Pac-12 Perspective

Karl Dorrell has faced faced twin challenges since becoming Colorado's head coach in February - a late start in the football calendar followed by a pandemic. But his steady hand and Pac-12 pedigree have helped preserve momentum in Boulder, retaining a strong coaching staff and recruiting class. Ashley Adamson and Yogi Roth go deep on Colorado football with Coach Dorrell.

With a stable of returning talent that includes electric quarterback Jayden Daniels, Herm Edwards has his Arizona State Sun Devils relaxed, alert and ready to contend in the Pac-12 South. Ashley Adamson and Yogi Roth tackle the state of football in the desert with one of the country's most colorful head coaches.

It's a big season in Westwood as the Bruins try to take the next step in their third year under one of the game's great offensive innovators. Ashley Adamson and Yogi Roth conduct a candid conversation with Chip Kelly about the progress of his UCLA team, the development of quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and his personal experience with COVID-19.

The Utes have won back-to-back South Division titles. But they enter 2020 with a new cast of characters, seeking worthy replacements for program greats at quarterback, running back and in the secondary. Ashley Adamson and Yogi Roth break down Utah's challenges and opportunities with 2019 Pac-12 Coach of the Year Kyle Whittingham.

Once upon a time, Jonathan Smith was the quarterback who led Oregon State to its greatest season ever. Now he's the man rebuilding the Beavers into a successful program, but this season, they must deal with the disruptions of a pandemic and a rugged slate in the Pac-12 North. Ashley Adamson and Yogi Roth join Coach Smith to analyze the schedule, roster and outlook in Corvallis.

Nick Rolovich has brought the Run & Shoot to the Palouse, where he must develop a new quarterback to work with exciting skill position talent on the Cougars' roster. Coach Rolo tells Ashley Adamson and Yogi Roth about navigating season prep and COVID-19 during his first fall at Washington State.

The Cardinal won three Pac-12 titles in the 2010's but took a step back last year, when injuries put them into survival mode. Now they're back with star passer Davis Mills and a talented roster that gained valuable experience last season. Ashley Adamson and Yogi Roth go one-on-one with four-time Pac-12 Coach of the Year David Shaw.

The California Golden Bears have improved in every season under Justin Wilcox. Now, with veteran QB Chase Garbers and star DB Cam Bynum returning, they're ready to challenge for a North division title. Ashley Adamson and Yogi Roth host a conversation with Coach Wilcox.

Washington has high expectations under first-year head coach Jimmy Lake, and they open their season with a rugged matchup on November 7th at California. Ashley Adamson and Yogi Roth talk football with the Huskies' new head man.

The 2020 football schedule is out! It all begins with a marquee matchup on November 7th and culminates in Championship Weekend December 18-19. Ashley Adamson and Yogi Roth dive deep with Senior Associate Commissioner for Football Operations Merton Hanks and the head coaches of two national contenders: Oregon's Mario Cristobal and USC's Clay Helton.

Football and basketball return to Pac-12 country as the conference announces its sports reboot. Ashley Adamson and Yogi Roth break down the developments with Commissioner Larry Scott, University of Oregon President Michael Schill, Arizona State Athletics Director Ray Anderson and Washington Huskies Head Coach Jimmy Lake.

Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott has announced an agreement with Quidel Corporation to provide rapid testing on all Pac-12 campuses. Ashley Adamson spoke with Commissioner Scott as well as Oregon State's Dr. Doug Aukerman, current chair of the Pac-12 Medical Advisory Board and University of Washington Head of Sports Medicine Dr. Kimberly Harmon to discuss the importance of this groundbreaking partnership. Pac-12 Conference Press Release https://pac-12.com/article/2020/09/03/pac-12-conference-announces-groundbreaking-testing-research-initiative-quidel

Sean Miller and Jason "The Jet" Terry remember Arizona's Hall of Fame Basketball Coach Lute Olson, Olson passed away on August 27th at the age of 85.

