SportsBeat KC

The Chiefs wrapped up mini-camp last week and a few items remain on the checklist for training camp, which begins at Missouri Western on July 22. Is left tackle settled as first-round draft pick Josh Simmons recovers from an injury? Will a deal get done with guard Trey Smith? Who is leading for the final couple of spots at wide receiver? On SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast presented by Underdog, beat writer Jesse Newell and columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian address those issues and more as the Chiefs head into a month off before reassembling in St. Joseph. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Missouri House closed its special session last week with votes to provide funding to the Royals and the Chiefs, so a piece of the puzzle has fallen into place. But questions remain. The biggest: What do the teams want to do? On SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast presented by Underdog, Star columnist Sam McDowell discussed options for the teams. The Royals want a new ballpark. But where? The Chiefs' top choice may to be to renovate Arrowhead Stadium. Would a practice facility be involved? Is a Kansas location an option for both teams? The ball is in the court of the Royals and Chiefs, and awaiting the return are fans who want to know the teams' next moves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

College sports has entered a new era with a recent court ruling that allows the schools to make direct payments to athletes. For the upcoming school year, up to $20.5 million can be distributed to football, basketball, baseball, volleyball players and more. This is in addition to scholarships and payments for name, image and likeness. How are schools handling this new approach? On SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, college beat writers Kellis Robinett and Shreyas Laddha break down the structure and apply it to the schools they cover, Kansas State and Kansas. The schools also look to regulate NIL, preventing it from becoming a recruiting tool, by creating an enforcement organization outside the NCAA. That could be the biggest challenge to the changed sports world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The greatest Royal of ‘em all, George Brett, can't wait to watch Jac Caglianone's major-league debut on Tuesday. Neither can golf icon and Royals fan Tom Watson. At an annual fundraising event for The ALS Association in Overland Park Monday, half of Kansas City's sports Mount Rushmore weighed in on the Royals' decision to elevate their top prospect to Major League Baseball. Caglianone will make his MLB debut Tuesday in St. Louis. What can Caglianone expect in the bigs? Brett and Watson agree, and their answer may surprise you: Caglianone's best approach, they say, will be to do less: “Try to do less when the pressure is on,” Brett said. “He's got to breathe.” Brett and Watson join Star sports columnist Vahe Gregorian and podcast host Blair Kerkhoff in this special installment of the SportsBeat KC show, presented by Underdog. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Say this for the Royals, they've been consistent this season. Through about two months of 2025, pitching has been excellent. Hitting hasn't come around. But a few things are happening to keep hope alive for another playoff season. First, the Royals remain a contending team. Despite losing 11 of their past 16 games they're over .500 for May. Also, the promotion of slugger Jac Caglianone looms. His hot hitting has continued after arriving at Class AAA Ohama. On today's SportsBeat KC, Royals beat writer Jaylon Thompson breaks down the Royals and takes a guess at when Caglianone will make his big league debut. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The next step in determining the future playing venues of the Chiefs and Royals rest with the Missouri statehouse. After the state Senate failed to pass a state funding measure that could provide up to 50 percent of a new stadium for the Royals and a renovated Arrowhead State for the Chiefs, Gov. Mike Kehoe has called a special session to debate providing tax breaks that would keep the teams in Missouri. On SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian discuss the latest stadium developments and project what may happen with the Chiefs and Royals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After 43 games the Royals have the same record as 2024 -- 25-18. Does it feel the same? A year ago, Royals fans were thrilled with the fast start with the team coming off a 106-loss season. This year, with higher expectations, it's easier to wonder if the team is reaching its potential. On SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast presented by Underdog, beat writer Jaylon Thompson discusses the strengths and weaknesses of a Royals team at the season's quarter pole. The pitching has been outstanding. The hitting? The Royals are still waiting for consistent bats to arrive. There may be a solution in that department. When will the Royals summon minor-league slugger and top prospect Jac Caglianone to the majors? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs effectively hired a couple of dozen new employees last week, seven of them through the NFL Draft and the remaining through subsequent undrafted free agency deals. Their start date: How about now? They all took part in a three-day rookie minicamp over the weekend, concluding Monday. As part of it, each of the seven draft picks, along with a couple of intriguing other names, spoke to the media. I'll apologize for the one-week reprieve you have from Blair Kerkhoff, our usual host, which leaves it to myself, Chiefs beat writer Jesse Newell and sports columnist Vahe Gregorian to cycle through our observations from the Chiefs' rookie camp. We follow with a conversation about the record-breaking barrage of home runs from the Kansas City Royals. Which Royals hitter needed a slump-busting blast the most? