges going into the general election:
First, while she quite skillfully campaigned on broad national themes for change as the candidate truly in the mold of President Trump despite his endorsement of Tipton, Boebert must now diligently address issues specific to the rural, natural-resource-dominated district such as public lands, mining, oil and gas production, water rights, agriculture, rural economic development and others.
Scott Tipton and his congressional predecessors were dogged advocates for the district and Boebert will have to go beyond the Trump themes and address these issues which will put her in stark contrast to Mitsch Bush.
Second, Washington, D.C. leftist groups are already unfairly and inaccurately painting her as a right-wing extremist; she must not be pulled into discussions of conspiracy theories such as QAnon.
Finally, a note about Congressman Scott Tipton as he exits the political stage in 2020.
Tipton was one of the youngest delegates to the 1976 Republican National Convention, the last time a national convention’s outcome was in doubt. He voted for former Gov. Ronald Reagan of California over President Gerald Ford who had ascended to the presidency when Richard Nixon resigned.
By doing so, the young Tipton put himself in the forefront of a major shake-up and revival of the Republican Party in the aftermath of Watergate. Ford narrowly won the nomination but it set the stage for Reagan’s run in 1980, his overwhelming defeat of President Jimmy Carter, and his very successful and consequential presidency.
Forty-four years later, Tipton would be defeated by another young conservative leader. Politics is nothing if not dynamic, ever-changing, and, yes, ironic.
Dick Wadhams is a Republican political consultant and a former Colorado Republican state chairman.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-07-08--Denver weather: Hot and dry conditions continue

Hot , dry weather and gusty winds in Colorado are increasing fire danger across the state and the metro area will continue its run of near-100-degree readings on Wednesday .
Skies over Denver will be sunny and the high temperature will climb to at least 96 degrees , according to the National Weather Service forecast .
Fire danger will be high Wednesday with increasing winds over the mountains , high valleys , and parts of the Eastern Plains , according to the weather service .
The most critical conditions will be in Jackson and Grand Counties where a Red Flag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ climb into the mid- to upper-90s across the plains and the Interstate 25 Corridor in the coming days with a few spots possibly reaching into the 100s on Friday and Monday .
On Thursday in Denver the high temperature should hit 94 degrees under sunny skies with winds gusting up to 17 mph , the weather service said .
Sunny and hot weather continues in Denver through the weekend with forecast highs of 101 on Friday ; 98 on Saturday ; and 100 Sunday .
Sunday in Denver brings a slight chance of @ @ @ @ @

Hot, dry weather and gusty winds in Colorado are increasing fire danger across the state and the metro area will continue its run of near-100-degree readings on Wednesday.
Skies over Denver will be sunny and the high temperature will climb to at least 96 degrees, according to the National Weather Service forecast.
Fire danger will be high Wednesday with increasing winds over the mountains, high valleys, and parts of the Eastern Plains, according to the weather service. The most critical conditions will be in Jackson and Grand Counties where a Red Flag Warning has been issued.
Temperatures will climb into the mid- to upper-90s across the plains and the Interstate 25 Corridor in the coming days with a few spots possibly reaching into the 100s on Friday and Monday.
On Thursday in Denver the high temperature should hit 94 degrees under sunny skies with winds gusting up to 17 mph, the weather service said.
Sunny and hot weather continues in Denver through the weekend with forecast highs of 101 on Friday; 98 on Saturday; and 100 Sunday.
Sunday in Denver brings a slight chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms.


thedenverpost--2020-07-08--Broncos’ O-line dips slightly in annual preseason rankings

If the Broncos ’ offensive line was porridge , Goldilocks would find it to be just right .
While middle of the pack isn ’ t bad , it ’ s also not great .
Pro Football Focus rated Denver ’ s line as the 14th best in the NFL going into the 2020 season — a two-spot drop from the 2019 preseason .
PFF projects Denver ’ s line to consist of left tackle Garett Bolles , left guard Dalton Risner , rookie center Lloyd Cushenberry , right guard Graham Glasgow and right tackle Ja ’ Wuan James .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ front last season , though things will look much different in 2020 with two starters moving on and right tackle Ja ’ Wuan James returning after playing only 63 snaps .
It wasn ’ t always pretty at left tackle , where Garett Bolles ’ 45 penalties are the most in the league over the last three years , ” PFF ’ s Steve Palazzolo writes .
He adds : “ Denver has viable options on four-fifths of the line — even with the question marks involved in starting a rookie center , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pack once again in 2020.
” Indianapolis scored the No .
1 spot on the list .
As for the AFC West , the Raiders ( No .
11 ) and Chiefs ( No .
12 ) landed slightly ahead of Denver and far ahead of the Chargers ( No .
30 ) .
Bringing up the rear are the Dolphins at No .
32 .
If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette , tell a friend it ’ s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup .
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Ask Mike Singer here .
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Ask Mike Chambers here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question about the team ?
Ask Patrick Saunders here .
Nikola Jokic , after negative COVID-19 testing , not with Nuggets as they head to Orlando , source says Nuggets All-Star Nikola Jokic re-tested negative for COVID-19 but has endured ongoing travel complications as the rest of the team flew to Orlando on Tuesday , a league source confirmed to The Denver Post .
Read more… Reality is already taking the shine off MLB ’ s “ summer camp , ” as three teams canceled their workouts to start the week — and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold various players out — amid delays in coronavirus testing results .
Read more… Rockies : Teams that handle coronavirus best have best chance to win in 2020 Steel Vengeance is the world ’ s longest hybrid roller coaster .
The thrill ride at Cedar Point , Ohio , features twists and turns , a 200-foot drop at 90 degrees and 74 miles per hour , and “ four heads-over-boots inversions through wood , steel and mayhem.
” Which , in a roundabout way , brings us to the Rockies ’ truncated 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voted to Broncos Ring of Fame ; will be inducted during 2021 ceremony + College football in the spring ?
CU Buffs coach Karl Dorrell says it ’ s been discussed + Racing returns to Colorado National Speedway , where “ what ’ s normal is not normal ”