Obi Eboh joins Yogi Roth to discusses road trips, leaving Stanford, starting classes at the UCLA School of Law and football.

Mark Harlan joins Ashley Adamson and Yogi Roth to discuss the resilience he has seen from the University of Utah student body and in complicated times, sometimes there's a script and sometimes there's not.

Justin Wilcox discusses the postponement of the Pac-12 football season. He also highlights challenges he and his coaching staff have had over the last 4 months.

Former Iowa Hawkeye and four time NFL Pro Bowler and a member of the 1994 San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl Champions team, Merton Hanks, has been named the the Pac-12 Sr. Associate Commissioner for Football Operations. Hanks joins Ashley Adamson and Yogi Roth to discuss what it means to join the Pac-12 Conference.

Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott joins Ashley Adamson and Yogi Roth to discuss what went into the Pac-12 Presidents and Chancellors decision to postpone 2020 Fall sports.

UCLA's Chris Smith has announced he will return to UCLA to play another year with the Bruins. He discusses the importance of coming back for his teammates to pick up where they left off, as well as the culture and connections at UCLA.

One of the best to wear maroon and gold has announced he will return for his senior season. Remy Martin discusses his decision to opt out of the 2020 NBA draft and to continue to play for Coach Hurley and the Arizona State Sun Devils.

Colorado point guard McKinley Wright joins Ashley Adamson to discuss turning down the NBA and returning to school for his senior season. The Buffs star talks about what he learned during the pre-draft process, why he’s excited about being back in Boulder, and how he’s improving his game during quarantine.

Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott discusses the reveal of the 2020 Pac-12 football schedule. He explains how the conference ultimately decided on how to proceed with the football season and the factors that went into the decision-making process. He also opens up about how COVID-19 concerns will be handled throughout the season and gives an update on the Pac-12 Olympic sports schedule.

Washington State's top returning receiver, Renard Bell, joins the Pac-12 Perspective Podcast to discuss what it's like being back on campus as the Cougs begin their first week of mandatory workouts. The Redshirt Senior opens up about some of his goals for the season and shares how the team feels about playing a conference-only schedule. Bell also describes the biggest difference between playing for Nick Rolovich and Mike Leach. Renard Bell has been keeping a video diary for the Pac-12 Networks' Unlocked series. You can check out his first episode here: https://pac-12.com/videos/coronavirus-hits-close-home-washington-state-footballs-renard-bell

“What can I do to make sure this is a movement, not a moment?” In this special edition of the Pac-12 Perspective, four Stanford student athletes tackle that question and more in our first roundtable discussion on racial injustice in America. Thomas Booker, Jenna Brown, Maya Dodson and Ryan Walker-Hartshorn share their personal experiences as Black student athletes and discuss new ways to empower, educate and create real change. From dissecting performative activism, to examining the divide in the Black community at Stanford, this conversation provides a critical lens into how covert racism shows up on college campuses around the country.Our panel:Thomas Booker, Stanford Junior Defensive End2019 All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention (50 tackles, 4 sacks)Twitter: @TheThomasBooker IG: @tbooksivRecommended resource: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/Jenna Brown, Stanford Junior Guard2020 Pac-12 Academic Honor Roll, 2018 McDonald's All-AmericanIG: jenna.brown54Recommended resource: http://peopleskitchencollective.com/Maya Dodson, Stanford Senior Forward2020 Pac-12 Academic Honor Roll, 2017 McDonald's All-AmericanTwitter: @mydod_15IG: @macd_15Recommended resource: https://actionnetwork.org/forms/reclaim-our-vote-signupRyan Walker-Hartshorn, Stanford Women's Soccer 2013-2016Two-time Pac-12 All-Academic Honorable MentionTwitter: @ryan_walkerHAIG: ry_who

FROM THE PAC-12 PERSPECTIVE VAULT: Three years ago, Cal Rugby's Robert Paylor suffered a horrendous injury in the 2017 National Championship and was told he would never walk again. In this time, Robert has earned his degree, is continuing to rehab out of paralysis and is an inspiration to all.

