Category: 5280 Sports Network Columns

Derek Kessinger’s columns for 5280 Sports Network

Tragedy strikes on a random Tuesday sports night

On Tuesday night a variety of fan bases were on display in Denver, Nashville, San Antonio and Philadelphia. Another fan base was thrown into terror in Manchester, England.

These were my two worlds on Tuesday night—the world of tragedy in Manchester and the world of sports from my couch. While I waited for news on Manchester, I forced myself to focus on the only escape route in front of me—the sports world. When the sports night ended, I returned to Manchester and the grief I felt for the victims.

In a lot of ways, it was just another sports night in May, but it also served as a window into what makes each group of fans unique. Continue reading “Tragedy strikes on a random Tuesday sports night”

The Denver Nuggets face an uphill climb in the Western Conference arms race

Denver Nuggets fans want something to believe in for the short-term future of this team. Recent history tells us that there is hope in the Western Conference, but not in the way I originally thought.

I started this article with the best of intentions. I wanted to make the case that the window was opening in the Western Conference. Surely teams like the Denver Nuggets could soon compete with the contenders. Continue reading “The Denver Nuggets face an uphill climb in the Western Conference arms race”

The Cubs would have gotten away with it too, if it wasn’t for those meddling kids

The Colorado Rockies rookie starting pitchers deserve all of the praise for knocking off the Chicago Cubs this week. While it’s unbelievable to type, it was through pitching that the Rockies deserved to beat the Cubs.

Without looking, I can say this for certain the Colorado Rockies have never won a series against the defending World Series Champions based on the performance of three rookie pitchers. That is, until this week. In the second week of May 2017, the Colorado Rockies won two out of three against the Chicago Cubs with rookies controlling the mound. Continue reading “The Cubs would have gotten away with it too, if it wasn’t for those meddling kids”

You aren’t a Coloradan until you’ve experienced life as a suffering Rockies fan

The argument between Coloradans and transplants is heating up as the Denver Metro Area continues to evolve. As a native Coloradan, I know that it’s our Rockies fandom that divides us into categories. Also, Coloradans are supposed to be nice.

In the streets of LoDo, a culture war is being fought over the soul of the Mile High City. While this might sound like hyperbole, ask anyone in Denver. They will give you an emotionally charged opinion on Denver’s changes. One question to ask both natives and transplants, what makes a true Coloradan? Continue reading “You aren’t a Coloradan until you’ve experienced life as a suffering Rockies fan”

MOCKING THE DRAFT: What NFL fans really want to see on Thursday night

After you’ve read all of the other mock drafts, check out the strangest things that might happen in the first round. This mockery draft includes new National Anthem controversies, irrational fears, ridiculous controversies, bad puns and new mascots. Continue reading “MOCKING THE DRAFT: What NFL fans really want to see on Thursday night”

In an extended playoff drought, breaking Denver’s dry spell

15 months have passed since the Denver Broncos won Super Bowl 50. None of Denver’s four major teams have made the playoffs since then. Each team has a chance to break the drought, but none are guaranteed to do so.

Denver is no stranger to dry spells. We hide in the Rocky Mountains’ rain shadow, where the East Coast media can’t seem to find us. In between snowstorms, the last two decades have also included wildfires and water restrictions. Continue reading “In an extended playoff drought, breaking Denver’s dry spell”

Michael Malone must evolve if the Denver Nuggets are going to take the next step

In hindsight, some of Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone’s decision making over the course of the 2016-17 season cost the Nuggets the playoffs. To turn into a contender, the Nuggets needs their coach to improve, or the Nuggets need to move on. Continue reading “Michael Malone must evolve if the Denver Nuggets are going to take the next step”

The Hope the Colorado Rockies are Selling this Year

I don’t believe the Colorado Rockies can break our hearts anymore. This team has disappointed its fans for too long to truly break anyone’s heart. If the Rockies lose 100 games this year, we’ll relish those last losses because the Rockies will have turned back into the pumpkin we knew they were. If this team barely misses the playoffs or loses a wildcard game, they’ll have exceeded all expectations. Continue reading “The Hope the Colorado Rockies are Selling this Year”