Category: 5280 Sports Network Columns

Derek Kessinger’s columns for 5280 Sports Network

Urging Denver Broncos Fans to Fight Their Prejudice

This column is for fans tired of the Denver Broncos quarterback debate between Paxton Lynch and Trevor Siemian in training camp.

I’m in the third camp for the Paxton Lynch vs. Trevor Siemian debate. I believe that the conversation is overhyped to the point of foolishness. I reluctantly delve into the mind-numbing nature of the Paxton Lynch vs. Trevor Siemian debate. I hope that some fans agree that the Broncos should field the best team regardless of the preferred quarterback.

We are now in the realm of the “Us vs. Them” mentality when it comes to the Siemian vs Lynch Denver Broncos starting quarterback debate. The other side is the enemy. Continue reading “Urging Denver Broncos Fans to Fight Their Prejudice”

Not Another NFL Head Injuries Column

It’s time for Denver Broncos Training Camp, which means you’re probably forcing yourself to not think about how many head injuries will take place over the next seven months that will have long-term implications for NFL Players. These NFL Players need our help.

I have a list in my head of sports topics that no longer need to be debated. They are topics that get a lot of play on sports talk radio, in blogs and in conversation. Literally, everything that needs to be said about them has been said. Without a dramatic shift in information, I don’t need to hear any more of these opinions. Just cite an old piece. Here’s a sample of some of those topics: Continue reading “Not Another NFL Head Injuries Column”

Remembrance Through Hockey

Derek Kessinger talks about his connection to his friend Jessica Redfield Ghawi through the Colorado Avalanche and hockey. Jessi died five years ago in the Aurora Theater Shooting.

One of the great joys I find in watching hockey is the puck movement. I love having an intuition about where the puck is on the ice, even when I can’t see it. The body language of the players and the puck’s previous trajectory take over in my brain. Continue reading “Remembrance Through Hockey”

Past Performance Contradictions In Rockies’ Second Half

With the Colorado Rockies looking to make the playoffs in the second half, many believe the script for the National League is set in stone. The Rockies’ volatility still might result in a surge or a plunge. Continue reading “Past Performance Contradictions In Rockies’ Second Half”

Growing Pains from Colorado Rockies Baseball

As the losing streak wears on, Colorado Rockies fans are getting worn out. Is Colorado prepared for the grind that lies ahead of them if they want to embrace baseball?

During this losing streak, the only thing surprising about the result was the time—1:00 AM. The walk-off win for the San Francisco Giants was the inevitable ending of the 14-inning game Tuesday night. A long slog of innings could only delay the Rockies demise—as they failed to grab big hits and extra bases. Continue reading “Growing Pains from Colorado Rockies Baseball”

Rockies Summer Plan is to win the National League West Crown

The Colorado Rockies find themselves in a three-team National League West Pennant Race with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers. This is how baseball reaches peak excitement.

We’re coming up on three straight months of good baseball in Colorado—all in the first half of the season. As the summer heat scorches the rising number of fans heading to Coors Field, we’re gearing up for an extended summer of Rockies baseball. Even better, the Rockies are finally finding out what makes regular season baseball great. Continue reading “Rockies Summer Plan is to win the National League West Crown”

Seeing the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals

It was the ghosts of the Denver Nuggets Past, Present and Future in the NBA Finals. The series was full of redemption, remorse and anxiety over how long the Golden State Warriors can be great.

The Denver Nuggets were well connected to the NBA Finals for a team that missed the playoffs entirely. In a year where the finals felt predetermined from the moment the Golden State Warriors signed Kevin Durant to match LeBron James’ Cavaliers, it might be easy to discount everything that happened in the NBA this year.  However, I’m still thinking about the 2016-17 season through a lens focused on the Denver Nuggets. Continue reading “Seeing the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals”

I’m required to write about Siemian vs. Lynch

I will lose my ability to write about Denver sports if I don’t address the Broncos Quarterback Competition between Paxton Lynch and Trevor Siemian.

The Denver sports mob boss is imposing. Built like a lineman, he sits in a smoky bar all day watching Denver media people. He reads all of the articles. He listens to the radio shows simultaneously. He watches each sports anchor in succession. He sees everything. He runs this sports town. He’s had one directive since January—talk about the Broncos quarterback battle. Continue reading “I’m required to write about Siemian vs. Lynch”

My greatest fear as a sports reporter was realized this week

Terry Frei’s firing from The Denver Post is a stark reminder of the power of social media.

For context, I suggest listening to Terry Frei’s interview on 104.3 The Fan with Mark Schlereth and Mike Evans. The interview covers the tweet, the fallout and Terry’s explanation.

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My worst fear as a journalist was realized in the fallout from the Terry Frei situation. It’s a fear that caused me to leave the Denver sports scene for over a year. It causes me to never quite write what I want to and to worry about whether I’m saying ‘the right thing’. It keeps me from working on other projects that I’m passionate about outside of sports. Continue reading “My greatest fear as a sports reporter was realized this week”