If the Broncos’ offensive line was porridge, Goldilocks would find it to be just right. While middle of the pack isn’t bad, it’s also not great.
Pro Football Focus rated Denver’s line as the 14th best in the NFL going into the 2020 season — a two-spot drop from the 2019 preseason. PFF projects Denver’s line to consist of left tackle Garett Bolles, left guard Dalton Risner, rookie center Lloyd Cushenberry, right guard Graham Glasgow and right tackle Ja’Wuan James.
“The Broncos were quietly solid up front last season, though things will look much different in 2020 with two starters moving on and right tackle Ja’Wuan James returning after playing only 63 snaps. It wasn’t always pretty at left tackle, where Garett Bolles’ 45 penalties are the most in the league over the last three years,” PFF’s Steve Palazzolo writes.
He adds: “Denver has viable options on four-fifths of the line — even with the question marks involved in starting a rookie center, they should rank near the middle of the pack once again in 2020.”
Indianapolis scored the No. 1 spot on the list. As for the AFC West, the Raiders (No. 11) and Chiefs (No. 12) landed slightly ahead of Denver and far ahead of the Chargers (No. 30). Bringing up the rear are the Dolphins at No. 32.
— Joe Nguyen, The Denver Post
If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette, tell a friend it’s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup. If you have any questions or suggestions, hit me up on Twitter @joenguyen or by email.
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Ask The Experts
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Ryan O’Halloran here.
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Must Reads
Nuggets All-Star Nikola Jokic re-tested negative for COVID-19 but has endured ongoing travel complications as the rest of the team flew to Orlando on Tuesday, a league source confirmed to The Denver Post. Read more…
Reality is already taking the shine off MLB’s “summer camp,” as three teams canceled their workouts to start the week — and other teams had push practices back or hold various players out — amid delays in coronavirus testing results. Read more…
Steel Vengeance is the world’s longest hybrid roller coaster. The thrill ride at Cedar Point, Ohio, features twists and turns, a 200-foot drop at 90 degrees and 74 miles per hour, and “four heads-over-boots inversions through wood, steel and mayhem.” Which, in a roundabout way, brings us to the Rockies’ truncated 2020 season. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Mike Shanahan voted to Broncos Ring of Fame; will be inducted during 2021 ceremony
+ College football in the spring? CU Buffs coach Karl Dorrell says it’s been discussed
+ Rockies’ Carlos Estevez poised for big leap forward in 2020
+ Racing returns to Colorado National Speedway, where “what’s normal is not normal”
+ Calvin Booth named Denver Nuggets general manager
+ CU Buffs’ La’Vontae Shenault arrested on DUI charge
+ CU Buffs men’s basketball crossing fingers for July 20 workout date
+ Fryer: Jimmie Johnson finds voice during last NASCAR season
+ Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson to hold Florida social event amid coronavirus
+ Red Sox dogged by claims of racism, sexual abuse


thedenverpost--2020-07-08--Former Avs, DU Pioneers to headline Dawg Nation’s 10th charity hockey tournament