FROM THE PAC-12 PERSPECTIVE VAULT: Dr. Kate Starbird discusses the spread of misinformation online, specifically in social media, currently during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has found that people's vulnerabilities and anxieties fuel the misinformation. Dr. Starbird also talks about her time playing for Tara VanDerveer.

FROM THE PAC-12 PERSPECTIVE VAULT: Ashley Adamson and Yogi Roth take a little break during NFL Draft week to speak with Warriors head coach Steve Kerr. He explains his "JOY" of being quarantined with his family and helping others who are affected by Covid19. Kerr and head coach Pete Carroll took it upon themselves to launch a podcast called, "Flying Coach" to help fundraise. He speaks about his excitement to watch the virtual NFL Draft, as well as him "trending" due to the ESPN Michael Jordan documentary, "The Last Dance"... Kerr gives insight on his coaching mentors Phil Jackson, Lute Olson and Gregg Popovich. Listen to hear a story about Steve Kerr's Wildcats and Michael Jordan's Tar Heels in the 1997 National Championship..

University of Washington AD Jen Cohen discusses being challenged as leader, she believes now is the time to lead by example and listen.

Cal Football's Cam Bynum discusses the importance of graduating and retuning for his senior season. He also tells Ashley Adamson what his teammates mean to him, whether it is being their #1 Hypeman or volunteering his time to help cleanup a teammates hometown.

Ashley Adamson caught up with Arizona Wildcats Women's Basketball Head Coach and Naismith Coach of the Year Finalist Adia Barnes. Coach Barnes talks about being pregnant, coaching her team through zoom, and being Matteo's mom during Covid.

Arizona State Football Head Coach Herm Edwards joined Mike Yam for the Pac-12 Conference's Sustainability Conference. In the conversation Coach Edwards discusses the influences of our inner circles. As well as being the 1st black coach throughout his career and highlights that he never had a black coach throughout his playing career. He also talks about athletes having a platform through social media.

Chris Grant, Pac-12's Associate Commissioner, Sports Management & Championship spent some time with Ashley Adamson and Yogi Roth. He discusses everything from how he has been able to be supportive to numerous student athletes, his own experience as a black student athlete, as well as how the Conference is working with all 12 universities to ensure the safe return of Pac-12 athletes to campus.

Ashley Adamson, Mike Yam and Yogi Roth wrap things up on this Friday talking a little football. First former Pac-12 coaches Mike Leach and Lane Kiffin have lobbied to change the Mississippi State flag, then former Oregon Duck Keanon Lowe will be reunited with his former coach and they take a look at recruiting during the pandemic.

Our NBA Draft special comes to you on June 25th, the day the draft was originally scheduled to take place. Don MacLean, the Pac-12 all-time leading scorer and NBA Draft workout guru, analyzes the conference’s top prospects and the tough draft decisions some of them are facing. Dallas Mavericks guard Delon Wright talks about his own decision to return to Utah for his senior season and about playing in the NBA’s Orlando bubble. Plus, Colorado head coach Tad Boyle shares his thoughts on Tyler Bey and McKinley Wright declaring early for the draft, what the future holds for each of them, and what he said to his star players about their NBA futures.

Former Cal Golden Bear, current New York Liberty Guard and first Vice President of the WNBPA Layshia Clarendon gives her perspective on a variety of topics including the Black Lives Matter movement, finding her voice while attending Cal Berkeley and how important the return of the WNBA is at this time. Here is Layshia's Player's Tribune article that was referred to a few times in the interview. https://www.theplayerstribune.com/en-us/articles/layshia-clarendon-wnba-faith-sexuality

Colorado legendary women's basketball coach Ceal Barry joins Ashley Adamson and Yogi Roth on the 48th anniversary of Title IX. Barry discusses her journey as one of the first women's basketball players to received a scholarship as well as her experiences early in her coaching career. She also shares her perspective on the equity of women's sports and reminds us there are changes still to come.