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How did the Chiefs fare in the NFL Draft? Star columnist Sam McDowell and beat writer Jesse Newell break it down on SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast presented by Underdog. The Chiefs entered the draft with eight picks, and after trades, finished with seven. Their first round pick, offensive tackle Josh Simmons of Ohio State at No. 32 overall, was the product of a trade. The Chiefs addressed their biggest needs early, and took best available players with later picks. We discuss the best moves, the questionable ones and who can make the earliest impact. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A year ago this month, Jackson County voters sent an emphatic message to the Royals and Chiefs: They didn't want their taxes to help pay for a new stadium for the Royals and improvements for the Chiefs. Since then, the teams have considered several options for their future homes but haven't landed on one. Their Truman Sports Complex lease is expiring in 2031. On SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian share their thoughts about where things stand, what concerns have arisen since the doomed vote and where the Royals and Chiefs may end up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The NFL Draft spectacle grows near. Next week in Green Bay, Wis., 32 teams will look to improve their roster and once again the Chiefs will be among the last teams scheduled to select in the first round. On SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast beat writer Jesse Newell and columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian go inside the Chiefs draft room to determine the path of the NFL's perennial power. Which way to the Chiefs go in the first round? Defensive line? Tackle? What are the trade prospects with general manager Brett Veach? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The NCAA men's basketball tournament is over but not transfer portal madness. Players are spinning through the transfer mechanism in the new order of college hoops roster building, and Kansas and Kansas State are among those looking to reshape their teams. On SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, college beat writers Gary Bedore, Kellis Robinett and Shreyas Laddha discuss the portal's impact on KU and K-State and provide the latest updates. We open by breaking down Florida's comeback victory over Houston in a thrilling title game, and wrap up with some spring football talk. But mostly...portal madness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sporting Kansas City's progress and popularity as an MLS franchise helped shape the region as a soccer hotbed to the point of landing games in next year's FIFA World Cup, and no person was more responsible for that growth than Peter Vermes. As the team's losing trend continued early this season, Vermes and the franchise parted ways. On SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, columnist Vahe Gregorian discussed Vermes' important contributions to the area's sports landscape. Also, the Royals came out of the gate flat for their home opening series but got a nice lift from Kris Bubic in their first road game. And who saw this all-No. 1 seed Final Four coming? Someone on our show did. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hope springs eternal for the Royals as opening day approaches. The boys in blue enter this season coming off a playoff appearance and seemed to have bolstered the lineup and bullpen while maintaining their solid starting rotation. On SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian address expectations for manager Matt Quatraro's team, and what to make of the late spring training roster moves. Beat witer Jesse Newell joins the conversation as we switch to the Chiefs and their free agency activies as the period winds down. We also get in a little college basketball conversation after the sooner-than-expected losses by the Kansas Jayhawks and Missouri Tigers in the NCAA Tournament. How did it end so abruptly for the local teams? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Kansas City Royals are coming off a playoff season and bid for an encore. KC Star sportswriters break down the team on SportsBeat KC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A sports month so much fun it has its own nickname is upon us. March Madness brings its special appeal to Kansas City with the Big 12 Tournament and at Kansas and Missouri. On SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian break down the Big 12, SEC and NCAA tournaments. They're not the favorites in their league tournaments, but the Jayhawks and Tigers are safely in the NCAA field and would like good showings in Kansas City and Nashville this week to gain momentum. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back to the business of roster building for the Chiefs. The NFL Combine is in the rear-view mirror and the draft is next month. The Chiefs are looking to fill projected voids, especially at offense tackle and the defensive line. On SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, columnist Sam McDowell and beat writer Jesse Newell break down where the Chiefs stand and what changes could be on the horizon. Two potential departures -- guard Trey Smith to free agency and tight end Travis Kelce to retirement -- didn't happen. But moves are coming, and we project what they'll be on the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A game in the Big Easy was nothing but for the Chiefs. They dropped Super Bowl LIX to the Philadelphia Eagles 40-22 and were never part of the game. How did this happen, and what's next for the Chiefs? On SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, beat writer Jesse Newell, columnist Vahe Gregorian and sportswriter Pete Grathoff broke down the action, starting where it all went wrong for the Chiefs. With free agency possibily having a major impact on next season's roster -- and a decision by Travis Kelce about his future -- the Chiefs could have a different look next year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Another NFL season, another Super Bowl appearance for the Chiefs. Their AFC Championship Game victory over the Buffalo Bills was a master class in preparation and execution by the players and coaching staff, and now one opponent, the Philadelphia Eagles, stands between the Chiefs and making history as the first team to win three straight Super Bowls. On SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell along with beat writer Jesse Newell review the triumph over the Buffalo Bills and how the Chiefs pushed the right buttons when it mattered most. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Remember when all of the country outside of New England wanted the Chiefs to knock off the Patriots in the 2018 AFC Championship Game? Football fans had grown weary of the ultra-successful team playing in its eighth straight conference title game. Little did we know that's when Chiefs began their path to becoming the same team. Sunday marks the Chiefs' seventh straight AFC title game appearance, this time against the Buffalo Bills. On SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian and beat writer Jesse Newell break down what it took for the Chiefs to reach this point and how they can make it three straight Super Bowl trips with a victory at home on Sunday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs are back in a familiar place, the AFC playoffs at Arrowhead Stadium. The two-time defending NFL champion begins the quest for an unprecedented third straight Super Bowl title with Saturday's meeting in the AFC Divisional Round against the Houston Texans. The teams met last month in Week 16 of the regular season with the Chiefs prevailing 27-19. How could this game be different? Star columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian along with beat writer Jesse Newell break down the game and the Chiefs' chances against a rugged Houston defense on SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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On a day when the Chiefs' offense sputtered and Patrick Mahomes didn't finish the game with an ankle injury, the defense rose to the occasion and its best game of the season. In a 21-7 victory over the Cleveland Browns, the Chiefs came up with six takeaways and five sacks. Kansas City looks to keep it going on Saturday when it plays host to the Houston Texans. On SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast (now with video), columnist Vahe Gregorian and beat writer Jesse Newell break down the triumph in Cleveland and look ahead to the stretch run, as the Chiefs look to hold off the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers to claim the AFC's No. 1 seed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes while breaking down the uneven play and the wild finishes we lose sight of the big picture when it comes to the Chiefs. They're 12-1 for the first time in franchise history. Plenty of good is happening. On SportsBeat KC, The Star's Chiefs podcast, beat writer Jesse Newell and columnist Vahe Gregorian break down the Chiefs with an emphasis on their latest heart-stopping triumph, a walk-off field goal off the upright by Matthew Wright to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers 19-17. Also, with the AFC West title clinched, what will it take for the Chiefs to secure the AFC's top seed? What happens at left tackle, and was that training camp fan favorite Nikko Remigio making his NFL debut last weekend? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One thing seems certain: The Chiefs don't lead the NFL in style points. They're coming off their second straight unimpressive victory, a 19-17 survival of the lowly Las Vegas Raiders, a week after a similar outcome against the Carolina Panthers. Still, at 11-1, the Chiefs own the NFL's top record. On SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, columnist Sam McDowell and beat writer Jesse Newell break down how the Chiefs can maintain an excellent record while improving enough to remain on track toward another Super Bowl. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The perfect record for 2024 and the 15-game winning streak over the past two seasons are gone with the Chiefs' loss at the Buffalo Bills last weekend. Where to the Chiefs go from here? On SportsBeat KC, The Star's Chiefs' podcast, beat writer Jesse Newell and columnist Vahe Gregorian dive into what happened in Buffalo -- from the defensive mistake on the Josh Allen game-clinching touchdown run to another deep misconnection from Patrick Mahomes to Xavier Worthy -- and what must be fixed for the Chiefs to get back on track. Also, with a game at the Carolina Panthers looming, this could be the week for the return of running back Isiah Pacheco and defensive end Charles Omenihu, and what that could mean for the Chiefs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stop us if you've heard this one before: A Chiefs game decided on the final snap of the game. It happened for the fourth time in five home games last weekend as the Chiefs outlasted the Denver Broncos because Leo Chenal blocked a field goal attempt. On SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian and beat writer Jesse Newell break down how the Chiefs found themselves in a block-or-likely-lose situation and what needs to improve this week as they take on the Buffalo Bills in one of the marquee games this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Another week, another victory for the Chiefs. They improved to 8-0 with an overtime victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, getting a big game from new wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, a scary ankle injury from Patrick Mahomes, and perhaps a fortunate decision by the Bucs not to go for a two-point conversation in the final seconds of regulation. On SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian and beat writer Jesse Newell discuss the game and look ahead, not just to Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos but the remainder of the season and consider the possibilities of a perfect season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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In their last game, the Chiefs lost two more starters to injury and Patrick Mahomes scored the lowest passer rating game of his career. A recipe for disaster? Not at all. The Chiefs are coming off one of the best victories of the season, by 10 points at San Francisco. Star columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian and beat writer Jesse Newell explain how a team that at times seems flawed continues to win. And what's the upside for a team, which takes as 12-game winning streak into Sunday's game at Las Vegas, still working out kinks? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

of times for Kansas City sports fans. On SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell share their thoughts on our winning teams. For the Royals, who are battling the New York Yankees in the American League Division Series, it's a continuation of an unexpectedly successful season. Even the Chiefs, winners of three Super Bowls in the past five years, are ahead of their recent pace. The 5-0 record is the best start since 2018. What lies ahead for both teams? Tune in on our podcast or youtube channels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can the Royals keep it going? The team that lost 106 games a year ago is one of the final four in the American League playoffs, and the Royals, fresh off their sweep of the Baltimore Orioles in the Wild Card round, take on the New York Yankees. Game 1 of the AL Division Series begins Saturday, and beat writer Jaylon Thompson breaks it down. We discuss the Royals momentum built on pitching and defense, matchups and star power. In Bobby Witt Jr., Aaron Judge, Juan Soto this series has three of baseball's best. Oh, and the history. They teams haven't met in the playoffs in more than four decades, but their postseason battles were baseball's most intense. What will it take for the Royals to keep their magical season alive? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Another week, another key player injured for the Chiefs. This time it's wide receiver Rashee Rice, who suffered a knee injury while attempting to make a tackle after a Patrick Mahomes interception. On SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, beat writer Jesse Newell and columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian discuss the ramifications of the injury for a Chiefs offense that had been seeking an identity and what are the team's options. The news isn't all gloom. The Chiefs improved to 4-0 with a victory at the Los Angeles Chargers and got a big effort in his first game back with the team from running back Kareem Hunt.. How does his performance reshape the running game? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs are having issues in the passing game. Patrick Mahomes seems a tick off. Travis Kelce isn't getting open. The big plays aren't there. Yet the Chiefs are the second highest scoring team in the AFC and take a 3-0 record into Sunday's game at the Los Angeles Chargers. The rest of the NFL would love to have the Chiefs' problems. On SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast and youtube program, beat writer Jesse Newell and columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian discuss the issues with the Chiefs offense and how the defense has risen to the occasion, like the fourth-down stop by linebacker Nick Bolton to seal last weekend's victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The math still favors the Royals making the MLB playoffs. With nine games left to play, they remain in possession of the second of three American League wild-card berths. But the race is getting tighter, and the Royals lug a four-game losing streak into their final home series of the season — which begins Friday against the San Francisco Giants. In this episode of SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, beat writer Jaylon Thompson and columnist Vahe Gregorian assess the Royals' postseason possibilities and what it will take to close the deal. The Royals' turnaround this season — from 106 losses a year ago to clinching a winning record in 2024 — is already an amazing accomplishment. But to fall short of a playoff spot, after being in contention for several weeks, would be a gut-punch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs are 2-0 after their thrilling one-point victory over the Cincinnati Bengals last week, but they are not without concerns. Running back Isiah Pacheco is lost for an extended time with an ankle injury, and left tackle Kingsley Suamataia played so poorly last weekend he was benched. At running back, the Chiefs signed their former standout Kareem Hunt. We address why that might not be the best move We discuss those storylines and more on SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, with beat writer Jesse Newell and columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell. We also look ahead to the Chiefs' first road game, against the Atlanta Falcons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