As the Avalanche prepares for the Aug. 1 start of the NHL ’ s 24-team Stanley Cup playoffs , the best hockey players in Colorado not playing for the local NHL team will convene at Edge Ice Arena in Littleton for the state ’ s biggest annual charity hockey tournament .
The Dawg Bowl , celebrating its 10th anniversary with 50 teams over seven divisions July 29 to Aug. 2 , won ’ t feature spectators because of the COVID-19 crisis .
But Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation will live stream select games from the men ’ s top division , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of items , and still try to eclipse the $ 175,000 it raised a year ago in a coronavirus-free world .
Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation is a registered nonprofit that has awarded more than $ 1.8 million to hundreds of recipients battling a serious illness or recovering from a life-threatening injury in the Front Range hockey community .
“ It ’ s the cards we got dealt , ” said Marty Richardson , president and CEO of Dawg Nation .
“ But what ’ s so great with this organization is , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re going to have another wildly successful tournament .
There are people counting on us , people who need help , and we ’ re not going to let them down.
” The Top Dawgs in the men ’ s premier six-team division will feature former Avs Milan Hejduk , Jan Hejda , John-Michael Liles , John Mitchell , Brett Clark , Ken Klee and possibly Kyle Quincey , a Colorado resident currently in Philadelphia where his 1-year-old son is undergoing brain cancer treatment .
Quincey is looking into returning to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nation .
If Quincey plays , the Top Dawgs will have the following combined NHL statistics : 6,519 games , 875 goals , 1,585 assists , and 2,460 points .
The Top Dawgs have lost to Denver Concrete in the finals the past two years , but with this roster they enter as the pre-tournament favorites , according to Richardson .
The top men ’ s division also features The Ahbe Group , featuring former University of Denver standouts Troy Terry of the Anaheim Ducks and Dylan Gambrell of the San Jose Sharks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Red Wings prospect Dominic Turgeon , one-time Avalanche prospect Landon Smith , who played in the 2016 NCAA championship game for Quinnipiac , and former Notre Dame All-American goalie Cam Morris from Larkspur .
Richardson said team registration fees are at a record $ 60,000 and the organization is closing in on $ 40,000 in sponsorships .
“ So that ’ s $ 100,000 — pretty amazing in the current world we live in , ” Richardson said .
“ People are still supporting us , without seeing their banners in the building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boards , throughout the arena .
You ’ d think that ’ s why they ’ re doing that .
But this year they ’ re doing it to support the organization and the cause.
” The silent auction begins July 15 and it will include a litany of signed jerseys , sticks and framed images of current and former NHLers .
“ We have really , really high-end Avs memorabilia , including a collage with the four captains in team history in their first home game wearing the ‘ C ’ , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Adam Foote , Hejduk and Gabe Landeskog .
For more information about Dawg Bowl X , visit DawgNationHockey.org .

As the Avalanche prepares for the Aug. 1 start of the NHL’s 24-team Stanley Cup playoffs, the best hockey players in Colorado not playing for the local NHL team will convene at Edge Ice Arena in Littleton for the state’s biggest annual charity hockey tournament.
The Dawg Bowl, celebrating its 10th anniversary with 50 teams over seven divisions July 29 to Aug. 2, won’t feature spectators because of the COVID-19 crisis. But Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation will live stream select games from the men’s top division, offer a virtual silent auction with hundreds of items, and still try to eclipse the $175,000 it raised a year ago in a coronavirus-free world.
Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation is a registered nonprofit that has awarded more than $1.8 million to hundreds of recipients battling a serious illness or recovering from a life-threatening injury in the Front Range hockey community.
“It’s the cards we got dealt,” said Marty Richardson, president and CEO of Dawg Nation. “But what’s so great with this organization is, we roll with the punches. We know we’re going to have another wildly successful tournament. There are people counting on us, people who need help, and we’re not going to let them down.”
The Top Dawgs in the men’s premier six-team division will feature former Avs Milan Hejduk, Jan Hejda, John-Michael Liles, John Mitchell, Brett Clark, Ken Klee and possibly Kyle Quincey, a Colorado resident currently in Philadelphia where his 1-year-old son is undergoing brain cancer treatment. Quincey is looking into returning to Colorado for the weekend to support Dawg Nation.
If Quincey plays, the Top Dawgs will have the following combined NHL statistics: 6,519 games, 875 goals, 1,585 assists, and 2,460 points. The Top Dawgs have lost to Denver Concrete in the finals the past two years, but with this roster they enter as the pre-tournament favorites, according to Richardson.
The top men’s division also features The Ahbe Group, featuring former University of Denver standouts Troy Terry of the Anaheim Ducks and Dylan Gambrell of the San Jose Sharks; and First Bank, with Detroit Red Wings prospect Dominic Turgeon, one-time Avalanche prospect Landon Smith, who played in the 2016 NCAA championship game for Quinnipiac, and former Notre Dame All-American goalie Cam Morris from Larkspur.
Richardson said team registration fees are at a record $60,000 and the organization is closing in on $40,000 in sponsorships.
“So that’s $100,000 — pretty amazing in the current world we live in,” Richardson said. “People are still supporting us, without seeing their banners in the building, on the Zamboni, on the boards, throughout the arena. You’d think that’s why they’re doing that. But this year they’re doing it to support the organization and the cause.”
The silent auction begins July 15 and it will include a litany of signed jerseys, sticks and framed images of current and former NHLers.
“We have really, really high-end Avs memorabilia, including a collage with the four captains in team history in their first home game wearing the ‘C’,” Richardson said of Joe Sakic, Adam Foote, Hejduk and Gabe Landeskog.
For more information about Dawg Bowl X, visit DawgNationHockey.org.