Former Pac -10 Player of the Year, member of Lute Olson's 1997 Championship team, 19 year NBA veteran, and 2011 NBA champ, Jason "The Jet" Terry has been named the newest addition to Sean Miller's coaching staff. Terry talks to Mike Yam about his excitement returning to Tucson and becoming a mentor to young players.

Stanford's Dr. Kimberly Thomas McNair explains the importance of Juneteenth, June 19, 1865. Thomas McNair discusses how Juneteenth celebrations have been around for years and in many different forms. She also takes us through her own study of the production of t-shirts in African American political movements starting in 1965.

UC Berkeley announced that student athletes may return for voluntary outdoor workouts and Justin Wilcox is excited that his players are able to return. Justin says he appreciates all of the planning that took place on both the conference and university level to get to this point. He also discusses how he has been supporting his players by listening and supporting them on taking action through using their platforms and voting

Mikayla Pivec catches up with Ashley Adamson about the sudden cancellation of her senior season, the delayed start to her WNBA career and her friendship with LA Sparks' Sydney Wiese.

A four time NCAA All-America, two time US Olympic Festival Champion from UArizona talks about his journey from athlete to fashion. Percy talks about his success after college and shares his views on the current state of the world. He tells us how important it is for him and his wife to have open and honest conversations with their children about the injustices Black people are still faced with today. Check out Elevee Lifestyle on IG here, https://www.instagram.com/eleveelifestyle/ .

Stanford AD Bernard Muir knows the importance of having a mentor and being comfortable in your own skin. Bernard is committed to lending his ears and his platform as a mentor and AD to promote a lasting change. Please read Bernard Muir's Open Letter here: https://gostanford.com/news/2020/6/1/an-open-letter-to-the-stanford-athletics-family.aspx

Coach Karl Dorrell talks about the transition from coaching in the NFL back to college football. Coach explains the importance of player development, mentorship and getting back to football.

First-Year Coach Jimmy Lake speaks with Mike Yam and Nigel Burton about the current state of the world. Coach Lake talks about the importance of "non-football" meetings that promote honest conversations about life with his players and coaches. He tells us about a recent zoom meeting with his players and how he's reminding them to using their voice and exercise their right to vote.

USC's QB 1 is ready to get back on the gridiron. Like many other players, Kedon's missing the locker-room. He shares why this chapter of his life could be called "The Re-evaluation Chapter". Kedon talks about how he's been throwing with his dad, his relationship with Coach Helton, and why he's proud to be a Trojan.

Cal women's basketball Head Coach Charmin Smith knows she is where she is supposed to be, guiding the next generation both on and off the court. Coach Smith tells us a story of how her Grandpa risked his life marching with Dr. King. She talks about what she’s doing to speak up, be bold and use her voice for other Black women and men to inspire and force the changes that this country needs. Coach reminds us, it is important to be authentic in how we show up for people and in what we stand for. “Black lives matter. We have had enough.” – Coach Charmin Smith

Arizona football's head coach Kevin Sumlin feels like his generation didn't do enough in regard to speaking out against racism and injustices that the black community has had had to endure for hundreds of years. Coach Sumlin strongly believes that this generation has the potential to create the change.

NBA great and former Sun Devil Byron Scott kept his promise to his mother by returning to ASU to earn his degree. He discusses racism and the importance that dialogue and education have in creating change.

While living through two pandemics, Colorado's K.D Nixon discusses how spreading love can create change.

Three years ago Cal Rugby's Robert Paylor suffered a horrendous injury in the 2017 National Championship and was told he would never walk again. In this time, Robert has earned his degree, is continuing to rehab out of paralysis and is an inspiration to all.

Having crucial conversations is important in human communication so that people can get passed what they need to in order to move forward and find a better sense of self. Former Arizona Wildcat and retired NBA star, Channing Frye talks about finding himself in a dark place during his NBA career after the passing of his parents. Channing talks about the importance of being in tune with your feelings, finding your happy place, racism, and his recent experience dealing with social media trolls.