By the length of a toe, the Chiefs clinched an opening night victory over the Baltimore Ravens and now look ahead to a Week 2 encounter with the Cincinnati Bengals. On SportsBeat KC, beat writer Jesse Newell and columnist Sam McDowell break down the dramatic triumph with an emphasis on the performances of wide receiver Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy plus offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia. What worked for the Chiefs, and what are the concerns heading into Sunday's game against the last team to defeat them in a postseason game? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs' 65th season with the prospect of making NFL history. The team will attempt to become the first to win three straight Super Bowls. It starts on Thursday with a banner-raising home game against the Baltimore Ravens. Do the Chiefs have what it takes to accomplish the unprecedented feat? On SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, beat writer Jesse Newell joins columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian to discuss the Chiefs' prospects, starting with the Thursday night opener against the Baltimore Ravens. The Chiefs are the Super Bowl favorite, but they enter the season with questions. We explore all angles of the NFL's top team on this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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As the final preseason game for the Chiefs approaches, the battles intensify for the roster spots. On this episode of SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, beat writer Jesse Newell and columnist Vahe Gregorian discuss what factors are considered when arriving at the 53-man roster. The Chiefs play host to the Chicago Bears on Thursday at Arrowhead, and neither teams starters are expected to play. But in some ways it will be the most dramatic game of the preseason. Which positions groups have the most and least clarity? And is it possible the Chiefs could look outside their roster to find answers at certain positions? Who is on the bubble? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One Chiefs preseason game down, two to go. On SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, we review the Chiefs' loss at the Jacksonville Jaguars, starting with the running back position. It seemed easy in the preseason with Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire leading the way. But the picture isn't as clear now with Edwards-Helaire missing several practices with illness and the emergence of undrafted rookie Carson Steele. Also, we break down other positions like defensive end, cornerback and wide receiver. The next game, at Arrowhead against the Detroit Lions on Saturday, should provide more answers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The quest for a third straight Super Bowl and fourth in six years begins for the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday with the preseason opener at the Jacksonville Jaguars. There is plenty familiar about these Chiefs, starting with stars like Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Chris Jones, but there is much to discover. On SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, beat writer Jesse Newell and columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian discuss what they're more looking forward to seeing from the Chiefs this weekend. Position battles, new faces, new schemes and even a new kickoff rule. And there can't be a Chiefs discussion without commenting on the wide receivers. We don't always agree on how this position group will shake out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Missouri Tigers are coming off their best season under Eli Drinkwitz and are poised for even more success. On SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, columnist Sam McDowell discusses what went right for Mizzou in a season that finished with a Cotton Bowl triumph over Ohio State and No. 8 final ranking and what could be in store for the Tigers. Also, Coach Eli Drinkwitz shares his thoughts on this season when he met with reporters at SEC Media Days. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Full-squad training camp is underway for the Chiefs, but discussion around the team's future home never stopped. Renovate Arrowhead Stadium or build a new structure? In Missouri or Kansas? On SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, columnist Sam McDowell and beat writer Jesse Newell analyze the decisions confronting the Chiefs after chairman and CEO Clark Hunt addressed the stadium issue Monday at Missouri Western in St. Joe. Also, early training camp talk has focused most often on one player: rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy, whose dynamic reception on a deep pass from Patrick Mahomes provided a strong indication of what the Chiefs want from their offense this fall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Four Royals players contributed to the American League's 5-3 victory over the National League in baseball's 94th All-Star Game played in Arlington, Tex. Starting pitchers Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo each pitched a scoreless inning and they took the field with shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., and catcher Salvador Perez. On SportsBeat KC, the Star's sports podcast, Royals beat writer Jaylon Thompson discusses the Royals' performance in the midsummer classic and what lies ahead for the team that has played beyond expectations so far this season. We discuss the recent draft and first-round pick, Florida first baseman Jac Caglianone, the trade that brought Washington Nationals reliever Hunter Harvey to Kansas City and how the bullpen may be reshaped. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Big 12 sure looks different these days. This week, 16 schools brought football players and coaches to Las Vegas for the league's annual media days. Newcomers Arizona, Utah, Colorado and Arizona State participated. Founding members Oklahoma and Texas did not, having shipped off to the SEC. But there is something familiar about the league. Kansas State is expected to be good, again. On SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, beat writer Kellis Robinett broke down the 2024 Wildcats, along with the remainder of the Big 12 and believes K-State should be one of the league's top two years, which would put it in the conference championship game. Also, are the Wildcats poised to become the Big 12's new power broker, with the Sooners and Longhorns gone? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the late 1970s into the 1980, Tom Watson dominated golf. Five British Open championships among his eight major titles and 39 PGA Tour titles -- not to mention six major titles on the Champions Tour -- rank him among the game's greatest ever. And he's Kansas City's own. Born and raised here, Watson has always called Kansas City home. In a conversation with The Star, Watson emphasized his local roots and explained how being from the Heartland could be an advantage on the Tour. He covers a range of topics on SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, including the most important victory of his career (It's not one of the majors), what Jack Nicklaus said to him near the final moments of the dramatic 1977 British Open championship known as the “Dual in the Sun,” and what prompted him to become a professional. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's less rest for the Super Bowl champion, which plays the final game of the previous season and the first of the next. But no complaints from the Chiefs, who squeezed in a White House visit and ring ceremony around their off-season workouts. On SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, beat writer Jesse Newell puts a bow on the off-season and tackles the impending decisions at such positions as wide receiver and left tackle. And which rookies could make an immediate impact. How do the two-time Super Bowl champion Chiefs set up for the three-peat quest? It begins next month when training camp begins at Missouri Western State. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Has Sporting Kansas City reached a pivot point similar to last year? The club can only hope said. After an awful start in 2023, Sporting rallied with a super second half that continued with a spirited playoff run. This season? After a somewhat encouraging start, Sporting dropped seven straight to drop into last place. Like last year, Sporting ended its woes with a victory over Seattle, and now we'll see if history can repeat itself. Star columnist Sam McDowell breaks down the season, projects what changes may be coming and the status of manager Peter Vermes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Only 16 teams remain in the NCAA Division I Baseball Championship, and one of them is Kansas State. For the second time in program history the Wildcats have reached the Super Regional. Find a way to win twice at Virginia this weekend and K-State's Bat Cats will play at the College World Series in Omaha, Neb., for the first time. On SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, beat writer Kellis Robinett discusses how Kansas State reached this point Hint: It started when Coach Pete Hughes started putting together this season's schedule. Also on the show, a first look at the college football season and the Big 12 without Texas and Oklahoma, and the implications for schools that will now share revenue with its athletes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Often when a baseball record is set, it occurs during game with fanfare. Not this time. The integration of Negro Leagues statistics into Major League Baseball that has resulted in new leaders atop some lists, happened decades later, and determined by a committee. A Negro Leagues slugger, Josh Gibson, has surpassed Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb in a couple of batting categories, and some who started their career in the Negro Leagues before moving to MLB -- Jackie Robinson, Willie Mays and others -- had numbers added to their stats. On SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian discuss baseball's move and its impact. You'll also hear from Negro Leagues Baseball Museum President Bob Kendrick, who shared his thoughts on the development and answers questions at a news conference. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices